By Craig McWalter
March 13 2002

Stand In Liverpool Boss Phil Thompson has slated Barcelona for allowing there stars to slate the way Liverpool played in last years semi final. Phil Thompson has criticised Barcelona for allowing their players to slate opposing teams.

The Anfield caretaker manager was disappointed to find that Barcelona stars Frank de Boer and Patrick Kluivert have been bad-mouthing Liverpool in the run-up to their crucial Champions League game at the Nou Camp tonight.

The two Dutchmen have branded Liverpool boring and negative, while de Boer has stated that he could never play for such a team.

Thompson knows Liverpool's Champions League jaunt will be over if they lose, and was upset to discover how much abuse had been levelled at his team by the Barcelona stars in the run-up to the game.

Thompson said: "We would never allow our players to talk like this about opponents."

"It's up to them entirely what they say, but it doesn't surprise me, put it that way. We will have our response when the time is right.

"I have respect for their football club, their players and that is the way it should be. Obviously you are disappointed when you hear things said by opponents, but it doesn't surprise me knowing the players who are involved.

"But I have total respect for them. They are a world famous club with top quality players. I wouldn't criticise them or their players, I have too much respect for that, and I wouldn't let any of my players do it either."

The Catalan side have been crowing since they won 3-1 at Anfield earlier in the season, branding Liverpool negative, boring and second-rate. The words have not been well received in the Liverpool dressing room.

That defeat by Barcelona back in November still hurts, but more so because the impression abroad has been that Liverpool were outclassed and taught a lesson for 90 minutes.

Even without Michael Owen and the cup-tied Nicolas Anelka, Liverpool believe they can cling onto their dream of reaching the quarter-finals.

Liverpool's German midfielder, Dietmar Hamann, said: "Losing to Barcelona was the only time we have been defeated in the Champions League this season, and we are chasing the points now. We need to get something from the game."

Rivaldo Will now play tonight after taking an pain killing injection. Steven Gerrard looks good for s start in midfield.