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FRIDAY 31 |
Reds land French starlet
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has continued his policy of
signing promising talent from across the globe after landing
French youngster Damien Plessi.
The 19-year-old midfielder has joined the Reds from French
champions Lyon and will be part of the club's burgeoning
reserve ranks during the current campaign.
"He is a good player, big and strong, and we're sure he'll
do well for us," Benitez told the club's official website.
"He's only a young boy with plenty of time to work on his
game but it depends on his progress how quickly he can force
his way into the first team."
Benitez has already lured a raft of young talent - including
Charles Itandje, Lucas Leiva and Nikolaj Mihajlov - to
Anfield during the course of the summer.
The Spaniard also splashed out £11.5million to land
Netherlands Under-21 international Ryan Babel from Ajax
Amsterdam.
(Football UK)
Rafa reeling after Paco's Anfield exit
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has been rocked by the
imminent departure of his right-hand man Paco Ayesteran from
Anfield.
His fellow Spaniard and long-term friend had been Benitez's
number two at Tenerife and Valencia before he followed the
Reds chief to Merseyside.
It is believed that the players were informed of the news on
Thursday after training, and it is not expected that
Ayesteran will be alongside Benitez in the dug-out for
Saturday's home game with Derby.
Liverpool would not confirm any further details, although
Benitez said: "Paco has told me he wants to leave, apart
from that I cannot say any more. We will have to assess the
situation."
It is not known whether Ayesteran has been offered another
job in Spain or whether he wants to return home for personal
reasons.
But the disruption to Benitez's backroom staff will be
massive. Ayesteran has been in charge of fitness coaching,
but also handles much of the squad administration.
Ayesteran's departure comes at the same time as Benitez's
confirmed his decision not to risk skipper Steven Gerrard
for Saturday's match.
(TEAMtalk)
No Gerrard risk for Rams clash
Steven Gerrard will not be risked by Liverpool for the
Premier League visit of Derby on Saturday but he will join
up with England next week.
Gerrard has been suffering from a hairline fracture of a toe
and has missed his club's last two matches.
But manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed that after a
discussion with the player, the decision on his involvement
for England's two forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers will be
made after a week of treatment and assessment in the England
camp, with both club and national medical teams assessing
the situation.
"We will not risk him against Derby, but he always wants to
play in every match. He will join up with England and I will
then talk to Steve McClaren," Benitez said.
Liverpool have no other injury problems, apart from defender
Jamie Carragher who is recovering from a broken rib.
Reds (rom): Reina, Finnan, Agger, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Pennant,
Alonso, Sissoko, Mascherano, Riise, Benayoun, Babel, Kuyt,
Crouch, Torres, Voronin, Lucas, Itandje, Leto.
(TEAMtalk)
Parry welcomes Platini comments
Rick Parry today welcomed comments from UEFA boss Michel
Platini that more fans of competing clubs will soon be able
to attend Champions League finals.
Following the fiasco in Athens when thousands of Liverpool
fans were denied the chance to see their team take on AC
Milan in the final, UEFA ordered a review of their policies
and have announced a number of important changes.
Platini has insisted that finals will now only be staged in
stadiums capable of holding 75,000 fans and that more
tickets will be given to supporters of the teams involved.
"We welcome Michel Platini's comments in terms of extra
seats being made available at Champions League finals and
hope that this will benefit all clubs in the future," said
Parry.
(LFC Official Website)
Benitez welcomes Platini comments
Manager Rafael Benitez has welcomed Platini's proposal to
give the FA Cup winners a Champions League spot.
However, the Spaniard has warned that European football
would suffer if the teams that finish fourth in Spain, Italy
and England lose their place.
Platini's plans are intended to bring more teams from
smaller countries into the competition.
Benitez said: "It's not a bad idea. I think if you win a
trophy like the FA Cup you deserve more.
"The problem is, if the fourth-placed team from Spain, Italy
or England cannot play, and teams from other countries come
in, you have to analyse it because you want to see the best
players in the Champions League."
(LFC Official Website)
Boss upbeat on Gerrard and Owen
Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen will be able to play in both
of England's back-to-back Euro 2008 qualifiers against
Israel and Russia, according to Steve McClaren.
Owen has suffered with a series of fitness problems since
limping out of the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany but
scored his first goal in 20 months for Newcastle United in
their Carling Cup win over Barnsley.
