by GYBS » Thu Oct 09, 2008 10:00 am
How long has it been since you saw a game of football like the City victory, Sammy?
It was quite exciting but we've had a few games like that in our recent past. We had the Arsenal game last season, and the Man Utd game this year – that was an exciting finale. The game once again showed the character of the team. We weren't particularly pleased with our first-half performance – it lacked a bit of tempo. But we upped it in the second half and got our just rewards.
What message will that comeback send to the rest of the Premier League?
I am not really sure. People should know the strength of Liverpool – they know what we're about. We're just concentrating on what we do, rather than worrying what people think about us. One thing I'll say to you again, though, is that it showed the character in the group – that's very important.
You've been part of so many Liverpool teams – how does the mentality of this one compare?
Well it's still early days. We don't want to get carried away. We're still in the process of trying to improve, trying to get better. All these players want to get better, they all want to listen. That's also very important. It's only October and we can't afford to get carried away. This football club is not about what's happening in October – we're about what's happening in May. We're pleased with where we are but we know we've still got a lot of work and improving to do. Everyone in this football club is working very hard to make sure this improvement is obvious to everybody.
Yes, it seems like Rafa has brought together a group of winners, players with a real desire to win trophies?
That's always important. There are a lot of good characters in the dressing room, and that hopefully manifests itself on the pitch.
Lee on Kuyt
There are a lot of people who put a lot of work in. You've got players like Robbie Keane putting it in and you could also say he deserves another goal. Everyone works very hard to get the best for this football club, and like you say I don't like picking out individuals. Having said that, Dirk is an example of what we're about at this football club: hard work and a good level of quality.
How much belief did you have we could turn it round on Sunday?
We always have belief at Liverpool. We've had previous, as they say. I don't even have to mention Istanbul. We knew the next goal would be vital and thankfully we got it. That lifted our spirits. We always have faith in our ability here. That's not arrogance – we just know what we're about. The belief we had meant we could do it, and we did do it.
It's always tough to pick out individuals after a second half performance like that, but we saw another two goals for Fernando Torres – can he get much better?
Dirk Kuyt scored too, and there were a few assists along the way. Like you, I don't want to pick out individuals. We can all get better. That's no criticism of anybody – I'm talking about 'we', meaning everyone here.
You mention Dirk Kuyt – was there anyone more deserving of a late goal like that than him after all the work he puts in?
There are a lot of people who put a lot of work in. You've got players like Robbie Keane putting it in and you could also say he deserves another goal. Everyone works very hard to get the best for this football club, and like you say I don't like picking out individuals. Having said that, Dirk is an example of what we're about at this football club: hard work and a good level of quality.
All but one of our league goals this season have come in the second half – how much is that down to the staff here at Melwood working on fitness?
It's a massive part of any football team: your preparation. But we do try to score from the first minute! It does show, though, the fitness levels we have. It also shows the team spirit in the camp. If we go behind for whatever reason we don't let our heads go down.
The players get all the credit but it really seems like we have a great backroom team right now?
The players should get the credit. This game is all about the players. But in any football club it's important you have a team behind the team. These people help the players go out there and perform to the upmost of their ability. Rafa has certainly assembled a very good backroom staff. Everyone plays a part in this football club: tea ladies; some of the press officers [looks over to press officer with a smile]; everyone. The good thing about Rafa is that he has an appreciation of what every single person at the football club does.
How frustrating is the timing of this international break, with us being on such a good run?
That's the nature of the game and we know when all the fixtures are. Because we have so many quality players here, we have quite a number away. But it gives us an opportunity to look at other things and other facets of the football club that we don't always get to spend time on.
Lee on our best PL start
Well I hope you are saying in May that it's been our best finish as well. At the end of the day, I don't know anything that's ever been won in October.
Like what?
There's fitness work we can do with some people where there might not have been time because of games and travelling. People can do some catching up.
Is it part of your task to make sure the players stay focused when they return?
It's part of all our jobs. I'm not being glib: everyone at this football club plays a part in what we do. We all stand or fall by what anyone does.
It's been our best ever start to the Premier League. How much attention are you paying to the table right now?
Well I hope you are saying in May that it's been our best finish as well. At the end of the day, I don't know anything that's ever been won in October.
How hard is it to keep everyone's feet on the ground with all the media hype surrounding our title credentials?
Well everyone knows what's expected of them. At the moment we have nothing. It's nice to get the plaudits and I hope we're getting them at the end of the season. Only then will it matter.
How much have you enjoyed these first few months back?
[Smiles] Not at all! No, it's been magnificent. It's just great being back and working with such a good team. There's great staff and it's a fantastic environment.
Are you even more confident now than you were when you returned that we could be up there come May?
I am always confident – this is Liverpool Football Club. I'm always confident we'll be challenging in May because if we're not then there's something wrong. We know the challenge ahead and the potential pitfalls but I'm confident now, as I was when I came back, because we're Liverpool. We have aspirations and expectations and we have to make sure we try to fulfil them.
Looking around the rest of the league, who else has impressed you?
I don't look at the rest of the Premier League, I look at our next game. I'm just concerned with Liverpool. There's a number of great teams out there but each game presents it's own difficulties. Look at the game against Stoke. We're fully aware of the strengths and weaknesses of every opposition that we have to play.
Nice to see our Assistant manager likes Dirky Boy and is impressed with our start so far .
Im sorry but i cant ever remember once mentioning him before to you or anything about him being a failed manager - you must have me mixed up with someone else .
