Newsletter (05) Term 1
With the conclusion of week 5 we are now at the halfway point of the term! Obviously it was not the most ideal week for football training given the weather conditions prevented us from training. In these circumstances we must consider the safety and wellbeing of our players with the upmost importance.
We were very lucky to squeeze in our Monday session which saw our Mini Mongo groups continue to develop their coordination. The Pre Academy groups are also showing a lot of progress in their understanding of different game responsibilities which will help them in their individual and collective development.
Looking to the footballing world, Later this month the first make or break game for the Socceroos is coming up against Japan on 24th march. A win would edge the Socceroos closer to potential automatic qualification however a loss almost guarantees qualification through the intercontinental playoff.
Internationally, Liverpool lifted the Carabao Cup over Chelsea winning after a lengthy penalty shootout which involved penalties from all 11 player. This something rarely experienced in the footballing world especially when the decisive penalties are take by two goalkeepers.
Stay safe everyone,
TD
Liverpool Clinch Carabao Cup!
he first piece of silverware of the English football season has gone to Liverpool, who defeated Chelsea in a dramatic penalty shootout here at Wembley Stadium, in the Carabao Cup final.
Jurgen Klopp clinched his first domestic cup triumph as Liverpool boss, having lost his only previous final — the 2016-17 Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.
Chelsea, meanwhile, extended an awful recent record in Wembley finals, which has now surprisingly seen the Blues lose 10 of their last 11 showpiece occasions across the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Community Shield.
Nothing could separate the teams across 120 minutes, with both sides having a host of chances. At one end, Edouard Mendy was the savior for Chelsea, denying the Reds on multiple occasions brilliantly. Liverpool did get the ball in the net, too, but the wild celebrations in the stands for Joel Matip’s second half header were cut short by a VAR check.
In the opposite box, Mason Mount was the man at the heart of the Blues’ best chances, but missed twice when he should’ve converted. Christian Pulisic also squandered a gilt-edged early opportunity. Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner were introduced to turn the screw, but a couple of offside goals meant it remained scoreless.
To penalties it went, and the narrative was a thing of beauty. Kepa Arrizabalaga – the goalkeeper who refused to be substituted off by Maurizio Sarri in almost identical circumstances in the 2018-19 Carabao Cup final – came on for Mendy as a spot-kick specialist.
All 10 outfielders on both teams converted their penalties, with Kepa and Caoimhin Kelleher powerless. The two men then stepped up to the spot themselves. Kelleher slotted it home, whereas Kepa skied his, sending the Liverpool fans behind that goal delirious.
For Liverpool, attention will now turn to whether they can win an unprecedented quadruple. Part one is done. They are back in the title race, have a commanding lead in their Champions League round-of-16 tie and have seen fellow FA Cup contenders Arsenal and Manchester United go out early. This could well be the season of all seasons for Klopp.