Gerrard has not figured for Liverpool since their 1-1
Premier League draw with Chelsea almost a fortnight ago due
to a fractured toe.
Both players are in McClaren's 26-man squad and the England
boss reflected: "Over the last few weeks Michael has
knuckled down in training and is looking sharp.
"Strikers need to score and it was important to see him
score. I said at the time (of the Germany match) he is
always ready and speaking to him, he can't wait.
"I've spoken to (Gerrard) and liaised with Liverpool but I'm
very confident Steven Gerrard will be available for the next
two games."
(Channel 4)
No England place for Pennant
Three Liverpool players have been called up by England for
their fortchcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and
Russia.
Steven Gerrard, Peter Crouch and on-loan goalkeeper Scott
Carson have been included in Steve McClaren's England squad,
but again there is no place for Jermaine Pennant.
England take on Israel at Wembley on Saturday, September 8th
followed by the visit of Russia on Wednesday, September
12th.
(LFC Official Website)
Injury boost ahead of trip to Anfield
Tyrone Mears is set to hand Derby County a boost for
tomorrow's Premier League game against Liverpool at Anfield.
The right-back, who has been Derby's top performer this
season, should return to action after missing the last two
games with a thigh strain he suffered in the defeat at
Tottenham Hotpsur.
Centre-back Claude Davis is also set to return. The Jamaican
international aggravted a rib injury against Birmingham City
and sat out the midweek Carling Cup exit at the hands of
Blackpool.
Benny Feilhaber is hoping to shake off an ankle injury he
picked up during Wednesday's reserve game.
(Derby Evening Telegraph)
New signings unlikely
Liverpool are unlikley to add to their first team squad
today.
The transfer window closes at midnight tonight and the Reds
are unlikely to sign any new players before that deadline
revealed Rafael Benitez.
"We were checking some options for the first team squad
yesterday, but it's very difficult to find the right players
this late. I don't think we will be signing anyone now,"
said the Spaniard.
"Rick [Parry], Foster [Gillett], Eduardo [Macia] and I
looked at some options, but we decided we don't want to sign
a player just for the sake of it. It has to be the right
player and not for crazy money."
(LFC Online)
Benitez keeps everyone guessing
Rafael Benitez will select his sixth side of the season for
Saturday's home game with Derby having already made a
staggering 22 changes.
Only goalkeeper Jose Reina and versatile defender Alvaro
Arbeloa have played in all of the previous five games.
So second-guessing the Liverpool manager for Saturday's home
game with Derby is a difficult task.
And he is more than happy to keep it that way, leaving fans,
players and opponents wondering what to expect.
Benitez said: "The squad is stronger now than last season,
you can see the quality of the players and the different
things they can bring to
the side.
"You can change players, change positions and everything is
almost
as I want."
(PA Sport) |
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THURSDAY 30 |
Dates for Champions League games
Liverpool have confirmed the dates for each of their games
in Group A of the Champions League.
The Reds will kick off their campaign away in Porto on
September 18 before entertaining Marseille in their first
Anfield game of the competition.
A double header with Besiktas will then follow before we
entertain Porto at home and then conclude the group fixtures
away at Marseille.
(LFC Official Website)
The dates are as follows:
September
18 Porto (away)
October
3 Marseille (home)
24 Besiktas (away)
November
6 Besiktas (home)
28 Porto (home)
December
11 Marseille (away)
Rafa's reaction to Champions League draw
Rafael Benitez has warned his Liverpool side face a tough
task to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions
League following today's draw in Monaco.
The Reds have been placed in Group A of the competition
along with Porto, Marseille and Besiktas as they look to
enjoy another successful European adventure this term.
"It's clear when you look at some of the other groups that
ours could have been easier," said the Reds' boss.
"Porto have good experience in the Champions League and have
enjoyed a good record over recent seasons. They will be
tough opposition for us.
"Marseille are a good side in the French league and they
will know a lot about us which could make it more difficult.
"And you always know when you go to Turkey that it will be
hard because of the travelling involved and the wonderful
support they give their teams over there.
"I am always confident we can qualify but as ever the key
will be winning the home games and picking up results away."
(LFC Official Website)
Reds face Porto, Marseille & Besiktas
Liverpool have been drawn in group A for the 2007-08
Champions League group stages, and will face FC Porto of
Portugal as their biggest test.
They will also face French side Marseille and Turkish side
Besiktas.
