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SUNDAY 21 |
Lee: Rafa was in complete control
Sammy Lee revealed how Rafa Benitez was in constant contact
during Liverpool's 1-1 draw at the Emirates - and rang to
congratulate his players after the final whistle.
Benitez, who stayed on Merseyside to recover from his kidney
stone operation, was reportedly delighted with his team
after Robbie Keane cancelled out Robin van Persie's opener
with a sweet half-volley.
Lee joked: "His phone bill will be quite big! Technology
meant it was never going to be a problem. It's testament to
his professionalism because he was in a lot of pain.
"Our hope now is that he can settle down for a while and get
himself 100 per cent right so that he's ready for the really
busy schedule that's
coming up."
(LFC Official Website)
Wenger fuming
after Adebayor's red
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was fuming after his side drew
1-1 with Liverpool.
Robin van Persie gave Arsenal the lead before Robbie Keane
equalised but Emmanuel Adebayor saw red with 30 minutes to
go. Wenger reckons referee Howard Webb made the wrong
decision and said Arsenal would have won if it wasn't for
the dismissal.
Adebayor's innocuous challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa was deemed
to be a second bookable offence by Webb, but Wenger
disagrees.
He told Sky Sports: "I think it was a wrong decision. If we
had 11 men we would have won the game. We played much better
in the second half and was in a better position.
(Sport.co.uk)
Reds miss chance
as hosts hold on
Premier League leaders Liverpool failed to capitalise on
Emmanuel Adebayor's sending-off as Arsenal held on for a 1-1
draw at Emirates Stadium.
Adebayor was sent off just after the hour mark for a second
bookable offence but Liverpool, who had been in the
ascendency, could not find a winner after Robbie Keane had
earlier cancelled out Robin van Persie's strike in the first
half.
Referee Howard Webb showed Adebayor his second yellow card
for a clumsy challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa with just under 30
minutes remaining but Liverpool could not make the most of
the extra man.
The visitors were without Rafael Benitez, who was back on
Merseyside recovering from an operation on his troublesome
kidney stones.
(TEAMtalk)
Parry: Benitez close to new contract,
but don't expect big LFC transfers
Rafael Benitez is “very close” to sealing a new contract
extension with Liverpool, according to chief executive Rick
Parry.
The Spaniard has been Reds boss for four-and-a-half years -
during which time he has won the Champions League - and has
18 months of his current deal still to run.
Liverpool top the Barclays Premier League heading into this
afternoon’s clash with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium - a match
which Benitez may be forced to miss as he recovers from
surgery to remove kidney stones.
Nevertheless, an announcement on his future could be made
shortly.
Parry told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme: “He is
nearly there.
Parry hinted there may be little movement in terms of new
arrivals at Anfield when the transfer window opens again
next month.
“It is difficult to do smart business in January,” he said.
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Lee leads Reds at Emirates
Sammy Lee stands in for the recuperating Rafa Benitez at the
Emirates this afternoon, while Lucas, Emiliano Insua, Robbie
Keane and Daniel Agger all return to the Liverpool team.
Listen to full commentary on our Match Day Live show from
3.30pm.
Benitez remains in Liverpool to continue his recovery from
an operation to remove kidney stones. Also back on
Merseyside is the flu-stricken Javier Mascherano and the
injured Andrea Dossena.
The Reds XI in full is: Reina, Arbeloa, Agger, Carragher,
Insua, Riera, Kuyt, Lucas, Alonso, Gerrard, Keane.
Subs: Cavalieri, Plessis, Babel, El Zhar, Hyypia, Ngog,
Benayoun.
(LFC Official Website)
Lee in charge as Rafa misses clash
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will not attend Sunday
afternoon's meeting with Arsenal following surgery to remove
kidney stones.
The Spaniard has missed recent training sessions with his
club as he underwent a rehabilitation period following minor
surgery.
