Babbel has last laugh on snooty Germans

13 April 2012

Markus Babbel heads for his most high-profile Liverpool appearance so far content that he has finally silenced the howls of derision that greeted his free transfer arrival at Anfield 12 months ago.

The versatile 28- year- old defender admits he had his work cut out winning over his detractors but hurriedly adds that it had nothing to with the home fans viewing the motives of another highly- paid foreign import with dark misgiving.

Quite the opposite, in fact. While winning over Liverpool's vast support was accomplished with ease, the hard part for Babbel was convincing a disbelieving Bavarian public that a calamitous Euro 2000 campaign had not been compounded by the biggest mistake of his life.

He said: 'Even friends of mine smiled at me when I said I was going to Liverpool. They pointed out that I was playing for a great club who were winning things consistently at home and in Europe and asked why on earth I wanted to go to Liverpool. It did not make any sense to them.

'But I could see the potential and, while some people might have felt Liverpool had under-achieved for a number of years and failed to live up to their great history, I was confident things were about to take off.'

After making the break from Bayern Munich at the end of his contract, Babbel wasted no time settling into new surroundings and bringing a quiet authority to his role on the right of Liverpool's defence.

But he left behind scenes of uproar as some of his fellow Bavarians poured scorn on his Bosman- style defection and mocked a contentious decision to quit the German champions in favour of an Anfield revolution that was still in its infancy.

Liverpool's unassuming right back can still picture the cynical laughter from incredulous Bayern followers who gleefully predicted a continuing downward spiral for a reputation that had suffered a mauling during a bitter inquest into Germany's Euro 2000 failings.

The sense of dismay was hardly helped by Bayern's triumphant march into another Champions League Final at the expense of holders Real Madrid on Wednesday, but Babbel is adamant he has seen enough of Houllier's handiwork to be sure of having the last laugh.

As he prepared for tomorrow's FA Cup Final date with Arsenal, Babbel said: 'I'm delighted for Bayern because I still follow their progress and want them to do well. It would be a dream for me to help Liverpool claim that last Champions League place for next season and meet Bayern in the final.

'That would be the ultimate, but I know where my loyalties lie.

I couldn't be happier with the way my first season with Liverpool has gone and I don't look back on my time with Bayern and think that it could be me stepping out against Valencia.

'Why should I when I have already won something here and have so much still to look forward to. Bayern may have the chance of two titles if they can overcome Valencia and get past Schalke at the top of the Bundesliga, but I have the opportunity of three trophies with Liverpool and I would not swap that.

'I felt at the outset here that there were enough good players to give us a chance of winning trophies and that has been borne out as the campaign has developed.

'This season has been unbelievable and we must make sure we seize the opportunity before us and give every last ounce of effort against Arsenal and Alaves, because we won't play in three cup finals every year.

'We know all about Arsenal and there is no doubt Alaves would not have reached the UEFA Cup Final if they were not a good side also. But there's a belief and mental toughness in the squad, not to mention quality, that makes me believe we can win both finals to complete a hat-trick after our Worthington Cup victory.

'Even if we don't, I know from talking to my friends in Munich that we have already done enough to make them change their minds about my move.

'They have followed our achievements and are now telling me that I made the right decision and am playing for the right team. I was always convinced, but it's nice to know they are, too.'

Babbel can see a parallel between Bayern and Liverpool. He said: 'I have played in Bayern teams that have won championships and cups in Germany and Europe, and I can spot many of the same qualities in this Liverpool side. The only thing we don't have is their experience.

'Also, we can learn from their mindset. They begin each season believing they will win the league and, inevitably, they finish first or second. We must develop the same mentality and launch each Premiership campaign by saying "Come on, we have the quality to win the league".'

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