Liverpool’s kick-off routine has been entirely altered by Arne Slot from Jurgen Klopp’s strategy.
Fans have observed an instant tactical shift since kickoff, as Arne Slot is already making his mark on Liverpool.
Liverpool has looked good in preseason play, despite fans’ frustrations with the transfer window’s lack of activity and the failure to sign top target Martin Zubimendi.
In a friendly on Sunday, the Reds thrashed Sevilla 4-1, while later at Anfield, another team drew 0-0 with Las Palmas.
It’s immediately evident that Slot plays differently than the “heavy metal” football that manager Jurgen Klopp was accustomed to getting from his squad.
And because Liverpool will be starting games this season in a very different way from kickoff, it is one of the major adjustments.
After losing the kickoff against Sevilla, Liverpool calmly moved the ball about to encourage their opponents to attack them in the second half.
Trent Alexander-Arnold found Ryan Gravenberch, who smacked the ball wide to set up an attack down the left, as they played past their opponents.
After a while, the ball fell to little Trey Nyoni, who made a beautiful half-volley attempt just inside the box.
However, the entire kick-off tactic was very different from Klopp’s, who had Liverpool play the ball up to the channel and play it back to the center backs.
Furthermore, Liverpool supporters strongly support the new strategy.
“It was really interesting how we started against Sevilla from kick off,” someone said. To increase our chances of getting a throw in deep in the final third, we typically start by kicking it to a CB who then lofts it up into a corner of the pitch.”
“It really would drive me crazy how we would start every match that way,” a second person said. Was, for the most part, just a total give-away of the ball.”
Another stated: “So no more playing the ball out for throwing 30 secs into every kickoff.”
Someone more commented: “Thank goodness – watching England do that in the Euros did my head in Keeping the ball from kickoff is a much better statement of intent.”
Finally, someone wrote: “Yeah! I’ve always detested Klopp for directing the boys’ kickoff.”
Although they did punt up the pitch following the break, it’s important to note that their mindset has clearly changed, and they even tried a new corner kick technique.
Liverpool’s early kickoff against Ipswich Town on Saturday marks the team’s first competitive match under Slot.