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TUESDAY 21 |
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Rafa promises improvement
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez promised a better display
in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash
with Benfica when the sides face each other again at Anfield
in a fortnight.
And he also defended the decision not to risk captain Steven
Gerrard, who was suffering from a minor leg injury.
Gerrard only came on for the final 12 minutes but Benfica
scored with six minutes to go, leaving Liverpool with a
massive task to stay in the competition.
"I would rather have Steven available for the next month
rather than just 80 minutes of this match," said Benitez,
who may have another injury worry after midfielder Mohamed
Sissoko needed hospital treatment after suffering blurred
vision following a kick to the head he received in the first
half.
Sissoko was carried off and Liverpool's medical staff were
still assessing the injury after the match.
The Liverpool boss also cast doubt over the free-kick which
saw Benfica score their winner through defender Anderson
Luisao.
"We have seen the video and I do not think it was a
free-kick," Benitez added.
(Football 365)
Reds slip to late defeat
Liverpool fell for the sucker punch in Portugal as Benfica
bagged a 1-0 first leg lead in the UEFA Champions League
thanks to Luisao's late header.
The contest was even through-out with neither side in truth
looking like forging ahead until the Brazilian defender got
his head on Petit's free-kick.
The Reds had been water-tight in Europe with Real Betis the
last side to breach their defence, but they find themselves
making up a deficit for the return leg at Anfield.
(Sky Sports)
Eye injury keeps Sissoko in hospital
Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko will stay in a Lisbon
hospital overnight while a "serious eye injury" sustained in
the 1-0 Champions League defeat to Benfica is assessed.
The Mali international received a kick to the head from Beto
in the first half and was carried off on a stretcher after
several minutes' treatment, to be replaced by Dietmar
Hamann.
Sissoko was taken to hospital complaining of blurred vision
and he will remain there until he has been fully checked
over.
"It is a serious eye injury which means Momo will be staying
in hospital overnight for observation and further tests,"
said a Liverpool spokesman.
"The club doctor and one of the physios is staying in
Portugal with the player to make sure he is okay and it will
then be decided when he comes home, which will probably
be tomorrow."
(Sporting Life)
Carragher confident of comeback
Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher was confident the side
would come back from the 1-0 defeat against Benfica in
Portugal when they meet in the Champions League last-16
second leg tie at Anfield.
A header from defender Anderson Luisao six minutes from the
end proved to be the difference but Liverpool are no
strangers to mounting a comeback - as they famously did to
win the Champions League final last May from 3-0 down at
half-time.
"They took the only chance they had. We have had a few
set-pieces and we are disappointed but it is still only
half-time [in the tie]," Carragher told ITV4.
"We had a lot of possession and we need to hurt teams more
but we will be okay."
(TEAMtalk)
Benfica v Liverpool: Fowler starts,
Gerrard on bench
The confirmed team news is as follows:
LIVERPOOL: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Garcia,
Alonso, Sissoko, Kewell, Fowler, Morientes.
SUBS: Dudek, Traore, Warnock, Hamann, Gerrard, Cisse,
Crouch.
(Kop Talk)
Carra hoping to be a record breaker
Jamie Carragher and the Liverpool defence are looking to
become record breakers when they face Benfica in the
Champions League on Tuesday night.
The European Cup winning side of 1983-84 went 561 minutes
without conceding on their way to victory in Rome, and if
Liverpool keep a clean sheet for 73 minutes they will break
that record.
"It's a good target to have in mind," explained Carragher.
"The defence's job is to get us a clean sheet, and while
it's not necessarily something you think about during the
game, the longer you go without conceding the more
determined you are to keep the run going."
(LFC Official Website)
Gerrard on the defensive
Steven Gerrard is determined to defend the Champions League
title, as Liverpool prepare to take on Benfica tonight.
"We won't let being European Champions go without a fight,"
siad the Liverpool skipper. "I can promise that to the
supporters now.
"Whoever we come up against we will be in there giving it
110% because we know what it's like to win and we want to do
it again this year.
