Klopp

Virgil & The Reds’ System

Virgil, Joe Gomez & Joel Matip represent a core defensive unit of players that have for the most part been unavailable this season. The ramifications of not signing a Dejan Lovren replacement, in the form of Wesley Fofana or an earlier acquisition of Kabak to add required depth now looks foolish. The system, the...

Liverpool’s battle to save their season starts now

So, a trophy-less season it is then. Liverpool's Champions League dream ended in all-too-predictable fashion on Wednesday night, with poor finishing yet again proving fatal against Real Madrid. While much of the focus has understandably been on the Reds' centre-back woes, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all absent, their struggles in the...

Analysis: Liverpool’s midfield conundrum

For a while now, it has felt as though Liverpool have been assembling what could best be described as a Swiss Army midfield.  Jurgen Klopp has referenced it recently. Firstly, against Chelsea, he implied that James Milner got the nod ahead of Naby Keita for his leadership qualities and not for footballing reasons.  Then, ahead of...

Ample Positives For Liverpool To Take Despite European Exit

Liverpool bowed out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage after a 0-0 draw with Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night. Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, the Reds -- despite creating ample chances -- were unable to prize open the stubborn defence of the visitors and, for the second year running, they...

4231 Formation The Next Tactical Port of Call For Liverpool

Ever since the beginning of the 2016/2017 season, Jurgen Klopp has almost consistently lined Liverpool up in a 433 formation. The only exception came in the winter of the 2018/2019 season when the Reds lined up in a 4231 shape. In that reshuffle, Mohamed Salah played as the teams' focal point, with Roberto Firmino dropping...

Liverpool vs Real Madrid Preview – Mammoth task awaits Reds at empty Anfield

THE DETAILS   Venue - Anfield, Liverpool Referee - Björn Kuipers (NED) Date & Time - Wednesday, April 14th 2021 @ 20:00 Current Odds - Liverpool 10/11, Draw 29/10, Real Madrid 13/5 _____________________________________________________________________ While we all know better than to ever completely write Liverpool off, it's hard to see how The Reds can defy the odds again without that famous Anfield...

Tactical Breakdown: Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa

Premier League champions Liverpool won their first home game since Christmas, as they beat Aston Villa 2-1, courtesy of a late strike by Alexander-Arnold. Systems Liverpool played in a 4-3-3, with Roberto Firmino returning to the forward line in place of Sadio Mané. Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum retained their starting places and were partnered with James...

Tactical Breakdown: Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool

Real Madrid won 3-1 against Liverpool at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano in the UEFA Champions League quarter finals, leaving them favourites to progress to the next round. Systems Despite Madrid missing both starting centrebacks and Eden Hazard, the home side set up in a 4-3-3. When in possession, Toni Kroos dropped into a sweeper position as the...

Much Maligned Firmino Missed In UnIntense Liverpool Loss

Let's face it, Roberto Firmino -- at least in front of goal -- has regressed as a player over the course of the last two seasons. From a record high 0f 15 Premier League goals in the 2017/2018 season, the Brazilian's numbers have steadily dropped and he finds himself on eight league goals this season,...

Tactical Breakdown: Arsenal 0-3 Liverpool

Liverpool won 3-0 at the Emirates, to breathe life back into their hopes of redeeming their league campaign, with goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah. Systems Mikel Arteta's Arsenal set up in a 4-2-3-1 on ball shape, and a 4-5-1 off ball system. Thomas Partey and Dani Ceballos were paired together in a double-pivot. Martin Ødegaard...