Liverpool F.C. – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly – World Champions and Merry Christmas
Liverpool top the world for clubs, then – as the ruling body FIFA dubs them. The youngsters get trounced by Villa, in a one-sided, cup non-thriller. Bad news again knocks, as another injury takes out the Ox. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club Liverpool F.C.
The Good
Becoming World Club Champions at the third attempt. Perhaps it’s me but despite the accolades, I can’t really say I’m over the moon. Yes it’s another piece of silverware and yes a few more quid in the bank.
In all honesty, before the fixtures list was published, this wasn’t a tournament I was looking out for. Still, a win is a win and a cup is a cup both to be cherished and polished respectively with joy and not disdain.
It was nice to beat Flamengo, albeit by the slimmest of margins. A team with equally as rich a history as Liverpool. Two of the games greats so this was never going to be a big scoring game.
As much as the victory and win was welcome, I’m not sure how much real value this has for Liverpool. Jürgen Klopp was quite unhappy about the additional fixtures and accompanying strain this has put on his squad. No pain no gain they say, I’m just not sure which has been for the better in this instance.
LIVERPOOL HAVE WON THE #FIFAClubWorldCup 🏆
They are world champions for the first time in the club's history.
➡ https://t.co/owBFaBXi1F #bbcfootball #LFC pic.twitter.com/c3zGCsYh8o
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 21, 2019
The Bad
The youngsters getting trounced by Aston Villa in the League Cup quarter finals. OK, it solves a part of the fixture pile up problem, but on the other hand at what cost?
Neil Critchley fielded five debutants in this game and what a rude awakening they’d have got. They’re by no means finished articles but all of the boys can be proud. I know all Liverpool fans will be.
The likes of Harvey Elliot stood out among a team of youngsters. Although it was a nice touch from Dean Smith and John Terry to visit the players after the game, it was a shame for the boys to be rolled over in the manner that they were.
It wasn’t great to watch. All over the pitch it was clear this was no contest. What I didn’t appreciate was the way in which Villa celebrated each goal. The strength of the team they played came as no surprise (see TGBU Gameweek 11), but totally over the top and lacking of humility.
Fair play they’re in the semis – likely the end of the road for them, but it wasn’t as if they’d beaten Liverpool’s first team. Then I could understand big celebrations. But against – in essence a youth team. Really?
https://twitter.com/lfcnasir/status/1207028702330212353?s=21
The Ugly
Another injury to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The 26 year-old former Gooner was injured in the 1-0 win over Flamengo.
That’s the second time in as many years that the attacking midfielder has fallen prey to ligament damage. It does seem though, from early indications that the club no. 15 will be back in the new year.
Get well soon Ox.
Liverpool boss Klopp delivers Oxlade-Chamberlain injury update #LFC https://t.co/cQVSAhN5xP
— Tribal Football (@tribalfootball) December 24, 2019
On this day 70 years ago (or 1949 to be precise) Liverpool were busy beating Everton 3-1. A brace from Kevin Baron either side of a Will Fagan effort sent the neighbours packing. No change there then!
So all that’s left is to wish you all a very safe and merry Christmas and all the very best of health, wealth and happiness going into 2020. Look out for the final TGBU of 2019 next week.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @TheLFCFile
Facebook: @thelfcfile
And now on Instagram: thelfcfile
