Red News                    


JANUARY 2005
25  26  27

THURSDAY 27
Former Red signs for Bundesliga outfit
Former Liverpool forward Jari Litmanen has signed for German side Hansa Rostock on an 18-month deal.
The 33-year-old was released by Finnish outfit FC Lahti on a free transfer to enable him to complete the transfer to the second from bottom side in the Bundesliga.
Litmanen said: "It's a great challenge for me to help Hansa in the relegation race. And the Bundesliga is a whole new experience."
(Kop Talk)

Le Tallec returns from loan spell
Liverpool striker Anthony Le Tallec has returned to Anfield after a spell on loan with French side St Etienne.
The Frenchman moved to St Etienne last summer but found it hard to win a place in the starting line-up.
A statement on St Etienne's website read: "Anthony Le Tallec has settled his loan contract and returned to his club of origin."
Le Tallec, who scored once in seven games for St Etienne, will provide cover for Liverpool's injury-hit squad.
(BBC Sport Online)

Young Reds called up by their country
A trio of Liverpool's most highly promising youngsters have been called up to represent their country in forthcoming internationals.
Academy graduates Darren Potter, Mark Smyth and David Raven have all figured in the Reds' first team this season and each will be hoping to further their footballing education in two weeks time.
Potter has been called up by Republic of Ireland under-21s for their match against Portugal in Alchchete on Tuesday, February 8, while Raven and Smyth will be involved for the England under-20 side against Russia on the same night.
(LFC Official Website)
  
Pongolle to undergo surgery this evening
Liverpool striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle will undergo keyhole surgery this evening to determine the extent of his injury.
The French youngster tore his left anterior cruciate ligament during the Coca Cola Cup semi-final against Watford earlier in the week and will subsequently have to undergo the knife so that the club have a rough idea as to when they can expect him back.
Liverpool FC spokesman Ian Cotton said: "Florent has seen a specialist today and following that consultation he will undergo keyhole surgery this evening to assess the extent of the injury. After the operation we will have a better idea how long he will be sidelined for."
(Kop Talk)

Reds deny Bruno return
Liverpool have denied they are in talks with Marseille about cutting short Bruno Cheyrou's loan spell at Stade Velodrome.
Cheyrou is spending the season on loan with l'OM, who have an option to buy the France international in the summer.
But the 26-year-old has yet to cement himself in the Marseille team with eight of his ten Ligue 1 appearances coming as a substitute.
Reports in France are claimed Reds boss Rafa Benitez is keen to bring Cheyrou back to Anfield to ease his injury crisis.
Benitez has lost a string of players to injury this term, with Florent Sinama-Pongolle the latest to be sidelined.
Injuries to the likes of Xabi Alonso, Harry Kewell and Vladimir Smicer have depleted Benitez's resources in midfield, prompting speculation Cheyrou will be hauled back to Merseyside.
However, a Reds spokesman insisted there were no plans to recall the midfielder.
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)

Carson happy at Anfield
New signing Scott Carson says he has settled in well at Anfield and is looking forward to next month's Carling Cup final.
Carson played his first game for Liverpool in the reserve win over Birmingham last night and looked comfortable on the rare occasions he was called into action.
Carson said: "It was a quiet game for me but you don't mind them! In saying that you do like to be involved now and again just to keep yourself warm but it's always good to get your first game out of the way.
"I'm enjoying it at Liverpool and I'm still settling in but it's a good place to be at. I've come from playing in a Championship promotion battling side to playing for a side in a Cup final. I can't ask for anymore than that so hopefully I'll be on the bench for the Chelsea game.
"It was good to be involved at Watford and it was a great night. I want to keep playing well and progressing and hopefully that will impress the manager."
(LFC Online)

Reina flattered by Reds link
Villarreal goalkeeper Pepe Reina has admitted he is "excited" about the prospect of a move to Premiership side Liverpool.
The 22-year-old, who has been in excellent form this season, has been instrumental in his side's charge to seventh in the Primera Liga and the last 32 of the UEFA Cup.
His impressive performances have inevitably led to interest from other clubs in Europe - and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is thought to be one of the many keen admirers of the former Barcelona goalkeeper.
"Everyone would be excited by the chance of playing for a big club, although I would not say I am at a small club," he said.
"I think they (Liverpool) are building an important project looking to the long term more than the short term. I hope they have a lot of luck.
"There are comments and rumours... but from there to possible truths, there is
a long way."
(Sporting Life)

Houllier: Fowler could have been one of the greatest
Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has been speaking about his time at Anfield.

