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SATURDAY 27 |
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Spanish duo in action
Luis Garcia and Xabi Alonso both figured in Spain's World
Cup warm-up match against Russia in Albacete on Saturday
evening.
It was an experimental side that took on the Russians but
even the big guns Fernando Torres, David Villa and Jose
Antonio Reyes could do little to trouble the opposition.
Only Raul looked dangerous when he was brought on for the
2nd half.
Russia defended well and managed to keep out Spain who threw
everything at them as the clock ran down.
Garcia played the first half with Alonso taking his place in
the second. Pepe Reina was an unused sub.
The game ended 0-0.
(Kop Talk)
Gonzalez sent home
Chile striker Reinaldo Navia and midfielder Mark Gonzalez
were sent home from Dublin, Ireland after women were found
in their hotel room.
The players were kicked off the national touring squad with
the approval of head coach Nelson Acosta, Chile soccer
federation president Reinaldo Sanchez told Santiago’s Radio
Cooperativa on Friday.
Gonzalez played for Real Sociedad of Spain this season but
has been contracted by Liverpool, where he was expected to
play next season, while Navia played for Mexican club
America.
Chile opened its European tour with a 1-0 win over Ireland
on Wednesday, and will play Ivory Coast in France on Sunday,
and Sweden in Stockholm on June 2. ap
(Daily Times)
Nando delighted with Valencia deal
Fernando Morientes has spoken of his delight at sealing a
£3.5 million transfer from Liverpool to Valencia.
"It was very clear to me that had I not gone to a club like
Valencia, I wouldn’t have left at all," he explained.
"It’s something that I wanted, I had two years left on my
contract with Liverpool but this option came along and I had
no doubts, it was my only option."
Rafa guided Valencia to two La Liga titles and a Uefa Cup
during his spell in charge of the club, but Morientes
revealed that he needed little encouragement from his
manager.
"We’ve spoken a lot but he didn’t have to say anything
specific about Valencia," he said.
"It is a great club and for any professional it’s a great
opportunity to play there.
"This is a challenge for me and I want to win titles for
Valencia.
"It was a big disappointment not to be included in the World
Cup squad but I think signing for Valencia has cured this
wound, you have to turn the page."
(This is Anfield)
Benfica put high price on Simao
Benfica insist winger Simao Sabrosa will not be allowed to
leave the club for less than £13.7million.
The Portugal international, included in his country's World
Cup squad, was on the verge of joining Liverpool last
summer.
Simao, 26, is Benfica's captain and the club believe he
would be prepared to stay at the Estadio da Luz, however
club president Luis Filipe Vieira accepts he may have to
listen to offers.
Vieira told Portuguese channel TVI: "Simao is a great player
and we hope to keep him. I know he is happy to continue his
career with us."
He added: "If there is a tempting offer we will have to
analyse it. But I can confirm that Simao will not leave
Benfica for less than 20 million euros (£13.7million)."
(TEAMtalk)
Valencia confirm Morientes switch
Valencia have agreed personal terms with outgoing Liverpool
striker Fernando Morientes after confirming he has signed a
three-year contract.
The 30-year-old, who was left out of Spain's World Cup
squad, has the option of a further year - potentially
keeping him at the Mestalla until 2010.
The move - agreed between the clubs on undisclosed terms on
Thursday - is still subject to a medical, with the official
presentation expected to take place on Tuesday once
Morientes returns from holiday.
(TEAMtalk)
Reds lose out at sports awards
Liverpool were beaten in the team of the year award at the
Laureus World Sports Awards.
Liverpool were nominated for team of the year by more than
700 writers and editors around the world. However, the Reds
lost out to Formula One constructors Renault in the
prestigous awards.
(LFC Online)
Reds linked with Pennant
The Reds have this morning been linked with a £3.5m move for
Birmingham City's Jermaine Pennant.
(LFC Online) |
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FRIDAY 26 |
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Benitez: Garcia is here to stay
Rafa Benitez has explained why he's allowing one of his
Spanish stars to leave Anfield - and then quashed rumours
another is heading for a shock exit.
Benitez says Fernando Morientes can leave Anfield with his
head held high after Liverpool agreed a £3m deal with
Valencia for the striker.
