Liverpool retains the core framework of the championship season and completes upgrades to the wings and front line

"We have introduced several talented players, but the team's core lineup has not changed. These players must improve again because our competitors will not stagnate." - Slot

Veterans match new players, Slot "model" again

After this round of big in and out, Liverpool retained the core framework of the championship season and completed the upgrade of the two wings and the front line. Salah, McAllister, Heraffenberg, Van Dyke and Kornat form the central axis, with Kolkz, Flynnon and Ekitic providing speed, impact and frontcourt unlocking abilities around them.

From Liverpool's performance in the past two warm-up matches, Slott's emphasis on defense is as always, and the importance of possession has risen to a new level. Korkz, Flynnon and Ekitic all tend to move closer to the midfield. Heraffenberg participated in the rotation of the central defender position. Slot advocated the concept of "the 10 major midfielders started at the same time" like Guardiola back then, and Klopp's idea that year came into reality.

Adventurous upgrade path, decisive tactical test

Last season, Slot continued the "energy saving and emission reduction" strategy in the late Klopp era. Liverpool's average running distance fell to the end of the league, and the frequency of high-level pressure was far from its peak. With the increase in frontcourt players' heights (Ekitic and Isaac), and the aging of Salah and Van Dyke, Liverpool's running ability may decline further, which must be supplemented by strengthening confrontation and ball possession. Slott asked Bradley to consider the middle and transform Heraffenberg to play as a midfielder, all aiming to improve the ball control ability. Guardiola has completed a similar tactical test in the 2022/23 season (triple crown season).