Liverpool has had a highly mixed start to the season. They still have not been able to string two consecutive performances together. However, the change in tactics and set-up against the Rangers was a welcome change. Jurgen Klopp looked beyond his usual 4-3-3 setup and switched things around to 4-2-3-1. This was a welcomed change which saw Liverpool end up beating Rangers 2-0 in their third UEFA Champions League game of the season.
Playing a double pivot does have its advantages given the fact that we need our fullbacks pushing high up and joining in the attack. In addition to that, it also gives Liverpool an extra body in midfield while they are soaking in the pressure of a counter-attack or looking for an extra pass if they have possession.
The players seemed to be a little more comfortable with their changing roles and responsibilities. Klopp and his coaching staff seemed to have found a silver lining after this dismal start after all. Whether the coaching team thinks that this is the way forward or will be used sparingly depending on the opposition, only time will tell.
When questioned about his tactics after the match in a conference, Klopp did mention that the change in formation to a 4-4-2 / 4-2-3-1 was nothing to do with the fact that they played Rangers at home but was done to help the team become a tad bit more unpredictable. This could end up being the way forward with Klopp suggesting that he will stick to the new tactical setup for the game on the weekend against Arsenal at the Emirates.
He went on with a smile about the change in tactics and how he believes that this could help play into the hands of his highly talented team. The tweets below encapsulate the rest of his remarks when it came to the new tactics.
Klopp: “But then people then created, when we were in a defensive pressing situation, they created a lot of chances. That was rare but happened more. So that’s why we set up slightly differently, closed different gaps.”
— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) October 5, 2022
Given this welcome change in formation, what do you think is Liverpool’s strongest XI in the new 4-2-3-1 formation? Ours is…
Alisson Becker
Trent Alexander Arnold – Joel Matip – Virgil van Dijk – Andrew Robertson
Fabhino – Thiago Alcantara
Mohamed Salah – Roberto Firmino – Luiz Diaz
Darwin Nunez