This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2020/jun/25/liverpool-win-the-premier-league-title-live-reaction

The article has changed 40 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Liverpool are crowned Premier League champions – live reaction! Liverpool are crowned Premier League champions – live reaction!
(32 minutes later)
Rolling report: It’s been a long time coming, but Liverpool have won their first league title in 30 years. Bryan Armen Graham has global reactionRolling report: It’s been a long time coming, but Liverpool have won their first league title in 30 years. Bryan Armen Graham has global reaction
NBA superstar LeBron James, the 35-year-old centerpiece of the Los Angeles Lakers who obtained a 2% stake in Fenway Sports Group back in 2011, was among the first to congratulate Liverpool on today’s long-awaited Premier League title.
At the time, James’s piece of the team was valued at around $6.5m (£5.2). These days it’s reported to be worth at least five times that much.
James, whose Lakers have sat at the top of the Western Conference for most of a NBA season that was postponed in March due to Covid-19, would be the last person to call himself a week-in-week-out Kopite.
But the four-time Most Valuable Player, whom some have said is a better rebounder and passer than Michael Jordan, has been known to surface at Anfield over the years for the prestige fixtures.
The sun is just going down in New York but Reds throughout the city are raging on into the night. Typically the center of the party would be the 11th Street Pub in the East Village, which is the headquarters of the Liverpool FC Supporter’s Club of NYC, in addition to the six other bars across the city LFCNY works with to accommodate overflow crowd. But the coronavirus pandemic mostly left the group’s 750-strong membership, which Wells estimates are half Americans and half expats, watching today’s match separately while keeping in touch via Zoom and WhatsApp.The sun is just going down in New York but Reds throughout the city are raging on into the night. Typically the center of the party would be the 11th Street Pub in the East Village, which is the headquarters of the Liverpool FC Supporter’s Club of NYC, in addition to the six other bars across the city LFCNY works with to accommodate overflow crowd. But the coronavirus pandemic mostly left the group’s 750-strong membership, which Wells estimates are half Americans and half expats, watching today’s match separately while keeping in touch via Zoom and WhatsApp.
“Due to Covid most people watched at home, but a few of our bars with outdoor space were able to host small crowds,” LFCNY president Justin Wells tells the Guardian. “We’re planning some sort of party at 11th Street when it’s safe.”“Due to Covid most people watched at home, but a few of our bars with outdoor space were able to host small crowds,” LFCNY president Justin Wells tells the Guardian. “We’re planning some sort of party at 11th Street when it’s safe.”
David Rose, 46, was among the Liverpool natives who took in Thursday’s long-awaited title clincher a long way from home.David Rose, 46, was among the Liverpool natives who took in Thursday’s long-awaited title clincher a long way from home.
“We were two wins away from glory when the lockdown happened and i’d been planning on being back in Liverpool for what would surely be a homecoming parade with the trophy, which I watched as an almost annual event as a kid stood on Queen’s Drive,” Rose says. “I wanted to see that so bad. Today watching two teams that weren’t mine, on a janky monitor in my sweaty back room, on the other side of the world, and with only a Stella to keep me company ... I think it was the greatest league victory of them all. Liverpool or Brownsville – It feels like the greatest thing that could happen has happened, and a virus can’t take that away. You see, there’s this lad from Liverpool called Trent, and he’s only gone and got himself a Premier League champion’s medal.”“We were two wins away from glory when the lockdown happened and i’d been planning on being back in Liverpool for what would surely be a homecoming parade with the trophy, which I watched as an almost annual event as a kid stood on Queen’s Drive,” Rose says. “I wanted to see that so bad. Today watching two teams that weren’t mine, on a janky monitor in my sweaty back room, on the other side of the world, and with only a Stella to keep me company ... I think it was the greatest league victory of them all. Liverpool or Brownsville – It feels like the greatest thing that could happen has happened, and a virus can’t take that away. You see, there’s this lad from Liverpool called Trent, and he’s only gone and got himself a Premier League champion’s medal.”
Liverpool’s dominant season in chart form:Liverpool’s dominant season in chart form:
It’s 1am in the UK, and I suspect/hope the Liverpool players are very, very drunk. I’m going to hand over to Bryan Armen Graham in the US. Thanks for your company and emails on an iconic date in English football history. In 1990, you’d have got seriously long odds on Liverpool winning their next title on 25 June 2020.It’s 1am in the UK, and I suspect/hope the Liverpool players are very, very drunk. I’m going to hand over to Bryan Armen Graham in the US. Thanks for your company and emails on an iconic date in English football history. In 1990, you’d have got seriously long odds on Liverpool winning their next title on 25 June 2020.
You’ll all have your favourite memory of the season. There were many more spectacular moments, but I still think this second goal exemplifies the exhilarating brilliance and leadpipe cruelty of this Liverpool side.You’ll all have your favourite memory of the season. There were many more spectacular moments, but I still think this second goal exemplifies the exhilarating brilliance and leadpipe cruelty of this Liverpool side.
A bit more from the wiresA bit more from the wires
Steven Gerrard hailed Liverpool’s “incredible achievement” in being crowned champions for the first time in the Premier League era.Steven Gerrard hailed Liverpool’s “incredible achievement” in being crowned champions for the first time in the Premier League era.
The Reds were handed the crown on Thursday night as Manchester City’s loss to Chelsea left them 23 points behind the leaders with seven games left to play.The Reds were handed the crown on Thursday night as Manchester City’s loss to Chelsea left them 23 points behind the leaders with seven games left to play.
Among those marking the achievement was former skipper Gerrard, who won two FA Cups and a Champions League with the club but never claimed a league title.Among those marking the achievement was former skipper Gerrard, who won two FA Cups and a Champions League with the club but never claimed a league title.
