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Enrique told BestGamblingSites that amidst Liverpool’s recent poor form, there is a growing sentiment among fans and pundits that Klopp should take inspiration from Guardiola and adapt his tactics to turn things around. Despite Liverpool’s dominance in recent seasons, their current position in the Premier League table, trailing Manchester City by 16 points, suggests a need for change.

While injuries have contributed to their struggles, it’s clear that Klopp needs to reassess his tactics and approach. Klopp and Guardiola’s rivalry built on mutual respect serves as a prime example of how managers can learn from one another, and it’s essential that Klopp takes this opportunity to revaluate his tactics and lead Liverpool to victory once again.

By analysing Guardiola’s strategies in these areas, we can identify ways for Klopp to evolve his approach and lead Liverpool back to the top of English football.

To this end, we will examine areas where Klopp can learn from Guardiola, including the significance of the midfield, tactical flexibility, and the importance of squad depth.

Klopp and Guardiola – A Rivalry Built on Mutual Respect

Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have been two of the most successful football managers in the world over the past decade. The two coaches have developed a rivalry built on mutual respect, and their teams, Liverpool and Manchester City, have consistently been at the forefront of English football in recent years.

However, with Liverpool’s recent poor form, many fans and pundits are suggesting that Klopp should take a leaf out of Guardiola’s book and adapt his tactics in order to get back to winning ways.

Adapting Tactics – The Importance of Flexibility

One area where Klopp could learn from Guardiola is in his approach to tactics. Guardiola has become known for his tactical flexibility, often making changes to his team’s formation or personnel to suit the opposition. This has been particularly evident in Manchester City’s recent success, with the team often lining up in different formations, such as a 3-5-2 or a 4-3-3, depending on the opponent.

Klopp, on the other hand, has been accused of being somewhat inflexible in his tactical approach. Liverpool has largely played in a 4-3-3 formation, with a high press and a focus on quick transitions to attack. However, as opposition teams have become more adept at dealing with this style, Liverpool has struggled to break them down.

The Significance of the Midfield – Finding the Right Balance

Another area where Guardiola has excelled is in the midfield. Manchester City’s midfield has been the engine room of the team, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and Rodri providing the link between defence and attack. Guardiola has been able to find the right balance in midfield, with players who are able to contribute to both attacking and defensive play.

Klopp, on the other hand, has struggled to find the right balance in his midfield. Liverpool has been hit hard by injuries to key players such as Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, and Fabinho, and this has disrupted the team’s rhythm.

The midfield has often been overrun in recent games, leaving the defence exposed and the attack without the necessary service.

The Importance of Squad Depth – Learning from Guardiola’s Approach

One area where Guardiola has excelled is in the depth of his squad. Manchester City has a plethora of talent in every position, with multiple players who are capable of playing in different positions. This has allowed Guardiola to rotate his squad regularly, keeping his players fresh and motivated. This has been particularly important this season, with the fixture schedule more congested than ever before.

In contrast, Liverpool’s squad depth has been tested this season, particularly in defence. The team has been hit hard by injuries to key defenders such as Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Joel Matip, and this has forced Klopp to play midfielders such as Henderson and Fabinho in defence.

Klopp Must Adapt to Succeed

Jurgen Klopp is one of the most successful managers in Liverpool’s history, and he has been instrumental in leading the team to their recent triumphs. However, in order to get Liverpool back to winning ways, he must be willing to adapt his tactics and approach. Guardiola has shown that tactical flexibility, a strong midfield, and a deep squad can lead to success, and Klopp must follow his example if he wants to take Liverpool back to the top of English football.

Klopp has already shown that he is willing to make changes to his team, but he must be more proactive in doing so. He must be more flexible in his tactical approach, and be willing to switch things up during games in order to take advantage of the opposition’s weaknesses.

Klopp must find the right balance in his midfield, with players who can contribute both defensively and offensively.

He must also develop a deeper squad, with more players who can contribute when the team is hit by injuries or when the fixture schedule becomes congested.

Photo from Pexels

An update has emerged regarding Glasgow Rangers’ plans to improve their goalkeeping options in the summer transfer window…

According to Football Insider, one particular option is being eyed by Michael Beale to bolster his squad at Ibrox at the end of the season.

