Liverpool FC struts stuff in Asian tour

BANGKOK – Liverpool FC caps its three-leg Asian Tour presented by Standard Chartered with three days of activities culminating in a friendly against the national team of this nation boasting of more than 5 million LFC fans.

The LFC Reds, one of the most successful European clubs in England, played before mammoth crowds in Jakarta and Melbourne in their first two stops, drawing a sea of 95,000 and 80,000 supporters and expect a similarly hot reception here.

“Another beautiful country that we’re travelling to and I’m sure the supporters out there will come to see us,” said LFC boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Premier League club started pre-season tour of Asia with a 2-0 win over Indonesia in Jakarta, 2-0, behind the goals of Phillipe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling. Hopping to Australia, the Reds posted a similar scoreline in beating A-League side Melbourne Victory, banking on Steven Gerrard’s first half connection and Iago Aspas’ score in injury time that was made possible by Luis Suarez to prevail.

“If it’s anything like what Indonesia and Melbourne have been like, then it’s going to be a phenomenal finish to it,” said Rodgers.

Liverpool FC battles the Thailand War Elephants at the 65,000-seater Rajamangala Stadium on Sunday, expecting another full house. Reds fans from across the region, including the Philippines, are flying in to this bustling Thai capital to witness the match set at 5:40 p.m. (6:40 p.m. in Manila).

Prior to the match, LFC Legends led by top scorer Ian Rush will first meet the press on Friday, then mingles with fans in a public meet and greet along with four LFC first-team players on Saturday. The Reds will hold an open training session at Rajamangala Saturday night.