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Liverpoolfc.tv: Pepe, first of all tell us what was it like on the day of the game building up to kick-off?
Pepe Reina: We had spent ten days preparing for the match and we knew we had to be really focused on what we needed to do. It was intensive training beforehand because we were aware it would be difficult to get a positive result.
On the actual day of the game we went for a walk and spent ti凸^_^凸r rooms. I don't think there was too much talk among the players about the game because we had spent so long talking about it over the previous days. We all knew what was required.
Because it was such a big occasion, were you more nervous than normal before the game?
It was a big game and probably one of the biggest in our lives. I don't know if we were more nervous, but we were certainly one hundred per cent focused, ready to work hard and to be strong for each other on the pitch.
What were Rafa's final words to you before you went onto the field?
Just to pay attention and concentrate for the full 90 minutes and to be ready for the challenge. He also told us to enjoy the atmosphere because we knew it was going to be special.
Was there a confidence among the players that you could do it?
Yes, for sure. We had been preparing for the game for ten days and we knew what to expect. When you spend so much time concentrating on just the one match then you have to be confident you can get the right result.
Your plan didn't include a Deco goal early in the game – how did you feel when his header found the bottom corner?
I think that our victory was even more special because we had to come from behind. When you concede an early goal it's always much more difficult to get the right result and that's why I am so happy to be a part of this team. We showed how together we are and how strong we can be as a unit on the field.
At that stage of the game Barcelona were applying a lot of pressure – were you worried they would add to their one goal?
They had a 15 minute spell around the time of the goal when they were really good. It's normal to be under pressure in the Nou Camp but once we got through that spell we recovered well and came back into the match. It was so important not to concede another goal because to go 2-0 down in that stadium would have made life much harder for us.
How did you feel when Bellamy equalised just before half time?
The goal came at a great time for us. We knew an away goal was so important for us and that was one of our targets before the game. Not many teams score at Barcelona so we knew it would be tough, but we always felt it was possible.
I didn't have a good view of the goal at the time but I've seen it on the television. It was a mistake from their goalkeeper, but these things can happen to us.
What was the mood like in the dressing room during the half time break?
To be honest we didn't think the result was good enough. 1-1 was a good score, but we wanted to win and that's what we were talking about. We spoke about needing to repeat our performance from the last 20 minutes of the first half throughout the second period, and that's what we did.
You would have had a good view of Riise's goal….
Yes, it was a great finish, and with his right foot as well! At that moment we knew victory was close and that it was just a question of staying focused and continuing to do our jobs.
How pleased were you that Barcelona rarely troubled your goal in the closing stages?
We controlled their best players really well and that was key for us. They are one of the best teams in the world and our defence did have a busy night, but for me there wasn't a lot to do. Deco hit the post with a free kick but that was about all.
Was there much celebrating among the players after the game?
No, not at all. I don't even think the job is half done yet because we still have a lot of hard work to do if we want to get through. It's going to be difficult at Anfield because we know Barcelona are a great side and they can certainly pose us problems. We just need to work as hard as we did in the Nou Camp and hopefully with our fans behind us we can progress.
Talking of the fans, how much did you appreciate their backing in Spain?
They were brilliant. It's hard to put into words but I have been to the Nou Camp many times and I didn't think that kind of away support was possible in that stadium. I read there were six thousand of them inside the ground and it was great for us to hear all of their songs. We are so proud of our supporters and I think they were proud of us at the end of the game.
How much credit should the manager take for putting together a tactical plan to beat the European champions?
We knew the strengths and weaknesses of the Barcelona team and because Rafa is such a top manager we knew how to get at them and how to deal with what they had. The manager and his staff put the plan together and the players stuck to it. It was good work from everyone involved.
How do you assess the tie now?
We've got the two away goals but we still need to be careful. We are confident but nothing is final yet and we know we will have another big fight on our hands at Anfield.
Did you chat with any of the Barcelona players after the game?
Not really, I don't think they were very happy. I only spoke with Belletti. As usual, after a game I turned my phone on and there were about 20 messages and text messages. I spoke with my family and my friends and everybody was really proud.
Do you think this scoreline has made people across Europe think Liverpool could win this competition again this season?
I don't know. We just have to take things step by step and the next step for us is Barcelona at home. If we get through we will then think about the next round, but not before then.
Earlier in the season the manager's selection policy was questioned when you went out of the domestic Cup competitions. Has this result justified the decisions he made?
How can anybody criticise Rafa Benitez? It can't happen. He has been so important for this club over the last three years and I'm sure the people believe in him. Everybody should believe in him because he is a top class manager.
Can he take you to Athens and to another final?
Hopefully. I believe we can do it. |
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樓主: 奧雲仔仔
發表於 07-2-23 04:36 PM
8點見:)2 
