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MONDAY 31 |
Hicks and Gillett demand to be sat apart at
Arsenal
Tom Hicks and George Gillett will both be at Liverpool's
Champions League game with Arsenal on Wednesday - but both
have asked not be sat together.
The pair are planning on attending Liverpool's Champions
League tie against Arsenal at The Emirates on Wednesday
night.
But sources in the club say both have requested not to be
seated next to one another.
Hicks is travelling to London with a party of 12 while
Gillett is flying in from Colorado with his son, Foster.
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Toure: Liverpool fear us
Kolo Toure says Arsenal have the upper hand over Liverpool
thanks to
the recent history between the two teams.
The two Premier League clubs will meet three times in the
space of
a week, with a domestic fixture sandwiched between the two
legs of their Champions League quarter-final.
Arsenal beat Liverpool in three of their four meetings last
season and Toure believes that will stand them in good stead
at The Emirates
on Wednesday.
"It is an exciting tie," said Toure. "Last season we played
them four times (meeting in the FA and Carling Cups as well
as the league) and we showed how strong we were - we beat
them in three of those games.
"It is going to be really tight, we know that, but we have
the quality and I think they will be scared to play against
us.
"We need to show them that we have continued to improve."
(Sky Sports)
Agent: Xabi committed to Reds
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is committed to The Reds
and will stay at Anfield next season, according to his agent
Inaki Ibanez.
The Spain international has been linked with a move away
from Liverpool, having seen his grip on a regular start at
Anfield slip away this term.
Speculation has linked him with a return to Spain, but
Ibanez claims that rumours surrounding his client are wide
of the mark.
When asked where Alonso will play next season, the
representative told Diario Vasco: “At Liverpool. Every year
at this period of the year the rumours start.
“We are used to those things and we cannot fight against
them. What I am trying to say is that if there was an
intention to move it would have to be good from our point of
view and from the club’s point of view.
“It is not the case, in any way.”
(Setanta Sports)
Hyypia: No room for complacency
Sami Hyypia has warned there is no room for complacency in
the race for fourth despite the five-point cushion
established with victory in Sunday's derby.
The Finnish veteran put in another defensive masterclass to
thwart in-form Yakubu and help the Reds secure a 1-0 win
over their nearest rivals.
But, with tricky away fixtures against the likes of Arsenal
and Tottenham to come, Hyypia told Liverpoolfc.tv that
Champions League qualification is far from in the bag.
"It's not over until May 11," he said. "We need to make sure
we get enough points to be in that fourth spot until May
11."
(LFC Official Website)
Rafa felt betrayed by Pako
Rafa Benitez has admitted he felt betrayed by Pako
Ayesteran’s decision to move on from Anfield.
Ayesteran was a trusted lieutenant in Benitez’s Anfield
camp, having followed his fellow countryman to Merseyside
from Valencia in 2004.
Benitez claims The Reds allowed Ayesteran to flourish and he
has admitted he was shocked by his decision to move on
earlier in
the season.
”Pako was much more than a physical trainer, he was my
friend and someone I trusted for many years. I worked with
him for 11 years. It’s
a recent wound that still hurts,” Benitez told The Times.
“Liverpool gave him autonomy and power and I think that
changed him a lot – he wanted more and more.
”One day I found out that he had serious contacts with other
teams and that seemed to me a betrayal towards me and the
club that I couldn’t accept. He told me he wanted to leave
the same day that we played against Toulouse, so I lost
someone I trusted greatly, a key member of
my staff at a crucial moment in the pre-season.”
(Setanta Sports)
Wenger does not fear draw
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger does not believe a goalless draw
against Liverpool at the Emirates on Wednesday would be the
worst result in
the world.
The Gunners tackle the Merseysiders in the quarter-finals of
the UEFA Champions League this week, live on Sky Sports 2
and Sky Sports HD 2.
Ideally Wenger would like to take control of the tie ahead
of the return leg at Anfield, although he would not be too
down in the dumps should the Emirates clash finish
scoreless.
"Of course we would like to win the home game on Wednesday,
but 0-0 is never a disappointing result in the first leg,"
explained Wenger.
"We have seen many times that it puts the other team under
huge pressure in the second game because they are in two
minds. They don't really know whether to go for it or to sit
back and wait - it gives you every chance.
