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SATURDAY 24 |
Guthrie does Reds a favour
Danny Guthrie did Liverpool a big favour this afternoon.
The Liverpool midfielder is on a season long loan at the
Reebok Stadium and this afternoon he had an impressive game
for Bolton as they beat Man Utd 1-0 to allow the Reds to
move to within three points of them, with a game in hand.
(LFC Online)
Big Sam: We're at rock-bottom
Sam Allardyce says Newcastle United have hit 'rock-bottom'
after a 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool.
The Magpies conceded four against Portsmouth in their
previous game at St James' Park and were again woeful in
front of their own supporters.
The former Bolton boss concedes he is in an unusual
situation and has called on his players to 'stick together'.
"I have never quite found myself in this predicament before
to be honest with you," admitted Allardyce.
"But I have dealt with some difficult situations and this
one is
a good challenge."
(Sky Sports)
Rafa: Chairmen don’t understand transfers
Following the reds 3-0 victory over Newcastle earlier today
both Benitez and the Club Captain have spoken to the press
about the game.
Benitez had this to say:
“We must be pleased to win 3-0 away, playing as well as we
did today it could have been more but we must be pleased.
When asked about the rift with the Chairmen Rafa said:
“They don’t understand the transfer window in Europe. When
you sign a player he needs to settle down so they need to
understand how difficult it is to sign players and when you
have possibilities now you must do it now or you will lose
the players so I was trying to explain.
Meanwhile Gerrard said:
“We started the game bright, scored quite early and
controlled the 90 minutes,. We’re a bit disappointed not to
win more convincingly.”
(Anfield Online)
Reds heap misery on Magpies
Liverpool punished a woeful Newcastle United display by
easing to a 3-0 victory at St James' Park.
Sam Allardyce's defensive approach was ripped to shreds in
front of a disgruntled home crowd after Steven Gerrard's
thunderbolt gave the visitors a 28nd minute lead.
The advantage was increased within 60 seconds of the start
of the second half when Gerrard's corner was flicked on by
Sami Hyypia and ricocheted in off Dirk Kuyt.
Substitute Ryan Babel completed the scoring just minutes
after coming on, steering a low shot past Shay Given after a
slick Liverpool move.
And, if Fernando Torres had not left his shooting boots on
Merseyside, the scoreline could have been much worse for
Allardyce, whose every decision was jeered by the home
faithful.
(Sky Sports)
Torres starts against Newcastle
Fernando Torres returns to lead the line and Harry Kewell
makes his first start of the season as the Reds take on
Newcastle in this afternoon's lunch time kick-off at St
James' Park.
The Spaniard partners the recalled Dirk Kuyt up front while
there are also starts for Momo Sissoko, Steve Finnan and
Lucas Leiva as Rafa Benitez makes five changes from the side
that faced Fulham.
Peter Crouch and Ryan Babel are among the subs.
The Reds team in full: Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher,
Hyypia, Gerrard, Kewell, Sissoko, Lucas, Kuyt, Torres.
Subs: Itandje, Riise, Crouch, Babel, Mascherano
(LFC Official Website) |
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FRIDAY 23 |
Benitez playing dangerous game
Rafael Benitez's relationship with Liverpool owners George
Gillett and Tom Hicks has been strained before - now it is
close to breaking point.
Benitez delivered an extraordinary, exasperated performance
at his media briefing before Liverpool's visit to Newcastle
on Saturday.
He responded to questioning on a variety of topics by
repeating that he was "focused on training and coaching my
team" no fewer than 25 times.
Benitez was so agitated that he was even happy to link
himself with the newly-vacated England job - a sure sign of
any man's discontent.
So what is the truth behind the apparent breakdown in
relations between Benitez and Anfield's American owners?
My understanding is that Hicks and Gillett were furious with
Benitez's outburst, which they regard as unwarranted and
undeserved.
And, contrary to reports, his incendiary reaction was not a
response to a telephone call with the Americans shortly
before the press conference.
