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WEDNESDAY 12 |
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Raul Reds rumours rejected
Raul's agent has played down talk linking the Real Madrid
superstar with a possible move to Liverpool.
Fresh reports emanating from England this week suggested
Liverpool were lining up a shock swoop for Raul at the end
of this season.
Liverpool have been credited with an interest in Raul for
some time with Reds boss Rafa Benitez thought to be a big
fan of the Spanish international.
Speculation intensified over a possible move to Liverpool
after Raul was spotted at Anfield watching some games while
he was injured at the end of last year.
Raul still has four years to run on his current contract at
El Santiago Bernabeu and the forward's representative Gines
Carvajal insists he has not heard anything from Real Madrid
or Liverpool.
"I remember that Raul has a contract signed until June 2010
and until now the club have not said that it is interested
in his departure," said Carvajal.
Real vice-president Emilio Butragueno was also remaining coy
on the rumours saying: "Real Madrid never comments about the
news in the press."
Benitez is thought to be in the market for a new striker in
the summer, but it seems unlikely that Raul could become the
latest Spanish star to make his way to Anfield.
(Sky Sports)
Razor: Fowler will hang-up boots if shown
Kop door
Former Liverpool defender Neil 'Razor' Ruddock believes
Robbie Fowler will hang up his boots if he doesn't earn a
new contract with the Reds.
Although Fowler wouldn't be short of offers if released by
Rafa in the summer, Razor believes his former team-mate
wouldn't want to play for another club again.
Razor said: "Knowing Robbie he'd probably give up rather
than go somewhere else.
"The appetite would still be there but the heartbreak of not
getting another contract might make him think twice about
carrying on.
"If Robbie doesn't get a contract Liverpool have got to go
out and sign three quality strikers.
"Cisse hasn't done it, Morientes hasn't done it. That leaves
just Peter Crouch and Robbie, who's still scoring goals at
the top level.
"To me he looks fitter and sharper than he has done in years
and the Liverpool fans love him.
"If Benitez wants the fans firmly behind him it would be a
good move to keep Robbie.
"Even if he isn't going to start regularly, Robbie's great
to have coming off the bench.
"He's fantastic to have around in the dressing room and he
always gets the crowd going whenever he plays."
(Kop Talk)
Alonso's fighting talk
Liverpool ace Xabi Alonso is refusing to throw the towel in
on finishing runners-up to Chelsea even though Manchester
United are in pole position.
But while it's still mathematically possible, the Spanish
midfielder says the Reds will keep up the pressure.
He said: "As long as we have possibilities we have to fight
for them.
"We know that Manchester United are playing good football
and have confidence but at the moment we are the same way.
"We are winning a lot of games, scoring a lot of goals and
we have a lot of self belief.
"We have to carry on fighting but we are realistic and we
know it is not going to be easy."
(Kop Talk)
Carragher set for TV debut
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher will make his debut as a
pundit on Sky Sports tomorrow evening as part of the team
that will bring the FA Youth Cup Final into our homes.
Sky are broadcasting the final live and with Carragher
having been in the stands with his dad for the previous
rounds, who better to have providing expert analysis.
Asked if he was looking forward to his new role, Carragher
said: "I don't know to be honest. I've never done it so I'll
just see what it's like. I'll see if I enjoy it."
Carragher was a member of the 1996 youth side that won the
cup and he has described the game as important as the
Champions League final for the youngsters.
He said: "It's brilliant. If they win it, they'll never
forget it.
"I always say that my Youth Cup medal is up there with my
other medals because at that age that's the only thing you
can really win that gets any recognition.
"They're playing on Sky so it's a massive thing. At that
age, that's their Champions League.
"To win the Youth cup is a special thing for the club."
(Kop Talk)
Gerrard nominated for PFA award
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been nominated for the
PFA Footballer of the Year Award.
Gerrard has scored 19 goals so far for Liverpool this season
and has had another fine campaign at Anfield being an
inspiration to Liverpool.
The PFA's 33rd annual awards dinner will be held at the
Grosvenor House Hotel in London, on Sunday, April 23.
