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THURSDAY 27 |
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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) |
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WEDNESDAY 26 |
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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) |
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TUESDAY 25 |
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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)
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Thor Zakariassen
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