Liverpool release statement on shock exit ahead of Leeds United clash
Leeds United head to Anfield for their first Premier League game of 2026 on Thursday.
Liverpool have confirmed the decision to part ways with their set-piece coach just days before facing Leeds United at Anfield.
Leeds’ New Year’s Day hosts have been particularly vulnerable from set-plays all season, conceding 12 times from dead-ball situations with no one allowing more goals against. The reigning Premier League champions dropped two points in added-time at Elland Road this month after Ao Tanaka finished from a corner to make it 3-3.
Daniel Farke’s side have proven a massive threat from dead balls all season and following that 3-3 draw against Liverpool, scored four set-piece goals to thump Crystal Palace 4-1 earlier this month. They will no doubt head to Anfield with hope of corners and long throws bearing fruit again.
Multiple reports surfaced on Tuesday morning that Liverpool and their set-piece coach, Aaron Briggs, had reached an agreement to part ways. A statement later published on the club’s website read: “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.”
Set-pieces have been an issue for Liverpool all season, with only Wolves scoring fewer goals from dead balls while no one has conceded more times. The Merseyside club were 2-0 up and cruising against the rock-bottom Midlands club last weekend before conceding from a corner.
Liverpool captain on set-piece issues ahead of Leeds United
"There have been plenty of games when we have defended [set-pieces] very well. But the fact is, we've conceded too many set-piece goals and we don't score enough,” Virgil Van Dijk admitted of the issue. “It's about repetition, training, analysing... it's something we have to improve.
“I'd say at least 75 per cent 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. Personally, it's not in my head.
“We have defended so many set-pieces very well. But the fact is we've conceded too many goals like that and it hurts. We have to improve that. Training is the only way to get better at it."
Leeds’ set-piece threat will be reduced slightly on Thursday, with two-goal Joe Rodon sidelined due to an ankle ligament injury he picked up at Sunderland. The Welshman is expected to be out for the three Premier League games before Derby County in the FA Cup, although Farke hinted in his pre-Liverpool press conference an early return cannot be ruled out.
The Whites boss can still call on the likes of Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk to cause problems coming up from defence, however. While Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in red-hot form with seven goals in six games including a penalty in the 3-3 draw with Liverpool earlier this month.