Also nominated for the award are Chelsea trio John Terry,
Frank Lampard and Joe Cole plus Arsenal captain Thierry
Henry and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney.
(LFC Official Website) |
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TUESDAY 11 |
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Liverpool stadium plans re-approved
The plans for Liverpool's new stadium have been re-approved
by the local council without any alterations in the original
scheme.
The Anfield club had to re-submit their plans, originally
agreed almost two years ago, to make sure they conformed to
new planning law.
And at a meeting of Liverpool council's planning committee
on Tuesday those plans - for a 60,000 ground on nearby
Stanley Park - were once again given the go-ahead.
(TEAMtalk)
Kewell indebted to Benitez
Liverpool winger Harry Kewell has thanked boss Rafael
Benitez for salvaging his top flight career.
The Australia international star, who was sidelined for
virtually 10 months due to injuries and recovery from
operations, claims that without Benitez's support "I'd have
been left in a hole and probably faded away."
A disastrous attempt at a return in the Champions League
final, where he was forced off in Istanbul before half-time,
just highlighted Kewell's problems.
But now the left-sided midfielder has completed a run of 26
consecutive appearances for Liverpool and is contemplating
an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, a third-place
Premiership finish and the forthcoming World Cup.
"If I want to repay the manager then I have to start scoring
more goals for him and for the team," Kewell said.
"I want to do the things I know I'm capable of doing. That's
what is driving me on."
(TEAMtalk)
Crouch bags his tenth of season
Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has been given the second
goal in their Boxing Day win over Newcastle.
The goal was originally given to Newcastle goalkeeper Shay
Given after he tipped Crouch's header onto the post, but
failed to keep it out.
The header was looked at by The Premier League dubious goals
panel who have now given the goal to the England
international.
Crouch began his career at Anfield slowly, failing to net in
The Premiership until the start of December when he bagged a
brace against Wigan but the £7 million summer signing now
has 10 goals to his name this term as well as scoring his
first international goal.
(Sky Sports)
Rush hoping Rafa signs Liverpool fan Bellamy
Liverpool legend Ian Rush says he'd be over the moon if Rafa
recruited Blackburn Rovers striker Craig Bellamy in the
summer.
The Welsh international has been linked with the Reds
recently and we believe there's something in this so to see
Rushie come out and big him up makes interesting reading.
Writing for the Echo, Rush said: "Of all the strikers linked
with a summer move to Liverpool, the name Craig Bellamy has
caught my attention the most.
"As a proud Welshman, I must admit I'd be delighted to see
one of my countrymen back at Anfield, although obviously my
mate Mark Hughes would have something to say about that.
"I've followed Bellamy's career closely and I think he's
exactly the kind of player Liverpool need. He's fast, he's
committed, he scores goals, he's full of enthusiasm and he's
a nightmare for opponents."
(Kop Talk)
Benitez planning delayed kick-off
Rafa Benitez is already planning a less strenuous pre-season
schedule for Liverpool to ensure post-World Cup fatigue
doesn't under-mine next year's title assault.
Several players will complete a full 12 months of
competitive football in Germany, and Benitez is anxious to
ensure his stars get the recuperation time they need.
That means the Reds are set to avoid any tiring long-haul
trips to the Far East or America this summer.
England stars such as Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carrager and
Peter Crouch played their first competitive game of this
season in the Champions League last July.
If Sven Goran Eriksson's side goes all the way in Germany -
the World Cup final is on July 9 - it will complete an
unprecedented campaign for the Anfield trio.
The Spanish contingent fall into the same category, and
Benitez is eager to ensure the knock-on effects of the World
Cup don't affect his squad next season.
"We have ideas of where we'll go on pre-season and when.
We'll also set different times for players to return,
depending on how far they get in the World Cup," explained
Benitez.
"If England reach the final against Spain, we'll have a lot
of players involved. Those players will need more time to
rest."
(Liverpool Echo)
Rafa hints at Robbie exit
Rafael Benitez has hinted for the first time that he may not
extend Robbie Fowler's contract at the end of the season.
