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TUESDAY 6 |
Rafa: Bring on Porto
Rafa Benitez is confident Liverpool can still progress to
the knockout stages after they got their Champions League
campaign back on track with a record-breaking victory
against Besiktas.
The 8-0 triumph is the biggest margin of victory in the
competition in its current format and the Reds boss believes
the success will now give his side the confidence to go on
and win their next two Group A matches.
"In the last few matches we have been creating chances and
not scoring goals but today once we got the first it was
easier for us to go on and score the second and then the
other goals," said Benitez.
"We had the belief and know that we now need to win our next
two matches."
(LFC Official Website)
Benayoun revels in 'special night'
Yossi Benayoun insisted Liverpool's record-breaking 8-0
Champions League rout of Besiktas would inspire
qualification for the knock-out stages.
A victory was the minimum Rafael Benitez's side required as,
after a poor start in Group A, they were left needing to win
their final three matches
to qualify.
With one of those wins completed, Benayoun said the team
could now go on with real belief.
"It is a special night for everyone. I am happy to score but
what was important was the way we won," he said.
(TEAMtalk)
Yossi treble in Reds rampage
Liverpool racked up the biggest-ever Champions League
margin, blitzing Besiktas 8-0 at Anfield courtesy of Yossi
Benayoun's clinical hat-trick.
The pressure was on Rafael Benitez's Reds after banking just
a point from their first three Group A games - but
first-half goals from Peter Crouch and Benayoun set them on
course for a crucial three-point haul.
Far from backing off after the break, the hosts went goal
crazy in the second half, with Benayoun bagging the second
and third of his treble before seeing Steven Gerrard (69),
Ryan Babbel (79 and 81) and Crouch (89) also net.
(Football 365)
Liverpool get go-ahead for new stadium
Liverpool's plans to leave Anfield and move to a new
60,000-seat stadium were given the green light by city
authorities on Tuesday, the club said.
The construction of the new 300 million pounds ($626.2
million) stadium in Stanley Park a few hundred metres from
the present ground, will begin early next year after revised
plans were approved.
The new Anfield, which will be completed in 2011, could hold
a lot more than the originally-envisaged 60,000 and another
planning application is likely to be submitted once building
work gets underway.
Chief executive Rick Parry told www.liverpoolfc.tv: "This is
very good news and we're obviously very happy. We got
unanimous approval from the planning committee which is very
gratifying.
"This gives us the ability to build a structure, and that
structure would be capable of taking significantly more than
60,000."
(Reuters)
Crouch starts for the Reds
Peter Crouch was given his chance to keep Liverpool’s
Champions League dreams alive with a place in Rafael
Benitez’s starting line-up for this crucial Group A clash at
Anfield.
Fernando Torres was fit enough to be risked on the bench,
along with Harry Kewell, also now back from injury. John
Arne Riise figured on the left of midfield with Andriy
Voronin partnering Crouch up front.
Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Hyypia, Carragher, Arbeloa,
Riise, Mascherano, Gerrard, Benayoun, Voronin, Crouch.
Subs: Martin, Finnan, Kewell, Torres, Kuyt, Babel, Lucas.
(Ireland On-Line)
FIFA president hails impact
of Hillsborough disaster report
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has hailed the impact of the
Taylor Report in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster
in 1989 as the turning point for English football, citing it
as the key reason behind the country’s bid to host the 2018
World Cup finals.
Ninety six Liverpool fans were crushed to death during the
FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, a
tragedy which prompted the commissioning of the report and
the advent of all-seater stadia.
“If you look at the organisation of football in England, and
also in Scotland, it has all come out of the disaster in
Sheffield at Hillsborough in 1989,” said the FIFA president.
“The decision was taken under the government that all team
sports, not just football, will be played in all-seater
stadiums and it was here that the success of the English
Premier League started.
“It was a decision of the government and they had to
renovate the stadiums or build new stadiums and now you
don’t need to touch them and they have another 10 or 11
years to go before the tournament.”
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Tello questions Liverpool
Besiktas midfielder Rodrigo Tello has told setantasports.com
that Liverpool are a shadow of the side who performed so
well in Europe
last season.
The Turks claimed a tense victory over Liverpool in Istanbul
a fortnight ago and another three points would send The Reds
crashing out of
the competition.
Tello is aware of Liverpool’s need to secure three points,
but feels they will be under added pressure to produce in
front of their own fans.
”The nerves will be there for Liverpool because if they do
not win it is almost impossible for them to qualify,” Tello
told setantasports.com.
(Setanta Sports)
Delgado: We can sink Reds
Besiktas midfielder Matias Delgado insists he will not be
'surprised' if his side defeat Liverpool in the UEFA
Champions League on Tuesday.
The Turkish outfit travel to Anfield having beaten Liverpool
2-1 in Istanbul a fortnight ago to leave Rafa Benitez's side
struggling for European progression.
Delgado is adamant Liverpool's current squad lacks the
capabilities of previous years, which saw the club appear in
two Champions League finals in three years, and believes he
and his team-mates can gun down the Reds.
