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TUESDAY 6 |
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Rafa: We deserved top spot
Rafael Benitez basked in the glory of seeing his side finish
top of Champions League Group G and told his players to
enjoy the moment.
The Reds boss believes the reigning European Champions were
deserving of top spot and admitted he was satisfied with the
performance of his players, who have now gone nine matches
unbeaten - during which time they've also not conceded a
goal.
Speaking after the game, he said: "Yes, we deserved to
finish top because we have more points than the other teams.
We done a good job, kept another clean-sheet and created
some chances on the counter-attack."
(LFC Official Website)
Carragher gets the point
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher felt the holders had
secured an advantage for the Champions League knockout
stages after their draw at Chelsea.
Carragher told ITV: "Before the game it was said it didn't
matter but we wanted to win the group. We wanted to finish
top.
"We will now play the second leg (of the last 16 match) at
home, and that is considered a slight advantage."
(TEAMtalk)
Reds top group after draw
Liverpool held Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge to
ensure that they went through from Group G as winners.
Both sides had already qualified for the last 16 of the
competition before Tuesday's clash, but the game was far
from meaningless as topping the group could mean a much
easier draw in the knockout phase.
The game was an edgy affair with a number of niggles
throughout the match, with Michael Essien lucky to get away
with his over-the-top challenge on Dietmar Hamann that could
have easily seen him sent off.
Rafa Benitez's side had not conceded in their last eight
games and Jose Mourinho's charges could not find a way
through in a game with few chances for either side.
(Sky Sports)
Chelsea v Liverpool - confirmed teams
CHELSEA: Cech, Ferreira, Carvalho, Terry, Gallas, Essien,
Gudjohnsen, Lampard, Robben, Drogba, Duff.
SUBS: Cudicini, Del Horno, Carlton Cole, Geremi, Diarra,
Wright-Phillips, Huth.
LIVERPOOL: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Riise,
Gerrard, Hamann, Sissoko, Garcia, Crouch.
SUBS: Carson, Josemi, Warnock, Pongolle, Kewell, Cisse,
Morientes.
(Kop Talk)
Reds name Japan squad
Rafael Benitez has named the squad that will go to Japan for
the FIFA World Club Championship.
Liverpool will fly out to Japan this Sunday to try and be
named the best team in the world. Rafa Benitez has named a
23 man squad to travel:
1: Jerzy Dudek
2: Stephen Warnock
3: Steve Finnan
4: Sami Hyypia
5: Danny O' Donnell
6: John Arne Riise
7: Harry Kewell
8: Steven Gerrard
9: Djibril Cisse
10: Luis Garcia
11: Florent Sinama-Pongolle
12: Jose Reina
13: Scott Carson
14: Xabi Alonso
15: Peter Crouch
16: Didi Hamann
17: Josemi
18: Darren Potter
19: Fernando Morientes
20: David Raven
21: Djimi Traore
22: Momo Sissoko
23: Jamie Carragher
Reina told to punch out
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says he's been encouraging his
goalkeeper Jose Reina to punch the ball rather than trying
to catch it when the goal-mouth is crowded.
Reina hasn't conceded a goal for 12 hours which is one of
the reasons why Liverpool have managed to climb up the table
following a slow start to the season and although he's in
great form, the boss is still offering him advice.
Rafa said: "I have said to him, 'Don't try to catch a lot of
crosses, it is better that you punch the ball.'
"We had to decide what the best way was for him to play
here. In Spain you can come out of the six-yard box to catch
and you have protection from referees, but that is not the
case here.
"Pepe has an advantage because the team in front of him in
defence are working so hard to restrict the chances we
concede. The back four have been outstanding.
"They are organised and have better concentration than last
season. But he is also an intelligent boy and he thinks hard
about what he has to do in England."
(Kop Talk)
Rafa eyes up Argentine
Liverpool are reported to be lining up a move for Argentine
starlet Gabriel Paletta.
