Hamann: It will be electric

Didi Hamann is relishing the prospect of an 'electric' atmosphere at Anfield on Wednesday night when Liverpool play their Carling Cup semi-final, second-leg tie against Manchester City. The last time the Reds hosted a last four fixture was against Atletico Madrid in April 2010 and the German knows full-well how big a part the Kop crowd can play on special occasions at Anfield. "It's a cup game, they're 1-0 up and I think the atmosphere will be electric on Wednesday. I think it's a great opportunity to get rid of all that stuff that's getting written about the league," Hamann told LFC TV. "It won't be an easy game because they are playing against the best team in England at the moment, and the last two results in the league won't help but I think they have to cut that out now. It's a great opportunity to get a bit of confidence back, pull everybody back together, and get the punters behind the team again. "As I said, the atmosphere will be electric , we've not had a semi-final here for a few years and I just hope that everybody turns up, supports the team and if they do, I think we've got every chance." The Kaiser, who spent seven years at Anfield and proved the ultimate midfield shield for Liverpool defences throughout that period, is also looking forward to a counter-attacking display on Wednesday night - a tactic he feels the Reds currently play to perfection. He said: "The result in the first leg gives them the opportunity to play like the away side on Wednesday. I think this is where Liverpool are at their best, at the moment, where they can sit back, defend deep and play on the counter-attack. "I think in Bellamy, Downing and Stevie they've got three players who can do damage on the break with their pace. And I think this is how they are most effective at the moment. "If you play City at their game, it's very hard to beat them because they've got some outstanding individual players and some outstanding offensive talent, so you've got to make sure you don't give them too much space. "The further you drop back, the more you deny them space and I would like to see them playing pretty deep and try to hit them on the counter-attack." Hamann also emphasised the importance of togetherness and a good team spirit as Liverpool look to book a trip to Wembley for the first time since 1996 - a feat that, if achieved, the German feels should not be underestimated. "It's a massive game for Liverpool. It was a big trophy for us in 2001 and I think this could have a similar impact on the Liverpool team now," he said. "If they were to go to Wembley against a Championship side I think it would be a big boost. "I think the players just have to stick together and pull themselves out of that little hole they dug themselves in because clearly, they've got enough ability. This will be the same team or a similar team that went to Eastlands, won 1-0 two weeks ago, so why can't they do it again? " If you've got the likes of Downing and Bellamy available then the players just need to step up and go to the next level now because there are only three or four cup finals a year, two domestic cup competitions, and to be part of one is a big thing. "There's a big prize at the end of it and you play a Championship team in the final. "So I think that should be a motivation for everybody to get out there on Wednesday and get the result they need." Reflecting on Liverpool's defeat against Bolton on Saturday, Hamann said: "If you concede a goal after four or five minutes, away from home, against a very rigid team like Bolton, you don't make it any easier. "Liverpool are at their best at the moment when they play on the counter attack and you take that option away from yourself when you go one or two-nil behind. "But if Andy Carroll scores one or two goals, if confidence comes back, if Downing scores I don't think it's a big issue but when you're low on confidence, things don't fall for you." He added: "You have to work even harder to get that changed and maybe Wednesday is the day when we defend well, get a few goals and then you can look forward to the next few games."