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TUESDAY 12 |
Benitez sticking with rotation
Rafa Benitez says he will continue to rotate his squad to
ensure his players are at 100 percent with the number of
crucial games coming thick and fast for Liverpool.
The Reds suffered derby defeat at Everton on Saturday and
then travelled to Holland to face PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA
Champions League just three days later.
With a trip to Premiership champions Chelsea coming up on
Sunday, Benitez made six changes from the side at Goodison
for the game in Eindhoven.
Xabi Alonso, Peter Crouch, Sami Hyypia and skipper Steven
Gerrard were all left on the bench for the 0-0 draw with
PSV, and Benitez says he will continue to stick to his
rotation policy.
"Steven was on the bench as were several other senior
players, Xabi Alonso, Peter Crouch, Sami Hyypia, but people
only mention Gerrard," said Benitez.
"We must accept that nobody can play at 100% for every
match, it was a very difficult game against Everton and you
can see that the players who were involved for all that game
were on the bench.
"If you are not 100% fit and ready then you will be rested
like that. It will happen to different players."
(Sky Sports)
Reds play out PSV stalemate
A much-changed Liverpool side produced a solid if
unspectacular performance in a goalless draw at PSV
Eindhoven in their opening UEFA Champions League group
match.
Rafa Benitez rung the changes after their derby defeat at
the weekend, with Sami Hyypia, Xabi Alonso and even skipper
Steven Gerrard starting on the bench.
An organised and disciplined Liverpool side were relatively
comfortable throughout the game, apart from Aruna Kone's
early strike against the bar.
Dirk Kuyt starred with a tireless performance up front and
at times his partnership with Craig Bellamy showed signs of
blossoming, while substitute Gerrard nearly won it for The
Reds when he volleyed against the post late on.
(Sky Sports)
PSV vs Liverpool confirmed team
Rafael Benitez has rung the changes for Liverpool's opening
group game in the 2006/07 Champions League by making six
changes to the team that lost Saturday's Merseyside derby.
The big news is that captain Steven Gerrard starts on the
bench, as does Sami Hyypia, Xabi Alonso, Peter Crouch and
Luis Garcia.
Into the starting eleven comes Bolo Zenden, Daniel Agger,
Stephen Warnock, Jermaine Pennant, Dirk Kuyt and Craig
Bellamy.
Team in full: Reina, Finnan, Warnock, Agger, Carragher,
Sissoko, Zenden, Aurelio, Pennant, Kuyt, Bellamy. Subs -
Dudek, Hyypia, Gerrard, Garcia, Gonzalez,
Alonso, Crouch.
(18-5.com-Liverpool)
All change up front
Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy will be given the opportunity to
unleash their derby frustration on PSV Eindhoven tonight.
The £15m strike duo will be paired in Holland, as the Reds
seek an instant return to form in their opening Champions
League group tie.
Neither player started at Goodison on Saturday, and Rafa
Benitez was forced to shrug off ridiculous rumours of a
bust-up with Bellamy following the Welshman's absence from
the squad.
Now the pair, who many presume will be established as the
preferred choice as the season progresses, will start
together for the first time.
Kuyt is hoping to reap the rewards from appearing on
familiar territory.
He's scored three in his last two appearances against PSV,
and also scored at the Philips Stadion for Holland last
week.
"Dirk is ready to play, and maybe he and Craig will start,"
Benitez said. "But we will decide the team later today."
(Liverpool Echo)
Defiant Reina unfazed by criticism
Jose Reina has vowed to prove he should still be Liverpool's
first choice goalkeeper, following a high-profile blunder in
the team's derby day defeat to Everton at the weekend.
The Reds have an early opportunity to get that 3-0 defeat
out of their system at PSV Eindhoven in Tuesday's UEFA
Champions League clash, with Reina expected to be between
the posts once more.
The Spaniard gifted Everton their third goal on Saturday,
just two weeks after another gaffe against West Ham at
Anfield.
But, despite the critics sharpening their knives for the
former Villarreal man, Reina insists he remains confident in
his own ability.
