Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Albert Riera Confident Of Glory At Liverpool This Season


Albert Riera last night backed Liverpool's incredible team ethic to bring the club glory this season.

The Anfield winger offered a contrast yesterday between the style of his club and that of tonight's Champions League opponents Atletico Madrid.

Riera has seen at close quarters the individual brilliance of stars like Sergio Aguero, Diego Forlan, Maxi Rodriguez and Simao, who make Atletico such unpredictable opponents.

He believes Liverpool have even greater genius in the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, but argued that a heavy emphasis on team spirit and a one-for-all mentality is what will bring them success this season.

"Where they differ from us is that they rely more on individuals than the overall team pattern.

"They are beginning to shape into an effective unit, but it is individual brilliance that has contributed most to their success," Riera explained.

"Atletico are a real threat going forward because they have probably the two best strikers in La Liga in Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan.

"We have outstanding individuals but, first and foremost, we are a team. You can't underestimate the importance of that. There is a great belief that we can match anyone because we are together."

Riera knows much about Atletico's mentality because he played for Espanyol, the second team in Barcelona, just as Atletico are the second team in Madrid. But he fears that tonight's opponents are emerging from the shadow of neighbours Real Madrid.

"I know what it is like after playing for Espanyol in a city that was really all about Barcelona.

People don't take much notice of you, but they a repaying attention to Atletico now," he said.

Liverpool are without Torres tonight and will give late checks to Javier Mascherano, Ryan Babel and Fabio Aurelio.

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