Jurgen Klopp didn’t get his wish against Manchester City, despite his bravest tactics yet. Liverpool drew the game 1-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Jurgen Klopp had a tough task picking his tactics against Manchester City. He was short at the back, short in midfield, and needed to pick between Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino up top.
So what did he do? The Liverpool boss decided to use just two midfielders in front of his defence and played four forwards.
Klopp effectively went to the Etihad with a 4-2-4 formation – a brave, attacking choice at the toughest ground Liverpool play at.
The plan was obvious. Liverpool wanted a fast-paced game with City as they threw all their attacking talent at Pep Guardiola’s side.
It wasn’t as crazy a choice as first seems, though. City went into the game with just nine goals in six games – they’re struggling to find the net.
Sergio Aguero was out, too, meaning City didn’t quite offer the same danger as they usually do.
Hence the strategy – Klopp wanted this to be a shoot-out between a stuttering strikeforce and his formidable four.
As it turned out, it didn’t quite work. Firmino was out of form, Jota dragged a couple of good chances, and Salah couldn’t find space.
On another day, this could have brought about a big win. Liverpool certainly got forward plenty and worried City.
But it wasn’t to be. Still, this is the bravest we’ve seen Klopp play away at City and if that’s a sign of things to come, this could be an even more attacking Liverpool side this season.
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