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With a solid backline and Alisson’s smart distribution of the ball, Liverpool builds from the back and uses this style to maintain possession. Liverpool’s average possession the last EPL season was 65%. For that kind of numbers, it is as important to be sharp off the ball as it is to be intelligent with the ball. Gegenpressing (counter-pressing), a style Klopp perfected in Germany, allows Liverpool to get the ball as quickly as they lose it. Gegenpressing is where a team, after losing the ball, attempts to recover it immediately by closing down space and passing channels simultaneously. In modern football, it is essential for any team looking to efficiently dominate a game.
The three-pronged Gegenpress
Liverpool uses gegenpressing in both defence and offence as a method of retaining the ball and maintaining control in the middle of the park. Moreover, they also use it for counterattacks with their pacy front three. Gegenpressing is the optimum recovery method for three reasons:
- It allows Liverpool to stop a sudden counterattack when they lose the ball.
- Facilitates greater sustaining of possession.
- In times of sustained periods of not having possession, it allows for a quick counterattack.
While many teams regroup and retreat to assigned zones or players after they lose the ball, Liverpool immediately presses for the ball with surrounding players blocking immediate passing options, allowing the opposition little time and only three options: dribble forward, make a long pass, or play a quick one-two. The third is a matter of tactical prowess, which is why City vs Liverpool matches are a treat to watch, because City often makes it through the press by constantly switching positions and playing intelligent one-twos. Dribbling or playing the long ball increases the chances of losing possession, and Liverpool can regain it.
Because of the constant pressing, Liverpool have more of the ball and teams eventually get tired because of always running around the ball. Today, many teams don’t even try to get the ball from Liverpool to conserve energy for the later stages of the game.
Dropping Deep
Positional versatility is central to Liverpool’s style of play. Both full-backs practically masquerade as full-backs but spend most of the matches near the wings; when going through a transition, Fabinho drops deep making the backline a three-man contingent. During buildup, Roberto Firmino drops deep in a supporting role from his strike position. It gives the reds the distinct advantage of having two diamond formations in attack depending on the opposition.
- Where Firmino drops into a False 9 role and makes the midfield a diamond midfield with Fabinho at the base and two central midfielders (preferably one interior space creator and an exterior chance creator) with Salah and Mane converging slowly towards the centre and the full-backs occupying the wings. This helps in outnumbering traditional dominant midfields and rendering the defence redundant with constant movement.
- Where Firmino drops deeper, Salah moves towards the center for a quick attack, one of the midfielders (this tactic usually employees Oxlade-Chamberlain) moves towards the right, slightly behind Salah/Mane, making it an attack diamond formation consisting of Salah, Mane, Ox, Firmino. This works as a Plan B tactic for Klopp.
The football Klopp demands takes a lot of physical strength and stamina and it takes elite mentality to be able to fully execute the gegenpress. Tactics are crucial to win matches, but only a champions’ mentality can make a formidable team like Liverpool.
About the Author: Dhruvaksh Saha is a football journalist obsessed with footballing numbers and tactics. Mostly found disagreeing with popular opinions; a firm believer of the 4–3–3
Dhruvaksh is a Creative Writer at HeadKick.co
