New Era of Liverpool

I intent to write this post six months ago. The draft was just sitting there, waiting for me to gear up the spirit to write about Liverpool FC. This late post is not because I give up as a LFC supporter, because of their so-so performance last season, or Stevie G's depart from LFC. I am and will always be their loyal supporter. There's a lot of stuff going on the last 6 months. Mostly in 1 month I only can post one blog. I'm really sorry about that. So, without further a do, right now let's talk about LFC, the review of the season and also the newest changes that happened in the last couple of months.

Talking about 2014/2015 season review, LFC ended the season in 6th place. Enough to qualify and play in Europa League, but we're not accomplish our goal to finish in 4th place to qualify for Champions League. Disappointed, for sure. Even more, it was the last season of Stevie G playing for LFC. Our last match against Stoke City was a disaster. But, putting the bad condition aside, there were some improvement in some players.

In 2014/2015 Jordan Henderson suddenly pop out of nowhere. Well, actually he became LFC's player since 2011 under auspices of Kenny Daglish. But, at that time he didn't stand out. As the time goes by, just like a hard-wild stone, he turns into a gem. He train harder, hone his skill and after time he turns out beautifully. Along with Coutinho, he did a really great job last season.

Starting new season 2015/2016, we got new players coming to Anfield. Milner and Firmino become a great and important addition for us. There's also Benteke, Ings, Clyne and Gomez. With Sturridge was in the rehabilitation room for almost all matches last season and Balotelli's underperformances, we were in dire need of strikers. Benteke and Ings are great. I am more optimistic with their presence, rather than with Balotelli's a year before.

We were having a pretty good start this season, even though not great. A lot of ties, which are better than lost. But, in the meantime not enough also. The so-so performances like last season were haunting. Until...LFC's management fired Brendan Rodgers in October, right after LFC had a tie against Everton. I was shocked. I think most of supporters were. Usually LFC made the coach changes before the new season started, so what happened to Rodgers was a shocking news.

To be honest, I had a feeling that Rodgers won't have much time anymore at Anfield. His decision in 2014/2015 transfer window wasn't great. He decided to bring in a bunch of new players to replace Luis Suarez, but nobody had the same quality as Suarez. I think he was stressed to make a great player with well-known name in football coming to Anfield. At the end of transfer window, Rodgers chose Balotelli. The last player that I thought would become LFC's player. I doubted that he would fit in with LFC. And, he did. And, I don't like his attitude off the pitch also. So, talking back about Rodgers' dismissal, I didn't expect it was happening at that time, when we had a tie against Everton. The result wasn't too bad, I guess. If we lost the match, it would've made sense. But, it's a tie.

Nevertheless, the decision has been made. A few days later, the management came out with Jurgen Klopp's signing. I am sooo excited with that signing. I didn't know much about him, but I heard a lot about what he had done in Borussia Dortmund. Klopp managed to overtake Bayern Munich domination in Bundesliga by escorting Dortmund to become a champion, twice. He has a nice track record, and I hope he will get LFC to the top also.

I watched his first interview with LFC TV, and I was surprised by his reaction. When LFC TV presenter, Claire asked him what kind of football style that he want to implement in LFC? Klopp's answer was 'Heavy Metal'. I was stunned. Is he serious? Turns out, that is his style. His charisma and personality is really great. His spirit is infectious. It's hard to dislike him as a person.

Under Klopp's, we had some good starts by winning some matches, and also some ties. But, lately LFC performances is unstable. Knocked over against Crystal Palace, Watford, and West Ham. Actually when Klopp arrived at Anfield, I didn't expect he will make an instant changes with LFC performances. It's not the team that he build from the first place, afterall. He has to make things work from Rodgers's inheritance. So, in my opinion, he has to buy 1-2 players to add LFC squad this January. Besides Premier League, we are still in League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League, so we need more depth in the squad. You can't expect to play the same players in 2 matches in a week over and over again. We really need new players. If it isn't from other clubs, it has to be from the academy. I'm looking forward to see Klopp's movement in January transfer window.

YNWA.

Dear Steven George Gerrard

Steven Gerrard's letter of thanks to Liverpool FC fans. From: xtra.liverpoolfc.com.

Dear Steven George Gerrard,
The time has finally come, hasn't it? The time when we (all Liverpudlians) have to say goodbye. The time that I already know would come, and I know this day would be a very emotional day for all LFC family.

