Raja Casablanca interim coach Abdelkrim Jinani is placing greater emphasis on set pieces as he seeks to improve the team’s attacking threat, taking inspiration from Arsenal’s effective use of dead-ball situations in European football.
The Moroccan coach has introduced dedicated training sessions focusing on penalties and direct free kicks as part of his preparations for Sunday’s Botola Pro encounter against Ittihad Tanger at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Jinani believes improving the team’s execution of set pieces could provide Raja with another attacking option as they look to build on their recent progress and secure consecutive victories.
The Green Eagles head into the seventh-round fixture encouraged by their 1-0 victory over Royal Army last Wednesday in Rabat. The result was an important boost for the Casablanca side, who are seeking their second successive win and third victory of the Moroccan league campaign.
Jinani adopts Arsenal-inspired approach
During recent training sessions, Jinani allocated time for selected players to work on different set-piece situations, with particular attention given to penalties and direct free kicks.
The exercises are intended to improve the accuracy of deliveries and the players’ ability to take advantage of opportunities that could prove decisive during matches.
Raja’s coaching staff are also working on the psychological demands associated with such situations. Jinani has held discussions with his players about maintaining concentration, developing confidence and remaining composed when taking responsibility during important moments.
The coach recognises that success from set pieces involves more than technical ability, with players also required to make the right decisions under pressure.
His approach reflects the influence of Arsenal, who have developed dead-ball situations into one of their most dangerous attacking weapons in recent seasons.
The London club have invested considerable attention in the tactical organisation of set pieces, using carefully planned movements and specialised training to create opportunities from corners and free kicks.
Rather than relying solely on individual delivery, Arsenal have developed coordinated attacking routines that involve assigning specific responsibilities, identifying spaces inside the penalty area and timing players’ movements to create problems for opposing defenders.
The approach has helped make set pieces an important part of their attacking strategy, particularly in matches where opportunities from open play are difficult to create.
Arsenal’s example demonstrates how detailed preparation and repeated work on specific situations can turn free kicks and corners into valuable sources of goals.
Ittihad Tanger provide first test for Raja’s new approach
Jinani’s decision to place greater importance on set pieces comes as Raja seek to expand their attacking options and maintain the momentum gained from their recent victory over Royal Army.
The success in Rabat provided the squad with a significant morale boost, particularly after a challenging period in which the team needed to rediscover its consistency.
The upcoming meeting with Ittihad Tanger will offer an opportunity to assess whether the additional work on set pieces can translate into improvements during competitive matches.
Raja will be hoping their preparation produces tangible results as they return to action in Casablanca, where they are determined to continue their recovery in the league.
For Jinani, the fixture also represents another opportunity to strengthen his position during his interim spell in charge. Having already guided the team to an important victory against Royal Army, the coach will be eager to demonstrate that his methods can deliver sustained improvement.
The Moroccan side’s ability to make better use of free kicks, penalties and other dead-ball situations could become an important factor in their pursuit of positive results.
With the match against Ittihad Tanger approaching, Jinani will be looking for his players to transfer the lessons from training into their performance on the pitch and turn their renewed confidence into another victory.
