"Oh no. What a blow..." - Richard Keys gives sarcastic response as Liverpool throw-in coach confirms exit

Richard Keys issued a sarcastic response to the departure of Liverpool’s throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark.

On Tuesday, Gronnemark announced he would leave his post at Liverpool at the end of the season, having spent five successful years at the club.

The 47-year-old said in a Twitter statement: “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.”

Gronnemark added: “Thank you for a great time and cooperation, to Liverpool FC and Jurgen Klopp, the staff and players. We had a fantastic ride."

The Dane joined Liverpool back in 2018 after manager Jurgen Klopp found his team were often losing possession from their own throw-ins.

Indeed, Gronnemark appointment, which was initially met with ridicule in some quarters, coincided with a trophy-laden period for the club as the Reds went on to win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

Keys’ sarcastic response

Keys joked that Liverpool's top-four hopes are in tatters after losing Gronnemark.

The beIN Sports anchor was among those to criticise the appointment of the throw-in coach back in 2018.

And Keys quickly took up the opportunity to poke fun at Gronnemark one final time, upon the announcement of his departure. Keys wrote on Twitter: "Oh no. What a blow at such a critical time of the season.

"You've got to fancy United for fourth now."

While Keys had long ridiculed Gronnemark’s role at Liverpool, he confessed in 2021 that his reaction may have been misguided.

"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 a 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."

Topics: Football, Liverpool, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.