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MONDAY 3 |
Gerrard: Future's bright at Anfield
Steven Gerrard remains convinced he can win The Premier
League and fulfil his lofty ambitions at Liverpool, and has
addressed misleading interpretations of his rallying call
before the weekend’s win over Bolton.
Despite the club’s struggles though, Gerrard is certain that
under Benitez, Liverpool have the capability to finish
fourth this season and then make a renewed assault for their
first league title since 1990.
“I am hungry for trophies – even more than when I was
younger,” said Gerrard on the club’s official website.
“Maybe it's because I'm running out of time a bit! I'm 27
and want to make the most of my career and be as successful
as I can.
“I think I am at the right club to do that because we've got
a good squad and we are improving all the time. And we've
got a good manager, so I'm really confident I can lift many
more trophies here – and not just the Champions League."
(Setanta Sports)
Babel's pledge on form
Ryan Babel today pledged to follow up his best performance
yet for Liverpool with even more "beautiful" displays in a
red shirt.
As well as scoring Liverpool’s second goal in a resounding
3-1 win at Bolton yesterday, the Dutch star terrorised Gary
Megson’s side throughout.
And despite being satisfied with his own performance, Babel
insists there is more to come from both himself and the
team.
He said: “I think that was one of my better games for
Liverpool and I felt more confident as the game went on.
“I still think I will improve some more though because I am
still getting used to football in this country.
“I am not where I want to be just yet but hopefully soon I
will find my level and I can play beautiful football for
Liverpool."
(Liverpool Echo)
Chivu a doubt for Reds clash
Inter star Cristian Chivu has emerged as a doubt for the
Champions League clash with Liverpool after picking up a
knock during the weekend defeat to Napoli.
The Serie A giants lost their first game of the season in
the domestic scene and chairman Massimo Moratti claims that
he is more interested in his defenders’ health than in the
result.
The Italian champions already lost centre back Ivan Cordoba
due to an injury suffered at Anfield and Marco Materazzi is
banned due to the red card he was shown in the first leg.
"It makes us worried,” Moratti told the club’s official
website. “We hope Chivu can make it in time for Liverpool.
“Unfortunately the injuries are all to players who play in
the same role, so we'll have to be very careful and those
who play in these upcoming matches will have to be in form."
(Setanta Sports)
Moyes: Reds should finish fourth
Everton manager David Moyes says Mersey rivals Liverpool
remain favourites to clinch the fourth Champions League spot
in the Premier League this season.
Both teams won on Sunday, leaving Everton three points ahead
of Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
Moyes said: "We are doing everything we can to make a fight
of it but Liverpool have to be favourites, still.
"We have been consistent but for them fourth would be
expected. The bookies are right to make them favourites."
(BBC Sport Online) |
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SUNDAY 2 |
Benitez: West Ham game crucial
if Liverpool are to finish fourth
Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool are right in the frame to
clinch
a Champions League place.
Benitez’s side followed up last weekend’s Barclays Premier
League win against Middlesbrough by beating Bolton 3-1 at
the Reebok Stadium today.
Liverpool now entertain West Ham on Wednesday in good heart
after this comfortable victory.
Benitez said: “Every win is important when you are fighting
for fourth place.
“You need to put the other teams around you under pressure
and we have done that today.
“As we have a game in hand, it depends on what we do. You do
not need to see the table every day.
“If we can win against West Ham, then we go go into the game
after that with confidence.”
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Megson: No blame for Jussi
Bolton manager Gary Megson has defended Jussi Jaaskelainen
after the goalkeeper's gaffe handed Liverpool a 3-1 win at
the Reebok Stadium.
"Jussi is a fantastic goalkeeper," said Megson. "He made two
great saves after that.
"He has held his hands up but these balls move quite a bit
in the air and it came back and hit him in the face."
(Sky Sports)
Gerrard beaming after 'massive' win
Steven Gerrard believes his assessment of Liverpool's
domestic campaign in midweek was essential after the Reds'
3-1 win at Bolton
on Sunday.
The Liverpool skipper voiced his dismay at the club's
position in the Premier League which sees them competing
with the likes of Everton and Aston Villa for the fourth
Champions League spot.
Gerrard told Setanta 1: "As captain of the team, it is
sometimes needed. We are disappointed with where we are in
the league.
"We need to keep together and keep fighting to the end.
"It wasn't a negative thing."
Gerrard conceded it was a hugely important result, saying:
"It was massive. Everyone around us is doing really well at
the moment we've been inconsistent so it's important to get
the points."
Babel insisted Gerrard's critique of the Reds' fortunes had
been fruitful, saying: "Today you saw our confidence on the
pitch.
"You have to keep pressure on Everton and I'm sure they will
lose points at the end."
(TEAMtalk)
Jussi gaffe gifts Reds win
Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen produced a torrid own
goal to help Liverpool move up to fourth in the Premier
League with a 3-1 win at
the Reebok Stadium.
