Rush tips Reds to turn the tide

Former Liverpool FC striker Ian Rush insists Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard can produce the goal they need to turn the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Chelsea FC back in their favour. If John Arne Riise's stoppage-time own goal in the 1-1 draw at Anfield tipped the balance towards the Londoners, Rush, who scored 346 goals in 660 games for Liverpool and won the 1984 European Champion Clubs' Cup, believes the tie is far from over.

What did you think of Liverpool's first-leg display?

Ian Rush: Sometimes you have a bit of luck, sometimes you don't, but I thought Liverpool played very well. I think they deserved to win. If it had been 1-0, I think Liverpool would have been favourites to go through, but at 1-1, Chelsea are favourites. Typical Liverpool, they like being the underdogs. I think it's going to be an absolutely fantastic second game. Liverpool were the better team, they played very well. And if they can go to Stamford Bridge and do that again, I think they can get the result. The likes of Torres and Gerrard are always capable of scoring. It wouldn't surprise me if the game went to penalties because the last three times they've played have been so close, but I do think Liverpool will score.

Will Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez have to change tactics for the second leg?

Rush: I don't think he will. I think they will play a similar formation. The good thing is that if they are struggling they can change it – they have [Peter] Crouch and [Jermaine] Pennant on the bench, so they can change into 4-4-2. They will see how it goes in the first half. If it's going well I think they'll keep the same formation, if not Crouch is always liable to come on and cause problems.

How does the class of 2008 compare with 2005?

Rush: You would say they have a stronger squad now. They are more confident now but you need a bit of luck to win anything. Chelsea had the luck [in the first leg]. In 2005 Liverpool had the luck on their side. But I think this is a stronger squad than 2005 and that's why Liverpool supporters still believe they can go to Moscow.

Does it make a big difference that the second leg is away?

Rush: I believe Liverpool can go to Chelsea and score a goal. If it had been at Anfield it would be completely different because there is such a fantastic atmosphere there, but at Chelsea, for me anyway, it seems to be just a normal ground where Liverpool supporters can go and let their voices be heard.

Is Fernando Torres a striking legend in the making?

Rush: Hopefully. I think he has had an absolutely fantastic season for Liverpool. To come and score 30 goals is incredible. Next year will be a big test for him but I think he's big enough and strong enough and good enough to go on to better things. If Torres is going to become a legend then Liverpool are going to be successful.  

What are his main strengths?

Rush: He's quick over ten yards. He can kick with both feet. People say he can't head the ball but he's good in the air as well. He also reads the game very well. He's got a very good understanding with Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard has compared Torres to yourself. Is it a fair comparison?

Rush: Yes, he's good-looking as well! I just like watching Torres play. He's a great player and people compare him with me, probably because over the first ten yards he is quick and good with both feet. I happened to do that as well.

If Torres is the new Rush, does that make Gerrard the new Kenny Dalglish in his more attacking role?

Rush: In the understanding they have together, I would say yes. Myself and Kenny had an excellent understanding. I think Gerrard and Torres are very, very similar. When you look at Gerrard, he doesn't put the ball to feet, he just puts the ball into the space for Torres and Torres is reading that already. Apart from being quick over ten yards, he also has a yard or two in his head so that gives him a little bit of space. It is very similar.

An all-English UEFA Champions League final is still a possibility. Perhaps Liverpool versus Manchester United ...

Rush: That would be incredible.

Who would win it?

Rush: Liverpool. In a one-off game in Europe, I'd never bet against Liverpool.

This interview appears in the latest edition of UEFA Champions League Weekly, the official television programme of the UEFA Champions League.