Liverpool’s Arne Slot Vows Dominance, But Set Pieces Remain Key Hurdle
Table of Contents
Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, believes the club possesses untapped potential to become a dominant force in the Premier League, but acknowledges a critical flaw must be addressed: a concerning weakness in set-piece execution. Despite climbing to fifth in the league standings, level with Chelsea, the team’s performance remains below expectations, according to Slot.
The Reds have begun to reverse a troubling slump – their worst in 71 years, encompassing nine losses in 12 games – fueled by a recent unbeaten run of six matches. However, Slot cautions against complacency, emphasizing the need for substantial improvement across the board. “We are in the position we deserve after the first half of the season,” he stated. “I think we should be higher, let that be clear – I was expecting and hoping for us to be higher in the table.”
Slot admits recent results against Tottenham and Brighton involved an element of luck, highlighting the need for a more commanding style of play. “Now we have been a few times a bit lucky with the result… and we need to find a situation where we are so much better than the other team that luck or bad luck does not influence it any more.” He also acknowledged past grievances with officiating and set pieces, but stressed the importance of accountability. “I think the games we have lost were unlucky… but we should not have that as an excuse.”
Set-Piece Struggles Undermine Progress
The core of Liverpool’s current challenge lies in its vulnerability from set pieces. The team has conceded 11 goals from set plays this season, second only to Bournemouth’s 12. Simultaneously, Liverpool’s attacking threat from set pieces is significantly underdeveloped, with only three goals scored compared to 10 each for Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
Slot pointed to this disparity as a major impediment to success. “If you look at our set-piece balance, there is not one team in the world that is minus eight in set pieces and is still joint-fourth in the league. If you find that team please tell me.” He further emphasized the distinct nature of set pieces within the broader game. “Of course it is part of football but it is a different element within the game… The fundamental is the football itself and set pieces are an add-on. But set pieces have such an immense impact on a football game and also on the league table.”
Building Fitness and Future Potential
Despite the current challenges, Slot remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory. He noted the increasing fitness levels of players, including those who missed pre-season training. “Players are getting fitter and fitter, not only the ones we brought in but also the ones who missed out in pre-season,” he said. “They are getting used to each other. I think the best is still to come for this team.”
Looking ahead, Slot believes Liverpool’s underlying quality is being masked by the set-piece issues. “From open play we are the number-one team in the league for chance creation but I don’t think anyone sees it because I think in general we are criticised a lot.” He estimates that addressing the set-piece deficit could elevate the team’s position by five or six points in the standings.
Liverpool will face Wolves on Saturday without the suspended Dominik Szoboszlai and the injured Alexander Isak. However, Slot is confident that rectifying the set-piece deficiencies will unlock the team’s full potential and pave the way for a more dominant performance in the second half of the season.
