Set-pieces have emerged as a significant talking point at Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks, with goals conceded from dead balls proving costly in pivotal matches like the north London derby against Arsenal and the clash with Chelsea. The recurrent issue has drawn attention to manager Ange Postecoglou’s approach, as he has remained resolute in his stance that additional focus on set piece training is not a priority for the team.
Speaking on The Tottenham Way Podcast, journalist Tom Allnutt shed light on Postecoglou’s perspective on set-pieces, revealing that the Australian manager attributes the struggles to a personnel deficiency rather than a tactical flaw. According to Allnutt, sources familiar with Postecoglou from his tenure at Celtic have indicated that he believes success in set-piece situations hinges on having players who excel at attacking the ball aggressively and effectively snatching goals from such opportunities.
Postecoglou reportedly intends to address this perceived personnel gap in the upcoming summer transfer window, aiming to recruit players with the necessary physical attributes, including height and aggression, to bolster Tottenham’s set-piece capabilities. This strategic approach suggests that Postecoglou values the individual attributes of his players over intricate tactical preparations when it comes to set-piece execution.
While theories and opinions abound regarding Tottenham’s struggles with set-pieces, Postecoglou’s emphasis on personnel as the crux of the issue may hold merit. Beyond the central defenders, the squad’s lack of aerial prowess has been evident, potentially leaving them vulnerable to taller and stronger opponents in set-piece situations. In essence, the manager’s belief that securing players with superior physicality could be the key to rectifying their set-piece woes reflects a pragmatic approach that prioritizes addressing personnel shortcomings to achieve on-field success.
