Vardy & The Foxes.

Leicester City Football Club has charged through the 2015 season with Jamie Vardy leading the way.

Leicester City last night continued their run of form when they took down Swansea City three goals to nil at Liberty Stadium in Wales. Their man-of-the-moment, and striker, Jamie Vardy, once again spearheaded the line-up. The win will be just one in a list of many this season, but it was another three points for the Foxes, and in the end that’s all that will count. The record-breaking streak of goals by Vardy came to a close, and while everyone would have loved it to continue, it will likely be a good thing for Leicester as a team that it’s finished.

For all of Vardy’s accomplishments during his prodigious rise from obscurity, he has managed to maintain a real sense of humility and an acute awareness that team achievements come before his own. Ironic, when you consider that after scoring against Manchester United last weekend - and claiming the Premier League goal-scoring streak record - Vardy ran to the sidelines of King Power Stadium and professed to the Foxes’ fans that he was the man. “I am the man,” he screamed; whilst passionately pointing to his own chest.

A week later with the knowledge of having the opportunity to equal an English League all-time record that was set in the 1930’s, Vardy played the team part. He wasn’t ‘The Man’ as he was a week earlier; he was simply one man, in a side of eleven who were at Swansea to continue their hot run of form. This can be no more evidenced than Vardy’s pass to teammate, Riyad Mahrez, in the 67^th minute. This is the teammate who had blown a clear opportunity to set Vardy up for a goal in the first half. Despite receiving the ball inside the box and within striking range, Vardy didn’t hesitate, passing straight to Mahrez without a second thought. A team pass, an unselfish play. It was now three-zip to Leicester, and a guaranteed victory.  Another three points secured along with first spot on the Premier League ladder. A position no one in their right mind thought this side could be.

At the start of the season they had come off a tumultuous summer of hiring’s and firing’s, made a managerial appointment that many groaned at, and were predicted by many to occupy the depths of the premiership ladder. But somehow they have become momentous, clearing anything in their path. Their presence in the top-spots was weeks ago thought of as a fluke, written off as an easy-draw, a position they were not worthy of and would eventually lose. But The Foxes now lead the competition. To put that in perspective, they are now six points clear of fifth place Tottenham. Furthermore, they are just six points shy of their ‘season-goal’ of 38 points with 23 games left to play. Incredible.

With Chelsea’s early season fall from grace, there was always going to be a spot for someone to fill at the top end of the table. There were some upsets in the early rounds that gave you the impression a team from left-field might occupy a higher than usual spot, but who would have thought it would be Leicester City?

With four rounds left to play in 2015, Leicester have the opportunity to head into the New Year having reached their season goal and with the world at their feet. Literally, keep kicking goals and who knows how far they could go. The next four games coming up see them facing heavyweights in Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester City. If Claudio Ranieri can push the side to take six points from those four matches, then Leicester can be seriously considered as a genuine chance of upsetting the status quo at season’s end. Pleeeeeeeeease, I hear you say. But why can’t they? Man-City can’t string a line of form together, Arsenal are having draw’s with teams they should demolish, Man-United can’t score a goal, and Chelsea are, well, Chelsea.

Barring injuries or self-destruction, there is no reason why The Foxes can’t keep progressing. Keeping a lid on it all will be a challenge for Claudio, but so far the side seems to not be getting ahead of themselves. Last night against Swansea they should have been up by five midway through the match, and although leading, it would have been easy for them to get frustrated at themselves and each other for the rued chances, but they were able to stay calm and keep sight of their team priorities.

Clean, quick, and sharp passes are how Leicester cut the opposition up. Speed, counter-attacking and a little bit of flared risk are how they put sides to bed. They are a ruthless, determined, and hungry bunch of men who aren’t scared of anybody. They’ll need all that fearlessness they have about them in the next month of football, but what a truly inspiring story they have become. Invigorating a league that has been historically dominated by the clubs with the most money and setting alight the competition with something completely unexpected and out of the ordinary.

Go The Foxes.

Jets and Mariners off the mark



Fabio Ferreira scored twice for the Mariners in their 3-2 win over Perth.

Photo credit: Jason Pratt Photography
Source: www.ccmariners.com.au

The Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners both started their seasons in style over the weekend recording wins in round one of the 2015/16 A-League competition. The clubs’ were given little chance to enjoy success this season by the experts with many predicting a finish at the bottom of the ladder. Most commentators had labelled them as re-building or bare of the star players the big-city sides fortuitously possess. But do the two east-coast teams have a genuine chance to kick-on from their solid showings and play consistent football for the rest of the season? Will the Mariners or Jets feature in the finals?

