Tactics geeks of the world unite...

Reading a bit about him above and if he wants to translate what he has done in Eredivise I think he'll need at least on CM to work in his double pivot and then move MacAllister as his 10, a position he feels is his best.

Trent would either have to play in the double pivot, not convinced he would succeed here myself, or move back to the more traditional full back we seem in the title season and either side of that.

Need another proper striker as Jota is prone to spells out and Nunez ain't up to it I'm afraid.

We have the bulk of a squad he could work with with tweaking as I, along with others on here, feel the bulk of this squad now is more suited to 4 2 3 1 than what we are currently trying to do.

Interesting posts, mate, thank you.

If I understand it right, the Slot method is similar to JKs but with the extra insurance of the 2nd DM in the double pivot. 
Another thing stands out, and that’s (in agreement with your observation) we need a few more players who’s game intelligence is a few notches above a few of our existing lads (plus their pace).

If we go with Slot, and I like what I’ve read and heard, recruitment must be on a level with that in the early Klopp years. Players whose attributes fit the system, rather than players being made to operate in a system they don’t have the skillset or mindset to manage in-game, which is where I feel the current team is at.

Interesting posts, mate, thank you.

If I understand it right, the Slot method is similar to JKs but with the extra insurance of the 2nd DM in the double pivot. 
Another thing stands out, and that’s (in agreement with your observation) we need a few more players who’s game intelligence is a few notches above a few of our existing lads (plus their pace).

If we go with Slot, and I like what I’ve read and heard, recruitment must be on a level with that in the early Klopp years. Players whose attributes fit the system, rather than players being made to operate in a system they don’t have the skillset or mindset to manage in-game, which I where I feel the current team is at.

Yea it sounds like more like Jürgen played at Dortmund and correct me if I'm wrong he played 4 2 3 1 before he came to us.

Saying that Slot wild have to have a certain amount of flexibility as well but as we know most coaches find a system them like and use it for the most part.

We definitely have a good base to start from though.

Allison

Trent     Konate     Virgil     Robertson

New CM      Endo

New RF       MacAllister       New LF

New CF

Not saying Virgil, Konate, Endo etc would be nailed on but just to give an idea. Virgil I'm particular is one who's escaped a bit of criticism recently based on who he is more then his form I think. But we can't change 8/9 stating players in one summer.

Who knows he could come in and see Elliot as someone who he could mould into his double pivot CM role. Harvey doesn't have the pace to play in the front line and already is more if a midfielder than you would have thought he was when he first broke through.

Yea it sounds like more like Jürgen played at Dortmund and correct me if I'm wrong he played 4 2 3 1 before he came to us.

Saying that Slot wild have to have a certain amount of flexibility as well but as we know most coaches find a system them like and use it for the most part.

We definitely have a good base to start from though.

Allison

Trent     Konate     Virgil     Robertson

New CM      Endo

New RF       MacAllister       New LF

New CF

Not saying Virgil, Konate, Endo etc would be nailed on but just to give an idea. Virgil I'm particular is one who's escaped a bit of criticism recently based on who he is more then his form I think. But we can't change 8/9 stating players in one summer.

Who knows he could come in and see Elliot as someone who he could mould into his double pivot CM role. Harvey doesn't have the pace to play in the front line and already is more if a midfielder than you would have thought he was when he first bribe through.

I like that idea (Harvey) as his energy and press would be an asset there, although it would give us a midfield thats very small in stature!

Where would you see Gravenberch and Gakpo fitting in?  I like Gakpo wide left, his preferred position. Wonder if Grav might be able to transition to be one of the pivot players?

I like that idea (Harvey) as his energy and press would be an asset there, although it would give us a midfield thats very small in stature!

Where would you see Gravenberch and Gakpo fitting in?  I like Gakpo wide left, his preferred position. Wonder if Grav might be able to transition to be one of the pivot players?

Gakpo will be on who could play left or 10 I think. He's not an easy player to find a spot for I feel. Lack of that burst of pace Diaz has makes him not totally ideal in a 4 2 3 1 for me.

