[lfc-news] Finnan: Euro glory inspires us - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 23 Aug 2005
Euro glory inspires us
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

STEVE FINNAN is aware Liverpool's status of European champions is filed
firmly in the football library of freak occurrences.

But the classy right back is determined the Reds will wear their title
well and prove it was no 'one season wonder'.

Finnan believes the knock-on effect of the fifth European Cup win has
already been seen during the early rounds of this year's competition.

CSKA Sofia seemed honoured just to be on the same pitch as Liverpool a
fortnight ago.

A visit to Anfield may inspire the Bulgarians to produce a sensational
result. Alternatively, judging by the scenes at the final whistle at the
end of the first leg, filling their photograph albums may represent the
height of their ambition.

As ever, there will be no complacency in the Anfield camp, but Finnan
admits the reaction in Bulgaria to a 3-1 home defeat has increased the
Liverpool players' self-esteem.

"Since we won the Champions League there's definitely a new air of
confidence around the lads," said Finnan.

"Psychologically, I think we've an advantage no matter who we come up
against in Europe. That's the case in the Premiership too. When we go
out there, our opponents know they're facing the champions of Europe. It
may lift them, but it lifts us more.

"Maybe we'll see teams raise their game a little bit, but it also gives
us an extra sense of belief when we're introduced as champions of
Europe. It's a great feeling and it can spur us on.

"That showed in the first leg when I felt we just stepped it up at
exactly the right time to get the first two crucial goals. Even though
we won 3-1, the Bulgarian team was applauded off by their own fans. That
shows the respect a lot of teams have for us."

Perhaps the awe in which Liverpool are held resonates stronger on the
continent than at home.

Away from Anfield, the surly, parochials still mutter about Liverpool's
fortunate route to European glory.

Finnan says such gracelessness ignores the facts of a run during which
the Reds beat all the fancied sides.

"All you have to do is look at the teams we defeated along the way to
winning it last year," he said.

"Chelsea and Juventus went on to win their domestic leagues and AC Milan
were the favourites.

"We beat the best teams in Europe to win the competition. Having done
so, it's only natural our expectations should increase and everyone is
entitled to think the good times are back at the club.

"We'd all be very disappointed if we didn't go far in the tournament
again this year. We don't want to stop because we've won it once. We
want to repeat it.

"Obviously, the first task is to get into the group stage. If we do,
we'll take a good look at who we get in the draw and hopefully think
about doing the same as last year. I'm sure a lot of sides wouldn't
fancy having to play us."

Liverpool must concede at least three goals to blow their advantage tonight.

Even without Steven Gerrard, that would take a calamitous series of
events, although Finnan believes there is more to the Bulgarians than
Liverpool have allowed them to show thus far.

"A lot of people will think the tie is over, but in this situation the
first goal is always most important," he said.

"If they were to get it, they may get some confidence and be dangerous.
At the same time, we know we've got to lose three and if that happened
it would be a massive disappointment for everyone. With the lead we've
got, we know if we get the first goal the game should be killed off."

The Irishman also admits there will have to be an improvement on
Saturday's scrappy win if the Reds are to convince the doubters.

"A win and a clean sheet is positive, but you can understand the
frustration on Saturday," he said.

"But overall we've had a positive start. Middlesbrough is a tough place
to go and we got a point, and now we've four points from two games which
is decent. At the same time it's obvious we've got to work on a few things.

"We've started the season with a different system and that takes a bit
of getting used to.

"We had some scares on Saturday, but we're pleased we've managed to stop
anyone showing us how good Pepe Reina is yet.

"I'm sure when he is called upon he'll come up with the goods, but the
lads in front of him have a lot of confidence because we're defending
well as a team."

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