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WEDNESDAY 6 |
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Baros rues Reds slip
Milan Baros believes Liverpool have only themselves to blame
for allowing Juventus to score in the first leg of their
UEFA Champions League encounter.
Liverpool raced into a 2-0 lead in the opening 25 minutes
thanks to goals from Sami Hyypia and Luis Garcia, but Baros
believes they made a mistake by not going for more goals in
the second half.
"What a pity they scored that needless goal," Baros told
Czech daily Idnes.
"To win 2-0 would have been much better than to win 2-1.
Anyway, it's not so bad result.
"Our chances for advancing to the next round are
fifty-fifty, but it's true that Juventus have won this
season almost all their home matches with a clean sheet.
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Reds fans in Juve warning
Reds fans were today warned not to travel to Turin unless
they had tickets bought from Liverpool FC.
Police and supporters' clubs say Reds fans who pay for seats
among home supporters could put their safety at risk.
It follows fears that Juventus hooligans will lie in wait
for Liverpool fans at next week's second leg of the
Champions League quarter finals.
So far 2,500 tickets have been sold, with around 1,000 Reds
fans travelling independently.
Merseyside police are liaising with their counterparts in
Italy to plan for the game, and officers from the force's
football unit will be there to look for troublemakers.
They fear that Reds fans could get their hands on tickets
for the Juventus ends of the ground through travel agents
selling package trips to the match at the Stadio delle Alpi
and via the internet.
(Liverpool Echo)
Rush aims parting shot after quitting
Chester job
Chester City will begin their search for a new manager this
morning after Ian Rush resigned last night - and aimed a
parting shot at club chairman Stephen Vaughan.
Rush's eight-month stint at the helm came to a close just
three days after his assistant Mark Aizlewood had been
sacked, a decision that the former Liverpool striker claimed
had been taken behind his back.
"It is with regret that I have today resigned from my post
as manager of Chester City Football Club," said Rush last
night.
"Unfortunately, throughout my tenure, various events have
gradually made it impossible for me to carry on.
"The club's decision yesterday to terminate the contract of
my assistant Mark Aizlewood without my knowledge was the
last straw.
(Daily Post)
Carson takes the blame
Liverpool's young goalkeeper Scott Carson has accepted the
blame for Juventus' away goal at Anfield.
The Reds blazed into a 2-0 lead during a feverish first half
display, but the powerful Italians applied more pressure
during the second half.
Fabio Cannavaro grabbed a vital away goal just after the
hour mark, when Carson allowed a soft header to elude him at
the far post, and he fully accepts the blame.
However, the 19-year-old has vowed not to let his error play
on his mind and will aim to bounce back should he play in
Liverpool's next match.
"At the time I didn't think it was an error but I've seen it
on telly and obviously I feel as if I could have done
better," said Carson.
"But I'm not going to beat myself up about it.
"If you go into the next game thinking 'I made a mistake in
the last game' you're going to struggle.
"I talked to the goalkeeping coach after the match," added
the England under-21 keeper who joined from Leeds United.
"He said 'It bounced in front of you. It's just one of those
things. Forget about it'."
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Juve confident of recovery
Alessandro Del Piero felt his first-half header against
Liverpool should have counted, but despite the dubious
offside ruling the Juventus camp came away from Anfield
satisfied with the result on Tuesday night.
Head coach Fabio Capello echoed these views and insisted he
is going into the return leg full of confidence following
Cannavaro's crucial away goal.
"We have been unfortunate because Liverpool have scored two
goals having taken just three shots on goal while we have
hit the post with (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, Del Piero had a good
chance and Del Piero's goal was good but was ruled out," he
said.
"I'm quite confident about the return leg. I was not
surprised by Liverpool, I knew how they played.
(Sporting Life)
Italian media praise Anfield fans
Italy's media has praised Liverpool supporters for their
tributes to the victims of the Heysel tragedy while
criticising the behaviour of a section of Juventus fans at
the Champions League quarter-final at Anfield.
The Turin-based daily La Stampa headlined its report on the
Heysel tributes: "At the festival of friendship, ignorance
wins".
