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Portal [link="http://www.eurofootball.com"]"EuroFootball.com"[/link] continues the column "Fan Thoughts," which saw the light of day last week! From now on, before the most important, interesting, and widely-discussed matches, we will talk to passionate fans who are preparing to support their teams.
As the clash between and the London teams approaches in the English Premier League, an anonymous "Reds" fan agreed to answer our questions.
"EuroFootball.com": How did you start supporting Liverpool? Have you been a fan of this club for a long time? What were the first Liverpool matches you saw and what was the result?
Anonymous: The answer to this question is one - Michael Owen. It was his famous goal against the Argentine national team in the 1998 World Cup that made me support Liverpool, where he was playing at the time. So, I have been supporting them for a long time, although initially, the opportunity to watch matches was very limited.
I don't remember the first match I watched, but one of the first and most memorable was the UEFA Cup final in 2001 against "Alaves." Eight goals in regular time (4-4) and a victory in the 117th minute with a golden goal. Something unreal. And Owen played, alongside him - legendary players like McAllister, Babbel, Fowler, Hamann... Great times.
And overall, Liverpool likes to play exciting finals (smiles).
"EuroFootball.com": Which Liverpool matches against Chelsea stand out most in your memory?
Anonymous: Undoubtedly - the Champions League semi-final match in 2005. Perhaps not the most beautiful match in terms of football, but the tension and the price of it all were unreal.
Despite what Chelsea fans may say, that the ball did not cross the goal line, we won deservedly. You could shed a tear watching what was happening in the stands in the last seconds of the match, and after the referee's final whistle, I even heard "You'll never walk alone" echoing from Vilnius. Even Mourinho applauded.
Even now, I like to watch that video. Goosebumps run down my spine.
"EuroFootball.com": What will determine the outcome of the match on Sunday?
Anonymous: I'm not sure, but I really hope that three consecutive victories for the Liverpool team have inspired enough confidence as they approach a match against a tough opponent like Chelsea. Yes, the mood has improved, the situation has improved, new owners have come in, but the game is far from being what it should be.
On the other hand, the myth of Chelsea's greatness and the hymns sung in the media sometimes seem too loud. I look at this season's results and see a simple thing - Carlo Ancelotti and his team have so far only tested their strength against two "powerful" representatives - "Man City" (lost) and "Arsenal" (won). In August, they also lost to "Man Utd" in the "Community Shield" battle. Beating teams like "Žilina," "Spartak," or "Blackpool" is one thing, playing against the elite (and I'm not saying it too loud) is another.
Liverpool's lineup (especially the first eleven) is much stronger than the results show, "Anfield"'s stands have regained their fire, so a good mood could lead to a successful outcome for the "Reds."
"EuroFootball.com": Which Chelsea player will pose the biggest threat to the Liverpool team?
Anonymous: It would be standard to say Didier Drogba, but I am most afraid of, probably, Florent Malouda. If he plays, it will be hard for the Liverpool players to defend the flanks. I don't trust Jamie Carragher, whose sprinting abilities are worse than mine, nor Glen Johnson, who is sometimes worse in defense than a beer barrel standing in one place, nor Paul Konchesky, whose heart always beats to the rhythm of a mid-level club like London's "Fulham."
Malouda can be a threat both by himself and by creating opportunities for others.
"EuroFootball.com": Would you like to see him in a Liverpool jersey in the future?
Anonymous: I wanted to. When Chelsea bought him, there was also interest from the Liverpool camp, as they needed to strengthen the fullback position. Unfortunately, time passed, and whoever became blue, let them remain blue. We will never see him in a red jersey at Liverpool.
"EuroFootball.com": Which rival player(s) do you dislike the most?
Anonymous: Yossi Benayoun. Even if he doesn't play, I still organically dislike him. He was my least favorite player in the Liverpool club. Thank God, he decided to return to the capital.
"EuroFootball.com": Which Liverpool player will play the most important role in today's match?
Anonymous: I wouldn't single out one, but overall - the defenders. If they are solid and allow the midfielders and forwards to do their job calmly, a favorable result can be expected.
"EuroFootball.com": What do you think about the current situation at Liverpool Football Club?
Anonymous: Stability has returned. I like the approach of the new owners - they do not specify how much will be spent on acquiring new players in January or summer, but promise to strengthen the team, and most importantly, spare no expense for the acquisition of young promising players.
It is realistic that the construction of a new stadium or a major reconstruction of Anfield will begin soon, which the owners have already successfully done in the USA.
In short, all attention is on the green field, not on the courtrooms or the dreams of the fallen Tom Hicks in the press. I believe that these "giants" will be better than those.
"EuroFootball.com": What will be the final result? Who will score goals?
Anonymous: 1-0 or 2-1. Let Gerrard score a brace - he is in good form.
Scientist: Looking at the current situation - what place on the table would satisfy you at the end of the season?
Anonymous: Securing a spot in a UEFA tournament.
"EuroFootball.com": Thank you for your time!
If you would like to contribute to this column, send an email to [email protected] and don't forget to mention the team you support. We will definitely contact you!
