0108: Rafa happy to welcome back stars
0108: Reds unable to prevent Swiss roll



 

AUGUST 1
Rafa happy to welcome back stars

Steve Hunter in Zurich - LFC Official Website

Rafael Benitez said he was pleased with the return to action of World Cup stars Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Peter Crouch and Jan Kromkamp and felt they were the main positives to take from the 2-0 defeat to Grasshoppers Zurich.

The World Cup stars played in the second half and Benitez felt Gerrard in particular was very sharp

"It was a typical pre-season game and we created seven or eight good chances but couldn't score, but the main positive for me was the return of Gerrard, Carragher, Crouch and Kromkamp," explained Benitez.

"Gerrard was sharp and was unlucky not to score and it's good to have players returning to action after they played in the World Cup.

"We made some mistakes for the goals but I'm not too worried about that once the season gets underway as we are trying some players out and giving some young players a chance.

"I thought it was an open game but I don't like open games because that can cause you problems defensively."

The Liverpool manager also had words of encouragement for 17-year-old centre half Jack Hobbs who recovered from a difficult afternoon against Kaiserslautern to putting in an assured display against Grasshoppers.

"I spoke with Jack and told him to cut out the mistakes and he listened well and I thought he did well in this match," added Benitez.

"Jack is a young player with potential and he will continue to work hard and learn."

The Reds manager also revealed Xabi Alonso should return to action against Mainz on Friday night after the Spanish midfield maestro was left out of the Zurich game as a precaution because of a slight ankle knock.

AUGUST 1
Reds unable to prevent Swiss roll

Mark Platt in Zurich - LFC Official Website

Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher made a welcome return to club action but were unable to prevent Liverpool slipping to their second successive pre-season defeat against Grasshoppers in Zurich on Tuesday afternoon.

Two first half goals condemned the Reds to a disappointing 2-0 defeat, although the result will be of little concern to Rafael Benitez who saw his squad continue their preparations for the new season with another useful run-out.

In what was another low-key friendly Vero Salatic and David Blumer fired the hosts to what will no doubt be viewed as a famous victory on Swiss National Day.

Plus points for the Reds boss, however, included the welcome return of World Cup stars Gerrard, Carragher, Peter Crouch and Pepe Reina, while summer signings Mark Gonzalez, Jermaine Pennant and Craig Bellamy showed yet again that they are adapting to life as Liverpool players, with each turning in a lively performance.