Leverkusen Boss Hjulmand Reveals Exchange with Arsenal Coach Over Set-Piece Tactics

Bayer 04 Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand has opened up about a discussion with Arsenal F.C.’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash.

The conversation followed the first leg at the BayArena, where Leverkusen scored from a corner, prompting questions from Arsenal’s coaching staff about the legality of certain set-piece tactics.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s return leg at the Emirates Stadium, Hjulmand revealed that the discussion centered on whether physical blocking and off-the-ball contact during set-pieces fall within the rules of the game.

“It’s not about Arsenal, it’s about the rules. We do the same. All teams do. We set up offensive blocks, we body-check to create space, and I am merely questioning whether that is legal?” he said, as reported by Sky Sports.

Hjulmand added that Jover acknowledged the widespread use of such tactics, noting that it is a common practice across teams.

“He simply remarked, ‘you do it too, right?’ It applies to all teams. We are all engaging in it,” he added.

Arsenal head into the second leg after a 2–0 Premier League victory over Everton F.C., with both sides aiming to secure a place in the next round of the competition.

Opinion: The Fine Line Between Tactics and Fair Play

Set-pieces have become one of the most strategic aspects of modern football, with teams constantly innovating to gain an edge. However, Hjulmand’s comments raise an important question: where should the line be drawn between clever tactics and unfair play?

The reality is that many teams exploit physicality during set-pieces, often pushing the limits of what referees will allow. While it adds a tactical layer to the game, it also creates inconsistency in officiating, as similar incidents can be judged differently from match to match.

As football continues to evolve, clearer guidelines on such situations may be needed. Until then, teams like Arsenal and Leverkusen will keep pushing boundaries—because in high-stakes competitions like the Champions League, even the smallest advantage can decide everything. ⚽