Liverpool’s future looks brighter than ever, but there’s a glaring issue holding them back—and it’s not what you might think. Arne Slot boldly declares that the best is yet to come for his team, but only if they can overcome a critical weakness: their set-piece struggles. While the Reds have clawed their way back from a disastrous nine losses in 12 games—their worst streak in over seven decades—to sit fifth in the Premier League, Slot insists this is just the beginning. But here’s where it gets controversial: he argues that Liverpool’s true potential is being masked by their set-piece woes, a point that’s sure to spark debate among fans and pundits alike.
Slot isn’t sugarcoating the situation. He admits Liverpool’s current position is below par, despite an unbeaten run of six matches. ‘We are where we deserve to be after the first half of the season,’ he said candidly. Yet, he’s quick to add, ‘I expected us to be higher.’ The Dutchman points to narrow margins in recent games, acknowledging that luck has played a role in results against teams like Tottenham and Brighton. ‘We need to be so dominant that luck becomes irrelevant,’ he emphasized. And this is the part most people miss: while referees and set pieces have undeniably impacted their season, Slot refuses to use them as excuses. ‘We can’t let that cost us points,’ he asserted, drawing parallels to last season when adversity didn’t derail their success.
The numbers tell a stark story. Liverpool have conceded 11 set-piece goals this season—second only to Bournemouth—and have scored just three, far behind league leaders like Arsenal and Chelsea. ‘Set pieces are part of the game,’ Slot conceded, ‘but they’re an add-on, not the core of football.’ He argues that if set pieces were removed from the equation, Liverpool’s position would look dramatically different—potentially five or six points higher. Is he right, or is he downplaying the importance of set pieces? It’s a question that’s bound to divide opinions.
Despite the challenges, Slot remains optimistic. He highlights the improving fitness of key players and their growing cohesion. ‘The best is still to come for this team,’ he declared confidently. But to truly dominate, Liverpool must address their set-piece issues at both ends of the pitch. As the season unfolds, one thing is clear: Slot’s vision for Liverpool hinges on turning this weakness into a strength. Will they succeed? Only time will tell. What do you think—are set pieces being unfairly scapegoated, or is Slot onto something? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
