Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has admitted his players were left surprised by Liverpool's uncharacteristically passive approach during their 1-1 Premier League draw at Anfield on Wednesday.
The Black Cats secured a valuable point on Merseyside after taking a second-half lead, with the hosts' failure to implement their trademark high press a key talking point. Liverpool, enduring a poor run of form, offered the visitors unusual time and space to build attacks.
Le Bris reacts to unexpected Anfield tactics
Speaking after the match, Le Bris confessed his tactical preparations had anticipated a far more aggressive Liverpool performance. The Frenchman highlighted a clear shift from the intense pressing style that has defined Jurgen Klopp's former side.
"We were even a bit surprised to have time and space to build up the play," Le Bris stated. "Probably they didn’t expect to be at that level. We expected [Mohamed] Salah as well to come on the pitch and to change a bit the dynamics, so we are prepared."
Sunderland's goal came via a deflected effort from Chemsdine Talbi that took a decisive touch off Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. A Florian Wirtz strike that was later ruled an own goal brought Liverpool level, but the visitors almost snatched a dramatic winner with a stoppage-time effort cleared off the line.
Pressure mounts on Arne Slot at Anfield
The result extends a worrying period for Liverpool and their manager Arne Slot. The Reds have fallen out of the title race after a string of poor results since late September, with several teams now arriving at Anfield believing they can get a result.
Slot himself acknowledged this shifting perception. "It’s clear that teams that play us now think they can get a result," the Dutchman said. "Not only think, because that has been shown this season. And even in the games we’ve won, they also fuelled the confidence for other teams."
This tactical conundrum represents a significant challenge for Slot. Moving away from the high-press identity may be an attempt to find a new winning formula, but it also removes a key fear factor for opponents like Sunderland.
What the draw means for both clubs
For a newly-promoted Sunderland side, the point at Anfield is another impressive result in a strong season, reinforcing their credibility in the top flight. For Liverpool, the 1-1 draw is another setback in a campaign that has rapidly unravelled since a promising start.
The match highlighted a team in transition, struggling to impose its will on games at home. As Slot searches for solutions, opponents are growing in confidence, no longer intimidated by the prospect of a trip to one of English football's most famous stadiums.
