|
|
|
WEDNESDAY 18 |
Rafa delighted with away success
Rafael Benitez reflected on his side's first away victory of
the season and admitted: "That will be a big boost for the
confidence of the players."
"We go to Man United at the weekend now with more confidence
and hopefully with more players because Dirk and Momo came
on tonight and we also hope Steven Gerrard
will be fit."
(LFC Official Website)
Reds end away day blues
Peter Crouch continued to enjoy himself in the UEFA
Champions League as Liverpool recorded a 1-0 win over
Bordeaux.
The striker rose highest to head home Craig Bellamy's cross
shortly before the hour and claim his fourth goal in Europe
this season.
It was enough to clinch a first away success of the campaign
and should boost spirits ahead of Sunday's trip to
Manchester United.
(Sky Sports)
Agger aims for United return
Daniel Agger has targeted a return to action in Liverpool's
crunch game with Manchester United on Sunday.
The defender currently has his arm in plaster after breaking
his hand during Denmark's Euro 2008 qualifier with
Liechtenstein last week.
He is expected to be in plaster for five weeks and sat out
last Saturday's 1-1 Premiership draw with Blackburn Rovers.
Agger has also not travelled with the Reds squad for
Wednesday's UEFA Champions League encounter with Bordeaux.
But the 21-year-old hopes he will be fit to take a place in
Rafa Benitez's plans for Sunday's showdown at Old Trafford.
"I don't exclude the United match, which would be great to
play in," Agger told BT.
"I want to come back as soon as possible.
"It's so saddening, I have got the arm in plaster up to the
elbow."
(Sky Sports)
Gonzalez and Garcia start in France
Mark Gonzalez and Luis Garcia both start for
Liverpool in France tonight as Rafael Benitez sends his team
out looking for an away victory against Bordeaux.
Liverpool line-up as follows:
Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Garcia, Zenden,
Alonso, Gonzalez, Crouch, Bellamy
Subs:
Dudek, Peltier, Paletta, Warnock, Sissoko, Kuyt, Pennant
(LFC Official Website)
Injured trio set to return for Man United
Manchester United could be boosted by the return of a trio
of experienced defenders in time for Liverpool's visit to
Old Trafford on Sunday.
Gabriel Heinze, who has missed two games with a hamstring
injury, is back in full training, Rio Ferdinand will have a
cricked neck monitored and Gary Neville should have
recovered from a calf problem.
All three missed the Champions League win over FC
Copenhagen, as did Ryan Giggs with illness, but the Welsh
winger will definitely be available for Sunday.
(SoccerNet)
Sissoko happy with Mali choice
Liverpool's all-action midfielder Mohamed Sissoko insists he
is proud to represent Mali despite admitting any player
would 'love' to play for France.
The 21-year-old star was born near Rouen but was unwilling
to wait and see if Les Bleus came calling after he moved to
Valencia from Auxerre in 2003.
"Anyone would love to play for the French team," Sissoko
told L'Equipe.
"But I made my choice and it is impossible to go back.
"I am proud to play for Mali.
The Reds star also explained how his family is a strong
motivation for his on-going success in the world of
professional football.
"Every morning my father woke up at 5am to go to the
factory," Sissoko revealed.
"Getting out of my condition to improve my parents' lives
has always been an additional motivation.
"It is not because I am playing at Liverpool that I believe
I've made it.
"Football gave me an opportunity but I have worked hard to
seize it and I wont give up and not go on."
(Sky Sports)
Shields to come home
Jailed Michael Shields is finally set to return home to
Britain.
The 20-year-old's desperate family have borrowed enough
money to pay off his entire £90,000 fine.
The money will be paid to the Home office next Monday and
wired to the Bulgarian government to allow Michael's
transfer to a British jail.
He is serving 10 years for the attempted murder of a
Bulgarian waiter, a crime he insists he did not commit.
(Liverpool Echo)
Dudek and clubs charged over reserves
melee
Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek is facing a potential
five-match suspension after being given a shock Football
Association charge on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old Pole was sent off in a reserve derby with
Everton last week and was initially facing a three-match ban
for violent conduct, due to start 14 days after the offence.
But the FA have reviewed the match video and opted to
further charge Dudek with improper conduct - failing to
leave the field after the initial incident and confronting
the referee.
