Liverpool specialist coach Aaron Briggs exits after set-piece struggles
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Arne Slot’s Liverpool side haved scored just three goals and conceded 12 from set-pieces this term, and the Reds' set-piece coach Aaron Briggs has left the club as a result.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
- Liverpool's set-piece coach Aaron Briggs exited due to the team's poor set-piece record, conceding 12 goals in 18 league matches.
- Liverpool's set-piece statistics are among the worst in the Premier League, impacting their ability to compete for the title.
- Despite these issues, Liverpool are fourth in the Premier League, showing their overall strength despite set-piece vulnerabilities.
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LONDON – Liverpool set-piece coach Aaron Briggs has left the club with immediate effect following the English Premier League champions’ poor performance in that area, it was announced Dec 30.
Santiago Bueno’s goal for relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers on Dec 27 was the 12th time in 18 league matches Liverpool had conceded from a corner, free kick or throw-in.
No team in Europe’s top five leagues have conceded more this season, with Arne Slot’s men scoring just three goals from set-pieces this term.
It is understood Briggs, a former Manchester City analyst who became an exclusive set-piece coach in September, and Liverpool reached an agreement over his departure from Anfield.
“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,” said a Liverpool statement.
“He leaves with the appreciation and best wishes of everyone at the club.”
Only 18th-placed West Ham United (10) have conceded more than Liverpool’s seven goals from corners in the league this season.
The Reds’ three goals conceded from throw-ins is the joint-most in the league, alongside Newcastle United.
According to football statisticians Opta, Liverpool are averaging 2.4 goals scored per 100 set-pieces.
Only Brentford are averaging fewer in the top flight, while Liverpool are averaging 8.2 goals per 100 when it comes to conceding – only Nottingham Forest, in 17th, average more.
It means their set-piece difference of minus nine is Liverpool’s worst at any stage of a season in their Premier League history, with Reds manager Slot saying a week ago: “It’s impossible to be top four, top five with our set-piece balance, let alone winning the league… if you look at that, you could say how special it is we have as many points as we have.”
Liverpool, however, are currently fourth in the table – 10 points behind leaders Arsenal – ahead of their New Year’s Day clash at home to Leeds United, who are 16th. AFP
