John Terry revealed he and Frank Lampard plan to lift the Champions League together after sharing the honour of raising the FA Cup at Wembley yet again.

Terry and Lampard each held one handle of the cup as it was hoisted aloft after the Blues’ historic 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday, their fourth triumph in the last six finals. The win also saw Terry become the first man to captain the same club to FA Cup glory four times.

Terry is suspended for the Champions League final against Bayern Munich on May 19 but he will be allowed to lift the European Cup should the Blues win. Asked if Saturday’s cup-lifting routine would be repeated in a fortnight, Terry said: “Let’s hope so.”

He added: “We did it when we did the double (in 2010). I said to Frank: ”Moments like that go down in history’, and it’s important myself and Frank were there when we did the double.”

Terry hailed Saturday’s result as the “perfect” boost ahead of Chelsea’s showdown with Bayern and the ideal response to the critics who wrote them off before caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo’s remarkable rescue act began two months ago.

Terry said: “People wrote us off midway through the season as well, questioning the togetherness and questioning people’s form within the squad.

“Especially when the backs have been against the wall, it’s been really good.”

No club has dominated the FA Cup in the modern era like Chelsea, with only Blackburn and Wanderers’ records in the competition’s infancy bearing comparison.

Terry said: “In the modern era, it’s virtually untouchable, really. The hunger in that dressing room as well to have that feeling, the memories and photos and videos from after the game, is what spurs us on year after year.

“People can question all they like but the hunger in this squad is incredible and that’s what keeps us going.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/terry-and-lampard-make-final-plans-14165/

Juan Mata won his first FA Cup for Chelsea – and immediately targeted another three or four to move alongside his veteran team-mates.

Mata also picked up the man-of-the-match award in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool to cap a dream maiden final for the Spain star.

He watched Ashley Cole lift the cup for the seventh time, John Terry pick up a fifth winner’s medal and the likes of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Petr Cech celebrate a fourth Wembley triumph, and the summer signing from Valencia said: “It’s my first FA Cup and I wish to win four or five like them.”

The 24-year-old, who has arguably been Chelsea’s player of the season, added: “It was an amazing day for me. It’s my first year here, my first season, my first title with Chelsea.

“I really enjoyed the game, the atmosphere at Wembley – one of the best stadiums in the world, and I’m very happy.”

Despite his outstanding personal displays, Mata looked set for an unhappy first season in English football until Roberto Di Matteo replaced sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas two months ago.

But he could now be part of the most glorious campaign in Chelsea’s history, with the Champions League final still to come on May 19.

“We won the first final and we have another great chance to win another title, the most important in Europe, and we are all looking forward to playing this game,” Mata said.

“It hasn’t been an easy season for us in the Premier League, with the change of manager and everything.

“We were still fighting for a title, we achieved this one, and we have the possibility to win both. Chelsea never give up.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/mata-eyeing-more-titles-01898/

Chelsea star Didier Drogba became the first man to score in four FA Cup finals and declared: “That’s the reason why I came here.”

Drogba extended his record of scoring in every cup tie he has played at the new Wembley by netting there for the eighth time in the Blues’ 2-1 win over Liverpool. It could be the striker’s last appearance at the home of football, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

“That’s the reason why I came here, to win trophies and to make history with the club,” said Drogba, who joined Chelsea in 2004. “It’s a great feeling, it’s a great feeling. I’m always surprised to score here.”

He added: “As I always said, my last goal is the most beautiful one and this one is the most beautiful because the feeling is… I don’t know how to explain. I just appreciate the cup and cheering with the fans.”

He added of his record haul: “I’m very proud. I’m very proud of it, but I have to give credit to all my team-mates.

“During the last six years, I’ve been playing here all the finals, I’m really happy and I really want to thank them because they always put me in the best conditions to score goals.

“We made history, not only me. The result is great for us, for the fans, for the club. Our fourth FA Cup final, fourth win, fourth trophy, so I’m happy. That’s why we play football, to play finals.”

Drogba admitted victory was all the sweeter after Chelsea looked destined to suffer their worst season since he joined the club before Roberto Di Matteo replaced sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas two months ago.

“Yeah, we had a few difficult times,” he said, refusing to enter into the debate whether interim manager Di Matteo should be handed the reins full-time. “That’s not for me to decide. The only thing I know is that he’s doing a great job.

