Roller-coaster man!

May 21 2007 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

Up against the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf, Massimo Ambrosini and Kaka it’s a challenge Alonso would relish.

“They have a powerful midfield with different qualities but we have that too,” he said. “Pirlo is the playmaker in front of their defence, Kaka creates chances, and Ambrosini and Gattuso work hard doing a lot of defensive work.

“It’s important we don’t allow Kaka to get comfortable on the ball. He’s strong, quick and very gifted. We will have to be really compact and not give him space.”

Alonso admits the memories of 2005 and the desire to taste that euphoria again is a huge motivation.

He felt the full force of Liverpool’s ‘12th man’ in Istanbul and believes the supporters will have another key role to play in the Olympic Stadium next Wednesday.

“In the history of football there haven’t been many finals like that,” he said.

“Going 3-0 down and then scoring three goals in six minutes against Milan was unbelievable.

“I remember it was really special after half time walking back on to the pitch and hearing the fans singing You’ll Never Walk Alone. We felt we had the absolute support of the fans and it gave us a real lift.

“They were so important in that game and I’m sure they will be very important in Athens.

“It’s a shame what’s happened with the tickets but I know there will still be a big support for us.

“It’s good to have the experience of playing two years ago and it’s something we will keep in our memories forever, but it’s in the past now and we have to look to the future.

“We are very privileged to be involved in a game like this and we’re confident we’re good enough to lift the trophy.”