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FRIDAY 31 |
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Benitez hints at Kirkland exit
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has hinted that Chris Kirkland's
future may lie away from Anfield if he requires first team
football next season.
The Reds custodian, signed from Coventry for £6 million in
2001, is one of English football's most talented goalkeepers
but a string of injuries have inhibited his development over
the past five years.
A loan spell with West Brom that initially started full of
promise also turned sour as he lost his place to Tomasz
Kuszczak then suffered a broken finger that ruled him out of
the rest of the season and the World Cup.
With Spanish star Jose Reina, UEFA Champions League hero
Jerzy Dudek and England prospect Scott Carson all on the
books at Anfield, Benitez admits Kirkland will struggle to
get the regular football he craves next season.
"It is difficult because he is a good keeper, but with Pepe
Reina, Jerzy Dudek and Scott Carson here, playing will not
be easy for him," said Benitez.
"We have been playing well this season and keeping a lot of
clean sheets.
"We will talk with him and his agent to find a solution. He
needs to play games."
(Sky Sports)
Reds confident without Gerrard
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes his side can still
play well and win without their inspirational captain Steven
Gerrard.
The England midfielder is suspended for Saturday's Barclays
Premiership trip to West Brom after being sent off for two
yellow cards in last weekend's Merseyside derby.
However, Benitez claims that match - which Liverpool won 3-1
- proved there was more to the Reds than just Gerrard.
"The team proved we can play without Steve. He is a key
player who scores goals, but the team now has the confidence
to play without him," said the Spaniard.
(PA Sport)
Kamara doubt for Liverpool clash
Striker Diomansy Kamara is a major doubt for West
Brom's crucial Premiership tussle with Liverpool this
weekend.
The Senegal international is still being hampered by a
hamstring strain sustained in the 2-1 defeat against
Manchester United and could be forced to sit out a second
successive match after missing Monday's defeat at Tottenham.
Manager Bryan Robson has rated Kamara as 50/50 to face the
European champions but his preparation for Saturday's game
at The Hawthorns are boosted by the return to fitness of
Zoltan Gera.
The Hungarian had his first outing in over two months at
Tottenham earlier this week, after overcoming a troublesome
pelvic problem, and could feature again as Albion look to
edge closer to clinching Premiership safety.
(TEAMtalk)
We can catch United says Crouch
Peter Crouch believes Liverpool can overhaul
Manchester United and finish second in the table.
Liverpool are in a rich reign of form, having scored
eighteen times in their last four games and Peter Crouch,
who has scored four of those eighteen, believes this run of
form can see the Reds overtake their rivals in the race for
second spot.
"I think we all knew there was never a problem with us
scoring goals but you've got to show that on the pitch, and
thankfully in the last couple of weeks we have been showing
it," said Crouch.
"The win over Everton has given everyone a lot of
confidence. We know how big it is to everyone involved in
the city and we have beaten them twice now this season and
it was just great to be a part of it.
"We now need to win as many games as we can now in the
league and finish as high as we can."
(LFC Online)
Under 18's win derby
Liverpool's under 18's side beat Everton
yesterday.
Goals from Ryan Flynn and Jimmy Ryan gave the Reds a 2-0 win
over the Blues to keep Liverpool in contention at the top of
the table.
Liverpool were the better team thoughout the first half but
were unable to get the breakthrough their play deserved.
Jimmy Ryan, Charlie Barnett and FA Youth Cup top scorer
Craig Lindfield all came close to giving the Reds a first
half lead but the score remained 0-0 at the interval.
Everton started the second half the stronger and Liverpool
had to rely on goalkeeper Paul Lancaster and defender
Stephen Darby who cleared off the line to remain on level
terms.
The Reds soon regained control of the match however, and in
the 70th minute they took the lead their play deserved when
Ryan Flynn fired home from close range.
Liverpool wrapped the game up five minutes later when Jimmy
Ryan hammered home a belter from 30 yards out.
(LFC Online) |
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THURSDAY 30 |
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Aguero eyes Reds move
Highly-rated Argentinian teenager Sergio Aguero says that he
would rather join European champions Liverpool than German
giants Bayern Munich.
