Author Topic: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road  (Read 13385 times)

Offline PhaseOfPlay

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Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« on: March 4, 2014, 12:37:09 am »
With 10 games to go in the league, and Liverpool in second place and 4 points behind the leaders, Chelsea, it looks like the run-in will be the most exciting in a Liverpool season in years (certainly since 2008-09 – although there’s a chance this run-in will surpass even that). There is a lot to be hopeful for, and a lot to be apprehensive about. Liverpool supporters stand on the precipice of emotion – how should we react to something that is tantalisingly real, yet so precariously out of our hands? Do we throw our cards on the table and hope it’s enough, or do we keep them close to our chest and wait until the last gambit? It’s such an unusual situation for Liverpool supporters recently, that it seems hard to know how to act. But let it be said – we do stand at a crossroads in terms of how we show our support. The question is not whether Liverpool have the resources to win an unlikely title, but whether the supporters are willing to unite as a vocal unit and wilfully display their hopes and dreams.

A Cautionary Tale

There was an old man who had some wealth. He had three sons. He gave each of the three sons a large sum of money, to be used as they saw fit within the space of a year. The oldest son was bright and outgoing. He was smart, reasonably successful, but a risk-taker. The middle son was also bright, but more conservative, having a plan for his life and what he wanted from it. The youngest son was cautious by nature, and cynical. He saw very little joy in most things, and was only happy with dead certainties.

A year went by, and the sons went home to the father for a family gathering. The father, at dinner, asked the oldest son did with his gift of money. “I took my portion, father, and I invested it in stocks and shares. I played some markets sensibly, but with others I took some risks. I invested in young ventures, most of which failed, but one which has been successful beyond our wildest dreams, and now I have increased my gift tenfold, and am the majority shareholder in one of the most successful computer businesses in the world”. The father smiled and asked if he would change anything. The eldest son replied “I have taken risks that others wouldn’t take, I have speculated, I have lost, and I have accumulated. But all of the time I sized up the possibilities and made balanced decisions. Some worked, some didn’t, but I wouldn’t substitute the thrills and spills of the last year for anything. That I became rich from my ventures is merely a bonus. The true value was in the journey”.

The father then turned to the middle son, and asked him the same. The middle son replied “well I wasn’t as unabashed with my gift as my elder brother. Instead, I invested my money in property and low-yield but secure investments that will give me money over a longer period. I didn’t experience the highs and lows, but instead I saw my investment grow steadily and surely. I let my money work for me, and did so to such an extent that I too will be rich like my older sibling, but without the same amount of risk.” The father then asked him if he would change anything. The middle son answered “I might have lived a more exciting life if I’d taken a few more risks, and I do wish I had a little bit more excitement than I have had. But overall, I wanted to increase my wealth and the value of my gift, and I have done so, and for that, I am quietly satisfied”.

The old man turned to the younger son. He asked him the same question – “How did you use your gift?” The son shuffled uneasily in his chair. “Well, I was very happy to have had the gift, let me assure you. But I saw my oldest brother throw his money into this venture and that venture, never knowing if he would gain or lose money, such are the vagaries of the money markets. So I decided not to follow his example. I then looked at my middle brother, and I saw how he played it safe and kept a comfortable life, always putting off his enjoyment of his gift for a later day – a day that may never come. I didn’t want to do that, because I think the gift was there to be enjoyed. So I took a little of the money, and I spent it on wine, women, and material things. That left me with the balance, which I thought I could save, so that when my eldest brother had run out of money, I would still have some; and when my middle brother was still waiting for his returns and unable to touch his riches, I could still spend mine when I wanted. I didn’t put it in a bank account, because banks can fail, and I didn’t want to risk that. I didn’t want to buy property, because property can decrease in value, and I would be left with less than I had in the first place. So I decided to keep it. I thought about hiding it under my bed, but thieves would surely look there first, and they would steal my money. So I thought about putting it in a safe; but thieves would simply take the safe, and I would be left empty-handed still. So I hid it underneath the floorboards, because thieves would surely neglect to search there, and the money would be there any time I needed it.”

