Liverpool title defence ‘impossible’: Slot admits fatal flaw ended glory
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted a “negative set-piece balance” makes retaining the Premier League title “impossible” after falling 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
The Reds cruised to the championship last season, finishing 10 points clear of their rivals, but now find themselves scrapping merely for Champions League qualification.
While injuries and a loss of form have played a part, the Dutchman believes the primary issue lies specifically in dead-ball situations.
“I have always said it is almost impossible to win a game of football with a negative set-piece balance,” said Slot.
Stark statistics expose weakness
The Anfield side have netted just eight times from set plays in the top flight this campaign.
That tally pales in comparison to Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, who have converted 18 times, and a revitalised Manchester United on 15.
Only six sides in the division have scored fewer times from dead-ball scenarios than the defending champions.
To compound the issue, Slot’s men have conceded over a dozen goals from similar situations at the other end.
“The current Premier League is so, so, so much more about set pieces than it was last season,” Slot added.
“Even though I already found it very important, it has now gone through the roof in terms of how important it is.”
Injuries not the sole excuse
Liverpool’s season has undoubtedly been disrupted by fitness issues, including a fractured leg for club-record signing Alexander Isak in December.
Furthermore, talisman Mohamed Salah has suffered a sharp dip in attacking output.
At the back, captain Virgil van Dijk has also looked uncharacteristically vulnerable, producing several error-strewn displays.
However, Slot insists the disparity between European form and domestic struggles confirms his theory regarding set-pieces.
“In the Champions League we are top in set pieces and in the Premier League we are completely bottom,” he explained.
“That reflects in the league table as well.”
The club attempted to address the tactical slide by parting ways with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs in December.