Integrating Fabinho and the Need for Patience
Patience isn’t a word that gets heeded much in the modern era of football.
Instant gratification has been normalised and expected, and signings are often cast aside as “flops” in as short a space as six months. And that’s fine because some signings don’t work. But, if one casts their mind back to the final season of Brendan Rodgers’ tenure, you’ll notice that Liverpool’s current number nine was far from the maniacal presser and vital fulcrum that he would become …
Red Rant: Foxy Klopp Not Ready to Contend
Ron Burgundy had three vulnerabilities in life... women, his dog Baxter, and the fact that he would read whatever was on the teleprompter. Our manager has a similar tick. If Jordan Henderson is available, he'll put him on the team sheet. It didn't matter that Emre Can was miles better. Hendo was in the team. It didn't matter that Gini Wijnaldum was man of the match against Brighton playing the 'six.' Move him out for the captain. A £40 million …
Observations as Liverpool cruise to second win in a row
Liverpool ran out winners against bogey team Crystal Palace on Monday night, leaving fresh hope that Klopp’s side can truly match Man City for the Premier League title this season. Goals from James Milner and Sadio Mane confirmed a 2-0 win, giving the Reds six points from a possible six thus far.
Here are the observations from the match.
Mane in for a stellar campaign
If Salah was Liverpool’s main man last season, it sure as hell looks like Mane …
Buoyed by Optimism - Liverpool's Season Ahead
It’s a weird feeling not really knowing how to manage your expectations as a Liverpool fan. I’m 38 - a seasoned pro at this. However, never in my experience of supporting The Reds can I remember a feeling of such enthusiasm surrounding the club.
Not Then, Not Ever
Even after Rafa’s fantastic 08/09 team came within touching distance of the title there was still the unmissable grey Hicks & Gillett cloud hanging over Anfield. We knew Benitez had almost achieved …
Klopp's Liverpool and Doing Things the Fun Way
Playing the Liverpool way.
It’s a fairly common trope, perhaps an oxymoron when every football club seems to have a “way” these days – there’s even a “Norwich way”, apparently. For Liverpool fans, however, identity is everything. Football is bound together by its unique fan culture, the interconnectedness of the football landscape means stories are perpetuated, and Liverpool’s story is one of decorated trophy cabinets and an envied atmosphere.
Perhaps Anfield’s atmosphere hasn’t lived up to its hype recently.
But …
Liverpool 2018/19: A Tactical Preview
How do Liverpool play? It's a simple question, but with the arrival of both Naby Keïta, Fabinho and Alisson, as well as the progression of Liverpool's tactics under Jürgen Klopp since he joined in 2016, the answer requires a more detailed response than the question initially indicates.
There are three main tactical phases in football: on-ball, off-ball and the transition. With Liverpool's signings and their skillsets, the on-ball phase may be the one most different this season. Hence, we'll start …
Liverpool FC Summers: Four Meaningful Trips
Being a Liverpool FC supporter living in America is a different kind of commitment. You have to be an early riser to catch matches on weekend morning, you have to block out your work calendars for Champions League afternoons, and most of all you must seize any opportunity offered to you to see the Reds play if they are ever anywhere near you. Such has been the case for me since 2012 when LFC began their regular pilgrimages to North …
The Strange Case of Liverpool Fans Enjoying the Summer
Jurgen Klopp has done it - he made us (most of us, including me) believers. For the first time in ages, I was able to enjoy my summer without worrying about Liverpool football club. And I have to admit it was strange. I didn't feel the need to read rumours, I didn't F5, didn't track flights or vans - I finally trust the people making the decisions. And that is the overwhelming feeling among the supporters, which has never been …
How FSG Found Their Perfect Formula
May 2010: The Royal Bank of Scotland takes Hicks and Gillett to court in order to force the sale of Liverpool Football Club.
October 2010, Fenway Sports Group purchase Liverpool Football Club for £300 million, after the club was perilously teetering above the jaws of administration.
Nearly eight years later, mistakes have been made, Liverpool did not progress the way they perhaps ought to have, and yet all it took was a couple of extremely clever appointments to execute the …
Is centre-back still a problem position for Liverpool?
Over the last few transfer windows, Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool have significantly strengthened in a number of positions: the front line, the midfield and the defence.
The costly addition of Virgil van Dijk in January was a much-needed remedy for the Reds’ leaky defence, and the big Dutchman has undoubtedly improved things at the back for Liverpool with performances looking almost instantly improved since his arrival.
Whether the sudden improvement is totally down to Van Dijk’s arrival is up for …