12 months of being a Liverpool fan

By Preye Campbell

At a chilly night in Anfield, twelve months ago, history had a special date to mark. A super clash between two heavyweights was enough to whet everyone’s appetites, but the storyline going into an all important second leg encounter was the major talking point. For the Red and Blue Blaugrana giants in F.C Barcelona, it was simply a done deal; passage to the final of the UEFA Champions League was so glaring for everyone to see since they whitewashed their opponents the week before at a thrilling Camp Nou.

For the Kopites, though, it was just a chance to see if anything, just anything can happen. I won’t bore you with the outcome at a packed Anfield as you would have already known the story by now. As was said in that game, corner taken quickly and the rest is history.

It was the tale of every fan of the red half of Merseyside and, if I were a firm believer of fate, that moment ushered in the greatest Liverpool side I have ever seen. From lifting the Champions league to producing commanding displays to being miles ahead of anyone in the English Premier league, would anyone have thought of anything other than success for Jurgen Klopp’s men and lifting the Premier League crown come May?

But, as they say in the footballing culture; This is football, anything can happen. Actually, it happened outside football as Liverpool are in danger of missing out on league success thanks but no thanks to the global coronavirus pandemic.

The virus, as we know it, has taken lives and wrecked nations. Of course, with the level of things, it was only logical to stop footballing activities and focus on a different kind of goal. But now, taking into account that we just may be in this pandemic much longer than expected and with other top leagues in Europe now cancelled, will the 30 year wait for premier league glory truly be over for the Kop?

2020 was-and still is- an important year on every Kopite’s calendar. By now, the premier league trophy could have known its destination and all would have bowed to the new kings of England. It seems that, at the moment, Liverpool’s greatest opponent is Covid-19 and for once, a Mo Salah or Sadio Mane magic may not be enough for victory.
It is upon the England Football Association now to make the ultimate call that will undoubtedly be the most important in Liverpool’s 30 year wait for a league trophy. We can ponder as to the possible permutation of things at present at best, but even as it is, anything can happen.

I do not know if there will be a better night than May 7, I cannot say as well if there will be a worse moment than the unfortunate and sadly pivotal Steven Gerrard slip of 2013. What I can say categorically is that the last twelve months have been exciting and much more on the edge for any Liverpool breathing fan.