Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot, got his first taste of managing the team in a friendly against Real Betis during their tour of the United States. The match ended in a 1-0 victory for Liverpool, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring the only goal. However, it was the tactical approach that caught the attention of many.
Slot deployed an unorthodox 4-4-2 formation, with Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott playing as “double 10s” due to the absence of a center-forward. Slot clarified that this formation was not his long-term plan and assured reporters that they would see Liverpool play with a traditional striker in the future.
Despite the temporary formation, Slot emphasized that his style of play was evident in the team’s performance. He highlighted their focus on building from the back and controlling the game, aiming to avoid constant counter-attacks. Slot acknowledged that there were areas for improvement, which is natural after only two weeks of training.
Slot’s vision for Liverpool differs from Jurgen Klopp’s approach, although there are similarities as well. Liverpool can expect to see a more patient and possession-based style under Slot, in contrast to Klopp’s high-intensity and direct approach. This change may take some time for both the players and the fans to adjust to, but Slot’s successful tenure at Feyenoord suggests that his style can be effective with the right squad.
Reflecting on the friendly against Real Betis, Slot highlighted the positives, including keeping a clean sheet and controlling the game well. Liverpool only conceded one significant chance late in the game. They also created several good attacking opportunities and scored a well-executed goal. Slot acknowledged that there were areas to improve, but overall, he was pleased with the team’s performance in their first outing under his leadership.
As Liverpool continues their preseason preparations, fans and pundits will be eagerly watching to see how Slot’s style unfolds and how the players adapt to his tactics. With his emphasis on possession and controlling the game, Liverpool’s playing style could undergo a significant transformation in the upcoming season.