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SATURDAY 21 |
Youngsters cruise to Crewe triumph
Liverpool under-18s claimed their first Academy league win
of 2009 with
a convincing 3-1 triumph at home to Crewe on Saturday
afternoon.
Hughie McAuley's men produced a superb attacking performance
and deservedly took home the spoils courtesy of goals from
Nathan Eccleston, David Amoo and Alex Kacaniklic.
It was the perfect way to banish the memories of last week's
4-0 defeat at West Brom and means they will now head into
Friday's Youth Cup quarter-final with Bolton at Anfield in
high spirits.
(LFC Official Website)
Torres on ice story is crap
Fernando Torres does not want to appear on 'Dancing on Ice.'
A sleazy tabloid paper claimed this week that Fernando
Torres is a fan of the tedious ITV programme and wants to
appear on it. However, the story is a big pile of bollocks.
"I get used to people making things up about me, but this is
absolute rubbish," said the striker.
"I've since been told the show is very popular in England,
but the first I knew about it was when one of my teammates
pointed out the story in a newspaper yesterday.
"I've never seen the programme or know how it works and
certainly don't want to appear on it.
"The story is being reported everywhere as if it's fact, but
it's a complete fabrication and I wanted to make that
clear."
(LFC Online)
Onuoha hoping for Anfield chance
Manchester City's unlikely goalscorer Nedum Onuoha is hoping
to retain his place in the team against Liverpool at Anfield
on Sunday.
Onuoha capped a hard shift by scoring only his second senior
goal in the 2-2 draw against Copenhagen in the UEFA Cup on
Thursday.
Onuoha was delighted with the way the team applied
themselves - just as they had done against Schalke in
Gelsenkirchen earlier in the campaign.
He hopes they can build on that performance when they face
Liverpool and is not concerned at the threat posed by
Spanish striker Fernando Torres.
Onuoha said: "I have played against him once before but
there are a few more players in Liverpool's team than just
him. They are all quite dangerous.
"It's not every day that you get to play against some of the
best players in the world, so I will relish it if I get to
play."
(TEAMtalk)
Liverpool seeking
to improve out of the blocks
One of the quirks of football’s rich past meant it was
commonplace for the more resourceful supporter to sneak into
game after half-time to catch a glimpse of their heroes
without paying.
Fast forward to the present day, and there are many Anfield
regulars who would probably be happy doing the same thing.
After all, the opening 45 minutes have not exactly proved a
fertile period for Liverpool at home this season.
In 18 games at Anfield this season in all competitions,
Rafael Benitez’s have led only four times at the interval,
with only two of those occasions coming in the Premier
League.
Indeed, Liverpool have netted only seven goals in the first
half of their 12 home league games this season, a
contributory factor in drawing five of those encounters.
Benitez’s side can begin altering that statistic when they
entertain Manchester City tomorrow.
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Benitez defends
City spending spree
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has refused to condemn
Manchester City for their lavish spending and insists they
will be dangerous opponents.
Sunday's clash at Anfield is the start of a 10-day spell
that sees Liverpool play four matches which the Reds manager
believes will make or break their campaign.
He said: "I do not believe their money is changing the face
of football, there are other teams who have spent big, big
money this season too. There is not a massive difference.
"They will be dangerous opponents. It is not just the money,
it is the fact that they have high-quality players."
(TEAMtalk)
Benitez warns Hertha
Benitez has warned Hertha Berlin their efforts to sign
Andriy Voronin on loan for another year are doomed for
failure.
The Ukrainian, on a season-long loan at Hertha, shot his
team to the top of the Bundesliga last week with both goals
in a 2-1 win over
Bayern Munich.
And Benitez says: “We are not surprised he is a very good
player but always the first year in the Premier League is
difficult and with the players that we have it was difficult
for him to play every week.
“He is playing every game now, he is playing really well and
the fans love him. He has confidence.
“He is our player and we are monitoring him. We have to
decide at the end of the season. But they will not keep him
on loan for another season. That cannot happen.”
(Liverpool Daily Post) |
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FRIDAY 20 |
Palmeiras star not Liverpool-bound
Palmeiras have rubbished reports striker Keirrison is set
for a move to Liverpool, saying they want to "keep him for
as long as possible".
