SATURDAY 12
	Dalglish mooted as next Scotland coach Former national team boss Craig Brown believes ex-Liverpool, Blackburn and Newcastle boss Dalglish should be the number one candidate to succeed George Burley as Scotland coach. Dalglish has been out of management since a spell in charge of Celtic in 2000 and is currently involved with Liverpool's youth academy as well as being an ambassador for the club. He recently refused to entertain talk of replacing Burley, saying he would not "prostitute" himself for any job. Brown told BBC Scotland: "Without doubt, I would have Kenny Dalglish, with Joe Jordan as his assistant. "I would go all out to get Kenny Dalglish and you could not get a better representative of Scotland." Brown added: "Kenny has won the championship with two clubs in England. "He is our most capped player. He is a legend. He is respected by every player that's played for him. "Ask Kevin Gallagher, ask Billy McKinlay, ask Colin Hendry about Kenny Dalglish. Ask Chris Sutton. These guys, they love him." (tribalfootball) Gerrard: Fitness key to top-four hopes Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool will find their way into the top four by the end of the season - if they can keep people fit. The Anfield skipper, speaking ahead of Sunday's crucial home clash with Arsenal, is determined to raise spirits after the club's disastrous plunge out of the Champions League. Now Gerrard must turn his attention to salvaging Liverpool's Premier League campaign, particularly in a vital run of 11 matches before the Reds enter the Europa League in February. And the midfielder sees the returning Fernando Torres as the key to a Liverpool revival. Gerrard said: "If we get back to our full-strength team, and we get people fit, we're confident we are good enough to finish in the top four." (Press Association Sport) Mascherano backs Aquilani Javier Mascherano believes Alberto Aquilani has the quality to make Liverpool fans stop ruing the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. Aquilani, a £20m signing from Roma, is back to full fitness and made his debut against Fiorentina in midweek. Mascherano said: "We have to forget Alonso. Aquilani will give us everything he can and if he is fit he will be really good for us." (Teletext) Benítez admits debt has affected Liverpool's title hopes Rafael Benítez has conceded that Liverpool's title prospects were undermined this summer due to pressure to reduce the debt loaded on to the club by the owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett. In a frank admission ahead of tomorrow's game at home to Arsenal, the Liverpool manager also suggested the club are burdened by unrealistic expectation given a transfer budget that is unlikely to improve without new investment. Benítez had until now steadfastly refused to blame Liverpool's financial predicament for the failure to build on last season's second-placed finish, despite spending only what he raised through player sales in the summer, after the American owners were ordered to lower the club's debt from £310m to £250m in their latest refinancing deal in July. He departed from that policy yesterday, spurred by Graeme Souness's criticisms following Wednesday's Champions League defeat to Fiorentina, when the former Liverpool manager spoke of fears the club could follow Leeds United into "meltdown". Benítez delivered a considered assessment of Liverpool's finances rather than an outright attack on Hicks and Gillett, who are expected to attend the game at Anfield, but confirmed supporters' suspicions that debt has impacted on the pitch. (The Guardian)
	FRIDAY 11
	Torres rules out league bid Fernando Torres has admitted Liverpool are now Premier League also-rans, even if his manager Rafael Benitez still thinks differently. The Reds lie in seventh spot and have won only three of their last 14 games. He said: "We are out of the Champions League, we are really far away from the top of the Premier League, so we have to change our targets. We have to look to the Europa League and the FA Cup." (Teletext) Benitez hits back at critics Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has delivered a withering riposte to his critics and dismissed Jurgen Klinsmann's managerial record. The former Germany international attacked Benitez's record as Liverpool manager and the quality of the current squad. Klinsmann took Germany to the semi-finals of their home World Cup in 2006, but his stint in charge of Bayern Munich lasted less than a season before he was sacked. Speaking about Klinsmann's attack, Benitez said: "I think he was an expert in marketing. His management career? Short." Klinsmann was at the centre of a storm two years ago when he was involved in talks with Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over the Anfield hot seat. Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness also warned of a potential "meltdown" at the club this week but Benitez said: "There is always criticism but I don't listen. I turn off the volume on the TV." He added sarcastically: "Both have fantastic records as managers, so the fans ignore what they say. "We have to win, we have a responsibility and we must concentrate on our job. "If someone talks too much, it is their problem, but the fans know the record they both have as managers, fantastic." (Press Association Sport) Rafa to bring back his big guns Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will bring back his big guns for the visit of Arsenal to Anfield for Sunday's crunch Premier League clash. Jamie Carragher, Glen Johnson and Jose Reina were all rested for the Champions League defeat by Fiorentina on Wednesday but are expected to face the Gunners. Benitez must decide whether Alberto Aquilani