The efforts of the home club were praised but it was
reported that Juve supporters had insulted the mayor of
Liverpool when he greeted them at the city's airport.
"It was to be the festival of friendship, a giant eraser to
rub out the sins of the English at Heysel. The tribute of
Liverpool to the Juventus fans became a diplomatic incident,
an enormous embarrassment and in practice, a disgrace," said
the paper, adding that several Juve supporters had been
arrested at the airport.
The paper also criticised the response of Juventus fans in
the stadium to the Kop's raising of a card-based mural
carrying the slogan 'Amicizia' (friendship).
"To the applause of the opposing fans they turned their
backs and raised their middle finger. The enormous
difference was there to see," reported the paper.
(Reuters)
Four Juve fans arrested in Liverpool
Three Juventus football supporters were arrested in
Liverpool on Tuesday on suspicion of indecently assaulting
air cabin crew.
The three men arrived on a charter flight from Turin to
Liverpool, where the team is playing a Champions League
quarter final against Liverpool FC.
They were arrested by Merseyside Police after the plane
touched down at Liverpool John Lennon Airport at 1pm.
A spokesman for the force said: "Three men were arrested on
suspicion of indecent assault. They will be questioned at a
police station on Merseyside."
Another Juventus fan was arrested on suspicion of a public
order offence at the city's Albert Dock area.
A police operation was in place to supervise the fans, who
mainly chose to stay in a single group.
The tie was the first time the two teams have met since the
1985 European Cup Final at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels,
where 39 fans died when a wall collapsed during rioting.
Most of the dead were Italian.
(Daily Mail)
Benitez backs young Reds keeper
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists young goalkeeper Scott
Carson will not be blamed for allowing Juventus back into
their Champions League quarter-final.
Liverpool had taken a 2-0 first-half lead with goals from
Sami Hyypia and Luis Garcia, before many observers
criticised 19-year-old Carson for allowing Fabio Cannavaro's
second-half header to slip through his hands for a priceless
away goal.
Liverpool now face a second leg next Wednesday in Turin,
where Juve need just a 1-0 win to secure a place in the
semi-finals against either Chelsea or Bayern Munich.
But Benitez said: "As for the goal, I will see the video and
see his starting position and where his feet where, but I do
not see it as a mistake, we will talk about it.
"I do not blame the 'keeper. But we were not ready for the
corner and we reacted too late.
"The ball bounced right in front of the 'keeper and it was
very difficult for him. He was in a good position but the
bounce deceived him."
(Sporting Life) |
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TUESDAY 5 |
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Rafa: We can reach the semi-final
Rafael Benitez said he was delighted with the performance of
his side in the first half against Juventus and believes
Liverpool have a great chance of reaching the Champions
League semi-final.
"It's difficult to do the same and keep up that tempo all
game and while I am disappointed with the goal we conceded
we have confidence for the second leg.
(LFC Official Website)
Capello satisfied with loss
Juventus coach Fabio Capello was relatively pleased with his
side's display after going down 2-1 to Liverpool.
Capello was critical of his side's opening as they went 2-0
down, but he was pleased with the way they came back into
the match.
"I can say I liked the team in the second half, because
playing here isn't easy, because of the 2-0 result it's
difficult. The result is quite good, and I think this match
could be useful for us."
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Liverpool's Champions League odds halved
Liverpool's Champions League odds have been halved from 18/1
to 9/1 by William Hill who now make them 11/8 to eliminate
Juventus, who are 8/15 to go through.
Hills now make AC Milan and Chelsea 100/30 joint favourites
to win the Champions League and also offer 9/2 Juventus; 7/1
Inter; 8/1 Bayern; 9/1 Liverpool,
10/1 Lyon; 11/1 PSV.
Hills make PSV 4/6 to go through, with Lyon 11/10.
(William Hill)
Gerrard expects tough second leg
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admitted Juventus’
second-half goal in their Champions League quarter-final at
Anfield tonight had set up a tight second leg next week.
Gerrard told ITV Sport: “We’re pleased. We have have taken
that before the game. It was such a great atmosphere and we
scored two but it was a blow to concede one.
