05 Feb 2017 14:31:48
One of the things I have noticed in our play is that we almost instinctively counter press now. It's been drilled so deep into the players' subconscious, that I don't think it is ever going to be a problem anymore. It's more of the cluelessness when you have it, slow build up and lack of quick incisive passing which was the hallmark in the first half of the season, that's just completely gone all of a sudden. Klopp's managerial prowess is in the limelight and I'm sure he has it in him to rise to the challenge. It took him a couple of seasons at dortmund to get the players in tune with his methodology and for him to get accustomed to his players' strengths and once the coordination was set right, they just exploded onto the scene.

Arresting the collapse, achieving top 4 and then masterminding a memorable summer window is what's needed now. I just hope he's a willing learner and that these mistakes will only contribute towards making him the best in the game.

1.) 05 Feb 2017
05 Feb 2017 15:23:06
We need to get quality balls into the box from wide but we have no decent crossers of the ball, failing that we need to chuck origi on and punt it to him in the box.

It's no good playing firmino against a team that are sitting deep. Completely and utterly pointless.

2.) 05 Feb 2017
05 Feb 2017 16:13:19
I agree our crossing is abysmal, but we should still be posing more threat with the players we have at our disposal. Wijnaldum had the knack of arriving late in the box and score some good headers for Newcastle, hendo is a tall lad, and then our defenders should be more aggressive at attacking set pieces. I'm particularly disappointed in Emre Can in that he should cause havoc among defenders with his huge frame. But all he offers is a static and a weak presence at the moment. He is lucky he has the engine called hendo covering up his poor decision making. Origi is much much better at winning aerial duels plus offers a goalscorer up top. I would swap that one surely.

3.) 05 Feb 2017
05 Feb 2017 22:39:55
Spot on, Acrux. We have been clueless in our use of the ball when we win it back, something we had no problem with cos during this bad run when we win the ball with the opposition out of position, we have been poor at attacking their vulnerability to create chances, something that is the bedrock of the gegenpress.

Earlier in the season when this happened, we would flood their zone with quick passing, movement and chances would come. Even Spurs had issues with us playing that way. Now, all that's gone and it needs to be fixed or Klopp may have to change the way we play to first off, stop us conceding silly goals first before we go for the win.