One of the big decisions he had to make as manager of the Reds was the sale of Kop idol Robbie Fowler to Leeds United. There was an outcry at the time but he insists he had no choice but to sell him.

Ged said: "Robbie had three operations in about a year and half and it took its toll. He is the most gifted talent in front of goal I have ever seen. The thing was, we had to sell him.

"He'd been on the bench a lot and he was unhappy, which I understood. Heskey and Michael were ahead of him in the side, so he went to Leeds. People moaned that he had gone for too little but now it looks like good business.

"Robbie has had it so tough because injury after injury has hampered his progress but I still think he has a role to play in the game. He is a hard worker, a great trainer, and has a wicked sense of humour.

"I very much enjoyed working with him. But for those injuries, he could have been one of the greatest."
(Kop Talk)

Former Red to quit England
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore is to quit England for a new life in America.
Collymore, who is reportedly dating Beckham's former piece Rebecca Loos, is heading to the States to persue an intended career in the movie industry. He's snapped up a property at Miami's trendy South Beach district and it is claimed that he's formed a friendship with OJ Simpson.
Collymore's agent Simon Kennedy said: "It is his intention to move to the States imminently. There is no doubt that for Stan it's a chance for a fresh start away
from his history."
(Kop Talk)

Alonso won't give up on season
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso claims he has not given up hope of playing again this season and insists he does not bear any grudge against Chelsea's Frank Lampard for the tackle which broke his ankle.
Lampard was criticised for the New Year's Day challenge which will see the Spaniard miss the Carling Cup final between the two clubs next month.
Reds boss Rafael Benitez fears that his £10million signing will not play again this season but Alonso is not so sure.
He said: "I have already started work in the gym and am fulfilling certain goals. I am an optimistic person and want to think that I'll return to play this season.
"It is frustrating to miss out on the Champions League games coming up but I hope we get through so that I have a chance of playing in later rounds."
(Sporting Life)
WEDNESDAY 26
It's Chelsea in the Final
Liverpool will face Chelsea in the League Cup Final which will be played next month.
Jose Mourinho's side beat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford tonight to go through two one on aggregate.
(Kop Talk)

Reserves win 2-0 thanks to Mellor and Welsh
The reserves secured a 2-0 victory over Birmingham City this evening thanks to goals from Neil Mellor and John Welsh.
Debutant Scott Carson was rarely called upon but he did pull off a fine save after the hour to deny David Howland's attempt on goal.
LIVERPOOL RES: Carson, Otsemobor, Warnock, Raven, Whitbread, Potter, Foy (Wilkie 80), Welsh, Mellor, Mannix, Smyth.
SUBS (UNUSED): Luzi, O'Donnell, Smith, Guthrie.
(Kop Talk)

 

Pongolle injury fears confirmed

Liverpool's injury jinx has struck again with the confirmation that Florent Sinama-Pongolle sustained knee ligament damage during last night's Carling Cup victory at Watford.
The young French striker was only on the field for three minutes before being stretchered off with the injury which is likely to result in a lengthy period out of the game.
Pongolle underwent a scan on Merseyside today which revealed a tear to his left anterior cruciate ligament.
He will see a surgeon on Thursday morning, after which the Reds will have a better idea how long he will be out of football for.
The news comes as yet another blow to boss Rafael Benitez who has already had to contend with a crippling injury list during his first season in charge at Anfield.
Pongolle's name can now be added to the list including Xabi Alonso, Milan Baros, Djibril Cisse, Chris Kirkland, Steven Gerrard, Harry Kewell, Vladimir Smicer, Luis Garcia, Antonio Nunez, Steve Finnan and Josemi - all of whom have missed large chunks of the season with various injury problems.
(LFC Official Website)

