The Liverpool Girlies

Liverpool Girlies React: A Week of Unprecidented Heartbreak and Unwavering Support

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In this episode of the Liverpool Girlies Podcast, hosts Molly Anne, Annika, and Stephanie discuss a challenging week for Liverpool FC, including their recent losses against Chelsea and Galatasaray. They reflect on the emotional toll following the tragic loss of a teammate and how it has impacted team dynamics. The hosts highlight key moments from the matches, player performances, and delve into off-pitch entertainment, such as Dominic Solovoslai’s unexpected commercial. They emphasize the importance of patience and community support during these unprecedented times. The episode concludes with a discussion on the upcoming international break and its potential impact on the team.

Stephanie:

His blonde is gone, his curls are gone.

Annika:

curls are gone.

Molly Anne:

of like, okay, we've got Esec, TK, and gn Burch that all they're triplet right now, and maybe we can confuse the other team if. F. all have the same haircut, we wear the same shoes. We're like the same height. You know,

Annika:

They're trying to confuse me. I feel confused.

Molly Anne:

Everyone, welcome back to the Liverpool Girlies Podcast, A place where we welcome anyone who loves to obsess over Liverpool FC and wants to talk about everything from Marash v, making his Premier League debut to Hugo ecat K's new haircut. name is Molly Ann, and I'm here with Annika and Stephanie. We are three friends who share a love of Liverpool and dream of one day having a cup of coffee at the AXA Training Center Coffee bar. so we're here. made it through another week. is. be dramatic, but an unprecedented, not unprecedented week. We are in unprecedented times through the Liverpool release.

Annika:

Mm-hmm.

Molly Anne:

Uh, We're Chelsea Match and we've now last three matches in a row. Obviously, we're gonna talk in detail about this week, about the last two matches, but just wanted to do a quick temperature check. are we doing? How are we feeling today?

Stephanie:

It's been a hard week to be a Liverpool girly. It's been rough, but I have not lost, there have been so many positives this week as well. So I'm excited to chat about with you guys.

Annika:

I think key takeaway for me is there are some matches that you lose that are still fun to watch, and then there are some matches you lose that are also miserable to watch. So I'm grateful for the ones that are least fun along the way.

Stephanie:

About the friends that you made along the way?

Annika:

Absolutely.

Molly Anne:

Yeah, I think I'm like, oh, I'm always happy to support Liverpool. I'm always, will always love this team, and it's okay that this week feels a little more challenging than ones we've experienced in the past.

Stephanie:

Since we started watching? Have we lost three games in a row?

Annika:

I think, no,

Molly Anne:

it's been pre our time, so yeah.

Annika:

Of passage. This is our,

Stephanie:

Yeah,

Annika:

this is part of it. This is

Stephanie:

it really does. And with how much fun. Today's game was fun to watch. The pub, the vibes were amazing. It doesn't feel like we lost three games in a row. I don't know. I don't know it.

Annika:

different when you're in different like competitions as well, I

Stephanie:

Yeah, it's true.

Annika:

it counts differently. So it doesn't feel, I mean, two Premier League games in a row, but not three. So we'll take that.

Stephanie:

Very true.

Annika:

Yeah. Mm.

Molly Anne:

So, we get into the games, we did have some fun off the pitch moments this last week to kind of talk through, go through starting with um, an unexpected but very appreciated Seasons commercial from Dominic Sovos Lie, where he is bringing Hollywood Energy to us.

Annika:

this crossover was so unexpected to me. I kept rewatching it being like, am I missing something like. Why, and also it's great. I was like, can we cast Sobo in a old Hollywood movie? That would be great,

Stephanie:

His chemistry with himself in the commercial was peak like so good. And also I don't understand him sitting in a bathtub filled with water in the suit that I just like, I don't understand the artistic vision behind that, but. Sure. Okay. If that sounds good, but it was

Annika:

vibey.

Stephanie:

what a great commercial to wake up to. Yes.

Annika:

Yeah. I woke up and I was like, am I, am I still dreaming? Is this a fever dream? What's going on? Why Soly driving in a convertible in a suit he's in, he's in Budapest. I think, like, I was like, what's going on? It was so funny. I, I really appreciated it. A little bit of, a little bit of joy, a little bit of artistry. It was very moody, very fall, fall vibes,

Stephanie:

Great casting on Four Seasons Choice. My goodness. I wonder how they got that worked out.

Molly Anne:

I Isn't that where they got engaged Dom and

Annika:

Oh,

Stephanie:

Oh my gosh. You're right.

Molly Anne:

didn't fact check that, so I don't know if I'm wrong, I'll fact check it post pod and we can correct but, The I think that's where they got engaged.

Annika:

what if Four Seasons sponsored the engagement ring? And so he just has commitments with them. That's, yeah. Oh, that's interesting. I wonder if it was, that was delightful.

Molly Anne:

moment there. Also in Dominic Soly news, he was awarded the August player of the month. And I think if

Stephanie:

well deserved.

Molly Anne:

reflecting back to August, would love to go back to the results of August.'cause we were living on a high

Annika:

Congrats to Dom.

Molly Anne:

we So very much

Stephanie:

yes. It. Okay. It's official. Four Seasons Hot Hotel, Grisham Palace, Budapest.

Annika:

Oh

Stephanie:

is where they got engaged.

