Liverpool Struggling with Set-Piece Woes: Aaron Briggs Sacked Amidst Defensive Concerns
Liverpool have made a decisive change in Arne Slot's backroom staff after confirming the departure of first-team set-piece coach Aaron Briggs. It is a move driven by mounting concern over the champions’ vulnerability in dead-ball situations. Set pieces have become a recurring problem for Liverpool this season, undermining otherwise strong performances and repeatedly handing opponents a route back into matches.
Liverpool have made a decisive change in Arne Slot's backroom staff after confirming the departure of first-team set-piece coach Aaron Briggs. It is a move driven by mounting concern over the champions’ vulnerability in dead-ball situations.Set pieces have become a recurring problem for Liverpool this season, undermining otherwise strong performances and repeatedly handing opponents a route back into matches. With the issue refusing to fade, the club has concluded that a reset was unavoidable. Excluding penalties, no side in the Premier League has conceded more goals from set pieces than Liverpool’s tally of 12. Corners, in particular, have been a glaring weakness, with only West Ham United shipping more goals from that source. At the other end of the pitch, Liverpool have struggled to generate a consistent threat. They are averaging just 2.4 goals per 100 set pieces, a return bettered by every top-flight side except Brentford. Defensively, their record is just as concerning, with 8.2 goals conceded per 100 set pieces, a figure surpassed only by Nottingham Forest.The impact of those shortcomings has been tangible in recent weeks. In back-to-back league games against Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool appeared in complete control at 2-0. On both occasions, however, a set-piece goal shifted the momentum, forcing Arne Slot’s side into uncomfortable finales rather than comfortable victories.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Briggs arrived at Anfield in July 2024, initially joining Slot’s backroom team as first-team individual development coach following the departure of Vítor Matos. Liverpool had originally sought a specialist set-piece coach but, unable to identify the right candidate, opted to hand that responsibility to Briggs. Last summer, the club attempted to refine the structure further by appointing Brazilian coach Luiz Fernando Iubel as individual lead coach, allowing Briggs to focus solely on set pieces. Despite those adjustments, performances failed to improve to the required level.Captain Virgil van Dijk has not shied away from addressing the issue, saying: "We have defended so many set-pieces very well. But the fact is, we've conceded too many goals like that, and it hurts. We have to improve that. It's about repetition, training, analysing...it's something we have to improve. I'd say at least 75 per cent of the time, or even more, it's not even about the first contact, it's the second phase that is the killer."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingLiverpool have no immediate replacement for Briggs lined up, with set-piece duties temporarily absorbed by existing members of Slot’s coaching staff. On the pitch, attention quickly turns to results. Liverpool host Leeds United at Anfield on New Year’s Day, aiming to extend their unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions.
Liverpool's Set-Piece Struggles
Excluding penalties, no side in the Premier League has conceded more goals from set pieces than Liverpool’s tally of 12. Corners, in particular, have been a glaring weakness, with only West Ham United shipping more goals from that source. At the other end of the pitch, Liverpool have struggled to generate a consistent threat. They are averaging just 2.4 goals per 100 set pieces, a return bettered by every top-flight side except Brentford.
Defensive Vulnerabilities and Impact on Results
Defensively, Liverpool's record is concerning, with 8.2 goals conceded per 100 set pieces, a figure surpassed only by Nottingham Forest. Recent games against Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers highlighted the impact of set-piece goals in shifting momentum and causing discomfort for Arne Slot’s side.
The Departure of Aaron Briggs
Arriving at Anfield in July 2024, Briggs took on the set-piece coaching responsibilities, aiming to address the team's weaknesses in dead-ball situations. Despite efforts to refine the coaching structure, performances did not reach the desired level, prompting Liverpool to make a change in the coaching staff.
Van Dijk's Call for Improvement
Captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledged the team's struggles with set pieces, emphasizing the importance of improvement through repetition, training, and analysis. He highlighted the need to address the second phase of defensive set pieces to reduce vulnerabilities.
Future Plans and Immediate Focus
With no immediate replacement for Briggs, Liverpool's coaching staff has absorbed set-piece duties temporarily. On the pitch, the focus shifts to results as Liverpool prepare to face Leeds United at Anfield, aiming to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions.
