We're all playing for our Anfield futures

We're all playing for our Anfield futures

Apr 6 2006

By Ian Doyle Daily Post Staff

FERNANDO MORIENTES believes Liverpool's entire strikeforce are playing for their futures under Rafael Benitez.

The Anfield manager is expected to continue finetuning his team this summer with an overhaul of the forward department, which despite 20 goals in their last five games has struggled to convince for long periods of the campaign.

Robbie Fowler is hoping to convince Benitez he is worthy of an extension to his short-term deal while Djibril Cisse has constantly been rumoured with a move away from Anfield at the end of the season.

Morientes himself has struggled to make an impact since his arrival from Real Madrid 15 months ago, netting just 11 times in 55 appearances.

And while reiterating he has plenty to offer Liverpool, Morientes - who celebrated his 30th birthday yesterday - admits every striker must ensure their long-term futures at the club.

"Whether you have a short-term contract like Robbie or a longer deal like the rest of us, you should always be giving everything to prove you are an buttet," said Morientes..

"That has always been my philosophy.

"It does not matter what you have achieved in the past, it is irrelevant. You always have something to prove.

"I have a four-year contract here and I will be running as hard in the last year of my contract as I did in the first year.

"I have seen people elsewhere who have played hard at the time of contract renewals and done enough to get what they wanted. Once they have the security of a long-term deal they ease off and don't perform the way they have previously.

"That happens sometimes but not at this club because the manager would not tolerate it."

Morientes, who has previously been linked with a return to Spain with Espanyol and a possible move to Turkey, is confident he has now grown accustomed to life in the Premiership and can make a success of his time at Anfield.

"I have not dodged a challenge anywhere in my career," added the striker.. "I have a lot to offer this club, although I know I haven't played to my full level as often as I would have liked. But my best is coming.

"It took longer than expected to adapt to the physical demands of the English game. You do not get any time on the ball at all before someone is on top of you and snapping at your heels.

"It's very different to the way I had played before in my career, but now I have now adapted to it better I am really enjoying it. I certainly won't be dodging a challenge at Liverpool."

On Fowler's future, Morientes said: "I'm very aware of what Robbie has achieved in the past and from watching him work, train and play I know what he can achieve in the future. It's very important he gets a new contract.

"He's a real idol to the fans here and I think he's partly responsible for people going to the game almost with an extra spring in their step because they know they can expect something special from him.

"He's a top international goalscorer for England, he's been a top goalscorer for Liverpool and his career statistics speak for themselves. I hope he gets a new offer from the club because he's still a top player."

* For the full interview with Fernando Morientes, read this week's official LFC Magazine.