Liverpool Set-Piece Coach Aaron Briggs Leaves Club with Reds Having Joint-Worst Record in Europe This Season

Liverpool FC has parted ways with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs amid a dismal season in dead-ball situations, where the Reds share the unwanted distinction of Europe's joint-worst record. The club confirmed Briggs' departure on Monday, with no immediate replacement announced.

Briggs joined Liverpool in 2023 from Blackburn Rovers, tasked with bolstering the team's set-piece prowess under manager Arne Slot. However, the 2025/26 campaign has seen Liverpool concede 18 goals from set pieces in the Premier League and Champions League combined—more than any other top-flight side. They've scored just 7 from corners and free-kicks, ranking 19th in Europe's big five leagues.

This poor form contrasts sharply with Liverpool's historical strengths. Under previous boss Jürgen Klopp, the team was a set-piece powerhouse, but vulnerabilities have resurfaced. Recent matches highlight the issue: a 2-1 loss to Manchester City featured two goals conceded from corners, while a draw against Arsenal saw similar lapses.

Sources close to Anfield cite internal frustrations over tactical execution and player buy-in as key factors. Slot praised Briggs' contributions—"He leaves us in a better place"—but admitted the results haven't matched expectations. Liverpool sit third in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal, with set pieces costing crucial points.

Fans and pundits react with mixed feelings. Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher called it "a necessary reset," urging a specialist hire like Nicolas Jover (formerly Arsenal). The club eyes reinforcements ahead of January transfers, amid Slot's push for squad tweaks.

Briggs' exit underscores Liverpool's set-piece woes: joint-worst in Europe with Real Madrid for goals conceded per game (1.8). As the Reds chase silverware, dead-ball discipline remains a glaring priority.

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