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TUESDAY 21 |
Madrid boss ups
pressure on Alonso move
Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini has today reaffirmed his
club’s interest in Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Alonso is currently in Bangkok with his Liverpool colleagues
preparing for tomorrow’s friendly against Thailand.
But with Pellegrini maintaining Real’s desire to capture the
Spanish international, the race for his signature could be
widening.
Sources in Spain insist that both Chelsea and Manchester
City have been in touch with Alonso’s agent to enquire about
the current situation.
Although Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez publicly states that
he does not want to sell the 27 year-old, a bid of £30m-plus
would probably change
his mind.
So far Madrid have refused to meet the asking price, but if
Chelsea or Manchester City do become involved, it could well
force up the price.
Pellegrini said in an interview with Sky Sports: “Alonso is
a very good player, but I do not know now what is going to
happen.
“He is a Liverpool player, but we will see what happens in
the future.
“He is a player that I like, but I cannot speak about
players who are not at Real Madrid now.”
Benitez has declined to be drawn on the issue after arriving
in Bangkok earlier this week, other than to say that the
player was available for selection against Thailand.
(BreakingNews.ie)
Prosecutor: Gerrard lost it
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been accused of
launching a volley of punches at a man in a row over music.
Gerrard is on trial for alleged affray after Marcus McGee,
34, was attacked at Southport's Lounge Inn on December 29.
David Turner QC, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court:
"Gerrard joined in the attack with a succession of well
aimed uppercut punches delivered with the style and speed of
a boxer."
(Teletext)
Rafa expects United spending spree
Rafael Benitez expects Sir Alex Ferguson to use his
world-record transfer profits to strengthen Manchester
United further this summer.
The Red Devils earned £80million up front from the sale of
Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid this summer to
significantly boost funds
at Old Trafford.
But despite repeated reports linking him with Franck Ribery
and Sergio Aguero, Ferguson claims he will not spend any
more money before transfer deadline day.
Benitez, though, believes his opposite number, who has
bought Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan while also
signing free agent Michael Owen, will venture into the
transfer market before the end of August.
"I am sure they will have money and they will buy some
players," said the Liverpool boss when asked about United.
Benitez is also aware of the emerging threat of Manchester
City, who have spent big this summer on the likes of Gareth
Barry and
Carlos Tevez.
"I think every club now is trying to improve and Manchester
City is one of them," he said.
"I would like to be there at the top of the table and be
contending but I cannot say too much on the other teams."
(TEAMtalk)
Gerrard faces affray trial alone
Six co-defendants of England star Steven Gerrard have
admitted their involvement in a bar-room brawl, at Liverpool
Crown Court on Tuesday.
Now, Gerrard, 29, faces trial alone for a charge of affray
in which businessman Marcus McGee was injured in the Lounge
Inn, in Southport, in the early hours of December 29 last
year.
Five of the defendants admitted affray, and one admitted a
lesser charge of section 4 threatening behaviour.
John McGrattan, 34, of Rimmer Avenue, Huyton, admitted
threatening behaviour after denying affray.
Those who admitted affray were: Ian Gerrard Smith, 19, of
Hilary Avenue; John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road; and Paul
McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, all Huyton.
Accrington Stanley footballers Robert Grant, 19, of
Litherland, and Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Southport, also
admitted affray.
A 20-strong jury panel was ushered into courtroom 4:1 on
Tuesday morning to be asked a series of questions about the
case.
(TEAMtalk)
Hull deny Voronin rumour
Phil Brown has denied he is interested in signing Andriy
Voronin.
Hull have been linked with the Liverpool striker this week
but Brown has denied that there's any truth in the story.
"We have not made any contact with Liverpool with regards to
Andriy Voronin," said the Hull boss.
(LFC Online)
Johnson fitness boost for Reds
Glen Johnson is confident he will be fit to return to
pre-season action as he continues to settle at Liverpool.
The full-back joined the Reds from Portsmouth this summer in
a reported £18million deal, but missed Sunday's friendly
defeat to Rapid Vienna
in Austria.
Anfield boss Rafa Benitez has explained Johnson's absence
was a precautionary measure because the England
international had a slight Achilles tendon problem.
And the 24-year-old is confident he will be fit to feature
in Liverpool's pre-season tour of Asia, which kicks off with
a match against Thailand
on Wednesday.
"I think I should be okay to play tomorrow," he told a press
conference shown on Sky Sports News on Tuesday. "The injury
is getting much better by the day."