Gerrard, now manager of Rangers, wrote on Instagram: “Congratulations to all liverpoolfc on winning the premier league. Incredible achievement from a fantastic squad of top players.Gerrard, now manager of Rangers, wrote on Instagram: “Congratulations to all liverpoolfc on winning the premier league. Incredible achievement from a fantastic squad of top players.
“Lead by a world class manager and coaching team also a special mention for the backing from FSG. And lastly and most importantly the fans who have waited 30 years. Let the party begin.”“Lead by a world class manager and coaching team also a special mention for the backing from FSG. And lastly and most importantly the fans who have waited 30 years. Let the party begin.”
One of Gerrard’s former team-mates, Michael Owen, tweeted: “Congratulations LFC What an unbelievable season and the best team by a mile!”One of Gerrard’s former team-mates, Michael Owen, tweeted: “Congratulations LFC What an unbelievable season and the best team by a mile!”
Liverpool’s current players were also tweeting as they watched events unfold at Stamford Bridge, as footage circulated around social media which appeared to show many of them watching the game together.Liverpool’s current players were also tweeting as they watched events unfold at Stamford Bridge, as footage circulated around social media which appeared to show many of them watching the game together.
Full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold wrote on Twitter: “Championssss!!!!”Full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold wrote on Twitter: “Championssss!!!!”
Midfielder James Milner wrote: “30 years Reds! Let’s enjoy it! Honoured to be part of this team & this club”Midfielder James Milner wrote: “30 years Reds! Let’s enjoy it! Honoured to be part of this team & this club”
Referencing those who died in the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, defender Dejan Lovren wrote: “96 - Dream came true”Referencing those who died in the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, defender Dejan Lovren wrote: “96 - Dream came true”
And posting a screenshot from his phone showing four missed calls from Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson joked: “Wonder what he wants”And posting a screenshot from his phone showing four missed calls from Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson joked: “Wonder what he wants”
Luis Garcia, a Champions League winner with the Reds in 2005, tweeted: “Congratulations to LFC!! What a fantastic achievement.Luis Garcia, a Champions League winner with the Reds in 2005, tweeted: “Congratulations to LFC!! What a fantastic achievement.
“Congrats to all the players, staff and board member. I’m not forgetting the Supporters. Enjoy the moment, it’s been a long time but finally is here !!”“Congrats to all the players, staff and board member. I’m not forgetting the Supporters. Enjoy the moment, it’s been a long time but finally is here !!”
Another member of that Champions League winning team, Djimi Traore, wrote: “Congratulations to LFC for winning premier league 2019-20. Well deserve trophy for klopp and his team.fantastic achievement for LFC YNWA”Another member of that Champions League winning team, Djimi Traore, wrote: “Congratulations to LFC for winning premier league 2019-20. Well deserve trophy for klopp and his team.fantastic achievement for LFC YNWA”
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge posted a video of himself celebrating with an inflatable trophy. Aldridge, who won the league with the Reds in 1987-88, tweeted: “What a wonderful feeling for all LFC fans across the globe!Love it,Absolutely smashed the league to bits”Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge posted a video of himself celebrating with an inflatable trophy. Aldridge, who won the league with the Reds in 1987-88, tweeted: “What a wonderful feeling for all LFC fans across the globe!Love it,Absolutely smashed the league to bits”
Another past Liverpool striker, Fernando Torres, wrote: “Huge congrats to everyone at LFC on winning the premierleague. Unbelievable squad, magnificent manager, great staff but above all my sincere congrats to every single LFC supporter. You’ve been waiting so long and finally that desired trophy is yours. Very well deservedYNWA”Another past Liverpool striker, Fernando Torres, wrote: “Huge congrats to everyone at LFC on winning the premierleague. Unbelievable squad, magnificent manager, great staff but above all my sincere congrats to every single LFC supporter. You’ve been waiting so long and finally that desired trophy is yours. Very well deservedYNWA”
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina wrote: “CHAMPIONS!! Congratulations LFC!! Award more than deserved after an excellent season. 30 years later Today I feel more than proud of having belonged to this great club”Former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina wrote: “CHAMPIONS!! Congratulations LFC!! Award more than deserved after an excellent season. 30 years later Today I feel more than proud of having belonged to this great club”
Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans tweeted: “Well deserved congrats to jurgen. and the team a great finish we have Waited a long time for this a great team effort from the manager the team and lots of people behind the scenes and of course our brilliant fans. To you all YNWA”Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans tweeted: “Well deserved congrats to jurgen. and the team a great finish we have Waited a long time for this a great team effort from the manager the team and lots of people behind the scenes and of course our brilliant fans. To you all YNWA”
From the news wiresFrom the news wires
Liverpool and Manchester City have set the benchmark for the rest of the Premier League to follow, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said after masterminding the 2-1 win over City that handed the Reds their first league title in 30 years on Thursday.Liverpool and Manchester City have set the benchmark for the rest of the Premier League to follow, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said after masterminding the 2-1 win over City that handed the Reds their first league title in 30 years on Thursday.
Lampard, who won three Premier League titles as a player at Chelsea, congratulated Liverpool in a news conference and said it was up to other clubs to match them and Pep Guardiola’s City.Lampard, who won three Premier League titles as a player at Chelsea, congratulated Liverpool in a news conference and said it was up to other clubs to match them and Pep Guardiola’s City.
“I think for the last three seasons, themselves (Liverpool) and City have been out on their own pretty much, and that’s a lot of work,” he said.“I think for the last three seasons, themselves (Liverpool) and City have been out on their own pretty much, and that’s a lot of work,” he said.
