21 Sep 2026 12:23:05
We have to try reverting to klopp's style 4-3-3 and i know it will work for AI. This 4 2 3 1 or whatever variation we are playing isn't working (press wise) although results have been ok.
We have players for it.
Defence is already looking strong a 3 man midfield will provide much needed support in midfield and strengthen defence furthermore
And 3 up front - barcola isak gackpo.
Wirtz has to take the fall. He deserves it. I think the only reason AI isn't playing his preferred formation of 433 is to accommodate wirtz. 6 games now and he has 1 assist. We have to try and play what's best for team and not try to fit in wirtz and alter the system just for him.
Our dna is built for 4-3-3. It will also give more space to gackpo who is red hot form. He can do his favourite stuff cutting in and shooting. And also barcola can get more space.
21 Sep 2026 12:56:39
It took him 10 games to get his first league win at Bournemouth. I wonder where they (and AI himself) would be now if he had abandoned his principles so quickly?
Villa didn't even score a goal in their first 6 games last season and look where they ended up. We were shocking last season and proper change doesn't happen overnight. Stop whinging and get behind the team that is showing some clear improvements over last season.
21 Sep 2026 13:09:58
Since when is Iraola preferred formation is
4-3-3? Bornemouth under him always play with pivot 2 and a no 10.
21 Sep 2026 13:10:45
We have no no6 - so 433 goes out of the window immediately.
Secondly, the game has changed. The single no6 anchor is no longer sufficient without either a midfield partner as a two OR fullbacks that can tuck in.
We just don't have the personnel at the moment.
There are a few issues. 1) we bought Wirtz without thinking through the midfield composition of the squad, 2) we didn't replace Trent's ball progression and 3) we have not replaced Fabinho's bite.
I would like to see Dom play RW and Trey to get a run of games alongside Macca. That will look a lot more balanced I would expect Wirtz and Szobo to look better as a result.
{Ed666's Note - I agree Trey is the answer to help solve this puzzle but it’s a big ask of the kid
21 Sep 2026 13:25:45
Gakpo won't be cutting & shooting as much from the right.
21 Sep 2026 14:21:12
We don't religiously hold that structural shape and don't have players willing to put in the effort, lacking situational awareness and a sense of duty. Grav goes galavanting even though he can clearly see Dom in front of him and Dom gives 110% in the press but only jogs back despite goal threats being within arm's reach of him. I do agree we would be better off if we had a dedicated 6, but still, Dom would need to be more effective in his defensive duties even if that were the case.
As it stands our 4231 is like a 4033 when Grav and Dom are on the pitch so we're almost splitting hairs here. Responsibility has to be taken by these lads before we can progress; the formation is secondary to the real issues at hand.
21 Sep 2026 15:08:02
If we play Gakpo on the right and he follows his natural inclination, they are going to need to clear the first two or three rows of the stand.
{Ed666's Note - ???..to be fair he’s really sacrificing himself for the team which is credit worthy and beautiful to see. Good for him.
21 Sep 2026 18:12:25
@Last, we do not have the personel to play Klopp's 433.
Most importantly, Iraola does not play a 433, let alone Klopp's version of the 433.
We need to leave all this "But when Klopp was here." stuff alone and move on.
AI will not be switching his philosophy to Klopp's, Paisley's nor Shanks footballing ethos. Like ever.
So let it go.
21 Sep 2026 19:33:12
I'm sure Klopp managed a midfield three of MacAllister, Gravenberch and Szobozslai.
We still have all three of those midfielders.
22 Sep 2026 12:30:48
Agree @666. Gakpo is a lot more versatile than he gets credit for and he never hides. I thought his best spell for us was in Slots first season 2hen he played a few games at CF. He looked comfortable in the role and, imho, didn't play badly at all.