When Liverpool beat Barcelona last month 4-0 at Anfield, over-turning a 3-0 first leg defeat, it was a terrific week for world football or any neutral football fans.
If you do not know what happened, just remember that nothing is impossible in life, and that we should never give up.
Ever since my cousin WH showed me a red 'Owen #10' jersey from his wardrobe, I sub-consciously supported the team. The first Liverpool team I watched had Gerard Houllier as manager, with players such as Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler, Emile Heskey, Sander Westerveld, Patrick Berger, Jamie Carragher, Sammi Hyypia, a young Steven Gerard and etc. It was the days where you could just watch EPL on our normal TV stations without paying big bucks for private cable TV.
I do at times reflect and try to take a leaf out of the beautiful game (maybe just to self-motivate or self-console). Here are the top 8 things I've learned thus far:
#8 It is not all gold that glitters
Sometimes, people will count on the tangibles and quantifiable. How many trophies that you win?Take the EPL as example, there could only be ONE winner, and 4 Champions League spots among 20 teams. Most of the time, you will also need a little luck.
Success is not final and failure (to win) is not fatal.
Sometimes, it's the journey that counts.
If you do not know what happened, just remember that nothing is impossible in life, and that we should never give up.
Ever since my cousin WH showed me a red 'Owen #10' jersey from his wardrobe, I sub-consciously supported the team. The first Liverpool team I watched had Gerard Houllier as manager, with players such as Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler, Emile Heskey, Sander Westerveld, Patrick Berger, Jamie Carragher, Sammi Hyypia, a young Steven Gerard and etc. It was the days where you could just watch EPL on our normal TV stations without paying big bucks for private cable TV.
It must be way back in 2000...
Fast forward to 2016, I was lucky enough to go to the UK for my postgraduate studies.
Fast forward to 2016, I was lucky enough to go to the UK for my postgraduate studies.
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| I worked part-time to finance my past-time |
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| Kak R (Grand Master) would drive to Anfield from Glasgow, and back after matches, while I tag along (It's 4-hour per way journey!) |
#1. English
It's true. To be able to understand every word and term the football commentators speak requires practice and ability. The next level is to differentiate and understand different accent from different countries / regions of the English speaking word. Scottish accent takes time to get used to (but I really like it), while Scouse is difficult to understand, and Geordie accent from the east coast is almost...
#2. Mutual Respect and team ethics
#2. Mutual Respect and team ethics
Football is a team sport, and there is always no 'I' in a 'TEAM'. You occasionally find superstars like Messi and Ronaldo, but the football field is a bit too big when compared with a basketball court. A chain is as strong as the weakest link.
In life, I strongly believe in mutual respect, and staying humble. We do at times see teammates fighting each other, even at a level like the EPL - (Was it Newcastle or West Ham). This is definitely a lesson of what not to do.
You also need to respect your opponents. In this modern digital edge, where everything you do get captured on camera, it is always safer to follow the rules and 'not play dirty' in life. Sergio Ramos wrestled Mo Salah to the ground and dislocate Salah's shoulder in last year's final, and I think the whole world knows it.
#3. Take care of your team's / subordinate's well-being. Never risk health for anything
Mo Salah definitely wanted to start the UCL Semi-final 2nd Leg (against Barcelona) a few weeks back, but he had a concussion just a few days before. There was no question of risking someone's health for a football game. Having fully recovered, Salah would score a 2nd-minute penalty during the finals.
Health is wealth. There is always another chance to do things you want in the future.
In life, I strongly believe in mutual respect, and staying humble. We do at times see teammates fighting each other, even at a level like the EPL - (Was it Newcastle or West Ham). This is definitely a lesson of what not to do.
You also need to respect your opponents. In this modern digital edge, where everything you do get captured on camera, it is always safer to follow the rules and 'not play dirty' in life. Sergio Ramos wrestled Mo Salah to the ground and dislocate Salah's shoulder in last year's final, and I think the whole world knows it.
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| Happy to see my senior make it to town (Photo Credits: Thev 2017) |
#3. Take care of your team's / subordinate's well-being. Never risk health for anything
Mo Salah definitely wanted to start the UCL Semi-final 2nd Leg (against Barcelona) a few weeks back, but he had a concussion just a few days before. There was no question of risking someone's health for a football game. Having fully recovered, Salah would score a 2nd-minute penalty during the finals.
Health is wealth. There is always another chance to do things you want in the future.
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| Fellow friends I met during the journey |
#4. Never give up, never stop believing, no matter how dire the situation is.
Everybody knows this, but at times, we all need to see some proofs that this is not a waste of effort. Some call this faith.
