Liverpool have confirmed that set-piece coach Aaron Briggs has left the club by mutual agreement amid growing concerns over the Reds’ struggles from dead-ball situations this season.
The decision comes as Liverpool sit with one of the worst set-piece records in Europe’s top five leagues.
Briggs, who joined Liverpool’s backroom staff in July 2024 as an individual development coach, took on responsibility for set pieces later that year when the club was unable to bring in a specialist for the role.
Despite his contribution to the English Premier League title success under Arne Slot last season, his tenure in the set-piece role lasted just a few months.
Liverpool struggling to defend set pieces
Liverpool’s defensive numbers from set plays tell a stark story. The Reds have conceded 12 goals from set pieces this campaign – more than any other side in the Premier League and Europe’s big five leagues, excluding penalties.
The club statement read: “Liverpool FC can confirm Aaron Briggs has departed his role as set-piece coach of the men’s first team.
“Having joined the club in July 2024 – initially in the role of individual development coach – Briggs contributed to our Premier League title success last season as a member of Arne Slot’s backroom staff.”
Offensively, Liverpool have also struggled, scoring just three goals from dead-ball situations in the league, leaving them with a negative set-piece goal difference of minus nine.
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Captain Virgil van Dijk publicly addressed the issue after recent matches.
“There have been plenty of games when we have defended them very well. But the fact is we’ve conceded too many set-piece goals and we don’t score enough,” said the Dutchman.
“It’s something we have to improve. I would say at least 75% of the time or even more, it’s not even about the first contact. It’s the second phase that is the killer.”
Head coach Arne Slot had repeatedly highlighted set pieces as a problem throughout the first half of the season, warning that continued weaknesses could jeopardise Liverpool’s ambitions for the league’s top four.
Liverpool face stiff corner test against Leeds
Despite a recent upturn in form – including a run of four wins in all competitions – Liverpool remain vulnerable at corners and free-kicks, with opponents exploiting these weaknesses regularly.
While Briggs’ exit is a notable change, it is unlikely to be a complete solution.
Liverpool’s set-piece failings have been a recurring theme all season, and fixing the problem will require tactical adjustments, better defensive organisation and clearer routines at both ends of the pitch.
Thursday’s opponents, Leeds, are one of the most prolific set-piece teams in the Premier League.
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