Gregory De Grauwe brings Black Stars World Cup know‑how to Al Kholood

Gregory De Grauwe steps into his first‑team set‑piece coach role at Saudi Pro League club Al Kholood, drawing on the lessons he gathered while serving as video analyst and set‑piece coach for the Black Stars. The Belgian’s dual appointment sees him balancing club duties in Saudi Arabia with ongoing responsibilities for Ghana’s senior national team.

Within the Black Stars set‑piece unit, De Grauwe combined video analysis with tactical planning, directly influencing how the team approached dead‑ball situations. His work involved close collaboration with the coaching staff and players, ensuring that each routine was rehearsed despite the limited preparation time typical of international fixtures.

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, De Grauwe was part of Ghana’s technical team, overseeing match preparation and set‑piece execution. Ghana scored twice in the tournament, including a decisive set‑piece goal against Croatia, highlighting the impact of his coaching on the team’s offensive output.

International coaching insights

Speaking to GHANASoccernet.com, De Grauwe emphasized that the scarcity of training days forces clear and effective communication. “Absolutely. Working with the Black Stars has taught me a lot. At international level, the time you have with the players is very limited, so your communication and coaching have to be clear and effective,” he said.

He added that exchanging ideas with players who operate at the highest level sharpened his own tactical understanding. Listening to their perspectives and discussing varied scenarios broadened his coaching repertoire, especially when dealing with diverse personalities and football backgrounds.

Club responsibilities in Saudi Arabia

At Al Kholood, De Grauwe now leads the first‑team set‑piece department, tasked with designing routines for both attack and defence in the Saudi Pro League. The role requires him to adapt his international methods to the daily training rhythm of a club side, integrating his experience into a new cultural setting.

Despite the new club commitment, he remains on the Black Stars technical staff, meaning he will split his time between Ghana and Saudi Arabia. The dual appointment reflects his belief that the lessons learned in Arabia.The football environment can enrich his contributions on both fronts.

The Belgian joined the Black Stars technical setup in March 2025 after a recommendation from assistant coach Desmond Ofei, and his name now appears on the club’s internal portal, Kholood.De, as part of the coaching roster. As a Ghanas‑linked specialist, De Grauwe continues to bridge the gap between international set‑piece expertise and club‑level implementation.