“It’s a gap that we want to try and breach, we want to move up towards - they are two of the best teams in the world. Again, credit to Liverpool for what they’ve done,” Lampard added.“It’s a gap that we want to try and breach, we want to move up towards - they are two of the best teams in the world. Again, credit to Liverpool for what they’ve done,” Lampard added.
I’ve been thinking a lot about two people tonight, my colleagues Gregg Bakowski and Scott Murray. Two of the finer blokes and journalists you’ll ever meet, who had to put up with me luxuriating in Manchester United’s title wins of the 2000s, so it’s lovely to see Gregg’s name pop up in my inbox:I’ve been thinking a lot about two people tonight, my colleagues Gregg Bakowski and Scott Murray. Two of the finer blokes and journalists you’ll ever meet, who had to put up with me luxuriating in Manchester United’s title wins of the 2000s, so it’s lovely to see Gregg’s name pop up in my inbox:
A reminder that, though comments aren’t open on this blog, you can have your say below the line on Barney Ronay’s brilliant tribute to the champions.A reminder that, though comments aren’t open on this blog, you can have your say below the line on Barney Ronay’s brilliant tribute to the champions.
“Hey Rob,” says Tony Barr. “Moved to England from Glasgow in 1977 when my dad needed a job. Who else was I going to support but the new team of my boyhood hero? Things were easy and fun for many years, but Heysel and Hillsborough proved an uncomfortable background to my coming of age. “I don’t need to tell you about the intervening 30 years, but I will say that it’s not just the fact we’ve won the league, but the manner in which it’s been done that moves me to write. The character of the manager and the team and their perfect relationship with their home city is something you can’t manufacture. Not least of all the stories that make up the success. That Andy Robertson retweet never fails to get me filling up. “I’ve got plenty to do tomorrow but I’m not done reading and watching the highlights yet.” Yeah, that’s a very good point. The background of the players is interesting, and the clubs from which they were signed: Southampton, Roma, Schalke, Newcastle, Monaco, Charlton, Hull, Hoffenheim, Lille, Stoke, Leipzig. They became superstars together. I’m no Liverpool fan but you’d have to be a bit odd not to find them thoroughly admirable.“Hey Rob,” says Tony Barr. “Moved to England from Glasgow in 1977 when my dad needed a job. Who else was I going to support but the new team of my boyhood hero? Things were easy and fun for many years, but Heysel and Hillsborough proved an uncomfortable background to my coming of age. “I don’t need to tell you about the intervening 30 years, but I will say that it’s not just the fact we’ve won the league, but the manner in which it’s been done that moves me to write. The character of the manager and the team and their perfect relationship with their home city is something you can’t manufacture. Not least of all the stories that make up the success. That Andy Robertson retweet never fails to get me filling up. “I’ve got plenty to do tomorrow but I’m not done reading and watching the highlights yet.” Yeah, that’s a very good point. The background of the players is interesting, and the clubs from which they were signed: Southampton, Roma, Schalke, Newcastle, Monaco, Charlton, Hull, Hoffenheim, Lille, Stoke, Leipzig. They became superstars together. I’m no Liverpool fan but you’d have to be a bit odd not to find them thoroughly admirable.
“I used to live Liverpool’s victories from the late seventies through the eighties with my brother and it defined our childhood,” says Ian Copestake. “But life brings amazing changes and I am glad this comes in a different time because it is just as sweet and I have so many other people to share it with including the best Guardian MBMers and MBMees!”“I used to live Liverpool’s victories from the late seventies through the eighties with my brother and it defined our childhood,” says Ian Copestake. “But life brings amazing changes and I am glad this comes in a different time because it is just as sweet and I have so many other people to share it with including the best Guardian MBMers and MBMees!”
We should all meet up sometime. I’ll be on the Kerguelen Islands for the next few years if you’re passing that way.We should all meet up sometime. I’ll be on the Kerguelen Islands for the next few years if you’re passing that way.
In the 13 years up to May 2019, Liverpool won only one trophy, the Carling Cup or whatever it was called in 2011-12.In the 13 years up to May 2019, Liverpool won only one trophy, the Carling Cup or whatever it was called in 2011-12.
In the last 13 months, they’ve won the Champions League, the Super Club, the World Club Cup and now the Premier League.In the last 13 months, they’ve won the Champions League, the Super Club, the World Club Cup and now the Premier League.
“Hi Rob,” says Chris Kempshall. “So I was only six years old in 1990. I understood the nature/existence of football and having watched a Liverpool game previously and been amazed by John Barnes (my hero before I understood heroes) I was a fan, but I didn’t really understand. I watched the VHS of the 89/90 season to death but going through the school years as Liverpool withered away was not a great deal of fun.“Hi Rob,” says Chris Kempshall. “So I was only six years old in 1990. I understood the nature/existence of football and having watched a Liverpool game previously and been amazed by John Barnes (my hero before I understood heroes) I was a fan, but I didn’t really understand. I watched the VHS of the 89/90 season to death but going through the school years as Liverpool withered away was not a great deal of fun.
“Looking back on it tonight, it’s amazing just how long it all feels. We’ve had more complete collapses and rebuilds than title challenges. After the 2013/14 season I did genuinely wonder if it was ever going to happen. Tonight is, therefore, something I’ve basically waited my whole life for. Those 30 years did not fly by...”“Looking back on it tonight, it’s amazing just how long it all feels. We’ve had more complete collapses and rebuilds than title challenges. After the 2013/14 season I did genuinely wonder if it was ever going to happen. Tonight is, therefore, something I’ve basically waited my whole life for. Those 30 years did not fly by...”
