Gerrard: "Difficult"

ByEurosport

Published 13/05/2006 at 09:20 GMT

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard believes West Ham will offer a stern test in Saturday's FA Cup final. The European champions defeated the Hammers twice comfortably in the league this season, but the England playmaker is adamant that a cup final is a w

"I think we are in for a different game on Saturday than the two league games against West Ham. I think they were both comfortable victories," said Gerrard.

"I think the game on Saturday is going to be a lot more difficult. For the West Ham players, it's the biggest game of their lives - they are going to give us a really good test."

But the Liverpool captain believes his side have what it takes to win their first FA Cup trophy since 1999.

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"I think all the players realise how important the game is on Saturday. I'd like to think that we have a gang of winners here in Liverpool and everyone wants to win these medals," he said.

"It would be a nightmare going home from Cardiff if we haven't got those winners medals."

BENITEZ: "FORGET FAVOURITES TAG"

And Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez played down his side's favourites tag, saying the Reds need to concentrate on getting the job done.

"Before the game, people might say that we are the favourites but it's not something that concerns us much," said the Spaniard.

FOOTBALL - Liverpool - Rafael Benitez

Image credit: Imago

"What is important is to know that we are going to play against a team that is playing well. They feel fine but we have to play with the same weapons and take advantage of the experience of the players and their quality.

"If we lose, they'll say that we underestimated them, but if we win they'll say that we didn't do that."

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