Tactical Analysis: Liverpool’s Switches and Slot’s Strategy Against AC Milan | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Tactical Flexibility Against AC Milan Unpacked

Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over AC Milan in the Champions League at San Siro wasn’t just another win—it was a glimpse into how new manager Arne Slot is evolving the team’s tactical approach. While echoes of Jurgen Klopp’s pressing and intensity remain, Slot is introducing his ideas, blending Liverpool’s historical strengths with a more considered game plan.

The match saw Liverpool rely on switches of play early on, a trademark tactic from Klopp’s reign. But after taking control with a 2-1 lead, those switches disappeared, giving way to a more measured, risk-averse style. This shift points to a team transitioning under Slot, adjusting from a relentless, high-risk, high-reward philosophy to one that prioritises control, balance, and tactical nuance.

Reinventing Wide Play: The Legacy of Klopp’s Switches

Liverpool’s use of switches during Klopp’s era was highly effective, particularly in European competitions. By rapidly moving the ball across the pitch, the team could isolate opposition full-backs and create space for their dynamic wingers. With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson constantly overlapping and whipping in crosses, Liverpool became one of the most dangerous teams in wide areas, exploiting their opponents’ defensive gaps.

Switches—long passes that change the point of attack—are designed to stretch defences horizontally, forcing the opposition to shift rapidly and leave space for Liverpool’s attackers. Under Klopp, Liverpool consistently ranked among the top teams in Europe for switches, using this tactic to carve open teams with pace and precision.

But Slot is adapting this approach. Instead of relying solely on wide play, he is tasking Alexander-Arnold with a dual role, often stepping into midfield to act as an additional playmaker, while the left-back, whether it’s Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas, stays deeper to form a back three in possession. This adjustment provides Liverpool with more balance, reducing the risks of counter-attacks while still allowing the team to overload opponents in advanced areas.

The Battle Against Milan’s High Press

AC Milan came into the game with an aggressive pressing system. Using a 4-2-4 formation, their forwards worked to pin Liverpool’s deeper players, preventing easy progression through the middle. Milan’s plan was simple: force Liverpool wide and deny central passes, thus minimising the influence of Liverpool’s midfielders and forcing mistakes.

In the early stages, this strategy appeared effective. Liverpool struggled to break through Milan’s block, often resorting to long passes or losing possession in dangerous areas. However, as the game progressed, Slot’s side began to identify and exploit gaps left by Milan’s pressing. By pulling Milan’s central midfielders out of position, Liverpool created space to play quick vertical passes between the lines.

One of the key moments came when Liverpool’s Diogo Jota dropped into midfield, overloading the central areas and stretching Milan’s defensive structure. This allowed Liverpool’s midfielders to receive the ball in more advanced positions, helping them break Milan’s press and move into dangerous attacking areas.

Central Overloads and the Role of Switches

A critical element in Liverpool’s approach was their ability to overload the midfield, particularly through Jota’s movement and the positioning of Dominik Szoboszlai. Szoboszlai’s role as a hybrid midfielder and wide player was crucial in stretching Milan’s defensive lines. By pulling out wide, he opened up space in the middle, allowing Liverpool to play through Milan’s press with more ease.

One instance occurred when Virgil van Dijk, under no pressure, delivered a pinpoint switch to Cody Gakpo. Jota’s positioning had drawn out Milan’s right-back Davide Calabria, creating space for Gakpo on the left. Although the attack didn’t result in a goal, it highlighted Liverpool’s use of wide areas to break Milan’s press.

This tactical approach was a balancing act. Liverpool’s players had to judge when to switch play quickly and when to hold possession and look for central passes. Slot’s desire to limit high-risk passes was evident, but Liverpool’s reliance on these long switches remained, especially in the early stages of the game.

Managing the Second Half: Slot’s Influence

After 50 minutes, with Liverpool leading 2-1, the switches stopped. Slot opted for a more conservative approach, focusing on retaining possession and reducing risk. Milan continued pressing, but Liverpool no longer needed to take the same attacking risks. Instead, the team adapted to a lower-risk style, prioritising ball retention and quick counter-attacks when opportunities arose.

This control-focused approach was one of Slot’s hallmarks during his time at Feyenoord, where his teams were known for controlling games through measured possession and limiting unnecessary turnovers. For Liverpool, this approach was still a work in progress, as they adjusted from the free-flowing, high-risk style of the Klopp era to a more controlled and balanced system.

Liverpool’s final goal came from a classic counter-attack, reminding fans of the devastating transitional play that has defined the club in recent years. After Milan committed men forward, Liverpool regained possession and hit them on the break, leading to the third goal that sealed the win.

New Tactical Identity for Liverpool?

Liverpool’s victory over AC Milan was significant not just for the result but for the tactical evolution it showcased. While the team is still in transition, the blending of Klopp’s intensity with Slot’s tactical balance is beginning to take shape. Slot is unlikely to discard Liverpool’s reliance on switches entirely, but he is clearly intent on limiting their risks and instilling a greater sense of control in their play.

As Liverpool continue their Champions League journey, it will be fascinating to see how this tactical identity develops. Can they find the right balance between high-risk, high-reward attacking football and the more controlled, possession-based style that Slot prefers? The victory in Milan suggests they are on the right path.