Istanbul 2005 was a fine example, while the semi-final victory against all odds against Barcelona inspires. You need to watch the celebration to believe. Even if LFC ended this season empty handed, the sheer determination and hard work was for me, already enough.
Tottenham lost the Champion's League Final last weekend to Liverpool, but they will remember Liverpool's defeat Real Madrid during last year's finals. Liverpool came back this year stronger, and won, and if Tottenham works hard, who knows. They are a good team.
As the (Chinese) saying goes 咸鱼都能翻身.
#5. At times, be realistic, re-focus, cut loss and wish others well
Istanbul 2005 was a fine example, while the semi-final victory against all odds against Barcelona inspires. You need to watch the celebration to believe. Even if LFC ended this season empty handed, the sheer determination and hard work was for me, already enough.
Tottenham lost the Champion's League Final last weekend to Liverpool, but they will remember Liverpool's defeat Real Madrid during last year's finals. Liverpool came back this year stronger, and won, and if Tottenham works hard, who knows. They are a good team.
As the (Chinese) saying goes 咸鱼都能翻身.
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| A nice scene to see that special seats are reserved for people from all walks of life. For many, going to watch football during the weekends is something that keeps them going in life |
#5. At times, be realistic, re-focus, cut loss and wish others well
In contrary to #4, there will be times that, we should be realistic in our endeavor and perseverance. Players like Michael Owen, Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez and most recently Philippe Coutinho wanted to leave LFC for bigger clubs, and you could only do so much to keep them.
There is no point holding on to people whose heart is already out the window. I think the same applies to the workplace, organizations or even relationships. When one no longer feels at home, starts to feel entitled or had his head turned, it's good to facilitate the switch. Who would deny Philippe Coutinho a dream move to Barcelona? If I were him, I would also take the leap of faith.
We have one life, and should go out there and live it boldly. Don't be the jerk who halt someone's track.
#6. You could choose your own style
To be a leader (like Klopp) who is always positive, energetic and sincere, or to be a master manager/tactician like Mourinho / Pep / Sir Alex, the choice is yours. It depends on your personality really. There is no definite style that breeds success.
If Klopp never wins a trophy with LFC, I would still be pleased that we had him as our manager. I am sure all the players would play their lives out for a manager like Klopp. Klopp really fits the Liverpool way - down to earth, hard working, and sincere.
Adapt, learn, improve, but don't ever be someone you are not.
#7. Build and surround yourself with the best people
The best people will come at a cost. Take Alison and Virgil van Dijk for example, who costed LFC a bomb. But they are also world-class players who solved LFC's defence once and for all. Moreover, they galvanize their teammates to perform better. Now, they are Champions of Europe.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Of course at times, the most expensive buys may also flop - Andy Carroll an example.
There is no point holding on to people whose heart is already out the window. I think the same applies to the workplace, organizations or even relationships. When one no longer feels at home, starts to feel entitled or had his head turned, it's good to facilitate the switch. Who would deny Philippe Coutinho a dream move to Barcelona? If I were him, I would also take the leap of faith.
We have one life, and should go out there and live it boldly. Don't be the jerk who halt someone's track.
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| Was lucky to catch one of the European Nights at Anfield - It is always special |
#6. You could choose your own style
To be a leader (like Klopp) who is always positive, energetic and sincere, or to be a master manager/tactician like Mourinho / Pep / Sir Alex, the choice is yours. It depends on your personality really. There is no definite style that breeds success.
If Klopp never wins a trophy with LFC, I would still be pleased that we had him as our manager. I am sure all the players would play their lives out for a manager like Klopp. Klopp really fits the Liverpool way - down to earth, hard working, and sincere.
Adapt, learn, improve, but don't ever be someone you are not.
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| Became particularly savvy in buying match-day tickets, that I was able to bring a Man Utd fan to Anfield |
#7. Build and surround yourself with the best people
The best people will come at a cost. Take Alison and Virgil van Dijk for example, who costed LFC a bomb. But they are also world-class players who solved LFC's defence once and for all. Moreover, they galvanize their teammates to perform better. Now, they are Champions of Europe.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Of course at times, the most expensive buys may also flop - Andy Carroll an example.
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| If you have a good team, it shows |
#8 It is not all gold that glitters
Sometimes, people will count on the tangibles and quantifiable. How many trophies that you win?Take the EPL as example, there could only be ONE winner, and 4 Champions League spots among 20 teams. Most of the time, you will also need a little luck.
Success is not final and failure (to win) is not fatal.
Sometimes, it's the journey that counts.
Match Day
Enjoy your football everyone!
Till August.
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