Liverpool’s set-piece coach leaves with Reds’ record worst in the league | OneFootball

Liverpool Set-Piece Shake-Up as Aaron Briggs Departs Anfield

Liverpool have moved to reshape their backroom structure after Aaron Briggs departed his role as the club’s dedicated set-piece coach, a decision that arrives against the backdrop of a season in which defensive dead-ball situations have become an uncomfortable weakness.

Briggs’ exit has been confirmed following internal discussions at Anfield, with the club assessing all performance departments midway through a demanding campaign. The timing is significant. Liverpool’s record from set pieces this season places them among the poorest performers across Europe’s top leagues, a statistic that has increasingly undermined otherwise strong spells of play.

While Liverpool have remained competitive domestically and in continental competition, the data around set pieces has proved difficult to ignore. Conceding from corners and wide free-kicks has repeatedly shifted momentum in key matches, forcing uncomfortable questions behind the scenes.

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Liverpool’s defensive structure under dead-ball situations has been a recurring issue throughout the season. Analysis conducted internally highlighted that the Reds were conceding goals from set pieces at a rate comparable with the weakest sides across Europe’s major divisions, a stark contrast to their overall tactical organisation in open play.

Set pieces, once an area Liverpool sought to weaponise at both ends of the pitch, have instead become a vulnerability. Opponents have increasingly targeted corners and second balls, exposing lapses in marking and coordination that have proved costly in tight matches.

Briggs was brought in with a reputation for detailed preparation and marginal gains. However, football departments rarely view coaching roles in isolation, and Liverpool’s review has taken a broader view of systems, responsibilities and outcomes. His departure does not amount to an individual blame narrative, but it does reflect a recognition that the current approach was not delivering the desired results.

Aaron Briggs Exit Reflects Wider Structural Changes

The decision to part ways with Aaron Briggs forms part of a wider recalibration under the current management team. Liverpool have been clear that marginal areas, including set pieces, analysis and training-ground specialisation, are being reassessed as the club adapts to a new coaching era.

Set-piece coaching roles have become increasingly specialised across elite football, with marginal differences often deciding results at the highest level. Liverpool’s move suggests an intention to either redefine how responsibility for set pieces is shared among staff or to pursue a different methodological approach entirely.

Those close to the situation indicate that discussions have been ongoing for several weeks, with performance data and match footage forming a central part of the review. Briggs’ exit was ultimately deemed the cleanest outcome as Liverpool prepare for the second half of the season and look ahead to the next campaign.

Liverpool Seeking Solutions Before Margins Widen

Liverpool remain conscious that fine margins can define a season. Goals conceded from corners or indirect free-kicks carry an outsized impact in matches decided by single moments, particularly against top-level opposition who are adept at protecting leads.

The club’s leadership are understood to be considering several options, including redistributing set-piece responsibilities among existing coaches or recruiting a specialist with a proven track record at elite level. Any appointment or internal restructuring is expected to be aligned with Liverpool’s broader tactical identity rather than treated as a siloed solution.

Importantly, Liverpool do not view the issue as purely defensive. Improving attacking set pieces is also under review, with an emphasis on maximising output from corners and free-kicks at the opposite end of the pitch.

Focus Remains on Performance Outcomes

Despite the scrutiny surrounding set pieces and the departure of Aaron Briggs, Liverpool are keen to stress that the focus remains firmly on collective improvement rather than individual accountability. Coaching structures at elite clubs are fluid, and changes are often made quietly to support long-term objectives.

As Liverpool push through a congested fixture schedule, addressing dead-ball situations will remain a priority. Whether through new appointments, tactical adjustments or refined training-ground routines, the aim is clear: reduce avoidable concessions and restore set pieces as a strength rather than a liability.

With the second half of the season approaching, Liverpool’s response to this issue will be closely watched. Set pieces may represent only a fraction of total match actions, but for clubs chasing success at the highest level, they can define entire campaigns.