Ian Rush: Liverpool FC must keep working hard
HARD work has given Liverpool the impetus to turn their season around but the hard work cannot stop if it is to reach a successful conclusion.
There is no disputing the Reds will play better between now and May 9 than they did against Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur but the commitment, endeavour and attitude in those performances were first class; they have restored belief.
It was a huge shot in the arm to beat a side who are battling with us for a Champions League spot so convincingly but, in many ways, the test with Wolverhampton Wanderers will present us tonight will be even harder than the one from Spurs.
Wolves will be anxious to avenge the defeat they suffered at Anfield on Boxing Day, as things only changed when Stephen Ward was sent-off contentiously - when it was 11 against 11, Liverpool looked like they were going to have to settle for a draw.
They will have terrific backing at Molineux and are fighting for their lives, so Mick McCarthy's side will seize upon any chance they are afforded to improve their position.
It's absolutely imperative, then, that the relentless desire to work hard, to run and challenge for every ball that lifted the crowd at Anfield, is there for all to see again; anything less will make things very difficult.
The worry, of course, is that Liverpool have got themselves into good positions after big wins earlier in the campaign - like against Manchester United and Everton - but ended up fluffing their lines straight after and we really can't afford to see that happen again.
If we can negotiate the fixtures in front of us this week without blemish - and, if possible, take six points - I'm convinced Liverpool will then be odds on favourites to qualify for the Champions League.
We touched on it last week but you just have to wonder how Manchester City and Aston Villa will stand up to the pressure, as Tottenham wobbled when it was ratcheted up on them.
Will it be the same for the others?
Liverpool, then, can't afford to waste a great chance and should we beat Wolves and Bolton this week, we will be flying ahead of the big tests against Everton and Arsenal - and our rivals may find it difficult to catch us.
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Liverpool fc have become a laughing stock,the team,the management ,the board!I personally would run the whole outfit better in every way shape and form!I am not even joking!Who in the right mind would let Hyppia,Crouch,Keane and most of all Bellamy go?Why on earth would you let Bellamy go?Have you ever seen a Liverpool team play for 90 mins without even bothering a goalkeeper ,and thats Wolves!Liverpool have become a bore,and out of everything,without a fight!They are lame and in need of a Manager who is not going to waste the money hes given.Would you trust Rafa with your kitty!What on earth is playing for 4th all about??Liverpool fc where winners in my day and have become an average team without any fight whatsoever.Excuse after excuse,,and after letting all the supporters down over and over ,finally they beat Tottenham,and you would have thought here we go atlast something to hope for and they produce that meesley effort against the mighty Wolves!!!Embarrassed,again.