Arne Slot has conceded that Liverpool's struggles to break down defensive opponents are not a new phenomenon, admitting the problem has existed since the middle of last season. Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Chelsea, the Liverpool head coach remained upbeat despite back-to-back defeats, and pointed to a need for tactical adjustments and the integration of new signings, including Florian Wirtz.
Slot revealed that the team's reliance on set pieces for goals increased significantly during the second half of last season. After scoring 40 of 47 goals from open play in the first 19 league games, Liverpool managed only 27 from open play in the final 19 matches, with eight set-piece goals (excluding penalties) helping them maintain their title charge. This season, 10 of their 12 league goals have come from open play, but the set-piece tally remains low.
The £100m summer signing Wirtz has yet to adapt fully to the Premier League's intensity, and Slot acknowledged the midfielder is still being accommodated. New full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have also struggled to replicate the form of their predecessors, while injuries have hindered key players such as Alexis Mac Allister, who has not completed 90 minutes since April due to a groin issue.
Slot emphasised that Liverpool's recent defeats—against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray—cannot solely be attributed to a drop in set-piece effectiveness. He noted that even during a seven-game winning streak, performances were often unconvincing. The manager stressed the importance of Mac Allister's return to full fitness, describing the Argentine as a vital cog in the team's rhythm and penetration.
With the team still top of the Premier League, Slot remained calm but acknowledged the need for improvement. He highlighted that Liverpool's squad flexibility, with several new arrivals able to play multiple positions, should eventually pay dividends as players adapt to his system.
