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WEDNESDAY 18 |
Benitez signs long-term Reds deal
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has ended speculation over his
future at Anfield by signing a new deal that will keep him
at the club until 2014.
The 48-year-old put pen to paper after protracted
negotiations which put a doubt over his tenure at the club.
But Benitez said: "My heart is with Liverpool, so I'm
delighted to sign this new deal.
"I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club and
supporters like this, I could never say no to staying."
(BBC Sport Online)
New date for Arsenal match
The game has now been rescheduled for Tuesday April
21st, 2009.
This gives Arsene Wengers side only a day to recover from
their FA Cup tie on the 19th, so could work in our favour!
Sky will be showing our clash with the Gunners live from
8pm.
(This is Anfield)
Draw holds no fears for Gerrard
After eight goals in one week against possibly the most high
profile opposition a team could face, Liverpool captain
Steven Gerrard has no worries ahead of the draw for the
Champions League quarter-finals.
“If you are asking me about a fear factor in the Champions
League, then I think it is the other seven teams in the draw
who are going to have concerns about coming up against us
after that Real Madrid result.
“The way I look at it, we are going to have to play them
sooner or later, so it does not matter if it is now, the
semi-finals or the final.”
The skipper admitted, though, if it was up to him they would
select their opponents from the continent
“We are now looking forward to the draw later this week. If
you could hand-pick an opponent then maybe we would want
someone like Villarreal or Porto, but there are no easy
draws at this stage,” he told
the Liverpool FC magazine.
“Everyone who has got to this stage of the competition has
done well. They will all believe in themselves.
“But we have shown - the players, the manager and the fans -
that we are a force to be reckoned with when we pull it all
together.
“So we will sit down on Friday and see who we get and take
it from there.”
(The Irish Times)
Riera would rather avoid Barca
Liverpool winger Albert Riera would prefer to avoid
Barcelona in Friday's UEFA Champions League quarter-final
draw.
The Reds and Barca are in the last eight of Europe's most
prestigious club competition after sweeping aside Spanish
champions Real Madrid and French title holders Lyon,
respectively.
Current La Liga table toppers Barca have proved a
rejuvenated force under manager Pep Guardiola and are ranked
as favourites to add to their two previous European Cup
triumphs.
And, with that in mind, Riera believes five-time winners
Liverpool's campaign would be helped if the Catalan giants
were avoided in the battle to reach the final in Rome on
27th May.
"In these kind of matches you can never say that one team is
the favourite," Spain international Riera said.
"Barcelona are playing unbelievably well this year - their
football is really good and I think people are expecting a
lot from them and perhaps expecting them to win four or five
nil in every game.
"It is not possible to keep this kind of level for a whole
year though, but they are a team who I would prefer not to
get in the Champions League draw."
(Sky Sports)
Threlfall primed for Swedish switch
Promising Liverpool left-back Robbie Threlfall could be set
for a surprise loan move to Djurgardens, skysports.com
understands.
The Swedish club are keen to bolster their ranks and have
earmarked Threlfall as a potential loan acquisition.
Threlfall, who has in the past impressed during loan stints
away from Anfield, is eager for a spell away from Merseyside
in a bid to garner more experience of first team football
Skysports.com has learnt Djurgardens have made an approach
to Liverpool, who will now mull over the deal.
If given permission by his parent club, Threlfall could fly
out to Sweden on Thursday to discuss a potential move to the
top flight outfit.
(Sky Sports)
Liverpool linked with
£22million double Boro bid
Liverpool Football Club are plotting a stunning raid on the
Riverside Stadium.
It has long been reported that Rafael Benitez is a fan of
England international winger Stewart Downing, and it is
believed a summer offer of £12million is in the pipeline.
As if this isn’t worrying enough for Middlesbrough, reports
at the weekend claim the Reds will also table an offer of
£10million for defender
David Wheater.
(Fans FC)
Agger returns for
Reds title run-in
Daniel Agger has handed Rafa Benitez a timely fitness boost
by returning to training just as the Premier League title
race hots up.
The Danish defender has been out of action for more than a
month having picked up a back problem on international duty
which left him unable to take part in training or games.
Benayoun and Alonso missed Saturday’s 4-1 win at Old
Trafford with hamstring and calf strains respectively but
both are responding well to treatment at Melwood and could
also come into contention for the visit
of Villa.