Gravenberch is a conundrum as well to be fair. Hard to pigeon hole as well and has that  look of a player who would want to play the 10 but MacAllister is a far more talented footballer and also our best player this season.

I like that idea (Harvey) as his energy and press would be an asset there, although it would give us a midfield thats very small in stature!

Where would you see Gravenberch and Gakpo fitting in?  I like Gakpo wide left, his preferred position. Wonder if Grav might be able to transition to be one of the pivot players?

Gakpo definitely that left role , Gravenburch as one of the three mids that can be used in a double 6 role

Gakpo definitely that left role , Gravenburch as one of the three mids that can be used in a double 6 role

I see Quansah as a no.6/DCM. I think he could do for us what Stones has in midfield for City lately.  Leaves a need for new blood at Centre back, but that need was there anyway given the Matip situation and Konate’s propensity to miss games with niggles.
Also, I’d consider Trent in the 10, which would see Mac as 2nd choice there or as one of the two pivots. Not sure if Trent’s talents are best used from deep anymore as his defensive efforts seem half-hearted lately.

Yea it sounds like more like Jürgen played at Dortmund and correct me if I'm wrong he played 4 2 3 1 before he came to us.

Saying that Slot wild have to have a certain amount of flexibility as well but as we know most coaches find a system them like and use it for the most part.

We definitely have a good base to start from though.

Allison

Trent     Konate     Virgil     Robertson

New CM      Endo

New RF       MacAllister       New LF

New CF

Not saying Virgil, Konate, Endo etc would be nailed on but just to give an idea. Virgil I'm particular is one who's escaped a bit of criticism recently based on who he is more then his form I think. But we can't change 8/9 stating players in one summer.

Who knows he could come in and see Elliot as someone who he could mould into his double pivot CM role. Harvey doesn't have the pace to play in the front line and already is more if a midfielder than you would have thought he was when he first broke through.

I think using current players in the 4-2-3-1 probably shows the positions that need reinforcing.


NB: Team no longer available

One mad tactic Id love to see us try, might be a bit far fetched but here it is

Keep a clean sheet every now and then, the more the better

Yea it sounds like more like Jürgen played at Dortmund and correct me if I'm wrong he played 4 2 3 1 before he came to us.

Saying that Slot wild have to have a certain amount of flexibility as well but as we know most coaches find a system them like and use it for the most part.

We definitely have a good base to start from though.

Allison

Trent     Konate     Virgil     Robertson

New CM      Endo

New RF       MacAllister       New LF

New CF

Not saying Virgil, Konate, Endo etc would be nailed on but just to give an idea. Virgil I'm particular is one who's escaped a bit of criticism recently based on who he is more then his form I think. But we can't change 8/9 stating players in one summer.

Who knows he could come in and see Elliot as someone who he could mould into his double pivot CM role. Harvey doesn't have the pace to play in the front line and already is more if a midfielder than you would have thought he was when he first broke through.

We are 3rd in the league. why do we need a new cf, and a new lw and rw?? 

We are 3rd in the league. why do we need a new cf, and a new lw and rw?? 

Could it be that we haven’t been able to barely muster an open in the last 6 weeks and some people think first in the league is better than 3rd. Just guessing 😂

Could it be that we haven’t been able to barely muster an open in the last 6 weeks and some people think first in the league is better than 3rd. Just guessing 😂

We scored 17 goals in the last 6 weeks in all comps 

We scored 17 goals in the last 6 weeks in all comps 

So nothing to worry about all rosy having been kicked out of the FA Cup, Europa Cup and the League - you ok mate?

You do know drugs can seriously impair thinking 😂

So nothing to worry about all rosy having been kicked out of the FA Cup, Europa Cup and the League - you ok mate?

You mean not winning a quadruple like every single other team in the history of football?

Wow shocking.Let me clutch my pearls.

If you think not winning the league, finishing 3rd, and only having 4 league defeats (should be 3), after finishing 6th last season, means we need an ENTIRE new forward line. Then I think the drug you're on are way strong than whatever you think i'm on.