Bayern had been looking to make a move for the promising
17-year-old attacker, and were willing to pay around £10
million for his services.
However, the Independiente youngster says that he would
rather join Rafa Benitez's Liverpool - the club he says he
supported as a boy.
"If I had to choose a league then it would be the Premier
League," Aguero is quoted as saying in the Munich TZ
newspaper.
"I have been a Liverpool fan for as long as I can remember
and it would be a dream to play there.
Benitez has already dipped into the Argentine market to sign
young defender Gabriel Paletta from Banfield for next
season, and he could make a move for compatriot Aguero.
The 17-year-old, who plays in midfield or up front, is being
tipped as the next big thing from South America, and has
been backed to make as big an impact as Lionel Messi in
Europe.
Benitez is always on the look-out for fresh new talent to
bring to Anfield and Aguero's comments will make him
confident of beating off a host of top European sides if he
decides to make a move.
(Sky Sports)
Crouch wants to go higher
Peter Crouch claims Liverpool have got Manchester United's
second spot in the Premiership in their sights.
The Reds had struggled for goals in January and February but
have now let loose and struck 16 in their last four matches.
Crouch, who has hit four himself in those games, believes
the derby victory over Everton has increased the side's
confidence even more.
He told www.liverpoolfc.net: "I think we all knew there was
never a problem with us scoring goals but you've got to show
that on the pitch, and thankfully in the last couple of
weeks we have been showing it.
"The win over Everton has given everyone a lot of
confidence. We know how big it is to everyone involved in
the city and we have beaten them twice now this season and
it was just great to be a part of it. Obviously going down
to 10 men was difficult but we managed to win the game and
play well."
(PA Sport)
Cisse worried about call-up
Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse says he is worried he will
not be picked for France's World Cup squad because he has
not played enough in the Premier League this season.
"Yes, I'm a bit worried. There is always a fear about not
being in the squad," Cisse told French daily Le Parisien on
Thursday.
The former Ligue 1 top scorer said he had to show he
deserved to be in the squad. "I must not complain. I just
need to shut up, work and give my best," he said.
Cisse said he had no plans to leave the five-times European
champions. "I still have a three-year contract. I feel good
here even if I don't play much. I get along very well with
my team mates and I have a nice house and a son, Cassius. I
have also got married," he added.
Behind Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet, Fenerbahce's
Nicolas Anelka, Manchester United's Louis Saha and Cisse are
in competition for one or two striker spots at the World Cup
which starts in Germany on June 9.
(Reuters)
Soccer analysts urge calm over Anfield
takeover talk
Financial experts have warned Liverpool fans should not to
become too excited by yesterday's announcement that the club
was in takeover talks.
The experts say that a statement issued by the club to the
Stock Exchange saying it was in talks with a number of
investors about a possible sale of chairman David Moores
controlling stake contained nothing new and was likely to be
purely procedural.
The statement was issued to comply with procedures that
govern the sale of businesses that experience significant
public interest in their shares.
(Daily Post)
Hyypia backs Agger to shine
Liverpool centre half Sami Hyypia believes Daniel Agger will
prove to be a massive success at Anfield.
Agger was a big money January signing by Rafa Benitez, with
the Dane arriving from Brondby with a lofty reputation.
Reds chief Benitez claimed at the time that Agger was one
for the future and Hyypia is convinced the Spanish tactician
has unearthed a gem.
"He looks a very talented player who has done really well,"
said Finnish stopper Hyypia.
"It is not easy for someone of such a young age to come to a
top club.
"His debut came in the Birmingham game against Chris Sutton
and Emile Heskey, which is by no means the easiest strike
partnership to handle.
"But he coped well enough. He also did well against
Manchester City and was better again against Newcastle."
Hyypia claims Agger is far from the finished article, but
claims the youngster is eager to learn.
"I think those three games showed him enough of what The
Premiership is about," added Hyypia. "He is a clever guy and
knows where he will have to improve his game to adapt to The
Premiership."
(Sky Sports)
New date for Hammers clash
Liverpool have confirmed a new date for their Premiership
clash against West Ham United.
