The reality is, we make other supporters and other clubs insecure.
I think we're so used to who we are as a club, that we forget the perception others have of ourselves.
We are truly the sleeping giants. Any failure on our part will be seized upon and enjoyed and heralded far more than any other club. Thats what comes when you have the sort of history we have. You make new history, you can buy new history, but you can't make or purchase old history.
On the flip side, any success we have will resonate more than that of anotherr club bar United. And not just because as supporters, we're fantastic at keeping our history and successes alive in the form of songs and banners et al. But because, Liverpool represent the few clubs that have made an impact in domestic and European football. Might sound grandiose, but we are part of the elite groups in football. And we've earned that status, a status that takes decades to earn. It's why the sudden rise of Chelsea and City into title contenders seemingly launched a hatred by their supporters of us. Deep down inside, they know. As a club, in terms of stature, heritage, and relevance, and inspite of their successes and our trophy failures, they still can't compete. They're still not a club like us.
So its almost a compliment. Even in their successes, they think of us. Even in our failures, they think of us.
Unfortunately for them, their biggest fears arose this season. We're back as a threat, and now with a chance to rub their face in it with a European trophy. In our 9th European Final and our 2nd in a row.
The sleeping giant has awoken from the slumber, and no amount of petty songs will make a difference. In fact, it only makes it more the sweeter when we do start lifting trophies.
This just about covers it for me. The first line in particular, but the whole post in general.
Like it or loathe it, but they can't escape the fact that Liverpool FC is in their heads. The Club, it's history, the ridiculous amount of epic victories against all odds, the City itself, its identity etc... All these things and more are carved into the consciousness of so many people in this country. We have carved a place in their brains, and they resent the fact. Any defeat/failure on our part is greeted with joy, though the 'joy' is but a mask that is really only barely hiding their sheer relief.
Only United attract anything similar, yet even they were reduced to sucking off the oil state in the hope they could do what they couldn't do themselves. Even they were in panic mode. The sigh of relief from them after we only just fell short was epic.
It's also worth remembering that even though the media had a love-in with United when they were relevant, they were absolutely detested by pretty much everyone else. Being an 'ABU (Anyone But United) was a thing back then. ABUs were everywhere. I've even seen entire grounds stand up and sing ''Stand Up If You Hate Man U''. Actual grounds, not just the hardcore at one end. Opposition would come to Anfield singing that and trying to get us to join in with them.
Liverpool and United are the only two true giants in the country, and they attract both adoration and also pure, unbridled resentment, fear, bitterness and hatred. Both clubs' victories are celebrated by millions, yet also loathed by millions more. It goes with the territory when you are a giant of the game. I'm sure the likes of Benfica, Ajax, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus etc deal with similar in their own countries. Loved and cherished by millions, but also loathed by millions too. Thing is, you actually have to earn that level of fear and loathing. Only the truly big clubs get it outside of local derbies.
The likes of Liverpool and Man Utd are lodged permanently in the consciousness of the entire country. It's something the likes of Abu Dhabi FC and chelsea will never have because they are not seen as important or relevant enough. Think of Chelsea and all I think of is money laundering and a hoplessly shit fanbase. Think of 'City' and all I see are mercenaries, corruption and meaningless titles. I don't see any pedigree or genuine identity in there. They are just expensive, gaudy wallpaper clubs. 'City' are in the heads of no one, and that tells you all you need to know about them and their true status.