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THURSDAY 6 |
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Cisse's Reds objective
Djibril Cisse insists he is not desperate to quit Liverpool
but still concedes he may have to leave Anfield to safeguard
his World Cup aspirations.
The France international is concerned his place in Raymond
Domenech's plans for the World Cup finals could be
jeopardised by his lack of regular football.
During the summer, Cisse was heavily linked with a move to
Marseille and the French giants are rumoured to be planning
a January bid for the 24-year-old.
A loan switch to Stade Velodrome, and the promise of regular
football, could prove to be the ideal solution for Cisse as
he is keen to play in the World Cup in Germany.
But he is adamant that his prime objective is to secure a
place in the Liverpool side, and he will only leave the
European champions grudgingly.
"I want to emphasise that I love being in England and at
Liverpool - and I want to stay and fight for my place," said
Cisse.
"During the press conference here earlier in the day I
simply stated that if my situation with regard to playing
for Liverpool had not evolved by January 2006, then I would
consider leaving Liverpool for a club where I would be
afforded more playing time with a view to the 2006 World
Cup."
(Sky Sports)
Crouch ready to leap at England chance
England striker Peter Crouch believes he can form a
partnership with Michael Owen that can take both men to the
World Cup finals. Despite not finding the net for Liverpool
so far this season, Crouch is expected to start up front for
England's World Cup qualifier against Austria on Saturday.
It is a remarkable achievement for a player whose 6ft 7in
frame belies a rare deftness of touch, underlined by the 16
goals he scored for Southampton last season despite their
relegation.
Aware of the sceptics, Crouch told reporters: "I think the
more I've played, the more people are taking me seriously.
"Now that there's recognition that I'm starting to play for
England and that I'm at a great club like Liverpool,
hopefully people can see that I can play as well.
"I've got every confidence that I can make the grade at this
level and hopefully I can show that now."
"It's a massive opportunity," said the 24-year-old, who is
at his seventh club in a peripatetic career.
"If you can impress in these games, you've got a real good
chance of being involved in the World Cup and I think that's
what we're all here to do."
(Eurosport)
Versatility could help Jamie
Jamie Carragher believes being England's 'jack of all
trades' will bolster his chances of securing a place in the
2006 World Cup squad.
Now Carragher is expected to solve another defensive
headache for Sven-Goran Eriksson by operating at left-back
against Austria at Old Trafford on Saturday after Ashley
Cole was ruled out through a stress fracture of his foot.
But Carragher does not regard being used as a utility man as
a handicap as he looks to help England make sure of their
place in Germany.
He said: "We are all desperate to play. There are a few
options open to the manager and hopefully I'm one of them.
It's a team thing, a squad thing, and the main thing is
getting to the World Cup.
"But privately we are all desperate to play and only 11 can
play. Hopefully I'll be in Saturday's team. The utility
thing has always helped me.
"People have mentioned it goes against me. In my experience
with Liverpool and England it has always helped me, whether
I'm in the team or not.
"It is always an option that I could be on the bench and
maybe I squeeze an extra cap out of certain situations.
Hopefully this time it will help me again."
(TEAMtalk)
Liverpool deny Joaquin link
Rafa Benitez today denied reports linking him with Real
Betis winger Joaquin, after a Spanish newspaper claimed the
player's agent attended the Chelsea game as a guest of
Liverpool Chief Scout Paco Herrera.
"These stories are false," said the Liverpool manager. "I
keep reading in the Spanish press that we are trying to take
Joaquin to England. The agent did not come to the Chelsea
game and we have never made any offer or suggested other
players as part of a transfer deal.
"Our position is clear. We are not interested in bringing
the player to Anfield and I can only assume that people in
Spain are trying to move the player out of Betis."
(LFC Official Website)
Kewell can make a difference says Rafa
Rafael Benitez has backed a fully fit Harry Kewell to
improve the squad.
Benitez says that once Kewell is fully fit he will be like a
new signing and will improve the first team squad.
"We are waiting for Harry because he can be an important
player for us. Having him fit again will improve our squad,"
said Benitez.
"Every day he is feeling a bit better. He's away with
Australia this weekend and then we'll have to see if he can
be involved against Blackburn. It may be too soon but we'll
have to wait and see.
"When he's back with us it'll be like signing a new player
because he has a lot of quality. He is a different kind of
player to what we have. He can beat people, cross balls into
the area, shoot and also score goals himself. He has been
out a long time so he will be hungry to get back."
(LFC Online)
Gerrard: Selection not for granted
Steven Gerrard admits even the "so-called big names" in the
England squad can no longer take their places for granted
after their embarrassing defeat in Northern Ireland -
including himself.
Gerrard said: "Maybe the team has been picking itself of
late. But after the recent performances, the so-called big
names could be more on their toes now and not taking their
positions for granted."
