Liverpool cannot wait for Chelsea clash
LIVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers insists he is relishing the prospect of facing Chelsea in the League Cup semifinals.
His side moved into the last four with a much-needed 3-1 win at Championship side Bournemouth on Wednesday and were paired with Chelsea in the last four draw just minutes after the final whistle at Dean Court.
Taking on Chelsea will bring back bad memories for Rodgers after Liverpool famously blew their chance to win the Premier League title with a 2-0 home defeat, featuring Steven Gerrard’s famous slip that led to Demba Ba’s goal, at Anfield last season.
Jose Mourinho’s team, currently top of the Premier League, also won 2-1 at Anfield this season but Rodgers, who has been under pressure after Liverpool’s poor showing this season, is confident his side can make amends with a place in the Wembley final at stake in the two-legged tie in January.
“It will be a fantastic tie,” Rodgers said. “If you want to win this competition you have to play against the good sides.
“We’re into the semifinal, it’s over two legs and it didn’t matter who we got. We needed to get there, it’s Chelsea and we look forward to it.”
Mourinho won his first trophy in England by beating Liverpool to the League Cup in 2005, and Chelsea will be away in the first leg.
League One side Sheffield United will face Tottenham in the other semifinal.
The Blades shocked Premier League side Southampton 1-0 at Bramall Lane on Tuesday and will travel to White Hart Lane for the first leg.
Spurs booked their last four spot with a 4-0 demolition of Newcastle on Wednesday. – Reuters