Arne Slott says “the heart of football doesn’t like it” that teams have become so reliant on dead-ball situations, adding fuel to heated debate over set-pieces in the Premier League
(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola has told disgruntled Arne Slott to “adapt” to the Premier League’s set-piece trend, which he says was “dictated” by title rivals Arsenal. Liverpool manager Slott made headlines on Monday when he admitted that “the heart of football doesn’t like” the increased reliance on set-pieces this season.
At half-time of Saturday’s rollercoaster 5-2 win over West Ham, Liverpool had scored their last seven goals from dead-ball situations, a new Premier League record. The debate over set-pieces continued even after Arsenal scored 2-1 in a 2-1 win against Chelsea on Sunday, with all three goals coming from corners.
Guardiola echoed this sentiment, saying he “agreed” with Slott to some extent, but stressed that managers need to adapt. “Set-pieces are starting to become an important part of the strategy,” began the Manchester City manager.
“It was different when I started as a manager. When I was young, people in England were said to celebrate corner-kicks and free-kicks like goals. I remember perfectly well when I was young, so nothing has changed in that respect.”
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“It’s true that Arsenal had some direction on how to do things, and that’s an important role. Four years ago in the NBA, the three-point point wasn’t as involved, but the Golden State Warriors (with Stephen Curry starting) made the three-pointer and everyone adapted to it. So many teams are doing it now.”
“It’s part of the evolution, it’s part of the dynamic. You can sit and complain, but you have to adapt. It’s part of the game. I know set-pieces can stop games, it’s not dynamic, but that’s part of the game.”
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Josep Guardiola says Arsenal are “defining” the style of the Premier League (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“You have to adapt, especially the way you whistle and manage in the Premier League. Every country has its own way of doing things, every club has its own way of playing with the manager and the team. I completely understand why Arne said that and in some ways I agree.”
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Wolves, Slott said he “doesn’t like” set-pieces becoming an integral part of Premier League matches. “This is the new reality of the Premier League,” lamented the Dutchman in his pre-match press conference.
“Do I like it? My soccer mind doesn’t like it. When I think about soccer, I think of the Barcelona team from 10 to 15 years ago. Now it’s not as fun to watch, but it’s always competitive.”
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