"People aren't talking about Liverpool and that suits us
fine. We will just go about our game. But try taking it from
us and people will see how desperate we are to succeed.
"We could have lived off the back of Istanbul but the
players aren't like that and the manager wouldn't stand for
that.
"Any complacency and any big headedness and he would come
down on you. He hasn't needed to because the players are
desperate for more."
(LFC Online)
Wright in shock return to Chester
Mark Wright will this morning complete a shock return to the
Deva Stadium by being named the new manager of Chester City.
The former Liverpool and England defender, who spent two and
a half seasons at the club before leaving on the eve of the
2004-05 season, will be unveiled as the successor to Keith
Curle, who was sacked on Saturday.
Only three weeks ago Wright, 43, parted company as the
manager of fellow Coca-Cola League Two club Peterborough
United, following rumours of a row with players.
(Daily Post)
Benfica have off-field problems
Liverpool find themselves facing a Benfica side no longer
basking in the glory of dumping Manchester United out of the
Champions League but one in turmoil.
The Portuguese club, twice winners of the European Cup, have
been hit by training ground bust-ups, a failed drugs test
and the loss of star Brazilian winger Geovanni, the
26-year-old who was dumped by Barcelona in 2002-03 when
Ronaldinho arrived.
And Benfica have lost three of their last five matches,
including Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Vitoria Guimaraes - a
result which leaves them trailing league leaders Porto by
five points with Jose Mourinho's former club to face next
weekend.
Geovanni, who scored in a memorable 2-1 group stage victory
over Manchester United, tore a thigh muscle in the 4-0 win
over Penafiel.
Manager Ronald Koeman also has midfielder Nuno Assis
suspended pending an appeal after testing positive for the
banned substance norandrosterone.
There have also been reports of training ground fights
between defender Luisao and midfielder Giorgios Karagounis,
as well as a dust up involving defender Anderson and striker
Fabrizio Miccoli, another player who will not be fit to play
against Rafael Benitez's side.
The mood has not been helped by winger and former Liverpool
target Simao Sabrosa, who stormed off the pitch following
the Penafiel win.
(Sporting Life) |
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MONDAY 20 |
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Koeman expects tough test
Benfica coach Ronald Koeman feels Liverpool will pose a
stiffer task than Manchester United when they meet in the
UEFA Champions League.
"It's a tougher test in one way as they are the champions of
last season," said Koeman.
(Sky Sports)
Finnan wary of Robert threat
Liverpool defender Steve Finnan has promised Laurent Robert
a tough time when the pair clash in the Champions League.
The Irish full-back - who claims Liverpool can go all the
way to the final again - had many a showdown with the
unpredictable Frenchman when he was playing in the
Premiership.
Robert, who has moved to Benfica from Newcastle - after a
loan spell at Portsmouth - this season, has recovered from a
hamstring injury at just the right time to face Liverpool in
their last-16 clash in Lisbon on Tuesday night.
Finnan said: "Benfica signed a very good player. He is
someone I know well from facing him in England and he scored
a few good goals against us in his Newcastle days, and we've
had a few good tussles down the years.
"I am sure it will be the same this time, I can promise him
a really good battle again."
(TEAMtalk)
Inter dismiss Benitez link
Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti has denied a report
suggesting he wants Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez to take
charge of the club.
Reports in Italy said Moratti wanted Benitez to replace
Roberto Mancini after Saturday's goalless draw at Livorno
saw Inter slip to third, 12 points behind Serie A leaders
Juventus.
But Moratti has dismissed the reports and insists Mancini
still has his full support.
"I've heard the rumours on TV," he said. "Mancini is not
under fire and his job is not at stake. He has done well and
is doing well.
"I believe in him and I think he can do well this year."
(Sporting Life)
Fulham fixture switch
Supporters should note that Liverpool's Premiership meeting
with Fulham at Anfield will now take place on Wednesday,
March 15th, at 8pm.
