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THURSDAY 3 |
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Sissoko wants Serb punished
Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko has urged Uefa to severely
punish Nenad Jestrovic, after the Anderlecht player was sent
off for racial abuse.
Jestrovic was dismissed during Anderlecht's 3-0 defeat at
Anfield in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, just
minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen showed Jestrovic the red
card for using racist language towards Reds midfielder
Sissoko.
The Mali international has now called on the authorities to
make an example of the Serb, who has vehemently protested
his innocence.
"This type of behaviour deserves a serious punishment
because it sets a bad example to the whole world," said
Sissoko.
"The referee heard it but now the player claims he didn't
say anything.
"I do not understand the attitude of Jestrovic. It was the
first time we came up against each other in the match and he
seriously insulted me without provocation. It was his
reaction that I do not understand."
(Sky Sports)
Liverpool ready to use Morientes as
bait for Joaquin deal
Fernando Morientes may have sparkled for Liverpool in their
Champions' League victory over Anderlecht on Tuesday, but
the European champions are exploring the possibility of
off-loading the Spanish striker in a deal to bring Real
Betis' Joaquin to Anfield. The Spanish side are believed to
want a £7m payment - as well as the Spain international - in
return for their prize asset.
(The Independent)
Everybody backs Crouch
The whole Liverpool squad are backing Peter
Crouch to end his goal drought says Luis Garcia.
Crouch is yet to score for the Reds but is hoping to break
his duck against former club Aston Villa on Saturday. Luis
Garcia says the whole club is willing him on.
"We are trying to understand Peter's style of play. He's not
scoring goals at the moment but he's a very important player
for the team. He keeps the ball well and always looks to go
forward which is good for us," said the Liverpool number 10.
"We are not thinking about what people say because we know
he's an important player. All strikers need goals but
sometimes it can happen that strikers can go for a long
period of time without scoring. It might not be good for the
confidence but I'm sure he'll score very soon.
"We are certainly not worried about him not scoring. Other
players are scoring goals at the moment and his time will
come.
"All the players are with him. We know he's a good player
and that's the most important thing. Nobody is worried about
it in the dressing room. He gives the team a lot of
qualities and the goals will come."
(LFC Online)
Flo on the mark but sees red in draw
French star Florent Sinama-Pongolle scored for Liverpool
Reserves in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City but was later
sent-off for dissent after contesting a turned down penalty,
at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground.
Sinama-Pongolle had a fine game leading the Reds attack and
reacted well to score the equaliser early in the second half
after City had taken a first half lead. He was then sent-off
five minutes from time in very controversial circumstances
and it seemed very unfortunate.
The Reds striker was clearly fouled and it was as blatant a
penalty as you will see but referee Mr Hendley turned it
down. Sinama-Pongolle was far from happy and was judged to
have said something to the referee's assistant. He then
called the referee over and Sinama-Pongolle was then red
carded.
Liverpool clearly should have had a penalty and the Reds
were unlucky not to win the game against a City side full of
experience.
The biggest name on show was Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler
who was making his comeback from injury. Fowler had a lively
first half showing some nice touches but missed a great
chance and understandably tired in the second half.
Overall Liverpool deserved to win the game but they didn't
get the luck they deserved with the penalty being turned
down and then to rub salt in the wounds Sinama-Pongolle
being sent-off.
Liverpool Reserves: Dudek, Raven, Whitbread (Smith 73),
Antwi, O'Donnell, Hobbs (Idrizaj 64), Guthrie, Peltier
(Mannix 73), Calliste, Sinama-Pongolle, Potter. Subs unused:
Roque, Willis.
(LFC Official Website) |
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WEDNESDAY 2 |
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Nando boost for Reds
Liverpool today received a fitness boost with the news that
striker Fernando Morientes will be available for Premiership
action at Aston Villa this weekend.
The Spanish striker was substituted during the Reds' 3-0
victory over Anderlecht after picking up a knee injury,
sparking fears he could miss Saturday's game at Villa Park.
No scan was required on Nando's knee and, although he didn't
train today, he is expected to join in full training when
the squad return to Melwood on Friday.
(LFC Official Website)
Rafa: Gerrard switch crucial
Rafael Benitez believes Steven Gerrard's willingness to play
on the right of midfield has made Liverpool a better team.
Following the impressive 3-0 win over Anderlecht in the
Champions League at Anfield, the Reds boss said: "Steve is
happy there, he understands the tactics and he is always
thinking about the benefits to the team.
"He knows it is important for us to have this balance and
okay, it will be another possibility for me to consider."
