Slot has succeeded Klopp, who managed the team for nine years, and the German’s style known as ‘heavy metal football’ has taken on a more mellow rock vibe under the new Dutch coach.
This shift in style was evident with a fluid 4-2-4 formation, as the Reds played the match without a traditional striker.
While this approach was partly a response to the limited player availability, Klopp’s trademark gegenpressing transitioned to a slower, possession-based game, which is commonly associated with Dutch coaches influenced by Johan Cruyff.
Slot communicated his tactics from the sidelines of the half-full Acrisure Stadium, using hand signals and emphatic shouts to guide his players into position.
Elliot and Szoboszlai alternated in the role of attacking midfielder, resulting in Liverpool functioning without a striker for most of the match.
“I believe that as the season progresses, you will see us utilizing a genuine striker, but currently, we lack options with Darwin [Nunez] unavailable,” Slot remarked.
“We deployed two number 10s in the positions they will eventually fill throughout the season, which was perhaps necessary at this time.”
“However, in terms of our overall style, we focused on building from the back to maintain control of the game and minimize counterattack opportunities.”
“This is likely to be our playing philosophy for the season, and there are certainly areas for improvement, but that’s to be expected after just two weeks.”
This approach resembled the unorthodox yet effective tactics employed by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during the FA Cup final, with Bruno Fernandes leading the attack in their victory over Manchester City.
For Liverpool, given the limited experience of their squad, the tactic proved effective early on as they had several opportunities, including attempts from Fabio Carvalho, Salah, and Wataru Endo, although they were challenging shots. Elliot then missed a significant chance following a well-placed cutback from Conor Bradley, which preceded Szoboszlai’s goal.
The second half was less engaging for fans as numerous young players disrupted the flow of the game. Nabil Fekir struck the side netting from a promising free-kick situation, and Carvalho had a shot saved by former Liverpool keeper Adrian before his substitution.
Nevertheless, the match served as a crucial opportunity for fitness training and for Slot to showcase his style to players, supporters, and the football community ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