Lewington hails Gerrard
Watford manager Ray Lewington admitted Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard was the difference between the teams in the Carling Cup semi-final.
Gerrard scored the only goal in the second leg at Vicarage Road to seal a 2-0 aggregate success and end Watford's hopes of reaching the final.
Lewington said: "He had the freedom to roam, and so was always a threat - that is the quality they have got.
"He is a magnificent player and is probably the difference [against a lot of teams], let alone us.
"He is a team player as well as a great individual."
(TEAMtalk)

Celtic close in on Henchoz
Celtic could be on the verge of winning the race to sign Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz.
Henchoz is free to leave Anfield during the transfer window and has been attracting interest from clubs north and south of the border.
But his agent has now revealed Celtic have tabled an offer and that Henchoz will make a decision one way or another tomorrow afternoon.
Jorg Vonmatt said: "Celtic have put forward a proposal and we are now considering it seriously along with the others.
"It's taken a long time but Stephane is now in a position to make a decision and he will do that tomorrow afternoon.
"Time is running out and we want to have everything sorted out as quickly as possible."
(ITV Football)

Bellamy not Anfield bound
Liverpool have insisted that press speculation linking the Reds with a move for Craig Bellamy is untrue.
Bellamy is out of favour at Newcastle following a well publicised bust-up with boss Graeme Souness and appears to be on his way out of St James Park.
But, despite speculation to the contrary in today's Daily Mirror, the Welsh international is not Anfield bound.
Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said: "This story is not true."
(LFC Official Website)

Le Tallec decision on Friday
Anthony Le Tallec has confirmed he is cutting short his loan stint with St Etienne in order to return to England.
Three clubs are understood to be keen on signing the Liverpool youngster on a temporary basis - Crystal Palace, Norwich City and Sunderland.
Rafa Benitez also has the option, of course, of keeping the 20-year-old at Anfield, particularly as the injury problems on Merseyside show no sign of letting up.
The Liverpool boss is meeting the player on Friday to make a final decision about his immediate future.
After being used sparingly by St Etienne coach Elie Baup, Le Tallec is disenchanted with life with Les Verts.
"My situation at St Etienne can't last any more," he told But.
"I don't know what the coach [Baup] has against me but it is clear he doesn't trust me.
"Since the start of the New Year, I played ten minutes at Nimes and I stayed on the bench three times without playing.
"That is enough.
"I will go back to England."
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)

Benitez hails skipper as he fires Reds to final
Rafael Benitez hailed the performance of Steven Gerrard after the skipper secured the Reds' place in the final of the Carling Cup with a 1-0 win over Watford.
"He is a key player," reflected Liverpool's manager. "When he plays, he plays well and so normally does the team.
"He is important for us, and it is our idea to have a strong team around him."
(Liverpool Echo)      

Gerrard happy as plan comes off
Steven Gerrard hailed a winning game-plan after Liverpool reached the Carling Cup final on Tuesday night.
Gerrard scored the only goal of the first leg match at Anfield and it was the same story at Vicarage Road as Rafael Benitez's men ended a run of three defeats without a goal with a 1-0 win.
Liverpool played a 4-5-1 formula and the England international told Sky Sports: "We've used 4-5-1 before in the league and it's worked quite well.
"It means we can also have three up front, or three central midfielders.
"We had a game-plan before the game and it worked today."
(ITV Football)      
 
Carson: I haven't come to Anfield to sit on the bench
New signing Scott Carson says he hasn't signed for Liverpool just to sit on the bench or to play reserve football.
Signed from Leeds United earlier this month, the rookie goalkeeper says he's aiming to be challenging for the first team by next season, after he's settled in and started learning the ropes.
Carson said: "I'm aware that Jose is a very technical coach and this is a side of my game that I am looking forward to developing with him. I'm still young so if I can start working on these areas now it can only stand me in a good stead for the future.
"Coming here is a new experience and a new challenge for me. I'm looking at the first six months really and hopefully, with the help of Jose (Ochotorena) and the rest of the staff here I can be fighting for a first team place next season.
"It's up to me to try and impress him and the manager now. I'd like to think that if I was given a chance in the first team then I could do well."
(Kop Talk)