“I’m sure Scott will be disappointed with it but he stopped
one in the first half that was one of the best saves I have
seen this season.
“He will learn and now Scott or Jerzy (Dudek) need to keep a
clean sheet for us in the second leg.
“I don’t think we’ll play for a 0-0. We have got the ability
to nick a goal over there. That will be the game plan, to
keep a clean sheet and nick a goal.
“A clean sheet and we’re in the last four of the
competition. That would be magnificent.”
(BreakingNews.ie)
Sami fears nobody
Sami Hyypia is not afraid of facing Juventus in Turin next
week, after an impressive win over the Serie A club at
Anfield
The Finnish defender scored the first goal in the 2-1
victory, and is delighted with the performance.
""It came good for me and I didn't have to think a lot," he
admitted. "I put it in with my left foot.
"We'll have a difficult game at their place next week, but
we just half to work hard and get the result there.
"I don't fear them. They are a good team and it's going to
be hard but we've shown that we can win and we have to put
the same kind of performance in next week and
we'll go through."
(LFC Online)
Liverpool took first-leg honours
Liverpool earned a slender advantage in their Champions
League quarter-final with Juventus after Anfield had paid
its repects to the Hesyel victims.
Sami Hyypia's left-foot shot put Liverpool ahead and Luis
Garcia's superb strike doubled the lead.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit the post, while what looked a good
goal by Alessandro Del Piero was ruled out for offside.
But Juve got a valuable away goal for the second leg after
Scott Carson fumbled Fabio Cannavaro's header.
It was a poor mistake from the 19-year-old keeper Carson,
who was playing only his third game for Liverpool.
Previously he had superbly denied Del Piero with a smart
close-range save, but his later lapse in concentration may
cost Liverpool dear.
That was Liverpool's only real error in a match they
dominated for long spells, particularly in the first half.
(BBC Sport Online)
Liverpool v Juventus - confirmed teams
LIVERPOOL: Carson, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore,
Garcia, Biscan, Gerrard, Riise, Le Tallec, Baros.
SUBS: Dudek, Smicer, Alonso, Nunez, Warnock, Welsh, Potter.
JUVENTUS: Buffon, Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta,
Camoranesi, Blasi, Emerson, Nedved, Del Piero, Ibramhimovic.
SUBS: Chimenti, Montero, Pessotto, Trezeguet, Appiah,
Olivera, Zalayeta.
(Kop Talk)
Parry to meet Martel next week for
transfer talks
According to reports in France, Liverpool chief executive
Rick Parry will meet Lens chairman Gervais Martel next week
to discuss Alou Diarra's future.
Lens are very keen to retain the 23-year-old on a permanent
transfer following his impressive loan spell with the club.
He's done so well that he's been handed the skipper's
armband and has been called into action by France boss
Raymond Domenech.
(Kop Talk)
Vignal agent denies greed
Gregory Vignal's agent insists the Rangers player is not
being greedy over a new deal.
Vignal - who joined the Ibrox side on loan from Liverpool
and netted twice against Motherwell at the weekend - has
already turned down a permanant deal because he is holding
out for better terms.
His representative Flavier told the Daily Express: "I know
the remuneration packages Rangers pay a lot of their
first-team players and let me tell you that what Gregory is
looking for would only be regarded as 'normal' and is
certainly not fabulous.
"Nothing has changed with Rangers over the contract though
and I'm working on other possibilities for Gregory."
(TEAMtalk)
Benitez: Gerrard is the key
Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez has admitted to the Spanish
media that the Merseysiders need to keep Steven Gerrard at
Anfield.
The inspirational Reds midfielder has been strongly linked
with a summer switch to Chelsea after almost joining the
Stamford Bridge outfit last year.
Benitez, speaking on the eve of his side's big UEFA
Champions League quarter final with Juventus, admits Gerrard
is integral to his plans.
"Gerrard is a player that I need in Liverpool," he told El
Pais.
"He is the emblem of the club and he knows this.
"Steve is a complete player with his quality and touch on
the ball; he is brave and scores goals. But it is still
necessary for him to mature a little as a player."
