Liverpool's Slot Criticises Premier League's Set-Piece Reliance
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of Premier League football, stating that matches are no longer a joy to watch. The Dutch coach highlighted the increasing importance of set-pieces in the top flight, a trend he finds unappealing despite his team's recent success in this area.
Set-Pieces Dominate Modern Game
Set-pieces have become more crucial than ever in the Premier League, with league leaders Arsenal utilising them as a key tactical weapon this season. This shift posed an early challenge for Slot's Liverpool side, leading to the dismissal of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs earlier in the campaign. However, the Reds have since adapted remarkably, now leading the league in non-penalty set-piece goals.
In Saturday's 5-2 victory over West Ham United, three of Liverpool's goals came from corners, all scored in the first half. This performance demonstrates how Slot has taken inspiration from Mikel Arteta's approach, helping revive Liverpool's season. Despite this tactical adjustment, Slot remains critical of the league's direction.
Slot's Football Philosophy
During his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday's clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Slot elaborated on his views. You have to accept it, he said. I think it's mainly here in the Premier League. If I watch other leagues, I don't think there's so much emphasis on set-pieces.
Slot compared the Premier League to the Eredivisie, noting significant differences in officiating. If I watch an Eredivisie game, which I still do, I see goals being disallowed and fouls on goalkeepers being given and I think 'wow, that's a big difference'. Here, you can almost hit a goalkeeper in his face and the referee still says 'just go on'.
When asked if he likes this style, Slot responded: My football heart doesn't like it. If you ask me about football, I think about the Barcelona team from 10, 15 years ago. Every Sunday evening you were hoping they would play.
Competitiveness vs. Enjoyment
Slot acknowledged the Premier League's competitiveness as its strength but lamented the impact on entertainment. Most of the games I see in the Premier League are not for me a joy to watch, but it's always interesting because it's so competitive and that is what makes this league great – because there's so much competitiveness.
He contrasted the current landscape with that of three or four years ago: Everyone can win against everyone, but just as someone who loves to watch football, without being interested in who's winning or losing it, just to be enjoyed, I think there's a big difference now.
Slot attributed this change not only to set-pieces but also to the overall strengthening of teams. Teams have become so much stronger – three or four years ago, when the top clubs faced the No 18, 17, 16, 15 [in the table], it could have been a four or five goals difference, and that's usually what you like. If there's so much difference between the teams, then one team is really good, but that's not the situation anymore.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool travel to Molineux for the first of two away matches against Wolves this week, aiming for a fourth consecutive Premier League win. While Wolves, managed by Rob Edwards, are doomed for relegation and sit 14 points from safety, they enter the clash buoyed by a derby victory over Aston Villa.
Slot anticipates a difficult encounter, even if he dislikes the football on display. He concluded with a sobering prediction: We're not going to change. Maybe in five or 10 years' time things will change again but I wouldn't be surprised if you went to an under-16s game somewhere, Sunday League football, if you see teams completely being focused on set-pieces. That's the new reality.
This sentiment underscores a broader shift in English football, where Arsenal have equalled a record with 16 goals from corners this season, highlighting the tactical evolution Slot criticises.
