Liverpool head coach Arne Slot believes that the team needs to tactically operate with unpredictability to leave other clubs guessing. Slot inherited a formidable squad from legendary manager Jurgen Klopp and subtly installed his tactical style within the senior team.
Liverpool have won 11 out of 12 games in all competitions so far but have plenty of room for improvement. The Reds have only conceded five goals in those 12 games while maintaining the quality of their attacking playing style.
However, there are phases in the game where they need to control and dominate the possession better than they have. There is no denying that only a few months have passed since Liverpool appointed Slot and the adjustment takes time.
Slot’s tactics emphasize balance and efficiency, using patience in the buildup at times according to the phases of the game. Liverpool have reduced the spaces that they leave for the opposition to exploit while maintaining their structure in defensive phases.
The new style has allowed a defensive midfielder of a different profile to thrive as Ryan Gravenberch established himself quickly. Furthermore, the fullbacks have enjoyed the variation in their roles according to the opposition they face which creates unpredictable fluidity.
Slot told the media (via Times) that it is important for Liverpool to maintain unpredictability, leaving the opponents guessing. He said:
“It is important that the other team mustn’t see us, analyse us and think, ‘Oh, every time they do the same. We have the answer to this.’ If we have more options then it is also a longer team meeting for the other manager to show what we are all doing.”
Liverpool will face very tough opponents during the fixture congestion that began with the Chelsea game at Anfield last weekend. The victories over Chelsea and RB Leipzig have given the Reds a good foundation but many tough challenges are waiting.
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Liverpool will face Arsenal next in the Premier League clash with dire consequences involving the Premier League title race. The Reds have Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen lined up as part of the fixture congestion before the strenuous December period begins.