"But it is true that Liverpool have 12 men at Anfield. Their
crowd have played a big part in their European success, they
have turned so many games because the rules are different in
Europe."
(Sky Sports)
Kop idol Torres: My derby debut delight
Derby matchwinner Fernando Torres saluted the unique
inspiration of the Kop after strengthening Liverpool’s
claims for a top-four finish.
The Spaniard struck within seven minutes of his derby debut
yesterday to earn Rafael Benitez’s men a 1-0 win over
Everton at Anfield in the 207th meeting between the teams.
And an ecstatic Torres said: “To score the winner in my
first derby is fantastic.
“But the victory was the most important thing and Everton
are further away than before, and we are on target for the
top four and can concentrate on the Champions League now.
“I always feel confident that I can score at Anfield. I’ve
got 19 Premier League goals here now which is fantastic for
me, and I seem to score most of those in front of the Kop!
“I don’t know why that is, but I’m always scoring at that
end. It must be something about the stand, it is just
different."
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Benitez hits out over ‘disrespectful’ chants
Rafael Benitez hit out at sections of Everton’s support
following the Merseyside derby victory at Anfield yesterday.
The Liverpool manager led his side to the second Premier
League double over their city rivals during his four-year
reign.
But he revealed he was more pleased for the supporters and
for the players he felt were “disrespected” by chants from
the away end.
Asked how he felt about overcoming Everton, Benitez said: “I
think it is more for our supporters and for the team because
we have three more points and the gap is five points.
“I am sure some of the players will be very pleased because
I do not like to hear some of the things I heard.
“It showed a lack of respect for some players. So I am
really pleased, especially for some players.
“So I am very pleased we did the double against Everton for
our supporters and it was really important for the team and
the club.”
(Liverpool Daily Post) |
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SUNDAY 30 |
Rafa hails Torres' impact
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was unstinting in his praise for
Fernando Torres after the Spaniard's 21st league goal of the
season settled matters in the Merseyside derby.
"We have said before we have a lot of confidence in Fernando
and we are pleased that he scored today," Benitez said.
"For him to score so many in his first season is great for
him and for us so we are very happy for him. The
understanding between Torres and (Steven) Gerrard is very
good."
(Sky Sports)
Moyes rues blunt Toffees
David Moyes lamented a lack of thrust in the final third but
refused to give up on fourth spot following Everton's 1-0
defeat to Liverpool.
Moyes was considerably hamstrung in having only Yakubu
Aiyegbeni as an option in attack; with a bench that included
two left-backs indicative of a threadbare squad.
And it is a situation Moyes accepts hindered his side: "We
lacked penetration when we got into good positions around
the penalty area but we handed Liverpool an early advantage.
"We gave them the first goal which is a disappointing start
and Yakubu has to take responsibility for giving the ball
away, but I am also concerned that we didn't pick up
Torres."
(Sky Sports)
Gerrard: We were always comfortable
Steven Gerrard insisted Liverpool were fully deserving of
all three points after the Reds completed the league double
over Everton with a 1-0 victory at Anfield.
"It was a big win for us today," said the skipper. "We knew
how important it was and hopefully now we can continue to
the end of the season and grab that fourth place.
"We started well and had chances to add to our lead, but we
didn't take them and Everton came back at us a bit in the
second half. I thought we were always comfortable though."
(LFC Official Website)
Terrific Torres tames Toffees
Liverpool have a firm grip on the final Champions League
spot after
the record-equalling Fernando Torres fired them to a 1-0
victory in
the Merseyside derby against Everton.
Torres needed just seven minutes of his first derby to sweep
home the winning goal, taking The Reds five points clear of
their rivals in the chase for fourth spot.
Capitalising on an Everton side who clearly had not turned
their clocks forward, ‘El Nino’ punished Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s
lack of urgency to score for the sixth successive top-flight
match – equaling a club record.
Rafa Benitez’s only complaint can have been that Liverpool
did not rack up more goals as they produced one of their
best halves of football all season, but now they can turn
their focus to a Champions League showdown with Arsenal,
knowing they are likely to be dining at Europe’s top table
again next season.
