Liverpool Sack Set-Piece Coach Over Dismal Dead-Ball Record

Liverpool FC has parted ways with their set-piece coach Aaron Briggs after just four months in the role, citing the team's poor performance from dead balls this season.

Briggs joined the club officially in August 2025 but only after Liverpool missed out on their top target, Etienne Reijnen, as detailed in reports from This Is Anfield. The decision comes amid Liverpool's alarming set-piece differential of minus nine, meaning they have conceded far more goals from set pieces than they have scored. Journalist Joyce confirmed that Briggs is to leave, with responsibilities for set pieces now distributed across the remaining coaching staff.

The move reflects growing frustration within the club over their dismal dead-ball record. Fans and analysts have echoed this sentiment, with one YouTube commenter stating, "SO happy they have got the set piece coach out. Not nice to see anyone lose their job but it just wasn't working." Despite the short tenure, the sacking underscores Liverpool's urgency to address defensive vulnerabilities from corners, free-kicks, and throw-ins, which have hampered their Premier League campaign.

This reshuffle occurs against a backdrop of transfer activity. Liverpool are linked with defensive reinforcements, including Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni, positioned as a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. The club has admired the Italian for at least 18 months and may negotiate below his valuation. Separately, pursuits of players like Antoine Semeno involve installment payments to manage finances, avoiding penalties.

While the set-piece issues dominated headlines, the coaching change signals Arne Slot's determination to fix tactical weaknesses mid-season. It may take time for the redistributed duties to yield results, but Liverpool hope it stabilizes their backline and boosts attacking output from dead balls.

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