Liverpool May Have Already Filled Set-Piece Coach Void After What Arne Slot Was Spotted Doing vs Leeds

Liverpool, January 2, 2026 – In a surprising development amid Liverpool FC's ongoing search for a dedicated set-piece coach following the departure of their previous specialist, head coach Arne Slot has seemingly taken matters into his own hands. During the recent 3-1 victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup third round, eagle-eyed fans and analysts spotted Slot actively involved in the team's set-piece preparations and execution on the touchline.

The Dutch manager, known for his meticulous tactical approach since replacing Jürgen Klopp last summer, was observed gesturing emphatically during corners and free-kicks, directing players' positioning with precision. Footage circulating on social media shows Slot using a tablet to illustrate routines mid-match, communicating directly with set-piece takers like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah. This hands-on involvement resulted in two goals from set-pieces – a whipped corner by Alexander-Arnold headed in by Virgil van Dijk and a clever free-kick routine finished by Cody Gakpo.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp praised Slot's intervention on Sky Sports: "Arne's not just managing from afar; he's coaching the dark arts himself. That Leeds game exposed how sharp their set-pieces have become under his watch." Data backs this up: Liverpool's set-piece conversion rate has risen 15% this season, with 22% of goals now originating from dead balls, per Opta stats.

Club insiders suggest Slot's multi-tasking could negate the immediate need for a specialist hire, especially as candidates like Brentford's Bernardo Cueva remain linked but unconfirmed. Slot downplayed it post-match: "Set-pieces win games. We're evolving internally." Fans on Rousing the Kop forums hail it as "Slot the Set-Piece Sorcerer," boosting optimism for the title race. However, with a congested schedule ahead, questions linger: Is this sustainable, or a stopgap until a permanent coach arrives?

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