Liverpool’s former throw-in coach confirms new job with rival Premier League club

Arsenal will hope the addition of renowned throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark can help end the club’s 22-year title drought.

Thomas Gronnemark officially confirmed his new role with the Gunners in a post on X on Tuesday.

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The Dane, who formerly worked under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, posted a photo of the entrance to Arsenal’s Sobha Reality Training Centre.

The secret is out

He added the caption: “It’s out. Yes, I coach Arsenal. Both in the ‘Long, Fast and Clever throw-in’ No more comments at the moment.”

His post brought an end to speculation over his next venture while sparking intrigue among fans as to what he can do to bolster the Gunners’ title charge.

Gronnemark is believed to have joined Arsenal on a part-time consultancy basis in a bid to further upgrade their set-piece threat.

Mikel Arteta’s side have become the kings of set-pieces in recent seasons.

Arsenal have scored the joint most goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season alongside Chelsea and Leeds with 14.

However, none of Arsenal’s set-piece goals have come by way of throw-ins and Arteta appears to be leaving no stone unturned in his quest for Premier League glory.

Gronnemark, widely regarded as one of the best throw-in coaches in the world, previously transformed Liverpool’s throw-in possession from 45.4 per cent to a table-topping 68.4 per cent during his five years at Anfield.

Overall, he has worked with 30 clubs, but made his name in the specialism under the German tactician and helped Liverpool lift the Premier League title in 2020.

Held in high regard

Klopp previously lauded Gronnemark’s impact at the club, claiming his arrival was a game-changing moment for the Reds.

Instagram - Thomas Gronnemark

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“When I heard about Thomas, it was 100 per cent clear I wanted to employ him,” Klopp said.

“We brought in Thomas and it changed our throw-in game completely.”

Arsenal are among a small pocket of clubs to have reintroduced long throws as part of their attacking strategy this season.

Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori have been primarily used as the long-throw specialists as Arsenal look to add their name to the 25 throw-in goals scored across the top-flight this season.

“Everything has to evolve.,” Arteta said about the amendments to Arsenal’s attacking gameplan.

“I know how good Declan was at taking set pieces three or four years ago and I know how good he is now.

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“It does not happen overnight. Things have to be trained, evolved and tweaked. And the player has to believe as well, which is key.

“When you look at Declan, he can do almost everything you require him to do.”