Former Everton manager Sam Allardyce says Liverpool play long ball football

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Former Everton manager Sam Allardyce says Liverpool play ‘long ball’ but feels pundits and commentators will never point it out.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Allardyce – who has a reputation for playing direct football himself – accused Jurgen Klopp of playing long ball.

He said: “Liverpool play long ball very well indeed from right to left, and very quickly. But nobody will say Liverpool play long ball. You wouldn’t hear Martin Tyler saying it because it would be frowned upon.

“You’ve got to be careful about saying Liverpool play long ball. But that’s the way it is. They play long ball exceptionally well and better than anybody else. And that’s why they do it.”

TBR’s View – Liverpool’s direct play is so different to Allardyce’s default gameplan

Allardyce doesn’t even try and hide the chip on his shoulder at this point. He clearly feels his reputation for playing long ball, rudimentary football isn’t deserved and takes every opportunity he can to point out when he feels more vaunted managers mimic his style.

In reality, there’s a world of difference between Jurgen Klopp’s gameplan and what Allardyce prefers.

Liverpool play direct, flighted passes to allow their flying wingers to get on the ball as quickly as possible. It forms part of a varied gameplan which contains keenly drilled and honed attacking movements.

Allardyce’s sides tended to play a very structured, organised defensive style, with the only outlet hopeful long punts forward to strikers. It’s no coincidence that his spells at big Premier League clubs who have a right to demand a bit more – Everton, West Ham and Newcastle – ended with him becoming unpopular with the fans.

There is a world of difference between the two approaches.