10 Sep 2026 09:55:39
I forgot what feeling positive about Liverpool felt like.
That was a pretty good performance last night, fighting back against a very very experienced Atletico side. The first half was a much more even contest, however, in the second half Liverpool stepped it up a gear (Iraola mentioned he made tactical tweaks and owned the first half was on him). I've been particularly impressed with the game management, similarly to Ipswich, Liverpool didn't really look like conceding after going ahead. A different night and that scoreline is also more than just a one goal lead.
The press is slowly becoming better, players are becoming fitter and they look cohesive as a unit. Working for each other, something that was missing last season.
It is positive because this team is nowhere near the finished article and are still evidently bedding into new style, but the intensity is returning and that is a welcome sight. Unlike Bournemouth however this side has the quality to ride the early storm associated with bedding into this new style, so it might not be gung-ho just yet but I have every faith that once Iraola gets it right and the players adapt we will be a force again.
More on the player side: Araujo looks a shrewd "buy", as does Jacquet. I thought Wirtz had a great game, working hard, creating some big chances. Isak looks so much sharper and has really picked up with his pressing. Barcola had a positive debut, he's evidently not quite up to match sharpness and yet still could have easily left that game with a brace (playing on his weaker side, might I add). If he continues to receive chances of that magnitude he will get scoring.
Lots to look forward to, hoping for a good performance at Fulham, where I will be supporting from Anfield Road.
10 Sep 2026 10:05:24
Great post mate, Fulham come to Anfield on Saturday so another home game. ?
10 Sep 2026 10:18:48
I didn't think Wirtz had a great game, but I am a miserable git. That said, people around me were also on his case, so it's not just me. He shows flashes, but that's all. I suppose I need to cling to that and hope he comes good. Jury continues to be out for me.
10 Sep 2026 10:35:30
I agree, @MonkeyMad. Wirtz was very good in the game offensively and defensively. It will be interesting to see how much ground he covered cos he worked so hard off the ball esp. in transition.
As for the whole team, that was a very solid performance with lots of positives and lots to continue to work on individually and collectively.
We remain humble, keep our heads down and keep working to improve in subsequent matches. On to Fulham.
10 Sep 2026 11:21:01
I'm with Rome.
10 Sep 2026 13:05:35
I'm with MonkeyMad on Wirtz, he's going to thrive under Iraola.
I'll be in the Kop for the Fulham match, just hoping there is no European hangover. This is another test for Iraola and his team. He's not used to big European matches midweek. The win will help, the team will get momentum from that.
Just keep progressing lads and results will follow ?.
{Ed666's Note - enjoy the Anfield experience Ron
10 Sep 2026 14:13:33
"I forgot what feeling positive about Liverpool felt like."
Bro it was one year where we didn't do well, behave.
{Ed666's Note - I still got PTSD from Slotball. I concur with the OP. Last season was as bad as anything Roger’s or Hodgson served up. Do you know how much sacrifice it takes to follow LFC? Your life is scheduled around every game. I miss out on stuff because I’m watching the game. I’ve ended promising relationships because the chick wouldn’t be second to LFC. For 9 months I give this club my whole being the least they can do is fecking run round the pitch like they give a feck…they get handsomely paid so people around the world can live vicariously through them and give supporters and outlet for 90 minutes from their crappy lives. So no mate it’s not just ‘one year’ it’s much much more than that..
10 Sep 2026 14:42:55
Enjoy yourself, Ron. Have a pint on my behalf.
10 Sep 2026 14:50:59
PTSD from "slot ball", good grief. I guess another year of bad football will give you Leprosy?
As someone who has PTSD and has been suffering for 18 years after I was randomly jumped and stabbed 6 times, you can shut your mouth about having PTSD from a god damn style of football.
So yes, Ed, it is just one year. Grow up.
{Ed666's Note - I’m not diluting your experience and you have all my sympathies for the situation you find yourself in and I truly hope you find a remedy for your issues. But just because you’re going through what you’re going through that doesent mean I cant take my football seriously. Football is my life and I know that’s a pretty sad thing to say but my emotions are navigated by the success or failure of my football team I support and hundreds of millions of people around the world would agree with me.
10 Sep 2026 19:39:21
All my sympathy for what you went through hsf, I have ptsd due to intrafamiliar violence in my youth, it is a hard road, ed666 that's an incredibly beautiful answer you've written there with complete respect for the others emotions whilst very delicately pointing out that feelings and emotions are personal, I applaud you.
{Ed666's Note - I hope can vanquish your PTSD mate. Some days must be a real challenge and a battle, you have my sympathies. Having stellar mental health is a luxury we take for granted. Good luck mate, I wish you all the best
10 Sep 2026 20:20:56
After 30 years of therapy I'm almost there mate, thank you for your kind words, it's great to have you back.
{Ed666's Note - that’s great news baker..so happy for you mate. Enjoy the season.
11 Sep 2026 07:48:13
Cheers lads, I get to about 60% of home games with shared tickets. The very occasional away game.
I'm expecting a goal from Wirtz assisted by Kerkez (maybe the other way around? ) ?.