Jurgen Klopp declare made by Andy Robertson after Liverpool’s ‘heavy metallic soccer’ win

Liverpool beat Southampton 3-1 thanks to the inspired substitutions of new manager Arne Slot but Andy Robertson reckons former boss Jurgen Klopp played a part too

Andy Robertson has credited a throwback to Jurgen Klopp’s high-octane Liverpool for their comeback 3-1 win against Southampton.

Under the new management of Arne Slot, Liverpool have traded Klopp’s ‘heavy metal football’ – a term he famously used to describe his team’s style – for a more measured approach. The 2019-20 title-winning Reds were lauded for their ferocious pressing and swift transitions that overwhelmed opponents.

Now, with Slot at the helm, the focus has shifted to maintaining control and methodically dismantling opposition defences. This change in tactics has also been beneficial for reducing injuries and sustaining fitness as Liverpool compete on multiple fronts.

However, facing the Premier League‘s bottom team and after a lacklustre first half that left Slot visibly frustrated in his inaugural season, Liverpool tapped into their old rhythm to flip the script versus Southampton.

Robertson, who joined the fray after the break, reflected on the shift,, reports the Mirror. He said: “The first 10 to 15 minutes of the second half I thought we blew them away and that was maybe similar to what we have kind of done in previous seasons.

“But maybe we have a bit more control and have time to be a bit more patient where the 19-20 team was probably when we got the ball we killed people on the counter-attack and in the half-spaces and before they even thought about it we were in front of goal.

“It is different but I do still think we have elements and you saw that in the second half where we were very gung-ho and just put Southampton under pressure and kept them penned in. Thankfully the lads had their shooting boots on and we were able to punish them.”

Will Smallbone’s unexpected goal gave Southampton the advantage right as the first half concluded, following a defensive mishap between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson.

Reds captain Van Dijk said: “Yes,” when asked if it was the most disgruntled he’d observed Slot, who couldn’t be on the touchline due to a two-match suspension, during the interval.

“But if you look at the first half, he had every right to be angry. And I think from his point of view as well, it was even more frustrating to see. But we did what we all wanted in the second half and what he wanted as well and now we move on.”

The impressive Darwin Nunez netted the leveller shortly after half-time, before the Uruguayan then won the first of two penalties, with Mohamed Salah converting from the spot at the 55-minute mark.

Salah doubled up from 12 yards after Yukinari Sugawara’s handball in the box later in the game. This brought the Egyptian’s tally to 27 goals in the Premier League this season.

With nine matches left, Erling Haaland’s astounding record of 36 goals is within reach. Liverpool have been hitting the net with remarkable consistency, scoring at least two goals in 19 consecutive games across all tournaments.

Arne Slot’s approach may be distinct from Klopp’s, but it’s shaping up to be potentially more reliable. During Klopp’s time, Liverpool celebrated one league title and one European Cup victory. Remarkably, there’s a solid chance Slot could parallel those triumphs in just a single season.

Robertson weighed in on the team’s adaptability under changing leadership. He said: “It is just different, different ways of playing and we’ve all had to adapt to the different managers’ two different styles of play and both are enjoyable. Hopefully both are as successful.”