(Setanta Sports)
Three changes versus Everton
Rafa Benitez has made three changes from the Old Trafford
defeat, with Lucas, John Arne Riise and Sami Hyypia all
starting against Everton.
Javier Mascherano's suspension means he's watching from the
stands, while Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio miss out.
The Liverpool line-up in full is: Reina, Carragher, Hyypia,
Skrtel, Riise, Lucas, Alonso, Gerrard, Kuyt, Torres, Babel.
Subs: Itandje, Finnan, Benayoun, Crouch, Pennant.
(LFC Official Website)
Parry wants quick end to Reds saga
Rick Parry believes Liverpool's ownership saga is coming "to
a head" and must now be resolved by the American co-owners
as quickly as possible.
George Gillett revealed in an interview on Friday that his
relationship with co-owner Tom Hicks had long since broken
down, and Parry admits that he sees no way in which they can
carry on as a partnership.
Parry is keen to sort the issue out as soon as possible but
insists the club have to take correct decision and not the
most expedient.
"My plea is that something happens this week," he said.
(TEAMtalk)
Platini backs Mascherano punishment
UEFA president Michel Platini believes last weekend’s
sending off of Javier Mascherano was the “right thing” and
has backed the Football Association’s clampdown on dissent.
The Liverpool midfielder was sent off after confronting
referee Steve Bennett in the Reds’ 3-0 defeat at Manchester
United last Sunday – his dismissal coming just days after
the outrage generated by Ashley Cole’s behaviour towards
Mike Riley, who did not red card the Chelsea left-back.
“The decision of the English FA to insist on showing yellow
cards to any players arguing with referees in amateur games
is a good one,” Platini told the Mail on Sunday.
“It’s something that should have been done 40 years ago. The
referees have the backing of the rules to do this.”
He added: “Mascherano got a yellow card for running at the
referee, which is correct. He won’t do it again now. What
the referee did was good, it was the right thing to give him
the second yellow card."
(Ireland On-Line) |
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SATURDAY 29 |
Wenger wary of Torres danger
Arsene Wenger knows his Arsenal side must be wary of
"dangerous" Liverpool frontman Fernando Torres and pass a
"test of character" when the two English sides go head to
head for a place in the semi-finals of
the Champions League.
The Gunners host the first leg of the all-Barclays Premier
League affair on Tuesday night in what will be a run of
three matches against the Reds, with a domestic fixture at
Emirates Stadium to come in between on Saturday.
Even though the Arsenal manager accepts both sides know each
other well, Wenger maintains there will be no chance of his
men
underestimating the challenge which lies ahead.
"I rate Torres," said Wenger of Liverpool's in-form Spanish
frontman.
"I believe he had quite a good start after a spell when he
was in and out.
"Since he is back on a regular basis, he is extremely
dangerous."
Wenger revealed: "We have known about him for a long time,
but I never tried to sign him.
"We were interested when he first started at Atletico
Madrid, but we never made any offer."
(Daily Mail)
Valencia victories offer hope to Rafa
Rafael Benitez wants a repeat of a couple of stunning
results from his Valencia days when Liverpool face Arsenal
in the Champions League over the next fortnight.
The Anfield chief takes his squad to London for Wednesday's
quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium, with
memories of a great night he experienced while boss of
Valencia at the forefront of his mind.
Back in the 2002-03 season Valencia drew 0-0 at Highbury in
a Champions League group match, and then won the second
meeting 2-0
at the Mestalla.
A repeat of those scorelines would suit Benitez nicely.
He said: "I recall those good results for Valencia,
particularly at Highbury, it was a 0-0 draw and I was
pleased with that.
"We had 10 players for a long time. I would like to see us
follow that example, but not having to play with 10 men
again! I want Liverpool
to repeat Valencia's result against Arsenal, because we won
the second group match 2-0. That would be perfect."
(PA Sport)
Moyes urges Yakubu to break
20-goal barrier at Anfield
David Moyes has challenged Ayegbeni Yakubu to score at
Anfield and become Everton’s first 20-goal marksman since
1992.
The Blues’ record signing moved onto 19 last weekend with an
expertly taken finish against West Ham and now has Peter
Beardsley’s tally in
his sights.
Yakubu is expected to lead the line for Everton in the 207th
Merseyside derby and could be joined up front by Andrew
Johnson, who is fit again after missing the 1-1 draw with
West Ham because of a groin strain.
