Liverpool FC Forum

by **el_stinger** » Tue May 03, 2005 11:05 am

From skysports:

NANDO ADMITS PREM STRUGGLE
by Paul Higham

Fernando Morientes has admitted that he has struggled to adapt to the physical nature of The Premiership, but insisted that the club will see the best of him next season.
The Spanish international marksman moved to Anfield during the January transfer window in a £6.3 million move from Real Madrid.
Morientes did not want to leave El Santiago Bernabeu but, after a season on loan at Monaco, he returned to the Spanish capital to find that he was down the pecking order behind Ronaldo, Raul and new signing Michael Owen.
The 29-year-old says that he knew he had to leave Madrid in order to play football, despite the timing not being quite right.
"It was the ideal moment to leave, although, to be honest, I didn't want it to be during a season because of the family," Morientes told Sky Sports' Revista de La Liga.
"But it was clear that I had to go.
"There were other teams interested, but the history and tradition of this club, plus the chance to plays in The Premiership, decided it.
"It was Liverpool or nothing for me."
The style of football in England has come as a big shock to the Spaniard and he admits he has struggled to adapt, with just three Liverpool goals so far.
However, the timing of his move to Merseyside means that he will be up to speed and ready to show his true self next season.
"It's no been good so far, I cannot lie," added Morientes. "This is totally different football and there are some strange differences.
"Like many Spanish players will tell you, the refereeing is so different. Defenders are much harder here and the play is more physical than technical.
"I was a bit shocked at first but moving in the middle of the season has helped and next year I will know the same as all the others.
Morientes has adapted to life off the pitch much better, with former Real team-mate and ex-Liverpool star Steve McManaman guiding him around his hometown.
"I have explored the town, the area around Anfield and the ground itself. It's not my favourite city Madrid but I'm very happy here.
"The one I reply on is Steve McManaman. We are having dinner with Macca and his wife next week, and his wife tells mine all the important things like where to go for a haircut.
"I'm also neighbours with Luis Garcia and we're becoming good friends."
Being cup-tied for Liverpool's march to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals has been a major low point for Morientes, but the former Zaragoza man fully believes that Rafa Benitez will take the club back to big time.
"I missed playing in this kind of match because it's a game you want to be part of. We fight to play at the highest level. Chelsea must face us at Anfield but we must not forget that an away goal hurts us a lot.
"We are working hard to do something special here, but the confidence in our coach goes beyond this season, we are convinced that long term we can fulfil all our expectations."

He'll come good next season, stop bagging him!

by **115-1073096938** » Tue May 03, 2005 12:17 pm

He will.

The mans a class player. Class always shines through.

by **Nando** » Tue May 03, 2005 12:19 pm

stu_the_red wrote:He will.

The mans a class player. Class always shines through.

thank you

by **Liverpool 4 EVA** » Tue May 03, 2005 12:20 pm

stu_the_red wrote:He will.

The mans a class player. Class always shines through.

Absolutely

by **siti_zaiton1982** » Tue May 03, 2005 2:10 pm

stu_the_red wrote:He will.

The mans a class player. Class always shines through.

Looking forward to the next season.

YNWA.

by **Big Niall** » Tue May 03, 2005 4:37 pm

I always think its strange when foreigners say they are surprised at how fast/tough the premiership is - don't they watch any on tv before they decide to play in it?

by **Rimetto** » Tue May 03, 2005 4:42 pm

I think he will be outstanding next season for us.

by **Igor Zidane** » Tue May 03, 2005 4:43 pm

Big Niall wrote:I always think its strange when foreigners say they are surprised at how fast/tough the premiership is - don't they watch any on tv before they decide to play in it?

watching on tv and playing it is totally different its not the same at all, you don,t get the little tugs and sly digs and you certainly can't feel the wieght off the tackling by watching on telly ace,get what i mean

by **ALONSO_14** » Tue May 03, 2005 5:38 pm

ah good old nando he will find his form and thump in the goals next season, needs time to settle and get used to the english game, you people writing him off already give him a chance first

by **zarababe** » Tue May 03, 2005 7:00 pm

.. not surprise for a player who hardly played for Real.. he'll come good next season

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