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FRIDAY 9 |
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Essien makes apology over tackle
Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has said sorry to
Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann for his tackle in
Tuesday's Champions League game.
"Michael has spoken to Dietmar by telephone," said a Chelsea
spokesman.
"He apologised to Dietmar, assured him the tackle was
accidental and that there was no malicious intent."
Essien, 23, has been charged with gross unsporting conduct
by Uefa for the tackle, which caught Hamann just below the
knee but was missed by the referee.
Essien's apology will not jeopardise any defence Chelsea
wish submit to Uefa over the matter.
They have until 14 December to respond to the charge which
will be heard by Uefa's Control and Disciplinary Body
Committee the following day.
(BBC Sport Online)
Baggies keen to keep Kirkland
Bryan Robson will attempt to sign goalkeeper Chris Kirkland
on a permanent basis providing West Brom secure their
Premiership status.
Kirkland, on a season-long loan from Liverpool, has
indicated he would like to make his move permanent.
The Baggies boss would also be in favour if he can persuade
Liverpool to sell the player who is effectively fourth in
the pecking order at Anfield.
Robson said: "It's a real positive for us that Chris has
said he would like to stay on at Albion. It means Chris is
enjoying the club. We enjoy his goalkeeping.
"Hopefully we can make that decision on his future earlier
than in the summer if Liverpool are agreeable - but the only
way we can do that is if we climb the league and know where
we are going to be next season."
Kirkland has just returned to full fitness after being
sidelined with a severely bruised kidney since the end of
October.
(TEAMtalk)
Benitez welcomes use of video in Essien
case
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has welcomed the use of
video technology after Chelsea's Michael Essien was charged
by UEFA following his tackle on Dietmar Hamann this week.
Essien was charged with "gross unsporting conduct" on
Thursday after UEFA instigated disciplinary proceedings
following the tackle in Tuesday's Champions League match
that Hamann described as the worst he had ever suffered.
Ghana international Essien escaped punishment on the night
of the match, which finished goalless. Both teams had
already qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions
League.
"If you want to protect skilful players it is good to use
the video at times to help," Benitez told a news conference
on Friday ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against
Middlesbrough on Saturday.
"Sometimes the referee can't see all the things on a
football pitch and the video can be used to protect
players."
(Reuters)
Zenden 'out for the season'
Liverpool midfielder Bolo Zenden looks likely to be out for
the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury, it
is reported on the official website.
The former Middlesbrough man was initially ruled out for a
month, but now he will seek help from the famous Dr Richard
Steadman in Colorado who has helped with many players
including Patrik Berger.
The Dutchman suffered the injury against Betis - just as he
was starting to look good for the Reds.
(This is Anfield)
Hamann injury worry
Didi Hamann looks set to miss tomorrow's Premiership game
with Middlesbrough.
Hamann was the victim of a nasty challenge from Chelsea's
Michael Essien on Tuesday, and although the midfielder was
able to continue playing in that game his leg did swell up
afterwards and the German international was forced to miss
training yesterday.
Hamann will undergo tests today to see if he is fit enough
to be named in the squad to face Middlesbrough tomorrow
afternoon.
(LFC Online)
Manager of the month joy for Benitez
Rafa Benitez has won his first Premiership manager of the
month award as Liverpool boss.
The Anfield coach was the clear winner, having led his side
to five victories and one draw in November, without
conceding a goal.
Now Benitez will be hoping the dreaded curse of the award -
sponsored by Barclays - doesn't strike during tomorrow's
home clash with Middlesbrough.
The Reds defeated Anderlecht and drew with Real Betis in the
their Champions League group during November, while beating
Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Manchester City
and Sunderland.
(Liverpool Echo)
Reds confirm Luton date
Liverpool have confirmed that their FA Cup 3rd round clash
at Luton Town will be played on Saturday January 7, 2006,
kick-off 5.30pm.
The match at Kenilworth Road will be screened live by the
BBC.
In the event of the match ending in a draw the replay will
take place at Anfield on Tuesday January 17, 2006, kick-off
8pm.
(LFC Official Website)
Reina close to equalling Reds record
Jose Reina is standing by to equal Liverpool's all-time
record of 10 consecutive clean sheets against Middlesbrough
at Anfield on Saturday.
The Spanish international has completed a remarkable nine
successive matches in all competitions without conceding a
goal.
Manager Rafael Benitez acknowledges Reina's contribution,
but points to an ever-improving defence as a major reason
for the impressive record. He said: "'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."
He added: "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."
If he gets through another 90 minutes unbeaten against Steve
McClaren's side, then Liverpool will equal their best
sequence ever without conceding which was 10 league and FA
Cup matches back in the 1987-88 season.
(Football 365) |
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THURSDAY 8 |
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Essien charged with misconduct
Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has been charged with
"gross unsporting conduct" by UEFA following his tackle on
Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann in Tuesday's Champions
League game. The Ghana international escaped punishment on
the night for a tackle Hamann called the worst he had
suffered.
