FRIDAY 21
	Hamstring scare for Holland's Babel Holland forward Ryan Babel has reportedly been injured at the national team's pre-World Cup camp in Austria. According to Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, the Liverpool winger was forced to leave a training session early after sustaining a hamstring problem. It was reported Babel will undergo a scan, with the results on the extent of any damage expected on Saturday. Only on Thursday the 23-year-old admitted his place in Bert van Marwijk's final squad - the coach has selected a provisional group of 27 - was no certainty. "I am still not sure if I'm going to be in the squad but that is the aim for me to play in the World Cup finals for Holland," said Babel, who made one appearance in Germany four years ago but missed Euro 2008 with an ankle injury. "The World Cup is something special for every footballer. I was 18 when I was in the squad in 2006 and it was a great experience." (TEAMtalk) Rafa didn't speak to Sun Rafael Benitez has not given an interview to the Sun 'newspaper'. That piece of lying filth apparently claimed this morning it had an exclusive interview with the Liverpool boss. Naturally the Sun are talking through their arse again. "It is important for me to reassure our supporters that I have never spoken exclusively to this newspaper - and never will," said Benitez. "The quotes they used from me are taken from an event I attended yesterday in Spain." (LFC Online) Rumours: Man City leave Liverpool ace Torres to Chelsea, Barcelona Manchester City are ready to shelve their pursuit of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres. The Guardian says City are increasingly coming round to the sense that their failure to qualify for the Champions League has ended any hope of persuading Torres to leave Anfield. (tribalfootball.com)  Italian media: Juve to make improved bid for midfielder According to reports in Italy, Juventus will make another approach to sign Liverpool FC midfielder Alberto Aquilani having initially been rebuffed in their efforts by a reluctant Rafa Benitez. Yesterday reports from Italy suggested Juve’s new coach Luigi De Nieri had placed Arsenal FC winger Theo Walcott at the top of his shortlist but today it appears they have earmarked another Premier League player. (Sport.co.uk) Rumours: Liverpool eyeing Tottenham reject Ziegler Liverpool are eyeing Sampdoria midfielder Reto Ziegler. The Daily Mail says Ziegler, a former Tottenham player, has been earmarked to fill Rafa Benitez's problem left-back position, according to reports in Italy, but the Reds face strong competition. (tribalfootball.com)  Rumours: Rafa targets West Ham pair Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is hoping to land West Ham pair Valon Behrami and Matthew Upson. The Anfield manager has previously been linked with both Upton Park players but will this summer push on with attempts to bring in new talents to the club by offering squad players in part exchange in order to save spending cash. (Caughtoffside.com)  Gerrard wants family double Steven Gerrard has his fingers crossed that cousin Anthony can launch a spectacular summer of family football glory at Wembley tomorrow. Although Gerrard has spent this week in Austria starting preparations for this summer's World Cup, he will hunt down an internet station when he gets back from training tomorrow afternoon to monitor Cardiff's progress against Blackpool in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. It might not be quite the equivalent of the Neville brothers facing each other as captains of Manchester United and Everton, but in the Gerrard households, Steven against Anthony is about as big as it gets. "I don't know if I will b e able to watch it because I am still going to be in Austria but I will be asking the technician here to see if he can set it up for me and I will be searching the internet to see if I can get some highlights," said Steven. "Whatever happens I will be speaking to Anthony before the game to wish him all the best. "There is no doubt I will be cheering Cardiff on because he is my first cousin." "It would be great to have another Gerrard in the Premier League," said Steven. "He is a good player and I think he has got the potential to hold his own. I know that is what he is desperate for. "He has been injured. He missed the last two games because of a calf problem but speaking to him on the phone there is a chance he could be ready for the final. "We have a good relationship and I will be sending him good luck messages beforehand. "I would love nothing better than for him to get to the Premier League." (TEAMtalk) Reds have what it takes to become great club again As Liverpool head into this summer of great uncertainty, there is only one question supporters wish to know the answer to – how do we get out of this place? Caught in a state of flux with little sign of the misery ending, fans everywhere are dreaming of the day when they hear the news that Tom Hicks and George Gillett’s reign as owners of Liverpool has ended. Liverpool might be in the doldrums but it is impossible to dispute that they boast all the key components to become one of the leading lights in world football once again. Consider them for yourself: an enormous, loyal fan base around the world; a tradition and heritage that few can dream of getting close to and a commercial department which is flourishing by the day, generating millions