The match up with Marseille means there will be two familiar
names in opposition in the shape of former striker Djibril
Cisse and midfielder
Bolo Zenden.
The trip to Besiktas will mean a return to Istanbul, the
scene of Rafa Benitez’s finest hour in May 2005.
(This is Anfield)
Gerrard doubtful for Derby clash
Steven Gerrard is losing his battle to be fit to face Derby
County at Anfield this weekend.
The Liverpool skipper is still nursing the broken toe which
sidelined him against Toulouse in midweek.
"We'll train again this afternoon, but I spoke to Steven
again yesterday and the news was not very positive," said
Benitez.
"It will be very difficult for him to play on Saturday. The
doctor will continue to help him, but maybe it's too early
for this weekend."
Jamie Carragher will be absent as he recovers from a broken
rib but Andriy Voronin, who missed Tuesday's victory with a
thigh problem, should be available again.
"Voronin didn't have a big problem but we decided to be
careful against Toulouse," added the manager.
"We also have Fabio Aurelio and Harry Kewell improving all
the time and we hope to have them back in the squad soon."
(LFC Official Website)
Ujfalusi snubs Liverpool
Tomas Ujfalusi's agent Pavel Paska has claimed that
Liverpool made an enquiry about the availability of the
Fiorentina defender.
The Czech Republic international has 12 months remaining on
his present deal and was linked with a move to Sevilla
earlier this summer.
With Jamie Carragher currently out injured after sustaining
a broken rib, Paska explained that Rafa Benitez was keen to
secure the player as defensive cover.
However Ujfalusi is only keen on a move to Spain and has
reportedly turned down the enquiry.
"Liverpool have a problem as Jamie Carragher has picked up a
serious injury," Paska told Sport.
"Manager Rafael Benitez together with the club director
Ricky Parry have therefore asked me if I could address the
offer to Tomas.
"Tomas has consulted it with his family and told me that he
was happy with life in Italy and that the only country he
would move to is Spain.
"I have to respect his decision, nevertheless it has
surprised me a lot. Liverpool never give this offer twice to
one player."
(Sky Sports)
Liverpool contact Juventus for defender Boumsong
Juventus defender Jean Alain Boumsong is attracting interest
from Liverpool.
(tribalfooball.com)
Kewell left out of Australia squad
Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka have both been left out of the
Australia squad to face Argentina in Melbourne next month.
Liverpool midfielder Kewell and veteran Newcastle striker
Viduka will remain with their respective clubs though six
other British-based players have been called up for the
Socceroos.
(LIverpool Echo)
Rhys Joness parents praise amazing Anfield night
Rhys Jones’s parents said Liverpool had done the city proud
after rival football fans put their differences behind them
in memory of
the 11-year-old.
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard today joined the appeal to
catch the schoolboy’s killer, after an emotional European
night at Anfield
on Tuesday.
Right up until they left the house, Mrs Jones said she was
hesitant about stepping out before 40,000 Reds.
Mr Jones said: “We were picked up by our police family
liaison officer and, as we were driving to the ground, we
were given a few looks.
“But when we got out of the car, we were given a massive
round of applause by everyone. It knocked us back. It was
just the most amazing thing.
“When we got to pitchside, the noise was deafening. We
couldn’t even hear Z Cars being played but my brother
assured me it was.
“Then afterwards we met David Moores and Rick Parry and I
just told them their fans had done Liverpool - the city and
the club - proud. It really was so moving for us.
“Both Rafa and his wife, as well as Steven Gerrard, came and
gave us their condolences.
“These people didn’t have to go out of their way to talk to
us, but they did. They were just as fantastic as the fans.”
(Liverpool Echo)
Reds striker joins Palace
Crystal Palace have agreed a deal with Liverpool to sign
teenage striker Besian Idrizaj on a season-long loan deal.
The 19-year-old Austrian joined the Reds two years ago from
Linzer ASK but has yet to make a first-team appearance for
the Premier League club.
Idrizaj was loaned out to Luton Town last season and scored
one goal in seven Championship appearances.
The former Austrian young player of the year has joined the
Eagles in time to make the squad for Saturday's south London
derby with Charlton Athletic.
(Football 365)
Reina devastated over Puerta death
Pepe Reina has spoken of his devastation after learning
Sevilla defender and close friend Antonio Puerta had died.
The 22-year-old collapsed during the first half of his
side's victory over Getafe at the weekend and passed away in
hospital three days later.
