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SUNDAY 31 |
Big Sam aims for third time lucky
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is hoping it is third time
lucky at Anfield on New Year's Day, claiming Liverpool have
had the rub of the green on their own patch the last two
years.
Goals from Robbie Fowler and Igor Biscan gave Rafael
Benitez's side home victories in successive seasons.
Bolton, however, are in a rich vein of form and aiming for a
sixth straight victory.
Allardyce stated: "I'm not saying that we are going to win
but I'd like to come away without being beaten.
"That would be the icing and the cherry on top of the cake
for us."
(PA Sport)
Bellamy to recover
Craig Bellamy is likely to be fit in time for tomorrow's
game with Bolton.
Bellamy was subsituted just five minutes into the second
half of yesterday's win over Spurs with a hamstring problem
but Rafael Benitez said his withdrawal was a precautionary
measure.
"I'm not sure yet if Craig Bellamy will play on Monday, he
felt his hamstring and I took him off as a precaution," he
said.
(LFC Online)
Dubai investors want Becks in Red
Liverpool's prospective owners are reportedly eyeing a shock
move for former Manchester United star David Beckham.
The Sunday People claims Dubai International Capital (DIC)
are close to completing their takeover of the club and are
angered by suggestions that they will use the club as a
short-term, money making exercise.
The new owners, led by Sheikh Maktoum, see a move for Real
Madrid's ex-United midfielder Beckham as the perfect way to
reassure Reds supporters.
(TEAMtalk)
Praise for Garcia
Rafael Benitez praised matchwinner Luis Garcia yesterday.
Luis Garcia's goal in first half injury time yesterday was
enough to give Liverpool a 1-0 win over Spurs at White Hart
Lane. After the game the Reds' boss praised
the goalscorer.
"We know what Luis is capable of. The way he plays means he
will have some good moments and some bad ones but the goal
he scored here was important for us and came at a good time
just before half time," said Rafa Benitez.
"It's always an important time to score because if we had
gone in level then Tottenham may have had an advantage in
the second half.
"Luis is a player with a lot of quality who can change games
and he did it for us again. I think we deserved the win
because we were in control for parts of the game and
defended really well when we had to."
(LFC Online)
Rafa ready for Bolton test
Rafael Benitez has admitted there's no time for his players
to dwell on Saturday's excellent win at Tottenham with
Bolton set to visit Anfield in just 24 hours time.
Luis Garcia secured the victory for Liverpool at White Hart
Lane but Benitez has already turned his attentions towards
tomorrow's game when the Reds will take on third placed
Bolton.
"You know my idea," said Benitez, "it's impossible for the
players to be physically fit when you are playing Saturday
and then Monday.
"We have no time to prepare the game but the players will be
as ready as they can be for what we know is going to be a
difficult match."
(LFC Official Website) |
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SATURDAY 30 |
Rafa hails Reds after battling win
Rafael Benitez has praised the battling qualities of his
side after watching them secure an excellent 1-0 victory
over Spurs.
Luis Garcia's goal in first half stoppage time was enough to
see the Reds clinch their third away victory of the season
as they bounced back from their Boxing Day disappointment at
Blackburn.
"I thought it was a fantastic team performance," said the
Reds' manager. "When you lose a game like we did at
Blackburn then you want to see character from your players
and we had that today.
"We played well in the first half and scored at a very good
time, just before the break. In the second period Tottenham
played more long balls and put us under pressure, but the
work rate of the side was first class."
(LFC Official Website)
Jol down at defeat
Tottenham chief Martin Jol felt his side were unlucky not to
get anything from their game with Liverpool.
"I think we did (deserve something)," said Jol. "In the
second half we took all the initiative and although we
needed one or two substitutions I can recall four or five
situations where we could have scored.
"I think we deserved at least a point in this game, but it
was not to be."
(Sky Sports)
Garcia goal ends Spurs' home run
Luis Garcia scored on the stroke of half-time to earn
Liverpool a 1-0 victory and bring Tottenham's long run of
home success to a halt.
