Traore reveals Rafa's secret half-time team talk

Last updated : 29 May 2005 By Adam Bryant
"When we got into the dressing room we just said 'It's over,' but the manager found the right words and gave us back our confidence," said the French defender.

"The first thing Rafa said was 'Don't let your heads drop. All the players who will get on the pitch after half-time have to keep their heads held high. We are Liverpool, you are playing for Liverpool. Do not forget that. You have to hold your heads high for the supporters. You have to do it for them. You cannot call yourselves Liverpool players if you have your heads down. If we create a few chances we have the possibility of getting back into this. Believe you can do it and we will. Give yourselves the chance to be heroes'.

"We changed things tactically at half-time then Stevie's goal gave us a new lease of life and we carried on from there."