The Evolution of Gegenpressing: How Liverpool Must Adapt to Compete at the Elite Level
Tactics in football are constantly evolving, with each philosophy typically spreading worldwide and establishing itself as the norm until the next one emerges to sweep it away. Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund side established gegenpressing as the new norm in world football, and by the time his refined version ended Liverpool’s Premier League trophy drought in 2020, teams were racing to assemble their own heavy metal lineups. But with the gegenpress now over 10 years old, does it still work?
When Man City met Inter in the 2023 Champions League final, it demonstrated that every team in world football must be capable of playing with a high press – even if only against specific opponents. If every team can play a high press, it’s no longer enough to base your entire identity around being a ‘pressing team.’ That’s why Louis van Gaal failed at Man United, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte struggled at Tottenham, and Newcastle’s ceiling this season was fourth. Liverpool have to be more than a pressing team to compete at the elite level.
Where do tactical revolutions come from? Typically, they’re a solution to the problems caused by the current tactical trend. Tiki-taka was used to prise apart stubborn catenaccio defences. Gegenpressing was a response to the way tiki-taka dominated the ball – creating panic to influence the passer, and forcing typically smaller and more technical players into uncomfortable physical duels.
The current tactical trends are all in response to gegenpressing. Teams now expect to be pressed, so the emotional aspect of chasing the ball relentlessly has been diluted. Players are also now empowered with clearer instructions on what to do when pressed to ensure they retain the ball. Real Madrid play well against pressing teams thanks to two factors: psychological confidence that players draw from the mystique of the white shirt, and a tactical solution of passing the ball away from pressure.
Brighton have popularised ‘baiting the press’, which involves drilling players extensively on precise patterns to navigate various forms of pressure. This typically results in 3v3s or overloads in the attacking third, which are usually the result of counter attacks.
What does this mean for Liverpool? “Counter pressing is and always will be the ticket into this team,” said Klopp after the 6-1 demolition of Leeds. It’s clear that Liverpool will always strive to control games with their intensity off the ball, but they must also combine intense pressing off the ball with suffocating possession play.
The key is balance. Gegenpressing in its purest form is about creating chaotic, emotional, end-to-end games with many chances to score. But elite teams now control games by combining intense pressing off the ball with suffocating possession play. It’s actually easier to effectively counter-press when you have the ball for most of the game, and only need to press hard in short bursts to win it back.
Liverpool have already signed Alexis Mac Allister, plus the emergence of Stefan Bajcetic and Curtis Jones have equipped Liverpool with more players who can keep the ball and play sensible passes. With further signings and more work in pre-season, Liverpool may well restore their balance of patience and directness on the ball – which will in turn restore the effectiveness of their pressing.
Conclusion
Counter pressing will remain part of Liverpool’s identity – fresh legs and renewed intensity will be cultivated to improve it. But with more opponents adept at pressing themselves, and a more complete tactical toolbox now required at the highest level, the Reds can no longer rely on gegenpressing alone. It must now form part of a more comprehensive plan to “conquer the ball” and win football matches.