(Sky Sports)
Duffen denies Liverpool rumours
Hull chairman Paul Duffen has dismissed reports that he is a
contender to become Liverpool's new chief executive.
The Reds are aiming to appoint a new chief executive after
Rick Parry left his position at Anfield at the end of last
season.
Reports had claimed Duffen was to be put on a short-list of
candidates to replace Parry on Merseyside.
However, Duffen has branded the speculation "ridiculous" and
insists his focus is on helping manager Phil Brown improve
his squad.
"It's a great example of the silly season at work, it's
ridiculous," Duffen told the Hull Daily Mail.
"I am completely focused on working with the manager and
strengthening the squad for next season."
Duffen has been with the Tigers for the past two years and
also holds a shareholding in the Premier League club.
(TEAMtalk)
Benitez backing Babel
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has tipped Ryan Babel to
become a major force at Anfield this season.
Benitez paid over £10m to buy the 22-year-old winger in July
2007 but Babel has since struggled to hold down a permanent
first-team place.
Benitez said: "The first two years is always difficult in
another country but I think if you have the right mentality
like he has now, he will improve."
(Teletext) |
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MONDAY 20 |
Carragher targets
league title
Jamie Carragher has insisted last season's Premier League
campaign has given Liverpool the belief that they are now
within touching distance of ending their 19-year domestic
title drought.
Perennially tipped as genuine challengers, the Reds have
often flattered to deceive over the past two decades.
But last season's 86-point haul - their highest total in the
Premier League era - which included a double over eventual
champions Manchester United, has injected a real sense of
optimism around Merseyside that Rafa Benitez's men can
finish top of the pile for the first time since 1990.
We had a very good season in the league last year. We took
Manchester United very close. Hopefully we can go one step
further.
Jamie Carragher on Liverpool's chances of winning the
2009/10 Premier League
"We had a very good season in the league last year but we
realise that if we can improve that by one or two per cent
that may be enough. That's what we're trying to do,"
Carragher said.
"We took Manchester United very close last year, and we
realise them and also Chelsea will come back and maybe
Manchester City as well, so there's a lot of competition.
Hopefully during the pre-season games we can improve and
make sure we're ready for Tottenham (Hotspur, Liverpool's
first opponents in the 2009/10 Premier League) and go one
step further than we did last year."
In order to accomplish that, Benitez will need to keep his
squad largely intact, but his resolve has already been
tested by Real Madrid's pursuit of key midfielder Xabi
Alonso.
While a sizeable fee would no doubt increase the Reds'
spending power this summer, Benitez refused to be drawn on
Alonso's long-term future, only confirming the 27-year-old
is part of the squad that will face Thailand in Bangkok on
Wednesday, before moving on to Singapore on 26 July.
(PA/FIFA.com)
Benitez not in the market for Villa
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez today refused to be drawn
on the future of midfielder Xabi Alonso but did rule out any
potential move for Spain international David Villa.
Alonso has been the subject of sustained interest from Real
Madrid and the 27-year-old was quoted in the Spanish press
as indicating he would be keen on a return to his homeland.
The free-spending Spanish giants are reportedly eager for a
swift conclusion to a mooted €34 million deal but Benitez,
who confirmed Alonso is part the Reds squad embarking on a
two-match tour of Thailand and Singapore, underlined he will
not be leaving the club any time soon.
“Xabi Alonso is here with us so he will be available,” he
said. “One thing that you need to understand is the Spanish
press. The future of Xabi Alonso is to enjoy here with the
people of Thailand and the weather and the game. The next
week he will be here.”
Benitez also revealed he has no plans to discuss the
situation with the player, who signed a five-year deal in
June 2007 and proved one of Liverpool’s key performers last
term, ahead of Wednesday night’s game against Thailand in
Bangkok.
“We’ll talk about tactics and the game and try to enjoy our
football,” he added.
One player who will not be arriving at Anfield, however, is
David Villa.
The prolific Valencia striker has been periodically linked
with the Merseyside club and the prospect of recreating his
partnership with countryman Fernando Torres in the Premier
League was one to savour.
But Benitez emphatically ruled out any approach for the
27-year-old.
“David Villa, he is not our target,” he stressed.
(The Irish Times)
Gerrard back in court
Steven Gerrard is back in court to face charges of affray.
The Liverpool skipper denies the charges relating to the
incident at Southport's Lounge Inn on 29th December.
The trial is expected to last two weeks.
(LFC Online)
Benitez blast a shock to Villa chief
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says Rafa Benitez failed to
sign Gareth Barry because he did not put a bid in for him.