Annika:

Invisible

Stephanie:

said, yes,

Annika:

So iconic DOM'S

Stephanie:

yes.

Annika:

and the club's reaction was incredible and iconic.

Stephanie:

We love you.

Molly Anne:

And got a fun Interaction Player Portraits moment with Florian Verts and Jeremy Fong. So if you

Stephanie:

I am loving this little series that AXA is doing.

Molly Anne:

seen these, it's been like a whole little collab between some of our players and they have to paint. Portraits of their teammates and then have the other person guess. And yeah, it's just really fun. The host just kept talking about how it was like something to get them out of their comfort zone and like paint, do something creative that they probably don't get to do. I just love getting to watch them. I think they're fun. Interaction. I always loved seeing Jeremy and, Florian together just because they're great friends, but also so different.

Annika:

They have the best like friendship, chemistry together. It's always fun to watch them just poke and tease each other

Stephanie:

I wonder if Jeremy gets Flo out of his box a little bit. His little introverted box.

Annika:

maybe.

Molly Anne:

I

Stephanie:

he does.

Molly Anne:

around Jeremy. You are just, you gotta be out there like

Stephanie:

Jeremy would also be a really big vibe at silent disco.

Annika:

Yes.

Molly Anne:

yes.

Annika:

I appreciate his energy so much. Like he just gives this, he makes me feel comfortable and I'm not even there. So I feel like he has that effect on people where you're just like, oh, like it's gonna be okay. Like I feel more comfortable and I just, what a gift. God, a love for me as I've been

Stephanie:

We love, We love Remy. And then we have to talk about it because a very big thing happened in our lives this weekend is Taylor Swift released a new album and wishlist of the song was such a fun bob. And then all of a sudden she name dropped Riel Madrid and it was a fantastic moment. Who knows why that was. We have our own theories. Uh, some people are saying that she chose that team one because they're a very, very successful team. And, from what I understand, Burnbaum moved a. Uh, football match in order for Taylor to perform on the days that she wanted to perform during the Aris tours. So maybe that was like a thank you for them, but it also felt a little, um, it was a, a little sneaky, a little sneaky lyric in there, so who knows? But.

Annika:

Dom owes the Four Seasons. Taylor Swift owes Real Madrid you know

Stephanie:

It is all of the, yeah, it's all of the oh, what's it called? The when product placement. The little product placement portions of it. So

Molly Anne:

with the theme of wishlist, if you could have two things on your Liverpool wishlist, what would they be?

Stephanie:

That's a very broad question.

Molly Anne:

two, but

Stephanie:

I.

Molly Anne:

are two things? You

Annika:

Okay. I, if we recall, I think I'm still manifesting Kea Kirk's friendship to blossom. So that's gonna be my wishlist for the internal of the club.

Stephanie:

Is it like a, I want to happen this season for the players or just Liverpool's? Okay. I would love to sit down and have lunch with Arne slot. Jurgen Klo and Virgil Van Dyke.

Annika:

Okay. Dream big. Love that.

Stephanie:

Yeah, that's my like, just put the th I don't wanna just like randomly see them on the street and say hi and take a picture. I wanna sit and connect with them and ask them all my questions.

Annika:

My other item on the wishlist would be that we win our next match and the goal is scored by Joe Gomez.

Stephanie:

Yes.

Annika:

Ann? What are you thinking? I.

Molly Anne:

Like the day after a great win to get to be at the training center. Having coffee, sitting at the coffee bar with everybody would be like my selfish for me

Annika:

I love that.

Molly Anne:

like, not for me, but not for me. Wish would be like Florian vert scores seven goals in the next match. And

Annika:

would be incredible.

Molly Anne:

You show him flow. So that would be my other one. I did also think like I wish I could turn back time and Darwin Nunez never leaves Liverpool because that's truly what I would probably wish for, but I'll let him be. But yeah, I think to be at the training center, like

Annika:

So fun.

Molly Anne:

high off a win and have coffee with everyone would be up on mine.

Annika:

what's your number two?

Stephanie:

It's along those same lines of y'all's number twos of just like those who haven't scored yet, those who I know who have something to prove, be given a chance to quiet all the doubters. So like a flow, like a Jeremy. Like a Joe Gomez. I just want everyone to do well and be celebrated the way that they have earned. So that is how I feel.

Annika:

Love

Stephanie:

That's a great question.

Annika:

Yeah.

Molly Anne:

give to Annika?

Annika:

Yeah. My first one was Kirk and Za, because I wanna be proven right. So that's really selfish.

Stephanie:

So we all have a selfish one and a non-self one.

Molly Anne:

And then I think on behalf of Liverpool. With Real Madrid and there, I think we could all say beating R Madrid in our upcoming match would be high on the list for a

Annika:

and yeah.

Stephanie:

Thank goodness we're playing at a anfield.

Molly Anne:

Yeah.

Stephanie:

Glad.

Annika:

of the Champions League, we had a Champions League match on Tuesday. We traveled, well, we didn't, but Liverpool traveled to Istanbul to play gala Tasi,

Stephanie:

Can you imagine if all of a sudden we were like, yep, we went to Turkey, we were there.

Annika:

like would have loved to go to Turkey.

Stephanie:

Oh yeah.