The report claims that the Premiership giants are scouting out potential goalkeeper targets for the summer as they look to find their new long-term number one, and Manchester United’s former England international Jack Butland has emerged as one name on their radar.

What’s the latest on Jack Butland to Rangers?

Butland is currently on loan at Old Trafford from Crystal Palace, and his deal at Selhurst Park expires at the end of June, which means that he is set to be a free agent heading into the 2023/24 campaign.

It is stated that current Rangers first-choice Allan McGregor is expected to call time on his playing career when his contract expires later this year, although he could stay on as a coach.

Could Butland be McGregor’s heir at Rangers?

Beale could land the dream heir to his current number one by securing a deal to sign Butland on a free transfer to replace the Ibrox legend in the coming months.

The 41-year-old McGregor, who has been capped 42 times by Scotland, has made 475 appearances for the Light Blues throughout his career, but his form over the last two seasons suggests that this is the right time to part ways with him.

McGregor has saved just 61% of the shots on his goal in the league this term, and this comes after the he saved 66% and made four errors leading to shots or goals for the opposition in the Premiership last season.

Butland, who was hailed as “outstanding” by journalist Josh Bunting last year, would come in as a player who is 12 years younger than the Scotsman and as someone with a wealth of experience at the top level in England.

The nine-cap former England international has made 87 Premier League and 161 Championship appearances in his career and played in nine top-flight matches for Palace last term, saving 57% of shots on his goal.

Whilst McGregor has made three errors leading to shots or goals in the last 18 months, Butland has only made one error in his last three Premier League campaigns.

Between the 2017/18 and 2018/19 campaigns for Stoke, in the top two tiers of English football, the 29-year-old saved 5.5 more goals than expected based on post-shot xG, which shows that the potential is there for him to be an excellent goalkeeper if he can get back to his best.

The English titan has top-level experience, international recognition and plenty of years left ahead of him to develop further. This is why he could be a dream heir to McGregor and someone Beale could enjoy working with, as the on-loan ‘keeper knows what it takes to play in highly pressured matches and has plenty of mileage left in him.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen on a summer move for AZ Alkmaar left-back Milos Kerkez, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Bueno eyed

Wolves may need to sign a new left-back in the summer transfer window, given that Atletico Madrid are said to be eyeing a move for Hugo Bueno, who has been praised by Jamie Carragher in the wake of his recent performances.

The Old Gold have previously been linked with Benfica’s Alejandro Grimaldo, however with Champions League-chasing Newcastle also said to be interested, they may be forced to turn their attentions elsewhere.

The Latest: Keen on Kerkez

According to a report from Record (via Sport Witness), Julen Lopetegui is keen on signing Kerkez this summer, with Brentford, Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund also said to be eyeing deals.

The left-back has his sights set on Benfica, however the Portuguese club are not willing to stump up the €20m (£17.7m) that Alkmaar are set to demand, meaning he may have to move elsewhere.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as ‘incredible’ by members of the media, the Hungarian is fantastic going forward, having picked up three goals and six assists in all competitions for Alkmaar this season, also ranking in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 in the past year.

Given that the starlet is just 19-years-old, he is only going to improve, and he has already emerged as a vital player for Alkmaar, making 36 appearances for the title-chasing Dutch side in all competitions this season.

It is difficult to assess how good Kerkez is defensively, as he plays for a side that are not used to being on the back foot, but his attacking ability indicates he would be a great signing for Wolves this summer, perhaps capable of playing further forward on a long-term basis.

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is ‘close’ to agreeing a new contract at Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Uncertain future

The Frenchman’s deal in SW6 is set to expire at the end of the season, and having not yet put pen to paper on fresh terms, has been linked with an exit.

Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League rivals Liverpool have both been credited with an interest in the 31-year-old amid uncertainty surrounding his future.

The Blues star, however, is believed to be happy with how negotiations have progressed behind the scenes and is keen to extend his stay working under Graham Potter.

The Latest: Kante set to sign

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Kante is expected to sign on the dotted line, whilst also providing updates on the futures of Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount. He wrote:

“Raheem Sterling wants to stay at Chelsea, the plan is very clear for the summer – committed to the project, nothing has changed despite rumours.

“Contract talks with Mason Mount are in stand-by; Kante wants to stay and final details of new deal are close to being agreed.”