"Besiktas is prepared for a battle at Anfield," Delgado told
Skysports.com.
"In Istanbul we deserved the victory and played a
sensational match. On Tuesday a point would be positive, but
we desire a victory.
"For me, it would not be a surprise if we triumph at
Anfield. This Liverpool side is vulnerable and not the super
team of previous seasons."
(Sky Sports)
Besiktas coach sees Peter Crouch as big danger
Besiktas coach Ertugrul Saglam sees giant striker Peter
Crouch as the biggest danger to his side's hopes of progress
in the Champions League.
Saglam, who returns to the touchline after being banned from
the dug-out for the Turks' 2-1 win over Liverpool in
Istanbul last month, fears Crouch can exploit the visitors
weakened defence at Anfield tonight.
Besiktas are without key central defender Gokhan Zan, who is
out for a month with torn tendons in his right foot.
Gokhan was outstanding in the first match, and only under
pressure when Crouch came on as a late substitute.
(Liverpool Daily Post)
Quarter final date set
The date has been set for Liverpool's Carling Cup quarter
final.
The Reds will play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday,
December 19th at 7.45pm. The match will be shown live on Sky
Sports.
(LFC Online)
Stadium plans go before planners
Liverpool Football Club's plans for a new stadium are set to
go before the city council's planning committee.
The projected cost of building the Stanley Park stadium is
thought to have risen to about £400m.
It will have a capacity of 60,000 - 15,000 more than Anfield
- but that could increase to 75,000 in the future.
One of the club's American owners, Tom Hicks, said he was
"excited" by the plans, which will give the club amenities
it has never had.
(BBC Sport Online) |
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MONDAY 5 |
Valencia to snap up Ayestaran
Rafa Benitez’s right hand man Pako Ayestaran is on the verge
of a return to Valencia as assistant boss to Ronald Koeman.
Liverpool recently released a statement confirming
Ayestaran’s departure from the club, breaking a lengthy
successful partnership with Benitez.
The duo lifted the Liga title, The Uefa Cup and The
Champions League during their years at Valencia and
Liverpool, while promotion with Tenerife also marks
Ayestaran’s curriculum vitae.
Valencia confirmed they are working to bring the highly
popular coach back to El Mestalla, and the Che are currently
talking with Liverpool.
Valencia Sporting director Miguel Angel Ruiz confirmed talks
with Ayestaran were in progress, while a club spokesman
said: "We are ready to negotiate a compensation package with
Liverpool."
Valencia fans recently chanted ‘Bring back Benitez’ at one
of their home league matches, and the acquisition of
Ayestaran is sure to smooth the settling-in period for new
boss Koeman.
(Setanta Sports)
Carragher embraces pressure
Jamie Carragher insists Liverpool thrive on pressure as he
prepares for their must-win Champions League clash with
Turkish side Besiktas.
The defender demands character from his colleagues, and
believes the Reds are more than capable of defying the odds
to win their last three Group A games, which would secure
unlikely qualification for the last 16.
Carragher said: "We should have pressure, that's what comes
from playing for a big team.
"If the results don't go well, and it is same for Chelsea,
Arsenal, Manchester United and all the big clubs around
Europe, you are under pressure.
"But we want to be under pressure, because it is a big game,
it is only what we expect."
(PA Sport)
Torres back in training
Liverpool were handed a surprising shot in the arm on Monday
when Fernando Torres returned to training.
The Spain international broke down during the draw with
Arsenal at Anfield and it was forecasted that he would be
sidelined for at least three weeks.
However, he pitched up at training on Monday and played a
full part in the session.
Liverpool face a must-win clash with Besiktas in midweek,
but it is highly unlikely Torres will feature against the
Turkish outfit.
But should he report no discomfort in the muscle he
aggravated against The Gunners, he could play a part for The
Reds before
the international break.
The Reds face Fulham on November 10, but then break away for
international action before returning to league duty against
Newcastle
on November 24.
(Setanta Sports)
Benitez: Babel needs time to shine
Rafa Benitez today admitted Ryan Babel will need time to
adapt to the unique demands of English football.
The Dutch Under-21 star has had a largely disappointing
start to his Liverpool career following his £11m move from
Ajax in the summer and was again substituted during the
goalless draw at Blackburn on Saturday.
But Benitez insists Babel has the ability to succeed at
Anfield and believes it will only be a matter of time before
he shows the talent which made him one of the most sought
after young players in Europe.
He said: “We must not forget that Ryan is 20-years-old, he
has come from another country and another style of football.
“In Holland he was playing as a winger in a 4-3-3 and with
the Dutch national team he was a striker, so for him it is
difficult to understand everything.
“But he is working hard and trying to learn."
(Liverpool Echo)
Rafa hints at Crouch role
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has offered an insight into his
thinking by claiming he feels Peter Crouch is best equipped
to come off the bench.
Crouch has cut a frustrated figure at Anfield this term, as
he has been forced to play second fiddle behind the likes of
Fernando Torres and
Dirk Kuyt.
