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TUESDAY 3 |
Aurelio injury 'seems serious'
Rafa Benitez has confirmed that the injury sustained by
Fabio Aurelio in Eindhoven could well be serious.
Liverpool's Brazilian wideman will undergo a scan on
Wednesday after being stretchered off during the second leg
of The Reds' 3-0 win over PSV in their UEFA Champions League
quarter-final.
Initial reports suggested that Aurelio had suffered a
ruptured Achilles, an injury that would likely threaten his
participation for the rest of the season.
Whilst Benitez could not confirm the extent of the blow, the
Spanish tactician admitted that he fears the worst over his
summer signing from Valencia.
"We need to wait, it seems serious," Benitez told Sky Sports
News.
"He has an Achilles tendon injury and we can see tomorrow
(Wednesday) when we do a scan. It seems serious."
(Sky Sports)
Gerrard rejects semi-final talk
Steven Gerrard refused to look beyond the return leg of
their Champions League quarter-final clash with PSV
Eindhoven despite an emphatic 3-0 win in Holland.
Gerrard opened the scoring in the first half with a header
before John Arne Riise and Peter Crouch completed a victory
after the visitors dominated the game in
the Philips Stadium.
However, the England midfielder dismissed the suggestion the
Reds were already in the last four and would not consider
the identity of their potential opponents.
Gerrard told ITV1: “I don’t think we’ll worry about that at
the moment. We need to finish it off, there are still 90
minutes to play and [we will] worry about that [the
semi-final] once we are there. We need to be professional.”
Team-mate Crouch admitted the scoreline was better than he
imagined before the game, saying: “We came to not concede
and get an away goal so it’s even better. To score three
goals away in Europe is always good.
“I don’t know if it is about the rotation system but all the
lads looked fresh out there tonight.
“It was great result away from home.”
(Evening Echo)
Rampant Liverpool hammer poor PSV
A ruthless Liverpool powered to a resounding win over PSV
Eindhoven to all-but book their place in the semi finals of
the Champions League.
Steven Gerrard thumped in a header from Steve Finnan's cross
to put the Reds ahead and become Liverpool's leading scorer
in European Cup competition.
PSV were ripe for the taking and the Reds showed no mercy as
John Arne Riise thundered in a long-range strike.
Peter Crouch put the gloss on the win when he nodded in
another Finnan cross.
Liverpool controlled the rest of the game after building up
an apparently unassailable lead and the only setback for the
visitors was a serious-looking injury to left midfielder
Fabio Aurelio.
(BBC Sport Online)
Crouch continues up front
Peter Crouch has been given just rewards for his hat trick
on Saturday and starts alongside Dirk Kuyt in Eindhoven
tonight.
Fabio Aurelio continues at left back, with Riise coming back
in on left midfield - Gonzales drops to the bench.
Stevie Gerrard moves to the right of midfield in place of
Pennant.
Team: Reina, Finnan, Agger, Carragher, Aurelio, Gerrard,
Alonso, Mascherano, Riise, Crouch, Kuyt.
Subs:Dudek, Arbeloa, Hyypiä, González, Pennant, Bellamy,
Zenden .
(This is Anfield)
Reds to play United
Liverpool will play Man Utd in the FA Youth Cup final.
Man Utd beat Arsenal 4-2 after extra time last night to
record a 4-3 aggregate win and book their place in the FA
Youth Cup final against the Reds.
The first leg is at Anfield on Monday, April 16th kick off
7.45pm while the second leg is at Old Trafford on Thursday,
April 19th, also at 7.45pm. Both legs will be shown live
on Sky Sports.
(LFC Online)
Ablett left fuming after defeat
Liverpool reserve team manager Gary Ablett was
bitterly disappointed after seeing his side capitulate in
the second half and lose 3-1 at Manchester City on Monday
night.
Things looked to be going smoothly when Nabil El Zhar gave
the Reds a first half lead but defensive mishaps led to City
turning the game around in the second half.
"We lost the game because there wasn't enough players on the
field to take enough responsibility," admitted a
disappointed Ablett.
(LFC Official Website)
Reina: I hope I'm not a jinx
Pepe Reina last night crossed his fingers and hoped that
history wouldn't repeat itself on Tuesday night when
Liverpool take on PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of the
Champions League quarter-finals.
The last time the Spanish goalkeeper faced the world's media
before a Champions League fixture, the Reds were knocked out
by Benfica the following evening, but Reina is determined it
won't happen again – despite the fact that PSV are managed
by former Benfica boss Ronald Koeman.
"I have been talking to the manager," joked Reina, "and I
reminded him that the last time I faced the press, we lost.
I have my fingers crossed it won't happen again!
(LFC Official Website)
Benitez isn’t afraid to make tough calls
It's times like tonight when Liverpool are so lucky to have
a manager like Rafael Benitez. Whatever anyone thinks of his
rotation policy – and I’ve been critical of it myself
earlier in the season – it’s working a treat at the moment.