The father looked at his youngest son with incredulity. He asked him “And would you change anything if you could do it again?” And the youngest son looked at his father with sadness. “I surely would have, father. Perhaps I could be a little more foolhardy like my eldest brother, and invest some on the stock markets and see what kinds of returns I could have gotten. Perhaps I could have enjoyed my money more. Or maybe I could have been like my middle sibling, and put my money into safe investments, and at least had the joy of knowing that I was increasing my wealth, even if I didn’t show it publicly. As it stands, I’m left with no enjoyment of my gift at all, save for the few frivolous weeks that I can never reclaim”. The father looked puzzled. “Why is that?” he said.

“Because, father, I’d buried my gift, my hope, so far under the floorboards that mice came along and ate it. When I tried to dig it back up to show you today, all I found was scraps of useless paper. I had a gift that could have been made into something stupendous. Instead, my caution caused me to lose what I had in the first place. And now I’m left with nothing but regrets”.
---
We stand at the junction of an important part of the season. We, as supporters, can approach this junction in one of two ways. We can speculate to accumulate and invest silently in the hope of one of the greatest outcomes in the club’s history, and enjoy every step of the way.

Or we can take the road of cynical caution – forever suspicious of those who might want to partake in the vitality of a title challenge, fully believing that the goal can be achieved. We can invest in our future, or we can take the pessimist’s view that it can’t be done, and fail to enjoy the moment for what it is.

Two paths diverged on an Anfield Road. Will you choose the path of the happy optimist? Or will you hide the gift of hope deep inside, to be eaten away and lost at the first suspicion of failure?
« Last Edit: March 4, 2014, 07:21:39 am by royhendo »
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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #1 on: March 4, 2014, 07:21:54 am »
Enjoy. :)

Offline Adamski LFC

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #2 on: March 4, 2014, 07:34:37 am »
Hope wins every time.

Cynicism is so near to being the opposite of joy.  Find joy in goals, tackles, passes, the performance, the manager, the club and our position in the league.

Onwards and Upwards
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Offline mercury

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #3 on: March 4, 2014, 07:49:45 am »
It's doable.  8 wins and 2 draws but probably need to beat Chelsea (and possibly Man City).

whether we'll crack it this season or not, the owners, manager and lads have stood up and we should be very proud of them.

Offline Banquo's Ghost

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #4 on: March 4, 2014, 07:55:46 am »
Good piece, thank you. Unfortunately, parables very rarely change behaviours.

I'm lucky. Like many here, I've seen the times when we had run ins to an actual title. I've also gone through the hell of the rampaging mice-rats from Arsenal when they came to Anfield, ripped up the floorboards and made us eat sawdust as the trophy fell from our grasp.

In all cases, it was enjoy the ride. Every game is different, but the men and women and youngsters that come to Anfield all look to feel that wonderment, that surge of passion or despair. Football is about the moment - one can analyse but one must first feel. Much like life.

Individual moments of glory, players we idolise and provoke astonishment. These matter. The end of the season can be utterly glorious, utterly frustrating or utterly soul-destroying. But then there is next season. The world turns.

It's like the apocryphal story of the man who hanged himself with despair at half-time in Istanbul. You just never know what this passion called football is going to serve up next. But I want to be there, among that sea of red, because there's nothing like it.
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Offline redintweed

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #5 on: March 4, 2014, 08:18:19 am »
Nice piece POP.

My attitude is just enjoy the ride that this team are taking us on. Every game I bite my nails and cuss and curse. But at the end of the day, did anybody honestly expect us to be in this position at the start of March? I'm sure I didn't.

Have faith fellow reds and what will be will be. I'm starting to dare to dream.
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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #6 on: March 4, 2014, 08:18:47 am »
There's a 4th son who took his inheritance, pooled it with like minded people, and created a co-operative enterprise. He called it the socialist way. That's what Liverpool supporters will be like during the run-in. Sharing the burden, sharing the knocks, and - hopefully - sharing the rewards at the end of the day. Come on Reds.
"If you want the world to love you don't discuss Middle Eastern politics" Saul Bellow.

