“It (Liverpool) is the biggest club I have ever played for. In the Premier League, there is no bigger club than Liverpool.”
Seriously, Danny Boy? Get back in your DeLorean and fly the hell back to the 1980’s. You have left my pint half dry and I’ve barely whet my whistle.
Liverpool are an historical club, no doubt. The hallowed grounds at Anfield is still a legendary place to play, and I get the aura surrounding them. Liverpool are a big name in football, or at least were a big name in football. The club has gone through a dramatic fall from grace in recent years.
Who is relevant are two clubs Sturridge has already played for – Chelsea and Manchester City. It doesn’t get much bigger than them. Chelsea, of course, are coming off a somewhat disappointing league season, but their Champions League victory last season trumps anything Liverpool has accomplished since their 2005 Champions League win. There is of course the three Premier League trophies they’ve won in the past decade, which Liverpool haven’t won – ever. When last they won England’s top footballing prize was 23 years ago.
Manchester City are also a historical club, but without the successes in the past of either Chelsea or Liverpool. They are, however, built currently for winning trophies. Like them or not (most of you will opt for “not”) they have serious talent, rivaling the great teams of Europe. Liverpool are not even on the radar.
Look, I’m not bashing Liverpool. Well, it’s at least not my intent to bash them. I just think it was a stupid move on Sturridge’s part. Doesn’t it sound like he’s patronizing, even though I truly believe it wasn’t his intent? Yes, it’s a good idea to show your appreciation to your new club, but no one honestly thinks Liverpool are the biggest club in England…and I’d venture to guess few would consider them a top four side anymore. Even Liverpool fans can’t honestly feel they are relevant today. Historically, few match up to them and their 18 league trophies (United at 19, Arsenal at 13), but times have changed, and some poor managerial decisions and ownership “issues” have been terribly damaging. I’m sure won day they will get the spark they need, but for now Sturridge is wrong.
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