Liverpool's Steve Finnan is relishing a rest this week after retiring from the Republic of Ireland set-up. Turning his thoughts to the upcoming visit to Chelsea, he insists that the difference between the Blues since Jose Mourinho left is negligible.
Liverpool’s veteran right-back Steve Finnan is able to enjoy a rest this week. While his Republic of Ireland countrymen prepare for Dunga’s Brasil, Finnan is enjoying his first taste of international retirement.
However, the 31-year-old just can’t keep his mind off football. He insists the hard-fought 3-0 win over Sunderland at the weekend has raised spirits around Anfield.
“A good win like that can only give us confidence for the next game,” Finnan told Liverpool’s official website. “It's just about trying to get in and stay in that top four.”
“It gives everyone a lift and the fans a lift, especially at Anfield.”
A stiffer test looms this weekend at Stamford Bridge against resurgent Chelsea. Finnan, though, is optimistic about his team’s chances, whilst pondering the difference between the Chelseas of Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant.
“We've done alright there a few times and not got the results that we should have,” he admitted.
“But now is a good time to change that. Playing a team like Chelsea can bring the best out of us.
“There was a lot of rivalry when Mourinho was there, with both managers and both sets of players, because we'd met each other so many times in the league and Europe. We knocked them out of Europe twice, so there's a competitive edge to that game.
“[Mourinho] was good for English football and a lot of people might miss him. Obviously there's a lot of people outside Chelsea who didn't like him but he was good for football.”
If there’s any new threats under the Grant regime, Finnan is oblivious.
“They've done well under [Grant], though it's pretty much the same players,” said Finnan.
“Maybe our staff here have seen something different. Maybe they'll play a different formation, but we know what to expect: they've got good players and it will be a difficult game.”
As faltering Liverpool’s title challenge becomes the stuff of fiction, Finnan knows that fourth place is the minimum requirement. As he attempts to shake off a knock that is keeping him from training, he refused to name a main rival for that crucial Champions League spot.
“I wouldn't say one team in particular. Those around us – Everton, Man City and Villa – all pose a threat. They've all done well and are capable of putting runs together. It's just down to ourselves.
“Hopefully I'll be training in a couple of days – it’s just something I aggravated the other day.”
Liverpool’s veteran right-back Steve Finnan is able to enjoy a rest this week. While his Republic of Ireland countrymen prepare for Dunga’s Brasil, Finnan is enjoying his first taste of international retirement.
However, the 31-year-old just can’t keep his mind off football. He insists the hard-fought 3-0 win over Sunderland at the weekend has raised spirits around Anfield.
“A good win like that can only give us confidence for the next game,” Finnan told Liverpool’s official website. “It's just about trying to get in and stay in that top four.”
“It gives everyone a lift and the fans a lift, especially at Anfield.”
A stiffer test looms this weekend at Stamford Bridge against resurgent Chelsea. Finnan, though, is optimistic about his team’s chances, whilst pondering the difference between the Chelseas of Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant.
“We've done alright there a few times and not got the results that we should have,” he admitted.
“But now is a good time to change that. Playing a team like Chelsea can bring the best out of us.
“There was a lot of rivalry when Mourinho was there, with both managers and both sets of players, because we'd met each other so many times in the league and Europe. We knocked them out of Europe twice, so there's a competitive edge to that game.
“[Mourinho] was good for English football and a lot of people might miss him. Obviously there's a lot of people outside Chelsea who didn't like him but he was good for football.”
If there’s any new threats under the Grant regime, Finnan is oblivious.
“They've done well under [Grant], though it's pretty much the same players,” said Finnan.
“Maybe our staff here have seen something different. Maybe they'll play a different formation, but we know what to expect: they've got good players and it will be a difficult game.”
As faltering Liverpool’s title challenge becomes the stuff of fiction, Finnan knows that fourth place is the minimum requirement. As he attempts to shake off a knock that is keeping him from training, he refused to name a main rival for that crucial Champions League spot.
“I wouldn't say one team in particular. Those around us – Everton, Man City and Villa – all pose a threat. They've all done well and are capable of putting runs together. It's just down to ourselves.
“Hopefully I'll be training in a couple of days – it’s just something I aggravated the other day.”
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