Aaron Briggs has departed Liverpool
Aaron Briggs has departed Liverpool
Liverpool have confirmed Aaron Briggs has left his position as set-piece coach amid growing criticism of the shortcoming that has hampered attempts to defend the title. The decision, which has been reached by mutual consent, comes with Arne Slot's side having conceded 12 goals from dead-ball situations in 18 top-flight games this season
With having scored only three times from set-pieces, the resultant balance of minus nine is their worst at any stage of a campaign in Premier League history. By comparison, leaders Arsenal have a balance of plus eight.
The Reds therefore felt an intervention in the area was required with both the club and Briggs reaching an agreement over his exit.
However, the ECHO understands Liverpool and head coach are adamant the change should not be seen as a "silver bullet" that will now address the issue.
With no replacement lined up, the onus will now fall on Slot and his coaching staff to improve the Reds' record at set-pieces which saw them leak a seventh goal from a corner in the top-flight this season in the 2-1 home win over rock-bottom Wolves
Briggs, who formed part of Slot's coaching staff in the summer of 2024 as first-team individual development coach before being named set-piece coach in the summer, was an integral part in working behind the scenes to help the Reds claim a record-equalling 20th title last term.
This season, though, no team in Europe's top five leagues has conceded more goals at set-pieces than Liverpool, while their threat from dead ball situations is in contrast to their output in the , where they have scored a competition-best five times from set-pieces and are among only seven clubs not to have conceded from such a situation.
The departure of Briggs is the latest change to the backroom staff from last season, among which Giovanni van Bronckhorst replaced John Heitinga as assistant coach, Xavi Valero returned to the club as head of first-team goalkeeper coaching and Colin Stewart joined as goalkeeper development and pathway lead.
Liverpool said in a statement: " 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 in the role of individual development coach – Briggs contributed to our Premier League title success last season as a member of Arne Slot’s backroom staff.
"He leaves with the appreciation and best wishes of everyone at the club."