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MONDAY 31 |
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Rafa planning around Stevie
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is shaping his Reds side
around England international Steven Gerrard and not thinking
about a future without him.
The midfielder was again linked with a move to Chelsea in
the media on Monday, despite weekend remarks from Liverpool
stating he is going nowhere.
Benitez feels that someone is trying to unsettle the
24-year-old, but the Merseyside outfit are committed to the
star and want him to stay.
The Spanish tactician believes the club are moving in the
right direction and hopes the side's ambition is high enough
to retain Gerrard.
"We know that some people want to perhaps disturb the
player," said Benitez to Sky Sports News.
"He is concentrating on this club and the team and he wants
to win. Rick Parry says we want to build a strong team
around him.
"I talk with him everyday and I say we'll build a team
around him and not without him.
"He knows we are working hard to improve the level, we have
signed [Xavi] Alonso and [Fernando] Morientes and we have
[Djibril] Cisse and [Milan] Baros.
"A lot of good players means that we have a strong team for
him and for the supporters."
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Murphy fit for Charlton
Charlton manager Alan Curbishley has a fully-fit squad to
choose from ahead of tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership clash
with Liverpool at The Valley.
Midfielder Danny Murphy had picked up a dead leg against
Yeovil on Saturday but took part in training today and will
face his former club.
(BreakingNews.ie)
Trio pushing for first team squad recall
Anthony Le Tallec, Vladimir Smicer and Harry Kewell could
make welcome returns to the Liverpool squad for Tuesday
night's testing FA Barclays Premiership clash against
Charlton Athletic.
Benitez also confirmed that Sami Hyypia will definitely
return after missing the Carling Cup tie against Watford
with a hip injury, but Josemi is still not fit and won't
travel.
(LFC Official Website)
Cheyrou does l'OM U-turn
Bruno Cheyrou has confirmed that he was seeking a return to
Liverpool, but is now happy to stay out on loan at
Marseille.
Cheyrou is on a season-long loan with l'OM, but confesses
his thoughts had turned to an Anfield return.
Liverpool have insisted that they are not looking to bring
the midfielder back home, and Cheyrou has now decided that
staying put is the best bet.
The player has not yet managed to make a first team place at
Marseille his own, but a starting berth in the game against
Toulouse has galvanised his decision.
"Before the match I was keen to leave," confirmed Cheyrou.
"But now I have made my decision: I will remain with l'OM
until the end of the season."
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Hamann misses Charlton trip
Liverpool will be without suspended Dietmar Hamann for
Tuesday's Premiership trip to Charlton.
Igor Biscan may therefore start in a central midfield role
alongside Steven Gerrard - which is likely to be the only
change from the side that beat Watford last week to reach
the Carling Cup final.
Spanish winger Antonio Nunez is still suspended - while
Vladimir Smicer is not yet ready to return after his knee
operation.
Liverpool (from): Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Pellegrino,
Traore, Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Biscan, Riise, Morientes,
Baros, Carson, Hyypia, Warnock, Potter,
Raven, Le Tallec, Mellor.
(TEAMtalk)
Le Tallec to wear 13
Anthony Le Tallec has been given the number 13 shirt
following his return to Anfield after cutting short a loan
spell at St Etienne.
Le Tallec's squad number of last season was 20 but that is
now worn by goalkeeper Scott Carson.
The French Under-21 international has taken Danny Murphy's
old squad number 13.
(LFC Official Website) |
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SUNDAY 30 |
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Agent claims Liverpool interest in defender
The agent of Monaco defender Patrice Evra has revealed that
Liverpool have made inquiries regarding the availability of
his client.
Monaco boss Didier Deschamps has made Evra available for
transfer for around £2million and it is claimed that Rafael
Benitez would like to bring in the left-back and then move
on Djimi Traore in the summer.
Evra, who started his career as a striker, is a speedy,
attack-minded defender and is one of the most exciting
defensive prospects in France. He has been tipped to become
the next Bixente Lizarazu. The 23-year-old was born in
Dakar, Senegal but moved to France when he was just
3-years-old.
Asked if Liverpool were making attempts to sign him, agent
Frederico Pastorello would only say: "I can confirm their
interest."
(Kop Talk)
Reds reject Gerrard Chelsea link
Liverpool have rejected a report claiming chief executive
Rick Parry has agreed a deal with Chelsea for the sale of
Steven Gerrard in the summer.
The Sunday newspaper report suggested Parry had met with
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon last week to agree a
deal in principle for the sale of the England midfielder.
But Parry insists no such meeting took place and that both
he and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez are determined to do
all they keen to keep Reds skipper Gerrard at Anfield.
Parry told the club's website www.liverpoolfc.tv: "I did not
meet with Peter Kenyon nor did I agree a deal for Steven
Gerrard.
