Rafas interview on e-season ticket

madaboutlfc · March 9, 2006

1. Rafa, you've had some time to reflect on both the performance and the result, how are you feeling today?

I have been watching the video atleast the first half and interms of compromise and work of the player Im really happy.. in terms of scoring goals you need to score and it was important dont concede. we conceded and couldnt score.

2. The looks on the players faces as they left the pitch at the end spoke volumes. Can you describe the mood in the dressing room after the final whistle?

We were really disappointed. We kept going forward as you couldnt change anything after the game. The responsibility is to keep going forward.

3. Even in defeat, the Liverpool supporters emerged winners on the night. How did you feel as the fans chanted your name, sang You'll Never Walk Alone and applauded the Benfica players off the pitch?

For me that was the most positive news. Its amazing to see supporters sing of a team which is out of the Champions League .

4. You spoke before the game about how you had confidence that your team could score the two or three goals required to qualify. In the end, they couldn't score one. Do you feel let down by your players?

I said before we are all disappointed. We created chances and more chances after conceding and creat a lot in the first half. If you dont score the first theres always more pressure

5. Liverpool had three clear chances to score during the opening 30 minutes and many fans believe the missed chances proved more costly than the mistake at the back which led to Benfica's goal. How do you see it?

I hope to see the team scoring goals soon, starting this weekend. We are creating chances

6. Against both Charlton and Benfica, the post-match talk has centred around chances missed. When does bad luck in front of goal become poor finishing from the players paid to score the goals?

Maybe its a problem of luck but we need to keep going

7. The game has gone now but looking back with hindsight, is there anything you would have changed about your team selection, tactics or substitutions?

Before the game we had a problem with the squad and with Hyypias injury. We conceded and didnt score the first goal and had to change the tactics going with 3 at the back.Im happy with the performance but not happy with the final result

8. Immediately after the game you spoke about lifting the players for the game against Arsenal. Has this weekend's game taken on new significance?

It is really important for us to do well in the remaining 2 competitions. We are 11 points ahead and we have to get a result.

9. Fans will be looking for a reaction from this defeat on Sunday. How difficult will it be to lift the players?

They know how important the game and after a defeat its a bad moment but we will be up for the Arsenal game.

10. The European dream may be over for this season but do you think there's still an opportunity to make a success of this season?

11. And finally, after going out of the tournament on Tuesday, Jose Mourinho claimed he wanted Benfica to go on a lift the European Cup. Who would you like to see triumph in Paris?

No. I hope the team which plays the best wins.

Coyler · March 9, 2006

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