(Sky Sports) |
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MONDAY 4 |
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Capello expects 'exemplary' Juve
Juventus boss Fabio Capello insists his side will "act in an
exemplary manner" as they face Liverpool for the first time
since the Heysel disaster.
The tactician made the statement as the two sides prepare to
meet at Anfield on Tuesday, in the first leg of their
Champions’ League quarter-final.
"We will need to act in an exemplary manner," said the Coach
after 39 fans lost their lives before the 1985 European Cup
Final.
(Channel 4 Sport)
Alonso in squad for Juve match
Midfielder Xabi Alonso will take his place in the Liverpool
squad for the Champions League quarter final with Juventus
after a speedier than expected recovery from injury.
However, the Spaniard will only be on the subs bench as he
has yet to play even for the reserves.
Alonso has been training with the first team for a week and
is scheduled to play for the reserves on Wednesday. He broke
his ankle on New years day against Chelsea and it was
initially feared he would be sidelined for the rest of the
season.
Manager Rafael Benitez said on Monday "The good news is that
Alonso is on the list. He won't start but I may use him (as
a substitute). He's a good passer and has a good mentality"
Liverpool's injury worries seem to be finally easing, with
Alonso nearing a comeback, Djibril Cisse back in training,
Fernando Morientes fit for the next match and Djimi Traore
back fit.
(This is Anfield)
Baros wary of Nedved threat
Milan Baros insists his friend and countryman Pavel Nedved
is the major danger when Liverpool face Juventus in the
Champions League - but he still believes the Anfield men can
shock the Italians.
Striker Baros returns for Liverpool despite serving a
three-match domestic ban while Nedved is expected to play
for Juventus for the first time since 22 February after
recovering from a head injury.
That is worrying news for Liverpool.
(TEAMtalk)
Vivid Heysel memories for Del Piero
Alessandro Del Piero tonight revealed how his father sent
him out of the house as the full horror of Heysel unfolded
on television.
The 30-year-old Juventus striker was 10 at the time and his
memory of that dreadful night remains vivid.
(TEAMtalk)
Liverpool fan on peace visit to Heysel
victims' relatives
A Liverpool fan jailed for his part in the 1985 Heysel
tragedy, in which 39 people died, is visiting Italian
relatives of the victims in a bid to heal wounds.
Terry Wilson, who served nine months of a five-year jail
term after taking part in rioting by Liverpool fans that
caused the tragedy at the 1985 European Cup final in
Brussels, left for Turin at the weekend.
He was meeting Otello Lorentini, founder of the Association
of Heysel victims, whose son Roberto was one of the dead,
most of them supporters of Juventus.
"I want to go over there, say I'm sorry for the role I
played in the death of his son and ask for his forgiveness,"
the 38-year-old lifeguard told Liverpool's official website.
"Of course, saying sorry will never make up for the loss of
a loved one but I just hope that by making the trip I can,
in some small way, help the families of the victims by
offering them some sort of reconciliation and peace.
"If they can forgive and that helps them, then it will have
been well worth it...
"They are still suffering, more than I'll ever know. For me,
it was only nine months out of my life. Once I understood
this then it really hit home and I'll do anything I can to
help these people."
(Reuters)
Ex-players involved in memorials
Ian Rush and former captain Phil Neal will be the central
figures in Liverpool's plans to honour the memory of the 39
victims of the Heysel disaster when Juventus make their
first visit to Anfield since that tragic night.
It is almost 20 years since the world of football watched in
horror at the shameful scenes in Brussels before the 1985
European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus.
And the image of Rush, the man who played for both clubs,
will be used to promote togetherness at Tuesday's Champions
League quarter-final first leg between the clubs at Anfield,
dubbed the "Game of Friendship".
(Sporting Life)
Juve legend Rossi appeals for peace
Juventus legend Paolo Rossi has called for calm ahead of
Tuesday night's emotive Champions League clash at Anfield.
The Italian goalscoring star of the 1982 World Cup was in
the Juve team on the fateful night in Brussels when 39 fans
died.
And now, 20 years on, he's hoping this first meeting between
Liverpool and Juventus since Heysel will help bring the
clubs closer together.
