Alan Kennedy
interviewed by Paul Grech
|
Although Chris Lawler scored 61 goals from right-back, it is another full-back's goals that are most
frequently remembered. Alan Kennedy didn't simply have a knack for scoring goals, he had a talent for
scoring them in finals. Bought by Bob Paisley as a left-back who could support the midfield, Kennedy
could also hit a ball with tremendous ferocity.
His most memorable goal was undoubtedly the one he scored against Real Madrid in the 1981 European Cup final, which Liverpool won 1-0. Three years later, Kennedy scored the final penalty as Liverpool beat Roma in their home patch. Nowadays, Kennedy still lives on Merseyside where he has his own youth soccer schools that are combined with a busy schedule as a host on local radio programmes as well as working on his own website www.alankennedy.com. Anfield Island editor Paul Grech met up with Alan to talk about the memorable moments of his career and what he thinks of the current Liverpool side. 1. How does it feel to score the winning goal in a European Cup final? In the final against Madrid in 1981, I felt that I might not start this game as I had broken my wrist in the semi final against Bayern Munich. Bob Paisley had doubts about myself and Kenny who was also carrying a knock. He picked us both for the final and in a way that affected the game, which was not a classic. The ball came to me from a throw by Ray Kennedy, it bounced up nicely in front of me in the penalty area and all I saw was a flash of white as the big defender Cortez lunged at me. I shrugged him off and saw that the goalie had tried to make an angle, I steadied myself and shot and in it went. I was ecstatic and ran like a madman towards the Liverpool fans. I had four shots on target in the game which was more than any other player so I suppose I deserved to score and what a great feeling it was to beat the mighty Real Madrid and bring the European Cup back to Anfield for the third time. 2. Is it true that before the European Cup final against Rome you practised training penalties and couldn't score? Alan Hansen swears it is. It is absolutely true! We practised against the reserves and we were getting hammered when Joe Fagan came over and said, "pack it in lads, let's go and have a cup of tea". Luckily it all worked out on the night which I think says a lot about the big match temperament of the lads. 3. What went through your mind as you stepped up to take that final penalty? I was nervous knowing that from 25 yards I am deadly but not so sure about 12! I don't think the lads had much confidence that I'd hit the target but I tried to concentrate on whether to blast or place the shot. Tancredi was a good keeper and in the end I did a bit of both! Any penalty that goes in is a good one and that is one that I will never forget. 4. What would Bob Paisley think of Gerard Houllier? He would think that in many ways he is very like him. He knows how to get the best out of a team and is always looking to add quality to the squad. 5. Did you expect your defensive partner Phil Thompson to do so well as manager? Yes I did, Thommo is an outstanding lad who is Liverpool through and through. As a player he was an outstanding reader of the game and this now shows when he is on the touchline. I don't think any other top flight club could have coped as well with the loss of their manager through serious illness half way through the season. 6. Once again, Liverpool have a goal scoring left-back. Do you see a little bit of yourself in John Arne Riise? Yes I do he is strong, robust and good with the ball, he likes to shoot and it remains to be seen whether he ends up at left back or on the left of midfield. 7. Do you think this Liverpool side can go on to achieve similar success to what 'your' team did? Yes I think it can but it takes a period of time. Our side developed over a number of years and had world class players such as Hansen, Lawrenson, Souness, Dalglish and Rush. This team is about half way through Gerard Houliier's five year plan and can develop further with a couple of quality additions to the squad. Thanks to everyone at www.alankennedy.com for their assistance. This interview originally appeared on the magazine Anfield Island, the official publication of the Liverpool Supporters Club - Malta. Anyone interested in writing for this magazine, or would like to receive a free copy, can send an e-mail to paul.grech at footie51.co.uk. Visit Alan's web site here |