Annika:

I could have been there. However, actually maybe I don't,'cause it's the whistling in the stadium really was getting to me. So

Molly Anne:

It

Annika:

at least at home I could.

Molly Anne:

and I was like, you've watched Harry Potter, you've seen the Goblet of Fire, the Tri Wizard tournament. I was like, it's like the shrieking sirens underwater. I don't know, like I don't

Stephanie:

The ones in the pot, in the pots, the, when they pull the things outta the pots, the mandrakes.

Annika:

Mandrakes. I heard someone compare it to cicadas, which I also thought was pretty

Stephanie:

Oh, cicadas. I love their sounds that, no, it can't be cicadas.

Annika:

Okay,

Stephanie:

It was too screechy, but

Annika:

screechy. I mean, you know, there was the whistling inside the stadium, but there was also the scare tactics the night before the match, um, fireworks outside of the Liverpool Hotel, which was also very epic. You know, Liverpool's not just taking on Galata ride the team, they were taking on the fan base.

Stephanie:

I mean, They were just trying to get that to disrupt their rest.

Annika:

Yeah,

Stephanie:

Smart.

Annika:

frankly. So that did give me a good, laugh, but then also eventually a good level of annoyance as a fan, watching that match where it did I say this was my match of the week that we did not win, and I did not have fun watching it. Yeah, that was

Stephanie:

It was

Annika:

how did you guys feel watching it?

Stephanie:

that was rough. It was not enjoyable watching like. There are teams that I really enjoy matching up against because they play really good football and they make it really enjoyable to watch on a tactical side of things. You really get to see the talent. It just felt like it was a bunch of guys throwing themselves on the ground and being really nasty. Those games are just really frustrating. And it just made it not, it made it not fun. I was really interested to go into this match, seeing what it was like to go into another very excited and very loud and very supportive environment, but it just, it almost felt icky in a way, but I don't know. It just, it was just not, it was not fun and it was a bummer that we lost.

Annika:

I definitely felt my frustration increasing as the match went on. I think I do like always, I think about in the NFL, like I always like, I appreciate. Eagles fans a lot, they create a pretty toxic, terrible environment.

Stephanie:

Yes.

Annika:

I like, I respect it. I'm like, wow, okay. You really brought your A game. And I see it and I do feel a sense of that with Galata. I think it's always interesting to see like different countries and different. football culture. And so I'm always excited to be exposed to that. And so I went in with an appreciation. I was like, oh, wow, this is gonna be really challenging. There's no hiding that. And then as the match went on, I was like, okay, I've had about enough of this would like to return to Anfield now. And no thank you. But think that they were very like, effective for disrupting our flow of play. So I see that, but yeah. What did you think Molly Ann?

Molly Anne:

I think, same. I've talked about it the couple episodes before I was, this was a ga, a game I was so excited about because of the environment and now I'm like maybe lesson learned like actually did not enjoy that I. I always think you have to, like, the ref is not an excuse to have lost a game. Like if that is why you've, you feel like you've lost, then you weren't playing your best to win. And so I, I don't think we were playing our best. I wasn't like, wow, we we're doing everything we can, but I think it was because of just like aren't clicking the. The kind of like, just like tactics to keep the game stopping. I felt like sometimes the, like the crowd was in control of the ref and he was, you know, he just kind of lost that control for some reason. And I don't have to agree with every call the ref makes, but I appreciate when especially it's in a such an intense environment where they really keep control the match. And I just felt like he lost some of that. To the crowd noise, to what was taking place inside the stadium. And so that was frustrating for me where I felt

Annika:

Yeah.

Molly Anne:

We got to of the game that I was like, I don't necessarily feel so disappointed in the loss.'cause I didn't feel like we got outplayed, but you know, we still lost, we still didn't play our best. But it was just frustrating'cause. It just didn't feel like a fluid game of football. It just was like disruption after disruption, af like how many times can one man go down during a match to keep stopping it, go to the sideline and come back in? Like at some point you're either hurt or you're not. And if you're not, you gotta stop.

Stephanie:

Getting to watch good football players play on a 22 guys on a pitch play for 90 minutes is so enjoyable no matter the teams. And so when it gets, when it stop and go and stop and go like that, it just. It's just not fun and incredibly frustrating, especially when it doesn't go your way. I just left that just feeling a little angry and just like on edge a little bit.

Annika:

And anytime I think that there's a call that. controversial, whether, I feel like anytime there's a call against us, it always feels controversial to me.'cause I'm like, but when I see that other people who support other teams are also like, you know what, actually that is a gray area. I'm not so sure about that. I feel a little bit validated. So I think anytime that there's something controversial that happens, like the penalty kick it's hard for me to let that go. I find myself like feeling a little wronged which. Not to jump ahead to today's game, but right there was a similar situation and we did not get a PK in that moment. And it was hard for me to feel like that was like, oh, that's so unfair. But I think that is what is also very cool and unique about football is that each match like is gonna be rough differently there. The game keeps moving and you don't really know what you're gonna get. You don't know if things are gonna end up feeling really fair to you or unfair to you, or lucky or unlucky. So it's. Scale task story is definitely gonna be a hard one for me to move on and let go of, but what's, interesting about this Champions League format is we have to like, we are onto our next Champions League match. And we're not facing that team again right now.

