Singapore was gripped by Liverpool-mania last weekend as the English giant visited the city-state for the Standard Chartered Singapore Trophy 2022, against fellow English side, Crystal Palace.
Liverpool is one of the two most widely-supported football clubs in Singapore – the other being their rival, Manchester United. Add to the fact that Liverpool is enjoying a successful and vibrant period, the team received bountiful support, more than they would have if this match was played a decade or two before, although the local Liverpool faithful would argue to the contrary.
Their every move was reported on social media by their fans, and you could sense their happiness and excitement. Like supporters of other European clubs, these fans sacrifice time and sleep regularly to catch their favourite team in action. For some, to see the team up close and personal, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Not everyone was lucky enough to meet the players and manager, although it was a dream come true for those who did.
For those who met them, they did so from a distance – at an arm’s length, over a barrier. Meeting the accompanying former players was more intimate, as you could meet them personally and they had time to spare to regale fans with stories of yesteryear.
Ideally, keeping in mind the preparation of the professionals ahead of another gruelling season, the team would rather be somewhere else, focusing solely on getting into the best condition possible, away from any commercial duties and long-distance travelling.
They got to travel to places in Asia, the Middle East, or North America, primarily for the commercial gains of the club. Meeting the fans is secondary.
It is cynical, but true. The players might be surprised by the reception they receive when they travel to these continents. They might leave enlightened at the sacrifices the fans from afar go through to support the team religiously, but they are not on a holiday.
They are there on serious business, which is to keep their place in the starting line-up, or work their way into it with the bigger goal of meeting the team’s season objective.
As fans, we spend so much time to watch them train and play. We look out for opportunities to meet them, either through an event, or by staking them out, outside their hotels. We expect them to see us, acknowledge us, and meet us, but that is not necessarily the case for them.
The feeling might not be reciprocal. Well, not until they retire, at least. When you get jilted, you do wonder why you spent so much time, money, and effort supporting them, so it’s best to enter such experiences with zero expectations. Just try to soak in and enjoy the experience.
After all, this might be the only chance you have of seeing your team play ‘live’ in front of you.
This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Twentytwo13. Main image by Liverpool FC.