"I am not worried about the criticism. Football does these
things," said Reina.
"But I have the confidence to continue as the number one
keeper for Liverpool.
"The start of the season has not been good, but we want to
finish that this week.
"We cannot fail against PSV because it will set up our
position for the rest of
the tournament."
(Sky Sports)
Kewell returns home to Australia for
medical treatment
Liverpool and Australian midfielder Harry Kewell has
returned to Sydney to receive treatment for lingering groin
and foot injuries.
Kewell said he expects to have a prognosis by Friday on the
groin strain that has sidelined him since July's World Cup
and the arthritic condition affecting his left foot.
"I'm over here at the moment obliviously sorting out my
injuries," he told reporters in Sydney.
"So I don't know anything at the moment until probably
Friday."
Kewell, 27, admitted he had no real idea when he'd be
playing for Liverpool again
(People's Daily Online)
Rafa: International break was to blame
Rafael Benitez has already said he thinks the World Cup is
too long and now he is now blaming internationals for
Liverpool's derby-day shocker.
The Reds take on PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday night in their
opening Champions League group match knowing they must find
their best form, and quickly, or their carefully laid plans
for this campaign will go up in smoke.
He said: "It is more difficult to find the right team and
balance with players returning from injury and from
internationals.
"With smaller clubs, it is easier. They may only have two or
three internationals but we have 10, sometimes 14. It is not
easy to select a side."
(TEAMtalk)
Under 18's lose again
Liverpool's under 18's side's poor start to the season
continued on Saturday.
The under 18's have now taken just one point from their
opening four games after this weekend's 3-1 defeat to
Sunderland.
The Reds started badly when goalkeeper David Roberts threw
the ball out to a grateful Sunderland striker who scored an
easy opener.
Ryan Flynn equalised for the Reds midway through the half
and his goal signalled the start of a period of Liverpool
dominance. However, they were unable to capitalise on their
possession and fell behind to a lucky strike on the stroke
of half time.
Sunderland wrapped the game up in the second half from the
penalty spot, albeit again against the run of play.
(LFC Online) |
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MONDAY 11 |
Kromkamp has no Reds regrets
Jan Kromkamp insists he has no regrets about joining
Liverpool as he prepares to face The Reds less than a month
after leaving the club.
The Dutchman left Anfield to join PSV Eindhoven on transfer
deadline day after finding his first team chances limited at
Liverpool.
Kromkamp spent six months at Liverpool after arriving from
Villarreal, but he only made seven start in The Premiership.
The full back is relishing locking horns again with his old
team-mates in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League tie.
"I found it hard to find my rhythm when I was not given much
playing time," Kromkamp told the club's official website.
"I need to play games to get in shape. I loved my spell with
Liverpool and I will always cherish fond memories of the FA
Cup final.
"But now I am delighted to be here, as PSV are a great
club."
(Sky Sports)
PSV will be no pushover, says Zenden
Bolo Zenden has warned his Liverpool team-mates they face
another stern test in Eindhoven tomorrow as they bid to
recover from their derby disappointment.
Zenden spent his early years as a PSV player, and knows all
about the strengths of the Dutch champions.
The midfielder, who wasn't part of the squad defeated at
Goodison Park, will be hoping his return to familiar
territory will see him back in the first team set-up.
Benitez can certainly rely on a full scouting report from
Zenden.
(Liverpool Echo)
Bellamy ready for Euro spot
Rafa Benitez today continues the process of trying to
revitalise his players ahead of tomorrow's Champions League
clash in Holland.
Saturday's derby defeat was a major early season setback,
but Liverpool will welcome an instant opportunity to make
amends against PSV Eindhoven.
The squad flies to the Dutch city today, with Benitez sure
to ring the changes having watched his side tamely surrender
three points at Goodison Park.
(Liverpool Echo)
Benitez: I have confidence in Reina
Rafael Benitez has leapt to the defence of goalkeeper Pepe
Reina after he came in for criticism following the
Merseyside derby defeat and said he has a lot of confidence
in him.