The 31-year old Liverpool striker is hoping for a new deal
in the summer, but Benitez insists he must look at all the
options.
"There is no doubting his quality but we have to look at
what his performances will be next season," said the
Liverpool boss.
"Maybe you can find fantastic players of, say, 23 years old
who also have fantastic pace and quality.
"Robbie is top class, no doubt about it, but you also need
pace and stamina levels if you want to win trophies.
"We are really happy with him because he is working so hard.
But we have to know exactly how many top-class players we
need and if he could be the top-class one we are looking
for.
"It's not that we don't believe in him but this is a big
club and we need to look at different players as well.
"Robbie knows he needs to improve some things because he
wasn't playing for some time and this is another level
again."
(LFC Online)
Gonzales impressing Rafa
Rafael Benitez says he has been impressed by Mark Gonzales'
performances for Real Sociedad.
Liverpool signed Gonzales in January but the Chilean winger
can't play for the Reds until he's granted a work permit or
an EU passport so he has been loaned to Sociedad for the
rest of this season.
Gonzales has been playing well for the Basque side and Rafa
Benitez believes he will be a big hit at Liverpool next
season.
"We are hopeful he will come in the summer because he can be
an important player for us. He has pace, quality and can
score, and he works very hard for the team - all qualities
which will help him settle in quickly here," said the
Liverpool boss.
"He works very hard for the whole 90 minutes for his
teammates. He was the best player on the pitch for Sociedad
against Real at the Bernabeu, and that's three goals he has
scored now since he joined the club.
"You have to remember he was injured for six months and so
he is improving with every game he plays, recovering his
fitness and raising his level.
"I think he can make an impact on the Premiership. He will
be a good addition to the team and we are all looking
forward to him finally joining us."
(LFC Online)
Benitez: British coaches can go foreign
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes more British
managers should broaden their horizons by taking charge of
clubs abroad.
The lack of British managers in top Barclays Premiership
jobs has often been highlighted but Spaniard Benitez does
not feel a shortage of opportunities at home should prevent
them trying their luck elsewhere.
The likes of Benitez, Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Chelsea
manager Jose Mourinho have all proved a success outside
their own countries after taking the decision to move.
Benitez said: "I think there are two or three countries
where there is a lot of money (in football), Spain, England
and Italy and it is easier for the managers to stay in the
same country that you know and also because you can earn a
lot of money.
"We had the same situation with Spanish managers then when
some of us decided to go to another country then maybe other
managers can come behind us.
"In this case I think it is necessary that one or two
English managers go to another country and then with success
with those managers maybe other managers will follow."
(Daily Post) |
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MONDAY 10 |
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Calliste at the double to sink Blackburn
Welsh Under-21 international striker Ramon Calliste was a
double marksman as Liverpool Reserves beat a strong
Blackburn Rovers outfit 2-1 at Ewood Park on Monday night.
It was a deserved victory for a young Liverpool team who had
Jerzy Dudek in goal. On loan Liverpool striker Florent
Sinama-Pongolle played the full 90 minutes for Blackburn and
scored a late consolation goal from close range in stoppage
time.
Calliste, who had earlier had a goal disallowed for
off-side, opened the scoring after 24 minutes when he
capitalised on a mistake from Gary Stopforth to run clean
through, dribble round keeper Richard Lee and slot the ball
into the net. It was Calliste's sixth goal of the season for
the reserves.
It was 2-0 six minutes later and again Calliste was the
scorer. Danny Guthrie's superb through ball sent the
Welshman clean through and his finish was cool and precise.
Liverpool Reserves: Dudek, Barragan, Smith, Antwi,
O'Donnell, Hobbs, Anderson, Roque (Flynn 81), Calliste
(Idrizaj 85), Guthrie (Foy 80), Hammill. Subs not used:
Martin, Woods.
(LFC Official Website)
Riise: We still want 2nd place
Liverpool's John Arne Riise says the lads still have their
eye on finishing runners up to Chelsea in the Premier League
even though Manchester United have a comfortable advantage.
