McManaman hoping for a Wembley hero in red
He played for both clubs during a distinguished career, but there is no question as to where Steve McManaman's loyalties will lie come Sunday afternoon.
“Oh it's Liverpool all day for me,” he tells the ECHO. “Don't worry about that!”
McManaman, of course, knows what it takes to be a Wembley hero in a red shirt. And in the League Cup too. The 1995 final – Coca Cola at that point – belonged to him.
His two goals against Bolton Wanderers gave Liverpool victory, and secured Roy Evans his sole trophy as Reds boss. Twenty-one years on, Jurgen Klopp's side will look to follow in their footsteps.
“There's nothing like Wembley for a footballer,” says McManaman. “Or as a football fan, for that matter.
“I was lucky enough to win a couple of finals with Liverpool there, in 1992 and of course in 95 as well. They're the days you don't forget.
“1995 was great for me personally, of course, but the winning is what matters.
“Liverpool is synonymous with success and winning trophies, and that must never change. When we won that 1995 final, we'd been through a transitional period under Graeme Souness and then Evo, but we knew that we had to keep that winning habit up.
“The list of successful managers and players at this club is huge, and you just want to put your name on it and keep it going.
“It doesn't matter where Liverpool are in the league, whether they're 18 in the league, eighth or top, they have to win trophies. It is vitally important.”
McManaman accepts that Liverpool “froze” on the Wembley stage last season, losing an FA Cup semi-final after a dreadful performance against Aston Villa. A repeat on Sunday would not be accepted.
“That was a huge disappointment,” he says.“Sunday is another day, though, and I think any ex-Liverpool player or any Liverpool supporter would always back them in a final, whoever the opposition is. This club belongs on that stage.”
Liverpool have already administered a beating to Manchester City once this season, of course. Their 4-1 win at the Etihad in November stands as the high point of the Klopp era so far.
That day, the Reds' counter-attacks ripped Manuel Pellegrini's side to shreds. And while a repeat at Wembley is unlikely – a 4-1 Liverpool win is available at 100/1 with some bookmakers – McManaman expects them to play a similar kind of game.
“Liverpool are suited to play on the counter attack like they did at the Etihad, and at Chelsea away earlier in the season,” he says.
“They're comfortable like that, rather than having the ball and having to break teams down and so on. They struggle with that.
“Manchester City, with the players they have, will play an expansive style, and Liverpool have to approach the game like they did at the Etihad; be nice and compact, and then when they see the chance to break and create go and do it.
“They were excellent in the Etihad, and City I think will play the same type of game. We know how they want to play, they'll have the majority of possession, but if Liverpool can spring on them like they did last time then they can have some joy.”
McManaman is a regular observer of Liverpool through his role as an analyst for BT Sport, and has seen close up the impact Klopp has had since his arrival on Merseyside in October. Not consistent, but enough promise to suggest better days to come.
“It doesn't matter if you're a Liverpool fan or not, you cannot fail to like Jurgen Klopp,” he says.
“He's full of charisma, his TV interviews are comedy gold and he seems to get on with everybody.
“Liverpool fans love him, even if he's only had four months in the job. If he were to bring home a trophy, he would be God on Liverpool, no doubt about it!
“I speak to many people around the world, and it was seen around the world to be a real coup when Liverpool got Jurgen Klopp. We should be glad we've got him.”
Liverpool fans certainly are. In terms of box office appeal, Klopp is their No.1 draw, his presence giving hope that an average and much-criticised group of players can take the club to a first trophy in four years.
If Liverpool are to win, then someone, somewhere, is going to have to make themselves a hero as McManaman did all those years ago. They are going to have to step up on the big stage.
“I like the way the front three are linking up together,” McManaman says. “Even against Augsburg, when they didn't find a way through, the passing and movement was good. They haven't played together much, but the signs of understanding are growing with every game.
“Hopefully, those signs will be in evidence on Sunday!”
Source: Liverpool Echo
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