Arne Slot Defends New Liverpool Full-Backs Amid Defensive Lapses: A Closer Look

Bassyonni

ago 3 hours

Arne Slot Defends New Liverpool Full-Backs Amid Defensive Lapses: A Closer Look

Arne Slot Addresses Liverpool’s Defensive Woes: Emphasizes Team Improvement at Set Pieces

In a recent statement, Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot has attributed the club’s defensive struggles this season to collective issues, rather than solely blaming the newly introduced full-backs, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. With Liverpool enjoying an impressive start to their campaign, they have still faced vulnerabilities, conceding seven goals in six league matches thus far, drawing comparisons to last season’s title-winning performance, where they allowed just two goals in the same span.

Collective Responsibility for Defensive Performance

Slot pointed out that while the transition from the era of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson might seem influential, the focus should remain on overall team performance. He emphasized the necessity to address Liverpool’s defending during set pieces, particularly following the team’s recent loss to Crystal Palace, where two goals originated from set-piece situations. ‘One of our strengths last season was keeping the other team away from our goal,’ Slot remarked, underscoring the importance of a cohesive effort in defense.

Goals conceded from set pieces this season: 4
Goals conceded from set pieces last season: Minimal
New full-backs: Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez

Set Pieces: A Crucial Aspect of Modern Football

As Liverpool prepares to face Galatasaray in the upcoming Champions League match, Slot reiterated the increasing significance of set pieces in contemporary football. He stated, “More and more in football, it is becoming a set-piece game,” highlighting how teams in the Premier League are utilizing this strategy effectively to secure victories. Slot noted Galatasaray’s prowess in this area, mentioning their tally of 24 set-piece goals from 91 last season, which also encompasses penalties.

In the previous Champions League run, Liverpool showcased their own effectiveness at set pieces, winning critical matches, particularly through standout players like Virgil van Dijk.

Player Insights: Embracing Competition

Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitiké, a player who may face challenges in maintaining his starting position due to the high-profile signing of Alexander Isak, expressed his enthusiasm about the addition. “We play in such a big club. I can’t see any big clubs playing with just one striker in the squad,” he stated. Ekitiké sees the presence of a talented striker like Isak as an opportunity for growth and improvement at his own game.

With Liverpool’s upcoming matches looming, Slot’s commitment to refining the team’s set-piece performance and fostering a robust defensive strategy remains crucial for solidifying their standing in both the Premier League and Champions League.