Zola relishing Reds challenge

West Ham boss wary of Liverpool

Last updated: 28th November 2008

Sunderland v West Ham Gianfranco Zola

Zola: Ready for battle

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Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to taking his West Ham side to Liverpool on Monday and has played down the significance of Fernando Torres' injury.

Torres is set to be sidelined for between two and three weeks with a hamstring problem and will not face the Hammers, but Zola accepts that Liverpool are strong in all departments.

The Reds are currently second in the Premier League table and Zola realises it will be difficult for his men to come away with a positive result.

The Italian knows it is crucial for West Ham to defend well but insists his players will also look to attack.

"Torres is a very important player for them," said Zola. "I don't know whether they'll change the way they play but he is important for them.

"Liverpool have a big squad so if Torres doesn't play they can play (Robbie) Keane or (Ryan) Babel. So they'll still be a threat for us.

"They've got enough options to cause us problems so obviously we're going to try to stop them and play our game.

"They haven't lost at home yet so it's a huge challenge but the reward will be huge if we win.

"We are going to play our match the way we normally play. We're not a team that can go there and sit back and wait and wait.

"We have different qualities but obviously our defensive side is going to be vital. When you play a side better than you, you have to look after the defensive side of the game and that's what we've been focusing on this week.

"But we're not going to be sitting waiting for something to happen."

Lampard praise

Zola has also admitted that he would rather have former Chelsea team-mates Frank Lampard and John Terry in his team than Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.

He admires Gerrard but, having played with Lampard, regards the Blues midfielder as one of the best in his position.

Zola explained: "I'm very divided but I'd have to have John Terry and Frank Lampard, no disrespect to anyone else.

"I know them very well and they were fantastic players for Chelsea.

"Frank Lampard is an excellent player because he can defend, he can clear, he can help the team to create and he can finish it.

"He's a fantastic player to have in your team. He's excellent and also scores important goals in important matches. The same goes for Gerrard."