Offline dirks digglers

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #7 on: March 4, 2014, 08:20:26 am »
The best thing about this season is that we are ahead of the arc. As such this tilt at the title is a free swing for us and we shouldn't burden ourselves with pressure and we should enjoy it - scrap that, we should treasure it. We are playing the most exciting football in the league, we have a smart, progressive young manager, a team littered with stellar talents and all pulling in the same direction with a heartwarming unity of purpose. We have the best support. The memories of this season are already some of the greatest snapshot moments I can remember, in years, the wild celebrations as we smashed Arsenal, the derby win, the righting of old wrongs at Tottenham.

Few people think we can do it. At the start of the season, just getting fourth would have been a great achievement after the last few seasons. We might stumble, we might pull off the impossible, but we're all here for the same reason at the start of a great journey. Let's stick together, believe, and show everyone why we're a truly great football club.
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Offline FoolForPool

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #8 on: March 4, 2014, 08:32:01 am »
At the start of the season I thought that it would be great if we were challenging for 4th but ended up 5th.  I try and remind myself of that now, every time I watch a match.  This is a bonus, let's enjoy the ride and see what happens.   

Alcohol also helps...

Offline Hollywood Balls

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #9 on: March 4, 2014, 08:38:31 am »

What happened to the adopted 4th son who used his money to buy Fellaini?
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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #10 on: March 4, 2014, 08:40:14 am »
Aim for the sky and you'll reach the ceiling. Aim for the ceiling and you'll stay on the floor.

Always go for broke, even if we fall short we get in the Champions League which is the beginning of the dynasty.. A season or two early, they won't stop us now.

Offline duelcandle

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #11 on: March 4, 2014, 08:53:56 am »
Anything is possible when you have Liverpool in your blood.

It's more than possibility or hope or even certainty.

It's just a joy supporting Liverpool and from my heart and head every year I love it.

The journey will be what it will be just remember to give it your all and enjoy it regardless.

So if your a high roller, a medium risk taker or a caution at all costs. Don't change just enjoy.
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Offline No666

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #12 on: March 4, 2014, 08:59:46 am »
To fix your eyes on the outcome is to lessen the pleasure of the moment. One game at a time.

Offline Pistolero

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #13 on: March 4, 2014, 09:08:33 am »
To fix your eyes on the outcome is to lessen the pleasure of the moment. One game at a time.

This. The third way....quietly confident and not shouting the odds.....
They have life in them, they have humour, they're arrogant, they're cocky and they're proud. And that's what I want my team to be.

Offline lindylou100

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #14 on: March 4, 2014, 09:17:17 am »
thats almost biblical.

Offline Red-juvenated

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #15 on: March 4, 2014, 09:24:42 am »
Have been loving the games this season, all the joys of thumping wins and the despair of crashing defeats. I expected it to be more of a roller coaster ride this season but it has turned out to be a whole lot better.

I am going to continue to ENJOY the ride, one game at a time, and see where it takes me. Presently building up to a crescendo, and the masses watch, and wait with abated breath.

Awesome
« Last Edit: March 4, 2014, 09:26:43 am by Red-juvenated »
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Offline random22

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #16 on: March 4, 2014, 09:44:00 am »
No one expected us to be where we are in the league. The success we have had thus far has been a surprise we never expected to get. Hence, there is a dilemma surging through some fans whether to escalate hopes of winning the title or just play it safe and settle for the top four, which will be easier as there won’t be much disappointment at the end when we do fail to get the trophy. But whatever happens at the end of the season, it has been a joyous ride throughout. And we will still have CL next season anyway. A lot to look forward to.  :)

Offline Greebo62

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #17 on: March 4, 2014, 09:47:51 am »
Fantastic piece PoP.

Think the thing about this season and our still being in the running with 10 games to go is that no-one expected us to be in this position at the start of the season.  To be fair to the side of 08/09 and our support, the challenge had been building from rafa's 3rd season.  We were slowly but surely starting to be consistent top 4 achievers, and a title punt was almost expected in 08/09, raising perhaps, slightly over confident expectations... we really did think it was our year.

Now the fact that we're in the hunt at this stage is such a delightful surprise, that its lightly easier to just enjoy this position and the potential.  If our challenge falls away, well, so be it, but it's already been one hell of a good season and to me, we can only get better.  There's an upward curve of performance and desire clearly taking shape, and it feels like we really are beginning to re-establish ourselves as a top side.  how anyone can not get behind this I don't understand.

