Friday, February 13, 2009

Fabio Aurelio: Liverpool Will Have Chances To Top Manchester United

The Reds' Brazilian star is confident that there will be enough opportunities to overhaul their North West rivals as the season wears on.

Manchester United's scintillating form since the turn of the year has seen them leapfrog Liverpool into first place, making them the outright favourites for the Premier League title.

But Fabio Aurelio reckons it is only a matter of when, and not if, the Red Devils slip up.

"I don't think they will get positive results right until the end of the season, plus we've also got to go to Old Trafford. So, if we keep getting our points we'll have a chance to beat them," the defender told Liverpool's official website.

"Every game is a final now if we want to fight for the title at the end. If United don't lose then they'll finish a few points ahead, but we still have to make sure we do our part."

Rafael Benitez's men are in the midst of a breakthrough campaign, as only two points separate them and United as the pointy end of proceedings draws near.

The Merseyside giants are also fighting for Champions League honours, and they will face Real Madrid later this month in a blockbuster last-16 tie.

But Aurelio said, "We know the most important thing for Liverpool and for us players is the Premier League.

"We also know the Champions League is an exciting competition and we have a good game against Real Madrid. If we can win that and keep involved as long as possible that would be great because Liverpool always do well in that competition, but we know this season the focus is on the Premier League."

The Brazilian full-back is no stranger to ending lengthy droughts at the highest level, having been part of the Valencia side that bested Barcelona and Madrid in 2002 to claim their first Spanish title in over 30 years.

"It was amazing, especially because Valencia wasn't a big club like Liverpool are," he said. "No one expected us to beat Barcelona or Real Madrid because we were always a long way behind."

The Reds' dry spell will clock 19 years if they fail to do the business this season, but Aurelio believes the Anfield trophy cabinet may have a very welcome addition come May.

He added, "Liverpool also haven't won it for a long time, but we are getting stronger every season and hopefully this can be our year."

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