is ready for a Premier League starting role, despite facing his fellow Italians in midweek. Fernando Torres is likely to lead the attack for the first time since the draw in Lyon on November 4. Lucas Leiva and Fabio Aurelio are also likely to return. Liverpool (from): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Aquilani, Kuyt, Torres, Cavalieri, Lucas, Aurelio, Skrtel, Riera, Kyrgiakos, Ngog, El Zhar. (TEAMtalk) Mascherano calls for consistency Liverpool star Javier Mascherano believes the team must use Sunday's clash with Arsenal as an opportunity to rebuild their battered reputation. An early exit from the Champions League - for the first time since manager Rafael Benitez took over in 2004 - and stuttering domestic form have had some critics writing off the club. Mascherano admits the team have done "bad things" this season but stressed the players had to start putting things right against the Gunners. The Argentina captain said: "The confidence is not here at the moment but we have a big game on Sunday to show ourselves, to show the fans and to show everyone that Liverpool still has a good team that can fight for something." (TEAMtalk)  Klinsmann slaughters Benitez’s Liverpool work Jurgen Klinsmann has slammed the work of Rafa Benitez at Liverpool. The former Spurs and Germany striker, who met Kop owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks for talks about taking over from Benitez, hit out after the Reds' latest humiliating Champions League defeat on Wednesday. Klinsmann, 45, told Sky Sports: "What you miss in Liverpool is the technical pace and the passing. "They have a couple of players who can do that but not all over the place. There's no real flow and there's a lack of creativity. "If it's down to Torres or Gerrard, then that's not enough. "You can't always put it on the shoulders of two players. That's why they need more quality in the team to make sure they finish in the top four this season. "It is a big surprise that Liverpool didn't make it to the final 16 because they have always been there over the last few years and had tremendous success. "There were always questions at the start of the season - especially after losing Xabi Alonso, who was a tremendous asset to Liverpool over the last few years. "It's sad that Liverpool are not in the knockout stage because that is where they belong, Liverpool's name is huge on the continent. In my opinion they are lacking creativity and a real No 10, a playmaker, and a great world-class striker next to Torres. "It's frustrating to see where they stand now. Over the stretch of six games they just couldn't keep up. They lack quality. "It also shows in the Premier League that they don't have the consistency to keep up with the big teams. Now is a moment to think about how they are to go forward." (tribalfootball.com) Barnes insists they can bounce back against Arsenal Liverpool icon John Barnes is backing his old club to defeat Arsenal on Sunday. Both clubs go into the game at Anfield under pressure to retain their top four status this season. Barnes told the Daily Mail: "I don't think Liverpool are in danger of dropping out of the top four, but back then you would never have envisaged them not winning the title for 20 years. "These things go in cycles and if you're not consistent and take your eyes off the prize then you can easily fall by the wayside. "Liverpool fell behind United and Arsenal over a short period of time, and began finishing third. "That allowed United and Arsenal to sign the best players. "Then you had the emergence of Chelsea with Roman Abramovich's millions. Now the best players will choose United and Chelsea, or even Arsenal because it gives them the chance to be in London. "Liverpool have the history, but it's difficult for them to get the best players and the quality of the squad is not as high. "I believe Liverpool will win on Sunday because they have to. They will play a physical game and send out a message to their fans after the loss to Fiorentina." (tribalfootball.com)
	THURSDAY 10
	Eboue out for Sunday's trip to Anfield Arsenal will be without Emmanuel Eboue for the trip to Liverpool on Sunday but Arsène Wenger hopes to welcome back Eduardo and Abou Diaby for the Anfield clash. Eboue is the second confirmed casualty from the 2-0 victory over Stoke last weekend. The Ivorian picked up a hamstring problem while Tomas Rosicky has already been ruled out a few weeks with a groin injury. (Arsenal Official Website)  Liverpool sign 16-year-old Kristjan Gauti Emilsson Icelandic 16-year-old Kristjan Gauti Emilsson has joined Liverpool on a three-year contract, his club FH said on Thursday. Jon Halldorson has confirmed the move but no details of the deal have been disclosed. "Liverpool made me an offer that I couldn't refuse. It's just like a dream come true," Emilsson said. Emilsson trained with Liverpool last month and was offered a contract. He had been watched by other clubs, including Manchester United, Glasgow Rangers and IFK Gothenburg. Emilsson has not played for Iceland's first team but has represented the national under-17, under-18 and under-19 sides. He will be the third Icelander to play for Liverpool. Haukur Ingi Gudnason joined the Premier League club in 1997 and Gudlaugur Victor Palsson has played for the youth and reserve teams recently. (Telegraph co.uk) Aquilani impresses Gerrard Steven Gerrard was impressed by Alberto Aquilani last night. The Italian midfielder played 80 minutes of last night's game and did enough during this time to impress his captain. "He did well tonight. It's going to take him some time to get up to speed in terms of match fitness but the boy's a player, there's no doubt about that," said Gerrard. "He can see a pass, he's