Now I know you can never second-guess what side Rafa’s going
to put out but resting Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy against
Arsenal on Saturday indicates that he wants to start with
them in Eindhoven tonight.
They were the pairing that began both legs of the last round
against Barcelona so it perhaps makes sense to go with them
again.
And that means Benitez making a decision that many managers
might duck out of – dropping a forward fresh from scoring a
hat-trick.
(Mark Lawrenson - Liverpool Daily Post)
Benitez to be given major cash boost
Rafael Benitez has been told by Liverpool’s new American
owners they will bankroll a major summer spending spree.
The Anfield manager met with co-chairmen George Gillett and
Tom Hicks over the weekend for the first time since the duo
assumed unconditional control of the club.
And Benitez was given the green light to pursue his top
transfer targets with the new board ready to back his squad
rebuilding as he attempts to close the gap on Manchester
United and Chelsea.
Sevilla’s Brazilian wing-back Daniel Alves, Barcelona
forward Samuel Eto’o and Valencia’s David Villa are among
several players Benitez is now likely to pursue, with a
striker the top priority on his shopping list.
And while Gillett and Hicks won’t follow the example
previously set by Roman Abramovich and promise unlimited
funds, it is clear the Spaniard will be handed a substantial
warchest – understood to be in excess of £40million – when
the transfer window opens in June.
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Culina backing beleaguered PSV
PSV Eindhoven midfielder Jason Culina is feeling confident
ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first-leg
clash with Liverpool.
The Dutch Eredivisie leaders are without a number of key
players, including defender Alex and striker Arouna Kone,
but the 26-year-old Australian believes they can take their
league form into Europe's premier club competition.
He said: "The Champions League is another competition. Of
course we are missing some players, but we are ready for it.
"We shall see who will be in the line-up for Liverpool."
(TEAMtalk) |
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MONDAY 2 |
Rafa predicts a bright Red future
Rafael Benitez today predicted a 'brilliant future' for
Liverpool Football Club after revealing details of his
weekend meeting with new owners Tom Hicks and George
Gillett.
The Reds boss met with the American duo on Sunday and
emerged fully satisfied that the Reds are heading in the
right direction.
Speaking in Eindhoven ahead of the Champions League
quarter-final tie against PSV, he said: "It was an important
meeting in terms of the future of the club and it went well.
"We spoke about our ideas for the future and everything was
positive. I think this club has a brilliant future."
When asked how the recent takeover will affect his summer
transfer budget, he smiled and added: "We have a big
Champions League game against PSV to concentrate on and now
is not the time to talk about money."
(LFC Official Website)
Aurelio: I’m ready to impress
Liverpool’s first Brazilian footballer is finally ready to
parade his samba skills – after a frustrating stop-start
opening to his Anfield career.
Fabio Aurelio was an unsung hero in Liverpool’s 4-1
demolition of Arsenal on Saturday.
The summer signing from Valencia created two goals with
devastating crosses and was only denied a goal himself by
Jens Lehmann’s fingertips.
“I thought I’d scored,” the Reds defender smiled afterwards.
“It was my wife’s birthday and she said to me before the
game to try and score a goal as a present for her.
“I think Saturday was probably the most effective match I
have had since I’ve been
at Liverpool."
(Liverpool Echo)
Rafa not fooled by PSV
Rafa Benitez has warned his Liverpool side not to be tricked
by any problems PSV Eindhoven might be experiencing.
The Dutch side failed to win for the fourth game in
succession as they were held to a 1-1 draw by NAC Breda at
the weekend.
They also have a number of injury problems ahead of their
UEFA Champions League quarter-final home leg against
Liverpool on Tuesday, and the pressure is mounting on boss
Ronald Koeman.
But Benitez said: "Don't let anyone be fooled into thinking
that PSV will not fight with everything they have got to get
into the last four.
"We will not underestimate them. They beat Arsenal in the
last round and they are top of their league.
"Whatever their supposed problems are with form or injuries,
they will fight for this with everything they possess, have
no fears about that."
(Sky Sports)
Reds to begin stadium work in May
Liverpool will start the development of their new stadium in
Stanley Park in May after plans were agreed at a meeting
held over the weekend.
New owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks, along with chief
executive Rick Parry, met key figures from Liverpool City
Council, who approved the plan.
But the news ends any possibility of a new joint stadium
with Everton.
It is hoped that once tenders have gone out, the actual
construction will start in July and finish by the end of
2010.
Liverpool City Council leader Warren Bradley and director of
regeneration John Kelly attended the meeting with the
representatives from the Anfield club.
"Work on the final legal agreements between the city council
and club is almost complete, which will allow work on the
new stadium to start next month under the existing planning
permission granted last year," said a statement.
Chief executive Parry said the news was exciting for the
club and the city of Liverpool.
(BBC Sport Online)
Koeman wants PSV to focus on Europe
PSV Eindhoven coach Ronald Koeman has urged his players to
forget about their poor domestic form and enjoy their
European adventure as they prepare to meet Liverpool in the
Champions League.
