League One side seeks Jurgen Klopp Liverpool trait with Manchester City Pep Guardiola hallmark

Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt wants his side to adopt the counter-press famouly employed by Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to complement their possession-style based play inspired by Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Evatt has recently led Wanderers to a ninth placed finish in League One in his second season in charge of the club. It was their first back in the third tier of English football after being promoted out of League Two in the 2020/21 campaign.

Focus at Wanderers is now fully upon the upcoming campaign and strengthening ahead of that. The University of Bolton Stadium club is seeking to mount a charge for promotion next season and is targeting the play-offs at least

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In terms of managerial idols, Evatt has spoken on multiple occasions of his belief that City boss Guardiola is the best in the world. The former Barcelona boss has just led City to their fourth Premier League crown under him.

The Etihad Stadium outfit pipped Klopp's Liverpool to the title by just a point following a remarkable comeback 3-2 victory from two goals down against Aston Villa. The Anfield club beat Wolves 3-1 but finished as runners-up.

Guardiola's side have become synonymous with their possession based football. One of the hallmarks of Klopp's team has been their high energy pressing - the Gegenpress - to win the ball high up the pitch and use blistering pace and skill to get in behind opposition teams.

And Evatt has pinpointed adding the counter-pressing Liverpool do so well to their playing style to complement what Wanderers try and mimic from City. If they can combine the two, he feels it will be a recipe for success as he explained