Sky Sports panel left baffled by ‘never-before-seen’ tactic on show during opening weekend of Premier League season
BOTH Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville were left scratching their heads at Liverpool’s new tactic under Arne Slot.
The new Reds boss began life in charge of the Anfield outfit with a 2-0 victory over new-boys Ipswich Town on Saturday.
It was a convincing win for Slot in his first competitive match in charge, with the Dutchman opting for some “never-before-seen” tactics when playing out from the back.
Slot’s side were trying to draw in Ipswich’s four-man press to play around them and break through the lines.
But instead of opting for width and playing from side to side, Liverpool stayed central and tried to use the middle of the pitch.
In fact, they were so focused on using the central areas that left-back Andy Robertson was dropping behind Virgil van Dijk to pick up the ball, and subsequently taking goalkeeper Alisson out of the equation.
When discussing the bizarre build-up, Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports: “I think the natural thing here as the ball is going round the back, considering Ipswich are playing with a front four to press, would be Andy Robertson to come here [push wide].
“But what’s really interesting is to watch where he goes to receive the ball and help Virgil van Dijk.
“[It’s] something I’ve never really seen before. Going around the back of him! Hopefully, we’ll understand at some stage…”
While fellow pundit and former pro Gary Neville was also left confused by the tactical tweak made by Slot.
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He added: “I marvel at these players and how teams play out from the back.
“But I wonder what is the benefit that you’re trying to look for there? What’s the advantage? You’ve got Alisson there who can do that exact same job.
“Why would Arne Slot coach Robertson to run behind Van Dijk into the space where Alisson can do that job? What advantage has he seen there for his team?”
The pair also questioned why Liverpool’s full-backs wouldn’t choose to use the space in the wide areas with Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold having so much joy down the flanks under Jurgen Klopp.
Carragher added: “Every coach I have played with would have told me to get out here [wide].
“Stretch that front four of Ipswich who are trying to press you. Open it up and you can get out and go forward.
“Arne Slot likes to play through the centre.”
As unusual as Slot’s tactics were, they clearly worked.
Liverpool found the back of the net twice to get the better of the Tractor Boys.
A five minute blitz from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah gave Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna a taste of how difficult life is going to be in the Premier League.
Slot’s first game at Anfield will come this weekend when the Reds host Brentford on Sunday.