(Phil McNulty - BBC Sport)
Given back for Liverpool clash
Shay Given returns to Sam Allardyce's Newcastle United squad
confident he has finally put his long-standing injury
problems behind him.
The goalkeeper has been dogged by groin problems since
returning from the horrific bowel injury he suffered in a
collision with West Ham United's Marlon Harewood at Upton
Park early last season.
Given missed United's last two home games with another groin
problem, but he returned for the Republic of Ireland against
Wales on Saturday and is fit to face Rafa Benitez's
Liverpool side at St James's Park tomorrow – if selected.
(Sunderland Echo)
Hicks tells Benitez:
Quit talking and coach the players
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks today ordered Rafa Benitez to
“quit talking about new players and coach the players we
have”.
In an angry rebuke to the Reds boss who launched a cryptic
attack on the club owners yesterday, Hicks made it clear the
club will not even consider any demands from Benitez until
mid-December at the earliest.
In an exclusive interview with the ECHO today, Dallas-based
Hicks responded to Benitez’s comments by defending the level
of financial support he has afforded the manager and
insisting the time has come for the Spaniard to do his
talking on the pitch.
He said: “After the Champions League final in Athens, Rafa
made certain demands of us and we responded to those demands
in the summer.
“We brought in some good players and spent more money than
has ever been spent before at this club.
“We now have some crucial games coming up in the Premier
League and the Champions League and we want to see if we can
win these games with the players we have."
(Liverpool Echo)
Torres ready to take on Toon
Fernando Torres is expected to be restored to Liverpool's
starting line-up for Saturday's lunchtime game against
Newcastle at St James' Park.
The Reds' record signing, a goalscoring substitute against
Fulham a fortnight ago, remained at the club's Melwood
training ground to build up his fitness from an adductor
injury rather than join up with Spain for the recent
internationals.
Centre-back Daniel Agger may also return after a two-month
absence with a broken metatarsal, while Harry Kewell is
pushing for a starting spot after playing 90 minutes in
Australia's friendly against Nigeria last Saturday.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia,
Agger, Aurelio, Riise, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano,
Sissoko, Kewell, Voronin, Kuyt, Crouch, Torres, Martin,
Lucas.
(TEAMtalk)
Hitman Viduka has Liverpool in his sights
Newcastle striker Mark Viduka goes gunning for his first
goal in two months against Liverpool tomorrow
The Australian believes he is close to firing on all
cylinders after returning from a four-game absence at
Sunderland two weeks ago.
And the 32-year-old – who has hit three Newcastle goals this
season – is looking to add to his tally. "I got four goals
against them one year, and I'd love that to happen again,"
said ex-Leeds star Viduka. "That was an exceptional game and
one I'll never forget.
"It's difficult to score four goals in 10 games, let alone
in one.
"But I want to get as many goals as I can under my belt.
With every game, you get fitter and fitter, so hopefully it
should not be too long.
"I'm very happy to be training and playing as normal. It has
been
stop-start."
Viduka – set to partner Obafemi Martins up front, with
Michael Owen out injured – added: "Everybody has got used to
each other a little bit more now we've had some time to
spend together and, hopefully, whoever is playing, we can
combine well (up front)."
(Sunderland Echo)
Benitez boosted by returning Reds
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted he will be
delighted to welcome back a string of players for Saturday's
clash with Newcastle.
Daniel Agger, Harry Kewell and Fernando Torres are all in
line for a return to the starting line-up with the latter
the most significant of the trio.
Liverpool's record signing remained at Melwood this week,
working on his match fitness, and has not been involved for
Spain.
It seems Torres will regain his place in the starting
line-up and will keep the shirt for next week's crucial
Champions League crunch at home to Porto, a match Liverpool
must win to stay in contention to qualify for the group
stages.
Torres made his initial comeback a fortnight ago when he
scored a fine goal as substitute against Fulham - and is
likely to get the nod from Benitez at St James' Park.
Agger is close to full recovery from a broken metatarsal,
while Kewell could also be in contention after a succession
of groin-related problems.