Benitez will not rush Alvaro Arbeloa back though after the
full-back pulled out of the United clash after suffering a
recurrence of a recent hamstring injury during the pre-match
warm up.
(Liverpool Echo)
Keane hints at Rafa disrespect
Robbie Keane believes he would have enjoyed a successful
career at Liverpool, had a different manager been in charge.
Rafael Benitez brought Keane to Anfield last summer but the
Republic of Ireland international was given few
opportunities to impress.
He was not a regular starter and was surprisingly left on
the substitutes' bench at times when he appeared to be a
good option for the Reds.
Keane, who secured a swift move back to Tottenham in the
winter transfer window, insists he made the right decision
to join Liverpool.
But he admits he was perhaps not suited to working with
Benitez, and has hinted that he would have liked to have
been treated with more respect.
"Of course I wish it had gone differently, but I have no
regrets," Keane told Icon magazine.
"I do believe with a different manager it would have worked
for me, but different managers have different methods and
some have different ideas than those you are used to or
believe in.
"People have their own opinions of Benitez. I have nothing
against him and will leave people to make their own minds up
about him."
(TEAMtalk) |
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TUESDAY 17 |
Reserves fight back to claim Wigan draw
Liverpool Reserves stretched their unbeaten run in the
Barclays Premier Reserve League North to six matches after
an entertaining 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic.
Goals from Victor Palsson and Vincent Weijl earned a
deserved point for Gary Ablett's men after they had twice
fallen behind, with a penalty from Callum McManaman and a
fine breakaway effort from the Reds' former Academy player
Jon Routledge doing the damage for the hosts.
Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Jay Spearing. Played a key
role in both Liverpool goals and worked tirelessly
throughout.
Liverpool Reserves: Dean Bouzanis, Martin Kelly, Emiliano
Insua, Mikel San Jose Dominguez, Ronald Huth (Ryan Crowther
65), Steven Irwin, Daniel Pacheco, Jay Spearing, Krisztian
Nemeth (Lauri Dalla Valle 70), Victor Palsson, Vincent Weijl
(Gary Mackay-Steven 80).
Unused subs: Deale Chamberlain, Emmanuel Gomis Mendy.
(LFC Official Website)
Lucas rejects Reds exit rumours
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has denied talk he is
considering his future at the club and vowed to prove
himself to the Anfield faithful.
Reports emanating from his native Brazil suggested Lucas
could seek a move away from Liverpool if he is not playing
on a regular basis but the international has moved to clear
up the rumours.
"I've got three more years to go on my contract and I'm
really happy here," Lucas told the club's official website.
"My girlfriend is happy in Liverpool and everybody at the
club is supporting me. I have never thought about leaving."
Lucas is determined to prove himself at Anfield after coming
under fire from some fans this season.
The 22-year-old enjoyed arguably his best performance of the
campaign as he replaced Xabi Alonso in midfield for
Saturday's 4-1 success over Manchester United.
Lucas believes he is improving as a player and he is hoping
to earn the trust of every Liverpool fan by establishing
himself as a key player in Rafa Benitez's side.
"I think I'm improving and I have more confidence every
day," added Lucas. "The team is playing well too, which also
helps. Everyone is on fire - all these things help me.
"I don't think about what some of the people say. I have to
concentrate on the team. Rafa always gives me a lot of
confidence."
(TEAMtalk)
Foxes look at Reds starlet
Leicester have taken Liverpool youngster Astrit Ajdarevic on
trial, skysports.com understands.
Ajdarevic is looking for a new club after being informed he
will not be offered a professional contract by Liverpool .
The 18-year-old has failed to make the breakthrough into the
first team at Anfield despite helping the Reds win the FA
Youth Cup in his first season at the club.
A number of clubs have had a look at Ajdarevic in the last
few months and now Leicester have decided to cast an eye
over him.
The Swedish winger featured in Tuesday's reserve team
friendly against an English Colleges XI and he will be
hoping to impress Foxes boss Nigel Pearson as he looks to
secure a move to the League One leaders.
(Sky Sports)
Spearing to be offered
new contract
Highly rated academy graduate Jay Spearing is set for
contract talks, according to Sky Sports, after making his
home debut in the win over Real Madrid last week.
The combative midfielder impresed after replacing Steven
Gerrard for the last 15 minutes, earning praise from the
Kop.
