Interview with Rafa about the game, from .tv
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N161271080912-1629.htmJournalist: These are always massive games against United. You must have your own theories on why you've not been able to beat them in the League...
I think that we were really close. For me, we played better than them in the last two games at home. We were so close but sometimes it is the quality of just one player or one mistake that makes the difference.
Journalist: Is there now a mental barrier that the players have to cross against United as well?
I don't think so because when you play against a team you have beaten in the Cup, it means that you can also win in the League. It is just one game. If we play at our level, we can beat them.
Journalist: All your players will want to win this one, but is the passion of Gerrard and Carragher something which can be an additional motivating factor for everyone? For them it's probably a bit more of a personal game...
It could be, for them it is important but also for some players like Sami Hyypia or Pepe Reina so we have a lot of players who want to win every game. But especially this game because we are playing against a top side and the rivalry is bigger than when you play against other teams.
Journalist: Against the big teams, you have shown proof that there has been improvement. Last year there were four draws against Chelsea and Arsenal. Is United the one that you desperately now want to win?
We know that if we want to be real contenders, we have to win these games against the top sides. And we need to improve against the top sides, so we will try to do that.
Journalist: What is the secret of United's success? We know they have good players, but it's about more than that isn't it? Their work ethic is absolutely fantastic.
That is not a question for me, maybe it is for Manchester United.
Journalist: Yes but with Rooney, Tevez and Berbatov, they are very good offensively, but they are also one of the best counter-attacking teams in the business, aren't they?
Yes well when you have players like Ferdinand, Vidic and Brown, you see that they are really strong in defence and they are also really strong in midfield, so they can regain the ball. They can be a threat on the counter-attack too with the quality of their strikers.
Rafa on Keane
I think Ferguson was surprised about Keane's price because he was cheap. They paid around £30m for Berbatov, Rooney or Ferdinand - or even £35m for Tevez. That is maybe where the surprise came from.
Journalist: You've touched upon the very narrow margins in which you've been beaten in three times out of the last four at home, what can you do to address those things? The last two times you were beaten, the goals came from set-pieces...
Yes that was really bad luck. We lost the last one because of one or two mistakes from the same corner. We try to improve in these things, but it's difficult when you play against good players because you might concede from open play too. We need to improve as a team because we need to be stronger – mentally, physically technically and tactically. They are a very good team.
Journalist: Do you think mentally you haven't been 100 per cent for those games?
I don't want to say that. I want to say that we have to improve. Sometimes you are doing your best but the other team is good too and maybe the difference is just one player.
Journalist: Unbeaten so far this season, I know you haven't been pleased with levels of performance. If you can get a win against United it would give you huge lift, wouldn't it?
Yes, we are in a good position in the table. We know that we can play better so if we can start doing that tomorrow and win, we will be in the top of the table with a lot of confidence - that would be fantastic for the game against Marseilles.
Journalist: Some comments were made by Alex Ferguson about Robbie Keane and the price you paid for him - were they ill-timed?
I think he was surprised about the price because he was cheap. They paid around £30m for Berbatov, Rooney or Ferdinand - or even £35m for Tevez. That is maybe where the surprise came from.
Journalist: In all seriousness, if you look at the size of the two squads that are on offer, there is still some catching up to do, isn't there?
As I said before, you want to win trophies and you have to do everything almost perfectly against teams like United. You know it will be tough, so you have to do things properly and maybe we will be in a better position than last year.
Journalist: Robbie Keane is yet to get a goal. We know what a good professional he is and what a good player he is. Do you think it's beginning to nag away at him that he hasn't got a goal just yet?
I don't like to talk too much about Robbie, because I think he is doing a good job for the team. As I said before, he is training well and he is a player with quality, so it is only a matter of time. I will not put him under pressure. If he can play well for the team, I would prefer he can give three assists rather than three goals.
Journalist: With his capabilities, do you get the feeling that once he gets his first goal for Liverpool, then others will follow?
Yes. Clearly he can score a lot of goals because he has quality and mentally he is strong enough.
Journalist: This club is all about rewriting history and, of course, this is one fixture you will want to do that with sooner or later.
Yes, clearly it is a massive game for us - and for them too. So I think if we can win this game then it will be a boost for the confidence of the players.
Journalist: You must hate the fact that this is one fixture you have never got to grips with?
We want to win every game, especially against the top sides. When you win a lot of games in the League, you have to also win these big games if you want to be a real contender.
Journalist: United got Berbatov on transfer deadline day, he's got bags of ability, hasn't he?
Everybody knows he's a really good player, so it will be more difficult for us. But, OK, we have some experience playing against him, so we will try to do the right things.
Journalist: He's a difficult player to play against isn't he, because of his ability to drift into space?
Yes, he has quality and has good movement, so it will be difficult. But we also have enough quality in defence.
Journalist: Can you give us your team news on Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres?
Both players are progressing really well, they will be in the squad. I think they can both play, the only thing to do now is decide.
Journalist: You never expected them to be back quite this quickly though, did you?
Yes, because I have confidence in the medical staff.
Journalist: Alex Ferguson has talked about overtaking Liverpool's record of league titles, do you feel personally responsible for stopping that from happening?
The only thing I can say clearly is that we hope to win tomorrow. If we win tomorrow, we will be in a better position and they will be in a worse position. We want to be near the top of the table and want to win.
Bit in Bold, love it!!! IMO he has made a mistake letting them know Nando and Gerrard will play, but thats his decision.
Not going to try and predict the line-up, but everyone who is going tomorrow, sing your hearts out and make it the best atmosphere we have had for years!
Come on you Reds!!
