Phil hits back at Barca

Last updated : 15 March 2002 By Dave Maddock, The Mirror


Phil Thompson last night laughed off criticism from Barcelona with a cutting response for his club's chief accusers.

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Not content with displaying equality with the Catalan side on the pitch, Thompson showed Liverpool are also a match for anyone when it comes to trading insults.

The Anfield assistant manager blasted Barca's Dutch pair Patrick Kluivert and Frank De Boer after they had ripped into Liverpool's style of play, suggesting it was boring.

Following an impressive goalless draw in the Nou Camp though, Thompson raised questions about Dutch courage.

"Maybe if those players had defended like we can, maybe they would be going to Japan," said Thompson, with a stinging reference to Holland's failure to qualify for the World Cup finals.

"I hope they enjoy Disneyland. It is a little hard to take criticism like we have from people who will be heading there instead of the World Cup.

"That's maybe sarcastic, but it comes back to respect. Liverpool don't deserve those comments."

Earlier in the season at Anfield, Liverpool were embarrassed by Barca during a 3-1 defeat. In the Nou Camp, there was no such gulf in class.

The feeling among the Kop squad is they - not the Spanish side - are better equipped to achieve Champions League success.

And in discussing Liverpool's prospects, Thompson spoke not of "if" they beat Roma next week, but "when."