InterludeInterlude
“Hi Rob,” says Peter Oh. “I don’t know anything about Rockstar by Dababy ft. Roddy Ricch but this is the tune that I’ll remember this day by.”“Hi Rob,” says Peter Oh. “I don’t know anything about Rockstar by Dababy ft. Roddy Ricch but this is the tune that I’ll remember this day by.”
Andy Hunter has a round-up of the reaction to Liverpool’s triumph, including Jurgen Klopp’s emotional interviewAndy Hunter has a round-up of the reaction to Liverpool’s triumph, including Jurgen Klopp’s emotional interview
“I was nineteen back in 1990: fresh-faced and carefree,” says Madge Stapleton. “Never did l think l’d have to wait thirty years to see success again. I have fifteen red shirts (and one yellow David James one) to remind me of the heartache and the near misses and the absolute despair at times. None of it matters now. Klopp is crying, Virg is dancing and I’m nineteen (19!) again.”“I was nineteen back in 1990: fresh-faced and carefree,” says Madge Stapleton. “Never did l think l’d have to wait thirty years to see success again. I have fifteen red shirts (and one yellow David James one) to remind me of the heartache and the near misses and the absolute despair at times. None of it matters now. Klopp is crying, Virg is dancing and I’m nineteen (19!) again.”
And Jack Charlton’s Ireland are in the World Cup quarter-finals!And Jack Charlton’s Ireland are in the World Cup quarter-finals!
Liverpool clinched the title because of Manchester City’s eighth league defeat of the season. That’s a scandal for a team of their quality, and Pep Guardiola surely won’t let it happen next season.Liverpool clinched the title because of Manchester City’s eighth league defeat of the season. That’s a scandal for a team of their quality, and Pep Guardiola surely won’t let it happen next season.
“It’s mad how few near misses we’ve had over 30 years,” says Niall Mullen. “1990-91, when we started like a train, is often forgotten, I guess because it happened before modern football. But between losing at home to Coventry in 1997 and Andrei Arshavin scoring four in 2009 we never really got close. 2014 was a bit of an aberration, like the time the beautiful girl goes out with you for a few months before coming to her senses. It’s almost an achievement to have been out of contention for so long.”“It’s mad how few near misses we’ve had over 30 years,” says Niall Mullen. “1990-91, when we started like a train, is often forgotten, I guess because it happened before modern football. But between losing at home to Coventry in 1997 and Andrei Arshavin scoring four in 2009 we never really got close. 2014 was a bit of an aberration, like the time the beautiful girl goes out with you for a few months before coming to her senses. It’s almost an achievement to have been out of contention for so long.”
There’s a bit of a police presence at Anfield, though it doesn’t sound like they are doing much. That particular horse has long since done one.There’s a bit of a police presence at Anfield, though it doesn’t sound like they are doing much. That particular horse has long since done one.
The evening’s burning question has finally been answeredThe evening’s burning question has finally been answered
“Got the crisps,” says Ian Copestake.“Got the crisps,” says Ian Copestake.
Here’s Barney Ronay on Liverpool’s title triumphHere’s Barney Ronay on Liverpool’s title triumph
“I wonder,” says Simon McMahon, “if anyone will remember that Rockstar by Dababy ft. Roddy Ricch was No.1 this week when Liverpool win the league again in 2050...”“I wonder,” says Simon McMahon, “if anyone will remember that Rockstar by Dababy ft. Roddy Ricch was No.1 this week when Liverpool win the league again in 2050...”
“Hi Rob,” says Jan Krcmar. “I’m ‘celebrating’ at home in Prague, while my wife and kids are asleep. I had plans to travel to Liverpool for the original title parade and I waited so ridiculously long to actually book the plane tickets, because I thought I would jinx it. I originally said, I’d buy the tickets after the City game, then after the Leicester game and I waited until the end of January to buy them and then... oh, well. Sorry, I now have to go and wake up our six-year-old son and tell him the news.”“Hi Rob,” says Jan Krcmar. “I’m ‘celebrating’ at home in Prague, while my wife and kids are asleep. I had plans to travel to Liverpool for the original title parade and I waited so ridiculously long to actually book the plane tickets, because I thought I would jinx it. I originally said, I’d buy the tickets after the City game, then after the Leicester game and I waited until the end of January to buy them and then... oh, well. Sorry, I now have to go and wake up our six-year-old son and tell him the news.”
This is Liverpool’s Premier League record since the start of last season (spoiler: it’s astonishing)This is Liverpool’s Premier League record since the start of last season (spoiler: it’s astonishing)
P69 W58 D9 L2 F159 A43 Pts 183P69 W58 D9 L2 F159 A43 Pts 183
That’s an average of 101 points in a 38-game season, and they’ve done it across the best part of two seasons.That’s an average of 101 points in a 38-game season, and they’ve done it across the best part of two seasons.
“Evening Rob,” says Paul Spencer. “I’ve been a Liverpool fan since the ‘74 season. I’ve seen a lot, good and bad, but this one hits me in the soul. I was doing a pretty good ‘stoic old man’ impression until Jurgen started crying, but that left me sobbing like a baby. It’s mid-afternoon on the west coast of America (home now, at least for a while). I’m going to step out and lose my mind now. I may be gone for some time.”“Evening Rob,” says Paul Spencer. “I’ve been a Liverpool fan since the ‘74 season. I’ve seen a lot, good and bad, but this one hits me in the soul. I was doing a pretty good ‘stoic old man’ impression until Jurgen started crying, but that left me sobbing like a baby. It’s mid-afternoon on the west coast of America (home now, at least for a while). I’m going to step out and lose my mind now. I may be gone for some time.”
