Albert Riera hails mental toughness of Liverpool FC

Sep 15 2008 By Richard Williamson

Albert Riera

LIVERPOOL'S latest signing Albert Riera has the happy knack of playing on winning sides against Manchester United - but the Spaniard insists that his latest success is down to the hard work of his new Anfield team-mates.

The winger made an instant impression by constantly stretching the champions' defence during Saturday's 2-1 victory - following on from the part he played in Manchester City's 3-1 win over their neighbours on his Eastlands debut in 2006.

However Riera dismissed notions of being a lucky charm against Sir Alex Ferguson's side, highlighting the mental resolve of his fellow Liverpool players instead.

"They scored first but we believed in ourselves and believed we could change the score," the 26 years-old told Liverpoolfc.tv. "We played a very good second half. It wasn't just luck. You can't talk about luck too much in football. We played a great match and that is why we won."

Riera was as impressed with the fans as he was the rest of his new team, but said the Anfield reception did not come as a shock.

"That wasn't a surprise because I knew before I came here that these fans were the best, and I knew before that this was the best home any side could play football in," said Riera, who has won five caps for his native country. "I think the supporters will win us a lot of points this season because they push us on."

Meanwhile match-winner Ryan Babel believes Saturday's victory has set Liverpool up for the rest of the season.

The Dutch star coolly finished from fellow countryman Dirk Kuyt's pass just seven minutes after coming on as a substitute to seal Liverpool's first league win over United in four years and notch his 11th goal for the club, eight of those after coming on from the bench.

"It was a fantastic moment for me and for the team," said Babel. "Before I came onto the pitch the manager was telling me to give the game some energy.

"He said I have done that every time I have come off the bench and said to try and do the same this time. The fact that the goal came towards the end of the game was very good for us because it meant they did not have too much time to equalise."

The 20 years-old added: "This is a new season and we want to get off to a good start, so this is an important goal for me and the team.

"We want to be able to compete until the end of the season and you have a better chance of doing that if you win games like this."