Liverpool’s 2019/20 season may be over following one of the longest campaigns in living memory, yet already the Reds are improving key areas of the club for next season.
One position that was previously unresolved and an issue of interest amongst Liverpool fans was whether the club would extend the vacancy of throw-in specialist and coach Thomas Gronnemark.
Gronnemark, who still holds the world record for the longest throw-in at 51.33m, has been working for the club on a part-time basis for the past two years after Jurgen Klopp looked to strengthen and improve in every area possible.
The former Danish athlete has since signed a contract extension to cover the 2020/21 season.
NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR PASSION!
1987: Saw my cousins make great throw-ins. A passion was born.
2004: Started as a throw-in coach. Many people laughed.
2018: Jürgen Klopp called me, and asked me for help with the throw-ins.
2020: We have won the Champions- & Premier League 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ZYTi4D94Fv— Thomas Gronnemark (@ThomasThrowin) July 1, 2020
“I’m happy and proud to announce that I have signed a new contract with Liverpool FC for the 20/21 season,” Gronnemark posted on social media.
“I’m a freelance throw-in coach, and there is great interest from other clubs at the moment. Looking forward to help more teams with ‘The Long, Fast and Clever Throw-in’.”
Thomas Gronnemark and Gent’s players pictured in action during the winter training camp of Belgian first division soccer team KAA Gent, in Oliva, Spain, Wednesday 08 January 2020. BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS (Photo by JASPER JACOBS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Another edge to Liverpool’s game
Eyebrows were initially raised when it was revealed that Liverpool had brought in a professional to deal with throw-ins.
It’s easy to overlook the impact that can come from a throw-in but it is just one of many minor details that Liverpool have finely tuned and harnessed to ensure they are adequately equipped to compete for the highest honours such as the Premier League and Champions League.
Liverpool supporters have been delighted with the marginal gains Klopp has looked to implement to the team’s game following his input in improving and evolving their use of throw-ins both offensively and defensively.
Following the news, many Liverpool supporters have taken to social media to congratulate Gronnemark who confirmed the contract extension via Twitter.
Here are a selection of responses reacting to the news…
Amazing news. We need more work on the youngsters like Neco, Thomas. Help the lad out. He had throw in responsibilities when covering for Trent and still has so much to learn
— Punit Gandhi (@punitanasazi) July 30, 2020
So happy to see people finally appreciate the works you do. I remember the trolls LFC got for employing you but i had no doubt if Klopp wants you then it must be worth it. You’ve brought a new edge to the game, keep it up Sir 💪🏻
— The Unbearables* (@aqilpoy) July 30, 2020
https://twitter.com/Lockedinho/status/1288744406657273856
Delighted with that news Thomas the on pitch improvement is clear to see. Great work 👍
— J.P. McGee (@Fubble365) July 30, 2020
Brilliant news, I think you've made a difference to our attacking play with our creative throwins.
— LFCZA 🇿🇦 (@LFCZA) July 30, 2020
Great news, just shows how important the club thinks throw ins and your training is!
— Hibbs (@Hibbs1001) July 30, 2020
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