FC Midtjylland: Pioneering Set-Piece Strategy in European Football
As one of Europe's leading coffee-consuming nations, it's no surprise that FC Midtjylland's training complex features a popular breakout area frequented by staff members throughout the day.
While enjoying their coffee, team members are reminded of the club's most significant statistic, displayed prominently above the espresso machine: a graph illustrating Midtjylland's goal difference from set pieces.
This Thursday, the team travels to England to take on Nottingham Forest in the Europa League, where set pieces have become a focal point of the Premier League, highlighted by the notable presence of set-piece coaches like Austin MacPhee at Aston Villa and Nicolas Jover at Arsenal.
In a notable transfer this summer, Chelsea paid Brentford £750,000 for set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva, a move that garnered significant attention across social media.
Michele Aragona, who transitioned from Midtjylland to Ipswich as a set-piece analyst, remarked, "Chelsea recognized that in the Premier League, every detail can lead to substantial financial gains, prompting them to explore every avenue for improvement." Midtjylland has been ahead of the curve, emphasizing set pieces in their strategy since Matthew Benham acquired a majority stake in 2014.
The club's success is evident, having won four championships, with a consistent record of scoring at least ten more goals from set pieces than they have conceded.
What was once a unique strategy is now being adopted across Europe. Many set-piece specialists currently working in various clubs have honed their skills at Midtjylland, which is celebrated for its influence in this area.
Jacob Larsen, Midtjylland's director of football, noted, "We invest significant energy into set pieces, so it’s only natural that talented individuals emerge from our ranks." Notable alumni include coaches and analysts now working in top positions across the Premier League and internationally.
For instance, Villa's MacPhee and Newcastle's Martin Mark are among those who have made the leap from Midtjylland to the Premier League, while Mads Buttgereit serves as Germany's set-piece coach under Julian Nagelsmann.
Aragona explained to BBC Sport that while the roles of set-piece coach and analyst are often conflated, they are distinct yet interdependent. "We collaborate closely, with the coach leading sessions while I focus on individual player development and analyzing opponents," he stated.
Midtjylland, located in Herning, Denmark, has a population of 55,000, while their training facility is in Ikast, a smaller town of around 20,000. The club has had to adopt an innovative approach to thrive in a less glamorous environment. Larsen stated, "Our ambition is to become champions in Denmark every year, and we have made set pieces a core part of our strategy."
The approach to set pieces has evolved from a brief focus during training sessions to an integral part of every practice. "In the past, we would only dedicate the last ten minutes of training to set pieces, but now they are embedded in our training philosophy," Larsen explained.
While many might envision elaborate routines, Aragona emphasized that the focus is on consistency and replicability. "Routines can secure victories, but to sustain success, they must be manageable and repeatable over time," he noted.
At Midtjylland, the commitment to set pieces extends to youth levels, ensuring that every age group is equipped with the necessary skills. Larsen mentioned, "We strive to provide each player with advantages in set-piece situations, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving on the pitch."
The strategic balance at Midtjylland leans heavily toward attacking set pieces, with Aragona revealing that last season, the focus was approximately 90% on attack and 10% on defense. "We rarely conceded chances, which led us to prioritize our attacking strategies," he added.
Set pieces also play a significant role in recruitment discussions, with Midtjylland being one of Denmark's highest spenders. In the 2023-24 season, they set a national record by investing €36.6 million in player acquisitions.
While there is no strict height requirement for players, attributes like heading ability and long throw-ins are taken into account during evaluations.
An Individual Approach
Midtjylland's style of play is characterized by a focus on individual strengths, according to Larsen. "We emphasize physicality and personal attributes, distinguishing us from other teams that tend to prioritize structured, team-based systems. Our family spirit unites us despite our individual focus."
This culture is one of the four foundational pillars of the club. "From an outside perspective, we may appear aggressive in our recruitment and progress, but internally, we foster soft values," Larsen concluded. The club also runs a school for youth players, integrating education with their training program.