Liverpool have officially parted ways with their set-piece coach, Adam Briggs, with the Reds boasting one of the worst defensive records in Europe this term.
Liverpool Sack Set-Piece Coach
Arne Slot’s set-piece coach Adam Briggs has officially been sacked by Liverpool.
The Reds confirmed the news in a statement on their website on Tuesday morning.
It read: “Liverpool FC 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.”
His departure comes amid the Merseysiders’ dreadful record from set-pieces this term, both defensively and offensively.
Their most recent outing, a 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield on Saturday, saw them concede their 12th goal from a set-piece (excluding penalties) in the Premier League this season.
No team holds a worse record, with Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest level on 12.
In fact, no team in Europe’s top five leagues has conceded more from set-pieces in 2025-26.
It’s a similar story going forward, too. Liverpool are averaging just 2.4 goals scored per 100 set-pieces, with Brentford being the only Premier League side averaging fewer.
Van Dijk Slams Liverpool Set-Piece Struggles
Reds captain Virgil van Dijk slammed his side’s set-piece struggles after the win over Wolves.
He said: “There have been plenty of games when we have defended them very well. But the fact is we’ve conceded too many set-piece goals and we don’t score enough.
“It’s something we have to improve. I would say at least 75% of the time or even more, it’s not even about the first contact. It’s the second phase that is the killer.
“Is it a mental thing? I hope not. If that’s in your head then it’s an issue. Personally, it’s not in my head.”
The Dutchman continued: “We have defended so many set-pieces very well. But we’ve conceded too many goals like that and it hurts. We have to improve that.
“It’s not been good enough. We all realise that. We have spoken about it. We need to turn it around. That’s why we work on it almost every training session.”
Three points over bottom-of-the-table Wolves saw Liverpool climb up to fourth in the table.
They are now unbeaten in seven straight matches and have won each of their last four in all competitions. Slot’s men will look to extend that record when they face Leeds on New Year’s Day.
It follows a poor spell of form for the Reds between September and December. In the space of 15 matches across all competitions, they managed only four victories.
This saw Slot become favoured in the Premier League sack race odds market. Following their recent upturn in form however, he has drifted out to seventh favourite in the market.
