Guardiola on set-pieces, Klopp’s Liverpool and Arsenal criticism | OneFootball

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has reflected on how the Premier League has changed in recent years.

Guardiola battled Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool for several seasons, but has found title challengers in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal instead in recent times.

“Sorry to tell you, but they were so good,” Guardiola said, reflecting on Klopp’s Liverpool side. “The level was outstanding, otherwise you don’t make more than 90 points in the league.

“And I’m pretty sure that league in that moment, always the teams were really good.”

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On the current season, the Catalan continued: “But, for example, Arsenal fans, when they score a goal from set-pieces they are so happy, and I’m pretty sure the manager is happy and the players are so happy.

“I’m pretty sure if you ask all the Arsenal fans they would say don’t change for one second our set-pieces. That feeling that when we get set-pieces that we’re going to score.

“I’m pretty sure all the teams will want to create that vibe, you know that, for example, our team struggles a little bit more. So, it’s what it is.”

There has been a lot of attention on the increased significance of set-pieces this season. City’s boss maintained: “Yeah, we’re moving in that direction.

“I pay more attention to set-pieces than when I started my career in Barcelona. For sure. Much more.

“For all of them it is an incredible tool for the teams to score goals, to not concede, to create.

“Football is about when the opponents create a problem for you, you have to find a solution.”

Guardiola has always been known for his intricate passing football, rather than the more direct approach of set-pieces. He insisted: “Of course you have to be concerned and prepared.

“But at the same time, as I’ve said many times, there’s a lot of things that you prepare for games, so be focused on that. 

“You as a manager have to decide what you like to work with. There are other things I prefer to work on and be focused on.”

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