Molly Anne:

One of the moments, I know there's been a lot of talk do we. this a good new format for Champions League? To me, it's one of the times where I'm like, thank goodness gracious, we do not have to turn around and play them again I don't wanna watch another match like that, even if it's at Anfield. And maybe it felt a little different, just tactically, if that's gonna be the same approach, let's keep it moving. Let's play someone else. Thank you.

Stephanie:

You are so right. I didn't even think about that for the coming rounds. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. I'm so glad we don't have to play them again. At least right now.

Annika:

And

Molly Anne:

Yeah. We'll

Annika:

yeah.

Molly Anne:

Stage if we make it, if they make it what that looks like, but grateful we can move

Annika:

Yeah. Gotta keep looking forward. I did also wanna mention, just'cause it has impacts for our games the next, like several months that Allison also had his injury moment during that game. So that was. It's never fun obviously to see a player injured. Feel like we're in really good hands with Marvin Delli, so that's wonderful. But wishing Allison a very speedy recovery. Also was Allison's birthday this last week, so happy belated birthday. Allison.

Stephanie:

But yeah, this week it was Maar Philly's Champions League debut and his Premier League debut. So, I mean, it's such a bummer for Allie. I hate it when he has to be out, but we're used to that, that it usually happens once a season. We'll get into it when we talk about the Chelsea match, but Gio was phenomenal, like in both batches, so he's stepped up to the plate so well. So shout out to the Goalkeeping team at Liverpool. I don't know what they're doing for these guys to make them. It is. It is working so proud of them. Anything else about the galas I match before we move on?

Annika:

I think I'm ready. Let's talk about Chelsea.

Stephanie:

All right. Chelsea was today. It was another last minute loss. Two one. We were Liverpool again. We got to watch it at the pub today. It was a nine 30 game normal. Okay, so the earliest games that happen in England are 4:30 AM for us, and so we don't usually tend to go to the pub. We usually watch it at home. We'll go to the 7:00 AM games or later. We rarely have a match that's after eight 30. And even the eight 30 ones are rare today. The match started at nine 30 our time, so seeing so many more people at the pub. And I was even talking to Allison when I was ordering some food. I was commenting on her curls and she was like, everyone's just more awake today. Everyone had time to get ready. We're just seeing people like judged up because like we had time to do that this morning, and then in a couple of matches we have a noon game and a 1:00 PM game. So that was really exciting. The vibes at the pub were so good. I really actually enjoyed watching the match, even though we lost, that was a really big bummer. But the energy, you could hear the Liverpool supporters, even at the pub where we can't really hear the sound very well. You could hear them chanting, you could hear them singing. You could hear them cheering it on. It was such back and forth. It was such a very well matched game, and you could see. Such promising communication and connection. At certain points, there were more mistakes than not in, in terms of their communication and their passing. But it seemed promising and yeah, it was just a bummer the way that it turned up.

Molly Anne:

I, me it was. If you live by the stoppage time, you die by the stoppage time. I feel like that's right now. Also for Chelsea, it was, if you live by the crossbar, you die by the crossbar. Because I thought the crossbar was gonna be our hero today until it wasn't. But yeah, it was just I think to me, felt like a really big test on how do we bounce back after these last two losses? When we were, tied when we equalized I was like, okay, if we can even just hold a draw. It feels like we're making some positive momentum in figuring this out and like moving forward. And so then to end up losing it, so last minute. Yeah, I just, I feel like it could be a little detrimental to our momentum. I really felt like. What we'd heard from slot and from the players this last week, like it felt like our mentality was in a great place. They obviously are the most impacted by the losses. They're really the ones living it. And so I think I just expected us to at least draw, if not win, to start to shift that.'cause that's what we've historically for the three of us seen them do the last three seasons. And so yeah, it's just, it's interesting to see where it goes from here

Annika:

going to this game, I feel like pre-match, I had a lot of built up anticipation. I was, f feeling antsy of course after losing the last two matches and just okay, this is a moment to see where we're at, to see are we able to. have the same story happen over and over again. And I got ready this morning, I like pulled out my lucky friendship bracelets. I was like, I'm doing anything I can to bring some good energy and some good luck. And I felt like I saw the lineup this morning and I was like, okay, I feel good about this. And you said, the energy in the pub was great. This morning I was feeling more awake than normal, which was wonderful. Yeah. And it I really enjoyed watching that game. And similarly, I was at one point just oh my gosh, are we gonna draw? We might draw like, yeah, but like in a happy sense yay. Dying by the stoppage. Time was painful as it always will be. But yeah I'm very curious where it's gonna go. I did have a couple things that I wanted to mention that I really. Some fun moments from this game. First off, I really just appreciated Connor Bradley in the first half. I know he got subbed off at the half, probably partially due to his yellow and tiredness and just the way that eventually he was getting worked, but. Seeing his different like moments of creativity and his determination when he's taking on someone who has the ball. I just really appreciate him and I wanted to give him his flowers for a minute. But my favorite moment of the game had to be when Tke came onto the field and the camera panned to him reveal his haircut. Okay. Which sounds maybe ridiculous, but No, it isn't. Okay. They, Liverpool had not posted a photo of his haircut on the Instagram, so all of a sudden I'm like. What, who is this? Um, so

Stephanie:

His blonde is gone, his curls are gone.