“He’s been talking to the players a lot, trying to bring the confidence back. We help him as well because it’s not easy for him. He was a good friend with Andre, so it was also difficult for him. So, I think all together we made this.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/drogba-proud-of-wembley-scoring-record-69183/

Frank Lampard hailed his fourth FA Cup triumph as the sweetest of the lot after helping Chelsea to Wembley glory once again.

Lampard was instrumental in the Blues’ latest victory in the world’s oldest cup competition, setting up what proved the decisive goal for Didier Drogba to make it four final wins in the last six seasons.

Chelsea looked set to endure their worst campaign since Roman Abramovich bought the club before sacking manager Andre Villas-Boas two months ago, with caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo performing a minor miracle to lead them to both the FA Cup and Champions League finals.

“It’s been a tough season, so it makes it that even more bit special to win,” Lampard said.

The 33-year-old was also fully aware he may not have many more chances to add to his FA Cup medal collection.

“I think they get even sweeter as you get older because you know they don’t always keep going forever,” he added.

“It’s been a brilliant competition for us, recently, obviously.”

Drogba also made history by becoming the first man to score in four FA Cup finals.

Lampard said: “It’s been well-documented how many big goals he gets us in finals.

“When you’ve got people like that in your team, you’ve only got to try and put it in their path.

“It goes down in history and big players perform in big games.”

Lampard was hoping that would be the case in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich on May 19.

“We’ve got one more to go and who knows?” he said.

“Rather than go off the back of a defeat in a final, you want to go with a win.

“It’s a completely different game, different setting.

“Hopefully, we can take the confidence and get the result we want but it’ll be a very tough game.

“We’ve been very close in the Champions League quite a few times and the club and the players, the fans, are desperate to win it.

“We know we’ve got one hurdle to do but we’ll be giving everything to do it.”

John Terry and Lampard lifted the FA Cup together yesterday but the latter was coy about discussing whether the same would happen when he deputises for his suspended captain in Munich.

“I think too much has been made of that,” Lampard said.

“First of all, we have to win it.

“You don’t lift cups if you lose finals.

“We’ve lifted it together many a time and if we win it then we’ll deal with that situation.”

Having fallen out somewhat with Villas-Boas, Lampard could not speak highly enough of Di Matteo, whose hopes of being appointed permanent manager enjoyed a huge boost last night.

“He deserves every accolade you can possibly give him for what he has done,” Lampard said.

“To turn that around from a very difficult situation, to get the big players playing, to get confidence running through the team, to get the club and the fans to react in the way he has done…

“It’s a club decision come the summer, obviously, but I don’t think Robbie’s a loser whatever happens, without a doubt.”

Lampard also had words of encouragement for Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, who has been mentioned in terms of an England recall ahead of the European Championships after almost single-handedly turning yesterday’s game on its head.

“He’s taken a bit of stick this year,” Lampard said.

“But you could see what a quality player he is and, if he’s involved with England then hopefully he’ll bring that to England.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/lampard-enjoys-final-triumph-40115/

15 minutes: Tries a repeat of his goal against Norwich with an effort from the half-way line but does not get hold of it.

41: Gets on the end of Jordan Henderson’s header but cannot direct his own header on target.

54: Drives past John Terry into the penalty area but the angle is tight and his shot is kept out by Petr Cech.

62: Fouls Didier Drogba as the striker is about to shoot. Frank Lampard sends the resulting free-kick wide.

73: Cuts in from the left and fires in a shot that Cech pushes round his near post.

81: Makes a nice run to get on the end of Jose Enrique’s pass on the left of the area but his cutback does not find Dirk Kuyt and Jordan Henderson then fires over the bar.

82: Takes the ball off Glen Johnson and crosses for Andy Carroll, who thinks he has scored but Cech manages to claw the ball away before the whole of it has crossed the line. Suarez is booked for his protests.