The highly-rated defender came to prominence earlier this
year when he helped his country to the World Youth
championship.
Now the 19-year-old is said to be the subject of a £3
million offer from the European champions, who are looking
to bolster their defensive options.
(Sky Sports)
Chance of Liverpool dream for Sydney FC
Sydney FC midfielder Steve Corica is relishing the
possibility of playing against Liverpool in the world club
championships in Japan this month.
Hot on the heels of Australia qualifying for the World Cup
for only the second time, Sydney face Costa Rica's Deportivo
Saprissa in Nagoya on Monday with the winners meeting the
European champions in the semi-finals on December 15.
"It's a lot of boys' dream to play against Liverpool and to
do it in a big competition like this, we'd all be looking
forward to it," Corica told reporters before the team's
departure on Tuesday.
"Liverpool is a massive club and (Australian international)
Harry Kewell's there, so it would be nice to play against
him."
Sydney FC, who were founded a year ago, earned their place
in the competition by winning the Oceania championships but
face a near-impossible task against the other continental
champions.
(Reuters)
Benitez: I'd rather beat Boro than win
tonight
Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool's weekend Premiership
clash with Middlesbrough is more important than tonight's
Champions League trip to Chelsea.
The European Champions travel to Stamford Bridge having won
seven of their last eight games and requiring only a draw
from their final Group G encounter to ensure first place
ahead of Jose Mourinho's side.
But with both sides already through to the knockout stages,
Benitez admits he is more concerned with keeping pace with
Chelsea at the top of the Premiership table than finishing
above them in the Champions League group.
"For me, Middlesbrough is a very important game," said
Benitez. "To go to Japan with three more points at the top
of the table will be fantastic for our confidence.
"To finish top of the Champions League group will be good
but the priority is to make sure all the players are fit for
the Middlesbrough game."
(Daily Post)
Mellor returns for reserves
Neil Mellor returned from injury to play 18 minutes of
Liverpool reserves' 2-0 win over Manchester United.
Ramon Calliste and Besian Idrizaj scored the goals for the
Reds, but Darren Potter had to be stretchered off with a
back injury early in the game.
"I thought everyone worked extremely hard for the 90 minutes
and we deserved the win," Hugh McAuley told the official
site after the game. "We battled well and we put them under
pressure. There was a good atmosphere in the dressing room
after the game and everyone was delighted.
"It was good to see Mellor back and you saw the difference
he makes straight away. He put their defenders under
pressure and he is always going to be a handful for anyone.
He nearly scored as well but that's Mellor for you."
Team: Willis, Barragan, Raven, Roque, Antwi, Hobbs,
Anderson, Potter (Peltier 45), Calliste (Mellor 72), Mannix,
Guthrie (Idrizaj 66).
(LFC Online) |
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MONDAY 5 |
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Contact made with Cisse says Diouf
Marseille chairman Pape Diouf claims to have made contact
with Djibril Cisse's representatives regarding a transfer
away from Anfield.
Diouf has made it no secret that he hopes to take the
striker to Stade Velodrome and it is unlikely that Rafa
would block any move. However the boss has said he wouldn't
allow Cisse to leave in January so Marseille may have to
wait until the summer to get their man.
"There is, in effect, a possibility," said Diouf. "Djibril
is not satisfied with his game-time in Liverpool and he has
Marseille in his heart.
"He has stated clearly that he wants to join us. As we are
in the market for a proven striker that obviously did not
fall on deaf ears. For us, Djibril Cisse would be the ideal
signing.
"There is contact. A loan for six months, with an option to
extend the adventure if everything went well, is
conceivable.
"But in this complicated deal, it is necessary to advance
step-by-step."
(Kop Talk)
Benitez takes pressure off Reds
Rafael Benitez has played down the importance of Liverpool's
Champions League encounter with Chelsea.
