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TUESDAY 31 |
Benitez sorry over White exit
Rafael Benitez hailed Liverpool's advance into the next
stage of the Champions League with a 3-0 victory over
Bordeaux, but still managed words of reconciliation with
former club chairman Noel White.
White resigned from his position as a club director tonight
in the wake of the previously anonymous boardroom attack on
the Anfield boss.
Benitez said: "It is a pity, I have not had a bad
relationship with Noel White, and I am sorry this has
happened. Now, though, I would prefer to look to the future.
"The important thing is the club, and such things as this do
not normally happen here. This is a big club and there is a
way of doing things here. But I am sorry that it has had to
end this way."
(Soccer 365)
Liverpool accused of not playing fair by
Bordeaux
Bordeaux manager Ricardo has criticised Liverpool over the
incident that led to Fernando being sent off in their clash
at Anfield on Tuesday.
The midfielder was dismissed for headbutting John Arne Riise
in the 67th minute as Liverpool won the Group C match 3-0 to
book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Brazilian Fernando struck Riise with his head as they argued
over the Liverpool defender's refusal to throw the ball back
to the French, who had kicked it out so a player could be
treated.
Riise used the throw-in to try and set up an attack.
Bordeaux were 1-0 down at the time having missed two
excellent chances to equalise.
"It was the turning point of the game," Brazilian Ricardo
told reporters. "We are very unhappy that when the ball was
handed back Liverpool raced away with it.
"That is not fair play and is sad to see, especially as this
league is known for it's
fair play."
(Reuters)
Rafa targets top spot
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has now set his sights on
winning their UEFA Champions League group after his
unchanged line-up secured a place in the knockout stages.
"This is important for us, and it gives us the chance now to
go on and win the group in our next match here against PSV
Eindhoven," said Benitez.
"Then we can maybe make changes for the last game and give
young players
European experience."
(Sky Sports)
Garcia at double as Reds go through
Liverpool secured their place in the next stage of the
Champions League with a convincing 3-0 victory over 10-man
Bordeaux at Anfield.
This win, coupled with PSV Eindhoven's triumph over
Galatasaray, means Liverpool have qualified from group C
with two games to spare.
Luis Garcia scored in each half - taking his Champions
League tally for Liverpool to 10 - and Steven Gerrard
finally grabbed his first of the season to settle things.
But had it not been for a crazy headbutt by Fernando
Menegazzo on John Arne Riise on 66 minutes, with the score
at 1-0, Bordeaux may well have grabbed something
from the game.
(TEAMtalk)
Same again for Reds at Anfield
Rafael Benitez has named an unchanged team for this
evening's Champions League clash with Bordeaux.
The boss keeps faith with the eleven which beat Aston Villa
at the weekend as the Reds go in search of back to back
victories over their French opponents.
The team in full for tonight's game is:
Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Gerrard, Alonso,
Sissoko, Garcia, Crouch, Kuyt.
Subs: Dudek, Agger, Fowler, Aurelio, Pennant, Warnock,
Zenden.
(LFC Official Website)
Reds director quits over Rafa attack
Liverpool director Noel White has resigned from the Anfield
board after admitting he was behind comments attacking
Rafael Benitez last week.
An unnamed director was quoted in a national newspaper
questioning the Spaniard's leadership and transfer dealings
in the wake of the defeat at Manchester United.
White has now owned up to being that man and felt his only
option was to tender his resignation.
"For the 21 years I have had the privilege of being a
director of this great institution my guiding principle has
been to act in the best interests of the club," said White.
(TEAMtalk)
Momo happy with rotation
Momo Sissoko is quite happy with Rafael Benitez's squad
rotation.
Rafa Benitez is likely to rotate his squad for the 100th
game in succession against Bordeaux tonight but the constant
changing doesn't bother Momo Sissoko who says it will bring
Liverpool success.
"I know it's difficult for players and everybody wants to
play in every game but it's the decision of the manager. For
me it's not new and when I was with Rafa at Valencia he
changed the players all the time," said the Mali
international.
"And in the end it worked because we won La Liga and the
UEFA Cup. I understand why he does it and the manager has
won a lot of trophies with it. I want to win more trophies
with Liverpool and I think we can doing it this way."
(LFC Online)
Fergie jealous
Alex Ferguson is jealous of Liverpool's European Cup success
admits Bobby Charlton.