“It would be great if he could do it (get his 20th) at
Anfield,” said Moyes. “He has been doing great with his
goalscoring and we have been pleased with him this season.
He has answered all the questions that were asked when he
first arrived.
“Could he score the goals that he did for Portsmouth and
Middlesbrough? He has certainly done it.
“He is working hard for the team. I think he is doing well
and we hope that can continue.”
(Liverpool Echo) |
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FRIDAY 28 |
Benitez focuses on derby clash
Liverpool confront the most important 10 days of their
season with the club's ongoing boardroom crisis again
grabbing centre stage in the build-up to Sunday's crucial
Merseyside derby.
A showdown with Everton will be followed by three games
against Arsenal - two in the Champions League - which will
stretch Liverpool to the limits.
Benitez did his level best on Friday to straight-bat probing
questions.
He said: "I have been told about the comments (from
Gillett), but my response is to be really focused on the
derby, that is all that I am concerned about.
"But if we win everything will be happier, particularly if
it is against Everton."
(Football 365)
Reds fine Mascherano
Liverpool have fined midfielder Javier Mascherano after he
admitted a Football Association charge of improper conduct
following his sending-off away to Manchester United last
weekend.
Mascherano today asked for a personal hearing which is
expected to take place in London next Friday. But today
Anfield boss Rafael Benitez also revealed that Mascherano
had been fined by the club – believed to be the maximum two
weeks’ wages of around £100,000 – with the 23-year-old
asking that the money be donated to charity.
(Ireland On-Line)
Carragher tells LFC to keep cool
Jamie Carragher today called on the Liverpool players to
keep their cool in the white heat of the Merseyside derby
day atmosphere.
The 207th Merseyside derby takes place at Anfield on Sunday
and the Reds defender believes it is more important than
ever that passions do not boil over, particularly at a time
when the Football Association is putting increasing pressure
on players to show greater respect to referees.
A veteran of a decade’s worth of clashes between the Mersey
giants, Carragher knows it is vital that Liverpool are up
for the game but he also insists their exuberance cannot be
allowed to spiral out of control.
He said: “People talk about games against Everton being
about passion, but they are also about keeping your head and
using your brain.
“The players on both sides want to win so much. That’s only
natural because it is such a big game.
“But you have to make sure you keep cool and use the ball as
much as you possibly can because otherwise you can lose your
way.”
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Osman: Everton are on a mission
What do Evertonians fear most this Sunday? Fernando Torres?
No.
The referee? Perhaps. Or heavy legs and aching limbs?
Definitely.
Having reached the stage of the season where fatigue
inevitably starts to effect everyone in the Premier League,
it is understandable that some think tiredness will be as
big a foe to the Blues at Anfield as anyone clad in Red.
They are concerns that Leon Osman understands but, listening
to him talk, it is clear that six days after they were held
to a 1-1 draw at Goodison by the Hammers, the Blues are
refreshed, reinvigorated and ready for battle. This trip to
Anfield can’t come quick enough.
“Maybe it takes a little bit longer now to recharge the
batteries but it could be a blessing that we have now got
full weeks to prepare for weekend games,” notes Osman. “We
will stick together as a team, as we always do, and I’m sure
we will come out the other end fine.”
(Liverpool Echo)
Torres fit for Toffees showdown
Fernando Torres has overcome any fears that his fitness
would be in doubt for Sunday's 207th Merseyside derby with
Everton at Anfield.
Top scorer Torres needed precautionary scans on back and
ankle knocks after the controversial defeat at Manchester
United last weekend. The Spaniard only played 50 minutes of
his country's win over Italy in midweek, an agreement that
boss Rafael Benitez had struck with Spain boss Luis
Aragones.
Torres looked sharp in the international and will play
against Everton. Javier Mascherano will be suspended, while
Steve Finnan is close to a return after a groin problem.
Yossi Benayoun scored in Israel's midweek
1-0 win over Chile to stake his claim for a place in the
side, while John Arne Riise is also in contention, having
been on the bench for the past three games.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia,
Skrtel, Riise, Arbeloa, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso,
Lucas, Torres, Kuyt, Voronin, Crouch, Pennant, Itandje.
