An intriguing midfield duel is in prospect when Liverpool meet PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday.
Argentina’s Javier Mascherano, who only joined Liverpool in January after an unhappy introduction to English football at West Ham United, looks set for his European debut, facing off against PSV’s vastly experienced captain, Phillip Cocu.
”He is a monster of a player and destined for great things,” Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said of the 22-year-old Mascherano.
”He can keep possession and he’s always in the right position,” Benitez was quoted as saying in British newspapers on Tuesday.
Liverpool, impressive in their 4-1 weekend victory over Arsenal, the side eliminated by PSV in the previous round, are favourites against a Dutch side weakened by injury to Brazilian defender Alex and Ivorian striker Arouna Kone.
Having put out holders Barcelona in the previous round, Liverpool’s confidence is sky-high with captain Steven Gerrard saying: ”I think the lift that knocking out the champions has given us means we don’t fear anyone now.”
Extraordinary career
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is considering sending out a two-pronged attack against Bayern Munich in the other last-eight first leg of the night at San Siro.
”[Alberto] Gilardino and [Filippo] Inzaghi are in form. It’s possible that they could play together,” he said.
”Inzaghi is an extraordinary striker. He lives for these matches. He’s worked hard and is in good condition after the problems with his hamstrings. He will be important against the Germans,” Ancelotti told the club website.
Ancelotti’s enthusiasm for ditching the one-man attack that saw Milan through against Celtic in the previous round is due to his squad being close to full strength with the recovery from injury of several players, including Italy central defender Alessandro Nesta.
Bayern are more concerned about referee Yuri Baskakov, with club president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge telling SID news agency: ”We are all unpleasantly surprised that a Russian, and a very inexperienced Russian at that, will be in charge of the match.
”Last year another Russian made unfortunate calls against us,” he added, referring to Bayern’s 4-1 loss at AC Milan in the first knockout round.
”I hope that this time there are no negative consequences for us.” — Reuters