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/luis-suarez-clockwatch-58550/

Chelsea

PETR CECH: Was not tested until the last 20 minutes. Made one good low save from Suarez and a brilliant stop to deny Andy Carroll’s header and could do nothing about the goal he did concede. 7

JOSE BOSINGWA: Would have expected a tougher time from Stewart Downing but was given too comfortable time. Positional play questionable and caught in possession for Liverpool’s goal. 4

BRANISLAV IVANOVIC: Was not really exercised until Andy Carroll was sent on and then lost many of the aerial battles with the striker. 6

JOHN TERRY: Found it easy to deal with an isolated Luis Suarez but when the pressure did come was nearly always in the right place at the right time and produced goal-saving tackle to deny Carroll in injury time. 6

ASHLEY COLE: Did not get forward as much as he would usually up against the pace of Bellamy but rarely beaten. 7

RAMIRES: Strong run and finish for his goal, helped by Jose Reina’s mistake. Faded as the game went on but had done all his best work in the first half and was replaced by Raul Meireles. 8

JOHN OBI MIKEL: Defensive responsibilities denied Liverpool any space for long periods but was stretched in the closing stages. 6

FRANK LAMPARD: Given plenty of room in midfield and played the perfect pass for second goal. 7

SALOMON KALOU: Had a bright opening but drifted out of the game once Chelsea found themselves under pressure. 6

DIDIER DROGBA: Was a concern for Liverpool’s defence throughout and although may not have dominated physically as he has done in the past took his goal expertly. 8

JUAN MATA: Another player who had a good first half but found himself increasingly cut out of the game. Replaced by Florent Malouda in added time. 7

Substitutes RAUL MEIRELES (on for Ramires, 76): Sent on to shore up central midfield and did a good enough job. 6

FLORENT MALOUDA (on for Mata, 90): Purely a time-wasting substitution and had little time to make an impact. 5

Liverpool

JOSE REINA: Tried to anticipate Ramires’ angled shot but only succeeded in diving the wrong way and letting ball inside his near post. 5

GLEN JOHNSON: Once he was given the space to get forward he found himself in some good positions but did not really provide the width and crosses required. 5

MARTIN SKRTEL: Appeared to have handled Drogba well but was slightly slow closing him down for the second goal. 7

DANIEL AGGER: Looked good bringing the ball out of defence and was tidy enough at the back. 6

JOSE ENRIQUE: Was dominated by Ramires for most of the game and shrugged off the ball by the Brazilian too easily for the first goal. Was poor in possession and distribution. 4

JAY SPEARING: His mistake led to the opening goal and allowed Lampard to go past him too easily to play the pass for the second. Replaced by Andy Carroll after 55 minutes. 4

STEVEN GERRARD: Having initially struggled to get forward he came into his own more as the game opened up and started to drive the team forward but it was too little, too late. 7

STEWART DOWNING: Disappointing for the majority of the game and only livened up in the last 25 minutes. Failed to test right-back Bosingwa and never got behind Chelsea’s defence. 5

JORDAN HENDERSON: Found himself switched about in a number of positions as Liverpool changed their formation and never really settled. Wasted the couple of shooting opportunities he got. 5

CRAIG BELLAMY: Replaced by Kuyt 10 minutes from time. Did not provide the cut and thrust from wide areas expected of him. 5

LUIS SUAREZ: Isolated for too long in the first half but improved once he had a partner alongside. Some twisting runs in the second half looked threatening but never had a clear opening. 6

Substitutes

ANDY CARROLL (on for Spearing, 55): Took his goal brilliantly and looked a threat from the moment he came on. Unlucky to be denied a second by Cech but bizarrely produced probably the most effective 35 minutes of anyone in his team. 8

DIRK KUYT: (on for Bellamy, 79): Usually the man for the big occasion but never got the chance to show it. 6

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/fa-cup-final-player-ratings-55386/

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists the officials should get all the credit if they called the toughest decision of a dramatic FA Cup final correctly.

Striker Andy Carroll came off the substitutes bench to breathe life into a Liverpool fightback which ended in a dramatic 2-1 defeat.

Chelsea had gone 2-0 up through Ramires and Didier Drogba before Carroll, the £35m misfiring star signed from Newcastle, scored with a thunderous left-foot shot after giving defender John Terry the slip.

Carroll then claimed he had scored an equaliser with a close-range header which Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech pushed on to the crossbar. With Liverpool’s players believing they were back in the game referee Phil Dowd consulted his assistant Andrew Garratt, who ruled it was no goal.

Television replays were not conclusive as to whether the ball had crossed the line, although computer graphics suggested later it might have done.

Dalglish, however, said: “I’ve not seen it on television but somebody said sometimes you get it and sometimes you don’t. This time we didn’t get it. If the officials have got it right I hope they get the credit they deserve for it.

“It is credit to the lads that they went close to getting an equaliser after big Andy scored, but we left ourselves too much to do and I don’t think the first hour was a true reflection of the quality of the players.

