Phil Jagielka confident despite Everton's ‘unlucky’ UEFA draw

Aug 30 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Everton FC's Phil Jagielka _180

PHIL JAGIELKA admits Everton were “a bit unlucky” to be paired with Standard Liege in yesterday’s UEFA Cup first round draw.

The Belgian champions came close to eliminating Liverpool from the final qualifying round of the Champions League earlier this week, beaten only by a Dirk Kuyt goal two minutes from the end of extra time.

Goodison Park will host the first leg against Standard on Thursday, September 18, with the return match taking place at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne a fortnight later.

Jagielka said: “When you look at who we could have got, then I suppose you have to say we’ve been a bit unlucky. But we’re still fully confident.

“They gave Liverpool a decent game and they are clearly a good side but we know what the European games are all about now after last season and we’re looking forward to it.

“If you get to the UEFA Cup you can’t expect any easy rides but we know a fair bit about Liege and we’ll know a lot more by the time we play them.”

Everton faced a major battle to overcome Metalist Kharkiv in last season’s first round.

And of the draw, Goodison manager Moyes said: “Standard Liege did look a good side against Liverpool, but I am optimistic we can get through. It’s a terrific competition and we really enjoyed it last season.

“It’s a tough tie, there is no question. We will have to do very well if we are going to go through. But if we show the form we

showed last year, we would be more than comfortable with whoever we play.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has said he is willing to give Everton the inside track on Standard.

“If it’s necessary, then I will have no problem helping David Moyes. If he calls me, then I will give him my advice, but I think they have enough people to look at the videos and what their games, so I don’t think they’ll need much help

“It could be it was their big game. But it depends on the mentality of the players and the manager. They were good in games before us, but they were really, really good against us.”