I was seen as a dinosaur but not many managers moan about set-pieces now
In the fast-evolving world of football, tactical trends come and go, but some foundational truths endure. One such truth, often overlooked or even derided, is the profound importance of set-pieces. For legendary manager Tony Pulis, this wasn't a trend; it was a cornerstone of his footballing philosophy, a belief that, for a long time, earned him the label of a 'dinosaur'. Yet, as the current season unfolds, with set-piece goals enjoying a significant resurgence, Pulis finds his long-held convictions not just validated, but widely adopted across the game.
The Shifting Sands of Football Philosophy
Football has always been a game of cycles. There was a time when possession was king, followed by the high-pressing counter-attack, and now, perhaps, a more pragmatic approach where every potential advantage is meticulously pursued. For much of his career, Pulis operated in an era where the focus, particularly from pundits and purists, was on free-flowing, aesthetically pleasing football. His teams, known for their robust defending, direct play, and formidable threat from dead-ball situations, often stood in stark contrast to this prevailing narrative.
Critics frequently painted Pulis's style as unsophisticated, often implying a lack of creativity or tactical depth. The emphasis on set-pieces, in particular, was seen by some as a shortcut, a less 'pure' way to score goals compared to intricate passing moves. But Pulis always knew better. He understood that in a game of fine margins, where the difference between victory and defeat could be a single moment, set-pieces offered a consistently viable, and often overlooked, route to goal.
The Pulis Blueprint: Ahead of His Time?
Pulis's first column for BBC Sport delves into this very topic, highlighting the undeniable rise in set-piece goals this season. For him, this isn't a new phenomenon or a sudden revelation; it’s a return to basics that he championed for decades. His approach was always rooted in logic: a set-piece, whether a corner, a free-kick, or even a long throw, represents a controlled situation. Unlike open play, where variables are constant and chaos reigns, a dead-ball scenario offers a brief window of predictability, a chance to execute a pre-planned move with precision.
This focus wasn't born out of a lack of ambition, but rather a profound understanding of football economics and the need to maximise every opportunity. Managing clubs often with smaller budgets than the Premier League's elite, Pulis recognised that marginal gains were crucial. If his team could consistently convert 10-15% of their corners, or score from a well-worked free-kick routine every few games, it could mean the difference between survival and relegation, or a mid-table finish and a challenge for Europe.
Why Set-Pieces Became Non-Negotiable
The importance of set-pieces boils down to several key factors. Firstly, they are universal. Regardless of a team’s overall style, fitness levels, or technical ability, any team can be drilled to be dangerous from a corner or free-kick. This levels the playing field to some extent, allowing smaller teams to trouble bigger opponents. Secondly, they are high-percentage opportunities. While not every set-piece will result in a goal, they often lead to direct shots on target, scrambles in the box, or second-phase attacks, all of which significantly increase the probability of scoring compared to building play from deep.
Pulis understood that defensive organisation from set-pieces was equally vital. If his teams were well-drilled to score from them, they were also meticulously prepared to defend against them. This dual focus minimised risks and maximised rewards, forging a resilient and effective team identity that became his trademark.
From Scrutiny to Strategy: The Modern Game's Embrace
Today, the landscape is very different. Data analytics and advanced coaching have illuminated the true value of set-pieces. Every top club now employs specialists – set-piece coaches and analysts – dedicated solely to devising and refining routines. Managers, even those lauded for their expansive, attacking football, openly acknowledge and invest in this area. From Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, meticulously crafted set-piece strategies are now a fundamental part of elite football.
No longer is it considered 'un-football' to score from a corner. Instead, it’s celebrated as a testament to intelligent coaching, meticulous planning, and clinical execution. The ‘moaning’ about set-piece goals has largely ceased, replaced by an appreciation for their strategic significance. This shift in perception is a quiet vindication for managers like Tony Pulis, who saw the value long before it became fashionable.
Conclusion: A Legacy Redefined
Tony Pulis may have been labelled a 'dinosaur' for his steadfast belief in the power of set-pieces, but the current trajectory of football shows he was, in fact, a visionary. His pragmatic approach, once seen as old-fashioned, has now become a cornerstone of modern tactical thinking. As goals continue to fly in from corners and free-kicks across leagues, Pulis’s legacy is not just one of grit and resilience, but also of tactical foresight. He didn’t just adapt to the game; in many ways, the game eventually adapted to him, confirming that sometimes, the 'old-fashioned' ways hold timeless wisdom.
Keywords: Sports