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FRIDAY 15 |
Boss: Reina is not for sale
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has scotched speculation
linking Pepe Reina with a move away from Anfield.
The Spaniard insists his first-choice goalkeeper is not for
sale.
"I was surprised at hearing this speculation," said Benitez.
"Why are people again talking about this situation when we
know it's not true? It's clear we're not talking with
Valencia – we are talking with Pepe about his future here."
(LFC Official Website)
Addicks chief respects Crouch
Charlton manager Les Reed intends to use his knowledge of
Peter Crouch to help keep the Liverpool attack at bay on
Saturday.
The 53-year-old coach worked with some of the Premiership's
top stars when they were involved in the England youth
set-up during his time at the Football Association.
Reed has been impressed by the commitment shown by Crouch,
who began his professional career at Tottenham and
eventually earned a £7million move to Liverpool in the
summer of 2005 following spells at Queen's Park Rangers,
Portsmouth, Aston Villa, Norwich and Southampton.
Now an established full England international, with 11 goals
from 16 caps, Reed intends to give the 6ft 7ins striker
little room for manoeuvre at The Valley.
Reed said: "He has played for me at a number of occasions
for different age groups with England, so I know Peter
Crouch's game inside out.
"I am delighted for him, having almost been written off
earlier in his career, that he has made a terrific comeback
and has ended up being a full England international."
(TEAMtalk)
Brazilian boost for Reds
Fabio Aurelio is back in the Liverpool squad for Saturday's
visit to Charlton after two months on the sidelines through
injury.
The Brazilian left-back has not featured for the Reds since
October 14 against Blackburn.
Rafael Benitez is still without long-term injury concerns
Momo Sissoko, Harry Kewell and Bolo Zenden, while this
weekend's fixture has come a few days too soon for
Stephen Warnock.
(LFC Official Website)
Barca dates confirmed
UEFA have confirmed the dates for the Champions League
clashes between Liverpool and Barcelona.
The 2005 winners meet the 2006 winners in the last sixteen
of the European Cup. The first leg will take place at the
Nou Camp on Wednesday February 21st while the holders visit
Anfield on Tuesday March 6th.
(LFC Online)
Rafa: We have nothing to lose
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is already licking his lips
in anticipation of facing Barcelona in the last sixteen of
the Champions League early next year.
Benitez admits today's draw in Nyon could have been kinder
to his side, but he is confident his players will be fully
prepared to face the defending champions when the games come
around.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We know they are a good team. At
the moment they are playing in Japan in the World Club
Championships and everybody is saying really good things
about them.
"They won the Champions League last season and so it is a
difficult draw for us but we have two months to prepare for
these games and we have nothing to lose.
"Everybody says Barcelona are one of the best sides in the
world so we have to upset the situation. We have to be
mentally ready to play against very good players.
"It is too soon to start talking about individual battles.
We are looking forward to the games and we will play them
with confidence.
"I have experience of playing at the Nou Camp with Valencia
and we did quite well there. Hopefully we'll do well again."
(LFC Official Website)
Laporta: We can't wait to take on
Liverpool
Barcelona president Joan Laporta hailed the prospect of "an
extraordinary tie" after the reigning European champions
were pitted against 2005 winners Liverpool in today's draw
for the Champions League knockout stages.
Laporta, whose club are currently in Japan for the Club
World Cup, said after today's draw in Nyon: "It will be a
meeting between the last two champions, so it is going to be
an extraordinary tie.
"I am happy with the draw, Liverpool are a team that I had a
preference for in order to face at this stage.
"Liverpool are powerful opponents who play very physical
football and have players that we know very well, such as
Luis Garcia and Xabi Alonso.
"Let's not forget, we are the team to beat this season."
(The Daily Mail)
Reds: Barca the biggest game
Liverpool could not have asked for a bigger test than
Barcelona, according to club secretary Bryce Morrison.
The past two winners of the competition will meet in the
second round of the UEFA Champions League following Friday's
draw in Nyon.
Rafa Benitez will return to his native Spain for the first
leg and Morrison admits it is a huge draw for Liverpool.
"I don't think we could have got much bigger than that,"
Morrison told Sky Sports News.
Having won the Champions League in 2005, Morrison is hoping
The Reds can repeat the achievements of two seasons ago.
He added: "It was a great year. Obviously we played some
very big teams on the way.
"We have now started on this road again and we hope we can
maybe go all the way again starting with this big one.
"When you get to this stage of the competition, you can only
draw big clubs, but we are going into this match with
confidence."
