One of the most successful, remembered, and notable soccer clubs in the world, the Reds represent the best of English soccer. With 19 league titles, 6 European Cups, 8 FA Cups, 9 League Cups, 3 UEFA Cups, 4 Super Cups, and many more, they’re a team unlike any other. Continue reading to learn more about the best of Liverpool FC!

About the Club

Before there was Liverpool in Anfield, Everton FC played in the stadium up until 1892. That year, Everton moved to Goodison Park leaving John Houlding – Liverpool’s then-president and Anfield’s owner – with the rights to Anfield stadium. With no team to play on it, he had to put together his own club – Liverpool FC. The club played their first game in 1892 and won their first league title in the 1900-01 season. Despite being a young team, Liverpool established themselves as one of England’s top clubs, winning three more league titles in 1901, 1906, and 1923.

Though they were a strong team, they weren’t consistent during the early 1900’s. They claimed their fourth League title in 1947 but still struggled to stand out from the rest and were relegated to second division in 1954. All may seem down, but there was a glimpse of hope when Bill Shankly was appointed manager in 1957. Shankly and his successor   Bill Paisley were responsible for much of the club’s success from 1957 to 1983. Shankly carried Liverpool up from the English second division to win three English top-division league titles and a UEFA cup victory. Paisley added to the pile of trophies with a second UEFA cup, six English league titles, and three European Cup wins!

In 1985, Liverpool faced Juventus in the European Cup final. What should be remembered as a great accomplishment for the club was marked by tragedy when 39 fans were killed. Now known as the Heysel disaster, 39 fans were crushed to death by a perimeter wall after some unruly fans caused it to collapse. Considering the blame was on the Liverpool supporters, Liverpool was banned from European competition for six years – and all English clubs were banned for five. Absent from European games, Liverpool focused on domestic matches and won themselves two more league titles (1986, 1988). However, tragedy struck again in the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. 94 fans died during a crowd rush only six minutes into the game. Known as the Hillsborough tragedy, this disaster remains the worst stadium disaster in English football. To this day, Liverpool FC pays its respects to the disasters, and they’re never forgotten.

After capturing a League title in 1990, the club entered into a downward spiral with only a couple of Cup trophies and some mediocre league finishes in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. Putting themselves into a rut, they proved themselves by reaching and winning the Champions League final in 2005! However, this seemed to be the club’s swan song. Over the next decade they finished second to almost every English team and were always arms-length to a win.

With a Premier League win at the edge of their fingertips, Liverpool was a close second in 2002, 2014, and 2019. In 2020, everything fell into place for the team when German coach Jurgen Klopp brought everything the team was missing. They took home a Champions League title in 2019 and broke a 30-year streak of no domestic titles by capturing the 2019-20 Premier League Championship! The team is back and better than ever.

Highlights & Fun Facts!

Wondering what makes Liverpool such a notable club? With such fantastic players, coaches, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s no doubt that these highlights and facts exist:

• Liverpool FC holds a record tally of nine League Cups! The latest coming to Anfield in 2022, courtesy of a shootout against Chelsea.
• The club has been ranked consistently 8^th or higher in the 53 years since the Premier Leagues beginnings.
• Bill Shankly installed the “This is Anfield” sign to try to instill fear upon their opponents.
• Liverpool’s very first match only had 100 spectators in a stadium that held 20,000 at the time.
• Liverpool is currently the runner-up for having the most Premier League titles. Currently, they hold 19 titles, which is only one behind Manchester United, who hold 20.
• Liverpool is the only club to contest a major final in three countries of mainland Britain. They have played in Glasgow, Cardiff and London.

Notable Coaches and Players

Liverpool’s saying “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is not just a slogan for Liverpool fans, it’s an anthem for how the team treats each other. It’s important to recognize players like Billy Liddell, Tommy Smith, John Barnes, and Kevin Keegan who brought some breathtaking moments to the pitch. Some of Liverpool’s most successful teams were renowned for their solid defense that set forwards and strikers up for countless goals.

A dream partnership, Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush dominated the front-line during Liverpool’s glory days in the 1980’s. Dalglish, who many consider now to be the all-time best player for the club, led the team to six division finals, one FA Cup, and three European Cups! As the strikers career began to wind down, Ian Rush became the clubs biggest threat. Rush managed to score 346 goals in 660 appearances with Liverpool. His best performance was during Liverpool’s famous 5-0 win against Everton in 1982, where Rush scored four of those goals. Both of these players are recognized not only for their skills, but the level of leadership, dedication, and the impact they made on the English game.

A man who has the credentials to be a world-class player, Steven Gerrard took over as Liverpool’s captain in 2003 and led the Reds to the European title in 2005. Domestically, he has been named player of the year four times and made the PFA Team of the Year seven times. He has made the top 10 of the FIFA World Player of the year four times, and Ballon d’Or top 10 three times. Until the day he retired, Gerrard only played for Liverpool and has made a huge impact on modern-day Liverpool.

Over the past two decades, Liverpool has seen some of the best modern-day players and coaches come and go. Mohammed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, Jurgen Klopp, Sadio Mane, and more have sported the white and red jerseys – and some still do. With fresh faces always joining them on the pitch, one can only wonder what the club’s future has in store!

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