Carra: History no burden

Jamie Carragher claims history is no burden for the current Liverpool squad as they try to write their own chapter in the story of the club.

The Reds could complete an unforgettable cup double when they meet Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Asked at a pre-match press conference whether the club's illustrious history added additional pressure heading into such a game, Carragher replied: "None.

"You just go out and play. You play for Liverpool. We're aware of the past but you don't think about that leading up to the game.

"I don't think it's been in anyone's thoughts. We've got a great history, we know that, and we want to keep that going.

"I don't think it's an added pressure – certainly not for me."

Liverpool have not reached their goal of a top-four finish in the league this season but the cup double became a possibility following our Carling Cup triumph in February.

So would that represent a successful season?

"Without a doubt," said Carragher. "We've gone five or six years until this season without a trophy.

"In that time we've had some great nights, Champions League nights, but at the end of your career you want medals and trophies to look back on.

"We've got one this season, if we get two... We've been in three competitions this season, if we win two I think it's a great season."

After waiting his whole career to play at Wembley with Liverpool, Carragher could now do it three times in one season.

He added: "I had a fear that I'd never play at the ground. I never played at the old Wembley.

"Playing in the cup final for Liverpool is special, and we realise the FA Cup is a bigger stage than the Carling Cup.

"It's fantastic for the club, the supporters, the manager and the players.

"We've given the supporters something to shout about and trips to Wembley – that's something we haven't had for a few years."

Competition for places is as strong as it has been for several years at Liverpool, but if he does not make the starting 11, Carragher will still feel part of it.

He explained: "I'm the same as everyone else. I don't think I have to do anything differently to the rest of my time with Liverpool – just train the way I train. If you play, great; if you don't, support the lads and respect the manager's decision.

"We all win together. It doesn't matter who plays, who's on the bench, who comes on. We win together. If we win, it'll say Liverpool won and we're all part of the club."

Carragher has been impressed with how Chelsea have performed since Roberto Di Matteo took charge following Andre Villas-Boas's departure at the start of March.

The Blues overcame reigning champions Barcelona to reach the Champions League final despite playing much of the semi-final second leg with 10 men.

"He's come in and done a great job – that's all you can say," said Carragher. "At the moment he seems to be getting everything right.

"They've got great players and they've had a great side for a long time now, always competing for trophies.

"We've had some big battles with Chelsea over the years, some big games.

"Yes, they're on form. Their performance in Barcelona, we all watched that. You can only take your hat off to them.

"They've achieved something as a club and as players that they'll all remember, but it's a different game now and we're desperate to win."

Meanwhile, Carragher expressed his respect for Roy Hodgson after his former boss signed a four-year deal to become England manager.

"I'm delighted for him," said Carragher. "There was talk about different candidates but the FA took their time, they've made a decision and it's important we all get behind him and support him, because we all want a good and successful England team.

"Working with him for the short time he was here, I got on great with him and have respect for him.

"I'm pleased for him. It was difficult, what happened here for him at Liverpool.

"It's another chance for him on the real big stage and I'm pleased for him, I hope it all goes well."