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TUESDAY 15 |
Benitez under no illusions
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has accepted two Champions
League finals in three seasons does not mean his side can
yet be described as 'great'.
The Reds flew off for a short training camp in La Manga on
Tuesday as they completed preparations for next Wednesday's
showdown with AC Milan in Athens' Olympic Stadium.
"Whether we are a great team depends on what happens next
season and in a few years' time," he said.
"Now we are in our second Champions League final in three
seasons. But when you talk about being compared with the big
teams, we have to keep winning a lot."
(PA Sport)
Istanbul glory is our guide
Jamie Carragher is banking on Liverpool’s experiences of
2005 to prove a crucial factor in the club’s bid to claim a
sixth European Cup.
Carragher says the journey into the unknown in Istanbul two
years may have played a part in the desperate start
Liverpool made to the final before staging their historic
comeback.
The Anfield defender believes lessons were learned from
those mistakes, but also feels having achieved the seemingly
impossible against Milan once, the Reds head into next
week’s final brimming with confidence.
Rafa Benitez takes his squad to Spain this afternoon, where
the players will be burning the midnight oil on the training
pitch as part of their preparations.
The kick-off in Athens will be 9.45pm local time, meaning
the game could continue into the early hours of May 24 if
extra-time and penalties are required.
Benitez wants his stars to acclimatise to playing at such
unusual hours, and it’s a meticulous preparation Carragher
also feels can yield its reward.
(Liverpool Echo)
Allardyce: Owen's going nowhere
New Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is determined to keep
England striker Michael Owen at St James' Park as he is a
"fantastic goalscorer".
Owen has been linked with Manchester United and a return to
Liverpool but Allardyce, whose appointment on a three-year
contract was confirmed on Tuesday, has no plans to let him
leave.
Allardyce, who also wants to ensure Obafemi Martins stays at
Newcastle, spoke to the players on Tuesday morning.
Owen was absent but Allardyce said: "Michael was away in
Ireland and sent his apologies but it wasn't important all
the players came back.
"But I will speak to Michael on the phone. The speculation
around Michael will be resolved once we get to speak to him.
"You wouldn't want to lose your leading goalscorers and
there are two fantastic goalscorers we want to keep at the
club."
(TEAMtalk)
Benitez slams Valdano talk
Rafa Benitez today launched a furious attack on Real
Madrid’s former technical director Jorge Valdano after
Liverpool’s style of play was criticised in Spain.
Argentinian Valdano, who left Real in 2005, claimed last
week Liverpool fans would acclaim ‘sh*t hanging off a stick’
following their semi-final win over Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho was also targeted by Valdano, who is scathing
of the tactics over both legs of the European tie.
Benitez was clearly unimpressed by the comments.
“The people at this club who are working to obtain the
targets we are achieving deserve respect, a deep respect,”
said Benitez.
“I believe that he has shown a lack of respect to the club
and the fans and the sacred stage of Anfield. Speaking of
“sh*t hanging from a stick” and other unfair comparisons
show he has absolutely no knowledge of the historical
reality of this organisation
in world football."
(Liverpool Echo)
New Gerrard deal 'around the corner'
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is on the verge of signing
a new contract with the club.
The 26-year-old has two years left on his current deal but
the Anfield club are keen to sign him on a new four-year
contract.
New owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are also willing to
sanction a £120,000 weekly wage for the England midfielder.
Gerrard confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with the
club and insisted he was ready to put pen to paper as soon
as possible.
He said: "Talks are progressing and I am ready to sign a new
contract any time now.
"It's just around the corner.
"I am not sure when it will be done but I am ready to sign.
As soon as the contract is put in front of me, I will sign
it."
(Sporting Life)
Alves leaves Sevilla future open
Daniel Alves has told skysports.com he has no preference
over Italian, Spanish or English football as speculation
continues to surround his future at Sevilla.
The Brazilian star has been linked with the likes of
Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona after enjoying a
tremendous season with the Uefa Cup finalists, even since
deciding to sign a new deal in December
Sevilla have arrived in Glasgow ahead of Wednesday's
all-Spanish showdown with Espanyol, and Alves has again seen
his future become the subject of intense scrutiny.
Now the dynamic full-back has revealed he is open to playing
in any of Europe's top leagues if an exit from Sevilla
becomes a reality.
"The papers speak a lot about my future but really I have
said nothing," Alves told skysports.com.
"I have a long deal with Sevilla but if a really big offer
arrives we are obliged to value this option.
"I do not have any preference about England, Italy or Spain.
I believe that I would be able to play for any big club
because I am ambitious and also desire to progress in
football."
(Sky Sports)
Sissoko targeted by Juventus
Juventus have reportedly targeted Liverpool's Mohamed
Sissoko in the summer as Torsten Frings appears set to stay
in Germany.
The Old Lady appear set for a quick return to the top
flight, after being demoted last season for their part in
the match-fixing scandal, and are looking to strengthen
their ranks in order to compete for the title next year.
