Liverpool’s set-piece coach, Aaron Briggs, has departed the club due to ongoing troubles in dead-ball situations this season.
The decision comes after Arne Slot’s side conceded their 12th goal from a set piece this season in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Wolves.
After the win over Wolves, captain Virgil van Dijk stated that the club must improve from set pieces.
He said, “The fact is we’ve conceded too many set-piece goals, and we don’t score enough.
“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.
“Is it a mental thing? I hope not. If that’s in your head, then it’s an issue. Personally, it’s not in my head.”
Liverpool’s attacking threat from set pieces has significantly decreased over the last five Premier League seasons. In 2021-22, they scored 18 goals from corners and indirect free kicks, at an average of 0.47 per game.
That figure dropped to 17 in 2022-23 and 15 in 2023-24 before plummeting to nine last season.
Briggs took up the post in September after joining Slot’s staff at the start of the 2024-25 campaign.
The remaining Liverpool coaching staff will be in charge of preparing the team for set pieces.
Set-piece output has been a vital facet of clubs in the Premier League this season, and given Liverpool’s troubles in this area, Briggs’ mutual choice to leave is a big move.
