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THURSDAY 18 |
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Xabi: Gonzalez ready to thrill
Xabi Alonso says he's received the most trusted scout report
yet on Anfield bound Mark Gonzalez - from his brother.
Xabi's older bother, Mikel Alonso, is a key member of the
Basque side which narrowly escaped relegation from La Liga
thanks to Gonzalez's contribution.
Alonso senior kept the Liverpool midfielder well informed of
Gonzalez's progress, and Xabi is convinced the left winger
will have a big impact on Merseyside. "My brother told me
Mark was playing very well in Spain and everyone was really
excited about him," said Alonso.
"I spoke to him a lot before the end of the season because I
was really concerned about the team's position in the table,
but they did well to reach a safe position and were very
happy with Mark.
"Mark made it clear how much he was looking forward to
coming to play for Liverpool, but he really enjoyed his time
with Real Sociedad and was happy for the chance to play
every week, especially after being injured for six months.
It was good news for him, Real Sociedad and Liverpool that
he played so well there."
(Liverpool Echo)
Spurs ponder Defoe/Kewell swap
Tottenham are reportedly considering swapping
Jermain Defoe for Liverpool's Harry Kewell.
Reds boss Rafael Benitez is keen to bolster his strikeforce
and has long been linked with a move for England World Cup
hopeful Defoe.
Should Defoe favour a move to Anfield, the Reds could be
prepared to sacrifice Kewell in exchange for the England
frontman.
Kewell's arrival would in turn end Jol's search for a
quality left-sided midfielder, with Andy Reid yet to
convince and Edgar Davids and Teemu Tainio more comfortable
in the centre of the park.
(Sporting Life)
Alves confirms Liverpool approach
Sevilla full back Daniel Alves has confirmed that Liverpool
have made a fresh offer for his services.
As previously reported on KOPTALK, Liverpool are close to
agreeing a deal that would see the Brazilian make the switch
to Anfield over the summer.
Alves said: "Liverpool is an appetising option because of
the Spanish coach they have and because of the players they
have there because they are from Spain too.
"They will help me adapt and that makes it easier, I now
have to weigh up and make a decision.
"It makes me very proud that some of Europe's big teams have
shown an interest in me.
"For every player, playing at the highest level is an
objective - and clubs like Liverpool are at the very top
now.
"They are one of those big important clubs with a lot of
history. The truth is, it is an attractive option.
"Liverpool have a great team and a great manager. It makes
me very proud that they are interested in me."
(Kop Talk)
Gerrard can't wait for Gonzalez
Steven Gerrard can't wait for Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez
to arrive at Liverpool.
Gerrard believes highly-rated player - nicknamed Speedy
because of his electric pace - will fit perfectly into the
Anfield system.
"You could see that he's hungry to do well, which is
important, and he came across as a good lad as well. That's
the type of player we want here - people who are good for
team spirit and who'll also do a good job out on the pitch."
(Sporting Life)
Defoe, Bent, Bellamy - LATEST
Liverpool are refusing to meet Charlton's £12million
valuation of their striker Darren Bent.
The Reds have tabled a bid for the hitman which falls well
short of the Charlton's valuation and Rick Parry has told
them to "take it or leave it".
Jermain Defoe remains an option although claims that
Liverpool have already signed him are nonsense.
Rick Parry will approach Blackburn Rovers regarding striker
Craig Bellamy before the week is out.
The controversial Welsh mouth-piece isn't everyone's cup of
tea but we wouldn't object to his signing. If anything, he'd
probably the easiest to sign and the cheapeast out
of the three.
(Kop Talk)
Eto'o inspired by Liverpool success
Samuel Eto'o says Barcelona emulated Liverpool's example to
beat 10-men Arsenal 2-1 and lift the Champions League at the
Stade de France.
Eto'o equalised for the Spaniards late in the second half
and substitute Juliano Belletti scored the winner after Sol
Campbell had given the Gunners the lead with a first-half
header.
Eto'o said: "We remembered the spirit of Liverpool. We saw
what Liverpool did last year when they were three down. You
can't doubt yourselves in a final.
"And after half-time we knew we had to come out and fight
and, God willing, you can win."
(TEAMtalk) |
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WEDNESDAY 17 |
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Eriksson: Gerrard may play in forward role
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson says he has not ruled out
the possibility of using Steven Gerrard as a striker at the
World Cup finals.