(TEAMtalk)
Liverpool in crisis
The civil war that has suddenly gripped Liverpool could
determine whether they can ever rejoin the elite of English
football, or be condemned to yet more years in the Premier
League wilderness.
Manager Rafa Benitez launched an extraordinary offensive
yesterday with what he sees as a ultimatum to the club's
American owners that they can only interpret as back me or
sack me.
In response, George Gillett and Tom Hicks offered a
considered and cutting response, apparently designed to call
the bluff of the manager who often reacts in an impulsive
way to any perceived problems.
Benitez has become increasingly angry in recent weeks over
what he believed was a complete lack of communication from
the Americans.
He argued that since buying the club they had put their
energies into other projects, left Liverpool on a back
burner, and wondered whether the pair were working together
as a team.
Both men have each been to only one game this season, and
Benitez claims he has spoken to them just once in three
months, while also exchanging the odd email.
Gillett's son Foster, installed at Anfield as a go-between,
has flown back to the States for an extended period.
In particular, Benitez wants the £17million deal for Javier
Mascherano wrapped up, after agreeing terms over both
contract and fee. The Americans though, have delayed,
insisting they have first option on the Argentina midfielder
and that there is no need to rush.
(Daily Mirror)
Youth Cup date set
A date has now been set for the Reds'FA Youth Cup third
round game.
Liverpool begin their defence of the trophy against Wycombe
Wanderers at Adams Park.
The game will take place on Wednesday, December 12th, kick
off 7pm.
The tie must be decided on the night and there will be extra
time and penalties if the scores remain level.
(LFC Online) |
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THURSDAY 22 |
Talk of discontent at Liverpool grows
Speculation about growing discontent between Liverpool's
joint owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and manager Rafael
Benitez has intensified after a bizarre day on Merseyside.
In his weekly press conference to preview Saturday's trip to
Newcastle, Benitez was strangely reticent in his response to
any questions not about their Barclays Premier League match.
But he did, rather oddly, suggest he could one day take over
as England manager.
A few hours later co-chairman Hicks and Gillett issued a
statement in which they highlighted the financial backing
they had given the manager but also stressed they would be
meeting Benitez next month before further transfer activity
would be considered.
(Ireland.com)
Kuyt slams Dutch boss
Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has revealed his frustration
after being benched for Holland’s 2-1 Euro 2008 qualifier
defeat in Belarus.
Kuyt was expecting to start the clash in Minsk after Ruud
van Nistelrooy was forced to pull out with a hamstring
injury.
But Dutch boss Marco van Basten opted for a frontline of
Danny Koevermans and fellow Liverpool forward Ryan Babel, to
leave the 27-year-old Kuyt fuming.
Kuyt, who has struck six goals in 34 appearances for his
country, told RTL 7: “I was ready to start against Belarus
and that’s why I am disappointed that I didn’t.
“But there’s nothing that I can do, the coach chooses to
play with another striker.
“It’s very difficult to change that.
“I don’t want to be on the bench – I want to start.”
(Setanta Sports)
Statement from Hicks and Gillett
Liverpool co-Chairmen Tom Hicks and George Gillett have
today released the following statement.
"We made a significant investment in the playing squad
during the summer and desperately want this team to succeed.
"There are some very important games coming up in the next
couple of weeks and all of us need to focus on winning those
games and getting the best out of the players we already
have at the club.
"We will leave any talk of buying or selling players until
we come across to Liverpool in December and sit down with
the Manager then."
(LFC Official Website)
Benitez would consider England role
Rafa Benitez has refused to rule himself out of taking over
the England position in the future, providing he can improve
his English.
The Spaniard also said he knows what it will take for
Liverpool to challenge for the Premier League title this
season, but there is no complicated plan to the Spaniard’s
ideas.
On the England job, Benitez was enigmatic in his response
when asked if would ever consider taking the role on.
“You never know what can happen, if I improve my English
then maybe,” he said.
The tactician also believes that now England have been
eliminated from going to the Euro 2008 finals next summer,
his Three Lions stars can focus their attentions fully on
club matters.
