How to come back against Barcelona, after losing 0-3 in the first leg at Camp Nou? That is a painful question for Liverpool fans in general and coach Klopp in particular.
In theory, Liverpool must win 3-0 or by 4 goals or more (if Barca has a goal) at Anfield. In a weak position in terms of score, the Reds will have to attackcrazyly, not giving Lionel Messi and his teammates any breaks to breathe. That is, playing a hand-to-hand card game puts your life in the cards when fate is already in the hands of others.
However, before this return match, Coach Klopp confirmed the fans with the most sad news - both Salah and Firmino did not recover in time to play. England's hopes are set below 1%. But a given up is not going to happen for Klopp. The 51-year-old coach has two assumptions about the result of this match: "shocking Barca" or "falling must be beautiful". In both scenarios, Liverpool of course must contribute to Klopp's inherent style.
That said, it seems like crazy attack is not the right way for Liverpool at the moment, because that will only make Barca more calm. Instead, Klopp needs to "play tricks", going against everyone's thinking of not attacking anymore but waiting for counter-attacks.
That was a different choice from what AS Roma did against Barca more than a year ago, but remember, at that time, the Italian team had 1 goal at Camp Nou before returning to Olimpico. Liverpool have nothing, but they can use the away goal factor to "trap" the opponent.
If it is true as the Spanish press revealed, the goal that Barca set is "1 goal at Anfield". And they want that goal to come early, as a decisive blow to the home team's hopes. That is, Barca will attack first, not choose the scenario to go to England just to protect the score. In this context, Liverpool's deep drop, ensuring a large number of defenders and midfielders, playing in a suppressed style, pulling Barca's defense up before choosing the time to jump is considered more reasonable.
Many reviews say that Sadio Mane would be harmless without Salah and Firmino, however, just a little adjustment by Klopp, Mane can still promote his qualities of strength, speed and ability to play well. To do so, Klopp needs to change the tactical formation from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1, in which Mane is the highest player, Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri, Georginio Wijnaldum support behind, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are the 2 defensive midfielders.
Statistics show that, in 4 times used as a "number 9" this season, Mane scored 3 goals and assisted 1 goal. The 27-year-old striker also knows how to choose the space between the central defenders to move, thereby welcoming crosses from 2 full-backs who have had 11 assists this season. Mane scored 6 goals from headers. Mane also has technical elements for independent processing.
Of course, this style of play will only be effective if Liverpool's defense plays well, Virgil van Dijk drawes lessons for himself after facing Messi. If they are firm in the first stage and score against the opponent (or a high ball situation, set). Liverpool's failure to attack can also cause some confusion, making it easier to exploit when patience is the top factor.
The second leg of the Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and Barca will take place at 2:00 a.m. on May 8 at Anfield Stadium.