I’m just catching up with Jurgen Klopp’s interview on Sky Sports. Bless him, he couldn’t control the tears and ended up walking away.I’m just catching up with Jurgen Klopp’s interview on Sky Sports. Bless him, he couldn’t control the tears and ended up walking away.
The near misses of the last 30 years don’t matter any more. David James’ PlayStation odyssey; Rafa Benitez’s presentation; Steven Gerrard’s slip. They’re all part of the backstory now.The near misses of the last 30 years don’t matter any more. David James’ PlayStation odyssey; Rafa Benitez’s presentation; Steven Gerrard’s slip. They’re all part of the backstory now.
“Hello Rob,” says Samuel Hewetson. “I’m not an ardent football fan, but am cheering along with the loudest of them tonight. My grandfather Richard lived and breathed Liverpool FC. He watched every match, every season, religiously. Since 1990 he had been hoping for today’s win. Sadly he passed away last year, and never got to witness the club being crowned champions again. This is a huge cathartic moment for our family; we can now celebrate for him.”“Hello Rob,” says Samuel Hewetson. “I’m not an ardent football fan, but am cheering along with the loudest of them tonight. My grandfather Richard lived and breathed Liverpool FC. He watched every match, every season, religiously. Since 1990 he had been hoping for today’s win. Sadly he passed away last year, and never got to witness the club being crowned champions again. This is a huge cathartic moment for our family; we can now celebrate for him.”
There’s a helluva party going on at Anfield, with thousands of fans congregating outside the ground. It’s like Bournemouth beach over there.There’s a helluva party going on at Anfield, with thousands of fans congregating outside the ground. It’s like Bournemouth beach over there.
“Evening, Rob,” says Phil Sawyer. “I haven’t dared do anything except dip in fleetingly to the MBM tonight, the last week, this season actually, for fear of jinxing. The likes of Matt Dony are more resilient than me. Being old enough to name Steve Heighway as my first hero as a nipper, it’s been so long this truly started to seem like the impossible dream.“Evening, Rob,” says Phil Sawyer. “I haven’t dared do anything except dip in fleetingly to the MBM tonight, the last week, this season actually, for fear of jinxing. The likes of Matt Dony are more resilient than me. Being old enough to name Steve Heighway as my first hero as a nipper, it’s been so long this truly started to seem like the impossible dream.
“There will be a lot written tonight, and in the coming days, about Klopp, and rightly so. But FSG deserve praise as well. They haven’t got everything right, even quite recently, but they’ve been able to admit when they’ve made mistakes and put them right, and crucially they had a plan that was always centred around recruiting Klopp, they’ve put the infrastructure and the funds in place to back him, and remembering the night I found myself chatting to fellow Reds BTL on some obscure regional paper site in the States as Hicks and Gillett made a last desperate attempt to keep hold of the club, tonight seemed like an impossible dream back then.“There will be a lot written tonight, and in the coming days, about Klopp, and rightly so. But FSG deserve praise as well. They haven’t got everything right, even quite recently, but they’ve been able to admit when they’ve made mistakes and put them right, and crucially they had a plan that was always centred around recruiting Klopp, they’ve put the infrastructure and the funds in place to back him, and remembering the night I found myself chatting to fellow Reds BTL on some obscure regional paper site in the States as Hicks and Gillett made a last desperate attempt to keep hold of the club, tonight seemed like an impossible dream back then.
“Having said all that, it’s mainly about Klopp. I shall now get very drunk and pass out to have some entertainingly erotic dreams about him.”“Having said all that, it’s mainly about Klopp. I shall now get very drunk and pass out to have some entertainingly erotic dreams about him.”
“It’s been more than a 30-year wait for me,” says Robert Tyler. “Liverpool have been my team since 1971, when four-year-old me felt sorry for them when Charlie George scored in the FA CUp Final. I got to enjoy a few years of triumphs, but we moved to the States in the summer of 77 and I’ve been here ever since. Without the internet and no coverage of football in the USA, I completely missed out on the glory of the 80s, including the last title in the 90s. So this is my first league title in 43 years. Not sure how to even process this.”“It’s been more than a 30-year wait for me,” says Robert Tyler. “Liverpool have been my team since 1971, when four-year-old me felt sorry for them when Charlie George scored in the FA CUp Final. I got to enjoy a few years of triumphs, but we moved to the States in the summer of 77 and I’ve been here ever since. Without the internet and no coverage of football in the USA, I completely missed out on the glory of the 80s, including the last title in the 90s. So this is my first league title in 43 years. Not sure how to even process this.”
I wouldn’t bother trying, at least not for the first week.I wouldn’t bother trying, at least not for the first week.
“Hey Rob,” says Oskar Kostecki. “Tearing up at work in NYC right now. So proud of the whole team for the quality, focus and dedication shown these past few seasons. The never-say-die attitude and the refusal to give up is truly inspirational. Special shout-out to Andy Robertson, who for me is such an embodiment of this team, and so happy for all his achievements these past few years!”“Hey Rob,” says Oskar Kostecki. “Tearing up at work in NYC right now. So proud of the whole team for the quality, focus and dedication shown these past few seasons. The never-say-die attitude and the refusal to give up is truly inspirational. Special shout-out to Andy Robertson, who for me is such an embodiment of this team, and so happy for all his achievements these past few years!”
And here’s Jordan Henderson...And here’s Jordan Henderson...
