Liverpool’s former throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark is now working with Arsenal to aid their title hopes, nearly three years on from his time with the Reds.
Gronnemark was hired under Jurgen Klopp on a part-time basis from 2018 to 2023, with the throw-in specialist appointed to improve the players’ quality and technique.
Thomas Gronnemark joins Arsenal
• Rival role: Former Liverpool throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark has joined Arsenal as a consultant to aid their title charge.
• Contrast in fortunes: Arsenal lead the league for set-piece goals (12), while Liverpool have recently sacked set-piece coach Aaron Briggs.
• No return: Despite being “open” to an Anfield return, Gronnemark stated he wouldn’t rejoin if already working for a direct competitor.
Liverpool were one of the first clubs to appoint a specialist throw-in coach, with it part of Klopp’s attempts to oversee a marginal gain in an undervalued part of the game.
The Dane previously explained in response to an article from This Is Anfield that, “at Liverpool FC I worked with the fast and clever throw-in – and took the team from 18th to first on throw-in possession under pressure.”
And now Mikel Arteta wants those marginal gains for his Arsenal side, with the Times reporting Gronnemark has been working as a consultant with training ground visits.
It is a similar role he undertook at Liverpool, only now it comes at a time when long throw-ins have become prevalent across the Premier League, with 12 goals scored as a direct result as of matchday 13.
Arsenal have the most set-piece goals so far this season, with 14, and they have only conceded five, while Liverpool have scored just three (ranked 20th) and conceded 13 (joint-second most).
While Arsenal are building from a position of strength by getting Gronnemark on board, the Reds recently responded to their woes by sacking set-piece coach Aaron Briggs.
Thomas Gronnemark was “open” to Liverpool return
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 27, 2025: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong takes a throw-in during the FA Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool have been one of the teams to struggle against a long throw, and do not partake in it themselves, with the only exception being when Joe Gomez is on the field.
Arne Slot has been unable to harness it to the Reds’ advantage and, in December, Gronnemark declared he was open to a return, but there was a caveat to that.
“Liverpool are always welcome to call me,” he told RG. “The only way I wouldn’t say yes to Liverpool is if I were already coaching another top Premier League team that’s actually a direct competitor.
“I’m not talking about a team like Brentford, and as long as I’m not full-time at another club, as long as my contract gives me the green light, I’d say yes.
“Of course, with my history with the club, my connection with the fans, and people who are writing to me every day on social media and thanking me for my time with the team, I’d say yes in most cases.”
Although Liverpool are 14 points adrift of Arsenal in the table, they are ‘direct’ competitors and thus Gronnemark would be off the table if the club were to seek throw-in expertise.