Tactical Adjustments at Liverpool Under New Manager Arne Slot

The shift at Liverpool from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot has appeared remarkably smooth. Following the adoption of a seemingly more controlled strategy, replacing the German’s ‘heavy metal football’, the Reds have secured 19 victories in 23 matches across all competitions, with only one defeat. This prompts questions about Slot’s methods, the specific alterations he has implemented, and potential future challenges. BBC Sport investigates the tactical adjustments Liverpool has made this season. During his initial media appearances, Slot indicated that both Klopp and Pep Guardiola had shaped his footballing philosophy. Nevertheless, the influence of former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi is also evident. De Zerbi’s teams gained recognition for their method of navigating an opponent’s press, which involved their goalkeeper or central defenders retaining possession and drawing in opposition players before making a pass. This strategy carries inherent risks, yet it is facilitated by the capabilities of contemporary goalkeepers such as Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher. Significant patience is also demanded from the central defenders, and Slot possesses two such players in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, who exhibit comfort with the ball and are well-suited to this challenge. Liverpool has already experienced numerous advantages from employing this ball-playing strategy deeper within their own half. Following 15 league fixtures, statistics indicate Liverpool’s increased ball circulation in their defensive third. Opta data shows that last season, the Reds averaged 117.2 passes per game in this area, a figure that has risen to 133 passes this term. This minor adjustment appears to have improved Liverpool’s performance. Slot’s squad is also taking fewer shots per match, decreasing from 20.6 last season to 15.2, which could be an additional consequence of integrating greater control and a more conservative approach into their tactical framework. This does not imply that Liverpool has abandoned its reliance on transitions and a direct attacking style. Instead, the manner in which they generate these favorable situations has evolved. Modern elite-level teams commonly adopt a 4-2-4 formation when out of possession, a practice Slot has maintained from Klopp’s tactical setup last season. However, this particular change is also accompanied by a more deliberate methodology. In application, Liverpool’s 4-2-4 defensive block prioritizes maintaining structural integrity to obstruct advantageous passing lanes for opponents, rather than consistently engaging in high pressing to recover possession. Under Slot, Liverpool’s 4-2-4 configuration ensures coverage across the forward line, positioning them to capitalize on opponent errors. The attacking midfielder advances to join the front line, compelling the opposition into a dilemma: either execute a long pass, risking possession turnover, or direct the ball into wide areas where Liverpool is adept at pressing and regaining control. Nevertheless, the less proactive nature of this strategy has already been exploited by Premier League teams, with both Arsenal and Chelsea successfully circumventing Liverpool’s four-player front line to advance the ball centrally up the field. Slot acknowledges this concern and, at present, appears satisfied with how Liverpool’s defense has managed these imperfections. “We want to have control of the game, we want to be very aggressive without the ball,” he stated ahead of the Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen. “Maybe if we are not as aggressive then we are sometimes a bit too high. We still want to try, but if you’re just a fraction too late or open a certain lane, then they can play through you. “The good thing is I always see my players running back really hard to prevent the other team from getting a chance.” Liverpool’s methodology contains deficiencies that require resolution, as illustrated previously by Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard’s deep positioning to assist goalkeeper David Raya in circumventing the press. Liverpool has shown a decline in one advanced metric, PPDA (opponent passes allowed per defensive action), signaling a reduction in the intensity of their pressing. Last season, they ranked second in the league with an average of 8.9 per game, a figure that has increased to 10.8 this season. This indicates that they are permitting almost two additional passes from opponents before initiating defensive actions. Regarding high turnovers, Liverpool placed third last season with 392 over 38 matches. To date, they have recorded 127, positioning them seventh in the league for this statistic. An additional notable decrease is observed in dribbles challenged—the frequency with which they tackle an opponent who is dribbling. As per FBref, the Reds averaged a league-leading 20.2 per game last season, but this has decreased to 17.6. Slot intends for Liverpool’s players to operate further up the field, but without the intense aggression characteristic of previous Klopp teams. The emphasis is now on selectively choosing opportune moments to engage the opposition. This methodology also appears more sustainable over the medium to long term, suggesting a reduced likelihood of experiencing the kind of performance decline that led to their exit from the 2023-24 title race in its concluding phases. Gravenberch in a ‘number six’ role. Slot’s teams are recognized for deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation on the field, a departure from Klopp’s preferred 4-3-3 setup. This systemic alteration has assigned a new responsibility to Netherlands midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who now orchestrates play from central midfield, having previously been tasked with a more advanced ‘number eight’ role under Klopp. Gravenberch contributes several strengths, including press-resistance, spatial awareness both with and without the ball, and a passing aptitude that links defense and attack. His transition to the ‘number six’ position has enabled Slot to deploy Alexis Mac Allister in a more advanced role when in possession. Indeed, Gravenberch’s current function within Liverpool’s team this season reflects the Argentine’s role from the previous season. Positioning Gravenberch deeper has provided him with the necessary space to both receive the ball and evade markers. His progressive carries offer substantial assistance to Liverpool in advancing up the pitch. Nevertheless, the 22-year-old is still adapting to this role and has occasionally been hampered by high pressing from opponents, as seen in the 3-3 draw against Newcastle, which can impede Liverpool’s build-up play. Alexander-Arnold’s return to a fundamental role. After featuring in midfield for both club and national team last season, Trent Alexander-Arnold has adopted a more ‘traditional’ right-back position under Slot. Although this has enhanced defensive solidity, he has continued to leverage his passing abilities from deeper positions, particularly when Liverpool aims to build play from the back or transition the ball from defense to attack. Trent Alexander-Arnold is fulfilling a more ‘traditional’ role this season, contrasting with his previous inversion into midfield, as demonstrated by his pass map from the match against Bournemouth. Nevertheless, Slot has also granted Alexander-Arnold the freedom to operate in more central areas during certain matches for the Reds. For instance, in the game against Manchester City, the 26-year-old found ample space within Liverpool’s half to execute long-range passes to his attacking teammates. Furthermore, Alexander-Arnold’s movement into central zones generates one-on-one opportunities for Salah, concurrently mitigating any potential counter-attacking threats through the middle. Despite his role being simplified, Alexander-Arnold continues to exert significant influence. Salah, once again, a pivotal figure. With 22 goals and assists recorded in the top flight to date, Mohamed Salah has commenced the season with considerable intent. Opta statistics indicate Salah leads Liverpool in: Shots from open play per 90 – 3.15; Non-penalty expected goals per 90 (npxG) – 0.54; Shots on target per 90 – 1.76. While Salah’s statistics have consistently been robust throughout his career, Slot’s tactical adjustments this season have frequently facilitated his isolation against his marker. Alexander-Arnold’s role is a significant factor, either by overlapping Salah to generate space for the Egyptian to cut inside for a cross or shot, or by inverting to draw defenders away from Salah, thereby providing him with room to attack his opponent. Having already registered nine assists in the league, Salah is only four short of his highest full-season total for Liverpool (13 in 2021-22), underscoring his value as both a creator and a goalscorer. In one-on-one confrontations, Salah typically holds the advantage, and by placing him in these situations, Liverpool can extract greater offensive production from their key player. Overall, Liverpool and Slot are well-positioned to exploit the vulnerabilities demonstrated by Manchester City and Arsenal this season. The integration of increased control into their strategy and the reallocation of players based on their strengths have yielded significant success for the Dutch tactician. While there remains scope for enhancement, Liverpool supporters already have considerable reasons for satisfaction.