"I just hope these two games between Juve and Liverpool will
be remembered for sporting behaviour and calmness," says
Rossi.
"Forget the result, the most important thing is that fans of
both teams can go to watch a football match in safety.
Violence and death have no place in our great game.
"People still mourn those members of their family who never
came home. There is still a great sense of grief in Turin
and that is something that will never be erased.
"Heysel will never be forgotten and I only hope this meeting
of two great clubs can at last bring the supporters closer
together after 20 years."
(LFC Official Website)
Debut hero plays the waiting game
Rookie goalkeeper Scott Carson remains on standby to make
his Champions League debut for Liverpool against Juventus
tomorrow.
Carson was surprisingly recalled in the 1-0 win over Bolton
due to Jerzy Dudek's hamstring problem.
Dudek is likely to recover to face the Italians, but Carson
says he's ready to step in if required.
The teenager's first clean sheet of his Anfield career came
against one of the Premiership's more testing sides and he's
taking plenty of confidence from Saturday ' s shut-out.
"It depends on Jerzy if I'll be playing against Juventus. If
he recovers I'm sure he'll be in the side," conceded the
19--year-old.
"But if I get the nod I hope I can do well. It would be a
great game to be involved in. The games don't come any
bigger than Juventus in the Champions League, particularly
at Anfield.
(Liverpool Echo)
Reds legend criticised for demanding Heysel
fee
Liverpool legend Phil Neal has been criticised after he
asked to be paid to provide a few memories relating to the
Heysel disaster.
Despite agreeing to take part in an on-field tribute, it is
reported that Neal opted to snub the up-market Observer
Sport magazine because they wouldn't pay him to provide a
few words about the tragedy.
Neail is quoted as telling Observer journalist Jamie
Jackson: "Why should I help you out? When people ask me for
my view, they usually have to pay for it. You're asking for
my help for nothing.
"If I talk to you for a few minutes, then I'm helping you
pay your mortgage and what am I getting in return? Do you
know what I mean?"
When pointed out that no other former Liverpool players
asked for a fee, Neal is quoted as saying: "Great. So you've
spoken to people, you've got your views but if you want
mine, people pay for them."
(Kop Talk)
Liverpool to offer new deal to Biscan
Liverpool are prepared to extend Igor Biscan's Anfield
career by offering the Croatian a new contract.
The midfielder was expected to leave once his present deal
expires during the summer, but club officials will offer the
midfielder a new one-year extension with the possibility of
another year.
Manager Rafael Benitez has decided to reward the 26-year-old
for his efforts during a season in which Biscan has played
an increasing role.
However, with German Bundesliga side Hamburg ready to entice
the player with a lucrative deal, Biscan may opt to depart
Anfield with the promise of a more secure long-term
contract.
Of the promise of a new deal, Benitez said: "I have talked
with Igor in the last week about my idea, and he knows my
idea.
"Igor is a good player but he needs confidence. If you
aren't playing all the time, then you need a strong
mentality and to work hard in training and he has done that.
"I read in an interview he was saying he is happier now
playing in central midfield, and I think that is his real
position."
(Daily Post)
Palermo look to Baros
Palermo are the latest club credited with an interest in
Liverpool striker Milan Baros.
The Sicilian side are desperate to find a top calibre
striker to pair with Italy international Luca Toni, and have
been linked with a plethora of potential targets.
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has already insisted
that he will not pay over the odds for a forward, and Baros
is not likely to be a cheap option.
(Sky Sports)
Rafa: Juve are favourites
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says Juventus are overwhelming
favourites going into Champions League quarter-final
first-leg at Anfield on Tuesday.
The Reds will field a patched together side against the
Italian giants, with Dietmar Hamann, Xabi Alonso, Chris
Kirkland, Neil Mellor and Harry Kewell all out injured,
while Fernando Morientes and Mauricio Pellegrino are
cup-tied.
Coupled with the Merseysiders' inexplicable inconsistency
this season, the bookies have made the 'Old Lady'
overwhelming favourites.
Benitez agrees with that, but he won't give up on his troops
pulling off a major upset.
(ITV Football)
Gerrard talks to Juve spies
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits he has quizzed
England team-mates David Beckham and Michael Owen on the
merits of Juventus.
