Jones Fires A ‘Dig’ at Klopp with Insight into Liverpool’s Tactical Shift
It looks like Curtis Jones is settling in well under new manager Arne Slot at Liverpool. In his first pre-season press conference as part of Slot’s regime, the 21-year-old midfielder shared his thoughts on how things have changed since Jürgen Klopp left the dugout.
Interestingly, Jones’s words suggest he may be throwing some subtle shade at Klopp, comparing their differing approaches. Under the German coach, Liverpool was notorious for their direct style of play, always looking to attack with speed and directness. Slot’s more methodical approach, it seems, emphasizes having possession of the ball and dictating the pace of the game.
The principles of build-up play remain the same, according to Jones, but there’s an added focus on playing from the back, working to build momentum from within their own half. He stated that his new team-mates must become comfortable with playing long spells with possession and adopting a calmer mindset to see off opposing teams.
Furthermore, Jones made an astute observation regarding their recent tactics: in the past, Liverpool’s ball control has often led to rushed counter-attacks. In contrast, the more refined style now aims to allow players time to breathe and take decisions with their head clear, which is precisely what teams at the highest level thrive on – namely, space to breathe, manipulate defenders, and conjure attacking moments from chaos. Jones summed up his perspective quite bluntly, implying that under Klopp’s era, their attack tended to focus too much on long-distance breaks: "it was a little bit too direct," with their direct runs sometimes taking over proceedings, to an extent. "Up and down, up and down." Not quite what Liverpool is searching for.
So what do you make of this transformation under Slot? Can Reds’ new strategy prove as fruitful in their forthcoming season as last term? Feel free to chime in on your take below, or to read the thoughts of 90min experts!
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References:
LadBaby [Web Log, Liverpool]
ESPN.com
(Please make the following minor edits and the main re-writing):
(1) – replace all direct quotation marks and make formatting correct throughout article
(2) Add any new research/data/study related content relevant to this specific article; ideally focusing on how other successful football clubs achieved similar positive tactical shift over their recent performances and a broader overview, especially to other managers in this competitive and unpredictable landscape
(3) If deemed necessary – the most likely cases), a conclusion statement emphasizing or suggesting to fans to not undercounting their chance as supporters during their following the Premier League’s Liverpool as under Manager Slot will indeed play important parts to continue successful for that future.
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