Aaron Briggs’ Set-Piece Experience Helps Liverpool Overpower AC Milan

Liverpool’s commanding 3-1 win over AC Milan on the San Siro wasn’t only a product of particular person brilliance however a showcase of well-drilled set-piece routines. Aaron Briggs, the person behind the scenes liable for this transformation, has shortly change into an important determine in Liverpool’s teaching workers. His strategies are already paying dividends, and Tuesday’s win was a transparent instance of the worth he brings.

Within the ever-evolving world of soccer techniques, set-pieces stay an space the place matches will be received or misplaced, and Liverpool have discovered a brand new maestro to steer this important side of their sport.

Aaron Briggs: Liverpool’s Set-Piece Innovator

Aaron Briggs joined Liverpool’s teaching setup in July, filling a spot left by Vitor Matos. Initially introduced in because the first-team growth coach, his position has advanced considerably. Right now, Briggs is the person behind the meticulous planning and execution of Liverpool’s set-pieces.

Although the place of first-team set-piece coach was posted on LinkedIn shortly after Jurgen Klopp’s farewell at Anfield, the position stays formally vacant. Nevertheless, Briggs has successfully taken up these duties, working carefully with analysts to use opponents’ weaknesses.

Earlier than becoming a member of Klopp’s workforce, Briggs had carved out a popularity working alongside Pedro Marques at Metropolis Soccer Group. His spectacular CV, with stints at Manchester City, Monaco, and Wolfsburg, highlighted his experience in efficiency evaluation and tactical teaching. Marques, now Liverpool’s director of soccer growth, performed a pivotal position in bringing Briggs to Merseyside.

Tuesday’s sport at San Siro supplied the right instance of Briggs’ strategies in motion. Liverpool capitalised on AC Milan’s vulnerabilities, particularly in set-piece conditions, and the technique proved essential to their victory.

Analysing Milan’s Weaknesses

Forward of their Champions League conflict, Liverpool’s teaching workforce, led by Briggs, pinpointed a essential flaw in AC Milan’s defensive setup. Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s hesitance in coming off his line from set-pieces was recognized as a chance to use. Liverpool’s technique was to ship balls into the six-yard field, the place Maignan’s indecision and Milan’s static defending would depart them weak to Liverpool’s aerial prowess.

The outcomes have been evident. Liverpool’s first two objectives got here instantly from set-pieces, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk each towering above Milan’s defenders to attain. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expertly floated free-kick discovered Konate, who outmuscled Fikayo Tomori to move residence. Moments later, Kostas Tsimikas delivered a pinpoint nook for Van Dijk, who darted to the close to submit to nod in Liverpool’s second, leaving Maignan stranded.

Liverpool’s consideration to element on this regard was no accident. The intensive planning, spearheaded by Briggs and Liverpool’s analysts, was important to outmanoeuvring Milan.

As one of many membership’s key analysts, James French, had accomplished a lot of the groundwork in getting ready for Milan. On match day, Liverpool’s analyst trio—Dan Spearritt, Joel Bonner, and Jansen Moreno—may very well be seen celebrating within the stands because the fruits of their labour got here to life on the pitch.

Set-Piece Excellence: The Key to Liverpool’s Success

The worth of set-pieces in trendy soccer can’t be overstated, and Liverpool are a workforce who perceive this all too effectively. The appointment of Briggs alerts a renewed concentrate on capitalising on these alternatives.

Briggs’ background in efficiency evaluation permits him to mix tactical data with data-driven insights. As Klopp’s aspect turns into extra harmful from set-pieces, we will count on a noticeable improve of their aim output from dead-ball conditions.

Konate and Van Dijk’s objectives on Tuesday have been their first in months, regardless of their aerial energy. Konate hadn’t scored since April 2022, and Van Dijk’s final aim got here within the Carabao Cup remaining in opposition to Chelsea in February. Each gamers have the bodily attributes to be constant threats from set-pieces, and with Briggs’ steerage, they’ll realise this potential.

Liverpool’s Dutch supervisor acknowledged this post-match: “We have been upset about getting eight nook kicks and never scoring in opposition to Nottingham Forest, however we have been very shut. We felt with all of the work we put in on set items, that at some second we must always get the reward.”

This dedication to enchancment paid off handsomely in Milan, and Klopp’s satisfaction was palpable.

Briggs’ Position in Liverpool’s Future Success

Liverpool’s dominant win at San Siro wasn’t only a testomony to particular person performances, however to the programs and processes put in place by their teaching workers. Aaron Briggs has introduced contemporary concepts to the workforce, significantly in set-piece conditions, and his affect is starting to shine by.

One of many standout performers within the match was Cody Gakpo, whose tempo and energy on the left flank precipitated Milan countless issues. His help for Dominik Szoboszlai’s third aim capped a advantageous evening for Liverpool’s assault, however it was the set-pieces that laid the foundations for victory.

Gakpo was filled with reward for Liverpool’s set-piece work after the match, stating: “We’ve got to thank our centre-backs for 2 nice headers. We work on set-pieces earlier than each sport, and we’re very blissful it labored out. Each participant needs to play, and I obtained my second. I actually needed to indicate myself.”

As Liverpool proceed their quest for silverware, Briggs’ position behind the scenes will solely develop in significance. With the extent of research and tactical nous now current within the membership, significantly within the set-piece division, Liverpool are positioning themselves as a power to be reckoned with in Europe.

Shifting Ahead

Tuesday’s consequence was a turning level after a disappointing defeat to Nottingham Forest. The win not solely restored optimism at Anfield but additionally showcased Liverpool’s tactical evolution underneath Briggs. Because the workforce heads into the subsequent part of the season, count on set-pieces to play a fair greater position in Liverpool’s pursuit of success.

Briggs’ contribution, together with the tireless efforts of the membership’s analysts, has already made a big affect. It’s now clear that this workforce, with its renewed concentrate on element, is able to tackle the perfect Europe has to supply.

Within the phrases of Cody Gakpo, “We stayed calm and targeted.” Calm, targeted, and because of Aaron Briggs, extra harmful than ever earlier than from set-pieces.