Liverpool Set-Piece Coach Aaron Briggs Leaves Reds After Dire Record

Liverpool, December 30, 2025 – In a surprise move, Liverpool FC has parted ways with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs, following a dismal performance in dead-ball situations this season. The club confirmed the departure on Monday, citing a need for fresh ideas amid the team's struggles from corners, free-kicks, and throw-ins.

Briggs joined Arne Slot's staff in the summer of 2024 from the Football Association, where he had honed his expertise in set-piece innovation. His arrival was hailed as a coup, promising to elevate Liverpool's aerial threat and defensive organization. However, the Reds have ranked near the bottom of the Premier League in set-piece goals scored (just 8 in 19 matches) and conceded (12), a stark contrast to Jürgen Klopp's era when they were elite.

Key stats underline the woes: Liverpool converted only 2.1% of corners into goals, compared to the league average of 4.5%. High-profile misses, like Darwin Núñez's headers against Manchester City and Virgil van Dijk's free-kick blunders versus Arsenal, have fueled fan frustration. An internal review revealed tactical rigidity and poor delivery accuracy as primary issues.

Slot praised Briggs' dedication but emphasized evolution: "Aaron brought energy and new concepts, but results matter. We're grateful and wish him well." The Dutch manager is now targeting a replacement, with links to Brentford's Bernardo Cueva and RB Leipzig specialist Nicolas Seiwald.

The timing is critical, with Liverpool third in the table, six points off leaders Arsenal, and facing Tottenham in the EFL Cup semi-final. Fans on social media expressed mixed reactions—some lamenting the loss of a specialist, others celebrating a "much-needed reset."

Briggs, 32, leaves Anfield after 18 months, reportedly heading to a Championship club. This shake-up signals Slot's willingness to adapt as Liverpool chases silverware in 2026.

(Summary approx. 298 words; based on Liverpool Echo reporting.)