Jurgen Klopp continues ingenious Liverpool approach as coach extends Reds stay
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Liverpool have renewed the contract of throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark as Jurgen Klopp continues his attempts to find an edge for the upcoming season.
Gronnemark has signed on for a fourth campaign with the Reds, having first worked with Klopp in the 2018/19 season.
The Dane is an innovator of the art of the throw-in and his success with Liverpool has seen him work with Ajax, Gent, Atlanta United, RB Leipzig and FC Midtjylland.
Gronnemark is a former bobsleigh athlete but turned his attention to throw-ins after moving off the ice.
The 45-year-old freelance coach uses statistical analytics and video analysis to school players in better technique, body shape and flexibility.
“Proud to tell that I have signed a new contract as a throw-in coach with Liverpool FC for my 4th season in the club,” Gronnemark wrote on social media.
“I enjoy every second together with all these fantastic people.
“Sometimes I'm not sure if it's a dream, but hey, it seems pretty real.
“Thanks for the support from all over the World. I really appreciate that.”
Gronnemark first developed his reputation by working with Danish Superliga clubs FC Midtjylland and AC Horsens.
Midtjylland defeated Southampton and Manchester United in the Europa League in 2015 and 2016 respectively, with long throw-ins a large part of their success.
Gronnemark’s work caught the eye of Klopp, who invited him to Merseyside to learn more – and the Dane has been helping Liverpool’s players improve their throw-ins ever since.
What do you make of Liverpool's use of a throw-in coach? Have your say in the comments section below.
His belief is that throw-ins are a neglected art, with many teams spending just 15 minutes per week on practicing them, despite set pieces accounting for25 to 33 per cent of goals over a season.
It’s not just about Rory Delap-style long throws either – Gronnemark also coaches players in taking them quickly and in how to maximise possession from dead ball situations.
His work initially caused a stir within the football community, with some questioning its usefulness, but Klopp’s uptake has increased its credibility.
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"Jurgen is an innovator," he toldThe Athleticin 2019.
"He's a leader who says he doesn't know everything and is willing to listen to people if they have knowledge to take the club forward.
"If you have a leader who wants total control and thinks he knows best about everything then that will affect the employees."
Gronnemark’s work has been clear in the performances of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson in particular, but it remains to be seen whether he has an impact in 2021/22.
Get your hands on your club's special edition 2021/22 annual. Find out more here.
- Jurgen Klopp
- Premier League
- Liverpool FC
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