It has been changed from its original date of Monday, April
17th, due to the possibility of Liverpool having to play a
UEFA Champions League fixture on Tuesday, April 18th.
(LFC Official Website)
Five nominated for FA Cup award
Five players have been nominated for the "Player of the
Round" award for the FA Cup fifth round.
Colchester defender Wayne Brown is the only non-Premiership
player nominated.
The other hopefuls are Liverpool's Jamie Carragher,
Manchester City's Micah Richards, Middlesbrough's Yakubu and
Maik Taylor of Birmingham.
The winner receives an engraved silver salver, a VIP seat at
the 2006 FA Cup Final and £1,000 worth of Umbro kit for a
local school, club or organisation.
(BBC Sport Online)
Benitez hopes Blues are distracted
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is hoping Birmingham will have
their mind on top-flight survival when the two teams meet in
the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Benitez's team have not beaten Birmingham since the Spaniard
arrived at Anfield in 2004, but Steve Bruce's men are
currently struggling in the relegation zone of the
Premiership.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are third in the league and also in
the Champions League, which they won last season.
"At this stage, with all Premiership clubs you've got to
play good teams," said Benitez.
"Maybe Birmingham will be more concerned about their league
position and this might not be as important to them as
staying in the division.
"I feel I've got a big enough squad to cope with playing in
three competitions and all I can say is that I'd have rather
been drawn at home."
The tie will be played between Monday March 20 and Thursday
March 23.
(TEAMtalk)
Reds draw Birmingham away in Cup
Liverpool have been drawn away to Birmingham City in the
quarter-finals of the FA Cup, at St Andrews.
The match will take place over the week beginning Monday,
March 20th, with the exact date to be decided.
The last time the two sides met in the FA Cup was the third
round stage at Anfield in January 2002, when two goals from
Michael Owen and one from Nicolas Anelka gave Liverpool a
3-0 win.
In the Premiership this season Liverpool have drawn twice
with Birmingham, 2-2 at St Andrews and 1-1 at Anfield.
FA Cup quarter-final draw is as follows:
Charlton Athletic v Middlesbrough.
Aston Villa/Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers/West Ham
United.
Chelsea v Newcastle United.
Birmingham City v Liverpool.
(LFC Official Website)
Alonso returns for Reds
Xabi Alonso returns to the Liverpool squad for the first leg
of their Champions League last-16 clash against Benfica.
The Spanish midfielder missed the FA Cup victory over
Manchester United with a thigh injury, but boss Rafael
Benitez confirmed he would return for the trip to face
Portugal's two-time former European champions.
Robbie Fowler could make his maiden Champions League
appearance, and may start, but defenders Daniel Agger and
Jan Kromkamp are cup-tied.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise,
Traore, Warnock, Luis Garcia, Alonso, Sissoko, Hamann,
Gerrard, Kewell, Fowler, Crouch, Morientes, Cisse,
Dudek, Carson.
(Sporting Life)
Benitez: I don't care if we get no credit
Rafael Benitez insists he couldn't care less that Liverpool
are not getting the credit they deserve - as long as his
team keeps winning.
The European Champions ended an 85-year wait for FA Cup
victory over Manchester United on Saturday with a 1-0 fifth
round win at Anfield.
However, the plaudits have been slow in coming from many
pundits for Liverpool, who face Benfica in the Champions
League tomorrow night.
But Benitez is unconcerned, and he said: "I am not worried
about not being given credit. I prefer to think about my
team and believe in my players, and if they work hard then I
am happy.
"I have a clear idea. The manager doesn't need people
speaking about him. As long as we keep winning, I don't
worry about what people say."
(Daily Post)
Cisse's comfort for hurt Smith
Djibril Cisse has backed Alan Smith to follow his
example and recover from the horrific leg injury suffered at
Anfield on Saturday.
It brought back bad memories for Cisse, who suffered a
broken tibia and fibula in October 2004 at Blackburn Rovers
but remarkably returned to fitness before the end of season
and scored in the European Cup final penalty shoot-out
against AC Milan in Istanbul.