But, today I won't do gibberish talk about your decision. Today, I just want to say thank you, remembering what you have done for the club and how you've given a great impact for us. It has been a great 17 years, Stevie. You're one of the players from LFC Academy that has shown a magnificent skill and proved that with a hard work you could achieve your dream, to be in the LFC's first team. From all of your incredible skills, your long distance shots has blown me away. And it has been proved in many times. Your long distance shots aren't mere beautiful, but also important for the team.

Dear Stevie,

I might not watch your first debut for LFC, but from the moment I saw your performance I know you would become a great player one day. And, you did. Even though I missed your debut, I still remember when Gerard Houllier pointed you as a captain for LFC. From LFC’s senior player like Sami Hyypia to a young man from Huyton, Steven Gerrard? You’re only 23 years old at that time. I know you’ve already become a great player for LFC, no doubt about that, but at that moment I was being skeptical about your leadership. Could he manage to lead LFC’s players on pitch? What would he do? As the time went by, you have proved yourself that you could handle that responsibility. As a captain you manage to communicate with your teammates and give the best example as you can. It's been a pleasure to see you grow, up to what you've become until now. Thank you for becoming a leader for LFC and giving us inspirations along the way.

I agree that the best moment in your LFC’s career is when we won Champions League in 2005. The greatest comeback ever in Europe. Your goal and your attitude at that time has inspired us to strieve for the best and not easily giving up. When we finally won it, I won’t forget your proud and happy face when you lift the trophy. Best moment ever! See Also: A Tribute to Steven Gerrard

I might never got the chance to see your performance live at Anfield. But, I thank God that you and the team manage came to Indonesia two years ago and made Big Reds from all over Indonesia could see your performance and all of the team. Priceless moment to see all of LFC’s players in front of our eyes. And I thank you all for that.

Photo courtesy of Liverpool Echo

Dear Stevie,

Frankly, the time when you decided to exit from LFC has turned out to be slightly different with the scenario in my mind. I thought you will spend your whole career in Liverpool FC, just like Jamie Carragher, and retire as a Liverpool FC player. But, you've made your decision and I really respect it. You deserves it. You deserve to experience a new world, to bring your incredible skills in a whole new level. How can you not? You're one of the best midfielder in the world! Though you will be away to America for two years, I know you will come back to LFC. There’s no place like home. So this is not a goodbye for long, it’s just a temporary goodbye. So, we’re looking forward your comeback here. And, I can’t wait for that moment.

The last 17 years has been a long and winding road. There has been an up and high moments, but there’s also a downfall. Yet, you’re still in LFC for 17 years. And that what makes you special in our hearts. Not only because of your loyalty, but also your dedication. It’s such a great honor to have you as a player and captain of LFC. You're a true legend.

Today is your birthday and you turn into magical 35 years old. Some people said it’s not an ideal age for a football player to still play on a pitch anymore. But, your love for football hasn’t stopped you. So, Happy birthday, Stevie. And, Thank You! Thank you for 17 amazing years...
YNWA

Yogie Respati
Member of Big Reds Indonesia

A nice poem from Dave Kirby. You could also watch the video in Liverpool FC Official Website. 
A LAD FROM HUYTON 
Liverpool FC have seen great days
In FA Cup finals that have blown us away
Rushie – Keegan - Ian St John
Or little Michael Owen in 2001
But in 2006 we witnessed a dream
As a special player entered the scene
A player who’s become an all-time great
A lad from a Liverpool council estate
Sometimes it’s hard to put into words
When something magical has occurred
At the time...you don’t realise
That history’s unfolding before your eyes
But down in Cardiff one sunny day
History was made in a special way
Like the Matthews final in 53
2006 was the final...of Stevie G
We’ve seen some great players in our time
Players who go beyond that line
The type that never try to hide
The type who play with fire and pride
That kind of passion just can’t be bought
It can’t be coached and it can’t be taught
It’s working class – it’s raw – it’s mean
It’s a lad from Huyton...who loves his team
We didn’t think we were gonna win it
We even said a prayer in that last minute
Then a saviour came and set us free
A saviour by the name...of Stevie G
It was like a vision from a dream
One of the finest goals we’ve ever seen
We felt as though we were floating away
We knew from that moment, it was our day
Cometh the hour cometh the man
Cometh the life-long Liverpool fan
Cometh the kid who once stood on the kop
Cometh our seventh...FA Cup
In years to come we’ll always look back
To those times in Cardiff, the laughs, the crack
Four major trophies...great city, great buzz
The Millennium stadium was good to us
But of all those times, there’s one special day
2006...the 13th of May
The most complete performance ever seen
By a lad from Huyton...who reigns...supreme
Dave Kirby

