SOME may argue that we learn nothing at all from pre-season friendlies.
Alan Hansen tells a story that during one season, we lost every pre-season game and yet cantered to the League title.
But as a tool to reach our fans abroad, to build fitness following the holidays, to integrate new arrivals and to warm us up for the new season, pre-season friendies, when done right, have a lot of value.
Here are 5 things we can take away from our recent 2-0 triumph over Melbourne Victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
1) Liverpool are bigger than Manchester United
Liverpool got a sell-out crowd of 95,446 for our game, while Manchester United got 83,127 for their recent game against an A-League All Stars team. I will conveniently ignore that Man Utd played at the smaller capacity ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
2) Luis Suarez is ‘kinda’ sulking
No doubt Luis worked hard and did his best during his 20 minute cameo. However, he didn’t celebrate his assist for the second goal in his usual exuberantly smiling fashion and barely smiled the whole time on the bench or on the field.
More concerning was that when some decisions went against him he didn’t throw his hands in the air and complain and argue with the referee. Rumours that he’s asked, and been denied, the opportunity to speak to Arsenal may be at the heart of it. Or let’s hope it was just because he hates being on the bench.
3) YNWA is just as moving halfway around the world
Melbourne is 17,000 Km away from Liverpool, but our fans are fantastic wherever they are. The rendition of our Anthem was ‘tear-jerking’ according to Brendan Rodgers. It was fantastic to watch and hear over the television so it must have been absolutely incredible in person. Thank you everyone who made it to the Stadium and sang their hearts out!
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4) We still need attacking reinforcements
We controlled the game for large parts (although the Victory did have their moments too) despite not having our strongest team out at any stage, but we were not particularly penetrative in the final third.
We clearly missed our three best forward players in Suarez (who made an assist after being brought on as a sub late on), Sturridge and Coutinho (who has sparkled in recent friendlies but was sitting out with a knee complaint).
Rodgers has stated he is still trying to bring a big(ish) name attacking talent to the club and, even with the expected improvements of Sterling and Ibe this coming season, we clearly still need it.
5) Gerrard’s still the man
Recently signed a new deal, now 33, and still Captain Fantastic – the best player on the park. ’nuff said.
Looking forward to Thailand!
You can catch more from me on my own blog: http://taintlessred.blogspot.co.uk/
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I’m one of those disputing the figures of more worldwide support for United. I am yet to see the kind of worldwide passion for the devils that I’ve seen for LFC, anywhere. It seemingly matters little where we play. The fanaticism is the same. It is clearly lacking for any of our more ‘successful’ rivals. I don’t think choice of a smaller stadium should be our concern. Each trip was planned and scheduled to be played somewhere. There was nothing close to the support LFC got Down Under.
In all my life, I’ll never forget the Australian rendition of YNWA. Humbling.
???? Humbling is the word!!
Man U claimed in their ipo documents they had something like 650 million fans! A ridiculous statement. They are well supported but the Liverpool fans around the world are so much more committed – supporting us over the decades of pain. They aren’t glory hunters and they have the same values as Liverpool fans who can make it to Anfield. Makes me feel proud to be a red. YNWA at the MCG gave me goose pimples.
i so wanted to be there but money talks u no so i watched sky news and utube etc was brought to tears at ynwa wow melborne!! awesome i grew up in merseyside now live in new zealand and miss anfield with all my heart YNWA LFC
Yeah. Twas very special.
I was at the game and in my life it was the greatest sporting moment I will ever witness. the mcg was red. such a shame world cup was not brought here n aus. qatar dnt have an idea of what this sport holds. we here in aus would show the world how to support and respect all teams and support them in any way as we are raised and taught in respect for any culture/race/religious background. we are die hard sports fans specially die hard liverpool fans. ynwa
Awesome mate. That must have been some night! Perhaps once Blatter is gone you will get the world cup. Maybe if Qatar can’t sort out this winter world cup or airconned stadia the Aussies may still get it.
The MCG was the place to be 95000 + Liverpool fans singing ynwa at the start of the game was a dream come ture and garrard scoring topped it off. Loved every minute of it . One day australia will host the world and we will show the world what we can do Aussie love sport. Ynwa 4 life
Louis Suarez is a spoilt bratt! Fantastic player, but not a true sportsman! Let him go!!!
Luis’z heart is not with us.. just let the lad go.. he is no big than us lfc..
Agree with u luis mind is made up2 leave. Wasn’t himself, he’s being forced 2play n show up. With prefer for him 2go now before it gets 2late in da transfer market. Really starting not to like him as a person but he’s worth good money. 45mil to 50mil he can go. But plz buy gr8 replacements, in brendon we trust. YNWA
Ahhh Liverpool… Thanks for making it to Oz. You see one liverpool shirt for every other soccer shirt worn around in the streets here. Clearly more Liverpool supporters than any other team of any league in the world. YNWA.
Great support. Amazing it took us so long to go!