Reina had become good friends with Puerta since the
youngster made his international debut in October last year,
and he admits the news of his death affected him during
Liverpool's clash with Toulouse on Tuesday night.
"I played with him in the national team, he was one of my
team-mates and all I can say is that my thoughts are with
his family at such a bad moment," he said.
"His wife was eight months pregnant and he was only 22.
Apparently he was healthy, but these things don't give you a
call.
"It is such a pity and is the worst day in my footballing
life to know that someone who I was quite close to has left
us.
"It makes you realise that being healthy, seeing your family
and children, are the most important things in life.
"It was hard to play in the match after hearing the news. I
heard in the afternoon and it was just unbelievable."
(LFC Official Website) |
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WEDNESDAY 29 |
Hat-trick hero Lindfield seals Reds win
Craig Lindfield hit a hat-trick as Liverpool Reserves
rounded off their tour of Scandinavia with a 4-0 win over
Swedish side Karlstad.
Dutch striker Jordy Brouwer scored the Reds other goal but
it was Lindfield who caught the eye with his treble and an
impressive all-round performance.
The reserves start their season with a trip to Middlesbrough
next Tuesday (September 4th) at the Riverside Stadium and
boss Gary Ablett was pleased to end the pre-season programme
with a win.
"The whole trip was very worthwhile and we scored nine goals
in two games and could have got a lot more," Ablett told
Liverpoolfc.tv.
"I was pleased for Craig to score his hat-trick and that
will give him a lot of confidence going into the new
season."
(LFC Official Website)
Kuyt: I wanted more
Dirk Kuyt insists he wasn't completely happy come the
final whistle against Toulouse despite opening his tally for
the season with a brace.
Ever the perfectionist, Kuyt felt he could have scored a
couple more during the 4-0 win.
"I think I had enough chances to score maybe four goals, so
I wasn't happy with that," said the striker, who last week
opened his international account for the season in a
friendly against Switzerland.
"In the end I am happy I scored twice, but I still have to
do better."
Kuyt now has 16 goals in 51 Liverpool appearances.
(LFC Official Website)
Hyypia pleased with performance
Sami Hyypia was pleased with the Reds' performance last
night.
Hyypia, who captained Liverpool in the absence of Steven
Gerrard and Jamie Carragher last night, was pleased with the
way the Reds went about beating Toulouse.
"We did a good, professional job and we managed to get a few
goals," said the Finn.
"We decided beforehand to go for the game quickly and try to
get that early goal, and thankfully it came. I think we
could have even scored a few more, especially first half,
but we are happy to be in the group stages.
"We played with a high tempo, moved the ball around well and
showed a good attitude."
(LFC Online)
Euro draw on Thursday night
Liverpool will discover their three Champions League
group opponents when the draw takes place on Thursday
evening.
The Reds confirmed their place among the 32 teams with a
comprehensive 5-0 aggregate victory over Toulouse in the
third
qualifying round.
Liverpool's coefficient ranking in the Champions League will
ensure they are seeded for the draw, meaning they won't be
grouped with any of the other top teams in the competition
at this stage.
The ceremony is due to get underway at 5pm in Monte Carlo on
Thursday evening.
(LFC Official Website) |
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TUESDAY 28 |
Crouch: Rotation is real challenge
Peter Crouch admitted manager Rafael Benitez faces a
"difficult" challenge keeping his squad happy after
Liverpool beat Toulouse 4-0.
Crouch opened the scoring in the Reds' Champions League
qualifying win at Anfield on Tuesday night.
Benitez faces a host of selection dilemmas after
strengthening his squad in the summer and Crouch is not the
only one who has found it hard to retain a starting place.
And with goals also coming from Dirk Kuyt (two) and Sami
Hyypia, Benitez's decisions will not be any easier at the
weekend when Liverpool face Derby.
Crouch told ITV1: "It's going to get difficult but as long
as I get as many games as I'd like it's okay."
(TEAMtalk)
Rafa delighted as Reds reach group stage
Rafael Benitez paid tribute to the quality of his squad
after seeing a much changed Liverpool line-up reach the
group stages of the Champions League after a 4-0 win against
Toulouse on Tuesday night.
"We scored four good goals and could have scored a lot more.
We now have two players for each position and everyone can
see our squad is a lot stronger than it was before."