Gerrard admitted his own recent international form has been
"very average", having initially feared he could be dropped
ahead of Saturday's qualifier against Austria.
The Liverpool midfielder is ready to sit deeper to make his
central partnership with Lampard work against Austria,
admitting he must start to reproduce his club form for his
country.
He added: "I love playing for my country and I am very proud
to do it. The only concern I have got is to try and raise my
form and produce a bit more at this level.
"I am confident in my own ability and I have done well for
Liverpool. But when you come to England, it's a completely
different kind of pressure and the games are different."
(Ananova)
Didi takes break from Germany
Liverpool's Dietmar Hamann has asked Jurgen Klinsmann not to
consider him for Germany's friendly fixtures this season.
The 32-year-old, who has 59 caps to his name, still plans to
play in next summer's World Cup finals in his homeland, but
wants to 'totally dedicate himself' to The Reds in the
meantime.
The midfielder came in for some harsh criticism from the
German press following his last display for his country - a
2-2 draw with Holland back in August.
However, Hamann is adamant that his absence will be
temporary and not permanent and is desperate to play a part
in next summer's showpiece.
"The World Cup in my own country is a great event that I
would not like to miss," he stated.
Despite his pleas, it remains to be seen whether Germany
boss Klinsmann will look favourably upon his plans.
Germany have friendlies against Turkey and China in the nest
week and Klinsmann could well decide to plan for a future
without the Liverpool star.
(Sky Sports) |
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WEDNESDAY 5 |
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Owen backs Crouch
Michael Owen has backed Peter Crouch to be a success at
international level.
With Wayne Rooney suspended Peter Crouch is expected to come
in and replace him and make his competitive debut for
England. The Liverpool striker is being tipped to be a
success by the man who will be partnering him up front on
Saturday.
Michael Owen said: "I played with him once before for
England in America, and he played really well. He's gone to
Liverpool and he's a good player - you can see in training
how good a player he is.
"He's fantastic on the ground but he's obviously really tall
and can pose problems to everyone's defence.
"I look forward to seeing him again and training with him
again."
(LFC Online)
Warnock's delight at England call
Stephen Warnock has spoken of his delight after winning a
recall to the England squad.
Warnock was originally left out of Sven Goran Erikkson's 24
man squad to face Austria and Poland but was recalled when
Ashley Cole pulled out with a foot injury. Wanock could now
be in line to make his full England debut on Saturday.
"It was a bit of a surprise for me. I was supposed to be
training at Melwood yesterday afternoon. When I got there,
the boss came up to me and started asking me how I was and
whether I was fit. Then he asked if he could have a quiet
word with me. I was worried I'd done something wrong and I
was in trouble," said Warnock.
"Then he told me I'd been called up by the national team so
I was absolutely delighted.
"I doubt I'll be put straight into the side. I'm not
expecting that to happen. There are a lot of experienced
players and I'm sure the manager will be looking at someone
like Carra before me for the game on Saturday."
(LFC Online)
Gerrard ready for Austria game
Steven Gerrard is "firing on all cylinders" as he and his
England team-mates look to exorcise the ghosts of last
month's defeat by Northern Ireland.
Liverpool captain Gerrard admitted the 1-0 loss in Belfast
"still hurts" and believes the backlash from that match
should see England cement their place in the World Cup
finals with victories against Austria and Poland.
"It's going to be very important to bounce back. We need a
performance against Austria. The three points are the most
important but the fans deserve a good performance from the
team.
"I feel a lot sharper, fresher and fitter and I am happy
with my form."
(Sporting Life)
Crouch: I owe Harry everything
Liverpool striker Peter Crouch is determined to prove his
critics wrong and insists he owes Harry Redknapp for his
place in the England squad.
Crouch is set to partner Michael Owen in the crunch World
Cup qualifier against Austria on Saturday.
He said: "At Southampton, Harry believed in me at once and
put me in the first team.
"Before that, people would have said any talk of me playing
for England was ridiculous.
"England fans may make judgments just by looking at me but
it's up to me to prove what I can do."
(World Footballers)
Marseille keep check on Cisse
Marseille are ready to make a new move for unsettled
Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse.
Cisse hinted on Tuesday that he may have to leave Anfield in
January if he does win a regular place in Rafa Benitez's
first team soon.
Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo revealed they would
be interested in signing Cisse on loan when the transfer
window reopens.
"The possibility of taking Cisse on loan will firm up in
December. We know that he is not playing at the moment,"
said Anigo.
(Sky Sports)
Liverpool defender misses training
Liverpool's Steve Finnan sat out of the Republic of
Ireland's training session yesterday.
Finnan is due to fly out to Cyprus with the Republic later
today for their crucial World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
They must win the match and also turn over Switzerland in
Dublin next week to be in with a chance of reaching the
play-offs.