(TEAMtalk)
Johnson a doubt for Toffees
Andrew Johnson is the main doubt ahead of Everton’s trip to
Anfield for the Merseyside derby on Sunday.
Johnson sat out last weekend’s 1-1 draw at home to Fulham
with a groin injury, while Australia midfielder Tim Cahill
may miss the rest of the season after lasting just 10
minutes against the Cottagers before the recurrence of a
metatarsal injury.
Steven Pienaar’s fitness will be assessed after illness but
Victor Anichebe has shown no ill-effects after recovering
from a hip injury to play last week.
Provisional squad: Howard, Hibbert, Neville, Yobo, Jagielka,
Lescott, Baines, Valente, Arteta, Osman, Carsley, Pienaar,
Fernandes, Anichebe, Yakubu, Johnson, Wessels, Rodwell.
(Ireland On-Line)
Arbeloa: Rafa rules with iron fist
Alvaro Arbeloa has revealed Rafa Benitez commands
ultimate respect in the Liverpool dressing room, but he
admits Jamie Carragher is
the ‘true boss’.
Arbeloa was speaking after the entire Liverpool squad failed
to control Javier Mascherano as the Argentine spiralled out
of control
at Old Trafford.
Even captain Steven Gerrard was brushed aside by the raging
midfielder, and it took Benitez to step in to stop the
23-year-old getting himself into even hotter water.
Arbeloa admits Carragher rules the dressing room, but he
insists Benitez has total control of his squad.
“My first fortnight at the club was inhumane. Rafa Benitez
criticised everything I did, from the way I did some
basketball practice to how I played my football.
“But now I am grateful to him for filling me in on how the
team works.
“He is serious-minded and I can assure you nobody enjoys
themselves during his training sessions."
(Setanta Sports)
UEFA Cup run increased our desire says Moyes
David moyes believes Everton’s UEFA Cup run has intensified
their desire to beat Liverpool to the final Champions League
qualification place.
And the Goodison Park manager reckons the “best is yet to
come” from his team as they prepare for their pivotal
Merseyside derby this weekend.
Moyes aims for the first victory at Anfield of his six-year
tenure when his team cross Stanley Park on Sunday afternoon.
A win would move Everton a point ahead of their neighbours
in the race for fourth place with six games remaining – four
of which are at home.
And, having seen their UEFA Cup campaign halted in dramatic
fashion when losing a penalty shoot-out against Fiorentina
earlier this month, Moyes is confident his players are now
keen to prove themselves in the Champions League.
“We really enjoyed being in Europe this term, and we were
gutted when we went out,” said Moyes. “But that showed me
that we want more of it, we need more of it."
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Gillett: My Liverpool dream is over
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett today admitted his
partnership with Tom Hicks had completely broken down and
was beyond repair.
And he told of the death threats he and his family had been
receiving from fans amid the ongoing controversy surrounding
Anfield.
Gillett revealed he had also recently offered Hicks the
chance to buy out his half share in the Reds but that he had
run out of time.
He also declared that Hicks had tried to veto him selling to
Dubai International Capital – whom he said would make ‘very
responsible owners’ of the trouble-torn club.
Pledging to do what was best for the club now, Gillett
promised: “What I know is that the fans and the great fabled
history of this club deserves better – and we are going to
do whatever we can to prove that in whatever role we play.”
(Liverpool Echo)
Rafa impressed with reserves
Rafael Benitez was pleased with the reserves' performances
during
their U.S. trip.
Gary Ablett's side returned from America as holders of the
Dallas Cup to the delight of Rafa Benitez who believes it
shows Liverpool have a bright future.
"It's a competition I won years ago [as Real Madrid youth
coach]. It's
a nice competition and it's always nice to see the young
players winning trophies," said the first team boss.
"The priority is to produce players for the first-team in
the future but, in
the meantime, any silverware is positive.
"Gary Ablett is doing a good job. All the staff are doing
fantastically well with the young players. They are top of
the league and it looks good for the future.
"I've said a lot of times that the chief scout, Eduardo
Macia, and all the other English and foreign scouts, are
working really hard to find young players. We are signing
really good players that are giving us something in the
present and will also give us something in the future in the
first team."
(LFC Online)
Thor Zakariassen
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