The 22-year-old faces a tough battle for a regular starting
place at Anfield with Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier
Mascherano already in the squad, while Brazilian starlet
Lucas Pezzini is expected to arrive in the summer.
(Clubcall Sports)
Celtic linked with Robbie Fowler
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has been linked with a move
to Scotland, with Celtic and Rangers both rumoured to be
interested.
The 32-year-old will leave Anfield for the second time at
the end of the season - though his career has seemingly been
on the slide since he first left in 2001.
(Vital Football - Celtic)
Big four in financial league of own
England's top four clubs in the Premier League are in a
financial league of their own and earned at least £14million
more than fifth-placed Tottenham from television cash and
prize money in the 2006-07 season.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and to a lesser extent
Arsenal all cashed in on making it to the knockout rounds of
the UEFA Champions League.
The Glazer family, United's American owners, will be
delighted to see the club re-establish themselves as top of
the money league with a total of £62.92m - and that figure
does not include gate money from Old Trafford, merchandise
sales or income from club sponsorship deals.
Chelsea also broke the £60m markwhile Liverpool's run to the
Champions League final will see them bring in at least
£54.7m - with a further £2m should they beat AC Milan in
next week's final in Athens.
(Liverpol Daily Post)
Gerrard targets title glory
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists the club must
launch a genuine title challenge next season, insisting the
Reds "haven't been good enough" this year.
He said: "We can't escape the fact that, in the league, this
season we haven't been good enough.
"You ask the manager, or me, or indeed any of the players in
our dressing room and they will all say exactly the same
thing.
"We had bigger ambitions for this season than the Champions
League. We always had one eye on Europe because it is so
prestigious and a tournament that has always served us well,
but we also wanted the league flag flying back at Anfield
and felt we were in a good position to have a real go."
"The league is always your bread and butter as a Liverpool
player and we're not far away," he added.
"With investment in the summer, and the squad here staying
together we can promise to push Chelsea and United all the
way next year."
(Sporting Life) |
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MONDAY 14 |
Reds 3/1 for Tevez signing
Sky Bet have installed Liverpool as 3/1 favourites to snap
up West Ham saviour Carlos Tevez for the start of next
season.
Tevez was instrumental in the Hammers' escape act which saw
them seal Premiership survival on the final day of the
campaign with a 1-0 victory over champions Manchester
United.
He scored the winner in that match and six goals in total in
the final nine games but the speculation has already started
as to where he will ply his trade next term.
Sky Bet make the Argentine 4/1 to be playing for Chelsea,
9/2 for Barcelona and 6/1 for Manchester United.
It's an 8/1 chance he's still with the Hammers on the
opening day of the next
Premiership season.
(Bettingzone)
Benitez looking for title formula
Manager Rafael Benitez may be turning his attention to
winning the Champions League for a second time in three
seasons but he is intent on making sure Liverpool are
genuine Premiership contenders next term.
Liverpool matched last season's third-place finish with a
scrappy 2-2 draw at home to relegated Charlton on Sunday.
And on Tuesday they head to La Manga in southern Spain for a
five-day training camp ahead of the May 23 final with AC
Milan in Athens.
But Benitez knows that with the major influx of money from
new owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett available this
summer Liverpool must make a far better fist of their title
challenge next time around.
Liverpool finished 21 points behind champions Manchester
United and Benitez knows that is not good enough.
"I am happy we finished third - it was the same as last
season - but obviously we want to go better than that next
season," he said.
"We aim to be contenders and we know we must improve,
especially in our away form."
(PA Sport)
Unique Robbie will be missed
Steven Gerrard today hailed the ‘irreplaceable’ contribution
of Robbie Fowler as Anfield bid farewell to the striking
legend.
Fowler signed off Premiership duties in the 2-2 home draw
with Charlton, prompting an emotional tribute from the club
skipper.
“There aren’t many strikers around like Robbie anymore, not
just in England but around Europe,” said Gerrard.
“In his prime he was one of the best finishers there’s ever
been. When you think he took the number nine shirt from Ian
Rush and managed to fill it, I don’t think there’s a bigger
tribute you can pay to him than that."
(Liverpool Echo)
Kewell banking on Anfield stay
Injury-plagued Australia winger Harry Kewell says he would
be happy to see out the rest of his career with Liverpool.
The 28-year-old made his first appearance of the season for
the Reds last weekend when he came off the bench against
Fulham.
He followed that up by scoring from the penalty spot to earn
a 2-2 draw with Charlton in Sunday's final Premiership game
of the season and is now desperate to put his injury
nightmare behind him.
He told SBS: "If it came around that I had to sign another
contract for another five (seasons), for the rest of my life
then I will, because it's a fantastic club."
(TEAMtalk)
Kewell states his claim for Athens
On a day of departures at Anfield, when the stadium rose to
applaud a ‘favourite son’ in Fowler and our hero of
Istanbul, Dudek, it was the long- awaited arrival back for a
mercurial winger that was the most significant thing to come
out of yesterday’s encounter.
