How Guardiola and Klopp's tactics evolved

The constant changes in tactics by Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp make the occasions when Man City faces Liverpool the most exciting battles in the Premier League.

"Man City v Liverpool is the number one Premier League game of the last decade," the Premier League website commented. "Not just for the technical quality or the typical basketball-style entertainment of the game, but also for the ever-evolving tactical sophistication of the battles between Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. History will record them as two of the best and most influential managers of the 21st century."

Guardiola and Klopp have faced each other 28 times, more than any other manager in their careers. They have also beaten each other more than anyone else: Klopp has 11 wins, Guardiola 10.

Guardiola (left) and Klopp will battle it out for the 29th time in the earliest match of round 13 of the Premier League, taking place at 12:30 today London time.

Here's a look at Klopp's history with Guardiola, the recent tactical tweaks that have shaped their head-to-head record and how today's clash at the Etihad could play out.

Guardiola and Klopp inspire each other. There have been many impressive results and spectacular performances when Man City played Liverpool over the years. From Liverpool's 3-0 win in the Champions League in April 2018 to Man City's 5-0 win in September 2017. From John Stones' goal-line save with the ball still on the line in the 2018-19 Premier League season to Liverpool's classic 4-3 win at Anfield in January 2018.

These results have come about thanks to Klopp and Guardiola constantly learning from each other, be it grasping ideas, tweaking tactics to exploit mistakes or adapting to new and clever changes in opponents.

In fact, the two became so attached to each other that the story of their time in England can be told as a gradual movement towards the other's way of thinking.

Klopp was friendly with Guardiola before the Premier League match at Etihad Stadium on April 1, 2023. Photo: Reuters — Klopp was friendly with Guardiola before the Premier League match at Etihad Stadium on April 1, 2023. Photo: *Reuters*

When the two managers first arrived in the Premier League (Klopp in 2015 and Guardiola in 2016), each epitomised the tactical ideals of their homeland. Klopp was renowned for his gegenpressing style – sharp counter-attacks and all-out pressing. Guardiola, on the other hand, prized possession and wanted total control.

Fast forward eight years and through ideas shared in the heat of battle, Guardiola and Klopp have blurred those lines. Guardiola, with Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku up front, has never been more open to counter-attacking than he is now. Klopp has undergone a transfer revolution, bringing in ball-playing midfielders who value control of play.

The unexpected experiments of the 2021-2022 season. The journey to that common ground has been a series of adjustments, and they have not slowed down over time. Looking back at two big Premier League games in the 2021-2022 season will help to clarify what happened last season.

In the 2-2 draw at Anfield in October 2021, Liverpool used a surprising tactic of playing long balls behind the Man City defence - a play that inadvertently allowed the visitors to flourish. In this match, Jack Grealish played the role of a "false 9", often drifting left and linking up with Phil Foden to target Liverpool's weak link, James Milner. And Klopp's team was suppressed. That set the tone for a chaotic and tense match, with high technical quality but clumsy tactical play.

Grealish's touchline positions in Man City's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield in December 2021.

In the rematch, which also ended in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad, Guardiola experimented with Liverpool’s long ball style. City were more direct than usual, looking to exploit the space behind Liverpool’s high defence. This approach proved effective with Gabriel Jesus scoring the second goal.

Map of Man City's key passes in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Etihad in April 2022. Blue is a bad pass, black is an interception, yellow leads to a goal, red is a save by the opposing goalkeeper.

But just like in the first meeting, Liverpool took control in the second half by pressing high and accepting the chaos caused by Man City's more direct approach. The visitors tied the score early in the second half through Sadio Mane.

The new variations continue in the 2022-23 season. Once again, the impact of the direct confrontation on the next match is very clear, as Guardiola no longer uses long balls and out of control.

Instead, the Spanish coach adjusted his tactics to a 3-5-2 formation with Joao Cancelo and Phil Foden as wing-backs. Man City played tight, squeezed in the middle and sometimes had five defenders, not wanting things to get out of control.

Liverpool also learned from the previous game, positioning their defence deeper to limit the space available. The game was tight until Guardiola pushed Bernardo Silva further forward. After a series of chances for both players, the difference came when Mohamed Salah beat Cancelo, met Alisson’s long pass, then sprinted in to score the only goal from a one-on-one with goalkeeper Ederson.

Man City's 3-5-2 formation when playing Liverpool in October 2022 at Anfield.

The lesson Klopp took from this victory seems to be that Liverpool played better in an open game and Man City were drawn into a transition battle. This is probably the most reasonable reason why the German coach used an unimaginable 4-2-4 formation and then suffered a 1-4 defeat when he traveled to the Etihad in April 2023.

Jordan Henderson and Fabinho were simply outclassed in midfield. Meanwhile, with Haaland injured, Guardiola used Julian Alvarez as a false nine to provide extra personnel in midfield. Liverpool were overwhelmed as City – using Alvarez to turn transitions into quick counter-attacks – found a way to better exploit Klopp’s high line.

Alvarez's passing map in Man City vs Liverpool match in April 2023.

"Liverpool's long ball style, then Man City copying this style. Man City's defensive-minded back five, then Liverpool playing with a gap in midfield. The intensity and tactical sophistication of this big game always seems to cause a reaction against each previous match, and more than that, both sides have to think too much," commented the Premier League homepage.

What could happen today? It will be difficult to predict the tactical battle exactly. No one can predict what Klopp or Guardiola will do next in this fascinating series. But weaknesses, vulnerabilities and injury concerns can help to shed light on what the two managers might be thinking today.

Klopp may adopt a cautious approach after the defeat at the Etihad in April, meaning he has to choose between Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back. Up front, the German could choose Diogo Jota or Cody Gakpo as a false nine to cover the midfield, only giving Darwin Nunez a chance in the second half.

On the other hand, the 4-4 draw at Chelsea on November 12 could prompt Guardiola to change his approach. At Stamford Bridge that day, Rodri was isolated in midfield, allowing Chelsea to play an attacking game - something Guardiola disliked. Therefore, the Spanish coach could choose two central midfielders. But he has few options, given the absence of John Stones, Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes.

"Injuries to both teams are enough to complicate things. The messy and complicated history of the Guardiola-Klopp rivalry makes it almost impossible to envision the tactical battle. All we can say, with absolute confidence, is that this will be another spectacular game," commented the Premier League homepage.

Hong Duy (according to premierleague.com )

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