Assistant manager Sammy Lee had been in charge of the Reds
as they prepared for the trip to the Emirates Stadium, but
Benitez was expected to return in time for the weekend
clash.
However, those hopes have been dashed following the news
that the former Valencia boss will be missing when his side
take on Arsenal.
Lee will be the Reds' stand-in chief as the Anfield outfit
look to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier
League.
(TEAMtalk)
McAllister sacked by Leeds
Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister has been sacked
as manager of League One side Leeds United.
Leeds have slipped to ninth place in the league table and
suffered a 3-1 defeat to MK Dons over the weekend.
McAllister succeeded Denis Wise as boss at Elland Road in
January.
"The board took the decision following the recent poor run
that has seen the club slip to ninth in League One," read a
statement on the club's website.
"The decision was made to ensure that the new manager, when
appointed, has the maximum number of games possible to move
the club up the table.
"The club would like to place on record its thanks for the
loyal service given to Leeds United by Gary since joining
the club as manager in January 2008, and wish him every
success in the future."
(LFC Official Website) |
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SATURDAY 20 |
Benitez set to make Arsenal trip
Rafael Benitez is set to take his place in the dugout at
Arsenal
Football Club.
The Liverpool boss has been in hospital this week for a
minor operation on a kidney stones problem, but his
assistant Sammy Lee expects him to make the trip to the
Emirates Stadium.
"He has had an eventful few days, it hasn't been the best
for him," Lee told Liverpool's official website. "He was in
a lot of pain earlier in the week but he has got better and
he will be there on Sunday.
"I have phoned him every day to keep in touch and let him
know what has been going on. But the plan of our weeks and
months is always well in advance so we knew what we were
going to do.
"To say that we don't miss him would be totally wrong. He
doesn't like being ill and he is not happy when he is away
from the football club but he will be there on Sunday."
(Fans FC)
Benitez must turn wheeler-dealer as
Liverpool's American owners feel the pinch
Rafael Benitez will have to sell players to raise funds if
he wishes to strengthen Liverpool's squad as the Anfield
club prepare for their first real title challenge since
1990.
The club's owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, are
unlikely to sanction any significant transfer spending
unless Benitez can generate funds by trimming the fat from
his squad.
Of more immediate concern to the American duo is the need to
service the interest on the £350 million loan taken out this
time last year with RBS and troubled US bank Wachovia.
(The Daily Telegraph)
JOHN ALDRIDGE:
Rio Ferdinand’s back-
handed tribute to Liverpool
It was interesting this week to see Rio Ferdinand writing
off Arsenal’s title chances just before they face Liverpool.
This is the clearest sign yet that Manchester United see
Liverpool as a threat to their own title hopes.
Ferdinand has worked alongside Alex Ferguson long enough to
have learned all about the dark arts of psychological
warfare and this was a blatant attempt to wind Arsenal up so
that they go out and have a proper go at Rafa Benitez’s
side.
The timing of his outburst was key. He did it in the week
building up to Liverpool’s visit to try and make life
difficult for them.
Benitez should be pointing this out to his players because
this is as big a backhanded compliment as you can ever get.
This is what happens when you are top of the league – your
rivals do whatever they can to try and knock you off.
It is something Liverpool are going to have to deal with for
as long as they are there or thereabouts.
The best possible way they can respond is by going to
Arsenal and claiming another three points.
(Liverpool Echo)
Liverpool must figure out
system to suit strengths
On Sunday, March 19 2006, Liverpool went to St James’
Park and strolled to a comfortable 3-1 win over Newcastle.
The match will be remembered in the North East for the
antics of two Frenchmen, one who wound them up by
celebrating a goal and another who wound them up even more
by living up to his bungling reputation.
Djibril Cisse attracted the ire of the Gallowgate end by
extravagantly enjoying the scoring of a penalty kick, while
Jean-Alain Boumsong was given the bird for conceding the
penalty from which his fellow countryman put the game beyond
any doubt and was promptly sent off.