“They were excellent for the last half hour but the game lasts for 90 minutes and with a team the quality of Chelsea, you can’t give them a two-goal start and expect to give yourself an opportunity to get something from the game.”

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo admitted he did not know whether Carroll’s header had crossed the line, but he preferred to salute the performance of Cech.

Di Matteo said: “From where I was standing I couldn’t see. I looked at the linesman and the linesman didn’t flag for the goal so I was quite happy for that.

“We have got a great ‘keeper and he made a fantastic save today.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/dalglish-ready-to-credit-officials-03447/

Blue is the colour, confidence and belief is the game.

And Chelsea will take both into the Champions League final in two weeks’ time after depositing the FA Cup in the Stamford Bridge trophy cabinet.

We wanted an FA Cup final to stir the blood. One to excite the packed stands under the magnificent Wembley arch.

Chelsea’s 2-1 victory against Liverpool took a long time to do that. For too long it was too one-sided. Too clinical. Too desperately disappointing if you were a Liverpool supporter hoping a troubled season was to have a final hurrah.

It was just too predictable as a Chelsea side with a pleasing balance took a stranglehold on English football’s showpiece occasion and proved that when it comes to one-off power no-one does it better.

How ironic then that it was saved as a spectacle by Andy Carroll, the £35million misfit striker who came off the bench in the second-half to breathe life and inspiration into a Red revival which gave us an FA Cup final to savour.

At 2-0 down he produced a thunderous left-foot shot into the roof of the Chelsea net, a real centre forward’s blockbuster, to give Liverpool a lifeline.

After 81 minutes he rose to head goalwards, only for Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech to parry the ball on to the crossbar and down on to the line for Frank Lampard to scramble clear.

Liverpool players claimed a goal, the officials conferred, television replays suggested the tightest of decisions. In the end doubt prevailed and the ‘goal’ was not given.

Yet, make no mistake, despite Liverpool’s heroic fightback and the dramatic impact of Carroll, when John Terry walked up to collect the cup justice was done.

Because of the Brazilian brilliance of midfielder Ramires, aided and abetted by a dreadful error in positioning from Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina, to give Chelsea the lead after 11 minutes.

Because of Didier Drogba, the man credited with ending a civil war in his Ivory Coast homeland, who delivered Chelsea’s second, a left-foot strike of searing precision to make history as the first man to score in four FA Cup finals.

But when history comes to review the 2012 FA Cup final surely it will also record that Chelsea won because of the extraordinary part played by a bald-headed Italian in a sharp suit by the name of Roberto Di Matteo.

Di Matteo stood in his technical area throughout as the drama unfolded, arms folded, a 1000-yard gaze taking in the history of what was happening before him.

Calm. Composed. Dignified. A caretaker manager who has taken care of everything asked of him since Andre Villas-Boas was sent packing by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich at the beginning of March.

Since then Chelsea have won 12, drawn four and lost just two out of 18 matches.

Those are impressive statistics. The real story, however, lies in how he has rejuvenated an alienated and warring squad, whose senior players were distinctly off-message, into a force once more in touch with their winning mentality.

On the way to Wembley, of course, they have also overcome the might of Barcelona to reach the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in Munich in two weeks time.

If the Germans watched this FA Cup final and felt just a little apprehensive then you could not blame them.

Under Matteo, Chelsea possess that vital sporting characteristic of being able to find a way to win whatever the circumstances, whatever the opposition.

True, the Liverpool fightback rocked Chelsea briefly. There are few more stirring sights in football than Liverpool scarves waving and the sound of Scouse fans imploring their team to glory.

But 25 minutes of Liverpool passion with Carroll driving at the Chelsea defence like a human JCB was not enough to wrest the trophy from a side for whom Ramires, John Obi Mikel and Lampard were superb.

Nor should it have been. Liverpool’s problem all season has been consistency. They have promised in fleeting bursts but there is a good reason they are 34 points off the pace in the Premier League.

They lack quality in depth. They are short on creativity. For all the cash splashed on their huge squad they are a work in progress for manager Kenny Dalglish, a project which requires more investment from their American owners this summer

For Chelsea, it is next stop Munich and another tilt at history. One way or another, they have a knack of getting the job done.

For that, Abramovich can thank the quite extraordinary impact of Di Matteo.

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/bayern-beware-of-chelsea-reunited-06393/

Chelsea won the FA Cup for the seventh time in their history thanks to their 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Wembley.

Here, we look at their previous six successes.