Mid Season 2014/2015 of Liverpool FC

Mid season has come to an end and we’re facing new year. At the end of 2014 Liverpool’s position is in 8^th. Not good enough. We were facing some problems. Daniel Sturridge has a series of injury. After had an injury in August, he had another injury, and another injury. We were really struggling. Sturridge was our 2nd top scorer last season, after Luis Suarez, so his role is very important for us. Unfortunately in the other side, our other strikers, Rickie Lambert, Mario Balotelli dan Fabio Borini haven't showed their best performances yet.

I admit this season is not as smooth as last season, but we're still fighting. We have been in an even more worst position before. No matter where LFC's position, I will always support them. Nevertheless, there are some issues that I want to stress about LFC's performances until mid season 2014/2015. We are pretty bad when facing set pieces, either it's from corner kick or free kick. That is our weakness and in the first three months our opponent used that weakness very well. Every time we have set pieces, my heart's beating very fast and somehow I always have a bad feeling about that, which then result in a goal. That hurts.

Overall our weakness this season is still the same like the last season. It's in the back. And unfortunately, our manager Brendan Rodgers didn't recruit a lot of players in that position when transfer window opened last summer. We recruited a lot of midfielders than defenders. And that cost us. When Rodgers recruited some new midfielders in transfer window, I was just hoping that he did the right thing and could make LFC more competitive. But, it wasn't. After our second match this season, we're really have to fight hard.

Fortunately, when we're entering December, it gets better. Lazar Markovic and Emre Can have shown what their capable of, even though I think they could do more. Sterling, whose done a great job replacing Sturridge's role, continue on showing his determination and great skills. Along with Adam Lallana, Philipe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson. Even though in the other side, our new strikers still haven't showed their best performances, but we're getting better. And I hope it will continues better and better. In this winter window transfers, I'm hoping Rodgers will recruit top defenders. We really need to fix our defense line.

In the mean time, there is also a big news coming from LFC's captain, Steven Gerrard. He will leave LFC at the end of the season. It's a heartbreaking news, even though I know someday sooner or later it will come, but it still make me in shock. When I knew the news for the very first time, I don't know how to react on that news. A denial, maybe. Until 2-3 days later, finally I can embrace Gerrard's decision and accept that it's his time. This is the time when he will leaving LFC, at last. I can not imagine how LFC would be without him, because my love for LFC grow along with his performances on the pitch. First time I know and love LFC is because Michael Owen, but it continues to grow along with all of the LFC players from more than 15 years ago until now. That includes Steven Gerrard, of course. I know his retirement will open the door for existing players and young players to come forward and show their best. A few young players from Academy already had the chance to show their performances, like Jordan Rossiter, and I think Rodgers need a player like him to fill our loss.

Anyway, we still have about six months to end this season very well. I know we have to work hard. As long as all of the players have a great collaboration and understanding among each others, I think we will be fine. Keep on marching, Reds!

You'll Never Walk Alone!

New Season Is Coming!

New season has come. That means the new battle has begun. Because we’ve Champions League coming up also. After five seasons, finally we could get the chance to play in Champions League again. It’s so relieve. That’s why Liverpool FC need consistency in every game this season.

A lot of changes happened in Liverpool FC squad in pre-season. We’ve lost our vital player last season: Luis Suarez, whose got transferred to Barcelona. When I heard the news, frankly it didn’t surprise me at all. After incident in World Cup, when Suarez bite Italian player, I gave up on him. That’s the third times he’d done that. It’s kinda hard to forgive him, even though he was our top scorer last season.

So, when I heard Suarez’s transfer, I only response: Oh, well. I know it’s gonna be tough to find a player like him. In football, there’s no man alike. Suarez had made great, unimaginable, superb, and sometimes ridiculous goals last season. I’m really grateful for what he’d done for Liverpool FC. Thank you for having three awesome years with us.

So, what’s next then, after losing our top scorer? Liverpool’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, has come up with eight new players (when I post this blog). They are Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren, Emre Can, Lazar Markovic, Javier Manquillo, Divock Origi, and Alberto Moreno. Those players mostly are midfielder and backs. We only have one new striker: Rickie Lambert, while Origi is going back to Lille for one year.