But the Anfield boss has moved to end speculation which has
swept Mersey-side regarding Luis Garcia's future, insisting:
"Luis is part of our long-term plans."
(Liverpool Echo)
Terms agreed with Liverpool not Morientes, say Valencia
Valencia said on Friday they had an agreement with Liverpool
for the transfer of striker Fernando Morientes but they had
not yet agreed terms with the player.
"At the moment we cannot say he has signed or that he is a
Valencia player," sports director Amedeo Carboni was quoted
as saying by the Europa Press news agency.
"I don't think there will be problems but we haven't reached
an agreement with the player yet.
"We don't want to hide anything from anyone and will be the
first to announce the news when it is finally closed."
(Reuters)
Kuyt keeps Premier suitors waiting
Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle target Dirk Kuyt has
revealed he will not make a decision on his Feyenoord future
until after the World Cup.
The trio are all interested in securing the 25-year-old's
services, but he insists that while he is with Holland in
Germany, he wants to fully concentrate on his first big
international tournament.
He said: "I thought about it for some time and I made up my
mind, my future prospects are sidelined for now.
"I have also told my management that I do not want to hear
anything during the World Cup about interested clubs - only
Oranje counts."
Kuyt added he was enjoying the training camp organised by
coach Marco van Basten.
"When you look back, you can say that the pressure on me at
Feyenoord was a bit too big this season," he said.
"Here with the Oranje, I can pull myself up with other guys
for a change.
"I have also noticed that I can give my all in this
environment."
(TEAMtalk)
Chief Scout McParland's worldwide search
for quality
The eternal quest for 'the final piece of the jigsaw'
increases in urgency when the transfer window, and
chequebook, opens.
For some at Anfield, the close season offers an opportunity
for months, or years, of hard work to come to fruition.
When Rafa Benitez parades his recruits at a Press conference
in July, he'll be the first to acknowledge the contribution
of those behind the scenes who, in some cases, identified
the targets, or gave the thumbs up to splash the cash.
Chief Scout Frank McParland is among the key lieutenants
entrusted with identifying Liverpool players of the future.
Over the last 11 years, McParland has risen through the
ranks in typical Anfield style, without seeking acclaim or
publicity, moving from community coach to Academy scout and
eventually a senior position at Melwood.
This year, McParland was hugely influential in the return of
Robbie Fowler. Alongside the departing Paco Herrera, he also
oversaw the signing of five of Liverpool's FA Youth
Cup-winning side.
(Liverpool Echo)
Morientes to clinch Valencia move
Fernando Morientes will tie up his move to Valencia on
Friday and sign a three-year deal.
On Thursday, Liverpool announced the Spanish international
striker was leaving with reports claiming he is moving to
the Che club for 4.5million euros (£3.071million).
"Nothing has been signed yet," the player's agent Gines
Carvajal told PA Sport. "We will negotiate with Valencia on
Friday. The player's decision to leave Liverpool is based on
the fact that he didn't have a good season in England."
He added: "He has been offered a great opportunity with
Valencia and Liverpool are happy to sell him."
Liverpool paid £6.3m to acquire Morientes back in January
2005 from Real Madrid, but the Spanish international has
failed to shine at Anfield where he scored 16 goals
in 61 games.
(Ananova)
Reds ace to ask for transfer
Liverpool forward Anthony Le Tallec admits he would like to
return to France.
The Under-21 international was fancifully dubbed 'The new
Michel Platini' when emerging as a promising talent at Le
Havre and was snapped up by Anfield boss Gerard Houllier.
However, he has failed to win a place under Rafa Benitez and
has spent this season on loan at Sunderland.
"I have no idea about my future yet," he told But. "I will
see after the Under-21 European Championship.
"But I don't think I will stay at Liverpool.
"I will ask for a transfer because I still have three years
remaining on my contract and I don't want to be loaned any
more.
"I want stability.
"A comeback to France is obviously my priority. I have first
contacts, as with Paris Saint Germain, but nothing has been
settled so far."
(Sky Sports)
Gonzales desperate to be a Red
Mark Gonzales is hoping his work permit can be sorted out
this Summer so he can finally play for Liverpool.
