How FSG's Pedro Marques helped Liverpool win the 2019 Champions League final

As it turns out, Liverpool's journey to winning the 2019 UEFA Champions League was down to more than just Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi's goals in Madrid. Rather, it was a tale of meticulous planning and strategic partnerships.

Just this week we learned that Jurgen Klopp left the planning of the game against Tottenham Hotspur to his right-hand man Pep Lijnders.

Now, the pivotal role played by incoming Fenway Sports Group recruits, Julian Ward and Pedro Marques, is also coming to light.

Julian Ward and Pedro Marques have worked together before

Ward, set to rejoin Liverpool this summer in the capacity of technical director within FSG's revamped structure, is no stranger to the club, having previously served in various roles, including sporting director.

His reunion with Liverpool coincides with the arrival of Marques, who brings with him a wealth of experience from his tenure at Benfica as the technical director.

The duo's association dates back to their time together at Manchester City, where their professional bond laid the groundwork for Liverpool's success on the European stage years later.

In the build-up to the Madrid final, Ward, by that time at Liverpool, reached out to Marques (when he was technical director at Benfica), seeking a friendly fixture to aid Liverpool's preparations.

Benfica's cooperation proved invaluable; they sent their B team to face Liverpool during a warm-weather training camp in Marbella. This allowed Liverpool's backroom staff to simulate tactics akin to those of Spurs, ultimately resulting in a 2-0 victory for Liverpool, coincidentally (or not!) mirroring the scoreline of the final.

Pedro Marques's role at Liverpool

The symbiotic relationship between Ward and Marques underscores their influence on Liverpool's triumph and hints at the potential synergy within FSG's expanded team.

Marques, known for his global football management experience, including oversight of Manchester City's sister clubs, is poised to play a pivotal role in FSG's future endeavors, possibly extending Liverpool's reach into new markets.

While the impact of their collaboration may not be immediately evident, fans will be hoping that the seeds sown by Ward and Marques during Liverpool's last European conquest point towards a productive relationship for years to come.