RipCordless

A pop-culture consumer who keeps it, by design, in the shallow end of the pool.

Sports

Liverpool with Five Left

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Am I nervous? Of course. Do I think Liverpool Football Club can win the remaining five games left in the 2018/19 Premier League season? Uh, yes. Do I think Liverpool will win the Premier League for the first time since the league was formed 26 years ago? Now that is another matter. Why? Because Liverpool don’t control their own fate. Manchester City, the Pep Guardiola led juggernaut, is currently two points behind Liverpool but have one game in hand. Should Manchester City win all their remaining games, there is nothing Liverpool can do except finish in second place finishers, bereft of the title once again. So you’re saying there’s a chance?!

All it takes for that chance is for Manchester City to slip up. One draw, or loss, and Liverpool are in with a shout — if they have the bottle to remain in first place for the remainder of the season. Tomorrow, Sunday, April 14, is likely an important moment in deciding exactly who will win the Premier League title in 2018/19, because Liverpool face an old foe in Chelsea, the team responsible for “The Slip” and capitulation in Gerrard’s final run at glory. Without a doubt, Chelsea mark the biggest hurdle of quality players (no disrespect intended) remaining in the schedule. Should Liverpool lose, it’s likely over. Should Liverpool win, they remain poised to snatch the title if Manchester City falter.

Truth be told, there’s more going on than simply the Chelsea game. Some Reds look over the Manchester City run-in and eyeball the Manchester United game as a possible hurdle. Not me. You ask any self-respecting Man United fan who’d they’d rather see win the league, every one of them will tell you they don’t want Man City, but despise Liverpool. From where I sit, Manchester United will fold gracefully to City on Wednesday, April 24. The real test for Manchester City will be the week before when Spurs come to town. Hungry for a top-four finish, Spurs may likely be the strongest test of City’s resolve and Liverpool’s chance at daylight. Barring that game, things appears quite comfortable for City on the way to the finish line — much to Liverpool’s chagrin.

My final thought is on of what could have been. Liverpool had a ten-point lead during the holidays but clearly felt the pressure of that lead. No team in Premier League history has managed to piss away a ten-point lead and fail to win the league, since it’s inception. But Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp aren’t used to winning or being in the lead — they are used to being the underdog. Sure enough, they managed to leak points and piss away that lead, finally succumbing the unrelenting pressure of Manchester City. Why?

Honestly, I think Liverpool are running on emotion these days. They ebb and flow, like tidal water, and want it so badly, they can taste it. Meanwhile Man City quietly go about their business as professional winners, dispatching opponents with relative ease on their way to another title. The true difference between Liverpool and Man City is the mechanics of their respective journeys. One team, dressed in powder blue, coldly execute the plan. The second team, dressed in red, are driven by passion. Passion is certainly exciting but may not get it done. And I’ll be devastated.

Post-Match UPDATE

Liverpool 2, Chelsea 0

Pressure is an interesting thing. Something people fold, other thrive. Liverpool continue to deal with the pressure after dispatching their most dangerous opponent, 2-0 on Sunday. Chelsea left without a repeat of five years ago and their hand in preventing Liverpool from lifting the Premier League trophy. Not this time. Salah scored a stunner from the top of the box to secure a two-goal lead. Chelsea had their chances almost immediately and Hazard continues to show his brilliance, thumping one off the post but when the dust cleared, Liverpool resume their position at the top of the league and hope Manchester City stumble just once in the final few games.

Liverpool | The Aftermath

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It’s been a few hours since the 2017/18 Champion’s League Final concluded. Real Madrid won their third consecutive cup fielding a team rich with talent but my heart centers on Liverpool Football Club and what could have been for the Reds.

In the lead up to the game, Liverpool faced a monumental task of dethroning the Los Blancos giant. Pundits and supporters alike said Liverpool have a unique team spirit, a style of play which, on any given day, could keep up with anyone. This season was evidence enough to prove that as Liverpool stopped the Manchester City juggernaut and booted Roma fromt the cup — games few thought we had a chance. Sure, winning the cup would be a long shot. Afterall, Real Madrid’s reputation has been forged in the crucible of numerous cup finals while Liverpool seek to recapture past excellence with players who are vastly inferior in experience.

