United Not the Threat, Says Irureta

The coach of Deportivo La Coruna warmed the atmosphere before tomorrow's Champions League quarter-final with Manchester United by saying he was more worried about the prospect of facing Liverpool in the semi-final than taking on Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

Deportivo have beaten United home and away this season but Javier Irureta thinks Gérard Houllier's "dogs of war" are a stronger team.

"Liverpool will cause us more problems than United, even though they are a less spectacular team," Irureta said. "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."

Irureta also dismissed suggestions by Arsène Wenger that Deportivo had not tried in their final group game against Bayer Leverkusen. The German side won 3-1, knocking Arsenal out. "It's pathetic to make such accusations," he said. "He's looking for weak excuses."

Deportivo lost ground in the Spanish title race on Saturday, drawing 1-1 at Real Sociedad. Real Madrid stayed top on goal difference from Valencia after a hard-fought 1-0 win at Sevilla.

Bayer Leverkusen, who face Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday, moved four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga by coming back from two down to win 4-2 at Kaiserslautern on Saturday. Second-placed Borussia Dortmund lost 3-2 at Stuttgart, while Bayern Munich could manage only a goalless draw at Hamburg.

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