LIVERPOOL: CHAMPIONS AT LAST

 

Who better to dedicate a first post to other than the Champions of England and a coach with an infectious smile? LIVERPOOL!

To a lot of Liverpool fans worldwide, it was a matter of "When?" When do we get to lift the English Premier League? Are we forever cursed not to win?

Liverpool fans had every right to be worried, given that before the introduction of the back-pass rule, Liverpool had been dominating the First division.

However, the introduction of the back-pass rule in 1992 changed the landscape with 6th place finish in 91/92, 92/93 a far cry from their previous dominance. League positions went topsy turvy with near misses in some seasons, other trophies were won, but the "Holy grail" the English Premier League was nowhere in the trophy cabinet.

Things that take longer to achieve are usually more celebrated than shorter and quicker ones. Thirty years have passed, and finally, the English Premier League trophy is back to Anfield and all thanks to ONE-MAN, Jürgen Klopp!

Jürgen Klopp, having battled for Bundesliga supremacy from the hands of perpetual landlords, Bayern Munich, and won to a fair extent, was appointed by John W. Henry. Walking into his press conference, with a quite unusual black suit and shirt and wearing his ever-present smile, Klopp, when asked about the club's trophy drought, declared, "If we sit here in four years, I think we'll have won one title – I'm pretty sure."

Jürgen Klopp  on title drought in first press conference

Pretty strong words, but that's what "Kloppo" as he's famously called is about. He's successfully turned "doubters" to "believers," made world-beaters out of an underperforming group, and made shrewd signings. He's given youth a chance, made critical changes to his backroom staff (adding a throw-in coach - which was once ridiculed by rival fans, doesn't seem funny anymore).

Jürgen brought his famous "gegenpressing" philosophy to the Kop, endeared the city to him and he to them, and despite disappointments along the way, such as losses in European finals.

After such disappointments, changes were made, tweaks implemented. Klopp also sold Anfield then-jewel Philipe Coutinho and more than adequately replaced him with other world-class players, while more importantly, made the whole team function and play as a unit.

So signings such as Van Dijk, who has proven at Liverpool to be arguably one of the best center backs if not the best. His physical presence has made other defenders who were otherwise "error-prone" to become reliable. A look at Joe Gomez and Joel Matip performances with and without Virgil with them tells a lot, Van Dijk has raised the bar by which center backs are judged.

Also, disposing of Karius and bringing in Alisson has as well proven to be crucial in turning things around on the pitch, making goal-saving saves, and starting attacks from his goal. Equal importance is the tactical adjustment of Bobby Firmino as a false nine, the use of Jordan Henderson as a Box-to-box midfielder, and the devastating influence of fullbacks Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold. The former having boundless energy and the latter possessing "a wand of a right foot."

The 2018/2019 season brought remarkable experiences such as the unbelievable comeback vs. Barcelona in Anfield, UEFA Champions League trophy, and a 2nd place Premier league finish.

With the type of football played, the team, the city knew it was close as did everyone else, undoubtedly not probably. Once Chelsea's Willian rolled the spot-kick into the net in the match against Manchester City, it was again official. Liverpool became 2019/2020 English Premier League champions! The joy on the fans' faces tells the whole story, disregarding social distancing rules to come together as one to celebrate. Bragging rights are back,

and the belief they can finally carry on and win more.

So cheers to the City of Liverpool, and her loyal fans around the world, you'll never walk alone!! See you next season! 😉