To be honest, I don’t know most of them. I only can recognize Lallana and Lambert, who play for Southampton last season. Actually, Lovren was also in Southampton, but his name did’t ring me a bell. From all of those players, I’m really excited when Liverpool FC signs Lallana. He play really well last season for Southampton. Tough and determined player. I remember Liverpool FC vs Southampton’s match. Lallana was the motor of Southampton game. When he moves and get the ball, I always said to Liverpool FC players: Stop him! Stoooopppp hiiimmm! So, when I heard that Lallana is coming to Anfield, I'm really excited. Unfortunately, he got injured in pre-season, so he won’t be able to play in Barclays Premier League’s first match.

Anyway, there has been a bunch of analysis of what Liverpool FC's gonna be this season. In the midst of a lot of saying that we haven’t found a player that match the capability like Suarez, I’m pretty confident about this season.  Yes, I do think we need more strikers, at least one more with a great skill. We can’t depend ourselves to Daniel Sturridge. He’s a great player but we need another one, so we have plenty of choice in the front line. But, looking at the squad today, there’s a lot of room to grow for another players. Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling couldn’t be stop, and continue to blossom in every match. Jordon Ibe has proved himself as one of the contender that need to be watch out in pre-season. They are young players that always amaze me in every game.

Liverpool FC has done a good job in pre-season with 5 wins and 3 losses. Yes, it wasn’t a straight wins. But, I’m pretty satisfied with it. And how about this season? Well, Steven Gerrard has decided to retire from England’s national team, that means he can focus on Liverpool FC. Both Liverpool FC’s new and young players have shown their best in pre-season. We’ve won the last pre-season match against Borussia Dortmund with 4-0. Lovren and Manquillo caught my attention on that match. Well done, lads!

So, facing the new season 2014/2015? Just bring it on! Reds army is marching and coming for you! We are ready!

Garuda Indonesia On Liverpool FC Training Kit

Garuda Indonesia semakin membuat bangsa Indonesia bangga. Mulai musim 2014/2015 logo Garuda Indonesia terpampang di kaus latihan Liverpool FC. Setelah dua tahun terakhir hanya melihat iklan Garuda Indonesia nampang di stadion Anfield, sekarang bisa liat salah satu perusahaan kebanggaan Indonesia itu di dada para pemain Liverpool FC. Double proud! :D

Langkah kerjasama ini merupakan upgrade dari kerjasama sebelumnya. Saat Garuda Indonesia menjadi Official Global Airline Partner-nya Liverpool FC, mereka hanya dapat spot iklan di stadion Anfield. Saat saya ngeliatnya pertama kali di TV, ngerasa bangga banget ada nama "Indonesia" nampang di Anfield. Iklan Garuda di Anfield seperti ini: "Garuda Indonesia. The Airline of Indonesia. Flying to London September 2014". Itu pas di musim 2013/2014. Nah, memasuki musim 2014/2015 waktu saya nonton friendly match LFC vs Borrusia Dortmund, iklannya jadi seperti ini: "Garuda Indonesia. The Airline of Indonesia. The World's Best Cabin Crew." Isi iklannya emang bisa berubah-ubah sesuai permintaan Garuda.

Setelah hanya bisa nampang iklan di Anfield, mulai musim 2014/2015 sampai dua musim ke depan, baju latihan Liverpool FC akan dihiasi logo Garuda Indonesia. Waaahh...keren banget deh! Bangga bangeeettt...!!! Bukan hanya mengenai Garuda Indonesia-nya, tapi karena ada tulisan "INDONESIA" disana. Otomatis, dimanapun para pemain Liverpool FC main, maka baju latihan itu pun akan turut serta. Itu sudah terlihat saat LFC melakukan tur ke Amerika Serikat musim ini. Saat konferensi pers, pemain dan manager Brendan Rodgers memakai seragam latihan. Secara ga langsung, Garuda Indonesia juga mendapat publikasi dari media setempat. Keren!

Eniwei, saya pun sempat hadir saat premiere launching training kit Liverpool FC di Jakarta pada tanggal 29 Mei lalu. Acaranya digelar di Tribeca Central Park. Saya sudah menunggu acara ini sejak beberapa hari sebelumnya. Pas tau kalau beberapa Liverpool legends akan hadir di acara itu, salah satunya Luis Garcia membuat saya udah membujuk adik-adik saya buat nganterin ke Central Park jauh-jauh hari, hehehe. Lagian kan gratis pula.

