Friday, September 19, 2008

Barnes Backs Pool Title Credentials

Former Liverpool player John Barnes feels his former side are showing championship-winning credentials so far this season.

Pool have not set the world alight with their standard of play so far this season, but results are going their way with recent victories picked up against Manchester United and Marseille.

Barnes admits that Pool’s form is not ideal, but stated the key to winning league titles is picking up results when you are not playing well, which the Anfield side are doing.

Speaking to Setanta Sports, Barnes said the current team had the mark of champions.

“It’s a great start for them, particularly from the results' perspective and we are in the results business,” he said.

“They haven’t played sparkling football but they did well against Manchester United and did well against Marseille so the pleasing thing is that they’re picking up points without really playing at the top of their form,” added Barnes.

“That’s the sign of champions. I’m not saying they’re going to be champions but they’ve got a chance.

“They have to pick up points against the so-called lesser teams which is where they’ve fallen down.”

Barnes also commented on the controversy raging at one of his other former clubs, Newcastle United. The ex-England winger backed Kevin Keegan’s decision to leave, adding that if the manager is not comfortable within a structure, it will never work.

“It is very similar to Curbishley, they’re the type of managers who have to have their final say as to who comes and who leaves the club,” Barnes said.

“There are clubs on the continent that operate that way but the important thing is for the manager to be happy with the structure,” he stated.

“If the manager isn’t happy, then it can’t work.”

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