Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has said he believes his team’s effectiveness from set-pieces has returned to the level he expects, describing their recent improvements as a sign things are “back to normal.”
Slot’s comments come after a series of matches in which Liverpool have looked more dangerous from dead-ball situations, both in terms of direct attempts on goal and chances created from corners and free kicks. Earlier in the season, Liverpool had struggled to consistently threaten from set-pieces, prompting questions about execution, delivery, and overall organisation in those moments.
According to Slot, the recent upturn is less about a sudden tactical overhaul and more about the squad rediscovering its usual standards. He has stressed the importance of repetition on the training ground, with a focus on timing, movement in the penalty area, and the quality of service from wide areas. The head coach has also underlined that set-pieces are a collective responsibility, involving not just the primary taker but also blockers, runners, and players positioned to capitalise on second balls.
Under Slot, Liverpool have placed clear emphasis on balancing defensive solidity at set-pieces with attacking ambition. The team’s organisation when defending corners and free kicks has been a key point of focus, particularly in limiting free headers, winning first contacts, and reacting quickly to loose balls. At the other end of the pitch, Liverpool’s taller players and strong aerial options have been encouraged to attack specific zones, while deliveries are tailored to exploit perceived weaknesses in opposing defences.
Slot’s assessment that Liverpool are now back to their usual level on set-pieces reflects his broader view that these situations can significantly influence tight matches. While he has not framed the recent improvement as a solution to all of the team’s challenges, he has indicated that more consistent production from dead-ball scenarios adds another dimension to Liverpool’s overall attacking threat.
The coach has also pointed out that opponents now have to prepare more carefully for Liverpool’s routines around the box, which can create additional space in open play as defences adjust their marking schemes. For Slot, the recent run of effective set-piece performances is less a surprise and more a return to what he considers a fundamental part of Liverpool’s game model: being organised, disciplined, and dangerous whenever the ball is stationary.
As the season progresses, Slot is expected to continue refining these aspects, using match footage and training sessions to sustain the standards he now views as restored. While he has acknowledged the improvement, his message has remained measured, framing the resurgence not as a dramatic transformation but as Liverpool simply reaching the level he believes should be their norm in set-piece situations.
