By Craig McWalter
April 1 2002

The Spanish side have already beaten Man U home and away in this season's Champions League. If they can overcome Man U again, Deportivo will face the winners of The Pool's quarter-final against Bayer Leverkusen - a prospect that Irureta is not looking forward to. He told the News of the World: "Liverpool will cause us more problems than United, even though they are a less spectacular team.

"Liverpool's four midfielders - Dietmar Hamann, Steven Gerrard, John Arne Riise and Danny Murphy - are players who have more strength than ability.

"In comparison, the United quartet - Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and David Beckham - are more cavalier and possess a great touch.

"But the Liverpool players are like dogs of war, even though they are less able on the ball. "That's why I'm worried about facing Houllier's side because they would make life more uncomfortable for my team."Sir Alex's side want to have the initiative, to dominate possession and dictate play - but they also let you play.

"When Liverpool haven't got the ball they make it very difficult for you to create chances.

"They give you problems with their physical game. They mark tightly and put great pressure on the opposition.

"Then they find spaces which they can exploit with Michael Owen's speed.

"I watched their games against Barcelona and they didn't allow them to breathe.

"But the coach has to bear in mind the characteristics of the players because you form your style of play around them.

"If you have strong players like Gerrard and Riise then you have to go with that type of football."