The Trotters had dominated the opening stages, but on 12
minutes Jaaskelainen fumbled low 25-yard drive from
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard to turn the wide effort
into his own net.
Things then continued in flowing style with the visitors
looking dangerous on the counter-attack, while Bolton were
only denied an equaliser when Liverpool goalkeeper Jose
Reina expertly saved from the head of
Kevin Davies.
Liverpool, though, then dominated after the interval and on
60 minutes Ryan Babel - who impressed throughout - was on
hand to drive in after Dirk Kuyt had hit the post and Gary
Cahill failed to clear.
Fifteen minutes later Fabio Aurelio scored his first for
Liverpool, and the Merseyside outfit's third, as the
Brazilian volleyed in from the edge of the area at a Xabi
Alonso corner.
Bolton substitute Tamir Cohen also opened his account as he
headed in
a 77th minute consolation from a precise Matt Taylor corner,
but Liverpool held on for the victory.
(Sky Sports)
Carra returns against Bolton
Jamie Carragher makes a welcome return to the Liverpool
starting line-up for this afternoon's clash with Bolton at
the Reebok Stadium.
The vice captain, who missed last weekend's win over
Middlesbrough through suspension, will take the place of
Steve Finnan at right-back, with Martin Skrtel also
returning to partner Sami Hyypia at the heart of
the defence.
Xabi Alonso comes into the midfield in place of Lucas Leiva
as Rafael Benitez makes three changes to the side that beat
Middlesbrough.
The Liverpool team in full: Reina, Carragher, Aurelio,
Skrtel, Hyypia, Mascherano, Gerrard, Alonso, Babel, Kuyt,
Torres.
Subs: Martin, Riise, Benayoun, Crouch, Arbeloa.
(LFC Official Website)
Benitez eyes long Reds stay
Rafa Benitez has spoken of his determination to extend his
stay
with Liverpool.
Following a public spat with the club’s owners earlier in
the season, there has been a thawing of relations at Anfield
and Benitez now seems totally at ease in his present
surroundings.
"I have confidence I will be here for a long time - not just
for two years,"
he said.
"I have 18 months left on my contract but I have a lot of
confidence that it will be easier next season and I am sure
the situation will change in
the future.”
(Setanta Sports) |
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SATURDAY 1 |
U18s held after controversial penalty
Liverpool Under-18s were hard done by during a 1-1 draw at
home to Wolves on Saturday morning.
A second-half equaliser from Steven Irwin earned the boys a
point after a controversial penalty decision helped give the
visitors an early lead.
Michael Scott was adjudged to have handled in the box on 25
minutes – yet a bloody nose provided proof that the ball had
clearly hit the young defender in the face.
(LFC Official Website)
New deals for Reds duo
Liverpool are ready to offer new contracts to both Peter
Crouch and Sami Hyypia.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez is looking to tie the pair down to
new deals in a bid to ward off growing interest in them from
clubs at home and abroad.
Despite approaching his 35th birthday, Hyypia has been one
of Liverpool's star performers this season and Benitez is
keen to reward the long-serving Finn by offering him an
extension which would see him clock up a decade of service
at Anfield.
Crouch's situation is more complicated as he in the last 18
months of his current deal and, having been in and out of
the starting line-up this season, it is unclear whether he
will be prepared to commit his long term future to the club.
Under the terms of a recent landmark legal case which has
had massive implications for players contracts, Crouch will
this summer be in a position to take advantage of Article 17
of FIFA's regulations on the status and transfer of players.
This rule allows players under the age of 28 who have served
three years of a four or five year contract to effectively
hand in their notice and move to another club.
Players over 28 can take advantage of the ruling after just
two years of their contract.
Benitez is ready to test just how happy Crouch is at
Liverpool and a formal contract offer is expected to be made
imminently.
(Liverpool Echo)
Gerrard knows Reds' summer targets
Rafa Benitez is confident Steven Gerrard is not even close
to considering leaving Liverpool – because he knows which
players the Spaniard is planning to sign.
Doubts were cast over Gerrard’s future by the more
speculative journalists this week after the Liverpool
skipper declared The Reds’ season was ‘unacceptable’.
Benitez ridiculed reports of a possible summer exit for his
skipper though, revealing Gerrard is aware of the quality of
player Liverpool are planning to sign during the close
season.
"I think Steven can realise his ambitions here, I am sure,"
the Liverpool manager told the club’s official website. "We
are progressing, going in the right direction.
"He is very happy here. His commitment is 100 per cent. You
could see this week in every training session he is
committed. I think he will be here for a long time.
“I talk with him about ideas for the future. Steven knows
some ideas that we have (about new players). I can't explain
every movement, but our scouts are working hard around the
world.”
(Setanta Sports)
Thor Zakariassen
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