Liverpool Parts Ways with Set-Piece Coach Aaron Briggs Amid Struggles
A pivotal change has taken place within Liverpool’s coaching staff as the club has decided to part ways with Aaron Briggs, who held the role of set-piece coach. This move comes on the heels of alarming statistics that highlight the team’s struggles during dead-ball situations, prompting the hierarchy at Anfield to reassess their approach.
A Short-Lived Tenure
Briggs joined Liverpool in 2024 as a first-team individual development coach and was officially appointed as the set-piece coach only in September. Despite his relatively recent addition to the role, the club’s leadership swiftly concluded that his strategies had not yielded the desired results. The decision to release him signals a critical reassessment of Liverpool’s tactics, especially given their poor performance in defending set-pieces.
Defensive Woes Highlighted
The statistics tell a stark story. Liverpool has the dubious distinction of conceding the most non-penalty set-piece goals in Europe’s top five leagues, with 12 goals conceded. This places them alongside Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, who have also faced significant challenges in this area. On average, Liverpool concedes 8.2 goals per 100 set-pieces, a figure only surpassed by Forest.
The numbers reveal further issues: the Reds have faced 85 corners this season, translating to a goal conceded roughly every 12 corners. In comparison, West Ham, who have faced more corners at 114, are conceding at a marginally better rate. However, the problems extend beyond mere numbers; it is the manner of the goals conceded that has drawn criticism.
Despite a commendable ability to win the initial aerial battles during corners, Liverpool struggles with the second phase of play, indicating deeper tactical flaws rather than simple player errors. This has become a source of frustration for the coaching staff, particularly for head coach Arne Slot, who has emphasized the importance of improving their set-piece record as essential to competing at the highest level.
Attacking Set-Pieces Under Scrutiny
While Liverpool’s defensive issues have taken center stage, their attacking set-piece performance has been equally lackluster. The team has scored just three non-penalty goals from set-pieces this season, making them the lowest-scoring team in the league in this regard. This has contributed to a dismal set-play balance of -9, which has undoubtedly cost the club critical points in their pursuit of a top position in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s average of 2.4 goals scored per 100 set-pieces is among the worst in the league, with only Brentford performing worse. Their inability to capitalize on corners has been particularly glaring, with just one goal from corner situations. This inefficiency starkly contrasts the league’s overall trend of increasing goals scored from dead-ball scenarios.
Looking Ahead
In light of these challenges, the responsibility for set-pieces will now shift to a collective approach under Slot and his coaching staff. The move underscores Liverpool’s commitment to rectifying their set-piece struggles and restoring their reputation as a title-contending team. With the season still in its early stages, there is a pressing need to address these tactical shortcomings to bolster their chances in both domestic and European competitions.
As Liverpool navigates this transitional phase, the expectation is clear: the club must enhance their set-piece execution, both defensively and offensively, to reclaim their status among England’s elite football clubs.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research