Carson makes Reds debut
Liverpool's new goalkeeper will play his first game for the club when he lines up for the reserves tonight.
Liverpool's second string host Birmingham at the Racecourse ground at 7pm tonight. Due to postponements the game is the reserves' first of 2005.
Neil Mellor, Stephen Warnock, Jon Welsh, David Raven and Zak Whitbread are all in the starting eleven.
(LFC Online)
TUESDAY 25
Pongolle injury worry
French striker Florent Sinama Pongolle was stretchered off just minutes after coming on as a late substitute in tonight's Carling Cup semi final at Watford.
Pongolle twisted awkwardly and looks to have damaged his knee ligaments.
The extent of the injury is yet to be known and will be a worry for Rafael Benitez who has several first team players already out.
(This is Anfield)

Rafa hails 'very important' win
Rafa Benitez hailed his side's win over Watford as 'very important'.
The Spaniard has guided The Reds to the Carling Cup final thanks to a 2-0 aggregate victory over Watford - after a 1-0 success on Tuesday evening.
"It [the win] was very, very important for us, the supporters and the club," Benitez told Sky Sports.
"We are in the final, we know it was difficult tonight, but we are there."
(Sky Sports)        

Gerrard takes Reds through
Watford will have a sense of deja vu. Two weeks after Steven Gerrard scored the only goal in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final, the Liverpool captain repeated that feat at Vicarage Road to take his side to their first final under Rafael Benitez.
Such is Liverpool's recent plight that they are grateful for small mercies now. A 1-0 win against a team 37th in the league standings would not normally be cause for celebration, but it brought a conclusion to a miserable fortnight for Benitez.
The result was in doubt until Gerrard's barnstorming run and accurate finish in the 77th minute; his two goals against Watford were separated by more than six hours of football and three 1-0 defeats.
(Sky Sports) 
   
L4 issue statement

The L4 consortium have issued a brief statement insisting that they have not pulled out of the running to invest into the club.
A report at the weekend claimed that the group were no longer interested in buying into the club and fresh reports by both the local and national media yesterday re-itertated the incorrect claims.
KopTalk however advised you that the reports were inaccurate and that L4 remained on course with their plans.
Speaking from his London office, Mike Jefferies of L4 said: "For the record, we, L4 Group, have not 'abandoned' anything. We are still totally committed to trying to help reposition LFC, and we hope to make some significant progress progress in our quest over the next couple of weeks."
(Kop Talk) 
 
No bid for Liverpool midfielder

Birmingham City have laughed off claims that they are interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer.
The Czech international is close to a return to action from injury and it had been reported that Smicer was attracting the interest of City boss Steve Bruce but this has been denied.
Bruce said: "Smicer is a non-starter. I don't know where that story has come from."
(Kop Talk)

Liverpool duo selected for international duty
Liverpool duo Mark Smyth and David Raven have been selected for international duty with the England Under 20's.
Midfielder Smyth and defender Raven are both in the squad that will take on Russia on Tuesday 8th February at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic.
The game will not be televised by Sky Sports who are instead concentrating on providing coverage of the Under 21 team the same evening.
(Kop Talk)

Evans takes Wales post
Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans has been appointed as an assistant to Wales boss John Toshack.
Toshack, who took over as national team manager after Mark Hughes became Blackburn boss, has also named Salva Iriarte as an assistant.
Evans left Liverpool in November 1998 after 33 years with the club.
(Soccer 365)

