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The simmering rivalry between Manchester City and Liverpool has gone beyond competing for elite players like Florian Wirtz, Rayan Cherki, and Milos Kerkez, now encompassing a strategic battle for backroom expertise.

Football data analyst Laurie Shaw has already joined Liverpool from City Football Group (CFG).

At CFG, he initially led artificial intelligence initiatives before being promoted to oversee all football data operations across the group’s global network of clubs, including Manchester City

His familiarity with a multi-club setup should prove invaluable as FSG look to replicated what CFG have done in the last 20 or so years.

His exceptional academic credentials include a physics degree from Imperial College London and a PhD in Astrophysics from Cambridge University.

Meanwhile, most Reds fans are already aware that Pep Lijnders, Jurgen Klopp’s former right-hand man, agreed to join Pep Guardiola’s staff as assistant manager.

Lijnders, who left Liverpool in 2023 after nine trophy-laden years, was dismissed by Red Bull Salzburg in December 2024 before accepting City’s offer.

His appointment, finalized ahead of the Club World Cup, drew mixed reactions from Liverpool fans, with many criticizing the move to a direct rival.

And now Pep Guardiola’s side has got one over the Reds once again.

The Athletic have reported that James French, Liverpool opposition analyst since 2012, set to join City in a set-piece specialist role.

The Portugal-born strategist served under Brendan Rodgers, Jurgen Klopp, and Arne Slot and has a reputation for expertly dissecting opponents’ weaknesses.

At City, French will focus on set-piece innovation, reuniting with Lijnders to address a longstanding vulnerability.

French’s departure follows Liverpool’s failure to renew his contract, despite his role in their title-winning campaign.

While Liverpool promoted Aaron Briggs to handle set-pieces, French’s institutional knowledge – honed over 13 years – leaves a void

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