But for Liverpool fans, the significance of the game was the
system Rafa Benitez utilised on the day as the Reds boss
deployed a 3-5-2 set up which surprised everyone, not least
the Newcastle players.
Daniel Agger, Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher operated as a
trio of centre backs with Jan Kromkamp and Stephen Warnock
playing as wing backs.
Steven Gerrard took command in central midfield while Peter
Crouch and Cisse played up front.
According to the ensuing BBC match report “the system gave
Liverpool plenty of attacking fluency”.
(Tony Barrett - Liverpool Echo)
Kuyt looking for
Emirates repeat
Dirk Kuyt is looking for another good performance at the
Emirates.
Kuyt had one of his best- and luckiest- performances for
Liverpool against Arsenal at the Emirates in last season's
Champions League quarter final. He scored the Reds'
equaliser before getting away with a foul on Alexsandr Hleb
in the penalty box.
"We know that it will be tough and we will be looking for a
similar performance, only this time we will be looking for a
win rather than a draw because it is a different situation."
(LFC Online)
Wenger points
the finger at 'diver' Babel
On the eve of Arsenal’s Premier League showdown with
Liverpool, Arsene Wenger has accused Ryan Babel of diving in
the Champions League quarter final between the two sides
last season.
The Gunners were on course for a place in the final four of
Europe’s biggest competition when Emmanuel Adebayor made it
2-2 in the second leg at Anfield, but Babel quickly won a
penalty and it was Liverpool who progressed after winning
4-2 on the night and 5-3 on aggregate.
Wenger claims he does not bear a grudge against Babel though
and is reluctant to cast any moral judgement after admitting
that, on occasions, his own players have been guilty of
simulation.
(Setanta Sports)
Lee looking for Reds to tighten grip
Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee is looking for the
Premier League leaders to strengthen their position over the
Christmas period.
The Reds currently have a one-point advantage over Chelsea
heading into the busy festive schedule.
With so many matches in such a short space of time, Lee
knows the slightest slip-up can hand the initiative to your
rivals.
"Historically, Christmas has always been a crucial period,"
said Lee, who has been taking charge of training this week
with manager Rafael Benitez convalescing at home after a
kidney stones operation.
"It is the ones who get the most points in that period that
kick-start the new year."
(TEAMtalk)
Real dates set
The dates have been confirmed for Liverpool's Champions
League tie with Real Madrid.
The first leg takes place at the Bernabau on Wednesday,
February 25th while the second leg is at Anfield on Tuesday,
March 10th. Both games kick off at 7.45pm GMT.
(LFC Online) |
|
FRIDAY 19 |
Lee: No Arsenal return for Torres
Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee has poured cold water
on suggestions Fernando Torres could make a shock comeback
against Arsenal on Sunday.
The Spanish international is still recovering from a
hamstring injury and the Reds are loath to gamble on the
fitness of the 24-year-old.
Lee said: "He won't be fit for the weekend, no. He's back in
training and running. We are trying to make sure he's right
and 100 per cent for when he does come back."
(Shanklygates)
Mijatovic upbeat after drawing Reds
Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic is
optimistic after seeing his club paired against Liverpool in
the Champions League last 16.
Madrid have been eliminated at the first knockout round in
each of the last four seasons and are currently in the midst
of a dismal run of form that has seen them lose seven of
their last 14 competitive matches.
However, Mijatovic has faith the nine-time European
champions can rise to the task when they face a Liverpool
side that includes a host of Spanish players and who are
coached by former Madrid youth team boss Rafa Benitez.
"At this stage there are no easy teams. Nobody gets to this
stage without being a quality team," Mijatovic said.
"They (Liverpool) have had some good campaigns in recent
years, in contrast to us, but I think the time has come for
us do something more.
"We are capable of playing two good games and getting
through the tie."
