Monday, 27 February 2012

Good Day at the Office for Kenny


Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish does not want the club to settle for just the Carling Cup as they seek successful years in the future.

Less than 14 months after Dalglish answered the SOS call of owner John Henry, the Scot guided Liverpool to a Carling Cup triumph over Cardiff at Wembley.

They had to come from behind before drawing 2-2 after extra time and then survive the shock of failing to convert their first two penalties in a shoot-out that saw them squeeze home 3-2.

Silverware is now back on the sideboard and Dalglish intends to add further successes.

"Although we have won something today, that is not us finished," he said.

"We don't want to stop here, we want to keep going. It (Liverpool) means an awful lot to a lot of people.
Happy

"All we do is try to make them as happy as we possibly can. Today we have been able to do that. Hopefully it makes up for some of the days when we have not been able to."

After Martin Skrtel had levelled Joe Mason's surprise opener, Dirk Kuyt thought he had won the game in extra time, only for Cardiff to bravely rally and Ben Turner to take the contest to penalties.

Steven Gerrard was amongst those to miss but the fact his cousin, Cardiff player Anthony, failed at the last to give Liverpool the cup made it a bitter-sweet occasion for the Reds skipper.

"The game had to be settled some way and we feel for Anthony Gerrard, who missed the vital one that meant we won the trophy," said Dalglish.

"We are delighted to have won the trophy. Throughout the whole competition, we have deserved it. We have played well and come through some really hard games."
Logical

Dalglish refused to take personal credit for the transformation in Liverpool's fortunes since he replaced Roy Hodgson.

And, whilst he accepted the euphoria at winning a trophy could inspire his players to more, the Scot insists nothing will be achieved without a strong team ethic.

"I don't think anyone who has ever won a trophy has come away from it saying they didn't enjoy it," said Dalglish.

"If you do something and you enjoy it, you are going to want more of it. It is logical. The idea six years ago was not to go six years without winning a trophy.

"We are where we are now because of the work everyone has done, not just me.

"The owners, the supporters, the players, everyone has chipped in. We have said that all along. The closer we are, the stronger we will be together."