Why Did Liverpool's Set-Piece Coach Briggs Depart?

Liverpool's ongoing struggles with set-piece defending have led to the departure of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs, a significant change following the club's alarming trend of conceding goals from dead-ball situations. With the team having conceded 12 set-piece goals this season, the joint-most in the Premier League alongside Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, this move reflects the urgent need for improvement in a critical area of the game.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The departure of Aaron Briggs, who joined Liverpool's coaching staff in September, comes in light of the team's persistent difficulties with defending set-pieces. The decision was made after Liverpool conceded their 12th set-piece goal during a recent match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the Reds. This goal highlighted the ongoing issues that have plagued Liverpool's defensive strategy, prompting a reevaluation of their approach to set-piece preparation.

Key takeaways

Aaron Briggs has left Liverpool amid concerns over set-piece defending.
Liverpool has conceded 12 goals from set-pieces this season, the highest in the league.
The club will now rely on its existing coaching staff to improve set-piece management.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the 2024-25 Premier League season, Liverpool's defensive frailties have become increasingly evident. Below is a brief timeline of key events leading to Aaron Briggs' departure:

September 2024: Aaron Briggs appointed as Liverpool's set-piece coach.
October 2024: Conceded first set-piece goal of the season, signalling early concerns.
Throughout the season: Continued issues with set-piece defending lead to a total of 12 goals conceded by mid-October.
15 October 2024: Briggs leaves the club as part of a mutual decision with management to address the ongoing set-piece issues.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most significant development is Aaron Briggs’ departure from Liverpool, indicating a shift in the club's strategy to address their set-piece vulnerabilities. The coaching staff will now collectively take responsibility for set-piece preparations.

What was already established

Prior to this change, Liverpool had already been struggling defensively, with 12 goals conceded from set-pieces. This trend raised alarms among fans and analysts alike, as set-piece efficiency has become a crucial component of successful teams in the Premier League.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Fans may be concerned about Liverpool's performance affecting their match-day experiences and potential ticket sales. Poor defensive statistics can lead to decreased attendance and heightened scrutiny from the media.

Businesses and jobs

The departure of Briggs may prompt a shake-up within the coaching staff, potentially leading to changes in roles or responsibilities for other coaches. This could affect job security and dynamics within the team environment.

Policy and regulation

There are no direct regulatory impacts from this coaching change. However, it does highlight the increased focus on performance metrics within football, with clubs increasingly scrutinising their coaching strategies and outcomes.

Numbers that matter

12: Goals conceded by Liverpool from set-pieces this season, the highest in the Premier League.
1: The number of set-piece coaches Liverpool has had this season, now down to zero after Briggs’ departure.
2: The number of goals conceded during the match against Wolves, which was pivotal in the decision to part ways with Briggs.

Definitions and jargon buster

Set-piece: A method of restarting play in football, such as free kicks, corners, and throw-ins, where the ball is not in active play.
Dead-ball situation: A scenario in football where the ball is not in play, typically referring to set-pieces.
Coaching staff: The group of individuals responsible for training and developing a football team, including managers, assistant coaches, and specialised coaches.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Liverpool will need to stabilise their defensive strategies, particularly in set-piece situations. The coaching staff must quickly adapt to their new roles and responsibilities to prevent further losses.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, the club will assess the effectiveness of its new coaching approach. Improvement in set-piece defence will be critical for maintaining competitiveness in the league and avoiding further criticism.

Signals to watch

Watch for changes in the number of goals conceded from set-pieces in upcoming matches.
Monitor any announcements regarding the appointment of a new set-piece coach or strategy adjustments.
Keep an eye on overall team performance, particularly in high-stakes matches where set-pieces could be crucial.

Practical guidance

Do

Support the team during matches to maintain morale.
Stay updated on training sessions and coaching changes through official club channels.
Engage in discussions about defensive strategies on fan forums to gain insights.

Don’t

Don’t jump to conclusions about the effectiveness of the coaching staff without seeing results.
Don’t ignore the importance of set-piece defence in overall team performance.

Checklist

Review the latest statistical analysis of Liverpool's set-piece performance.
Attend upcoming matches to observe any changes in defensive strategy.
Follow club news for updates on coaching appointments and strategies.
Engage with fellow fans to discuss potential improvements.
Consider the implications of performance on league standing and club reputation.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the departure of Aaron Briggs aims to address Liverpool's set-piece problems, it is uncertain whether this change will lead to immediate improvements. The reliance on existing coaching staff may not yield the desired results, and the potential for further goals conceded remains a significant risk. Additionally, the impact of this change on team morale and performance in crucial matches needs to be monitored closely.

Bottom line

The decision to part ways with Aaron Briggs underscores the urgency for Liverpool to rectify its set-piece vulnerabilities. As the club moves forward with its existing coaching team, the focus will be on improving defensive strategies to avoid further losses and maintain competitiveness in the Premier League.

FAQs

What led to Aaron Briggs' departure from Liverpool?

Aaron Briggs left Liverpool due to ongoing issues with set-piece defending, which saw the team concede the joint-most goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season.

How many set-piece goals has Liverpool conceded this season?

Liverpool has conceded 12 goals from set-pieces this season, the highest tally among Premier League teams.

What will happen to Liverpool's set-piece coaching responsibilities now?

Following Briggs' departure, the remaining coaching staff will collectively take on the responsibility for preparing the team for set-pieces.