Liverpool's dominant performance in the first leg of their semi-final with Chelsea means they can travel to Stamford Bridge for the return with confidence, explained Brendan Rodgers today.
The manager was previewing the League Cup last four decider, which is delicately balanced after the rivals traded a blow apiece in their initial meeting at Anfield last Tuesday.
Jose Mourinho's team broke the deadlock on Merseyside when Eden Hazard won a penalty in front of the Kop and stepped up himself to send compatriot Simon Mignolet the wrong way.
But back came the Reds, and in emphatic fashion. They attacked the Londoners almost constantly following the interval and levelled proceedings through a fine Raheem Sterling strike.
The consensus was that Rodgers' side had done enough to win the match and although they did not, the showing gives the Northern Irishman great faith for the second tie.
"It's a different game, of course, but a game we'll have to be really solid in our defending in," assessed the manager at a press conference from Melwood on Monday morning.
"That was also key; we were a real threat going forward, but if you analyse the last game we were very good defensively. We had great pressure on the ball, we were very good controlling the counter-attack.
"They had one moment just after half-time when [Diego] Costa sort of got through and we were on our toes, with Simon [Mignolet] at the edge of the box.
"Apart from that, we controlled the counter-attack really well and looked a real threat going forward. I felt we took that performance into the cup game against Bolton, but just couldn't quite get the goal.
"The team is on the up, we have seen that over the last number of weeks - confidence is really high. We certainly won't be underestimating Chelsea because they have had a disappointing result, we know that every element of our game has to be at a high level.
"But we've got great confidence going into the game, knowing that in particular away from home our form and resilience is getting better and better, and we can get a result.
"The opportunity to win trophies was always going to be a priority for us. We're at the semi-final stage, it's a one-off game now to take us there. We feel confident that we can get a result that gets us into the final."
Chelsea were in FA Cup action at their home ground on Saturday afternoon and were the subject of one of the tournament's most surprising results of this or any season.
Leading 2-0 against Bradford City and in command, the Blues appeared to be destined for the fifth round until the League One outfit stormed back to claim a 4-2 triumph.
Asked how that result might affect their approach to tackling Liverpool, Rodgers commented: "They had a tough result at the weekend but it doesn't mean they're not a dangerous team or an outstanding team.
"They will have great motivation in a different game and different competition, with a Wembley place at stake. When you come off a game like that, you want to put it right.
"But there is also that in the back of your mind that even if you're up in the game - like they were, 2-0 - you can still lose the game. So I'm sure there'll be that bit of trepidation. But it will be a motivation to get over the result.
"They are a very good side. We played them last week when they were probably coming off their best result and performance, arguably, of the season against Swansea.
"But we were outstanding in the game, and showed a real level of performance that restricted them to a penalty. They had no corners, for a team that is very dangerous from corners.
"We restricted them to very limited possession and opportunities. But they are still a dangerous team. We know it's going to be a tough game.
"But we're certainly going into the game with no fear. Our strength is very much in attack and going forward - we showed that in the last game."
Author: Chris Shaw (LFC Offal)
http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/178833-br-we-go-to-chelsea-with-good-confidenceJordan Henderson insists Liverpool have the necessary qualities to book a trip to Wembley by overcoming Chelsea in their League Cup semi-final tomorrow night.
The tie with the Barclays Premier League leaders is finely balanced following a 1-1 draw in the opening leg between the rivals at Anfield last Tuesday.
Eden Hazard handed Jose Mourinho's team an early advantage from the penalty spot that evening, but the response from the Reds was hugely impressive.
They dominated the second period and deserved more than just the equaliser produced by an exquisite dribble and finish from the returning Raheem Sterling.
Henderson therefore approaches the decisive return at Stamford Bridge with confidence as the target of silverware moves within reach for Brendan Rodgers' charges.
"It's a big opportunity for us going there on Tuesday," said the Liverpool vice-captain. "We need to defend like we have been and look to hurt them on the break.
"It would mean everything to get to a Wembley final. One of our big aims this season was to win a trophy and if we beat Chelsea, we won't be far away.
"We've been through some tough times this season but we have dug in and stuck together as a team. We've come out the other side.
"We've got great team spirit and if we play the way we can, then we can get a good result there.
"We have to be strong both physically and mentally against Chelsea, and I think we've shown that recently. We've shown that we can be physical when we need to be.
"We've been fantastic of late and hopefully we can keep putting in performances. We are growing as a team. Hopefully we can keep going from strength to strength."
Chelsea were eliminated from the FA Cup in dramatic fashion on Saturday, with Bradford City recovering from a two-goal deficit to record a 4-2 triumph at Stamford Bridge.
Henderson said: "I'm not sure whether Chelsea going out of the FA Cup will work for or against us. I'm sure they will just look to put it behind them.
"From our point of view, we took a lot of confidence from the first leg. We were a bit disappointed not to win the game but our confidence has really grown over the past month or two.
"The second leg might be a little bit different with Chelsea being at home. We know they might come straight at us from the off. They have some fantastic players but we are a good team and we've shown that of late."
Author: Chris Shaw (LFC Offal)
http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/178831-we-have-the-quality-to-book-wembley-tripCould maybe swap Lallana for Stevie, but BR will not make him sit this one out.