on the same wavelength and he will turn into a fantastic player for this club." (LFC Online) More to come from Liverpool's Little Prince There has been a banner in the corner of the Kop this season saluting the arrival of Alberto Aquilani. It proudly states ‘Il Principino – A Hero Has Arrived’ and depicts the Italian as a gladiator ready for battle. It’s been about the only chance Liverpool supporters have had to see the lesser-spotted midfielder at Anfield over the past four months. However, last night they finally got to have a proper look at the player dubbed the ‘Little Prince’ by the Roma fans who adored him. This is who Rafa Benitez deemed worthy of splashing half of his summer transfer kitty on. The man tasked with filling the massive void created by Xabi Alonso’s move to Real Madrid and transforming a miserable campaign in which one crushing setback has swiftly followed another. Aquilani didn’t set the world alight on his full Liverpool debut, but his promising 75-minute display at least provided some much needed cheer on another European night which had a bitter late twist in the tale. (James Pearce - Liverpool Echo) Rumour Mill: Reds to swap Babel for Spurs’ Pavlyuchenko Liverpool will offer Dutch international winger Ryan Babel in a bid to sign Tottenham Hotspur attacker Roman Pavlyuchenko in the January transfer window, according to reports today. It is understood that Reds boss Rafa Benitez has finally lost his patience with Babel who is having yet another uninspiring season at the club and is ready to offload the 22-year-old. (This is Anfield) Benitez: Reds' season starts now Manager Rafael Benitez hopes the culmination of Liverpool's Champions League campaign can lead to "the beginning of a new season" for the Reds. Liverpool were out of the competition before final Group E game against Fiorentina at Anfield, but the manner of the 2-1 defeat summed up their whole Champions League campaign this term. Benitez has now seen his side concede three damaging late goals - in both matches against Lyon, and now Fiorentina. That has cost Liverpool dearly as the French and Italian sides move on into the last 16. Liverpool are destined for the Europa League, and they have now been told by UEFA that they will not be seeded in that competition. Benitez said: "The result and the way it happened just about sums up our Champions League campaign. Another last minute goal, and we are disappointed with that for the third time in this group. "We are still trying to see the positives, we are playing better and we must now must take that into a very important game at home to Arsenal. It is the beginning of a new season for us now, I hope." (TEAMtalk) Mascherano refuses to commit Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has again refused to pledge his long-term future to the club. The Argentina international has been continually linked with a move to Barcelona. Reds chief Rafa Benitez has confirmed that talks have begun with Mascherano over a new contract. But the South American ace, who has just 18 months left on his present deal, refused to confirm his desire to pen fresh terms. "I am playing for Liverpool, I am a Liverpool player and like the manager says I have two more years on my contract and don't have to say anything else," Mascherano told Sky Sports News. "I play for Liverpool and will continue to do my best." Mascherano admits that Liverpool's season could be turned around - despite another defeat on Wednesday evening as they lost their final UEFA Champions League clash with Fiorentina. "It is not a good season, but everything can change and in May we could be talking about Liverpool winning something," he insisted. (Sky Sports) Souness worried for Reds Former Liverpool captain and manager Graeme Souness fears the club could go into "meltdown" after they finished their Champions League campaign with their lowest points haul. A stoppage-time 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina at Anfield left Rafael Benitez's side, who were already unable to progress to the knockout phase, with just seven points from six matches. And although they will now drop into the Europa League, with their Barclays Premier League form also disappointing there is a real danger they could not be involved in Europe's top club competition next season. Souness, who won the European Cup three times with Liverpool, captaining them to victory in 1984, has grave concerns about what failing to progress in the Champions League this season could mean for his club. "I fear they are in meltdown. If they don't reach the Champions League next year the best players won't want to play for Liverpool," he said. (Press Association Sport) Aquilani asking for patience Alberto Aquilani has asked for patience from the Liverpool fans. The Italian made his long awaited full debut for the Reds in their UEFA Champions League defeat to Fiorentina on Wednesday. The former Roma star admits it will take time for him to build up his full fitness and make an impact following his ankle injury. "For a football player it is very hard if you haven't played for seven or eight months," Aquilani told Sky Sports News. "If you don't play the fitness is not good and the training is good, but the matches are different and I need to play and if you play more and more I get the fitness." With Liverpool failing to progress in the Champions League, Aqulani admits that finishing in the top four of the Premier League is now their priority. "That is very important for us," he continued, admitting they need to beat Arsenal on Sunday. "It is important for us to take each match step-by-step. We have to win each match, we cannot look at the table and Sunday we need to win." (Sky Sports) Thor Zakariassen ©