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SUNDAY 24 |
Hitman Torres targets titles
If Rafael Benitez is remembered for just one thing at
Anfield, bringing Fernando Torres to the club will be right
up there alongside winning
the Champions League.
Torres was the local hero at Atletico Madrid, and now he has
proved inside just seven months to be worth every penny of
his record fee, with this already the best-ever goals tally
for a season in his career.
The hat-trick against Middlesbrough destroyed an effective,
organised team who felt they deserved more for their
efforts.
"It was fantastic to score in front of the Kop. I am very
comfortable playing here and I am very, very happy with my
first hat-trick at this ground.
"It is important though, that we win titles. I would prefer
to be remembered for the titles rather than my goals."
(Football 365)
Reina denies Anfield rift rumours
Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina insists that manager Rafael
Benitez still has the full support of the Anfield dressing
room.
Reports had suggested that the Reds' squad had become split
between those who were in favour of the Spanish coach
remaining at Anfield and those who felt that it was time for
a new man to come in.
Spanish keeper Reina has refuted those claims and believes
that the players are as determined as ever to help their
boss overcome the debate raging over his future.
"I can tell you that there is no split in the dressing room.
Anybody who reports that is lying," Reina said.
"The dressing room has been absolutely together and we have
all been very strong in the bad moments.
"That is how it should be and how it is."
(TEAMtalk)
Defender interested in Reds move
Brazilian defender Rafinha says he would be interested in a
summer move to Liverpool, who are believed to have been
watching him.
The full-back, who currently plays his football in the
German Budesliga with Schalke, has impressed this season and
has been a target for Reds scouts throughout this campaign.
Rafinha is under contract with Schalke until 2011, but the
South American star admits a move to Anfield is something he
would be keen on.
Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, the 22-year-old revealed:
"Liverpool is a top destination.
"If a move would suit Schalke as well as myself, we can
discuss it."
(Clubcall Sports)
Kuyt lauds unbelievable Torres
Dirk Kuyt has paid tribute to strike partner Fernando Torres
after the Spaniard's treble secured a narrow 3-2 win over
Middlesbrough.
The Holland international, who rediscovered his own
goalscoring touch earlier in the week with strikes against
Barnsley and Inter Milan, has been more than impressed with
El Nino's form in what has been a scintillating debut
season.
The Spaniard surged past the 20-goal barrier with two goals
in a minute to turn the match against Gareth Southgate's men
on its head, before going on to notch a third in the second
period - and Kuyt feels it just shows what a terrifying
talent Liverpool have on their hands.
"It's great to have a player like Fernando up front - he is
unbelievable," said Kuyt.
"I think he played really well against Inter in the week but
he was even better against 'Boro.
"It's his second hat-trick this season so it's really good
for him and us."
(LFC Official Website) |
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SATURDAY 23 |
Barton to miss Liverpool clash
Joey Barton's troubled season continues with the revelation
that he will not be allowed to play at Liverpool next month
because of the conditions of his bail. Barton has been
charged with assault and affray for an alleged incident that
took pace outside a restaurant in the city in the early
hours of December 27.
He was initially refused bail by Liverpool magistrates but
was granted it, with restrictions, at the third attempt. The
restrictions were not revealed but Kevin Keegan has admitted
they rule that Barton will not be allowed to play on
Merseyside until after his case is heard.
(Daily Mail)
U18s earn a point at Newcastle
Liverpool Under-18s battled to earn a point as they drew 0-0
at Newcastle United in their latest Academy fixture.
The young Reds did create soom good chances to win the game
but the likes of Nathan Eccleston, Marvin Pourie and David
Amoo were all luckless in front of goal.
"It was disappointing not to win the game because we created
some good chances on the day," McAuley told Liverpoolfc.tv.
Liverpool Under-18s team: Martin Hansen, Mattone Awang,
Shane O'Connor, Steven Irwin, Joe Kennedy, Shaun Highdale,
David Amoo, Astrit Ajdarevic, Marvin Pourie, Nathan
Eccleston, Gary MacKay Steven (Alex Kacaniklic 70).
Subs not used: Adam Dawson, Matty McGiveron.
(LFC Official Website)
Southgate: We deserved more
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate believes his side
deserved more in their 3-2 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
"We are disappointed to come away with nothing because of
the effort," Southgate told Sky Sports News.
"I think we deserved something from the game and more so
because we've created chances and scored goals here."
(Sky Sports)
Rafa: The key was to win
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was delighted after a Fernando
Torres hat-trick paved the way for his side's 3-2 victory
over Middlesbrough at Anfield on Saturday.
The result takes the Reds above their city rivals Everton
and into fourth place and Rafa was particularly pleased with
the performance given that it came just days after their
titanic tussle with Inter Milan.
"I was really happy with the performance," said Rafa. "I
think coming after a Champions League game the most
important thing was to win."
(LFC Official Website)
Fabulous Fernando too hot for Boro
Fernando Torres' splendid hat-trick earned Liverpool a 3-2
victory over brave Middlesbrough at Anfield as the Reds
reclaimed fourth spot.
The Spaniard became the first Liverpool forward to hit 20
goals in a season for five years, his total now being 21
since his £20million move
to Merseyside.
But Liverpool were made to fight for the win. Tuncay Sanli's
header gave Boro an early lead before Torres struck twice in
two minutes before the break.
He completed his hat-trick, the second since he arrived at
the club, on the hour.
But Stewart Downing kept his side in the game with a goal in
the closing minutes.
But any chance they had of grabbing a point was ruined when
Jeremie Aliadiere was sent-off after an incident with Javier
Mascherano.
(TEAMtalk)
Arbeloa back against 'Boro
Alvaro Arbeloa returns to the heart of the Reds defence for
this afternoon's Premier League clash at home to
Middlesbrough.
