Cup win can start trophy run, says Comolli

Liverpool director Damien Comolli said winning the Carling Cup would give the club a boost to win more silverware in future.

The Reds have not won any silverware since the FA Cup in 2006 and the former Tottenham board member admitted that it would be ‘massive’ if the side were victorious when they take on Cardiff City at Wembley on Sunday.

“The place is buzzing for Sunday and, if we win it, it would give a boost to absolutely everybody at the club,” Comolli told the club’s official website.

“I remember last year, (Manchester City boss) Roberto Mancini said before the (FA) Cup final that, once you win the first one (trophy), it gives confidence to everybody.”

“We had a similar experience at Spurs when we won the League Cup in 2008 against Chelsea. For me, that was the base for what has happened to Spurs since then.”

“At the time, the likes of Ledley King, (Benoit) Assou-Ekotto, and (Gareth) Bale were all at the club already.”

“But winning it – especially when you are the underdog like we were at the time – just gives massive confidence to everybody.”

“I am convinced Spurs have built their success on this – and hopefully the same thing can happen for us.”

“The last success for us was in 2006, so it’s a long time, six years. If we could win and finish the season on a positive note afterwards, we’d start next season in fantastic shape.”

When asked how important it would be for Liverpool to see their captain lift a trophy again, the Frenchman added: “I was thinking about it a few days ago – I saw a picture of Stevie (Gerrard) lifting the Champions League (in 2005) and I thought I will be very pleased if I see him lifting another trophy on Sunday.”

“It would be massive.”

“Everybody is obsessed and focused – and rightly so – by trying to get into the Champions League, but winning a trophy is what football clubs are all about, especially Liverpool.”

Comolli was keen to point out that there will still be work to do even if the Merseyside outfit are victorious at Wembley.

“Whether we win or lose, it won’t stop on Sunday because there are still very, very important things to achieve,” he said.

“Sunday will be a major achievement and a very strong statement from Liverpool Football Club. But again, we need to win on Sunday and then there is also plenty to play for after that – there are a lot of Premier League games to play and there is another cup we are involved in, so the season won’t stop.”

While victory over Cardiff would guarantee Europa League football next season, the Reds are four points behind the fourth-placed Arsenal.