Before the duel with Midtjylland, the Liverpool throw-in manager almost lost his dream job: sport

Thomas Grönnemark was in the car with his family when his smartphone rang. An English number appeared on the display: Grönnemark initially did not answer. When he was listening to the mailbox, he almost took a hit. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp wanted to meet the Dane.

The 44-year-old has been working as a paid coach for the Reds’ throw-in since summer 2018 – and is making his small contribution to the great successes of the English champions. “Klopp doesn’t want to make far-reaching objections, but they should be quick and smart,” Grönnemark said last year. kicker.

Praise from Klopp

The idea of ​​hiring a specialist inspired Klopp and Co. at FC Midtjylland, Liverpool’s next opponent in the Champions League. “We saw Thomas’ influence when we analyzed Midtjylland,” Klopp says. “He’s a great guy, he helped us a lot.”

Midtjylland is also a pioneer in European club football in the use of statistical data analysis. However: Tuesday’s strengths are clear.