The Verdict: Fully deserved

Kante has been dubbed a ‘Rolls Royce’ by journalist Josh Bunting being Chelsea’s second longest-serving player behind Cesar Azpilicueta, so a new contract would be fully deserved.

The Adidas-sponsored ace was averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per top-flight game prior to his injury, via WhoScored, but is also a threat in the final third.

The Paris native has posted 28 goal contributions during his time in the capital and currently ranks in the 99th percentile for most progressive carries by midfielders in the top five European leagues.

Kante has been key to Chelsea’s success over the years having won six trophies since joining and the chances of that number increasing will only get better should he extend his stay.

Tottenham Hotspur are likely to be gearing up for what could be another summer transfer saga involving record goalscorer, Harry Kane, with the 29-year-old facing an uncertain future in north London as the end of his current deal looms large.

The England skipper – whose existing contract is set to expire in 2024 – is said to be ‘open’ to extending his deal at the club, although speculation is rife that the 80-cap sensation could be bound for pastures new, amid interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United.

It was just over 18 months ago that the prolific marksman was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City and had even attempted to force an exit to the Etihad, albeit with the typically stubborn Daniel Levy having thwarted that interest with his reported valuation of more than £120m.

That failure to seal a departure has hardly made an impact on the experienced striker as he has remained the go-to man for the club since then, notably bagging 18 league goals already this season as well as 20 goals in all competitions – ensuring he is the only member of Antonio Conte’s squad to reach double figures this term.

Evidently a crucial figure for Spurs, it would be an obvious blow if Kane were to move on any time soon, with it likely to prove an almost impossible task for Conte and co to be able to replace him.

As such, rather than taking the risk of splashing the cash on a high-profile new addition that may not ultimately be a success, Tottenham could potentially save themselves millions by looking to the youth ranks to find a suitable candidate – with teenage starlet Jamie Donley no doubt one such option.

Who is Spurs starlet Jamie Donley?

The promising Northern Irishman – who has represented England at youth level – could well be the next gem to emerge from Spurs’ academy set-up, having even been branded as the ‘new Harry Kane’ in recent times, as per the Belfast Telegraph.

The eye-catching 18-year-old – who signed his first professional contract just over a year ago – has been a real standout figure in the youth ranks of late after bagging 24 goals and nine assists in just 39 games for the U18’s, while he boasts 11 goal involvements in 27 games across all fronts this season.

Clearly a real ruthless presence in front of goal, Donley was recognised for his talents by earning an inclusion in the Guardian’s Next Generation list for 2021 – showcasing the top 20 youngsters across the Premier League – with journalist David Hytner writing that the young dynamo has been ‘noted for his tenacity and finishing ability’.

The exciting left-footer was also the recipient of notable praise from journalist Josh Bunting back in November, with the respected source having stated: “Jamie Donley what a talent he is, 17 years of age and I have no doubt if he keeps his head down he’ll have a bright future in the game. Natural finisher but his work-rate is really good, has a nice attitude and will get better as he matures. Could see a loan really benefit him.”

As Bunting acknowledged, Donley may have to follow Kane’s path in trying his luck out on loan before making the grade in the first-team, although the hope will be that he can eventually rise to become the club’s leading figure in attack.

Newcastle United have reportedly been beaten by Chelsea to the signing of Phoenix All Stars ‘wonderkid’ Dujuan Richards.

The Lowdown: Newcastle trial

As per The Chronicle, Richards underwent a two-week trial at Newcastle in February, and was in attendance at St. James’ Park as they drew at home to West Ham United in the Premier League.

Magpies U21s manager Ben Dawson gave rave reviews over his performances, and the 17-year-old has since earned his first senior call-up for Jamaica.

The Latest: Chelsea sign Richards

Taking to Twitter, journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared that Chelsea have in fact hijacked Newcastle’s move for Richards, and the Tynesiders were ‘close’ to signing him:

“Official. Chelsea sign Jamaican talent Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards — born in 2005, wonderkid joining from Phoenix All Stars.

“Newcastle were close to signing him but Chelsea have now completed the deal, director Joe Shields was crucial in the negotiations.”

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The Verdict: Blow

It is certainly a blow for the North East club to miss out on signing Richards to one of their Premier League rivals.

