FNM and Other Odds and Ends

AN ARTICLE BY MATTY

The calm before the storm. The beer taps are full, the taxis ready, the jukebox fully charged and ready to play whatever tunes are suggested. Jock stands at the ready, the veteran bartender knowing that action’s bound to happen any second now. Jerry’s in back cooking bangers and mash, the food was Conor’s idea. Red’s already ratted and so’s his cat. They’re in the back corner by the jukebox, going over war strategies and how Herr Klopp could’ve ended those wars simply with his charm and humanity. Mike’s brought Daisy the cow with him, whether to cook her or dine with her, only he knows. Finch and Mickey arrive in a taxi from Blackpool, Finch loved the lights but misses the ski slopes. Mickey’s already 7 deep. GDoc’s now joining Jerry to make some old-fashioned jambalaya in case Irish food doesn’t inspire more of a crowd. 5:00 hits, and until Billy Joel plays Piano Man at 9:00 on a Saturday, this virtual bar is officially open for business. Oscar’s arrived from Brazil at the last minute with a convoy of youths for the club to sign, he’s the first customer. And so the night begins.

As the night rolls on, the discussion as always goes back to our shared love of Liverpool FC. And since this is Klopp’s last season with us, it feels proper to remember our greatest memories of Klopp’s Liverpool, and to also dream of the days to come as the season hits the business end. The Europa League comeback against Dortmund comes to mind, the cult hero Dejan Lovren is remembered with mixed emotions. Jock still has nightmares over his defensive gaffes. Barcelona obviously sits near the top of the best moments, as does Hendo’s trophy shuffle, Milly’s leadership, the Mane-Firmino-Salah front three. The Fabinho screamer against City, Alisson running the length of the pitch to celebrate with Salah against Man U. 9-0 on aggregate, then 7-0 in a single game against our Manc rivals. Lil Shaq getting Jose sacked, Adrian winning a Super Cup, Thiago’s stunner against Porto. Salah scoring 200 goals and counting, Darwin winning the Community Shield on his debut, how about that Fulham game where every goal scored was from outside the box? How about winning 36 out of 38 PL games across two seasons? Arguably the greatest run we’ve ever seen from anyone.

The night continues, as we reminisce on the past we look to the immediate future. Four trophies remain within our grasp. We control our destiny in the league, we’re in the knockout stages of the Europa League, League Cup’s ours for the taking on Sunday, FA Cup is on the horizon as well. A quadruple would be the perfect sendoff for our near-perfect manager. These men have far surpassed just about every expectation this season, every last man from Salah and Virgil to Clark and Danns. It can be argued that out of everything Klopp’s done, his last act may be his greatest. Going out with a bang instead of a whimper. The club is in as good a spot as any in world football. The academy is top tier, some of the best players in the world are still here, with many more to be developed in the future. The passion, the intensity, the ability is all there. We celebrate the present while saluting the future Klopp has built for us. The message that I’ve now written on top of the bar is a quote from a Yank by the name of Al Davis. Just win baby.