Both sides have already qualified for the next stage,
although a draw would see Liverpool finish top of Group G.
"My idea is to win every game we play and we will do our
best but for us this is without pressure," the Liverpool
boss told the club website.
"We would like to finish first in the group but this is not
the most important game of the season for us."
The first group game between the two sides was a cagey 0-0
draw at Anfield but Chelsea followed that up with a 4-1 win
in the Premiership.
However, Benitez said his side would not be on a revenge
mission on Tuesday.
"The last game was not good for us but we matched them
before and played at a very good level," he said.
"All I am thinking about is my team and three more points."
(BBC Sport Online)
Carragher keeps feet on ground
Jamie Carragher today insisted Liverpool won't get carried
away by their recent surge up the Premiership, claiming the
title isn't yet a realistic target.
The Reds' sixth consecutive Premiership win and clean sheet
has seen the club move into third, 12 points behind Chelsea
with a game in hand.
Carragher accepts Liverpool can now be considered part of
the title race, but doesn't yet see the side as potential
title winners.
He is anxious to avoid over-expectation in pursuit of more
attainable goals.
"I know I've got to be careful because I got stung earlier
in the season by playing down our title chances," said the
defender.
"But I think we should be realistic. We're still a long way
behind Chelsea and I'd rather people didn't talk about us as
title contenders yet."
(Liverpool Echo)
Alonso out of Chelsea clash
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has ruled Xabi Alonso out of
this week's Champions League clash against Chelsea to enable
the player to rest.
The news will come as shock to some fans who will have hoped
that the influential midfielder would have figured but the
boss sees the game as an opportunity to rest at least one of
his star men.
Rafa said: "Alonso won't be in the squad for the Chelsea
game. He told me he wants to play but I said no, you must
rest. All players want to play.
"If it was a game that we needed to win to qualify then
maybe he would have played but we have already qualified."
(Kop Talk)
Under-18s tame Wolves
Liverpool Under-18s returned to winning ways after three
straight defeats with a 2-1 win over Wolves in their latest
Academy outing.
James Frayne, nephew of former Liverpool goalkeeper David
James, got the winner for the Reds as John Owens side came
from behind to win. Frayne touched the ball home after the
Wolves keeper could only parry away Michael Nardiello's
right wing cross.
Paul Barratt had earlier equalised for Liverpool when he ran
through to finish after taking hold of Calum Woods searching
pass.
Liverpool Under-18s team: David Roberts, Francis Smith,
Jordan Holmes, Stephen Darby, Calum Woods, Paul Barratt
(Charlie Barnett 80), Adam Hammill, Jimmy Ryan, James Frayne
(Ryan Wignall 80), Michael Nardiello (Conal Platt 80), Ryan
Flynn. Unused subs: Craig Lindfield, Chris Oldfield
(Under-15 keeper).
(LFC Official Website)
Rafa refutes Real reports
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has distanced himself from
reports linking him with the Real Madrid manager's job.
Juan Ramon Lopez Caro is currently in charge at the
Bernabeu, although vice-president Emilio Butragueno has left
open the possibility of another change soon if results do
not improve.
Real are fourth in the Primera Liga and six points behind
leaders and arch-rivals Barcelona, while reaching the
Champions League knockout stages did not prevent Wanderley
Luxemburgo losing his job as boss.
Benitez has been seen as a candidate after spending almost a
decade coaching at the club, starting off with their juniors
and working up to the reserve team.
However, Benitez said: "I am happy at Liverpool, I am
Liverpool's manager and I have a job to do here.
"I have said this in the past and now I have an important
game in the Champions league against Chelsea (tomorrow) to
think about and that is all that is on my mind.
"I certainly will not allow this speculation to disrupt my
preparation for the game, but as I say, I am happy here at
this club."
(TEAMtalk) |
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SUNDAY 4 |
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Rafa: No rift with Gerrard
Rafa Benitez has defused rumours of a rift with Liverpool's
irrepressible captain Steven Gerrard.