As the game began, I was understandably nervous but quickly settled as the team played our game. Sharp from the off, the Reds attacked quickly, maintained pressure, and kept their defensive shape … but then the first in a series of mishaps unraveled Liverpool Football Club. Mohamed Salah, the best player in Europe this season with 43 goals, was awkwardly pulled to the ground by Sergio Ramos, a Real Madrid defender. Salah remained on the ground, writhing in pain and eventually tried to continue but his shoulder had been dislocated due to the fall. Salah left the field in tears, his cup final done with an injury which could impact his participation in the World Cup. I was shattered and so were his teammates. When the game resumed, Liverpool looked slack while Real Madrid surged but the Reds somehow managed to hang on to a 0-0 tie going into the half.

I knew Klopp would settle the players, ensuring they were on task and up for a fast paced second half. Sure enough, the second 45 minutes was much more balanced and Liverpool looked up for an exciting finish until Loris Karius … happened.

After collecting a routine ball, he attempted to roll it out to a teammate but a sharp Real Madrid player named Benzema reacting swiftly, sticking out a foot and the subsequent rebound ended in the back of the net. Karius’ mistake put the Reds down 0-1 while Real Madrid celebrated. Impressively, Liverpool remained resolute and clawed their way back into the final with a well executed corner which was pounced on my Mane and buried in the net. Liverpool found themselves tied, 1-1 and for about 20 minutes the energy from both teams promised an exciting, end-to-end finish.

Real Madrid saw the need for an infusion of creative energy with the substitution of Gareth Bale for Isco. Bale didn’t wait and within three minutes of hitting the pitch, he connected with a reverse scissor-kick for the ages. It was a stunning blow, defeating both the defense and Karius in a single moment. I can take nothing away from Bale, the goal was beyond human, and Real Madrid had earned their 2-1 advantage. While that hurt, the next and final goal was the one which shall forever be etched into Liverpool history. Bale, aggressive and purposeful, took the ball in space and from about 30+ yard out, struck a shot right at Karius. It appeared routine, even pedestrian in flight but in a goal keeping error for the ages, Karius misjudged the ball, fumbled it, and sank to his knees in horror as it ended in the back of net. Bale had scored his second and Real Madrid were up 3-1, cup final done and dusted.

Unfortunately, Karius has become the story post-game. Initially he received wave after wave of acrimony but to his credit, Karius has owned the mistakes, has publically apologized (on social media) and is taking his lumps. In an interesting twist, now there are waves upon waves of sympathy for the German but perhaps we should all step back. Ultimately, one question remains: Is Karius good enough to remain between the sticks for Liverpool? Can the attacking and defensive players ever truly trust him again?

With all that being said, the future looks bright for Liverpool under Klopp. The club qualified for Champion’s League play next season and have the beginnings of an electric club. I hope this season’s presence on the European stage will entice high quality players to join Liverpool … and we sorely need both depth and quality to progress to the next level. We need a midfield which can dictate, depth in attack, and the most obvious and glaring issue: Decide if Karius will be our goalkeeper.

Coutinho Wants Transfer

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So it’s real, Philip Coutinho, the one we’ve come to know as the Little Brazilian Magician, has officially handed in a transfer request — right before the first game of the season against Watford but more importantly, a couple of days before the first-leg of the Champion’s League final qualifier with Hoffenheim. Just a shocking state of affairs.

In what began as an off-season of potential and hope, confirmed by news print speculation from the Liverpool Echo announcing this could be one of the biggest summer spending sprees in club history — we’re edging from improvement and closer to disappointment. This was the summer where Klopp would finally be able to stamp his identity upon the squad, while strengthening for the rigors of the impending Champion’s League. But we’ve done little to strengthen or deepen the squad (with quality). All those aspirations seem to be slipping away at a rather alarming pace but for those not keeping track, why don’t we remind ourselves of the hiccups.

We tried but thus far have failed to sign a rock solid center back named, Virgil Van Dijk — a position which is much needed. We tried and completely failed to sign a high-potential, box-to-box, midfield player named, Naby Keita — a position which needs quality. Due to the unique rigors of Klopp preseason prep, we have a handful of players suffering from injuries, including the much loved Adam Lallana who will be gone three to four months with a thigh tear. And the final straw, our best player, Philipe Coutinho, wants to leave Liverpool for Barcelona. (Honestly, who could blame him but goodness, the timing is horrific.)

