Liverpool’s set-piece coach Aaron Briggs has departed the club following a poor run of results in dead-ball situations.
Liverpool have announced that Aaron Briggs has stepped down from his role as set-piece coach following mounting criticism over an area that has undermined their Premier League title defence. The departure, agreed by mutual consent, comes after Arne Slot’s side conceded 12 goals from dead-ball situations in just 18 league matches this season.
At the other end of the pitch, Liverpool have scored only three times from set-pieces, leaving them with a minus-nine balance — the worst such return at this stage of a Premier League campaign in the club’s history. In contrast, current leaders Arsenal boast a plus-eight differential. As a result, both the club and Briggs felt a change was necessary and reached an agreement for his exit. However, Liverpool and Slot are keen to stress that this decision should not be viewed as a “quick fix” to their set-piece problems.
No immediate replacement has been appointed, meaning responsibility will now fall on Slot and his coaching staff to improve matters. Liverpool’s struggles were highlighted again in their recent 2-1 home victory over bottom-placed Wolves, where they conceded their seventh league goal from a corner this season.
Briggs joined Slot’s backroom team in the summer of 2024 as an individual development coach before being promoted to set-piece coach later that summer. He played a key behind-the-scenes role during Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th league title triumph last season. This campaign, however, Liverpool have conceded more set-piece goals than any other side in Europe’s top five leagues, while their lack of threat from dead-ball situations in the league contrasts sharply with their Champions League form, where they have scored a competition-leading five set-piece goals and are among just seven teams yet to concede from one.
Briggs’ exit is the latest in a series of backroom changes since last season. Giovanni van Bronckhorst replaced John Heitinga as assistant coach, Xavi Valero returned as head of first-team goalkeeping, and Colin Stewart was appointed goalkeeper development and pathway lead.
Confirming the news, Liverpool said:
“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 as individual development coach — Briggs contributed to our Premier League title success last season as part of Arne Slot’s backroom staff.
“He leaves with the appreciation and best wishes of everyone at the club.”