AURELIO HAILS WINNING MENTALITY
Steve Hunter 08 February 2009
Fabio Aurelio hailed Liverpool's character and fighting spirit after the Reds returned to the top of the Barclays Premier League with a 3-2 win at Portsmouth on Saturday.
Fernando Torres' injury time winner gave Rafael Benitez's side the vital three points, and the Brazilian admitted there was a great feeling in the dressing room after the game.
"It was really important to win and we kept going right until the end," Aurelio told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"The manager made a lot of changes to the team because we had a lot of players who were tired after the FA Cup game against Everton, so everybody tried to do their best.
"We had difficulties during the game but we twice came back and we have to be really pleased with the win.
"I thought we controlled the first half but in the second half it was like the beginning of the season when we were behind and then kept coming back.
"To win a game like this will help us for the rest of the season to keep fighting right until the end.
"It was really important three points, because we have two weeks now before our next game. We have a winning mentality and it gives us a lot of confidence.
"We will keep fighting hard and keep the pressure on Manchester United."
On his superb free-kick Aurelio said: "Portsmouth had every player right in front of the goal but all I tried to do was kick the ball as hard as I could and find a space - fortunately for me the ball went into the net.
"It was a good feeling and I was pleased with the goal because it helped the team go on and get a good result."
The Reds number 12 started the match in central midfield and ended the game at left back, something which he admitted took some getting used to at first.
"It's not my natural position but I did play some games there for Rafa at Valencia," he said.
"I haven't played in the centre of midfield for quite a while and the manager told me on Saturday morning I would be playing there.
"It's always difficult when you haven't played in a position like that for some time but I tried to do the best I could, and I am happy because I could help the team get a great result."
Reflecting on El Nino's last-gasp winner, Aurelio said: "It was an unbelievable goal and a wonderful header from Fernando.
"It was a good cross from Yossi Benayoun with his left foot for the winning goal. We were joking with Yossi in the dressing room about him using his left foot. We were happy he did."