Liverpool’s Set Piece Struggles Prompt Coaching Changes

Set pieces have emerged as a persistent challenge for Liverpool this season, undermining their otherwise strong performances and frequently providing opponents with opportunities to regain momentum in matches. Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, the club has deemed a strategic reset necessary. Excluding penalties, Liverpool has conceded the most goals from set pieces in the Premier League, with a total of 12. Corners, in particular, have highlighted this vulnerability, with only West Ham United allowing more goals from such situations. Offensively, Liverpool has struggled to pose a consistent threat, averaging just 2.4 goals per 100 set pieces—outperformed by all top-flight teams except Brentford. Defensively, their record is equally troubling, conceding 8.2 goals per 100 set pieces, a figure only exceeded by Nottingham Forest.

The consequences of these deficiencies have become increasingly evident in recent matches. In consecutive league games against Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool appeared to maintain control with a score of 2-0. However, in both instances, a set-piece goal shifted the momentum, leading to tense finales rather than secure victories.

In July 2024, Briggs joined Liverpool, initially as the first-team individual development coach within Arne Slot’s backroom team, following the departure of Vítor Matos. The club initially sought a specialist set-piece coach but, unable to find the right fit, entrusted those responsibilities to Briggs. Last summer, Liverpool attempted to enhance their coaching structure further by appointing Brazilian coach Luiz Fernando Iubel as the individual lead coach, allowing Briggs to concentrate exclusively on set pieces. Despite these changes, overall performance levels did not improve as needed.

Captain Virgil van Dijk has been candid in discussing the issue, stating, “We have defended many set pieces well. However, the reality is that we have conceded too many goals in this manner, which is painful. We must enhance our performance in this area. It requires repetition, training, and analysis… it is an aspect we must improve. I would estimate that at least 75 percent of the time, or perhaps more, the danger lies not in the initial contact but in the second phase, which is often the decisive factor.”

Liverpool currently has no immediate replacement for Briggs, with set-piece responsibilities temporarily assumed by existing members of Slot’s coaching staff. As they look ahead, the focus shifts to results, with Liverpool set to host Leeds United at Anfield on New Year’s Day, aiming to extend their unbeaten streak to eight games across all competitions.