The benefits of a high-press were obvious, but the drawbacks were just as stark.
If you couldn't apply enough pressure high up the pitch and allowed the opponent to play the ball out comfortably, you would leave a vast amount of open space behind you.
This required the entire team to be of one mind, working in perfect concert.
The players didn't necessarily have to be the most skilled, but their execution had to be flawless and their stamina exceptional.
But at a club like Bayern, or any of the other giants packed with superstars and world-class talent, would they ever accept such a footballing philosophy?
Especially a coach like Klopp, who currently had no major accomplishments to his name. Who would be willing to trust him?
Even if the Bayern executives hired Klopp, would the players cooperate unconditionally? Would they execute his plans to the letter?
Take the 21st minute, for example.