The German added that he feared he had broken his leg.
Since the game the English Football Association and world
governing body FIFA have issued seemingly contradictory
statements over whether video evidence could be used to
retrospectively punish Essien.
UEFA stepped in on Thursday by issuing a statement saying
they had instigated disciplinary proceedings against the
player.
"The charge relates to Essien's tackle on Liverpool's
Dietmar Hamann, which occurred out of the sight of both the
referee and his assistants during the 0-0 Group G draw at
Stamford Bridge," the statement said.
Any evidence on the issue can be submitted to UEFA by Dec.14
and UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body will decide on the
matter at its next meeting on Dec.15.
(Eurosport)
Liverpool midfielder out for 2 months
Liverpool midfielder Darren Potter will be out of
action for at least two months after fracturing a vertebrae
in his back playing for the reserves in midweek.
You will recall that we were really concerned about the way
Darren went to ground during the game against Manchester
United but with the club stating at the time that he had
only suffered a muscle spasm in his back, the alarm bells
stopped ringing. We were convinced his injury was much more
serious but our fears were calmed by the initial diagnosis.
However, it was announced today that the player did fracture
a vertebrae in his back so he will be laid up for a while
after all.
(Kop Talk)
Rafa confirms transfer plan
Rafa Benitez has confirmed his intention to enter the
transfer market in January.
The Liverpool boss has seen his side put together a
nine-game unbeaten run of late, which includes six
Premiership wins on the bounce without conceding a goal.
Benitez is still thought to want cover for central defenders
Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher, while a right winger is
also on his shopping list.
"I am thinking always about the future," Benitez told Sky
Sports News.
"I try to improve every day. I was delighted with this
achievement (last 16 of Champions League) but we know we
need to improve.
"I always try to find better players and better people
around me. Or improve training sessions or something like
this.
"I would like to win more trophies for Liverpool - the
people support me and my staff. They are always supporting
us."
(Sky Sports)
Hamann facing injury worry
Liverpoll are still sweating on the fitness of midfielder
Didi Hamann, as UEFA were finally prompted to act on the
horror tackle which marred Tuesday's Champions League clash.
Hamann has suffered severe bruising in the aftermath of
Michael Essien's challenge.
The German sat out training yesterday as the knock worsened
hours after the game.
Liverpool's medical team were due to re-examine the
midfielder today to determine if he's fit to face
Middlesbrough this weekend.
It's hoped Hamann won't be forced onto the sidelines, but
having initially indicated they had no power to punish
Essien, it now seems the Chelsea midfielder could be
punished by UEFA.
(Liverpool Echo)
Tottenham to move for £5million Liverpool
misfit?
Djibril Cisse has emerged as a transfer window target for
Spurs boss Marti Jol
Marseille are keen to take the former Auxerre man back to
France but Jol is an admirer of the player and wants to add
him to his squad, alongside Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and
Mido.
(Fans FC)
Sami not concerned by new arrivals
Rafael Benitez has made no secret of the fact that he's
looking to bring in a new centre back in January, but Sami
Hyypia isn't too concerned by the possibility of losing his
first team place.
"All the talk about new signings doesn't affect me at all. I
just try to do my best," said the Finnish defender.
"Last season I was sitting on the bench for a while but I
kept working hard in training and I got my chance and played
well.
"The first day that we came back for training in the summer,
the manager took me into his office and said he wanted to
sign a centre back. I said, 'That's fine with me'.
Competition is always good and I like the challenge.
"It is not because I feel threatened that someone may come
in and take my place that I am maybe playing well. Anybody
can come in and try to take it. I am up for the fight."
(LFC Online)
Reina says Reds can catch Chelsea
Liverpool keeper Jose Reina insists the Anfield side are
capable of catching runaway Premiership leaders Chelsea.
The Reds have won their last six league games to move up to
third in the top flight and they are now 12 points behind
Chelsea with a game in hand.
"It is difficult to catch Chelsea but we will try as there
is a long way to go," Reina, 23, told BBC Sport.
"It is possible to catch them. If we play like we have been
doing for the rest of the season we will catch them."
He added: "At this moment Chelsea are a very good team and
the strongest in the Premiership but we will see what
happens."
Liverpool have kept clean sheets in their last nine games
and will equal a club record of 10 consecutive games without
conceding a goal if they stop Middlesbrough scoring against
them on Saturday.
(BBC Sport Online)
Blatter: Essien may face Didi rap
Fifa president Sepp Blatter says that Michael Essien should
be punished for his tackle on Liverpool's Dietmar Hamann
during Tuesday's UEFA Champions League encounter.
The Ghanaian avoided any punishment for the x-rated
challenge as referee Herbert Fandel said that he did not see
the incident.
Earlier in the season, Essien's challenge on Bolton's Tal
Ben Haim sparked debate over whether or not referees could
be over-ruled by officials who have viewed television
replays.
