According to the multiple outlets, Arsenal have added another specialist to Mikel Arteta’s backroom operation, turning to former Liverpool throw-in coach Thomas Grønnemark as part of their continued search for marginal gains in the Premier League title race.
Grønnemark, widely regarded as one of the leading throw-in specialists in the game, has been working with Arsenal on a consultancy basis, visiting the club’s training ground to share methods focused on ball retention and attacking organisation from throw-ins.
The Danish coach is currently listed as without a club, having previously worked with Liverpool between August 2018 and May 2023. A subsequent move to Wisła Kraków appears to have been brief, with his time there lasting only a short period.
His involvement reflects a broader focus on throw-ins, an area increasingly treated within the Premier League as an attacking opportunity, particularly with the rise in goals from long throws and second-phase situations. Despite Sunderland moving their advertising hoardings to stop Arsenal’s long throw earlier in the season, the Gunners have so far had little success from that area, with the Black Cats falling for media nonsense ahead of the game.
Grønnemark’s reputation was established during his time at Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp, where his influence was both immediate and quantifiable. In his first season working with the club, Liverpool moved from 18th to first in the Premier League for possession retention from throw-ins.
Klopp later said: “He changed our throw-in game completely.”
Grønnemark has spoken openly in the past about his philosophy. “You could say that I coach intelligence when it comes to throw-ins,” he told the Guardian. “I’m not afraid to say that most professional players possess very little intelligence in this respect.”
While he has previously said he would be open to a return to Liverpool under Arne Slot, his current consultancy role at Arsenal underlines how seriously Arteta’s side are treating every detail as the title run-in intensifies.