The Northern Irishman has broken his silence on the
28-year-old England international's £12million transfer to
big-spending Manchester City earlier this summer. And, while
O'Neill claimed he was surprised that Barry opted to join
City, he insisted there were no other bids on the table for
his captain, despite Liverpool's lengthy, unsuccessful
pursuit last year.
Therefore Benitez's subsequent outburst that Barry only
moved to Eastlands for the money came as a slight shock to
O'Neill.
"Did Liverpool take it for granted that Gareth Barry would
sign for them?" said O'Neill. "They may well have done. And
they missed out on Barry for that reason? They may well have
done.
"All I will say is that I said to Barry's agent for us not
to have the same debacle as last year, that they were
perfectly at liberty to speak, I assumed to the top four
teams. Liverpool were aware of the price we were asking if
that was the case.
"Liverpool did not contact us directly at all in this matter
and never offered any money for him.
"So the impression I got was that eventually it was a
straight choice.
"I am not protecting anyone here because it doesn't really
matter. I said I was a bit surprised because Barry had
mentioned playing in the Champions League as a reason for
going, that's a person's prerogative, but Liverpool had not
put a bid in."
He added: "There was an agent working, supposedly, on
Liverpool's behalf, but there was no offer forthcoming.
Barry left, so that was the point.
"Why Barry wanted to leave was up to him, where he went to
was a bit of a surprise. But that was it."
(Clubcall.com)
Real move talk flattering for Alonso
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso admits he is flattered to
be linked with a move to Real Madrid and believes his future
could be decided soon.
Big-spending Real have been courting Alonso all summer as
they look to rebuild their squad after a disappointing
campaign last term.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol have
already arrived at the Bernabeu this summer and Alonso is
the next player in Real president Florentino Perez's sights.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is determined to keep Alonso as
he plots another assault on the Premier League title this
season.
Real are believed to be unwilling to meet Liverpool's
current valuation of Alonso, but they are refusing to give
up their pursuit of the playmaker.
Alonso admits he would be interesting in joining Perez's
revolution, but insists he will not try and force the issue
by asking for a transfer.
"It's always a great feeling when Madrid want you,
especially considering the phase of the career I am in now,"
Alonso told AS.
"But at this point, as I have always said, whether or not
that can happen is not up to me. It's a matter that involves
three parties, including myself.
"I do not like to force the issue. I prefer to talk.
"Madrid's project is certainly impressive. But beyond that,
I can't tell you anything else."
Alonso will hold talks with Benitez over his future during
Liverpool's pre-season training camp in Austria.
"I will talk to him, sure, but the first thing to do when I
arrive [in Austria] is to greet him," he professed.
"But I imagine that in the next few days, there will be time
for all that, even though in reality, there's nothing in
particular to talk to Rafa about. It's the clubs who have to
negotiate to reach an agreement."
Asked why Liverpool had rejected Real's initial overtures,
Alonso said: "I am not the man who can answer these
questions.
"The truth is that I cannot say much, because every little
thing can be misinterpreted. And I do not know how things
will turn out either because I am not a fortune teller."
(TEAMtalk) |
|
SUNDAY 19 |
Rafa: My young guns did well
Rafa Benitez believes Liverpool can take plenty of positives
from the 1-0 defeat to Rapid Vienna - including the
performances of his young hopefuls.
The Austrians came out on top thanks to a brilliant curling
free-kick from skipper Steffen Hofmann.
Even so, Benitez took plenty of positives from his side's
second pre-season friendly - not least the efforts of
Spanish starlets Daniel Ayala and Daniel Pacheco.
"I don't like to talk too much about individuals but both
players were doing well," said the boss.
(LFC Official Website)
Liverpool slumped to a defeat in Vienna
Liverpool slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Rapid Vienna in
their latest pre-season friendly in Austria tonight.
Rapid skipper Steffen Hofmann netted the only goal with a
second half free-kick to see off a strong Reds side which
included Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Yossi Benayoun.
Gerrard and Carragher played the first 45 minutes while
Benayoun and Holland international Dirk Kuyt came on at the
break as manager Rafael Benitez made a raft of changes.
England defender Glen Johnson was not part of the matchday
squad, however, after Benitez opted not to risk him after he
took a slight knock to his Achilles in Wednesday’s goalless
draw against St Gallen.
(Liverpool Echo)
Masch on bench in Vienna
Javier Mascherano is set to return to action for Liverpool
after being named on the bench for this evening's clash with
Rapid Vienna.
