Liverpool Fitness And Set-pieces Drive Improved Form, Slot Says

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Liverpool’s recent surge in results is being credited by Arne Slot to improved fitness levels and sharper set-piece work, with the coach highlighting those factors as central to a strong run that has lifted the team back towards the Premier League’s Champions League positions.

The Reds have taken five wins from their last seven games in all competitions, losing the other two only to stoppage-time goals against Bournemouth and Manchester City, leaving Liverpool three points off the top four in sixth place before visiting struggling Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Slot pointed to a clear shift over recent months, stressing that performances have steadily strengthened even in defeat. "We've improved compared to three or four months ago," said Slot. "I would even include the Bournemouth game because, apart from the goals we conceded, we had total control with dominance, we had a lot of chancesand the same could be said in the second half about [Manchester] City."

Liverpool’s response to that late loss at Manchester City has been strong, with Slot’s side becoming the first visiting team to win a league match at the Stadium of Light this season, then following up with a 3-0 home victory over Brighton to book a place in the FA Cup fifth round.

Slot explained that the upturn is built on simple aspects rather than tactical overhaul. "We're in a much better place now than we were months ago and there are two very simple reasons for that." "[There are more reasons] but the most simple two are how fit we are now compared with three or four months ago, and the second one is that we are much better in set-pieces at the moment."

Alongside discussing team development, Slot also addressed the status of striker Alexander Isak, who has not played since suffering a fibula fracture during Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham in December, an absence that has removed a central attacking option from Slot’s plans for several months.

Slot suggested a possible comeback window for the Sweden international before the March international break, while warning that progress could still change. "It will be somewhere around there and then [March] its always the question if things go really well or if he gets a little bit of a setback," added Slot. "So, it will be around that period of timeend of March, start of April when hes hopefully back with the group."

The Liverpool coach reminded that returning to full training will not mean immediate match readiness for Isak, recalling a previous long lay-off after joining from Newcastle. "When youre back with the group its not to say that you are ready to play, let alone start, a game of football because, again, hes been out for months and the last time hes been out for months I think we could all see that it took him a while before he was the player we have signed from Newcastle."

With Liverpool pushing for a top-four place and still active in the FA Cup, Slot’s emphasis on conditioning and set-piece strength, together with a cautious approach to Isak’s recovery, underlines a focus on sustainable performance as the 2026 campaign heads towards its decisive months.