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Liverpool v AFCB
Blogger Interview - This is Anfield
Twitter @thisisanfield
CC: You are nearing Liverpool's first Premier League title. Can you imagine what the celebrations will be like in the city when you do get over the line?
TIA: I honestly can’t, unless the coronavirus has struck! It will be an incredible party in the city, making last season’s Champions League celebrations pale into insignificance. We’ve waited 30 years for this, so it will be something special to witness. These players will be heroes forever, assuming Liverpool get over the finish line.
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TIA: In terms of the best possible XI, no. This is an incredible team and there are six or seven players who are among the best in the world in their position. A new creative midfielder is the one player that could potentially improve the team further - Kai Havertz has been linked and is a special talent - but it’s more about signing backup players, such as at left-back. Timo Werner would be a great signing in attack, adding even more competition for places. I think that will happen.
TIA: Good question! I actually loved what he said the other day about the coronavirus, both in terms of playing down it ruining Liverpool’s season, but also stressing the importance of listening to experts rather than him. He is so modest, which is part of his charm, and realises that he is just a great football manager, nothing more.
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CC: Was the unbeaten run becoming a bit of a burden for the club and more of a big deal for
pundits rather than Liverpool's fans?
TIA: I wouldn’t say it was a burden, to be honest, but I think it would’ve been if we’d won the title and still been unbeaten. In a weird way, I am slightly relieved it’s over now, and that it didn’t happen against a rival. Man City ending it, or Arsenal or Chelsea doing us right at the end of the season, would’ve been grim. It was certainly a bigger deal for those looking on from the outside, rather than for Klopp and his players.
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TIA: I don’t think there’s tiredness necessarily setting in, I just think the winter break has completely killed the rhythm of this side. They were flying, then they stopped, went away and haven’t been able to find their previous level. Since returning, the players simply haven’t look as sharp, and Klopp’s system demands perfection. Watford was particularly terrible. I do think the rhythm will come back, but I must admit I’m very worried about the Atletico Madrid game now.
CC: Are Liverpool coping without Jordan Henderson or is he a bigger miss than you might have expected?
TIA: After a slow start to begin with, this has been Henderson’s best season in a Liverpool shirt. He has been outstanding, especially since November. He finally looks like he belongs as Liverpool captain, but he has not only led superbly, his quality has been great through. He remains one of the most underrated players of his generation, in terms of rival supporters still blaming he is ‘average’. Henderson has been a massive loss since getting injured, with his drive and passion make an enormous difference. We need him back ASAP.
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TIA: Disappointing. When he arrived in 2014 I had high hopes for him, but he has flattered to deceive too often. Injuries have certainly played a part, but when he is fit, he looks like he is making things happen but actually isn’t. The constant Cruyff turns are painful, and one goal and assist apiece since May 2017 sums it up. He is a strong leader off the pitch, in fairness, and he has had some good moments this season, but he has definitely underperformed at Liverpool.
CC: Do you expect Harry Wilson to play for Liverpool next season or could he be loaned out again or even sold?
TIA: I don’t think he will be at Liverpool next season. He is a good young player, without question, but he is no longer at the Reds’ level, considering they are arguably the best club side in the world. Liverpool are now in a position where they need really top class backup players and I don’t believe Wilson will ever be that good. I see his future lying at someone like Bournemouth - he would be a really good permanent signing for you, in my opinion.
CC: Which game was the most satisfying of the season so far?
TIA: Leicester away on Boxing Day was the most complete team performance - Liverpool were unbelievable that night, at a time when the Foxes were flying. It was 4-0 and could possibly have been more. The Reds were also great at home to Manchester City, winning 3-1 and comprehensively outplaying the champions at a time when the title race was far closer.
CC: Which three teams do you think will be relegated from the Premier League?
TIA: If I had to put money on it, I would go for Norwich, Aston Villa and West Ham. I like Bournemouth as a club, so I hope you stay up. It will be very tight, though, and I’m afraid you will be in for some nervous afternoons between now and May. I wouldn’t bank on the Cherries staying up, I’m afraid.
CC: What have you made of AFC Bournemouth's season and seeing them struggle even with Harry Wilson and occasionally Dominic Solanke in the side?
TIA: Watching Liverpool achieve such incredible things has dominated things this season, and for the first time ever, I feel like I have switched off a little in terms of knowing exactly how everyone else is doing. From what I’ve seen, though, Bournemouth have just seemed too nice a team at times to play against, rarely being able to win ugly or make life tough for opponents. When I see Bournemouth away in the fixture list, it’s a game that always looks appealing on paper, because Eddie Howe tries to play football and that makes it easier to pick you off. It’s admirable in many ways, but also a bit naive. It just feels like your natural cycle in the top flight is slowly edging towards its conclusion. Sorry. Wilson appears to have faded, when fit, while Solanke looks to have been a bit of a disaster, showing why Klopp was right to sell him.
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CC: How do you think Liverpool will line up against Bournemouth considering you have the
second leg against Atletico Madrid to follow our game?
TIA: I would go for this: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, OxladeChamberlain, Wijnaldum, Salah, Mane, Firmino.
Klopp may have an eye on the Atletico Madrid game, though, so I may be wrong with a couple of selections.
CC: What is your score prediction for Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth?
TIA: I will go for Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth. A return to winning ways, but not always massively convincing.
CC: Some great answers from Henry. I don't think This is Anfield are that worried about losing a couple of games. If they were to slip up against Bournemouth though then we could see some slightly worried faces in the Kop. Jurgen Klopp has a way with dealing with set-back's he just rubs it off his shoulder. But Bournemouth know they'll be up against it at Anfield and that the mighty Liverpool won't be sure about how they will play considering recent results. It could be an interesting first 30 minutes, Bournemouth's task is to spread the contest over 90 minutes.
Look out for my return question and answers on This is Anfield
Previous post on Cherry Chimes - An Audience with Harry Redknapp
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