Although Finnan missed training, he is expected to play at
the weekend.
(Kop Talk) |
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TUESDAY 4 |
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Warnock called up by England
Stephen Warnock has been called-up into the England squad
due to an injury
to Ashley Cole.
(Kop Talk)
Cisse hints at New Year exit from
Liverpool
Djibril Cisse could be about to quit Liverpool in the New
Year.
The Frenchman has so far this season been used mainly as a
substitute, with summer arrival Peter Crouch being looked
upon favourably by manager Rafael Benitez.
And although the former Auxerre man insists he has no
problem with Benitez, he has also hinted he could be
prepared to move in the New Year if his situation doesn’t
improve.
"It is frustrating to not be always in the starting XI, but
the coach makes his choices,” said Cisse. "I have a normal
relationship with him. I accept his choices, we will see
later. I am patient.
“The coach is trying a lot of things, so I have no reason
for being worried. I am waiting, hoping it won't last too
long. If the situation does not evolve, perhaps I will have
other words in December."
(Fans FC)
Dudek set to miss England clash
Liverpool's Jerzy Dudek believes he is unlikely to play in
Poland's potential World Cup Group Six decider against
England at Old Trafford next Wednesday. "In my opinion it
will be Artur Boruc who starts at Old Trafford," Dudek told
daily Gazeta Wyborcza on Tuesday.
"Liverpool didn't want to release me after such a serious
injury. I promised that I would be reasonable," Dudek added,
who is still returning to fitness after injuring his right
elbow in early August.
"But if (Polish trainer Pawel) Janas says: 'Jerzy, you're
number one and you have to play,' then I won't refuse."
(Eurosport)
Kewell to play for Aussies against Jamaica
Australia's Harry Kewell (front) runs past Norway's
Alexander Odegaard during an international friendly in
November 2004. Kewell is likely to come on as a substitute
for Australia in their international with Jamaica in London
this weekend.
Harry Kewell is likely to come on as a substitute for
Australia in their international with Jamaica in London this
weekend.
The Liverpool star, who has played just 25 minutes of
football this season after groin and hernia surgery in June,
is expected to make his international comeback at Fulham's
Craven Cottage ground.
Kewell is taking part in Australia's training camp in the
Netherlands this week under new head coach Guus Hiddink,
with Arnold saying the Liverpool attacker was looking fit
and sharp despite his long injury break.
Arnold said Kewell was certain to get some game time on
Sunday.
"Harry is champing at the bit to get on the field,"
assistant coach Graham Arnold said from Eindhoven in a
teleconference on Tuesday.
"We'd love to see him on the field and it would be great to
get him on there."
(World Soccer News)
Lampard in hot water for taunting Kop
Frank Lampard is expected to be reprimanded after provoking
Liverpool fans in the Kop during Sunday's Premiership clash.
The Chelsea midfielder celebrated his goal by running
infront of the Kop with his finger on his pursed lips.
The referee's report states that objects were thrown onto
the field at this time and the FA will investigate.
"It has been brought to our attention that objects were
thrown on to the pitch, as it is in the referee's report,"
said an FA spokesman.
Liverpool are expected to receive a warning and will be
asked to try to identify the culprits using video footage.
But this latest incident highlights the FA's concern about
over-excessive goal celebrations and they are keen to ensure
referee's penalise players who provoke opposition fans.
(LFC Online)
Reds fans reported by ref
Referee Graham Poll has reported Liverpool fans for throwing
objects onto the pitch following Frank Lampard's opening
goal for Chelsea in Sunday's match at Anfield.
The England midfielder was booked by Poll for unsporting
behaviour after celebrating scoring from the penalty spot by
running away with his right forefinger pressed to his lips,
at which point missiles were hurled onto the pitch.
A Football Association spokesman told the Daily Telegraph:
"It has been brought to our attention that objects were
thrown onto the pitch, as it is in the referee's report."
The FA could ask Liverpool to investigate whether any of
those responsible for throwing objects onto the pitch can be
identified by video footage.
(TEAMtalk)
Alonso expects January signings
Xabi Alonso expects Rafael Benitez to strengthen Liverpool's
squad in January after the start to the season has seen them
drop off the Barclays Premiership pace.
Alonso admits the current squad needs "a little more" if
they are to challenge, after getting their weaknesses
ruthlessly exposed by Chelsea.
"We are trying to use all the options we have at the moment,
but I think you can see we still need a little more," Alonso
said.
"All we can do is wait until the transfer window opens again
in January. Until then we must start winning as soon as
possible because we are not in a comfortable position.
"I think it's better not to look at the league table at this
moment. We must keep our focus and try to think only about
our next Premiership match against Blackburn, but it's
difficult for us with the international games coming up
now."
(Sporting Life)
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Thor Zakariassen
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