The game will now take place at Upton Park on Wednesday
April 26, 2006, kick-off 7.45pm.
The original fixture was postponed because of both clubs'
participation in the FA Cup semi-finals.
(LFC Official Website)
Brazil boss loves Gerrard
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has admitted that he
would love to call on the talents of Liverpool star Steven
Gerrard.
The Samba stars are favourites to defend their World Cup
crown in Germany this summer, with Parreira having an
embarrassment of riches at his disposal.
The defensive talents of Roberto Carlos and Lucio, midfield
flair of Juninho and Kaka and attacking instincts of
Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Adriano would turn many coaches
green with envy, but Parreira feels Sven Goran Eriksson has
a gem of his own.
Parreira was asked to give his opinions on which foreign
stars he would like to have in his team and Gerrard figures
among them.
"Andrei Shevchenko of Milan is a wonderful striker who can
do so many things inside the box, while centre back
Alessandro Nesta is among the best in the world," Parreira
told Maxim Magazine.
"But of the English squad, Gerrard is a wonderful midfield
player. He can really play."
(Sky Sports)
Warnock happy to stay put and fight
Stephen Warnock has vowed he will not give up his fight to
become a regular with Liverpool.
The 24-year-old has made 27 appearances for Rafael Benitez's
side this season, but has often been rotated with John Arne
Riise and Djimi Traore at left-back.
Benitez is poised to further bolster his options in that
position during the summer with the expected arrival of
Valencia's Brazil international full-back Fabio Aurelio.
But Warnock, who has been rumoured with a move away from
Anfield, will not shirk the challenge of competing for his
place in the starting lineup.
"This club is always going to sign players and there's
always going to be competition here," said the defender.
"Last summer we signed Bolo Zenden and the players on the
left knew he was another player we'd have to compete with
"If another left-back comes in during the summer and it
means I have to raise my game and do my best, then that's
fine.
"I'm sure John Arne Riise, Djimi Traore and Harry Kewell are
thinking the same as well because I think Aurelio can also
play in the midfield.
"If his arrival brings the best out of every player down
that left side then it can only
benefit us."
(Daily Post) |
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WEDNESDAY 29 |
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Parry: Our position remains the same
Rick Parry today insisted there has been no change in the
club's position as the Reds continue their search for
investment.
Liverpool released a statement this morning confirming they
were in talks with a number of potential investors.
"Due to the reports over the weekend, we were obliged to
make a statement and write to shareholders," explained chief
executive Rick Parry. "It's a formality, but there has been
no change to the situation.
"Our position regarding the need for investment has been
well documented, not least at February's AGM which was
reported extensively by the media at the time.
"The Board has not changed its strategy and despite the
comments attributed to so called experts this afternoon,
this is not fresh news."
(LFC Official Website)
Victor: Anfield switch 'is a possibility'
Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Victor is the latest player
to publicly reveal his regret at failing to join Liverpool.
Victor almost moved to Anfield in January, but the move was
scuppered following intervention by the La Coruna president.
Now Victor has told Spanish television he is hoping a deal
can be revived in the summer.
Asked if there was a chance of moving to Anfield in the
future, Victor said: "It is a possibility. It almost
happened in the winter transfer window, but the president
demanded new things and it couldn't take place. I know why,
but I can't say."
The 29-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season
when he'll be available on a Bosman transfer.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez must feel ex-targets are now
queuing up to sign for him. Bolton's Stelios Giannokopoulos
said this week he was 'desperate' to join Liverpool, having
missed the chance last year. Yet predictably, he played down
the reports yesterday.
(Liverpol Echo)
Liverpool could fall to £200m takeover
Liverpool football club have gone into talks with "a number"
of potential investors in a move that could lead to a
full-blown takeover bid for the Premiership team expected to
value the business at about £200 million.
Liverpool, led by its chairman and majority shareholder
David Moores, confirmed the talks in a statement to the
stock market this morning.
It did not name the potential investors, although the
current European champions have been linked with Spanish
multi-millionaire Juan Villalonga, the billionaire family
behind the Kraft business in the United States and local
businessman Steve Morgan, who last year made an unsuccessful
investment approach.