The 20-year-old has been at the centre of speculation
linking him with a 20million euro transfer to Anfield.
Keirrison has been touted as Brazil's newest talent and
finished top scorer in the Campeonato Brasileiro last season
when he was with Coritiba.
Palmeiras' director of football, Toninho Cecilio, insists
the striker - who has scored eight goals in only six
appearances for his new team - will stay with the Verdao for
the foreseeable future.
"I don't want to spend a lot of time talking about this
Liverpool issue as it is not true," he said. "There is
nothing official and we were not consulted about this.
"We have an excellent relationship with Liverpool, who
signed goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri, and, if there was
something, we will be the first to know about that.
"Instead, the intention of the Palmeiras board is to keep
him here as long as possible here, before he continues his
career in Europe."
(TEAMtalk)
Rafa: Crucial fortnight
Rafa Benitez believes that the next two weeks could make or
break Liverpool's chances of Premier League glory.
The Reds face testing games against Manchester City,
Middlesbrough and Sunderland in the league, as well as a
trip to the Bernabeu for the knockout stages of the UEFA
Champions League.
"It now depends on one or two weeks to see what happens.
Everything can change in just a few days," said Benitez.
"This is a crucial time, we have four games in a few days
and that can make a massive difference to whether we will be
fighting for trophies at the end of the season."
(Sky Sports)
Ireland up for Liverpool clash
City midfielder Stephen Ireland believes the team can
take heart from their performance in Copenhagen when they
face title-chasing Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
While the club's form on the road in the Premier League has
been a cause for concern they have performed admirably in
the UEFA Cup
on foreign soil.
He said: "It will be tough and people will be expecting us
to lose. But maybe we can turn things around - we will be
taking positives from the game in Copenhagen."
(Manchester Evening News)
Dunne boosts City for Anfield trip
Richard Dunne's return from suspension will leave Manchester
City boss Mark Hughes with decisions to make ahead of
Sunday's trip to Liverpool.
Dunne has missed four games since being sent off in the 1-0
Premier League win over Wigan, but is expected to keep his
place after playing in the UEFA Cup draw with Copenhagen on
Thursday night.
Hughes must now decide how to balance his back line and
midfield with Nigel de Jong also available at Anfield after
being cup-tied in Denmark.
Nedum Onuoha and Vincent Kompany both impressed in Dunne's
absence but one will have to make way. Micah Richards missed
last week's defeat at Portsmouth, but played on Thursday
night and should be fit to start again. Gelson Fernandes
remains out with a hamstring problem.
Manchester City (from): Given, Hart, Schmeichel, Richards,
Onuoha, Dunne, Kompany, Bridge, Garrido, Zabaleta, Elano,
Caicedo, Ireland, Robinho, Bellamy, Vassell, Weiss, Logan,
Evans, Berti.
(TEAMtalk)
Gerrard out of City clash
Liverpool star Steven Gerrard will not make his return to
action against Manchester City this weekend.
It was suggested earlier this week that Gerrard could make a
surprise return from his hamstring injury for Sunday's clash
with City.
However, Reds boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed Gerrard will
not be risked against Mark Hughes's men and he is unsure if
the midfield dynamo will be fit in time to face Real Madrid
in the UEFA Champions League next week.
"Steven will not be ready for this game," Benitez told the
club's official website.
"We don't know if he'll be back for the game in midweek but
clearly he will not be involved against City.
"He is improving but we cannot take any risks so he won't be
in the squad."
(Sky Sports)
Hoeness: Liverpool must
make Voronin decision
Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin has held a round of talks
with Hertha Berlin about making his loan deal permanent.
Hertha GM Dieter Hoeness said: "There is a willingness on
both sides so that this experience will continue. Andriy is
making a big contribution with his experience, quality and
goals.
"He told us that Hertha is his priority so now it is up to
Liverpool to decide the next move."
(tribalfootball.com)
Kuyt warns of Bellamy threat
Dirk Kuyt sees Manchester Craig’s Bellamy as a big threat to
Liverpool as the two teams meet this Sunday in the Premier
League.
