From a Luis Suarez-inspired season to Champions League glory, this decade in Liverpool’s history has been nothing if not eventful. But what are the moments that really stood out? This article will count down the five moments that defined Liverpool in the past ten years.
Liverpool Top Five Moments of the Decade
5. The Return of The King
Football Utopia. For some, it could mean that elusive promotion and for others Champions League glory. But for former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson, it meant a win at local rivals Everton.
To get a result here would have been Utopia,” said the Liverpool manager to reporters after a derby day defeat. “But I can only analyze the performance. There is no point trying to analyze dreams.”
And indeed, that performance at Everton seemed to encapsulate Hodgson’s time with the Reds. The Toffees outplayed them. Worst of all, Liverpool slumped to 19th after the defeat.
After more embarrassing results (defeats to Wolves and Blackpool) Liverpool sacked Hodgson in early 2011. Liverpool was in a terrible place. But, when no one else wanted the job one man stepped up. His name is Kenny Dalglish.
Nicknamed “the King” by fans, Dalglish is considered as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players and managers. The Glasgow-native won multiple league titles and European cups with the team.
And his return immediately lifted everyone at the club from fans to players – performances dramatically improved. This included impressive wins over Chelsea and Manchester United. Liverpool began to dream again.
All this lead to the King getting the job full-time. But, unfortunately, he was unable to keep the form going into the next season. And despite winning a league cup, Liverpool sacked him.
But his contribution was vital to Liverpool this decade. As everyone else fled, Kenny, healed the club and its many divisions.
That’s why the king is, and will always be, the heart and soul of Liverpool Football Club.
4. 2013/14 Season
It’s one of the craziest seasons in recent memory. With striker Luis Suarez leading the line, Liverpool came desperately close to ending their Premier League drought.
While that season may be ultimately remembered for a Steven Gerrard slip that cost the Reds, there were many moments that made this time unforgettable.
Fans were treated to spectacular football. From Suarez’s super hattrick against Norwich to midfielder Gerrard’s wild celebrations after scoring a last-minute winner.
Unfortunately for the Reds, it all ended in tears – specifically Suarez’s. The Uruguayan was overcome with emotion after Liverpool blew a three-goal lead in a game against Crystal Palace which effectively handed the title to rivals Manchester City.
But for 12 months, fans were allowed to dream of glory that had eluded them for so long. They may have not won the title, but the wild ride of 13/14 was unforgettable.
3. Barcelona Comeback
European nights at Anfield are special. But even Liverpool’s most dedicated supporters had a hard time imagining what might happen in this faithful game.
The Reds were coming into the game down 3-0 on aggregate to Barcelona after the first leg of the Champions League Semi-final and needed a miracle. But, sometimes, miracles do happen.
Buoyed by an exuberant Anfield, the Reds took a one-goal lead into halftime and a quick double from midfielder Gini Wijnaldum after the break levelled the tie. Then, a moment of inspiration.
Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold took a quick corner that Barcelona was unprepared for and striker Divock Origi calmly finished the chance before the Catalans could react. As they lay there stunned Liverpool wildly celebrated.
The celebrations continued well after the final whistle had blown. Liverpool had arguably completed the greatest comeback in European history.
This game was the embodiment of the style, mentality and spirit that manager Jurgen Klopp had instated in the team. This was the culmination of all of his hard work.
2. Champions League Glory
While their crazy semi-final comeback was one for the ages, none of it would matter if Liverpool didn’t win the final against Tottenham Hotspur.
And the Reds were under pressure after being beaten by Real Madrid in the previous year’s Champions League final. A game that saw Mo Salah forced off with an injury.
But the Reds got off to the perfect start this time. Mo Salah calmly converted a penalty in the second minute. Nothing was going to force him off the pitch this time.
The game then became quite drab as Liverpool sat back and defended their lead. Tottenham could find no way past defender Virgil Van Dijk and goalkeeper Alison Becker.
And Liverpool finally sealed the victory in 87th minute when Origi coolly finished into the bottom corner. Fans celebrated wildly as Liverpool had just become six-time European champions.
For Klopp, this victory must have felt particularly sweet. After losing the title by a point and multiple previous finals, some felt that Klopp was football’s nearly man. But, this game proved them wrong; the German has now cemented his place as one of the sport’s best managers.
1. Jurgen Klopp’s Appointment
Top of the league and champions of the world, Liverpool is unrecognizable from the team that Hodgson managed at the beginning of the decade. And the credit for that has to go to Jurgen Klopp.
The German has turned the club around. Before him, they had just finished outside of the top four in the previous season.
But, Klopp made the fans one enormous promise.
“We have to change from doubters to believers. Now,” said the German in an interview with the club’s in-house TV station.
And it’s fair to say that it would be hard to find a doubter now.
Klopp has turned a middling outfit to one of the most feared teams in Europe. And he’s not done yet.
After signing a two-year extension, his work will continue and fans have enormous reason to be optimistic.
Looking Forward
Liverpool’s decade has been an incredible journey. But, one thing is for sure, with Klopp at the helm, fans are in for many more memorable moments.
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