Sunday, March 29, 2009

Steve Staunton On How Liverpool Can Overthrow Manchester United


Steve Staunton thinks the Kopites have got their old Liverpool back - and the spirit of the golden age can help them topple Manchester United.

The former Republic of Ireland manager, who grew up supporting the Anfield side and played for the last Reds team to win the league 19 years ago, hopes their recent outstanding form has setup a fairytale finish to the campaign.

Staunton believes that 13 goals in three games against Real Madrid, United and Aston Villa, combined with Rafa Benitez's new contract, have conjured up a potent force that might just be unstoppable.

He said: "The momentum is certainly with them.

They're scoring goals and keeping it tight at the back.

"They've got a beautiful blend and what's pleasing from my own - and every Liverpool supporter's - viewpoint is the fact that it's like the old Anfield now.

"The team's coming out from the off and having a right good go at the opposition, putting them on the back foot. It looks as though Liverpool have got 12 or 13 players on the pitch. It's just like the old days."

There's another emotional factor behind 2009 looking like a title-winning year - the 20th anniversary of Hillsborough, when 96 Liverpool fans were crushed to death at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final.

"It doesn't matter that it's 20 years," he said. "Each year, that day is very special to the people of Liverpool. I played that day and it was a very emotional time.

"If it wasn't for the people of Liverpool, God knows what would have happened to the club. It was draining, but the club has come back strong. And if they can win the league, it will be great – whether it's this year, next year or the one after. It will happen."

Staunton - speaking as Aston Villa Old Stars unveiled their new Prostar strip, which will be worn throughout the team's 50th anniversary season - added: "Rafa's signed a new contract, everybody's settled and they've got the bit between their teeth.

"They know they have to win every game. If they do win, it will be like United winning the league title after 26 years. I remember that because I was at Villa and we came second!

"If they had to choose between that and the Champions League, Liverpool fans would want the league title. That's the burning desire after 19 years.

"I remember the last time very well - and we won it at a canter.

"I was playing for a club I supported. There were a lot of Irish players there, a lot of people I looked up to. They were my boyhood heroes.

"But you soon find out you are part of the furniture. It doesn't matter if you cost ten pounds, ten grand, ten million, you're treated the same.

"That's the way the club was run - and that's how Benitez runs it now. It's about the team, not individuals."

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