Arsenal have faced criticism for relying too much on set pieces this season, but Pep Guardiola has no desire to take aim at Manchester City’s Premier League title rivals.
Manchester City’s recent victories over Newcastle and Leeds United were not the most entertaining and this was particularly true of the second halves.
However, Arsenal are the team facing the most criticism for their dull displays which rely heavily on set-pieces, with some pundits labelling Mikel Arteta’s team as boring to watch.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot even revealed that he no longer finds the Premier League a ‘joy to watch’ due to the emphasis placed on scoring goals outside of open play.
Pep Guardiola has sympathised with the Dutchman, but he is not looking to make a statement against Arsenal’s tactics.
Pep Guardiola discusses set-pieces
Following Slot’s comments, it was inevitable that Guardiola would be asked about set-pieces during his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s next fixture.
The Catalan boss shares Slot’s frustrations to an extent, but he has refused to get too drawn into the ongoing debate around the subject.
Guardiola said: “Set-pieces have started to be important. It was different when I started as a manager.
“When I was a young boy we said the people in England celebrate corners and free-kicks like a goal. I remember perfectly, so nothing has changed in that way. Arsenal dictate how they do it and it is an important aspect.
“Four years ago in the NBA, the three-shot point was not involved as much but now so many teams do it. It is part of the dynamics.
“You can sit and complain but you have to adapt. It’s part of the game. You have to adapt and especially adapt in the way it is conducted in the Premier League.”
Guardiola revealed that he understood what Slot said, but he was unwilling to share his own opinion. However, he has already explained to his own team how he feels.
The manager added: “Every country has a specific way to do it and every club have specific ways they play. I understand completely why [Arne Slot’s comments] and in some ways I agree.
I have my own opinion on that but I will keep the opinion of what happens in the box to me. I won’t share with you. I have shared it with the players a long time ago.
Guardiola calls on teams to adapt to the changing game
As Guardiola’s press conference continued, he was asked if he liked set-pieces and he was never going to answer no, considering they are a necessary part of the sport.
Instead, the 55-year-old has revealed that he is adapting to the state of the modern game, even if he does not like what he sees.
“Yeah, it is what it is,” Guardiola continued. “It is the business I am in. I am a manager. I can’t say ‘I don’t like set-pieces’. I adapt and do it.
“Football has been played in so many ways since it was created. How it is played in England is different in the way it is played in Spain or Italy. Every manager plays in different ways. How boring would it be if all the managers played in the same way?
“I have to adapt. If I don’t like, I don’t watch, but I have to adapt.”