1970 – Chelsea 2 Leeds 1 (first match ended 2-2)

The Blues emerged victorious in a bruising final replay at Old Trafford as Dave Webb bundled in the winner. Mick Jones put Leeds ahead but Peter Osgood equalised with a diving header from a Charlie Cooke cross.

1997 – Chelsea 2 Middlesbrough 0

Chelsea made the perfect start as their current interim manager Roberto Di Matteo put them in front after 42 seconds, with his number two Eddie Newton adding the second with seven minutes to go.

2000 – Chelsea 1 Aston Villa 0

The Londoners won the last final to be played at the old Wembley as Di Matteo – again – took advantage of a David James error to score the only goal in the 73rd minute.

2007 – Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0

Chelsea created some FA Cup symmetry by becoming the first side to win the trophy at the new Wembley. Didier Drogba scored the only goal in extra time after a neat one-two with Frank Lampard.

2009 – Chelsea 2 Everton 1

Chelsea fell behind after 25 seconds as Louis Saha snatched Di Matteo’s record for the fastest cup final goal, but Guus Hiddink’s team fought their way back into the match and Drogba’s equaliser after 20 minutes was followed by Lampard’s 71st-minute winner.

2010 – Chelsea 1 Portsmouth 0

Portsmouth’s Kevin-Prince Boateng saw his 54th-minute penalty saved by Petr Cech, and four minutes later his misery was complete as Drogba’s free-kick proved decisive and completed the first domestic double in Chelsea’s history.

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/chelseas-fa-cup-wins-65783/

Chelsea won the FA Cup for the seventh time in their history thanks to their 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Wembley.

Here, we look at their previous six successes.

1970 – Chelsea 2 Leeds 1 (first match ended 2-2)

The Blues emerged victorious in a bruising final replay at Old Trafford as Dave Webb bundled in the winner. Mick Jones put Leeds ahead but Peter Osgood equalised with a diving header from a Charlie Cooke cross.

1997 – Chelsea 2 Middlesbrough 0

Chelsea made the perfect start as their current interim manager Roberto Di Matteo put them in front after 42 seconds, with his number two Eddie Newton adding the second with seven minutes to go.

2000 – Chelsea 1 Aston Villa 0

The Londoners won the last final to be played at the old Wembley as Di Matteo – again – took advantage of a David James error to score the only goal in the 73rd minute.

2007 – Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0

Chelsea created some FA Cup symmetry by becoming the first side to win the trophy at the new Wembley. Didier Drogba scored the only goal in extra time after a neat one-two with Frank Lampard.

2009 – Chelsea 2 Everton 1

Chelsea fell behind after 25 seconds as Louis Saha snatched Di Matteo’s record for the fastest cup final goal, but Guus Hiddink’s team fought their way back into the match and Drogba’s equaliser after 20 minutes was followed by Lampard’s 71st-minute winner.

2010 – Chelsea 1 Portsmouth 0

Portsmouth’s Kevin-Prince Boateng saw his 54th-minute penalty saved by Petr Cech, and four minutes later his misery was complete as Drogba’s free-kick proved decisive and completed the first domestic double in Chelsea’s history.

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/chelseas-fa-cup-wins-65783/

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has admitted they were not good enough for the first hour of their FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea at Wembley.

The Reds did not seem to come alive until Andy Carroll’s introduction in the 55th minute but by then they were 2-0 down. The former Newcastle front man pulled one back the Merseysiders and was denied an equaliser late on by a great save from Petr Cech, with television replays inconclusive over whether the ball crossed the line before the Czech clawed it away.

“We can’t use that (fightback) for much. It simply was not good enough for the first hour and we can only blame ourselves,” said the Denmark defender.

“Andy did really well when he came on and got a lot of balls to work with but sadly it was not enough.”

Debate continued long after the final whistle over whether Carroll’s header had actually crossed the line, but Agger said he had no idea from his position on the pitch.

“I definitely couldn’t see anything because I was at the other end so people watching television will have to decide that,” he said.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson admitted he went up claiming the equalising goal more in hope than expectation.

“I appealed because that is what you have got to do,” said the England Under-21 midfielder, who was at a loss to explain Liverpool’s sluggish start.

“I am not sure why we started quite slowly in the first half. In the second half we came out and played some good stuff and we should have got back into the game.

“I think we will be disappointed when we look back.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/agger---poor-start-to-blame-for-defeat-90901/

Roberto Di Matteo is determined not to make Chelsea’s FA Cup final about his past or his future as he backed his players to make their own history.