and millions of pounds. If Liverpool were in terminal decline, they would not have been able to negotiate a shirt sponsorship deal that has the potential to yield £81m over four years and theirs would not be the best selling shirt that Adidas makes ahead of Real Madrid, Chelsea and AC Milan. (Dominic King - Liverpool Echo)  Only winning the title can stop the snipers, says Rafael Benitez Rafael Benitez admits the pressure as Liverpool manager will only ease once he wins the championship. Benitez’s Anfield tenure has attracted increasing criticism the longer he fails to end a title drought that stretches back to 1990. Having secured runners-up spot 12 months ago, Liverpool last week concluded a hugely disappointing campaign in which they finished seventh, their lowest final Premier League placing in more than a decade. Despite speculation linking him with an imminent departure, Benitez is keen to stay at Anfield and is awaiting a third meeting with chairman Martin Broughton to discuss the future direction of the club. But the Spaniard concedes he will remain under intense scrutiny until he claims Liverpool’s 19th championship crown. “It is impossible to ignore the pressure (of being a manager) until you have won the league title,” said Benitez. “You know you have a responsibility, there are demands on you and you have to get used to it. Every week you have to pass a test." (Liverpool Daily Post)  Didi Hamann joins MK Dons Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has joined MK Dons as player-coach on a one-year deal. The former Germany international becomes new Dons manager Karl Robinson’s fourth new signing following the recent arrivals of David Martin, Gary Mackenzie and Lewis Guy. The 36-year-old will primarily be a member of the playing squad but will also use his vast football experience to help the coaching staff at stadium:mk. (Liverpool Echo)
	THURSDAY 20
	Gary Mac joins Boro Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister has been appointed as a first-team coach at Middlesbrough. The 45-year-old will work under Gordon Strachan at the Riverside Stadium, whom he was managed by during his playing days at Coventry City. McAllister was snapped up by Liverpool on a free transfer from the Sky Blues in 2000. Though in the twilight of his career, the Scot played a decisive role in the Reds' treble-winning success of 2001, netting key goals against Everton, Barcelona and Alaves. In total, McAllister made 87 appearances for Liverpool, scoring nine times, before rejoining Coventry as player/manager in 2002. (LFC Official Website) Spain name 23-man World Cup squad Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas have both been included in Spain's final 23-man squad for this summer's World Cup in South Africa. The pair have been named along with uncapped trio Victor Valdes, Pedro Rodriguez and Javi Martinez. Liverpool striker Torres (knee) and Arsenal midfielder Fabregas (lower leg) are recovering from injuries that forced them to miss the end of the English Premier League season, but both will go to South Africa. Valdes got the third goalkeeping spot behind Iker Casillas and Jose Reina while his Barcelona team-mate, winger Pedro, was also included following a fine season with the Primera Division champions. Athletic Bilbao midfielder Martinez is the other newcomer in a squad that has many of the same faces that won Euro 2008. (TEAMtalk) Borussia date change Liverpool have confirmed the pre-season friendly with Borussia Moenchengladbach has been put back a day to Sunday, August 1. The match was originally scheduled to take place on July 31 at Borussia Park - but the Reds are due to contest a Europa League third qualifying round fixture on July 29. After much discussion between the two clubs, Borussia have now agreed to host the game 24 hours later than planned on Sunday, August 1, with kick-off set for 2.30pm local time. A Liverpool spokesperson said: "We're happy that Borussia accepted our request to postpone the match because of our qualification matches in the Europa League and are looking forward to going to Moenchengladbach." The friendly is part of the German side's 110th anniversary celebrations. (LFC Official Website) Agent: Aquilani staying at Reds Alberto Aquilani's agent believes only a huge bid would tempt Liverpool to sell the midfielder. Franco Zavaglia has reiterated the creative Italian has no desire to return to his native land this summer despite ongoing speculation the Reds are prepared to offload the player they paid £20million for last year. The latest rumour has suggested Juventus are back in the hunt the 25-year-old after naming Luigi Del Neri as their new manager and the Turin giants are said to be prepared to offer Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo as part of a swap deal. But Zavaglia has dismissed his client's latest link with a Serie A comeback and expects the former Roma man to be plying his trade at Anfield next season. He told Tuttomercatoweb: "For now Alberto was not required and I think it is not easy to bring him to Juventus. "In this season, when he did not have ankle problems, he has always played and never had any problems, either with Benitez or with Liverpool. "So they won't part with Aquilani unless they receive very heavy offers". (Sporting Life) Carra: Reds can replace stars Anfield stalwart wants total commitment from team-mates Long-serving Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher