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TUESDAY 27 |
Agent: Dossena eyeing return to Italy
Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena would like to return to
Italy, according to his agent Federico Pastorello.
The left-back has recovered from a groin injury and could
feature in Wednesday's Carling Cup tie at Arsenal.
The 28-year-old was strongly linked with a move to Napoli
this summer after just one season in the Premier League
following his move
from Udinese.
"It's clear that the player would like to return to Italy,"
Dossena's agent Pastorello told Radio Kiss Kiss.
"He is playing very little at Liverpool and he doesn't want
to miss the train for the World Cup.
"I hope that, having recovered from the injury, he will play
tomorrow in
the Carling Cup.
"Andrea, in any case, must do the maximum to return to have
a regular spot at Liverpool."
(TEAMtalk)
Aquilani in line for Reds debut
Rafael Benitez has confirmed £20million midfielder Alberto
Aquilani will be in Liverpool's travelling party for
Wednesday night's Carling Cup clash
at Arsenal.
It will be the Italian's first appearance in a first-team
squad since his summer move from Roma.
Since then, the midfielder has been recovering from an ankle
operation, and made his belated first appearance in a
Liverpool shirt last week in the reserves' 2-0 win against
Sunderland.
Benitez has now made it clear the man he bought to replace
Xabi Alonso - a summer departure to Real Madrid -will begin
his senior career with the Anfield club in the fourth-round
tie at the Emirates Stadium.
Benitez said: "He will be with us. He is improving his
fitness, so he's in the squad.
"He cannot start at this moment but he will be there and
maybe we can give him some minutes. If it's possible, we
will try to use him."
(PA Sport)
Torres tipped to push
Barca duo for coveted award
Legendary French striker Jean-Pierre Papin has tipped
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres to push Barcelona duo
Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi as the race for the Ballon
d’Or heats up. The Spaniard has been in tremendous form at
both domestic and international level since leaving Atletico
Madrid, sealing himself a reputation as one of the world’s
most deadly strikers.
Speaking to homeland channel L’Equipe TV, Papin threw
Torres’ name into the hat of possible candidates:
"Do not forget Torres, he is able to score extraordinary
goals and is
often decisive.
"Liverpool do not have the same performance when he's not
there."
(Sport.co.uk)
Reds in Brazil squad
Liverpool's Fabio Aurelio and Lucas Leiva have been named in
the Brazil squad for their Middle East tour
The Confederations Cup champions play England and Oman on
their trip next month.
(LFC Online)
Liverpool legend Rush
expects big things from Ngog
Liverpool legend Ian Rush admits he's a big fan of David
Ngog.
The French youngster struck in Liverpool's 2-0 win over
Manchester United on Sunday.
Rush sees something in the 20-year-old Frenchman to suggest
he can be a star in the Barclays Premier League.
"The most obvious quality is that he can score goals," said
Rush, who scored 346 times in 660 games for Liverpool, to
liverpoolfc.tv.
"The goal against Stoke earlier this season was merely the
last-minute flourish to a game which was already won.
"But the winner at Leeds in the Carling Cup was both
important and very well taken, while Sunday's finish was
arguably his coolest and most significant yet.
"David is still rough around the edges, but the Anfield
coaching staff are clearly working hard on him and he has
undoubted potential.
"The experience of scoring a winning goal against United
will only help his development."
(tribalfootball.com)
Hyypia praises Carra
Sami Hyypia has praised Jamie Carragher.
Carra has been criticised this season but produced an
excellent defensive display on Sunday as the Reds kept a
clean sheet in their 2-0 win over Man Utd. Carragher's
performance was no suprise to the watching
Sami Hyypia.
"Carra had a cracking game, especially in the final stages
of the match when United were pressing," said the Finn, who
watched the game in the Director's Box alongside Didi
Hamann.
"He was very solid and it was great to see him play this
way, but I have always known that he is a strong character.
Hopefully, now he can keep playing like this in the games to
come because the matches do not exactly get any easier from
here."
(LFC Online)
Time for Liverpool FC
to build on Man Utd victory
In the cold light of day, it’s time to assess where
Liverpool go from here – because there’s no point beating
Manchester United if you don’t
build on it.
It is, admittedly, a decent platform to start from. It’s
relieved the external pressure on the side, not that there
was any pressure internally after Christian Purlsow and
Kenny Dalglish gave Rafael Benitez their
full support.
But the fact that the Anfield press box was suddenly
populated by journalists from London for a north west derby
shows just how much the circling cultures were sharpening
their talons.
I reckon a losing run of five games for the first time in 56
years was already chiselled in to a few laptops.
