Festive football conversations with extended family

[Ragatino]

Hi dee hi campers.

So the last remnants of the festive over indulgence & NYE hangover as finally exiting through the gift shop (bog). The extended family are all shuffling off and I've been reflecting on the chats I've had.

My brother-in-law is a Manc, nice guy but a red. We were chatting about Gakpo two days before he signed for Liverpool. I'm sure each of you have enjoyed similar conversations with similar people.

The underlying whiff of jealous was abundant and he insinuation that we're only 3rd because of the money we spent.

I really didn't want to go into full attack mode. I preferred to just point out our entire back 5 cost less than McGuire. His face was a picture

https://www.planetfootball.com/quick...ham-liverpool/

1. Chelsea
Expenditure – £251.09million

2. Manchester United
Expenditure – £214.22million

5. Newcastle United
Expenditure – £122.40million

6. Tottenham
Expenditure – £152.91million

7. Arsenal
Expenditure – £118.86million

16. Liverpool
Expenditure – £77.22million

From where we were in comparison to those we are now rubbing shoulders with our spending is comparable to those with whom we compete.

The conversation moved on to Man City, Chelsea, PSG with an honourable mention to Real Madrid, Barca, Munich & Juve ruining the market. The point being made by my sister's husband was to insinuate that we were going to join City in distorting the price of players.

This was a bridge too far for me. I had to throw the fact of Rio, Veron who Man U paid £30m a piece for them in 2000-2001
(£30,000,000 in 2000 is equivalent in purchasing power to about £64,606,349.67 today). I listed several other high priced players that they had purchased well above market value which brought the football portion of annual conversation rather abruptly.

The fans of other clubs are so deluded and jealous. I'm happy to engage in a conversation with any fan of any club above the state of football in general and the bigger issues, however when the conversation consists of regurgitated main stream media points and how we're buying our way to success is laughable.

Salty bitter folks. Let's hope that 2023 rubs that salt deep into those bitter wounds!

[Zippity]

Enjoyed reading that, Raga.

The hypocrisy of managers like Klopp mirrors that of the fans. The whole super-league fiasco seems to have been conveniently forgotten by them as they sit on their moral high horses. In fairness, I haven't seen much from City fans but the bitterness, arrogance and double standards from the other 5 is stunning in its depth and lack of self-awareness.

And it's absolutely mint!! I fucking love it!!

[ex_pat_magpie]

Enjoyed reading that, Raga.

The hypocrisy of managers like Klopp mirrors that of the fans. The whole super-league fiasco seems to have been conveniently forgotten by them as they sit on their moral high horses. In fairness, I haven't seen much from City fans but the bitterness, arrogance and double standards from the other 5 is stunning in its depth and lack of self-awareness.

And it's absolutely mint!! I fucking love it!!

The attitudes you point out Zip from those team's supporters, managers and spokesmen only stems from fear and fear alone.

The so called big 6 have had it easy and their own way for so long that they feel it is their divine right to be top 6 rather than it is a position to be earned by sensible purchases, hard work and development within the club.

[Jammy89]

Love it Rag.

I have also had similar conversations with LiVARpool fans, who mirror what Klopp says word for word, they really don't like it when you point out their spend or the super league