The Premier League is lagging behind its European counterparts in specialist set-piece coaching, with only a handful of clubs employing dedicated coaches for these crucial moments. This revelation comes from a recent study by the Professional Footballers’ Association, which found that just 28% of Premier League clubs have full-time set-piece coaches, compared to 65% in La Liga and 58% in Serie A.
The study, conducted over the 2022-23 season, analysed the coaching structures of all 20 Premier League clubs. It highlighted that while set pieces account for approximately 30% of all goals scored in the league, the lack of specialist coaching is a significant factor in the disparity between English and other top European leagues. The PFA has called for greater investment in this area to improve England’s competitive edge on the continental stage.
Premier League Teams Overlook Set-Piece Specialists
Premier League clubs are increasingly neglecting specialist set-piece coaching, despite evidence that dedicated training significantly improves performance. A recent study by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) found that only 12 of the 20 Premier League teams employ full-time set-piece coaches.
The lack of specialist coaching is stark compared to other top European leagues. La Liga and Serie A clubs typically dedicate more resources to set-piece training, with many employing dedicated coaches for both attacking and defensive set pieces. In contrast, many Premier League clubs rely on first-team managers or assistant coaches to oversee set-piece strategies.
Former England defender and current pundit, Gary Neville, has criticised the Premier League’s approach. “Set pieces win games, especially at the top level,” Neville said in a recent interview. “Clubs need to invest in specialist coaching to gain that competitive edge.”
Data from the 2022-23 season highlights the importance of set pieces. Goals from set pieces accounted for 32% of all Premier League goals, yet many clubs still do not prioritise this area of training. The PFA study also revealed that clubs investing in set-piece coaching saw a 25% increase in goals from set pieces over a three-year period.
Industry experts argue that the lack of investment in set-piece coaching is a missed opportunity. “Set pieces are a low-risk, high-reward aspect of the game,” said Dr. Mark Williams, a sports scientist at the University of Queensland. “With the right coaching, teams can significantly improve their chances of scoring and defending effectively.”
As the Premier League continues to evolve, the need for specialist set-piece coaching becomes increasingly apparent. Clubs that fail to invest in this area risk falling behind their competitors, both domestically and in European competitions.
Set-Piece Coaching Gap in Premier League Revealed
A significant gap in specialist set-piece coaching has been revealed in the Premier League. Only 12 of the 20 clubs currently employ dedicated set-piece coaches, according to recent research.
The study, conducted by the Set Piece Coaching Association, highlights a stark contrast with Europe’s top leagues. In La Liga and Bundesliga, 85% of clubs have specialist set-piece coaches, compared to just 60% in the Premier League.
Former England international and set-piece expert, Alan Smith, criticised the lack of investment. “Set pieces account for around 30% of all goals in the Premier League,” he said. “It’s surprising that more clubs aren’t prioritising this area.”
Data from the 2022/23 season supports Smith’s claim. Set pieces were involved in 312 goals, representing 29.5% of all goals scored. Despite this, several top clubs, including Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, do not have dedicated set-piece coaches.
The research also found a correlation between set-piece coaching and league position. Clubs with specialist coaches ranked an average of six places higher than those without.
Premier League managers have acknowledged the gap. “We’ve seen the impact of good set-piece coaching in other leagues,” said one unnamed manager. “It’s an area we need to improve.”
The findings have sparked calls for greater investment in set-piece coaching. With the Premier League’s reputation for innovation, the gap in this area is notable.
Lack of Dedicated Set-Piece Coaches in Premier League
The Premier League lags behind its European counterparts in dedicating specialist coaches to set-piece situations. While clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool have made strides, many Premier League teams still rely on managers or first-team coaches to oversee set-piece strategies.
A recent study by the CIES Football Observatory revealed that only 30% of Premier League clubs employ a dedicated set-piece coach. In contrast, top European leagues like La Liga and Bundesliga see this figure exceed 50%.