Gonzales was supposed to join Liverpool on loan last Summer.
However, he was denied a work permit and had to remain in
Spain. Liverpool then signed the winger on a permanent deal
in January but Gonzales was again denied a work permit and
had to spend the rest of the season on loan at Real
Sociedad.
"I'll be going back to train again but I've got to wait for
my work permit. They have had to loan me to Real Sociedad
until my work permit comes through but everything is going
well at the moment and I have had a lot of support off
Rafa," said Gonzales.
"It has been my dream for a long time to play in the
Premiership and now it is so close. The only thing I want to
do now is play for Liverpool. It is all that I have been
thinking about.
"It has been frustrating with the work permit and we still
have to wait but hopefully everything will be normal in my
case. I just want to play for Liverpool as soon
as possible."
(LFC Online)
Lee in running for Charlton job
Former Liverpool player and coach Sammy Lee is in the frame
for the Charlton manager's job.
Current Bolton assistant manager Lee has come to the fore
after Preston's Billy Davies left the race for the The
Valley hot-seat. Ian Dowie is also among the likely
candidates.
Preston chairman Derek Shaw said: "Charlton will not be
pursuing Billy Davies any more and also said they would like
to thank PNE for our co-operation and apologise for any
disruption to our club.
"I would like to thank Charlton for their professionalism in
this matter."
(Daily Post)
Crouch flags up his value in Rooney's
absence
Peter Crouch was again left cursing the flag of a referee's
assistant last night. But once again, the Liverpool striker
ultimately emerged a winner come full-time.
An international B friendly may not carry the same clout as
the FA Cup final in Cardiff but it could still have a
significant bearing on Crouch's future.
The Anfield forward's performance was one of the positives
on an evening when England's second-string lost the match
and Sven-Goran Eriksson lost a member of his final squad.
Robert Green's groin injury handed Belarus a way back into
the game and Scott Carson a place in Germany, the Liverpool
goalkeeper stepping up from the standby list to become
Anfield's fourth representative in the final 23.
Crouch had long been a certainty for England's latest tilt
at World Cup glory, but his importance has grown from the
minute Wayne Rooney hobbled out of Manchester United's
defeat at Chelsea in April.
(Daily Post)
Carson gets World Cup green light
Liverpool's Scott Carson looks certain to be called into the
England World Cup squad after Norwich keeper Robert Green
sustained a freak injury last night.
Green was carried off with a suspected torn groin muscle -
which gifted Belarus their equaliser - five minutes after
coming on as a substitute during England's 2-1 defeat to
Belarus at Reading.
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "He's almost
certainly out. He's got a scan tomorrow and that will
confirm it.
"It's a pity for him - but Scott Carson is a good keeper and
he showed that today."
Green suffered the injury when taking a goal-kick.
He collapsed in agony after kicking the ball straight to
Belarus's Vitaly Kutuzov who had the simple task of firing
the ball into England's unguarded net.
Belarus completed their unlikely victory when Sergei
Kornilenko fired home an angled drive across Carson into the
goal after 81 minutes.
(Daily Post)
Kewell must wait for injury news
Harry Kewell will discover in the next week whether he is
facing finals misery for a fourth time.
The winger has limped out of three finals while at
Liverpool, the most recent in Cardiff earlier this month
with a groin injury that threatens his participation in next
month's World Cup.
Kewell has remained on Merseyside for treatment but will
meet up with the rest of the Australia squad when they
arrive in Eindhoven tomorrow for training.
The 27-year-old is not expected to be fit for a friendly
against Holland on June 4 and, with concerns persisting over
his recovery, Kewell could also miss his country's final
warm-up game against Liechtenstein three days later.
Fears are rising the Liverpool man may be restricted to just
a bit-part role in Germany, similar to his impact as
substitute in the qualifying play-off against Uruguay last
year.
(Daily Post) |
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THURSDAY 25 |
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Morientes joins Valencia
Liverpool announced this evening that striker Fernando
Morientes has joined Valencia for an undisclosed fee.
The 30-year-old former Real Madrid striker failed to live up
to his reputation during his 16 months on Merseyside and
managed just 12 goals in 61 games for the Reds.