Annika:

curls are gone.

Molly Anne:

of like, okay, we've got Esec, TK, and gn Burch that all they're triplet right now, and maybe we can confuse the other team if. F. all have the same haircut, we wear the same shoes. We're like the same height. You know,

Annika:

They're trying to confuse me. I feel confused. Um, but yeah, that was, that moment, uh, probably was my highlight of the match. Let's be real., I love that Jeremy from pong finally, finally got to eke. He kept saying that he was gonna make him cut his hair, and he did. But

Molly Anne:

would

Annika:

we'll see.

Molly Anne:

the curls

Annika:

Agreed.

Molly Anne:

highlighted, highlighted tips I could do without if Hugo's listening and wants, or Jeremy wants some input. But yeah, it was a shock. The shock

Annika:

Yeah,

Molly Anne:

was there.

Annika:

absolutely.

Stephanie:

I need just a really good picture of him with that short hair. Okay, well I was, I was gonna make a sticker of tke with like wi in a liable kit and all that. But now do I need to wait till I have a good one with, with this haircut? Oh man, I had a really good one picked out. That's fine.

Annika:

Ugh.

Stephanie:

fine.

Annika:

you gotta wait for an iconic moment,

Stephanie:

that's true.

Annika:

moment that I wanted to mention was like a little bit of an unexpected play when he passed the ball to Rabo and he had, and Rabo had that chance and it didn't obviously turn into anything, but I was just like, Ooh, okay. I like seeing the new connections that were born, the new, like things that they're working on. So now I'm gonna keep my eyes on AKA Tke and Robertson and see, are we working on? What? unfold?

Stephanie:

Connection.

Annika:

Yes. I'm always looking for a connection. I miss my semi GPO connection, so looking for a new one.

Molly Anne:

I had a couple moments in the match, one being Cody back's goal. Obviously so much my moment's, not so much about the goal, but just everyone's response on the pitch I thought was really interesting. He That goal, around and hightailed it back and pointed to the crowd to celebrate. But I, I'm sure they're very aware. I appreciated the response of like. equalized. That's great. That's our job. That's what we need to be doing in this moment. It wasn't a run to the corner. Cause a huge celebration, like you can tell, their mentality is still about winning. It's not about finding the draw. And I, everyone's response I think was really indicative of that. Like ESAT came up, gave him a high five, like they kept moving. They had a job to do. They were focused on winning that game. So. I appreciated that. You know, a couple weeks ago we saw Arsenal equalize with Man City at the last minute and celebrate how you want. But their celebration was like, that was big enough and that was good enough for them and they wasted a lot of time in that moment. And so I just appreciated that that was not our focus. Like we're proud of ourselves. We scored, we equalized, we still have more work to do. So, um, I thought that was a good, just kind of like physical. Moment just to really check in on where like the words that they're saying are matching their actions and you know what's happening on the pitch.

Stephanie:

Shows that their standards are still very high and they're serious about it and they're professionals and they're dedicated to winning and doing the best, the absolute best that they can and celebrating at the appropriate times in the appropriate ways. So,

Annika:

Absolutely.

Molly Anne:

and then also Marash Philly was just.

Stephanie:

gosh.

Molly Anne:

it last week of, you know, like we always want Allison to be there. Allison is not done. Like he's, the last couple of games had incredible saves, but to see Marvin Dash, Philly, I mean, there was one moment, like he jumps, saves a goal. It's like seconds later he's back up diving to the other side save another goal. And so that was, I was just like, okay. We're good with Allison. We have a great backup. Um, and so I was glad to see him perform so well you know, kind of those areas everyone can a little like. Just leave him alone. I don't know. I just, I think in moments like this where we're not doing so well, my main like response is to be protective of this team. And I just like, wanted like flow to have a, such a great game today.'cause I've just been like, everyone just leave. Leave him alone. So I was glad to see where Menache really like performed so well, in that moment. And then, uh, we, as soon as Flow came on the pitch. I mean within seconds. He had that incredible pass. I think our friend Young called it like a revolving door. It

Annika:

Yes.

Molly Anne:

like where he was just like it around over to Mo. And so, you know, we're seeing those little glimmers of like, of connection, of creativity come. didn't go our way in the end today, but you know, the, those little like. Moments that communication, it's forming, it's taking time. We're still gonna need more time. I don't think they totally have it figured out yet, but we got to see like some really hopeful

Annika:

Yeah.

Molly Anne:

of what this

Annika:

And I think moments like that are what make watching a game like today is so enjoyable still.'cause you're seeing these moments, you're like, oh, I, like, I could almost picture it And know, I, it, it's cool to see the ways that they're like making small adjustments. You're seeing different communications be born, and it's like, yes, we will need to play better to win games. Point blank period. And also it's nice to enjoy aspects of games even when they don't go in your favor because it's fun to support your club and it's fun to, to be a fan, of Liverpool and enjoy it even in the hard moments.

Molly Anne:

I mean, and you need like these lows to appreciate Premier League wins. To appreciate the highs. Like if you're winning the Premier League every season, that's really cool. Like I want that, I'm not gonna say I don't want us to win, but I think our next win like is gonna feel even more triumphant because we've. Dug through these three matches,

Annika:

Yeah.