(Sky Sports)
Reds handed Barcelona test
Liverpool tackle holders Barcelona, while Jose Mourinho
faces a return to Porto in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions
League.
The tie of the round sees Rafa Benitez return to Spain to
take on favourites and holders Barcelona.
Chelsea boss Mourinho faces an emotional return to Porto
where he won the Champions League in 2004.
Manchester United have been handed a favourable tie against
Lille, who beat United in last season's competition.
Last season's losing finalists Arsenal face a clash with
Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven.
Celtic have been handed a tough draw after being paired with
Italian giants Milan.
Real Madrid take on Bayern Munich in the last 16, while
Serie A leaders Internazionale tackle Valencia.
French champions Lyon have been drawn against Italian side
Roma, while Real Madrid take on old foes Bayern Munich.
(Sky Sports)
Full draw:
Porto v Chelsea
Celtic v Milan
PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal
Lille v Manchester United
Roma v Lyon
Barcelona v Liverpool
Real Madrid v Bayern Munich
Internazionale v Valencia
Agger doing what Reds duo tell him
Daniel Agger is taking tips off Liverpool team-mates Jamie
Carragher and Sami Hyypia in the hope of carving out a long
career at Anfield.
The young Denmark defender hopes to retain his place in the
side against Charlton on Saturday after an impressive
performance in the defeat of Fulham.
Agger said: "When I came to this club I knew there were two
world-class defenders (Carragher and Hyypia).
"I wanted to fight for my place but I knew I could learn
lots from them.
"If you learn from the best you can be the best."
(TEAMtalk)
Reds could be unchanged
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez could be tempted to name an
unchanged side against Charlton tomorrow.
Benitez is looking for his team to stretch their unbeaten
league run to six games after the comfortable victory
against Fulham.
Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt look likely to continue their
strike partnership with Peter Crouch and Robbie Fowler on
the bench.
Bolo Zenden, Mohamed Sissoko and Harry Kewell remain
sidelined with long-term injuries.
Provisional squad: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger,
Riise, Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Alonso, Pennant, Fowler,
Crouch, Bellamy, Kuyt, Gonzalez, Guthrie, Dudek, Paletta.
(Ireland On-Line)
Carson misses clash
Charlton will be without goalkeeper Scott Carson against
Liverpool tomorrow as part of his loan deal from the Reds.
Norwegian international Thomas Myhre will come in, while
striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and defender Djimi Traore
are fully fit again and could start.
Midfielders Radostin Kishishev (calf) and Andy Reid
(hamstring) are concerns. Winger Jerome Thomas (knee) has
returned to training, but will not yet be available.
Team (from): Myhre, Young, Hreidarsson, El Karkouri,
Diawara, Traore, Kishishev, Reid, Rommedahl, Faye, Hughes,
Sam, Hasselbaink, D Bent, Andersen, Fortune, Holland,
M Bent.
(Ireland On-Line)
Gerrard condemns Charlton's Reed
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he has "no respect"
for Charlton boss Les Reed after the way he treated him
during England's Euro 2000 campaign.
Reed, who faces Gerrard at The Valley on Saturday, was part
of Kevin Keegan's coaching team in Germany.
And Gerrard said in his autobiography: "To this day I have
no respect for Reed or (England coach) Derek Fazackerley.
"I felt they could have shown me more sympathy. They were
always pushing me, telling me to buck up my ideas."
He added: "They didn't seem to understand that not everyone
can board a plane, settle in a strange hotel far from the
family they love and find it easy.
"My homesickness worsened whenever I was forced to be in
their company."
(BBC Sport Online) |
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THURSDAY 14 |
Cisse desperate to shine
Djibril Cisse insists he is ready to play a key role for
Marseille after picking up an assist in his comeback game at
the weekend.
The on-loan Liverpool man made his first appearance since
breaking his leg prior to the World Cup in a 2-1 win over
Monaco on Saturday, setting up Mamadou Niang for the winning
goal at Stade Velodrome.
Cisse's cameo was his reward for a long, hard battle against
the serious break that ruined his chances of representing
France in Germany over the summer.
Now the striker is targeting a return to regular first-team
action as he aims to impress during his time with l'OM.
"Everything I was expecting is happening," Cisse told La
Provence.
"My dream comes true, I am a happy man, I can't wait to
score at Stade Velodrome.
"The fans have been so welcoming so I wanted to be decisive,
I enjoyed the decisive pass like I scored myself.
"I will do what the coach asks me to, and if I am in the
starting XI I will be present.
"I feel I am ready."
(Sky Sports)
Valencia step up Reina hunt
Valencia are reported to have stepped up their bid to strike
a deal for Liverpool number one Jose Reina.
