West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has publicly apologized to Liverpool players and fans following a regrettable prediction he made earlier this season.
Antonio expressed his remorse to Liverpool supporters and the club’s players after his ambitious forecast failed to materialize.
Prior to West Ham’s visit to Anfield in September, Antonio had confidently predicted that not only would the Hammers defeat Liverpool but also finish above them in the season standings. Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, Antonio made his bold declaration: “I am backing myself over Liverpool.
“You know what, I think we are going to finish higher than Liverpool this season. I’m putting it out there.” He even discussed Liverpool’s previous game against Wolves, saying:
“I watched the game [Wolves vs Liverpool] because it was before our game and Wolves could have run away with it! They had quite a few opportunities. We’ve got them this weekend and it’s a six-pointer. We’ve got them!”
Regrettably, Antonio failed to make any notable contributions in the match, which ultimately resulted in a 3-1 victory for Liverpool. As a result, he faced significant criticism from fans.
Antonio recently admitted that he is still coping with the backlash, leading him to resent the prospect of Jürgen Klopp’s team winning the Premier League.
“I don’t want Liverpool to win the league because you Liverpool fans are still in my inbox,” he said when again speaking on the Footballers’ Football Podcast. “Get lost! I’m saying it with [my] chest. I don’t want Liverpool to win the league! Come for me! Arsenal get it. Man City, get it. That’s all I have to say about that!”
Speaking on the latest addition of the podcast though, Antonio was finally ready to face up to his mistake. “Before we move forwards I have got something to say,” he said. “At the beginning of the season I said a comment.
“It was a bit wild. It was very wild. I said that there was a possibility that West Ham could finish above Liverpool this year. I’m not going to lie, I said it was my chest.
“They weren’t gelling at all together, I believed we were going to be sixth or seventh. There was so many stats about Klopp having seven or eight years and then having a blip, it was one of those things.
“I was obviously deluded at the time. So I am going to have to hand out a public apology to the Liverpool fans and the Liverpool players. I take it back.”
Liverpool currently lead the Premier League standings with 60 points obtained from 26 matches. Conversely, West Ham find themselves in ninth position with 36 points and has failed to secure a victory in their last eight matches this year.
Antonio’s remarks before the recent game, followed by his subsequent reaction, were deemed rather embarrassing. Making such bold claims, regardless of one’s confidence as a footballer, often leads to unfavorable outcomes.
Nevertheless, Antonio’s comments inadvertently highlight Liverpool’s remarkable progress this season. Despite earlier uncertainties about the team’s cohesion, the Reds have surged to the top of the table and are now in contention for multiple trophies, potentially securing a quadruple this season.
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