Liverpool FC Forum

by **marcus.c** » Wed May 25, 2005 4:57 am

There have been many memorable moments in Liverpool's rich European history. But none, not even the heady denouement of the club's first Kevin Keegan inspired European Cup triumph of 1977 against Borussia Moenchengladbach, would compare with the sheer wondrous achievement of lifting the trophy for a fifth time in Ataturk Olympic Stadium.

Can they do it?

Win against AC Milan and Gerrard and company would bridge a link with the great Liverpool sides of yesteryear as well as possibly securing the millions guaranteed by a place in the champions league next season.

Lose and suddenly their fifth place in the EPL would look a little more shabby and more importantly the chances of Gerrard staying at Anfield would appear distinctly doubtful.

It is always dangerous to build the future of a club around one player but in Gerrard, Liverpool have a window to the spirit which took the sides of the 70s and 80s to four European Cup triumphs.

There is a lot of Enlyn Hughes in Gerrard that surging, galloping gait in particular and a natural instinct for leading his team mates into action when the battle is at its height.

Watch Liverpool when they speed up the play and invariably, it is Gerrard initiating the thrust. He is their heartbeat.

Domestically, Liverpool has been less than ordinary, losing 13 matches in the EPL. It has been one long struggle for consistency, culminating in that embarrassing FA cup defeat against Burnley. So inept was that performance that it seemed Liverpool manager RB would do well to see out the season.

The general consensus was that RB had shown contempt for England's most famous competition and fielded the worst team ever to wear a Liverpool shirt.

But Benitez knew better. He insisted he did not possess a squad to battle successfully on all fronts and after winning the Uefa cup with Valencia last season, Europe was the stage he understood best. So it was proved.

Benitez's side is not molded in the image of the club's legends. There is no machine-like-steam-rollering of opposition which categorized Bob Paisley sides. None of the silky defensive skills of Hansen, no Souness blend of steel and guile. Nothing to rival the striking potency of Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish.

Some might say Liverpool is boring. Against AC Milan. it would be wonderful to think Benitez would reignite the passion of that Anfield night against Juventus, but Milan have ace forwards in Andriy Shevchenko and Kaka and Crespo, all of whom demand great respect.

It is much more likely Liverpool will play it tight, hope to steal a goal and then ask the imperious Carragher and Hypia to defend for their lives.

Victory would be no less an achievement for that, although footballing triumph is by no means the most important aspect on what will be a tense night in Istanbul.

The ground which lies isolated out of the city, has few amenities and is not the most secure place for teeming Italian and Liverpool fans to gather with the 20th anniversary of Heysel due on Sunday. But for all the Italian's superior individualism, don't be surprise if we are saluting the greatest night in Liverpool's history.

And listen to Gerrard pledge his allegiance to Liverpool.

by **policy** » Wed May 25, 2005 4:59 am

Liverpool FC Forum

Fire away. reds - The greatest night in l'pool's histoy!

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