The Spaniard, who has not featured since the 2-2 draw with
Aston Villa last month, replaces the suspended Jamie
Carragher alongside
Sami Hyypia.
The defender's return is the only change Rafael Benitez has
made from the side that clinched a memorable triumph over
Inter Milan on Tuesday.
The Liverpool team in full: Reina, Finnan, Aurelio, Arbeloa,
Hyypia, Mascherano, Gerrard, Babel, Lucas, Kuyt, Torres.
Subs: Martin, Skrtel, Crouch, Riise, Benayoun.
(LFC Official Website) |
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FRIDAY 22 |
Benitez eager to secure fourth spot
Rafael Benitez is keen for Liverpool to secure fourth place
before they travel to the San Siro for the second leg of the
Champions League clash with Inter Milan.
At the end of a week of turmoil and ecstasy, Liverpool face
Middlesbrough at Anfield in the first of four crucial
Premier League matches before the second instalment of a
their last-16 clash with Inter on March 11.
And if Liverpool do beat Gareth Southgate’s side, they will
reclaim fourth place from city rivals Everton – who play on
Monday – on goal difference.
He said: “We have clear targets. We must progress in the
Champions League and we must finish in the top four, now we
have as our priority
the four league games we play before we go to the San Siro.
“We must be in the top four before we face Inter Milan. That
will be
a tough game but we will go there with more confidence if we
are in
the top four."
(Evening Echo)
Capello warns Liverpool
England boss Fabio Capello has warned Liverpool not to be
complacent
in their return UEFA Champions League fixture at
Internazionale.
The Reds head into the second leg with a 2-0 advantage
following their first leg triumph against a 10-man Inter at
Anfield on Wednesday.
But Capello warns that Liverpool must in no way think their
lead means they have secured qualification to the
quarter-finals as Inter will pose some tough opposition at
the San Siro on 11th March.
"Liverpool must be very careful at the San Siro," he told
Gazetta dello Sport.
"Inter are really strong at home. Even at Anfield they
defended with order after (defender Marco) Materazzi's
sending off, conceding only a couple
of chances.
"They can reverse the result, although it shouldn't be
forgotten that Liverpool haven't reached two finals in three
years by chance."
(Sky Sports)
Kuyt: Pressure is still on us
Dirk Kuyt admits there is still immense pressure on the Reds
despite
the Champions League triumph over Inter Milan this week.
Liverpool could rise above Everton into fourth place in the
league with
a win over Middlesbrough tomorrow, but the Dutchman said: "I
think there is pressure on all of us, the players and the
manager.
"Everybody was expecting a lot from Liverpool this season,
but unfortunately we have not played that well the last few
months.
"But at least we have shown that we are a better team
(against Inter) than last Saturday (against Barnsley)."
Kuyt knows, however, more progress is needed.
"We know we have to keep focused now – because we want to
play many more good games, not only in the Champions League
but also in the league.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez added: "If you can beat teams like
Inter Milan and play well, it gives us a high level of
confidence in the squad.
"Now we have another important league game at the weekend at
home
to Middlesbrough.
"What we need to be is more consistent now."
(Liverpool Echo)
Reds caught short at the back
Liverpool have serious problems in defence ahead of their
Premier League clash with Middlesbrough at Anfield on
Saturday.
Jamie Carragher is ruled out due to a one-match suspension,
while new signing Martin Skrtel is unlikely to have
recovered from an ankle injury.
Danish defender Daniel Agger has finally been given the
go-ahead to start playing again after a lengthy metatarsal
injury, but he is not ready for
a senior return just yet.
It means that Sami Hyypia is the only fit central defender,
and that could see full-back Alvaro Arbeloa pressed into
action alongside
the veteran Finn.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Riise,
Aurelio, Pennant, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Babel,
Benayoun, Kewell, Crouch, Torres, Kuyt, Alonso, Itandje.
(TEAMtalk)
Agger set to be eased back into action
Injury-jinxed Daniel Agger has been given the go-ahead to
resume his Liverpool career.
But the centre-back will be eased back into the first-team
fray by Rafael Benitez after missing the last five months
with a broken metatarsal.
Agger was told he can make his long-awaited comeback after
visiting
a specialist in Denmark yesterday.
The 23-year-old has been training in a pair of
specially-modified boots and was close to making a return
last month before suffering a setback.
Now his injury nightmare appears to finally be at an end,
although Agger is unlikely to be thrown straight into the
team despite Liverpool facing
a centre-back crisis tomorrow.
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Alonso's future
Xabi Alonso will decide on his Anfield future at the end of
the season.
The Spain midfielder became a regular in the Liverpool team
on his arrival from Real Sociedad as one of Benitez’s first
signings in August 2004.
However, this season Alonso has suffered from a metatarsal
injury and a loss of form, and has seen both Javier
Mascherano and Lucas Leiva move ahead of him in the central
midfield pecking order.
Alonso, who has started just 13 games this campaign, was an
unused substitute for the Champions League triumph over
Inter Milan on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old signed a new five-year deal in the summer
but has long been courted by Spanish giants Barcelona and
Real Madrid.
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Former Red released form hospital
Former Liverpool youngster Besian Idrizaj has been
released from hospital in Austria after collapsing while
playing for new club FC Wacker Innsbruck on Saturday.
The 20-year-old fell to the floor 14 minutes after coming on
as substitute in his team’s game against Sturm Graz.
Extensive heart and brain tests showed no obvious problem
and Idrizaj, who never played for the Liverpool first team
but scored a hat-trick in the friendly win at Wrexham in
July, has been allowed to return home.
The striker left Anfield for his homeland on transfer
deadline day last month after loan spells at Luton Town and
Crystal Palace earlier
this season.
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Thor Zakariassen
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