XABI: WE CAN'T AFFORD CHRISTMAS HANGOVER Kristian Walsh 26 December 2008
Xabi Alonso today warned his teammates there can be no Christmas hangover against Bolton - claiming the first goal on Boxing Day could make or break Liverpool's festive campaign.
The Spanish midfielder has featured in the last three league matches at Anfield, which have only brought three points after consecutive draws against Fulham, West Ham and Hull.
Alonso believes he and his teammates must trouble the scoreboard earlier today if they are to return to winning ways in front of the Kop.
The 27-year-old told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We will probably have to score first, and we have to control the match a bit better.
"At home, we have conceded a few goals and made a few mistakes that are not very common in the team. If we control that and if we have the accuracy to score an early goal in any game, that will be one of the keys to win games at home."
Liverpool's last home league win was a 3-0 victory over West Brom in early November.
The run of draws which has followed has resulted in a few nerves among the Anfield faithful.
Alonso added: "We know that everyone around the club really wants to be successful in the domestic competitions, and you can feel that.
"The crowd is willing us to be challenging for the title and the players are as well. But we are still at the half-way point of the season and we have to be calm."
Alonso made his debut against Bolton at the Reebok in August 2004, a game he remembers well.
"It was, of course, an exciting day and very important to make my debut," said the midfield maestro.
"But especially playing away to Bolton β I didn't know, but I learnt very quickly, that the Premier League was a very physical competition, and especially playing away in those games, you have to get used to them."
A win for the Reds today would be the perfect festive gift β and would make the gruelling Christmas Day training session worthwhile.
Alonso added: "In Liverpool you get used to, at Christmas time, not having days off and not having time to enjoy the normal Christmas time - but that's part of the job and you accept that."
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I think an early goal is vital to our performance today, and when I say early, I mean that we score before the 75th minute
Seriously, I think we will win about 2-0 today, and I would like to see us score in the first half, I just feel it takes the pressure off so much and we can play our normal game better if we get an early goal.
Don't think it will be an easy day though, Bolton will be keyed up for this one, we just have to make sure we are the better team, and keep that place at the head of the premiership.
Let's Batter Bolton on Boxing Day and send them back to the Reebok with their tails between their legs.
COME ON LIVERPOOL