Just how do you stop Liverpool’s holy trinity of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino?
It’s a question many managers have tried – and failed – to answer over the past year.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola managed it, masterminding a thumping 5-0 win over Jurgen Klopp’s free-scoring side at the Etihad Stadium in September 2017.
And now, his secret to thwarting the Reds’ potent frontline has been revealed.
A new eight-part documentary series, All Or Nothing, provides a fascinating look behind the scenes at City’s Etihad Campus training facility, giving an insight into Guardiola’s methods.
In the opening episode, the City manager is seen briefing his players and staff in a small lecture theatre ahead of their Premier League match against Liverpool.
The players are seen sitting on large leather seats, watching and listening intently as Guardiola – who has also managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich – moves magnets on a whiteboard to convey his tactics.
The Spaniard’s key message is to "close the channels", which he identifies as the areas where dynamic forwards Salah and Mane could do the most damage.
"Today I’m going to explain to you what they do in attack, with the ball – Liverpool," he says.
"It’s a team who is so good at running – runs in behind – because the men up the pitch are so important.
Read More
Manchester City documentary
-
Pep Guardiola on why Manchester Unit…
-
Pep Guardiola drills Manchester City…
-
Kevin De Bruyne discusses Jose Mouri…
-
Sergio Aguero reveals Manchester Uni…
"Just focus today, when the ball is outside, close the channel. Mane and Salah, play in those positions, so when the ball is here (midfield) they make the move or put the ball here (the channel).
"They are so fast. Even when the (City) full-back has to go, try to make that movement (out wide) to close here, the play here (inside). Okay?"
His instructions seemed to do the trick.
City hit five goals, with no reply, although Liverpool did have Mane sent off after 37 minutes for a foul on goalkeeper Ederson.
- All Or Nothing is on Amazon Prime Video from Friday August 17.
Source: Read Full Article