We Are Liverpool.  Lets remind everyone what that means.

Believe...

Offline tuaz

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #18 on: March 4, 2014, 09:57:10 am »
I'm hoping all the way.

The way this season has gone, anything can, has, and will happen.

From the way we ended last season and from the pre-season, I already knew I was going to enjoy our team's journey this season.  However, the way it's unfolded is beyond my wildest dreams.

AND.    IT.    IS.    NOT.    YET.    OVER.

Offline dnkw

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #19 on: March 4, 2014, 10:12:15 am »
So, basically, mice have eaten our title challenge?

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #20 on: March 4, 2014, 10:28:46 am »
Brilliant from PhaseOfPlay.

And its true, we haven't won the league for 24 odd years. It would be the greatest achievement in years!
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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #21 on: March 4, 2014, 10:30:43 am »
There's a 4th son who took his inheritance, pooled it with like minded people, and created a co-operative enterprise. He called it the socialist way. That's what Liverpool supporters will be like during the run-in. Sharing the burden, sharing the knocks, and - hopefully - sharing the rewards at the end of the day. Come on Reds.

Amen. Come on you mighty reds.

Offline LFCDynamic

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #22 on: March 4, 2014, 10:32:41 am »
We're unbeaten in 2014 in the league. Not much of a drawing team in my opinion.

Fully expect us to win it!
To support a team in success is easy. But, to support a team even during bad times shows real character.

Offline Red number seven

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #23 on: March 4, 2014, 10:36:11 am »
3 words spring to mind from 2005 - "make us dream. " Benitez, the players and the supporters came together to dream then, despite widespread mockery. The result is a part of our glorious history.

Brendan and the lads have surely done enough to at least dream. The least they can expect is we have the courage to risk mockery and disappointment to join them in dreaming. Those who refuse to dream really have no place at the business end of an Anfield season.
« Last Edit: March 4, 2014, 10:40:25 am by Red number seven »
"You just have to give them credit for not throwing in the towel" - Gennaro Gattuso, May, 2005

And then we'll get 4th as well and everyone in the whole world can do one.

Offline ScottScott

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #24 on: March 4, 2014, 10:37:12 am »
I'm 100% behind PoP with this one, 100% getting behind the title dream

Enjoy the ride, ride the highs and the lows and you might see an amazing finale. If we do fall short then we regroup better and stronger for next season and we do it all again knowing the prize is there to be won

Offline SerbianScouser

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #25 on: March 4, 2014, 10:41:28 am »
Every single day I have this recurring daydream of being top of the table by 1 point prior to Newcastle game. It`s a beautiful sun shining day, the most electrifying Anfield atmosphere since Chelsea `05 , stadium is full 2 hours before the kick off...it gives me goosebumps every time.

Offline macca007

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #26 on: March 4, 2014, 10:42:58 am »
Since the beginning of the season theres a fella who I work with who has been saying to me its our year. Now ive been optimistic about our chances since then saying we will finish in the top 4 but holding belief that we can challenge which has happened. But every step of the way hes been saying its our year.  The fucked up thing is hes an evertonian who wants us to win it!
« Last Edit: March 4, 2014, 10:49:26 am by macca007 »

Offline Red number seven

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #27 on: March 4, 2014, 10:51:21 am »
Since the beginning of the season theres a fella who I work with who has been saying to me its our year. Now ive been optimistic about our chances since then saying we will finish in the top 4 but holding belief that we can challenge which has happened. But every step of the way hes been saying its our year.  The fucked up thing is hes an evertonian who wants us to win it!
That reminds me of a Greek guy from Piraeus I worked with in 2004/5 who guaranteed me we would win the European Cuo all season after we drew Olympiakos. I thought he was mental until the 2-1 win at home to Juve.
"You just have to give them credit for not throwing in the towel" - Gennaro Gattuso, May, 2005

And then we'll get 4th as well and everyone in the whole world can do one.