So the result gave some people a reality check.
But now it’s time for Liverpool to get one because there are
still some niggling doubts about the current side that are
undeniable.
(Mark Lawrenson - Liverpool Daily Post)
Referees berate Ferguson
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has come under
renewed attack following his criticism of Andre Marriner's
display in Sunday's clash between last season's Premier
League champions and Liverpool.
Ferguson was furious that Marriner sent Nemanja Vidic off in
the closing stages of his side's 2-0 defeat, but opted to
keep his cards in his pocket when Jamie Carragher felled
Michael Owen.
The official also waved away a penalty appeal from the
visitors when Carragher and Michael Carrick clashed in the
box.
Earlier in the month, Ferguson accused Alan Wiley of being
unfit when he officiated United's 2-2 draw with Sunderland
at Old Trafford and said after Sunday's game that Marriner
was not experienced enough to take charge of such a
high-profiel encounter.
But former Premier League referee Jeff Winter insists: "It's
so frustrating when a manager as experienced and respected
as Sir Alex Ferguson makes a statement about the laws of the
game which is
completely inaccurate.
"I don't know if Sir Alex Ferguson has got a problem with
referees but he has got a problem when Manchester United
don't win and blaming the referee is the easy option.
"His statement about Carragher shows that either he doesn't
know the laws of the game or he's resorting to mind games
again.
(Sport.co.uk)
Voronin not ready to call time at Liverpool
Andriy Voronin refuses to call time on his Liverpool career.
The Ukraine international admitted he is unhappy about his
lack of first-team chances at Liverpool but denied rumours
he wants to return
to Germany.
His agent Andrey Golovash said: "Andriy has discussed his
current situation at Anfield with Rafa Benitez. The manager
doesn't argue about his good form but his position is still
the same. He is told 'All is fine, just wait for your
chance.'
"Still, Voronin has no intention of leaving Liverpool. He
wants to play and prove he can be useful for the team."
(tribalfootball.com)
Mascherano: We must push on
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano insists his team must
build on their 2-0 victory against Manchester United.
Rafa Benitez's side follow Wednesday's Carling Cup tie
against Arsenal with trips to Fulham and Lyon.
He said: "Beating United was very important for our
confidence, but it's just one win. We must do it again at
Arsenal and then over and over again in the league and in
Europe."
(Teletext) |
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MONDAY 26 |
Hertha refuse to deny Voronin talk
Hertha Berlin general manager Michael Preetz has refused to
deny speculation linking them with a move for Liverpool
striker Andriy Voronin.
Reports in the German press have suggested that Hertha are
eyeing a winter move for the Reds hitman, who spent a spell
on loan at the club last season, as well as Wolfsburg
attacker Ashkan Dejagah.
Hertha are currently rock-bottom of the German Bundesliga
after a terrible start to the campaign, and they have been
linked with a move for the duo as they attempt to turn their
season around.
Preetz refused to deny the claims linking them with the
pair, conceding that he will have to wait until the transfer
window opens to sign
attached players.
"We are only able to buy unattached players at this point
this season and there is no unattached player able to help
this club," he told spox.com.
"I am only willing to look at the situation right now and I
have faith in the manager and the team."
Hertha take on Borussia Dortmund on Friday looking to
improve on their existing tally of four points from 10
games.
(Sporting Life)
Ngog: Best moment of my career
David Ngog admitted his injury-time goal against Manchester
United was the best moment of his career so far.
The French striker came on as a substitute for Fernando
Torres and netted a stoppage-time second goal at the Kop end
in the 2-0 win over Manchester United.
It was a special moment for the Reds as not only did the
result herald a return to winning ways, but it came in
Rafael Benitez's 200th league game in charge.
"This was a fantastic moment for me and the team and I would
say it's my best moment in football," the Reds No.24 told
Liverpoolfc.tv.
"I have always dreamed of scoring a goal for Liverpool
against Manchester United and now it has happened and it is
a really
good feeling."
(LFC Official Website)
Masch misses Gunners game
Javier Mascherano will miss Wednesday's game at the
Emirates.
The Argentina captain's red card during yesterday's 2-0 win
over Man Utd means he will be suspended for this week's
Carling Cup fourth round tie
at Arsenal.
Mascherano is only facing a one game ban and will be back
for Saturday's Premiership game at Fulham.
(LFC Online)
Carragher wakes up
to brighter days
They were heroes in red all across the Anfield turf. In the
face of adversity this was a performance of remarkable
spirit and character as Rafa Benitez’s side breathed new
life into a flagging campaign.
Nobody epitomised those qualities more than Jamie Carragher.
