Liverpool part ways with coach Briggs following terrible set-piece record

Liverpool coach Aaron Briggs has left the club
Liverpool coach Aaron Briggs has left the clubReuters / Phil Noble

Liverpool parted ways with set-piece coach ‍Aaron Briggs on Tuesday, with no team in Europe's top five ​leagues having conceded more set-piece goals this season, excluding penalties, than ‌Arne Slot's team.

Liverpool conceded their 12th ‌goal from a set-piece during Saturday's 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, the joint-most in the Premier League alongside ⁠Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.

The champions rarely ‌threaten from set-pieces at the other end ​either, scoring three goals from dead-ball situations, excluding penalties, this ‍season, nine fewer than leaders Arsenal. Their non-penalty set-piece difference of minus-nine is ‌the worst in the league.

Liverpool's recent results
Liverpool's recent resultsFlashscore

"We've conceded too many set-piece goals, and we don't score enough," their captain, ⁠Virgil van Dijk, said on Sunday.

"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."

Briggs joined the club in September. Responsibility for set-piece preparation will now be shared by the ⁠rest of the coaching ​staff.