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TUESDAY 28 |
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Finnan out of Irish game
Steve Finnan has been ruled out of Republic of Ireland's
friendly against Sweden tomorrow with a neck injury.
The Liverpool defender has returned to Melwood to receive
treatment ahead of this weekend's Premiership clash with
Charlton Athletic.
Irish boss Steve Staunton said: "Stevie Finnan will be going
back to Liverpool. He's got a little neck injury. There's no
point taking a chance.
"Liverpool were good enough to let him come over in the
first place, there are
no problems."
(LFC Official Website)
Reds must buy a world class striker
It's been obvious from the early stages of the season where
Liverpool must improve to get to the next level. When you've
only conceded 17 Premiership goals, you would expect your
goal difference to be higher than plus 16.
To put it into some kind of perspective, Liverpool have
conceded just one goal more than Chelsea this season, but
scored 21 less.
I'm certain Rafa Benitez's top priority before next season
will be to bring in a striker capable of scoring 20 goals a
season. When he's done this, the Reds will be in a much
stronger position to challenge Chelsea.
(Ian Rush - Liverpool Echo)
Deaf fans make race taunt claims
Police are investigating after two deaf football fans
complained they lip-read on television a Premiership star
racially abusing another player.
The fans claimed to have seen a Liverpool player use racist
language against a Manchester United footballer at last
month's Premiership match.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they were investigating
the alleged incident at the Old Trafford ground.
The player, who has not been identified, has rejected the
claim.
A spokeswoman for GMP said: "Police in Trafford are
investigating a complaint about a racist comment made during
the Manchester United v Liverpool match at Old Trafford on
22 January 2006.
"It has been reported one of the players made an offensive
comment in the closing minutes of the game. Investigations
are ongoing."
The Liverpool player involved strongly rejects the
suggestion, according to his club.
A Liverpool FC spokesman said: "The player vehemently denies
these allegations. He has not used any such language."
No one at Manchester United would comment on the matter.
(BBC Sport Online)
Sven wary of SG concerns
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson understands Rafael
Benitez's concerns about keeping Steven Gerrard's
involvement in Wednesday's friendly against Uruguay to a
minimum.
The Liverpool boss had asked for his star midfielder and
captain to be rested for the game at Anfield - and although
Gerrard looks set to be named in Eriksson's starting XI, the
Swede is optimistic he will not need him for the full 90
minutes.
"What Benitez wants to see is Gerrard fit at the end of May
- who knows, Liverpool may have another Champions League
final," Eriksson said.
"I have to listen to club managers; he said that because he
is worried Steven Gerrard had too many games in one year. I
hope he will play 45 minutes."
(TEAMtalk)
Zenden stepping up rehab
Liverpool midfielder Bolo Zenden is a step closer
to a return from his cruciate injury.
Out since 23rd November, the 30-year-old is hoping to be
involved again before the season concludes.
Speaking today, Zenden said: "I started running on the
treadmill for the first time on Sunday.
"I hope I'll be able to do some running on the training
ground sometime in the next week.
"It will only be running in straight lines at this stage,
but it's a start.
"I still hope I'll play again this season."
(Kop Talk) |
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MONDAY 27 |
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Benitez seeks Nando solution
Rafael Benitez believes keeping Fernando Morientes on the
pitch is the only way to help the Spaniard out of his barren
spell.
The Liverpool boss stunned the Kop on Sunday by withdrawing
the impressive Peter Crouch from the 1-0 victory over
Manchester City, rather than the misfiring Morientes.
For the first time in Benitez's reign as Liverpool manager,
one of his decisions was booed by the home fans, who idolise
their manager but are running out of patience with Spain
international Morientes.
He is in the middle of a wretched run that sees him
scoreless in his last 11 appearances for the European
champions.
But Benitez said: "He cannot solve the problem when he is
sitting on the bench."
(PA Sport)
Van Basten hits out at Kromkamp
Holland coach Marco van Basten has hit out at Jan Kromkamp
for moving to Anfield
van Basten has snubbed Kromkamp for their game against
Ecuador.
Speaking this week, the Dutch boss said the player has made
the wrong career moves.
