Arne Slot Acknowledges Aaron Briggs After Liverpool Sacks Set-Piece Coach

Liverpool FC has dismissed set-piece coach Aaron Briggs following a dismal first half of the season, marked by poor performance in corners and free-kicks. The Reds conceded 12 goals from set-pieces—the most in Europe's top five leagues—and scored just three, the second-worst in the Premier League.^[1]

Head coach Arne Slot repeatedly highlighted the team's set-piece vulnerabilities in press conferences, noting it contributed to their precarious position. Despite his oversight role, Slot avoided direct intervention to respect Briggs' responsibilities, allowing sporting director Richard Hughes—who appointed Briggs—to address the issue.^[1]

Briggs, well-regarded at the AXA Training Centre, was part of last season's title-winning staff. Initially hired as a link between academy and first team after replacing Vitor Matos, he took on set-pieces almost incidentally. This summer, his role became full-time amid the appointment of Luis Fernando Iubel as individual lead coach, raising questions about its structure.^[1]

In response to Briggs' exit, Slot addressed the departure publicly but remained silent on a replacement. The decision ends Briggs' Anfield tenure, which always seemed makeshift despite his contributions.^[1][2]

The sacking underscores Liverpool's urgency to fix set-piece defending, a glaring weakness under Slot. Fans and analysts had anticipated changes, given the statistical failures. While Briggs departs on good terms internally, the club now faces the task of integrating a new specialist to bolster this critical area ahead of the season's second half.^[1]

Slot's measured comments reflect a focus on improvement without dwelling on the past, signaling a strategic reset in coaching dynamics.^[2]

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