Thing is, no matter what shape Klopp writes down on paper, ultimately in possession we will (or should) end up in something closely resembling 3-4-3 in our build up play.
The center backs split, Henderson drops and the full backs push up to give us width.
Off the ball, our shape is constantly changing dependant upon what we are doing and trying to achieve. Counter pressing the rule is that everyone can press except for the back 3.
I guess the question is whether off the ball it would be better for us to have 3 (or 5) players or 4. There is no simply answer really. It would force Klopp to narrow his tactical approach though.
His current system is a highly flexible system which changes continuously throughout the game to deal with the threats being faced. It will see us press passing lanes at times when using pressing traps - like how we saw with Pep's Barca. It will allow us to go man oriented when containing sides first and foremost, as we did against Sevilla. It allows us to use ball oriented pressing where we surround and suffocate the ball carrier where we have no discernible marking or team shape.
The problem with our system is it's complicated. Therefore it takes longer to learn and longer still to master. And of course while that learning process occurs, we look a shambles. It's why Chamberlain wont be featuring in our midfield until he understand things tactically enough to not be a liability in there. Stepping out at the wrong time, not knowing whether we are set up to press man, ball, space, passing lanes. Not knowing if he should track runners in a man oriented zonal system or whether he maintains shape.
Which means as it's failing now, we want to see it change. Rather than simply believing that this will take time (and maybe better players) to perfect. If the latter, do we change until we have those better players, which will mean moving back to it could be a longer learning process for them all. Or do we persevere and simply replace those who are not learning quick enough window to window.
I think as fans we only think and see short term. We have problems now. Therefore we want solutions now. That means seeing an actual tangible change of some description. Seeing that change = positive, the manager is pragmatic. Not seeing that change = stubborn, insane, how can persisting with this achieve different results? In reality maybe we just need to be patient. Because for us time is linear, we cannot see the destination until we arrive at it. I am sure there is a plan in place to get us from where we are now to where we want to be. Just because we cannot see it, feel it, touch it yet, doesn't make it less real. We just need to believe it's there.
If we set up more "conservatively" then we will likely face more attacks as well as have fewer ourselves. However it should be harder for sides to find spaces in our half to make good scoring chances from them. If you look at the games against Hoffenheim, Sevilla, Arsenal, and City - we did actually set up this way and look to counter. The problem becomes doing this against a side who won't push their shape into your half exposing themselves to counters and instead will happily only push their midfield line to half way then look to play for territory with aerial transitions. You then may still concede some scoring chances without actually getting much opportunity to have counter attacking moments yourself.
Klopp's system requires explosive players at full back who are strong in 1v1 encounters. We have seen this season how many goals have come from Gomez & TAA being beaten in 1-v-1 too easily (e.g. Albrighton for Leicester). Moreno has been excellent in 1-v-1's this season and his low center of gravity, pace and new found desire to stay on his feet is making him pretty solid for us there. Clyne is also excellent in 1-v-1 (except when Chamberlain destroyed him last year).
There is a reason at Dortmund Klopp would rotate out full backs and central/attacking midfielders when they hit 29 and have them gone entirely at 31 from the squad. Rangnick would start the replacement process even earlier in the mid 20's. A high pressing system requires a lot of pace, balance, agility and stamina. The first things to go with age.
Moreno/Robertson are going to be our left backs going forward, unless Moreno hugely regresses. Clyne/TAA are our right backs. Matip will get a chance with a reliable CB partner to find form. I suspect Karius will get a sustained chance to be #1 before Klopp writes him off. Like Matip, Gini will also get a chance in well balanced midfield. Coutinho, Mane, Salah, Firmino, Origi, Solanke, Chamberlain are a nice set of attacking options.
I think a starting #6 to replace Can, a starting CB to replace Lovren + Keita. Then the Karius we saw in the Bundesliga - or a new keeper if he cannot get to that level here when given the chance. Suspect that will be the next wave of changes we will see to the squad. Maybe Lemar (or other) for Coutinho if he leaves. Sturridge will be leave too I think.
