Pep Guardiola insists Premier League clubs need to adjust to dangers from set pieces

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated that Premier League teams need to make changes to counter set pieces following comments from Liverpool coach Arne Slot about how they are draining some of the "joy" from the league.

Arsenal has earned the nickname "Set Piece FC" thanks to their strength in dead ball scenarios and various other teams are adopting tactics from their approach.

In remarks made on Tuesday ahead of title contenders City's fixture against struggling Nottingham Forest Guardiola noted that clubs simply have to figure out how to handle the increasing risk.

"It forms part of the game's flow and while you might grumble you still need to adjust and that is just how it works," he commented.

The Spanish coach famous for his smooth possession oriented style mentioned that he concurs with Slot on certain points yet pointed out that one of the sport's appealing features lies in the variety of playing methods.

"The game has never followed a single style from the moment it began," he added. "The way football is played in England differs from Spain it varies in Italy too and that variety is what makes it special.

"That is precisely why the Champions League stands out with its diverse approaches and even within a single nation coaches bring unique styles.

"It adds to the appeal that is why people love it. Imagine how dull it would be if every coach and every league stuck to identical tactics?

"Whether I enjoy it or not is up to me so if it does not appeal I can just tune out as a fan but the reality stands I must adjust. The key is adapting as swiftly as possible."

City have secured victories in their previous six matches across all tournaments and trail Premier League frontrunners Arsenal by five points though they hold an extra fixture.

"The coming 10 matches are now crucial," the City manager remarked. "With two league outings before the international pause we sit five points adrift of Arsenal meaning we cannot afford any slip ups."

Guardiola indicated that City will assess the condition of Erling Haaland and Nico O'Reilly following Tuesdays training.

The Norwegian forward Haaland sat out Saturdays 1-0 victory over Leeds after sustaining an injury in practice while O'Reilly had to leave the pitch due to an ankle issue at Elland Road.