With Wayne Rooney a doubt with a broken foot and Michael
Owen only just back from a similar injury, Gerrard has been
touted for a forward role.
Eriksson said: "Steven Gerrard can play in a lot of
positions and one is as a second striker.
"I'm sure he could play as first striker but a lot depends
on Rooney."
Gerrard has scored 23 goals for Liverpool this season and
calls for him to be given a more forward position were
increased after his two-goal performance in the FA Cup final
win over West Ham.
Eriksson added: "I have known for many years that Gerrard
can play in a lot of positions.
"We haven't decided yet but he's useful wherever he plays.
After 25 May we will know much better what's happening with
Wayne Rooney.
"I hope we play with Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen but once
again Steven Gerrard is an option there."
(BBC Sport Online)
Le Tallec returns
Anthony Le Tallec's loan spell with relegated Sunderland has
concluded and The Black Cats have confirmed that they are
not interested in securing his services on a permanent
basis.
Sunderland - who finished rock bottom of the Premiership -
and have just published their retained list for the 2006-07
season.
Le Tallec spent a season on loan in the north east and
although he netted a handful of goals, there was criticism
aimed at him because of his attitude.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez must now decide whether to
give him another chance at Anfield or get rid.
Le Tallec will remain a Liverpool player until Rafa decides
his next move.
(Kop Talk)
Liverpool legend: Bellamy is ideal Kop
signing
Ian Rush believes Craig Bellamy is the just the
kind of player that Liverpool need as they build a side
capable of challenging for the title
The Blackburn and Wales frontman is the subject of interest
from both the Reds and Tottenham Hotspur after reviving his
career at Ewood Park over the past season.
Former Anfield striker Rush said, "Of the strikers linked
with a summer move to Liverpool, the name of Bellamy is the
one that has caught my attention the most.
"I've followed Bellamy's career closely and I think he's
exactly the kind of player Liverpool need.
"He is fast, committed, scores goals, is full of enthusiasm
and he's a nightmare for opponents.
"Another reason I know Bellamy well is because he is a
massive Liverpool supporter, and often told me I was his
favourite player when he was growing up!"
(Fans FC)
Benitez: Sissoko is our unsung Cup hero
Rafa Benitez today identified Momo Sissoko as the unsung
hero of Liverpool's FA Cup Final triumph.
Benitez accepts many of his stars were below par in Cardiff,
but he says Sissoko was as inspirational as skipper Steven
Gerrard in helping the Reds fight their way back from two
down.
The aftermath of the final summed up Sissoko's season, with
few outside Merseyside recognising the importance of the
Mali international.
Benitez, however, believes the 21-year-old has proved to be
one of his most successful signings.
"Momo did for us what he's done all season," said Benitez.
"He worked very hard right until the end, and he was very
important for us, not just on Saturday, but throughout the
year.
"Some of my staff came to me at the end of the game and said
they thought Momo would have been their man-of-the-match as
well as Steven Gerrard.
"Maybe a lot of people don't recognise how important Momo
is, but everyone at
the club knows it."
(Liverpool Echo)
Venables backs Gerrard to shine
Former England manager Terry Venables has no doubts
Liverpool star Steven Gerrard will be firing on all
cylinders come the World Cup.
The 25-year-old has had a long season - it began on July 13
last year - and there is little time to rest before World
Cup preparations begin but Venables is confident he can
maintain his form.
"That is as good as it gets for a midfield player," Venables
said of Gerrard's cup final heroics at Cardiff's Millennium
Stadium, which included a stunning last-minute equaliser.
"He was everywhere and got a great goal when it looked like
they were out of it. It was as good a goal as you'll ever
see.
"It's a long season but it's a long season for everybody.
You've got to rest players and you've just got to handle it
right."
(TEAMtalk)
Gerrard wants Gunners win
Steven Gerrard has pinned his colours to the Arsenal mast
ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League final.
Gerrard lifted the trophy on an amazing night in Istanbul 12
months ago and he wants Arsenal to see off the challenge of
Barcelona in Paris in order to keep the coveted trophy on
English soil.
The England star has revealed that Arsenal talisman Thierry
Henry was supporting Liverpool last term and Gerrard is
happy for the roles to be reversed.
"Once Arsenal were eliminated, he wanted Liverpool to win
it," Gerrard told Sky Sports' Champions League Special. "He
was texting, making phone calls before and after games,
wishing us good luck and congratulating us when we won.
