Fernando Morientes is hoping to put the bad memories of his Liverpool debut behind him on Sunday by inspiring the Reds to victory in the eagerly anticipated showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
In an exclusive interview with Liverpoolfc.tv ahead of the big game, Morientes holds his hands up and admits Liverpudlians are yet to see the best of him but insists he's hell-bent on repaying the faith they've shown in him and wants to continue his recent good form this weekend.
It was against the same opponents at Anfield last January that Morientes made his bow in a red shirt following his move from Real Madrid but it's not a game he recalls with much relish.
A Wayne Rooney goal consigned his new club to a disappointing 1-0 defeat and the Spanish striker admits the occasion passed him by. But after returning from injury against Tottenham last Saturday he's eager to make amends against the Red Devils this time around.
"Yes, that was a bad match," remembers Morientes. "It was bad because we lost the game and because I didn't really do myself justice on the day. I had only just arrived in Liverpool but I was so desperate to play and experience the famous Anfield atmosphere that I'd heard so much about.
"Liverpool v Manchester United is very similar to Real Madrid v Barcelona or Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid back in Spain. And despite my performance and the poor result the one thing that didn't disappoint was the atmosphere. It was unbelievable.
"This is a fixture that means so much to our supporters and we the players know that. Looking ahead to Sunday we are very focused on what is a crucial game. If we win we will go second in the table but it'll be difficult because Manchester United are a very good team with some very good individual players in their squad. Given the circumstance, with two games in hand, a draw would not represent a bad result but we will be going out there to try to win and play attacking football in the process.
"The spirit within this team is very good. We are working hard, winning games, scoring goals and playing well. We have a lot of confidence and are looking to get three points from every game we play."
Following a difficult first few months at Anfield, Morientes has recently started to show glimpses of the cultured attacking play that made him one of the most revered forwards in Europe during his time with Madrid, and briefly Monaco.
But the three-time European Cup winner insists there's more to come and is hoping he'll be around this club long enough to win a place in the hearts of the fans he describes as special.
"I am really enjoying it at Liverpool now," continues Nando. "For me to be here is a very good thing. The first three months were difficult as my English was very bad and I was struggling for fitness having not played much for Real prior to my move.
"Now it's improving and my life in Liverpool is good. My family is very happy here too and my children speak English no problem.
"After playing for so long in La Liga it was a struggle adapting to life in the Premiership at first. The style is very different. It's a lot stronger over here but now I prefer the Premiership to La Liga.
"I want to stay at Liverpool for a long time because the fans are yet to see the best of me. They (the supporters) really are unbelievable and very different to those in Spain. They sing all the time and really get behind you from the first whistle. Their support means so much to me and I want to repay them for the faith they have shown in me."
His mind may be entirely focused on the up coming trip to Old Trafford but for Morientes the prospect of helping Liverpool retain the European Cup is one that has him licking his lips in anticipation
Allowing himself to briefly think further ahead, he adds: "To miss out last season's Champions League triumph was a source of great frustration. The team did ever so well and I was extremely happy for all of my team-mates but I'd have loved to be part of it.
"I was always well aware of the situation though so I can't complain and I'll still never forget that night in Istanbul. It was an unbelievable night. I was doing co-commentaryfor a Spanish television station but once the game was over I made my way straight down onto the pitch where I celebrated with the lads as if I'd played in the game itself. That night meant so much to everyone at the club.
"This season is different, I can play, I'm enjoying it and I'll be doing all I can to try and help Liverpool Football Club win a sixth European Cup."
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If it was up yo me,i would play cisse for about an hour and then bring on morri.
The reason is that cisse will tire the Mancs defence with his pace and even if he doent score,mori will have a bettter chance to use his skills on a tired manure defence
This is the team i would play:
Reina
Finnan Carra Hyppia Riise
Pongille Sissoko Alonso Kewell
Gerrard
Cisse
Prediction:Liverpool wins 2-0
Scorers:Gerrard and Morrientes
Discuss............
off we are all capable of reading the official site and you are not funny and should be banned (again!)
