5 top football managers and the tactics that define them

#4 Jurgen Klopp

One would have thought Liverpool had just been crowned European champions when the ecstasy and jubilation regarding Klopps arrival was broadcasted across the continent. But, in all fairness, the Anfield faithful have the right to be excited.

Gegenpressing. A linguistically challenging, over popularised piece of jargon, or what those bred to follow the traditional English strategies of the game may think. On the contrary, this is the tactic which Klopp has spearheaded and which has enabled his Dortmund to compete with the big guns in the Champions League.

It involves regaining possession immediately after losing it, as Klopp himself claims this is the time the opposition is at their most vulnerable. Concentration is lost and focus still lies with having won the challenge, so picking the ball off the individual is easier than ever.

Many feel this is the reason Klopps transition into the Liverpool dugout will be so smooth. The 2013/14 side that came within a sniff of the Premier League title utilised intense pressing and, much like the 48-year-old in his time at Dortmund, used this form of defence to attack.

Two, maybe even three,players gang-up on the opposition player, restricting movement and suffocating him of space to disperse the play. As a result, possession is won and a counter-attack can start high up the field, creating space which wasnt initially there.

Expect to see this translate into Liverpools game more and more, as well as the odd spark of genius when it comes to set-pieces, another area where Klopps intuitive nature flourishes.