The Reds XI in full is: Cavalieri, Degen, Insua, Carragher,
Ayala, Gerrard, Plessis, Babel, El Zhar, Nemeth, Voronin.
Subs: Martin, Gulacsi, Kelly, San Jose, Pacheco, Benayoun,
Kuyt, Mascherano, Lucas, Ngog, Spearing, Skrtel.
(LFC Official Website)
Thailand ready for Liverpool
after thrashing Pakistan
Thailand warmed up for Wednesday’s exhibition match against
Liverpool by thrashing Pakistan 4-0 in a Bangkok friendly on
Saturday.
It was a comfortable victory for the South-east Aisans and
they were ahead after just seven minutes thanks to Teerasil
Dangda.
A minute later, Rangsan Vitatchaichoke made it two from
the penalty spot.
Within ten minutes, Teerasil bagged his brace and Pakistan
were in damage limitation mode.
The visitors sorted out their defence somewhat and only once
more did Thailand break through as Belgian-based striker
Teerathep Winothai struck early in the second half.
There was still time for Rangsan to miss from the spot as
the hosts had to settle for four.
"We played well but Pakistan tightened up their defence in
the second half which made it more difficult for us to
score," said Thailand coach Peter Reid after the match.
(Goal.com)
Reserves win
Liverpool reserves got their pre-season campaign off to a
fine start.
New reserve team boss John McMahon had the perfect start as
his side beat Aberystwyth Town 4-1 yesterday. Vincent Weijl,
Gerado Bruna, Nathan Ecclestone and Ryan Crowther scored the
goals.
The only down side was an injury to Laurie Dalla Valle which
forced him off after 35 minutes, although it wasn't anything
too troublesome.
"It's nothing serious, it was a slight ankle twist and he
will be okay," confirmed McMahon.
(LFC Online)
Benitez to launch bid
for Villa winger Young
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is launching a bid for Aston
Villa winger Ashley Young.
The News of the World says the lure of a Premier League
title challenge and Champions League action at Anfield will
be tough for Young to resist, especially in a World Cup
season.
(tribalfootball.com)
Lucas impressed with Johnson
Lucas Levia has been impressed with Glen Johnson.
The Brazilian believes the signing of Johnson will help
Liverpool progress from runners up to title winners this
season.
"We have not been surprised by how good he's looked in
training because we already knew him as a player. He has
played at left-back but still showed his quality," said
Lucas.
"Hopefully he will be an important player for us and help us
win the title - that's what we want.
"His pace will be important and he is strong. He likes to go
forward and we've already seen he has a good delivery. These
are the things a full-back has to have.
"Full-backs are important in modern football and especially
with the way Liverpool play. To have an overlapping
full-back allows us to find space."
(LFC Online)
Fowler: Torres can outscore Owen
Former Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has admitted he is
hoping Fernando Torres can outscore Michael Owen in next
season’s
Premier League.
Owen will line up for Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester
United next season and whilst Fowler said that he wishes him
well, he added that he was hoping Torres does even better.
“I’m surprised Michael has gone to United but he’s a very
good player and I hope he does well,” Fowler told the Daily
Star.
“But, if he scores a lot of goals, I hope Torres scores even
more.
“It’s a bit of a sticky situation for us, with Michael going
there, as I don’t want United to do well.”
Fowler, who now plys his trade in Australia with North
Queensland Fury, also tipped Liverpool to claim Premier
League glory this time around.
“Rafael Benitez is a very good manager and he’ll be looking
to put right a few wrongs last season,” added Fowler.
“The way Liverpool finished the league last season was
brilliant but unfortunately, United’s finish was similar.
“But I have been saying for some time now, that this will be
Liverpool’s season – they will win the league.”
(Goal.com)
Spearing hopes for more
Liverpool preseason action
Jay Spearing is chasing more action with Liverpool in
preseason.
He hopes starting alongside Steven Gerrard in the friendly
draw with St Gallen is just a taste of things to come.
"I loved every minute on Wednesday," Spearing told
Liverpoolfc.tv.
"Any chance I get I've got to impress. I want to show Stevie
that I am capable of playing alongside him - and I need to
show that to Rafa Benitez as well.
"As soon as the offer of a new deal came I wanted to get pen
to paper. This is the club where I want to be and this is
where I want to play my football in the years to come.
"I want to make the step up as soon as possible. I've been
in the reserves for a few years so I need to push on."
(tribalfootball.com)
Thor Zakariassen
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