Quick turnaround no excuse, insists Enrique

LIVERPOOL defender Jose Enrique insists there will be no excuses from the players as they prepare for a quick turnaround for a Carling Cup quarter-final at Chelsea.

Less than 50 hours after the final whistle of what was an exhilarating but energy-sapping 1-1 draw with Manchester City, Kenny Dalglish’s side will run out again at Stamford Bridge.

Changes to the starting line-up are inevitable, but some of the players who featured at Anfield on Sunday will be required as the Reds go in search of the second victory over Chelsea, who have had an extra day’s rest, in nine days.

Spaniard Enrique admits it is a situation unique to English football and one the squad have to deal with as best they can.

“If the manager decides I have to play I play,” the left-back said.

“The Premier League and Football League didn’t make a good decision.

“We played on Sunday and have to play in another 48 hours, whereas Chelsea played on Saturday. This is not normal.

“It is just happens in England.

“It is no good for us because we play against Chelsea away and it is hard to win, and normally when you play 48 hours after a game you are more tired.

“But there will be no excuses. We can still win there and will try to get that win.”

Meanwhile Roberto Di Matteo has insisted he has no problems operating as Andre-Villas Boas’ assistant, but admits he will review his position with Chelsea at the end of the season.

Di Matteo joined the Chelsea backroom staff this summer following the appointment of Villas-Boas.

The Italian had previously enjoyed two relatively successful stints in management with MK Dons and West Brom, where he won promotion to the Premier League before being sacked in February. The 41-year-old, who played at Chelsea for six years, was last weekend forced to deny rumours he wanted to leave Stamford Bridge to return to management after being linked with the hot seat at Portsmouth.

The former Italy midfielder, whose contract at Stamford Bridge runs out next summer, once again played down reports he is unhappy at the west London club yesterday, but conceded he does not know whether he will remain on the Blues coaching staff next season.

He said: “I’m very happy to be here. It’s my club. I feel at home and Andre and I have developed a very good working relationship, so it’s something we’ll discuss maybe at the end of the season.”