Pretty good {ennant interview

[RED Tezza]

Up on the offal.

ATHENS '07: JERMAINE PENNANT INTERVIEW
Mark Platt 18 May 2007
As excitement continues to build ahead of next week's Champions League Final in Athens, Jermaine Pennant takes time out to preview the eagerly anticipated clash with AC Milan.

Pennant celebrates victory over Chelsea in their Champions League semi-final

Jermaine, how much are you looking forward to this final?

Very much so. It's a great achievement. Everyone wants to play in the Champions League Final and luckily I can say I now have the chance of participating in one.

When you joined the club last summer you spoke of your aim to play in finals. Now you stand on the verge of playing in the biggest one of them all...

Yeah, it's a dream come true. Everyone who signs for this club wants to play in big games like this and I'm no different. It won't sink in though until I actually cross that line of that pitch in Athens. There is so much at stake and the atmosphere is going to be great.

You've been involved in relegation battles in the past with other clubs so does that mean you appreciate this more?

Obviously, not a lot of players get the chance to play in a Champions League Final during the course of their career so for this opportunity to come along in my first season with Liverpool is unbelievable and I'm so proud, for the team, the fans and myself. As you say, I've suffered the pain of relegation and that is a real low but now we are all on a high here at the moment and it's very exciting.

What is the feeling like among the squad right now? Is it one of excitement or is there a touch of nerves?

There are no nerves as such just yet but I'm sure that will change as we get closer to the game. That's when we'll start getting the butterflies in our stomach. Everyone's just keen to prove themselves in training and impress the boss. At the same time we're all having a good laugh and the mood in the camp is great.

Have the players who won the cup in 2005 spoke to you about the atmosphere and about what to expect of the occasion?

There hasn't been much talk about it to be honest but I'm sure everyone knows what to expect. Having watched that final on television I am well aware of what the atmosphere was like. I know what our fans are like and I'm sure it'll be similar this time around. They'll make the atmosphere as good as possible.

Obviously you want to start the game but presumably you have to be ready to fulfil whatever role the manager asks you to...

Yeah, definitely. It all depends on what the boss thinks will be best for the team on the night but I'll play in any position he wants me to.

How do you feel about the prospect of playing against such a world-class defender like Paolo Maldini?

It'll be great. I love playing against great players. Obviously, he's a legend in the game and has been for years. If I was to play against him then I'm sure it'll be a great battle and one I'd relish.

You did very well against Ashley Cole in the semi-final, that must give you confidence?

For sure. It's always a boost for your confidence when you do well against a good full-back. I've had many tough battles with good full-backs in the past and I'm not phased by reputations.

What about AC Milan goalkeeper Dida – there are suggestions that he's not the best. Would it be a good idea to maybe test him early on in the game?

I think he's still a very good keeper. He's tall and has a commanding presence but yes it'll be good for us to put him under pressure early on and maybe unsettle him.

Did you watch the 2005 final?

I watched the first half but turned off at half-time after seeing us concede the three goals. I was on holiday at the time in Mauritius and I think a lot of English people did likewise. I went off somewhere in a sulk then got a text saying it was 3-3. It was amazing.

Were you watching that game thinking one day you'd be a Liverpool player?

I was certainly hoping I'd be here one day because I've supported the club since I was a little kid. I was on my summer break at the time of that game but seeing the miraculous comeback made me want to get straight back into training.

No-one will ever forget that dramatic penalty shoot-out in Istanbul but have you thought about the possibility that this game could go the same way?

We all practice penalties now and again so we'll be ready if such a scenario arises again. You've got to feel confident when taking a penalty though and it all depends how you feel on the day as to whether I'd volunteer or not. But if I've had a good game and I'm on a high then, yes, I'd definitely be up for taking one.

Liverpool, of course, have a magnificent European record but how does it feel to think you might be part of the team that brings home European Cup number six?

The record is frightening and I'd love to help extend it. Just to be associated with such a world-famous club like Liverpool is an honour and, personally, I've won nothing yet in my career so to be part of a team that wins the Champions League would just be unbelievable for me.

Having run into some good form of late, how confident are you of making a real impact at Anfield next season?

It was always going to be difficult to try and make an impact straight away. Not many new players get off to a flier in their first season at a club. It even took Ronaldo time before he showed what he's really capable of. Now I've been here for a season I've got my own base, I've got used to the players and manager, and it's all set up for me to really explode next season.

In the latter part of the season you really seem to have built up a good relationship with the Liverpool strikers. Do you think your link-up play with Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt could be a key element in the final?

It could be. They've both got a good presence in the air and if I can get the crosses into them we'll have a chance. Crouchy is always going to be a big threat and Dirk's strength can unsettle teams. Of course, we mustn't forget Craig Bellamy either because he's small and can feed off the big men. It all depends on what team Rafa puts out.

With Milan particularly threatening down the wing are you aware that, if selected, you may have some defensive duties on the night?

Yes, definitely. I don't think they play with out-and-out wingers as such but every player is a danger, especially the likes of Kaka. It doesn't matter who you're playing against, defensive duties are always part of my game so I'll be fully prepared. I'm looking forward to it and hopefully we'll come out on top.

Have you been to Athens before?

I don't think I have. I've played in that many countries it's hard to remember but I'm pretty sure I haven't. I just hope my first trip there is a memorable one.

What does it mean to play for the Liverpool fans and do you have a message for them ahead of the final?

The roar of the Liverpool crowd gives me such a massive lift. I've never experienced anything like the atmosphere they created in the semi-final second leg against Chelsea. When I came on I had butterflies and I gave every last breath I had to repay their wonderful support. It was such a great feeling and if they can do that again in Athens then I'm sure all the boys will give them 110 per cent in return.

Are you anticipating a shiver down your spine when you walk out in Athens and see all the fans with their flags and banners?

Without a doubt, it's going to be amazing. It's just sad that the ticket allocation hasn't been enough.

How impressed were you with Milan in their semi-final against Manchester United?

They were very good but I don't Man United were at their best that night. I'm not taking anything away from Milan's performance but I believe United's defence was a bit sloppy and they got punished for it. I'm sure the boss will have analysed Milan and be well aware of both their strong points and weak points. We'll be briefed on this nearer the time and will know what they're all about.

Look out for an exclusive interview with Steve Finnan on Saturday as we continue our build-up to Athens.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drill...70518-0959.htm

[Joe Strummer]

No surprise a change in attitude has resulted in improved performances. Keep it for next year lad.

[chance the dog]

I read another interveiw somewhere and he came accross as a decent lad. Who Knows maybe he's grown up.

[Unrighteous]

I think he's grown up a bit as well. Well done, lad.

[coop]

I personally think he has realised this is his big chance to prove himself and especially at a big club where he supported as a kid.

Probably since the new year Pennant has been playing better and and started tracking back and defending a lot more. Against Chelsea he gave Cole a hard time (nothing new there i hear you say) and the stage is set for him to put in another good display.

Would still start with Kewell and Pennant on the bench though.

[redrosetints]

Pennant should be judged next year, on both his on field performances and his off field interviews. More of the same on the pitch and less 'I should be playing for england' off it (of which this is a start) and he can stay for a while.