Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot, has already brought fresh ideas to the team, particularly when it comes to attacking corners. During their pre-season game against Arsenal, fans witnessed an intriguing corner routine that got everyone talking.
When Liverpool won a corner on the right-hand side, Kostas Tsimikas prepared to deliver an inswinger with his left foot. What caught everyone’s attention was how Liverpool’s players grouped together on the far side, near the edge of the box. As Tsimikas took the set piece, the players swiftly moved into different positions, some charging towards the near post while others held back on the far side and edge of the penalty area.
Although Liverpool didn’t score from the corner, their tactic, known as the “Red Arrows,” made it challenging for the goalkeeper to claim the ball. While this approach is not entirely unique to Liverpool, it hasn’t been utilized to the same extent under Jurgen Klopp. The Reds would occasionally apply similar principles, but the starting point was often much closer to the goal.
This innovative corner routine will add another layer of complexity for opposition coaches and analysts as they face Slot’s team. Liverpool supporters were thrilled to see this fresh approach, though they acknowledged it would take some time for the players to fully adapt.
Interestingly, this tactic, known as the “sugar huddle,” is borrowed from American football. It causes chaos among the defense as the attacking team quickly positions themselves. Defenders struggle to organize themselves, making it difficult to defend effectively. The sugar huddle can be effective for both man marking and zonal marking.
Fans and experts praised Liverpool’s new corner routine, highlighting how it creates confusion and makes it challenging for defenders to know what to defend. They believe that with four or five different routines, it will be extremely difficult for opponents to counter.
Although the game against Arsenal was the only time Liverpool utilized this corner routine, it’s a positive sign of new ideas being introduced. Fans are eagerly anticipating more innovative tactics in their upcoming match against Manchester United. Liverpool’s rivals are already feeling the pressure as Slot’s team aims to dominate English football with their fresh approach.