Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool earlier this week confirmed that Aaron Briggs has left his role as set-piece coach by mutual consent, following growing criticism of the team’s shortcomings in defending dead-ball situations. The decision comes after the Reds conceded 12 goals from set-pieces in 19 Premier League games this season.
The Reds have scored only three goals from set-pieces, leaving them with a minus-nine balance, their worst at this stage of a season in Premier League history. The club felt intervention was necessary, with both Liverpool and Briggs agreeing on his departure.
Briggs joined Arne Slot’s coaching staff in the summer of 2024 as first-team individual development coach and was later appointed set-piece coach. He played a key behind-the-scenes role in Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th league title last season.
The departure of Briggs is the latest change to Liverpool’s backroom staff since last season, following Giovanni van Bronckhorst replacing John Heitinga as assistant coach, Xavi Valero returning as head of first-team goalkeeper coaching, and Colin Stewart joining as goalkeeper development and pathway lead.
Slot has acknowledged the vacancy, stating the club is “looking at the situation,” while also thanking Briggs for his contributions. He said: “First of all, I want to thank him for the one-and-a-half years we worked together. He was a part – and a big part – of us winning the league last season. He has been a big help to me.
“He is a very good human being, a very promising young English coach, but as things sometimes happen in January or in June, both go either way and that is what happened over here as well. He will definitely find a new challenge for himself because he did a good job with us, he is a very good human being and a very promising young English coach, so he should deserve to get multiple chances again.
The Dutchman added: “I think it would be a surprise to you if I never talk about players we bring in that I would start talking to you about names in terms of coaches we could bring in. Of course, we are looking at the situation and what is best for us now, but as long as I have no news about that I cannot share anything about it.”
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