Source: Team_Talk
Murphy calls for room to rotate team
Danny Murphy has urged the Premier League to adopt an "understanding" stance on the side Fulham are likely to turn out at Everton on Sunday.[LNB] Despite being forced to undertake a gruelling 17-hour bus journey to northern Germany, the Cottagers managed to grind out a goalless draw in Hamburg that just gives them the advantage going into next Thursday's Europa League semi-final decider.[LNB]With nothing except place money to play for, manager Roy Hodgson is certain to look at resting key men at Everton in an attempt to keep them fresh for one of the biggest nights in the club's history.[LNB]Star striker Bobby Zamora has already been ruled out with a sore Achilles and Murphy himself can expect a rest given his importance in the central midfield engine room.[LNB]Fulham have already found themselves at the centre of one selection storm this season, after they lost at Hull last month, although given the circumstances, Murphy feels it would be harsh if it happened again.[LNB]"I am sure we'll be criticised whatever we do at the weekend," said the former Liverpool star. "But there has to be some more understanding.[LNB]"If you are not allowed to rotate the squad in a situation like this, when are you?[LNB]"Nobody could have foreseen this situation, with the volcano and stuff, but even if that wasn't the case, to be playing the two biggest games in the club's history within seven days and have a Premier League game in between is exceptionally hard.[LNB]"We have got where we are with rotation.[LNB]"Everyone knows there are certain players who are automatic choices but the ones in the background aren't young kids, they are experienced international players."[LNB]There are some old timers who point to the number of games they used to slog through, on pitches that were generally far worse than they are now, and wonder what all the fuss is about.[LNB]However, that does not take into account the speed of the modern game and the physical demands it places on the body.[LNB]"People expect us to be physically fit and we are," said Murphy.[LNB]"But playing every three or four days for weeks on end is very difficult even for the best players. It is even harder for us because we have not been used to it.[LNB]"It's a debate I'm sure will go on. But people who know football realise that anybody would do the same in our situation and I fully expect to see a good few changes at the weekend."[LNB]Murphy will also have a story to swap with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, who remain good friends even though it is now almost six seasons since the midfielder quit Anfield, accepting he would be no better than a bit-part player under Rafael Benitez.[LNB]Liverpool remains very close to his heart though, which is why he has not even dared think about the possibility of meeting his old club back in Hamburg for the final on May 12.[LNB]The possibility certainly did not disappear with last night's results.[LNB]"I keep in touch with Stevie and Jamie quite a lot," acknowledged Murphy.[LNB]"I know they had a tough journey to get to Madrid themselves.[LNB]"They will be pleased with coming away with a 1-0 defeat because Anfield is a fortress and they have done well there this season, so they are favourites to go through.[LNB]"I suppose when I moved on from there I never thought the chance of playing a final against Liverpool would happen.[LNB]"But I would prefer it to happen first, then I will talk about it."