The Real Madrid pair were dumped out of the UEFA Champions
League by the Turin giants and on Tuesday, it is Liverpool's
task to face the Old Lady.
Gerrard has spoken to both Beckham and Owen, as he looks to
gain insight into the manner in which the Italians line up
and play.
''Last week, in England's retreat I spoke to Beckham and
Owen and they explained to me Real Madrid's matches against
Juve,'' Gerrard told Gazzetta dello Sport.
''They told me Liverpool have nothing to fear."
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Close ties will make it a night to
remember
Ian Rush has told Liverpool's players they have nothing to
fear when they face Juventus tomorrow night.
Liverpool legend Rush spent a year at Juventus during the
1987-88 season before returning to Anfield for a second
period.
And he believes the ties between the club will ensure a
memorable atmosphere.
"The relationship between the two clubs has improved a lot,"
said Rush. "The deal when I came back was done over the
phone in about half an hour - that shows how close they have
become.
"A lot of Liverpool fans are looking out for Juventus, and a
lot of their supporters say their team in England is
Liverpool. The two clubs and sets of fans have come a lot
closer, and the reception they will get from the Kop will be
the best in a long time - they will be absolutely
overwhelmed."
(Daily Post)
Benitez plays down Allardyce outburst
Rafael Benitez has rubbished Bolton manager Allardyce's
claims that his pre-match comments influenced the
performance of referee Steve Bennett at the weekend.
Benitez had preceded Saturday's 1-0 Anfield victory by
commenting that Bolton did not play within FIFA rules,
recalling the controversial defeat at The Reebok back in
August.
And Allardyce claimed the comments had a bearing on
Bennett's display, with the Bolton manager stating the
number of free-kicks "was biased in Liverpool's favour to
say the least".
However, Benitez dismissed that belief and praised Bolton
for their Premiership performance this season.
"What I said before the game didn't influence the referee,"
said the Spaniard.. "You can have a look at the video and
see there were fouls on either side.
"I don't have a problem with Bolton. They have done very
well this season. Just because I like to play football with
a certain style, means that I criticise other teams with
a different style."
(Daily Post)
Reds to welcome back trio
Milan Baros, Sami Hyypia and Jerzy Dudek should all return
for Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final first
leg with Juventus.
Czech striker Baros is currently serving a three-match
domestic ban but is able to play in Europe and will come in
for Fernando Morientes.
Hyypia has lost his league place to Mauricio Pellegrino but
will return to partner Jamie Carragher in place of the
cup-tied Argentinian.
Dudek, meanwhile, missed the win over Bolton with a
hamstring tweak but should be fit but Dietmar Hamann's knee
injury keeps him out, so Igor Biscan will deputise.
Liverpool (from): Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore,
Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Biscan, Riise, Nunez, Smicer, Baros,
Carson, Welsh, Potter, Le Tallec, Warnock, Raven.
(TEAMtalk)
Nedved back for Juve
Former European Footballer of the Year Pavel Nedved is set
to return to Juventus' starting line up after six weeks out
injured.
Juventus are almost at full strength, only Ferrara and Kapo
who are injured and the suspended Tacchinardi will be
absent. David Trezequet has been passed fit after picking up
a back injury on international duty.
Czech star Nedved has been missing since February 22nd when
he picked up a head injury but was named in Juve's 20 man
squad and is likely to start on Tuesday night.
(LFC Online)
Under-18's lose at Sunderland
There was disappointment for Liverpool Under-18s
as they went down 2-0 at Sunderland when defensive mistakes
cost them dear.
Under-18 boss John Owens felt a combination of mistakes and
fatigue from Thursday's win over Everton were telling
factors in the defeat.
Liverpool Under-18s: Paul Lancaster, Jay Spearing, Stephen
Darby, Adam Hitchen, Danny O'Donnell, Paul Barratt, Adam
Hammill, Ryan Wilkie (Francis Smith 70), Conal Platt, Karl
Noon (Jonathan Pringle 75), James Frayne. Sub unused: Paul
Willis (GK).
(LFC Official Website)
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Thor Zakariassen
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