"We had the added bonus of the UEFA Cup then as well," said the Reds defender.
"In that season we weren't close to winning the league, but we were challenging for the top three or four - and that's similar to what we're doing now.
"The cup competitions become even more important when you realise you're maybe not going to win the championship. It's vitally important for the club, especially because we've gone so long without a trophy."
"Lower league teams can play like they've got nothing to lose when they come to Anfield because they haven't, they've got no fear and no worries. If they get beat they're expected to lose.
"For them it's a win/win really, but we're used to that. Most teams we play at Anfield will approach the game like that and there's always pressure on us to produce at home, and rightly so."