“Who’s having that, by the way... Am I on live? [Where are you all, then?] We’re not in the house. I don’t think I can give the location in case loads of people turn up. [I could swear that’s Barnard Castle in the background.] It’s an amazing feeling, you know. I haven’t wanted to speak about it for a long time. You keep trying to get us to talk about but I didn’t want to. Now we’ve finally done it and it’s an amazing feeling.“Who’s having that, by the way... Am I on live? [Where are you all, then?] We’re not in the house. I don’t think I can give the location in case loads of people turn up. [I could swear that’s Barnard Castle in the background.] It’s an amazing feeling, you know. I haven’t wanted to speak about it for a long time. You keep trying to get us to talk about but I didn’t want to. Now we’ve finally done it and it’s an amazing feeling.
“It’s so special to be a part of this football team. This wouldn’t be possible without the manager. I hope we stay hungry...”“It’s so special to be a part of this football team. This wouldn’t be possible without the manager. I hope we stay hungry...”
Sorry, I can’t concentrate on the interview because a load of Facetime Contact Requests keep popping up on the interview screen. Bwip! Bwip! Bwip!Sorry, I can’t concentrate on the interview because a load of Facetime Contact Requests keep popping up on the interview screen. Bwip! Bwip! Bwip!
“When we had the lockdown that changed a bit, because I had more time to think. You’ve got to stay focused, stay positive and pray that you get to the finish the season off. It’s great to get over the line and finally win the Premier League.”“When we had the lockdown that changed a bit, because I had more time to think. You’ve got to stay focused, stay positive and pray that you get to the finish the season off. It’s great to get over the line and finally win the Premier League.”
Here’s Virgil van Dijk, the man whose signing made it all possibleHere’s Virgil van Dijk, the man whose signing made it all possible
“Unbelievable. What a season so far. Incredible, incredible, to be part of this group of players. I’m very proud to call myself a Premier League winner. I don’t watch too many games but tonight’s felt like it was taking ages. I haven’t been that nervous in a while. We’re all proud of each other; I can’t really describe the feeling.”“Unbelievable. What a season so far. Incredible, incredible, to be part of this group of players. I’m very proud to call myself a Premier League winner. I don’t watch too many games but tonight’s felt like it was taking ages. I haven’t been that nervous in a while. We’re all proud of each other; I can’t really describe the feeling.”
And with that, the entire team charge into shot, drown him in champagne and start singing ‘Championes!’. So they are celebrating together after all.And with that, the entire team charge into shot, drown him in champagne and start singing ‘Championes!’. So they are celebrating together after all.
“This year, we have taken it to a different level. We have been so consistent, we have been doing so well in different parts of game - whether we have to dig deep or win comfortably. It’s a fantastic feeling.”“This year, we have taken it to a different level. We have been so consistent, we have been doing so well in different parts of game - whether we have to dig deep or win comfortably. It’s a fantastic feeling.”
From the news wiresFrom the news wires
“Liverpool’s principal owner John W Henry paid tribute to the team’s ‘magnificent achievement’.“Liverpool’s principal owner John W Henry paid tribute to the team’s ‘magnificent achievement’.
“‘This was a season for the ages and for the faithful of Liverpool Football Club,’ the American, head of Fenway Sports Group, tweeted.“‘This was a season for the ages and for the faithful of Liverpool Football Club,’ the American, head of Fenway Sports Group, tweeted.
“‘It has been an incredible year of magnificent achievement culminating tonight in capturing the Premier League title.“‘It has been an incredible year of magnificent achievement culminating tonight in capturing the Premier League title.
“‘This in addition to winning a European championship, a Super Cup and a world championship - the totality of this accomplishment has brought respite and joy to so many in a year filled with so much tragedy.“‘This in addition to winning a European championship, a Super Cup and a world championship - the totality of this accomplishment has brought respite and joy to so many in a year filled with so much tragedy.
“‘LFC has made the beautiful game more beautiful than ever.“‘LFC has made the beautiful game more beautiful than ever.
“It is said, ‘We are Liverpool’. You, the supporters are Liverpool in every sense and you continue to drive the club forward - a historic club making history once again.”“It is said, ‘We are Liverpool’. You, the supporters are Liverpool in every sense and you continue to drive the club forward - a historic club making history once again.”
“I’m enjoying tonight with a bottle of whisky,” says Matt Dony, “and I will continue to do so until one of us is drunk. By the other one. (Joke c/o John Finnemore.) All jokes aside, this is magnificent. Realistically, other titles could potentially come, but this season seems unrepeatable. The team have been better than any of us could have imagined. Everything has come together. Pick any adjective, and it’s still an understatement.“I’m enjoying tonight with a bottle of whisky,” says Matt Dony, “and I will continue to do so until one of us is drunk. By the other one. (Joke c/o John Finnemore.) All jokes aside, this is magnificent. Realistically, other titles could potentially come, but this season seems unrepeatable. The team have been better than any of us could have imagined. Everything has come together. Pick any adjective, and it’s still an understatement.
“Klopp could not have fit in better. It’s a cliche that some people just ‘get’ clubs, but something about the Klopp/Liverpool connection just seems magical. Every player has contributed. It’s an amazing time to be a Liverpool fan. We’ve had some troughs to get to this peak, but my word, what a peak. Seven games to spare. Seven games out of 38. It barely makes sense. Nothing makes sense anymore. Staggered.”“Klopp could not have fit in better. It’s a cliche that some people just ‘get’ clubs, but something about the Klopp/Liverpool connection just seems magical. Every player has contributed. It’s an amazing time to be a Liverpool fan. We’ve had some troughs to get to this peak, but my word, what a peak. Seven games to spare. Seven games out of 38. It barely makes sense. Nothing makes sense anymore. Staggered.”
And staggering, in a couple of hours’ time. Congratulations to you and all our Liverpool MBM correspondents. After 30 years, don’t you dare remember this night.And staggering, in a couple of hours’ time. Congratulations to you and all our Liverpool MBM correspondents. After 30 years, don’t you dare remember this night.