The shattered skipper’s clenched fists and look to the
heavens at the final whistle told a story.
There was joy and relief in equal measure as the club’s
worst run for 22 years had been halted in glorious fashion.
Nobody has been hurt more than Carragher by the Reds’
miserable start to the season. After each demoralising
setback the 31-year-old has had the pain of defeat etched
across his face.
Carragher’s honest admission that at times he has slipped
below his usual high standards has been pounced on by
critics. His age has been used as a stick to beat him with
and he’s copped plenty of unfair flak for the Reds’
shortcomings.
The centre-back is his own biggest critic and spends hours
watching re-runs of matches and examining his own
performance.
“I know when I’ve had a bad game because I can’t get to
sleep at night thinking about it,” he admitted.
It’s fair to assume the Bootle-born defender slept soundly
last night.
(James Pearce - Liverpool Echo)
Carragher backed by Benitez
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez hailed stand-in skipper Jamie
Carragher and blasted claims the defender was past his best.
Benitez revealed he was determined to keep faith with his
players
and Carragher.
The 31-year-old has come in for severe criticism this season
as Liverpool have struggled, but he produced a
man-of-the-match display of defiant defending in yesterday's
2-0 home win over Manchester United.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson maintained Carragher should
have been sent off for dragging down Michael Owen, but the
Old Trafford chief also conceded Carragher was Liverpool's
best defender, by far.
Benitez said: "Jamie played well. He had been having a
difficult time but the only thing to do in such a situation
is to try again and try again.
"It was only a question of keeping working hard, and he
proved that he is a good centre-back and not at the end of
his career just yet.
"He showed what a good defender he still is and
(collectively) we have shown that we are not a bad team, not
a bad squad. Maybe next April people will again judge us but
at this moment we have enough quality."
(PA Sport/Sporting Life) |
|
SUNDAY 25 |
Torres: We had to win
Fernando Torres believed Liverpool had to beat
Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday to keep their title
hopes alive.
The Spaniard returned from injury to soften the blow of
losing captain Steven Gerrard to a groin strain and netted
the crucial opener deep into the second half before his
replacement David Ngog applied the gloss to the victory with
a second in stoppage-time.
"Of course it was a massive result for us," he said. "We
needed to win to stay in the title race. We are very happy
to perform today but we must keep going."
(Sky Sports)
Fergie critical of
referee's decision
Alex Ferguson believes his Manchester United side did not
get a fair crack of the whip from referee Andre Marriner at
Anfield.
Nemanja Vidic was sent off for two yellow cards and Ferguson
questioned a number of the official’s decisions as they
slumped to their first defeat in 12 games in all
competitions as Liverpool triumphed 2-0.
Ferguson said: “It is very difficult atmosphere here. There
was a wounded animal aspect to the game and it was something
we did not overcome.
“I think it affected our players and it affected the
referee. There were so many controversial things that
happened we have to feel aggrieved at some of them."
(The Irish News)
Rafa: United win
the perfect response
Rafael Benitez hailed Liverpool's 2-0 victory over
Manchester United as the 'perfect response' and urged his
side to use the triumph to embark upon a winning streak.
"I am really pleased for the club, the players and the
staff. We knew we needed to change our luck and it was a
fantastic victory," he told his post-match press conference.
(LFC Official Website)
Reds stun rivals
to end losing run
Fernando Torres and David Ngog left Manchester United
reeling as Liverpool halted their four-game losing streak
with a 2-0 win at Anfield.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez had said prior to Sunday's
Premier League game that one win would change everything,
and what a result his team delivered to ease the pressure on
the Spaniard.
The champions were eventually beaten after a stunning
performance of defiance that followed days of the worst
crisis Liverpool have suffered in decades.
If the critics were to be believed, boss Benitez was for the
chop, Liverpool were all washed up and facing financial
ruin.
Well not after this cracking Premier League battle.
Liverpool restored their pride with a victory over, for
them, the best victims possible.
(TEAMtalk)
Reds fans protest outside Anfield
Around 1,000 Liverpool supporters staged a protest march
against the club's owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett on
Sunday.
Angry fans marched from Liverpool's Supporters' Club in
Breck Road to Anfield ahead of their Premier League clash
with Manchester United.
The supporters were voicing concerns about the management of
the business and the amount of debt the club is in.
The US-based owners were also expected to be greeted with
placards calling on them to quit Anfield as they took their
seats in the director's box on the Main Stand.
Gillett had attended last Tuesday's Champions League defeat
by Lyon where a large banner on the Kop claimed that fans
had been lied to
by the owners.
