The Liverpool Syndrome

The Liverpool Syndrome is a condition found generally in sporting teams. A team which performs well against "good" or "big" teams, irrespective of current form/ state of affairs is said to be possessing the Liverpool Syndrome. the name of this condition is derived from the English football club Liverpool FC. Though it is uncertain, Liverpool are arguably the first team to possess this syndrome.

This syndrome is generally found in fiercely proud teams, with a long and honoured history. It has been suggested that the thought of losing to rivals or the "big" teams invigorates the players, giving rise to the Syndrome. The Syndrome will rise to effect, no matter what the present state of the team. A team which has the Syndrome might be on the back of successive defeats to lesser opponents. But a "big" match will certainly mean a change of fortunes. This quality is has bamboozled some of the greatest brains.

Liverpool FC, the club whose name inspired the Syndrome. LFC being the first carrier of the Syndrome.

Conversely, a team that has the Syndrome generally struggles against lesser opponents. Must win (easy to win) matches become hard fought victories or may even result in losses/ draws. This is another aspect of the Syndrome that has thwarted and confused a lot of people. Though sometimes this is attributed to over confidence, it is argued that it is not the case.

Also, another trait of this Syndrome is once the "big" matches are over, the team might yet lose the matches after. Suppose one such team has four "big" matches consecutively, the team in all probability will win those games. If not, an exhilarating performance is certainly expected. After the stretch of these games, when confidence of the players has to be on fire, the team might lose their next match against "easier" opponents, or struggle to win. These contrasting characteristics are what make this Syndrome unique and difficult to deal with.

Scientists still scratch their heads, wondering how this condition works or what factors cause this peculiar Syndrome. The Liverpool Syndrome is studied and researched upon in many Universities across the globe and even has dedicated scientists, working constantly to figure it out.

A team which has once been infected with this Syndrome usually is unable to rid itself of it. Teams which possess this Syndrome in theory will be better off facing only “big” teams. Hence many people have come to the conclusion that such teams should play in an elite league, which contains only “big” opponents, wherein these teams will provide exciting matches.

Maybe in the future, the technology prevalent might provide the future people an answer to the questions that surround the Liverpool Syndrome and solve the mystery. But until then, people will be left wondering whether this Syndrome is a boon or a bane.