Thoughts on LFC
Today I showered in the guest bathroom.
I carted my shampoo and accessories quietly downstairs so I wouldn’t wake anyone. Then I started the tea water and hustled to the bathroom.
And my shower was divine.
You know how some showers have a weak little stream of water? This was NOT that shower.
This was powerful jets of water scouring my body clean. If the jets were more powerful, I’d be concerned for my internal organs.
But I digress.
This isn’t about how luxurious a shower I took. It’s not even a question about why the guest room has a better shower than the main bathroom.
It’s about changes.
READ MORE: Bathroom Breaks by Jeff Cutler
SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW: YouTube / X (Formerly Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok / Patreon / BlueSky
The Changes We Make for Liverpool
About the changes we make in our lives as fans when the new season rolls around.
Once the schedule comes out, we all do it. First thing is to rank matches in order of importance. Then comes the calendar cross-reference.
Who do we know who planned a wedding on a matchday? Is there a way we can RSVP no?
What day of the week are Christmas and New Year’s? What are the most believable reasons we need to stay near a powered-on television from December 24 through January 8 or 9?
Which relatives have birthdays on important matchdays? How can we arrange their birthday dinner or cocktails at a venue with Peacock and USA Network just in case?
This is only going to enhance your enjoyment of the season—even with draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in weeks 1 and 2.
So, here’s a list of changes anyone can make in their regular routine to put Liverpool first.
Clothing
Similar to a summer and fall closet changeover, this is for kits. Late August through May is prime time to keep a closet full of jerseys, scarves and complementary accessories at the ready.
Got red sneakers? Bring them out.
Got a retro kit that doesn’t fit anymore? Who cares? Pull it out and have it on hand as a prop when you take your #MyPLMorning social media photos.
To that end, if you have pets, it’s time to get them used to being dressed up in LFC gear every weekend.
Last on the clothing list is pants.
An optional item at home, pants—or kilts, skorts, shorts or dresses—are often a requirement in public.
SHOP THE AMERICAN SCOUSER COLLECTION TODAY
RELATED: The Checklist — kits, food, pub routines and the essentials of an LFC matchday.
Food
OMG, food could be its own TED Talk topic.
Seasonal, cultural, regional—the food you choose to eat is very personal. Why do you think everyone who eats can identify their comfort food? It’s because food is so important.
When it comes to football season, start thinking differently about food.
It’s primarily a time issue, unless you go out to watch all the matches. The biggest challenge is selecting food that can be prepared and enjoyed in a short stretch of time.
In the same way you should set up a bathroom strategy—see my prior column on the best times to use the bathroom during a match—food strategy is essential.
Before the Pub Opens
In the line outside the pub, all prematch food should be handheld.
Breakfast sandwiches. Hand pies. Breakfast burritos.
You want anything that you can eat while manipulating your scarf and holding your mug, LFC membership card and ID.
Sure, there are adventurous fans who eat messy food in line, but they usually have a chair or comfy place to perch.
Inside the Pub
Inside the pub, your meal choices are made for you. The menu is set, and the only vital thing to know is when to order.
Over the course of the season, you’ll get a feeling for how quickly the staff returns with your food and beverages. With that information, you can focus on the match more.
Waiter takes nine minutes to return with a Guinness? Order two to eliminate the wait.
Meal doesn’t arrive for 20 minutes? Order during the prematch coverage. Then place your lunch order as halftime arrives.
Lunch is a placeholder word for second meal. Only during 10 a.m.-ish matches will the word “lunch” be accurate.
Need somewhere to watch while you’re traveling? Check the American Scouser Liverpool Supporters Bar Map.
Watching at Home
For games you watch at home, prepared foods and takeout are your best friends.
While it requires some forethought, think of how happy you’ll be during the action if you can just dive into a charcuterie board you made the night before.
Other great food options are McDonald’s, pizza and sub shops—and, of course, leftovers.
With the fridge just feet away, it makes sense to turn up the volume and position the TV so you can see it from the kitchen.
With food sorted, the last item to be adjusted is your socializing.
Be Social, But Don’t Eat Into Game Time!
Obviously, if you’re reading this, you’re an LFC supporter or have a vested interest in the team.
With that said, we can assume that you work diligently to watch or attend every match. The way to do that successfully is to temper your socializing.
It’s fairly simple to do.
In August, take a look at every match as mentioned above. But this calendar cross-reference is focused on regularly scheduled events.
For these, prepare some excuses.
It’s a special segment of society who will understand that any match is more important than 94% of other events.
Book club? Sorry, I want to spend a little more time with it before I discuss it.
Dinner club? Unless it’s your turn to cook, the words “questionable tummy” work quite well.
Pick-up soccer? Most would feel your pain and cancel. For others, just tell them your DVR doesn’t work, so you need to watch live.
Wedding anniversary? That’s your call. If you married correctly, your spouse understands.
Latest American Scouser Podcast
Pickled Players
The trio looks back at the Forest match, the end of the transfer window and whether Liverpool’s current squad has enough to carry the Reds over the line.
Get Your Strategy in Place
That’s about all for strategy as the season begins.
I had hoped when I started this column at the beginning of the LIVNF match that it would turn out better.
Looks like I guessed right with my draw prediction.
Well, we go again next week.
Up the REDS! And make sure you have your LFC strategy in place.
#YNWA