Liverpool Sack Set-Piece Coach Aaron Briggs Over Dismal Premier League Record

Liverpool FC has dismissed set-piece coach Aaron Briggs amid mounting criticism over the team's poor performance in dead-ball situations during the 2025-26 Premier League season. The decision, announced on December 29, 2025, comes after Liverpool recorded the worst set-piece record in the league, conceding 18 goals from corners and free-kicks while scoring just 4.[1]

Briggs, who joined Arne Slot's staff in the summer of 2024 from the club's academy, was tasked with improving Liverpool's set-piece efficiency following Jürgen Klopp's departure. However, under his guidance, the Reds have struggled dramatically. Data from the Premier League shows Liverpool ranking 20th for goals scored from set-pieces (only 4 in 19 matches) and last for goals conceded (18), a stark decline from their previous top-5 finishes in both categories.[1]

Fan frustration boiled over after a 2-1 loss to Manchester City on December 27, where both goals came from set-pieces. Pundits and Anfield Index analysts, including a recent podcast calling for Briggs' immediate sacking, highlighted defensive lapses and ineffective attacking routines as key failures.[1] Slot confirmed the move, stating: "Set-pieces are a vital part of modern football. We've underperformed, and this change is necessary to address it before the January window."

The sacking intensifies pressure on Slot's backroom team as Liverpool sit 4th in the table, 7 points behind leaders Arsenal. Club sources indicate a replacement will be sought from European leagues, with names like Brentford's set-piece expert in consideration. Briggs' exit marks the first major overhaul in Slot's tenure, signaling Liverpool's urgency to salvage their title challenge.

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