‘I was seen as a dinosaur but not many managers moan about set-pieces now’
In his inaugural column for BBC Sport, seasoned football manager Tony Pulis delves into the increasing significance of set-piece goals in contemporary football. Pulis, known for his tactical acumen, reflects on how set-pieces have historically been a vital component of the game, often overlooked in favor of open play strategies. He notes that this season has witnessed a notable rise in goals scored from set-pieces, a trend that he attributes to teams’ growing recognition of their potential. Pulis emphasizes that while many clubs have traditionally prioritized attacking flair, the effectiveness of well-executed set-pieces can be a game-changer, especially in tight matches where every goal counts.
Pulis draws on his extensive experience to highlight that focusing on set-pieces is not a new concept in football. He recalls his time managing various clubs, where he made it a priority to hone set-piece tactics, often reaping the rewards in crucial matches. For instance, he cites how his teams regularly practiced corner kicks and free kicks, maximizing their chances to convert these opportunities into goals. This season, statistics reveal that a significant percentage of goals scored in top leagues come from set-pieces, underscoring their importance in the modern game. Pulis advocates for a balanced approach, where teams invest time and resources into perfecting set-piece strategies alongside traditional attacking methods. His insights serve as a reminder that in the high-stakes world of football, every opportunity—especially those from set-pieces—can be pivotal in securing victory.
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In his first BBC Sport column, Tony Pulis looks at the rise in set-piece goals this season and explains why he always thought they were important and how focusing on them is nothing new.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering Celeb & Ent news.
