|
|
|
FRIDAY 12 |
Torres closing in
on return for Reds
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez hopes Fernando Torres will be
back in action in a fortnight - but doesn't want to "put
pressure on him".
The Spanish striker is due for another consultation over his
hamstring problem with Spanish specialist Ramon Cugat in
Barcelona, and expects the all-clear to resume full
training.
Benitez said: "I have been talking to Fernando today, and he
is much better. But how long before he returns, I don't
know.
"He is in light training. It could be one or two weeks, but
I don't want to put pressure on him."
(TEAMtalk)
Rafa rubbishes title tattle
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has rubbished a report
suggesting he said his side were not good enough to win the
title.
A story on Friday claimed Benitez was unsure of Liverpool's
chances of winning the Premier League and that they could
only win England's top prize if Manchester United, Chelsea
and Arsenal all messed up.
"It was an interview with a French journalist and we were
talking about tactics. I was really surprised with the story
but everyone in Liverpool knows about this newspaper."
(Sky Sports)
Reds linked with
Agger replacement
Liverpool have been linked this morning with a January
transfer window move for highly rated Ukranian central
defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy, who claims that he has
attracted the interest in two Premier League clubs.
(This is Anfield)
Hyypia simply different
class - on and off pitch
Martin Kelly made his Liverpool debut on Tuesday night –
adding yet another name to Liverpool’s already fiercely
competitive central defensive dogfight.
But one man will have received the news with the same
ice-cool demeanour he has shown throughout his impressive
Anfield career.
For almost a decade now, Sami Hyypia has been a class act on
the pitch.
Perhaps even more impressively, however, he remains a class
act
off it, too.
Harmony off the pitch is almost as important as attitude on
it, if a title-winning dream is to be successfully pursued.
And Hyypia has proved a paragon of virtue when it comes to
balancing those two qualities.
(David Prentice - Liverpool Echo)
Gerrard targets Xmas charge
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes that the Christmas
period could prove pivotal to the club's title hopes.
Anything less than nine points from games against Hull,
Bolton and Newcastle will be unacceptable to the Anfield
faithful, and Gerrard knows that entering the New Year as
league leaders will send out a message of intent to their
rivals.
"We're coming up to Christmas and that's when things really
start to take shape," Gerrard told the club's official LFC
Magazine.
"The festive season might not be as congested as it has been
in the past few years in terms of the number of games we're
going to play, but the results are more critical this season
than they've been for ages - because of where we find
ourselves in the league."
(Sky Sports)
Torres shortlisted for FIFA prize
Fernando Torres was today named on the five man shortlist
for FIFA World Player of the Year.
Liverpool's number nine is up against United star Cristiano
Ronaldo, Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Xavi, and Kaka of AC
Milan.
Torres scored 33 goals in his debut season in England before
netting the winner in the final of this summer's European
Championships.
The prize will be awarded on January 12 in Zurich.
(LFC Official Website)
Hull don’t fear Liverpool,
says Phil Brown
Phil Brown has promised to adopt a positive approach when
Hull City go in search of history and a first-ever win over
Liverpool tomorrow.
A first league meeting in 48 years will see the
league-leaders welcome sixth-placed City to Anfield, a venue
where Liverpool remain unbeaten in domestic competitions
since February.
But having seen Fulham and West Ham both earn a point at
Liverpool in recent weeks, Brown insists his City side have
the ability to create another historic away victory.
“It is important to be positive, there’s no sense in trying
to play defensive football on a surface like that,” Brown
said.
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Rafa calls for Reds to build cushion
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has charged his team with
building a lead at the top of the Premier League during the
Champions League break.
With the group stage finishing this week - Liverpool
comfortably qualified for the last 16 - there is now a lull
in European competition until the knockout stage begins in
February.
That will allow the Reds, currently a point clear of Chelsea
at the top of the Premier League, three months to focus
solely on domestic matters.
And Benitez has urged his side to knuckle down for those 10
league games.
Ahead of Saturday's clash with Hull, he told the club's
website: "We now have almost three months to concentrate on
the Premier League, and the FA Cup.
"We would want to go back into Europe next year still top of
the table."
(TEAMtalk)
Cavalieri: I could never turn
down my big chance
Diego Cavalieri may still be coming to terms with the
language, but there are other elements of English culture he
got used to in no time at all.
In a recent interview in Liverpool's matchday programme, the
Brazilian goalkeeper admitted to rarely leaving the house
without a waterproof coat and an umbrella due to the ever
present threat of rain in his new home country.
