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One more to go Liverpool turns attention to UEFA Cup final
Updated: Sunday May 13, 2001 11:44 AM
CARDIFF (Reuters) -- Gerard Houllier savored Liverpool's FA Cup triumph on Saturday and then revealed what his treble-seeking side's celebrations would amount to -- precisely nothing. "We've got to be professional, that's what our job is about and so tonight the celebration will be so limited that it will be restricted to nothing. We'll have a meal but no alcohol at all," said the Frenchman, whose team travels to Dortmund in Germany on Wednesday to contest the UEFA Cup final against Spanish side Alaves. Liverpool has already won the League Cup this season, but Houllier said qualifying for the Champions League, its priority at the start of the season, remained of paramount importance. Liverpool needs to win its final league game of the season at Charlton Athletic to guarantee a top three finish, which would mean it qualifies for next season's Champions League. "We had a chat before the game and we said whatever the result we've got to take into consideration the next game," Houllier said. "Tomorrow we go back to Liverpool and we have training and then on Tuesday we'll fly to Dortmund. Then again whatever happens against Alaves we'll focus immediately on the next game against Charlton. It's a massive game." Outstanding Owen Despite his level-headedness, the Frenchman could not hide his admiration for his players after they dug themselves out of a hole against Arsenal. "The skill to win is one thing but the will to win is just as important. Mental strength in finals is important," he said. "I thought the boys were magnificent with their pride, passion and commitment. "We conceded a bad goal but as soon as Michael scored the first goal it was a different game. Arsenal lost a bit of their authority and command. Michael was outstanding in terms of his finishing. "To come back from one-nil down and achieve what the boys did is obviously tremendous. It was a great day, a great atmosphere and a great stadium." Houllier said he felt sorry for his compatriot, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. "I've a bit of sympathy for Arsene. It was very edgy. They could have sealed the game off. You feel for him." The Liverpool manager also paid tribute to club captain Jamie Redknapp, who has not played all season because of a knee injury. Redknapp lifted the trophy on Saturday and Houllier said: "That showed the spirit about the camp. He remains the leader and captain in our dressing room."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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