Rebuilding wasn’t in Mariners’ coach Tony Walmsley’s pre-season vocabulary after he appointed himself as the head-coach following an initial worldwide search for Phil Moss’s replacement. What’s clear is Walmsley doesn’t muck around; he has recruited former Sunderland player Roy O’Donovan from wherever he was in the Football world, gone about recruiting some handy players from within Australia, and told anyone who cares that the Mariners will be playing an attacking and exciting brand of football this season.

With the merry years under Graham Arnold long gone, the Mariners struggled to deliver last season and Coach Walmsley knew the club had to bring some spice to the pitch this voyage. Re-establishing their connection with the community has been the focus from owner Mike Charlesworth - who last year flirted with moving matches to the north of Sydney - and part of building and strengthening those bridges is offering a pleasing product. Enter Walmsley and his intentions.

Any sports’ fan just wants to see their team have a crack, and any football fan sure as hell doesn’t go to a football match to see a goalless draw, they want to see the ball put into the back of the net and this is what Walmsley is all about. While the Mariners might not win the majority of their matches this season, at least the fans will be able to walk away having seen a side willing to take risks in order to win the game. On the weekend they played with grit, determination and flair. They backed up Walmsley’s pre-season preaches and ended up having 24 shots on goal, compared to Perth’s 13. Their goals might have come from penalties and a re-bound, but they were loading the cannons and finding their range.

Just like their F3 counterparts, the Newcastle Jets began their pre-season with a new coach. Former Fulham Assistant Coach, Scott Miller, has taken on his first head-coaching role and with Football Australia controlling the club; Miller had little room to spend big on new arrivals. After a mass-exodus following the stripping of the club from Nathan Tinkler, he did however; have to bring in some of his own recruits. The Jets were able to secure new-captain; Nigel Boogaard, defensive-midfielder; Mateo Poljack, and Serbian striker; Milos Trifunović.

The Jets started their round one game against the Wellington Pheonix as big outsiders, but they were able to clinch a victory with goals from former Socceroo, David Carney, and the Serb, Milos Trifunović. Despite being expected to lose the game in New Zealand, Coach Miller interestingly stated after the game that the team fully expected to win the game, showing his high expectations of the side. Many have questioned whether Miller was ready for a Manager’s role, but don’t be fooled, he has spent almost a decade working in and around the English Premier League with Fulham, and that is invaluable experience. So far, he has been all class in his media appearances for the Jets, who are also trying to re-establish a community connection.

Much like the Mariners, the Jets are looking to have a big year both on and off the field after their fallout from the Nathan Tinkler ownership. However with problems come opportunities, and the Jets have a real chance to fire this year and move away from the stench of Tinkler’s reign. They are probably going to wait longer for some sustained success than the Mariners but it’s hard to say they will be waiting long after knocking off one of last year’s best sides in their opening game. The Jets face a real test on the field Saturday night against Sydney FC along with a test of their community engagement at the turnstiles. They have put in some real work to cement a solid association with the Hunter football fans and hopefully the fresh start pays off.

The two teams’ border on each other’s territory and it’s going to fascinating to see how their seasons unfold after their indifferent yet similar winter build ups. They both have new and stimulating coaches; are almost desperately trying to build their link in their respective communities, and have both started the season with impressive victories. Here’s to hoping they can continue to bump shoulders with the big boys in 2015/16.

How good is that photo by Jason Pratt of a celebrating Fabio Ferreira at the picturesque Central Coast Stadium. In the coming weeks Sport/Life/Australia will be reviewing both the Mariners and Jets game-day experiences.

Demise of Rodgers delivers Klopp to the Kop

Jurgen Klopp is unveiled at Anfield as the new manager of Liverpool Football Club. 

Liverpool have cleared the way to turn around their poor start to the season with the deployment of Brendan Rodgers to the coast of Spain for a permanent holiday. His sacking was, of course, last week met with immediate speculation about who would be the next Reds successor and the speculation was short-lived with what appeared to be the imminent signing of German, Jurgen Klopp. In Klopp, Liverpool have secured a promising and steady short-to-mid-term future for the club. The charismatic, relaxed and almost larrikin manager looks to be the personality the club was in much need of after the last month under the pressure-consumed Brendan Rodgers.