The Spanish international is being strongly linked with a
move to La Mestalla, but coach Rafa Benitez has insisted he
intends to hand his number one a new contract.
However, with Marco Amelia's agent claiming the Italian is
wanted by Liverpool - it seems to be adding weight to the
reports that Reina could be departing.
Reina's agent Manuel Garcia Quilon has revealed that talks
with Liverpool and Valencia are set to commence.
(Sky Sports)
Neill likely to join Reds
Blackburn captain Lucas Neill is set to join
Liverpool next month.
Lucas Neill has refused to sign a new contract with
Blackburn and is expected to sign for the Reds when the
transfer window opens next month. The Rovers fans have
turned on the Australian and Neill only half heartedly
celebrated his winning goal against Nancy in the UEFA Cup
last night.
Blackburn still want Stephen Warnock in exchange but with
Neill available on a free transfer at the end of the season
anyway, Liverpool hold all the aces in the transfer and will
be unlikely to agree to Warnock's departure.
(LFC Online)
Teams await Champions League fate
Britain's five teams in the Champions League will find out
their opponents for the knockout stages of the competition
in Friday's draw.
England's four representatives - Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool
and Manchester United - all finished top of their groups and
are in the first pot.
Celtic are in the second pot and could draw Arsenal, Chelsea
or Liverpool.
The Scottish league leaders are in a pot along with holders
Barcelona for the draw that will be made at 1100 GMT.
Teams cannot draw rivals from their group so Arsenal will
not be paired with Porto, Chelsea will avoid Barcelona,
Liverpool and PSV Eindhoven will be kept apart and
Manchester United and Celtic cannot meet again.
And clubs from the same country cannot be drawn against each
other in the second round.
Matches in the last 16 will be played on 20/21 February and
6/7 March and the first-legs will be played at the home of
the group runners-up.
(BBC Sport Online) |
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WEDNESDAY 13 |
Gerrard excited by prospects
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says that he is excited
about what the future holds for Liverpool.
There has been plenty of speculation regarding a possible
takeover by equity firm Dubai International Capital, the
investment arm of Dubai's billionaire ruler Sheikh Mohammed,
but Gerrard says he is excited about their plans having met
with DIC chief executive Sameer al-Ansari.
Gerrard told the club's official website,
www.liverpoolfc.tv: "I think the future is bright.
"There has been a lot of talk in the media of late about the
takeover and I've been fortunate enough to meet with the
people who are going to be taking over the club.
"I'm very excited. They assured me and the rest of the
players that the club is going to be in safe hands and that
the future is going to be really bright.
"The fans have been reading the same things as I've been
reading and so they've got every right to be excited.
"Having met them, I'm even more excited now because I've
heard their thoughts
face to face."
(ITV Football)
Gerrard honoured by home borough
Liverpool and England footballer Steven Gerrard is to be
made an Honorary Freeman of the borough of Knowsley.
The midfielder, who was brought up in Huyton, will be given
the honour for his outstanding contribution to national and
international football.
Members of Knowsley Borough Council voted unanimously to
give him the honour at a meeting on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old captained Liverpool to win their fifth
European Cup triumph against AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005.
(BBC Sport Online)
Parry: Reds won't be 'rich man's plaything'
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry insists the club will
not become a "rich man's plaything" if the prospective
takeover by Dubai International Capital (DIC) goes through.
The firm, an investment company for Dubai's ruler Sheikh
Mohammed, is still working through the club's accounts but
is expected to make a formal offer for Liverpool worth
around £450million.
The Sheikh is reckoned to be the fifth richest person in the
world with a fortune that dwarfs even the wealth of
Chelsea's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, but Parry
insists the takeover will not see Liverpool indulging in
profligate spending.
He insists the takeover, which would include funding for a
new stadium, can secure Liverpool's position among the elite
for the next century.
Parry told the Liverpool FC magazine published today: "We
are focused on success but we want a club that will not be
ludicrously profligate. It is not just about throwing money
at a challenge, that is not a sound long-term strategy.
"It is definitely not about being a rich man's plaything. It
is about taking Liverpool FC to the next level and securing
the future of the club for the next hundred years."
(PA Sport)
Reds lead Amelia chase
Marco Amelia's agent claims Liverpool are hoping to sign the
Livorno goalkeeper in January.
The Italian international suggested last month that
Liverpool were one of a number of clubs chasing his
signature.
Amelia is regarded as one of the most highly-rated
custodians in Europe and his performances have attracted the
interest of some top clubs including Milan, Juventus and
Chelsea.