Blues captain John Terry led the tributes to Di Matteo at the club’s cup final media day, urging his team-mates to beat Liverpool at Wembley to help their caretaker manager land the job full-time.

But when asked about his job prospects, Di Matteo said: “It’s totally irrelevant. I’m just thinking about tomorrow’s game and bringing a trophy home.”

One bookmaker has stopped taking bets on Di Matteo’s coronation, so spectacularly has he transformed the club’s fortunes since being placed in charge two months ago.

Di Matteo was grateful for the backing of his players, saying: “It’s great if they feel confident because they’re the ones out on the pitch who have to bring the win and the trophy home for us.

“It’s good to see they have belief that we can have success together.”

The 41-year-old is also the overwhelming choice among supporters and he added: “I always had a great connection and relationship with the fans, and will have in the future as well.”

The Italian faces a selection headache in midfield and attack, especially with Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres both in such fine form.

“Everybody wants to be part of it tomorrow, to play tomorrow,” Di Matteo said, revealing he would decide on his line-up on Friday night and would not necessarily favour the four players suspended for this month’s Champions League final.

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/di-matteo-final-is-about-the-team-51131/

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher intends to enjoy Saturday’s FA Cup final after admitting he does not know how many big matches are left in his career.

The 34-year-old, who has made 696 appearances for the Reds, has lost his regular place in the starting line-up this season due to the form of Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger. Despite initially finding that hard to accept, he has come to terms with the fact opportunities are becoming increasingly limited late in his career.

Which is why he is determined to enjoy another visit to Wembley, where they face Chelsea, whatever his involvement. Carragher said: “From a personal point of view, because of my age and situation, it probably does feel a little more important or special because I may not see many of these days again.”

He continued: “Realistically there is not much time left for me. You always have that fear it might be your last [final].

“When you get to the stage of my career you always think ‘Will I ever get a chance to play in this kind of game again?’

“It makes it even more important even though we’ve played plenty of these games before.”

Carragher was left out of the starting line-up for February’s Carling Cup victory, although he played the last four minutes plus extra time of the win over Cardiff after replacing Agger.

But, as you would expect from a Bootle-born player who came through the youth system, he knows the club must come first.

“If you play, great; if you don’t, support the lads and respect the manager’s decision. We all win together. It doesn’t matter who plays, who’s on the bench, who comes on. If we win, it’ll say Liverpool won. We’re all part of the club and that is what we want.

“The main thing is for us is winning – if you are on the bench you still get a medal.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/carragher-determined-to-enjoy-cup-final-34788/

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard does not believe Chelsea will be distracted by thoughts of the Champions League when they walk out at Wembley for Saturday’s FA Cup final.

The Stamford Bridge side face Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena later this month as they bid to win Europe’s top club prize for the first time. In addition they are also looking to secure a top-four place in the Premier League, while in contrast the game is eighth-placed Liverpool’s last of significance this season.

“I am sure the Chelsea players won’t be thinking about the Champions League and top four once that game kicks off at the weekend,” said England midfielder Gerrard.

“Chelsea are an experienced team full of quality players and it will boil down to the small details on the day, who gets the big decisions and who gets that stroke of luck.

“I don’t think there is much between the teams and I think it is a 50-50 game at the weekend. But I suppose it helps us because that we can’t do much in the league and have not got anything else going on so we can solely focus on this game.”

Liverpool were expected to at least challenge for a top-four place themselves but have fallen well short.

But having won the Carling Cup in February – their first trophy for six years – another piece of silverware would provide adequate compensation and a platform for next season.

“Winning big trophies breeds a lot of confidence and belief,” added Gerrard.

“We are all aware we have under-achieved in the league and the squad of players we have are certainly better than where we are. We will assess the season at the end but if we can win two trophies that will help us bring some success next season.

“I think people will judge us after Saturday. People will say ‘You didn’t do well in the league’ but we will say ‘We won two cups’ and I think that is a fair argument.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/gerrard-expects-focused-chelsea-41478/

Finals tend to bring out the best in Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, but he insists if they are to beat Chelsea in the FA Cup at Wembley it will have to be a team effort.

The England midfielder was instrumental in the Reds’ last appearance in the FA Cup showpiece, scoring twice and setting up the other in a triumph over West Ham in 2006. Gerrard was also a major reason for the remarkable comeback which secured Liverpool Champions League glory against AC Milan a year earlier.

