Barcelona vs Liverpool: Valverde to copy Guardiola’s tactics for Champions League tie

Barcelona are taking inspiration from Pep Guardiola’s tactics against Liverpool in the Premier League this season, as they prepare for Wednesday’s Champions League clash, ESPN reports.

Manchester City picked up four points against Jurgen Klopp’s side in the league this season, to leave themselves in pole position to win the Premier League with two games left.

Guardiola’s men won 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium and drew 0-0 at Anfield, blowing the chance to take all three points when Riyad Mahrez missed a late penalty.

It is now understood that Ernesto Valverde and his staff are confident going into the semi-final first leg this week.

Valverde has spent hours going over 24 carefully selected Liverpool games from this season, but it is their two matches against Guardiola’s City side which he has been paying particular attention to.

The Barca coach believes the key to nullifying Liverpool’s threat, will be to overcome their pressing.

At times City resorted to long balls and a source claims it is being considered as “the last option.”

“Liverpool apply very high pressure in the form of six or even seven players.

“They want to make you uncomfortable and, if possible, they want to rob the ball back.

“Our intention is to play as we always do. We want to get the ball at the back and play through their press. But we haven’t ruled out going long if we have to,” he added.

A lot of work has also gone into analysing Liverpool’s front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, too, while full-backs Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also players Barca know they have to pin back as much as possible.