LONDON • Liverpool fans perched on rooftops, speed cameras and bus shelters on Sunday afternoon. Others clambered up lamp posts and sat astride traffic lights.
The open-top bus transporting Jurgen Klopp's squad was reduced to a crawl by the number of fans turning out to celebrate their sixth Champions League/European Cup triumph.
By the time it reached its destination, almost four hours had passed, and Merseyside police estimated that up to 750,000 people had lined the streets.
The sight of families, young and old, standing shoulder to shoulder was a vision to behold and highlighted how the supporters have been unified behind an institution that was idling before Klopp's arrival in October 2015.
And that is why the club's owner, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), wants him to oversee the construction of a dynasty at Anfield by staying on as the manager beyond the three years remaining on his annual £7 million (S$12.1 million) contract.
The German spent seven years each in his previous positions with Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, but FSG feels he can break new ground.
There is a belief that a young squad are primed to challenge consistently for the top honours under Klopp - who received the loudest cheers as he hoisted the trophy into the air - so the club's hierarchy is keen to tie him down.
Liverpool also want to ward off rival interest, with Bayern Munich great Franz Beckenbauer telling German daily Bild yesterday the 51-year-old was "one of the best coaches in the world" and would be a "good fit" at the Allianz Arena.
Reds chairman Tom Werner said: "When the players threw Jurgen in the air after our victory, they were acknowledging what all Liverpool fans know - he is beloved by all who appreciate football.
"Jurgen is a brilliant coach, but just as importantly, he is a humble and caring man."
Of the turnout for their 12.8km victory parade, Klopp joked: "I don't know exactly how many people live in Liverpool but it does not look like there is a lot (of) space for fans of other clubs.
"It is incredible. If you are a young kid, which do you support?
"There are not a lot of opportunities or options other than Liverpool.
"You see in the eyes how much it means. It is really intense."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, THE TIMES, LONDON
Germany's new-look team made a promising return to the international stage with a 1-1 draw against Serbia in a friendly on Wednesday, showing signs of improvement following a disastrous 2018.
Football: New-look Germany make promising start with Serbia draw
Spurs 'still in a dream' after Man City win, says Pochettino • Spurs lost 4-3 in a classic encounter against City in Wednesday's quarter-final second leg, but went through on away goals after the tie finished 4-4 on aggregate.
The 17th Asian Cup finals will be the biggest in the 62-year history of the tournament but even with 24 teams battling it out, it is hard to look much beyond regional powers Iran, Japan and South
Usual suspects in the frame at expanded Asian Cup
U.S. businesses optimistic on China growth, bemoan unfair treatment January 30, 2018 | BEIJING (OnNewsToday) - U.S. companies are more confident China will further open up to foreign investment in coming years, a top business lobby said on Tuesday, but it cautioned that an "astounding" three-quarters of its members do not feel welcomed by
China-US Trade Ties: US businesses optimistic on China growth
Championship side Birmingham have been docked nine points for breaching financial rules, the English Football League announced on Friday. The Championship side broke the EFL's profitability and sustainability regulations and faced a possible 12-point deduction and a transfer ban. The penalty drops
Birmingham hit with nine-point deduction after breaching
While Aeschylus wrote his play to end with somber mourning for the dead brothers, it now contains an ending that serves as a lead-in of sorts to Sophocles' play: a messenger appears, announcing a prohibition against burying Polynices; his sister Antigone, however, announces her intention to defy this edict.
Tropes A to F / Persona 5 - TV Tropes
TEMPO.CO, Liverpool - Liverpool crushed Arsenal 5-1 to move nine points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday but manager Juergen Klopp still would not get involved in any talk of winning the title. Second-placed Tottenham Hotspur's surprise defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers
Liverpool's Klopp avoids title talk despite Arsenal rout
Sarri: Chelsea cannot lose to United. but we need not to lose. It's a very difficult match for both I think." However, Chelsea are yet to win a single point away at a 'top six' club this season.
Top four chasing Chelsea cannot afford to lose at Man United
Football: Man City's Sterling treated differently by British media, says Pogba Manchester City's Raheem Sterling poses for a selfie with fans before a match. PHOTO: REUTERS
Man City's Sterling treated differently by British media
'Massive' victory gives Pochettino renewed belief. The Spurs manager admitted it was vital for his team to start the new year with a bang and record a "massive" victory at Cardiff that
Latest TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR | The Straits Times
James Philip Milner (born 4 January 1986) is an English professional footballer who plays for Premier League club Liverpool.A versatile player, he has been used in many different positions such as on the wing, in midfield and at full back.
Tottenham 0, Liverpool 2 - Match Recap: We've Conquered All
0 comments:
Post a Comment