Dari info yang saya dapat di website resmi Liverpool FC berbahasa Indonesia, acara akan dimulai pukul 18.00 WIB. Saya berangkat dari rumah sekitar jam 4 sore, dan sampai sana jam 5. Saat memasuki Central Park udah terlihat beberapa suporter Liverpool berseliweran di dalam mal. Ketika melewati Sports Station, toko itu majang kaos dan beberapa merchandise Liverpool di bagian depan. Otomatis saya mampir ke sana dulu, walau ga ada yang dibeli, hehehe. Menjelang pukul 18.00, saya langsung menuju Tribeca. Dan, ternyata udah rame banget! Terutama di sekitar panggung.

Pas saya samperin panggung ternyata ada pagar besi yang mengelilinginya. Duh, langsung bertanya-tanya apa kalau mau masuk harus bayar?. Langsung deh itu saya cari pintu masuknya, dan menemukannya di sekitar booth-booth merchandise. Usut punya usut, ternyata kalau mau ke dalam harus beli merchandise senilai Rp 500 ribu. Heks! Sempet mempertimbangkan untuk beli, karena nanti bisa juga foto sama Piala Champions yang dipajang di sebelah kiri panggung dan Liverpool legends (katanya). Tapi setelah mikir lagi, mending uang itu buat nambahin tabungan demi mewujudkan mimpi datang langsung ke Anfield. Saya pun akhirnya mencari tempat strategis, dimana saya kira-kira bisa ngeliat jelas panggung di depan. Akhirnya memutuskan untuk ga jauh-jauh dari pintu masuk tadi dan nangkring di atas pot semen besar yang ada di dekat sana. Sembari nunggu acara dimulai, suporter disuguhi cuplikan match dari season 2013/2014. Lumayan, daripada bengong :D. Acara pun baru dimulai pukul 19.30 WIB. Cukup lama nunggunya, but it's worth it.

Acara ini dipandu oleh Omesh (salah satu selebriti yang dikenal pula sebagai Kopites) dan satu cewe (lupa namanya :p). Saat mereka mulai membuka acaranya para fans Liverpool FC pun langsung heboh. Acara dimulai sebagaimana acara seremonial biasanya. Sambutan dari Direktur Utama Garuda Indonesia, Emirsyah Satar; perwakilan dari Liverpool FC (lupa lagi namanya :p); dan Menpora, Roy Suryo. Yang bikin mupeng adalah ketika pak Emir dan Roy Suryo ngebagiin (baca: ngelempar) beberapa kaos training kit ke para suporter yang ada di depan panggung di dalam. Huueee...pengen juga doongg pak.. Andai ngelempar kaosnya bisa sampe luar. #ngarep

Eniwei, ga lama kemudian, main show-nya dimulai. Di panggung sudah ada tiga deret pintu tertutup, dan mulai deh panggung agak-agak smoky. Detik-detik peluncuran training kit sudah tibaaaa.... Dari tiga pintu itulah muncul secara bersamaan para Liverpool legends (Phil Thompson, Luis Garcia, dan Dietmar Hamann). Huuuaaaa...langsung pada tereak-tereak heboh. Dan, jadi semakin heboh ketika MC acara selfie sama mereka. #mupeng

Para MC pun pada wawancara mereka mengenai performa Liverpool di musim lalu dan apa proyeksi mereka terhadap season 2014/2015. Pada intinya, para Liverpool legends ini mengharapkan musim 2014/2015 dapat lebih baik dari musim sebelumnya dan Liverpool dapat memenangkan trofi. Amiiinnnn... Same here, sir! :D Setelah sekitar 15 menit wawancara, mereka pun balik ke belakang panggung, untuk digantikan oleh beberapa model yang memeragakan kaus training kit dalam beberapa versi (ada untuk cewek juga). Acara launching ini baru berakhir ketika para Liverpool legends balik lagi ke atas panggung dan pose dengan model catwalk. Jiaaahhh....harus say bye-bye deh sama Luis Garcia, Hamann, dan opa Thompson.

