Much has likely been said about [Liverpool](https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/)’s exit out of the [Champions League](https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league) at the hands of Paris Saint Germain. And, honestly, I don’t want to think too much about it as it really did end up being the first point in what turned out to be a truly difficult and trying week on a personal level.
But that’s where I have to start because as the Reds prep to take their chance at a first trophy in Arne Slot’s inaugural season - their first sniff of success after the shock departure of legendary gaffer, Jurgen Klopp - that mental valley is important to note. Mostly because there is a gift in being able to turn your attention to another task so close to hitting an obstacle. It’s a chance to take all of the frustration and all of the angst and point it somewhere.
I can’t imagine what it’s like to be an elite athlete, especially considering that I have to believe it’s common that most of these folks are big fans of the sport that they consider their profession. And knowing how much we care, they’ve got to be quite obsessive about the game as well. So the emotions we saw on Tuesday, with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold both seeming to have shed tears - at different moments - during the match, makes sense.
I work in a field that feels incredibly personal to me - a job that is so meaningful that I don’t think I’m lying when I say that I’m living my professional dream. And the big wins and hard days are made much more so because of how deeply immediate it all feels to me. Still, that feels quite different to growing up and watching your heroes take the pitch and then, after years of back-breaking work, finding yourself stepping into those same roles.
So if it were me, this is what I would want: a chance to chase the shadows from that deep disappointment with another chance to right the ship. To suit right back up and give it one more go.
I expect that the Reds are feeling similarly; that they’re grateful to have a chance to bag another win so soon after that loss. Here’s hoping they do what they’ve done most of the year: find a way to nab that win.