LFC 21/22 – The Good, The Bad And The Ugly – Gameweeks #34

Semifinal Reds score two to turn the screw, and bring the Magpies doon in the Toon. A total win-win, as the boss commits to stay in. The Good, The Not Bad, and The totally Smugly, another week reviewed at Liverpool Football Club.

The Good

The result, and performance in the 2-0 win against Villarreal in the Champions League semifinal first leg. The performance may have lacked the drama of the Manchester City v Real Madrid tie but in terms of quality, Liverpool we’re untouchable. Or to use the term of a mate of mine in our WhatsApp group: unplayable.

It would have been easy to think Villarreal were poor but in reality, the Reds were so totally dominant in every department. Let’s not forget, these are semifinal games. Nobody is here through luck.

I struggled to comprehend how Liverpool went into the break with the score at 0-0 having had so much of the ball and so much attacking impetus.

However, in the second half, the team’s persistence paid off as a Jordan Henderson’s cross was deflected into his own net by Pervis Estupinan. Rotten luck but equally as deserved by Liverpool.

Two minutes later, The Reds extended their lead further when Sadio Mané poked home Mo Salah’s pass. The remainder of the game was one way traffic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more complete performance from Liverpool with such a modest scoreline.

Liverpool 2-0 Villarreal

FULL TIME

Thoughts? #MatchReaction #UCL #LIVVIL pic.twitter.com/0fA74PbinP

— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) April 27, 2022

The tie is far from over and no doubt Unai Emery will fancy his chances at the Stadio de la Cerámico. This Liverpool side, as we’ve come to know, will take nothing for granted in their quest for honours.

The (Not) Bad

Overcoming a determined and organised Newcastle United team. The 1-0 scoreline was reflected in a game where chances were few and far between with Toon boss Eddie Howe looking to build on their recent run of form.

A string of results that has seen them move away from the relegation zone and into the top half of the table. A direct correlation with becoming arguably the richest club in the world overnight? You decide…

FULL TIME: 0-1. BIG RESULT TODAY! 😮‍💨 #NEWLIV pic.twitter.com/CVTMrQFD5G

— LFC_Network (@LFC_Netwrk) April 30, 2022

Liverpool were able to get ahead courtesy of an individual Naby Keïta effort in the 19th minute. After that, it was a story of missed chances from both sides.

“I saw an absolutely top class game”

After the game Jürgen Klopp was very happy with the result describing it as “a top class” game in his post-match interview. Perhaps a tad overdone to be honest, but a good game it certainly was.

The (Sm)Ugly

News broke this week that Klopp has extended his contract with Liverpool until 2026. The 54 year old who hails from the Black Forest near Stuttgart in Germany has been at the club since replacing Brendan Rodgers in October 2015.

I think it’s fair to say that Liverpool have done fantastically well since his appointment. Klopp himself has also developed as a Coach and this Heavy Metal brand of football that brought him so much success at Borussia Dortmund, has now given way to a far more cultured style of play.

The energy is still there, but it’s clear that with the additions of Fabinho, Thiago Alcantára and lately Luis Diaz, some fine tuning has been made.

We are delighted to announce Jürgen Klopp has signed a new contract to extend his commitment with the club! 🔴

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 28, 2022

The tenures of Klopp’s support staff headed by Pep Lijnders and Pete Krawietz have also been extended on increased salaries, whilst Klopp it was reported, will receive no increased financial benefit. A point which I believe, says it all.

The club is without doubt on the verge of great things and it’s fantastic to be able to witness the improved fortunes of the team. The foundations have also been laid for the success to continue after Klopp with the new training ground which offers top-notch facilities and brings the current and future players of the club together in one environment.

When you think about it all. This could be the making of a new era of dominance. Frankly, what is there not to be excited about?!

YNWA