Liverpool have dismissed set-piece coach Aaron Briggs as they attempt to address their ongoing problems from dead-ball situations this season. In the Premier League, the Reds have managed just three goals from set-pieces excluding penalties — a tally better only than bottom club Wolves, who have scored two.
With the problem becoming increasingly hard to ignore, Liverpool opted to part ways with Briggs. According to journalist Paul Joyce, the club do not intend to appoint a direct replacement, with responsibility for set-pieces instead being shared among the remaining coaching staff.
Fewest Premier League Set-Piece Goals Scored (Excluding Penalties)
Wolves 2-3 Liverpool
Brentford – 3
Burnley – 4
Nottingham Forest – 4
Liverpool Statement on Aaron Briggs’ Departure
Liverpool confirmed the decision in an official statement, expressing gratitude for Briggs’ contribution during his time at Anfield:
> “Liverpool FC can confirm Aaron Briggs has departed his role as set-piece coach of the men’s first team.
Having joined the club in July 2024 — initially as an individual development coach — Briggs played a part in our Premier League title success last season as a member of Arne Slot’s backroom team. He leaves with our thanks and best wishes.”
While the statement was measured in tone, recent comments from both Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk appear to shed more light on the reasoning behind the change.
Van Dijk Voices Frustration
With Liverpool’s set-piece goal difference sitting at a worrying -9, Van Dijk admitted the situation has been far from acceptable. Speaking after a 2-1 win in which Wolves scored from a corner, he said Liverpool have conceded too many and scored too few from such situations.
He highlighted that the biggest danger often comes not from the initial delivery, but the second phase of play, adding that the issue cannot be mental. Van Dijk stressed that the squad are fully aware of the problem and work on it regularly in training, but acknowledged standards have not been met.
Most Premier League Set-Piece Goals Conceded
Liverpool – 12
Bournemouth – 12
West Ham – 11
Nottingham Forest – 11
Crystal Palace – 10
Slot Also Expresses Concern
Slot has been equally open about his frustration, describing the club’s current set-piece record as a major source of irritation. Ahead of the Wolves match, he admitted Liverpool’s poor balance from dead-ball situations makes competing for the top positions extremely difficult.
He pointed out that during last season’s title run, Liverpool had not conceded a single set-piece goal at the same stage, underlining how far standards have slipped. After yet another goal conceded from a set-piece in the 2-1 win, Slot bluntly admitted that Liverpool rarely score from them — and even more concerningly, concede far too often.