---
title: "Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hints at potential tactical change"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-manager-jurgen-klopp-hints-at-potential-tactical-change/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-10-02T08:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-10-02T08:00:00Z"
---

# Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hints at potential tactical change

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/10/01/virals-liverpool-target-franck-kessie-could-complete-january-transfer/) manager [Jurgen Klopp](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/09/27/virals-jurgen-klopp-has-confirmed-naby-keita-is-available-to-face-fc-porto/) has hinted at a possible tactical tweak in the lineup to face Manchester City on Sunday (October 3).

The Reds currently sit top of the [Premier League](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) and will welcome the second-place reigning champions to Anfield hoping to remain unbeaten.

Both sides have made [strong starts](https://www.skysports.com/premier-league-results) to the new season but it’s Klopp’s side that have taken the early ascendancy.

Speaking during the [pre-match press conference](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8ZjCu-el1g), as cited by [The Anfield Buzz](https://twitter.com/TheAnfieldBuzz/status/1443913452976807950) on Twitter, the German boss suggested the hosts could change things up to cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence.

> 🗣 | Jürgen Klopp on RB options for the Manchester City game:\
> \
> "We have options for the position – we have James, Joe and Neco. We could also change the system, we've had time to train this week."
>
> — The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) [October 1, 2021](https://twitter.com/TheAnfieldBuzz/status/1443913452976807950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Recently James Milner has taken up the role and been [impressive](https://www.sofascore.com/player/james-milner/791) in doing so, however, Klopp’s comments could mean a change is afoot.

Such changes could include a start for Joe Gomez, Neco Williams or Conor Bradley – as well as a [never before seen](https://themastermindsite.com/2020/12/21/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-tactical-analysis-2020-21-edition/) back five under Klopp.

One [previously used alternation](https://football-talk.co.uk/160503/teams-man-city-vs-liverpool-confirmed-line-ups-from-the-etihad-4/) against City has been startling all four of Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

Pep Guardiola has his own [injury concerns](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/gundogan-zinchenko-man-city-injuries-21734774) ahead of the Merseyside showdown, with Ilkay Gundogan and Oleksandr Zinchenko likely to be absent.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Making major tactical changes for such a [huge fixture](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/match/2021-22/men/fixtures-and-results) seems a highly risky strategy.

This becoming a tactical battle would fall directly into Guardiola’s wheelhouse, whilst using the [atmosphere, intensity and passion](https://www.espn.co.uk/football/manchester-city-engman_city/story/4488382/anfield-atmosphere-doesnt-intimidate-man-city-pep-guardiola) will boost the Reds’ chances.

Back inside a full Anfield, Liverpool will be [out for revenge](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55875683) following a defeat in an empty stadium last season.