This is what we don't do. Our players are stupid overall and can't play BR's Barca system. Zero movement, quick thinking, technique and pace. Our tactics need to play to our strengths, not to our weaknesses. So, what would you do differently as manager? I'd go back to Rafa's beloved 4-2-3-1. With two attacking fullbacks, you need deep midfielders to fill in the gaps. They also allow the forward 3 freedom to drift around and for Sturridge to sit up top making runs, which he is good at. As a random though, I'd love to see Agger alongside Lucas. A more physical presence, who can tackle and is defensively solid, who is comfortable on the ball and who likes to get forward and run with the ball when chances happen. Lagger has potential. Johno--Skrtel--Carragher--Enrique -----------Lucas--Agger--------- --Gerrard---Henderson---Suarez-- -------------Sturridge------------ **** it, lets try something different.
Do worry about Agger fitness in that role but see the point ( similar to Aurelio being used there). Hell promote Baio from the youths and tell him to destroy anything that moves!
I posted this in the midfield thread. I think this really could help us improve. ---------------Reina------------- --Johnson-Skrtel-Agger-Enrique- ---------------Lucas------------- ------Henderson---Gerrard------ -------------Coutinho----------- --------Suarez------Sturridge--- This shape is well spread for Rodgers style and adds an extra man in midfield, allowing extra protection for the back 4 and a better pass ability. Lucas can still drop between the center backs and allow the full backs to attack. Also having every one well placed to play the ball out from the back. Suarez and Sturridge's partnership can blossom.
That relies so much on the full backs to provide width though, and that potentially leaves us very exposed to the counter. I like our fullbacks, but I feel we need two centre mids to help cover the FB runs and to give us some strength in the middle.
I get what you are saying. But I think it can be done with out 2 DM's. The center backs part to an in between fb cb area and then Lucas can drop in between to create a back three, crowding our own penalty area. The cm on each side must then assist in covering the now retreating full back and use positioning to block dangerous runs in to that are. So if a counter attack is burst down our right and they are in behind Johnson Henderson must track in to the right back area. Skrtel lines up where as right cb, or man marks the dangerous striker, Lucas gets around the penalty spot and Agger takes up the role the left back would usually take up in this situation. Gerrard moves into the spot in front of this new back 4 marking the oppositions midfield danger man and is positioned for a pass when we get the ball. Coutinho moves into Henderson's role. This relies on great communication though. I think I would sacrifice a second DM in order to keep both Suarez and Sturridge in their best positions up front. We can then change to 4231 late on if players start to get tired.
