Klopp’s legacy meets Slot’s vision as Liverpool refine their game

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·25 February 2025

Klopp’s legacy meets Slot’s vision as Liverpool refine their game

Curtis Jones Highlights Key Tactical Shift Under Arne Slot at Liverpool

Liverpool’s triumph over Manchester City at the Etihad was a statement victory, not just in terms of the title race but also in showcasing the tactical evolution under Arne Slot. The Reds secured a 2-0 win over their biggest rivals, extending their advantage at the summit of the Premier League table. For Curtis Jones, who played a pivotal role in midfield, this victory provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on the contrasting tactical approaches between Jurgen Klopp and Slot.

Photo: IMAGO

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Tactical Shift in Possession and Pressing

Under Klopp, Liverpool thrived on a high-intensity gegenpressing system, aiming to overwhelm opponents with relentless pressing and quick transitions. Slot, however, has introduced a more measured, possession-based approach, as Jones explained following the victory over City.

Photo: IMAGO

“Jurgen’s plan was his, and his plan now is his,” Jones said. “It’s a different style of play. You can see it’s more with the ball. We want to play more. “I suppose it’s all the same with how we go and press and things like that, but his is more, the way he’ll speak about the team that’s coming in.”

Jones’ comments underline how Slot tailors Liverpool’s game plan to the opposition, moving away from a rigid system to one that adapts based on the team they face.

False Nines and Tactical Fluidity

Slot’s approach at the Etihad was a masterclass in tactical adaptability. With both Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota not fully fit, the Dutch manager opted against fielding a recognised striker. Instead, Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai operated as false nines, providing unpredictability in Liverpool’s attack.

Photo IMAGO

The result was devastating for City. Szoboszlai scored and registered an assist, while Jones himself had a third Liverpool goal ruled out for offside. Such fluidity in positional play marks a clear distinction from Klopp’s more defined attacking structure.

“There’s times when Trent will play inside, but you’ve seen him now more where he was playing more outside,” Jones added, highlighting another shift in Liverpool’s tactical flexibility.

Player Development and Individual Coaching

Another aspect of Slot’s methodology that Jones highlighted is the emphasis on individual player development. Each player now has dedicated analysts working with them, focusing on positional awareness and decision-making.

“It’s an individual thing as well,” Jones said. “We’ve all got our own guys now. They’ll call us in. They’ll show us clips of where we can go and improve. We were talking about the space where I’m finding the ball, he was like, ‘Yeah, that’s the space. You’ve got to be there.’”

This analytical approach enables players to refine their positioning, with Jones himself adjusting his natural tendency to drift wide, instead remaining central to enhance his attacking output.

“I had a thing where I’d always drift wide. He was saying that I’m good enough to stay more inside and you know, that’s what I’m trying now, and I’m seeing more chances that I’ve had. “With the balls that I’m playing in, I’ve added more goals and more assists, and I’m just gaining his trust even more, and he’s using me right, so I’m happy, yeah.”

Slot’s Tactical Evolution at Liverpool

Slot’s ability to blend possession football with aggressive pressing is giving Liverpool an extra dimension this season. His willingness to adapt and deploy alternative tactical plans, such as utilising midfielders in attacking roles, is proving to be a key asset. The victory over City, a feat Klopp never achieved at the Etihad in the league, is further evidence of Slot’s tactical intelligence.

Liverpool remain firmly in control of their title challenge, and as Jones’ comments suggest, the Slot era is bringing fresh ideas that are helping the Reds evolve into a more unpredictable, well-rounded side.