For good measure, all of these troubling issues were highlighted during the first game of the Premier League season against Watford. In an uninspiring display, Liverpool took a long time to get up to speed in the game, only managing a 3–3 tie at the closing whistle. The defense looked suspect while the midfield could only be described as average.

Remove Coutinho from the squad and we’re looking like a team which could score plenty but struggle to keep a lead. That defensive frailty could be exposed especially in light of how the other top teams have strengthened during the summer. The likes of Morata, Lacazette, and Lukaku arriving at new clubs looking to cause mayhem in the opposition’s box.

I grow concerned. I thought Klopp would be the difference maker, the guy who could bring glory back to the club. His personality, demeanor, and excitement for the club are evident but if this summer transfer window closes with a whimper instead of a bang — while we lose the quality in Coutinho, then this could be a long and frustrating season.

Liverpool FC Primed for Interesting Summer

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The English (Barclay’s) Premier League season concluded and Liverpool FC, under the reformed leadership of Jürgen Klopp, managed a hit & miss eighth place.  Liverpool scored 60 points, two short of West Ham United, three short of Southampton and missed any action in Europe for the 2016/17 season — but as a dedicated supporter, I’m okay with that. Why? Because Klopp was essentially managing Brendan Rodgers team and trying to make the best of it. To expect too much too soon would be ridiculous and honestly is not reflected in Klopp’s managerial history.

The fastest way to provide a salve to the Europa Cup final loss to Sevilla would be to nail down a marquee signing sooner rather than later. Officially, the summer transfer window began on July 01, 2016 (lasting two months) but clubs, players, and agents were free to negotiate (and announce) before that date. The question Klopp is now pondering and presumably acting upon is who leaves and who joins the fray? History teaches us Klopp will move with alacrity and direct purpose, shifting players who do not suit his game while bringing in a host of potential replacements. After nosing around online, Klopp’s transfer pattern appears consistent may be leaned upon without fear of it falling apart under the burden of scrutiny.

While managing Dortmund, Klopp oversaw many transfer windows but one thing remains clear: he can work within a budget. In fact, between 2008/9 and 2013/14, Klopp never strayed beyond a plus/minus of £5m in any given transfer window, normally landing on the plus side. That is exceptional money and player management considering his record of success during that time. Furthermore, in the same period, the price paid for Klopp’s average player acquisition was rarely greater than $4m, pushing to the maximum of $20.63 with Mkhitaryan in 2013/14. Once more, excellent focus on value for money and development but what about the sheer number of people in and out the door.

There is no doubt Klopp pushes players in and out with almost alarming frequency. In Klopp’s 2008/09 season (his first with Dortmund), only including players who were paid for (i.e., not including loans or contracts expiration’s), he signed eight while he sold nine. That is a hefty change but, truth be told, I expect the same sort of shake-up with Liverpool’s formal transfer window. During the remaining years, the paid transfers were:

Season # Players IN/OUT Highest Price Paid… …Player Signed
2008/09 +8 / -9 £3.38m Subotic
2009/10 +7 / -5 £3.15m Hummels
2010/11 +6 / -6 £3.56m Lewandowski
2011/12 +4 / -6 £4.13m Gundogan
2012/13 +4 / -6 £12.83m Reus
2013/14 +4 / -8 £20.63m Mkhitaryan

Just glancing at the list, one can easily be impressed with the quality now associated with those names. Allow me to take a moment and list players Klopp turned into household names: Mats Hummels, Sven Bender, Robert Lewandowski, Lukasz Piszczek, Shinji Kagawa, Neven Subotic, Ilkay Gundogan, Marco Reus, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyant, and Henrikh Mkhitaryn. All of those players were either discovered, developed, or polished under the hand of Jurgen Klopp (and his assistant coaches). So where does that leave Liverpool FC for the 2016/17 season?

In good hands.

Thus far, Klopp has successfully signed Joel Matip (free transfer), Marko Grujic (free transfer), Loris Karius (£4.7m), and Saido Mane (£32.0m). All these changes have been considered exceptional business with the potential for high value returns by most pundits — well, all of that business except the surprising Saido Mane purchase. Klopp has expressed to the media he’s been following and admiring Mane for some time and in light of the rebuff by Mario Gotze, it appears likely Klopp is satisfied with his forward thinking players (though I would have loved a more high-profile signing). From where I sit, it appears the focus needs to be on the middle of the park. We need a rock solid center midfield, box-to-box kind of player for the team to revolve around. Hopefully that will come sooner rather than later.

