Gerrard backs manager's method

By Patrick Hart

In Liverpool FC's trophy room is a carving of the 'miraculous draught of fishes' - the miracle performed by Jesus when he told his disciples to cast out their nets after an empty night's fishing and they came back full.

Gift from Monchengladbach
It was presented to the Anfield club by VfL Borussia Monchengladbach in 1979. Two summers before, Liverpool had beaten the German side to lift the European Champion Clubs' Cup for the first time.

Miracle worker
Now, as they stand 90 minutes away from a fifth continental crown, Liverpool supporters could be forgiven for considering manager Rafael Benítez as their very own miracle worker. Certainly, the Reds were at best dark horses to win the UEFA Champions League this season - even going into the first knockout round in February.

Constant toil
According to Benítez's captain Steven Gerrard, the Spaniard's alchemy owes more to long hours spent on the training ground than any divine inspiration. "Benítez works on the team shape and tactics every single day. Every training session we work on the team, offensively and defensively, whereas [predecessor Gérard] Houllier used to do that only two or three times a week," said the English international.

'Small details'
"Benitez is really keen on working on the team - small details, very long training sessions about the team. He wants every player to know the job before we go out, and it's very, very tactical. He makes it clear to every player individually what job he wants them to do. He talks to individuals about the job he wants them to do, and then on the training ground he talks about the team. It's all very stop-start, and for each game we prepare for the next team."

Milan's weaknesses
Every day since their final Premiership match on 15 May, Liverpool's players have been drilled on what to expect come Wednesday night. As Gerrard puts it: "How to beat them, how to defend against them, how to attack, what we think their weaknesses are, what we think their strengths are. Every single day we'll work and prepare for AC Milan.

'100 per cent'
"Even if it is boring, it is stuff that we've got to do. To beat AC Milan, we've got to be prepared 100 per cent, because if you are not, you'll be beaten comfortably. The manager's really strict and he wants to make sure every player is 100 per cent before we go into the final."

'Class players'
As well as good habits, Benitez has also brought good players to Anfield. Midfielder Gerrard praises the Spanish contingent at the club, saying: "All the Spanish players are very good mentally, they train well, they work hard for the team, and Xabi Alonso and Luis García are class players.

Xabi's seal of approval
"García has scored some great goals for us, and Xabi is one of the best passers in Europe. The game is easier for us with Alonso in the team. He's a fantastic passer, he works hard, he's a nice guy on and off the pitch, as he works hard for the team. He doesn't play for himself and Liverpool Football Club are a better team with Xabi Alonso.

Debt of gratitude
"There's also Fernando Morientes who has scored a few important goals for us and will be better next season when he's had a pre-season with us. I think the players the manager has brought in have helped a lot and we wouldn't be in the final without their help." Coming from a Liverpool captain, icon and oftentimes match-winner, that is praise indeed.