Man Utd director Bobby Charlton admits that the Utd boss
would like more European success and he is jealous of
Liverpool's five European Cups.
"I think the fact that Bob Paisley [three times a winner]
and Liverpool have won the European Cup more times probably
grates on Alex a little bit.," said the slap-head.
"For the number of times we've been League champions, we've
not taken it that stage further. I think he'd like to win at
least one more European Cup."
(LFC Online)
Fiorentina planning shock raid for
Liverpool star?
Reports in Italy are linking Luis Garcia with a move to
Serie A
(Fans FC)
Time for Benitez to put his trust in
winning side
It's no coincidence that Liverpool played their best
football of the season against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Because it was their best XI that went out onto the pitch.
And it's the team that Rafael Benitez should now stick with
- both for tonight's Champions League game with Bordeaux and
Saturday's Premiership home game against Reading.
In all honesty, we know there will be one or two changes
because that's the way Benitez likes to do it and I'm sure
his 100th consecutive game without naming an unchanged
line-up is only hours away.
It's not that me, or anyone else (aside from one unnamed
director but we'll get to that in a bit), has a problem with
the Liverpool manager.
I just think supporters like to see a settled XI playing for
a few weeks.
(Mark Lawrenson - Daily Post)
Benitez issues warning to players
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has told his players to
"remember Benfica" ahead of Tuesday's Champions League tie
against Group C basement side Bordeaux.
The Reds lost to the Portuguese team in last season's
knockout stages after many pundits had touted them to win.
"Last season we were facing Benfica, who everyone felt we
should have beaten," confirmed Benitez.
"Every team in this competition has match-winners. It
underlines that we must not expect to beat Bordeaux."
Liverpool can book a place in this season's knockout rounds
if they beat the French side at Anfield.
Benitez added: "It is important for us to win this one and
to qualify. We are really close and we want to be able to go
into the last game against Galatasaray knowing we
are through."
(BBC Sport Online)
Striker Crouch is Bordeaux coach Gomes'
biggest fear
Bordeaux coach Ricardo Gomes has admitted his team's biggest
fear this evening - Peter Crouch.
The Liverpool striker scored the only goal as Rafael
Benitez's side registered a 1-0 win in France a fortnight
ago.
"He is an intelligent player, and it isn't just his size
that is a danger. He helps to open up space in front of the
defenders with his clever play."
(Daily Post) |
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MONDAY 30 |
Sissoko not ready to change style
Mohamed Sissoko will not change his style of play despite
constantly falling foul of referees.
The Mali international, who provides the boundless energy
and tackling strength in Liverpool's midfield, has already
been booked five times this season, adding to his 11 yellow
cards and one red from last term.
His predicament has already caused boss Rafael Benitez to
jump to his defence and insist the 21-year-old has become an
easy target for officials.
Sissoko, who has so far avoided cautions in the Champions
League group stage, said: "I try to do my job well
regardless of how I am treated by referees, I will not
change the way I play to suit the referees.
"But it is difficult when a referee books me within 15
minutes for my first tackle.
"If I get two yellow cards then it is no good for the team
and for a long period in the game I have to be careful."
(PA Sport)
Gerrard 'close to unstoppable best'
Rafael Benitez believes Steven Gerrard is approaching his
"unstoppable" best as he leads a much happier club into what
could be a triumphant Champions League night at Anfield.
One more victory in Group C against Bordeaux - and a failure
by Galatasaray to get anything from their away tie with PSV
Eindhoven - will see Liverpool reach the second phase of the
competition with two games to spare.
"Steven is a player who can produce his talents from all
around the pitch, and that is the essence of what he should
be doing.
"If he is on his game and working like this he can be
frightening for opponents, he has such drive and strength to
get forward.
"He is unstoppable. I like that word, it is a good way to
describe Steven when he plays well, and we are now seeing
this more often."
(PA Sport)
Kirkland: I had to quit Reds
Chris Kirkland has admitted he had little choice but to quit
Liverpool on a permanent basis after sealing his switch to
Wigan Athletic.
The Latics wrapped up the permanent signing of Kirkland on
Friday and the England international is pleased to be
getting regular first-team football once again.
And the 25-year-old admits that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez
was behind his decision to leave Anfield: "I had to get out.
The writing was on the wall when Mr Benitez came. I
struggled with training and bits and bobs like that. That's
just football," said Kirkland.
