Playing for Liverpool FC against Manchester United is why I signed says Raul Meireles
Sep 18 2010 by Ian Doyle, Daily Post
IT seems it will take a lot more than disdain for a controversial American ownership to dilute the appeal of the North West’s most bitter football rivalry.
Liverpool FC travel down the East Lancs Road tomorrow for the latest instalment in their scrap for supremacy, both in the region and the tag of England’s most decorated top-flight club.
As with so many historically hostile encounters, the pair are more alike than perhaps they would care to admit.
And both sets of supporters have shared a common bond in recent times in their opposition to their club’s owners, United speaking out against the Glazer family while Liverpool followers still pray for the day Tom Hicks and George Gillett leave the club.
With Liverpool’s banks having set an October deadline to call in their debts, the American duo, and Hicks in particular, have been frantically attempting to refinance, refinance and refinance some more in an effort to hold on to the Anfield outfit.
In the meantime, Liverpool have soldiered on, manager Roy Hodgson forced to generate his own funds in the transfer market this summer.
The big-money sale of Javier Mascherano allowed scope for a replacement that has come in the form of Portugal international midfielder Raul Meireles, an £11.5m arrival from Porto.
Meireles was quietly impressive on his first start for Liverpool in the 4-1 win over Steaua Bucharest in Thursday’s Europa League group opener, and is now hopeful of retaining his place for tomorrow’s trip to Old Trafford.
But why move to a different country and a different lifestyle at a place where the only certainty is uncertainty itself?
Explains the 27-year-old: “Because Liverpool are still one of the biggest clubs in the world, because they still have a good team, because they made it clear they wanted me and because I am happy to have the chance to play for them.â€
Of his bow against Steaua, Meireles adds: “I think my first start went well. The fans are incredible and we won the game, and that is the most important thing going into the game against Manchester United.
“I need more games before I can reach my true level, because I have not played very much in the pre-season in Portugal. But I need to know my colleagues better, too, but I think that will not take too long.â€
Meireles has played at Old Trafford before. While not having then broken into the first team of the Porto side that eliminated United in the 2004 Champions League quarter-final, he played in the 2-2 draw last year.
“I played there and we did very well, drawing 2-2 there with Porto, but I am too young to have played there in the Costinha game which Mourinho won,†he says.
“But I am not nervous at all at the prospect of going there so early in my Liverpool career. These types of games, really big games, are the best ones to play in.
“Every player dreams of playing in these games and I am the same. That is why I came here, to have the chance to play in games like this.â€
Merieles adds: “I have settled in really well. I am looking for a house at the moment but my family is here too and they are very comfortable.
“The other players have helped a lot in training, too, especially the ones who speak Portuguese, people like Lucas, Fabio Aurelio, Pepe [Reina] and Maxi, who can all help me understand what I need to do.
“The manager said to me he wanted me to play in all three positions in central midfield, and for me that was important.
“It is a very different style in Portugal, but I have always liked the English style. It does not worry me at all.â€
One group with which Meireles is sure to find favour is the tattoo crew of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel.
“I have a lot of tattoos, yes,†says the Portuguese. “There are four of my family, and each has a special significance.
“I don’t know whether I’ve got more than Skrtel or Agger, though. I’d say we€™re all about the same. Would I get one of Liverpool? Maybe, in the future.â€
Sep 18 2010 by Ian Doyle, Daily Post
IT seems it will take a lot more than disdain for a controversial American ownership to dilute the appeal of the North West’s most bitter football rivalry.
Liverpool FC travel down the East Lancs Road tomorrow for the latest instalment in their scrap for supremacy, both in the region and the tag of England’s most decorated top-flight club.
As with so many historically hostile encounters, the pair are more alike than perhaps they would care to admit.
And both sets of supporters have shared a common bond in recent times in their opposition to their club’s owners, United speaking out against the Glazer family while Liverpool followers still pray for the day Tom Hicks and George Gillett leave the club.
With Liverpool’s banks having set an October deadline to call in their debts, the American duo, and Hicks in particular, have been frantically attempting to refinance, refinance and refinance some more in an effort to hold on to the Anfield outfit.
In the meantime, Liverpool have soldiered on, manager Roy Hodgson forced to generate his own funds in the transfer market this summer.
The big-money sale of Javier Mascherano allowed scope for a replacement that has come in the form of Portugal international midfielder Raul Meireles, an £11.5m arrival from Porto.
Meireles was quietly impressive on his first start for Liverpool in the 4-1 win over Steaua Bucharest in Thursday’s Europa League group opener, and is now hopeful of retaining his place for tomorrow’s trip to Old Trafford.
But why move to a different country and a different lifestyle at a place where the only certainty is uncertainty itself?
Explains the 27-year-old: “Because Liverpool are still one of the biggest clubs in the world, because they still have a good team, because they made it clear they wanted me and because I am happy to have the chance to play for them.â€
Of his bow against Steaua, Meireles adds: “I think my first start went well. The fans are incredible and we won the game, and that is the most important thing going into the game against Manchester United.
“I need more games before I can reach my true level, because I have not played very much in the pre-season in Portugal. But I need to know my colleagues better, too, but I think that will not take too long.â€
Meireles has played at Old Trafford before. While not having then broken into the first team of the Porto side that eliminated United in the 2004 Champions League quarter-final, he played in the 2-2 draw last year.
“I played there and we did very well, drawing 2-2 there with Porto, but I am too young to have played there in the Costinha game which Mourinho won,†he says.
“But I am not nervous at all at the prospect of going there so early in my Liverpool career. These types of games, really big games, are the best ones to play in.
“Every player dreams of playing in these games and I am the same. That is why I came here, to have the chance to play in games like this.â€
Merieles adds: “I have settled in really well. I am looking for a house at the moment but my family is here too and they are very comfortable.
“The other players have helped a lot in training, too, especially the ones who speak Portuguese, people like Lucas, Fabio Aurelio, Pepe [Reina] and Maxi, who can all help me understand what I need to do.
“The manager said to me he wanted me to play in all three positions in central midfield, and for me that was important.
“It is a very different style in Portugal, but I have always liked the English style. It does not worry me at all.â€
One group with which Meireles is sure to find favour is the tattoo crew of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel.
“I have a lot of tattoos, yes,†says the Portuguese. “There are four of my family, and each has a special significance.
“I don’t know whether I’ve got more than Skrtel or Agger, though. I’d say we€™re all about the same. Would I get one of Liverpool? Maybe, in the future.â€