Offline macca007

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #28 on: March 4, 2014, 11:00:27 am »
That reminds me of a Greek guy from Piraeus I worked with in 2004/5 who guaranteed me we would win the European Cuo all season after we drew Olympiakos. I thought he was mental until the 2-1 win at home to Juve.

Im always optimistic but like I said from the off he has said its our year.  Despite not admiting it until half way into the season Im well on the train now and believe we can do it and if we dont ill be proud of this team this year.  Come on the reds

Offline LFCDynamic

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #29 on: March 4, 2014, 11:01:00 am »
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoBwkr64Zkk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoBwkr64Zkk</a>

Please watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoBwkr64Zkk

Especially those still in doubt. #Believe!
« Last Edit: March 4, 2014, 11:02:40 am by LFCDynamic »
To support a team in success is easy. But, to support a team even during bad times shows real character.

Offline Driver 8

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #30 on: March 4, 2014, 11:12:18 am »
There's a 4th son who took his inheritance, pooled it with like minded people, and created a co-operative enterprise. He called it the socialist way. That's what Liverpool supporters will be like during the run-in. Sharing the burden, sharing the knocks, and - hopefully - sharing the rewards at the end of the day. Come on Reds.

Yeah I was kind of hoping the third son would go "Stocks and shares? F*** that, that's about as exciting as irritable bowel syndrome. I donated my share to the Anarchist collective/Communist Party/something, anything not got-rich-on-back-of-others'-labour-stocks and shares!" I agree with the OP's sentiments about the team, but god that parable was a bit unabashedly "Capitalist mythos" for me.

Anyhoo, onwards and upwards!
« Last Edit: March 4, 2014, 11:22:33 am by Driver 8 »

Offline Red number seven

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #31 on: March 4, 2014, 11:24:58 am »
What happened to the adopted 4th son who used his money to buy Fellaini?
The father tried to disown him, but realised he had given him a 6 year contract to run the family business whilst he was pissed. The business went into terminal decline. The 4th son was signed up by Peter Jackson for his stage version of the Hobbit.
"You just have to give them credit for not throwing in the towel" - Gennaro Gattuso, May, 2005

And then we'll get 4th as well and everyone in the whole world can do one.

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #32 on: March 4, 2014, 12:08:56 pm »
Fantastic

We are defined by our hope. From You'll Never Walk Alone right down to the previous and next match. So many times when the chips are down or things look bleak the one thing Liverpool does well, as fans both on and off the pitch, is get together and find that belief to push forward

We're gonna win the league  :)
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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #33 on: March 4, 2014, 12:12:49 pm »
A good parable and generally I agree it's about enjoying the process, although the ending turns out different if the first fella chooses the wrong fruit and doesn't buy the Apple shares and invests in Apricot computers instead, he's ends up a loser, kicking himself and telling stories of what might of been and boring everyone down the Alehouse, ifithadntofbinfor... The Peter Risdale approach to investment ;) but it introduces a discussion that needs to be had amongst our support because although we've got a section of us who have seen us win League after League title we also have those who have never seen the Redmen being in this position or if they have, it's always ended in sorrow.

It's not an age thing though, as some auld arses have been ground down by life and are the most pessimistic moaning auld bastards in the Kop and some youngsters can give them a good run for their money. For me it's not just about pessimism or optimism because generally we all have a bit of both in us. However we all ready have a great template for dealing with these situations, handed down to us by a man who knew a thing or two about these things and rightly embedded into the club's DNA when faced with precisely this sort of problem.

The 'one game at a time' thing was something we were lucky to be schooled in by Shankly because although it primarily applied to the players it also became a good way of watching the Reds. Enjoying the moment but not thinking because we played fantastic one week that the league or the cup was a formality and by the same token never getting too down by defeats no matter how much they hurt inside and hurt it does. There is always the next game or next season. What mattered first and most was the direction we were going in, the bigger picture because that what was ultimately the most important. While other fans were schooled in rising like rockets and falling like sticks, we were different, we saw the bigger picture and it was backed up with years of success. When things are going for you it's obviously the right approach but when you're in barren years it's tempting to revert to being like any other fans and falling into the trap of blind optimism followed by blind pessimism. Two sides of the same coin, never stopping to take your bearings and enjoy the ride.