“Clearly now they must do this,” said Benitez curtly in a
press conference.
“For the players and the country, they are very
disappointed. Now the players can focus on our team which
will be better for us. And during the summer they can rest
and be better for the next season.”
(Setanta Sports)
Shay's Given Sam a dilemma
Sam Allardyce has admitted Shay Given’s return to fitness
has handed him a dilemma ahead of Newcastle’s clash with
Liverpool.
Given seemed set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after
aggravating a groin injury earlier in November, but he made
a surprise return for Republic of Ireland at the weekend and
is pushing for a recall for The Magpies.
"I want selection headaches where you have to leave a player
out who does not deserve to be," Allardyce told the club’s
official website.
"It's a big decision between Steve and Shay, but I like
having these decisions to make.
"It's been far too easy for me to change the side this year
whether it be injury, loss of form or suspension.
"The Shay Given and Steve Harper situation is one which I
want all over the field.
"We need competition for places and we're lucky that we've
got two good goalkeepers going for that one position at the
moment."
(Setanta Sports)
Big Sam eyeing Liverpool 'bonus'
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce believes Saturday's Premier
League clash at home to Liverpool will "bring out the best"
in his players.
The Magpies, who are without a league win in three games,
face a Liverpool side yet to taste defeat in the top flight.
"It would be a massive bonus if we could beat them,"
Allardyce told the club's official website. "I've managed to
do it at Bolton on home soil but never away.
"This time around they are a bigger and better squad than
they have ever been under Rafa Benitez and it will be a
difficult task.
"But I know these big game bring out the best in players and
I hope that's the case on Saturday. If we perform to our
best then I believe we can win the game and, like I said,
that would be a huge lift going into December."
(TEAMtalk)
Midfielder sent on loan
Scottish midfielder Ryan Flynn has joined League Two side
Hereford United on a month's loan.
The 19-year-old reserve team player joins fellow Anfield
loanee Robbie Threlfall at Edgar Street.
Flynn has yet to make a competitive appearance for Liverpool
but he was a key part of the club's successive FA Youth Cup
wins, scoring in the final against Manchester City in 2006
and bagging three goals during
the 2007 campaign.
The loan will last until December 22nd.
(LFC Official Website)
Gerrard defends Carson
Steven Gerrard has defended Scott Carson after the England
goalkeeper's howler last night.
Carson gifted Croatia an early lead last night when he
allowed Niko Kranjcar's speculative effort to slip through
his fingers. After the match Gerrard had words of comfort
for Carson.
"Scott is obviously disappointed. He knows he's made a
mistake. But he's a young lad and he's got a bright future,"
said the Reds captain.
"He's got to get it out of his system as soon as possible.
I'm good friends with him and really feel for him."
(LFC Online)
Reds to face Wycombe in Fa Youth Cup
Liverpool's Academy team will begin the defence of their FA
Youth Cup with a trip to Wycombe Wanderers in the third
round of this season's competition.
Wycombe earned the right to face Liverpool when they beat
Dagenham and Redbridge 5-0 last night. George Daly was the
hero as he hit a hat-trick and further goals from Calum
Botham and Daniel Flitchett completed the rout.
No date has yet been set for the match at Adams Park,
although it must take place before Saturday December 15.
(LFC Official Website)
Gerrard laments England defeat
England stand-in captain Steven Gerrard has admitted it will
take "a long time to recover" from the woe of failing to
qualify for Euro 2008.
And he insisted the players have to take responsibility and
should make no excuses for their exit following Wednesday
night's the 3-2 defeat by Croatia at a shell-shocked
Wembley.
Gerrard said: "From the player's point of view, we've got to
take the criticism, get on with it and try to bounce back
but it's going to hurt for a long time.
"It will take a long time to recover from this. There's a
lot more football to play in the future and we've got to try
and bounce back and try to get it out of the system.
"But this is my biggest disappointment in international
football and it would be wrong to make excuses for what has
happened. That's the easy way out. As players we've got to
take responsibility."
(TEAMtalk)
Thor Zakariassen
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