Liverpool Make Bold Coaching Change to Fix Set-Piece Woes
Liverpool have taken decisive action by parting ways with first-team set-piece coach Aaron Briggs. The move comes after repeated defensive lapses from corners and free-kicks have cost the team crucial points. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Breakdown.
Set pieces have exposed a vulnerability that the club could no longer ignore. Statistics underline the concern. Excluding penalties, no Premier League team has conceded more goals from set pieces than Liverpool’s 12. Corners, in particular, have been a major weakness, with only West Ham conceding more.
Offensively, Liverpool also struggle, averaging just 2.4 goals per 100 set pieces better than only Brentford among top-flight sides. Defensively, their 8.2 goals conceded per 100 set pieces is among the league’s worst.
With these numbers, Liverpool concluded that a shake-up in coaching was necessary. The club hopes that a fresh approach can address these recurring problems and strengthen both defense and attack in dead-ball situations.
Momentum Lost in Key Matches
Liverpool’s set-piece issues have had a clear impact on games. In recent league fixtures against Tottenham and Wolverhampton, the team appeared dominant at 2-0, only for a set-piece goal to shift momentum. These lapses forced Liverpool into tense finishes instead of comfortable victories, highlighting the importance of improving this aspect of play.
Fans and players alike have noticed the pattern. Even when Liverpool dominate possession and create chances, a single lapse on a corner or free-kick can undo the hard work. It has been a recurring theme that threatens to undermine the squad’s overall progress under Arne Slot.
The team’s inability to defend set pieces consistently has raised questions about preparation, coaching focus, and tactical adjustments. Addressing this problem has become a priority for Liverpool moving into 2026.
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Van Dijk Speaks Out
Captain Virgil van Dijk has openly highlighted the issue. He explained that while the first phase of defending set pieces is often managed well, it is the second phase that causes problems. “We have defended so many set-pieces very well. But the fact is, we’ve conceded too many goals like that, and it hurts,” he said.
Briggs joined Slot’s backroom in July 2024 and was initially the individual development coach. The club later added Brazilian coach Luiz Fernando Iubel to focus on individual work, allowing Briggs to concentrate on set pieces. Despite these adjustments, improvement has been limited.
Van Dijk’s comments underline the players’ frustration. They want consistent training, repetition, and tactical solutions to stop conceding from dead-ball situations. Leadership on the pitch mirrors the urgency within the coaching staff.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Liverpool have yet to appoint a permanent replacement for Briggs. In the meantime, other coaching staff are temporarily covering set-piece responsibilities. The club is keen to see immediate improvement as they approach crucial fixtures in early 2026. The next challenge comes on New Year’s Day against Leeds United at Anfield.
Liverpool will aim to extend their unbeaten streak to eight games in all competitions. While results are the immediate focus, fixing set-piece weaknesses is essential for long-term success. With a fresh approach and renewed focus, Liverpool hope to turn one of their biggest weaknesses into a strength in the coming months. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest storie
