It has already begun. Of course, it was always going to be this way. The first so called ‘slip-up’ of the new season saw Liverpool FC and their players come under immediate scrutiny by the press pack and sections of the media. How original.
As stated, it was always going to be this way. Especially after spending close to £60 million this summer, combined with the £57 million spent in January. Especially after Manchester United last season tore from their grasp, their title as most successful domestic side in England. Especially as the club are finally in the hands of seemingly steady ownership and the ‘King’ Kenny Dalglish is starting the season as manager for the first time since Liverpool won their last league title back in 1990.
Regardless of the immense overhaul and restructuring the club has just been through – and is still going through, the transitional period the club finds itself in buys no extra time from the relentless pressure the media will exert every time a result doesn’t go the Red’s way. If the grand name of Liverpool FC didn’t already dictate this, then the money spent by the club over the last six months certainly will.
Anything but a victory (and probably a comprehensive one at that) against Sunderland on the opening day of the season at Anfield would have brought negative press instantly to the red half of Merseyside, and the subsequent 1-1 draw didn’t disappoint those eager to quell any rising optimism. This is despite the call for calm and patience for the new season ahead by Kenny Dalglish, and echoed on various occasions by voices like Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and most recently, Chairman Tom Werner.
This is despite a vast restructuring going on at the playing level, where no fewer than four new signings made their debuts against Sundeland – three of the four in a four-man midfield. And this is also despite the fact that yet again, an incompetent referee made an incompetent decision against Liverpool at Anfield, during the ground’s first match of a new season (anyone for Rob Styles penalty blunder v Chelsea in 2007, or Joe Cole’s harsh redcard last season?)
To all Reds, my appeal would be this. We’ve managed to wait all of a stagnant 20+ years, and just seen MUFC overhaul our record 18 titles record. The in between of a UEFA CL and lesser treble cannot erase the pain of what could have been for the Kop Nation.
We ARE rebuilding. It is we fans who need to remind the world instead of awaiting journalistic largesse. That will NOT come in any Red’s lifetime.
Are the objective media highlighting our stealing of Suarez? Is the media highlighting the largely galvanizing effect the new owners and Kenny has brought to LFC? Is anyone in the media fraternity wondering aloud about MUFC’s massive debt and what next after Fergie leaves? Is anyone in this media fraternity spending a close look at Wenger and his management of Arsenal? How about Chelsea’s continued managerial musical chairs? How about Sunderland having bought more than any team in the PL during the summer?
We cannot rely on the media. Their rose-tinted glasses only use a big target that Liverpool FC is to escape problems in their own teams’ backyards.
I will borrow from an Akan proverb that says it’s only man who matters. I call all manner of valuables, gold, cloth, and none answer. Only man matters.
Likewise, only the Kop Nation’s stand with their team matters. The media can largely take a hike to the seaside, wait for the high tide then commit suicide.
YNWA!