ARSENE Wenger retiring. Alex Ferguson deeply unwell. That sort of Sunday.
A Sunday that makes you think about these men in our game. It would be mad to not wish them both all the best, but dwell on the differences for a second. Both are tremendous football minds, both changed the game in this country. But one was a lot better at losing than the other.
Being good at losing is perhaps the most underrated quality in football and Ferguson could well be the best exponent of that in my lifetime. Firstly, his sides tended to lose in an impressive way, but secondly they tended to bounce back. You are always going to lose. I can’t promise you much, but I can promise you that. You will always get beat.
What do you do next?
It felt like our second big European away game of the week.
But on this one we came up short. This one we lost. You will always get beat.
This Liverpool side does have one big question to answer: what happens when you go 1-0 down? We aren’t marvellous when losing, we are better when we have lost. That is good in a sense — Jürgen Klopp seems an excellent loser too — but we have to reassess how we deal with any minor scoreboard adversity. We showed enormous courage at the Stadio Olimpico in the week but we were never actually losing the tie.
This season, we haven’t come from behind often, not least because we haven’t fallen behind often. But here, like Swansea, like Manchester United, we haven’t done enough when we have been behind. And there have been games when we have been level when we expect better, when we haven’t done quite enough.
A half-time argument. Anfield Wrap contributor Paul Senior says to me that he sees we’re lively around Thomas Lemar from Monaco again. Elsewhere, there is news around Nabil Fekir. God I can’t be bothered with Lemar links. And I make that known. I am emphatic. I like my midfielders midfielding and my attackers attacking.
But, I reflect as the second half wears on, this is the point when that isn’t the case. Isn’t of use. Right now Liverpool don’t just lack legs, but they lack fizz and variation. Chelsea collapse inwards. Chelsea sit in. Liverpool short of guile. All the ball is red but the chances aren’t. Quite the opposite. Chelsea are passive but Liverpool aren’t quite as active as we would all like.
It isn’t about forcing the issue as much as bringing it to a head. Imagine a semi circle drawn around their box where the radius is 24 yards out. Liverpool were kept out of that and had nowhere near enough ways of getting into it. They banged their head against a brick wall.
This is what isn’t great. Liverpool need to work Thibaut Courtois but it doesn’t come. None of our front three are quite what you want at this stage of the game. Sadio Mane was everything first half, but not in it second half while still being excellent. But for the third game running both Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah were off the boil with either decision making or execution. You want something to worry about? Worry about that.
A full-time argument. We have so many arguments, you know. An entire life a debate. Paul Senior asks who Chelsea have. Fellow contributors Dan Austin and Steve Graves answer with Huddersfield at home and Newcastle away. Steve goes further. “It doesn’t matter because we just beat Brighton.” Paul: “I said that about West Brom and Stoke.” Steve: “I said that about Middlesbrough last season. And we fucking did. When will people have faith in this team?”
Awkward silence descends. For a second or two anyway, because everyone loves to talk. But asking when people will have faith in this team is a valid question. Asking when this team will be better when it is 1-0 down is also a valid question.
To go wider, let’s ask about what we should be about it when we don’t win. You will always get beat. You really, really will. So what do you fulfil when that victory doesn’t come? Do you work hard enough? Liverpool worked so hard today. Are you constantly optimistic? Liverpool mostly managed that. Are you clever enough? And here is the concern.
You have to be bright and be about something. You have to be able to demonstrate the values that underpin that effort and that optimism. Today, Liverpool didn’t manage that. The values disappeared and were overcome by the need. Liverpool failed to put out a coherent programme for victory. They needed it more than they wanted it and they wanted it for all time, but that wasn’t enough.
Getting beat is an art. Bouncing back is an essence. Winning is the job. This may seem airy fairy but it is at the core of everything worth doing. Be brilliant losers, Liverpool. Hold it close and unleash next week. Then the big one. But do the decent thing first. Two more big pushes and everything is Red. We are more than capable of that.
