I hadn’t reported on a Liverpool European away match since the Reds’ Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in Paris.
Consequently, I did not really know what to expect after being given the call-up for Liverpool’s trip to Linz for their Europa League opener. Sure, the stage was as different as can be to the traumatic scenes that scarred so many fans at the Stade de France 16 months ago, leaving some struggling to return, but stepping back into the unknown, I couldn’t help but wonder what lay in store.
It quickly turned out I need not have worried. While you were on edge from the moment you left the fan-park to head to the match in Paris on May 28, 2022, a much warmer atmosphere greeted travelling fans and journalists as soon as they descended upon Linz.
IAN DOYLE: What LASK players did on pitch after full time proves Liverpool point as FSG supremo watches on
THEO SQUIRES: Ben Doak learns harsh lesson as Luis Diaz proves number doubters wrong
‘Liverpool stars land in Linz’ was the front page headline on one Austrian paper, accompanied by a picture of the Reds team bus. Arguably the biggest game in LASK’s history, having been denied a crowd when facing Manchester United during the coronavirus pandemic, they were just delighted to welcome the mighty Liverpool to their humble city, and show off their still new 20,000-seater Raiffeisen Arena which only opened back in February.
It soon became clear there was a Reds following already present in Linz, as demonstrated by the rechristened ‘King Kenny’ pub, which quickly became a favourite haunt for the travelling fans. Walking around the city, there were a number of natives in Liverpool colours, along with LASK fans wearing their own shirts ahead of their big game.
A
Read on liverpoolecho.co.uk