That player was none other than Harry Kewell, who, although
only on the field for half an hour, made enough of a
contribution to merit a possible Champions League start.
Indeed his cameo appearance from the Australian lit up what
was a rather insipid and error-ridden performance from
Liverpool, which hopefully is something the players have got
out of their system before our Athens encounter.
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Emotional end as Fowler close to tears
Robbie Fowler admitted to fighting back the tears as he bade
an emotional farewell to Anfield yesterday.
The 32-year-old made his final appearance in front of the
Kop as a Liverpool player in the 2-2 draw with relegated
Charlton Athletic.
Fowler was given a rapturous ovation by supporters and
players from both sides when he was substituted a minute
from time.
And the striker was moved by the warmth of the feeling shown
by the Anfield crowd during the players’ subsequent lap of
honour.
“At the end, on the lap of honour when the fans were
chanting my name, it was a bit of an emotional time but I
did my best to keep the tears in,” said Fowler.
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Maldini ready for final fling
Milan captain Paolo Maldini has declared himself fit for the
UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool.
Maldini made his first appearance in four games in the 1-1
draw with Catania on Sunday.
The former Italy international had been struggling with a
knee problem, but after coming through 65 minutes unscathed
against Catania he says he is ready to tackle Liverpool in
Athens in nine days' time.
"I feel good and the knee didn't give me troubles," Maldini
told the Italian press.
"The one with Catania has been a good test because the
ground was hard. I have not had troubles.
"I'm optimistic and I think in Athens I will play. I'm
really keen on that match."
Maldini was replaced by Kakha Kaladze on Sunday, but Maldini
insists the substitution was decided before the match as
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti did not want to take
any risks.
"It has been an already defined replacement. I could play
until the end but it wasn't the time to risk," concluded
Maldini.
(Sky Sports) |
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SUNDAY 13 |
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Pardew delighted with Anfield draw
Charlton boss Alan Pardew was delighted with his sides
display in today's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
"I said lets come here with a smile on our face and play
Liverpool as best we can and I thought we were excellent and
played some very nice stuff."
(Vital Football-Liverpool)
Benitez praises fantastic Kewell
Rafael Benitez was full of praise for Harry Kewell after his
impressive performance against Charlton and said the Reds
number seven could feature in his squad for the Champions
League final.
"Kewell was fantastic and he tried to beat players, had
shots and scored so it was really good for us," enthused
Benitez.
(LFC Official Website)
Reds take third on Fowler farewell
Robbie Fowler failed to score on his Anfield farewell, but
Liverpool snatched third place in the Premiership after a
2-2 draw with Charlton.
The Addicks led twice at Anfield through Matt Holland and
Darren Bent, and only a goal from Xabi Alonso and a late
penalty from Harry Kewell denied them an unexpected chance
of victory.
For Fowler, taken off two minutes from time to allow him to
have a standing ovation, the chance of that penalty - which
he would have taken - fell to Kewell a minute later.
But Fowler still got all the praise he deserved after a
goal-studded career, but Liverpool clearly had Athens and
the Champions League final on their minds.
They got their own standing ovation from their lap of
honour, boss Rafael Benitez's name ringing from the Kop.
But it was Fowler's day and he came back out after the
parade for a solo ovation.
(TEAMtalk)
Robbie captains reds in Anfield farewell
Kop legend Robbie Fowler will captain Liverpool against
Charlton today in what will be his last game at what's sure
to be an emotionally charged Anfield.
Fowler will leave the club when his contract expires in the
summer, but Rafa Benitez has given him the chance to sign
off from his adoring fans wearing the captain's armband and
hopefully by scoring a goal.
Of course this might not be Fowler's last game because the
Reds still have the Champions League Final to come, and Rafa
has named a strong side as they warm up for that. Young
Italian goalkeeper Daniele Padelli does make his debut in
place of
Pepe Reina though.
Liverpool: Padelli, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger,
Riise, Zenden, Mascherano, Gerrard, Kuyt, Fowler. Subs:
Martin, Hyypia, Kewell, Alonso, Crouch.
(LFC Official Website)
Leiva: Impossible to say no to LFC
Latest Reds acquisition Lucas Leiva has spoken of his
imminent move to Anfield and revealed it was too good an
opportunity to turn down.
It was confirmed on Friday that Brazilian midfielder Leiva
will join the club from Gremio in time for the start of next
season.
Before moving to Merseyside the highly-rated 20-year old
will is hoping to help his current club win the South
American equivalent of the Champions League but he's excited
at
the prospect of becoming a Liverpool player.
"Regarding my transfer to Liverpool, to tell you the truth,
I really didn't expect to leave Brazil so soon but what I
have been offered and the team from which it came from made
it impossible to say no," said the Brazil under-20 captain.
"Liverpool made me an excellent proposal in the financial
and professional part.
"In addition I know that my departure is going to give a big
hand to Gremio for resolving some financial problems so that
makes me happy and makes me calm with the decision that I
took of accepting the transfer."
(LFC Official Website)
Thor Zakariassen
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