Reds Act on Poor Dead-Ball Record as Arne Slot’s Staff Undergoes Change.

Aaron Briggs

Liverpool FC have officially parted company with first-team set-piece coach Aaron Briggs, as announced on December 30, 2025 – a move directly linked to the Reds’ alarming vulnerabilities from dead-ball situations this season.

Briggs, a former Manchester City analyst, joined Arne Slot’s backroom team in July 2024 as first-team individual development coach. He took on the specialist set-piece role in September 2024 after the club struggled to recruit externally for the position.

Despite playing a part in Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph last season (2024/25), Briggs’ tenure came under scrutiny amid current defensive woes: the Reds have conceded the joint-most set-piece goals (excluding penalties) in Europe’s top five leagues, with particularly poor records from corners (only West Ham worse in the PL).

The club statement 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… Briggs contributed to our Premier League title success last season… He leaves with the appreciation and best wishes of everyone at the club.”

Reports indicate a mutual agreement was reached, with no immediate replacement planned. Set-piece duties will now be shared among Arne Slot and the existing coaching staff, including assistants Sipke Hulshoff and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk had previously highlighted set-piece issues as a “killer” concern. This intervention aims to address a glaring weakness with half the season remaining.

Briggs, praised for his diligence, heads into an uncertain future but Liverpool hope this shake-up sparks improvement.