Oliver Glasner makes 'unacceptable' claim as Marc Guehi faces familiar Liverpool issue

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Marc Guehi seems to be facing similar problems to Liverpool at Crystal Palace, with Oliver Glasner's latest comments potentially making the Reds think twice about a transfer

Marc Guehi continues to be linked with a transfer to Liverpool after a move collapsed in the summer(Image: Getty Images)

It’s not just Liverpool that is facing problems with set-pieces this season, with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner bemoaning his side’s issues in a message that might put some transfer doubt into the minds of the Reds.

Liverpool’s problems from set-plays have been well documented this season, and the club has even taken action recently, with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs leaving Anfield just before the turn of the year.

At the time of his departure, the Reds had the worst record in Europe’s top five leagues when it came to defending set-pieces, with Arne Slot and the remaining members of his backroom staff now looking at a solution.

Whether that will involve signing a new defender in January remains to be seen, although Liverpool has been linked with defensive reinforcements, including Marc Guehi.

The Palace captain of course came close to securing a move to Anfield in the summer, only to see the transfer collapse at the eleventh hour. With his contract set to expire at the end of the current season, there is a question over whether Liverpool should wait for him to become available for free, or strike now to bolster Slot’s defensive options.

Glasner’s latest comments though might make the Reds think twice. It seems that even with Guehi in his side, Palace isn’t immune to its own set-piece problems.

Oliver Glasner reacts during Crystal Palace's defeat to Newcastle(Image: Getty Images)

Speaking after his side’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday - the Eagles’ fourth defeat in their last five games - Glasner told Sky Sports: "It was a good performance but in the last four defeats we lost three just from set pieces.

“It's not acceptable and I have to find solutions to support the players better. We can't afford to give so many goals away from set pieces. It's the reason we lost today. I was pleased with how we moved the ball and defended.

"We need to look at where we can improve. In second phases it's just too much. We need to do better.”

Glasner’s comments may well harden Palace’s resolve to keep hold of Guehi for the remainder of the season, even if it means losing him for nothing in the summer.

The Austrian manager has already indicated that Guehi is likely to stay at Selhurst Park beyond January, while Slot has also played down the possibility of Liverpool doing business in January.

"This is our way of working at Liverpool. The outside world wants to believe we have unlimited money but that is not true,” Slot said last month.

"You insiders know – and you are the only ones because the outside world only talks about our spending – what we have brought in (money) to spend.”