by ALONSO_14 » Thu May 05, 2005 12:27 am
interview with carra liverpoolfc.tv
CARRA: YOU CAN'T BUY FANS LIKE OURS
Paul Eaton 04 May 2005
Chelsea may have the money to sign any player in the world, but Jamie Carragher believes last night's brilliant victory owed a lot to Liverpool's extraordinary supporters.
Anfield rocked like never before as Luis Garcia's goal settled the contest in the home side's favour and secured the club's first European Cup final appearance in twenty years.
Carragher said he knew the Anfield atmosphere would be awesome, but even he was left searching for the right words to adequately describe the backing the players received from the stands last night.
"Chelsea have bought great players and have an excellent manager, but you can't buy fans like ours," said Carragher.
"That atmosphere was better than anything I've known and I've been involved in some great nights recently. The games against Roma, Juventus and Olympiakos were unbelievable, but that was something else.
"Even when we were warming-up 40 minutes before the game, the crowd was as noisy as it's been for a long time. Normally you can hear DJ George playing his records, but even he was drowned out by the singing. We knew then it was going to be a special night.
"We all knew what it was going to be like and it gave us a hell of a boost.
"No disrespect to Chelsea, but their supporters aren't like ours. We've got a working class support while the majority of fans at the game last week are probably a bit more well-to-do.
"In my opinion, clubs which have that traditional core of working class fans are always going to be more passionate about football. They get involved in the game a lot more and create a much better atmosphere.
"I'm not trying to be disrespectful to them when I say that, I think it's just a fact which is proven by other grounds across the country, and there's none better than our fans or Anfield on a European night."
Liverpool restricted Chelsea to very few chances on the night, but did have to survive a nervy finish when Eidur Gudjohnsen smashed the ball wide of goal in the final minute.
"The most worrying part was the six minutes of injury-time, but I think the referee is a mate of Mourinho's and hecertainly gave them plenty of extra-time to get an equaliser," added Carragher.
"I don't think it's right to say we didn't deserve to win. Over the two games there weren't many chances for both sides. Last night Chelsea only had a free-kick from Lampard and the shot at the end from Gudjohnson.
"When you consider what a great side they are, how expensive their squad is and the fact they've just won the Premiership, I think all the credit deserves to go to us for limiting them to a few shots
"We're in the final because over two games, that's where we deserve to be.
"The scenes at the end were superb, but we all realise we haven't won anything yet.
"There's one more game left to win. I don't care who we play. It's going to be tough, but now we want to make sure we use this win as the platform to win the whole competition."
What can i say that hasnt been said already, red through and through. like his thought on the 6mins extra time!
LIVERPOOL FC- CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS 2005
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS, 5TH TIME WINNERS
ISTANBUL