Control....

This is a story about control, my control
Control of what I say, control of what I do
And this time I'm gonna do it my way
I hope you enjoy this as much as I do

I'm in control, I'm in control
Don't make me lose it

"Oh no, she di'n't", I hear you saying. But yes, I most surely did - I really am quoting lyrics from a Janet Jackson song on an LFC blog...

Control - possession of which is a stimulant like no other, the lack of (and desire for) which can drive one to madness. To wit - this quote from our manager after yesterday's draw against Wigan:

"The second half was crazy and when it is crazy you cannot control things."

People have been questioning Benitez's sanity - who and what is he raving at now? What on earth was he doing regarding those substitutions? And what was Lucas doing out there at all? Doesn't Benitez care - doesn't he know we're finally SOOOOOOOO close after sooooo many years ... DAMN HIM!!

It's been quite the recurring theme over the last few weeks, don't you think? And the multiple facets of it encapsulated in my previous not-so-subtly-pisstaking paragraph. Starting with Rafa's "rant" at the red-faced sot down the East Lancs (over Fergie's seemingly unquestioned control over refs and the FA), rejection of his new contract a week later (over lack of control in the transfer market), fans pulling their hair out ready to sack the man (over lack of control over results/subs because of course we all know better than he does), fans ready to stick Lucas up on a pitchfork (more of same but also because the soft lad couldn't control himself after harrying back 60+ yards and made the unmistakeable sin of conceding a penalty - how dare he? Liverpool's never ever ever conceded a penalty - ever)....

Oh and there was also that little matter of Steven's bit of hot water - which kicked this all off in a way as Benitez was trying divert attention away from the player's troubles - for allegedly being near/involved in a ruckus because the group wanted control over the venue's music collection.

I've been sitting on this a few days - I too would like more control; over my time to write these posts, over my job future, over Liverpool winning the league. But unfortunately, some of those things are out of my hands. And when things get away from you - or you have no say in them at all, particularly when you feel like you should - it's impossible not to feel frustrated and want to have a pop at someone. (Anyone spending more than five minutes on the streets of New York or in the subway must know what that feels like.)

We cannot control everything though it never stops us from wanting to. Do people *really* think no time was devoted in training to dealing with Everton's set pieces (and / or Cahill in particular)? Surely no one missed how thrilled Benitez looked after Lescott scored last Sunday...especially with Xabi standing right beside little Timmy waving hi. Of course the manager is responsible for getting his message through to the lads but he has no control over whether those teachings are excuted properly in every instance and that's just got to kill him. Same as it killed the team when Lucas conceded the penalty for a stupid challenge, same as it killed Lucas when Skrtel lost the ball in the midfield and he busted a gut to cover as there wasn't a teammate around.

We supporters then drive ourselves and everyone else crazy because we of course are completely powerless to do anything about any of this. We yell, we swear, some kick the cat/dog/car/etc. because of our frustration when things don't go the way we think they should (however that's determined). Some take it to extremes and think every game should be like Pro Evo Soccer - we always win and no mistakes are ever made (at least not in any way that's actually punished - how nice is that?).

Where am I going with all this? Well there's no tidy summary this time really. Just that while there's nothing wrong in and of itself with wanting control; there is in fact a need for it as we'd otherwise have complete anarchy. It breeds confidence, it makes for success. However, if we don't recognize that it's not possible in every situation to obtain or maintain - that we cannot control each and every facet of evey single thing as much as we'd like to try - one is doomed to fail. The ones who succeed are the ones who just pick themselves up and keep plugging along, hopefully minimizing the pain/damage caused the next time things don't go to plan. You continue looking to improve; you continue to support - you certainly don't throw in the towel or give up because you can't have it your way.

Because it will most certainly always - at some point - not go to plan once again.

Just have a drink (or joint, if you prefer!), chill for a minute and repeat those wise words:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference

And let's just beat the Laaandaaan Bluesh*te on Sunday.