Liverpool's Set-Piece Failures Prompt Coaching Changes

Liverpool has recently taken the significant step of sacking a key member of Arne Slot's coaching staff due to persistent weaknesses in set-piece situations this season. The decision reflects a growing concern within the club that these issues have undermined solid performances, as evidenced by their high tally of goals conceded from set pieces.

Statistically, Liverpool stands out for all the wrong reasons, with a total of 12 goals conceded from set pieces, the highest in the Premier League when excluding penalties. This tally indicates a clear vulnerability, particularly from corner situations, where only West Ham United has fared worse. Notably, this defensive frailty has manifested in critical moments during matches, often allowing opponents to regain momentum when Liverpool appeared to be in control.

The impact of Liverpool's set-piece shortcomings has been starkly illustrated in their recent matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Both games saw the team leading 2-0, only for set-piece goals to disrupt their rhythm and force them into precarious situations. This pattern highlights how set-piece vulnerabilities not only affect match outcomes but also the overall confidence and performance of the team.

In terms of offensive efficiency, Liverpool has also struggled to capitalize on set pieces, averaging just 2.4 goals per 100 set pieces. This statistic places them among the lower echelons of the Premier League, with only Brentford achieving a less favorable return. The combination of poor defensive statistics and underwhelming offensive output from set pieces illustrates a systemic issue that needed addressing.

Briggs, who joined Liverpool's coaching staff in July 2024, was initially tasked with individual player development, following the departure of Vítor Matos. Despite the club's initial intent to appoint a specialist set-piece coach, they opted to assign this responsibility to Briggs. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the lack of improvement in set-piece situations, combined with the urgency to enhance performances, led to this recent coaching overhaul.

The club’s restructuring efforts also included the appointment of Brazilian coach Luiz Fernando Iubel as the individual lead coach, suggesting a strategic shift toward more specialized coaching roles. This change reflects an acknowledgment from Liverpool's management that existing strategies have not yielded the necessary results, particularly in high-stakes matches.

So where does that leave things? Liverpool's decision to part ways with a coaching staff member signals a decisive move towards addressing their set-piece deficiencies. The current season's performance trends indicate that without significant improvement in this area, the team risks further instability in both league standings and match outcomes. As Liverpool continues to navigate this challenging phase, the effectiveness of their coaching changes will be pivotal in determining their trajectory in the Premier League.

Editor's note: This article was independently written by the Scoopliner Editorial Team using publicly available information.