Saturday, September 20, 2008

Rafa Keen On Anthem Switch

Rafael Benitez is hopeful a tactical switch off the field of play will help Liverpool generate an atmosphere to send shivers down the spines of any side visiting Anfield this season.

The Reds boss believes the introduction of the Barclays Premier League anthem has curbed the impact of the club's anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and feels that asking fans to sing the famous song just prior to kick-off will help give his side a psychological edge.

"Before this season we always played the Premier League anthem immediately before games, but some of the players, Sammy Lee and I spoke and we think it is better to have 'You'll Never Walk Alone' instead when the players are on the pitch," said Benitez.

"It used to be played five minutes before the kick-off and the team came out towards the end of the song, but we have reversed the order with the Premier League anthem now.

"We thought it would keep the atmosphere right up until the kick-off and that way the opposition is on the pitch when all the noise is in the ground.

"The supporters are always good, but this might be better. It is something we have been thinking about for a while and the atmosphere has been great when we start our matches."

Meanwhile, Daniel Agger has vowed to fight to regain his first-team place after spending much of the opening weeks out of the first team.

Agger, who spent the best part of a year injured with a metatarsal problem, didn't make the bench for the weekend win against United, but was back among the substitutes for the Champions League victory at Marseille on Tuesday and is eager to win his place back in the side.

He said: "I sat on the bench in Marseille, so that is an improvement.

"All I can do at the moment to get into the team is to work hard in training."

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