I love football...I mean futeball...I mean soccer. Played it as a youngster as I emulated Pele on the playground. Played club ball and traveled to England and Canada and all around the country. Played college for U of Md. Then got badly injured and continued my career as a coach for my kids, and as a fan.
My team???
When I was in England in 1978, I went to Wembley stadium and saw Liverpool play. I was already a Beatles fan and really liked Liverpool's red kits. There began my lifelong alone-less walk with "The Reds".
Spoiled, I guess you could call it. Liverpool has been European giants for decades. Winning tournament after tournament as well as ending up near the top of season play, year after year.
The past several years have been tough with a decline of the team, and with the rise of several other powerhouses in the Premeir League.
Last year was an amazing ride, however. We came so close! If is wasn't for a few poor management decisions, and a few technical mistakes the league championship would have been ours. (We came in second by two points).
All of us fans were looking forward to this year, as we geared up for a rematch of the championship...But a list of comical errors has put us in the middle of the Premier League, and looking haggardly in the Champions League:
1) That darn Suarez! He had to bite into an Italian hero during the World Cup. This got him suspended, and probably was the reason for getting traded. Without him and an injured Sturridge, we have no chance of scoring enough goals to stay ahead of our occasionally shaky defense.
2) Balotelli was a huge mistake. Funds wasted that could have gone for two or three better players. Or for one strong finisher who can stay with the speed of the league.
3) We have so many new players on the pitch this year. It will take nearly the whole season to develop any kind of continuity..by then it will be too late, if it isn't already.
I like Brendon Rogers. He's a good coach for the players. His tactics are getting better, although he still has some naiveté to shed.
All I can say is that I am frustrated with the team this year, but as the motto goes, "You will never walk alone", I'll stick with them through thick and thin...
11/5/15---This is my second installment for the REDS blog. I hated to see Rodgers go. I really liked him and thought he got a raw deal. His biggest downfall was his recruiting. I don't think he got the right players in. Losing Suarez, Gerrard, Sterling, and for now Sturridge was a huge blow for him too.
BUT>>>I am excited to see Klopp in the hot seat. I am also a huge Dortmund fan and thought he did a great job with them. Can't get too excited with the current personnel, but I think Klopp will get the best from them and will build on that for the years to come. Premier League Title within the next five years!!!!!! It doesn't hurt to dream right?
9/1/16 UPDATE. The new season begins. So far...so so. Beat Arsenal then drop one to Burnley! Go figure. We have a perpetual problem breaking down teams that park the bus, and can't seam to defend the counter attacks. WE NEED SILVERWARE THIS SEASON. League cup is off to a good start. FA cup is around the corner. The league will be tough with Man U, Man City, and Chelsea all looking fierce. Anyway, give it your best Reds. YNWA!!
2/27/18 Update...it's been years and years since we won any silverware. Klopp has us on the right path, yet it still seems fleeting. When we put it together we are the best around...Man city match for example. Consistency is the key at both ends. Need to hold the defensive line and need to continue breaking down teams that pack it in. Hoping for a final four finish and a great run on the CL. Let's see if the upward trend continues next season. Getting close to greatness again!!
6/4/21 update. Wow!! Where do the years go? Haven't chimed in for some time now. Have been thoroughly enjoying the rebirth of devastating Liverpool football. Champions League title, Premier League title, and other silverware all within the past few seasons is a dream come true. Tough season this year due to injuries and the weirdness Covid created. But still in heaven with the overall squad, management, and the outlook for a great season coming up. YNWA!