In the build up to the final of the Copa Libertadores between River Plate and Boca Juniors, it was revealed that a local radio station was to put on a special, alternative broadcast for the match. The crowd noise was to be drowned out by soothing music, and the commentators were told not to raise their voices. Specifically this was for those suffering from heart conditions who may be tipped over the edge by the excitement of the battle for South America's ultimate footballing prize. I'm wondering whether RAWK may be able to add some sort of plugin that automatically begins playing some soft jazz once someone logs in, or perhaps to accompany the match threads because, christ, do we need it.
I'm an extremely placid person in general but when it comes to the football, the cool head disappears and the panic sets in. I reckon most of RAWK ended up reading The Chimp Paradox after it emerged we were working with Dr Steve Peters during the 13/14 season, so I will use that analogy: With football, my computer goes into hiding, my human flaps it completely and my chimp goes into absolute overdrive. If you didn't read the book, I think you can put the pieces together as to what that means. And it aint pretty.
Last night, our inner chimps seemed to take over us all. Blokes were in the ground watching through their fingers with 25 minutes to go, chants were replaced by that general murmur of disapproval at a sideways or, god forbid, backwards pass. We began to see full backs attempting volleys from 25 yards out, silky smooth centre forwards snatching at 30 yarders with team mates free, even Jurgen ended the night swapping measured tactical instruction for bashing his fists against his chest like, well, a spectacled, New Balance clad, chimp. Panic set in, and for what? I know January feels like it goes on forever, but it is still January.
Were we in a title race in December 2015, when we were within eight of the leaders, Leicester, who we all knew were going to drop off at some point anyway? Were we in a title race in January 2017 when we were in touching distance of Chelsea? Was anyone even genuinely saying we were in a title race in 13/14 while we led at Christmas? I don't recall it, and yet somehow, people have been talking about a title race since September. When did this change? The truth is that until perhaps the middle of March there is no such thing as a title race. Until then, it is about getting yourself into a position, being in contention, picking up as many points as you can. Points will be dropped over a 38 game season, but if you can get to your final 5-6 games giving yourself a chance then you're in business. This is the sparring, the jostling, nobody is yet at their best. We're top of the pile.
Most of the time, words on an internet forum aren't all that important in the grand scheme of things. If you don't rate a player and think we should sell him, I won't argue with you, it's an opinion and wherever we stand on it, it won't change anything. But when it comes to panic and nervousness, that has a tangible effect on everyone. That's what makes football so amazing, we all play a part, otherwise what would be the point?
Anfield can be the best place in the world to play football, and it can also be the hardest place in the world to play football. There are times when we make the players feel invincible, when we're chasing something or holding on to something and a tide seems to turn against an opponent. Heads drop and when one goes in you just know we'll add a couple more. We've seen it time and time again. With that power also comes the potential for a negative impact, and I believe we saw that last night. Nerves and anxiety spread. These are professionals, and they're living the dream, but they are also humans operating under stress and we need to give them every edge that we can.
Throughout this season, the massive highlight has been the sheer ruthlessness that we have displayed. The free flowing attacking football we conjured up last season hasn't quite made a reappearance yet (it will though, and soon) but we have found this steel from somewhere. Until a month ago once we went one nil up it felt like the opposition would never get back into it, and I honestly have never felt that way about a Liverpool team in my 26, title-less, years of existence. Alisson, Van Dijk, Gomez, Wijnaldum, Salah, just some of the outstanding players this year and what they have all had in common is this aura of complete coolness. That is what wins you titles, and now isn't the time to begin making them second guess themselves.
So what is the solution? The issue is that there is such a fine line between the type of support that wants something so much that it drives a team on to reach dramatic heights, to one that is so desperate for a title after years of longing, that it creates a pressure that weighs on everyone's shoulders.
Let's all take up yoga, do some mindful colouring, go Vegan. I don't want to encourage illegal activity but roll yourselves a great big fucking joint if you have to. I'm considering Pilates first but after that, i'm open for suggestions. Find a sideline interest to occupy your mind. Probably best not to bother with politics at the moment, though. Just do whatever it takes to make this ride easier for yourself, because as the weeks go on it's going to get a hell of a lot more stressful than this, and I for one don't fancy shuffling off my mortal coil yet...certainly not before we've even wrapped up number 19.
14 games to go. That is a hell of a lot of time in football. The points difference doesn't matter a jot. Things change so quickly in football and it can never be predicted. In December, City dropped six in a week when they were still quoted as the greatest Premier League side of all time. We've just dropped five in a month. We are in a better position now than we've been in for, and I repeat, my 26 title-less fucking years of existence. I flapped it last night but i'm determined not to do it again. A couple on here will have you believe that they watch the games sat back like the Fonz, or Gini Wijnaldum as some call him, never for a moment questioning the side. For me at least, this is an impossibility, but what we can do is have belief in this team, from doubters to believers and all that. They've been absolutely unbelievable so far and we have a manager that completely knows what he's doing. We're in good hands, so try to trust them. Believe me, it'll help.
The desire, the desperation, the utter longing for that title will not go away. But it can be channeled and turned into the absolute force of nature that we know Anfield can be. We can all make a difference. Dust off the Chimp Paradox, play yourself some soothing music. We're in the middle of a ride that we've wanted to be on for our whole lives. Let's try to enjoy it.
