Man City Continue Liverpool Backroom Raid After Pep Lijnders Move – Report | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Backroom Raid Highlights Growing Liverpool Influence

Manchester City’s quiet revolution behind the scenes continues with the appointment of James French, Liverpool’s long-serving opposition analyst, in a role focused on set-piece coaching and analysis. French, who joined Liverpool back in 2012 during Brendan Rodgers’ tenure, has been a cornerstone of the club’s analytical department across both the Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot eras.

His exit comes just weeks after Liverpool celebrated their first Premier League title under Slot. “He said his goodbyes to staff at Anfield following the recent Premier League title-winning celebrations,” reported The Athletic’s James Pearce. This timing adds extra sting to his departure for fans already adjusting to the post-Klopp transition.

French’s move is significant not just for its symbolism but for its substance. He will reunite with former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders, who is on the verge of becoming Pep Guardiola’s new right-hand man at the Etihad. The former No.2’s influence during Liverpool’s most decorated modern period is difficult to understate, having “helped them win the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and Carabao Cup (twice).”

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Guardiola Eyes Innovation Through Familiar Faces

Pep Guardiola’s latest backroom overhaul includes the departures of Juanma Lillo, Carlos Vicens and Inigo Dominguez. Rather than replacing them with internal promotions or unknowns, he is looking to rival clubs for innovation.

The decision to bring in Lijnders, despite a disappointing managerial stint at Red Bull Salzburg, suggests Guardiola values tactical intelligence and familiarity with elite structures over recent results. “He was sacked after just seven months in charge… 10 points behind leaders Sturm Graz,” noted Pearce, but Lijnders remained a name of interest for clubs including Norwich City and teams in Portugal.

City’s move for Liverpool’s talent isn’t just about admiration. It’s strategic. These are individuals who helped build one of the most competitive teams of the modern era — now being tasked with keeping Guardiola’s machine at the top. It’s an acknowledgment that City’s dynasty must evolve, even at the cost of mimicking the DNA of their most persistent challenger.

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Set-Piece Specificity Reflects Broader Trend

That French will be focusing specifically on set-pieces speaks volumes about where the elite game is headed. The importance of marginal gains and highly specialised roles has never been greater. With Lijnders providing broad tactical input and French honing fine details, City are addressing both the art and science of modern football.

While the roles are different, the underlying message is clear — Guardiola wants thinkers, not just trainers. He’s constructing a coaching team that understands data, psychology, match context, and the exacting demands of title-race margins. French fits that bill perfectly.

Implications for Liverpool and Slot

For Arne Slot, this is another early challenge in his Liverpool tenure. Fresh off delivering a title in his debut season, the Dutchman now faces the reality that clubs are circling the infrastructure Klopp and his team built. Replacing someone of French’s experience and institutional knowledge will not be easy, especially when the new season brings Champions League expectations alongside domestic pressure.

The move also raises questions about Liverpool’s retention strategy for non-playing staff. With Michael Edwards returning in an executive role and changes afoot across recruitment, the loss of French may be part of a wider reshaping, but it still feels opportunistic from City.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This stings — no two ways about it.

Liverpool fans have grown used to losing top players to rivals in the past, but now it’s the architects behind the curtain who are being poached. James French might not be a household name, but for those who follow the analytics side of football, his departure is a massive blow.

It’s also deeply ironic. We’ve just reclaimed the Premier League title, proven we can compete again at the highest level, and yet Manchester City — a team whose spending habits we often criticise — are cherry-picking the very brains that helped us reach that pinnacle. And they’re not just taking one, they’re building an Anfield annex in the Etihad dugout.

For Arne Slot, this is a moment of truth. Can he replace these key figures with equally capable individuals? Or are we going to start seeing cracks appear behind the scenes just when we need consistency the most?

It’s disappointing to see our excellence appreciated more by rivals than by our own club’s long-term retention strategies. Letting go of French now, with Lijnders also heading to Manchester, feels like we’re arming the enemy just as the war begins again.