The sending off came after a challenge on Dudek by Everton
youngster Victor Anichebe, an incident that has already
prompted Liverpool to consider an appeal and has produced
strong words of condemnation from Anfield boss Rafael
Benitez.
Dudek, hero of the 2005 Champions League final, was
dismissed for raising his hands to the Everton player, which
prompted a melee with players from both sides.
Dudek was initially due to miss the Carling Cup tie with
Reading - in which he would probably have stood in for Jose
Reina - as well as the league match against the same
opposition and then the league game with Aston Villa.
A further two-match ban could involve a Carling Cup
fourth-round tie or league games with Arsenal and
Middlesbrough.
That would leave Liverpool with youth team goalkeeper David
Martin - son of former West Ham defender Alvin Martin - as
the only cover for first-choice Reina.
Liverpool have also got until November 1 to reply, but so
far have not commented on the FA charges.
(SoccerNet)
Carra demands Reds response
Jamie Carragher delivered a typically honest verdict on
Liverpool's early season form today when he admitted: "We've
all let ourselves down."
But the stand-in skipper insists it's only a matter of time
before the Reds' respond to their manager's call to get
their act together at home and in Europe.
Tonight's trip to Bordeaux is the latest opportunity for the
Reds' to find form, as they seek a morale-boosting win
before Sunday's clash with Manchester United.
Speaking exclusively in tonight's ECHO, Carragher said only
two or three Liverpool players have performed well so far,
but is adamant a radical improvement will come.
"Apart from maybe two or three players, there's no-one
playing at their level so far this season," he said. "There
are certain standards when you're playing for Liverpool
Football Club and we haven't been meeting them."
But the defender added: "We've far too much quality in the
team for this to last.
"We're definitely a better squad now than we were a year
ago, and now we've got to start showing what we can do,
hopefully starting tonight."
(Liverpool Echo)
Garcia reveals desire for deal
Luis Garcia yesterday revealed his desire to win a new
contract at Liverpool.
The Spanish schemer has been an influential presence at
Anfield since his arrival from Barcelona in August 2004 but
has started just six games this campaign and only twice
played the full 90 minutes.
With Anfield skipper Steven Gerrard joining Liverpool's
ever-growing injury list, Garcia is almost certain to play
some part when Benitez's side take on Bordeaux in France in
their Champions League Group C clash this evening.
And the Spaniard admits he must start persuading the Anfield
manager he deserves an extended run in the side to improve
his chances of a new deal.
"It is important that I regain the confidence of Rafa
Benitez," said Garcia, who is under contract until 2009. "I
have not played as many matches this season, so I need to
remind him of why he brought me to Liverpool.
"I will never cheat on Rafa Benitez. Every time I play for
him I will do my best to play well and either make or score
goals for the team.
"I'm happy at the club so whenever the club wants to speak
to me about a new contract I will be pleased to talk. I am
sure that if I do well this season on the pitch that
Liverpool will offer me a new, improved contract."
(Daily Post)
Zenden: We can win without Stevie
Bolo Zenden is confident Liverpool will cope with the loss
of their injured captain and pick up another three Champions
League points in Bordeaux tonight.
Steven Gerrard has remained on Merseyside for treatment on a
hamstring injury while Daniel Agger and Robbie Fowler were
also excluded from the travelling party as they continue to
recover from hand and back injuries respectively.
Zenden admits Gerrard's injury is a blow for the Reds, but
he sees no reason why the players selected tonight can't
deliver the goods in his absence.
"Steven Gerrard is not here, there is nothing we can do
about that," he said. "We have players who can step into his
roles whether it is in the centre of midfield or on the
right, he has played both this season.
"But I have no doubt we have the quality in the squad to
come in, if it is me then
I am ready."
(LFC Official Website) |
|
TUESDAY 17 |
No panic in Liverpool team meeting
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and Bolo Zenden have both
attempted to play down the significance of a team meeting
last Sunday to discuss the side’s poor form ahead of
tomorrow’s Champions League clash against Bordeaux.
The Dutch midfielder confirmed the meeting had taken place
in the wake of the 1-1 draw with Blackburn which left
Liverpool eight points behind the Premiership leaders
Manchester United.
Zenden, who could start in France because of Steven
Gerrard’s absence with a hamstring injury, said: “We had a
team meeting on Sunday, just a chat, it was no big deal.