And the French striker went to see Smith straight after the
final whistle on Saturday to tell him he can fight back from
the injury and play again.
"After the game I went straight to the United dressing
room," said Cisse. "I wanted to see him and say that I know
how he is feeling, but that everything will be okay for him
like it has been for me.
"I just told him to be strong. It is a hard moment for him.
I have been through this type of injury myself and it is
difficult.
"The break looked to be bad, but he can recover from well
and get even stronger after.
"The hardest part is when your team-mates are going out on
the pitch, playing, and you know that you cannot. That is
the difficult part and that is when you have to be strong in
your head. But he strikes me as being that kind of person,
someone who is tough and can deal with this.
"When I saw him on the pitch, it brought it back to me what
happened. A year ago I was recovering from a broken leg and
now I am playing again. I am sure he will do the same."
(Daily Post) |
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SUNDAY 19 |
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Rafa hits out at Benfica
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has launched a broadside at
Benfica for their handling of the projected transfer of
Simao Sabrosa.
Ahead of the sides' UEFA Champions League clash on Tuesday,
Benitez revealed that Simao was a long-term target for The
Reds but the Portuguese outfit's prevarication proved it
impossible to negotiate a transfer.
"Simao was an option for us in the summer but it did not
happen," said Benitez.
"We were interested in Simao but every time we thought we
were getting there, Benfica's president would come back to
us and ask for double. In the end it became impossible to
deal with them."
(Sky Sports)
Kromkamp to offer plenty of advice
Liverpool's new signing Jan Kromkamp cannot help his new
club on the pitch in their Champions League campaign but he
can give boss Rafael Benitez plenty of helpful advice.
The Dutch full-back, who moved to Anfield in the transfer
window from Villarreal in a swap for Josemi, has witnessed
at close quarters Liverpool's last 16 opponents Benfica.
Villarreal and Benfica were in Group D together, and the
Spanish side who knocked Everton out in the third qualifying
round, won in Lisbon and drew at home.
He said: "Benfica are a good team with the ball, and they
did not like to give it away.
"The Portuguese international Petit is important to them in
midfield and most of their play goes through him."
(Walk On LFC)
Rafa: Paletta can be another Carra
Rafael Benitez has insisted new signing Gabriel Paletta has
the qualities to match the inspirational leadership of Jamie
Carragher when he arrives at Anfield.
The young Argentinian defender will join the Reds in the
summer after Liverpool agreed a four year deal for his
services.
Benitez is delighted to have beaten off stiff competition to
land the highly rated youngster and is confident he'll waste
no time in proving himself on Merseyside.
He said: "I've worked with other Argentinian defenders in
the past and there is a good tradition of tough, aggressive
and tactically strong defenders from the country.
"Paletta is very tough and he's exactly the sort of player
we need who will suit the Premiership. When you talk about
the Argentinian defenders I worked with in Valencia, Paletta
is more like Ayala than Pellegrino. If you're talking about
Liverpool, he's more like Carra than Sami Hyypia. This is
good because we will have a balance in the style of
defenders.
"He is a defender with a lot of aggression and we're sure he
has a great future. He will learn a lot here, like Daniel
Agger, and provide competitiveness in our defence."
(Sky Sports)
Agent: Alan will bounce back
Manchester United's Alan Smith has been told the horrific
injury he suffered in Saturday's FA Cup tie at Liverpool is
not career-threatening.
The midfielder's agent says Smith is managing to stay
remarkably upbeat and has expressed his gratitude for the
swift and largely sympathetic reaction from everyone at
Anfield after he suffered the season-ending blow.
"I think Alan just wants to say that the treatment from
Liverpool and all the Manchester United staff has been
fantastic," Black told BBC Radio Five Live.
He also told Sky Sports News: "He was a little bit delirious
as he was coming off but he was able to recognise that not
just the Manchester United fans but a lot of the Liverpool
fans were giving him a good round of applause."
(TEAMtalk)
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Thor Zakariassen
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