"I remember having a text message from him after the final
and he was really pleased
for us.
"It is vice-versa now, I have been texting and phoning,
wishing him well.
"I hope they follow suit and win it.
"I want them to bring this (trophy) back home to England."
(Sky Sports)
Benitez open to offers for Morientes
Fernando Morientes yesterday admitted he is facing an
Anfield exit.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is willing to listen to
offers for the striker, who has scored just 12 goals in 60
games following his £6.3million move from Real Madrid last
January.
Morientes accepts he has suffered a "terrible" season and
will seek talks with Benitez to clarify his situation.
"People are saying that Liverpool are going to sign forwards
and Benitez does not count on me any more," said the
striker.
"But if I don't play, I can't stay. I've been at Liverpool a
year-and-a-half, and with injuries and other things I've
never felt right.
"I will have to speak to the manager to see if he wants me.
But I cannot stay if I don't play, if I do not feel useful.
That's the reason I left Madrid."
(Daily Post)
Five Reds released
Liverpool reserve players Ramon Calliste, Paul Willis,
Robbie Foy, Paul Lancaster and Callum Woods have all been
released by the club.
(Kop Talk) |
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TUESDAY 16 |
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Crouch the man to lead attack says Sven
England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed that he would
partner Michael Owen alongside Peter Crouch if he had to
face the Paraguayans tomorrow.
With Rooney injured, the nation has been wondering who would
lead the attack and Sven has admitted Crouch is the man he
favours.
He said: "If I had to do it today I think I would start with
Peter Crouch and Michael Owen if he is match-fit.
"That would be the natural choice and playing the four best
midfielders.
"We are talking about Paraguay and things we don't know with
Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen but, if it was today, Peter
Crouch would be ready. Absolutely
(Kop Talk)
Striker signs Anfield deal
Robbie Fowler has today put pen to paper on his Liverpool
contract to tie him to the club for next season.
Fowler originally signed a six month deal in January but has
impressed Rafael Benitez and the management staff
sufficiently to warrant a new one year deal.
The agreement between both parties was reached last week and
the Reds' striker officially signed his new deal today.
Fowler said: "It's been a great season for the club and it
finished off in the best way possible by winning the FA Cup
in Cardiff.
"Obviously I was a bit disappointed to be cup-tied for the
competition but to be honest being offered a new Liverpool
contract was my cup final.
"I'm looking forward to next season already and can't wait
to get started. I think it could be another great one for
the club."
(LFC Official Website)
Defoe speculation returns
If you believe the latest rumours, Liverpool boss Rafael
Benitez has turned his attentions back to Jermain Defoe
after Charlton started demanding silly money for Darren
Bent.
The Spurs striker has been linked with the Reds since
January.
(Kop Talk)
Rafa eager to take the next step
Rafael Benitez wants to build on Liverpool's FA
Cup success, and spend the cash needed to strengthen his
squad in preparation for an assault on the Premiership next
season.
"It's clear to everyone we've made a lot of progress, and
now the idea is to take the next step," said the Liverpool
boss.
"I'd prefer to bring in new players before the World Cup,
but it's not always possible. We may have to wait, but my
staff are working hard."
(Kop Talk)
Benitez praises the fans
Rafael Benitez has praised Liverpool fans for their support
of the club this season, and for turning out for the
homecoming parade.
"When I joined Liverpool from Valencia, I knew how special
our fans were, but since I've been here I've realised it
even more," he admitted.
"The last time I saw fans like this was in Tenerife when we
won promotion, and everyone was so happy.
"I told one of my friends from Tenerife this was exactly the
same only on a bigger scale. Now we want to win a lot more
for them, for the club and for ourselves."
(LFC Online)
Liverpool fan killed
A Liverpool man died after being stabbed in Edinburgh while
celebrating the red's FA cup victory.
The 22-year-old victim Mark Blackie, is said to have moved
from Merseyside to Scotland two years ago.
He was killed just after mid-night on Saturday, just hours
after seeing Liverpool win the FA Cup.
He is believed to have been at a party with friends in the
Wester Hailes area, celebrating the football results when an
argument broke out and he was fatally stabbed.
Two men aged 29 and 40 have been charged in connection with
his death and appeared at the city's sheriff court
yesterday.
(Daily Post)
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Thor Zakariassen
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