Brendan Rodgers casting a lone figure on the sideline. Some may consider Rodgers very unlucky considering the players he lost during his time at Liverpool.

Rodgers stress levels had been on the rise ever since surviving the summer, where his presence was saved only by the removal of his assistants. Although there were some moments that suggested Rodgers may be able to turn it around, in recent games the manager looked stone-cold, isolated and like the proverbial managerial-death was engulfing him. He was void of all passion that had dominated his early Liverpool career sideline appearances. The fact that he was making tactical changes only once the broader fan-base and commentators had called for them, was a sign of a captain lost at the wheel. If Fenway Sports Group had of allowed Rodgers to continue and the results didn’t turn, then Liverpool would have been stuck with another lost season, along with their chance to grab the manager-of-the-moment, Jurgen Klopp. Indeed, another bad season under Rodgers could have led to some of their top-flight players looking elsewhere next summer.

Klopp’s appointment to the Merseyside club had been called for ever since his departure from Borussia Dortmund in May. While widely respected across Europe and creditably lauded for his coaching ability, it seems that just how good the diamond Liverpool now have as their manager is, was unknown until his final arrival in the city last Friday. Pundits abound have signalled the appointment as a serious statement from owners, FSG; even former Manchester United manager, Alex Ferguson, described it as “worrying” on what Klopp could do for his former rivals.

Klopp’s first challenge begins on Saturday night (AEST) against an improving Tottenham Hotspur, and with one of the best defences in the Premier League, securing a win won’t be easy for Liverpool. What’s exciting is Klopp’s belief that the side he has taken control of is one that he can immediately work with to achieve higher results. His appointment has been the refreshment Liverpool have needed. The next few weeks are going to show where the club is headed and if Klopp’s history is anything to go by, there’s a genuine reason for the fans to be pumped-up. No longer will The Reds run out jaded, they have a 48-year-old energiser bunny bouncing off the Melwood walls.

A-League must learn from NRL mistakes



The 2014 A-League Grand Final had an attendance of 51,153.

The A-league was last night gifted its dream grand finale after Sydney FC powered past Adelaide United in unstoppable fashion. Sydney will join Melbourne Victory for arguably the A-league’s biggest grand final in its ten year history. The league’s two most prevalent teams in that time, who share the game’s strongest rivalry, are set for a showdown like never before. Both teams have been riding a wave of momentum and are the deserving finalists after finishing the regular season in the top-two spots. The only thing stopping the day becoming one of the most memorable in Australian sport’s history is the capacity of the host stadium, AAMI Park, of 30,500.

To put it simply, the game must be moved.

Shifting the game to the MCG would not only allow all the Victory and FC fans to watch their teams, but open the event up for the everyday sports fan and leisure seeker’s of Melbourne. The move could potentially result in upwards of 100,000 people in attendance. A spectacle of that size would cement the A-League alongside the biggest sporting codes in the country. Over the last 10 years the A-League has been building to this moment. The international marquee signings, the All Star games against European clubs, the moments’ only football can provide, the battles between the clubs and the impact of the Western Sydney Wanderers have all contributed to the sport now being on the verge of sitting alongside the NRL and AFL in terms of popularity.

Only one man has the power to change the course of Football history in this country forever, and that’s Football Australia CEO David Gallop. Since Gallop joined the FFA in 2012, he has been lauded by many in the game for finally pushing the sport in Australia to match that of its world status. While the accolades may well deserve a pat on the back, surely this is the golden opportunity for the CEO to put a stamp on his sport like no other could.

The real question to be asked is whether Gallop has learnt from his mistakes? You see, back in 2009 when Gallop was the CEO of the NRL, he encountered a similar situation involving finals-matches stadium allocations.

The Parramatta Eels had rode a wave of momentum from last second last place on the competition ladder mid-year, to scrape into eighth place and earn a spot in the finals. At the time, the Eels were drawing supporters out of the closest like never before, the Dragons too had just won the minor premiership and fans were flocking to their games. Set to play each other in the first week of the finals, the game was set down to be hosted at the 23,000 capacity Kogarah Oval. The location would effectively lock-out thousands of supporters from both teams, and Rugby League would be robbed of an incredible match-up that would have filled the 45,000 seat Allianz Stadium. Despite an outpouring of complaints from fans and a fierce media campaign, the Gallop-ran NRL decided not to switch to a bigger stadium. That match would be the start of a driving force that eventually led to the changing of the NRL finals stadium policy. Two years later it was changed; three years later Gallop was thrown out of his chair.

