Emre Can, a risk worth taking?
Less than a month ago, Liverpool had beaten Borussia Dortmund at Anfield in one of the most spectacular games in recent memory. Subsequently, Liverpool became favourites to win the Europa League and secure a Champions League spot, under the guidance of Jürgen Klopp. The following two league victories, against Bournemouth and Everton, led many to believe that Liverpool would coast their way through the remaining league games and Europa League semi-final matches without the injured Emre Can; but horrorshow displays against …
Never underestimate the power of the twelfth man!
When the unlikeliest of victories happened, just over two weeks ago, Jürgen Klopp could do no wrong. He was the new saviour, the miracle worker, who coaxed every ounce of every players ability, heart and fight, to battle back against the odds and claim victory, against his beloved former club. The supporters were elated, not just at the victory, but the prospect of what we may become. Supporters united, bonds were formed and bread was broken. But just like any …
Prioritising the Europa League was the correct choice
The last ten days haven't been Jurgen Klopp's most memorable as Liverpool manager. He saw his Reds throw away a 2-0 lead at home to Newcastle to draw 2-2, then had the misfortune of watching on as a series of individual errors undone what would've been an excellent European semi-final away draw and then to round off a miserable week relegation threatened Swansea dismantled a shadow Liverpool side securing a 3-1 victory.
The frequency of fixtures coupled with injuries to several …
Hope is Important as Klopp's Doubters Rear Their Heads
Jurgen Klopp’s first challenge at Liverpool was to instil his ideas and philosophies on a squad of players left to him following the departure of Brendan Rodgers...
...OK, maybe his first challenge was the journey from John Lennon Airport to the city centre, and the subsequent negotiation of the selfie requests on the streets surrounding his hotel on Hope Street.
An apt name, Hope Street. It’s a road which connects the Anglican and Catholic cathedrals in a city where the …
Anfield, Villarreal and Liverpool comebacks
Liverpool’s Europa League semi-final first leg was less party and more party poopers, where losing an injury time goal felt like a kick in the guts. Disappointing? Yes. End of the world? No. Some of the response it invoked on good old social media was disproportionate to say the least. Have some people forgotten the less than care-free route we’ve travelled to even get this far?
It was not a great match to watch, actually it was pretty stagnate and …
The Blame Game - A Tactical look at the Villarreal loss
The blame game is funny. Liverpool lose and it's almost like some fans go out of their way to criticise a player they dislike even if their only at 10% fault for the goal that lost the Reds the match. Narrow minded doesn't do it justice. Like a bull locked on to a red flag, they'll carry on after it no matter what or how many obstacles you put in their path.
It's a bit of a self destructive trait. …
Villarreal Vs. Liverpool | In-Depth Tactical Preview
Based in the tiny City of Vila-Real in the Comunitat Valenciana on the East Coast of Spain, Villarreal have arguably been the 21st century’s biggest football over-achievers. With a stadium that could fit half the city’s population, the club captivated the football world back in 2006 when they reached the Champions League semi-final with a team including the likes of Senna, Riquelme and Forlan. The Yellow Submarine, as they’re known in Spain (I imagine to the delight of British tabloid …
Who Could Liverpool Draw in the Europa League?
The Reds made hard work of it but they're through to the last 16 of the Europa League. The English media often treat this competition with disdain as though it's the European equivalent of the League Cup. Their ignorance is astounding as this year's final 16 rivals anything the Champions League could offer. Excluding the two English sides, United and Spurs, these are the potential sides Liverpool could face.
Fenerbache
The Turks are currently second in the Turkish Premier League, …