John Giles says Liverpool ‘would concede even less’ if they stopped doing one thing

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Speaking on The Stand with Eamon Dunphy, John Giles has been speaking about Liverpool and their tactical set-up.

Giles isn’t a fan of the Reds’ defensive set-up, and he’s most notably been critical of their high line.

Giles believes that playing so high up the pitch is very unnecessary, and he reckons that the Reds would concede fewer goals if they sat deeper.

What’s been said?

Giles critiqued Jurgen Klopp’s defensive tactics.

“Liverpool have terrific players, and I see the stats which are impressive, but It doesn’t mean it’s right. If they did it the way I think they should do it, they don’t need to use the high line, it’s the old offside trap from my day, it’s the same thing. I don’t think they need to put themselves in any danger with the players they have. I don’t think they need to play the high-line in the way they play it. I’m just giving my opinion, the high line with the players they have isn’t necessary, and they would concede even less if they weren’t doing it,” Giles said.

Hard to agree

Giles is a legend of the game, but we have to argue against his comments here.

Liverpool have the third-best defence in the Premier League already, and while they could concede fewer goals, dropping deeper would sacrifice a lot of their attacking intent.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson wouldn’t be able to attack as freely if Liverpool played deeper, while the Reds also wouldn’t be able to press as high as there would be massive gaps between the lines.

We can see where Giles is coming from, for years the best way to defend was to park the bus and frustrate your opponents, but in the modern game with the talent Liverpool have, attack is the best form of defence.