He said: "It is annoying that Kromkamp, who is a good
player, made the wrong choices for his career.
"It is sad when someone throws away his own chances and also
doesn't help us. It seems to us that Jan is more busy with
peripheral events.
"Jan has to make choices. I have no influence on that but,
if he wanted my advice, that was possible."
(Kop Talk)
Carragher named best player of FA Cup 5th
round
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has been named 'Player of
the Round' following the FA Cup 5th round ties.
The Football Association ran a poll on thefa.com to see who
fans thought deserved the award. 28,757 votes were cast with
Carragher receiving a massive 59%.
Carragher wins £1000 worth of UMBRO football kit for a local
school or club of his choice and an engraved silver salver.
He'll also receive tickets to the FA Cup final, whether or
not Liverpool make it to Cardiff.
Manchester City’s Micah Richards was runner-up with 20%.
(Kop Talk)
Anfield shade suits Finnan
Steve Finnan today admitted he's playing at the peak of his
game, but says he's happy to remain the 'unsung hero' of
Liverpool's mean defence.
Barely a week passes without some kind of tribute to the
right-back's powers of consistency, and the defender was on
form again as Liverpool moved level on points with
Manchester United yesterday.
Jamie Carragher recently tagged Finnan the best right-back
he's played with, while Rafa Benitez declared Finnan capable
of playing for any side in the world.
Finnan acknowledges the praise, but says he enjoys keeping
out of the limelight as most others take the credit.
"I don't mind that at all. I had the tag 'unsung hero' at
others clubs. It's nice to get some recognition but it's
more important to me the team is playing well and winning,"
said Finnan, after helping the Reds to a 1-0 win over
Manchester City.
"I saw what the manager said about me over the weekend. It's
nice when you know he has confidence in you, but you can't
always take a lot of notice of what you read in the press
because it's easy to get complacent."
(Liverpool Echo)
We can do better says Kewell
Harry Kewell says Liverpool can play better than did against
Manchester City yesterday.
Harry Kewell scored the only goal of the game as the Reds
moved up to joint second in the Premiership but afterwards
the Aussie winger admitted it was a relief to come away with
the points.
"It was hard for us. We were ahead but when they had a man
sent off it boosted them. City stepped up their game a
couple of notches after the sending off. They looked like
they had 12 men, not 10. They were unlucky not to get
something, they had a few good chances," he said.
"Let's not forget that Peter Crouch was excellent, he hit
the bar and had a some good chances of his own. He was
terrific out there. He should have had three or four and
only David James stopped him by pulling off some great
saves.
"We just can't seem to get the second goal but at least we
are making the chances. On another day they would all have
gone in."
(LFC Online)
Under 18's lose to Wolves
Liverpool Under-18s crashed back down to earth with a bump
on Saturday following their youth cup heroics, when they
lost 2-1 to Wolves.
The team were full of confidence following their 6-0
thrashing of Carlisle United to reach the semi-finals of the
FA Youth Cup, but unfortunately it was just a bad day at the
office against Wolves.
Reds Under-18 manager John Owens admitted it was a below par
display by his team with too many players having off-days.
Conal Platt scored for Liverpool but Wolves scored a late
winner to take the three points.
Liverpool Under-18s: Paul Lancaster, Jordan Holmes, Stephen
Darby, Calum Woods, Robbie Threlfall, Charlie Barnett (Ryan
Flynn 50), Paul Barratt, Francis Smith, Michael Nardiello
(Conal Platt 50), Ryan Wignall (Craig Lindfield 50), Jimmy
Ryan. Sub unused: David Roberts (GK).
(LFC Official Website)
Crouch praised by Kewell
Goalscorer Harry Kewell paid tribute to Peter Crouch's
contribution in the 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday.
Kewell converted a pass from Steven Gerrard just before the
break before Joey Barton was sent off for two crude
challenges.
"It was hard for us. We were ahead but when they had a man
sent off it boosted them. City stepped up their game a
couple of notches after the sending off. They looked like
they had 12 men, not 10," said Kewell.
"They were unlucky not to get something, they had a few good
chances. But you must not forget also that Peter Crouch was
excellent, he hit the bar and had a some good chances of his
own.