For the record, sebenarnya saya hanya mengenal baik Luis Garcia dan Hamann karena mereka adalah pemain Liverpool di era 2000-an. Sementara, Thompson adalah pemain Liverpool FC di era 70-80an, jadi otomatis saya tidak tahu banyak tentang Thompson. Namun melihat track record-nya dan jejak Liverpool FC yang mengalami masa jayanya di tahun 70-80an membuat Thompson tentu menjadi salah satu pemain penting bagi Liverpool FC. Sementara, Hamann dan Luis Garcia adalah pemain yang turut andil saat membawa Liverpool memenangkan Liga Champions 2004/2005. Tanpa menafikan Hamann dan Thompson yang sudah pernah datang ke Indonesia sebelumnya, saya sangat senang akhirnya Luis Garcia juga datang ke sini untuk pertama kalinya. Siapapun Liverpool legends yang datang ke Indonesia, you'll get warm welcome from Big Reds Indonesia, for sure. And last but not least, Thank You, Garuda Indonesia! :)

Mejeng dulu sebelum acara mulai

Suasana di Tribeca. Di sebelah kiri itu loh ada Piala Champions

Pose sama Hendo dan Gerrard sebelum pulang :D

We Are Kopites

Barclays Premier League 2013/2014 sudah usai. Liverpool FC memang tidak memenangi trofi Premier musim ini, tapi perjalanannya di musim ini begitu menakjubkan. Dari yang semula tidak diperhitungkan sebagai kandidat juara dan hanya menargetkan masuk empat besar demi tiket Liga Champions musim depan, siapa yang sangka mereka akan berada di jalur perebutan titel sampai pertandingan terakhir.

Merefleksikan dari perjalanan Liverpool FC musim ini, saya teringat pernyataan manager, Brendan Rodgers, ketika banyak yang terhenyak saat Liverpool FC berada di peringkat pertama and they're all fussy about our opportunity of winning the League. Saya ingat waktu itu Brendan mengatakan: "Target utama Liverpool FC musim ini adalah kembali masuk empat besar agar bisa bermain di Liga Champions musim depan. Jika kami memenangkan liga itu adalah sebuah bonus".

Terlepas dari hilangnya kesempatan memenangkan sebuah trofi yang paling ditunggu selama 24 tahun, saya bangga akan perjalanan skuat musim ini. Sejak awal musim Liverpool FC tidak memasang target muluk-muluk. Pun para suporter. Saat bursa transfer musim panas lalu, Liverpool FC tidak membeli banyak pemain. Untuk memenuhi kelengkapan dan kekuatan tim, pemain muda pun jadi andalan. Salah satunya yang bersinar di musim ini adalah Raheem Sterling.

Banyak peristiwa yang membuat keluarga Liverpool tersenyum dan menangis bersama di musim ini. Ada masa ketika kalah/seri dan harus kehilangan poin, di sisi lain menang dan menyambut kesempatan untuk berada di posisi pertama klasemen. There are some matches that become memorable ones. Kemenangan telak atas Arsenal dan Tottenham Hotspur di Anfield jadi salah satunya. Beberapa kemenangan atas rival tua seperti Manchester United dan Everton juga terekam jelas. Pun ketika menang tipis dari Manchester City. Maupun saat harus menelan kekalahan dari Chelsea dan harus rela kehilangan poin di masa krusial saat melawan Crystal Palace.

Emosi yang membuncah di tiga pertandingan sebelum musim usai, melawan Chelsea, Crystal Palace dan Newcastle United menjadi catatan tersendiri dan di masa itu saya merasa bahagia dan bangga dapat menjadi salah satu bagian dari keluarga besar Liverpool FC. Bagaimana tidak?

Di pertandingan melawan Chelsea di Anfield, Liverpool FC harus menelan pil pahit dengan kekalahan 2-0. Dimulai dari blunder Gerrard di tengah lapangan, yang terselip saat menerima bola dari Mamadou Sakho. Demba Ba (pemain Chelsea) tidak menyia-nyiakan kesempatan dan membuatnya menjadi gol. Ya Tuhan... Cukup sakit rasanya melihat kejadian itu. Apalagi setelah pertandingan banyak yang mengolok Gerrard karena dia pernah berkata kepada rekan setimnya agar tidak terselip dalam pertandingan selanjutnya usai menang lawan Manchester City, tetapi secara harfiah akhirnya ia sendiri yang terselip dan menyebabkan lawan unggul.