Molly Anne:

however many matches it it ends up being to get to that other side, to figure it out, to put in that hard work. So they're painful times, but they're necessary. That's part of growing.

Stephanie:

I'm gonna step on a little soapbox here for a second. No matter if we win or lose, no matter the outcome, I will forever be a Liverpool supporter and I am one again, the three of us, just like you were saying, Molly, and you tend to be very protective over them when things like this happen. These individuals, whether it be the athletes or Arne himself. They have proven to us that we can trust them and that they have the skills to do what they need to do to get the job done. We won the Premier League last year. Oh, like way, way, way earlier in this season, these individuals, I mean Esec is new. Vert is new. Jeremy is new. Like the new players that have come in have shown us in their former teams how phenomenal they are. There's not one person that Liverpool has brought onto the team that has not shown. That they are amazing at their job. What I'm hearing and seeing online is people just being incredibly critical and blame, blame, blame, and here's what we can do better. And Arne needs to do this, and maybe he's not as good as we thought he was. And maybe TZ isn't where the whole oh oh seven thing, like I just, it's so hard for me to see that. I feel like we've lost the plot here because we can sit here and criticize all we want and try to come up with better tactics. The reality is of what's going on is we have seven new players on our team, and they tragically lost a teammate. These guys are human beings. The fact that, what is it? It's October. It's been three months since we lost Diogo. These are human beings. Virgil said after the match today, uh, during an interview, he said, I already told you how many times that this season is going to be very difficult, not just because of what's happening on the pitch. Also because of what happened outside of it, the transitions that they're going through with, uh, some of these guys getting close to retirement, whether it be Andy and Virgil and Allison, they're getting close to that point, so they're having to make decisions for their lives and trying to decide what are they gonna do after there's so much going on. Uh, there are people who are, who are so upset that Kiza isn't starting in more games and they're like, it's a personal thing. It's a personal thing for slot. Why is he not doing that? How dare he not do that? He would've scored. And I'm just like, guys, we have this much information of what's going on. We don't know what's going on in training. Kiza clearly has not proven himself in training or on at these games. It doesn't fit in with what rna. Has planned for these things. So it's just, it's so hard for me to see these things online of people just doubting the abilities of these guys on the pitch when they've proven to us over and over again that they have the skills, that they have the heart in it. But I just wanna give them just space. To figure it out and to grieve and to do what they need to do. After they lost a teammate, I am so impressed the fact that they're on the pitch and playing when their teammate should have been there. There was a point during this match, it was, I think in like the 83rd minute, I just thought, D Yoga's energy and skill would've been perfect to come in here right now. He would've come in and made a play happen and probably scored and it was just like. Another grief point there. So anyway, I just. They're a phenomenal team. They're phenomenal human beings. Uh, I trust them with everything. I don't doubt any of them. They need time to figure out their communication. There were so many times, uh, anytime they would pass and it wouldn't work out, it's just, oh, literally they're trying to figure out how to play with each other and get these plays set up and they would just kick it into the wrong direction.'cause they expected the other person to read their mind or to do this play. You're seeing the wheels turning and you're, you're. We've seen it be successful a handful of times. It is not consistently happening. I believe in them so, so much. They're, I don't doubt them, any of them for a second. I wanna give them time to figure it out and not just jog them and say, okay, oh, you made a mistake or two, you need to be out. So anyway, they're amazing. They're phenomenal. I believe in them and every single one of them, and they're human beings and that's what really matters. That's my soapbox.

Molly Anne:

you for sharing your soapbox. Um, totally agree. I, I think the, especially the point about Ray Diogo is so important. We, you know, we watched him, we didn't know him, and so I think as fans, it's easier for us to kind of feel like we've already maybe like processed through some of that. Bef even before this match, Enzo Mariska was giving in his pre, you know, match was talking about. How well he thinks Liverpool's doing, given what they've gone through this summer. And I didn't know this, but he went through something similarly with a teammate that collapsed during a match and ended up passing away. And so he just talked about, he's Liverpool is doing fantastic, period. But especially when you put in like this, the additional factors that happened yoga that are happening off the pitch, like. It is not easy for them to show up two, three times a week to play a match they're doing incredible. And so I, I appreciated him kind of sharing his experience, his story and viewpoint with that, and just that reminder of like something really big has happened. The guys that have been there are grieving that and trying to welcome in new players that also have to be a part of this team Now that. Is working through this. And they weren't a part of, you know, they weren't here last season, so it's just, it's a lot for everyone to be working through right now.

Annika:

And I think from the beginning leading into the season, all the, interviews that RNA was giving about the squad that he's building and everything going on, everything that was communicated to us was like, we're not just thinking about. How to win this year. We're thinking about where this team is going and what we're building this year, the year after that they're, been signing longer contracts with certain players and just really figuring out what team we're gonna build. And I think the first couple matches, you know, were this like, kind of beautiful, like hope filled luck on our side. You know, it was like we weren't playing our best, but somehow it was working out in our favor. I'm grateful for that in terms of the like energy and the um, kind of vision that maybe that has given some of the, the team and the fans and some hope. But it's like, okay, and now here we are. Yep.

Stephanie:

not sustainable doing it that way.

