Support can make difference - Jones

May 22 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL icon Joey Jones believes it will need a Herculean effort from players and supporters alike if they are to avoid a Greek tragedy tomorrow.

This week’s Champions League final in Athens comes almost 30 years to the day since the Merseysiders famously claimed their first European title, with a then 22-year-old Jones at left-back.

That night in Rome, when Liverpool triumphed 3-1 against Borussia Monchengladbach, saw Bob Paisley’s double domestic title-holders inspired to victory by a sea of support in the Stadio Olimpico.

And Jones believes Rafael Benitez’s 2007 vintage will need a similar level of inspiration from the stands to see off the challenge of AC Milan.

Jones said: “To go out there and see the mass of red and white flags and banners – I felt 10 feet tall, that’s how it made you feel. I felt great and I couldn’t wait to get started.

“On the night I’m sure Liverpool will have a massive following and they can do it, but it will be tough because Milan have some good players like Kaka, and I like (Gennaro) Gattuso who can cause damage to the opposition. But good players have off days and if Milan’s do, and Liverpool play their game, Liverpool can win the match.”