Liverpool coach reveals tactical trick that left him speechless in Chelsea clash
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hailed Enzo Maresca’s tactical masterclass after Chelsea’s 3-1 win, declaring the Italian coach implemented a strategy unlike anything he had encountered—even from elite minds like Guardiola, Arteta, or Ancelotti.
Maresca’s key innovation? A “decoy midfielder”—a defensive player masquerading in advanced zones to lure Liverpool’s midfield out of shape, opening up channels for rapid Chelsea transitions. This disrupted Liverpool’s high press and carved open space with surgical precision.
Chelsea’s in-game shifts between a pressing 4-2-3-1 and attacking 3-4-2-1 formation further disoriented Slot’s side, showcasing Maresca’s positional fluidity and tactical evolution.
Slot’s praise echoes growing admiration across the league, with other top coaches recognizing Maresca’s rising influence in reshaping modern English football.