On a day to think about Wenger, to reflect on Ferguson and to watch Manchester City be presented with their title, thinking about everything you need to get right to win and keep winning is perfectly fair. Especially losing.
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This team burn my head out mate.
This is so on the money I wouldnt change a single sentence. It’s like Neil realises the responsibility of being at the helm of TAW and the ‘what if’ means more than the idealistic bravura that Paul C came out with on the Pink. We need to be afraid because anyone can quite objectively see we have burnt out and limping towards the line. Odds are we’ll scrape to 4th and get quite easily managed out of the game in Kiev. If that means an absolutely balls out transfer strategy next year then I can probably cope …… but bridesmaid will feel extremely tough in Kiev when you know a stellar performance would have resulted in victory.
*bravado obviously
The reaction to going behind is a broader issue for us, but today is one day where I can’t blame us for the lack of fightback. It was always going to be a first goal game because quite simply we have nothing left right now. I’ve rarely seen a team’s collective tank so empty.
I’m optimistic that a week’s rest will help that, but I can’t say I’m sure. And this isn’t simply the lack the faith Steve Graves talked about – I was sure we’d beat Middlesbrough a year ago. A different time and a different squad. An inferior squad perhaps, but a squad with options and legs at least.
I knew that one was coming. It had all the hallmarks right from the start, which kind of lessened the impact of the goal when it went in. We lost a little something with Clyne at left-back. He needed that one extra touch to get it under control, precisely as you’d expect for a player in his circumstances.
We did what we were always going to do, take it to the wire. It’s all on these last two games. Not for us this sterile domination where the moment of glory is only symbolic. Not for these boys, wrapping things up early and taking it easy for the rest. No sir, it’s all on the final two games. We said we wanted our football team to have things left to play for in May, well we’ve got it.
Don’t recall Clyne ever been at left back, mate.
Yes, Clyne was at left back. You only need to turn your TV upside down just like Dan did.
Alright, alright.
I saw the error first time but couldn’t be asked correcting it.
The selling Coutinho chickens are coming home to roost. We’ve been lucky the front 3 haven’t been injured but they have been flogged to death. I think AOC’s injury has hurt us aswell as he was the most dynamic midfielder. Hopefully a weeks rest now and we twat Brighton and then 2 weeks until Madrid hopefully the lads gave got enough in the tank to get it done.
I’d say losing Chamberlain has definitely hurt us. We can’t really replicate what he gives us with any other midfielder. The way he breaks at pace beyond the midfield line to assist or score is something we’ve missed. These past few months he’s also shown himself to be a very good bench option. He’s also a bundle of power and pace, which is invaluable in a Klopp team.
Sadly the team are bringing us back to the reality we all KNOW … but so many try to hide away at the back of their minds … The reality that we have a class attack … but when they are off form or not getting service … we’re so average it hurts.
Our recent league form is about as poor as it gets … and the team are doing their best to show us that the upcoming final could be one big mess in front of the watching world. They are undoing a lot of hard work … and Klopp looks like a man who knows he doesn’t have enough players available to do much of anything. Brighton will just sit back next Sunday, especially if City smash them midweek, and how often do we WIN against sides who just sit back and invite us to score?? …
We’re drowning right now … and I’m glad at least Neil can be honest, because that episode of The Pink was laughable. Sorry but it was.
We (and I mean the team, fans and media) have sleep walked into this position. Everton (we just need to come through unscathed), West Brom (we’ve got bigger fish to fry), Stoke and Chelsea (it’s a bit like after the lord mayor’s!). It’s been coming for weeks but we’ve all been too distracted to realise it. This time next season I want us to be playing an FA Cup Semi on the Saturday; UCL Semi on the Wednesday; and a Premier League decider in the Sunday. A major part of that is the fact we do not have the strength in depth but another major factor has been complacency. I’ve lost count of the times I have heard people say top 4 is secure. If we end up coming 5th and needing to beat R Madrid it will feel like a bit of a failure. I believe in this team and think it’s on the cusp of greatness. However, if a team in that position misses its opportunity it may not come around again. We’ve had similar experiences in 2002 and 2009. For me next week is bigger that the Madrid game, we’ve got to qualify for the UCL via the league. The 2005 team was just grateful for what it got, this team does not have that excuse. It’s too good. COME ON REDMED!!!!
