Markus Babbel picks between 2001 Liverpool heroes and today’s stars as he relives UEFA Cup final goal
- Peter Kenny Jones
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel has compared the iconic 2001 treble-winning side with the current squad while also revisiting one of the most memorable nights of his career.
Speaking exclusively to The Football Historian on behalf of Champions League betting site BetWright, Babbel offered honest opinions on past and present Reds — and reflected on his goal in the unforgettable 2001 UEFA Cup Final.
Q&A with Markus Babbel
Q: Sander Westerveld or Alisson Becker?
Sorry Sander, but Alisson Becker is different class.
Q: Markus Babbel or Conor Bradley?
Of course, Conor is a big talent but I have to take myself!
Q: Sami Hyypia or Virgil van Dijk?
I would love both of them because they are both fantastic centre-backs. For me, it is the same level.
Q: Stephane Henchoz or Ibrahima Konate?
I have to go with Konate. Even if this season has not been his best, he is a top centre-back.
Q: Jamie Carragher or Milos Kerkez?
Come on — Jamie, of course!
Q: Danny Murphy or Cody Gakpo?
I would go with Cody Gakpo.
Q: Gary McAllister or Alexis Mac Allister?
Gary — more experience, top player, top guy.
Q: Dietmar Hamann or Dominik Szoboszlai?
It depends. If you want a No.6, then you go with Didi Hamann. If you want a No.8, then Szoboszlai. But I will go with Didi.
Q: Steven Gerrard or Mo Salah?
I have to go with Stevie. He is a legend — he has to be in the team.
Q: Emile Heskey or Alexander Isak?
Emile, of course.
Q: Michael Owen or Hugo Ekitike?
Michael.
Q: Gerard Houllier or Arne Slot?
Both are top managers but I'll go with Gerard Houllier.
On his goal in the 2001 UEFA Cup final
Q: Can you talk us through your goal and what that final meant?
I think it was a free-kick from the side. It was clear I should go forward — I am not the smallest — and the ball came perfectly. When it came, I was sure I would score.
For me as a defender, it was always something special to score a goal. It did not happen often, so I was always happy when it did.
When you see your teammates jumping on you and the crowd celebrating, it is a special moment because you do not experience that every day. And especially because it was the opener in a European final, it made it even more special.
On the chaos of the final
Q: What do you remember about the game overall?
It was mad all the time. Every time I thought, “Now we have them,” they came back.
We knew they were a strong side, but from the names, everyone expected us to win — and it was not so easy. You could see in the final why it was difficult to beat them.
I have had two golden goals in my career — both in finals, both winners — one with Germany and one with Liverpool. The funny thing is that the rules changed. Before, you scored and it was finished. In this game, we still had to play until the end.
But it was a fantastic emotion, especially for us German players. The final was in Dortmund, Bayern Munich’s big rival, and to win there with Liverpool — in front of so many supporters, friends and family — was something truly special.
On scoring in the Merseyside derby
Q: What was it like to score against Everton and win in that fashion?
Normally, I hated derbies because you are always the favourite. With Bayern against 1860 Munich, or Liverpool against Everton, you are expected to win — and if you do not, the supporters are very angry.
In a derby, you do not have to play well. You just have to win — that is the only target.
I remember the game — so many long balls, so many tackles, unbelievable moments. At Goodison Park, even the kids were shouting at you!
For my goal, it was a counter-attack. I was running and even thinking, “What are you doing? You are a right-back, stay in position!” But I kept going.
When the ball came, I just focused on my technique — hit it clean — and bang, it was in. It was a fantastic feeling.
Afterwards, I realised how important that game was for the supporters, because people still talk to me about that goal now.
And then, of course, Gary McAllister produced that incredible winner. That was experience, technique, top class. His mindset was unbelievable. He knew exactly what to do — the goalkeeper expected a cross, so he went for the near post.
Only he could do that. And when it went in — it was an incredible feeling.
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