Liverpool have parted company with their first-team set-piece coach, Aaron Briggs, in response to the issues that have blighted Arne Slot’s side this season.
Slot has made no secret of his dismay with Liverpool’s set-piece failings, at both ends of the pitch, and admitted they were holding back the Premier League champions before Saturday’s 2-1 win over Wolves.
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Wolves’ consolation was the 12th goal that Liverpool have conceded from a set-piece in the Premier League this season – 46% of their total against – while the reigning champions have scored from only three. Only bottom club Wolves have scored fewer set-piece goals in the league this season. No side has conceded more set-piece goals than Liverpool.
Briggs is considered a diligent, hard-working coach who played a prominent role in Liverpool’s title success last season and in Slot’s adaptation to English football. However, given the continued nature of Liverpool’s set-piece problems and with more than half a season left to play, the club decided to intervene and a mutual agreement was reached.
Liverpool will replace Briggs in time and do not consider his departure as a cure-all for the team’s set-piece issues. His responsibilities will be taken up initially by Slot’s existing coaching staff, and there is recognition that it will take a collective effort to implement the improvements required.
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Liverpool are fourth in the Premier League and face Leeds at Anfield on New Year’s Day.