Tonight West Ham welcome a flying Liverpool in the midst of an incredible season to the London Stadium, where we can but hope not to get a thrashing. Ahead of the game I spok e to Duncan Oldham, the editor of Liverpool FC fanzine koptalk to talk about the game and the season.
Well last season was a great one for you, but this one looks as good, if not better. Surely you must be certain the league is wrapped up?
I was 15 years old the last time we won the league. It’s such a big deal for me and our club to finally win another title. I just can’t tempt fate, even though it looks fairly obvious what the outcome is going to be. I refuse to say it’s ours until it’s officially secured. I can’t bring myself to answering this question as I’d like to!
Also you are on an unbeaten run, would you take an ‘Invincible Season’, over the Champions League?
No, I don’t understand our fans who say they would rather have an ‘Invincible Season’. Silverware is far more important to me. The Champions League is massive. It has to be more important than going unbeaten.
Jurgen Klopp must be right at the top of the list of Liverpool managers. Where do you place him on the list?
Calls from fans for a Klopp statue are a bit premature to me. There’s no doubt he’s a genius and that he is up there with some of the best managers we’ve had. However, without sounding too mean, I think he needs to secure more major silverware to be considered a ‘great’. He is, however, going in the right direction and I think he will achieve that elite status one day.
Which of the current crop of players will make it on the long list of Liverpool greats?
There’s so many great players at the club these days. Alisson, Van Dijk, Mane, Firmino and Salah have to be up there as too does Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
I was a big Kenny Dalgleish fan, but it’s Mo Salah a better player?
No. I think they’re very different and to me, Kenny is one of our greatest players of all time and I don’t think anyone comes close to him.
I suppose you must also be delighting in Manchester United being seemingly knocked off their perch for a long time?
As much as I hate United, I am a football fan and I think they deserve much better than what they’ve got. The manager is out of his depth but I also think those above him are too. Long may it continue, of course, but I personally like to see a competitive league. Can’t believe I just said that!
Assuming you will win the League, which they clubs will join you in The Champions League next year?
I’m assuming nothing! But, surely it will be City, Leicester and Chelsea. I really hope Rodgers achieves that. Seeing another club in the competition is good for the game I think.
Is the reappointment of your old rival David Moyes the right one to keep West Ham up this season, and for the future?
I’d like to say I was shocked at his appointment but your owners never fail to surprise me. I think you deserve so much better. I hope he keeps you up but if he does, I don’t see him really taking you much further.
Following up from that, who are your picks for relegation?
Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford. Can I just add that I hope Leeds secure promotion. I think they’re a well supported club and that the league is better when Leeds are in it. Leeds vs Manchester United is one of my favourite fixtures on the calendar.
How will you line up against us on Wednesday? Team/formation?
I think it will be similar to the one deployed at Wolves Mane, of course, won’t be involved.
Are West Ham going to burst your balloon? Prediction for score?
No. We should have this one. Wishing you and your readers all the best. I hope you stay up!
Well many tanks to Duncan for his time and thoughts. I think he is probably right with his prediction, but no prediction from me. COYI