“…next week is bigger than the Madrid game…” – you are not serious, are you?!!
The final, and winning it, is absolutely everything. But we will win both games – I’ve been wearing my lucky scarf from the 1980s for the Champions League games, and I’ll pop it on for Brighton just to make sure…
“bigger that the Madrid game, we’ve got to qualify for the UCL via the league”……
How can qualifying for a tournament be more important than winning it????
We all know this wasn’t happening against Chelsea at their home ground, given the current run of games. Even the away supporters sounded knackered. What did you expect from this? A draw perhaps, but I think Jurgen is tired too.
I’m optimistic. We’re in a CL final which is no easy feat, and we still have a game to play whatever the outcome, while Chelsea and Spurs both have two games each to play. They might lose as well.
We played against the defending champions at their home ground and we have lost players to injury. We just returned from a tough CL semi, and I don’t fault them for not being able to fightback. But how come Chelsea didn’t score 4-5 goals instead? They had a great opportunity to do so and close the gap on goal difference today.
Despite the fatigue which was obvious by the end of the first half, we still held them at bay, and tried our luck. I am very proud of the team and Jurgen for how far they’ve come. Just want to enjoy this as it comes.
On another note, Real Madrid could not beat 10-man Barcelona at Camp Nou. Sure, Ronaldo didn’t play, but looking at their firepower, they should have also won the game with ease.
Some times you just need to let it go, and move on.
I for one, don’t want to question anyone or anything right now. I’m too fucking tired from all the games so far and need a small break before the next match. I think we all do.
We need Anfield united, and full of life against Brighton next weekend. They may not be on the beach yet, as it might mean something to them to win and undo our run.
Let’s worry about the CL final when that bridge comes. Right now we owe our support to our team and Klopp and roar them on with everything we have.
See you next weekend.
Ronaldo did play and even scored the first equaliser. Was subbed off later though.
@sharpman I meant to say he didn’t play (an entire half).
Either way RM had Galacticos on the bench that would make any first team sheet, compared to our Pobrecitos, to win the game against 10 men.
Should of bought two more players in Jan . Hopefully Can and Lallana will be available for the final . Fenway are trying and failing to do things on the cheap. Final five games of 2000 season were a disaster.
Lallana has barely kicked a ball all season and when he has he’s been very average.
Don’t expect him to be doing too much in a CL final.
Sorry sk, this has turned into a bit of an essay, it was just that your post prompted the initial thoughts and it grew from there!
You have had the chance to watch Klopp first hand at Liverpool for two and a half seasons and you come out with this? Have you bothered to research how he operated at Mainz and at Dortmund? Have you noticed how JK recruits and develops players? Are you one of those who thought we should have bought a stop gap before Van Dijk arrived in January? Who would that ‘stop-gap’ have been? Which two players would you have bought in January? Were they available, would they have fitted JK’s system? Would they have enhanced or disrupted the team ethic that is fundamental to JK’s approach? Think how many successes we have had in the transfer market since JK arrived – is that a fluke or is there something special going on there – something that takes careful and detailed analysis and therefore time. Did you know in January that out of 6 CMs at the club three would be injured at this stage?
Is it really that surprising that league form around the playing of CL quarters and semis has suffered? The players are young guys in their twenties, they are human beings not automatons. They are knackered both physically and mentally, particularly mentally . The results against West Brom (but notice how they have been doing since they got rid of Pardew) and Stoke were disappointing but understandable. Oh and have we picked up that Joe Gomez has had to have surgery on an ankle injury having played through that injury to help the team out at the business end of the season and getting abuse for poor performance when all the time he was playing through injury.
Then after a physically and emotionally draining match in Rome we played away at Chelsea, last season’s champions, themselves on a run of victories and we lost 1-0. Under the circumstances it was not a surprising result.