(The Times )
Zenden's comeback hopes fade
Liverpool midfielder Bolo Zenden has lost his battle to play
again this season.
The Dutchman is making good progress in his recovery from
cruciate knee surgery, but he won't be rushed back into
senior action.
Earlier this year, the 30-year-old spoke optimistically
about returning to the first team earlier than planned.
Zenden hoped to repeat the extraordinary efforts of Djibril
Cisse, who defied medics with the speed of his recovery from
a broken leg last season.
But it's been decided not to unnecessaritly rush Zenden
back, and he won't feature again until pre-season.
The left midfielder is back running at Melwood, and rather
than see latest developments as a setback, it should be
emphasised the Dutchman's rehabilitation is progressing.
(Liverpool Echo) |
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TUESDAY 28 |
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Cruel own goal seals Reds defeat
A cruel own goal from Miki Roque set Middlesbrough Reserves
on their way to a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at a wind swept
Academy in Kirkby.
In fairness Liverpool deserved at least a point from the
game but a cruel deflection off Roque earned Boro the three
points. The goal came four minutes into the second half,
when Adam Johnson's cross hit Roque and deflected the ball
past a wrong footed Reds keeper David Martin and into the
net.
With time running out and the Reds pressin for an equaliser
Boro scored the second goal and again it came via a
deflection, when Owens shot struck Danny O'Donnell on its
way into the net.
Liverpool Reserves: Martin, Barragan, Woods (Lindfield 72),
Antwi, O'Donnell, Roque, Peltier, Hobbs, Anderson (Calliste
45), Guthrie, Foy. Subs not used: Lancaster (GK), Flynn,
Threlfall.
(LFC Official Website)
Stelios dismisses transfer talk
Stelios Giannakopoulos has dismissed rumours linking him
with a summer switch to Liverpool.
The Bolton midfielder is happy at the Reebok stadium,
insisting: "I have aspirations of playing in Europe again
with Bolton Wanderers and I am fully committed in helping
them to qualify this season.
"I signed a three-year deal early in this season and I want
to achieve great success with the club during that period."
(LFC Online)
Bad news for Mellor
Neil Mellor has returned to Melwood for treatment on his
knee.
The Liverpool striker, on loan with Wigan Athletic, has had
a troubled time with his knee injury, but is hoping to make
it back to the JJB for the final six weeks of the season.
(LFC Online)
Xabi sharing brother's pain
Liverpool star Xabi Alonso admits he is troubled by the
plight of former club Real Sociedad who are embroiled in a
desperate battle against relegation.
Alonso came through the youth ranks at Sociedad before
leaving in the summer of 2004 to join Liverpool in a £10
million-plus deal.
His older brother Mikel is still at the Basque outfit who
currently lie third from bottom and three points from safety
in La Primera.
The club are on a terrible run of form having taken seven of
the last 39 league points on offer and look to face an
almighty battle to climb clear of trouble.
"Obviously as a Sociedad fan it's not one of the best
moments," Xabi told AS.
"However, right now they have to lift their heads and think
about the next game against Malaga on Saturday which is
crucial.
"Yes, we (myself and brother Mikel) do talk about it, but
not too much because sometimes too much talking about it
doesn't help.
"I can see that he is worried but he is really determined to
help turn things around and I believe in them."
(Sky Sports)
Reina given world cup boost
Spain coach Luis Aragones has dropped a huge hint that Pepe
Reina will be rewarded for an excellent first season in the
Premiership with a place in his country's World Cup squad.
Reina has settled easily into English football and has seen
off the challenge of Jerzy Dudek and Scott Carson to make
the number one position his own since his summer move from
Villarreal.
The Liverpool goalkeeper faces tough competition for a first
team place with his country from Valencia 'keeper Santiago
Canizares and Iker Casillas of Real Madrid.
However, Aragones said: "I don't want to highlight my plans
for the World Cup too much but the goalkeeper situation
looks very clear.
"Canizares is in great form at the momemt but Casillas and
Reina are also doing very well. In principle, they will be
the ones going to the World Cup."
(LFC Official Website)
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Thor Zakariassen
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