BREAKING: Liverpool Set-Piece Coach Aaron Briggs Leaves as Club Takes Drastic Action Amid Poor Record

Liverpool, December 30, 2025 – In a shock development, Liverpool FC has parted ways with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs, effective immediately, as the club addresses its alarming dip in set-piece efficiency this season. The decision comes amid mounting pressure on Anfield's tactical setup, with the Reds struggling to convert dead-ball situations into goals despite their dominance in other areas.

Briggs, who joined Liverpool in 2023 from Manchester City, was hailed as a specialist in set-piece innovation. Under his guidance, Liverpool topped the Premier League in set-piece goals during the 2023/24 campaign, scoring 18 from corners and free-kicks. However, the 2025/26 season has seen a drastic reversal: just 4 set-piece goals in 19 matches, placing them 15th in the table for this metric. High-profile misses, including against Manchester United and Arsenal, have fueled fan frustration and calls for change.

Reasons Behind the Departure

Sources close to the club reveal that head coach Arne Slot initiated a review after a 2-1 loss to Everton, where Liverpool failed to score from 12 set-piece attempts. Data analysis highlighted issues like poor delivery accuracy (down 22% from last season) and zonal marking breakdowns. Briggs' exit is part of a broader overhaul, including the hiring of a data-driven analytics team from RB Leipzig to revamp routines.

"Set-pieces win titles. We're not where we need to be, and tough decisions are necessary," an anonymous club insider told Liverpool.com.

Club's Immediate Response

Liverpool has promoted assistant coach Peter van der Veen to interim set-piece lead, with reports of negotiations for Brentford's specialist Gianni Bruno. Slot emphasized unity in a team meeting, stating, "This is about evolution, not revolution." Fans react mixedly on social media, with #BriggsOut trending alongside support for the bold move.

The timing, just before a crucial January fixture list including the Merseyside Derby, underscores the urgency. Liverpool sits third in the Premier League, but set-piece woes could derail title aspirations. As the club acts decisively, all eyes are on whether this "drastic action" restores their dead-ball edge.

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