Manager in Focus: Jurgen Klopp loses tactical battle in Liverpool's defeat to PSG

Brendon Netto 02:29 29/11/2018
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  • Paris Saint-Germain turned in an inspiring performance to beat Liverpool 2-1 in their Group C Champions League clash.

    Juan Bernat opened the scoring in the 13th minute as the hosts began brightly while the influential Neymar added a second in the 37th minute.

    Angel Di Maria’s lunging challenge brought down Sadio Mane inside the area as the away side pulled one back when James Milner converted the resulting penalty on the stroke of half-time.

    Here’s a look at how Jurgen Klopp fared in the tactical battle with Thomas Tuchel.

    BASIC STATS

    Goals – 1

    Shots – 8

    Possession – 56%

    Tackles – 19

    Dribbles – 3

    30-SECOND REPORT

    If Liverpool were the dominant force at Anfield, the tables were certainly turned at the Parc des Princes, particularly in the first half. The Reds struggled to get going and were caught off guard by PSG’s vibrancy and effervescence from the get-go.

    Liverpool’s defence was not allowed time on the ball to play out from the back while Jordan Henderson didn’t help proceedings. He didn’t show for the ball enough and when he did, he opted to play a back pass more often than his side would’ve liked.

    Klopp almost seemed surprised by the way PSG started and could only make an impact after the break. The Reds were much better in the second period, pressing higher up the pitch while Mohamed Salah and Mane seemed to attack the half spaces in the final third better.

    However, despite enjoying far more possession with PSG sitting off them a bit, they still lacked direction going forward and never really looked like getting the equaliser.

    Sadio Mane won the penalty to keep Liverpool in it.

    Sadio Mane won the penalty to keep Liverpool in it.

    TACTICAL TALKING POINT

    Gomez at right-back

    Following some good displays in recent games, why Klopp would bench Trent Alexander-Arnold and start Joe Gomez at right-back instead is bewildering. The latter – presumably in the manager’s eyes – is more astute defensively he looked out of his depth against the pace and movement of Neymar and Mbappe.

    Alexander-Arnold on the other hand, while not free of flaws himself, has proven his worth in big games. His performance against Cristiano Ronaldo when Liverpool lost last season’s final to Real Madrid being a shining example.

    He even coped well with Neymar when PSG visited Anfield in September. Gomez not only struggled to find his bearings in defence, panicking in possession when boxed in by the press, but also failed to produce quality going forward.

    Alexander-Arnold’s delivery from wide areas serves as an added weapon in Liverpool’s armoury but Gomez never looked eager to get early crosses in and when he did decide to whip one in, it was always well off the mark.

    Joe Gomez struggled at right-back.

    Joe Gomez struggled at right-back.

    VERDICT

    Klopp just seemed less prepared than his counterpart. Tuchel had a specific plan laid out and Liverpool had just arrived hoping to do what they do and triumph. It’s rarely that simple in the Champions League. The Reds boss must shoulder most of the blame especially with his changes in the second half having no impact as well.

    Rating 5/10

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