Still no Jurgen Klopp, but here’s Pep GuardiolaStill no Jurgen Klopp, but here’s Pep Guardiola
“Big congratulations to Liverpool for this great season and the title they won. We have a lot to play for this season but of course we will try to be close to Liverpool next season. We were not consistent like the previous season. They had incredible focus and played every game like it was the last game. In the beginning we didn’t play that way. We cannot forget that we are second in the league so we are still better than a lot of teams.”“Big congratulations to Liverpool for this great season and the title they won. We have a lot to play for this season but of course we will try to be close to Liverpool next season. We were not consistent like the previous season. They had incredible focus and played every game like it was the last game. In the beginning we didn’t play that way. We cannot forget that we are second in the league so we are still better than a lot of teams.”
Jurgen Klopp is on BT Sport... and his sound isn’t working! Ach.Jurgen Klopp is on BT Sport... and his sound isn’t working! Ach.
Here’s a special video on how Jurgen Klopp turned Liverpool into the best team in the world - and England.Here’s a special video on how Jurgen Klopp turned Liverpool into the best team in the world - and England.
“Evening Rob,” says Gerry Scott. “When was the last time the Championship was won by such a fun team? Even Pep’s City in their pomp attract something closer than awe than affection. Whatever this Liverpool team goes on to I think they will be remembered fondly by a lot of people.”“Evening Rob,” says Gerry Scott. “When was the last time the Championship was won by such a fun team? Even Pep’s City in their pomp attract something closer than awe than affection. Whatever this Liverpool team goes on to I think they will be remembered fondly by a lot of people.”
Plenty will prefer City, but I know exactly what you mean. They remind me the most, especially in their tempo and defiant spirit, of a team that probably shouldn’t be mentioned on a Liverpool celebration blog.Plenty will prefer City, but I know exactly what you mean. They remind me the most, especially in their tempo and defiant spirit, of a team that probably shouldn’t be mentioned on a Liverpool celebration blog.
“Hi Rob!” says Annabelle Garnett. “We did it. I am just so proud and happy with their emphatic win. I am sitting here in my lounge in New Zealand wondering how inappropriate it would be to have a drink at 9.30 in the morning. Go Liverpool. Here’s to you, from over here.”“Hi Rob!” says Annabelle Garnett. “We did it. I am just so proud and happy with their emphatic win. I am sitting here in my lounge in New Zealand wondering how inappropriate it would be to have a drink at 9.30 in the morning. Go Liverpool. Here’s to you, from over here.”
Given the experiences of the average New Zealand sports fan in the last 12 months, I reckon you’ve earned a special brunch.Given the experiences of the average New Zealand sports fan in the last 12 months, I reckon you’ve earned a special brunch.
Thanks for all your emails. There’s a lot going on,Thanks for all your emails. There’s a lot going on,
and my flight to the Kerguelen Islands leaves in 20 minutes,and my flight to the Kerguelen Islands leaves in 20 minutes,
but I’ll try to publish a few of them. You can also have your say below the line on Andy Hunter’s news story. but I’ll try to publish a few of them. You can also have your say below the line on Andy Hunter’s news story.
More from Sir Kenny Dalglish and his phoneMore from Sir Kenny Dalglish and his phone
“The dressing-room is the same PING! as it was [in 1990]. There’s no arrogance, there’s no Jack-the-lads. They’re all very humane lads. You hear stories about them going in for petrol and paying PING! PING! for everybody’s petrol in the station. They buy people food. They seem to be very PING! human beings, and by the way, as well as being successful, it makes them good lads.“The dressing-room is the same PING! as it was [in 1990]. There’s no arrogance, there’s no Jack-the-lads. They’re all very humane lads. You hear stories about them going in for petrol and paying PING! PING! for everybody’s petrol in the station. They buy people food. They seem to be very PING! human beings, and by the way, as well as being successful, it makes them good lads.
[How will you celebrate?][How will you celebrate?]
“Well, I remember Bob Paisley saying once, after the European Cup win in Rome, that he never had the drink because he wanted to remember the occasion. He got drunk on the atmosphere. Bob [raises a champagne flute and breaks into a jaunty smile], I never took your advice, I’m sorry!”“Well, I remember Bob Paisley saying once, after the European Cup win in Rome, that he never had the drink because he wanted to remember the occasion. He got drunk on the atmosphere. Bob [raises a champagne flute and breaks into a jaunty smile], I never took your advice, I’m sorry!”
And here’s Jonathan Liew’s report from Stamford Bridge.And here’s Jonathan Liew’s report from Stamford Bridge.
1901, 1906, 1922, 1923, 1947, 1964, 1966, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 20201901, 1906, 1922, 1923, 1947, 1964, 1966, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 2020
Here’s the great Scott Murray on Liverpool’s second last title victory.Here’s the great Scott Murray on Liverpool’s second last title victory.
Sir Kenny Dalglish is speaking on BT Sport, and his phone is pinging every two seconds.Sir Kenny Dalglish is speaking on BT Sport, and his phone is pinging every two seconds.
“If you’d said it would be 30 years, you’d have been arrested and sectioned. Since Jurgen’s come in, it’s been very positive all the way through. He epitomises everything that Liverpool Football Club stands for. It’s not just a one-off because last year they came within a point of it. By the way, onwards and upwards. I think we’ve got a lot more happy days to look forward to as long as Jurgen’s there.“If you’d said it would be 30 years, you’d have been arrested and sectioned. Since Jurgen’s come in, it’s been very positive all the way through. He epitomises everything that Liverpool Football Club stands for. It’s not just a one-off because last year they came within a point of it. By the way, onwards and upwards. I think we’ve got a lot more happy days to look forward to as long as Jurgen’s there.
