Richard Keys has joked that Liverpool 's top-four hopes are in tatters after losing their throw-in coach.
Thomas Gronnemark began working with Jurgen Klopp 's squad in 2018 and helped the Reds win the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his five-year stint. His time at Anfield came to an end this week after the Dane, 47, requested more time on the training ground with Liverpool's players, but Klopp and his senior coaching staff disagreed.
The departure was amicable but has still given those who turn their nose up at such a role like Gronnemark's the chance to poke fun, just as Keys has already done. "Oh no. What a blow at such a critical time of the season," the former Sky presenter, now of beIN Sports in Qatar, wrote on Twitter. "You've got to fancy United for fourth now."
Back when Gronnemark - who also works with Ajax, Toulouse, Philadelphia Union and a host of other clubs around the world - first arrived on Merseyside, Keys mocked his appointment. In 2021, however, he confessed that his reaction could've been wrong. "I was never convinced by Liverpool's use of a 'specialist' throw-in coach - but maybe I was wrong," the presenter acknowledged.
"The stand-out argument appears to be that teams have to be careful when taking a throw because they're down a man at that moment. Maybe - but it's only for a millisecond if they are. Change is coming, mind you. I know that because I've had the conversation with Arsene Wenger. It won't be long before we're kicking the ball in from the defensive half. Trust me. It's coming."
The 47-year-old confirmed his departure via social media, saying: "All good things come to an end. Liverpool and I have decided not to continue our agreement about the throw-in coaching after five great seasons. I'm proud of being a part of taking LFC from 18th to 1st in the Premier League on throw-ins under pressure.
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"Since then, 25 professional clubs have hired me based on the impressive development in Liverpool - and I've been part of 14 titles, promotions and teams punching above their weight. The last seasons didn't allow me to work as much with the throw-ins as I wanted - and therefore it is natural and expectable that we say thanks for this time now.
"Thank you for a great time and co-operation, to Liverpool FC and Jurgen Klopp, the staff and players. We had a fantastic ride."
Having worked less frequently with the Reds since the Covid-19 pandemic, Gronnemark was evidently deemed surplus to requirements by Klopp and co, who are chasing a top-four finish in their final three games of the Premier League season. Liverpool are only one point behind fourth-place Manchester United, although their rivals boast a game in hand.
Klopp has publicly backed Erik ten Hag 's United to pip the Reds to the final Champions League place, adding: "All we can do is take care of our own business. The way the top four have played over the year, nobody looks like they'll lose more games than they'll win between now and end of the season."
