In 2005, Liverpool reappeared on the global stage. The Reds had been a sleeping giant but they burst to life when they took home the Champions League in impossible circumstances. Rafael Benitez arrived and the transformation was immediate, however, winning the Champions League that year was well above our station. In the 4 seasons after Istanbul, Anfield boasted just 1 major honour: the 05/06 FA Cup. Benitez’ squad is not a patch on the current crop. Jürgen Klopp’s side has to succeed where Rafa’s team fell short. Liverpool must win trophies or they risk losing star players.
Liverpool must win trophies or risk another Fernando Torres situation. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
In the 2004/05 season, Liverpool finished 5th in the league. When Jordan Henderson lifted ole’ big ears in Madrid, the Reds had just finished second in the league with 97 points. The gulf in class between our two most recent Champions League winning sides is obvious. With this in mind, we need to use the victory in Madrid as a springboard for future success.
Rafa came close on a number of occasions after Istanbul. The FA cup is a sorry return for what was a great Liverpool side. A Champions League runners up medal in Athens and a second place finish in the 2008-09 Premier League are testament to how close his team game to greatness. These barren years ultimately lead to the sale of Fernando Torres. Jürgen Klopp cannot fall into the same trap.
Manchester City currently hold every domestic trophy Liverpool are vying for. If this current Reds side fail to wrestle even 1 of these cups off their Manchester rivals, it would be a disaster. Anfield needs momentum, we need to be winning trophies every campaign. One season off could prove to be a disaster when Europe’s top clubs come sniffing around our first team.