Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC approach Wolverhampton Wanderers game with fighting spirit
refusing to be thrown to wolves[LNB]IT is often said a week is a long time in politics, given the way issues can change so unexpectedly and dramatically.[LNB]But, if that is the case, what about modern day football? Consider this: last Tuesday Rafa Benitez had to fend off questions about the perils of Liverpool missing out on Champions League football - yesterday he was asked if his side could still mount a title charge.[LNB]Benitez, typically, refused to give a definite answer, simply stating his focus was 'on the next game' but the fact he was being quizzed about Liverpool possibly rushing up to join Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United suggests the critics are ready to move on.[LNB]Of course, it has been a trying season, one which has stretched the patience of even the most tolerant supporter, and there is no doubt the Reds have deserved a lot of the censure which has come their way.[LNB]That they have been able to ride through the storm, however, augurs well for the remainder of the campaign as, quite possibly, a squad with a more brittle mentality could easily have folded under the constant barrage to which they have been subjected.[LNB]True, Liverpool could easily find themselves back in the spotlight again some time soon, especially if they fluff their lines at a packed Molineux tonight when they tackle relegation threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers.[LNB]Yet the manner in which they were able to see off Tottenham Hotspur last Wednesday points to the criticism not having left a mark; Benitez and his players, clearly, are ready to forge on with ensuring their first objective for the year is secured.[LNB]How, though, have they been able to do it? If anyone is well qualified to answer that question it is in-form midfielder Lucas; as someone who finds himself being showered more with brickbats than bouquets, he knows exactly what it is like to feel Anfield's ire.[LNB]But rather than let it affect him, Lucas has refused to listen to his detractors and instead started to come of age, as reflected in some of his recent performances. Staying positive has evidently helped both the individual and the collective.[LNB]'When you don't get results, it is normal to receive criticism,' the Brazilian explained. 'We know the supporters come to back us no matter what but we also know if we don't play well, we will get a lot of criticism. The Reading game, of course, was a catastrophe.[LNB]'We wanted to continue in the FA Cup but it wasn't to be. You just have to forget about it and keep going. If we keep doing well and playing like we did against Tottenham, the criticism will be a lot less.[LNB]'We are trying to be positive all the time - that is the only way we will get back into the top four. But when you get beat, it is much more difficult. It's hard because everyday we have been training, trying so hard to find the shape we had last season.
