Xabi will not take win for granted

By Mighty Reds
August 2 2005

Xabi Alonso says that he and his team-mates will not take Liverpool’s progress in to the third qualifying round of the Champions league for granted.

The Reds have a 3-1 first leg advantage going into tonight’s second leg at Anfield. Xabi insists though that the reigning European Champions will treat their opponents with respect.

He said:

"I hope that Kaunas aren't capable of scoring twice at Anfield but you must never take matters for granted in football," he says.

"That's why we have to be serious from the first kick, keep the ball and try to grab an early goal. If we manage to do that, we shouldn't have too many problems.

"We are playing at home with a two-goal advantage, so I am totally confident that we'll beat them - but we have to be prudent. From the start we must take the match seriously and take control of things and if we play to our potential, I'm confident we will win the second leg handsomely."

If, as expected, Liverpool come through against Kaunas then CSKA Sofia or KF Tirana will await them in the next round. Alonso is relieved that the Reds avoided Mersey rivals Everton in the draw and believes the Blues face an uphill task against La Liga side Villarreal.

If, as expected, Liverpool go through to the next round they will meet either CSKA Sofia or KF Tirana. Xabi is relieved not to be meeting their Mersy rivals, Everton.

On Everton’s draw Xabi said:

"I am very relieved that we avoided Everton. They have a good team and I would not have wanted to face them or my fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta so early on in the season," he adds.

"I actually feel sorry for Everton in drawing Villarreal. It is going to be very difficult for them to go through now because they are a very strong Spanish team, with a lot of experience. I know that Villarreal's players are very confident that they will do great work in the Champions League this season.

"The best team will prevail in that tie, but from Everton's point of view I think they need to take close care of Juan Román Riquelme. If he is allowed to play with freedom, Villarreal will create many opportunities to score. And with players like Diego Forlán and José Mari in their side, you can't affordto give them chances. Stopping Riquelme is going to be the key to success for Everton."