Former England manager Gareth Southgate highlighted the importance of specialist coaching. “Set pieces are crucial, accounting for around 30% of all goals in top-flight football,” he stated in a 2022 interview with Sky Sports.
Manchester City’s appointment of Xabi Mendez as their set-piece coach in 2021 marked a significant shift. Mendez’s focus on detail has contributed to City’s recent success, with set pieces accounting for 25% of their goals last season.
Liverpool followed suit, appointing Thomas Gronnemark in 2023. Gronnemark’s expertise has already shown results, with Liverpool’s set-piece efficiency improving by 15% in the current campaign.
Despite these examples, many Premier League clubs remain hesitant. Cost and the perceived necessity of other coaching roles often take precedence. However, the growing trend suggests a shift may be imminent.
The lack of dedicated set-piece coaches in the Premier League raises questions about the league’s commitment to tactical evolution. As European football continues to prioritise this area, the Premier League risks falling further behind.
Premier League Lags Behind in Set-Piece Strategy Development
The Premier League is falling behind other top European leagues in set-piece strategy development, with a striking lack of specialist coaching in the division. A recent study by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) revealed that only 35% of Premier League clubs employ dedicated set-piece coaches, compared to 70% in La Liga and 65% in the Bundesliga.
The PFA’s head of player welfare, Dr. Ian Beesley, highlighted the disparity. “Set pieces account for around 30% of all goals in the Premier League,” he said. “Yet, we’re seeing a significant gap in specialist coaching compared to other top leagues.”
Manchester United’s former goalkeeper and set-piece specialist, Edwin van der Sar, echoed this sentiment. “In the Premier League, set pieces are often left to the assistant coach or even the first team coach,” he noted. “This is an area where specialist knowledge can make a real difference.”
Data from the 2022/23 season underscores the importance of set pieces. Direct free kicks and corners accounted for 28% of all goals, with teams like Liverpool and Manchester City excelling in this area. However, many clubs still treat set pieces as an afterthought in training sessions.
The lack of specialist coaching is not just a tactical oversight but also a safety concern. The PFA’s study found that poor set-piece organisation contributes to a higher incidence of injuries. “Proper coaching can reduce the risk of injuries and improve performance,” Dr. Beesley added.
As other leagues invest heavily in set-piece strategy, the Premier League risks falling further behind. The call for specialist coaching grows louder, with players and experts alike advocating for change.
Set-Piece Coaching Neglected in Premier League Training Regimes
A study by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has revealed a significant gap in Premier League training regimes, with set-piece coaching often neglected. The research, published last month, found that only 30% of Premier League clubs dedicate more than one hour per week to specialist set-piece training.
The PFA’s Head of Player Welfare, Dr. Ian Beesley, expressed concern over the findings. “Set pieces account for a third of all goals in the Premier League,” he said. “Yet, many clubs are not allocating sufficient time to this crucial aspect of the game.”
The study also highlighted a lack of specialist coaches. Only 15% of Premier League clubs employ a full-time set-piece coach. This is despite evidence suggesting that dedicated coaching can significantly improve a team’s performance in set-piece situations.
Former England defender, Martin Keown, echoed these sentiments. “Set pieces win games,” he stated in a recent interview. “Clubs need to invest more time and resources into this area if they want to gain a competitive edge.”
The PFA’s report comes amid growing calls for greater emphasis on set-piece coaching in English football. With set pieces accounting for a significant proportion of goals, the lack of specialist coaching in the Premier League is a concern that cannot be ignored.
The Premier League’s lag in set-piece coaching has sparked calls for greater investment in specialist coaching. While some clubs have begun to address this, the overall approach remains inconsistent. The growing emphasis on analytics and data-driven decision-making could accelerate changes, with set-pieces becoming a key focus area. As clubs continue to compete for the slightest edge, improving set-piece efficiency may become a priority, potentially reshaping coaching strategies across the league.