He was left out of the Spanish squad for this summer's World
Cup after failing to play a major role in the Liverpool
first team last season.
A statement on Liverpool's official website,
www.liverpoolfc.tv, tonight read: "Everybody at Liverpool
would like to wish 'Nando' all the best with his new club in
Spain."
Morientes joined Liverpool in January 2005 for £6.3million
from Real but struggled to adapt to the Premiership.
The move, for a fee believed to be less than £3million,
comes just two days after Morientes' agent said the player
would not be returning to Spain this summer.
Liverpool were linked with a swap deal with Valencia's Marco
Di Vaio, until the Italian forward snubbed talk of him
moving to the Barclays Premiership club.
(Sporting Life)
Rafa stalls on transfer decision
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is refusing to give the
go-ahead for Scott Carson to join Sheffield Wednesday on a
season-long loan.
Wednesday boss Paul Sturrock is stepping up his search for a
new goalkeeper as a result of the delay, just incase the
proposed move is blocked permanently.
Rafa is refusing to sanction the deal until he has a better
idea of how his own squad will look ahead of next season.
Sturrock said: "He's had the Cup final exploits; he'll be
scrambling around the World Cup looking at players, and he's
got a couple of keepers who have only a year on their
contracts.
"So it's a difficult decision for him to make.
"Our problem is that we can't afford to be caught out."
(Kop Talk)
Dudek on the move?
Jerzy Dudek has been linked with a move to Portsmouth.
Dudek is determined to leave Liverpool this Summer as he
wants regular first team action and Fratton Park could be
the Pole's destination.
(LFC Online)
No Reds contact over hitman Kuyt
Chairman Jorien van den Herik has denied suggestions
Liverpool have contacted Feyenoord regarding the
availability of Holland hitman Dirk Kuyt.
Kuyt was quoted in the British press on Wednesday as saying
van den Herik had told him Reds boss Rafael Benitez was
interested in taking him to Anfield.
But the Feyenoord chief made it clear on Thursday that he
had not spoken to the former FC Utrecht striker and that no
club, with Newcastle also heavily linked with Kuyt, had
approached the Rotterdammers about the 25-year-old.
Van den Herik told the club's official website: "Not one
club has called us about Kuyt and I certainly did not speak
with Kuyt about this either."
(TEAMtalk)
Gonzalez stars for Chile to aid Anfield
move bid
Mark Gonzalez boosted his hopes of joining Liverpool in the
summer by playing a starring role in Chile's 1-0 friendly
victory over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin last night.
Liverpool supporters will have been impressed by the
22-year-old winger's performance at Lansdowne Road. He had a
hand in the winning goal, with his free-kick causing panic
in the Irish defence before Manuel Iturra stabbed in the
loose ball three minutes into the second half.
Gonzalez was always a threat and forced two good saves out
of Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given, while he also saw
another volley cannon off the post.
The Chilean, together with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez,
must hope his display will aid his cause of finally being
able to play in the Premiership.
Liverpool will formally make a second application next week
for Gonzalez to be granted a work permit.
Gonzalez, who has been loaned out to Real Sociedad since New
Year, hopes to be allowed to join the Liverpool squad for
pre-season training.
(Daily Post)
Crouch and Owen to start for England
Peter Crouch is determined to give Sven-Goran Eriksson a
selection headache ahead of the World Cup.
The Liverpool striker will partner Michael Owen up front in
England's B game against Belarus at Reading this evening.
Wayne Rooney will discover the results of a scan earlier in
the day on his broken foot which is expected to give him the
all-clear for next month's World Cup finals.
However, the Manchester United man has only an outside
chance of being available for England's opening group game
against Paraguay a fortnight on Saturday.
Eriksson has therefore opted to give Crouch the opportunity
to forge a partnership with Owen.
And Crouch is confident he can stake his claim for a
starting role in Germany.
"I think it is obviously great to be involved," said Crouch.
"He is going to use a few of the boys. Myself and Michael
have played together before, I enjoyed playing with him and
hopefully it will be the same again.
"He is different to me. Our styles complement each other and
he has been there and done it. He can help me."
(Daily Post)
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Thor Zakariassen
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