SET PIECE TALK

Regis Le Bris has adressed our set piece struggles in both boxes and also admitted that Nordi's long throw isn't as dangerous as it used to be.

WEAK SPOT

“We have had conversations this week about this topic. We spoke about corner kicks because we conceded two goals on that phase against Forest. Villa hit the bar in the mid-zone of the area, against Forest the problem was at the back post. Against Fulham at home, we were exposed in the mid-zone too, conceded one goal and also gave away a big chance just before half-time. Against Forest, it was at the back post, so the opponents are evolving as well. It’s like a game."

NEED TO ADAPT & REACT

"We are probably struggling at the minute because we had a good structure, but this structure has to be flexible. Depending on the way the opponent is working, you have to be able to adapt. Sometimes, they can have a target but not deliver properly. But against Forest, the delivery was perfect from Hutchinson, really good, they hit what they wanted to do exactly and we didn’t react properly."

IN POSSESSION VS SET PLAYS

“The players like having the ball. The build-up under pressure, the attacking phase, counter-press, zone defence, we are okay. The high press too. But when we speak about set-pieces, it’s often a bit different. We have to involve them in the process and maybe a big event like this helps to convince them to pay attention. Otherwise, there is going to be a big problem."

LONG THROW

“We’re probably a bit less dangerous from that now. We are still talking about small numbers though. Sometimes, it can still help to create chaos. We’ve had a conversation about how we can generate momentum, or not, through set-pieces. At the beginning of the season, we took our time over every set-piece – stop the game, set up, then we will see. But sometimes, that is not always the right choice. Maybe it’s more appropriate to keep the flow of the game, don’t play this set-piece that way. It’s always a balance because the opponents are working hard as well.”