Rafa's final demand
Rafa Benitez today urged his Liverpool side not to blow their chance to play 'the first of many' finals under his leadership.
The Anfield boss knows reaching the Millennium Stadium will represent a superb achievement on his debut season at the club.
If the Reds avoid defeat at Vicarage Road, Benitez will match the great Joe Fagan's record for taking Liverpool into a major final just six months after taking over.
Benitez said today: "We have had three bad results recently, but I got the players together and I asked them all 'how many cup finals have you played?' Some of them said two or three, but a lot of them said 'none'.
"If you ask any professional player what he wants, he will say to play in finals.
"For us, this is a great opportunity. If we play to our best, we know we can win this game and against Chelsea or Manchester United.
"To have a chance to go to a final in our first year here, and maybe win a cup,
is very important.
(Liverpool Echo)

Carrargher key to Reds success
Jamie Carragher's return to the heart of Liverpool's defence could not have come at a better time for his troubled boss Rafael Benitez.
Benitez has faced the wrath of fans after last week's dismal performances including the infamous FA Cup exit to Burnley.
Much of the problem for the former Valencia manager has been an unsettled defence caused by injuries which forced Carragher from the heart of defence to an emergency right-back role.
The makeshift defence has been exposed for a lack of pace and understanding in defeats to Manchester United and Southampton.
Benitez will be without centre-back Sami Hyypia for Tuesday's Carling Cup semi-final second-leg at Watford, where defeat would plunge Liverpool into an even greater crisis, but believes Carragher will provide adequate cover.
Benitez said: "We did not have much choice but to move Carragher from the centre to full-back, now if we can get either Josemi or Steve Finnan back from injury we will be able to play Carra at centre-back again."
(TEAMtalk)

Taylor ready for Watford shock
Former Watford manager Graham Taylor believes his former club could spring a shock against struggling Liverpool in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg.
Liverpool have a 1-0 lead, but have lost their last three games.
Taylor told BBC Five Live: "The golden opportunity is for Watford because, whatever people say about Liverpool's form, they are struggling.
"If you lose confidence in yourself or your team-mates in football, you are up for a defeat."
Taylor added: "It is a great opportunity for the Watford boys to create history for the club and go all the way to the final."
(BBC Sport Online)

Former Red gets Aussie job
Former England international and Liverpool player Steve McMahon has been appointed the new manager of Perth Glory, a club in Australia.
McMahon, who played over 600 games as central midfielder in England for Liverpool, Everton, Aston Villa and Manchester City has managed Swindon Town and Blackpool.
"I see a move to Australia as a tremendous challenge for me," McMahon said.
"Australia is highly regarded around the world in so many different sports, and I have no doubt that this can also be achieved in football. The potential is limitless and I'm confident I can play a role in this."
(talkfc.com)

Alonso facing season ko
Liverpool are fearful that midfielder Xabi Alonso may miss the rest of the season.
The Spaniard broke an ankle in The Reds' home defeat to Chelsea on New Year's Day following a challenge from Frank Lampard.
Alonso was ruled out for three months with the problem, but boss Rafa Benitez has now conceded he might not be ready to return this campaign.
"We know that after three months sometimes it is a risk to come back. Losing him would be a big blow," Benitez declared.
It would be a massive blow for the Merseysiders if Alonso did not reappear again this season as he has proved a huge success since his £10.7 million switch from Real Sociedad last summer.
However, there was some better news for Benitez on the injury front as both Vladimir Smicer and Harry Kewell are expected to be back in action by next week.
(Sky Sports)

Hansen issues Liverpool warning
Liverpool legend Alan Hansen has told BBC Sport his former club must find new investment immediately or risk becoming a footballing "relic".
Hansen thinks the Reds should accept tycoon Steve Morgan's money if they want to challenge the elite once again.
Talking to BBC Five Live, Hansen said: "Investment is an absolute priority and Steve is a fan, he's got the money and the clout and I think he'd be perfect.
"The last thing you want as a Liverpool fan is to be submerged in mediocrity."
The Match of The Day pundit explained: "It always used to be 'first is first and the rest is nowhere'. That sort of thinking is just not there now.
"Don't get me wrong. We're certainly not a relic yet but we're nearer to it now than we were 15 years ago and that's the danger to me."
(BBC Sport Online)

backbutton.gif (1697 bytes)

Thor Zakariassen ©