“It is always good to communicate. We have done it before
this season and it is something we will probably do again.
“It is not something new to me in my career, communicating
is not something that is unusual.”
Liverpool have had such meetings before this season but
Benitez said: “The meeting was to remind them of our
objectives this season, where we are going.
“It was just a reminder to make sure we just keep going with
what we are doing. We have had these meetings before.
“But I must say that I am happy with the work-rate and the
commitment of the players.”
(Ireland Online)
Vladi out of CL game
Vladimir Smicer will not be facing Liverpool this week in
the Champions League tie between his old club and new club,
Bordeaux.
This may come as a shock to some, but the Istanbul hero, is
out injured. This time it is his hamstring.
The Anfield physio staff remember this hamstring fondly, as
they spend large part of Smicer Liverpool career nursing it.
(talklfc.com)
Reading skipper out of Anfield clash
Reading are likely to be without captain Graeme
Murty for their forthcoming visits to Anfield.
The defender is out for three weeks with a hamstring injury
according to the club’s official website.
Murty will not travel to Merseyside for the Carling Cup tie
next Wednesday and is a major doubt for the Premiership
fixture on November 4.
The Royals are also having to make do without striker Dave
Kitson, who is "weeks away" from a return after damaging a
knee in the opening match of the season.
(LFC Official Website)
Benitez seeks European form boost
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes a good result
against Bordeaux on Wednesday can kickstart their
Premiership form.
The Reds top Group C in the Champions League but are down in
10th place in their home league.
"We know that if we can win in Europe it will give us more
confidence in our domestic matches," said Benitez.
"It will also take us that bit nearer to qualification for
the next stage. If we win, we'll be in a good position."
(BBC Sport Online)
Finnan: We must stop the leaks
Steve Finnan believes Liverpool must start keeping clean
sheets if they are to get their season back on track.
The Reds have conceded in 10 of their opening 13 fixtures
this term but Finnan claims the defence is working extra
hard to return to last season’s record-breaking form.
“We want to keep clean sheets and we’re trying to do that,”
said the right-back.
“We’ve got to get back to working hard like we did last year
and we’ve got to get back to keeping clean sheets like we
were a couple of games ago."
(LFC Official Website)
Reds director gives bus to children's
charity
Liverpool FC director Steve Morgan answered a call for help
from children on Merseyside.
His charity, The Morgan Foundation, runs the Smiley Bus
Scheme which aims to distribute minibuses to charities
across the region.
The first beneficiary of the scheme is the Barn-stondale
Centre in Wirral which gives children from urban communities
the chance to enjoy holidays in the countryside.
Mr Morgan, founder of Redrow Homes and chairman of The
Morgan Foundation, officially presented the bus at The
Barnstondale Centre and said: "We are delighted to support
organisations doing such good work to improve the lives of
young people in the Merseyside area."
(Liverpool Echo)
Alves talks with Seville
Daniel Alves is hoping to improve his contract with Spanish
outfit Seville, and insists he is not looking to move away
from the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan.
The player has been watched by several teams across Europe -
including the Reds - since joining Seville from Brazilian
team Bahia. The versatile player can switch between midfield
and full back, and has enjoyed considerable success since
his move to Europe in 2002.
Alves had said last summer he would like to come to Anfield,
but Seville are now hoping to tie the player down beyond his
current contract date of 2011.
Alves said, "I have started talks and I want a quick
solution to close the subject as soon as possible. I believe
that we will reach an accord and am not worried about it.
I'm happy at Sevilla because the club have always treated me
sensationally."
(LFC Online)
Gerrard won't be risked
Liverpool will be without their inspirational captain Steven
Gerrard for Wednesday's Champions League clash at Bordeaux
as the midfielder is struggling with a minor hamstring
injury.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez will also be without Robbie Fowler
and Daniel Agger for the crucial Group C clash in France as
both players battle back from knocks.
"Steven felt something in his hamstring after the Blackburn
game and he is still feeling it," Benitez told Liverpool's
official website.
"We have spoken with the doctor and decided it's not worth
taking a risk with him and so he won't be involved in
Bordeaux.
"If this was the last game of the season and he needed to
play then he could, but at this moment we think it's too big
a risk.
"I think it's just a matter of an extra couple of days and
then he will be fine."
