The decision follows a campaign in which the Reds have recorded one of the poorest set-piece records across Europe's top five leagues. Liverpool have conceded 12 goals from set plays in the Premier League alone - a total that places them joint-worst among clubs in England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France. Their latest lapse came in a recent 2-1 home win over Wolves, where they again allowed a goal from a corner.

Sky Sports News understands the club felt decisive action was required, leading to a mutual agreement for Briggs to leave Anfield. Liverpool are not expected to appoint a direct replacement, with responsibility for set-piece preparation now reverting to Arne Slot and the existing coaching staff.

In a statement, the club said: "Liverpool FC can confirm Aaron Briggs has departed his role as set-piece coach of the men's first team. Having joined the club in July 2024 - initially in the role of individual development coach - Briggs contributed to our Premier League title success last season as a member of Arne Slot's backroom staff. He leaves with the appreciation and best wishes of everyone at the club."

Briggs was originally brought in as an individual development coach and only took on set-piece duties in September after Liverpool were unable to secure a specialist appointment for the role. After just over three months in that position, the club concluded that an intervention was necessary.

The issue has been a recurring theme publicly acknowledged by both players and management. Captain Virgil van Dijk admitted after the Wolves match that Liverpool's struggles at set pieces were becoming costly. "We've conceded too many goals like that and it hurts," he said. "It's something we have to improve. A lot of the time it's not even the first contact, it's the second phase that kills us."

Slot has also expressed frustration, noting the contrast with last season's title-winning campaign. Liverpool have scored only three set-piece goals while conceding 12 this term, leaving them with a negative balance that the head coach described as unsustainable for teams with top-four or title ambitions.

Briggs' exit comes just days before Liverpool's first match of 2026, with Slot's side set to host Leeds on New Year's Day.

Ronald Araujo returns to Barcelona training after mental health break