The MCG has a capacity of 100,000. Isn't the idea to grow, year on year?

While many will argue that it’s too late to change such a big game, that the idea was already looked at and deemed unfeasible, but what do good leaders do? They make things happen. They get things done. The AFL will argue they have a game scheduled at the MCG, but who owns the MCG? Surely the Victorian Government can be lobbied to force a change. Imagine the economic benefit from a 100,000 plus crowd, many from interstate. If the AFL needs compensating to switch their game, then pay it.

The FFA last week unveiled a 20 year master plan for the sport, a strategic vision for the future. Well you won’t get to the future without actions in the present. Having a sold-out MCG for a match that has been building for the last ten years, would be like pouring petrol onto the already well alight fire that is the sport of Football. With over 80,000 expected to fill ANZ stadium next month to watch A-League teams play EPL giants Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea F.C, a 30,500 crowd for the country’s domestic competition grand final could be considered laughable and embarrassing.

Make the move, Gallop.

Jets striker Pavicevic emerges through gloomy season

Pavicevic on the way to his first goal in the Hyundai A-League against the Brisbane Roar.

 

The Newcastle Jets 14/15 season could be described as crazy if the club wasn’t owned by the enigma that is Nathan Tinker. In the space of seven months, the Jets managed to sack five players at once, have more mid-season transfers than any other A-League club, border on a Football Australia takeover and last week they officially ran last with a total of 3 wins from 27 games.

Tinkler’s baffling turnaround from wanting to shelve the club to taking a hands on role as an operating Chairman is another story, but if he is serious about turning the club’s fortunes around next season, he’ll quite possible be relying on some home grown talent, and nineteen-year-old Radovan Pavicevic is just that. Well, almost. Surely three years in the club’s junior system is enough time to be called a Novocastrian?

Pavicevic emerged late in the season from three years in the Youth League team to earn his debut with the A-League squad on Saturday January 24^th, 2015. He would complete six starts from the bench before earning his on-field debut in round 21 against Melbourne City.

He went on to play ten games for the season averaging 25 minutes per game. In his second game he scored against Brisbane Roar after coming on 55 minutes into the game.

While many players could be concerned and wary of how the team will be positioned heading into the off-season, Radovan is confident in where the club is going.

“We all want to win, all want to work hard. As a team we want to get the three points every weekend. I know we’ll get it together,” he said.

The energetic striker grew up in Liverpool (NSW) and has traversed an interesting path as a young sportsman. Attending Westfield High Sports School until moving to Newcastle, he played for the Blacktown Spartans Football Club, before having three years with Marconi. The move from junior football to the National Youth League was one that made him realise he had to step up his game if he was going to succeed.

“It was a massive step up from playing Under 18’s with Marconi. I found it tough; I had to work very hard on my game.

“James Pascoe got me into the school [Hunter Sports High] for year 12. My family helped me settle, coaches and staff as well. On top of that you have to learn to live by yourself, you have to do your own washing, and you’ve got to grow up,” said Pavicevic.

The humble and quietly spoken gent has his mind in the right place, neglecting the usual antics of youths his age and focussing on what lays ahead. “I don’t go out that much; I’ve got mates in Sydney that go out almost every weekend. I’m up here for my football, you’ve got to stay focused and that’s just one of them things you’ve got to sacrifice to get where you want.”

After being handed a two-year contract by the Jets this seasons, he will be looking to earn a habitual position in the first team, and is not looking too far ahead.

“I’m moving in the right direction, I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing.

“There’s players there you can learn from, and as a young player that’s what I’m there for, is to look to learn off the older boys.”

“I just want to keep developing at the moment, but for next season I’m definitely looking to cement my spot and become a regular first team player,” he said.

Radovan will play some games in the NPL this winter, before enjoying a break in preparation for the 2015/16 A-League season. The NPL competition was where he had a heavy collision with a field fence last July that saw him have six months out of game. A broken arm that caused swelling around nerves controlling the movement and feeling in his wrist left him unable to return to field until earlier this year.

It was a tough and enduring recovery, made harder by the success the NPL side had by winning the competition. “There’s nothing worse than watching all the boys run around if you’re sitting down injured,” remarked Pavicevic.

“It was a just real slow process. I knew from the start what to expect, taking it one day at a time. It did get frustrating at times, but that’s where my family and all the boys came in to help me get through it.”

Rad showing the aftermath of the broken arm that put him on the sidelines for most of 2014.

