Nickname(s): The Reds
2008/2009 Position: 2nd
2007/2008 Finish: 4th
Coach: Rafael Benitez (Spain)
Stadium: Anfield Park (45,362 capacity)
Key Players: Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Fernando Torres
History:
Founded in 1892, Liverpool has become one of the greatest squads in the world despite the fact they never won consistently until the 1970s. The club has been involved in two disasters, Hillsborough and Heysel, that have marred its reputation, but its fancy football and fierce rivalries with other “Big Four” teams make Liverpool one of the most popular squads worldwide.
The team is chaired by Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett, who are hated amongst Liverpool supporters. Hicks likes to collect sports teams and holds ownership of the Dallas Stars (NHL) and Texas Rangers (MLB) as well. Hicks’ nephew, Bill, was an influential American stand-up comedian who died of cancer in 1994. If Liverpool doesn’t win soon, Hicks and Gillett will likely be chased from Anfield.
After a poor 2007/2008 showing (if you can call 4th poor, which you can for this squad), Benitez likely must win some sort of title this year, or he will be gone in the offseason. He has proven he can get them to the championship game in big tournaments, but until he wins the league title (as he could this season), he will be persona non grata with Liverpool’s notoriously loyal fan base.
Legends: Steven Gerrard, Ian Callaghan, Ian Rush
American Sports Doppelganger: The L.A. Lakers
2008/2009 Prediction: 3rd
