"We had a fantastic ride..." - Liverpool throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark confirms exit

Liverpool coach Thomas Gronnemark revealed he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Gronnemark joined Liverpool back in 2018 as a throw-in coach after manager Jurgen Klopp found his team were often losing possession from their own throw-ins.

However, the Dane was roundly ridiculed upon his appointment. Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol labelled that move as “absolutely ridiculous”, while ex-Everton striker Andy Gray dismissed the idea of a throw-in coach altogether.

On beIN Sport, Gray said at the time: "I know how you can take advantage of a situation, throw it to one of your own players. That would be No.1. No.2. Keep hold of the ball. Maybe we are going to see Andy Robertson do a headstand and take it.

"Here is a lesson. Pick the ball up, take it behind your head, throw it to a teammate and keep both feet on the ground. I have got a new one. I want to be the first kick-off coach."

Yet Gronnemark’s appointment ultimately proved to be a successful one, as the Reds went on to win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup during his tenure.

Gronnemark announces Liverpool departure

In a Twitter statement, Gronnemark announced he would leave his post at Liverpool at the end of the season.

The 47-year-old freelancer said: “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.

“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 cooperation, to Liverpool FC and Jurgen Klopp, the staff and players. We had a fantastic ride.

“What now then, Thomas? Well, exciting things ahead. Three new agreements signed for the upcoming season, also one on a new continent. I am open to even more clubs in the upcoming season.”

He added, in an interview with the Liverpool Echo: "This job [at Liverpool] has changed my life and helped my family, so I am forever thankful to Jurgen, the staff and the players. And also to the fans around the world, it really has meant a lot."