"I knew when I came to Liverpool that it would be a really
difficult job to compete with Pepe because he is one of the
best goalkeepers in the world," said the 26-year-old.
"But for me it was an opportunity to sign for one of the
biggest clubs in the world and I believe I will get chances
here."
(Liverpool Echo) |
|
THURSDAY 11 |
Reds discover Youth Cup opponents
Liverpool will travel to Bristol Rovers in the fourth round
of this season's FA Youth Cup.
Hughie McAuley's side's reward for beating Leeds United in
round three is another away trip, this time to the Pirates'
Memorial Stadium.
A date for the the fourth round tie has yet to announced.
(LFC Official Website)
Ajdarevic seeks Rovers switch
Astrit Ajdarevic is hoping a trial spell at Blackburn will
see him awarded a permanent contract.
The Swedish starlet is currently on the books of Liverpool's
youth academy, but has grown frustrated at a lack of
opportunities at Anfield.
At 18 he feels the time has come for him to be pushing for
regular first-team football.
He remains confident that Rovers boss Paul Ince has been
impressed by what he has seen, but accepts that the
uncertainty surrounding the former England international's
future is causing a delay in negotiations.
"Ince has said that he is interested," Ajdarevic told
Fotbollskanalen.
"His situation is not the best though. I'll just have to
wait for things to cool down at the club. I still expect the
situation to be resolved.
"At Blackburn, I have been training with the first-team and
that has always been my goal.
"I am very pleased to have had the opportunity and
everything looks good."
(Sky Sports)
Jambos rule out
Liverpool swoop
Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo looks to have ended his interest in
Liverpool youngster Krisztian Nemeth, blaming a lack of
funding.
Laszlo has admitted he would like to add another striker to
his ranks in the January transfer window and is keen on
Nemeth, but fears the 19-year-old is out of his price range.
Nemeth is a highly-rated prospect on Merseyside and is
tipped to break into Rafael Benitez's first team plans in
the near future, after impressing in reserve team action.
Laszlo had earlier admitted to his admiration of Nemeth but
now seems to have cooled his interest.
He told the Liverpool Echo: "We were interested in Liverpool
starlet Nemeth, but his price is very high and we don't have
money to waste."
(EatSleepSport)
Barmby relishing Anfield return
Former England midfielder Nick Barmby is relishing going
back to former club Liverpool with hometown Hull in the
Premier League this weekend.
Barmby spent two years with the Reds after a controversial
£6million move from rivals Everton in 2001 and helped the
club win a cup treble the following year.
Barmby, who played against another former club,
Middlesbrough, last weekend, said: "I loved my time at
Liverpool, it's a fantastic club.
"I was fortunate enough to win things there and it is one of
the best clubs in the world. But I am more pleased for the
fans to be going to places like Anfield.
"The atmosphere is fantastic there and to see their team
playing against Liverpool in a league game is fantastic.
Long may it continue."
(TEAMtalk)
Turkey trot for ex-Reds
It's been a good week for ex-Reds star Harry Kewell.
The Aussie helped Galatasaray into the next round of the
UEFA Cup as he played 90 minutes in their 1-0 win away to
Hertha Berlin. Kewell’s cross led to Milan Baros’
match-winning penalty.
Kewell was then on the scoresheet at the weekend as he
inspired the Istanbul side to a 3-0 win at Ankaragucu.
His 62nd minute strike arrived just seconds after Baros’
opener and the victory takes them into third place in the
Turkish Super League.
(Liverpool Echo)
Benitez warns Babel
over loan request
Ryan Babel has been ordered to knuckle down and fight for
his place at Anfield after having a request to go out on
loan rejected by Rafa Benitez.
On the day of Liverpool's Champions League game with PSV
Eindhoven, Babel's agent told the Dutch press his client had
been keen to leave the Reds on a temporary basis in a bid to
play more regular football.
Babel has now underlined the situation in another interview
with the Dutch media, in which he admits to having harboured
hopes of a loan move away from Anfield.
He said: "I have talked to the manager about my future,
about maybe a loan somewhere so I can play every week.
"Ajax was only an example, a possibility, not something I
was trying to make happen."
The Dutch club had been keen on the idea, but have been told
there is no chance of such a move taking place, particularly
with Liverpool fighting it out at the top of the Premier
League and having just qualified for the last 16 of the
Champions League as group winners.
