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Fans may grumble and groan when things are going poorly. They may fail to work up much excitement if they begin to believe the situation is hopeless. But it's unusual to hear them booing the team and manager, at least at Anfield and at least according to former Liverpool player John Aldridge.
"Ive been going to Liverpool for 50 years now, since I was a kid, and you very rarely hear boos ringing around the place," he said following Liverpool's Capital One Cup tie against Carlisle United that saw the Reds forced to penalties and lucky to advance against a side with the worst defence in England's fourth division.
It isn't pretty, but it's something the club's owners must have known was a possibility when they chose to back manager Brendan Rodgers despite a massively disappointing third season in charge. So far, despite a significant summer spend, year four has offered up dire football and middling results. And the fans are turning.
"Unfortunately the last couple of games, against Norwich and last night at half-time and full-time, there was a very small section [booing], but that is something we are not used to at Anfield," said the man who scored 63 goals in 104 games for Liverpool. "There is a lot of unrest with the fans over how things are going."
Things could get worse on Saturday if Liverpool stumble against Aston Villa, and anything short of a massive scoreline in Liverpool's favour isn't likely to much improve the mood. Fenway Sports Group may have been brave to support their man, but things are quickly becoming toxic and they may be left with little choice.
"Obviously you live and die by results as a manager," added Aldridge. "You have to take the flak, and Brendan has to take the flack at this moment in time, which he is from all quarters."