We need to get real, we cannot win every football match we play no matter how much we would like to, in fact the ‘better’ team only wins 75% of the time (“The Numbers Game”, Anderson and Sally)
This season has been fantastic in how it has played out and the quality of football our team has played – I have thoroughly enjoyed it. We have scored 46 goals – so far – in the CL, no other team has ever done that, we were 40-1 outsiders for the CL at the start of the season.
We are still in a great position to be in the top 4 and maybe even win number 6. Will everyone start complaining if we fall at this late stage – probably a lot will, but I’ll not be one of them. YNWA has a meaning that some of us seem to be very quick to forget
Rarely can PL teams be consistent in the League and in the CL, because of the intensity.
Usually there is a drop-off somehwere, mostly in the CL. It’s a rarity that an English team makes it to the CL final these days.
As it was said in the POst Match podcast, I also would have taken it at the start of the season if you offered me top4 finish with a must win against Brighton at home PLUS a CL final against Madrid.
We do the business next Sunday and then this has already been a great season for LFC standards, regardless owinning No.6 or not.
Form a Chelsea perspective I thought this article was spot on. I’m pleased for the win, but looking at Liverpool, it’s been a hell of a week for you guys, and a drop in energy isn’t surprising. Don’t think the top 4 will go against you, really I’d don’t. When Chelsea won the Champions league back in 2012, we got tonked 4-1 at Anfield the game before, I’m sure you guys remember JT being sat n his arse that night! Sometimes the bigger prize takes over for the players.
Anyway, been a great Liverpool team this year and I hope you go on to beat Madrid in the final
For what it’s worth, I’d love Chelsea to pip Spurs for the Champions League.
Thanks Miles.
You’re welcome chap, anyone who can’t enjoy this Liverpool team has a heart of Stone. And besides, my brother was in Rome and will be in Kiev with the rest of you. Hope it comes good!
Cheers fella. Regarding us now you are spot on. It wasn’t just Roma away, it was Roma at home after City away after City at home. Each and every game was massive (just for me as a fan). On top of that it’s down to skin and bones as far as the team is concerned. (But) Given any sort of even break we should do Brighton next weekend and then God knows what will happen out in Kiev.
Clever set-up by Conte yesterday. Waited, pounced, sat back and drained us. He’s good at that.
Everton, West Brom, Stoke. Those 3 points, while a solid 7 should have been achieved at least, will prove to be vital yet and will be regarded next Sunday as a well played run of games with regards to team selection that was absolutely necessary to have enough to get through the quarters and semis with a squad that is on the ropes with regards to options off the bench. It would have been a luxury to head into the game next week and not have to worry about the result but I’m confident this team after a week to prepare will be able to get over the top 4 line.
Huddersfield showed great resilience yesterday and could have knicked it at the end. And Rafa’s Newcastle will be a very tricky affair for Chelsea aswell. But that’s all ifs and buts. We need to beat Brighton. This team, with a little help from the fans on the day, are more than capable of seeing that through.
Ox has been a huge loss. And obviously Can and Lallana. With yesterday’s group still intact next year and adding more, along with recoveries from injuries, I fucking know this team will be on the cusp of something huge domestically this time next year. The rate at which this group is growing every season under Klopp is phenomenal. Exciting times ahead. Considering the conditions, the opposition and the grueling schedule over the last few weeks, yesterday’s loss is just one you have to take. A week to prepare for Brighton at Anfield. It’ll be fine.
Agreed.
And so the appalling vista opens up before us. I still hope/think we’ll avoid driving smack bang into it but it’s still annoying it’s even on the map.
Hopefully Town of Newcastle can do us a favour – I’d certainly back Rafa to outdo Conte on the tactical front. Either way, something mad happening against a Brighton team with nothing to play for doesn’t bear thinking about and would probably have me packed off to hospital, forced to watch the CL Final through a medicated haze.
I do agree with the comment above – get top 4 and even if we lose against Real (and we won’t), it’ll still have been a fantastic season.
Town *or* Newcastle