Liverpool Fc boss reveals tactical switch that led to ‘classic’ Joel Matip goal

Liverpool Fc boss reveals tactical switch that led to ‘classic’ Joel Matip goal

The Red’s assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders has explained how Joel Matip’s line-breaking run was a ‘new weapon’ for the Anfield outfit, following a tactical switch allowing for his goal against Leeds united.

It was the moment when he played a one-two with Mo Salah and clipped a brilliant finish over Illan Meslier for 2-0.

Those trademark runs have become a feature of the reds game as Matip have reclaimed a starting role this season, and finding the back of the net was a reward for his persistence.

Lijnders has now discussed how Jurgen Klopp and his staff have looked to use that new technique to their advantage.

“As always, we’re always searching for new weapons, we’re always searching for new dynamics to bring the ball out of the back,” the Dutchman told reporters.

Joel Matip celebrates with his Liverpool teammates (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

“We felt that, or we see that, our team became better at recognising when to stop when to switch quick.

“With Joel, but also with Ibou, Joe and Virg, going into midfield like that, when they are the free player and when there is space, they can really go in to commit.

“It’s not the first time that it happened – we call this the ‘classic Joel dribble’!

“He does this a lot in the small-sided games, for example, he comes a lot one-vs-one with the goalkeeper when you play five-vs-five or six-vs-six.

“I really believe that our positional game, or the way we bring the ball out from the back, improved massively over the years.

“This is one of these steps we had to make, that our center-halves are able to…basically you want to create the last pass from everywhere.

“That should even be a center-half who is able to play the last pass – even Ali should be able to play the last pass.

“Then you see that the team is connected, and that’s a good sign.”

In other news, Kevin Campbell says Liverpool doesn’t need to start in-form star player against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final