XABI ALONSO has warned Liverpools title rivals: Dont try
to push us around any more. Rafa Benitezs men topped the Fair Play
table last season after managing to avoid a single red card in the
Premier League. But the Merseysiders came out swinging during
Sundays bad-tempered friendly with Feyenoord in
Rotterdam.
Nine players were booked and the game ended with a 20-man brawl.
Hot-head Steven Gerrard was lucky not to be sent off for slapping
Feyenoord defender Theo Lucius during the melee. Alonso, who was
cautioned for his role in the bust-up, insists Liverpool have to
stand up for themselves if they want to end their 17-year title
drought.
He said: We are a team and we face a lot of things from the
opposition and whatever might happen we have to try to deal with it
all together. I dont think its a case of being the cavalry when
a team-mate gets involved in something it just means we should
not pull out of a situation. We must be aggressive and not let
sides create chances against us, not by kicking but by being strong
as a group.
Boss Benitez says winger Harry Kewell should be fit for the new
season. The Aussie star hobbled off during the second half against
Feyenoord, sparking fears that he had aggravated the foot injury
which restricted him to just three games as a sub last season. But
Benitez insists the 28-year-old will be ready for Saturdays league
opener at Aston Villa. He added: We were protecting him by taking
him off against Feyenoord. Hell be fine for Saturday.
Skipper Gerrard is relishing taking centre stage in Liverpools bid
to bring the Premier League crown to Anfield. He has played much of
the pre-season in his favoured position at the heart of the
midfield, after two seasons largely on the flanks. Gerrard said:
The manager knows thats where I want to play and Ill get my
chance in the middle. Thats where I believe I have the most to
offer for the team. Weve trained hard and want get off to a flier
at Villa.