Rob Edwards has commented on the huge difference in Liverpool’s performance against Wolves on Friday night compared to the two teams’ last meeting earlier this week.
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After suffering a humiliating 2-1 defeat at Molineux in the Premier League on Tuesday, the Reds made amends with a 3-1 victory three nights later to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.
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In his post-match press conference, the Old Gold manager praised the Merseyside side’s pressing intensity as “elite” and pointed out that they were much improved in this area from the top flight just a few days ago.
Edwards is full of praise for Liverpool’s ‘elite’
Edwards said (via Liverpool World): “Their counter-pressing and intensity was better. There were moments on Tuesday where we overcame them. It was difficult to break through or get around them tonight.
“It was really tough. When we won the game back, we had a couple guys touch the ball too much and that allowed them to mark us. Sometimes it wasn’t our fault; it was just their good counter-pressing. It was almost like they were surrounding us.
“Their intensity is very, very good. [There were] There were some mistakes when we could have done better and a lot of the time I was thinking, ‘This is the level’. The level they’ve shown is incredibly elite. “
Liverpool were much better last night than they were midweek
After a “chaotic” performance (in James Pearce’s words) against Wolves on Tuesday, Liverpool managed to raise their level a few notches in the second half last night, with Leo Ngumogha turning in a fine performance after being handed a rare senior start.
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Edwards’ comments about the Reds’ intensity are backed up by runaway numbers from both games this week. On Friday, they had six more recoveries than their opponents, compared to one less midweek, while their duel success rate also improved from 45% to 52% (Sofascore).
What the Wolves boss refers to as counter-pressing has not always been evident in Arne Slott’s side this season, although it is more reminiscent of the Jurgen Klopp era when Liverpool were renowned for this particular trait.
Liverpool had a much better attitude last night than they did on Tuesday, although it wasn’t until half-time that they found the all-important brilliance to break the deadlock, which is what they will now need heading into next week’s Champions League trip away to Galatasaray.
Edwards was gracious in defeat and was very pleased with his team’s effort in the past few games as they try to save face after a tough encounter at Molineux.
