Total-Football
Senior Member
Nah, if they played like that and lost 3 or 4-0 that would be from Valverde's book. They actually stayed very close to Liverpool.
When Valverde puts up his defensive masterclass tactics, we usually end up stuffed with goals.
I don't know about staying close.. That was the most negative display I have ever seen them play in recent years. Even when they défend they are usually mighty dangerous in counters with players like son, kane etc.. Today, however, they had no purpose in life apart from defending and repeatedly clearing the ball.