“The fans mean an awful lot to the club. They’ll just have to wait a couple of weeks – I’m sure they’ll be a queue outside the pubs on 4th July. There was a wee bit of scepticism about the Liverpool fans waiting outside the ground to see if they’d win the trophy, during lockdown, and what a disrespectful comment that was. They were magnificent: not one of them near the ground. They can behave, and by the way they can give us fantastic support. It is disappointing that they’re not there to see the trophy being won, but they’ll make up for it.”“The fans mean an awful lot to the club. They’ll just have to wait a couple of weeks – I’m sure they’ll be a queue outside the pubs on 4th July. There was a wee bit of scepticism about the Liverpool fans waiting outside the ground to see if they’d win the trophy, during lockdown, and what a disrespectful comment that was. They were magnificent: not one of them near the ground. They can behave, and by the way they can give us fantastic support. It is disappointing that they’re not there to see the trophy being won, but they’ll make up for it.”
First Europe, then the world and now the final frontier: England. Liverpool’s path to global domination may look a bit haphazard, but this is exactly the way it should be. The Premier League was always the one they wanted the most. It’s been an inevitability since 4.43pm on 10 November 2019, when Mo Salah’s exhilarating goal put them 2-0 up at home to Manchester City, and now it’s official: Liverpool are champions of England!First Europe, then the world and now the final frontier: England. Liverpool’s path to global domination may look a bit haphazard, but this is exactly the way it should be. The Premier League was always the one they wanted the most. It’s been an inevitability since 4.43pm on 10 November 2019, when Mo Salah’s exhilarating goal put them 2-0 up at home to Manchester City, and now it’s official: Liverpool are champions of England!
The circumstances are a bit weird, there’s no point denying it. But while Covid-19 may dilute the euphoria of the moment, it doesn’t diminish the achievement one little bit. Two years ago Liverpool finished fourth, 25 points behind Manchester City, and were just another team reduced to domestic irrelevance by Pep Guardiola. But unlike the others, and even though they had three decades of history on their back, Liverpool accepted the challenge of a City side that looked unconquerable.The circumstances are a bit weird, there’s no point denying it. But while Covid-19 may dilute the euphoria of the moment, it doesn’t diminish the achievement one little bit. Two years ago Liverpool finished fourth, 25 points behind Manchester City, and were just another team reduced to domestic irrelevance by Pep Guardiola. But unlike the others, and even though they had three decades of history on their back, Liverpool accepted the challenge of a City side that looked unconquerable.
Ninety-seven points were not enough to win the league last season, so Liverpool raised the bar even higher and broke City’s spirit in the process. City will be back next season, and I’m already salivating at the prospect of that title race, but for now let’s consider one piece of hardcore statistical goodness: in the last two seasons, there has been a 48-point swing between City and Liverpool.Ninety-seven points were not enough to win the league last season, so Liverpool raised the bar even higher and broke City’s spirit in the process. City will be back next season, and I’m already salivating at the prospect of that title race, but for now let’s consider one piece of hardcore statistical goodness: in the last two seasons, there has been a 48-point swing between City and Liverpool.
No team has ever won the English league as emphatically as this. They haven’t had a blip, never mind a full-blown slip. Liverpool have sprinted the marathon, dropping only seven points all season and winning the title with a staggering seven games remaining. You don’t need me to tell you that this is 18.421052631 per cent of the season.No team has ever won the English league as emphatically as this. They haven’t had a blip, never mind a full-blown slip. Liverpool have sprinted the marathon, dropping only seven points all season and winning the title with a staggering seven games remaining. You don’t need me to tell you that this is 18.421052631 per cent of the season.
Liverpool’s triumph brooks not a solitary argument. They are everything you could want in a football team. An irresistible mixture of skill, speed and aggression; a group of players with an almost demented refusal to accept a draw, never mind defeat. They are a team in the image of their coach, Jurgen Klopp, the kind of man for whom even the most indolent Everton fan would run to the ends of the earth. Or at least try for a couple of hundred yards before giving up and going home. It’s the thought that counts. Look, they wouldn’t have done it for Roy Hodgson or even Gerard Houllier.Liverpool’s triumph brooks not a solitary argument. They are everything you could want in a football team. An irresistible mixture of skill, speed and aggression; a group of players with an almost demented refusal to accept a draw, never mind defeat. They are a team in the image of their coach, Jurgen Klopp, the kind of man for whom even the most indolent Everton fan would run to the ends of the earth. Or at least try for a couple of hundred yards before giving up and going home. It’s the thought that counts. Look, they wouldn’t have done it for Roy Hodgson or even Gerard Houllier.
For most of the 2010s we talked about Guardiola or Mourinho, but at this rate Klopp will blindside them both and establish himself as the greatest manager of his generation. He’s a grinning, cackling, gegenpressing, official replica baseball cap-wearing genius.For most of the 2010s we talked about Guardiola or Mourinho, but at this rate Klopp will blindside them both and establish himself as the greatest manager of his generation. He’s a grinning, cackling, gegenpressing, official replica baseball cap-wearing genius.
We’ll have plenty of coverage of Liverpool’s triumph in the next few minutes, hours and days. Let’s start with Andy Hunter’s report on the news that, yes, it really, really, really did happen. Liverpool are Premier League champions!We’ll have plenty of coverage of Liverpool’s triumph in the next few minutes, hours and days. Let’s start with Andy Hunter’s report on the news that, yes, it really, really, really did happen. Liverpool are Premier League champions!