Los Blancos’ Italian centre-back has no doubts that the Reds will rely on their defensive strategy again when the two sides collide in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 encounter.
Real Madrid were stung 1-0 by Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg Champions League clash two weeks ago. The Merseysiders’ ultra-defensive, counterattacking approach earned them the vital away win.
Los Blancos are expecting the same kind of treatment in the return clash at Anfield on Tuesday and defender Fabio Cannavaro is convinced that Rafael Benitez's side will station every man behind the ball again.
“At the Bernabeu, Liverpool did not make any effort to win the game,” ‘Canna’ said in an interview with AS. “Throughout the match, their goalkeeper [Pepe Reina] kept sending long balls to Dirk Kuyt over and over again.
“I know for certain they will do the same at Anfield. I am sure of it. We must play our best football and must also have a lot of patience and eliminate any mistakes at the back. If we can score against them, we will force them to come out and play.”
The veteran defender believes he knows what the secret is to unlock Liverpool’s stubborn backline.
“We do not have to go all out attack for 90 minutes,” he said. “The key is to open the field by looking for our wingers so that they can take on their players one-on-one.
“We also have to take advantage of any mistakes their centre-backs might make because there’s always a chance they will slip-up.
“But we can’t just rely on Arjen Robben or Marcelo or Wesley Sneijder. If we want to win at Anfield, we have to play as a team because we do not have individuals like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. This Madrid side needs to unite as one, and that includes players on the bench, the coaches and the physios.
“Liverpool are by no means a better team than Madrid. They are a very organised and solid team and they know exactly how to play. They are very compact because they have been playing more or less with the same team for the last six years.
“For me, they are most dangerous on the counter and when it comes to set-pieces. They will allow you to play and they will even give you the ball, however, once they find a gap at the back, they will score.”
Finally, when asked what he will do if Madrid were to overcome the Reds and advance to the quarter-finals, he replied, “If we beat Liverpool, I will let my hair grown long again. I promise.”
Real Madrid were stung 1-0 by Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg Champions League clash two weeks ago. The Merseysiders’ ultra-defensive, counterattacking approach earned them the vital away win.
Los Blancos are expecting the same kind of treatment in the return clash at Anfield on Tuesday and defender Fabio Cannavaro is convinced that Rafael Benitez's side will station every man behind the ball again.
“At the Bernabeu, Liverpool did not make any effort to win the game,” ‘Canna’ said in an interview with AS. “Throughout the match, their goalkeeper [Pepe Reina] kept sending long balls to Dirk Kuyt over and over again.
“I know for certain they will do the same at Anfield. I am sure of it. We must play our best football and must also have a lot of patience and eliminate any mistakes at the back. If we can score against them, we will force them to come out and play.”
The veteran defender believes he knows what the secret is to unlock Liverpool’s stubborn backline.
“We do not have to go all out attack for 90 minutes,” he said. “The key is to open the field by looking for our wingers so that they can take on their players one-on-one.
“We also have to take advantage of any mistakes their centre-backs might make because there’s always a chance they will slip-up.
“But we can’t just rely on Arjen Robben or Marcelo or Wesley Sneijder. If we want to win at Anfield, we have to play as a team because we do not have individuals like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. This Madrid side needs to unite as one, and that includes players on the bench, the coaches and the physios.
“Liverpool are by no means a better team than Madrid. They are a very organised and solid team and they know exactly how to play. They are very compact because they have been playing more or less with the same team for the last six years.
“For me, they are most dangerous on the counter and when it comes to set-pieces. They will allow you to play and they will even give you the ball, however, once they find a gap at the back, they will score.”
Finally, when asked what he will do if Madrid were to overcome the Reds and advance to the quarter-finals, he replied, “If we beat Liverpool, I will let my hair grown long again. I promise.”
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