Liverpool (A) | PL | Post-Match Thread

[M12Blue]

Have a real worry now that Pep doesn’t think our usual system will work in the tough away games.

Individual performances will improve no doubt but if he’s going to try 3 at the back at Anfield/Stamford Bridge/Allianz/Bernabau because he doesnt fancy his full back options, it’s a real real concern if he have any chance of winning the CL.

Zin out and only Gomez in was a terrible move all round for this season.

I think tge pace of walker makes a huge difference to a back 4. Perhaps just didn't want a hole leaving behind cancelo

 

[Dave El Magico]

Ar that stage of the game we should have had 2 back not one. Especially one who does not have the speed of Salah.

At least one who can put a tackle/challenge in!!!

 

[PPT]

Not an easy result to take, that one.

I think the VAR and the initial formation and Cancelo being skinned by Salah are all big and frustrating talking points that i have processed through, plus other bits like Haaland not quite setting Foden up and Kev's terrible free kick and so on, but I cannot get my head around the substitution policy, when we were basically struggling to get in their box from about the 75th minute. Go for broke and overload Milner or something, just do something, instead of letting the game fizzle away and die. Shame that.

Good post. It’s poor game management from Pep unfortunately. Anfield has got into his head. He’s like a rabbit in the headlights. Pep’s a genius but his Kryptonite is Liverpool. I know this post won’t be popular but it’s true.

 

[M12Blue]

Good post. It’s poor game management from Pep unfortunately. Anfield has got into his head. He’s like a rabbit in the headlights. Pep’s a genius but his Kryptonite is Liverpool. I know this post won’t be popular but it’s true.

I think players too, never been enough 'edge' from ours. I think we can be a little soft

 

[cptaidan88]

Good post. It’s poor game management from Pep unfortunately. Anfield has got into his head. He’s like a rabbit in the headlights. Pep’s a genius but his Kryptonite is Liverpool. I know this post won’t be popular but it’s true.

Except we weren't playing Liverpool in the Champions League Final. Or in several other examples where we've lost important games. Sometimes, he just shits the bed in important moments. Its as if he doubts his structure and usual pattern of play, so does something random. If it works he's proven to be a genius. If not, its the players fault for not executing.

Not making subs when Plan A isn't working, or when we clearly need to make a change is probably my biggest gripe with him. Alvarez came on in the 89th minute yesterday, but its rare that he even makes a sub at all.

He's a fantastic manager but just wish he would let the team play our normal game, and trust that they will be better. If thats not working, then change it.

 

[kippaxchris]

I think players too, never been enough 'edge' from ours. I think we can be a little soft

This is because Pep has them fearful of Liverpool, the same way he had them fearful of Bielsa at one point.

 

[Tolmie scores]

Good post. It’s poor game management from Pep unfortunately. Anfield has got into his head. He’s like a rabbit in the headlights. Pep’s a genius but his Kryptonite is Liverpool. I know this post won’t be popular but it’s true.

I think its more Intensity and pace - doesn't suit his Barcelona tiki taki beautiful view of the game - he really struggles. Will us v Spuds be any better - we always struggle v them as well.... Walker fit and able to cover is key but a big IF now regards his pace. Also Walker was good at shepherding players away from the danger area most of the time, has great body strength and his pace made it hard for defenders. Without that cover...against quick sides who rely on power...we will always struggle..not just at THAT place

 

[BuzLightyear]

Apologies, I should have been clearer here - I meant that Bernie needed to take on Kev's more usual role in the hole. I completely agree that KDB out wide is poor positioning, and he and Gundog shouldn't be in the same line up. I also don't understand why KdB and Foden should stand at the corner flag together. All we are doing is depriving ourselves of an additional presence in or around the box. However, that is probably an argument for another thread.

Great point about the waste of a player around the box when Phil keeps asking whatever corner taker to take a short corner. I wish Pep would tell him to stop this. Been annoying me for a while now. Thanks BelfastBlue66 for mentioning this.

 

[BuzLightyear]

Can someone please explain why we have 2 of our players for nearly every corner kick? I get it that we keep them guessing whether it’s going to be an in-swinger or and out-swinger or a set piece but generally it seems a total waste of an attacking player?

It's been happening for a long time. Solution- someone tell Phil to wait in or around the penalty box rather than have us reduced to 10 men at corners. Thanks Salobrena for bringing this up.

 

[BuzLightyear]

should have given grealish at least half hour, would have got us a few free kicks. never seen foden pass the ball back as much.

Phil passed back to the same player 3 times in a matter of seconds. Clearly his colleague hoped he would skin Miner. With Erling in the team, Phil has been keen to provide for him, and really upped his game. But, as you say, he was stuck in his passing back mode on Sunday.