Let's be fair. It certainly is a debatable topic this. I've already made my point clear and loud though. I can't understand anyone wanting us to lose or drop points. There's never any justified reason for it.
Definitely debatable mate, ive had the debate in my head a lot since the beginning of the season about this very fixture, and all the things it could impact
But like you said, I can't understand wanting us to lose. Thats where I draw the line. I can see the bright side if we do lose, after the result - but ill still be disappointed in watching my team lose. But before the game and during the 90 minutes, I can't see any option but cheering for a Liverpool win. Simple, it's been that way for 10 years now for me, and it will be for many more years to come.
The match doesn't have the thrown so to speak. Just play how we played a fair few times this season. There is no need to raise our game (if possible) for this match.
That's throwing it. If you go out with that mindset of "lets just not try to raise our game" thats throwing it. Every match you should always try as much as humanly possible.
Im gonna post the mantra for my Aussie Rules team back in South Australia, one which was written by their legendary coach back in the 60's, basically that teams version of Shankly:
Creed of the Port Adelaide Football Club :
CLUB CREED
"We, the Players and Management of the Port Adelaide Football Club, accept the heritage which players and administrators have passed down to us; in so doing we do not intend to rest in idleness but shall strive with all our power to further this Club's unexcelled achievements.
To do this we believe there is great merit and noble achievements in winning a premiership.
To be successful, each of us must be active, aggressive and devoted to this cause. We agree that success is well within our reach and have confidence that each member of both the team and management will suffer personal sacrifices for the common end.
Also we know that, should we after striving to our utmost and giving our everything, still not be successful, our efforts will become a further part of this Club's enviable tradition.
Finally, we concede that there can be honour in defeat, but to each of us, honourable defeat of our Club and guernsey can come only after human endeavour on the playing field is completely exhausted."
Fos Williams, 1962
Now look at that last entry on the creed, the one at the bottom. That is key for me, and thats what I expect from every team. Only once all has been left on the field, can defeat be accepted. So if my team goes out against Chelsea and has a half-arsed effort, I will take no pride in that. I'll be happy if manure don't claim the title, but I will take no pride in my team for any part it may take in that.
And I would hope Chelsea fans would be looking for their team to win the title, not just be given it.
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