The midfield has been a problem for a long time - not just the last games. Without Coutinho, Ox, Keita and Shaqiri - it lacks any real progression whatsoever.
Klopp already knows this is a problem hence why he bought Fabinho and Keita, and wanted Fekir.
I think the 4231 suits ours players much better. Keita Fabinho Gini are all comfortable in a midfield 2. It’s only Milner and Hendo who aren’t, hence why we switch to 433 when either of these guys players. Then you have Shaq and Ox for that attacking mid role. I won’t count Lallana because he’s simply done with.
Without coutinho is vital point.
my views:
a) mane is far too deep in defensive shape. The front 3 are too far apart and are unable to link up well.
b) the midfield are not demanding and taking the ball from defenders. They are not "available" for a short pass to retain possession. Any old press will do v liverpool. It doesn't even need to be that good as you can force us to kick it long at salah in the air and you can stand a tall man near him and mop up.
c) the midfield don't play on half turn. even when available for a pass 90% goes back.
d) I will predict exactly what you will see in this 4231 of yours. you will see 4 forwards and 2 cms. You will see the midfield being dragged about unable to plug the gaps and you WILL see us being out fought and not able to retain possession. In short it'd be a disaster.
e) in case you've missed this: Cheslea 433. City 433. Liverpool 433. games lost in prem 33 games played jointly looses 0. 4231 is yesterdays news.
f) not only does 433 suit some midfielders it suits firmino.
g) we bought keita and fabinho. It seems fabinho hasn't a clue how to play in a 3 even after 5 months of training. So klopps changed systems to suit having him in.
h) finally milner has played bascially as a winger in the start of the red star game and all of the arsenal game leaving the other two to cover 80% of the pitch and we got over run by arsenal and red star had the run of the pitch with windy. it was only at 0-2 down that he was moved central and guess what we had more of the ball. This tactic has been nothing short of disasterous for us.
The sooner we get keita, windy and milner as the midfield 3 the better. at least with windy deep and the other two tucked in we can control more of the play.
I would also bring mane and salah narrower and closer to firmino and tell the full backs to provide all the width. in other words choke the centre of the pitch.