Liverpool’s new coaching structure
Liverpool have confirmed that Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper will take charge of set-pieces for the upcoming season. This decision follows the departure of their previous specialist set-piece coach last December. The club’s set-piece performance, both in attack and defence, reportedly improved in the latter half of last season, with analyst Lewis Mahoney taking on increased responsibilities. Mahoney is expected to collaborate closely with Elphick and Cooper in their new roles.
Manager Andoni Iraola elaborated on the division of labour, stating that Elphick will primarily focus on defensive set-plays, while Cooper will oversee offensive routines. Iraola highlighted their effective collaboration with Mahoney, acknowledging the analyst’s contributions during the second half of the previous season.
Last season, Liverpool conceded 23 Premier League goals from set-pieces. Only Leeds United, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth conceded more goals from such situations. In terms of offensive output, Liverpool scored 19 league goals from set-pieces, with six other top-flight clubs, including Bournemouth, achieving a higher tally.
Iraola’s trusted coaching staff
The appointment of Elphick and Cooper is part of a broader move by Iraola to bring trusted members of his coaching staff from Bournemouth to Liverpool. This group also includes assistant coach Pablo de la Torre. Iraola emphasised the importance of having these individuals join him during discussions with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes regarding his succession to the managerial role.
De la Torre, a Spanish fitness coach, shares a long-standing professional relationship with Iraola, dating back eight years to their time at AEK Larnaca in Cyprus. Their collaboration continued at Rayo Vallecano in 2020, and De la Torre subsequently followed Iraola to Bournemouth in 2023. Iraola described De la Torre as more than just a physical coach, viewing him as an assistant who understands him very well.
Elphick and Cooper, both former captains of Bournemouth, were initially academy coaches at the club before being promoted to the senior setup under manager Gary O’Neil in 2022. Their services were retained when Iraola took over at Bournemouth 12 months later. Iraola expressed his fortune in having them at Bournemouth, particularly after an issue with his assistant Inigo Perez, who could not secure a work permit to remain in the UK. Perez is now coaching Villarreal.
Iraola noted that with Elphick and Cooper, there was no need to seek another assistant. He praised their preparedness and helpfulness in understanding English football culture, player mentality, and training preferences, highlighting the small differences compared to Spain. He also mentioned their playing experience with clubs such as Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Huddersfield, which allows them to connect closely with the players. Iraola stated that their coaching abilities and shared understanding of the game, along with their contributions to set-pieces, were key reasons for continuing to work with them.
Player impressions and pre-season preparations
Meanwhile, Liverpool players have begun their pre-season preparations under Iraola. Joe Gomez, who is entering his 12th season on Merseyside, shared his initial impressions of the new head coach. Gomez described Iraola as a “really nice guy” and commended his work at Bournemouth, noting how he improved their performance. He conveyed that the returning players are “hungry” and “excited” to approach the pre-season with intensity under Iraola.
Gomez emphasised the critical role of pre-season in building a strong foundation for the entire campaign. He explained that it is essential to adapt effectively while maintaining health and readiness. As one of the more senior figures among the initial group of players back at the AXA Training Centre, Gomez reflected on his long tenure at the club, acknowledging the ups and downs but expressing gratitude for the journey. He noted that the mood at the training ground is high, attributed to both the arrival of the new manager and the recent break. The ambition for the season ahead, according to Gomez, is to have a good year, enjoy the process, and continuously improve.
The first group of players returned to the AXA Training Centre this week following their summer break, marking the official start of preparations for the new season.
Source: nytimes.com
Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”