The fans see this as the biggest game of the season, do you?
One of the biggest, I think so. We have important games coming up but the rivalry between these two sides means it is one of the most important.
How important is this game to your season?
It is a crucial time. If we win, we will be closer, then we can continue trying to win every game and get closer and closer. It will be really difficult to get closer to them, so we need to think about fourth position and the fight against Everton.
Are you still in the title race?
I am thinking about winning three points, nothing else.
But would a win on Sunday put you back in it?
I said before: if we win, we can be closer, and then maybe afterwards we can be more optimistic.
This 'Grand Slam Sunday' could really tighten things up in the top four, though?
Yes. It depends on the result – it could make it interesting for the rest of the season. We will try to do our job.
How much attention will you pay to the other game on Sunday, between Chelsea and Arsenal?
Not too much. We just need to think about our game. United are a very good team, so that's enough to think about.
And you have still to beat Man Utd in the league Rafa, haven't you?
Yes. We were really close in a lot of games but have sometimes had really bad luck, like conceding in the last minute after missing a lot of chances. But this is another opportunity.
Is stopping Ronaldo the key?
Maybe stopping Torres! No, they have a lot of good players, so it will be difficult if you just think about Ronaldo. We have to think about all of them.
With 33 goals already this season, is Ronaldo the best player in the world at the moment?
I think he's in form but Torres is too. The other day Ferguson was talking about referees having to protect Ronaldo. I think it's important to protect players like Torres, Ronaldo and all players with quality.
Jamie Carragher described Torres as the best striker in the world yesterday. Would you go along with that?
I think he's a very good striker. He's also very young - 24 today. He can improve but is playing very well, so we're really pleased with him.
How big an achievement is it to score 20 league goals in your first season?
It's always a fantastic achievement whether it's in the first, second or third season, but to do it in the first is really good for him because he's a new player who's had to settle down. I think he can continue improving and working hard, and that will be really good for the club.
Can you compare him to any Liverpool players from the past?
Everyone is talking about a lot of players but I think it is too soon. In football you need to wait some years, then you can say someone is a star. Now he is a very good player, a good prospect and he can get much better in the future.
At United the comparison is being made between Ronaldo and George Best, and there's a debate as to who is better. Do you have a view on that?
A good player 10 years ago could be good today, but football is different. The game is different physically and is much faster now. You can talk about one player being good or another, but in this case I think both are really, really good.
What do you put your recent run of good form down to?
I think we have enough confidence now to keep winning, but it will be a big test against United because they have a lot of good players. We have confidence, we are playing well and if we keep playing at the same level we don't need to fear anyone.
How much of a help has it been to Torres to have Steven Gerrard playing so well behind him?
It's always important to have an understanding between players, especially up front. We now have four offensive players playing well. The understanding between Gerrard and Torres is good and it's really difficult for teams to stop both.
Is their understanding something that comes naturally?
Yes, I think so. They trained for months and now they are always looking for one another. It's easier for them now because both are scoring goals – they are happy on the pitch.
And it's such an important period of the season for you now with five massive games back to back?
Yes, clearly. The derby against Everton will be an important game as well as the three games against Arsenal, so, as I say, it is a crucial time.
Are you just playing for that fourth spot with Everton or is there a sense you can go further than that?
You know my answer. We are trying to win the next three points and afterwards we will see the position in the table. You cannot count the points now, you have to wait until after the game.
And you'll need a strong referee on the day, won't you?
The referee has experience so I don't have any problems with that. Ferguson was talking before and now he's talking about Ronaldo. He's clever, he's trying to do his job, but the referee has experience and I think it will be good.
You mention needing the protection for Torres. Do you think that at times this season this hasn't been the case?
I don't want to talk just about Torres. The skilful players must be protected, that's clear. We need to help referees and I have always said the same: use the videos. It will then be easier for the referees because, after the game, if they haven't seen something and you then use the videos, the players will know there's a camera watching them.
What responsibility do the players have as well, because we saw another incident of descent last night involving Ashley Cole? Just when the FA is trying to encourage referees to stay in the game, we see another case like that...
The example set by the managers and players is really important. A lot of people watch the games, a lot of kids.
Are there any measures that can be implemented?
For me the video is really important. That will make it really easy because you could make mistakes during the game, but afterwards the game would still be analysed.
Good news this week, Rafa, in that Daniel Agger's operation was a success...
Yes, the operation was good, so the player is okay and happier now. He's thinking about next season, or maybe if everything is okay the end of this season. But a player that has been away for a long time, normally he will not be available.
What exactly was the problem?
He has a very small bone at the second metatarsal and you could see it at the scan.
How much of a distraction is this international break going to prove in between these massive games?
I think if you play important games it's understandable, but friendlies? It's something I will never understand. When you are playing in the Champions League, when you are playing for the title or for a place in Europe, you can't understand players travelling all around the world.
Avram Grant this week spoke of the virtues of John Terry for England captain, but what about Steven Gerrard?
He's my choice. Clearly he has shown he's a more mature player now. He knows the role, knows what to do.
What would he bring to the role for England?
He is a fantastic player, so on the pitch he is an example. Off the pitch he is more mature now and knows his responsibilities. I think he's a very good captain.
So it wouldn't interfere with anything here at Liverpool?
No.
Any team news, Rafa?
No, Agger is not fit but the rest of the squad is available.
« Last Edit: Mar 20, 2008 09:56:58 pm by JD »
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