The Dutch title-holders have struggled of late in the
Eredivisie and are without a win in three, including a 5-1
defeat to Ajax two weeks ago which allowed their great
rivals to close the gap to just three points at the top of
the table.
PSV will now switch their focus to Europe and Tuesday
night's opening leg of their quarter-final clash with
Liverpool at the Philips Stadion.
And Koeman admits he will welcome the distraction from their
domestic troubles.
"The problems we have in the Dutch competition are in the
background for a few days," said the former Holland
international.
(Sporting Life)
Bellamy boost for Reds
Craig Bellamy travelled with Liverpool's squad on Monday for
their Champions League quarter-final against PSV Eindhoven
despite still feeling the effects of a rib injury.
The Welsh international had been left out of the squad that
beat Arsenal at the weekend, having picked up ankle and rib
injuries while away playing for Wales last week.
Bellamy was considered fit enough to fly to Holland with the
squad but said: "I got a really hefty knock from the San
Marino 'keeper last week in Cardiff.
"It still hurts now when I breath but I really hope I will
be fit to play against PSV. This European run is so
important to me. I really want to be involved in what is the
best level
I have played at during my career."
(PA Sport)
Bellamy has Liverpool future
Liverpool have reportedly turned down a £7million offer from
Aston Villa for Craig Bellamy.
The fiery Welsh striker was a surprise omission from the
squad that thrashed Arsenal 4-1 on Saturday, sparking fresh
rumours that he could be on his way out of Anfield in the
summer.
However the Daily Mirror say Rafa Benitez has assured
Bellamy he has a future with the club and is expected to be
recalled for Tuesday night's Champions League clash
with PSV.
(Sporting Life)
Reds trio ready and able
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is confident that a troika of
his top players will be available for Tuesday's UEFA
Champions League quarter-final clash with PSV Eindhoven.
Saturday's highly impressive 4-1 demolition job on Arsenal
at the weekend was achieved without the services of the
rested Steve Finnan and Sami Hyypia, along with Craig
Bellamy, who is nursing a kick to his side and an ankle
injury.
Benitez, though, is not unduly concerned about the
Welshman's condition, with the Spanish tactician of the
opinion his fiery striker will be available for selection.
"We made decisions ahead of the Arsenal game not to use
players who had been away on international duty, sometimes
it is easier to do that against a smaller side, but against
a very top side like Arsenal it is difficult," said Benitez.
"But we had to use the squad to be sure we went into the PSV
game with as many people as possible fresh and ready.
"PSV had people at Anfield to watch us, and they will have
seen us score four against Arsenal, who they beat in the
last Champions League round. I hope they left worried."
(Sky Sports)
Injuries weaken PSV for visit of Liverpool
Liverpool will start favourites but PSV Eindhoven coach
Ronald Koeman will fancy another English scalp when the
Dutch club host the first leg of their Champions League
quarter-final on Tuesday.
PSV are riddled with injury problems, however, for the visit
of a Liverpool side who looked in fine fettle when beating
Arsenal 4-1 on Saturday to go third in the Premier League.
Towering Brazilian defender Alex, whose header knocked
Arsenal out at The Emirates Stadium, is sidelined by injury
while Ivorian striker Arouna Kone suffered a knee injury in
that game and has not played since.
Youngster Ibrahim Afellay, capped for the first time by the
Netherlands last week, is also struggling to recover from a
hamstring injury picked up during Saturday's 1-1 draw at NAC
Breda -- a result that meant PSV's lead in Dutch league was
trimmed to two points.
"We don't have the fittest squad at this moment," said
Koeman, "but we will not give up despite two matches against
Liverpool in a week."
(Reuters) |
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SUNDAY 1 |
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Gillett wants 'expandable' news stadium
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett wants room to expand when
the Reds go ahead with their plans to build a new stadium.
Gillett and fellow co-owner Tom Hicks completed their
takeover of the club this week and were at Anfield yesterday
as Liverpool beat Arsenal 4-1 to climb to third in the
Barclays Premiership.
Former chairman David Moores and the board had gained
planning permission to build a new stadium in nearby Stanley
Park, but Gillett and Hicks are looking at ways the stadium
can be improved within the accepted proposal – most
crucially that there is an option to increase capacity
should they want to in the future.
Gillett said: “To be competitive we must be patient because
any decision we make today will have to last for 50 or more
years."
(Ireland On-Line)
Gerrard is better than Pele
Steven Gerrard has triumphed over the world's greatest ever
footballer in the 2007 Galaxy Book Awards.
The Liverpool skipper's autobiography pipped that of
Brazilian legend Pele to claim top prize in Sports Book of
the Year category.
'Gerrard: My Autobiography' has proved a best-seller since
being published in September last year and easily outsold
those penned by England team-mates Wayne Rooney, Frank
Lampard and Ashley Cole.
This honour is the latest among a multitude of personal
accolades that have come his way recently, including the MBE
which he received from the Queen at Buckingham Palace a
fortnight ago.
(LFC Official Website)
Thor Zakariassen
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