Liverpool are far from the well-oiled machine they were at times in Arne Slot‘s first season in charge and one of the main causes for concern is the way they press – or don’t press.

Three defeats on the bounce going into an international break is probably the worst thing a coach at a top club can ask for.

The extra time to dwell on the issues can exaggerate them, but it can also offer time to work on fixing them – at least in theory, as many players are away with their national teams.

Those defeats have led to questions being asked around Liverpool’s relatively stodgy start to the season, despite the team still sitting second in the league table.

Along with a few teething problems in attack, perhaps more pertinent are the noticeable issues with pressing and out-of-possession work.

Why pressing is such a big issue

Though it’s too early in the season to come to too many conclusions, problems with pressing and off-the-ball shape and decision-making can cause problems in attack as well as defence, and will need addressing soon.

There was a moment in Liverpool’s game against Chelsea when Dominik Szoboszlai closed down three or...