If you don't see the bigger picture the danger is you're not grounded, you react to every result and don't see where we're going. One week your a massive optimist thinking we'll steam roll all before us and the next week when our defence lets us down because of injuries you're on the floor, we're shit and need five players. The danger always is that blind optimism leads to blind pessimism at the first setback. The danger is if you take this approach you throw all your emotions into us winning the league and you can't put into context a defeat or draw in the run-up, it's the end of the world, it was never on. It's Cissokho's fault for being shit, Couthino's too light weight, a luxury player, Gerrard's finished, Sturridge is too greedy, Rodgers is too inexperienced out thought by Mourinho etc etc. To use a cliché, you can't see the wood for the trees.

Step back and the direction we're going in at the moment is there for all to see even if we fall short in a number of games during the run-in. This team can be rightup there, not only can we win things but we're playing some beautiful football that is a privilege to watch, if we fall short in the league then this will not change, it's a fantastic time to be a Liverpudlian because we are yet again at the start of a  incredible journey. We really are spoilt, Shankly, Paisley, Fagan, Dalglish, followed by Houllier, Benitez and now Rodgers. We're doing it the right way and we are on the verge of watching a very special team develop. We're all lucky to be in at the start, enjoy it because this is how the journey begins. We'll be telling these tales to our grandkids and we're all lucky to be here now, whether we win the league or not, this is the beginning of exciting times. Enjoy.
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Offline franky four fingers

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #34 on: March 4, 2014, 12:47:06 pm »
Yeah I was kind of hoping the third son would go "Stocks and shares? F*** that, that's about as exciting as irritable bowel syndrome. I donated my share to the Anarchist collective/Communist Party/something, anything not got-rich-on-back-of-others'-labour-stocks and shares!" I agree with the OP's sentiments about the team, but god that parable was a bit unabashedly "Capitalist mythos" for me.

Anyhoo, onwards and upwards!

That would have been the one alright :)

First post, been reading for years and set this account up a few months back, so I doubt I'm going to be prolific on here. Always been a fan of PoP since he came on here, learned quite a bit from his coaching knowledge.

So I just want to say I have a funny feeling in my stomach that I didn't even have in 08/09 - I think we have a great chance at this and we have to believe it can happen. I'm 38 and this is the most confident I have felt at a title tilt since I was a teenager. We can't stop scoring, it's like a stream of goals are startiing the to come from all areas of the pitch, we have Sterling becoming a man, Sturridge morphing into the best English striker since God Himself, Suarez with his sights firmly set on 30 goals plus, meanwhile harassing and harrying and generally scaring the bejesus out of all and sundry, all while providing assists and a winning mentality and example by the bucket-load. We have yet to see the best of Coutinho, but who's to say we won't see that with Brazil looming and the prospect of a late call-up to the Selecao to motivate him? Especially if Liverpool were to win the league, Scolari would kinda have to sit up and take a bit of notice.

True, our defending hasn't been great and there is probably room for debate on the cause of that, but the way we commit to attack is just phenomenal. I also believe that our defence will improve in the run-in, and think Skrtel has been better than many give him credit for. Flanagan is growing into the team nicely and then we have Sakho to come back as well. Interesting conundrum for Brendan but better to have than have not I guess. Still, I just see us conceding less on the run-in as teams actually go into games against us already believing that we will just outscore them anyway. We are building an aura and getting that winning groove and momentum will be so important, not much room for slip-ups.

I see a lot of talk about us needing 8 wins and 2 draws to win it. That may be true mathematically at this point, but Chelsea's mean defence won't score the goals that win them games. Currently, most of what they do score comes from non-strikers, and you would have to think that there's more likelihood of those goals drying up during a couple of games than teams outscoring us in ours. I think I read that six of the last 7 champions (has a nice ring...) were the top scorers. So I think it all hinges on us maintaining our scoring form. City could, of course, choose to win it if they are arsed, so we have to hope they haven't got the stomach for it. But I still see them as the main threat since they combine high scoring and stingy defence, but they also have a patchy record in terms of winning trophies that everybody says they should.