(Football UK) |
|
MONDAY 16 |
Why new look Bellamy will be Anfield success
Mark Hughes knows the conundrum that is Craig Bellamy better
than most.
And his views are crystal clear. "He will be a success at
Liverpool because he is an exceptional footballer with a
great work ethic," he declared. "He tries to improve every
single day."
Those words are reassuring. Bellamy will need that work
ethic and that willingness to embrace new ideas, because
Liverpool are reinventing him.
He scored his first Premiership goal for the Reds on
Saturday, but not in the fashion most fans had anticipated.
Think of a typical Craig Bellamy goal and you think of him
sprinting away down the channel, using his electrifying pace
to render a covering defence useless, then clipping the ball
past an exposed goalkee per.
Like he did on Wednesday for Wales against Cyprus. And like
he did so regularly for Blackburn and Newcastle.
But his first goal in front of the Kop was altogether
different. It was a proper poacher's goal - losing his
markers in a packed penalty area then guiding a close range
header past Brad Friedel.
And it is a skill he will be asked to master more and more
throughout his Anfield career, because Liverpool do not play
to Bellamy's most obvious attributes.
(Liverpool Echo)
Falling short again in quest for 'Holy
Grail'
Games like Saturday, are a barometer for Liverpool's season
- good in patches, poor in others that leaves us ultimately
falling short in our quest for the "Holy Grail" of the
Premiership.
We are only two months in and we find ourselves already some
eight points off the pace set by our arch rivals down the
East Lancs Road. This is a campaign that is proving to be a
mixture of highs and lows that has so defined our league
performances over recent years.
True, Liverpool being Liverpool they will inevitably go on a
'winning streak' that will have us sitting in the higher
echelons of the table come May, but consistency is the key
to this if we are really going to challenge for the prize we
crave.
A premature view you may think? But even the most ardent
Liverpool supporter must surely know that our 16-year wait
will continue as we stutter once again to impose ourselves
in the 'bread and butter' games.
(Daily Post)
Boss hints at cup bow for youngsters
Rafael Benitez has hinted that youngsters Nabil El Zhar and
Gabriel Paletta could be in line for their Liverpool debuts
when the Reds kick-off their Carling Cup campaign in two
weeks time.
Both have impressed for the reserves in recent weeks and
Benitez is contemplating using them when Reading visit
Anfield on 25 October.
On the Moroccan forward who's just completed his move to
Anfield from St Etienne, the Reds boss says: "Nabil El Zhar
has done well since he joined the club.
"As with any young player, it's up to him how far he
progresses. I'm sure if he continues to work hard and do all
the right things, he will get an opportunity in the first
team.
"He could be considered for the Carling Cup, but we will
have to wait and see. That will depend on the situation at
the time, and whether we need to consider injuries or other
factors. We know he has the ability to play for the first
team in the future."
Argentinean defender Paletta, meanwhile, a summer
acquisition from Banfield, is also in the manager's
thoughts.
He was named on the bench for Saturday's Premiership draw
with Blackburn and Benitez adds: "Paletta is a very good
player, but at the moment we have Sami and Carra in the
position and Daniel is playing very well this season, so he
must be patient.
"Maybe the Carling Cup will be a possibility for him. He
should follow the example of Agger, who spent six months
learning the style and systems in England when he first
joined us."
(LFC Official Website)
Rafa: Stars must shine
Rafa Benitez has called on his established stars to raise
their game to re-ignite Liverpool's season.
The Liverpool boss rejects suggestions it's the failings of
his summer recruits which have contributed to a slow start
to the season.
And he's adamant that once the usually reliable elements of
his side find their form, the Reds' campaign will radically
improve.
"It's clear some of our more established players need to be
at the top of their game," said Benitez today. "I said I
thought it would be November before we were at our best
because of a number of reasons."
(Liverpool Echo)
Reds and Magpies eye Neill
Liverpool face competition from Newcastle if they are to
land Blackburn's Lucas Neill in January.
The £5million-rated Australian international, who is out of
contract next summer, is keen to move to a bigger club and
has already rejected an initial new offer from Rovers.
Although current boss Mark Hughes has not given up hope of
keeping his left-back at the club, the Daily Mirror report
that Newcastle will challenge Liverpool for the
28-year-old's signature in the January transfer window.
(Sporting Life)
|
|
Thor Zakariassen
© |
|