Mijatovic also warned five-time winners Liverpool against
underestimating Madrid despite the reigning Primera Liga
champions' recent troubles.
Not only have Madrid suffered a number of defeats, been
knocked out of the Copa del Rey and fallen 12 points behind
Barcelona in La Liga, but they have also been hit by a
nightmare run of injuries.
(TEAMtalk)
Reds relishing Real tie
Liverpool club secretary Bryce Morrison has admitted their
UEFA Champions League tie with Real Madrid is one to savour.
The Reds have been drawn with the nine-times champions in
the last 16 of Europe's premier club competition.
The game will be the first meeting between the two European
titans since the 1981 European Cup final in Paris with
Liverpool emerging 1-0 winners.
It will also be Liverpool's second visit to the Spanish
capital this season after playing Atletico Madrid in the
group stages.
"It couldn't really be any bigger," Morrison told Sky Sports
News. "It is absolutely a mouth-watering tie one I am
relishing really and I am sure supporters will be as well.
"Since Paris we have not had the opportunity of playing Real
Madrid in a competive match in the competition so it is a
really good."
The game will hold special memories for Reds boss Rafa
Benitez who has played and coached at El Santiago Bernabeu.
"He [Benitez] is obviously very aware of situation," added
Morrison. "We were in Madrid earlier in the group stage and
it is really good to be going back again and I am sure he
[Benitez] is pretty happy about that.
"In recent history we have had some fantastic successes in
Spain in away legs and overall in the competition."
(Sky Sports)
Thommo backs Reds
Phil Thompson has backed Liverpool to beat Real Madrid.
Thompson, who captained Liverpool in the 1981 European Cup
final win over Real Madrid, has backed the Reds to beat the
Spanish side in the last sixteen of this year's competition.
"It's a tough one because you don't know what they're going
to be like in February. If we were playing them now, it
would be no problem but things might change," said Thommo on
Sky Sports News after the draw.
"Having said that, it's still a game I fancy Liverpool to
win. Rafa Benitez will be going home, and remember, Fernando
Torres didn't get the opportunity to play against Atletico -
his old team - earlier in the season. So, he'll be really
looking forward to going back there and putting one
over Real.
"I think Liverpool will have too much for them in the second
leg at Anfield.
"It's a wonderful tie. I remember playing against them in
1981 - the all whites versus the all reds."
(LFC Online)
Liverpool face Real Madrid
Liverpool have been drawn to play Spanish giants and
nine-time winners Real Madrid in the first knockout phase of
the Champions League.
The Reds famously beat Madrid in the 1981 European Cup Final
in Paris, with Alan Kennedy scoring the winner for Bob
Paisley's team.
Full draw
Chelsea v Juventus
Villarreal v Panathinaikos
Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid v Porto
Lyon v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Liverpool
Arsenal v Roma
Inter Milan v Man Utd
(LFC Online)
Van Persie hoping for Liverpool boost
Robin Van Persie admits that Arsenal have to beat Liverpool
to be in a position to seriously challenge for the Premier
League title.
"Our only chance of winning the title is to win the big
games," he said. "If we beat Liverpool it becomes five
points and anything can happen."
(LFC Online)
Toure ruled out of Liverpool clash
Samir Nasri's likely return for Arsenal against Liverpool on
Sunday has been tempered by the loss of Kolo Toure for the
Emirates Stadium clash.
Nasri has been missing since the 1-0 win over Wigan earlier
this month because of an ankle injury but Arsene Wenger
expects to be able to call on him this weekend.
Kolo Toure has been ruled out with a calf strain, though,
while striker Nicklas Bendtner is struggling with a knee
problem.
Theo Walcott (shoulder) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring tendon)
are
still out.
Gunners (from): Almunia, Sagna, Nasri, Gallas, Djourou,
Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song, Diaby, Wilshere, Eboue,
Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Van Persie, Adebayor, Bendtner.
(TEAMtalk)
Thor Zakariassen
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