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WEDNESDAY 12 |
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Gerrard promises improvement for Man U
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he and his team-mates
will lift their game for Saturday's visit of rivals Man Utd.
Liverpool beat Watford 1-0 in the Carling Cup semi-final first
leg last night but many of the players under-performed.
However, Gerrard is confident that will not be the case on
Saturday.
Gerrard said: "With all due respect to Watford, it's easier to
get yourselves up for a game against United.
"We know we'll have to be much better at the weekend and I'm
sure we will be.
"The United game is always one to look forward to and we'll be
ready for it on Saturday."
(LFC Online)
Morientes frozen out by galacticos
Striker Fernando Morientes joins Liverpool after becoming the
biggest victim of Real Madrid's belief that going "galactico"
would guarantee success.
A proven goalscorer at the highest level for club and country,
Morientes has been off-loaded by Real because he lacks the
cachet of team mates Ronaldo, Raul and Michael Owen.
Morientes was the Champions League's top scorer last season on
loan at Monaco, his nine goals powering the Ligue 1 club to
their first European Cup final.
For Real, this was still not good enough. The Spanish giants
bought Owen three months later and relegated Morientes to
fourth choice at the Bernabeu.
It is not the first time Morientes, moving to Liverpool for
nine million euros ($11.8 million), has lost out in a
roller-coaster career which started as a 17-year-old at
unfashionable Albacete.
(Reuters)
Benitez warning for players
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has warned his players they
will have to be “strong to survive” in the Carling Cup as
Watford can still grab a place in the final.
“They have already beaten Premiership teams on their own
ground, so we know how difficult it will be there,” said
Benitez.
“Just taking a one-goal lead there is not the best and if they
play as they did at Anfield it will be a tough night for us.
“We will have to be very strong to survive.”
(BreakingNews.ie)
Morientes wants United debut
Fernando Morientes is hoping to pass his medical and be
registered in time to make his Liverpool debut against
Manchester United on Saturday.
The Spanish international will arrive at Anfield on Wednesday
night to complete the formalities after the Reds agreed a
£6.3million fee with Real
At a press conference at Real's Las Rozas training ground,
Morientes spoke of his delight, and admitted he would relish
the chance to make his debut for the Reds against rivals
United at Anfield.
"Going to Liverpool was a decision my family and I thought
about a lot," he said. "I want to play and I had several
offers, but I think the best for me and my family was
Liverpool's.
"Now all I can do is hope that the medical goes well and I am
registered in time to play. You can't ask for more than a
debut against Manchester United. It would be a great debut for
me and even better if the team wins."
(ITV Football)
Reds agree Morientes fee
Spain international Fernando Morientes is finally on his way
to Liverpool, according to Real Madrid.
The 28-year-old, one of Europe's leading strikers last season
while on loan at Champions League finalists Monaco, has been
pushing for a move to join the Reds' former Valencia coach
Rafael Benitez.
Madrid said in a statement on their website: "Real Madrid and
Liverpool have reached an agreement for the transfer of
Fernando Morientes to the English club for a total price of
9million euros (£6.3million).
(ITV Football)
Blues and Reds battle for Carson
Premiership heavyweights Chelsea and Liverpool are to slug it
out for the services of Leeds goalkeeper Scott Carson.
Officials from both clubs are to meet with Leeds over the next
48 hours to discuss the prospect of signing the England
Under-21 international, who is likely to leave Elland Road for
a fee of around £1million.
The 19-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, was
left bitterly disappointed by the offer from Leeds of a new
two-and-a-half-year deal last month, believing the club had
every intention of selling him.
(Sporting Life)
Never fear, Vladi's nearly here!
Liverpool's Vladimir Smicer is aiming to be back in action for
the Reds within the next four weeks. The Czech midfielder was
hoping to be back in action by now but he's not going to rush
his rehabilitation.
Smicer underwent the knife in July to have an operation on his
knee after he aggravated a longstanding problem. An Achilles
injury kept him out of action for the second half of last
season and he hasn't figured for the Reds since he was given a
run-out against Celtic in pre-season.
