Helmy Abdul Hashim was a casual Liverpool fan in the mid-1980s but ultimately fell in love with the club after its shock 1988 FA Cup final defeat to Wimbledon.
Unlike the many glory hunters, Helmy has stayed loyal to the Reds through good times and bad, including its 30-year title drought.
Asked how a defeat converted him into a Liverpool faithful, Helmy replied: “I took a huge interest in the club in the 1987-88 season when John Barnes, Peter Beardsley, John Aldridge and Ray Houghton joined the club.”
“It was while watching the FA Cup final on television… despite losing, the fans still supported the players.
“I thought it was special, as I have seen fans turn on their teams after a defeat. But after the game, the fans were still singing and backing the players.
“That’s when I decided Liverpool would be my club.”
A big fan of Jurgen Klopp, Helmy said the German had transformed the club since his arrival seven years ago.
In that time, Klopp ended Liverpool’s title drought by winning in 2020. He also won the Champions League (2019), Club World Cup (2019), UEFA Super Cup (2019), League Cup (2022), FA Cup (2022), and the Community Shield earlier this season.
That is why Helmy is confident the former Dortmund boss can help Liverpool fight back after a poor start to the season.
The club is sixth on eight points from five games, seven behind leader Arsenal, and five behind defending champion Manchester City.
“City looks very good, and (Erling) Haaland has already scored nine goals in five games.
“Liverpool has already dropped seven points, but if we win both league games against City, the deficit will be wiped out,” said the businessman.
“I am confident Liverpool can win something this season. Whether it is the Premier League remains to be seen.
“We have only played five games, so it is still too early to say the title is gone, as the team is capable of going on a long winning run.
He added Liverpool also had a good chance to win titles, especially the Champions League.
Asked about his most memorable moments supporting the club, Helmy replied: “The 2001 cup treble under Gerard Houllier, the 2005 Champions League after being three goals down at halftime under Rafa Benitez, and winning the league under Klopp in 2020.”
Helmy, 46, said he is impressed by youngsters Harvey Elliot and Fabio Carvalho.
“The midfield needs fresh blood, and these two young boys are the real deal. They are great prospects for the future but are already performing,” said Helmy, who has twice visited Anfield, but has yet to watch a match there.
“Liverpool just signed Brazilian Arthur on loan with the potential of making it permanent if he does well.
“I will not be surprised if the injuries to our midfielders drag on, that Klopp might revert to his Dortmund style of 4-2-3-1, instead of the 4-3-3 he now uses.
“That could give Elliot and Carvalho more chances to shine. I hope the club can get (Jude) Bellingham next season.”
Helmy is also worried that Mohamed Salah seems more isolated this season, but is glad that Darwin Nunez returns for today’s derby against Everton (7.30pm).
“Not just Salah, but a few other players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson seem out of sorts. Perhaps they are tired after a long season,” he added.
“Maybe the manager can rotate them in the coming matches so they can get their freshness back.”
FIXTURES (Malaysian time)
SATURDAY
Everton vs Liverpool (7.30pm)
Tottenham vs Fulham (10pm)
Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth (10pm)
Chelsea vs West Ham (10pm)
Brentford vs Leeds (10pm)
Wolves vs Southampton (10pm)
Newcastle vs Crystal Palace (10pm)
SUNDAY
Aston Villa vs Manchester City (12.30am)
Brighton vs Leicester (9pm)
Manchester United vs Arsenal (11.30pm)