Annika:

Um, and we're, I agree with you, Steph, like the, anything that's like, anyone who's hard on the idea that like. players like their chances over to prove themselves. I'm like, oh my gosh, I feel like we're just getting started. I can't wait to see where they grow into and what happens. But do I think that there needs to be growth 100%. Like I

Stephanie:

Oh yeah.

Annika:

I understand the frustration, but I also yeah, like we've seen that these players can be great. Let's see what they figure out being able to do at Liverpool. Um, and, and I hope that it's. get to figure some stuff out this season, and we're gonna see how long this story of our stoppage time, woes and, and hopes, continues us.

Stephanie:

We've seen them show up so well so many times, and so I have no reason to doubt any of them. It's just this whole season is a season of firsts. Post losing a friend, losing a teammate. So I can't imagine what might trigger grief for them and how they have to go through and process that. We don't know what's going on for them emotionally. We saw Mo after the first match of the season just break down in tears and he said, I did not know that was gonna happen. I was not prepared for that. So it's just grief is really sneaky and I just wanna give them space for that. Yes, this is their job and yes, a lot of people. Expect them to do well and re rely on them to do well and really want them to do well. But I love this team because of the humans that wear the kit, and that's what I want to focus on. Even though we have lost three matches in a row, that's really frustrating. But I'm frustrated for them because I know how upset they might be and how frustrated they all probably are at the moment.'cause they know their potential. But I just, they're human beings, period. Whether we take a trophy home this year or not. I just wanna give them the time and space to be their absolute best. And it's okay that they're not right now.

Annika:

And I'm just grateful to get to have another season of watching them, so

Stephanie:

I just love this team and the sport because we get to go, we get to do this together. The. It was so fun these last couple years because Molly and you were on the other side of the country and this is something that we talked about all the time and brought us together. And now you live here and we get to go to the pub and we have all those friends. And it's just a really great point of community and all the people that we've met through Liverpool things and all the fun that we've had, that is what means the most to me. And yes, winning is so much fun, but really when it comes down to it. What really matters is the community surrounding it. And anyone that I've met or talked to that is from Liverpool is just so kind and so welcoming. And even though we're three American girls, like no, we don't live there, but we wanna support yes, but like we wanna support them. So. Anyway, it's a human beings that I love. Um, not just the wins. So

Annika:

Yeah. Well

Stephanie:

that's my soapbox. It's just, it just, you know, I've had to like not be on social media very much this week.'cause I'm just like, guys, you're, you're losing the plot. You're just losing the.

Annika:

We all do at times.

Stephanie:

Yes, we do. I get it. I just wanna hug everyone. Do you just need a hug? It's okay. It's gonna be just fine.

Molly Anne:

Okay. Any other thoughts? before we start looking ahead

Stephanie:

Now I feel better now that I got that off my chest.

Molly Anne:

Yes, we have. We're moving away from Champions League, premier League for a little bit moving into international break. I hope this feels like a good, like after the last three matches, a lot of times I'm like no. Don't like, don't ruin our momentum.'cause that's typically how it's been with international

Annika:

Mm-hmm.

Molly Anne:

actually

Annika:

Let's go ahead and ruin this momentum. Let's.

Stephanie:

Yeah,

Molly Anne:

is think this time for international break. Let's do

Stephanie:

Yeah, I couldn't decide if it's frustrating that they can't stay and figure this out together. Or if it's a good, hit that reset button, everyone go and then come back with a different energy.

Annika:

We don't have a choice,

Molly Anne:

I don't know, I'm just like putting myself in the shoes of a player. It probably feels nice to like. Go back to my home country, be around a different group of guys, show up, be able to show up in a different capacity. I think if I'm slotting the other managers, I'm like no. We gotta chat. So there's probably some different

Annika:

Yeah,

Molly Anne:

there,

Annika:

is an interesting thought about like if, uh, you know, people who are more like problem solvers, like they see a problem, they're like, let's just keep working on it until we get it, are probably frustrated. But the people who are like more processors and like, let me personally reflect and then show up better are probably like, this is good. Good timing. So

Stephanie:

Let me go get a night's sleep and then come back tomorrow after I've taken, had my shower thoughts, my driving thoughts. No, I yes. I think it will be good.

Molly Anne:

so. I

Annika:

nowhere to go but up. So

Stephanie:

Unfortunately, I.

Molly Anne:

okay, so this international break, we have a couple teams with Liverpool players that could potentially get their World Cup. Qualifying moment. It's one of those like the stars have to align type of thing. It's

Annika:

Okay.

Molly Anne:

But potentially Egypt and France could both qualify for the World Cup, this international break, if they win, other people lose again. A lot of things have to happen, but excited for those matches. Would love to see both of those teams qualify. For our beloved. International teams that we claim the Netherlands is gonna play Malta and Finland, both teams that the last matches they won, they beat Malta eight nil. They beat Finland two nil. So hopefully less international. Break for Netherlands was like a little more touch and go. So could. See some good ground here. And then my, as we know, beloved team and the love of my life, Darwin Nunez Uruguay has already qualified for the World Cup, as we have mentioned. So they've got a couple friendlies with Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan coming up this window. We've talked about this. I love, I do love the international breaks, just getting to see different teams. Our guys show up in different ways and like we've talked, I think this will actually be a pro, hopefully a productive international break. Everyone

Stephanie:

many of them get to be captains for other, for their home teams.

Annika:

Yeah. It's so fun to see. Yes.

