Tactics Weekly

Daniel Rhodes hosts Ray Power, a UEFA A license coach, academy manager in the UK, Africa and Ireland as well as prolific tactics author. Topics include: Some background about Ray, and how he got into football coaching.  Tactical analysis requires an understanding of the four phases of the game: what are they and why are they so important? Where did Klopp start tactically, and have these four phases always been crucial to his teams? Alongside tactics, how important is his man management and what does it involve? Are these just intangibles we can’t measure? Or even copy. Who were the best man managers?

Daniel Rhodes hosts Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to look back at two away wins as well as two impressive performances, topics include: The shock Minamino news that he will sign in January if he passes his medical. Continuation of the rotation theme versus Bournemouth, and how did Klopp intend for his team to set up? Did Eddie Howe adjust anything to deal with our specific threats? Was any of it effective before Nathan Ake went off? The Reds start to run riot What tactics did we employ to do this so effectively? All three goals discussed Game killed off early with a cameo for Curtis Jones The line-ups in the Salzburg game & and the key areas to consider The home team starts the brightest but it is Mo Salah who has the first of many big chances in the game for Liverpool (seven) Did they start to commit too many players forward in search of a goal, and is it the only way they can play? Salah ending up with 2.1 xG & xA combined! Naby manages to open the scoring, assisted by Mane and calming the Reds’ nerves Mo seals the deal with a moment of magic.

Daniel Rhodes hosts Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to analyse the crazy derby victory, topics include:  The rotation by Klopp, and the potential reasons to do it for the Merseyside Derby. How effective was the tactical set up? Two superb early goals helped to settle the nerves, how much was down to the tactics of either side? Who was at fault, if anyone, for Everton’s opening goal? The perfect Lovren pass, the perfect Origi control and finish. Lovren’s last-ditch intervention with Everton likely to score. Counter-attacking brilliance for the fourth goal. Everton hit back again, Klopp is furious. After half-time the game is fairly quiet until Henderson comes on and plays another cracking over-the-top through ball for Mane, who should score after his Divock-esque control. Another Henderson through ball, another Mane big chance missed. Wijnaldum secures a five star victory over the Toffees.

Daniel Rhodes hosts Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to discuss the win at Crystal Palace and the frustrating draw against Napoli at Anfield, topics include:  Team selection against the Italian side. Any concerns? The first 20 mins: who was controlling the game. Fabinho injury, how did we adapt? Napoli score, should it have been allowed, and could we have reacted better to the potential foul on Van Dijk. The Reds’ response until half-time and just after.Gomez goes off, does The Ox have an impact? Lovren’s goal, should it have been allowed? Why was the attack seemingly nullified? Our problem, or Napoli’s excellence? Hodgson vs Klopp - expected line-ups from both? How bad were Liverpool in the first half? Were they fortunate to go in level? Any tactical switches after the break? Mane’s goal was vital, and helped us control the first 20 mins of the second half. Should Firmino have killed the game off with his first big chance? Zaha scores, who was at fault? Mentality monsters score a late goal to secure victory.

Daniel Rhodes hosts Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to discuss listeners' questions, topics include:Do high intensity teams have a shelf life?Can Shaqiri be the next Maldini? How do we deal with injuries to our full-backs? How much tactical adjustments are required if Salah is missing? What are the expectations for our next five league games?

Daniel Rhodes hosts Lee Scott and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to look back at the Reds’ superb three-one victory over Manchester City at Anfield, topics include: Any unexpected selections in either line-up? We all know how Liverpool were likely to play, but did Guardiola tweak his tactics against Klopp’s side once again? The fast and furious first fifteen minutes. Any tactics involved in the opening two goals? Who was in control for the rest of the second half? Liverpool dominating after the break. The impact of the substitutions and tactical tweaks. The City ‘barrage’ in the last 20 minutes - how effective was it? Any other business and brief look back at the Genk match?

Daniel Rhodes hosts Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to discuss the league cup victory over Arsenal before Lee Scott joined the pod to focus solely on the win over Spurs last Sunday, topics include: Both teams’ line-ups, and tactical set ups in the league cupWhy it is tough to criticise systemic tactical issues with a group of players who have hardly played together, and at times out of positionA goal bonanzaThe tactical elements of each goal scored and concededShould we expect more from that midfield? The impact of Curtis Jones when he comes on as substituteThe overall influence of OzilThe crazy shin-infused finishLee goes through the Spurs set up, and how they were likely to deal with usThe early goal is vital for game state and tacticsHow well do Liverpool respond? Alexander-Arnold: is he more like Neves, Alves or De Bruyne?Any tactical elements to the goal? How often do we see Henderson getting into the box? Was it a penalty? Did the scoreline flatter Spurs somewhat?