Likened to legendary Jamaican sprinter ‘Usain Bolt’ by his academy coach and agent, the six-foot-four prospect is incredibly quick, and would have been an exciting addition to the Academy.

Richards has recently spoken about his admiration for the club, as well as legends Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan, but unfortunately they have missed out on his signing to Chelsea, and will have to now look elsewhere to further strengthen their Academy.

Nonetheless, there may be an opportunity to sign him in the future, so they should not be feeling too disheartened.

A number of Leeds United supporters have been reacting to a contract update involving defender Robin Koch.

The Lowdown: Talks underway

Koch has made himself a regular at centre-back during the current Premier League campaign, turning out on 25 occasions in the top-flight and playing every minute under new manager Javi Gracia.

The defender’s current contract at Elland Road runs until 2024, however, the player himself has admitted that talks are underway over a new deal in Yorkshire. As relayed by The YEP, Koch said:

“During the season, I want to distract myself as little as possible with planning for the future.

“The first talks between the club and my advisor are currently underway. Towards the end of the season and during the summer break, I will deal with that. Now my focus is 100 per cent on our games and goals.”

The Latest: Fans react

YEP reporter Joe Donnohue shared the contract news regarding Koch on Twitter. His post received plenty of interaction, with a number of supporters hoping to see an agreement when it comes to new terms with Koch.

“We need to get this done.” – @ralph98bownas

“He is one of our better players. If we can keep hold of him after 2 relegation battles, that’s massive.” – @SamLocker1

“Been playing well this season. Wasn’t convinced but shows what staying fit and a run of games can do” – @WorsnopD

“I can totally get him not signing until safety is assured. Also his form has been a lot more solid since Wöber came into the side. Hopefully they can form a strong (Prem) base for next season.” – @aclr1972

“I hope he does. He’s been imperious this season.” – @whiterosedave

“Hes had a great season and if we stay up we should re-sign him. Defensively we have been much better this season….shame about the other end.” – @Jeffers0846

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Koch has made more appearances this season than his previous two thanks to remaining injury free and has seemingly caught the eye as a result.

Newcastle United are thought to be showing an interest in the 26-year-old, so securing him to a new long-term deal would be good news. It may put the Magpies off moving for the defender, or at worst, would keep his valuation at its maximum, meaning that Leeds could receive an eye-catching fee if they were to sell.

Hopefully, a new deal can be signed over the coming months and Koch can help the club remain in the Premier League, although he is ‘convinced’ the Whites won’t drop down to the Championship despite their current position.

Arsenal have now registered their interest in signing Red Bull Salzburg forward Noah Okafor this summer, according to a report from the Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Striker needed?

The Gunners are going very strong in their bid to win their first Premier League title since 2004, currently sitting eight points clear at the league’s summit, however one thing they have been lacking in recent weeks is goals from their recognised strikers.

With Gabriel Jesus only just returning from a knee injury, Eddie Nketiah has taken on a lot of the attacking responsibilities, and while he has impressed at times, the 23-year-old has only managed to score four league goals so far this season.

Leandro Trossard has been selected at centre-forward in recent weeks, impressing against Fulham by assisting all three goals, however he has scored just one goal for the club so far, and Mikel Arteta may want a more proven goal-scorer.

The Latest: Okafor targeted

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Arsenal have now registered their interest in signing Okafor, who is valued at £25m by current employers Red Bull Salzburg.

The striker is only contracted until the summer of 2024, reducing Salzburg’s ability to command a fee that reflects his potential, which means that £25m could end up being a bargain fee.

However, there is set to be stiff competition for the 22-year-old’s signature, with the two Milan clubs, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United also being named as potential suitors, which Leipzig hope will help drive his price higher.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The Switzerland international has shown a keen eye for goal during his time in the Austrian Bundesliga, scoring nine goals last season, however what is equally impressive is his ability to pick out his teammates in promising positions, recording the same number of assists.

Football Scout Jacek Kulig hailed the Binningen-born marksman for his goal-scoring exploits earlier this season, describing him as ‘incredibly prolific’, while he has also previously lauded him for his ‘electric pace’ and ‘super technique’.

Jesus’ return to the first-team picture means that a new striker may not be of the utmost importance to Arteta this summer, given that the Brazilian has recorded 11 goal contributions in 16 appearances so far this season.