"Both Rafa Benitez and myself have made it clear to Steven
that we want him to stay and that we see his future at
Anfield."
(Sporting Life)
L4 confirm Liverpool talks ongoing
The L4 consortium have confirmed that they are still in
talks with the club regarding a possible take-over but won't
comment further as to the current state of play.
L4's Mike Jefferies was cornered by a journalist from the
Sunday Mirror but he would only say: "Yes, I am still in the
running to do business with Liverpool, but that's all I can
say."
The L4 consortium consists of Jefferies, fellow Red Stuart
Ford and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish plus other
inspirational figures and organisations.
(Kop Talk)
Happy Valley for Murphy
Danny Murphy claims he has finally adjusted to life away
from Liverpool and is enjoying his spell at Charlton.
England midfielder Murphy admits he was left in a state of
shock when Reds boss Rafa Benitez opted to move him on in
the summer.
Murphy says it took him some time to adjust to life away
from Merseyside, but claims he is now enjoying his football
at The Valley.
(Planet Football/Sky Sports) |
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SATURDAY 29 |
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Le Tallec and Smicer return to action
Anthony Le Tallec and Vladimir Smicer both made comebacks
for Liverpool at Villa Park but it was a day to forget for
the Reds who lost 4-0 at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
The scoreline was perhaps a touch harsh as Liverpool played
well in the first half but the pace of the two front
players, brothers Luke and Stefan Moore was too much for the
Reds defence to handle and Zak Whitbread and Danny O'Donnell
had a very tough time.
Goalkeeper Scott Carson can not be faulted with any of the
goals and in fairness to our recent signing he kept the
scoreline down to 4-0 and had a brilliant match.
On the plus side Le Tallec was back after cutting short a
loan spell with St Etienne and showing a good attitude to
come back and help the Liverpool squad. The talented French
Under-21 international has also got rid of the blonde rinse
hairstyle. He played the full 90 minutes and worked hard for
little reward. Le Tallec played as a lone striker which is
not his best position but he showed a good attitude.
Vladimir Smicer appeared after an hour to play just behind
Le Tallec in a central role and nearly scored a great goal
after coming off the bench, but was denied by a fine save
from Villa keeper Stefan Postma. He was understandably way
short of fitness but this is a step forward in the right
direction for Smicer.
To keep in line with Liverpool's season so far the Reds
suffered yet another injury blow before the game with top
scorer Neil Mellor ruled out with a knee injury so Darren
Potter played just off the lone striker Le Tallec with
captain John Welsh and David Mannix in central midfield. Jon
Otsemobor played right wing with David Raven at right back.
With Florent Sinama-Pongolle ruled out for the rest of the
season and Fernando Morientes not eligible for the Champions
League Liverpool will be hoping that Mellor doesn't require
an operation that would rule him out for the rest of the
campaign.
Liverpool Reserves: Carson, Raven, Warnock (J Smith 45),
O'Donnell, Whitbread, Potter, Otsemobor, Welsh, Le Tallec,
Mannix (Smicer 60), Smyth (Foy 73).
Subs unused: Luzi, Wilkie.
(LFC Official Website)
Gerrard hints at summer exit
Steven Gerrard will consider his Liverpool future in the
summer after admitting he was flattered by the attention of
Europe's elite clubs.
"I'm not really thinking about my future at the moment," he
said on BBC1.
"I'll sit down at the end of the season and assess my
future."
(Sporting Life)
Evans enjoying regular Anfield returns
Former Liverpool boss Roy Evans has today spoken of his new
found enjoyment of returning to watch games at Anfield.
Following the doomed managerial partnership with Gerard
Houllier, Evans stayed away from the club most weeks of the
year for fear of being labelled a 'ghost on the wall'.
But, with Houllier now gone and a new manager in place,
Evans admits he's loving being back at Anfield on a regular
basis to watch the Reds in action.
"I've done a little bit at Anfield for radio and
television," he said. "I said I would never go back and be a
ghost on the wall. I did go back occasionally when Gerard
was there, but I didn't want to be there every week ?
judging him if you like.
"Now the new man has come in and more time has passed I feel
I can go back and enjoy it a bit more and I do.
"I've enjoyed watching some of the football this season.
I've been to four or five games and I've enjoyed it. It's
been good positive stuff apart from the last week. Everyone
wants to be critical but you have to put it into
perspective. I have enjoyed what
I've seen so far."
(LFC Official Website)
Liverpool player in serious road accident
Liverpool defender Steve Finnan has been involved in a road
traffic accident which has left a pensioner with serious
head, face and leg injuries.
