Arsenal bring in ex-Liverpool coach who ‘revolutionized play’ and teaches players ‘throw-in intelligence’

 

 

Arsenal’s push for a long-awaited Premier League crown has been boosted by an unexpected familiar face to Liverpool supporters.

The Gunners currently sit six points clear at the summit and look well placed to wrestle the title away from Liverpool, who won it comfortably last season but now find themselves fourth, 14 points behind. The sides played out a goalless draw at the Emirates earlier this week.

A major factor behind Arsenal’s rise has been their deadly efficiency from set-pieces. Mikel Arteta’s men have already scored 15 goals from corners and free-kicks, while throw-ins have become another growing weapon across the league, with teams increasingly launching long deliveries into the box.

To sharpen that edge, Arsenal have turned to throw-in specialist Thomas Gronnemark. The Times reports that the Dane has been visiting the club’s training ground as a consultant, passing on his expertise and techniques.

Gronnemark is well known on Merseyside, having worked with Liverpool for five years during Jürgen Klopp’s reign, including the Champions League triumph in 2019 and the Premier League title the following season. In his first year with the Reds, Liverpool climbed from 18th to first in the league for retaining possession from throw-ins.

Klopp once hailed his impact, saying: “We brought in Thomas and it changed our throw-in game completely. People think throw-ins are just long balls into the box, but now we have 18 different routines in other areas. We want to keep the ball after a throw-in. It makes no sense if it becomes a 50-50. The improvement is massive.”

Gronnemark has also been outspoken about the lack of attention the skill receives. He previously told the Guardian: “I coach intelligence around throw-ins. Most professional players have very little intelligence in this area. Ninety-nine percent of players and coaches I speak to have never really practised throw-ins at a high level.”

Earlier this season, he revealed he would be open to returning to Liverpool under Arne Slot, provided he was not already tied to a rival club. “Liverpool are always welcome to call me,” he said. “With my history there and my connection to the fans, I’d say yes in most cases.”

Liverpool’s struggles at set-pieces, both for and against, have been a recurring issue this campaign, and last month the club parted ways with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs — underlining just how costly that area has become.