Joe Cole returns ‘dignity’ to the opposition after Chelsea win

May 2 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

JOE COLE admitted he was mindful of returning the dignity shown to Chelsea after Liverpool’s two previous Champions League semi-final victories over them.

In setting up an all-English showdown with Manchester United in Moscow on May 21, Chelsea reached their first European Cup final after three semi-final defeats in four years. The previous two were against Liverpool in 2005 and 2007 when Jose Mourinho’s men succumbed in second legs at Anfield on both occasions.

But despite boisterous scene on the terraces on those nights, Cole revealed he was impressed with the way he and his Chelsea team-mates were treated in defeat – so was conscious not to go over the top at the end of Wednesday’s semi-final second leg victory at Stamford Bridge.

“When we lost the first two semi-finals, the Liverpool fans showed us a lot of dignity with the celebrations,” said Cole.

“So we were cautious not to over-celebrate and show respect to Liverpool because it was a good game and a great advert for football.

“They are a top side and this is their competition and when the draw was made I would have preferred to have played anyone else in the world because of their record against us in this competition. But we got the job done.

“We are very pleased and it is a great achievement for the club and every player in our squad. Now we need to go and win it.”

Cole could not hide his admiration for Frank Lampard after the England midfielder’s penalty helped Chelsea to reach the first Champions League final in their history.

Lampard, still grieving over the death of his mother last Thursday, coolly slotted home an extra-time spot-kick to put Chelsea 2-1 up against Liverpool and on the way to a showdown against Manchester United.

Lampard, who dedicated his goal to mother Pat, was in tears as he celebrated with team-mates. His goal was followed by a second from Didier Drogba before Ryan Babel hit a late consolation.

Drogba, criticised by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez as a ‘diver’ before the game, had opened the scoring in the 33rd minute but Fernando Torres ensured the semi-final went into extra-time with a second-half equaliser.

But Cole was quick to pay tribute to Lampard’s bravery ahead of his mother’s funeral today.

“To even be able to play, put in the performance he did, step-up and take the penalty and score – I just can’t put it into words what I think about Frank,” said Cole. “I have known Frank for a long time and I know what kind of a fella he is.

“I don’t think he gets the plaudits he should do.

“He is a great player and a great man and to do what he did at a time when other things are going on his life, I just take my hat off to him.”