The family has played a big role in Radovan’s rise and he is thankful for their ongoing support. Their support that can be summarised by the eight hour car trip to Melbourne they made to watch his on-field debut. “My biggest influence has to be my family. They always put me on the right path, told me to work hard and keep my head down.”

Radovan should have no shortage of inspiration to succeed in his career having spent the early years of his life travelling Europe while his dad competed in Motor Racing.

“Dad was in Formula 3000, which at the time was a step below Formula One.

"It was the best time of my life, being a little kid always around cars, what more do you want. It was good fun. We lived in the U.K, in Nottingham and in Italy, near Venice,” enthused Pavicevic.

Asked whether having seen parts of Europe makes him want to pursue a football career overseas, the reserved Pavicevic expresses his desire but remains focussed on the here and now.

“In the future Europe’s definitely a goal of mine; that’s where the best football is played, that’s where everyone wants to be.

“For now I want to make myself a name at the Jets. Become a regular first team player and develop myself as much as I can,” he detailed.

Despite never having made a junior NSW team, Radovan was able to clinch the Player of the Year award for the Youth League team in 2013/14, a season that saw him score 10 goals in 25 games and would be the form that earned the faith of the club to sign him to a professional contract.

Citing his running and positional play as the biggest elements of his game, Radovan uses those at the very top of the sport to improve his own development.

“I watch a lot of overseas players; you’ve got your Ronaldo’s and Messi’s. You have to study them; you take bits and pieces out of everyone’s game and develop yourself. You watch where they make their runs, watch what they do off the ball, how they make space for themselves. You learn off them, they’re the best in the world for a reason," he said.

Scoring the majority of his goals from inside the box, the striker or winger will be looking to emulate some of the best and step it up again for the A-League’s 11^th season come September. Whilst this season for the Jets wasn’t a successful one, the future looks bright with hard-working and focussed young talents like Radovan Pavicevic in the side. 

All the best, Rad.

Return of Skipper does little to lift Liverpool

Liverpool players left mulling after their dismal loss to Aston Villa.

When word filtered through that Steven Gerrard had been put back into the starting line-up for Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final clash with Aston Villa, fans would have felt a sense of confidence, even relief. No more stuffing around with line-ups, formations or tactics, just the Reds back to doing what they do best, with the skipper leading from front. They would have thought the coach, Brendan Rodgers, had learnt from his mistake of holding back the captain on the bench, the team would be brimming with confidence with their big-game leader back in the middle of the park and a display would be put on full of grit, attack and force.

 

What they got was a performance that had smidgens of the real Liverpool, but was smudged of a weak, tedious and depressing show.

Right from the moment the players left the tunnel you could tell things weren't going to be succinct. Gerrard's face spoke of a player and team lacking confidence; he looked uncomfortable. Was it because of his lack of match time? The occasion? The coach’s instructions? The line-up? The repugnant yellow kit?

The game unfolded with a 30^th minute goal from Philippe Coutinho that put the Reds one-nil up. An important early goal, but this is Liverpool here, who always go goals up, only to let some in just moments later. Typically, Aston Villa hit back through Christian Benteke just six minutes after, locking the scores up at one a piece. Liverpool continued on for the rest of the first half in unassuming fashion; they needed halftime to come, and a change in attitude and tactics.

Rodgers rolled out the changes to both line-up and formation in the second half, but much of the same remained for the rest of the game. Villa’s Fabian Delph put the claret and blue in front with a well-worked strike in the 54th minute. The rest of the second half featured some moments of possibility for Liverpool, but it just wasn’t to be. 

Indeed there was a lack of heart. At times, a lack of desire or will. But there was always a chance though, right till the end.

You were left waiting on the edge of your seat, desperately hoping for one last act from the legend, some Steven Gerrard brilliance. Even the commentator still gave them a chance, noting how Liverpool are notoriously late scorers in big games. Gerrard had his moment in the  92^nd minute with a cross-goal header from Coutinho’s corner. The placement was near perfect, beating the keeper only for a Villa defender to head out it out standing right on the goal line. The chances were there for Liverpool, many will argue of Balotelli’s offside goal but the lack of synergy in their play was the forthright factor in the defeat.

Rodgers at least brought Gerrard on from the start and gave the captain the opportunity to make up for lost time. But some of Rodgers own purchases from the buy up last summer failed to make any real impact. Lovren, Can & Markovic were all poor. Alberto Moreno should never have started, while Mario Balotelli was particularly lazy as usual.