He made his competitive debut as a sub in the Champions
League group win over PSV, having captained at almost every
level of the club as a youth. He and Stephen Darby regularly
captained the league winning reserves last season.
Spearing is highly rated by the coaching staff at Melwood,
and also by fellow Scousers Carragher and Gerrard. Having
previously played at centre back and right back, he offers a
good option for Rafa Benitez and will hopefully get more
first team chances in the near future.
(This is Anfield)
Kuyt: We’re up
for Aston Villa test
Dirk Kuyt believes Liverpool are ready to turn up the heat
in the race for the Premier League title.
Saturday’s stunning 4-1 victory over Manchester United cut
the gap at the top to four points and followed hot on the
heels of the Reds’ comprehensive demolition of Real Madrid.
The Dutchman admits confidence is sky high in Rafa Benitez’s
squad as they prepare for this Sunday’s clash with Aston
Villa at Anfield.
“It was an incredible week. We got two very good results
against two of the best teams in Europe.
“We enjoyed it and hopefully we can take this form into our
next game against Aston Villa.”
(Liverpool Echo)
Barry: Liverpool
game is a big one
Former Liverpool target Gareth Barry will keep his focus
when Aston Villa make the trip to Anfield on Sunday.
The 28-year-old publically expressed his intention to seal a
dream move to Anfield last summer, but Villa turned their
back on a big money transfer for their skipper.
“The Liverpool game is a big one for me personally and for
the team. The team is the priority, but I will just try to
play my normal game and do my best for Villa.
“What goes on with the fans I will just try to keep out of
my head.”
(Setanta Sports)
McAllister: Gerrard is
the best in the world
Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister believes that
Steven Gerrard is currently the best footballer in the
world.
"Someone like Lionel Messi at Barcelona can put together
wonderful pieces of skill, there is no doubt about that,""
he said.
Steven is a different type of player, but I don't think
there is anyone who influences their team more than him. Or
the players around him for that matter.
"He drives the team forward and you've seen that again with
his performances over the last week. He has been phenomenal.
I read what Zidane said and it's hard to disagree.
"There is still plenty of improving in him because he never
settles for what he has got. He's not 30 for another year
and a bit and, with the hunger he has, he will keep pushing
himself - and Liverpool."
(LFC Online)
Cruyff: Liverpool are
the team to avoid
Former Barcelona coach Johan Cruyff insists that none of the
other seven clubs remaining in the Champions League will
want to draw Liverpool in the quarter-finals.
Rafael Benitez's side demolished Real Madrid in the last
round and went on to humiliate Manchester United four days
later, and the Dutchman was impressed with what he saw.
"Against Madrid, Liverpool became a steamroller, and for
sure, many of those who feared playing against Manchester
United don't want to face Liverpool now," he said.
"Because of the manner in which they demolished Madrid and
then thrashed United they are clearly the side everyone will
want to avoid."
"Barcelona can defeat any team, but I'm sure they have
noticed Liverpool now. They were two convincing and
prestigious victories but each was different.
"Against Madrid, Liverpool went on the pitch to attack and
press them. Against Manchester, they went shoulder to
shoulder and the game finally turned their way thanks to one
incident - Vidic's dismissal and
the free-kick."
(LFC Online)
Supersub Dossena
getting into stride
Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena says he belives he is
starting to settle into life on Merseyside now, after coming
off the bench to score twice in a week – against Spanish
giants Real Madrid and Premier League leaders, Manchester
United.
The Italian left-back was signed last summer for an
undisclosed fee, and has struggled to make it into the first
team on a regular basis.
But his two strikes to help Liverpool to emphatic victories
have given Dossena renewed confidence.
“It made me very happy, of course,” he said.
“It has been a tough fight to get into this team but if you
work hard every day and don’t give up, even in bad times,
you get these moments and makes it worthwhile.”
Dossena added that Benitez prefers him to play in a more
defensive role to what he was used to for former club
Udinese in Serie A last season, where he played as a
wing-back.
He said, “Compared to last season, I have changed my
position - I have gone back 20 metres. This change and
adapting to English football gave me some difficulties to
start with, but with the help of a great coach like Rafael
Benítez, I’m starting to understand how to play in the team.
You adapt to step by step.”
(This is Anfield) |
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MONDAY 16 |
Limited Lucas
to consider Liverpool future
Lucas Leiva has hinted that he may have to leave Liverpool
to revive his international career.