"He put me in the team when I was carrying a back injury
that needed an operation and I was out for six months.
"After that he bought a new keeper and that was that. There
have been tough times but I'm happy now and I love playing
for Wigan. I wanted to stay up north and Paul Jewell was
great and at Wigan I liked what I saw.
"It was always the intention to sign by Christmas if I
stayed fit, but they came to me during the week and with my
agent we all decided it was best to get it out of the way.
"It's a weight off my shoulders now. I am a Wigan player and
nothing can change that."
(Clubcall Sports)
Sorry Rafa
Rafa Benitez has received an apology from his board
following the anonymous attack on his management.
However, it has emerged the culprit has still not identified
himself to the manager, nor shown any remorse for the
comments which caused such embarrassment.
Benitez today thanked the Anfield hierarchy and supporters
for their backing during Saturday's rampant 3-1 win over
Aston Villa.
A section of The Kop sang Benitez's name throughout the
game.
"People asked me if I was thinking about my future, but when
I decided to come here and renew my contract when other
clubs were asking about me, it was the same situation as
now," said Benitez today.
"My determination remains to win lots of trophies here and
build a strong team for
the future."
(Liverpool Echo)
Gerrard among Reds' injury worries
Liverpool have injury worries over five players, including
skipper Steven Gerrard, ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League
home clash with Bordeaux.
Gerrard has a minor ankle injury, as has Mohamed Sissoko –
both from Saturday’s victory over Aston Villa.
Mark Gonzalez missed that game with a similar injury, while
Craig Bellamy (calf) and Fabio Aurelio (hamstring) are also
doubts.
(BreakingNews.ie)
Rafa wary of Bordeaux
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will not under-estimate
Bordeaux when the French side visit Anfield for Tuesday's
Champions League clash.
The Reds won a dull encounter in Bordeaux two weeks ago
thanks to a Peter Crouch goal and the French side are
struggling at the foot of the Group C table after three
games.
However, they came from behind to beat Sedan 3-1 on Saturday
and Benitez is aware of their capabilities, particularly
away from home.
"People say this is an easy game, but it is a very difficult
game because you know the other team will play without
pressure," the former Valencia boss told Liverpool's
official website.
(Football UK)
Benitez wants to put things in perspective
Rafael Benitez yesterday called for a sense of perspective
on his Anfield achievements as Liverpool rallied around
their embattled manager following an astonishing attack by
an unnamed director.
The Spaniard's regime was severely criticised by an
anonymous board member in the national media yesterday
morning, prompting a swift response from chief executive
Rick Parry stating the views do not mirror those of the
upper echelons of the club's hierarchy.
Benitez reacted calmly to yesterday's reports, which called
into question a tenure that has overseen success in the
Champions League and FA Cup inside the last 18 months.
"We must keep a perspective on everything, it is clear,"
said Benitez. "It was the same situation in Valencia. When
we talk about life, we are always in a hurry. Everything
changes by the minute, especially with the internet now.
"There is a lot of media; newspapers, radio and television
stations. And at the end of the day they need to talk about
something. And each week people need something new to talk
about."
(Daily Post)
Bordeaux injury woes
Bordeaux will be without veteran defender Franck Jurietti
for their Champions League date at Anfield on Tuesday.
Jurietti suffered an ankle injury playing for Les Girondins
against Sedan at the weekend and is not in the party flying
to Merseyside.
Stephane Dalmat is also out of the Liverpool clash having
suffered a thigh injury, prompting coach Ricardo to add
Vladimir Smicer and Marc Planus to his squad.
However, the former Kop star will feature only in an
emergency.
(LFC Official Website)
Kuyt reveals delight
Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has admitted that Saturday's
goal against Aston Villa was extra special - because his
father was at Anfield to see it.
The Dutchman's father, who recently underwent a
life-threatening operation to cure cancer, saw his son net
in the 3-1 win.
Kuyt said: "He's doing very well after the operation. It was
a big operation, but he's recovering well.
"It was great to have all the family here and great to
score, especially when he's here. It was a good moment.
(Clubcall Sports)
Barry: The best I've played against
Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry believes Liverpool played
some of the best football he has ever faced on Saturday.
The left winger admitted his side couldn't get near the Reds
in a first half which ended 3-0 to the home side.
"You've got to give credit to Liverpool, first half. That's
some of the best football I've played against, like the
Liverpool name, pass and move," he said.
