Changing rules during a World Cup is a worrying sign but what’s more concerning to me is Liverpool’s current state of flux…
CHARITY begins at home. So goes the adage.
Equally, unmitigated support can only go one way and waking thoughts are always Liverpool based.
I hope you’re enjoying the World Cup. I’ve enjoyed the odd story — Curacao, Cabo Verde — but once Presidents get involved to change disciplinary measures so they can see their team get an advantage and (let’s be honest) take credit for it… well, let’s just say that interest wanes further still.
I didn’t know we could do that. The administrative body seems fine with it so maybe I’ll WhatsApp Richard Masters, the CEO of the Premier League, to see if I can get Dom Szoboszlai’s red card against City last season rescinded.
While the World Cup has been dominating the nation’s attention, the local issues are far more pressing. This week there’s been further reports of the Reds looking to sell more and more starting players to go with Robbo, Konate and Mo. These include Curtis Jones (again), Virgil van Dijk (the club having ‘regrets’ about the last contract apparently), Cody Gakpo (almost inevitably) and Alisson Becker (still under contract but you never know).
This is where a few weeks away help clear the mind. After the Brentford game, I would have happily driven some of those lads to their new clubs, but this seems a bit too much of a clearout. I mean, we’ve got to play someone. We’ve got to have XI on the pitch.
If those players make their exits there’ll only be Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Ngumoha available from who was available during the last league game. No goalkeeper or back four. Dom as a number 10…
And these are starters, rather than squad or youth players who probably won’t make the grade. Oh, and there’s a new manager and coaching staff to go with it. And none of them have met whatever remains of the squad yet. So that’s good.
No wonder I’m not bothered about the World Cup. There’s no one to come back home to. Even two of our ex-players got a red card and an injury for England against Mexico – the latter without even playing. Impressive.
Of those suggested players, it’s only Alisson and Virgil who concern me. The latter may be a little past his best, but you can’t replace him like this. Limit his games, put fresh legs around him, sure, but we’ve got to have some continuity. And he’s the captain! The goalkeeper seems to be more of a ‘Can I?’ question to the club rather than a contract rebel. One more year can’t hurt his Italian dreams.
Maybe I’m clinging onto those two because they’re all that’s left of the Jürgen years now. Their signings really elevated the club and put it on the next level. There was a world of difference between Emre Can at centre-back and Virgil van Dijk.
And that’s the next test for everyone at the club. We don’t know what to expect now. There’s even a chance that I’ve never heard of Liverpool’s next forward line. It really is a new age with far too many vicissitudes for a worrier like me to contemplate. I suppose it’s also quite exciting too. I’ve never been one to turn and face the strange.
Nothing is certain anymore. Not even refereeing outcomes from long dead games. I’ve only just got used to the idea of decisions going to VAR, never mind Heads of State.
I suppose I want us to sell loads and buy loads who will all get on immediately and play gorgeous, winning football.
Richard Masters is yet to reply.
