'I have never seen Boniface playing from left' - Liverpool coach suggests Leverkusen played without a no. 9

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has suggested that Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso changed his tactics for the UEFA Champions League meeting between both teams at Anfield on Tuesday night.

Prior to the matchday four fixture, thirteen different German clubs failed to win in their last twenty-two visits to Anfield and that poor run continued on Tuesday, with the Bundesliga champions losing 4-0 to the Premier League table toppers.

According to the UEFA team sheet and match broadcaster, Victor Boniface was listed as a center forward, but Arne Slot noted that the Bayer Leverkusen number 22 did not actually play in a central role.

The Nigeria international was credited with the first shot of the game but his effort missed the target in the second minute and he missed another chance to break the deadlock midway through the first half as his shot went wide.

Boniface had no impact on the game and had to make way for Patrik Schick with nine minutes remaining on the clock.

After a goalless first half, a hat-trick from Luis Diaz and an additional tally from Cody Gakpo in the second half saw the Reds maintain their perfect start to the 2024-2025 Champions League.

As soon as Arne Slot stepped into the press conference, he was asked to share his thoughts on the overall performance and what really made the difference for Liverpool in the second half.

The Dutchman answered: "Like many times now, managers change their game plan when they come to Anfield or when they play us. 

"That's also what we saw today. I and my staff see quite a lot if we go into a game like this. We've seen a lot of games from Leverkusen. 

"I have never seen Boniface playing from left so they played without a nine. And that's why they overloaded the midfield a lot, it was quite difficult to press them high, but the good thing is that we hardly conceded anything."

After four matches in the Champions League, Bayer Leverkusen are eleventh in the provisional standings with seven points from four matches, while Liverpool lead the way with maximum points.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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