Key Takeaways:
- Liverpool confirmed Aaron Briggs’ departure from his role as set-piece coach by mutual agreement following criticism of set-piece performances this season
- The Reds have conceded 12 goals and scored only 3 from set-pieces in 18 Premier League fixtures, resulting in a minus-nine set-piece differential
- Briggs joined Liverpool in July 2024 and played a part in the club’s title-winning campaign during Arne Slot’s first season
Coaching Shake-Up at Anfield
Liverpool have officially announced that Aaron Briggs has left his position as set-piece coach, with both parties mutually agreeing on his departure. Briggs departs following heightened scrutiny over Liverpool’s persistent problems defending dead-ball situations, which have significantly undermined their Premier League title challenge this season.
🚨 Liverpool confirm set pieces coach Aaron Briggs leaves the club with immediate effect.
Responsibility for set pieces will fall across the remaining coaching staff. pic.twitter.com/lT8N2BVOpx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 30, 2025
Set-Piece Struggles Impact Title Ambitions
So far this campaign, Liverpool have conceded 12 goals from set-pieces across 18 league matches, while only managing to score 3 themselves. This leaves the club with a minus-nine set-piece differential – a figure that marks Liverpool’s worst record at this stage of any league season. This negative trend played a role in prompting the club’s move to reassess responsibilities in this crucial tactical area, with consensus reached on Briggs’ exit.
| Season | Set-Piece Goals Scored | Set-Piece Goals Conceded | Set-Piece Differential | League Fixtures Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 (current) | 3 | 12 | -9 | 18 |
Club and Staff Reactions
Liverpool and manager Arne Slot have emphasised that the coaching restructure should not be seen as a panacea for the team’s set-piece issues, highlighting the importance of continued collective efforts to address the problem.
Briggs joined Liverpool as an individual development coach in July 2024 and soon became an integral part of Slot’s backroom staff. His tenure coincided with the club’s record-equalling 20th league championship in the Dutchman’s debut campaign, where he contributed to the club’s success behind the scenes.
The club stated: “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.
“He leaves with the appreciation and best wishes of everyone at the club.”
Players and Management Address Defensive Concerns
Club captain Virgil van Dijk previously voiced his disappointment regarding Liverpool’s defensive frailties at set-pieces, acknowledging the need for repetition, dedicated training, and thorough analysis in order to rectify these lapses. According to van Dijk, the majority of their conceded set-piece goals arise from failures during the second phase of play.
Arne Slot also reflected on the club’s deteriorating set-piece record and the direct impact this has had on their position in the table, noting the crucial role of set-piece efficiency for teams with top-four aspirations. He pointed out Liverpool’s negative balance compared to rivals Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United, while also recognising Liverpool’s ability to create open-play chances.
