1907: Rafa pleased with Dossena debut
1907: Voronin on target again in draw

 

JULY 19
Rafa pleased with Dossena debut

By Steve Hunter in the Stade St-Leonard in Fribourg - LFC Official Website

Rafael Benitez declared himself satisfied with the debut of Andrea Dossena after the Italian defender impressed in the 1-1 draw with Wisla Krakow in Fribourg.

The former Udinese full-back featured for 62 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Krakow and the Reds boss admitted it was good to see him play his first game for the club.

"Dossena did okay," said Rafa. "It was important for him to play his first game. He is a good player and a good professional.

"He needs to understand our system and the way we play and he will get better with the more games he plays."

As for the match itself, the manager felt there were many positives for him to take from the run-out.

"I think we did really well in the first-half," he said.

"We had really good possession, the understanding between the players was good and we showed a good attacking mentality.

"We were playing against a team that was well organised and it was a step up in fitness for us.

"We had some chances but they did too so a draw was probably a fair result."

Benitez also had words of encouragement for striker Andriy Voronin, who scored his second goal in the pre-season to give Liverpool the lead on six minutes.

"He played really well," added Rafa.

"He showed the quality he has and he is a good player."

The Reds boss also revealed that Philipp Degen missed the game with a minor muscle problem but is expected to be fit for the clash with Hertha Berlin in Germany on Tuesday.

JULY 19
Voronin on target again in draw

By Matt Ladson - This Is Anfield

Andriy Voronin was on target again as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Polish side Wisla Krakow in Switzerland on Saturday evening.

New signing Andrea Dossena made his debut at left back and played 60 minutes. Youngster Stephen Darby also started at right back as he got a chance to impress.

Steven Gerrard did not play after leaving the Reds’ training camp to have treatment on a groin injury he sustained this week, he will also miss next weeks friendly with Hertha Berlin on Tuesday.

Voronin, who has been linked with a move to Hamburg, scored his second goal of the Reds’ Swiss tour, opening the scoring in the sixth minute from close range at the second attempt after the keeper had parried his first shot from a Benayoun cross.

But the Polish side equalised just five minutes later with a good goal on the counter attack.

Thor Zakariassen ©