Liverpool have not been at their best in recent weeks and
drew 0-0 with Blackburn at the weekend.
There have been calls for Crouch to be handed a Liverpool
start, but it is likely that he will continue to be used
from the bench by Benitez - as was the case against Rovers.
"It could be that Crouch is useful as an impact player,”
said Benitez. “Some players are like that, they can make a
contribution off the bench.
“Take Harry Kewell, he couldn't play from the start at the
moment, but he can offer something as a substitute. Maybe
Peter is the same.
”Some players can look strong when they play for the last 20
minutes or half an hour, and they could be more important
for the team in that role, and maybe Crouch did that here."
(Setanta Sports)
Reina: It's all or nothing for Reds
Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has told setantasports.com
in an exclusive interview that Tuesday’s Champions League
clash with Besiktas is a pivotal game in The Reds’ season.
Liverpool are bottom of Group A with one point, having drawn
in their first game at Porto and lost against Marseille and
Besiktas.
Rafa Benitez’s side will face the Turkish side again this
week and Spain international Reina believes that the game
will be decisive.
Reina thinks that The Reds can keep their Champions League
dreams alive if they manage to win their last three games in
the competition.
“It is going to be all or nothing against Besiktas in the
Champions League,” Reina told setantasports.com.
“We have to win at Anfield, after having lost in Istanbul,
to continue the fight for the last two games.
“It is a three-step road for Liverpool and we have to win
them all to qualify for the next round. We are convinced
that if we win nine points out of nine we can go through.”
(Setanta Sports) |
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SUNDAY 4 |
Besiktas suffer Gökhan Zan blow
Besiktas JK defender Gökhan Zan is set to miss the UEFA
Champions League encounters with Liverpool FC and Olympique
de Marseille after tearing ligaments in his right foot.
The 26-year-old was substituted 13 minutes into Saturday's
2-1 defeat by Fenerbahçe SK and has been ruled out for a
month.
That will leave him sidelined on Tuesday for the trip to
Liverpol in Group A, and he faces a tall order to return
when Marseille come to Istanbul on 28 November.
Already out for this week's fixture were Rodrigo Tello, with
a sprained ankle, and Márcio Nobre due to a pulled
hamstring.
(UEFA.com)
Rafa: Budget secure
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says his transfer budget will
not be affected by an early exit from the UEFA Champions
League.
The Spanish tactician held talks with American owners George
Gillett and Tom Hicks to thrash out what is available come
the January transfer window.
Benitez has confirmed the Merseysiders have a transfer
budget in place for the coming years, regardless of how they
do in Europe this season.
"In my meeting with the Americans we talked about everything
but not really the money for the Champions League," said
Benitez.
"We have a plan. But the plan we have doesn't depend on this
competition."
(Sky Sports)
Carson keen for full-time Villa move
On-loan Liverpool keeper Scott Carson has urged Aston Villa
boss Martin O'Neill to turn his loan switch into a permanent
one in the summer.
Carson is currently on loan at Villa Park until the end of
the season but is keen to stay after quickly adjusting to
life with the Midlands club.
The England international has been in impressive form and
kept another clean sheet in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League
home success over rock-bottom Derby.
Carson said: "I think something has been agreed whereby, if
everyone is happy, it could be made a permanent transfer.
"That's obviously up to the boss but it's something I would
welcome. I want to establish myself as a number one and
preferably I would like
to do it here.
(TEAMtalk)
Boss calls for boot inquest
Rafa Benitez has reflected on the growing number of
metatarsal injuries in the game and called upon the boot
manufacturers to launch an inquest.
The Reds boss has already seen both Xabi Alonso and Daniel
Agger ruled out with broken bones in their feet this season
and has questioned whether the growing list of sufferers is
something to do with the modern day boot.
"Because I am really old, I like the old boots," said
Benitez. "But now they change everything but I don't know if
that is the problem.
"Technology is very important but before we were playing
with six studs and that was enough, now we see 13 or 12 or
eight in different positions.
"But really I don't know. You cannot blame the boots but
something is wrong and maybe the big companies need to
analyse them."
(LFC Official Website)
Rafa keeps faith with Kuyt
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is backing misfiring striker
Dirk Kuyt to come good despite the Holland international
being woefully out of form.
Kuyt could easily have had a second half hat-trick in
Saturday's goalless draw at Blackburn and his current
malaise was summed up two minutes from time when he blazed
over from six yards with just goalkeeper Brad Friedel to
beat.
"When you miss chances and you have two or three, it means
you are there. If you are not there, you cannot miss the
chance," said the Spaniard after watching his side waste
numerous opportunities in the second half at Ewood Park.
"I will not criticise Kuyt because he plays a lot of games
and over 90 minutes his work rate is fantastic.
"He is creating chances. When you have a player who can
create three or four chances for himself, normally sometimes
he will score so I think I must be pleased and positive with
Kuyt."
(Football 365)
Thor Zakariassen
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