“There’s other ways of doing it” is the message coming from Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers when quizzed on the apparent deviation of principles in the last two games, both wins by one goal against Stoke and Bournemouth and both games seeing resolute displays by the Reds’ defence.
Liverpool Echo writer James Pearce is reporting that Rodgers, who came to Liverpool with a plan to suffocate teams by employing a possession-based style of play, has found himself operating slightly differently this season, and has seen his approach questioned, namely off the back of the £32.5m signing of Christian Benteke.
The physical forward, signed from Aston Villa, is seen by many as a typical number 9 who used strength and power to intimidate defences.
But Rodgers believes this is all part of his plan to introduce unpredictability to his team’s play.
“I’m not one that will go into every game and not worry about how we play and take a 1-0. Of course you can do that at times. But the nature of how we work on a daily basis and as a coaching staff is based around a tactical idea on intelligent footballers, creative footballers with high energy and the ability to press the game and to make it really difficult for opponents with and without the ball. That notion hasn’t changed,” said Rodgers.
“Of course as you evolve as a manager and a coach you understand and recognise that at times there are different ways to win a game of football. And when you have those types of players and that was the idea with bringing in different types. That hopefully gives us a better way to win.”
Liverpool’s game v Bournemouth saw Benteke score his first goal for his new side, but as opposed to the goal coming from his head, it was a slight run onto the back post to meet with an impressive ball by Jordan Henderson.
This goal, for all intents and purposes, was a poacher’s goal, scored by a clever forward who was switched on to the play.
I’m always clear and I don’t change in relation to how we want to work and play,” Rodgers added.
“But I think when you bring in a certain profile of player it gives you other options. One of the key things in bringing Christian here first foremost is he can play football.
“His touch is good, his ability to bring players into the game is good – whether that’s with his feet or a little cushioned header. There’s a great skill. What he gives us is that threat in the box. When the ball comes in he’s a striker in the area.”
Liverpool’s first real test this season comes on Monday night at Arsenal – a place that has become notoriously difficult for the Reds to get a result.
Yet to get the best result possible, it could be that Liverpool have to park their possession play at the door and continue to be pragmatic and tough to beat.
Speaking of Arsenal forward Alexis, Rodgers said: “I think you see Sanchez and he’s a world class operator. When you have a player of that ilk they can become a real catalyst for your team.”
The Northern Irishman continued to talk about Liverpool’s owners, however, praising their work in bringing in further players to bolster and improve their current crop.
“The owners here have been outstanding over the course of the summer in getting the likes of Christian in. He was a big target for us. We look at the likes of him and Daniel Sturridge to come back and hopefully it gives us back a real threat.
“They’ve done great for us over the course of the summer and is important if you can get the players in you want it hopefully allow you to take the team forward.
“Firmino has looked good in training, as each week goes by he’s getting fitter and stronger. He’s a real worker. I’ve been impressed with his quality, but his ability to work and press the game is one of the key things for us when we were bringing him in. And he really understands the pressure and the intensity. He’s come from a league which is physical.
“But Firmino and Sanchez are aggressive, they want to score goals and are both team players so there are a lot of similarities.”
Liverpool take on Arsenal at the Emirates stadium on Monday night, KO 8pm BST.