(Sporting Life)
Liverpool res v Manchester City res -
confirmed team
The reserves are in action against Manchester City this
evening. The game kicks off at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground
at 7pm.
LIVERPOOL: Jerzy Dudek, David Raven, Zak Whitbread, Godwin
Antwi, Daniel O'Donnell, Jack Hobbs, Danny Guthrie, Lee
Peltier, Ramon Calliste, Darren Potter.
SUBS: David Mannix, Paul Willis, Besian Idrizaj, James
Smith, Miki Roque.
(Kop Talk)
Nando is a class act
Jamie Carragher is tipping Fernando Morientes to revitalise
his Anfield career after watching the striker grab a morale
boosting goal in last night's win over Anderlecht.
Morientes' lean streak came to an end with a stunning opener
in the 3-0 victory over the Belgians.
And Carragher hopes the strike signals a fresh start for the
forward.
"There are some players who sign for top clubs and you watch
them and wonder if they're good enough to make it, but
that's never been the case with Morientes at Liverpool,"
said Carragher.
"He's a class act and you can see what skill and quality he
has. We see how good his touch is in training every day and
it's just been a case of him taking it into the games."
(Liverpool Echo)
Hyypia may finish with Finns
Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia has revealed he is
considering retiring from international football to
concentrate on his club commitments.
The giant Finn believes quitting the international scene
could prolong his Anfield stay and safeguard his place in
Rafa Benitez's plans.
The 32-year-old is now set to think over his international
future before making a decision.
"The next qualifiers don't start until August so I have
plenty of time to think about it," said Hyypia.
"I will take a little break from the international scene and
see how I feel.
"When you have fewer international games it can help at club
level.
"So it will be good for me and the team that I will feel
fresher for Liverpool."
(Sky Sports)
Uefa to probe Sissoko 'race slur'
Uefa will probe Anderlecht substitute Nenad Jestrovic for
alleged racial abuse of Liverpool's Mohamed Sissoko in
Tuesday's Champions League tie.
Jestrovic claimed Sissoko swore at him but it was the
Serbian's comments which saw him immediately shown the red
card by referee Kim Milton Nielsen.
Nielsen's report is now being studied by Uefa, which
confirmed it will begin an inquiry into the alleged
"insult".
Jestrovic denies racial abuse saying "I can't understand why
I was sent off."
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "I have not spoken to
Sissoko about what happened so I do not know what was said."
Uefa will now begin their inquiry which could take up to 15
days to reach a conclusion.
(BBC Sport Online)
Chelsea slump to shock defeat
Jose Mourinho watched his side's defeat to Real Betis in the
Champions League in Seville and labelled it the worst since
taking charge of the club.
"It was the worst performance since I arrived," admitted
Mourinho.. "I've been here for 15 months and we have played
perhaps 80 games at Chelsea and this was the worst
performance.
"The first half was too bad to be true. I know everything
was bad. I cannot find a positive in the game.
"There are still games to play - Liverpool have to play
against Betis so some will lose points. I still think there
are possibilities to be first in the group.
"I don't think it is fair to single out any individual
player, the whole team played badly. I think this was a very
bad team performance. They had a very bad game."
(Daily Post)
Rafa's delight for Fernando
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was delighted to see Fernando
Morientes get on the scoresheet in The Reds 3-0 win over
Anderlecht.
The former Real Madrid frontman grabbed the first of the
hosts' goals at Anfield, as they moved top of Group G in the
UEFA Champions League with their third win in four outings.
"I am delighted with the team," said the Spaniard. "We have
three more points and a lot of confidence.
"They played well and scored three good goals and one came
from (Fernando) Morientes, which is important for him as
well as us."
(Sky Sports) |
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TUESDAY 1 |
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Liverpool show class in comfortable win
Liverpool at last produced a performance in keeping with
their status as European champions to move to the top of
Group G tonight.
News of Chelsea’s defeat in Seville provoked wild cheers
from the Anfield faithful, but that result means the Spanish
side will travel to Anfield on November 23 still in with an
outside chance of qualifying themselves.
Betis will then have a final home game against whipping boys
Anderlecht while Liverpool may have to go to Stamford Bridge
on December 6 still needing something from the match.
That is something Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is desperate
to avoid but he can take comfort from his side’s performance
with Fernando Morientes, Luis Garcia and Djibril Cisse
scoring at Anfield.
(Ireland On-Line)
Liverpool v Anderlecht - confirmed team
LIVERPOOL: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Gerrard,
Alonso, Sissoko, Garcia, Crouch, Morientes.
SUBS: Dudek, Josemi, Hamann, Warnock, Zenden, Kewell, Cisse.
