fergus90
Senior Member
He got everything right with the exception of starting Roberto ahead of semedo.
If barca played as people wanted them to, with possession and high line, it would have suited klopp who wanted to play on the counter. Liverpool is at their worst when forced to break a team down and valverde wisely went for the defensive approach, with Vidal/busi/rakitic in midfield to match their intensity. Rather than conceding golden chances as Liverpool get behind a high line, barca only gave up half chances in their deep block, with the only proper chance to salah after 3-0.
The criticism I had of ev before the game was not playing semedo as he is faster and better defensively than Roberto. I proved to be right as the danger from Liverpool came down his side and when valverde realised his mistake and switched to 4-4-2 with semedo rb and Roberto rm, the game stabilised.
Agree with this. Semedo is bound to start Tuesday.