It is claimed that Finnan was driving his black Range Rover
4x4 in Tuebrook, Liverpool when he struck down an
81-year-old gentleman who was subsequently rushed to Royal
Liverpool University Hospital. His injuries are said to be
"serious but not life-threatening".
Merseyside police have refused to name the driver of the 4x4
but a spokesman did say: "He (the driver) was not arrested
and is not suspected of any offence at this stage of the
investigation."
Finnan is said to have provided the police with a statement
and their
nquiries are ongoing.
(Kop Talk)
Baros rejects move rumours
Milan Baros has rejected rumours that he could be set for a
move to Fiorentina.
The Liverpool striker has been linked with a move to the
Serie A club with the player's agent claiming the club had
contacted him about the Czech Republic international.
The Viola are believed to have wanted to sign Baros on loan
for the remainder of the season.
However, Baros has refuted the rumours and insists he has no
plans to quit Anfield.
"I have not been contacted by anyone about a move," said
Baros.
"Liverpool are still in three competitions and all I think
about is making sure we do our best for the team."
(Planet Football/Sky Sports) |
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FRIDAY 28 |
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Henchoz completes Celtic switch
Celtic have signed defender Stephane Henchoz from Liverpool
until the end of the season.
The Swiss international had fallen out of favour at Anfield,
having played only three times this season under new manager
Rafa Benitez.
The 30-year-old gives Martin O'Neill experienced cover in
central defence, with doubts over Bobo Balde's future at the
club.
Henchoz was part of the Liverpool side that won three
trophies in 2001.
(BBC Sport Online)
Double boost for Reds
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has revealed that Vladimir
Smicer and Josemi should figure for the reserves at the
weekend.
Both players are close to a first team return following
their injury problems but the club hope to build up their
fitness levels first with a run out for the second string.
"Smicer will play for the reserves on Saturday," said Rafa.
"Josemi should be involved too. I'm not sure if they will be
in the squad for Tuesday, but they are getting closer."
(Kop Talk)
Vignal vows to stay
On-loan Rangers defender Gregory Vignal has revealed he will
stay at Ibrox until the end of the season at least.
Vignal, who is on a season-long loan from Liverpool, has
been linked with a possible move to Marseille.
The full back has rejected Rangers' first offer of a
permanent deal at Ibrox as he keeps his options open.
Vignal is likely to leave Liverpool as he does not figure in
Rafa Benitez's plans, but the Frenchman admits he is
unlikely to move anywhere permanently until the summer.
"I won't move during winter transfer window. I want to
terminate the season here, it is wiser," Vignal told French
magazine But.
"Leaving would be illogical.
"Rangers didn't make me a new contract offer so far, but
they want to keep me."
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Benitez backed by Dudek
Jerzy Dudek believes Liverpool have already shown they are
making progress under manager Rafael Benitez, despite their
recent struggles.
The Polish goalkeeper said: "When you lose games, you have
to accept people will say things because the club is used to
being in the finals.
"Liverpool has a great history of winning things so there is
a demand to win trophies. When that doesn't happen, you
expect to be criticised.
"But everyone can see we have improved a lot tactically and
the manager needs more time to see the potential in his
team.
"Benitez has given a chance to every player in the squad and
he needs much longer than six months to build his own
squad."
(TEAMtalk)
Milan: Nando and I will get the goals
Milan Baros is confident his front line
partnership with Fernando Morientes will produce enough
goals to see the Reds climb the table over the remainder of
the season.
He said: "Already you can tell what an excellent player he
is going to be for Liverpool. Of course, you must already be
a special player to have won three Champions League medals
and everything else he has achieved in his career.
"I think he will prove to be an excellent signing for
Liverpool. He is strong, very strong on the ball so he will
be able to hold onto it in England but I have already been
impressed with the way he brings other people into the game.
Baros has also rejected speculation he could be on his way
out of Anfield to Italian outfit Fiorentina.
He added: "I have seen the speculation and I can tell you
there is no truth in this story. I have not been contacted
by anybody about a move away from Liverpool.
"I am a Liverpool player, I am happy here and I enjoy
playing for the fans. That is all that matters. We are still
in three competitions and all I think about is making sure
we do our best in them."
(LFC Official Website)
Flo back for start of next season
Liverpool expect young striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle to be
fit in time for the start of next season.
Pongolle is definitely sidelined for the remainder of this
campaign after suffering cruciate knee ligament damage
during the midweek clash at Watford.
He underwent keyhole surgery last night to assess the damage
to the knee, after which the Reds revealed they expect him
to return at the start of the next campaign.
Liverpool's Head of Press Ian Cotton told us: "Florent had
keyhole surgery yesterday and will undergo reconstructive
surgery in approximately two weeks time.
"We expect him to be fit for the start of next season."
(LFC Official Website)
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Thor Zakariassen
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