Arne Slot makes feelings clear on Premier League enjoyment as Liverpool adapt to new reality
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A shift in focus towards more physical football and set pieces in the Premier League has not particularly impressed Arne SlotArne Slot has admitted that he does not find the Premier League as entertaining as he did three or four years ago, as his Liverpool team adapts to the new competitive reality of the Premier League.The Reds headed into the current campaign as defending league champions but have found the going considerably tougher this time around, losing eight of their 28 matches played so far, leaving them 16 points behind table-toppers Arsenal.They face a Wolverhampton Wanderers side on Tuesday evening that sits rock-bottom of the Premier League and has won only two matches all season, including their most recent run-out against Aston Villa.READ MORE: Arne Slot gives new Florian Wirtz injury update and issues caution over returning Liverpool starREAD MORE: Arne Slot makes Cody Gakpo admission after spotting change in Liverpool forward - 'not the best thing'But the struggling Midlands outfit has been an exception to the rule in terms of competitiveness this season, with many clubs turning their focus to a more physical approach that targets goal-scoring opportunities through set pieces.The trend for a more direct approach has resulted in teams lower down the pecking order routinely taking points off the bigger clubs above them and although it has made for a tighter league, Reds boss Slot has admitted that he now doesn't find watching Premier League matches as entertaining as he did before.When asked why it had become so difficult for the established leading clubs to beat their smaller counterparts this season in his pre-match press conference on Monday morning, he said: "In the Premier League, all the teams playing have a lot of money and can get very good players. I think it's mainly here, in the Premier League."If I watch other leagues, I don't think there is as much emphasis on set pieces.
If I watch a Eredivisie game (Dutch league), which I still do, I see goals being disallowed and fouls on goalkeepers being given."I'm like, wow, that's a big difference. But it's always interesting because it's so competitive and that's what makes this league great because everyone can win from everyone."But just as someone who loves to watch football without being interested in who's winning or losing, just to be enjoyed, I think there's a big difference now between three or four years ago in the Premier League."Not only because of the set pieces, but also because teams have become so much stronger.
Maybe in five or 10 years' time things will change again."But I wouldn't be surprised if you went to an under-16s game or Sunday League football and saw 16-year-olds being completely focused on set pieces. That's the new reality and I have my opinion about it, but it doesn't change."Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.