We are 3rd in the league. why do we need a new cf, and a new lw and rw?? 

Maybe should have had ?? at some of them.

But still the points above about the quality of some of our starting front three means we still possibly on the look out to improve there

Salah looking now like he'll extend takes one of those away by question marks remain over Nunez and Diaz for me

We are 3rd in the league. why do we need a new cf, and a new lw and rw?? 

In a word mate their not good enough, sorry but their not, Mane was, Bobby was, Gini was, and of course Hendo, we have not replaced any of those high quality individuals, and that’s the key word here, QUALITY, where the likes of City shop at Fortnum & Mason’s, we shop at M&S,

The players we have are good players but their not top drawer, Macca being the exception, we need to upgrade if we are to maintain a title challenge against the likes of City and Arsenal, and that will cost us in a big way, can’t see FSG Spunking the kind of dollar it will take, so do we cash in on Mo to help fund the quality we need ??



YNWA

City shop at Fortnum & Mason’s, we shop at M&S,

I don't think it's just about where you shop Billy. It's more about picking the right goods.  Would Diaz or Nunez get in a City first 11 ?

Probably not. Well not on the form their showing at the mo. Or could it just be down to the quality of the coaching ?  Now there's a thought !

I don't think it's just about where you shop Billy. It's more about picking the right goods.  Would Diaz or Nunez get in a City first 11 ?

This footballing cliche is my top 3 biggest footballing pet peeves.

This isn't how football works, this isn't how life works.

I mean, just 2 weeks ago people were saying Haaland is a league 2 player.

Would Trossard or Havetz get in the city side? Yet Arsenal are top.

We don't play city every week, so why does it matter?

Would Dortmunds fwds get in the PSG side? no. But they just beat them anyways.

It's an empty statement

The midfield rebuild still a big work in progress. The new signings not really clicked yet, so easy to play through it’s embarrassing at times.

Plenty for the new manager to work on.

https://www.coachesvoice.com/cv/arne-slot-Jürgen-klopp-tactics/


With a deal agreed between Liverpool and Feyenoord, it very much looks like Arne Slot will succeed Jürgen Klopp as the Reds’ manager. The Premier League club had already rehired Michael Edwards, as chief executive of football, who in turn recruited Richard Hughes to start as sporting director from June. With those appointments in place, Liverpool stepped up the search for Klopp’s replacement. Given the German’s success in the role, it would make sense to hire someone who shares at least some tactical similarities with their predecessor.

Slot has only managed Dutch clubs prior to Liverpool’s approach, but clearly with enough success to attract some of the Premier League’s leading lights. In his first head-coach role, with second-tier Cambuur, he helped them rise from 14th to third in less than a season in charge. At AZ Alkmaar, he had the club on course for a surprising Eredivisie title, before the 2019/20 season was cancelled amid the Covid pandemic. Subsequently, he led Feyenoord to the title – only their second in nearly a quarter of a century – plus a Europa Conference League final and a first Dutch Cup in six years.


It is clear that Slot has helped Dutch clubs punch above their weight for honours. In tandem with the results, though, Liverpool will also have looked at the processes Slot has implemented to achieve success. Included here, of course, will have been his tactical approach.

Below, our UEFA-licensed coaches have analysed both Slot and Klopp’s tactics, with Feyenoord and Liverpool respectively, identifying similarities as well as points of difference…

Pressing
The most obvious connection between Slot and Klopp is their application of an aggressive high press. For the most part, Slot has utilised a 4-2-3-1 structure with Feyenoord. This has converted into a 4-4-2 press, with the number 10 jumping to support the centre-forward (below).


Klopp employed a 4-2-3-1 at the beginning of his Liverpool tenure, but often pressed with a front three instead of the first-line pairing used by Slot. The Dutchman’s commitment to pressing has still been notable, though. In his three seasons at Feyenoord, the team recorded either the second or third-lowest PPDA.

