LIVERPOOL star JAMIE REDKNAPP talks about The Reds' charge for success.
When Man United won at Anfield there were people who thought that meant the end of Liverpool's season. But since then Roy Evans' side have bounced back, and bearing in mind the form that they've shown recently,United could be grateful that they've already built up a sizeable advantage.
And it's not just in the league that Liverpool have served up their best form.A place in the last four of the Coca Cola Cup sees them wying with First Division Middlesbrough for a Wembley final place.Though Michael Owen and Steve McManaman have been earning many of the plaudits for the revival,no-one can have failed to notice Jamie Redknapp sparking in the midfield.Not content with controlling the game from the centre of the park,he's even been scoring goals.
Match:Are you looking forward to the Coca Cola cup tie with Middlesbrough?
Redders:I'm looking forward to the games with Middlesbrough because victory will take us to Wembley and give us a chance to win a trophy this season. It's a good tie for us because we've been very fortunate to avoid Arsenal and Chelsea. But don't get me worng,it won't be easy as Boro are a good side.The match against Newcastle was hard,and I think we did well to be honest after beating them in the league a few days before. But when you get to this stage of the tournament,no draw is easy.
Match:Is this Liverpool's best chance of silverware?
Redders:I think it's probably our best chance of winning something this season,and I think we've got a really godo chance of getting to Wembley if we can maintain our form in the competition.Having said that,Middlesbrough are doing very well in the First Division and look set to make a quick return to the Premiership.You certainly can't underestimate them,they will definitely be fired up for the game and will make it very tough for us.
Match:Is the Coca Cola cup as good as the FA cup?
Redders:The Coca Cola cup is very important to Liverpool,and that is why we have worked hard to get to this stage of the competition. To be honest,when we won the cup by beating Bolton in 1995,it was a tremendous day out and we all really enjoyed ourselves.I remember when we got to the FA cup Final the year after and we lost ot Manchester United,it was awful.So it doesn't hold as good memories for me.But the FA Cup does have this aura about it.Having said that,I would far rather win the Coca-Cola Cup than get to the final of the FA Cup and lose.
Do you think it was fair to take away the european spot for the winners?
I have to say that I think it somewhat detracts from the importance of the competition.There are a number of sides who have fielded weakened teams in the tournament,and when they decided to take away the European spot it only acted as a greater incentive to those sides to continue doing that.But ask any player whether they want to play in a Wembley final and I think you would fidn they wuold all answer the same way.Besides,the final decision about Europe is yet to be made.
How do you feel Liverpool are doing in the permiership this season?
I honestly don't think we're doing as badly as some people keep saying.As long as we keep winning games and playing well,we're going to be all right.There's not that much pressure on us at the moment and everyone's just looking at Manchester United and Blackburn.So if we just keep playing well out of the public eye then we'll still be in with an outside chance come May.The players here can cope with the pressure if it comes our way though. We play for a big club and it comes with the job.
How do you rate your chances of qualifying for europe?
Well,we would have a got a great chance of qualifying through the Coca Cola Cup until they decided to take the place away.Now we have to look at the league.It would be great to do well enough to get a place in Europe this season and if we can just keep plugging away and getting the results it has to be within our reach.People should remember,there are still quite a few games to be played and anything can happen.Anyway,we're quite handily placed right now.
What's it like having lots of young talent coming through at Liverpool?
I think the future looks very bright at Anfield. There are a lot of great players here anyway,and with all the young lads coming through it just shows that we've got something special here.I have to say that I think Michael Owen has been sensational for us this season and if we can keep producing players with his talent it has to be good for everyone connected with the club.I'm a great believer in giving young players a chance and I don't believe that age is a barrier if,like Michael Owen,young players have the ability to pull it off.
Which team has surprised you this season?
I've been very impressed with West Ham to be honest.John Hartson has surprised everyone by being the leading scorer in the Premiership this year and they've got some top quality players in Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand.I'm very proud of what my dad's achieved this season at Upton Park adn I have always been a big fan of their football.West Ham are a club who you know will never compromise their principles.Even when they've struggled,they've always tried to play their way out of it.You have to admire a side like that.
How would you rate your own season so far?
I've been out with injuries,but other than that it's gone okay.I'm just training hard at the moment and tryign to keep playing well.It's been a new experience for me,playing alongside the likes of Oyvind Leonhardsen and Paul Ince,as they are very good players.I'm enjoying life here at Anfield at the moment.I don't really know what my World Cup chances are though.
But you hope to be part of Glenn Hoddle's plans?
