Premier League
Pep Guardiola Defends Open-Play Philosophy As Set-Piece Concerns Rise Across Premier League
Pep Guardiola Defends Open-Play Philosophy As Set-Piece Concerns Rise Across Premier League
The Premier League has been buzzing with discussions about set pieces—and how they’ve become a major source of goals this season. Interestingly, while many teams have found success from dead-ball situations, Manchester City and their manager Pep Guardiola are standing firm on their footballing philosophy.
So far, Arsenal have been the most in-form side in England’s top flight, sitting comfortably at the top of the table. However, rival fans have noticed something peculiar — a huge chunk of their goals this season have come from set pieces rather than open play.
Despite this, the overall goals-per-game average in the Premier League has dropped to 2.6 per match, the lowest since 2017. Even more concerning, the ball has been in play for just 55 minutes on average per game, highlighting a slower and more tactical approach in most fixtures.
Guardiola Unmoved By Set-Piece Trend
For Guardiola, though, the solution isn’t to abandon his principles. The City boss, whose team are the only side yet to score from a set piece this season, remains committed to attacking football built on open play.
“Every manager does what they believe,” Guardiola said. “I want to score from free kicks and corners — I’m not naive to that. But I spend my time on what we have to do to play better, attack better, and create chances. To score goals.”
His comments came after City’s recent 2–1 loss to Aston Villa, where they conceded a late winner from a corner. Yet Guardiola believes the best way to defend set pieces is by controlling games and limiting the opponent’s opportunities to win them in the first place.
“I will, until the end, continue to work mainly on our game,” he added. “And sometimes adapt, when we have to do it.”
City Eye Carabao Cup Recovery
After the Villa defeat, Manchester City will shift focus to their Carabao Cup clash against Swansea, as they aim to return to winning ways. With Guardiola’s emphasis on structure, ball control, and movement, the coming weeks will test whether City can maintain their trademark style — or if the Premier League’s growing set-piece trend will eventually force even Pep to adapt.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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