RAFA HOPING FOR STRESS FREE CUP TIE
， 描述： ~~~利物浦官方新闻~~~
Rafael Benitez admits he is looking forward to Sunday's FA Cup third round tie at Luton Town but is hoping the match will be a lot less stressful than the eight goal thriller back at Kenilworth Road in 2006.
Luton led 3-1 at one stage in the second half but a spirited fightback saw the Reds win an enthralling FA Cup tie 5-3 in a match remembered for Xabi Alonso's amazing goal with a shot from deep inside his own half.
"When we played them last time we won 5-3 and it was a very, very tough game because they put us under a lot of pressure," said Benitez. "They were playing long balls and second balls and we were conceding too much. I don't think my heart could take it again this time!
"I think everyone remembers the goal Alonso scored from inside his own half and the reaction of Gerrard. I have to admit I was pretty much thinking the same thing! But it was a fantastic goal.
"The game was very difficult and I'm expecting it to be similar this time because Luton are a tough, physical side and it will be a massive game for them.
"They don’t concede too many goals and they do not score many goals but they are winning 1-0 and they have a good manager so it will be difficult.
"We will be looking to be stronger in defence than we were last time but we will also be looking to go forward and score goals ourselves if we can."
The Reds boss is also pleased to have Jermaine Pennant back in action again after the winger made a successful return from injury in the midweek 1-1 draw with Wigan.
"When you have a winger who can play really wide, beat players and provide crosses it always gives you another option," added the boss.
"Some teams play narrow and compact to stop you from going forward so sometimes you need to play with wingers and Jermaine gives us this option." |
發表於 2008-1-6 12:50 AM
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