Liverpool’s second-place finish still feels like a triumph
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Twenty-nine years of pain continues, but for 11 minutes on Sunday, it looked like Liverpool’s wait to win the league title was about to end. Unfortunately, Liverpool had to make due with a second-place finish and record points total for a runner-up.
The 2018-19 season was one of the best to be a Liverpool supporter over the last 29 years. The Reds continually defied odds in the same way the great Manchester United sides under Sir Alex Ferguson did in the 1990s and 2000s.
In fact, it was vintage Liverpool, the likes that hadn’t been seen since the 1980s. It was glorious and, most importantly, fun to watch.
There was the stoppage-time winner against Everton, late goal drama against Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle, and defensive displays that hadn’t been seen since Rafael Benitez’s time at Anfield.
It was truly an exciting year, more so than the last two times Liverpool finished runners-up in 2009 and 2014. There is something special about the team under Jurgen Klopp and with more backing in the transfer market, it feels like Liverpool could finally win the title next season.
Klopp has already shown that given the backing, he can build a winner. June’s Champions League Final against Tottenham Hotspur will be the club’s third European final since he arrived three and a half seasons ago.
This year’s squad was hands down the best he has had at Anfield. The midfield and defence were the strongest it has been and goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s arrival completely turned around what had been a problem position since Pepe Reina left the club.
Alisson kept a league leading 21 clean sheets to win the Golden Gloves award. The Reds conceded a league low 22 times while scoring 89 goals.
Alisson wasn’t the only award winner as Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah shared the Golden Boot award. Centre-back Virgil van Dijk landed the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
The only trophy the Reds lacked was the Premier League title.
The most difficult thing for Klopp and his players to do is repeat this season next term. It won’t be easy, but it feels like both Liverpool and Manchester City could just keep on going winning football matches. They are miles ahead of the competition.
The 2018-19 season will go down as a memorable season for Liverpool. However, their great league performances will be forgotten if they don’t win the Champions League Final.
A Champions League Final win will confirm Liverpool are a powerhouse and it will vindicate the work Klopp has done. A loss to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, and it is likely their great season will be lost to negative memories.
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