Yes,along with every other player who is staking a claim for the final 22. I can only go out and play well for Liverpool and hope I get the chance. There is no point worrying about whether I will or will not go.I haven't had the best of luck with England,in term of injuries,but I have always maintained that it would be the biggest honour in my career to play in a World Cup Finals and that hasn't changed.
Do you think England have got a chance in the World Cup?
You cannot fault the side's qualification campaign and I think they have every reason to believe they can go out to France and win the tournament.Consistency and self-belief are keys to success and the current England side has those things in abundance.But there will obviously be no easy game.You simply cannot afford to underestimate anyone.The World Cup always throws up shocks and you just ahe to hope you're not one of the victims.
Who will be the main contenders?
I don't think you can look beyond Brazil,Germany,France,Italy and England of course.But as I've said before,a dark horse will always emerge.Look at the tournament in America in 1994.Nobody would have put money on Sweden and Bulgaria going so close.So you never know.Nonetheless,it's exciting ot say the least.
JAMIE REDKNAPP reflected on last night's draw with Everton and insisted Liverpool deserved to break their four-year
derby jinx.
The midfielder believes Liverpool should have claimed a first victory over their arch rivals since March 1994, despite falling
behind to a 57-minute goal from Duncan Ferguson.
"I thought we played well," said Redknapp, who is a doubt for Saturday's clash with Aston Villa after injuring his ankle following a late tackle from Everton's Danny Cadamarteri.
"They went 1-0 up and got the goal which was very disappointing.
"I thought that for them to be in the lead in the first place was very unjust. They worked hard and stopped us playing for a spell,but we still enjoyed the better of the possession.
"We showed a lot of fight to come back and Incey took his goal well, and we felt we could go on and win it from there.
"Everyone is disappointment in the dressing room because I thought we deserved to win. No disrespect to Everton, but we
should have got three points. The gaffer is disappointed; we all are because we felt it was a one-sided game."
The draw leaves Liverpool trailing leaders Manchester United by nine points at the top of the Premiership.
But Redknapp insists there is still much to play for, despite only having 11 games left in which to claw back the lead.
"We just have to keep playing, keep going and keep working hard," he said. "There is still a long way to go and teams are
going to win and lose. We have seen that already this season.
"For people to say it is over is still premature. It is getting harder for us, but we won't give up.
"Over the last few weeks everyone has been winning and losing."
On his injury, he added: "I will have to see how the ankle is and get some treatment on it. Hopefully, I will be OK for
Saturday."
Team-mate Ince, whose 66th minute goal levelled the scores, also cut a dejected figure as Liverpool notched their fourth
Premiership game without a win.
He issue a title battle-cry, but admitted: "People will say we played well and we did.
"But at the end of the day you have to win your home games if you are going to win the championship.We're never just playing for second place.
"How much can you learn by playing alongside someone like Paul Ince in the midfield?"
"I've never hidden my admiration for Incey.He is a great player,one of the best in Europe,and I can only improve by playing alongside him game after game for Liverpool.I think we complement each other well.Both of us like to break forward,but we have a good understanding in that one of us stays back holding things together when the other gets forward with the attack.It is brilliant to have him as a midfield partner.We are also good friends off the field as well which is a big help.All the midfield players here are top quality though and we all know we have to perform week in week out if we want to stay in the team.
"Do you think you should score more goals than you do?"
"I have to say that I would like to get into double figures this season and I will be disappointed if I don't manage that.A good midfielder should be able to score goals fairly consistently,and with the way I know I can strike the ball then I set high standards for myself.My goal against Middlesbrough in the Coca Cola Cup was my fifth for the season which isn't bad considering how long I spent out injured in the early months.I know I can score goals from long range and I don't mind shooting from distance and trying to make the goalkeeper work.I certainly want more goals than I have to my name at the moment and I'm confident enough in my own ability to know that I can score more.
MIDFIELDER for the senior side or sweeper for the Under-21s: it's all immaterial to Jamie Redknapp.As far as international or World Cup selection is concerned, the Liverpool star knows that if he doesn't play well in a red shirt,he'll have no chance of wearing a white one.
Redknapp knew before Monday's official announcement that he would be playing sweeper, as an over-age player, for England's Under-21 side in Switzerland next week.And while, quite rightly, he perceives his call-up positively - it is, after all, another string to his bow which could fire him to France - it is at club level where his principal ambitions lie.
Redknapp said today: "Of course, the World Cup is a goal, but my main aim is to play well for Liverpool. That's so important
to me.Getting into the England team and going to the World Cup would be fantastic, but they are bonuses. I love playing for
Liverpool and I really want to do well for them."
