From title winner to scapegoat: The story of Liverpool's set-piece coach
Aaron Briggs reflects on his time as Liverpool's set-piece coach, discussing the transition from a title-winning season to the challenges that led to his January departure.
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Aaron Briggs, who joined Liverpool's coaching staff under Arne Slot in 2024, has opened up about his journey from a title triumph to becoming a scapegoat for the team's struggles with set-piece situations.
Briggs, a former analyst at Manchester City and assistant at Wolfsburg, initially worked as an individual development coach before taking on set-piece responsibilities. His first season at Anfield was a major success, culminating in a Premier League title, with the team maintaining a solid defensive record for the majority of the campaign.
However, the following season saw a sharp decline. Liverpool conceded 12 set-piece goals in the Premier League while scoring only three, leading to public frustration from manager Arne Slot. Briggs explains that he and the club worked tirelessly to rectify the tactical setup and communication, collaborating closely with players like Virgil van Dijk, but the issues persisted.
Football is very up and down, right? One minute you are winning the Premier League and the next you are looking for a new role somewhere. Aaron Briggs
Since leaving the club in January, Briggs has returned to working with UEFA's game insights department and continues to analyze coaching methodologies from prominent figures like Ange Postecoglou. He is now focused on finding his next opportunity in coaching or technical roles, aiming to apply the lessons learned during his two decades in the game.