Liverpool throw-in coach Thomas Grönnemark has revealed the club’s stars were initially sceptical about him at first.
The coach arrived at Anfield in August 2018 after Reds boss Jürgen Klopp identified his side needed improvement in the area.
Reports in the time indicated the German had identified throw-ins as a weak point, with his team regularly giving up possession from them.
He targeted Grönnemark as an addition for his coaching team in an attempt to solve the issue, although there was widespread cynicism around it.
And Grönnemark admits that even Liverpool’s players were dubious about the benefits on his arrival.
“Of course, many are sceptical at first,” he told Kicker.
“But that quickly subsides. The analysis had shown that Liverpool only had about 45% possession in 2017/18 after throw-ins under pressure, which was 18th place in the Premier League – and Klopp didn’t like it, of course.
“After a year of training, we were at 68% and number one in England. This season it should be similar or even higher.”
Despite the doubts, there is no doubt that Grönnemark has made a big difference to Liverpool since he arrived at the club.
The Reds have become highly efficient with their throw-ins, adding a new dimension to an already talented team.
It is Liverpool’s full-backs who have naturally received the most attention, and Grönnemark says it is duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson who top the charts.
“Joe Gomez throws the longest, now over 37 metres, from the sideline to the penalty spot,” he added.
“But the best throwers are Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. They throw very precisely and have an immense understanding of space and the situation.
“Klopp doesn’t want long throws; he wants them to be fast and smart. It has to suit the way the club plays.”
