Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted that the centre-halves in his side do find it difficult to play as the team’s play is attack minded. This comes as a no surprise as Liverpool have had the worst defensive record among the league’s top-6 teams.
Liverpool saw an 8-game unbeaten run come to an end when they lost to Crystal Palace and questions were raised about the Reds’ defensive frailties once again. Dejan Lovren was at fault for the opening goal and it reflected Klopp’s words.
Klopp was quoted by Liverpool Echo,
“A centre-half for a top team is playing with a lot of space at the back. That’s how Tottenham act, how City act and sometimes how Arsenal act. Manchester United are for sure a bit different. That is the situation, you have to involve a lot of players usually in offensive things, you cannot be offensive with two players in a counter-attack when there are already eight from the other team in their own half or box. So, yes, of course it is more difficult.”
“If we go for a centre-half we need to know how he acts in big spaces, but on the other side centre-halves can feel pretty alone in certain moments if we don’t react the right way after losing the ball. That is why counter-pressing is a pretty useful skill.”
Jurgen Klopp also explained how he scouts defenders for his team and says that the style in which his team defends, only players from certain clubs would suit the style of play. This essentially looks like a clear indication as to why the transfer rumours are not always true as they are simply a piece of content to keep the news going. He added:
“I saw a lot of centre-halves, that is how it is. We cannot go for a centre-half of Bayern Munich for example, they have similar problems that we have. You have to imagine how he will react in different situations. All clubs defend in some moments high. It is about being football-smart and they have make the right decision in the right moment, stepping back and all that stuff.”
“For example, the second goal was after a set-piece, but it came after we lost the ball in build-up and things like this. If he steps back in this moment then for a few seconds there could be help from somewhere. It was two wrong decisions in one situation. That then is really difficult. But defending high is not a problem, it is only a different job.”
This must probably explain Liverpool’s defensive woes and Klopp’s strategy in recruiting new players who suit his style of play.
What’s your take on this?
