www.milanbaros.cz

Despite the fact that most people have him pencilled in for a place on the Liverpool bench in Istanbul, Milan Baros is determined to play a meaningful part in what could be his last appearance for the Merseysiders. If he does so he will make history back home.

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'If I play I'll be the first Czech ever to appear in the Champions League final. Pavel Nedved helped Juventus to the final [against AC Milan] two years ago, but he was suspended in the semi-finals so couldn't play in the big game. So I could become the first Czech,' reflects the 23-year old striker.

'That would definitely be one of the highlights of my career. It's always great to be a pioneer. Given our football traditions, it's almost unbelievable that I might be the first Czech to do that. But my biggest concern is to play a part and make sure that Liverpool win.'

 The Czech striker has found it increasingly difficult to secure a starting place in Rafa Benitez' side this season, particularly since the return from long-term injury of French striker Djibril Cisse. Realistically, it seems Baros can hope for a second half appearance from the bench. But the Czech shrugs off the pre-match 'speculation' as irrelevant.

'I don't read the British press and so I don't know what they're writing. As far as I'm concerned it's all just speculation. The coach will tell us the starting line-up on the day of the final.

'Needless to say, every player wants to play in the Champions League final, and I'm no exception. I can only do my best to be ready if I'm picked.'

Baros claims the recent criticism of Benitez which has been attributed to him is the result of comments made in the Czech press being lost in translation. But even when he endeavours to toe the party line it is clear that being relegated to a more peripheral role at Anfield in recent months has not pleased him.

'It's up to the coach who he fields or how long he keeps a player on the pitch. It's true that I'd be happier to be getting more time on the pitch. I feel ready before the final. We'll just have to see if I get my chance and for how long.'

When he has shone for the Czech Republic, Baros has tended to be at his most effective when working in tandem with Jan Koller.

Part of his problem for Liverpool has been that, particularly in Europe, Benitez has favoured a counter-attacking 4-5-1 formation, and Cisse's pace and strength appear to have now established him as the best fit for this system.

'The coach obviously has to take into account lots of different factors when choosing his optimum line-up,' reflects Baros. 'But for me, as a striker, I would always prefer to be playing with a partner up front, as I feel that in most cases the attack is going to be more effective.

Milan go into Wednesday night's encounter as firm favourites, but Baros believes that, after victories over two of the competition favourites in the previous rounds, Liverpool have nothing to fear from the Rossoneri. 'The fact that we knocked out Juventus and Chelsea shows we are not in the final by accident,' he said.

Those victories were secured using almost catenaccio style defensive resilience, combined with swift counter punches. And Baros hints that it could be more of the same in Istanbul.

'I don't think we'll be seeing any crazy attacking from either team. You don't get a second leg in the final, so both sets of defenders are going to be very cautious.

'But having said that, you still need to score to win it, and that's what we will be trying to do. I think solid defending with quick counterattacks is one of the likely options, but it will all be down to Rafael Benitez to decide the best strategy.'

Baros is still pondering the best strategy as regards his own future, which almost certainly lies away from Liverpool.

In the last two months, speculation over Baros future has been rife. Links to various Italian clubs have recently given way to alleged interest from Lyon and Aston Villa, who have just completed the capture of former Liverpool colleague and compatriot Patrik Berger.

For the moment, though, Baros just wants to ensure that his season, and possibly his Anfield career, ends on a high.

'As I understand it, there are a number of clubs interested in me, both in Britain and elsewhere. But, I think it's premature at this stage to be talking about where I might be going this summer.

'Right now, I'm at Liverpool, and my only concern is to win the Champions League. It's the chance of a lifetime for me, and everyone else at the club.'

by Soccernet