THE REDS: TOP OF THE CLUBS
By Gary Lim
November 10, 2005
IT is something which would have made Bill Shankly very proud - if
the legendary manager were alive today.
The former boss of Liverpool, credited with transforming the
Merseyside club into a European power during the 1960s and 1970s,
lived and breathed Liverpool Football Club.
And recently, the International Federation of Football History and
Statistics (IFFHS), ranked Liverpool as the current world's No. 1
club.
The Reds, captained by Steven Gerrard (above), are perched at the
top in its latest monthly world club rankings.
IFFHS was founded 21 years ago in Leipzig, in the old East
Germany.
I know many football fans would be up in arms on hearing the
news.
What about Chelsea?
They're a popular choice for sure.
Barcelona?
Must be up there or thereabouts.
And Juventus?
A top-class side without a doubt.
But the IFFHS, which began ranking the world's teams since 1991,
don't think so.
Chelsea are ranked a lowly 12th, Juventus occupy 19th spot while
Barcelona are placed 28th.
Lo and behold, Real Madrid are in 30th spot, below the likes of
CSKA Moscow (6th), Villarreal (10th), AZ Alkmaar (14th) and
Newcastle (17th).
According to the IFFHS website, points are awarded to clubs for wins, with
different competitions carrying different weightage. The ranking
'takes into consideration the results of 12 months of continental
and intercontinental competitions, national league matches
(including playoffs) and the national cup'.
The website also reads: 'The World Club Ranking is a precise
classification showing the real level of the clubs free of any
subjective influence. It is the result of a profound analysis that
allows us to fairly report the level of international performance
for each country.'
Just like how the seedings for Grand Slam tennis tournaments often
baffle the players, there is seldom one magic formula in sports on
who is the best.
Years have passed since the debate over whether Pele or Diego
Maradona is the best-ever footballer began, but there is no
conclusion and there probably never would be. An element of
subjectivity, plus a small dose of common sense, certainly
helps.
For example, with no disrespect, did anyone really think that
Greece were the strongest European team by virtue of their win at
Euro 2004?
Liverpool may have won the Champions League title last season. But
at the same time, they finished fifth place in the English Premier
League, a massive 38 points off the pace, and recorded 14 losses in
38 games.
On the other hand, English rivals Chelsea were the runaway winners
of the League and won the Carling Cup final against
Liverpool.
However, they lost to the Reds in the Champions League
semi-finals.
Barcelona, where stars such as Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto'o
entertain their fans week in, week out on their way to the Spanish
League title, certainly look stronger than Liverpool.
So, too, are Manchester United, who are ranked fifth by
IFFHS.
Football fans here, like Terence Yee, are puzzled by the
rankings.
The 26-year-old sales executive, a Pablo Aimar fan, believes that
Chelsea should be at the top.
He said: 'Chelsea may have lost their last few matches but if the
rankings are based on the last 12 months, then they certainly did
well.
'I thought Barcelona and Juventus should be somewhere there as
well.
'Whatever it is, it can't be Liverpool.'
Chua Seng Chye, 35, a hostel manager, feels that the results are
'nonsense'. He said: 'If you ask me, French club Lyon is certainly
one of the best sides over the past year. They did well in the
Champions League and are continuing to shine this season.
'Liverpool did well to win the Champions League last season and I
believe they should be among the top teams. But can't be No.1,
lah.'
One thing is for sure. There will never be a consensus when it
comes to picking which is the best team.
Well, someone said football is a beautiful game, didn't he? -
TNP
