Reasons to be Cheerful - by Jay Hudson

In a few short days we finally get back to business in the football, no more bullshit friendlies (even if we did show Barcelona how to play football) and thankfully no more waiting. This season is going to be an absolute cracker and I for one can’t wait, as Liverpool fans, we have a lot to be optimistic about this year.
 
 
Reasons to Be Cheerful…. Part 1 – Bigger Capacity at Anfield
 
Firstly, this season sees the completion of the redevelopment of the Main Stand, this gives us the 5^th biggest football stadium in England and a chance to cram another 8,500 people into Anfield. I’m already getting goose bumps thinking how awesome “You’ll never walk alone” is going to sound this season.

 
From a financial point of view, having these extra seats and fingers crossed the next stage of the redevelopment in a few years, will enable us to maybe even compete financially with the two Manc clubs. We are England’s most successful team and its only right we have a stadium to match and unlike some cockney freeloaders I could mention, at least we are paying for our stadium and not getting the tax man to fund it.    
 
Reasons to Be Cheerful…. Part 2 – Brexit Scouse Style
 
No Europe…This may not seem like a reason to be cheerful but it is! As we are all too aware, it’s a long, hard season and not having a European distraction will enable us to concentrate on the bread and butter of the league.
 
Another reason to be cheerful is that the red Mancs are in the Mickey Mouse Europa League (we can call it that now that we aren’t in it) so they won’t be matching our FIVE anytime soon. So we get to sit back and watch the injuries pile up for the teams that will be competing on the continent this year.
 
Reasons to Be Cheerful…. Part 3 - Kloppmania
 
We have the best manager in the world! Klopp’s infectious smile and no bullshit attitude has not only endeared himself to our loyal support but even opposition fans admire the man. It’s early days still but reaching two finals with Rodgers’ players is truly a sign of great things to come. 
 
Klopp’s signings this year are not what I would call a gamble (however if you do like a gamble then check out this best rated online casino Portal) and Klopp has invested in some really exciting players who are going to set the Premier League alight. 
 
Sadio Mane has already become a fan favourite by turning down the Mancs and at 24 the future is exciting for the striker from Senegal. He showed in pre-season glimpses of his talent and I believe in a few years’ time under Klopp’s mentoring that he will become world class. 
 

 
Georginio Wijnaldum was one of only a few Newcastle players who came out of last season with any sort of credit. His 11 goals the for the struggling Geordies will be a benchmark of what he can be expected to achieve, and when surrounded by Liverpool’s superior players then I expect great things from the 25-year old Dutchman this year.
 
The additions of Marko Grujic, Joel Matip, Loris Karius, Ragnar Klavan and Alex Manninger bring us squad depth but we will need our existing stars to shine brightly and shine very quickly this year. 
 
Klopp’s reluctance to spunk money on one player, ahem #Pogshit, means we are starting to see a team being moulded into Klopp’s vision and beliefs and if we can just source a competent left-back then I’m as excited as a fat girl in a cake shop for the new season.
 
Reasons to Be Cheerful…. Part 4 – New Faces 
 
The manager merry-go-round has been in full swing this year with high profile new appointments at Chelsea, Man United and Man City. This is a massive boost to us, Klopp has had his bedding in period and knows the staff and players well. He is developing a great team spirit and pre-season results against Barcelona and Milan show that we can beat anyone on our day. 
 
As the results against Mainz and Chelsea show, however, consistency needs to be improved. It’s no good beating Arsenal one week and then losing to Hull the next (heaven forbid).
 
Reasons to Be Cheerful…. Part 5 – It’s Tough at the Top
 
When this seasons fixtures were announced I was expecting Jeremy Beadle to pop up (isn’t he dead? – Ed) and although it is easy to think of conspiracies, I actually think this is the start we need.
 
Arsenal away, Burnley away and then meeting champions Leicester before a trip to Chelsea isn’t exactly how I would have planned it BUT this is a great chance to show our intent. We don’t run from the challenge, we are Liverpool!
 
So overall, the team is improving, the stadium is improving and I know we are going to produce some magic and great football this year. So let’s be optimistic and get behind Klopp and the boys.

Jay Hudson