News - Liverpool's Set-Piece Struggles: Coach Slot's Growing Frustration

Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot is confronting a significant challenge this season—a poor set-piece record that threatens their aspirations of securing a top-four position in the Premier League. As Liverpool enters the crucial festive period, they are narrowly trailing behind fourth-placed Chelsea, hindered by their ineffectiveness from free-kicks, corners, and throw-ins. Currently, Liverpool has scored only three set-piece goals while conceding 11, a statistic that highlights Slot's increasing frustration. Slot emphasized the importance of set-pieces in modern football and expressed disbelief that maintaining a top-four position is possible with such a negative balance. As other top contenders have positive set-piece records, Liverpool's negative balance is particularly concerning yet surprising given their place in the league. Slot recalls Liverpool's defensive strength halfway through their previous title-winning season when they had not conceded from a single set-piece, a stark contrast to their current form. Despite these challenges, Liverpool remains competitive, largely due to leading in open play opportunities created across the league. Injuries have further complicated matters for Slot, with several key players out, 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, puts considerable pressure on the available squad as they prepare 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, heightening the need for the current squad to step up. Slot calls for resilience from both players and fans as Liverpool navigates through a season full of challenges and hopes to improve their set-piece success, aiming to remain competitive at the top of the league. With critical matches approaching, the burden is on the available players to deliver performances that defy their set-piece difficulties, while the overarching narrative remains one of persistence against the odds.