City’s stars must learn to adapt to Anfield
Otherwise what they will be doing will be definition of insanity
IAM aware of Manchester City’s poor record at Anfield because I was in the last Liverpool team to lose to them back in 2003. City nicked it 2-1 and their hero was Nicolas Anelka, who had previously been on loan with us. It’s a different City now, but Liverpool is the one place where they struggle. Even while breaking records last season they lost 4-3 at Anfield in the league and 3-0 in the Champions League.
Those results, when they were over-run for periods of both matches, makes this an interesting test for Pep Guardiola.
City don’t ordinarily change their style for anyone, whether it’s Brighton at home or Real Madrid away, and while I’d admire that you can argue that they should make an exception for this fixture.
Liverpool come at you in a way that has a psychological affect on the opposition. If Liverpool score early, the crowd feels so close it’s like they are shrinking the pitch.
It’s up to the City players as much as Pep to manage the game in those moments. I feel they are so keen to follow their leader’s instructions they don’t make their own decisions.
I’m not suggesting they become a long-ball team but past results indicate they should respect Liverpool and get the ball up the pitch at times to take the heat off.
I liked to build from the back but if we were under the cosh in a European tie with Fulham and I went to pick up the ball from Mark Schwarzer, he’d tell me to clear off so he could clear upfield.
Jurgen Klopp has become a bit more pragmatic. He’s got more confidence in his defence with Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, so knows when to push and when to protect.
The big question is whether Guardiola will adapt or continue with his philosophy of taking risks, playing between the lines and trying to beat the press. I suspect he won’t change and will hope Klopp’s side are tired from the midweek trip to Napoli.
If Pep pulls it off, he’ll be a genius. But if they get strangled again, I’ll be reminded of that old definition of insanity; trying the same thing again and again and expecting a different outcome.
Today’s game could be won and lost in midfield where you’ve got the legs and tenacity of Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum and James Milner against the technical gifts of David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Fernandinho — and Kevin de Bruyne if fit.
Guardiola will hope his middle three can keep the ball long enough this time to stop Liverpool.
One advantage he’s got is that Liverpool won’t know who is in the centre of City’s defence because it’s rotated all the time. I think Nicolas Otamendi may start because he’s so good on the ball.
Liverpool scored early goals in the games in January and April and they’re even better equipped now to finish the job if they strike first again. If Liverpool go in front, they don’t have to go gung-ho and risk being caught high up the pitch against the pace of Leroy Sane.
Though this will be billed as a six-pointer, the result won’t decide where the title ends up in May. Liverpool beat City 3-2 in 2014 and finished below them in the end.
Push me for a prediction and I think Liverpool will win. The title, I wouldn’t be as sure. You can win the battle and lose the war.
GOALKEEPERS
Alisson and Ederson, both from Brazil, are part of a new breed of Premier League goalkeeper. They have changed the position forever. In the future, top No1s will have to be comfortable with their feet.
It’s important to point out though that both men are much more than sweeper-keepers. If they were good with their feet but couldn’t make saves, Guardiola and Klopp wouldn’t be having them.
Both are in their mid-20s and if they stay in England for a decade they will be viewed with Peter Schmeichel and David de Gea as the best we’ve seen here. And English goalkeepers shouldn’t despair.
Every young keeper will now be taught to get used to having the ball at their feet, whatever country they are in.
THE HOLY GRAIL
I was a boyhood Liverpool fan and remember seeing John Barnes parading the league trophy at Anfield in 1990 — the last time the club won it.
As a player, I was very aware how much the quest meant to the city because I’d watched the glory years close up. Other local lads like Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Dominic Matteo and David Thompson were in the same boat.
I don’t think the current squad feel the same pressure and that’s probably a good thing. You can see they play with a freedom.
If this Liverpool squad can end 29 years of hurt, their places in the history of the club are assured.
Ditto Klopp, he’ll be on the way to becoming an immortal like Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.