Even if that gets sorted, the exposed right flank will remain a feature. As LFC has worked their way through the preseason, I’m not convinced they’ve sorted out ways to limit the negative impact it may have. Teams know that’s a weakness and have continued to target it. Against Bayern, the Reds were punished. I’m afraid that’ll be the case against the top six opponents in the League, too.

Liverpool fans the world over all know what happens next. LFC held on to beat AC Milan in a shootout winning their fifth Champions League/European Cup.

Within the next few days, I started to make my own comeback. The migraines subsided, my appetite returned (I’d lost nearly 20 pounds over a ten day period), and I was able to get out of bed and move around for extended periods of time.

But my hospital stay, in all of its terribleness, led me to Liverpool. I will forever link the Miracle of Istanbul to my own comeback. And for that, I will always be a Kopite, a Red, a Liverpool fan, a Scouser.

Fans, like myself, looking for a response, saw one. The Mighty Reds looked to have done a complete 180 from the performance against Brighton—and much of the rest of the season as well. They were competent, confident, and all-conquering.

Last night’s version of Liverpool was a revelation. They looked more like the side we’ve come to expect. Energetic, intense, dangerous. Are they back? Fans sure hope so.

What’s the point of fandom if you’re only on board when it’s easy? Liverpool’s rough start to the season certainly engenders some despair, but if we were honest, we saw this coming last season.