However, the chance to sign a player with the potential of Okafor for a bargain fee does not come around too often, and Arsenal should definitely pursue a move.

West Ham United have been dealt a blow after learning that summer target Kalvin Phillips isn’t likely to be available for transfer in the next window, according to reports.

What’s the latest on Phillips’ future?

The England international made the initial £42m move to Manchester City from Leeds United back in July 2022 but hasn’t made the start to life he would have been hoping at the Etihad. The Sky Blues midfielder has only made ten appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side since putting pen to paper with just one of those being a start, as per WhoScored, so the fact that he’s out of favour has alerted potential suitors to his possible availability.

The Daily Star recently credited the Irons with an interest in the 27-year-old but claimed that they were set to face competition from his former side and boyhood club in Yorkshire, who are keen to get him back on their books after his exit last summer. However, both David Moyes and Leeds have now been dealt a huge setback in their pursuit if the following update is anything to go by…

According to Football Insider, Man City have “no plans” to sell Phillips during the upcoming window despite him yet failing to make a significant impact on the first team. The Whites’ academy graduate “wants to remain” with the Premier League giants and is “determined” to show the boss what he’s capable of.

Guardiola previously publicly criticised his big-money signing for supposedly returning from the World Cup “overweight”, though this doesn’t seem to have affected his stance on his future at the club.

Should West Ham attempt to sign Phillips?

Phillips is already used to playing alongside Declan Rice for England and he could be an ideal successor should the captain depart, so it could well be worth West Ham testing the waters with an approach regardless of Man City’s viewpoint.

The £150k-p/w talent is solid in the natural defensive aspect of his game, ranking in the 99th percentile for blocks per game and the 97th percentile for tackles per game amongst Europe's top midfielders, noting his desire to get stuck in and win back possession for his team (FBRef).

Guardiola’s number four is also a threat in the final third having posted 28 goal contributions (14 goals and the same number of assists) throughout his career, with this form at both ends of the pitch playing a big part in helping the Whites win promotion back to the top-flight in 2019/20.

A World Cup and Euro’s regular for the Three Lions, Phillips has been dubbed a “Rolls Royce” by journalist Josh Bunting and it would be a coup for the boss should he be able to secure his services to replace his international midfield partner in Rice.

Chelsea have now confirmed that Frank Lampard will be the caretaker manager until the end of the season, a decision which may boost Noni Madueke's hopes of becoming a regular at Stamford Bridge.

Does Madueke deserve to start?

Despite the plethora of wingers already at the club, Todd Boehly spent £29m to bring the England U21 international to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, but he struggled for regular game time under Graham Potter.

The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster had caught the eye in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven, contributing an impressive 20 goals and 14 assists in just 80 appearances for the Eredivisie side, so it is easy to see why Boehly wanted to bring the promising youngster in, given his preference for 'wonderkid' signings in his time at Stamford Bridge.

However, the youngster has so far been unable to replicate the form he showed with PSV, with no goals or assists in any of his five Premier League appearances this term, although only two of those have been starts.

He did show his class during the international break, scoring once and assisting twice in England U21s' 4-0 win over France U21s, which led manager Lee Carsley to urge Chelsea to utilise him more often.

He said: “He is exciting, fast, direct, and very versatile but what we have to remember is he is still young.

“He is going to need time, match minutes, the time to work on his game, but he has high potential. Like a lot of the younger players, he just needs an opportunity.

“They need opportunities to show that talent and given a run of games he will be fine.”

Madueke, who has previously been described as a "mentality monster" by his coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, managed just six minutes of action for Chelsea in March and was left on the bench again for the stalemate against Liverpool in midweek.

Fortunately for the 21-year-old, his fortunes may be about to change following Lampard's appointment, as the 44-year-old's previous spell at the club saw him regularly put his faith in the best prospects on offer at Stamford Bridge, with Mason Mount and Reece James the most notable examples of academy graduates who became key first-team players.

Although there was a transfer ban in place at the time, Lampard still gave 12,545 minutes to players aged 21 or younger in the Premier League during his first spell, which was more than any other club over the same period.

Given that the other wingers in Chelsea's squad, notably Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Mykhailo Mudryk have all failed to deliver so far this season – scoring a combined haul of one goal for the Blues – Madueke could finally get an extended run in the side under the new caretaker manager.