Liverpool vs Arsenal 11.05.2025 - KO 16:30 GMT

[Marc Overmars]

The other side of the coin is that fans' respect for players is diminishing. Yes we adulate those players who perform well, but we also scapegoat them when they don't perform to our expectations. And we increasingly tend to lack understanding or empathy when they are going through difficult times. Take Odegard this season for example. There has clearly been something wrong with him following a serious injury suffered in September. I suspect it's been repercussions of this or illness. But there have been plenty of Gooners suggesting that he is over/not up to it, or that he hasn't been trying or focussed. This for our captain, our player of the season for the 2 previous seasons and someone whose commitment to and effort for the club has never been in doubt.

We are a fickle lot, us fans. And while we demand 'respect' from our players we don't always prectice what we preach.

This is true but I also feel that footballers in general now are looked at in disdain given the money involved now in the sport. I think everyone has felt detached for a long time, I used to deify players but now I literally couldn’t give a shit. This isn’t what I grew up watching, it feels like something else even though it isn’t in essence.

[IBK]

This is true but I also feel that footballers in general now are looked at in disdain given the money involved now in the sport. I think everyone has felt detached for a long time, I used to deify players but now I literally couldn’t give a shit. This isn’t what I grew up watching, it feels like something else even though it isn’t in essence.

True. It's funny though - I feel more connected to our current lot than I have in many years, and its not really to do with performances. I think they are just generally quite likeable, and (contrary to NQ's original point) - really care about playing for our club and give their all for the manager. more than can be said for certain others over the past 20 years or so.