Liverpool manager Arne Slot has laid bare the costly impact of his side's defensive frailties from dead-ball situations, revealing the champions could be significantly higher in the Premier League table.
The Set-Piece Problem
Speaking after the departure of specialist coach Aaron Briggs earlier this week, Slot confirmed the club is actively considering a replacement. He paid a warm tribute to Briggs, who left his role on Tuesday 30th December 2025, but was frank about the on-pitch consequences of their struggles.
Slot stated that Liverpool could be "five, six, seven points" better off this season if they had defended set-pieces more effectively. The statistics starkly back up his claim. At the time of Briggs' exit, Liverpool had conceded a league-high 12 goals from set-pieces during the current campaign, with a worrying seven of those originating from corners.
Search for a Solution
The Dutch manager faced questions about a potential move for Etienne Reijnen, his former colleague at Feyenoord. Slot had been unable to bring Reijnen to Anfield in 2024 due to work-permit issues. He declined to confirm if he would renew that interest, but admitted the issue is being addressed.
"We are looking at the situation, what is best for us now," Slot explained. "But as long as I have no news about that, I cannot share any." He emphasised the direct link between their set-piece performance and lost points, reinforcing his belief that immediate improvement is crucial.
Tribute to a Departing Coach
Despite the clear need for change, Slot was effusive in his praise for Aaron Briggs, who was part of the backroom staff during last season's title-winning campaign. Slot described him as a "big help" and a "very good human being."
"I want to thank him for the one-and-a-half years we worked together because he's been a part, and a big part, of us winning the league last year," Slot said. He expressed confidence that the young English coach would find a new challenge quickly, labelling him "very promising" and deserving of further opportunities in the game.
Looking ahead to Liverpool's next fixture, a trip to Fulham on Sunday, Slot provided a squad update. He is waiting to see if defender Joe Gomez, who was due to train with the team on Friday 2nd January, will be available. The match, however, will come too soon for midfielder Wataru Endo to make his return from injury.
