LFC 20/21 – The Good, The Bad The Ugly – Gameweek 24
Another bad day, as the Reds throw a lead away. The team is struggling and make no joke, the title chances have gone up in smoke. Condolences go to the boss, suffering a huge loss. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club Liverpool F.C.
The (Not) Good
Saturday’s performance , culminating in a dismal away defeat to Leicester 3-1 despite dominating the game for large periods. A disastrous performance and result to match for Jürgen Klopp’s men. Surely a sweet moment for former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers as his Foxes move up to third. The Reds on the other hand slip to fourth with a point separating them, Chelsea and West Ham, who have both played a game less.
This was as awful a display as I have seen from Liverpool in recent times. Despite taking the lead in the 68th minute through want-away striker Mo Salah, the Reds spectacularly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in totally calamitous fashion.
Thiago Alcantara who came on due to an injury to James Milner, continues to demonstrate how he’s quickly becoming the cause of more problems than his arrival was intended to solve. His rash challenge on the edge of the box giving away a free kick, and a goal. Not for the first time it must be said. And, much to Jordan Henderson’s annoyance as the captain berated his teammate.
All reading this regularly will know I’m not the biggest fan of the ageing Spanish international, his recruitment sums up everything that’s wrong with Liverpool at the moment. Over promising, only to under deliver. Hugely.
If that wasn’t bad enough, things got even worse. Alisson Becker, not content with handing Manchester two goals in the last game, rushed out to collide with debutant Ozan Kabak and thus hand an open goal to Jamie Vardy.
The third goal I really don’t like. We are so open. I cannot accept. That was it. The performance for 75 minutes or so was outstanding then we lost 3-1. That shows what a tricky situation we are in.
Awful stuff! The final nail in the coffin was hammered in with five minutes remaining on the clock. The Reds hung out to dry like a pair of soggy socks. Klopp could only bemoan his side’s ineptitude “The third goal I really don’t like. We are so open. I cannot accept.” said the boss. His disappointment clear.
That was extraordinary!#LEILIV pic.twitter.com/KoIj6WfIum
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 13, 2021
The Bad
The ongoing slide the team is experiencing. Liverpool now have no hope of retaining the league title. Which to be fair was always going to be a tough ask. And are now sweating on a top four position.
Frankly, the club only has itself to blame for not strengthening in the correct areas last summer. One particular area of disappointment for me is the reluctance to provide a suitable contract to Gini Wijnaldum.
To refuse the Dutchman an improved contract (apparently on the grounds of age), and yet spend a reported £20m on Alcantara who is only six months younger and arguably no significant upgrade, if at all, just doesn’t make sense.
I don’t believe extending Wijnaldum’s contract would cost the club the Thiago transfer price so it doesn’t make financial let alone football sense. The failure to replace Dejan Lovren is as worn out as a Slade Christmas song so enough said on that one.
Ultimately, Liverpool need direction at this time and this has to rest with that manager. Despite personal issues (see the Ugly below) Klopp still has a job to do. Despite talk of the German now being the favourite to lose his job, I don’t agree. He only last season brought the club to their first league title in Lord only knows how many years. I believe FSG as ruthless as they are, will give Klopp next season at least – once key players return to turn things around.
In the worst case, losing out on a Champions League spot this season will quite rightly be considered as a failure. Both in terms of football and finance. However, in both cases things could be much, much worse to be fair.
Feiere mit uns preisgekrönte PlayStation-Spiele und spare im PlayStation Store.
— PlayStationDE (@PlayStationDE) February 10, 2021
The Ugly
Sad news came of the passing of Klopp’s mother Elisabeth aged 81 after a short illness. Unfortunately, due to current COVID-19 restrictions the manager, 53, was unable to attend the funeral as a travel ban between the UK and Germany remains in place.
Word came as the club posted a tweet confirming the news.
The fact that I can’t be at the funeral is due to the terrible times. As soon as the circumstances allow, we will hold a wonderful commemoration that is appropriate.
The LFC File can only offer sympathy and condolences along with others who have done so. “As a devout Christian, I know she is in a better place now.” Klopp told the Schwarzwälder Bote publication.
You’ll Never Walk Alone, Jürgen ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mjgSmXZWgn
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 10, 2021
Next Up
Liverpool will be making their way to Germany for the first leg of this season’s Champions League knockout stage. A win would certainly lift the mood among the team and fans alike. Then on Saturday, the Reds host the Blues from across Stanley Park. Two games which should the team win, will hopefully put an end to the current slide.
While you’re here…
The latest book from the The Good, The Bad and The Ugly weekly is out now. Relive this historic season. Available for purchase on Amazon, or directly from The LFC File. Click here to secure your copy. Either as an eBook (€5) or as a physical paperback (€8).