James McKenna, of the Spirit of Shankly fans group which
organised today's march, said: "We want to say to Hicks and
Gillett that they are not welcome at our club and they
should sell up and go home."
(TEAMtalk)
Torres and Johnson start
Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson are back as Liverpool take
on Manchester United this afternoon.
Both have recovered from injury, though skipper Steven
Gerrard is not fit enough to make the squad.
Meanwhile, Michael Owen is on the bench for United.
Wayne Rooney starts.
The Liverpool XI in full is: Reina, Johnson, Insua,
Carragher, Agger, Mascherano, Lucas, Aurelio, Benayoun,
Kuyt, Torres.
Subs: Cavalieri, Voronin, Babel, Ngog, Spearing, Degen,
Skrtel.
(LFC Official Website)
Liverpool chief stands by Benitez
Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow insists Rafael
Benitez's job is safe even if the Reds do not win the
Premier League this season.
He also says Anfield stars Fernando Torres and Steven
Gerrard are not for sale at any price.
Purslow launched his support of Benitez as Liverpool
attempted to arrest a run of four successive defeats against
Manchester United
this afternoon.
He said: "The most important aspect of the football club I
was involved in in my first week in the job was securing
Rafa for another five years. You only have to look at the
Premiership era and our two major competitors in the last 10
to 12 years to see the benefits of longevity.
"Liverpool Football Club is on a long-term journey and that
journey is to be the most successful club, firstly in our
country and secondly in the world and you don't do that by
worrying about short-term results. You do that by having
long-term plans centring on the people and the strategy.
Rafa Benitez is absolutely central to that plan."
(TEAMtalk)
Carragher frustrated by critics
Jamie Carragher has revealed his frustration at the fact
that his personal form has been questioned during
Liverpool's struggles.
Ahead of Sunday's colossal clash with Manchester United, the
Reds are in their worst run of form for 22 years after
losing four consecutive games in all competitions.
Carragher has been highlighted as a weak link by pundits
during his side's slump, with suggestions that the
31-year-old is beginning to show his age.
The defender believes he may have sparked the criticism by
admitting that he was not firing on all cylinders, but he
also believes that there has been a 'bandwagon' effect.
"Maybe I'm too honest or maybe I'm just stupid. (Former
Liverpool captain and coach) Ronnie Moran told me I've been
too honest for my own good when talking about my form. I
think there could be something to that," he said in the News
of the World.
"There are 25 internationals in our dressing room and none
of us can say we've been at the top of our game this season.
"It's just that I got asked about my form and I admitted I
could do more, but I don't think I've been in as bad form as
has been made out since I said that. Maybe I should be more
careful what I say.
(TEAMtalk)
Liverpool 'beach ball boy' says sorry
A teenage Liverpool fan who caused one of the oddest goals
in English football history came out of hiding Sunday to
apologise profusely for belting a beach ball onto the pitch.
Callum Campbell, 16, told the Sunday Mirror it was he who
whacked the inflatable onto the pitch, triggering
Liverpool's 1-0 defeat at Sunderland
on October 17.
The youngster has faced death threats for his part in a
defeat that dented the Reds' bid to win the Premier League
title and locked himself indoors for two days.
"It was me," Campbell told the tabloid.
"I'm the one who did it. I'm the one caught on camera. I'm
so, so sorry. This is my worst, worst nightmare."
In the fifth minute of the match, Black Cats striker Darren
Bent fired a shot on target, but it hit the
Liverpool-branded beach ball, taking a big deflection and
completely bamboozling Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina -- who
went for the wrong ball.
Millions around the world have seen the bizarre incident.
When the beach ball came Campbell's way before the kick-off,
he punched it onto the Stadium of Light pitch. It went into
Reina's goal but blew out as Sunderland went on the attack.
"When I got home I went into the garden and threw up. I was
physically sick -- and that's before the death threats
started appearing on the Internet the next day," Campbell
said.
"I watched it over and over again, and I still can't work
out how it happened.
"But my mum tells me it wasn't my fault -- and that's what I
have to believe. The referee should never have allowed the
goal. I just hope the real fans understand and forgive me."
(AFP - Yahoo Sports)
Benitez reveals bad medical
advice over Aquilani signing
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed he was given dud
medical advice upon signing former Roma midfielder Alberto
Aquilani.
Nearly three months on, Aquilani has played only a few
minutes for the reserve team and will not feature this
afternoon against
Manchester United.
He said: "When we were signing him, one of the best doctors
in the world said that by the end of August he could be
available.
"But we were not signing a player for four or five weeks but
for four or
five years."
(tribalfootball.com)
Thor Zakariassen
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