Liverpool has a long standing, professional and traditional way of doing things. It's called the Liverpool Way, and it's what sets us out as a club distinct from every other. Since it was first established by Bill Shankly, when he transformed the club after arriving as manager in December 1959, the Liverpool Way has dominated every aspect of the club.
The principles of absolute support for every single manager and player who represents Liverpool Football Club, and respect for opposition teams has seen Liverpool become one of the most successful teams in British history, with an enviable honours list to boot.
No matter how poorly the team may have performed, the Liverpool Way has remained intact, setting the club out as markedly different from all other clubs.
These are the brief outlines of the Liverpool Way, and how they show a massive difference to every other club.
1) Always support the team, no matter how badly they play.
I was watching the 2005 UEFA Champions League final today. I have watched it many times since that glorious night five years ago, but only today did I realise how terribly we performed in the first half, especially in defence. Traore was making error after error, Kaka was running past our midfield like they weren't there and, apart from a brief spell after the first goal had gone in, we rarely threatened the Milan goal.
Yet, the supporters never gave up hope, and at half time all 40,000 fans sang "You'll Never Walk Alone" with such passion and belief that the tremendous noise seeped through to the dressing rooms. The full support of the fans lifted the players and inspired them to make history, giving all Reds fans a night that we'll never forget.
Very rarely have Liverpool fans ever booed the team. In fact, even during this shocking season I cannot remember hearing booing at any game at Anfield throughout the campaign. This support is in stark contrast to other supporters, and is what sets us out as one of the best, if not the best supporters in the world.
2) If a player is struggling sing his name louder and more often as he needs the support.
Lucas, Ngog and Insua have all received criticism from some fans this season. In Lucas' case I believe this criticism is unwarranted, and is just a case of some supporters creating a scape goat to blame for all of the team's problems, when actually Lucas has been one of our best players this year, and has improved greatly.
Ngog has done well, however he isn't Torres, so he has been on the receiving end of some of the fans anger. Insua performed steadily at the start of the season, but his form gradually got worse and worse as the season developed.
However, all the way through the season none of the fans have turned on the players during matches. 100% support has always been given. Yes, some supporters may blame them for some of the team's problems, but when the game starts they receive the full backing of the Anfield crowd.
3) Respect the opposition
We live in an age where respect is dwindling as football becomes more and more about winning, and respect for both the referee and the opposition has greatly declined as many teams try and win at all costs.
Whilst Liverpool is all about winning trophies, respect for the opposition is a key part of the Liverpool Way. Every home game without exception the Kop applauds the visiting side's goalkeeper, as he runs out towards the Kop. This is a tradition unique to Liverpool, as regardless of the opposition, respect is shown to the away team's keeper. Even if Van der Sar is visiting with United, or Tim Howard is tasking to the Anfield pitch with Everton, they receive a warm welcome from the Kop end.
Moreover, if Liverpool have simply been beaten by the better side, then the fans will applaud the away side's efforts. Off the top of my head, Valencia received a round of applause when Rafa Benitez took the Spaniards to Anfield for a Champions League clash in 2002 and gave us a footballing masterclass, easing to a 2-0 victory. In fact, that match was a key factor in convincing the Liverpool board to bring Rafa in as manager, as his side played us off the park. Also, when Chelsea thrashed us 4-1 in the Premier League in October 2005, they were given a round of applause for their fantastic display.
Irrespective of circumstances, the Liverpool Way has always remained the crucial factor in our identity as a club. It's a unique aspect of Liverpool's proud tradition to be respectful of other teams, and yet fiercely passionate about our own.
It's the Liverpool Way.
It's what Liverpool Football Club is all about.
YNWA
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