"He was terrific out there. He should have had three or four
and only David James stopped him by pulling off some great
saves.
"But at least we are making the chances. On another day they
would all have gone in."
(TEAMtalk) |
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SUNDAY 26 |
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Gerrard expects to be fit
Steven Gerrard expects to be fit for England's friendly
against Uruguay after picking up a knock in the win over
Manchester City.
The Liverpool captain took a kick on his foot during his
side's 1-0 victory over City at Anfield on Sunday.
Gerrard was hurt when he was tackled by City stopper Richard
Dunne as he set himself to shoot.
But though there is slight discomfort, Gerrard anticipates
being able to play against Uruguay at Anfield on Wednesday.
"I think I will have a little bruise on my foot, but I'll be
okay," Gerrard told Sky Sports.
"It was a great tackle, I was clear through and I pulled my
leg back to hit a left foot shot.
"But it was a tremendous tackle. He (Dunne) does that all
the time, he is a really quick defender and he got back to
make a superb tackle."
Though Gerrard is confident of being available to Sven Goran
Eriksson in midweek, his club boss Rafa Benitez will keep a
close eye on his midfielder's fitness.
Benitez is keen for Gerrard to be rested and he will be
anxious for his skipper not to aggravate the problem while
playing for England.
(Sky Sports)
No complaints from Pearce
Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce had no complaints about
his side's defeat at Liverpool or Joey Barton's dismissal.
Pearce believes referee Dermot Gallagher was within his
rights to send off Barton, despite the fact the influential
midfielder made just two fouls all afternoon.
"I am a great believer in the fact that if a referee says
something is a foul, that's it. If he says it's a booking
you have to live with it,'' said Pearce.
(Sky Sports)
Lack of goals riles Rafa
Manager Rafael Benitez has revealed a sense of frustration
at Liverpool's goals shortage despite his side moving level
on points with second-placed Manchester United.
Liverpool are well behind United on goal difference and so
stay third in the Premiership, but they are now eight points
clear of fourth-placed Tottenham.
"We certainly need to be able to finish games off when we do
go ahead. At the moment when it is only one goal you put
yourselves under too much pressure," said Benitez.
(TEAMtalk)
Kewell strike just enough
A fine finish from Harry Kewell was enough to secure
Liverpool a 1-0 over Manchester City, who played much of the
second half with ten men after Joey Barton saw red for two
bookable offences.
Kewell's recent form has made him a favourite with a
previously skeptical Anfield faithful and it was was his
goal in the 40th minute that keeps Liverpool on course for
second spot, while Barton ensured he was first in the shower
just seven minutes after the break.
(Sky Sports)
Alonso sustains head injury at Anfield
Liverpool ace Xabi Alonso had to be taken off after just 30
minutes of today's game at Anfield with a nasty head injury.
Alonso clashed with Manchester City's Joey Barton early on
in the game which resulted in the Spanish midfielder
splitting his head open.
He was able to walk off (covered in blood) to receive 10
staples to the head to close the wound. He managed to play
again but Rafa soon replaced him with Didi Hamann.
(Kop Talk)
Liverpool v Man City - CONFIRMED TEAM
LIVERPOOL: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Agger, Riise, Kromkamp,
Gerrard, Alonso, Kewell, Crouch, Morientes.
SUBS: Dudek, Traore, Garcia, Hamann, Cisse.
(Kop Talk)
Benitez calls for Gerrard rest
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has urged England coach
Sven-Goran Eriksson to rest Steven Gerrard for Wednesday's
friendly against Uruguay.
Benitez believes the eye injury sustained by Mohamed
Sissoko, expected to be out for the rest of the season, will
mean Liverpool rely more heavily on fellow midfielder
Gerrard.
He expressed his concerns to Eriksson and told The People:
"Gerrard has played a lot of games already and because we
have lost Sissoko I will need him even more. Players do need
a rest. I don't want to give Eriksson advice because he is
experienced and he knows, but he must think about it."
He added: "I talked about all our players - Gerrard,
Carragher, Warnock and Crouch - but I don't have any
agreement with him about how he will use them.
"He has a responsibility to England. I prefer to see my
players here during the week or not playing a lot but I can
not change his mind.
