Thompson - We Can Win it

By Craig McWalter
March 21 2002

After beating Roma 2-0, Liverpool assistant boss Phil Thompson believes his side can now win the Champions League. Read on to find out more.

The Reds began the night bottom of Group B, but inspired by the return of manager Gerard Houllier after five months away from Anfield, they beat the Serie A leaders.

With Barcelona winning 1-0 at Galatasaray, Liverpool took the runners-up spot behind the Catalans, with Fabio Capello's side missing out.

Thompson now reckons the Merseysiders can follow up last season's Uefa Cup win with the biggest prize in European football.

"This is one of the greatest nights ever for the club, and we can go all the way now," enthused Thompson on ITV Sport.

"The lads came through with flying colours and they believe they can do it.

"When it comes to the knockout stage they know they can beat anyone - they showed it when winning the Uefa Cup last season."

A seventh-minute Jari Litmanen penalty and Emile Heskey header just after the hour put the seal on a famous win watched by England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

And Thompson was quick to praise the influence the returning Houllier had on the result, as well as the ecstatic Liverpool fans.

"It was great to have Gerard back - the fans love him and his presence spurred us on."

Heskey admitted his second goal had been vital but said the team always believed they were capable of pulling off the necessary victory.

He said: "We always have belief. We always think we are going to go out there and win and this was no different."

Jamie Carragher added: "It was nice to have Houllier back, but we should not forget what Phil Thompson's done."