Bukan berarti karena itu adalah seorang Gerrard lalu saya membelanya habis-habisan. Tapi itu adalah suatu kejadian yang bisa menimpa siapa saja. Jadi teringat blunder Kolo Toure saat melawan West Brom, dimana membuat Liverpool FC hanya harus puas dengan hasil seri. Atau gol bunuh diri Glen Johnson saat melawan Manchester City dan juga Martin Skrtel di beberapa pertandingan. Shit happens.

Namun, yang membuat saya akhirnya tak bisa lagi menahan rasa haru adalah saat gol kedua Chelsea di menit-menit akhir. Bukan karena golnya. Tetapi bagaimana suara dukungan Kopites terdengar nyaring, usai gol itu. I just couldn't hold my emotion at that time. I was crying. Haru oleh dukungan supporter yang hadir di Anfield hari itu. Di saat pemain Liverpool FC tertunduk lesu karena gol kedua Chelsea, para suporter Liverpool FC bergemuruh mendendangkan bait "You'll Never Walk Alone" over and over again. Endless and massive support. I reaaallllyyy wish I could be there too.

Lalu di pertandingan melawan Crystal Palace, saat keunggulan 3-0 Liverpool FC akhirnya harus berakhir dengan 3-3 dan membuat perjalanan untuk meraih trofi liga semakin kecil. In the last minute, I said to them that it's okay. Maybe it has to do this way. Saya berusaha untuk tidak emosional. I know how the players must feel devastated after the match, so I was trying to be strong for them. Tapi, ketika melihat Luis Suarez tidak mampu menahan emosinya, menangis dan menutupi mukanya dengan kaus, lagi-lagi saya turut menangis. And so then again, I said to them: Pleeeaasseee, don't cry. We're gonna be fine. It's okay. Lalu melihat Gerrard yang menghampiri Suarez dan mengangkatnya untuk bangkit, dan Kolo Toure yang membimbing Suarez menuju ruang ganti. Semua proses itu membuat saya tidak mampu berkata-kata. 

Di pertandingan terakhir melawan Newcastle United di Anfield menjadi misi terakhir skuat Liverpool FC. Even though, our chance is small to win the league, but we never lose hope. At least, walau pada akhirnya tidak memenangi trofi, saya berharap bisa melihat Liverpool FC memenangi pertandingan terakhirnya. And they did. Bagi saya, itu sudah cukup.

Melihat seluruh perjalanan Liverpool FC musim ini benar-benar suatu hal di luar dugaan. Musim lalu Liverpool FC hanya berada di peringkat ketujuh, tapi lihat posisi kita sekarang, peringkat dua klasemen dan menjadi pesaing serius dalam merebut gelar. Liverpool FC juga bukanlah tim dengan banyak uang seperti halnya Manchester City ataupun Chelsea, tapi kami bisa membuktikan bahwa uang bukanlah segalanya untuk dapat bersaing di Premier League. Kebersamaan tim menjadi salah satu kuncinya. Melihat kebersamaan mereka membuat kami, para Kopites, selalu yakin menjalani musim ini. Masih banyak yang menjadi pekerjaan rumah di musim depan, terutama lini belakang. But, I'm sure we will become stronger next season.

Dreams and hopes are being made together. They are the reason to hang on to when we have to face obstacles in life. Life is meaningless without dreams and hopes. I still have a dream that they gonna win the League. No matter how long it takes, I am sure they gonna make the dream come true someday through endless hard work. We're gonna be always going through dark times on our path, but there's always a light in front of you.

Ada satu statement Gerrard mengenai perebutan trofi Liga beberapa hari lalu: "Saya pikir waktu saya untuk perebutan gelar liga telah habis sejak lama. Tapi dengan bermain bersama skuad musim ini, mimpi itu telah kembali". Jangan pernah berhenti untuk bermimpi! #KeepTheDreamAlive #Proud

When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And You'll Never Walk Alone, You'll Never Walk Alone
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And You'll Never Walk Alone, You'll Never Walk Alone

Shed Tears of Joy

I learn a lot today. About life and how we suppose to live when everyone underestimate us. Funny how I learn it from watching sports. It began on watching Singapore Open Series, Simon Santoso vs Lee Chong Wei in the afternoon.

Every badminton addicts probably already know how great Wei is and of course he becomes everyone's favorite, maybe. In the opposite, Simon who always lose against Wei becomes the underdog.

