Liverpool FC – Gameweek 22 in Review
Much needed clarity given over sorely missed players, a Welsh side came and played giant slayers. Don’t give up, we’re still in the cups. The good, the bad and the quite ugly at the world’s favourite football club, Liverpool FC.
The Good
Undoubtedly, the return to the club of Steven Gerrard as a youth coach. The Liverpool Echo confirmed what many LFC fans had been hoping for since the 36 year-old announced his retirement in November 2016, following his final season with LA Galaxy.
This is an intriguing appointment, and immediately raises the prospect of the Huyton-born ex-club captain eventually becoming the manager. Depending on his success as a coach, I would welcome this because it will represent some continuity with someone from “within” eventually takes over the reigns.
In years to come, it would benefit Liverpool to have a manager who has the club at heart and not one of your mercenary, super managers we see hopping from one big club to another – simply to improve their CV. Again my view relies on Gerrard’s ultimate success (if any) as a coach. A legend of a player does not automatically lend itself to becoming such in the world of management.
The Bad
Although ultimately a good thing, this was the return of Joel Matip. Certainly there is no 
harm in this event. However, what it demonstrates is the clear lack of leadership and clarity from the world’s governing body. Earlier this week, it looked as if Liverpool would be without the free transfer signing from Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 until February, if ESPN’s Glenn Price was to be believed.
No less than a week later, the Zurich-based Fédération International de Football Association confirmed the opposite of their Annexe 1 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players ruling the 25 year-old was in fact, eligible to play for Liverpool. Madness. Total madness.
This “decision” by FIFA arguably cost the team three points. OK, this is all if’s, but’s and maybe’s but there isn’t a Liverpool FC fan who would doubt the contribution Matip has made to the team in terms of leadership, control and calmness against opposition. Therefore, I’d argue that he could well have been the difference yesterday in place of Ragnar Klavan. Which leads us nicely on to…
The Ugly
No disputing this one: Yesterday’s mugging at the hands of Swansea. Awful. Simply awful. If there was ever an example of how not perform at home, it was this. Liverpool, having not lost at home in more than a year in the Premiership, gave up the mantle in terrible fashion.
If falling behind with ease within 10 minutes of the second half starting wasn’t bad enough. Conceding to Gyifi Sigurdsson’s 74th minute close-range effort was just the smack in the face the team deserved. All their hard work in getting back into the game was thrown away in an instant by dreadful defending. Two strikes – including an exquisite second from of the game for Roberto FIrmino – consigned to merely keeping face.
What’s worse, is that Liverpool had many chances to win the game, but simply fell short on the day. Thus, at the time of writing, Liverpool are about to be overtaken by Arsenal, who jump into second place in the Premiership table. The Reds, slipping down to fourth with Manchester City breathing down their necks.
The week ahead gives Liverpool the chance to recover some belief. An EFL cup semi-final replay at home should provide the impetus. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg means the team will need all the help it can get, and that includes an Anfield crowd in good voice.
A successful outcome to that, plus a win against Wolves in the FA Cup fourth round will restore the feel-good factor which has slipped a little in recent weeks. Bring it on, I say.
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