One Coca-Cola Cup winners' medal is scant reward for a player of Redknapp's talent, not least because he is surrounded by
fellow internationals. And he knows he should have won more.That's the disappointing thing," he admitted. "We've had, and still have, some great players here and we haven't won as muchas we should.
"Personally, I would love to win loads of honours with Liverpool. It would be fantastic. It's just happened that Manchester United have had a fine run of form over the last few years, and so it's up to us to get Liverpool back to the top."
So what of his latest England call-up? "Glenn Hoddle wants me to play as sweeper. It's something I haven't done before, but it
will be interesting.
"I hope I'll be able to do it well and I'll see where we go from there. I've always played in midfield, ever since I was a kid. But I think it's something I could do.I'll have a good go at it and try my best. It's not really a backward step. If I do well, then who knows what will happen?"
If Jamie does make it to France, one player he won't be facing is David Ginola who, despite an excellent season, still can't
force his way back into his national team. Not that Redknapp is complaining, for the Frenchman is, quite simply, the finest
player he has ever faced.
He said: "In fact, all our boys were saying on Tuesday that he's probably the best player they have played against. That's some statement because some of the lads here have played against some great people.
"But Ginola is certainly the best player I've come up against. He's fantastic. I gave the ball away for Tottenham's second goal
last Saturday, and I'm sure that if anyone else had got possession afterwards there wouldn't have been a problem.But Ginola got hold of it and he went and banged it into the corner. If you could draw the perfect attacking footballer, you'd
end up with him.
"Ginola is two-footed, he's quick, he's strong and he's got an amazing touch for someone who is six foot two.
"Okay, there's another side to his game which some people think could be worked on, but he's probably too old to do that
now! I'm not someone who will slag him off because I think he is a great player."
Having just faced one relegation candidate, Redknapp's next Reds action will be against another when Roy Evans' men travel
to Barnsley a week tomorrow.
This is the same Barnsley who stunned the Premiership by winning at Anfield in November, except that the commendable
courage they have shown in their fight to avoid relegation makes them even harder to beat now.
"No, it won't be easy," Jamie admitted. "They played ever so well against us at Anfield and we don't want to lose again to
them.But we had so many chances that day, and it is one of those games where, when you look back, you know you just threw
points away.
"Barnsley are looking as if they could stay up now. They are the team in form at the bottom, they work hard for each other and
there is a great spirit there. But we've just got to keep getting results to keep us near the top. It's been a topsy-turvy season for everyone. I don't think anyone has found real consistency.
"Manchester United have had a good spell and Arsenal are having one now and we've got a chance to come back into things,
although we should have done with three points against Tottenham.
"Even now the championship is not over because the
season has been so mad."
Good though Redknapp's form has been this season, he knows that young guns like David Thompson, Danny Murphy and
Jamie Carragher - who have all been selected in central midfield - would love to oust him. Or anyone, in fact.
He said: "It's just nice to be back playing again after the injuries I've had. I'm enjoying my football. I enjoy playing with Paul Ince and I think we play well together."
THE coming weeks will go a long way to deciding who wears the broadest smile in the Redknapp household this summer. Son
Jamie, with the Champions League and World Cup to aim for with club and country, or father Harry, handily placed to take
West Ham into Europe for the first time in 18 years.
Then again, there is no reason why they cannot both claim their respective prizes this time around. And should it work out that way then no one would be happier for each other than the duo themselves.
At some point in the future you can see the Redknapps teaming up again as player and manager - just as they did at
Bournemouth before Kenny Dalglish saw enough inside 13 games to break the bond and whisk a promising teenager to
Anfield. Since that day seven years ago, a week probably hasn't gone by in which father and son have not spoken.
"He would come to every game if he could," says Jamie. "If we have a game on a different day to West Ham then he will come
up and watch me and he really enjoys it. I think it makes him proud that I am playing for Liverpool and I am lucky he takes that amount of interest.
"He has always been like that. He never needed to push me into this career because to be honest I have always loved football.
It was my only interest in school and the only thing I ever wanted to do. He had to calm me down if anything and tell me to
take it easy because I was so into it.
"I was just so football orientated and nothing else really appealed to me. He was so supportive of what I wanted to do. I think he saw it in me quite early that I had half a chance and I suppose it is nice for him that his son followed him into football.
"I think he is proud."
Undoubtedly so, although his pride at his son's achievements and continuing development into one of England's best midfielders
does not prevent an occasional kick up the backside.
