Soccer: Babbel hails Reds’ team spirit

Markus Babbel declared that the unbreakable spirit of Liverpool had been the key to their UEFA Cup triumph as he celebrated the second golden goal victory of his career.

Babbel believes that Gerard Houllier’s side showed similar strength of character to the Germany team which won Euro ’96 with a golden goal against the Czech Republic in the final at Wembley.

The German international had put Liverpool en route to their memorable 5-4 win in Dortmund last night, when a late own goal by Delfi Gelli gave them victory after two Alaves players had been sent off.

Liverpool had twice been ahead in the game, only for Alaves to come back to 3-3 and then equalise with just two minutes of normal time left.

However, Gerard Houllier’s side refused to buckle despite the tension - a quality which Babbel believes that they share with the German national side.

‘‘After the second red card, Alaves were only defending for the penalties but we still won on the golden goal. It was the same for Germany in Euro 96 and now it has happened for Liverpool,’’ said Babbel.

‘‘It’s all about the great mentality of our team.’’

The defender nevertheless insisted that Liverpool could not let their cup Treble go to their heads as they had to qualify for the Champions League by beating Charlton at the Valley on Saturday.

The German international, who has previously won the Champions League and UEFA Cup with Bayern Munich, maintained: ‘‘We don’t really celebrate now.

‘‘We have the next important game on Saturday and have to concentrate on that. I know it’s a bit crazy but that’s football and we have a big chance to play in the Champions League.’’

A professional attitude is needed to achieve that goal and Babbel believes veteran midfielder Gary McAllister typifies that approach in the Liverpool squad.

‘‘It’s been a fantastic season for him and this club. We have so many good players but he’s played so well. Maybe he has only one or two years left playing so I’m really happy for him,’’ he said.

McAllister certainly deserved his man-of-the-match award, having not only scored Liverpool’s third goal from the penalty spot and set up Babbel’s header as well as the golden goal winner, but also having dominated midfield.

The former Coventry midfielder, who donated his £2,000 prize cheque to charity to mark his wife’s successful battle against breast cancer, admitted: ‘‘It is amazing.

‘‘I can’t believe it. It will take the summer before this sinks in. It was an unbelievable game.’’

McAllister, whose selection was the only change to the starting line-up at the FA Cup final, added: ‘‘The future of Liverpool is not me. There are a lot of good young guys ahead of me.

‘‘This is a great start for some of these guys. To experience this at a young age must be brilliant.

As for the donations to the McMillan Trust and Christie’s Hospital in Manchester, he explained: ‘‘Both have helped my wife through her illness.

‘‘She was in the stadium to see the game and I want to show my thanks for the treatment she’s had.’’