From where I sit, I trust Klopp more than I ever trusted any manager in recent Liverpool club history. The future remains bright and we’re lucky to have Klopp at the helm.

NWFFL Closed for Business

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The staff and management here at Northwest Fantasy Football League HQ would like to thank all the teams, players, and most importantly the owners for playing in the 2015/16 season — your participation was appreciated. Normally, right after the NFL draft, I would begin the process of formalizing the upcoming season. Not this time.

It is with a heavy heart we announce the league is now officially closed-for-business. It has been a fabulous run these last 20 plus years. Established in 1994, from the twinkling of an idea among friends, the Northwest Fantasy Football League began as a experiment and evolved into a passion. Over time the hobby grew into an annual tradition which withstood the test of time. Friendships were formed, lessons were learned, toilet’s bowled and champions crowned.

In 1994, fantasy football was almost invisible. There were a handful a publications which catered to the game and even fewer people playing. Back in the day, sports talk radio hosts refused to take questions from dorks playing fantasy football and reserved their most spiteful comments for those who attempted to call in seeking lineup advice. Back in the day you called the commissioner with your lineup for the week, on a phone, with a dial tone, which was plugged into a wall. The following Monday and Tuesday, the commissioner determined winners and losers using the local newspaper sports section, you know, where words and numbers were printed on newsprint and distributed to the populace at large. One might almost say fantasy football was strictly underground but strangely flourishing. As the popularity of the NFL grew, so did fantasy football. Over time, the Internet began to take a stronger and stronger role in the game and now fantasy football is mainstream and embraced by the NFL and gambling site alike. If you don’t think there’s a league where you work, you’re wrong — there is a league but you just haven’t been invited.

The Northwest FFL took it’s own path of evolution. In our beginning, we created a set of rules, not pulled from thin air but plagiarized from the FFL — CJ’s original fantasy football league. I have to take a moment and thank both CJ and the unique blend of owners for not only inviting me into their league but also for teaching me the nuances of fantasy football league management. It was a fascinating beginning which galvanized my interest in the hobby for better than 20 years.

From there, I floated the idea to Jerry and Pete who shrugged and said, “Why not?” and thus the Northwest Fantasy Football League was born. In 1994, our first year, there were only eight teams. The league consisted of the Lents Felons, The Unnamed, Petroleum Pigs, 69ers, Firebirds, Bad Karma & Kid, TD Express, and Stormbringers. (Notice: we didn’t have Bone Chippers or Mud Blood & Beer just yet.) In a fun-fact, the very first NWFFL free agent transaction, completed before the season began, belonged to The Unnamed who dropped Rocket Ismail (Raiders) and picked up Vincent Brisby (Patriots) right after the draft. Yeah, those names are from waaaaaay back.

We made some early decisions about the makeup of the NWFFL which included the phrase, “It’s a gentleman’s league.” We issued trophies to both the Best Record and Toilet Bowl awardee, then engraved the League Champion upon a rather handsome legacy trophy. (Click here if you’d like to see where the trophy currently resides.) We met each year for an in-person draft and established reputations for winning, losing, never trading, and being late… Darrin. We kept the rules (too) simple (one can only eat so much vanilla ice cream before they crave another flavor). Finally, we’ve had a number of fascinating personalities in the league since we began, including close friends, disinterested strangers, and every nuance in between.

Along the way we’ve had some fun times. Bad Karma were snake-bitten until they changed their name to the Trunk Monkeys. TD Express would have won it all had they picked any other running back during that fateful year. The Stormbringers backed into the playoffs at 6-7, beating two 11-2 teams for their fifth championship. The Bones consistently performed on another level and easily rank as the most successful team in NWFFL history. But let’s not forget the opposite side of the coin where the Northside Tweakers have the worst record in league history. The fortunes of so many may have been changed by one more touchdown, one more field goal, or even one more freakin’ yard!

I can only speak for myself when I say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the 20-year NWFFL ride. I’ve experienced some amazing triumphs, a dash of good luck, while life taught me an important lesson or two along the way. I look back on the NWFFL with great fondness and next time you bump into me, share a story or maybe leave a comment below. I’d love to hear ’em.

So, with that I’m turning off the lights and locking the doors. I hope everyone finds that next “thing” to catch their attention. Meanwhile remember, “May the luckiest team with it all!” “You’ll Never Walk Alone!“