Former Barcelona defender Chico Flores says Juanma Lillo will act "like a father" to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Lillo has just been named assistant manager at City.

And Flores, who played for both men during his career, told Mundo Deportivo: "I was lucky to meet Pep and his people. From the longed-for Tito Vilanova or to the physical trainer Lorenzo Buenaventura they remind me of my time in Barcelona.

"Now Guardiola is going to have a very close figure in Lillo, like a father. He has always spoken highly of him, he will not only have professional but also personal support. They profess great admiration.

"Juanma does not have Pep's resume, although he has been a great inspiration and it gives me the feeling that he is going to direct some training sessions at City.

"He will be given that responsibility because it will be at the same time a pressure level discharge for Guardiola."

Flores is now playing in Spain with Fuenlabrada.

The former Swansea City defender also said of Lillo: "One learns the why of things, understands that the result is a consequence and not a mere result of chance. He has a very peculiar way of interacting with the player, he is close.

"And then you have details of his way of life. Realise that he is dedicated exclusively to football. I remember that in Almería he lived in the Fabriquilla beach area. It was an old house in which it had no internet. He didn't like having distractions but rather being focused on his work."