Champions League Final: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#4 Liverpool’s high pressing suffocates Tottenham

Jurgen Klopp decided to field a full strength eleven with Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Salah all starting. Additionally, the midfield trio of Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson got the nod ahead of the other options at the German’s disposal.

Thus, with several energetic players on the pitch, it seemed inevitable that the Reds would try to press the ball high up the pitch. And that is exactly what Liverpool did from the outset.

The first goal came about as the Reds pinched the ball in midfield after intercepting an attempted long pass. Henderson then quickly sprang into action and fed the run of Mane. The Senegalese forward proceeded towards the Spurs penalty area before his cross hit the arm of Moussa Sissoko.

In addition to the goal, Klopp’s men very rarely allowed Spurs to play out from the back. On countless occasions, Harry Winks dropped into the space between the centre backs to distribute the ball for Tottenham. Yet, he was always surrounded by Liverpool shirts.

Moreover, the Reds counter-pressed very effectively and that facet made it tough for Pochettino’s troops to mount significant counter-attacks.

Over the years, Klopp and his teams have been praised for the way they press their opponents into submission. However, during his tenure at Liverpool, the German has been selective with his usage of the Gegenpress.

Yet, when the biggest stage came calling, he returned to his roots and pulled a tried and tested rabbit out of the hat.

And while the Liverpool players will rightly take home the spotlight, Klopp’s tactics on the night deserve their time in the sun too.