The former Brazil Under-20 captain played his part in
Liverpool’s stunning 4-1 demolition of Manchester United on
Saturday, yet he still remains a bit-part player for The
Reds.
Fighting with Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano for a
midfield slot, Lucas has often suffered the chop as a result
of some less-than-impressive displays.
“I consider that I play a lot, but the internal competition
is very high,” Lucas told Folha.
“The situation doesn’t worry me right now because my
objective has always been to be playing in order to be back
with the national team.
“Once the season is over I will see what the best option is
for me. Everybody wants to be playing in the World Cup and I
will push to have this chance.
“You have to play all the time if you want to be called up.”
“I believe that I’m part of a list of 30 or 40 players, but
I’m out of the 22-men squad.”
(Setanta Sports)
Vidic handed two match ban
Nemanja Vidic will miss Manchester United's next two
Barclays Premier League matches after being sent off in
Saturday's 4-1 defeat by Liverpool. The Serbia centre back
was dismissed after denying Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool
captain, a clear goalscoring opportunity at Old Trafford.
It was Vidic's second red card of the season - the other
also came against Liverpool for two bookable offences in a
2-1 defeat at Anfield in September. Along with this
Saturday's trip to Fulham, Vidic is unavailable for the game
at home to Aston Villa on April 5, one that could switch to
April 4 if United play in the Champions League on April 7.
(The Times)
UEFA eager to help out Liverpool
UEFA has promised Liverpool they will not force the club to
play in the Champions League on the 20th anniversary of the
Hillsborough disaster.
The anniversary falls on April 15, which is one of the two
dates set aside for the second legs of the quarter-finals,
the other being the previous day.
UEFA president Michel Platini has not guaranteed Liverpool
will not be asked to play on April 15 but pledged that
European's governing body would "do our utmost" to avoid the
scenario.
UEFA has issued a statement reacting to reports claiming
they had rejected an appeal by Liverpool to avoid playing on
the anniversary date.
Platini said: "We are aware of the huge significance of the
April 15 date for both Liverpool FC and their fans, and that
is why we will do our utmost to make sure that the club does
not have to play its Champions League second leg
quarter-final match on that day.
"I have been in regular correspondence with Liverpool FC on
this matter for some time now and fully sympathise with the
club's feelings as to the importance of respecting the date
of April 15 for those who lost their lives at Hillsborough.
"This being the 20th anniversary of that tragic disaster in
1989 makes it even more relevant and we will take this into
account."
(TEAMtalk)
Midfielder exorcises
Old Trafford demons
Javier Mascherano believes he has exorcised his Old Trafford
demons after helping Liverpool thrash Manchester United.
The champions were thumped 4-1 at home by Rafael Benitez’s
rampant side to breathe new life into the title race.
Mascherano had been sent off by Steve Bennett in
controversial circumstances on Liverpool’s last visit to
their bitter rivals 12 months ago, a game which the visitors
went on to lose 3-0.
The Argentine was booked on Saturday but kept his cool amid
the intense atmosphere to avoid another red card.
And Mascherano said: “It’s a much better feeling than last
year. I had to forget about what happened here last year.
“Sometimes things happen like this in football but I was
sure going into this game that I wouldn’t have the same
problem at Old Trafford this time. I was determined not to
suffer that again."
(Daily Post)
Title door ajar says Gerrard
Steven Gerrard has cranked up the pressure on Manchester
United in the title race, suggesting Liverpool’s win at Old
Trafford on Saturday could knock The Red Devils off track.
United suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss at the hands of
Liverpool to reignite the title race.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men still hold a four-point lead as well
as a game in hand, but Gerrard believes the door is ajar for
The Reds.
“This will really hurt their players, because we are their
big rivals,” said Gerrard. “I have lost here a few times and
I know it hurts badly in the games that come after.
“This will give us a huge confidence boost and, hopefully,
have an effect on them. There is still a big job to do,
though, and a lot of work ahead.
“They are a magnificent team with match-winners all over the
place. But we now have to make sure we stay on their tails
and hope they slip up.
“I think we can still win the league. It is still tough,
there is still a big gap and we are running out of time as
there are not many games left.
“But anything is possible - and while it remains possible,
we will keep on fighting.”
(Setanta Sports)
Thor Zakariassen
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