Liverpool would probably havefinished outside the European places last season, if the assistant manager Pep Lijnders did not demand a change of tactics at the end of the campaign.
Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has offered to give up a year’s salary if his tactical proposal fails.
Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has offered to waive a year’s salary if his tactical proposal fails
Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders was so convinced of the change of tactics that he suggested to Jürgen Klopp that he give up the whole year’s salary if it didn’t work.
The Reds were knocked out of Champions League football for the first time under Klopp last season, when the team finished fifth in the campaign due to midfield weakness and tactical obsolescence, but in reality it could have been a lot worse to go out. in European
They ended the campaign on an 11-game unbeaten run and even won seven on the trot at one stage, with the surge largely due to a controversial tactical adjustment Klopp’s right-hand man persuaded him to make.
Reverse full-backs are all the rage these days, with many top teams now ordering at least one of their wide backs to bolster the midfield numbers, and Lijnders was convinced that Liverpool would benefit from using Trent Alexander-Arnold in this.
He was so confident, in fact, that he promised to work for free for an entire year if the stock market didn’t immediately pay dividends. And luckily the Dutchman did.
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Explaining the benefits of the change on the Guru Podcast on the training ground,
Lijnders said: “The team tightened up with the ball again. The team came together again and we were really balanced, we didn’t suffer against attacks like before. … A little change can enough for the players to feel free and comfortable again.
Despite acknowledging the idea of ​​the switch, Lijnders admitted he was inspired by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola’s success using John Stones in a similar role – a tactical switch that saw City go 16 games unbeaten and eventually overtake them. . Arsenal won their third consecutive Premier League title.
Is Alexander-Arnold better in midfield than right back? Let us know in the comments section below.
Liverpool have used Trent Alexander-Arnold in the opposite role since April and it has worked well
Liverpool have used Trent Alexander-Arnold in the opposite role since April and it has worked well
“If it doesn’t work, will you give up your salary? Fine. Whatever you say, Mr. Lijnders.
“If it doesn’t work, do you give up your salary? Okay. whatever you say
“It’s the same logic,” he agreed. “When you control the midfield, you control the game, so you have to look for it. John does it very simply and easily. Great, incredible, but even if you have the same dynamic, every team is completely different because of its individuality. . Trent it’s Trent, he’s playing you eat what the stadium hasn’t seen.”
Some Liverpool fans have been calling for the club to use Alexander-Arnold in midfield for years due to his otherworldly creative abilities – and his increasingly glaring defensive shortcomings – and Lijnders admitted the 24-year-old’s wheelhouse is a good fit. operate in the middle of the park.
Lijnders said he was inspired by Man City’s recent use of John Stones
Lijnders said he was inspired by Man City’s recent use of John Stones
“He finds the attackers in a way that nobody else does and plays the passes that the attackers want to receive,” said Lijnders.
For now, however, Alexander-Arnold is expected to continue in the inverted full-back role, especially as Liverpool have brought in three new midfielders this summer.
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo, all waiting for the biggest start
