The Reds legend Thompson speaks on Liverpool’s chances of winning a quadruple this season

The Reds legend Phil Thompson speaks on Liverpool’s chances of winning a quadruple this season

The reds legend Phil Thompson, one of the most decorated players in the club’s history and a European Cup-winning captain in 1981, says they should keep trying harder, just as they did 21 years ago, as liverpool stand on the brink of history, shooting for glory on multiple fronts and close to giving their supporters the season they always dreamed of.

Liverpool FC (photo by Getty images)

“It’s 2001 all over again, isn’t it?” the Liverpool legend tells GOAL, unable to conceal a smile. “I’m amazed more hasn’t been made of that, actually.”

“Look, it’ll take a miraculous effort,” he says, eyes widening. “But if a miracle is going to happen, it will happen to Liverpool Football Club. That is the magic kingdom, when it comes to this sport.

“So, I look and say yes, it’s a tall order, but we can do it.”

“I look at the fixtures for April and it’s like ‘wow!’” smiles Thompson, and just for a moment he is assistant manager again, giving a rousing speech to his players in the dressing room.

“Don’t fear it, enjoy it!” he says. “Go and take it. This is what you play football for. Big match, big match, big match.

“Take it one at a time, chalk each one off, and, at the end of it all, you could have everything you’ve ever wanted. How good does that sound?”

Klopp has spoken previously about the weight of history at Anfield, and how that history should be embraced not feared. His players, he says, must write their own chapters, not compare themselves to the great sides of the past.

Thompson can relate.

“When I was there with Gerard, I can remember him saying similar things,” he says. “I would say it too. I’d tell the players ‘Make yourself legends’.

“Gerard used to have a big thing about ex-players who had won everything, and were now criticising in the media. He’d tell the players to go out and prove them wrong, show them that they belonged.

“Make yourselves legends, make yourselves heroes. And the only way to do that is by winning, and winning consistently.”

“I look at this squad, and it’s so well-equipped,” he says. “Touch wood, we don’t get too many injuries, but even if we do, look at the bench now.

“It’s full of game-changers, players who can make the difference. In the last few months, we’ve had top players not even making the bench. That will stand us in good stead.

“The focus is there, the quality is there, and they Will get the greatest support in the world, every step of the way.”

“He’s on a roll now, finishing with a message for Klopp and his team.

“This is their chance,” he says “Don’t shy away from it, thrive on it.