Jesse Marsch: How Leeds beat Klopp’s Liverpool

After an encouraging start to the 2022/23 Premier League season, Leeds United travelled to Anfield in late October on the back of four consecutive defeats. With manager Jesse Marsch under increasing pressure, a game against Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool in their own back yard represented a daunting prospect.

The visitors took a shock early lead through Rodrigo, but when Mo Salah equalised soon after it looked like a tough evening for Leeds was only going to get tougher. Marsch’s team stayed in the game, however, and a late strike from Crysencio Summerville (below) secured a hugely important three points.

In this exclusive Masterclass on the Coaches’ Voice tactics board, Marsch discusses the approach behind the crucial victory. Out of possession, he reveals the Liverpool player he wanted his team to target, and how they looked to minimise the impact of dangermen Trent Alexander-Arnold and Salah. In transition, he explains the importance of wide attackers Summerville and Jack Harrison — and why they swapped sides for this particular game. Finally, in possession, he describes how he planned to get into the ‘red zone’ between the Liverpool midfield and defensive lines.

It’s a fascinating insight into the task faced by an under-pressure coach leading his team into one of the most difficult stadiums to play football. We hope you enjoy it!

Starting line-ups

LiverpoolLeeds United

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Liverpool4-3-3

Leeds United4-2-3-1

1Alisson

1Illan Meslier

26Andy Robertson

25Rasmus Kristensen

4Virgil van Dijk

5Robin Koch

2Joe Gomez

6Liam Cooper

66Trent Alexander-Arnold

21Pascal Struijk

6Thiago

12Tyler Adams

3Fabinho

8Marc Roca

19Harvey Elliott

11Jack Harrison

27Darwin Núñez

7Brenden Aaronson

9Roberto Firmino

10Crysencio Summerville

11Mo Salah

19Rodrigo

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Author: Tony Hodson