Hamann for all seasons

By Stephanie Jones

Having made a major impression when he returned to UEFA Champions League action in the second leg of Liverpool FC's semi-final victory against Chelsea FC, midfield player Dietmar Hamann is hoping to play his part in Wednesday's final against AC Milan at Istanbul's Atatürk Olympic stadium.

Continuing progress
The German patrolled the midfield brilliantly against Chelsea, and is now hoping to add a Champions League crown to the UEFA Cup title he won under Rafael Benítez's predecessor as Liverpool coach, Gérard Houllier, in 2001. And for Hamann, reaching the final is a sure-fire sign of the club's progress.

Spanish contingent
"In my time here, we've only gone as far as the last 16 before," he told Champions magazine. "The club is heading in the right direction and the manager has done ever so well. He's brought in a few Spanish players, who've shown what they're capable of."

Eventful campaign
In six seasons at Anfield, Hamann has seen his share of ups and downs, but the 2004/05 campaign has been a particularly eventful one, with success in Europe coming in stark contrast to a Premiership season in which, perhaps in part due to injuries, Liverpool have lacked consistency.

'Good team'
Hamann admitted: "Sometimes we have problems taking the game to others, it probably suits us better when we sit back and play on the counterattack as we do against many of the top teams. But we're a good team - you don't get so far in Europe without being a good side."

Steady presence
A model of reliability, Hamann is the kind of player that Benítez can call upon to calm nerves on big occasions. "If I can help the team most by sitting back, then I'll do a job for the team there," he explained. "My work is breaking up [our opponents'] attacks and then starting our own."

Attacking pressure
With Liverpool expected to have to weather a lot of attacking pressure from Milan, Hamann may be due an exceptionally busy night in Istanbul. However, he knows what is expected of him, and in the service of a greater cause, is relishing the opportunity to ruin Milan's forward mobility. "I get a buzz from [making] a tackle, but mostly from winning games," he explained.

Footballing childhood
Born in Waldsassen in Bavaria, Hamann grew up around TSV 1860 München, where his father was a coach and his brother was a player. However, as a nine-year-old, he followed Hamburger SV as they won the European Champion Clubs' Cup in 1982/83, beating Juventus FC in the final.

Close quarters
Having watched that triumph, he was to see success at closer quarters after joining FC Bayern München as a player, seeing them win the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the UEFA Cup before making his move to England to join Newcastle United FC.

Famous past
Playing for big clubs with illustrious pasts has become a habit for Hamann. "It's an honour to play for these clubs," he said, adding of Liverpool: "They made their name in the 1970s and 80s when they ruled Europe. When you get a chance to play for such a club you have to take it and be proud."

Bright future
If he can help to give Liverpool their first European Cup win since 1983/84 on Wednesday, Hamann will have reason to be prouder still.

This is an abridged version of an article from Champions, the official magazine of the UEFA Champions League. Click here to subscribe.