Dominik Szoboszlai has called on Liverpool to resolve their set-piece vulnerabilities, warning they will remain a focal point in the Premier League.
Last season saw an increased reliance on set-pieces to either manage games or find a route to goal, with Liverpool largely left behind.
The Reds conceded 20 league goals from set-pieces in 2025/26, accounting for 38 percent of their total tally, with long throws and corners, in particular, proving their undoing.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, had 14 goals scored against them from set pieces last season, accounting for 24 percent of all goals conceded.
Against Leeds in their final friendly of the US tour, Liverpool again came unstuck when the opposition lifted the ball into their penalty box, either caught napping or out of position.
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is unable to make the save as Leeds United's Sean Longstaff scores his side's third goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is unable to make the save as Leeds United's Sean Longstaff scores his side's third goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Szoboszlai watched Liverpool concede three of their four goals from the touchline, and he spoke honestly about the team’s defensive frailties.
“Now that we conceded two goals from set-pieces, we have to take better care of them,” he told LFCTV.
“Last season was a season where everything started to be really important: corners, long throw-ins, so we really have to take care of it because I think next season is going to be the same.
“On set-pieces, everyone has to do their job, and then we’re not going to concede. It’s actually as easy as that.
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch (R) react to conceding his side's fourth goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch (R) react to conceding his side's fourth goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“But we are also human beings, we are going to make mistakes. But we have to react.”
Andoni Iraola‘s first-team coach Tommy Elphick is responsible for defensive phases on set-pieces, and he will have his work cut out for him to resolve Liverpool’s issues.
The return of more senior figures will aid that process, but after confidence was hit last season, it will require a collective effort to fix the problem.
“I think the reaction is the most important thing right now,” Szoboszlai added. “We have two more games before the season starts. That’s what we have to focus on.”
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Brentford FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)