(LFC Official Website) |
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SUNDAY 29 |
Rafa laughs off tiresome Stevie speculation
Rafael Benitez has laughed off the latest bout of
speculation regarding Steven Gerrard's future at the club
and insisted once again: "I'm not prepared to sell my
captain."
Responding to more tiresome rumours in a national Sunday
newspaper that the Liverpool skipper could be on his way out
of Anfield when the transfer window reopens in January, the
Reds boss smiled, shrugged his shoulders and described them
as pure fabrication.
(LFC Official Website)
Villa win pleases Momo
Liverpool's impressive win over Aston Villa yesterday was
pleasing to midfielder Momo Sissoko.
"Yes it was a good win, especially coming so soon after the
difficult match at Manchester United," said the Mali
international.
"It was good to get back to winning ways in the Premiership.
Everybody played well. It was a good team performance and
afterwards the gaffer was happy."
(LFC Online)
Bordeaux warm up with win
Bordeaux warmed up for Tuesday's trip to Anfield with a win.
Liverpool's Champions League opponents beat Sedan 3-1
yesterday with goals from Wendall, Micoud and Darcheville
after going 1-0 down.
(LFC Online) |
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SATURDAY 28 |
O'Neill praises Reds
Martin O'Neill was generous in his praise of Liverpool,
after seeing them bring to an end Aston Villa's unbeaten
start to the season, with a 3-1 defeat at Anfield.
'I thought they were absolutely splendid,' O'Neill told Sky
Sports News.
'They knocked it about terrifically and their form at
Anfield is absolutely magnificent.'
(Vital Football)
Benitez: That proves a point
Rafael Benitez saluted Liverpool after they bounced back
from a disastrous defeat at Manchester United to end Aston
Villa's unbeaten run with a 3-1 Anfield victory.
"The first half was as good as anything we have produced
this season, apart maybe for the first 30 minutes against
Galatasaray.
He added: "We showed we have quality and if we can play
consistently like we played in this game then I believe we
will soon be much higher in the table."
(ITV Football)
Liverpool's best display of the season
Liverpool produced their best display of the
season to hand Aston Villa their first league defeat of the
campaign.
The home side were 3-0 up at half-time, Dirk Kuyt volleying
Liverpool in front, before Peter Crouch added the second
with another first-time effort.
Steven Gerrard, Kuyt and Crouch then linked to set up Luis
Garcia, who slipped the ball under Thomas Sorensen.
Early in the second half Gerrard hit the post before Gabriel
Agbonlahor's incisive finish reduced the deficit.
(BBC Sport Online)
Kuyt and Crouch lead the line
Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch will start in attack for
Liverpool against Aston Villa today, with midweek hero
Robbie Fowler starting from the substitute's bench.
Rafael Benitez has named the following side for today's 3pm
clash:
Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Gerrard, Alonso,
Sissoko, Garcia, Crouch, Kuyt
Subs: Martin, Agger, Fowler, Pennant, Zenden
(LFC Official Website)
Rafa: I'm really happy at Liverpool
Rafael Benitez is refusing to push the panic button amid
reported criticism from an Anfield board member and has put
worried Liverpudlian minds at ease by insisting: "I'm really
happy at Liverpool."
Responding to comments published in a national newspaper on
Friday the Liverpool boss acknowledges the Reds have
experienced a difficult start to the season.
"I'm really happy at Liverpool and I know in football each
week is different. I said the same last season when we were
winning lots of games and it's the same now. In football now
people have short memories and it's difficult to control
this," says Benitez.
(LFC Official Website)
Birthday boy baros hoping to upset Reds
Milan Baros is hoping to celebrate his 25th birthday today
by helping maintain Aston Villa's proud unbeaten start to
the season at the expense of his former team-mates.
The ex-Liverpool striker, whose campaign has been dogged by
a persistent foot injury, is yet to hit the back of the net
this term but he'd love to break his duck at Anfield.
He says: "You can see the manager has brought something new
and the results are coming. He's brought new ideas and a
fresh input and everyone is fighting to get good results.
"After drawing with Chelsea and Arsenal away, we can go
there with confidence. We've played well at other places so
we can go to Anfield trying to get some points and stretch
our unbeaten run. I'm looking forward to it because it's a
special game."
(LFC Official Website)
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Thor Zakariassen
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