The 24-year-old is believed to be weighing up his future
with Livorno looking to hold talks over a new extended
contract.
Amelia's representative Carlo Pallavicino played down
reported interest from Milan and suggests Liverpool are
heading the queue for the goalkeeper.
"Liverpool want him in January," said Pallavicino. "I have
never had contacts with Milan, even if I know they are
following Marco."
(Sky Sports)
Dalglish hopes Reds face Lille
Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish is hoping the Reds meet
French outfit Lille in the last 16 of the Champions League.
The draw takes place on Friday and Dalglish sees Lille and
Celtic as the weakest sides left in the competition.
He told LFC Magazine: "Looking at the teams we can face,
you'd have to take Lille or Celtic as the preferred option.
"Lille look like the weakest of the eight runners-up and a
trip to France would do nicely.
"Celtic have an impressive home record in European
competitions but their record away from Parkhead is woeful.
Roma didn't look too clever at the weekend, losing 3-0 to
Lazio in the Rome derby, but they've played well in the
group stages."
Dalglish added: "You'd certainly prefer to avoid Barca and
Real Madrid, but not because they aren't beatable. You just
want to make life as straightforward for yourself as
possible for as long as you can."
(TEAMtalk)
Toshack tips Reds to keep Bellamy
Wales manager John Toshack does not expect Liverpool to sell
striker Craig Bellamy in the January transfer window.
Bellamy has been linked with a swap deal involving
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe, with West Ham also believed to
want the Welsh international.
Bellamy only moved to the Reds in the summer and Toshack
told BBC Sport: "It would be very unusual for something like
that to happen so quickly.
"I would be very surprised if that was the case."
"I think at a club like Liverpool it takes time to settle."
Asked if he thought Bellamy had the ability to be a success
at Liverpool, Toshack added: "No question about that."
(BBC Sport Online)
Gonzalez in pledge to come good
Liverpool's Mark Gonzalez has vowed to be a different player
in the New Year as he gets to grips with English football.
Gonzalez grabbed his third goal of the season with a
brilliant free-kick in Saturday's 4-0 win over Fulham.
And after recovering from a recent hamstring injury, he
feels he's ready to step up a level after a bedding-in
period at Anfield.
"It was really pleasing first of all to be fit again quicker
than I thought, and secondly to be part of a good win on
Saturday," said Gonzalez."When I was injured I thought I'd
be out for a bit longer than it's proved. To come back with
a goal made me happy.
"It was frustrating for me to pick up an injury just at the
moment I was playing continuously. I thought I was doing
well, but now I have to start again.
"I think the second half of the season will be a lot better
for me because I will have adjusted to England. It's normal
for this to happen. Many things are expected from me which
hasn't been easy to show straight away. I definitely will be
different in
the second part."
(Liverpool Echo)
Roeder: Crouch deal unlikely
Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder has moved to dampen reports
of a swoop for Peter Crouch - claiming it is unlikely that
Liverpool would sell the striker.
The Toon boss confirmed earlier this week that he is an
admirer of the England international, who move to Anfield in
a £7million deal from Southampton in July 2005.
"I can't think of any reason at this moment why he would
want to leave Liverpool for any club, and I'm sure Rafael
Benitez is very happy with him," Roeder told the Newcastle
Journal.
"The story has certainly not come from me and as far as I'm
concerned, it has not come from within the club.
"As far as us being able to get even close to being able to
bring Peter Crouch here, I don't know where that has come
from, I wouldn't have a clue.
"But if I was asked the question - and it's totally
different - whether Peter Crouch is a good player, I would
say he is one of the most improved players of the last few
years."
(Clubcall Sports)
Injury scuppers McManaman return
Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman's dream of
making a return to action with Hong Kong Rangers has been
scuppered by a knee injury.
McManaman appeared at a press conference in Hong Kong on
Tuesday and was expected to feature in the Senior Challenge
Shield showdown with South China on Thursday.
"With the injuries I have got, I don't think I can play. I
would have loved to have played in this game. Unfortunately,
it can't happen," he told the South China Morning Post.
The former England international, who had retired from
football in 2005 after an unsuccessful spell with Manchester
City, would have made the 48-hour registration deadline to
play at the Mongkok Stadium after travelling to Hong Kong to
support friend and Rangers chairman Carson Yeung Ka-shing.
"There's always a chance that Steve will return here and
play an exhibition match," added Yeung.
"He really wanted to play but he hurt his knee in training
in Liverpool and rather than risk making his injury worse,
he should rest."
McManaman revealed he is hoping to make a return to action
in some capacity.
(TEAMtalk)
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Thor Zakariassen
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