Historic. This is the right word, to describe how 2019 is for Liverpool. Understandably, in 2019, Liverpool became a team that increased rapidly compared to previous years.
Although narrowly defeated in the Premier League, with a distance of only one point, and lost on penalties in the Community Shield event against Manchester City, Liverpool actually triumphed as European and intercontinental competition. Unmitigated, three titles at once were won by Liverpool.
The first title won was the European Champions League, early last June. This title is obtained, after the goals of Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi led The Red to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0, in the top party held in the city of Madrid (Spain). Afterwards, The Red returned to party in Istanbul (Turkey) in August. This time, Juergen Klopp’s men won the European Super Cup trophy, after a 5-4 win (on penalties, 2-2 AET) over Chelsea under Frank Lampard.
Interestingly, this victory was achieved when Alisson Becker was absent because of injury. In this moment, Adrian who was plotted as a substitute for Alisson emerged as a hero, as his success thwarted the execution of Tammy Abraham in the high-fives round.
Good performance of Liverpool in 2019 is also contagious in the domestic league. Of the 17 matches that have been undertaken, Sadio Mane cs won 16 wins and 1 draw. They are 10 points ahead of Leicester City (position 2, value 39) and 11 points over defending champions Manchester City (38) in position 3.
Incidentally, the two teams had just faced each other directly at the Etihad Stadium, with City winning 3-1. City won this victory, after Jamie Vardy’s goal was returned with goals from Riyad Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus. Arguably, currently Liverpool are speeding.
Even so, the schedule to compete Liverpool this season is quite solid, especially at the end of the year. Understandably, in addition to having to compete in the English League and Champions League, Liverpool must also compete in the English League Cup and the Club World Cup.
Not surprisingly, due to this busy schedule, Klopp had the courage to “sacrifice” by sending the Liverpool U-23 team, when facing Aston Villa in the quarterfinals of the English League Cup. The result, Liverpool lost five goals without reply and were eliminated.
Fortunately, the sacrifice was still sweet fruit, because Liverpool were able to achieve positive results in the Club World Cup. Despite appearing in a relatively modest composition, including “forcing” Jordan Henderson to become an impromptu central defender in the semifinals, Liverpool successfully completed their international title “Treble Winner” this year, as well as becoming the first British team to win it.
Starting with a 2-1 win over Monterrey (CONCACAF champion) in the semifinals, through Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino goals, Liverpool finally returned from Qatar with the championship trophy home, after, the Copa champions Libertadores from Brazil. This is the first Club World Cup title in the club’s history.
Uniquely, despite coming as champions’ favorites, Liverpool’s two wins were both won with difficulty. In the semifinals, Liverpool must wait until the second half injury time, to be able to conquer the fierce resistance of Monterrey. In the final, Liverpool were forced to play until extra time before finally winning the trophy.
Of course, this shows how tough mentally playing Liverpool. In this tournament, they were able to face Monterrey who played aggressively, and Flamengo who played defensive as well as “tricky”, without losing focus and composure. They know when to hold on, and when to give a deadly backlash. Really mature.
Interestingly, what Liverpool achieved this year created an anomaly, because Klopp began his success story at Anfield, winning first “international” trophies, rather than domestic trophies. Arguably, winning the Champions League trophy last season became a catalyst for the “harvest of the trophy” Liverpool with Klopp, as well as the fruit of what Klopp has been building since he began serving as Liverpool coach.
This phenomenon becomes an anomaly, because when teams like PSG (France), Manchester City and Chelsea (England), Juventus (Italy), even Manchester United in the past, made the league trophy and domestic “cup competition” as the foundation of the era of success , as well as a stepping stone to the top point called the Champions League trophy, Liverpool and Klopp actually made the achievement of the Champions League trophy as the foundation of their successful era.
Practically, with what has been achieved this year, Liverpool only need to maintain their “hunger title”, to be able to win other championship trophies, including the English League so coveted. Because, they already know, how to win the championship trophy, and fight under pressure. Liverpool must not dissolve in the euphoria of victory, because a busy period is waiting in front of the eye.