"I speak to him all the time," continues Jamie. "He is my biggest critic whether I have done well or not. He isn't someone who would duck out of telling me something. He is truthful and he'll say, 'I was pleased with you today' or 'I didn't think you got stuck in enough or ran hard enough or your passing wasn't the best.He tells me straight and it doesn't lead to rows because everything he tells me I believe. If he says I was crap today then I'd accept that. It isn't a problem for me - I can accept criticism anyway."
True Redknapp Jnr has never been weighed down by any real expectation eminating from his father's own playing career in the
way Nigel Clough has been, but if he ever decides to move into management it could be a different story. Since taking charge of West Ham in August 1994, Harry Redknapp has combined grit and grace in London's East End to break the notion linking his side and relegation dogfights.
"I am very proud of him," says Jamie. "It is nice for him personally that things are going well and when they went out of the FA Cup on penalties last week it was upsetting for me. He is my dad and I know he gets upset. Then my mum has to take the brunt of it and he won't talk to her for a day.
"I think you can see it in his face in games, training and in interviews. He speaks from the heart, he's very passionate and I think that is great. I think people admire him for that because he is a very likeable fella.
"He is doing well at the moment and if he is proud of me then I am proud of what he is doing. It is amazing really. People are
talking about two leagues within the Premiership and you have to agree.
"But I think he is getting it right. He has bought good players, he's got good young players coming through and I am really pleased for him. He has done great."
Maybe the status of top dog will become clearer on May 2 when West Ham come to Anfield, with Liverpool looking to
avenge their 2-1 defeat at Upton Park back in September.
Family ties will presumably be stretched to the limit, but Jamie insists: "Until it comes it is almost like another game.People ask: 'Do I want to win when I am playing against my dad's side?' and that's a ridiculous question - of course I want to
win.
"I must admit the game when they needed to stay up a few years ago was the most difficult I have ever played in but I thought I
handled that quite well. I didn't enjoy that one personally, but I play for Liverpool, Liverpool pay my wages and if the fans see
me not trying then they have every right to have a go at me."
If he ever needed his father's support, it was probably last season where injury and a lack of self-belief saw Redknapp treading water in Liverpool's first team.
"My dad has said things in the past, and so has the gaffer and other people, about me doing more with my ability. I have always
felt that and I think that comes with confidence," he continues.
"Last year I was going through games thinking I have got to do more, I have got to do more. You try and get your confidence
first and the two things go hand in hand.
"This season I have been able to express myself more and fitness plays a big part as well, I have come to realise that. It sounds like you are making excuses but it was a difficult year for me last year. When you are going out for games thinking:
'How's my ankle?' then you are in a totally different frame of mind to how you should be.
"I was half fit and I didn't do myself any justice really. Every time in someone's career they get stick and to be honest I can appreciate some of the criticism I got last year. I wasn't playing well and I was the first to admit that.
"Hopefully the fans appreciate me when I am playing well. But criticism is all part of football and I understand that as much as anyone. There are better players than me who have got stick although to be honest it was never that bad.
"I have played for England, the season before last I did well and last season I didn't, so when people know what you can do and you aren't doing it they get frustrated.You want to prove people wrong - because when you get stick who think: 'I'll remember that, I'll show you.'"
JINXED England star Jamie Redknapp last night refused to concede defeat in his battle to make Glenn Hoddle's World Cup
squad.
The midfielder is determined to defy medical experts and return to Premiership action for Liverpool before the end of the
season - grabbing a lifeline for France 98 in the process.
Redknapp has just 18 days to recover from a knee injury sustained in the 1-1 draw with Coventry City, or join crocked
team-mate Robbie Fowler in facing World Cup heartbreak.
England coach Hoddle says the 24-year-old must play for Roy Evans' side again prior to the end of campaign or miss out in the
summer - even though there is a month between the end of the Premiership season and the start of the tournament.
Now Redknapp is hoping his powers of recovery will help him to meet that ultimatum and see him figuring in the Reds' final
game of the season against Derby County on May 10.
"I am hopeful of playing again this season," said Redknapp, who reported back to Melwood yesterday afternoon and
immediately had the injury wrapped in ice. "It probably will be about three weeks. It is just one of those things and I accept it
was an accident. It is just a case of resting and lots of treatment. At least I am quite a good healer."
Scans from England's medical staff suggested Redknapp - who will not require surgery - would definitely miss Liverpool's final four games starting against Chelsea on Saturday.
But manager Roy Evans has consulted his own medical team and said: "It is not anything serious. It is a ligament strain.
"We are hopeful he will get back playing for us this season and if Jamie is back playing then he has a chance for the World
Cup."
Only a swift return to action before the end of the Premiership campaign will seemingly keep Redknapp in Hoddle's thinking for the final 22-man party.
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