As Klopp progressed Liverpool to a 4-3-3, they continued to press with a front three that went very aggressive on the opposition back line. Slot’s Feyenoord, by contrast, have had the extra player in midfield, giving better cover across the pitch. Because Klopp had three in midfield, he relied on explosive midfielders who could duel in central spaces but also knew when to jump out and press. The likes of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Naby Keïta and more recently Dominik Szoboszlai, Harvey Elliott and Alexis Mac Allister, have all been excellent at this.

Whenever Klopp’s midfield trio pressed aggressively through the middle and the front line narrowed, his full-backs jumped forward. This accounts for the initial lack of defensive support behind the wingers (below).


Because Slot has operated with two in the first line, central access has been covered fairly well by his Feyenoord side. This has allowed his wingers to press into wide areas, and the full-backs to stay back.

Klopp’s commitment to final-third numbers when pressing gives a better goal threat when regaining the ball. Slot’s approach gives more structure, support and cover, should the opposition break the first line.

Double pivot
Slot has opted for a double pivot to build from the back. Sometimes this has been with a back four and the pivots in close connection – not dissimilar to Roberto De Zerbi with Brighton. But he has evolved to invert a full-back, usually right-back Lutsharel Geertruida. From here, the back line has converted into a three, with a double pivot just ahead (below).


The midfield unit then readjusts, with the number 10 and one of the initial double pivots moving forward, into the inside channels. There, they almost operate as two numbers 10s inside the wingers, who held the width.

Klopp used a double pivot and a back four himself in his early days at Liverpool. This was partly due to the squad he inherited, but also to provide a base for his trademark aggressive, central counter-pressing and high pressing.

As Klopp evolved his Liverpool squad, there were many moments where a double pivot appeared in the 4-3-3 shape. This came when one of the number eights dropped in defensive and transitional cover, as opposed to dropping in to help the build-up. This was because full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold were so influential in the attacking phase, flying forward from full-back. That was a staple for much of Klopp’s Liverpool reign, not least the two-year period in which they won the Champions League and Premier League.

Later, he adapted further to build with a back three, as Alexander-Arnold inverted from right-back to become a second pivot (below). This was almost identical to the tactic employed by Slot at Feyenoord in the 2023/24 season.


Klopp’s number eights moved higher to make inside-channel runs, working off wide attackers – often Mo Salah and Luis Díaz, but also on occasion Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliott or Darwin Núñez. Klopp has also utilised a dropping central midfield for this converted 3-4-2-1, with Wataru Endo and Mac Allister forming the double pivot, allowing right-back Conor Bradley to advance.

Attacking movements
Once Feyenoord’s adapted midfield shape has been formed in possession, Slot’s 2023/24 side have attacked the box with purpose and numbers. It has not been uncommon to see four or five players working the opposing penalty area. Their adapted back three and converted double pivot, meanwhile, provide cover and support underneath.

The players in the inside channels have made runs in behind, exploiting space created by the wingers drawing out their opposing full-backs (below). The widest of the back three would also move forward in support, should they need to work the ball back and then switch play to the opposite winger.


Slot has also encouraged Feyenood’s wingers to attack aggressively on both sides of the pitch. They have frequently dribbled and attacked 1v1, in a manner not dissimilar to the likes of Salah, Díaz or Sadio Mané.  When aimed inside the pitch from wide starting positions, these runs also work to threaten the goal more directly.

Klopp’s earlier-stage Liverpool displayed movement and attacking patterns in which the full-backs overlapped, the wingers rolled inside and the eights often acted as cover. These wide triangles complimented dropping movements from the centre-forward, who was usually Roberto Firmino.

As Klopp evolved the 4-3-3, Alexander-Arnold began to move inside more, and the likes of Henderson (below) and Wijnaldum made penetrative inside-channel runs, similar to Slot’s converted 10s at Feyenoord. On the left, Robertson continued to overlap the inverting left winger (below, with Thiago dropping from his number-eight position to cover).


In his ‘Liverpool 2.0’, Klopp encouraged attacking movements in a similar shape, with Alexander-Arnold inverted to form the double pivot. In Alexander-Arnold’s absence, his replacement Bradley was more inclined to advance wide, allowing Liverpool’s right winger to move inside (below).