However, the 31-year-old rejects the suggestion his team-mates have an over-reliance on him. He said: “I don’t think so. We beat Everton in a massive game at Wembley (the semi-final) not so long ago and I didn’t get the goals So we’ve certainly got players in and around the squad who can be match-winners.”

He added: “Not all the pressure’s on me. It’s up to everyone to deliver trophies for this club.

“Maybe the knockout nature of the cups has brought the best out of us this season. But what it also shows is that when we are down, under the cosh and under pressure, this team is never beaten.”

Gerrard cannot hide his disappointment that the club’s cup form this season has not been replicated in the league.

Despite winning their first trophy since that 2006 FA Cup final, beating Cardiff in the Carling Cup in February, results have been on the slide. By Sunday Liverpool could have dropped to ninth, although they will have a match in hand, but the Reds captain stressed an FA Cup win would give them the confidence to launch a top-four challenge next season.

“Let’s be realistic. At the start of the season our chances of winning the Premier League were quite slim,” Gerrard admitted.

“We had Manchester City’s power to contend with and Chelsea’s power, Manchester United are always there, so we were probably fourth or fifth favourites at the time.

“But we had much better chances of going out and winning the Carling Cup and getting to the FA Cup final and that’s what we’ve done. What it shows is that if we do win the FA Cup this squad still needs slight tweaking in the summer if we are to compete in the Premier League.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/gerrard-collective-needed-for-cup-glory-31850/

Frank Lampard has warned Chelsea’s spectacular resurgence under Roberto Di Matteo will mean nothing if they lose both the FA Cup and Champions League finals.

Caretaker manager Di Matteo could hardly have masterminded a more incredible turnaround in the Blues’ fortunes since being handed the reins exactly two months ago.

But Lampard said: “We’re very much of the understanding that if we get to two finals and lose them, we still end up in the same boat as if you’d lost earlier on in the rounds.”

Chelsea were given a reality check on Wednesday night when they lost to Newcastle to all but end their hopes of finishing in the Barclays Premier League top four.

And midfielder Lampard issued another warning ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Liverpool.

“Normally, we’d be fighting in the league right until the end,” he said. “Now we’re not, the cups are obviously more important.”

Lampard, 33, looked certain to be forced out of Stamford Bridge this summer if Villas-Boas was still at the club, along with fellow veteran Didier Drogba.

Both have been a revelation under Di Matteo and Lampard said: “Didier’s come back into the team, I’ve come back into the team more regularly, and I just want to play a big part and try to contribute.”

Lampard and Drogba also have the Champions League final to look forward to against Bayern Munich in two weeks’ time, unlike four of their team-mates, who will be suspended.

“If they can’t take part in one then they’re going to throw everything into this one,” he said. “It’s very much a case of taking each final as it comes.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/lampard-we-need-trophies-33977/

Frank Lampard has warned Chelsea’s spectacular resurgence under Roberto Di Matteo will mean nothing if they lose both the FA Cup and Champions League finals.

Caretaker manager Di Matteo could hardly have masterminded a more incredible turnaround in the Blues’ fortunes since being handed the reins exactly two months ago.

But Lampard said: “We’re very much of the understanding that if we get to two finals and lose them, we still end up in the same boat as if you’d lost earlier on in the rounds.”

Chelsea were given a reality check on Wednesday night when they lost to Newcastle to all but end their hopes of finishing in the Barclays Premier League top four.

And midfielder Lampard issued another warning ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Liverpool.

“Normally, we’d be fighting in the league right until the end,” he said. “Now we’re not, the cups are obviously more important.”

Lampard, 33, looked certain to be forced out of Stamford Bridge this summer if Villas-Boas was still at the club, along with fellow veteran Didier Drogba.

Both have been a revelation under Di Matteo and Lampard said: “Didier’s come back into the team, I’ve come back into the team more regularly, and I just want to play a big part and try to contribute.”

Lampard and Drogba also have the Champions League final to look forward to against Bayern Munich in two weeks’ time, unlike four of their team-mates, who will be suspended.

“If they can’t take part in one then they’re going to throw everything into this one,” he said. “It’s very much a case of taking each final as it comes.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/lampard-we-need-trophies-33977/

Frank Lampard has warned Chelsea’s spectacular resurgence under Roberto Di Matteo will mean nothing if they lose both the FA Cup and Champions League finals.

