[lfc-news] Morientes: We know how to beat you

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Morientes: We know how to beat you Sep 27 2005
By Ian Doyle Daily Post Staff

FERNANDO MORIENTES is confident Liverpool's greater know-how can see off
the threat of Chelsea tomorrow - and believes the Stamford Bridge side will
struggle to qualify from their Champions League group.

The European champions take on the Premiership holders at Anfield in a
re-run of last season's memorable semi-final, when Liverpool defeated
Chelsea 1-0 in the home second leg to secure their only victory over Jose
Mourinho's side in five attempts last season.

And Morientes, who is facing a race against time to overcome the hamstring
injury that threatens his participation in tonight's fixture, insists that
win has shown the force has swung towards Rafael Benitez and his players.

"Chelsea are powerful rivals for us in this group, but we were prepared to
face one of the hardest teams in Europe at this stage, so why not Chelsea?"
said Morientes..

"Perhaps it is better for us in a way to face Chelsea because we know them
so well, and because we have the confidence of knowing we knocked them out
last season.

"We have a great chance of beating them again. Not because we are European
champions, but because we are a team that knows how to play against Chelsea.

"We have fought many battles with them in the league, cup and in Europe, so
we are ready."

He added: "We were accused of being lucky against Chelsea in the
semi-final, but I don't agree. We may not have won 4-0 but it was a
perfectly planned match by our coach Rafa Benitez.

"We didn't allow Chelsea to have the options that they had in other games,
when they played us and it worked."

While Morientes accepts it would benefit the Premiership if both Liverpool
and Chelsea progress, he has tipped Real Betis - who Liverpool beat 2--1 in
their opening Group G game a fortnight ago - to spring a surprise..

"It's complicated to say who was most disappointed with the draw, us or
Chelsea, but for the sake of English football it would be best if we both
go through," he added..

"Personally, I would like to see Betis progress ahead of Chelsea, so if I
was a betting man I'd tip Liverpool and Betis to make it through at
Chelsea's expense. "

Morientes also moved to defend Mourinho from criticism over his team's
style, rubbishing Arsene Wenger's notion Chelsea are merely a glorified
long-ball team.

"I don't agree with Arsenal's opinion that Chelsea use long-ball tactics,"
said the Spanish international. "When I watch Chelsea I see great players,
an excellent midfield, talented strikers and a team that keeps the balls
very well.

"I don't see many long passes. With those players at his disposal, Jose
Mourinho uses excellent counterattacking tactics."

Meanwhile, Jerzy Dudek is nearing a return to fitness after he was named in
Poland's squad for their World Cup qualifier against England at Old
Trafford on October 12.

Harry Kewell has been called up by Australia coach Guus Hiddink for their
training camp in Holland ahead of the friendly against Jamaica at Craven
Cottage on October 9. Kewell has been selected so his recovery from injury
can be monitored by Hiddink.

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