Daniel Rhodes hosts Hamzah Khalique-Loonat and Lee Scott to discuss the draw at Old Trafford and the away win in the group stages of the Champions League against Genk (with a K). Topics include: Solskjaer’s tactical surprise, and Liverpool’s inability to counter it.Is a purely defensive set up what the Old Trafford crowd desire? Is it enough? Is ti still commendable?Jurgen’s tactical switch at half-time.Was it enough, or effective, and did it require a change in players - and the roles - to exploit the passivity of Man Utd?What is the best way to respond to team who cut off four potential creative outlets in your team?What’s the best context for Henderson in midfield?Hamzah’s UniversityTeam UpdatePre-game celebrations about the midfield, and potential of the line-up with Salah back in the front three.How important isthe early goal, and how much did it change the game?The intensity of the Reds’ pressing!Four big chances in total, four goals, a group stage victory away from home - could it have gone any better?Influence, if any, of the substitutes.The Briefest FiveGame Preview in History by Hamzah

Daniel Rhodes hosts Hamzah Khalique-Loonat for a special preview podcast of the next three matches against Manchester United, Genk and Tottenham Hotspur, topics include: With all the international matches and injuries, how predictable are the starting elevens for the game at Old Trafford? Can be expect Man Utd, at home, to sit deep and try to keep the game compact with very few transitions? What are the Red Devils’ key weaknesses? Will Klopp be proactive with the midfield, especially considering many considered it a factor last time we played at Old Trafford and dropped points. How much have we seen of Genk? Who are their biggest threats? How do they set up?Spurs travel to Anfield on Sunday after the Reds have travelled to Manchester and Belgium, will the first two matches drive selection for this one? Or does the fact the league cup follows make it easier for Klopp to stick with his preferred eleven? Why are Spurs struggling so much, and which games have you seen them play? Should OGS and Poch get the sack? Predictions.

Danie lRhodes hosts Lee Scott and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat for a double header looking at the two victories over the past week, topics include:Salzburg:Line-ups for both sides, any surprises?Quick combinations and switches of the play in the first halfSalzburg’s pressing was poor, too many gaps behind the initial press leaving space for Liverpool to exploitGoing through the first three goals, and the tactical elements involvedTheir counterattacks gained more quality after Jesse Marsch switched to a 4-3-1-2 diamond shape after thirty minutes Minamino now played as a number ten behind the strikers Klopp brought on Divock Origi and changed to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Mané played on the right, Firmino as the number ten and Salah as a strikerAfter the fourth goal, Salzburg’s intensity decreased and Liverpool were able to control the game with longer possession spells.LeicesterCity:Expected teams from both sides? Shock to see Lovren and Milner?Liverpool dominate, but how did they manage to be so effective?Discussion around the plethora of chances in the first half and the goal Klopp’s side slightly different out of possessionThe impressive James MilnerWhy couldn’t Rodgers do anything about our control of the game?The equaliser from nowhereWas there a bit of panic from the Reds towards the end of the game?Deserved penalty?

Daniel Rhodes hosts Lee Scott to discuss the hard fought victory over Sheffield United, topics include:Has Klopp now settled on a first team? And is this it? Wilder’s tactical set-up and what he wanted his team to do within the formation.  The Blades restrict Liverpool for the first 30 minutes, with what seemed like relative ease.It was after the 32nd minute that the Reds created two big chances before the end of the first half. Was this a consequence of the tactics or individual ability.Were many of the away side’s problems because of the lack of cover behind Alexander-Arnold?The marauding centre-backs towards the end of the game.How did the substitutions influence the game, from both teams?Brief Champions League preview of the RB Salzberg game.

Daniel Rhodes hosts Lee Scott and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to look back at the Reds’ away victories over Chelsea and MK Dons, topics include: Klopp’s team selectionsLampard reverts to a back four - why? The successful set pieces - how much can they be improved on the training ground? Fabinho vs JorginhoConsequences of the offside trap being out of syncThe VAR disallowed goal for the hostsAnalysis of other key chances in the gameChelsea trouble the Reds in the final thirty minutesHow big a factor was fatigue? Who excites you the most in the line-up for the MK Dons match? The problems of a team not playing togetherThe importance of the league cup to the manager’s management of the squad

Daniel Rhodes hosts Lee Scott and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to discuss and debate the matches against Newcastle and Napoli, topics include: Any surprises from Klopp or Bruce? How did the Origi injury impact the Reds’ set up? Willems’ goal: who was at fault? Liverpool turn it around and dominateKlopp’s initial tactics turn out to be effectiveGame state, finishing hot streak or tactical set-up? FirminoNapoli tactical contrasts and did Klopp get it right? Who created the best chances? Ruiz, Mane angled shot, Milner squares it to Salah but cut out, Firmino header, Mertens big chance, Mane's poor pass to Salah on the break, Manolas mistake, Salah strike, Mane shot after throughball from Firmino, Robertson gives away the penalty, Van Dijk mistake for Napoli’s second goal. Chelsea to follow, how is Lampard doing?All this and more on Tactics Weekly!

