Liverpool have been compelled to drag the plug on one proposed tactic after making an attempt it with out success throughout their pre-season tour of the Far East in July.
Amid a summer season of considerable change to his enjoying squad, Arne Slot additionally sought to implement some tactical tweaks whereas he had the consolation blanket of pleasant fixtures, latching onto one set-piece tactic which has change into considerably in-vogue within the Premier League this season.
Liverpool deserted long-throw experiment after pre-season
In an article for the Liverpool Echo reflecting on the Reds’ dreadful figures by way of set-piece conditions in each penalty packing containers, Paul Gorst higlighted how some gamers labored on lengthy throw-ins at LFC’s coaching camp in Japan.
Ryan Gravenberch, Conor Bradley and Milos Kerkez have been among the many gamers to check out the state of affairs on the tour to the Far East as Slot and his teaching employees seemed for marginal positive factors forward of the aggressive motion starting in August.
Nevertheless, the tactic was rapidly deserted after it grew to become obvious that solely Joe Gomez – who wasn’t within the camp as a result of an harm – got here near proving efficient at taking lengthy throws.
Liverpool have been appalling at set items this season
Not less than the Liverpool head coach was open to the concept of utilizing lengthy throw-ins to his workforce’s benefit, reasonably than viewing it as one thing which was beneath him, however the botched pre-season experiment duly noticed it discarded.
Sadly, the Reds’ file from set items has been dire ever since. Solely Wolves have fewer set-piece objectives than our 4 within the Premier League this season (GIVEMESPORT), whereas the Reds have the joint-worst concession tally alongside Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest with 12 (BBC Sport).
These figures will ship a shiver up Slot’s backbone, particularly as upcoming opponents Leeds have scored extra objectives from dead-ball conditions (14) than anybody else within the prime flight (GIVEMESPORT), and John Aldridge was raging at how simply we conceded from a nook kick in opposition to Wolves on Saturday.
We’d prefer to suppose that set items may have comprised a considerable chunk of Liverpool’s coaching periods in preparation for the go to of Daniel Farke’s aspect to Anfield on New Yr’s Day, notably with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in such glorious goalscoring type.
The Reds have put a dreadful autumn behind them with an unbeaten resurgence in December. That momentum must be carried into January, with 9 fixtures throughout three competitions giving the Premier League champions an unforgiving begin to 2026.
