Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC star Dirk Kuyt targets Europa glory to end trophy wait
STANDING proudly in the foyer of Liverpool's modern Melwood training base is a permanent, glittering reminder of the club's glorious past.[LNB]Housed in a glass cabinet, with spotlights strategically placed underneath it to maximise the wow factor, is the European Cup, which, of course, was won for keeps one frantic, breathless night in Istanbul five years ago.[LNB]The idea is for the magnificent trophy to be a source of inspiration, to tell those at the club what is ultimately expected of them - to reach the levels of performance that make collecting such fabulous prizes possible.[LNB]Sadly this season, displays of that calibre have been few and far between, a point backed up by the fact Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League again are - after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Birmingham City - hanging by the thinnest thread.[LNB]Still, the prospect of putting a silver lining on this most dispiriting of campaigns remains a possibility; Anfield will hum with anticipation tonight as the Reds attempt to overhaul a 2-1 first leg deficit and knocking Benfica out to progress to the Europa League semi-finals. One man who is desperate for that scenario to unfold is Dirk Kuyt. He might have been an influential figure during his time at the club but opportunities to bolster his medal collection have ultimately been few and far between.[LNB]He might come from Holland but Kuyt is a man in tune with the feelings of supporters and understands their frustrations; for that reason, he is desperate to help spark a grandstand finish by flattening the Portuguese champions-elect tonight.[LNB]'Everyone knows how big the history of the club is and the first moment you can wear the shirt after you have just signed your contract is a special feeling,' said Kuyt, who tells you without hesitation that August 18, 2006 was the moment he joined the Liverpool project.[LNB]'I am very proud to wear it and I know what it means to wear it.[LNB]'When you see (the European Cup), you want to win more. That's what we are here for and its why we train so hard every day. To see that trophy is an extra motivation.[LNB]'I enjoy every day here and when I stop playing, I will always remember great times and great occasions, especially the Champions League nights, the derbies with Everton and games with Manchester United. But, at the end of the day, it's all about the trophies.[LNB]'Unfortunately I haven't had one since I have been here but I'm hoping we can change it.[LNB]'Hopefully this will be the season.[LNB]'We are trying to push as hard as possible.[LNB]'It hasn't worked out how we wanted it to this year but we are still able to challenge for a trophy.'
