The world is but a click away. No longer will you see groups huddling up to one another to keep warm in front of Curry’s window waiting for teletext to flick through to tell you the score in a match down the road. Within seconds of a Luis Suarez nutmeg somebody from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe can access Twitter, Vine or some other site I am too old to know about to watch.
Football is embracing this more and more and whilst we may not be playing on Mars as yet Sepp, more and more fans across the global are feeling the warm Kopbrace as it were!
In the face of such expansion and the excitement undiscovered places and peoples bring, it is your own doorstep that can be overlooked. A certain German legend who may crop up once or twice in this piece, echoed the importance of expanding the brand locally as well as globally. Long gone are the days Brian Reede discusses where the club shop was at Anfield with limited opening hours. People, young and old, want a piece of their club and in return the club needs us to expand and grow.
I mentioned a German before if you remember. Dietmar ‘Didi’ Hamann has 59 international caps to his name and 1 of his 5 international goals effectively turning off the lights of the home of English football in 2000. 191 Liverpool appearances to his name accompanied by 8 goals, which of course doesnt include a certain penalty slotted with a broken foot.
World Cup finalist, Champions League winner, Bundesliga winner, not a bad career you may say, but has he ever been asked questions by a guy with 100% attendance whilst in Year 9? A former Cub Scout Sixer? I highly doubt it, but to be fair to him he showed no sign of nerves…..unlike me.
Interviewing people is part of my day job yet I was like a hormonal teen with One Direction tickets as this man who I had admired for years and brought me so much joy (sounds weird but it’s not, I promise) walked towards me.
Having read his book, watched and listened to him in the media, including a passionate rendition of the German National Anthem with Colin Murray I had to congratulate him on, I already had an impression of the man, and in no way was I disappointed. A clear passion for the club, genuine opinions and time and patience for a grown man trying hard not to delcare his undying love!
All things Liverpool were, of course, on the table for discussion, and one thing that struck me throughout was the passion and love that Didi has for not only the club and the fans but also the city. He felt at home straight away and with that accent he has followed in the footsteps of the great Dane Molby in fully embracing Scouse. He discussed a great pride at representing the club for such a long time and still being involved.
Didi expressed his delight that Brendan Rodgers has signed a new deal, delighted that he was given time during a tough first year. The addition of Champions League football for next season will be tough but he hopes the Northern Irishman will be here for years to come.
Always an interesting question to ask an ex-pro is who from the current crop would they have loved to have played with. Now Didi got to play with Mr Gerrard so that rules him out so pretty much only one choice really wouldnt you say – Suarez? Of course the Uruguayan was mentioned but the name that was championed was Raheem Sterling, someone Didi believes has the potential to be on a par with Suarez some day, even surpass him. True praise indeed.
I had to ask Didi about his compatriot and latest to sign on the Kop dotted line, Emre Can. A young talented player with Champions League experience is a good start. He has some pace about him, good passer of the ball, although may need to work on his goal scoring to truly progress to that next level. He is the kind of player that can play alongside Gerrard but has the versatility to play a number of positions, something that can clearly benefit the club, but as with the likes of Allen and Henderson, simply playing alongside someone like Gerrard will be massive. Didi stressed the importance of patience with him because of his age and his need to complete his footballing education but most certainly has the potential to be a star for Liverpool for years to come.
Of course the World Cup cropped up into conversation and Didi had some interesting thoughts. First and foremost it was the gym-busting French machine Mamadou Sakho that Didi believes will be the LFC player most likely to experience success in Brazil as part of a French squad that could go far.
Not many have talked up the French teams chances but the draw has been considerably kinder to them in relation to their neighbours. As for who will light up the tournament, it is that man Raheem Sterling once more should he be given the opportunity. The likes of Gerrard, Suarez and Sturridge have already made names for themselves in the global game and Didi believes that this tournament will announce the Liverpool livewire on the world stage. However, if you are a gambler then Didi would put your money on Argentina to win, possibly even Spain (although at the time of writing that doesnt seem the best idea!)
Anyone who has had the chance to read Pepe Reina’s book could not resist a mention of an infamous Christmas party, but with a chuckle, smile and mischievous look I’m told that, what goes on at a Christmas party stays at a Christmas party, quite right to!
I like to think I handled the whole situation calmly and cooly, I mean I have delivered a baby for crying out loud, but not every day you chinwag with some who has raised Ol’Big Ears! I hope you have enjoyed this piece and are thirsty for more!
Come find me on twitter @timdibs