The Liverpool manager said he has every faith that Reina
will bounce back from his mistake against Everton and show
everyone what a good goalkeeper he is.
"I have a lot of confidence in Pepe Reina and he is a very
good goalkeeper," commented Benitez.
"Pepe kept 33 clean sheets last season and was fantastic. I
was talking with him after the game on Saturday and he felt
he could have done something more about the first two goals
but I said 'no' because we didn't defend well. The third
goal was a mistake and he knows it was.
"We need to improve in defence, that is very clear, and it's
good that after Saturday's defeat we have a game against PSV
Eindhoven so we can put things right."
(LFC Official Website) |
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SUNDAY 10 |
Warnock happy to remain a Red
Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has revealed he is happy
to remain at Anfield after receiving assurances from Rafa
Benitez.
The 25-year-old admitted he sought talks with the Spaniard
this summer after failing to hold down a regular starting
place, with the player considering leaving the club during
the transfer window.
But Benitez assuaged Warnock's doubts over his future, and
demonstrated his commitment to the player by rejecting
Blackburn's part-exchange offer involving Lucas Neill last
month.
"I sat down and thought about things in the summer and I
felt it was the right time to meet the manager and see what
his plans for me were," said Warnock.
"He was straight with me and said he sees me in those plans.
That's good enough for me.
"When the boss says he wants you, especially at a huge club
like this, you have to stay."
(Sky Sports)
Rafa: Kuyt can do it all
Rafa Benitez has hailed Dirk Kuyt ahead of the Liverpool
striker's return to Holland in Tuesday's UEFA Champions
League clash with PSV Eindhoven.
Still smarting from The Reds' 3-0 derby day defeat at
Everton on Saturday, Benitez believes the £9 million signing
from Feyenoord has the versatility to become a major player
in The Premiership.
Kuyt was used only as a substitute against The Toffees - a
decision by Benitez that attracted criticism following
defeat at Goodison Park.
But Benitez insists the player will prove he was worth the
manager's three-year pursuit
of him.
"I know the player well after watching him for three years.
The potential three years ago was fantastic," said Benitez.
"The reports I had were really good.
"You know he has all the conditions for being good here at
Liverpool.
"He can play behind the defenders, on the wings and as a
second striker.
"He can play well in all of these positions. Kuyt can do
everything."
(Sky Sports)
Liverpool suffer new Riise blow
Liverpool will be without John Arne Riise for two weeks
after he injured his ankle in
the 3-0 defeat at Everton.
The Norwegian defender Riise, 25, will miss Liverpool's
Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday and
Sunday's league game against Chelsea.
The injury is a reoccurence of the one Riise suffered on the
first day of the season in the draw at Sheffield United.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "It's not serious but
John will be out for the next
10 to 15 days."
(BBC Sport Online)
Young Reds lose at Sunderland
Liverpool Under-18s slumped to their third defeat of the
season when they lost 3-1 at Sunderland.
Ryan Flynn scored a fine consolation goal for Liverpool but
overall it was a disappointing day for John Owens team who
fielded trialist Morgan Evans.
"It was a disappointing day for us but we are paying dearly
for not putting the chances we are creating away," admitted
Owens.
"We didn't start well and we gifted Sunderland the opening
goal after a mistake from our goalkeeper David Roberts. They
scored again just before half-time and although Ryan scored
a good goal for us Sunderland got a penalty five minutes
before the end to kill off the game.
"Our attacking play is off form for us at the moment and we
have to improve. It's not necessarily down to individuals
but we are certainly rusty up front."
Liverpool Under-18s: David Roberts, Stephen Darby, Robbie
Threlfall, Jay Spearing, Laurence Gaughan, Charlie Barnett,
Paul Barratt (Shane O'Connor 75), Ryan Flynn, Craig
Lindfield, Ryan Wignall (Jonathan Pringle 60), Morgan Evans
(Lee Woodward 60). Unused subs: Josh Mimms (GK), Stephen
Behan.
(LFC Official Website)
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Thor Zakariassen
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