Quite a lot has changed since Liverpool last touched down here in Bangkok.
Back in 2015, the Reds were going through the death throes of Brendan Rodgers’ reign as manager, unable to shake off the hangover of the failed title quest of the previous year. Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, was putting his feet up at the start of a richly-deserved sabbatical having ended his seven-year stay at Borussia Dortmund.
We all know what happened next, Klopp mere weeks later taking over the hotseat from the jettisoned Rodgers and planting the seeds for a long-awaited return to the glory days at Anfield.
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Fans in Thailand have had to watch on from afar as Liverpool have been transformed into one of the finest teams on the planet, culminating in being crowned champions of the world for the first time in 2019 and a first championship in three decades the following year. The coronavirus pandemic has seen Klopp’s side unable to embark on treks to far climes, their last such trip being the three-legged stop in the United States three years ago.
But one aspect that hasn’t altered in the meantime is the strength of support for the Reds in the Far East and Thailand in particular. Supporters here have grown accustomed to watching their heroes in the flesh with this the club’s seventh visit to Bangkok, six coming since the turn of the century. Several generations have now grown up as rabid Reds.
And around 1,000 turned up to greet Klopp and his squad after they touched down at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Sunday afternoon, waving shirts and banners and shouting the names of their favourite players. The Reds boss then joined skipper Jordan Henderson and vice-captain James Milner for a brief press conference looking ahead to Tuesday’s friendly against Manchester United at the 51,000-capacity Rajamangala National Stadium.
While much of the intrigue for the neutral surrounds a first game for United under new manager Erik ten Hag – and with wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo having not travelled – there is nevertheless sufficient interest for Liverpool followers.
Those in Thailand – and in Singapore, where Liverpool then jet to take on Crystal Palace in the second and final game of the tour on Friday – will have a first chance to view new signing Darwin Nunez in action for his new club following a move from Benfica that could ultimately cost the Reds a club record £85million.
Nunez, of course, was also being courted by United, only to have his heart set on a move to Anfield. Fans will hope for an early sign that United’s loss is Liverpool’s gain.
There will also be a likely first sighting of Fabio Carvalho, although teenager Calvin Ramsay has stayed in England for treatment on an injury revealed by his medical. Caoimhin Kelleher and Kaide Gordon have not travelled, with Neco Williams – closing on a £17m move to Nottingham Forest – also absent.
With 37 players having made the trip to the Far East for the two games, it’s evident Klopp will mix and match his senior professionals – many of whom are now only returning to begin pre-season after international commitments earlier in the summer – with a healthy dose of Academy youngsters. As ever, that could represent an opportunity for some, with highly-rated defensive midfielder Stefan Bajcetic and fit-again teenager Tom Hill among the more eye-catching inclusions.
This tour isn’t just about matters on the field, though. Club ambassador Ian Rush and former players Sami Hyypia, Vladimir Smicer, Jason McAteer, Luis Garcia and Jose Enrique will take part in a number of events including soccer clinics, Q&A sessions and work with the LFC Foundation. Chief executive Billy Hogan is also here as Liverpool look to strengthen their ties in the region.
There will be a chance for a select number of supporters to watch the Reds put through their paces in an open training session at the stadium on Monday evening. If Liverpool had any hangover from their frustrating end to last season, it’s almost certain to be blown away in the coming days.
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