The Reds manager's decision to utilise Gerrard in a right
wing role is not thought to have sat well with the England
international.
"I am closer to Gerrard than ever before," Benitez said, "we
do not have any problem this year.
"I talk to him about the transfer market and my plans for
the team.
"In fact, in the past I was talking to him about his future
but now it's about the future of the team and the club."
The Spaniard is in no doubt of Gerrard's best position and
believes a reserved holding midfield role would ultimately
inhibit Gerrard's world-beating potential.
"For me he has the potential to be the best midfielder in
the world. He needs to improve but he has the potential,"
added Benitez.
"For me he is not a holding midfielder but if he plays with
a holding midfielder he can go forward and he can be a
complete player."
(Sky Sports)
Reds face Hatters in FA Cup
Liverpool have been drawn away at Luton Town in the third
round of the FA Cup.
Full draw:
West Bromwich Albion v Reading
Fulham v Leyton Orient
Brighton v Coventry
Wolves v Plymouth
Port Vale or Bristol Rovers v Doncaster
Sheffield Wednesday v Charlton
Torquay v Birmingham
Manchester City v Scunthorpe
Newcastle United v Mansfield
Luton Town v Liverpool
Preston v Crewe
Stoke v Tamworth
Derby v Burnley
Southampton v Milton Keynes Dons
Blackburn v QPR
Arsenal v Cardiff
Stockport v Oldham or Brentford
Norwich v West Ham
Ipswich v Portsmouth
Wigan v Leeds
Sunderland v Woking or Northwich Victoria
Chelsea v Huddersfield
Cheltenham Town or Oxford United v Chester City
Leicester v Tottenham
Watford v Bolton
Sheffield United v Colchester United
Nuneaton Borough or Histon v Middlesbrough
Hull City v Aston Villa
Barnsley or Bradford v Walsall
Burton Albion or Burscough v Manchester United
Crystal Palace v Stevenage Borough or Northampton Town
Millwall v Everton
(LFC Online)
Rafa pleased with Crouch goals
Rafael Benitez says he is pleased for Peter Crouch after the
England international scored his first goals for Liverpool
yesterday.
"Everyone is delighted for Peter and the supporters showed
him what they think of him. I hope he can now score more
goals but as I said the most important thing is the team
wins."
(LFC Online)
Jewell disappointed with Latics display
Wigan manager Paul Jewell said he was disappointed with his
side's performance against Liverpool and felt they made it
too easy for Liverpool.
Jewell acknowleged that Liverpool played well but felt his
team didn't play like they can in the first half.
Jewell said: "It was hard work for me watching the first
half because it was so unlike us. Liverpool played well but
it was easy for them. We gave it a better go in the second
half.
"Our goalkeeper made some great saves to keep the score down
but I am disappointed we didn't come here and have a go at
Liverpool."
(LFC Official Website)
Aldo full of praise for Xabi
Liverpool legend John Aldridge says Xabi Alonso is one of
the Reds most influential players and firmly believes his
partnership in midfield with captain Steven Gerrard can
bring more success to Anfield.
Aldridge is a big admirer of Alonso and he says Liverpool
are a better team with the Spanish playmaker in it. Aldridge
said Liverpool badly missed Alonso in the Premiership last
season when he missed three months after breaking his leg on
New Year's Day against Chelsea.
Aldridge said: "It was no surprise to see Xabi Alonso's
return from injury add an extra dimension to Liverpool's
play at Sunderland.
"Momo Sissoko and Didi Hamann are terrific at protecting the
defence but they haven't got Alonso's passing ability. When
he is in the starting line-up, we look a much bigger threat.
"Liverpool's form dropped away badly last year when Xabi
broke his ankle but if he steers clear of injury this time
around, he will be a hugely important player in the second
half of the campaign."
(LFC Official Website)
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Thor Zakariassen
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