Source: Team_Talk
Carragher retains Champions League hope
iverpool's Jamie Carragher says the team still have a chance of Champions League football after the Reds cruised to 3-0 victory over West Ham.[LNB] Former West Ham midfielder Yossi Benayoun and David Ngog gave the hosts a 2-0 lead in a low-key first half and goalkeeper Robert Green's unfortunate own goal finished off his side at Anfield.[LNB]The result means Liverpool are five points behind Tottenham who occupy the final Champions League place and, while Carragher admits they only have an outside chance, he thinks it is still a possibility.[LNB]Carragher told ESPN: "It hasn't gone. We know it's going to be difficult. Other teams have done well: Tottenham have done really well but they have a tough game against Manchester United so hopefully they will slip up."[LNB]The former England international denied the game had been easy for the Reds, saying: "It's always a tough game. They are fighting for their lives and I think everyone has a soft spot for West Ham and hope they stop up."[LNB]Rafael Benitez's side will tomorrow set off on what could be a marathon journey to Atletico Madrid for their Europa League semi-final first leg, with their travel plans complicated by the volcanic ash cloud which has disrupted travel across Europe.[LNB]Carragher, though, played down any effect such a journey may have.[LNB]He said: "That is just the way it's gone and I don't think it will make that much difference."[LNB]Benayoun is a former Hammers player and his celebrations when scoring were low key.[LNB]He said: "I still have feelings for this club and hope they stay (up).[LNB]"I wish them all the best."[LNB]Benitez is taking each game on its own merits, and when asked if the Europa League was now the priority, he replied: "After the game, yes, and on Sunday it will be the Premier League again."[LNB]As for tonight's game, the Spaniard added: "Everything was solid, they were trying to win from the start.[LNB]"After we scored the first goal it was easier."[LNB]Benitez was also quick to praise Ngog, who played in place of the injured Fernando Torres.[LNB]He said: "To replace Fernando is difficult and everyone is expecting to see the same things, but he is totally different."[LNB]West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola denied the defeat would damage morale with the Hammers one place above the relegation zone.[LNB]He told ESPN: "Not at all. We just had a chat in the changing room and I am not concerned at all. No problem."[LNB]The Italian pinpointed their failure to deal with dead-ball situations as their downfall tonight.[LNB]He said: "We started well. We were quite comfortable on the pitch. We suffered on dead balls - normally we are very good defending against them but not today.[LNB]"The first goal was a killer, I felt we were on top of the game.[LNB]"The second was a distraction, that was a killer."[LNB]The former Chelsea player was happy with his side's commitment.[LNB]"After the 2-0 it was difficult for us," he continued. "We tried but it was difficult on the pitch.[LNB]"In the second half we tried to have a go and press them hard but they scored on a dead ball."
