一日未吹完場, 一日都未心死, 即管機會微乎其微!
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-fc-ian-rush-feels-7087778Ian Rush feels there could be late twist in title tale – like in 89Ian Rush fully expects there to be one final twist in the Premier League title race and so has urged Liverpool FC to finish the season with a victory over Newcastle United.
The Liverpool FC legend is refusing to give up on the hope that Brendan Rodgers’ men can end the club’s 24-year wait for domestic glory.
Rivals Manchester City returned to the top of the table last night with victory over Aston Villa and given their superior goal difference, a draw against West Ham United on the final day is likely to be enough for them to clinch a second title in three years.
But Rush has experienced one of the most famous and dramatic final days in English football history and has learnt never to write off the team in second place.
Liverpool only needed to avoid defeat by more than one against Arsenal at the end of the 1988-89 campaign to win the league title, but the unfancied Gunners stunned the Anfield faithful with a 2-0 win courtesy of Michael Thomas’ injury-time strike to take the championship on goals scored.The heartbreaking night has taught scoring great Rush to expect the unexpected when title races go down to the wire and he remains upbeat about the Reds defying the odds this weekend.
“It is never over until the fat lady sings,” said Rush.
“Sometimes when you’re simply hanging on and not needing a win on the final day, then it can be dangerous.
“If we had needed to beat Arsenal on the final day of the season in ‘89 then we would’ve done.
“The same applies to Man City going into Sunday.
“But the most important thing for Liverpool is to beat Newcastle United.
“If City win the game then it just wasn’t to be. But if they don’t and Liverpool fail to beat Newcastle then it would be terrible.
“The only thing Liverpool have to concentrate on this weekend is getting three points and finishing on 84 points for the season.
“Stranger things have happened and Arsenal capitalised on our mistakes.
“I have a sneaky feeling that the league will be won on 84 points. There will be another twist and turn. I fully feel that will happen but Liverpool have got to be in the position to capitalise on any slip-up.
“So Liverpool need to focus on getting three points in the bag and waiting to see what happens at City.
“You just never know.”
Rush could empathise with a distraught Luis Suarez who broke down in tears on Monday night after Liverpool had squandered a three-goal lead at Crystal Palace.
And Rush says that whether the Reds win the title or not, it is absolutely crucial the 31-goal Uruguayan remains at the club for next season as they return to the Champions League.
“Whether Liverpool win the league or finish third, there will be Champions League football back next season,” Rush said.
“The club will look to improve the squad for next season and you certainly won’t be improving it if Suarez is not there.
“It was 100% correct that he has picked up all of these awards. He was unlucky last season that Gareth Bale had played so well.
“And as much as some people in football don’t like him, they can’t say he hasn’t been entertaining this season. Luis has been absolutely fantastic.
“His first goal against Norwich City was great and it was an all-round fabulous performance that night. But the performance that stands out for me was the Spurs game away from home.
“He was made captain in Stevie’s absence and it was that performance that showed me how committed he was.
“He showed he is a team player and he produced a captain’s performance.”
Manager Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, is close to agreeing a new contract with Liverpool and Rush says the 40-year-old deserves the new terms after he has renewed the hope of the supporters.
“If Brendan signs a new contract then it is real reward for what he is doing at the club,” he added.
“We could all see what he was trying to do last season but it just wasn’t quite working.
“But Liverpool have improved this year and he is looking to take the club forward.
“What I really like about him is the amount of chances he has given to the Academy lads.
“It is no good having a good Academy if you’ve not got the manager who is willing to give them a chance.
“Those young lads know that if they are playing well then they will get chances with the first-team.
“The team is also playing entertaining football and are good to watch but this team still has a long way to go.
“But the supporters have got something to build on now.”
