Lee on Hodgson and Murphy

Sammy Lee has spoken of his respect for Roy Hodgson and Danny Murphy ahead of this afternoon's meeting between the two Europa League semi-finalists at Anfield.

The Cottagers might have only won once away from home in the top-flight this season but the Reds assistant boss knows what a very capable side they are.

"They have got a good man in charge, they are well organised and are a good footballing team who deserve to be in the Europa League semi-finals," Lee told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I have a great deal of admiration for Roy. He is a nice man and a good man. He knows the game inside out, so I have nothing but respect for him.

"It will be a very interesting game and we have to do our job because if we don't do that everything else becomes secondary.

"If you look at statistics they can tell you everything and nothing so we won't be taking anything for granted about their record away from home.

"We are fully briefed on their strengths and weaknesses and it's about what we do here at this club."

To watch our exclusive chat with Sammy click on the play button below.

Fulham skipper Murphy is a man Lee knows extremely well having coached him for Liverpool and England, and he is a great admirer of the midfielder.

"Our crowd respect footballers and Danny is certainly a very good one," he said.

"He always puts a lot into his game and was always willing to listen, learn and improve and is a great lad.

"No-one will forget his winning goals at Old Trafford for us and he will get a great reception I'm sure because he deserves it."

Watch our tribute to Super Dan>>

"Fulham have some good players and there's also the likes of Damien Duff, Brede Hangeland, Simon Davies and Clint Dempsey, so it's a good team and they have proved that over the season."

Despite the fact that Liverpool now also have to rely on Manchester City to drop points, Lee insists the Reds have to stay focused on their own game and not be distracted by other results.

"Games are not won on paper and we are not bothered about anybody else," he added.

"It will be a difficult run-in for everybody and it's about what we do - not what anybody else does.

"At this football club there is always something to play for. We are not trying to kid anybody and we know this season hasn't been great and it has been turbulent for a number of reasons, but we've got a number of games left and we have to go out and give everything we have got.

"We owe it to the fans, ourselves and the football club. As I always say we don't prepare for failure here - at Liverpool FC it always has to be success."

While Liverpool's form at Anfield has been excellent on their travels has been a different story, and Lee has pinpointed this fact as a pivotal reason why they Reds aren't in the top-four at this moment in time.

 "It is certainly an issue for us why we haven't done well away from home because at the end of the day you play the same amount of games home and away," he added.

"Our away form has to be better without a shadow of a doubt but we've got two home games in a row now and we need maximum points."

Watch record breaker El Nino>>