What an incredible season. Before I get on to us and our brilliance, a word on City.
Personally I see it split. The club has clearly broken all sorts of financial rules which allows them to have an incredible squad, packed full of great players. This in turn ensures that even though De Bruyne misses most of the season that it’s essentially unimportant. The depth of their attacking options means they can play through 3 full domestic competitions without fatigue and form becoming an issue. It’s a ridiculously talented squad with one the world’s best managers with unlimited funding. On the other hand, that squad, those players, that manager have been put under immense pressure, and having a, probably corrupt oil-bank rolled group of owners does nothing once they’re out on the pitch. The way those players have won 14 on the bounce, fair play. They've been under immense pressure due to our performances. I thought they'd fail to win at least one league game. I think, hand on heart, the moment I didn't think it was going to happen was the 1-0 vs Spurs after that CL exit. If they drop points there I'm convinced we win this league.
--
I just want to talk about Liverpool now. The best Liverpool team, manager and squad that I've seen in my lifetime. 97 points and back to back Champions League finals confirms that beyond doubt in my mind. Moments of adversity overcome, development occurring in-front of our eyes. Winning 30 games from 38. Losing once. A goal difference of +67. Sixty Seven.
I’m not sure how many games of footy I’ve actually been able to enjoy this season. Weirdly most of the ones I have were during the CL campaign! In the league it’s been a slog since day one. Going up against City you know that you’re going to need at least 95 points to have a chance, it gives almost no room for manoeuvre. Insane how stressful watching us has been. Emotionally I've never experienced anything like this. Truly, it makes you feel alive.
These group of lads. Immense. No-one has been bad. There are probably 6 players - Allison, Robbo, Trent, Virg, Mane and Mo that you could make a genuine argument for as our player of the season. Each has been magnificent since day one. Others will argue that Gini could be in that group, and, if the season had started in January, Fabinho definitely would be. Henderson and Milner have played and contributed like the leaders they are. Keita looks settled and raring to go. Lovren has been there when needed. Gomez and Matip have played at an elite level at opposite ends of the season. None of these are older than 28 years old, Milner excepted.
Klopp. Hero. Calm, confident, positive, smart. Encourages his players, gives them belief, sends them out with instructions, rips into them when the level drops even a bit. Loves them. Believes in them. Backs them. Brings together a supporter base that has been divided and apprehensive for too long. Harnessed that power. Re-built a fortress. Impeccable.
Three weeks to rest. Three weeks to recover. Three weeks to remember our pain. Three weeks to feel our loss. Three weeks to focus. Three weeks to prepare. Three weeks to get angry.