In an interview with Sky Sports, after the stunning 3-0 victory over Manchester United, Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot has shed light on the straightforward but effective strategy that led to their dominant performance. Slot’s tactical insights reveal why his team found it so easy to dismantle United and how his approach made all the difference.
Difference in Manchester United’s Pressing game today vs Last Season
According to Slot, Manchester United has made a notable shift in their tactical approach this season. Previously, their press was characterized by a man-marking system in midfield, with their front three (striker and wingers) pressing aggressively. This season, however, they have adopted a more rigid 4-4-2 pressing scheme, with the striker and one attacking midfielder leading the charge.
Slot pointed out that this change has made United more predictable and easier to exploit. “They run harder now, but if you can beat the press, you go straight at them,” he explained.
Exploiting High Full-Backs & the lack of numbers in Midfield
Another critical aspect of United’s play that Slot capitalized on was their full-backs’ positioning.
“Their full-backs are often high up the pitch, with Casemiro dropping in between,” Slot noted.
This left United vulnerable, especially when Liverpool’s wingers, Luis Diaz and Mo Salah, stayed high and wide. When Liverpool regained possession, they found themselves in advantageous 1 v 1 situations, with their wingers creating space and causing problems for United’s defense. This tactical positioning coupled with aggressive pressing allowed Liverpool to launch swift and effective attacks.
Slot praised his midfield trio for their role in the game. “We had three midfielders who kept running tirelessly,” he said.
Their relentless energy and ability to win duels allowed Liverpool to dominate the midfield and quickly transition to attack.
Arne Slot’s tactical approach and Liverpool’s flawless execution led to a convincing 3-0 win over Manchester United. By understanding and exploiting United’s tactical shifts and vulnerabilities, Slot ensured his team’s success. As he summed it up, “It was as simple as that.” This victory highlights Slot’s strategic brilliance and provides a blueprint for how to take advantage of Manchester United’s weaknesses in the future.
Transcript from the conversation between Roy Keane & Arne Slot :
Roy Keane: Did you know when you were winning high up the pitch(winning the ball), you would be straight at them(Manchester United) really? As simple as that?
Arne Slot: As simple as that. So their style is also, maybe last season as well, I don’t remember that well, but their full backs are 9(out of) 10 times really high and then Casemiro comes in between. So if you pick the ball and you can keep Luis Diaz and Mo Salah high, then you are constantly in a 1 vs 1 situation. Then you need midfielders that can run and we had three of them today that kept on running and if they arrive in a duel, that they are aggressive enough to win it. So that was, I think, one of the main things why we could win today.
