News - چالش‌های لیورپول در ضربات ایستگاهی: نارضایتی رو به افزایش مربی Slot

Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot is grappling with a notable challenge this season—a dismal set-piece record that casts a shadow over their aspirations of maintaining a top-four position in the Premier League. As Liverpool enters the critical festive period, they're narrowly trailing behind fourth-placed Chelsea, held back by inefficacy from free-kicks, corners, and throw-ins. Currently, Liverpool has managed a mere three set-piece goals while conceding 11, a statistic that underscores Slot's growing agitation. Slot echoed the importance of set-pieces in modern football and expressed disbelief at the possibility of maintaining a top-four standing with such a negative balance. As other top contenders boast positive set-piece records, Liverpool's negative balance is particularly worrisome yet astonishing given their standing in the league. Slot reminisces about Liverpool's defensive prowess halfway through their previous title-winning season when they had not conceded from a single set-piece, contrasting sharply with their current form. Despite these challenges, Liverpool remains competitive, largely due to leading in open play opportunities created across the league. Injunctions have further complicated matters for Slot, with several key players sidelined, including Alexander Isak, who faces an extended absence following ankle surgery. The absence of Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations, coupled with other injuries and suspensions, places substantial pressure on the available squad as they brace for upcoming matches. The possibility of recalling Harvey Elliott from his loan spell at Aston Villa has also been thwarted due to contractual obligations lacking a recall clause, intensifying the need for the current squad to step up. Slot calls for resilience from both players and fans as Liverpool navigates through a season fraught with hurdles and aspirations to turn their set-piece fortunes around, hoping to stay competitive at the league's upper echelons. With critical matches looming, the onus is on available players to deliver performances that belie their set-piece woes while the overarching narrative remains a tale of persistence against the odds.