Ex-Liverpool Coach Confirms Arsenal Move

Thomas Gronnemark, Liverpool's former throw-in specialist under Jurgen Klopp, has confirmed his new role as a consultant with Arsenal. The Danish coach, who worked at Anfield from 2018 to 2023, is assisting Mikel Arteta's side in optimizing set pieces, particularly throw-ins, during their Premier League title push[1][2][3].

Gronnemark's expertise transformed Liverpool's throw-in performance. Upon joining in 2018, the Reds leaped from 18th to 1st in the Premier League for retaining possession from pressured throw-ins in a single season, per PremierLeague.com data. His methods emphasized movement, spacing, and quick restarts rather than long balls into the box. A notable example: defender Joel Matip increased his throw-in distance by over eight meters in one session. These marginal gains contributed to Liverpool's 2019 Champions League triumph and 2020 Premier League title[1].

Arsenal, already the league's top scorers from set pieces this season with 12 goals from dead balls, lead the table by six points over Manchester City. Arteta, recognizing set pieces' importance, has enlisted Gronnemark—once a world-record throw-in holder and ex-Danish bobsleigh athlete—to weaponize restarts further. The move underscores Arsenal's title drought since 2004 and their strategy to gain every edge[2].

The development worries Liverpool fans, especially after sacking their own set-piece coach Aaron Briggs amid struggles defending restarts. Gronnemark's visits to Arsenal's training ground highlight what the Reds once dominated quietly under Klopp[1][3].

Arteta has long valued specialists, stating he surrounds himself with the best to execute set-piece visions. Arsenal's next fixtures include an FA Cup tie against Portsmouth, a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg vs. Chelsea, and a Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest[2].

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