Then there's Stevie. I think I would actually cry watching him lift that trophy, I might have to get a hotel room by myself to hide from the missus' mirth! A grown man crying at a ridiculously rich sports star's triumph after mocking her for crying at just about everything on tv with a plinky piano! Aye, but I would cry, and I'm sure the players all know how much he wants it and are going to do their utmost to make it happen. Imagine the romance of it! Liverpool back on their perch one year on from the expiry of the gypsy's curse of Castle Greyskull dominance, the clouds part and a golden sky is revealed once again, restored to its rightful pre-eminence in the cosmos. Oh yes! As the dog would say.

Brendan - what can I say? He first came to my notice while at Swansea, but it wasn't his coaching methods that caught my eye. It was a banner in the Swansea crowd with Rodgers' face on it and it was set in relief and profile the way you see our banners of our great managers and it struck me that the Swans fans (or at least some of them) held him in the same reverence as we do our great managers and I thought to myself, that seems like the kinda guy that could go a long way. I think he has begun to inspire that kind of feeling in some of our fans now, we see the progress he has made, his adaptability, his willingness to put winning games before an over-riding philosophy, making sure he adapts whatever tactics and formation are necessary to beat the team in front of us. That's a winner, and he has learned that on the job here, because he has had to cope with the expectations at a club like Liverpool and has raised them even more with this team. He will win us the league during his time here if we and the club get behind him. He is young, a year older than me and pulling up trees in one of the most high-pressure jobs anyone could imagine. He can only improve and will.

Get on the bandwagon folks, it's a great time to be a Liverpool supporter, we can be proud of what we have achieved this season, there is no pressure on us, we have it all to play for.

Viva la Red Revolution!

Believe

Offline LFCDynamic

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #35 on: March 4, 2014, 12:51:44 pm »
That would have been the one alright :)

First post, been reading for years and set this account up a few months back, so I doubt I'm going to be prolific on here. Always been a fan of PoP since he came on here, learned quite a bit from his coaching knowledge.

So I just want to say I have a funny feeling in my stomach that I didn't even have in 08/09 - I think we have a great chance at this and we have to believe it can happen. I'm 38 and this is the most confident I have felt at a title tilt since I was a teenager. We can't stop scoring, it's like a stream of goals are startiing the to come from all areas of the pitch, we have Sterling becoming a man, Sturridge morphing into the best English striker since God Himself, Suarez with his sights firmly set on 30 goals plus, meanwhile harassing and harrying and generally scaring the bejesus out of all and sundry, all while providing assists and a winning mentality and example by the bucket-load. We have yet to see the best of Coutinho, but who's to say we won't see that with Brazil looming and the prospect of a late call-up to the Selecao to motivate him? Especially if Liverpool were to win the league, Scolari would kinda have to sit up and take a bit of notice.

True, our defending hasn't been great and there is probably room for debate on the cause of that, but the way we commit to attack is just phenomenal. I also believe that our defence will improve in the run-in, and think Skrtel has been better than many give him credit for. Flanagan is growing into the team nicely and then we have Sakho to come back as well. Interesting conundrum for Brendan but better to have than have not I guess. Still, I just see us conceding less on the run-in as teams actually go into games against us already believing that we will just outscore them anyway. We are building an aura and getting that winning groove and momentum will be so important, not much room for slip-ups.

I see a lot of talk about us needing 8 wins and 2 draws to win it. That may be true mathematically at this point, but Chelsea's mean defence won't score the goals that win them games. Currently, most of what they do score comes from non-strikers, and you would have to think that there's more likelihood of those goals drying up during a couple of games than teams outscoring us in ours. I think I read that six of the last 7 champions (has a nice ring...) were the top scorers. So I think it all hinges on us maintaining our scoring form. City could, of course, choose to win it if they are arsed, so we have to hope they haven't got the stomach for it. But I still see them as the main threat since they combine high scoring and stingy defence, but they also have a patchy record in terms of winning trophies that everybody says they should.

