Coutinho has made some mighty interesting points about the tactical demands Jurgen Klopp places on the team both offensively and defensively…
We all know the German employs a full press when we’re not on the ball, in an attempt to win back possession and quickly counter-attack – but defensively – there’s no set instructions as to who needs to do what.
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Instead, Klopp trusts the players to do their bit and fill in when needed – allowing them total freedom when possession switches and we have the ball.
“The coach demands a lot from the group. We work hard as a group and of course Liverpool has great players,” he told the official website.
“Everyone has been playing well this season and has done what the coach has asked for. And in relation to that, the coach lets us do what we want on the field.
“Of course, everyone has their responsibility, when they do not have the ball, they should mark, be in their position, defend. But he lets us do what we want. No one feels pressure determine who will make decisions and who will defend. Everyone works together, as a group.”
The skeptic in us would suggest this laissez-faire attitude to defending has played its part in Liverpool conceding 30 Premier League goals this season – the most of the top seven!
But it’s also helped Liverpool become the most aesthetically pleasing team in the land when on-song and one that’s capable of steamrolling anyone – including the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City…
Now though, it’s up to the players to combine this attacking freedom with steely determination, as there’s 13 games left of the campaign for us to secure a top four spot.
By winning the vast majority of those, we’ll give ourselves a real fighting chance, which will in turn make us a more exciting prospect for potential summer signings, too.
Coutinho has been quiet since he returned from injury and hasn’t actually scored since our 6-1 thrashing of Watford in November.
It’s time our talisman steps up to the plate and proves he’s worth his monster new contract, as well.