Zenden relishing 'free' game

With qualification for the Champions League knock-out stages already confirmed for both sides, Liverpool winger Boudewijn Zenden believes his side’s Group G decider at former club Chelsea next month is a game that will be approached with freedom.

The Reds secured their progression with a goalless draw against Real Betis, while Chelsea’s record over their two games against the Spanish side means they are also through.

Chelsea’s tally of 10 points sees them currently one point behind the European champions, with the identity of the group winners the only issue left to be resolved at Stamford Bridge on December 6.

Zenden spent two years in west London following a £7.5m (€11m) move from Barcelona in 2001 before joining Middlesbrough permanently, after a season-long loan, in 2004.

Despite the inevitable hype which will surround the game, the Dutch winger plays down the real benefits of finishing as group winners and thinks the pressure is now firmly off for both teams.

“We’re happy at the fact that we got through and that will definitely change the perspective when we go down to Chelsea but even if we’d have beaten Betis, we would still need to draw or win at Chelsea to get through (as group winners) so it doesn’t change it that much,” Zenden said.

“It will be a nice game. Both teams know they are through and they are going to fight for that top spot.

“Whether (finishing top) has an effect depends on which draw you get but the most important thing is we’re through and we can go down to London in good spirits.

“I’m pleased to play against them. I know a lot of the lads and I know the manager as well. It’s a special game, obviously I’m looking forward to it, and I’ll do everything I can to make sure we finish top of the group.

“They are two teams that can play free, because they are already through.”

Trips to Manchester City and Sunderland, as well as a home clash with Wigan come before the Chelsea game, but Zenden does not expect his team’s early qualification to have a dramatic effect on the league form of Rafael Benitez’s side, who have picked up five successive clean sheets.

“I don’t think it will change that much because we go into any game trying to win it,” he added.

“Obviously there are two different types of competition there and we don’t need to worry so much about the Champions League but we didn’t do that before because we take the games as they come.

“We know as well that we’re in a good run of form at the moment and we want to continue that in the league.”