Southampton planning to strengthen set-piece routines with interesting solution | OneFootball

Southampton is tipped to recall Simon Rusk as Ivan Juric's subordinate into the senior team's management department.

Honestly, it feels like ages since we saw a fit Tyler Dibling playing in his peak rhythm. The winger has already missed a handful of matches and doesn't seem a strong candidate to start this week as well.

In between, Sulemana and Onuachu have stepped up to fill Dibling's void and the duo have backed Juric's trust as well. Yet, Southampton's wide attacks have seen a swift decline in recent matches which has limited the Saints' creativity up front.

To tackle that weakness, Southampton needs to double down on their gameplan's strengths. Nowadays, the Saints prefer to incline toward a more central attacking phase with crosses and headers being a significant feature among their chances created.

That being said, focusing on set-pieces like corners could align well with the above mentioned theme. But, would the club be open to implementing these decisions during the crucial stretch of the Premier League?

Surprisingly, they have started making preparations in this regard as well.

Southampton planning to strengthen set-piece routines with interesting solution

That's because the Daily Echo has revealed that caretaker head coach Simon Rusk is on the verge of linking with the senior roster again. Don't worry, Rusk wouldn't replace Juric and instead would join the Croatian as his subordinate.

Talking about the set-piece department, the Daily Echo mentioned Rusk's intriguing trait: "Rusk had worked as a set-piece coach for Nottingham Forest during the 2023/24 season and held senior roles at Dundee and Stockport County."

Therefore, all signs point towards Rusk training Southampton to win physical and aerial duels. Consequently, the Saints could improve in two aspects namely, controlling possession and taking more shots near the penalty area.

From defenders to forwards, Southampton has a vast heading talent that could test opposition keepers from close range. Ultimately, a crossing masterclass could hold the key to Saints' success ahead.