Molly Anne:

So I'm like really rooting for them this window to

Annika:

Yeah, Andy's been on it, so

Stephanie:

Yeah.

Molly Anne:

Yeah.

Stephanie:

Speaking of Andy, who are y'all's player of the weeks this week, Annika, who's yours?

Annika:

Okay, I'm gonna give it two. Jones, classic. I love Curtis Jones. He is someone who, when I'm feeling stressed, watching a match, when I see him come onto the field, I have a little bit of a sigh of relief. And also when he has a nice moment with the ball, he just brings me so much joy. And specifically, I would like to point out this moment in the pub where we were getting the substitutions and Andy was subbed on and the whole pup went. Like everyone was screaming and rejoicing and then Curtis got subbed on. And and I love Curtis, so I start screaming and rejoicing. I'm the only one. Um, so

Stephanie:

I did not notice.

Annika:

that, you know, I think everyone appreciates Curtis Jones, but I have a deep love for Curtis Jones. So he had some moments of like creativity and some good defensive moments against Chelsea. So I appreciate him

Stephanie:

He showed up so well this week. Yes, he showed up incredibly well this week.

Annika:

quote after, I think it was Galata, I just talking about of course they are wanting to win games, but this is the reality when you play incredible teams. But he's we just gotta keep looking forward. And I love his mentality. I love his personality and his presence on the pitch. So Curtis has my

Stephanie:

loyal and so passionate.

Annika:

and I am so loyal to Curtis. So there you go. Okay. Steph, do you wanna go?

Stephanie:

Yes, my player of the week is Andy. He hasn't gotten to play as much but the way that he has transitioned into being a non starting player for the majority of the time you don't. I have, I personally have not seen anything in his attitude at all. The way that he shows up on the pitch in these matches, it's. It's just amazing. There's no, it doesn't seem like there's a chip on his shoulder when he shows up. He leads really well and he plays his heart out. When Andy came on, we got to see him fresh. He played so well, the CHS that he created, hi the energy and. The personality that he brings on the pitch, he's able to get under our opponent's skin in a way that's not. Connor Bradley can do that well, but he tends to get yellow cards pretty easily. But Andy does it. Yes, Andy does it in a way that it's just like absolutely hilarious and it really just ticks our opponents off and I love seeing the chaos that he creates. So I just wanted to. Shout out Andy for his leadership and the way that he shows up on the pitch. Unfortunately, after the match, I don't know if you guys saw it, he was limping. He was literally like having to be, he was, he had two trainers on either side of him and they were helping him off of the pitch. He had a nasty blow to his shin towards the end of the match. So I don't know what that's gonna mean for him for international break. I hope it's nothing really terrible, but it looked not comfortable at all. But I am just so impressed with him. I'm so grateful that he is our vice captain and yeah, the way that he shows up is so inspirational for especially the younger players that we have. Molly Ann, what about you?

Molly Anne:

player of the week is Mar Dash. Really? I know we talked about his match today. incredible saves. He was even like the first goal Chelsea scored just so close to tipping it over the goal. So yeah, just like way to make your Premier League debut. I know it wasn't a clean sheet, but we could have easily had four or five goals. They're from Chelsea.

Annika:

Yeah.

Molly Anne:

I think, Im impressed me was Allison got injured. Players on the that are going to expect to come on, right? Like a fri pong, like a Robertson. You think like it could, I could get called in for the goalie. Like when Allison starts a match, you don't expect to get subbed on and just the mentality that you have to sit in this, like always staying ready even though it'd be really easy to check out type of moment I think is really impressive. And, he performed really well. Champions league. He had an outstanding match today. I said it last week again this week, like I am want Allison to continue to play, to continue to be our starter. But I'm so thankful that we have like waiting in the wings and then just seeing like his presence on social media and like much like he embraces Liverpool and the town is just, it's so sweet.

Annika:

is very sweet.

Stephanie:

I really wanna be friends with his partner. She seems adorable and ugh. Ugh. She seems so great. I just think that they are a great addition to the team. We really need to figure out a nickname for him because yeah.

Annika:

here's, I've heard, I've seen, it out today. Some people calling him Mama. I did make a joke that I was like, mama's making a home.'Cause I was like, he just, he's bringing me a lot of comfort right now, like a mother would. So maybe I understand. But it doesn't really roll off my tongue, I'll be honest. What did you suggest, Molly Ann? I can't remember. Oh,

Molly Anne:

Oh, today? Said Marmie is honestly the one that is in my head the most

Stephanie:

that's

Annika:

I

Molly Anne:

I. wanna wanna call him Marmie.

Stephanie:

that is. That is what I wanna go for.

Annika:

'Cause Marmy also is a mother from little women, so yeah.

Molly Anne:

for

Annika:

I don't know. Mama. Yeah. Marmy again?

Stephanie:

think.

Annika:

Yeah. Okay. We can practice. We can try it. Why

Stephanie:

We'll try that one out. Yeah.

Annika:

yeah. I know. I love it. Perfect. Anything else you guys or think? That's all

Stephanie:

Yeah.

Molly Anne:

wrap these three matches. Here we go. Enjoy and we come back with some new energy.

Annika:

I love that idea. I second that idea. So we'll be back here next week for international break, but until then you'll never walk alone.