Although the type of player available to Klopp has differed to Slot’s Feyenoord personnel, the 3-4-2-1 attacking structure was the same. Therefore, were Slot to implement these attacking movements and rotations at Liverpool, he would find a squad not wholly unfamiliar to its demands. It will certainly be fascinating to see how Liverpool’s style transitions from one head coach to the next.

https://www.coachesvoice.com/cv/arne-slot-Jürgen-klopp-tactics/


With a deal agreed between Liverpool and Feyenoord, it very much looks like Arne Slot will succeed Jürgen Klopp as the Reds’ manager. The Premier League club had already rehired Michael Edwards, as chief executive of football, who in turn recruited Richard Hughes to start as sporting director from June. With those appointments in place, Liverpool stepped up the search for Klopp’s replacement. Given the German’s success in the role, it would make sense to hire someone who shares at least some tactical similarities with their predecessor.

Slot has only managed Dutch clubs prior to Liverpool’s approach, but clearly with enough success to attract some of the Premier League’s leading lights. In his first head-coach role, with second-tier Cambuur, he helped them rise from 14th to third in less than a season in charge. At AZ Alkmaar, he had the club on course for a surprising Eredivisie title, before the 2019/20 season was cancelled amid the Covid pandemic. Subsequently, he led Feyenoord to the title – only their second in nearly a quarter of a century – plus a Europa Conference League final and a first Dutch Cup in six years.


It is clear that Slot has helped Dutch clubs punch above their weight for honours. In tandem with the results, though, Liverpool will also have looked at the processes Slot has implemented to achieve success. Included here, of course, will have been his tactical approach.

Below, our UEFA-licensed coaches have analysed both Slot and Klopp’s tactics, with Feyenoord and Liverpool respectively, identifying similarities as well as points of difference…

Pressing
The most obvious connection between Slot and Klopp is their application of an aggressive high press. For the most part, Slot has utilised a 4-2-3-1 structure with Feyenoord. This has converted into a 4-4-2 press, with the number 10 jumping to support the centre-forward (below).


Klopp employed a 4-2-3-1 at the beginning of his Liverpool tenure, but often pressed with a front three instead of the first-line pairing used by Slot. The Dutchman’s commitment to pressing has still been notable, though. In his three seasons at Feyenoord, the team recorded either the second or third-lowest PPDA.

As Klopp progressed Liverpool to a 4-3-3, they continued to press with a front three that went very aggressive on the opposition back line. Slot’s Feyenoord, by contrast, have had the extra player in midfield, giving better cover across the pitch. Because Klopp had three in midfield, he relied on explosive midfielders who could duel in central spaces but also knew when to jump out and press. The likes of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Naby Keïta and more recently Dominik Szoboszlai, Harvey Elliott and Alexis Mac Allister, have all been excellent at this.

Whenever Klopp’s midfield trio pressed aggressively through the middle and the front line narrowed, his full-backs jumped forward. This accounts for the initial lack of defensive support behind the wingers (below).


Because Slot has operated with two in the first line, central access has been covered fairly well by his Feyenoord side. This has allowed his wingers to press into wide areas, and the full-backs to stay back.

Klopp’s commitment to final-third numbers when pressing gives a better goal threat when regaining the ball. Slot’s approach gives more structure, support and cover, should the opposition break the first line.

Double pivot
Slot has opted for a double pivot to build from the back. Sometimes this has been with a back four and the pivots in close connection – not dissimilar to Roberto De Zerbi with Brighton. But he has evolved to invert a full-back, usually right-back Lutsharel Geertruida. From here, the back line has converted into a three, with a double pivot just ahead (below).


The midfield unit then readjusts, with the number 10 and one of the initial double pivots moving forward, into the inside channels. There, they almost operate as two numbers 10s inside the wingers, who held the width.

Klopp used a double pivot and a back four himself in his early days at Liverpool. This was partly due to the squad he inherited, but also to provide a base for his trademark aggressive, central counter-pressing and high pressing.

