We have got to be on our guard warns Carra
Jul 26 2005
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
THE threat of the unknown is Liverpool's greatest concern in Lithuania tonight, according to Jamie Carragher.
The Anfield vice-captain admits he and his team mates know 'absolutely nothing' about opponents Kaunas and must be on their guard to avoid embarrbuttment.
"We get to see a few videos a couple of days before the game, but I don't know a thing about them," said Carragher.
"All you can say is they scored eight goals over their first two legs. People might say that was only against a side from the Faroes, but it's not as if we scored lots of goals against TNS.
"The fact they got through so impressively shows they must have something about them. There was a big gulf between us and TNS but it might not be the same this time."
Liverpool's quest for goals will be aided by the arrival of Peter Crouch, who is likely to make his competitive debut.
Having welcomed the £7m purchase last week, Carragher says his first impressions have exceeded expectations.
"Peter's first touch in training confirmed to everyone he's a good player," said Carragher..
"He controlled a high ball, dribbled past two men and won a penalty. Everyone was applauding him, although it was easier for me because he was on my team.
"I think that proved what we already knew. He's not just someone who'll offer an aerial threat, but he's good on the deck too. You could see that from the goal he created on Saturday. Defenders are going to find him a problem.
"The good thing for the manager is, at the moment at least, he's got four top strikers to choose from and all bring something different to the team.
"Cisse and Baros have the pace while Morientes is one of the most skilful players I've ever seen. It's all about having options.
"There were times last season when we didn't seem to have any strikers fit at all. We can't have that situation again, especially as we could be competiting for six trophies this season if we go to the world club championships."
There were inevitable signs of rustiness during the Reds' first round tie and the club is still short of the fitness levels required when the Premiership season starts.
Carragher, however, believes the fortnight training in Switzerland often proves a turning point as players edge closer to sharpness.
"It's always been a good idea to go out to Switzerland," he said..
"We don't just train every day, but it's a way for all the lads to get together. We've been caneoing and bike riding as well as playing football. I think the manager wants us to use it to get ourselves into a competitive frame of mind.
"In other years we'd set out our objectives for the coming season, although the new boss doesn't do that. His approach remains to take one game at a time."
Live updates Kaunas v Liverpool :HTGoalflashes and major incidents: 45 mins: Half-time: Kaunas 1-2 Liverpool The half-time whistle goes with Liverpool in front - but Rafa Benitez's team have not...
That said, inevitable questions about Liverpool's Premiership pedigree follow Carragher, with the defender reportedly writing off the club's chances this season.
"I was a bit disappointed with the headlines in the Sunday papers the other week saying I didn't think we'd win it," said the defender.
"There's a difference between being asked 'can we win it?' or 'will we win it?'
"Of course I think we can win it, but it's not the Liverpool way to start saying we're going to do this or that, so I'm not going to say we're definitely going to win the title this season.
"At the same time, I'm the last person you'll hear being defeatist and writing off our chances before a ball is kicked. We'll all start on equal points and we have proved in the Champions League the levels we can reach.
"I'm sick and tired of hearing and talking about fourth place, so when we start the season at Middlesbrough, we will be going out there thinking only of playing for that title. We'll see how the season goes after that."