Daniel Rhodes hosts Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to discuss the main tactical and talking points from the Reds’ impressive three-nil win over Burnley at Turf Moor as well as a look back at the season so far, topics include: Klopp stays with the same eleven that beat Arsenal, and Dyche’s selections were equally predictable. Burnley had the first chance of the game with a long punt forward, a mistake on the offside trap and a save from Adrian, but that was about it for them in the first half. Did Liverpool’s tactical set up nullify any threat of the home side? However, the Reds’ chances were also limited in the first thirty minutes: Salah hit the post, Salah put through by Henderson and that was it until the own goal from Alexander-Arnold’s cross. There was some decent build up on the break that led to the good fortune off Wood’s back. More excellent pace on the break after Firmino’s interception for the second goal, and a wonderfully timed run and throughball. Fabinho again involved in the build up, setting up Firmino to drive forward on the counterattack, feed Salah before striking the ball into the corner of the net for the third goal. Is it unlikely that Burnley will concede three goals, that all involved an element of counterattacks, in one game again this season? Did Klopp again make changes to shut up shop or did we go for the goal difference? Views on the supposed Salah selfishness. What has changed this season in terms of defensive structure, especially since the first two games. What is the most effective tactical set up we’ve encountered this season? All this and more on Tactics Weekly!

Daniel Rhodes hosts Lee Scott and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to analyse the three-one victory over Arsenal at Anfield, topics include:Line-ups - expected or any surprises from either side? Arsenal’s deep build-upplay, and Liverpool’s intense pressing in the first half. Up until the first goal, whose tactical set-up was most effective?The Gunners were forced deeper and deeper, but did it lead to clear chances when the Reds recovered the ball? (Mane) How to mark against Liverpool from corners: zonal, man marking or hybridDid Arsenal open up and change their structure after the opening goal?  Salah causing nightmares for Luiz at the start of the second half  The midfield performance compared to Arsenal’sBoth managers’ substitutions and tactical tweaks in the second half Brief Burnley previewAll this and more on Tactics Weekly!

Daniel Rhodes hosts Lee Scott and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to discuss and debate the victories over Chelsea and Southampton, topics include: The team selections and tactical set-up for the Super Cup. The Reds’ shambolic first half: What went wrong? Second half control and consolidation. Extra-time madness. Rotation and reality versus the Saints.Again, huge first 45 struggles and chances conceded. Midfield lack of pressing cohesion in both games.Adrian’s distribution.Arsenal preview.All this and more on Tactics Weekly!

Daniel Rhodes hosts Lee Scott and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to discuss the Reds’ opening day victory over Norwich at Anfield, topics include: Discussing the teams selected by both managers and the initial tactical approachesNorwich’s risk taking and the threat it posed to LiverpoolWhy did the midfielders for Klopp’s side regularly drop into the first line in the build up phase? Did the Canaries suffer for committing too many players forward and leaving gaps for the Reds’ forwards to exploit? Henderson’s new role drifting out to the right to link up with SalahWhy was Robertson so restrained compared to last season? Going through both teams’ best chancesThe Alisson injury and how it’ll impact us from a tactical perspectiveDid Klopp order his players to take their foot off the gas? Were the substitutions too late? Brief Chelsea Super Cup previewAll this and more on Tactics Weekly!

Daniel Rhodes hosts Lee Scott and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to look forward to the season ahead, topics include: Brief look at the pre-season games, with particular focus on the Man City match and the key tactical points from the penalty shootout defeat. Does it tell us anything about the likely tactical set-ups, or potentially different roles for players this season? What will the specific orientation of the midfield three be this season? How to cover the front three this seasonDo we still have tactical flexibility despite the lack of transfers, or will we struggle to switch from 4-3-3? Predictions for the season aheadAll this and more on Tactics Weekly!

Paul Dalglish, Daniel Rhodes and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat get together to breakdown the tactics of Liverpool versus Tottenham in the Champions League Final, topics include:Line-UpsKey tactical battles within those formations?Scenarios: score an early goal; concede an early goal; 0-0 at half-time; crucial player injured; man sent off; Spurs winning too many second balls after going long over the press; expected substitutions if the Reds are winning with 30 minutes to go.Set piece analysis.Penalty takers?Predictions.Hamzah’s no look penalty stories.All this and more on Tactics Weekly!

Paul Dalglish, Gav Jones, Hamzah Khalique-Loonat and Daniel Rhodes debate the key tactical elements of the season, topics include: Tactical performance of the season.Most tactically effective player of the season in defence/midfield/attack.Best tactical goal (a goal that looked like it had been designed on the training ground).Best tactical substitution.Most improved player. All this and more on Tactics Weekly!