VIEW FROM THE KOP: We need Javier’s passion – but not too much

Mar 29 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

THE Javier Mascherano incident will live long in the memory for all Liverpool fans.

It was one of those slow motion moments that everyone knew was going to happen but could do nothing about it.

Although Mascherano has been daft, the outrage in the press has been way over the top. It’s not as if he kung-fu kicked anyone, pushed an official over or even did an Ashley Cole.

The Argentinian wears his heart on his sleeve and Rafael Benitez’s comparison of him to Roy Keane was undoubtedly justified in that respect.

Having already gone 1-0 down at Old Trafford with our record, confidence of turning it around was not exactly high – we already had Everest to climb, the sending off just added roller skates to the equation.

The fact that United are now edging towards their 17th title is the hardest thing to swallow.

Arsenal’s demise in the league has been shocking and anyone beating up Rafa only has to look at the patience that the fans and board have given Arsene Wenger.

After these defeats we do lots of soul-searching and invariably start to draw up our lists of who we need to buy and sell.

But with a massive couple of weeks coming up that has to be canned, so we can get back to our bread and butter job of doing what we do best – supporting like our lives depended on it.

Everton will be looking for a memorable scalp on Sunday but I can’t see it happening.

I’m expecting a strong reaction from the team and the fans, who were excellent as ever at Old Trafford.

Team-wise, the loss of Tim Cahill will be a huge blow for Everton, whilst for Liverpool I would like to see Peter Crouch get a rare start, if only to push his value up if we decide to cash in.

But whoever plays, let’s hope the passion is there. Maybe as extra insurance, Javier will be able to bottle his and then apply to the lads – sparingly of course.