Fellow Spaniard Juan Manuel Lillo has been announced as the new head coach of Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta’s Vissel Kobe.

Former Real Zaragoza, Real Sociedad and Almeria boss Lillo, 52, was announced by the J1 League-outfit on Monday. A deal has been agreed until the end of the 2019 season for a man whom Manchester City’s revolutionary tactician Pep Guardiola cites as an inspiration.

He replaces Takayuki Yoshida, who was removed from his duties after four consecutive defeats saw the club slip away from the AFC Champions League qualifying spots.

Iniesta has scored twice in six top-flight appearances since he called time on a 22-year association with Barca this summer.