As Klopp evolved his Liverpool squad, there were many moments where a double pivot appeared in the 4-3-3 shape. This came when one of the number eights dropped in defensive and transitional cover, as opposed to dropping in to help the build-up. This was because full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold were so influential in the attacking phase, flying forward from full-back. That was a staple for much of Klopp’s Liverpool reign, not least the two-year period in which they won the Champions League and Premier League.

Later, he adapted further to build with a back three, as Alexander-Arnold inverted from right-back to become a second pivot (below). This was almost identical to the tactic employed by Slot at Feyenoord in the 2023/24 season.


Klopp’s number eights moved higher to make inside-channel runs, working off wide attackers – often Mo Salah and Luis Díaz, but also on occasion Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliott or Darwin Núñez. Klopp has also utilised a dropping central midfield for this converted 3-4-2-1, with Wataru Endo and Mac Allister forming the double pivot, allowing right-back Conor Bradley to advance.

Attacking movements
Once Feyenoord’s adapted midfield shape has been formed in possession, Slot’s 2023/24 side have attacked the box with purpose and numbers. It has not been uncommon to see four or five players working the opposing penalty area. Their adapted back three and converted double pivot, meanwhile, provide cover and support underneath.

The players in the inside channels have made runs in behind, exploiting space created by the wingers drawing out their opposing full-backs (below). The widest of the back three would also move forward in support, should they need to work the ball back and then switch play to the opposite winger.


Slot has also encouraged Feyenood’s wingers to attack aggressively on both sides of the pitch. They have frequently dribbled and attacked 1v1, in a manner not dissimilar to the likes of Salah, Díaz or Sadio Mané.  When aimed inside the pitch from wide starting positions, these runs also work to threaten the goal more directly.

Klopp’s earlier-stage Liverpool displayed movement and attacking patterns in which the full-backs overlapped, the wingers rolled inside and the eights often acted as cover. These wide triangles complimented dropping movements from the centre-forward, who was usually Roberto Firmino.

As Klopp evolved the 4-3-3, Alexander-Arnold began to move inside more, and the likes of Henderson (below) and Wijnaldum made penetrative inside-channel runs, similar to Slot’s converted 10s at Feyenoord. On the left, Robertson continued to overlap the inverting left winger (below, with Thiago dropping from his number-eight position to cover).


In his ‘Liverpool 2.0’, Klopp encouraged attacking movements in a similar shape, with Alexander-Arnold inverted to form the double pivot. In Alexander-Arnold’s absence, his replacement Bradley was more inclined to advance wide, allowing Liverpool’s right winger to move inside (below).


Although the type of player available to Klopp has differed to Slot’s Feyenoord personnel, the 3-4-2-1 attacking structure was the same. Therefore, were Slot to implement these attacking movements and rotations at Liverpool, he would find a squad not wholly unfamiliar to its demands. It will certainly be fascinating to see how Liverpool’s style transitions from one head coach to the next.

There are some key differences but the execution of starting with a back four and then changing to a box midfield
probably allows a change without demanding a large influx of different styles of players.

With Slot coming in the players required still remains at replacing whoever leaves
and they are areas the club would have been looking at anyway. CB. CM.

There are some key differences but the execution of starting with a back four and then changing to a box midfield
probably allows a change without demanding a large influx of different styles of players.

With Slot coming in the players required still remains at replacing whoever leaves
and they are areas the club would have been looking at anyway. CB. CM.

Yea the squad definitely more or less fits for Slot by the sounds of it.

Another CM to play in a double pivot, a CB and a forward if anyone leaves would be how the summer goes.

Yea the squad definitely more or less fits for Slot by the sounds of it.

Another CM to play in a double pivot, a CB and a forward if anyone leaves would be how the summer goes.

Thiago leaving means that a CM is needed.
Slot using a double pivot makes that a player that can play in the double pivot.
Being linked to André before anyway so the club was already looking at that type of player.

So there is minimum upheaval there.

Ugarte seems to be flagged at PSG, after not a great season.
Other, if we're talking about young players, then Neves, Onana.

I wonder will the club look at André again.