Spurs had won their previous 12 games at White Hart Lane but
were undone in first-half stoppage time when Liverpool took
advantage of poor defending.
Liverpool have been poor on the road this season - this was
just their third away win in the Premiership - but they
looked comfortable until the hosts started chasing the game.
Reds defender Steve Finnan hit his own crossbar, but
goalkeeper Jose Reina was largely untroubled until late on
when he beat a Jermain Defoe drive away.
Defeat dented Spurs' hope of breaking into the top six,
while Liverpool's victory gives them an ideal platform for
being in the Champions League places during the second half
of the season.
(TEAMtalk)
Reds team to face Spurs - three changes
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has made three changes to his
side for today's visit to White Hart Lane to face Spurs.
Fabio Aurelio gets a run-out in place of Mark Gonzalez and
Dirk Kuyt returns to the side in place of Crouch. Luis
Garcia also gets to start - Sami Hyypia not even getting
into the 16 for the day.
Interestingly enough Jerzy Dudek hasn't been given his usual
place on the bench, whether that's for medical reasons or
because he's gone off somewhere to discuss a transfer
remains to be seen. David Martin takes his place.
Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Agger, Carragher, Riise, Garcia,
Alonso, Gerrard, Aurelio,
Kuyt, Bellamy
Subs: Martin, Gonzalez, Crouch, Pennant, Paletta
(Anfield Road.com)
Rafa praises captain
Rafael Benitez has praised Steven Gerrard M.B.E.
Rafa Benitez praised Gerrard after the Liverpool skipper was
awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.
"This is a good reward for Steve because he's a nice boy, a
good professional and the captain of this club," said the
Liverpool boss.
"Everyone must be very proud of him, but I would also say
this is an award for the club, the supporters, his
team-mates and his coaches.
"In football you can never recognise just one player. Steven
has been at this club for years and has worked with many
coaches at the Academy and Melwood and all through that time
he has had the supporters behind him.
"You cannot play at your level all the time if you don't
have people backing you."
(LFC Online)
Gerrard delighted with MBE honour
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has expressed his delight
after being awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List.
"I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive this
recognition for playing a game I've loved all my life,"
Gerrard said.
(TEAMtalk) |
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FRIDAY 29 |
Jol expects to see Kuyt flying soon
Tottenham manager Martin Jol expects Liverpool fans to see
the best of Dirk Kuyt in 2007 now his compatriot has started
to settle in the Barclays Premiership.
Kuyt, 26, arrived at Anfield in the summer from Feyenoord -
a year after he was linked with a move to Spurs - but has
only six goals to his name so far this season.
Jol believes Holland striker Kuyt, like all foreign layers,
take a few months to settle before fully adjusting to
English football.
It is a situation Jol found himself in with Dimitar
Berbatov, the Bulgaria striker who suffered a slow start to
his career with Spurs but has now hit double figures.
Berbatov's partnership with Jermain Defoe has helped Spurs
reach seventh in the table and they could go level on points
with sixth-placed Liverpool with a win against Kuyt's side
on Saturday at White Hart Lane.
"When I think of Liverpool I think of Dirk Kuyt as well,"
said Dutchman Jol.
"They have the same as we have with all these options up
front, Dirk is probably
like Berbatov.
"Berbatov has shown everyone he is a good buy but Dirk Kuyt
has shown that too, and it is not easy when you come over to
England."
(PA Sport)
Rovers post Neill bulletin
Mark Hughes has reiterated his stance on Lucas Neill - the
player will only be allowed to leave Blackburn in January if
the terms of the deal are beneficial to Rovers.
Neill's future has been the subject of intense scrutiny ever
since he rejected Blackburn's offer of a new contract.
The Australia international has just six months left on his
existing deal and long-term suitors Liverpool could make an
offer for Neill when the transfer window reopens next month.
But Hughes is keeping an open mind, he told Sky Sports News:
"Obviously the situation with Lucas Neill has been well
documented.
"Lucas may go if we can do a deal that will allow Blackburn
to remain strong - then there is a possibility he will go.
