[lfc-news] Pongolle's plea: I just want to play - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 18 Oct 2004
Pongolle's plea: I just want to play
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle says he has asked for a transfer
because of a lack of first-team chances.

But Rafael Benitez has denied the request because he is already short of
striking options.

Pongolle was injured at the start of the campaign and has been limited to
two substitute appearances so far.

But he is reportedly unhappy at being overlooked for Milan Baros and
Djibril Cisse.

"I'm not playing and I have asked to leave," Pongolle is quoted as saying.

"All I want to do is play. The coach doesn't want me to go so I don't know
what will happen.

"The fact he won't let me leave means he must have confidence in me.

That is fine but I hope I will get a chance. All I can do is keep on working."

Saturday's hero Xabi Alonso admits he was surprised at being left out of
the starting line-up for the trip to Fulham, but had no complaints about
Benitez's decision.

The Spanish midfielder was rested ahead of tomorrow's Champions League
clash with Deportivo La Coruna.

"I didn't expect to be on the bench," admitted Alonso.

"I always expect to play but the manager made his decision and it was my
turn to be on the bench - no problem. I didn't play for Spain in midweek
but there were the flights back and we have another important game on
Tuesday so I have to respect the manager's decision.

"It was an incredible result for us. We started the game well but made two
mistakes and they cost us two goals.

"We carried on playing the same way in the second half, scored a quick goal
and that proved very important for us. We got a bit of fortune but in the
end we scored many goals.

"Hopefully that first goal, the deflection, can change the whole atmosphere
at the club. It was also very important for me to score my first goal for
the club and it came at a good time for us. "We had come back to 2-2 but we
were just down to ten men so it was a wonderful moment for the players on
the pitch and the supporters.

"We know we have a game in hand so to get three points away can be
significant. But we know we have to keep playing like we did in the second
half.

"It's a very important result for us because it is the first time we have
won away. I hope it will give us a lot of confidence but now we have to
forget this win and think about Tuesday's game against Deportivo.

"I have spoken to a number of Deportivo players and they are very motivated
because it is almost a last chance for them. I hope we can get the right
result but it is going to be very difficult."


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