The Ultimate Showdown of Football Philosophies

The outside world was still arguing over who would win the match.

Inside the tactics room at Melwood.

Clips from Manchester City's recent matches played on the big screen.

Klopp stood at the front, marker in hand, sketching on the tactics board.

His face held the unmistakable excitement that came before a major clash.

"Lads!" He turned around, his voice booming. "Having Rodri back for this six-pointer gives us even more confidence!"

He slapped the tactics board and pointed at the formation.

"We're going back to a 4-3-3 for this match!"

"With Rodri behind you, Annuo, you can return to the position where you're most comfortable."

He looked at Chen Anno in the front row and grinned. Rodri's return was a relief to him, too.

"Break through the middle, cut in from the wings—play the way you love to play!"

Chen Anno's eyes lit up.

For the sake of the team, he had spent these past weeks dropping deep to organize play, giving up the chance to lead the attack.

Now that Rodri was back, he could finally become the "Super Anno" who struck fear into opponents again.

"Remember, Annuo," Klopp added. "I don't want you staying up front the whole time. You still need to drop back often, just not as deep. Draw Manchester City's center-backs out of the box."

"That'll give Mohamed and Sadio room to run in behind them."

Klopp turned to the two of them. "You two, tear down those wings! Run City's fullbacks into the ground!"

"And Robertson, Achraf!" He pointed at the two fullbacks. "Get forward without hesitation. Once City's fullbacks tuck inside, their wings will be wide open!"

"Rodri." Klopp turned to him. "You've got a big job in this match."

"I need you to hold the midfield together and direct our transitions.