Benitez has told the 20-year-old that he cannot be
guaranteed a place in his starting line-up, but urged him to
try and win one by improving his erratic form.
Babel added: "Rafa said no. He did not promise me anything
for the rest of the season. There were no conditions. I
accept this."
(Liverpool Echo)
Carragher backing local lads
Jamie Carragher has spoken of his desire to see locally
produced players follow in his footsteps by making it into
the first team ranks at Liverpool on a regular basis.
The Reds defender was delighted to see reserve team
graduates Stephen Darby, Jay Spearing and Martin Kelly
thrust into the action as second half substitutes in
Liverpool’s 3-1 win over PSV on Tuesday.
“It is difficult. It’s more difficult now than when I
started because Liverpool are a better team now,” he said.
“We are regarded as one of the best teams in Europe and that
makes it a lot more difficult for the younger players who
are trying to break into the team.
“That’s the challenge facing them so it was good to see them
get some time on the pitch against PSV.
“Don’t get me wrong, the game was probably won by the time
they came on but they weren’t overawed in any way and they
did quite well as well.”
(Liverpool Echo)
Agger's agent ignores Milan
but can't promise Liverpool stay
The agent of Daniel Agger has exclusively told Goal.com that
he can’t promise that his client will stay at Liverpool,
while he remains silent on the Danish defender’s link to
Milan.
Since joining Liverpool from Brondby in 2006, Daniel Agger
has gradually developed into one of the best defenders in
the English Premier League.
Although he has been hampered by injuries over the past year
or so, the 24-year-old is much admired on the continent, and
in recent weeks he has been heavily associated with a move
to Italian giants AC Milan.
Goal.com contacted Agger’s agent Per Steffensen to find out
what the situation was, but the representative was very
defensive when asked three times about the Milan link and
Galliani, each time replying that he had “no comment to
make”.
It was then pointed out that Agger’s contract runs out in 18
months time, and that Liverpool may consider selling the
player in order to not risk losing him on a Bosman in 2010.
“I have no comments whatsoever to make about Daniel Agger
and his contract,” said a steadfast Steffensen.
“As you said, he still has 18 months left - that is the only
fact.”
When pushed a little harder, and asked whether he could
reassure worried Liverpool fans that Agger would stay at
Anfield, Steffensen could offer no such guarantee.
“It’s difficult to say,” he stated.
“It’s not only up to Daniel. He has said he is happy at
Liverpool, but there are always two parties.
“I don’t know if he will stay,” he concluded.
(Goal.com)
Bolton Reserves 2, Liverpool Reserves 1
Spanish defender Daniel Ayala was sent off as Liverpool
Reserves went down to a controversial 2-1 defeat to Bolton
Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium last night.
Krizstian Nemeth gave Liverpool a deserved lead early in the
first half when he exchanged passes with Gerardo Bruna
before finishing expertly with his left foot.
The second half had been fairly uneventful, but exploded
into life when Bolton full-back Basham went over the ball on
Mendy, and Ayala was red carded for taking retribution with
an over the top lunge of his own.
Within minutes Bolton had made their numerical advantage
count and had drew level through Smolarek, although the goal
had more than a hint of offside about it.
Liverpool fell behind shortly after when Obadeyi skinned
Mendy and crossed for Smolarek to grab his second. Nemeth
and then Jordy Brouwer were both denied what looked clear
penalties.
Liverpol threw everything at Bolton but couldn't find an
equaliser.
LIVERPOOL RESERVES: Hansen, Mendy (Kacaniklic 87), Scott,
San Jose, Huth, Plessis, Crowther (Simon 83), Ayala, Nemeth,
Bruna, Weijl (Brouwer 77).
(Liverpool Banter)
Torres is league's most popular
LiverpooL striker Fernando Torres is the Premier League’s
most popular player, according to a survey of fans carried
out by Barclays.
The league’s main sponsor questioned 32,000 fans from 185
countries and found Spain striker Torres, who impressed in
his debut Premier League season last year before winning
Euro 2008 in the summer, was the respondents’ favourite
player.
Torres polled 38% of the votes ahead of team-mate Steven
Gerrard and recent Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
Barcelona winger Lionel Messi, runner-up to Ronaldo in the
Golden Ball voting, is the overseas player fans would most
like to see in the English top flight with 54% of the votes.
Russia boss Guus Hiddink was the most popular manager.