Bellamy, who enjoyed one season at Anfield, scoring 7 goals
in 21, moved to Eastlands from West Ham in the January
transfer window and has immediately made an impression,
scoring twice in his first four games.
Speaking to the club’s official web site, Kuyt warns, “We
all know about Bellamy because he played for Liverpool. He’s
a good player and is doing very well at the moment.
“He’s difficult to play against because he has a lot of
qualities. He’s really quick but can also finish. Maybe
people haven’t seen him as much over the last three years
but we’ve seen recently how good he is.”
(This is Anfield)
Opponents in Euro misery drama
Liverpool’s Premier League opponents this weekend,
Manchester City, were involved in UEFA Cup action last night
and conceded a late, late goal to be held 2-2 at Copenhagen.
The Reds face Mark Hughes’ side at Anfield in the 3pm
kick-off on Sunday, and away form has been a problem for
City this season.
Last night they twice surrendered the lead to only take a
draw back to Eastlands for the return leg in the UEFA Cup
last-32.
Last time Liverpool met Manchester City, away, earlier this
season, the Blues caved in to a very late winner from Dirk
Kuyt.
The hero of that day has been speaking in preparation for
this Sunday about that dramatic comeback for the Reds. The
Dutchman said, “It was a crazy game at City and a really
important one. We were 2-0 down at half-time but saw a
completely different Liverpool side in the second half.
“The comebacks have been possible because the team has been
together for longer. All the players know each other better,
and I also think there are a lot of players here who are
getting better each year.”
City currently sit ninth in the Premier League table,
a full 23 points behind the Reds.
(This is Anfield) |
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THURSDAY 19 |
New charge in Gerrard bar trial
A seventh man has been charged over an alleged brawl in
a Merseyside bar which ended in Liverpool captain Steven
Gerrard being accused of assault.
John McGrattan, 33, of Rimmer Avenue, Bowring Park,
Liverpool, has been charged with affray following the
incident at the Lounge Inn, Southport.
He will appear before magistrates in Southport on Monday
along with three other men charged this week.
Gerrard, 28, will appear in court on 20 March charged with
assault and affray.
The England midfielder appeared before magistrates last
month, where he said he intended to plead not guilty to the
charges.
The incident took place during the early hours of 29
December.
(BBC Sport Online)
Agent: Milan keen on Agger
Milan continue to hold an interested in Liverpool defender
Daniel Agger, according to his agent.
Vincenzo Morabito has confirmed the Rossoneri are keen on
luring the Dane away from Anfield, but for the right price.
The representative understands that his client has grown
frustrated by his lack of action, with the 24-year-old keen
to play week in, week out.
Morabito has declared that moving to Inter is not an option
to Agger, who would only be transferred to Milan if he was
to join an Italian club.
Morabito told Sportmediaset: “Agger doesn’t play regularly
with Liverpool.
"He is a good player but unfortunately he has not been
playing enough for Benitez’s team in the last two seasons.
"But this won’t launch a sale or auction between several
clubs.
“Of course Milan are interested, to a certain extent.
“Inter? I don’t think that we can speak about this as an
option.
“In Agger was to move to Italy, Milan would be his only
destination.”
(Setanta Sports)
Babel: I will learn
from Torres
Ryan Babel has told how he is hoping to put an indifferent
season behind him – by becoming a Kop idol like Fernando
Torres.
The Dutch forward has endured a difficult second season in
English football and has found himself on the fringes of
Rafa Benitez’s title challenging side.
But with the sale of Robbie Keane to Spurs having left the
Reds boss short of attacking options, Babel is hoping to be
given more opportunities to prove himself.
“With Robbie having gone to Tottenham that has increased my
chances a little more,” said the 22-year-old.
“I feel that I am ready for more playing time so hopefully
that will come.
“I have spoken with the manager and he has told me what my
role can be in the future. If necessary, I will play as a
winger, but I have made no secret of my desire to play as a
striker at Liverpool.”
(Liverpool Echo)
Reina not keen on Reds exit
Liverpool keeper Jose Reina has turned his back on an
immediate move to Atletico Madrid.
