Today sees the launch of the all-new Liverpool FC magazine, out at the start of every month, and to whet your appetite here are extracts from three fascinating interviews in a jam-packed first issue.
Can you guess who’s talking? All is revealed a little further down…
“What can fans expect from my Liverpool teams? The ability to fight for the club. It’s a minimum requirement. It’s not a choice, it’s an obligation. This is a great club and there are millions of people who would love to pull on that shirt. The players who get to do it are the lucky ones. My objective is to ensure that no matter what the result – win, lose or draw – the players fight for the pride and culture of this great club…”
“Our rivalry with United is really interesting when you analyse it historically. Both clubs and indeed cities share similar working-class roots. In a way I can identify with their traditional supporters. I met Alex Ferguson once and he told me how much he relished taking his teams to Anfield. The energy of the occasion inspired him. He was very courteous…”
“Every night after a match we’d go for a meal. Before, I’d never had a proper discussion with Roy Keane, Gordon Strachan or Roberto Martinez. They wanted us to come across as if we were sitting in a restaurant or a bar, talking about the kind of things the man on the street talks about. There’s no point in doing the show if you’re not being honest – at least have a debate.”
Guessed who yet? From the top, it’s manager Brendan Rodgers answering fans’ questions on the task ahead, actor Sue Johnston on her love for Liverpool FC, and defender Jamie Carragher on his brilliant Euro 2012 punditry – while strolling on Crosby Beach! There’s lots, lots more, including exclusives with Steven Gerrard and Lucas and plenty of news and views on all things LFC.
Readers can subscribe here or call the hotline on 08700 20 20 20. The mag is available at a special price of £2 in club stores throughout August.