Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has pointed to Arsenal as the current standard-bearers in European football, particularly when it comes to capitalising on set-piece situations. The Italian tactician, who now leads Napoli, made these remarks on the eve of his side's crucial Champions League league phase encounter with Chelsea at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Arsenal's Set-Piece Mastery Draws Continental Admiration
Conte highlighted the remarkable efficiency of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, who have won all seven of their Champions League matches this campaign. The Gunners can secure top spot in the league phase with merely a draw against Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. A staggering 29 per cent of Arsenal's goals across both the Premier League and Champions League this season have originated from set-pieces, a statistic that has not gone unnoticed by rival coaches.
'Today, you see Arsenal dominating and setting an example in set-pieces,' Conte stated. 'We're all looking at this aspect. Having a player who can take long throws is important, because it's like a corner. You have to be good at explaining these changes to clubs in the transfer market.'
The Evolution of Modern Football Tactics
Conte used Arsenal's success as a springboard to discuss the rapid tactical evolution within the sport. He argued that the traditional divisions between attack and defence have blurred, with high pressing and ball retention becoming paramount.
'Football is evolving at an absurd pace, and you risk falling behind,' Conte warned. 'Today, you need a goalkeeper who's good with his feet. Before, you had the ball and waited in your half to counterattack. Today, that's not the case. The primary objective is trying to dominate matches.'
He emphasised that this shift has led to an increase in goals scored from winning the ball high up the pitch, but also necessitates creative solutions against deep-lying defences. 'You have to be willing to keep up to date and capture the positives if you want to stay at the top,' Conte added. 'If you want to remain mediocre, stay in your current situation.'
Praise for Chelsea's Project and a Rebuttal to Diego Costa
Turning his attention to his upcoming opponents, Conte spoke warmly of his former club Chelsea, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup. He believes the Blues are constructing a promising future under their current ownership.
'Now Chelsea is continuing that path, trying to win with big investments,' Conte said. 'They've acquired valuable young players... I think that they are building something for the future and I'm happy for Chelsea.'
The Napoli manager also addressed recent comments from his former striker Diego Costa, who described him as 'always angry'. Conte dismissed the remarks with characteristic bluntness.
'I'm not one to waste energy reading what people say in the newspapers,' Conte retorted. 'I know very well that around football there are intelligent and stupid people. Diego Costa played with me for one season, we won the league together, then he wanted to go away three times in the same season, I only know this.'
As the Champions League group stage reaches its climax, Conte's insights underscore the tactical trends defining elite football, with Arsenal's set-piece excellence serving as a contemporary blueprint for success.
