“I Was Holding Back the Tears” – Liverpool Cult-Hero Reflects on His Emotional Time at Anfield | OneFootball

Erik Meijer’s Passionate Liverpool Legacy and Arne Slot’s Impact

Erik Meijer, affectionately known as “Mad Erik” among Liverpool fans, remains a cult hero at Anfield despite a short stint at the club. His legacy isn’t built on trophies or records but on heart and grit — qualities that resonate deeply with Scousers. Speaking to The Athletic, Meijer reflected on his time at Liverpool, his admiration for the club, and the tactical brilliance of current manager Arne Slot.

Meijer’s Enduring Bond with Liverpool

For Meijer, playing for Liverpool was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. His heartfelt connection with the club is evident as he recounts his Anfield debut:

“Walking down those steps at Anfield for the first time with You’ll Never Walk Alone in my ears, I was holding back tears.”

Photo: IMAGO

Although his time in the red shirt was limited to just 27 appearances and two goals, Meijer’s relentless effort and willingness to “run until the tank was empty” won him a permanent place in Liverpool fans’ hearts. As he put it:

“Scousers love players who work their b******* off. I wasn’t the most talented but I would always run and run.”

This ethos underlines why he remains such a beloved figure, as seen during his recent return to Anfield for Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen.

Arne Slot: Building on Liverpool’s Legacy

Arne Slot’s reign at Liverpool has been transformative, and Meijer is quick to praise his fellow Dutchman’s influence. Liverpool currently sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League and boast an unblemished record in the Champions League. According to Meijer, Slot’s tactical acumen is key to the team’s success:

“The analysis of Arne and his staff is so good. They keep on making clever tactical changes… the second half of a game is much better than the first.”

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s approach has brought structure, patience, and defensive solidity to Liverpool’s play, qualities that contrast with the frenetic style often associated with Klopp’s tenure. Meijer attributes much of Slot’s success to his ability to adapt his Feyenoord blueprint to Liverpool’s squad seamlessly:

“It was such a clever choice by Liverpool because Feyenoord played a similar type of football to Liverpool. It hasn’t been a big adaptation for the players.”

Ryan Gravenberch: A Symbol of Slot’s Influence

One of Slot’s standout achievements has been the revitalisation of Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutch midfielder struggled to find his footing at Bayern Munich and under Klopp but has thrived under Slot’s guidance. Meijer draws parallels between Gravenberch and Dutch legend Frank Rijkaard:

“At Ajax, he was viewed as the new Frank Rijkaard… Ryan has grown as a person and player. He’s now one of the first names on the team sheet for the national team.”

Slot’s ability to unlock the potential of players like Gravenberch exemplifies his skill in man-management and tactical adaptation.

From Ronaldo to Anfield Memories

Beyond his insights on Liverpool’s current form, Meijer’s anecdotes offer a nostalgic glimpse into football’s golden era. He recalls training alongside a teenage Ronaldo at PSV Eindhoven, describing him as “an explosion” of talent and recalling his 30-goal debut season.

Meijer also shares colourful memories of his time in Liverpool, from nights out at the Albert Dock to frightening moments like witnessing a gang-related shooting at a restaurant. These stories reflect the camaraderie and challenges of a bygone era in football.

A Legacy of Heart and Determination

Although Meijer’s Liverpool career was short-lived, his impact endures, a testament to the club’s culture of celebrating passion and commitment. His admiration for Liverpool’s current trajectory under Slot is evident:

“Jurgen built a very good BMW. Arne has tweaked the engine a bit here and there and has got it purring.”

As Liverpool continue their quest for silverware this season, Meijer’s reflections serve as a reminder of the club’s enduring spirit, where hard work and unity remain as valued as talent and trophies.