Post-match
Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez was happy with his players after they had come from behind to win the match: "It was a difficult game. We were controlling the game, passing the ball around and then we made a mistake and had to work really hard to get back. They played well, but I think we controlled the game. To score three goals is not easy. I can say that we are very happy now with this trophy. Now is the time to enjoy our victory." With five days of the transfer window left, Benítez refused to speculate on whether Liverpool would sign Michael Owen stating: "I like good players, we have a lot of them here."
CSKA Moscow manager Valery Gazzaev praised his players despite their loss and hinted that injuries may have been a factor in the loss: "The game was satisfactory – we had followed the plan we set out, but still we made two mistakes. On the whole I think our team played very well but of course it is a shame we didn't win. We had a lot of good opportunities but we couldn't do it. Liverpool played as we expected – they played quite aggressively. We didn't feel uncomfortable but we made a couple of mistakes." Gazzaev rued the injuries his team suffered indicating there might have been a different outcome had certain players been fit.
Despite Cissé's two goals there had been speculation linking Liverpool with re-signing Michael Owen who had left the club for Real Madrid a year earlier. Liverpool fans had even chanted Owen's name during the match singing "There's only one Michael Owen." Cissé underlined the importance of scoring twice with speculation rife: "It is clear scoring two goals in the Super Cup is important for me, because there has been a lot of speculation about me of late and about my position within the club." Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher stated the importance of the two goals for Cissé: "Cissé wanted to prove a point – he wanted to show everyone what he can do and great credit to him. We're the players – it's up to us to play and the management decides which players we have." Carragher confirmed that Liverpool missed their captain Gerrard, but was delighted to win the match despite this.
Read more about this topic: 2005 UEFA Super Cup