Aaron Briggs dismissed: Who could take over as Liverpool’s set-piece coach?

Liverpool have confirmed the departure of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs.

Briggs, who previously held a role at Manchester City, joined Liverpool in July 2024 as the club’s first-team individual development coach. However, after the club failed to appoint a specialist when advertising for a set-piece coach last summer, Briggs was reassigned to take on that responsibility.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool currently have no immediate replacement lined up. Briggs’ duties will instead be shared among several existing members of the coaching staff.

Liverpool’s struggles from set-pieces this season have been well documented. Excluding penalties, the reigning Premier League champions have conceded 12 goals from dead-ball situations — the worst record in the division. At the other end of the pitch, they have managed just three non-penalty set-piece goals, highlighting problems both offensively and defensively.

Set-pieces have become increasingly influential in modern football, with teams placing greater emphasis on them. Long throw-ins have made a comeback, while managers such as Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery have been seen enthusiastically celebrating with their set-piece coaches on the touchline.

Liverpool’s recent matches have underlined the issue. On two occasions, they established comfortable 2–0 leads only to allow opponents back into the game due to poor defending from set-pieces — a recurring theme throughout the campaign.

Given these ongoing concerns, Briggs’ exit comes as little surprise. What Liverpool decide to do next remains unclear, but for now, it will be down to Arne Slot and his coaching team to collectively address the problem and find a solution.