(Kop Talk)
Baros ready to start against United
Milan Baros insists he's ready to start against Manchester
United on Saturday after making an impressive 2nd half
substitute appearance in the Carling Cup semi-final against
Watford.
Baros set up the game's only goal, had a later strike
disallowed for offside and looked lively after coming on to
replace Neil Mellor in the 55th minute of Liverpool's 1-0 win.
Baros says: "I've been out for three weeks so I wasn't
disappointed not to start as I hadn't trained much beforehand.
I'm happy that my muscle is now okay and hopefully it will be
okay for the remainder of the season.
"It was good to be involved with the goal. I received a great
ball from Stevie, pulled it back and Stevie finished the job.
Thankfully, it was enough for us win the game.
"It's going to be another difficult game against United. I'm
ready to start but it's up to the boss whether I do or not.
We'll have to wait and see."
(Kop Talk)
Morientes set to join Liverpool
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says his club are on the
brink of signing Spain striker Fernando Morientes from Real
Madrid.
"I cannot say that Morientes is a Liverpool player but I
believe we are very close to a deal and it could happen in a
couple of hours time," Benitez told the club's website after
the 1-0 win over Watford in their League Cup semi-final first
leg on Tuesday night.
Benitez added that Morientes could even figure for Liverpool
in Saturday's home game with Manchester United.
(Reuters)
Gerrard: Hornets fought hard
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admitted his side were made
to work hard for their narrow win over Watford in Tuesday's
Carling Cup semi-final first leg.
The England midfielder was full of praise for the way the
Coca-Cola Championship side played.
He told Sky Sports: "I think Watford deserve a lot of credit -
they made it a battle and played very well."
(ITV Football) |
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TUESDAY 11 |
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Benitez disappointed with Reds
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admitted his side were not at
their best during the 1-0 Carling Cup semi-final first leg win
over Watford at Anfield.
Benitez said: "I was disappointed at half-time, we were losing
the ball too easily but we improved. We had problems but in
the end we controlled it.
"I am happy in the end, the win is the most important thing."
(BBC Sport Online)
Gerrard gives Liverpool League Cup edge
Steven Gerrard scored just after the interval to ensure
Liverpool will take a lead into the second leg of their
Carling Cup semi-final with Watford.
Gerrard drove home via a deflection from Neil Cox after
substitute Milan Baros' run and cross from the left.
The Reds were otherwise disappointing, Florent Sinama Pongolle
volleying over and Gerrard quiet in the midfield.
(BBC Sport Online)
Liverpool v Watford - confirmed team
LFC: Dudek, Finnan, Traore, Carragher, Riise, Gerrard, Hamann,
Nunez, Garcia,
Pongolle, Mellor.
SUBS: Harrison, Warnock, Biscan, Baros, Potter.
(Kop Talk)
Rafa's right to call on his stars
Rafael Benitez will be keen to get the job done at Anfield
tonight.
So while it may look harsh to abandon the youngsters who have
got the club to this stage of the Carling Cup, I don't think
many would say it is the wrong decision.
The young players have already enjoyed some invaluable
experience this season and have given both their manager and
the fans a glimpse of what they are capable of.
But what will have been even more to the forefront of Rafa
Benitez's mind, is the identity of Liverpool's next
Premiership opponents.
The postponement of last Friday's FA Cup tie means the Reds
have had eight days without a game now. If the senior players
sat out tonight's Carling Cup tie, that would extend to 12
days without a game.
(Ian Rush - Liverpool Echo)
Parry eager for new stadium progress
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry is hoping the club's new
stadium project can now be moved forward as quickly as
possible following the announcement that a groundshare scheme
between the Reds and Everton has been rejected.
Parry said: "The joint stadium proposal has been thoroughly
examined over an extended period of time and has now been
rejected.
"With the issue now finally resolved, we hope that all parties
involved can pull together to get this project delivered as
quickly as possible."
(LFC Official Website)
Cesar keen on Anfield switch
Real Madrid reserve goalkeeper Cesar has admitted he is
interested in a move to Anfield.