"When you talk with the national managers you always say 'we
need to think about the health of the players'.
"It depends on the manager but you don't need to see some
players in every game. It is best to think about what is
best for them. I hope I can trust Eriksson on this."
(Ananova)
Stu: Reds main contenders
Stuart Pearce reckons Liverpool have leapt above Manchester
United and Arsenal as the biggest domestic rivals to
Chelsea.
"Liverpool are Chelsea's biggest rivals now," said Pearce.
"In fact, on form, they are currently the best side in the
Premiership, and I include Chelsea in that.
"Eighteen months ago, people would have said United and
Arsenal were nearest but Liverpool have now catapulted
themselves into that category.
"People talk about the standards Liverpool set in the past
but they are not too far away from that now. They are the
European champions for a start and you can't do much better
than that."
For all the improvement Liverpool have made under Benitez,
there are some who deride them as a long-ball outfit. Pearce
is not one of them.
"You have to admire how their back four works together," he
said. "I watched the Manchester United game and they were so
well organised defensively it was untrue. The tightness of
that unit is incredible.
"It would be fantastic to be able to take some of my young
defenders to a game at Anfield and show them how the two
centre-halves in particular work together. It is a fantastic
example for any young player."
(TEAMtalk) |
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SATURDAY 25 |
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Alonso eager to up the tempo
Liverpool may appear to be wilting under the pressure of a
punishing fixture schedule but midfielder Xabi Alonso is
eager to play more.
The Reds are in the middle of an 11-match run over 39 days -
and they have lost three of the first six - as they prepare
to face Manchester City at Anfield.
Manager Rafael Benitez claims they "cannot keeping playing
at the same high tempo", and he will attempt to freshen
things up as he is without Jamie Carragher (suspended),
Mohamed Sissoko (eye) and Robbie Fowler (ineligible) against
City.
But Alonso believes playing in a packed fixture programme
actually helps his game.
The Spain midfielder recalled when Liverpool had a
relatively straightforward programme after the festive
period they managed to lose to Manchester United and draw
with Bolton and Birmingham.
"I don't think the rest we had during that time helped us a
lot," said Alonso.
"We are a team that needs momentum, we need fluidity in the
way we play and the more matches we play the better our
tempo is."
(PA Sport)
Benitez happy at Anfield
Rafael Benitez's agent insists the Liverpool manager has no
intention of leaving the club at the end of the season
despite being linked with the Real Madrid job.
Juan Ramon Lopez Caro has been given the job as Real coach
until the end of the campaign and the Spanish giants are in
the process of assessing potential candidates to take over
in the summer.
But despite a story in Spanish newspaper Marca on Saturday
linking Benitez with the job, his agent Manuel Garcia Quilon
insists he has yet to be approached.
"He has three years left on his contract," added Garcia
Quilon.
"He's very happy at Liverpool because he has received very
good treatment from the club and the fans, and his intention
is to continue to improve on the project he started when he
joined them."
(Sporting Life)
Reds defender snubbed
Liverpool defender Jan Kromkamp has been left out of the
Holland squad for their World Cup warm-up match against
Ecuador on Wednesday 1st March.
Coach Marco van Basten has ignored Kromkamp even though he's
fit and available
for selection.
(Kop Talk)
Hyypia wary of Samaras' threat
Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia has warned his colleagues to
be aware of the skills of Manchester City's new young
striker Georgios Samaras.
The 20-year-old Greek star made his debut for the Eastlands
club on his last visit to Merseyside, a 1-0 defeat at
Everton, and he looked well short of the pace and strength
needed in the Barclays Premiership.
But he has learned quickly, scored against Charlton and
looked more than impressive with his height and pace in last
weekend's FA Cup draw at Aston Villa.
Now Hyypia, who will not have sidekick Jamie Carragher
alongside him on Sunday due to suspension, is more than
aware of the dangers from the new City frontman.
He said: "Samaras scored a lot of goals in Holland before
joining City, his record there is something I have been very
aware off.
"He will be a real threat, as will the likes of Andy Cole
and Darius Vassell, who have managed a good understanding
between them."
(PA Sport)
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Thor Zakariassen
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