Brendan Rodgers has been switching between the 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 formation this season and now the Liverpool manager has revealed to us how he picks which system to go with before a game.
“First and foremost I look at the players available,” said the Rodgers on Liverpoolfc.com.
“That was part of the change in our system when we went to 3-5-2. What we’ve shown is tactical flexibility to flip between a couple of formations, and we’ve won games when we’ve flipped.
“That bodes well for us. Then, of course, you’re looking at the opponent and certain areas of strength you need to look at – if they play with one up front, do you have to play with three [centre-backs]?
“You’re asking yourself, analysing and preparing the team through all of those tactical questions, but either way I’ll always judge and look at my own players first and make a decision from there.”
Liverpool started the season off playing 4-3-3 as Suarez was still serving his 10 match ban. But when Suarez returned to the side Rodgers switched to 3-5-2 as he needed a way to play with Suarez and Sturridge upfront and it also coincided with Liverpool having an abundance of quality central defenders.
The 3-5-2 formation seemed to work well for Liverpool but somehow we let in goals on a regular basis even though with three at the back. The wing backs become very important in this system as they provide the width in the side. With Enrique and Johnson being our best wing backs and them struggling with injuries it makes sense for Rodgers to now revert back to a 4-3-3.