Caretaker manager Di Matteo could hardly have masterminded a more incredible turnaround in the Blues’ fortunes since being handed the reins exactly two months ago.

But Lampard said: “We’re very much of the understanding that if we get to two finals and lose them, we still end up in the same boat as if you’d lost earlier on in the rounds.”

Chelsea were given a reality check on Wednesday night when they lost to Newcastle to all but end their hopes of finishing in the Barclays Premier League top four.

And midfielder Lampard issued another warning ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Liverpool.

“Normally, we’d be fighting in the league right until the end,” he said. “Now we’re not, the cups are obviously more important.”

Lampard, 33, looked certain to be forced out of Stamford Bridge this summer if Villas-Boas was still at the club, along with fellow veteran Didier Drogba.

Both have been a revelation under Di Matteo and Lampard said: “Didier’s come back into the team, I’ve come back into the team more regularly, and I just want to play a big part and try to contribute.”

Lampard and Drogba also have the Champions League final to look forward to against Bayern Munich in two weeks’ time, unlike four of their team-mates, who will be suspended.

“If they can’t take part in one then they’re going to throw everything into this one,” he said. “It’s very much a case of taking each final as it comes.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/lampard-we-need-trophies-33977/

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the importance of the FA Cup is highlighted by its global reach.

The world’s oldest knockout competition is steeped in tradition – even if the kick-off for Saturday’s clash with Chelsea has been moved to 5.15pm – and that is recognised not just by homegrown players but those from overseas.

“The FA Cup is special, and not just for us English guys,” said the England midfielder, who will lead his side out in a Wembley final for the second time in less than three months after a Carling Cup victory. “All the foreign lads are sat there in the dressing room saying they can’t wait for it. It just goes to show how big this competition is worldwide.”

He added: “Some of the biggest experiences myself and Jamie Carragher have had over the years have been winning cups.

“They are nights when you are successful you look back on with fond memories.

“The FA Cup is special altogether but we got a taste of success winning the Carling Cup and that will help some of the younger players in the squad and everyone really because winning breeds confidence.”

Carragher said he did not think the rivalry between the two clubs was as intense as it was a few years ago when Rafael Benitez and Jose Mourinho were in charge of their respective sides.

This will be their 31st meeting since the start of 2004/5 season but Gerrard believes when a trophy is up for grabs there is an added edge.

“When there is an FA Cup at stake it is going to be a massive clash,” added the Reds skipper.

“They have got top players and are a good side and it shows how powerful they are because it seems to us if we are going to be successful and win these cups we have to overcome Chelsea on the way. They have a lot to play for: top four, Champions League, FA Cup but they have a massive squad and strength in depth with two or there good players in every position.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/gerrard-aware-of-cup-importance-41018/

Defender Jamie Carragher thinks the intensity of the rivalry between Liverpool and Chelsea has faded slightly in recent years but that will not prevent a fierce FA Cup final battle on Saturday.

From the middle part of the last decade there has been a glut of encounters between the two sides and Saturday’s will be the 31st since the start of the 2004-05 season – and there is then a league match to follow on Tuesday.

“It (the rivalry) started six or seven years ago for different reasons,” said the 34-year-old. “It is still a big rivalry but I think it had more to it then.”

The League Cup final of 2005 saw an increase in hostilities when Jose Mourinho’s infamous finger to the lips gesture incensed Reds fans as their side lost 3-2.

Liverpool got their revenge with a Champions League semi-final victory at Anfield, although Mourinho still complains about Luis Garcia’s ‘ghost’ goal.

The subsequent familiarity – this will be their third meeting this season with Kenny Dalglish’s side having been victorious in the Carling Cup at Stamford Bridge – may have lessened the impact somewhat, but that does not mean their Wembley clash will be any less of an occasion, according to Carragher.

He added: “Maybe Mr Mourinho had something to do with it. We seemed to be playing them four or five times a season. They are a great side and have had great players. We respect them and I am sure they respect us.”

Only Carragher and Steven Gerrard remain from Liverpool’s team from the 2005 League Cup final while Chelsea still have Petr Cech, Paulo Ferreira, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.

Carragher can recall some epic personal tussles with Drogba.

“Me and Drogba, Stevie and Lampard, have had some great battles over the years,” he added. “There have been some great memories from those games. But you never know who they will pick; Drogba or Fernando Torres – two world class strikers.”

Source: http://www.itv.com/sport/football/facup/news/carragher-happy-to-renew-rivalry-09392/