Liverpool FC: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly – Gameweek 38 Tschüss Jürgen!
A win signs off a great few years, and despite that there were still some tears. Despite a fourth title in as many years, it turns out that actually nobody cares.
The Good
The Good this week has to be finishing the season with a two nil victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. This was a fitting end for the last home game of outgoing manager Jürgen Klopp.
Liverpool were helped by the sending off of Nelson Semeda on minutes after a straight-red tackle on Alexis Mac Allister.
The Argentinian himself opened the scoring in the 34th minute, heading in a cross from Harvey Elliott. Jarell Quansah poked on his second goal in as many games to give the Reds a comfortable victory.
At the end of the game the celebrations began to mark the departure of one of the games most success managers in the modern era.
The (Not) Bad
This is the stuff of that was given to Jürgen Klopp after the game. Virgil van Dijk was filmed visibly crying in an emotional embrace with the boss after the final whistle.
Presentations were made to departing staff and players including Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, John Achterberg and Pep Lijnders among others.
A notable part of the celebrations was Klopp asking the Anfield faithful to support the new manager Arne Slot as well as leading the chant for the new manager “Arne Slot… la laa la la la…” to the tune of the song by Austrian band Opus.
I for one will be sorry to see the boss go. I have been critical of him on occasion for sure. That said, what has always surprised me about him is that he has learned over the years and changed his previous approaches. Using subs earlier and more frequently for example.
For all his negatives, there are more positives. His bond with the team. The club, his understanding of the city and his willingness to integrate and understand them. These are the qualities that Klopp has brought to his tenure. These are the qualities that have endeared him to all associated with the club.
Thanks for the memories Jürgen. You’ll never walk alone.
The Ugly
This is Manchester City winning the league again. Not don’t get me wrong, credit where it’s due and congratulations to them. However, I’d be more respectful of them if they weren’t so arrogant or coming from the position as if they expect to win so much.
The fact is that Manchester City has until recent years simply been an “also ran” kind of club. Never really winning anything but just making up the numbers. Now they’ve been laden with money and permanently under suspicion for financial wrongdoing.
In view of the above, I’m unable really to tip my hat. The way that I would do had it been Arsenal, Tottenham or Leicester from a few years back.
I’m intrigued how this whole financial situation pans out. I doubt anything will ever happen to them to be honest.
So the season has come to a close. I’ll be making the year-end report as I always do and releasing the latest Good Bad and Ugly season summary book. Watch this space!
