09 Apr 2018 19:24:04
Well boys, that time is upon us again where Europe is beckoning and we are 90 mins away from a CL semi. Tell me that we would be in this position 2 years ago when Klopp took the mess he was left behind and you would be lying to yourself, surely. The fact that we are here is down to Klopp, the fans and every single player who has helped us through this journey, worts and all. Clearly, it is not over yet. And that ladies and gentlemen, is what is most exciting about it.

On to the game. There is a lot to be concerned about regarding the way City played vs Utd. The fact of the matter is that City blew Utd away in the first half. 5-0 would have been the result had they taken their chances. What concerned me was the way Utd just dropped deep and allowed Fernandinho and Silva to dictate the play with some crisp and incisive passing. Both played some gems thru the middle and had Sterling taken those chances, City are champions and Utd end up with the horns. On the contrary, City did not take their chances and Utd scored 3 goals based off of City's weaknesses which are lazy defending, don't track runners from midfield (see both Pogba goals where Silva is literally ball watching while he ran by him), can't defend when under pressure and well, we know the rest. Regardless, City are a great team and yes, can qualify for the semis tmrw.

But here's the thing. Fernandinho and Silva surely, will not be allowed the amount of space and time on the ball they had vs Utd. Also, City are down in the dumps confidence wise and Pep is already making his mea culpa in the media. Either way, None of that is our problem. City are a great team BUT news flash: This game does not depend on them in any way, IMO. It all depends on US, on our approach, our plan and its execution, our mental and emotional state as well as our ability to handle the pressure and critical moments within the game. City are NOT in command here, guys. WE ARE, period. And if we do what we know how to do, how we know how to do it then, we'll be fine, IMO.

We have worked too hard and too long to get here and now screw it up just cos we panicked and let our nerves get the best of us and give in to fear. It is City that many thought would have the lead here. Not us. We were not supposed to be here YET here we are. Time to make it count and let the players go out there and write their own history in to LFC folklore. Give them hell, lads! YNWA!

Sorry for the long post, guys.

1.) 09 Apr 2018
09 Apr 2018 19:51:39
Cracking read that Br and there's not a lot you could really argue against. Even if we did go out tomoz night, where we have come in 2-3 years is amazing.

2.) 09 Apr 2018
09 Apr 2018 20:09:37
Thanks, Jay for your approval. As a person, I always try not to have a short memory in life. It is always important to NEVER forget who and where you were in the past, good or bad as that will always keep you grounded, give you great perspective on life and what sport mirrors life as whole better than football? Like you say, let's just enjoy what we have now at LFC cos IMO, there is a lot more from wherever this came from. A CL in May, maybe?

3.) 09 Apr 2018
09 Apr 2018 20:10:25
I think Klopp knows that, 2nd half on Wednesday notwithstanding, sitting against Man City is a dangerous game and if we score first that will probably kill the tie. Plus, I think we'd all back any of our front three in a 1v1 with any City defender, so I expect that we'll try and go for it early on to get the goal to kill it. It'll be down to City's quality and confidence as to whether they can ride that out and start to control possession.

If the game settles without an early goal from us then a lot is going to depend on Wijnaldum to set the tone in midfield. When we have the ball, he's going to be a big part in whether we keep it, play an early pass to the front three that turns and pressurises the City defenders (and I use the term 'defenders' loosely - only Kompany can defend imo and he's slowing down), or just tamely surrender possession to them. Furthermore, a lot of times when Silva or de Bruyne went deep for the ball, Henderson, the 'holding' midfielder followed them out and pressed them. Wijnaldum has that responsibility tomorrow.

He's generally not played well this season and I've been a critic of his, but he has a habit of turning it on in big games and generally he plays well against Man City, so I have a sneaky feeling he'll do the business for us tomorrow.

4.) 09 Apr 2018
09 Apr 2018 20:19:31
A great post BRover, nice one mate.

5.) 09 Apr 2018
09 Apr 2018 20:59:47
I think a lot depends on the first half hour. If we can withstand the initial onslaught then we will be ok. We need to be calm on the ball and work it out sensibly from the back. Retaining possession is vital here. If we sit too early and it just keeps coming back we will be in trouble. We have to battle I’m midfield and win the right to play, that’s what Utd did on Saturday in the second half and it worked. Let them have the the lions share of possession but be ready to go when we can, and be brave enough to commit in numbers - if we do we will bag a couple as City won’t be able to cope with us, like the first leg.

That midfield is key, we need to get stuck in early doors and show them that they cannot just dictate. We hold all the cards because there will come a point where they have to commit in numbers, when they do, we have to be ready to strike.

YNWA.

6.) 09 Apr 2018
09 Apr 2018 21:25:28
Great post brover. I must admit I was worried about Klopp and migs earlier on this season and while I think he could have brought in Karius sooner this season has really turned wonderfully- you are spot on that two years ago I couldn’t have imagined we’d be looking this good. I also feel if we lose Salah- it wouldn’t be a Suarez/ Rogers situation where we fell so far. I reckon Klopp might have someone in mind we’re any player to leave. Maybe I’m jumping the gun but overall, I can’t wait for next season regardless of how spectacular this one might still become.

7.) 09 Apr 2018
09 Apr 2018 22:26:51
Spot on, AOE. I remember the media and some of our fans comparing Klopp to BR when he arrived or whenever he had a bad patch, putting up pathetic stats on how BR had a better win ratio in the first 100 games than BR or all that nonsense. BR was never and will NEVER be in Klopp's league UNTIL he has achieved what Klopp has achieved in his career trophies included, full stop. Oh n btw, winning chocolate trophies in a one team league counts for nothing when going against a guy who is proven in Germany, in Europe and is proving himself in the PL right now (he just has to crown his efforts with a trophy, really) .

As for Salah, just don't worry about it for now. We have him for now. He's ours and is not going anywhere esp. if we make the CL final or dare I say, WIN IT. Let's go get it tmrw, lads!

8.) 10 Apr 2018
10 Apr 2018 04:36:19
Nice post.

Tomorrow morning is a pivotal moment for me as it can set us up for the next few seasons. It will re-confirm our prestige, benefit recruitment, enhance our financial situation but most importantly reinforce the belief that we are building for something towards something great and historic. Failure though would not be the end of the world, but a setback that could play on players and fans minds in similar situations in the future. The beauty of sport, football, life. YNWA.