How Leeds United’s possession football impressed Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp

Marcelo Bielsa’s side did what few visitors have done to Liverpool during their run of 60 unbeaten home league matches, stretching back to March 2017, and dominated possession.

They enjoyed 52 per cent of the ball but their manager was unhappy they did not make the most of that, although their 100 per cent success rate from their three shots on target suggested they fully capitalised.

It offers them plenty of encouragement for the remainder of the season.

“We played according to our style,” said Bielsa, who was rewarded for sticking to his principles.

“There were periods when Liverpool dominated and there were lots of periods where the game was even, in some moments we were able to be superior.

“The players were calm, they played a serene game and went into it confident.

“Confidence means that you shouldn’t be afraid and also the team-mates help each other not to be nervous, that gives you extra confidence and motivates you.”

Jurgen Klopp was satisfied with performance despite the concession of three goals.

“I said before the game we would struggle against them because the way they play is uncomfortable and it is different to all the other teams,” he said.

“If you don’t respect the opponent they kill you in a football way and I liked a lot the attitude of my team today. I have to say they just don’t stop, I like it.

“I didn’t see us struggling defensively but the way they play you cannot defend 100 per cent of the time.

“For the first goal both full-backs were deeper than the centre-halves and that should never happen in football.

“The second goal was a misunderstanding between Virgil and Ali (Alisson Becker) and I don’t think we will see these situations very often.

“The third one we changed Hendo (Jordan Henderson) not long before and our formation was moving and we didn’t close one gap.

“The back line (of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Van Dijk and Andy Robertson) played for England, Holland and Scotland four days ago – all top teams but different ways of defending.

“And if things are not settled early in pre-season defending is not riding a bike - so there is space for improvement.”

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James Mitchinson