Then there's Stevie. I think I would actually cry watching him lift that trophy, I might have to get a hotel room by myself to hide from the missus' mirth! A grown man crying at a ridiculously rich sports star's triumph after mocking her for crying at just about everything on tv with a plinky piano! Aye, but I would cry, and I'm sure the players all know how much he wants it and are going to do their utmost to make it happen. Imagine the romance of it! Liverpool back on their perch one year on from the expiry of the gypsy's curse of Castle Greyskull dominance, the clouds part and a golden sky is revealed once again, restored to its rightful pre-eminence in the cosmos. Oh yes! As the dog would say.

Brendan - what can I say? He first came to my notice while at Swansea, but it wasn't his coaching methods that caught my eye. It was a banner in the Swansea crowd with Rodgers' face on it and it was set in relief and profile the way you see our banners of our great managers and it struck me that the Swans fans (or at least some of them) held him in the same reverence as we do our great managers and I thought to myself, that seems like the kinda guy that could go a long way. I think he has begun to inspire that kind of feeling in some of our fans now, we see the progress he has made, his adaptability, his willingness to put winning games before an over-riding philosophy, making sure he adapts whatever tactics and formation are necessary to beat the team in front of us. That's a winner, and he has learned that on the job here, because he has had to cope with the expectations at a club like Liverpool and has raised them even more with this team. He will win us the league during his time here if we and the club get behind him. He is young, a year older than me and pulling up trees in one of the most high-pressure jobs anyone could imagine. He can only improve and will.

Get on the bandwagon folks, it's a great time to be a Liverpool supporter, we can be proud of what we have achieved this season, there is no pressure on us, we have it all to play for.

Viva la Red Revolution!

Believe

That's one hell of a first post mate :) Welcome to the boards!
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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #36 on: March 4, 2014, 12:52:03 pm »
Norris, what the fuck have you been smoking, kid.


Never read that in the "Steve Wigley's Hong Kong book of Kung-Fu Football Management"
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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #37 on: March 4, 2014, 01:23:00 pm »
With 10 games to go in the league, and Liverpool in second place and 4 points behind the leaders...

Lovely post...what being a supporter is about...enjoying the journey.

If anyone posts stuff about 'caution' and their brand of miserable 'reality'....let's just ignore them.
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Offline SerbianScouser

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #38 on: March 4, 2014, 01:25:52 pm »
Lovely post...what being a supporter is about...enjoying the journey.

If anyone posts stuff about 'caution' and their brand of miserable 'reality'....let's just ignore them.
The thing is expectations are rising uncontrollably and dramatically now. If we were to not win either United or Cardiff game people would go mental and hopefully I`ll be proven wrong about it because it`s important to remember where we were last 4 seasons in the league.

Offline Red number seven

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Re: Two Paths Diverged on an Anfield Road
« Reply #39 on: March 4, 2014, 01:32:58 pm »
We stand at the junction of an important part of the season. We, as supporters, can approach this junction in one of two ways. We can speculate to accumulate and invest silently in the hope of one of the greatest outcomes in the club’s history, and enjoy every step of the way.

Or we can take the road of cynical caution – forever suspicious of those who might want to partake in the vitality of a title challenge, fully believing that the goal can be achieved. We can invest in our future, or we can take the pessimist’s view that it can’t be done, and fail to enjoy the moment for what it is.

There is a kicker to this - if the support is optimistic, and dares to dream, it could make a critical difference.

We have all seen top class footballers, experienced veterans, wilt at sight and the sound of Anfield. Seeing the likes of Lilian Thuram visibly shaken by the sheer force of a sea human emotion in 2005 was incredible - the crazy shock and awe tactics that followed were made possible by the fear Anfield can generate at its best. We've all seen what can happen when Anfield believes.

Unfortunately, for too long, the opposite has worked in the league; Anfield has been a cautious, terrified, negative millstone weighing upon its own. I don't expect us to serve up European Cup Semi-final atmospheres every home game, but there is no reason why, when we're on a possible title run-in, an away team at Anfield cannot be made to feel uncomfortable, and our lads lifted by 40 odd thousand people daring to dream, instead of groans meeting every miscontrolled ball or misplaced pass.

It really could make the difference.
"You just have to give them credit for not throwing in the towel" - Gennaro Gattuso, May, 2005

And then we'll get 4th as well and everyone in the whole world can do one.