The Mancs are 5 points clear of us with a game in hand but
even though there's only a few games left to play for, the
Norwegian is refusing to throw in the towel.
Riise said: "We're still hoping for second place, but
there's nothing we can do except win all our games and see
where it takes us.
"The first target is obviously to make sure we finish at
least third, but then we're thinking of sneaking second.
"I know it's going to be tight against Manchester United
with only a few games left, but we believe we can do it."
(Kop Talk)
Big Sam considers Fowler
Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce says he would
consider a move for Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, if The
Reds decide not to keep him on this summer.
The former Leeds United hit-man did his efforts for a new
Anfield contract a power of good with Liverpool's winning
goal in their 1-0 win over The Trotters on Sunday.
It was Fowler's third goal for Rafa Benitez's men since his
shock return to the club from Manchester City during the
January transfer window.
The 31-year-old is under contract until the end of the
current season, with Benitez stating the goalscorer's Reds
future will be decided next month.
Allardyce admits he would fancy bringing Fowler to The
Reebok Stadium next season and stated his admiration for
Liverpool's stingy backline.
"You'd always think about a goalscorer like him, but it
would depend on the big numbers," Allardyce said.
"If he keeps on scoring for Liverpool, they'll want to keep
him.
"One of their problems has been scoring, but their defence
is the ultimate and what we're trying to achieve."
(Sky Sports)
Fowler insists: I can keep on scoring
Robbie Fowler yesterday insisted he has plenty of
goalscoring years left in him after proving Liverpool's
match-winner on his 31st birthday.
And the forward said: "I think it's the first time I've
scored on my birthday so to score the only goal in a 1-0 win
is perfect. I'm very happy.
"I think there are plenty of years still left in me. I think
people have been saying over the years that I've been past
it. But in games I have started with Liverpool I have a
reasonably good record and I hope that it can continue."
(Daily Post)
Gonzalez impresses to keep Anfield hope
alive
Mark Gonzalez gave Liverpool fans a glimpse of what they are
missing, and made his point to the Department of Trade and
Industry, with a man-of-the-match display and Real
Sociedad's equaliser in their 1-1 draw against Real Madrid
in the Spanish League game at the Santiago Bernabau.
The Chilean winger signed for Liverpool from Albacete last
summer, but was forced to join Real Sociedad on loan after
being denied a work permit to play in the Premiership. He
remains determined to move to Anfield.
He ran Madrid's defence ragged throughout and got his reward
on the hour by taking advantage of an Iker Casillas mistake
to level the scores after Ronaldo's first-half opener. "I
hope Liverpool's fans saw me, and the people who decided not
to give me permission to work in England saw it, too. It
would be absurd if I did not end up playing for Liverpool.
"After two years in Spain, in May or June, I'll qualify for
Spanish residency. Then I can apply for my EU passport, but
it would be in the hands of the Government."
(Telegraph.co.uk)
Liverpool win a sideshow
The title race raged all around a Liverpool side
who are frustrated bystanders in the battle as Rafael
Benitez concentrated his efforts on securing Champions
League football next season.
Liverpool ache to be involved in such a showdown as Chelsea
and Manchester United are contesting, but they had to be
satisfied with a victory over Bolton that virtually secured
a top-four finish.
Boss Benitez said: "Maybe things will be different next
season, every season is different. But for now we are almost
there as far as qualifying for the Champions League is
concerned."
After the dust had settled on yesterday's battles at
Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford and Anfield, Liverpool had to
be content with a victory that means they are virtually
certain of another Champions League campaign.
Arsenal's defeat at Manchester United means they can only
reach 71 points, with Liverpool already on 70, only the
second time in 10 seasons they have reached that mark.
Spurs, currently fourth, can get to 73 points. But with
Arsenal and Spurs still to meet on April 22, clearly both
sides cannot achieve maximum points.
Liverpool need one more win to not only secure a top-four
finish but to claim third place.
(PA Sport)
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Thor Zakariassen
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