Champions, finally

It was an agonizingly long wait. And the coronavirus pandemic pushed it even further. The wait finally ended this week and the Reds sealed the coveted trophy with a record seven games yet to be played (“It’s for you, tearful Klopp tells Liverpool fans,” June 27, Gulf Today).

It is one of the earliest-ever crowning of English champions. Manager Jurgen Klopp, who has been hailed as the architect of Liverpool’s success, since moving from German club Borussia Dortmund five years ago, deserves praise. Could this herald a new era for the Reds? Why not? They have been a force to reckon with for the last few years.

Klopp is the first German manager to win the Premier League. But the honour could have gone his way last season when his side had amassed 97 points, a tally good enough to clinch the title. Unfortunately they were denied the silverware by Manchester City by a single point.

The Anfield heroes made good that loss in emphatic style this season. City’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Thursday meant Klopp’s men had an unassailable 23-point lead at the top of the League.

Klopp and his men did well. And while it is a celebration, it is a bitter-sweet victory. Kenny Dalglish, who won three titles as Liverpool manager and was the last man to guide them to the trophy in 1990 sums the feeling so perfectly.

“I think back then if you’d have said it would take 30 years you’d have been arrested and sectioned, but sometimes things happen.” That is so true.

It’s the club’s 19th English title, which puts them one behind United’s record haul of 20. Will Klopp match that next season? Now, that’s something worth waiting for.

Ralph R — By email