BREAKING: Liverpool sack set-piece coach amid frustrations from Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot

Liverpool FC has dismissed set-piece coach Aaron Briggs following mounting frustrations aired by captain Virgil van Dijk and manager Arne Slot over defensive vulnerabilities, particularly from set pieces[1][2][3][4]. The decision comes amid a turbulent 2025/26 season, marked by recent humbling defeats, including a loss to Nottingham Forest, and the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota, which has deeply affected the squad[3][4].

Van Dijk, speaking candidly after the Forest defeat, admitted the team is conceding too many easy goals, especially from set pieces, and failing to compete physically. "We concede too many easy goals... from a set-piece again," he said, taking personal responsibility while urging the entire squad and staff to "look in the mirror"[4]. He emphasized collective accountability in a "team game," vowing resilience despite a "very difficult moment," drawing on the club's history of ups and downs[4].

Manager Arne Slot faces growing pressure, with pundits and fans questioning his tenure despite a strong start last season that saw Liverpool top the Premier League[2][3][4]. Former Red Jamie Redknapp urged patience, warning against "sack the manager" panic and noting the challenges of succeeding Jürgen Klopp, including squad rebuilding and Jota's loss during a "most difficult preseason"[4]. Slot had been denied his preferred set-piece coach due to red tape, a move now deemed costly as Liverpool's set-piece defending falters despite past strengths worth "20 goals a season"[2][3].

Fan outlets like Anfield Index amplify calls to sack Briggs, citing poor set-piece execution amid open-play struggles[1]. Commentators highlight Slot's 63.9% win rate but point to issues like aging Mo Salah's dip and injuries to new signings[3]. Liverpool's hierarchy, having invested heavily without sales, now acts on set-piece woes to steady the ship and unlock "more gears" in a squad blending brilliance with inconsistency[2].

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