The European champion’s father recently declared that Reina
is desperate to seal a transfer to his favourite club
Atleti, but this notion has been rejected by the keeper.
The 26-year-old has reckoned being a lifelong fan of the
Rojiblancos, but moving to the Vicente Calderon in the close
future is not part of his plans.
Reina told Radio Marca: “It’s my father who made this
declaration because he wants me to play for Atletico, but as
far as I’m concerned, I don’t.
“If one day I was to think of moving back to Spanish
football, Atletico would be my first option because it’s a
club I have a lot of affection for.
“Nevertheless, saying that I want to move to Atletico right
now is wrong because I’m happy at Liverpool.”
(Setanta Sports)
UEFA consider request from Reds
UEFA will consider Liverpool's request to move a Champions
League tie to avoid a clash with the 20th anniversary of the
Hillsborough disaster.
Liverpool have asked if the second leg of their
quarter-final - should they reach it - can be brought
forward from its currently scheduled date of
April 15.
That day marks exactly two decades since 96 Liverpool fans
lost their lives at Hillsborough before and during an FA Cup
semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool would like the game to be played on April 14,
allowing players and staff to attend a memorial service at
Anfield the following day.
The club have alerted UEFA to this potential clash but
European football's governing body will not make a firm
decision until after the last-16 ties are played and the
quarter-final draw made.
A UEFA spokesman said: "We have received a request and we
will try our best to accommodate it, but we cannot guarantee
at this stage that we will be able to."
Liverpool must first come through a two-legged tie against
Real Madrid to reach the quarter-finals.
(TEAMtalk)
Xabi frustrated by City ban
Xabi Alonso admits he will cut a frustrated figure this
weekend when he watches Liverpool's clash with Manchester
City from the stands.
Having collected five yellow cards so far this term, the
Reds' Spanish midfielder will serve a one-match ban for the
visit of Mark Hughes' men, who themselves go into the game
having won just once away from home this season.
"It's always frustrating to watch games from the stands but
I have known for a while I was likely to miss a match at
some point and it has to be this one on Sunday," he told
Liverpoolfc.tv.
"The important thing is all our international players came
back fit and also had some time off. It's important to have
some time to disconnect during the middle of the season and
now we can look forward to the game with Manchester City,
which is going to be very important for us if we want to
challenge for the title."
(LFC Official Website)
Kuyt: Why we haven't peaked yet
Dirk Kuyt today promised Kopites they have yet to see the
best of the current Liverpool side - claiming many of his
teammates were only just reaching their peak.
The Reds sit second in the Premier League and look like
serious title contenders for the first time since 2002 - but
the Dutch forward is convinced there is even more to come
over the coming seasons.
Kuyt told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's right to say we have players
who are just reaching their peak.
"Steven Gerrard just seems to get better every season. Maybe
he hasn't even reached his peak yet. He scores loads of
goals and everyone can see how important he is. It's the
same with Fernando and a few others.
"We have a lot of young, talented players who have now been
at the club a long time.
"I think this is the best team I have played with at
Liverpool."
(LFC Official Website)
Real Madrid boss Ramos
slams Liverpool over Keane sale
Real Madrid boss Juande Ramos can't believe Liverpool sold
Robbie Keane back to Tottenham last month.
Ramos insisted: “You can’t tell me Robbie will not score
goals at a top club. He is a top player and I don’t think he
did badly at Liverpool.
“He scored goals and showed he’s a team player. He’s
definitely a matchwinner for any club and if he were still
at Liverpool, I would be telling my defenders to watch for
him.”
Former Spurs chief Ramos added: “When you are a top club
playing around 60 matches a season, you don’t want to let
any of your players go in January unless they have a real
desire to go.”
The Reds forked out £20million for Keane last summer and
Ramos could not disguise his surprise at Liverpool’s
decision to sell him for £12m.
He said: “It was a lot of money to lose on Robbie over such
a short space of time — especially in this market.
“Let’s put it this way. I wouldn’t want to lose that amount
of money on one player.
“Maybe Liverpool should have kept Robbie until at least the
summer to give him more time and try and get the right price
for him when there was more time to do so!”
(tribalfootball.com)
Thor Zakariassen
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