"If it is not right for us, he will stay and play as well as
he did against Liverpool and other clubs this year.
"Things change very quickly in football - who is to say
Lucas won't still be here in the summer and if that
situation arises, I will be doing my best to convince him to
stay."
(Sky Sports)
Several doubts for Liverpool clash
Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Dawson joined Aaron Lennon and
Mido as doubtful for the visit of Liverpool to White Hart
Lane this weekend.
Spurs boss Martin Jol reported after training today:
"Dimitar has been feeling a bit ill while Michael Dawson was
suffering with a knock but has trained and looked fine."
There was more encouraging news about Jermaine Jenas and
Robbie Keane, but both players are ruled out along with Paul
Stalteri and Teemu Tainio.
"Jermaine Jenas ran yesterday and Robbie Keane has
progressed well," added Jol.
(TottenhamHotspur-mad.co.uk)
Rafa: We're not interested in David Villa
Rafael Benitez has today quashed speculation that Liverpool
are planning a transfer swoop for Valencia striker David
Villa.
It has been reported this week that Benitez will try to land
the Spanish striker during the January transfer window, and
that he'll allow Peter Crouch to leave the club to generate
the necessary transfer funds.
But the Liverpool manager has today insisted both stories
are untrue and has declared he has no interest in bringing
Villa to Anfield.
He said: "I have seen the stories in the press saying that
we need to sell Crouch to raise the money to sign Villa. I
can tell you now we are not interested in Villa.
"I think he is a fantastic player but at this moment we are
not thinking about signing him and that means we are not
thinking about selling Crouch."
(LFC Official Website)
Bellamy gets the all-clear
Craig Bellamy has been passed fit to face
Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
The Welsh striker suffered an eye injury in the 1-0 defeat
at Blackburn, but will be available for the trip to White
Hart Lane.
(LFC Online)
Gerrard's my 'greatest test
Tom Huddlestone believes facing Liverpool this weekend will
be the biggest challenge of his fledgling career.
The 20-year-old has established himself in the Tottenham
midfield this season and is beginning to fulfil the promise
shown at Derby.
Huddlestone has started 14 of Spurs' last 19 games after
featuring just four times last term.
But he has admitted the challenge of facing Steven Gerrard
will be his greatest test
so far.
"It will be, if selected," he said. "I remember doing an
interview before the Victory Shield four or five years ago
and I said then that he was one of the best around and that
still stands, he's gone from strength to strength."
(Liverpool Echo)
Roeder coy over Crouch talk
Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder has played down his chances
of landing England striker Peter Crouch in the January
transfer window.
Reports today suggested the Magpies are ready to launch a
£12million bid for the 6ft 7in Liverpool forward and
although Roeder has an interest in Crouch he played down the
speculation.
He said: "Someone knows more than I do. As far as I am
concerned, there has not been a deal even spoken about.
"Secondly, I really hate managers talking about other
managers' players.
"Peter Crouch is a Liverpool player and I do not think
Rafael Benitez would appreciate me talking about Peter
Crouch when he is not a Newcastle player.
"At this moment in time, it is pure speculation and I would
be surprised if he ended up becoming a Newcastle player."
(Daily Mail)
Atletico coy on Xabi reports
Atletico Madrid have refused to comment on
reports linking them with Xabi Alonso, although the
Liverpool midfielder insists he is paying no attention to
the speculation.
Atletico, under the stewardship of Mexican coach Javier
Aguirre, are enjoying a fine campaign and currently sit
fourth in La Primera.
Atletico have refused to comment on the report, with a club
spokesman stating: "The club never respond to news that
appears in the press."
However, any move for Alonso would seem unlikely to bear
fruit with the cultured midfielder a key player and hugely
popular figure at Anfield.
He has proved arguably Rafa Benitez's shrewdest signing and
insists he is focused on helping Liverpool to further
success this term.
"At this time a lot of rumours always appear in the papers,
but I am only thinking about staying at Liverpool to help
the team have a good season," Alonso declared.
