They may be arguably the most difficult opponent in the Europa League playoff, but Trabzonspor still relishes the prospect of playing Liverpool.
The Black Sea Storm step on the famous Anfield Road stadium Thursday to take on the Reds, who found themselves on the unusual ground of the Europa League playoffs. Along with Juventus, Manchester City and defending champion Atletico Madrid, Liverpool is seen as one of the top contenders to win the second-tier club competition in Europe, so meeting a heavyweight so early in the cup might be frustrating for Trabzonspor. However, coach Şenol Güneş does not think of it that way.
“Liverpool is a team that should actually play in the Champions League,” Güneş said in the wake of his team’s 2-0 win over Ankaraspor Sunday. “It is an important opportunity for us. It is an important stage for my players.”
This will not be Trabzonspor’s first encounter against Liverpool. Following its first Turkish title, the Black Sea Storm took on Liverpool in the second round of the European Cup. Cemil “Dozer” Usta scored the only goal of the first match in the Hüseyin Avni Aker Stadium, to put an end to Liverpool’s long unbeaten run.
The Reds went on to win the tie after a 3-0 victory in England and eventually won the cup, the first of their five European titles. However, the first victory still became one of the most memorable wins in Trabzonspor history.
Güneş, goalkeeper for Trabzonspor’s famous squad, is trying to make his players believe that they can achieve another big victory.
“I am telling them about the atmosphere of that match when we beat Liverpool 34 years ago,” Güneş said to the Doğan news agency. “Of course, football has changed a lot now. The gap between the top teams and the others is not that big anymore.
“Liverpool may be the favorite, but if we manage to play own our style we can get the result we want.”
Trabzonspor players are not intimidated by Liverpool’s strength, but it seems there is a sense of admiration in the Turkish camp. Guinean player Ibrahima Yattara, famous for his tricky dribbling abilities, said that it will be interesting to play at Anfield Road.
“If I am given the chance, dribbling past Steven Gerrard… That would be something,” the winger said.
It could be said that Trabzonspor and Liverpool have their similarities. Both clubs had their heyday in the 1970s and 1980s and signal that they might be on their way to the top again. It can also be said that both outfits were considered outsiders when they made it big in their countries. Liverpool’s success story is well-documented, and it should be said that Trabzonspor was the first non-Istanbul team to win the national league title. During its 26-year title drought, only one team has ever managed to achieve the same, with Bursaspor winning the Super League last season.
There is also another thing in commonbetween the teams: Both have ambitious fan bases. Liverpool’s Kop enjoys worldwide fame, and Trabzonspor supporters have a chance to earn wider recognition in this match-up.
The Black Sea Storm fans are known for their passionate support and their slogan, “Everywhere is Trabzon for us.”
Yattara made a reference to the slogan and said: “Why shouldn’t Anfield Road be Trabzon for one night? We will do what we can to achieve this.”
Last year, Liverpool finished the Premier League in a disappointing seventh place and earlier this summer the team saw the departure of coach Rafael Benitez. However, the Reds saw the light at the end of the tunnel with new coach Roy Hodgson leading the team to a strong start in the new season, with Liverpool just barely missing a chance to beat Arsenal on Sunday. The match ended 1-1 after an awkward own goal by keeper Jose Reina.
Liverpool will seek to continue its good run, while Trabzonspor hopes that it can get another famous result as the two teams meet at Anfield Road.
The game kicks off at 9:45 p.m. Turkish time.