insists no-one in the Anfield dressing room is irreplaceable. Rafa Benitez might have committed himself to the club after strong links with Juventus, but the futures of star men Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres continue to be discussed, along with combative midfielder Javier Mascherano. But Carragher has issued a clear message to any Kop want-away players, maintaining the troubled Merseysiders will not miss them if they leave. "I want the people to come back who want to be there," said the 32-year-old England international, who is currently in Austria training for the World Cup after coming out of retirement. "If anyone doesn't want to be here, no problem. No-one is bigger than Liverpool Football Club. "People always talk about players leaving and saying 'this is the end of Liverpool'. No chance. "Better players than the ones we have now have left and we have replaced them." (Sky Sports) Benitez questions Mourinho suitability Rafa Benitez has questioned Jose Mourinho's suitability for the Real Madrid job after he revealed his "100 per cent" desire to manage the club. Mourinho is widely expected to take over from Manuel Pellegrini at the Bernebeu once Saturday's Champions League final is out of the way. However, Liverpool boss Benitez - who has been repeatedly linked with the Real post himself in the past - is not sure about the seemingly impending appointment. "I know Mourinho has dreamed a lot of coaching Real Madrid but I do not know if he is the right person to train Madrid," said the Spaniard. "Pellegrini has done a great job and deserves great respect because he's still coach and it's not pleasant to hear talk about who's going to replace you." Mourinho himself is keen on the job. "My only options are Madrid or Inter," he told Marca. "To get me to leave this club after two years of incredible work, only Real Madrid could achieve that. If I go, I will move with a clear conscience having changed the club. "All I say is that if you are a coach or a great player to not play in a club like Madrid, leaves a hole in your career. "I want to coach Real 100 per cent. If it is next year or later, I can't say." (TEAMtalk) How Liverpool FC fell from dreams of glory into a financial crisis Mighty Liverpool FC faces the most crucial summer in its history, saddled by debts costing £40m a year and with its warring co-owners having put it up for sale. The Echo’s Liverpool writer Dominic King examines how the crisis began - and has since unfolded. (Liverpool Echo)  Riera slams Reds board Albert Riera has slammed the Liverpool board for not fighting his corner in his row with Rafa Benitez. The Reds boss signed Riera from Espanyol for £8million in 2008 but he has failed to establish himself at Anfield and has not played since a verbal attack on Benitez in March. The 28-year-old Spanish winger admits his Liverpool career is over yet he believes the Reds board have done nothing to assist his exit, claiming Benitez has too much power at the club. "I want to leave," Riera said in the Daily Mirror. "English clubs are run differently to Spanish clubs. "In England you have a manager at the club and the board of the club has done nothing for me. The club has not fought for me. "I do not want to quarrel, but if a club doesn't fight for you, that means they don't want you. I do not want to be in a place where I am not wanted." Riera made 28 league appearances in his first season at Liverpool but just 12 this term having fallen out of favour. And his lack of first-team opportunities this year have cost him a place in Spain's World Cup squad. (Sky Sports) Duo in Argentina squad Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez are in Argentina's World Cup squad. The Liverpool pair have been named in Diego Maradona's 23 man World Cup squad. (LFC Online)
	WEDNESDAY 19
	Babel concerned over missing out on Holland's World Cup squad Liverpool forward Ryan Babel is concerned he won't make Holland's final cut for the World Cup finals this summer. The 23-year-old has struggled to impose himself at Liverpool in recent times Babel is not counting on playing at the tournament again this time around. "I am still not sure if I'm going to be in the squad but that is the aim for me to play in the World Cup finals for Holland," Babel told Liverpoolfc.tv. "The World Cup is something special for every footballer. I was 18 when I was in the squad in 2006 and it was a great experience." Babel was named in boss Bert van Marwijk's provisional squad last week, but the Dutch boast a number of top-class attacking options that could see him left out. Babel is in competition with his Reds team-mate Dirk Kuyt, the fit-again Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Klaas Jan Huntelaar. "I think we have a good squad," he added. "If everyone is fit then we have a great team that can give anyone a game." (tribalfootball) Reports: Benitez eyes Trotters defender Liverpool are believed to be lining up a move for Bolton's Gary Cahill with Reds boss Rafael Benitez keen to buy more English players. While manager Owen Coyle will be desperate to keep the centre half he might be tempted in to letting him leave should he receive an offer over £15million. (Clubcall.com)  San Jose makes Bilbao return permanent Spanish centre back Mikel San Jose has made his move to Atletic Bilbao permanent. The 20 year old had spent the season on loan at Estadio San Mamés, where he has impressed. He