Arne Slot has admitted Liverpool are fully aware of their defensive weaknesses from set-pieces after another season where dead-ball situations repeatedly caused major problems.
Speaking about Liverpool’s struggles defending corners, free-kicks and throw-ins, Slot explained:
“It’s not so easy to find one answer as they come from different things – corners, free-kicks, throw-ins.”
The Liverpool manager then pointed towards the squad’s physical profile as one of the core issues.
“In general we are not the tallest and strongest team set-piece wise, other teams usually have more than just the two centre-backs good at heading.”
Slot also admitted Liverpool are now more aware of the problem than ever before.
“We’re now even more aware of that now than last season. We take those things into account when we are looking at evolving the team.”
That strongly suggests Liverpool could target more physicality and aerial strength during the summer transfer window.
And many supporters would completely agree with that assessment.
Because throughout the season Liverpool often looked vulnerable whenever opponents simply put the ball into dangerous areas.
However, while fans understand Liverpool may lack height overall, many supporters still believe some of the defensive decisions themselves simply make no sense.
One of the biggest frustrations repeatedly raised by fans has been Liverpool assigning smaller players like Jeremie Frimpong and Alexis Mac Allister to mark physically dominant opposition players during set-pieces.
That is where much of the criticism towards Slot has intensified.
Because supporters are asking a very simple question:
Why are Liverpool making life harder for themselves tactically?
Fans understand modern football involves zonal systems, rotations and complicated defensive structures.
But many believe some situations are simply basic common sense.
If an opponent’s biggest aerial threat is attacking the six-yard box, supporters naturally struggle to understand why smaller technical players are repeatedly left involved in those battles.
And when Liverpool continue conceding similar goals, frustration only grows louder.
That is why many fans argue this is not “rocket science.”
Liverpool may not be the tallest side in the league overall, but supporters still believe organisation, positioning and smarter individual matchups could dramatically improve the team defensively.
Especially given how often the same issues have appeared this season.
Slot’s comments do at least suggest Liverpool internally recognise the need for change.
The manager openly discussing physical weaknesses and squad evolution indicates recruitment plans are already being shaped around fixing those flaws.
And with players like Frimpong already linked alongside discussions around adding more athleticism and power, Liverpool’s next rebuild phase may focus heavily on improving physical balance across the squad.
Still, next season the excuses will likely disappear quickly.
Because Liverpool supporters now expect visible improvement defensively.
Not just new signings.
But better organisation.
Better preparation.
And better decision-making during key moments.
Because for many fans, repeatedly watching smaller players defend the opposition’s biggest aerial threats has become symbolic of a wider tactical frustration surrounding Liverpool this season.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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