Arne Slot Blocked from Hiring First-Choice Set-Piece Coach at Liverpool

By Liverpool.com Staff | Published December 2025

Arne Slot, Liverpool FC's head coach, faced a significant setback upon his arrival when he was blocked from hiring his preferred set-piece coach, leading to a reliance on internal staff that ultimately proved disastrous for the team's defensive record.[1]

Slot had identified a top specialist from his Feyenoord days to overhaul Liverpool's set-piece strategies, recognizing their critical role in modern football. However, club hierarchies intervened, prioritizing existing personnel amid budget constraints and a desire to integrate data-driven analysts over traditional coaches. Instead, Aaron Briggs, initially hired as an individual development coach, was thrust into the set-piece role—first as a caretaker and officially in September 2025.[1]

This gamble backfired spectacularly. Liverpool posted the Premier League's worst defensive record from corners, with a -9 goal difference by late 2025. Briggs, labeled a "data specialist," struggled to translate analytics into on-pitch results. As one analysis notes, crunching numbers differs vastly from managing the "chaos inside the penalty area," which demands hands-on coaching expertise akin to outgoing assistant Peter Krawietz.[1]

Slot himself initially downplayed set pieces as an "add-on," but mounting concessions exposed a systematic failure. Captain Virgil van Dijk pinpointed the issue post-Wolves: "In 75% of cases, it's not about the first contact. It's the second phase," highlighting poor clearance and rebound management.[1]

The fallout was swift. Liverpool parted ways with Briggs just before the new year, parting with their set-piece coach amid a dismal run. This episode underscores Slot's biggest mistake: deferring to club preferences over his vision, costing vital points. As Liverpool eye a replacement, questions linger over whether Slot will regain control to fix this glaring weakness before it's too late.[1]

Key Takeaways:

• Slot's first-choice hire was vetoed, forcing Briggs into the role.
• Liverpool's corner defense: league-worst -9 GD.
• Issues stem from second-phase defending, per Van Dijk.
• Briggs sacked; set-piece overhaul now urgent.

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