(Kop Talk)
Finnan expects victory
Steve Finnan is confident Liverpool can wrap up
qualification for the group stages of the Champions League
tonight.
The Champions of Europe host Anderlecht at Anfield tonight,
knowing that victory will virtually guarentee them a place
in the last sixteen. Full-back Steve Finnan is confident the
Reds can earn that victory.
He said: "To win away in Belgium was another good result for
us after our opening victory against Betis. It was well
deserved and means we have a great chance of qualifying from
the group. We have two home games coming up now before we
play Chelsea away and everyone is confident."
(LFC Online)
Yeats on the momentous advent of all-red
Legendary Liverpool skipper Ron Yeats recalls the momentous
day at Anfield 41 years ago when Bill Shankly first
introduced our now famous all-red kit.
It was November 1964, the day before Liverpool played
tonight's opponents Anderlecht in a second round, first leg,
European Cup tie, and big Rowdy remembers it as if it was
yesterday.
"We'd just finished training and I was on the way home when
Shanks called me back," says Yeats. "My initial reaction was
that I'd done something wrong. Either that or I was getting
a pay rise!
"Anyway, it was neither, 'I want you to try on this all-red
strip' he asked, so I went into the dressing room and put it
on. I came out and the boss was nowhere to be seen so I went
down the steps towards the players tunnel and I could him
out in the middle of the pitch with Bob (Paisley).
"I made my way towards them and as I got closer Shanks came
out with that immortal line, 'Christ son, you look about
seven foot tall, we're going to play in all-red from now
on'.
"We wore it the next night against Anderlecht and beat them
3-0. That was that and Liverpool have played in these
colours ever since. For Shanks it was all psychological and
I think it rubbed off on the players as well. It may sound
strange but playing in all-red did make us feel and look
bigger.
"It was amazing what it did for us and I must admit, I loved
playing in all red."
(LFC Official Website)
Don't think this job is done
Rafa Benitez will warn his players not to believe they've
already done the job as they bid to secure Champions League
progress tonight.
Victory over Anderlecht, and a Chelsea win against Real
Betis, would secure Liverpool's place in the knockout
stages.
However, the European champions also know a slip-up could
open the door for their La Liga rivals.
Benitez wants his side to qualify before the last fixture at
Stamford Bridge, and expects the same levels of intensity
and passion which typify European nights at Anfield.
"The most important thing is to win this game, and then wait
to see what happens. We don't want to worry about Chelsea's
game, but we know it will be better for both of us to be
qualified before we play each other again."
(Liverpool Echo)
No surrender from Belgians
Anderlecht manager Frank Vercauteren refuses to accept his
Belgian side are out of their depth against the champions of
Europe despite having the unenviable record of losing their
last 10 Champions League group matches.
"It is certainly not in my mind to give up before we even
start. We have great respect for Liverpool and know we are
playing the best team in Europe, but we want to start
winning Champions League matches and we have to believe we
can win here."
(Daily Post)
Benitez ponders Gerrard role
Rafael Benitez has revealed he is prepared to use captain
Steven Gerrard on the right of midfield in the future.
The Liverpool coach played Gerrard in that role for
Saturday's 2-0 win over West Ham in a despairing attempt to
find a solution to his serious problems on the right flank.
Gerrard's role could be crucial. "Playing Steven wide on the
right is an option, something we can do again. He can cross,
beat players, shoot," said Benitez.
"That means we have more options for Xabi Alonso, Mohamed
Sissoko and Dietmar Hamann. It means we can get more good
players on the pitch.
"When you have a player with quality it is obviously better
to use them in the right positions. In Steve's case he can
play in two or three different positions at a good level.
"We will continue to use him in the best position for the
team. It is all about the team."
(Daily Post)
Former Liverpool striker arrested
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has been arrested by
Australian police following a row with a group of British
backpackers.
Collymore had been in the Woolshed nightclub in Cairns when
he was taunted by tourists. Bouncers asked both parties to
leave the club and called police when their exchanges
continued outside the premises.
It is claimed that Collymore protested he was the innocent
party to officers but they asked him to move on and he
refused. Eventually their patience snapped and the former
Liverpool player was bundled into the back of a police van
and taken to the local jug.
A spokesman for Cairns police said: "A 34-year-old English
tourist was arrested outside the Woolshed nightclub.
"He has been charged with contravening a move-on direction
from police after behaving in a disorderly manner outside
the club.
"The arrested man has been ordered to appear at Cairns
Magistrates Court on Friday."
(Kop Talk)
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Thor Zakariassen
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