Arne Slot’s impact at Liverpool has been evident since his arrival, with much of the focus on how his tactics have transformed the team’s attacking play. But what has really caught the eye is how Slot has tightened up Liverpool’s defence. This newfound solidity has already earned praise from players like Andrew Robertson, who pointed out how much more secure the team feels at the back. As Robertson stated after their 3-0 win over Manchester United: “We look a bit more secure defensively and had a lot more control. They always say clean sheets will win you things.”
While Liverpool’s patient build-up and careful attacking play have been widely discussed, it’s their work out of possession that deserves attention. Let’s break down how Slot’s system has delivered early defensive success.
Addressing Last Season’s Defensive Gaps
It’s no secret that Liverpool struggled defensively last season, particularly during moments of transition. Teams often found themselves running at an exposed Liverpool backline, exploiting spaces left behind by their aggressive counter-pressing. This was particularly concerning during transitional moments when Klopp’s team was left vulnerable, conceding 3.1 ‘direct attacks’ per 90 minutes – the sixth-highest in the Premier League.
As Robertson candidly noted, “When you keep conceding chances, you will get punished. Alisson made far too many saves.” Liverpool were undone by counter-attacks too often, with the team shape becoming too stretched. For context, their title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal conceded fewer counter-attacks due to more compact defensive setups.
Compact Shape: Slot’s Tactical Recalibration
Slot’s solution to Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities has been to implement a more compact, structured team shape. Last season, Liverpool’s defence lacked vertical compactness – an important metric that measures how closely a team maintains its shape during moments of transition. Liverpool’s average compactness distance of 9.9 metres ranked as one of the highest in the Premier League, showing the gaps between players were too wide.
In contrast, Slot has introduced a system where the team plays with a narrower shape, especially when transitioning from attack to defence. This shift in structure has had an immediate effect. The team now defends as a unit, reducing the number of direct attacks they face. Slot’s tactical switch to a 4-2-4 shape without the ball has given Liverpool greater control in these moments, preventing opponents from breaking through midfield as easily as they did last season.
One particular strength is how the wingers and attacking midfielders support the defensive effort, blocking off passing lanes and applying pressure in key areas. This approach was on full display during Liverpool’s 3-0 demolition of Manchester United, with all three goals coming from direct attacks following high turnovers. The energetic pressing that Liverpool has become known for remains, but now it is balanced with a more organised structure.
Transitioning Smarter, Not Harder
One of the key differences under Slot is the intelligent decision-making that now defines Liverpool’s play during transitional moments. In Klopp’s final season, there was often an emphasis on high pressing, with players trying to win the ball back as quickly as possible. While this could be devastating when it worked, it left the team vulnerable when opponents managed to bypass the press.
Slot has implemented a more measured approach. If Liverpool cannot press high and win the ball back immediately, they are prepared to drop into a defensive shape quickly. This change is already paying dividends. In their match against Brentford, for example, Liverpool’s midfield and backline were quick to drop back whenever Brentford gained possession. By the time the opposition reached the final third, Liverpool had seven players behind the ball, making it difficult for Brentford to create any meaningful chances.
This pragmatic style of defending transitions contrasts with the chaotic nature of last season, where Liverpool often found themselves chasing after the ball in disorganised fashion. As Slot himself remarked after the Manchester United victory, “If they play through or over our press, I see everybody working really hard to make sure we don’t need Alisson.”
The Role of Rest Defence in Limiting Counter-Attacks
A key part of Slot’s defensive strategy is what’s known as ‘rest defence’ – how a team positions itself when in possession to guard against counter-attacks. In last season’s matches, Liverpool often left themselves exposed when attacking, with large gaps between players that allowed opponents to launch quick counters.
This season, Slot has worked to ensure that Liverpool remain compact even when they are on the front foot. As seen in their match against Ipswich Town, Liverpool’s shape was tight as they moved the ball forward, with players in close proximity, ready to close down any potential counter-attack. Within 10 seconds of losing the ball, Liverpool regained possession, stifling Ipswich’s ability to break.
It’s this balance between attack and defence that is making all the difference under Slot. Liverpool’s players are more disciplined in their positioning, ensuring they have enough bodies behind the ball to prevent opposition attacks from gaining momentum.
Early Signs of Defensive Success Under Slot
While it’s still early days in the Premier League season, the signs are promising for Liverpool’s defence under Slot. Their decision-making has improved significantly, with the team now pressing with more intelligence and retreating when necessary. Robertson’s words reflect this newfound control: “We’re not perfect, we’re not anywhere near where the manager wants us to be — but we’re getting there.”
Slot’s influence has brought balance to Liverpool’s game, blending their high-energy pressing with defensive solidity. It’s not just about attacking anymore; it’s about controlling the entire game, from front to back.