Premier League fans across the world find Spain the next
best thing (45%) with Italy’s Serie A (18%) trailing behind.
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Pompey game moved
Liverpool's game against Portsmouth has been moved for tv.
The Reds' trip to Fratton Park early next year still takes
place on Saturday, February 7th but has been put back to a
5.30pm kick off and will be televised live by Setanta.
(LFC Online) |
|
WEDNESDAY 10 |
Milan chief denies Agger comments
AC Milan chief Adriano Galliani has denied quotes attributed
to him reportedly discussing their interest in Liverpool
defender Daniel Agger.
Denmark international Agger has been strongly linked with a
move to the San Siro due to a delay in agreeing a new deal
at Liverpool.
He recently admitted he is happy at Anfield, and Reds boss
Rafa Benitez also outlined his intention to hang on to the
centre-half.
Real Madrid have previously acknowledged an interest in
Agger and reports have also suggested that Milan are keen on
the stopper, who
turns 24 on Thursday.
Galliani was quoted by the Danish media as saying that the
former Brondby youngster is on a list of 'three or four
names' Milan are considering signing in January.
However, the Italian giants have issued a statement denying
that Galliani spoke to the press in Denmark regarding Agger.
A statement on the club's official website read: "With
regard to the alleged phrases Adriano Galliani issued to the
press in Denmark, and reported by several Italian outlets,
the Rossoneri's CEO denies that he has ever issued any
statement."
(TEAMtalk)
Keane: I’m here to stay
Robbie Keane today insisted he will be going nowhere when
the January transfer window opens.
The Irish striker returned to Rafa Benitez’s starting
line-up for last night’s 3-1 win at PSV Eindhoven after
being left out of the side against Blackburn at the weekend.
Having had a difficult start to his Liverpool career
following his £20m dream move from Spurs in the summer,
speculation has surfaced that Keane could be sold as early
as next month.
But the 28-year-old has no plans to walk away and insists he
will keep giving everything for the cause every time he is
given the opportunity to pull on a red shirt.
“I’ve only been here a few months but there’s nothing I can
do about speculation, that’s all part and parcel of being a
footballer,” said Keane.
“If people want to create something that’s not there it’s up
to them but there’s no question in my mind, I will be a
Liverpool player for a long time."
(Liverpool Echo)
Benitez the architect
of Liverpool's perfect show
There are plenty of positives to take from last night’s
victory in Holland.
In the absence of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, we’ve
seen goals – and good goals at that – coming from other
areas and other players.
Daniel Agger has come back into the side and put in a top
performance alongside the ever reliable Jamie Carragher. The
pair were probably our best players, but Robbie Keane also
showed some good touches, particularly in the second half,
which indicates his doubters may well be eating their words
soon.
Hopefully, Robbie’s confidence is on the rise now because we
all know what a good player he is.
Other players who the fans have been unsure about also put
in much improved displays, which can only auger well for the
rest of the season.
But the person who deserves the biggest pat on the back
today is probably the manager.
Rafael Benitez, along with his staff at Anfield, had clearly
done his homework on PSV and it showed.
He’s often been criticised for rotating too much – it’s a
concern I’ve shared on occasion – but no-one is mentioning
that today, are they?
(Tommy Smith - Liverpool Echo)
Riera: I need
to shoot more often
Albert Riera today vowed to try his luck from long range
more often after netting a stunning goal during Liverpool's
3-1 Champions League win in Eindhoven.
Riera scored his second goal for the Reds with a blistering
30 yard drive to complete a brilliant comeback after Ryan
Babel had cancelled out Danko Lazovic's first half strike.
"It was a very important goal for getting the win and we are
in the next round of the Champions League, so we are very
happy," said the Spaniard after the game.
"But I'm sure I will wait a lot of matches to score a goal
like that
one again!
"It can be a good idea to shoot like that, especially at
Anfield because a lot of teams come to defend and it is
difficult to get chances in those matches."
(LFC Official Website)
Benitez deal with
Liverpool FC edges closer
Rafa Benitez is edging closer to an agreement with club
owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over his proposed new
contract.
After initially offering Benitez a two year extension to his
current contract, due to expire in 18 months, Hicks and
Gillett have now returned to the table with an improved
proposal.
Sources close to Hicks say the new offer would see Benitez
in charge at Anfield until 2013 with a three year extension
being added on to the time the Spaniard has remaining on his
current deal.
(Liverpool Echo)
Thor Zakariassen
© |
|
|
|
