Pre-Season deets

[tombrown]

For some people every silver lining has a cloud. We are champions

 

[keniget]

The high line, under Klopp as well, was always a high risk high reward thing. The high press would often help us allow the whole team to remain compact when pressing, giving us lots of counter pressing opportunities + resulting attacking phases. At the same time, the odd time a team successfully puts some quick passes together or lumps the ball behind our last defenders, we'd look really vulnerable.
But the former shaped our team for the last decade and gave us one of the best defensive records in the league for many seasons. It's just that we look really shit on the occasions where we are exposed.

The defence can go deeper but that would mean our counter pressing becomes less effective. Double-edged sword.

I was led to believe that Slot is looking for a more possession based approach - particularly given the acquisition of Wirtz - so in theory the number of turnovers should be reduced.

 

[FreshRed]

The high line, under Klopp as well, was always a high risk high reward thing. The high press would often help us allow the whole team to remain compact when pressing, giving us lots of counter pressing opportunities + resulting attacking phases. At the same time, the odd time a team successfully puts some quick passes together or lumps the ball behind our last defenders, we'd look really vulnerable.
But the former shaped our team for the last decade and gave us one of the best defensive records in the league for many seasons. It's just that we look really shit on the occasions where we are exposed.

The defence can go deeper but that would mean our counter pressing becomes less effective. Double-edged sword.

Agree. The high line really requires a lot of practice and repetition to do well. We have been integrating new FBs and playing midfielders as CBs. We are also experimenting with our offensive shape, which is likely to cause some initial mistakes on closing gaps when other teams break.

I am confident it will get sorted or that Slot will make adjustments, when needed.

 

[FreshRed]

I was led to believe that Slot is looking for a more possession based approach - particularly given the acquisition of Wirtz - so in theory the number of turnovers should be reduced.

He is certainly bringing in more press resistant players. I think our biggest challenge last year was when our FBs or #8s gave the ball away cheaply while going forward before getting to final third. Then our press is useless.

 

[Frogfish]

I was led to believe that Slot is looking for a more possession based approach - particularly given the acquisition of Wirtz - so in theory the number of turnovers should be reduced.

Last season we didn't change much and I don't think we will this season (bar more overlapping) - however Slot was certainly not happy with players lacking technical skills and who will either give the ball away or lack the ability to win it back.

That much seems clear from the technical skills of the players we are bringing in. Players with high technical skill levels but also pace and energy to win the ball back again.

 

[StevieM]

That highline will cost us if we are not careful

What you rather we do, sit deep and counter or make our press ineffective by giving teams loads of space to play through it?