Many soccer fans in the United States want Jürgen Klopp to replace Gregg Berhalter as head coach. They see this potential move as a way to galvanize the United States to go from an otherwise boring and lackluster team to a side with an identity. He did that at Liverpool, as the Reds finished in the top three clubs in goal-scoring in each of Klopp’s full seasons at Anfield. His method of achieving that feat can translate well to the USMNT, which may have the squad to suit his noted playing style.
At Borussia Dortmund, the German tactician paved the way with Gegenpressing, an aggressive form of defending where a team slams the opposition in their half. In other words, as soon as Dortmund or Liverpool would lose the ball, Klopp’s tactics would heavily press the opposition in the opposition’s half. Fast and physical players like Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah were equally important to the defense as they were their attack. In Klopp’s words, the philosophy is that it makes the opponent instantly vulnerable. They fail to get players behind the ball, and their defense is more open to attack.
The United States men’s national team has the potential to use much of the same tactics that Klopp used at Liverpool. Some of Gregg Berhalter’s tactics with the USMNT wanted to press like Klopp. In an ideal world under Berhalter, that would have made the USMNT a force. However, Berhalter has always been someone to lean on the side of defense. Perhaps it is the fear of making a mistake, but Berhalter has prioritized defensive stability and possession while the athleticism of the United States does not suit this style.
Klopp would not be afraid to take risks with the USMNT. He certainly was not with Liverpool, and it paid major dividends. The immediate concern is if the USMNT has the players that can work under Klopp’s system. In many ways, that answer is yes.
How the USMNT adapts to Klopp’s system
At Liverpool, it would be…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/klopps-potential-impact-on-usmnts-playing-style-and-tactics/
Author : Kyle Fansler
Publish date : 2024-07-08 17:41:19
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