The draw for the Europa League had been kind to us, the competition wasnt our top priority but to progress would keep morale high.
Group B:
Mallorca
Braga
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk
I knew the away trip to Mallorca would be the most difficult game and a cold night in Ukraine wouldnt be easy but overall we were supremley confident going into the first match of the group at home to Braga.
I reverted to my second string, youth side.
Reina
Johnson Agger D.Wilson Koncheskey
Diarra
Zuculini Shelvey
Adam Loderio
Suarez
I played Adam in a more advanced role to try and remove pressure and help him to get his first competitive goal for the club and lift some pressure.
Liverpool 4-0 Braga
Suarez (11,52) Zuculini (59) Texeira (87)
The young lads did the club proud, Suarez was exceptional but matched only by Lodeiro who ran the show all night in the pocket a world-class performence. I was proud and pleased for Texeira who bagged himself a tap-in close to the end in front of the kop a stunning feeling for any striker whether their first or last goal.
Following the weekend we travelled down south early on the friday so we could get some late training in with the first XI before we faced Fulham, a very tricky opposition away from home, the start to the season hadnt been easy but we'd won every game so we went into this game clear favourites with an eye on maintaining our position at the summit of the table.
Reina
Johnson Skrtel Agger Carragher
Diarra
Meireles Adam
Kuyt Sanchez
Torres
I had lost Mattock and Auerlio to training ground accidents, Konks was still tired from the week and i didnt trust his temperament back at his former club, so i entrusted Carra to play here. Agger was more suited here but i had seen the Skrtel Agger and Reina grow into a formidable trio with people struggling to beat them.
Fulham 1-2 Liverpool
Murphy (pen 42) Sanchez (39) Hughes OG (78)
We are beginning to show the form of champions, not playing too well but getting results and wins. But i tried to keep the lads feet on the ground, 'it's been an exceptional start boys youve done yourselves proud, but there is a long long way to go, lets relish in the press that will come our way and relish in the next five winnable games.'
The League Table 18th September:
20th Cardiff 0 points
Next 5 league games:
Sunderland H
Blackpool H
Cardiff A
Nottingham Forest A
Everton H
As i sat watching MOTD and seeing the league table and our fixtures to come a sense of championship contenders came across me, i tried to block it out but it was there. One other thing that i coulnt get out of my head was Stevie's emotional speach back at Wembley this form had come from both his performences desire and ability to motivate the lads.