Garcia delight at Kenny link - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 16 Sept 2004
Garcia delight at Kenny link
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL'S new hero Luis Garcia today spoke of his pride at being compared
to Anfield's greatest ever player, Kenny Dalglish.

But the Spaniard says Barcelona legend Michael Laudrup is the player who
influenced his game the most.

Garcia shone for the second time in four days in the 2-0 Champions League
victory over Monaco and admitted his surprise at the speed at which he's
settled on Merseyside.

As the 'missing link' between midfield and attack, Garcia is already
earning rave reviews.

And the impact shows in the names being used as a reference point for
Garcia's skills.

"Obviously it makes me very happy when you hear fans making comparisons
with some great players," said Garcia, also dubbed the ' mini Litmanen ' in
some quarters.

"I've heard of Kenny Dalglish but I never saw him play. The important thing
is if people say that, it must mean I'm making the fans happy. If that
continues, even better.

"The player I used to love watching as a youngster was Michael Laudrup. The
moves and runs I make come from watching him.

"I do particularly like playing where I've been in the last two matches,
although the main thing is to be available for the manager in whatever
position he wants me."

Garcia says the instant backing he's received from the Kop can continue to
inspire him.

"My intention was to settle as quickly as possible, but the reality is that
it usually takes a few more games," he said.

"I thought I would develop my game gradually, but I've performed well much
quicker than expected.

"To get the backing and support of the fans is also important to every
player. As time goes by I just want to keep on improving my performances
and impress them even more.

"I had some chances to score last night, but I'm not too worried I missed.
It would worry me much more if I wasn't getting chances at all.

"I've left a great club in Barcelona, but I've also joined one of the
biggest clubs in Europe. The intention is to build something special here
and we've started off on the right footing.

"Players like Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard already have a reputation
across Europe for being great, but what we really need to do is win trophies.

"I've left my family and friends behind to come here and that's down to the
faith the manager has put in me. I've confidence in him and hopefully I
will repay that faith over the next few months."

Garcia is now looking ahead to Monday's trip to Old Trafford, well equipped
to deal with the intense rivalry between Liverpool and United from his
experiences in Spain.

He added: "I know Liverpol versus United is like Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Now we've got this victory out of the way I will become more aware of the
expectancy. I'm really looking forward to that game."