The Liverpool we've seen over the last few months seemed to disappear. The return of Skrtel and Gerrard to the line-up should have bolstered the team, not changed the dynamics. The loss of Lucas Leiva was a huge disappointment, with the Brazilian midfielder missing a chance to play at Wembley again. Daniel Sturridge's absence would have affected the team's faith and confidence right from the time his name was left off the team sheet. The zipping-speed and pestering of Adam Lallana up front could have prevented the "passive" display as Rodgers summarised it.

Aston Villa played for their jersey, for their fans and for themselves. They were full of heart and wanted it more, to put it simply and in colloquial Australian terms, they had a dig. As a fan that is all you hope for in a sporting team, that they turn up on the day and give it their all, with the genuine self-belief they can win the game. Liverpool, unfortunately, did not turn up with that self-belief, and the fans will be brooding over how that can happen being one of the biggest sporting clubs in the world.

But who do you blame for that lack of effort and belief? The coach is responsible for instilling belief in the players, and getting them ready for a game but the players control their own effort and ultimately their destiny when their on the pitch.

Whatever the case, questions will be asked, people will be evaluated and someone will probably be held accountable.

Liverpool: Most important game of the sesaon - AFC Wimbledon.

Steven Gerrard’s decision over the weekend to leave Liverpool Football Club at this season’s Barclays Premier League end, poses a startling scenario for all those involved with the club. Liverpool fans are faced with the end of an era, players are poised to play into the future without their inspirational captain, Coach Brendan Rodgers has the impossible task of replacing a legend, and Gerrard himself will be dealing with ending a 25 year association with his hometown and only club.

Steven Gerrard will say goodbye in 2015

Although having played his entire career with Liverpool, Gerrard’s decision was hardly surprising considering the way this season has played out for the reds. What a difference a year can make, this time last year Liverpool were a top of the Premier League Ladder, flying high on the attacking style employed by Rodgers, led by the season’s player of the year and best striker, Luis Suarez. This season, Gerrard and his men sit in 8^th place on the EPL ladder, having already been knocked of the Champions League in the round stage, and their magical striker is long gone.

Liverpool’s dismal season thus far can ultimately be traced back to Suarez’s extraordinary ‘not again’ moment at the World Cup in Brazil. Leaving the club with no choice but to offload him and pick up a handsome transfer fee when it was there for the taking, the exit of Suarez caused two problems. One, the ultimate loss of one of the world’s best who scored a remarkable 31 goals in season 13/14 from just 33 appearances; and two, the effect on confidence of the players still in the team without their gun striker. Brendan Rodgers bought players who he claimed would become ‘world class’ under his guidance, and made the somewhat panic buy of Mario Balotelli just after the season started.

With limited success on the horizon and the knowledge his best ever chance at winning a premier league – the only title that he hasn’t claimed – was last year, Gerrard has made a decision for himself to leave on a high, still as regular starting player, and as captain. While Gerrard’s commitment to the club for the rest of the season cannot be questioned, the players around him must now lift and ensure the Steven Gerrard Farewell Tour is as successful as it can be. And that starts tomorrow morning Australian time, when Liverpool travel to Kingsmeadow and take on AFC Wimbledon in the Third round of the FA Cup. This is by far and away the most important game of the season thus far for Liverpool, who must now shift their focus to sending out their club legend on a high. With recent measly performances against mediocre sides, Rodgers must send out a strong line up and send a clear message to fans with a dominant performance against ‘The Dons’ in the first game since Gerrard’s announcement. The Reds do not return to Anfield until January 20, when they ironically face Chelsea, who ended their chance of a Premier League title last year when Gerrard ‘let it slip’.

As a Liverpool fan, it’s just so hard not to wonder what would have happened this season if Suarez had of stayed. Would Liverpool be currently on top of the table? Would Gerrard have already been resigned for another year? Would Liverpool again be on the cusp of their first Premier League era title? It’s a case of what ifs; for the team of 13/14 it’s a case of what could have been, for Liverpool as a club it’s a case of what’s next, for the fans it’s the thought and anxiety of what’s to come without their captain of the last 12 years. While time can be spent wondering, in reality it’s the grim realisation of what’s happened and what can’t be changed. The only thing that’s in Liverpool’s control is their commitment to the rest of the season, and with seven FA Cups to their name, surely they must now chase their eighth and help deliver Gerrard’s third to send out their club’s greatest a winner.