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After suffering an insipid 2-1 defeat at Molineux in the Premier League on Tuesday, the Reds bounced back three nights later with a 3-1 victory that took them to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
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In his post-match press conference, the Old Gold coach praised the intensity of the Merseysiders’ pressing as “elite” and noted how they were vastly improved in that regard from the top-flight fixture just days earlier.
Edwards praises ‘elite’ Liverpool
Edwards said (via Liverpool World): “Their counterpressing and their intensity were better. There were times on Tuesday where we outplayed them. It was tough to get past or around them tonight.
“It was really difficult. When we got it back, some people took too many touches and that allowed them to go and catch us. Sometimes it wasn’t our fault; it was just brilliant counter-pressure on their part. It was almost like they were surrounding us.
“Their intensity was very, very good. (There were) some turnovers where we could have been better, a lot of them where I thought, ‘That’s the level.’ What they showed is the level, an incredibly elite level.”
Liverpool were much better last night compared to midweek
Having been “chaotic” against Wolves on Tuesday (in the words of James Pearce), Liverpool managed to raise their level a few gears in the second half last night, with Rio Ngumoha putting in a stellar display after making a rare start to senior football.
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Edwards’ comments about the Reds’ intensity are backed up by their non-possession stats in both games this week. They made six more recoveries than their opponents on Friday compared to one less in midweek, while increasing their duel success rate from 45% to 52% (Sofascore).
The counter-pressing the Wolves boss spoke of has not always been evident in Arne Slot’s side this season, although it was more reminiscent of the Jurgen Klopp era when LFC became famous for that particular trait.
Liverpool’s attitude last night was considerably better than on Tuesday, although it took until after half-time to find that important piece of ingenuity to break the deadlock, and that is what they now need to bring to the daunting Champions League clash against Galatasaray next week.
Edwards was gracious in defeat and can be very pleased with his team’s efforts in recent games as they attempt to save face in what has been a punishing campaign at Molineux.