Portuguese coach submits application to join Liverpool but stumbling block emerges

Liverpool have received an applicant for the vacant set-piece coach role, as revealed by reports in Portugal.

A huge summer of change at Anfield is already underway with Arne Slot, this week, confirmed as the new head coach following the departure of Jurgen Klopp and the Dutchman is expected to bring in his own backroom staff.

There will need to be a number of appointments as almost the entirety of the German's team are leaving with Pep Lijnders heading to RB Salzburg and plenty more departures - including goalkeeping coach John Achterberg - already confirmed.

Another appointment the Reds are keen to make this summer is a first-team set-piece coach and the process was kicked off earlier in the week in quite democratic style on LinkedIn.

"We are looking for an UEFA A License (or equivalent) coach to join our First Team as a Set Piece Coach," the job posting read.

"In this role, you will be a tactical specialist responsible for maximising the team's performance in all set-piece situations. This involves thorough analysis, meticulous planning, and the ability to expertly coach both offensive and defensive set-piece strategies."

Ruben Pinheiro's stumbling block?

Now, according to Record, Ruben Pinheiro, a 26-year-old from Portugal, who most recently was an assistant with Mafra under-23s, has applied for the aforementioned position and explained to the news outlet the importance of set-pieces.

However, what may count against Pinheiro is the lack of an UEFA A License (or equivalent). Judging by his transfermarkt page, he currently just holds and UEFA B license so that could count against him when Liverpool are sieving through the applicants.

In the 2023-24 season, Liverpool managed to score 15 set-piece goals  which was the fourth highest across the entire division. Although the fact they trail leaders Arsenal and Merseyside rivals Everton proves that there is still room for improvement in this department.