Former Liverpool coach eyes Anfield comeback after playing role in Reds’ defeat as Aaron Briggs exits
Thomas Grønnemark has indicated he would be open to a return to Liverpool after previously working at the club as Jürgen Klopp’s throw-in specialist. The Danish coach first joined the Reds in 2018 and remained in the role until his departure in 2023.
Liverpool’s problems defending set-pieces this season have been well documented, ultimately leading to the exit of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs. Under Arne Slot, the Reds have conceded 12 goals from dead-ball situations in just 18 Premier League matches, while managing only three goals of their own from set-pieces. Although most attention has focused on corners and free-kicks, Liverpool have also struggled badly against long throw-ins.
Brentford, one of the clubs Grønnemark currently advises, exploited those weaknesses earlier in the campaign. The Bees beat Liverpool 3–2 in October, with Dango Ouattara scoring inside five minutes following a long throw from Michael Kayode.
After that defeat, Andy Robertson was brutally honest in his assessment, admitting Liverpool failed to stick to their plan. “We know how dangerous they are from set-pieces,” he said. “We worked on the long throws, but within five minutes we conceded three of them, and one led to a goal. That’s not good enough. You end up playing into their hands and making life hard for yourselves. We kept fighting, but it wasn’t anywhere near good enough.”
Despite his ongoing work with Brentford, Grønnemark made it clear that would not prevent him from returning to Anfield. “Liverpool are always welcome to call me,” he told RG. “The only reason I wouldn’t say yes is if I was already coaching another top Premier League club that’s a direct competitor.
“I’m not talking about a club like Brentford. As long as I’m not full-time elsewhere and my contract allows it, I’d say yes. With my history at Liverpool, my connection to the fans, and the messages I receive daily thanking me for my time there, I’d say yes in most situations.”
He also explained how his methods differ from club to club. “My time at Brentford has been great, but throw-in coaching has to be adapted. At Liverpool, Ajax and Dortmund, it was mainly about quick and intelligent throws, though I also worked a bit on long throws to improve attacking transitions.
“In the last three seasons elsewhere, it’s been much more focused on long throw-ins. At Midtjylland, we scored 11 goals from long throws and won several penalties from them. They were arguably the best team in the world at it and among the best in the Europa League. But I always tailor my work to the team’s style, formation, and the wishes of the manager and owners.”
Grønnemark also recalled how his Liverpool journey began in 2018, admitting he was stunned when Klopp first contacted him. “I was completely shocked when Jürgen called,” he said. “I was in a chocolate shop with my family, saw a +44 number and thought it was a salesperson.
“I listened to the voicemail and realised it was Jürgen Klopp. I tried calling back but couldn’t reach him. My heart was racing, and when I told my wife, she was just as surprised as I was.”
He eventually spoke to Klopp while driving home. “I actually drove straight into a grass field when he called. He told me he was on holiday in Tenerife, sitting in a beach chair reading Bild, and came across an article about me. He’d never even heard of a throw-in coach before.
“Despite Liverpool having a strong 2017/18 season—finishing fourth and reaching the Champions League final—they were very poor at throw-ins. He invited me to Melwood for what was meant to be just a meeting, but he was so convinced afterward that I coached 21 first-team players the very next day.
“I signed a six-month deal the following week, and over five seasons we went on to win seven trophies together.”