"I know Rafa Benitez well. I was with him for a year at
Valladolid and I know how he works with the players. For him,
I would go away tomorrow - and the same for Liverpool.
"But I want to speak with Benitez and know more details. Real
Madrid vice president Emilio Butragueno has given me
authorisation to do it."
(LFC Official Website)
Gers make new Henchoz offer
Rangers have made an improved offer for Liverpool defender
Stephane Henchoz.
The Gers are keen to bolster their defence having lost
Jean-Alain Boumsong to Newcastle earlier this month.
Henchoz held talks with Rangers last week over a move to
Ibrox, but expressed his concern over the offer of a
short-term deal until the end of the season.
The Swiss international is holding out for a long-term deal as
he seeks to leave Anfield after dropping out of the plans of
Rafa Benitez.
The player's agent Jorg Vonmatt revealed the new offer on the
table from Rangers is more favourable for Henchoz.
"Rangers have changed the terms and it is now an offer that
can be discussed," Vonmatt told skysports.com
"Stephane is a lot happier with the new deal and the length of
the contract is not a problem now."
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Mersey groundshare idea is dead
Liverpool and Everton will definitely not share a stadium.
The clubs had agreed to consider a proposal to share
Liverpool's planned new £120million stadium just yards from
their current Anfield home in Stanley Park following pressure
from the local authority and regeneration body the North West
Development Agency.
A spokesman for Liverpool City Council said both clubs had
formally rejected the proposal.
Peter Kilfoyle, the Liverpool Walton MP who helped to broker
talks between the clubs and Mr Caborn, said: "It is not really
surprising. There was never much enthusiasm
for the idea."
(Sporting Life)
Jones: Unlucky Kirkland can be England No1
It may not be much comfort to Liverpool fans contemplating the
alarming stop-start career of Chris Kirkland, but Watford
keeper Paul Jones believes it may be another 10 years before
Anfield sees the best from the injury-prone 23-year-old.
The England keeper will once again be missing through injury
tonight when Watford, including on-loan Wolves keeper Jones,
travel to Liverpool for the Carling Cup semi-final first leg.
"What is he, 23 years old?" asked Jones. "He has plenty of
time, don't worry about that. Keepers don't usually mature
until their late 20s and early 30s.
"He has got a very good chance to become one of the best
keepers in the Premiership and to be the undisputed England
No1.
"He will certainly be pushing Paul Robinson all the way. He
showed at Coventry, and in glimpses at Liverpool, that he has
the ability. He is as good as anyone.
"All he needs is experience."
(Evening Standard) |
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MONDAY 10 |
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Rafa's ultimatum to Real
Rafael Benitez has issued an ultimatum to Real Madrid over
Fernando Morientes' future as he prepares to send out his top
stars in the Carling Cup semi-final.
The Liverpool boss is losing patience with Madrid over the
protracted Morientes deal, with what is now believed to be a
near £6million bid on the table.
Benitez believes he will still get his man, but insists that
if he does not get an answer in the next couple of days he
will look elsewhere for a new striker.
(ITV Football)
Pellegrino: I'm looking forward
Liverpool’s new defender Mauricio Pellegrino says the way he
has been treated by Valencia has made it easier for him to cut
his ties with the Spanish giants after winning two
championship medals at the Mestalla.
Pellegrino was today unveiled at Anfield just 24 hours before
his new club face Watford in the Carling Cup semi-finals.
The 33-year-old has been told he will not be playing against
the Hornets – but to prepare himself to confront Manchester
United on Saturday.
Pellegrino said: “I have always wanted to play in England, it
is a new challenge for me.
“For me it is now not about what I did in the past at
Valencia, but what I can now give to Liverpool."
(BreakingNews.ie)
Jones relishing Anfield return
Paul Jones will have come full circle when he runs out in a
Watford jersey at Anfield on Tuesday.
The veteran goalkeeper has seen it all in the last two
seasons, from an FA Cup final appearance with Southampton, a
brief loan spell with boyhood club Liverpool to the agony of
relegation from the top-flight with Wolves.
