[lfc-news] Hamann is up for the fight - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 23 Aug 2004
Hamann is up for the fight
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

DIETMAR HAMANN is relishing the fight for his Liverpool place following the
signing of Xabi Alonso.

Hamann was outstanding in Saturday's 2-1 win over Manchester City. But his
performance was timely with Alonso sitting in the stands after completing
his £10.7m move from Real Sociedad.

The German midfielder is considered vulnerable with Alonso sure to be a
first choice once he's eligible to play.

But Hamann says he doesn't feel threatened by the new recruit and hopes his
form will ensure coach Rafa Benitez keeps faith in him.

"The manager has said he wanted a few more options so it was inevitable
we'd be buying more players," said Hamann..

"All I can do is play well whenever I'm selected. That's all I've ever
tried to do. We all understand the team's interests must always come first.

"The manager knows different players will bring different qualities to the
team and that's fine by me.

"That kind of competition is more likely to bring the best out of me. To be
honest, I think we've probably lacked that bit of competition for places
over the last few years. A lot of us have played pretty much in every game
throughout the season.

"I think it's been shown that the top clubs have many players who can play
in the same position because then when someone is injured, there is someone
else who can fill their role. That's what it's all about at the top of
European football."

Liverpool overturned a first half deficit for the first time five years at
Anfield.

Hamann thinks this is a sign that Benitez's tactical changes are already
yielding positive results.

"I knew we weren't the best coming from behind over the last few years but
it's a big surprise that it's been five years since we did it at Anfield,"
said Hamann.

"We flew out of the traps in the second half and played really good
football. I think we could have had a few more goals.

"The gaffer made a few changes and made the point at half-time they'd only
had one shot and it was an unfair score-line. He told us a couple of things
to work on and we turned it around.

"I thought we had a better flow to the game and everyone played better in
the second half.

"In the first half they defended deep and well and didn't give us many
chances. I didn't think they had many chances either so to go in a goal
down at half-time was very disappointing."

Full-back Josemi, meanwhile, is struggling to be fit for tomorrow's
Champions League qualifying round second leg at Anfield.

The Spaniard was injured during Saturday's victory and limped off after an
hour.

New signings Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia are both ineligible for the visit
of AK Graz, but will be available for Sunday's trip to Bolton Wanderers.

Tomorrow night's game kicks-off at 8.10pm.


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