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Arne Slot says Premier League’s focus on set pieces reduces football’s excitement. Liverpool scored seven of nine recent goals from set plays.
Liverpool’s Arne Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed on Monday that the increasing focus on set pieces in the Premier League has diminished some of the excitement in football, though he acknowledges it as the current trend.
The previous season’s champions faced challenges with set pieces, both defensively and offensively, earlier in the campaign. However, they have recently seen a turnaround, with seven of their past nine Premier League goals originating from set plays, including three from corners in their 5-2 victory against West Ham at Anfield on Saturday.
Arsenal, the Premier League leaders, are well-known for their prowess in set pieces, having netted their 16th goal from a corner this season on Sunday, equalling the league record.
“First of all, you have to accept it. I think it’s mainly here in the Premier League,” Slot remarked to reporters on Monday.
“If I watch other leagues, I don’t think there’s so much emphasis on set pieces.”
Slot pointed out that goalkeepers in the Premier League receive less protection from referees compared to other leagues, such as the Dutch top division.
“Here you can almost hit a goalkeeper in his face and the referee still says just go on,” Slot noted.
“Do I like it? My football heart doesn’t like it.”
Slot reminisced about watching Pep Guardiola’s legendary Barcelona team, known for their fluid, possession-based style of play.
“Now, most of the games I see in the Premier League are not for me a joy to watch,” he said.
“But it’s always interesting because it’s so competitive, and that is what makes this league great, because there’s so much competitiveness, everyone can beat everyone.”
Slot, whose team is set to face bottom-side Wolves on Tuesday, admitted that the emphasis on set pieces is likely to persist.
“Maybe in five or ten years’ time things will change again, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you go to an under-16 game somewhere… I wouldn’t be surprised if you see teams completely being focused, 16-year-olds on set-pieces,” he said.
“That’s the new reality, and I have my opinion about it, but it doesn’t change.”
Liverpool, currently in fifth place, have won seven of their past nine matches across all competitions and are well-positioned to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz is expected to miss the Wolves match and Friday’s FA Cup game against the same opponents at Molineux, due to a back issue. The German also missed Liverpool’s victories against Nottingham Forest and West Ham.
(With AFP Inputs)
March 02, 2026, 6:40 PM IST
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