But when I watched the game, I could see how patient and focus Simon is. He played the game with nothing to lose, it looked like there’s no pressure on him even though it’s the final and he must against the number 1 rank in the world. In the second set, Simon was a little bit out of control when Wei managed to gain 6 points consecutively, but Simon manage to control the game again in the end. There were some rallys went on, and because of showing some patience, Simon succeeded on winning the rally. Not every rallys, but he did most of them. What he did, blew me away. He gave the element of surprise on how he put the shuttlecock in some places that even Wei hard to reach it out.

Simon Santoso after winning Singapore Open Series/photo by gettyimages

Badminton game isn’t just about smash, drop shot, or lob, but it also about the tactical decision. You don’t play and thinking like: as long as I can tackle the shuttlecock and give it back to the opponent. You have to play smart in order to gain every point. And that what I saw in Simon’s game. He was vicious, focus, patient, and smart. And I’m so happy that finally Simon won against Wei and became the champion in straight set. His reaction when he succeed to get the championship point is priceless. Relieve, happy, unbelievable.

The next match that I watched, of course it’s Liverpool FC vs Manchester City. The match was held at Anfield. This match is one of important games for Liverpool FC in order to running for the title. Even though Liverpool FC hasn’t been lose this year, won 9 games consecutively, and on the pole position, we still considered as the underdog. I’m not blaming them for it. City is one of the best contender. They won the League two years ago.

Meanwhile, Liverpool FC’s  goal at the beginning of the season is only to get back to the top 4 so that we can play in Champions League next season. And looking at Liverpool FC players probably they won’t believe the position that we are right now. Yes, Liverpool FC has top well-known players like Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez. Daniel Sturridge was on his way too at the beginning of the season, and look at him now! He is one of our best strikers, made a great duo with Suarez, keeping Liverpool on track when Suarez couldn’t play because of the punishment he got from last season.

And if we’re talking about Liverpool FC, we don’t just talking about those players, but also ALL of the players, the staffs, and supporters. All of Liverpool FC elements have done a great job so far. The players skill are flourishing and developing really great. Hands down to Brendan Rodgers and the staffs whose maximize the potential of each player.  Looking at them now, there’s no doubt that all of the players have given their best.

LFC celebration against City at Anfield, Sunday (13/4)/photo from indonesia.liverpoolfc.com

And in today’s match against Manchester City, Liverpool FC players determination was really outstanding. Today’s match is really special, not only it’s a big match, but also we, Liverpudlians commemorate Hillsborough. Before it began, there’s a minute silence for remembering it. So, yeah, it’s an emotional match for Kopites.

When the match begin, Liverpool FC leads 2-0 in first half. But in the second half, City manage to make it tie 2-2. It was soooo intense. My heart won’t stop pounding. Adrenaline always rushes when you are watching the game, isn’t it? But, Liverpool players won’t giving up and always try to do their best. Until, blunder from City’s back, Kompany, giving us the opportunity to make a lead. Coutinho scoreeeeddd!!! Oh my Goooddd…… I’m really thankful for that! 3-2! And I shout: Keep it alive, guys!

But the drama doesn’t end there. Injury time is 5 minutes! (OMG!) and Henderson was red-carded when we still have to play in 2,5 more minutes. Anything can happen in that time. Continuously, I told them to hang on. Maybe some of supporters also said that to them, to hang in there in couple of minutes. The atmosphere in Anfield is remarkable. Reminds me of the night of the Champions League semifinale Liverpool FC against Chelsea in 2004/2005 season. When we led 1-0 and the injury time was 6 minutes! It was sooo tense!!

photo: indonesia.liverpoolfc.com

And when it finally ended, I was sooo happy. Gerrard even shed the tears (of joy) in the end. He look like couldn’t believe that we won the match. Then, all of the players on the field gathered around and as the captain, Stevie fired up his teammates. After the game, Stevie said that the match felt like the longest game he ever went through. But hey, we still have 4 final matches coming up. And to keep our dream alive, we have to go through it and win it. All of the matches that Liverpool FC has been through this season is because all of the hard work they put on it since day one.

When everyone thinks you’re the underdog, just shifted it to a motivation, to do better and giving it all out. Maybe you don’t reach your goal everytime, but at least you already do the best and give it all you can do. Just be patient, keeping up the hard work, and keep doing the best, because I'm sure someday you will get the reward. 

And when you have succeed, it would be the best feeling you ever have and it’s okay to shed your tears. Tears of joy. I shed tears of joy along with the players today. :) #KeepItAlive #MakeUsDream