Awesome fans hold key to Athens glory - Smicer

May 18 2007 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

ISTANBUL hero Vladimir Smicer believes Liverpool’s “awesome” supporters hold the key to Champions League success next Wednesday.

Thousands of fans will descend upon Athens in the hope of seeing Rafael Benitez’s side repeat their triumph over AC Milan of two years ago.

Smicer played an integral in Liverpool claiming that fifth European Cup when, making his final appearance for the club, the Czech midfielder stepped off the bench to score the second goal during their remarkable second-half comeback.

The 33-year-old further etched his name in Anfield folklore by converting Liverpool’s fourth penalty in the shoot-out before Jerzy Dudek saved from Andriy Shevchenko to win the trophy.

An occasion Smicer regards as the best of his life, his abiding memory was of the backing from the Liverpool fans despite their team falling three goals behind.

And the former Czech Republic international, who now plays in France for Bordeaux, reckons that support can prove pivotal as Benitez’s side chase a second Champions League triumph in three seasons.

“Liverpool fans are always awesome,” says Smicer. “They are the key. At 3-0 down they were amazing in Istanbul. They lifted us so much. You know that Liverpool fans will be with the players.

“The players know you are obligated to give the fans success because they crave it so much. They will make a lot of noise in Athens, for sure! It’s the final and they will make it one to remember. The fans deserve it.”

Smicer experienced a somewhat love-hate relationship with Liverpool’s supporters, who were often infuriated by his style of play amid the rough and tumble of the Premiership.

However, his Istanbul heroics have assured his place in the annals of Anfield history, a happy conclusion to a Liverpool career that spanned six years and five major trophies.

But a bashful Smicer insists: “I am just happy to have been a Liverpool player. I had six great years and if the fans think I did a good job I feel proud. True Liverpool legends are the likes of Gerrard and Carragher. They are unbelievable!

“I will remember the pride I felt playing for Liverpool. The fans sometimes did not like the way I played but I accepted it and still loved every minute of it.”

Smicer was adamant on signing off from Liverpool on a high note and was confident taking a penalty in Istanbul, having noted Dida was diving the same way for all the spot-kicks.

“Scoring the penalty was the biggest test of my whole career,” he says. “It’s easy to say no when you are asked by the manager but I wanted to prove my worth. I was 32 and wanted to show I wasn’t afraid to take the responsibility.

“I told Rafa I’d love to take one. I sent Dida the wrong way. I told Milan Baros I’d put it right, but Dida kept going left! Milan told me to stick with it and Dida went left again!

“It was such an important goal for me. If I’d missed, my last game in a Liverpool shirt might have ended differently. The pressure was big. I felt so proud to score. It was easily the best day of my life.

“My other favourite moments for Liverpool came in 2001 when we won five trophies. I played the full season and it was the year I played my best football for Liverpool that season.

“Just signing for Liverpool in itself was a dream because I supported them as a kid. It was a dream come true. The year 2001 was my other highlight for sure but nothing will compare to that win in 2005.”