by 112-1077774096 » Sat Jan 21, 2006 1:03 pm
from the Mirror
CHELSEA may now be the Premiership's dominant force, but for Manchester United the re-emergence of old foes Liverpool is proving a bigger headache.
United take on Liverpool at Old Trafford tomorrow in what promises to be an epic showdown between the rivals who are locked in a battle for second place behind champions-elect Chelsea.
With Jose Mourinho and his players apparently strolling to a second successive domestic crown, the fight for second place - and automatic entry into the Champions League - has assumed huge significance.
And for Ryan Giggs, who will be making his 29th appearance against Liverpool, watching them lift the European Cup last season and re-establish themselves as a great side has been hard to stomach.
"It did hurt, watching them win the Champions League," said Giggs. "After that, I didn't buy a paper for a week.
"I don't like giving Liverpool credit, but you've got to for coming back from 3-0 down in the final against AC Milan.
"It's not nice for United players and fans when Liverpool win anything, but admittedly that was some feat."
Since Liverpool last won the title in 1990 they have only finished above United on one occasion. But Giggs is acutely aware that Rafa Benitez's side are in pole position to repeat that feat this season.
Unbeaten in 12 Premiership games and just a point behind United with two games in hand, even a draw tomorrow would go a long way to cementing Liverpool's claim for runners-up spot.
That would condemn United to a battle for third and fourth place with Arsenal and Spurs, and leave them suffering the indignity of pre-qualifying for the Champions League for the third year running.
Victory tomorrow would also confirm Liverpool's awakening from their years of domestic dormancy and help cast aside the giant shadow caused by United's domination in the Premiership. But whatever is at stake, Giggs admitted United against Liverpool remains the biggest game for the country's two most successful clubs of all-time.
"I don't think it really matters with United and Liverpool games where the teams happen to be in the league, or what sort of form they're in," added Giggs.
"They are always massive games. For United fans and players, it's simply the biggest game there is.
"No matter what form Arsenal or Chelsea are in, because of the history, the rivalry, the 30 miles or so separating the two teams, it's always been that way."
And the winger conceded that in their inspirational captain Steven Gerrard, Liverpool have the on-field leader United have lacked since Roy Keane's acrimonious exit from Old Trafford.
"Gerrard is the captain, the heartbeat of their team," said Giggs. "He scores goals, he's got that infectious energy.
But the main thing about Liverpool now is that they're playing as a team.
"And they are in a position now where they can chop and change, and rest players every now and again, yet be confident their squad is strong enough for those coming in to do a job.
"Benitez has brought in some good players, while also keeping that strong nucleus of local lads, such as Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.
"They are full of belief right now, thanks to the run they've been on. They believe they're going to keep clean sheets and score goals. If you've got that kind of confidence, you're going to get results.
"Now they are more resilient. And even if they're not playing well, they're still picking up points."
At 32, and after 15 illustrious years at Old Trafford, Giggs is United's most decorated player and, at a time when he could be forgiven for winding down, revealed his hunger for more success.
"The fear of losing really does the job," the Welshman said. "Even though I've been fortunate to win so much, I've also had a lot of lows in my career, and strangely you remember those more than the highs.
"The disappointments seem to last longer. That keeps me motivated as a footballer and makes me try to perform in every game, no matter what the occasion.
United boss Fergie admitted his players must improve their defending and match Chelsea and Liverpool's solidity at the back if they are to salvage second spot.
"If you look at Chelsea and Liverpool's statistics, you will see they just don't give goals away," said Fergie.
"They've each conceded just 11 in the league all season. Compare that with our goals against figure of 20 and you'll see why we have to do better in that department."