Liverpool defender Paul Konchesky has pleaded with referee Howard Webb to keep his head cool as they clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The left-back, a summer signing from Fulham, has also told Webb to appreciate that tackles will without doubt be flying in as both teams will want to record an important victory over their fierce rivals.
“You hope the referee understands it is a big game,’’ Konchesky told the Daily Telegraph.
“I won’t alter my style. You need a strong ref. It is a big derby and there are going to be tackles flying about, so you need a sensible ref who isn’t going to be silly and send people off left, right and centre.
“You can’t hold back, it is a big game. This is a massive game for the club. Hopefully we will have a sensible ref.”
Webb, who showed 14 yellow cards when he took charge of the World Cup final in South Africa, has been criticized for being too strict but did admit that he should have sent off Nigel De Jong as well as John Heitinga and he will be hoping for a quieter afternoon at Old Trafford.
However, Konchesky is relishing the game against United.
“The derbies up north are bigger than the ones in London,’’ said the former Fulham defender.
“No disrespect to Fulham, if you go to Old Trafford and come away with a draw it is a massive bonus, but going with Liverpool you expect to win. That is the expectation of the club and the fans. They are fanatical fans and this is what they live for.
“Every day, you get out of your car and there are Liverpool fans wanting to talk to you. It is a good thing but we need to pay them back and bring silverware for them. The feeling in the club is we want to be up there fighting for the Champions League.’’
No comments:
Post a Comment