made 30 appearances, most of which occured after a spell before Christmas that saw him frustrated at a lack of opportunities at his former club. Two goals in two weeks in December proved the turnaround in fortunes and since then he has been a mainstay in the Bilbao side. He has signed a contract to 2015 and some reports suggest a €30m buyout clause has been written in – it is common for all players in Spain to have a buyout clause in their contract. San Jose signed for Liverpool from Bilbao in August 2007 for just £270k. He was an unused sub in the away match with Chelsea in February 2008 but never made a first team appearance. (This is Anfield) Benitez: Spain job appeals for future Rafael Benitez admits it is his dream to one day coach the Spanish national team but has reiterated his immediate future lies at Liverpool. Benitez has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, with Inter Milan the latest club to be linked to the 50-year-old, although that rumour was dismissed by the Serie A champions this morning. Juventus were also believed to be courting Benitez but the Turin giants are set to unveil Luigi Del Neri as their new coach this week, and the Spaniard insists he is some years away from leaving Merseyside. “Right now I have four years left in my contract with Liverpool and I am very happy there,” Benitez said in quotes reported on www.as.com. (BreakingNews.ie)     Barnes: Rafa can lead Reds recovery Former Liverpool midfielder John Barnes has backed manager Rafael Benitez to bring success back to the club after a season of underachievement. The Reds finished seventh, their worst Premier League position for 11 years, and suffered early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup. There has been widespread speculation about Benitez's future but Barnes said it would make no sense in changing the manager at this point. "I'm a Rafa supporter and believe he is the right man to be at Liverpool," said the ex-England winger, who won two league championships and two FA Cups during his 10-year spell at Anfield. "Liverpool is a club now without any money. Why change the manager? "What's a new manager going to do without any money? If a new manager comes in to work with the same players is that the way to improve?" Barnes, who scored 108 goals in 407 appearances for Liverpool, said things had to be put in perspective and this season should be viewed as a blip rather than a sign of terminal decline - a defence put forward by Benitez himself. "We underachieved in terms of finishing seventh this season," Barnes told the Liverpool Echo. "We overachieved by coming second the year before. But if there's no investment I can't see the point in changing the manager at all. "Rafa is a good coach. He's a good manager. He's proven it in the past and I believe he will do so in the future. "Hopefully he will be able to bring some new players in this summer. We need more players, we need more quality." (TEAMtalk) Inter deny Benitez contact Inter Milan have dismissed reports that an approach has been made to Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez about replacing Jose Mourinho. Current Inter coach Mourinho is being tipped to join Real Madrid in the summer with the Serie A champions' president Massimo Moratti conceding earlier this week that he would be surprised if the Portuguese is still in charge after the UEFA Champions League final. Benitez has been put forward as a possible successor for Mourinho at the San Siro as speculation persists regarding the Spaniard's future at Liverpool. He was heavily linked with the Juventus post in recent weeks before Luigi Del Neri was handed the job and there have subsequently been claims he has held talks with Inter. However, Inter's technical director Marco Branca insists the club are still focusing on having Mourinho as their coach and have not been in touch with Benitez. "No, we absolutely have not had contact with Benitez," Branca told Sky Italia. "Our coach is Jose Mourinho." (Sky Sports) Benitez pleased with Babel’s improved attitude Rafa Benitez believes Ryan Babel can maintain a prominent place in Liverpool’s squad next season if he maintains his new-found focus. So long as he keeps his focus, Benitez has indicated he would be willing to provide a platform for Babel to showcase his talents and is pleased with the attitude he has shown. “We had a meeting with him in January,” said Benitez, who brought Babel to Anfield in the summer of 2007. “I expressed my ideas and he expressed his ideas about the future. “I was very clear that I wanted to keep him because he is a player who has the ability to make a difference in games. “He told me that he wanted to be playing games and working hard. I then told him there was no problem because we both had the same ideas.” Babel suggested at one point towards the end of the season that he was hugely self-critical, a trait he picked up after strict upbringing in Holland. But Benitez – who has been linked with Inter Milan post currently occupied by Jose Mourinho – believes will gain more confidence and faith in his ability if he learns to relax a little more. “It was good for him to get chance and good for the team,” said Benitez. “When we signed him, we met his family and you could see they were good people, who wanted him to do well. “Ryan has had problems but he is growing and I think at the end of the season he was much better.” (Liverpool Echo) Thor Zakariassen ©