And now the 37-year-old is looking to write another chapter by
helping the Hornets upset the odds again and make it to the
Carling Cup final by beating Liverpool.
(ITV Football)
Lewington wants fearless Hornets
Watford manager Ray Lewington has told his team to play
without fear when they face Liverpool at Anfield in the first
leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.
"They have play their normal game as much as possible,"
Lewington said.
"Sometimes you get an attack of nerves and you just seize up.
We will be emphasising they are a good side, but let's not
give them too much respect.
"We are complete underdogs, the odds say they should beat us,
but as long as we give 100%, that is all I can ask for."
(BBC Sport Online)
Reds call on big guns for Cup clash
Rafael Benitez will revert to a strong line-up for Liverpool’s
Carling Cup semi-final first leg against Watford at Anfield,
having used youngsters and reserves in the earlier rounds.
Striker Milan Baros is back after a lengthy hamstring injury,
while captain Steven Gerrard, who would have been rested on
Friday had the FA Cup tie at Burnley not been called off, will
also play against Watford.
New signing Mauricio Pellegrino has only had one training
session since arriving from Valencia, and will not be
involved.
Provisional squad: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore,
Biscan, Diao, Warnock, Potter, Nunez, Hamann, Gerrard, Luis
Garcia, Riise, Mellor, Sinama-Pongolle,
Baros, Harrison.
(BreakingNews.ie)
Reds still hopeful over Morientes
Liverpool are still haggling with Real Madrid over the terms
of Fernando Morientes' move to Anfield.
But if the clubs cannot reach a conclusion by the middle of
this week, the Reds will drop their interest and look
elsewhere.
Chief executive Rick Parry said today: "We remain hopeful of
bringing the deal to a conclusion. Further talks took place
over the weekend but we are still some way off reaching an
agreement."
(Liverpool Echo 1001)
FA Cup: Bournemouth next for either Reds or
Burnley
Liverpool will face AFC Bournemouth in the fourth round of the
FA Cup at Anfield later this month, if they can overcome
Burnley in the rescheduled third round tie next week at Turf
Moor.
Friday's nights third round tie with Burnley was called off
forty-five minutes before kick-off due to a waterlogged pitch.
The rearranged tie will take place one week tomorrow on
January 18th and will be televised live by Sky Sports.
(Shankly Gates)
Vignal: Henchoz would be a hit
Rangers' on-loan defender, Gregory Vignal, has urged former
Liverpool team-mate Stephane Henchoz to rejoin him - even
though his own short term future at Ibrox remains uncertain.
The Frenchman said: "I hope he will come up here because he is
a big player in the Premiership and has been an experienced
player for Liverpool.
"He has won many trophies so he must be a good player and I
hope he has more than a chat with Rangers."
However, Vignal is unsure about where his own future lies as
he revealed Marseille were tracking him, while Rangers had yet
to initiate talks over a permanent deal.
He is on loan at Rangers until the end of the season but it
appears Liverpool are willing to cash in on him, so McLeish
might have to move fast.
(Daily Post)
Pellegrino to wear number 12
Liverpoolfc.tv can reveal that new Anfield signing Mauricio
Pellegrino will wear the number 12 shirt for the Reds.
Pellegrino, who is in line to make his Liverpool debut in the
Carling Cup semi-final first leg against Watford on Tuesday,
has been given the number that was last used by Sami Hyypia.
The number 12 shirt was, of course, made famous by Supersub
Davey Fairclough
in the 1970s.
(LFC Official Website)
Benitez: Pellegrino's a winner
Rafael Benitez insists that his latest signing, Mauricio
Pellegrino, is a true professional.
"Even when Pellegrino is not in the team he will be working
and encouraging the others," said the Liverpool boss.
"He is always trying to pass on his experience to younger
players and he has a great mentality and approach to the
game."
"He is a winner. He has a very good mentality, during the
game, after the game and before the game. With his experience,
and the fact he can play in different roles, he gives me the
chance to rest Hyypia or Carragher. They have played in every
league game and you cannot use players that often.
"He needs to improve his physical level but in terms of
mentality it is the best."
(LFC Online)
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Thor Zakariassen
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