(LFC Official Website)
Liverpool fans pay tribute to murdered Rhys
The family of Everton-mad youngster Rhys Jones were tonight
given a standing ovation by thousands of football fans at
Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez walked along the touchline
to hug Rhys’ mother Melanie, 41, and shake the hand of
father Stephen, 41, and their eldest son Owen, 17.
The 11-year-old’s family were wearing the blue colours of
local rivals Everton FC in amongst a sea of red but football
loyalties were set aside in place of grief.
The crowd at Liverpool’s Champions League qualifier against
Toulouse heard the Everton theme tune Z-Cars - “Johnny Todd”
- as the players arrived on the pitch.
Messages were broadcast over the tannoy several times ahead
of the match appealing to witnesses to the shooting in
Croxteth last week.
The crowd were told: “Last week 11-year-old Rhys Jones was
brutally shot and murdered.
“Rhys loved his football and his club.
“We are playing Z-Cars to show our respect and remembrance
for Rhys and his family and to demonstrate that football
fans everywhere are united in sadness.”
(Liverpool Echo)
Reds cruise to win over Toulouse
Liverpool eased themselves into the Champions League group
stages with a 4-0 home win over Toulouse, putting the Reds
through 5-0 on aggregate.
On the 800th anniversary of the city the Reds claimed their
50th home European Cup win - plus £12million into the
bargain - and it was
never easier.
Without Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, they still
outplayed an uninspired French side to reach the last 32 of
the competition.
Liverpool shuffled their pack again and still produced a
side that played fluent, quick-passing football that
Toulouse never matched.
Peter Crouch, left out of the last two matches, returned to
score after just 19 minutes and captain for the night Sami
Hyypia made light of a broken nose to head home the second
just after the break.
Dirk Kuyt gained his reward with the third after 87 minutes,
drilling a shot in off the far post, and he added a fourth
in injury time.
Hyypia captained the side as Javier Mascherano and Mohamed
Sissoko were paired in central midfield with Argentinian
winger Sebastian Leto making his debut on the left.
Crouch and Yossi Benayoun also both returned to the starting
line-up to good effect.
(TEAMtalk)
Leto set for debut v Toulouse
Sebastian Leto will be handed his Reds debut in tonight's
Champions League qualifier against Toulouse.
The Argentine, who celebrates his 21st birthday next week,
starts on the left side of midfield, while Yossi Benayoun
patrols the right on his home debut.
Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva could also make his debut
after being named on the bench.
The Reds line-up in full is: Reina, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Agger,
Riise, Benayoun, Leto, Sissoko, Mascherano, Crouch, Kuyt.
Subs: Itandje, Finnan, Torres, Alonso, Pennant, Babel,
Lucas.
(LFC Official Website)
Rafa reassures Reds ace Crouch
Rafael Benitez has reassured striker Peter Crouch he is
integral to his plans for Liverpool this season - and will
play 'around 35 games'.
Crouch's only Premier League outing this term was a late
substitute appearance against Chelsea, and he was not even
on the bench for the wins at Aston Villa and Sunderland.
The England beanpole is likely to start Tuesday's Champions
League qualifier with Toulouse, but has expressed concerns
about his
first-team place.
Former club Portsmouth have been linked with a £9million
bid, but Benitez has suggested Crouch will still play 35
games for Liverpool this season.
"You know my idea and that is to use all the players I
have," said Benitez.
"If they are training well - and Crouch has been training
well - then you can use them.
"One striker is not better than the others because they are
all different.
"In a top side, if you want to fight for every trophy, you
need quality. Sometimes it's not easy, but we will have
injuries and problems, so they will all play a lot of games.
(TEAMtalk)
Gerrard may be doubt for England
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admits Steven Gerrard is not
certain to play in England's crucial September Euro 2008
clashes with Israel and Russia.
Gerrard will miss Liverpool's Champions League qualifier
against Toulouse on Tuesday after breaking his toe.
And Benitez is not sure he will be fit to face Derby at
Anfield on Saturday.
He said: "We will have to see about England. It is too soon
yet, it will depend on what England's medical people and our
own medical staff feel."
England coach Steve McClaren is almost certain to name
Gerrard in his squad for the games at Wembley on 8 September
and 12 September - but Liverpool will not want their captain
risking long-term injury if he is not 100%
Benitez added: "I would hope Steven will be a possibility to
play against Derby, but I am not sure, it is up to the
doctors."
(BBC Sport Online)
Thor Zakariassen
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