(Sky Sports)
Reds ready for crucial double-header
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has conceded his side's next
two matches could prove crucial to their chances of
reclaiming a place in the Champions League.
Benitez's men travel to Tottenham on Saturday before a New
Year's Day meeting with Bolton, who moved ahead after the
Reds slipped up in a Tuesday defeat at Blackburn.
While Benitez insists he will not look at the table during
the hectic fixture programme, he acknowledged that victories
over two of his side's chief rivals were particularly
important.
Benitez said: "We know we now have to play Tottenham and
Bolton, who are in a league with us and very close together.
We know how important it will be to beat these teams and
stay in a good position."
(PA Sport) |
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THURSDAY 28 |
Agger do Reina
Daniel Agger insists the presence of fellow Spaniard Pepe
Reina is one of the reasons behind his own good form of
late.
The Danish defender, who was linked with a move away from
Anfield in January, has impressed in Liverpool's recent good
run, which has seen them concede only once in eight league
matches.
A record that, according to Agger, is due to the current
form and influence of the Spanish stopper.
The Dane told the club's website: "If you've got a good
goalkeeper behind you, you can play with more confidence.
"If you have someone shouting things, you can be more
confident. He shouts the right things.
"With his feet he is brilliant. His passes are amazing. You
feel comfortable when you play with him," he said.
(Sky Sports)
Liverpool next up as Defoe hits goal trail
Jermain Defoe is full of confidence following a run in the
starting XI and wants score the goals to end Tottenham's
search for a trophy.
The 24-year-old has scored 11 in his last 10 starts and
feels he is getting a rhythm to his game now after Spurs
manager Martin Jol rotated his strikers earlier in the
season.
Robbie Keane is out for at least another two weeks with his
knee injury and Mido is having trouble with a groin
complaint, so Defoe is set to continue his blossoming
partnership with Dimitar Berbatov against Liverpool at the
weekend.
(Daily Post)
Paletta may help Spanish strugglers
Argentinian defender Gabriel Paletta could be sent on loan
to Spain for the remainder of the season - with Salif Diao
possibly joining the youngster in La Liga.
Struggling Gimnastic are keen for reinforcements as they
fight relegation.
They are currently bottom of the table in Spain.
However, it's understood they are preparing an approach to
Liverpool for the services of teenager Paletta, in the hope
manager Rafa Benitez will be willing to give his stopper
some first team experience.
The centre-half has been limited mainly to Carling Cup
appearances since his £2m arrival last summer, but is seen
as a player of rich potential.
With the defensive positions well catered for, Benitez may
be tempted to allow the South American to go on loan for six
months.
Liverpool would certainly be keen for Diao to make the
switch. The African is currently at Stoke, but his loan
spell ends on January 1.
Benitez won't want Diao back at Melwood, so any offer from
La Liga would be welcome.
(Liverpool Echo)
Investors deny Kop out talk
The investment company behind the proposed takeover of
Liverpool have claimed there is no way they would plot the
sale of an asset they do not yet own.
Dubai International Capital felt the need to respond to a
newspaper report on Wednesday which suggested they hope to
sell the club in 2014.
But a DIC source on Wednesday night assured Liverpool fans
they would view the takeover as more than just a business
deal and promised manager Rafael Benitez cash to rebuild the
Reds squad.
They said: "What DIC is doing is planning to make sure that,
if a deal is done, Liverpool has the best possible funding
in place going forward under DIC stewardship."
(PA Sport)
Rafa fires warning to Reds strikers
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has told his strikers to start
making the most of their chances against Tottenham on
Saturday.
Peter Crouch was guilty of the most glaring misses against
Blackburn at Ewood Park on Boxing Day before he was replaced
by Dirk Kuyt, while Xabi Alonso and Craig Bellamy were also
denied by goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
"We have to analyse why we didn't score and why we didn't
create more chances in the second half. We must look to the
next game against Tottenham and take our chances there,"
said the Spaniard.
(TEAMtalk)
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Thor Zakariassen
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