On that occasion the Chelsea midfielder evaded punishment,
although Blatter now says that the FA misinterpreted a Fifa
directive and that Essien could still face disciplinary
action.
"Fifa decided at the 1994 World Cup that television evidence
can be used in the case of fouls that have not been
identified by the referee or identified wrongly," he
clarified.
"It was a rule later brought in in all Fifa competitions and
by most national associations. When a referee expels a
player on a red card and it is obvious he has made a
mistake, then it is up to the league or national
associations to change the decision.
"In the case of a Champions League decision, it is a matter
for Uefa, but according to Fifa principles if it is a
blatant red card offence, or no card at all has been issued,
the disciplinary body can change the decision and make it a
red card."
(Sky Sports) |
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WEDNESDAY 7 |
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Last 16 - who can Reds get?
After qualifying for the last sixteen of the Champions
League, Liverpool fans will now be looking to see who their
side could draw in the next stage as they seek to defend
their title of European Champions.
Having won their group, Rafa Benitez's side will next face
one of the second placed teams from the other groups in the
last 16 when the competition resumes on February 21st.
Bayern Munich, Ajax, Werder Bremen, Benfica, PSV, Real
Madrid and Rangers are the seven possibilites. Most fans
won't fear any but the fact we avoid Barcelona must be a
huge plus at this stage.
The draw takes place next Friday (16th December).
Other qualifiers for the next round are Chelsea, Arsenal,
Inter Milan, Lyon, AC Milan, Villareal, Barcelona and
Juventus - Liverpool cannot draw any of those sides.
The final sixteen ties take place Feb. 21st and March 8th,
with the quarter finals Match 28th & April 5th, semi finals
April 18th & 26th, and the final in Paris on May 17th.
(This is Anfield)
BBC to screen Liverpool world games
The BBC are to screen Liverpool’s matches in the FIFA Club
World Championships after securing the live television,
radio and broadband rights.
Liverpool’s games in Japan will be shown live, with the
semi-final against Sydney FC or Deportivo Saprissa on BBC2
at 10am on Thursday, December 15 with simultaneous live
broadcast on BBC Radio Five Live and the internet.
The final will be screened live on BBC2 on Sunday, December
18 at 10am with commentary on Five Live and simultaneous
online broadcast.
If Liverpool do not reach the final, highlights of any
play-offs they feature in will be shown before the final.
(BBC Sport Online)
Gerrard: Only way is up
Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool are finally ready to
embark on a lasting revival and challenge Chelsea's
Premiership dominance.
After so many false dawns in recent history, the Anfield
skipper is confident the current momentum is a sign of
what's to come.
Now he's expecting the Reds to take the final, necessary
steps to ensure they're fighting for honours on all fronts.
"We feel as though we're significantly improving in all
departments," said Gerrard.
"We're getting consistently good results against the top
sides, and I think we're emerging as challengers to
Chelsea."
(Liverpool Echo)
Big guns battle for Vidic
Manchester United and Liverpool are ready to battle it out
for the signature of Spartak Moscow defender Nemanja Vidic,
according to the Russian club's chief executive Sergei
Shavlo.
Shavlo is demanding at least 13 million euros (£8.79m) for
the Serbia and Montenegro international and believes United
are prepared to stump up the cash, with European champions
Liverpool also interested.
"Vidic is a player in our team and we wouldn't like to let
him go," Shavlo told 'Football, Hockey' magazine.
"According to our information, Manchester United are ready
to make an offer and probably Liverpool. It's good that the
player has progressed so much during
the last season."
(Sporting Life)
Gerrard 13th in rich list
Steven Gerrard is the 13th richest footballer with an
estimated wealth of £10m.
David Beckham is top with an estimated wealth of £75m,
Dennis Bergkamp is second on £37m, Michael Owen is third
with £50m and Robbie Fowler fourth on £28m.
Emile Heskey is a surprise addition at 12th, with £11m,
while Wayne Rooney languishes in 19th place on a mere £8m.
(LFC Online)
Reds join Kompany hunt
Liverpool could rival Chelsea for the signature of
Anderlecht youngster Vincent Kompany.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho is a keen admirer of the
19-year-old and the Premiership champions have been
monitoring his progress for some time.
The likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid and, more
recently, Internazionale have all been interested in the
highly-rated young defender.
Kompany has said that he would favour a move to England or
Spain, and now European champions Liverpool have him in
their sights.
Reports in Belgium say that Anfield scouts will watch
Anderlecht's UEFA Champions League clash with Real Betis on
Tuesday to check out Kompany in action.
(Sky Sports)
UEFA hold fire on Essien
UEFA are hanging fire on whether to take action following
Michael Essien's controversial challenge on Dietmar Hamann
during Chelsea's 0-0 draw against Liverpool in the Champions
League game at Stamford Bridge.
European football's governing body are awaiting reports from
referee Herbert Frandel and match delegate Indrek Kannik of
Spain.
They are expected to arrive within the next few days and it
might be it is the German official and not the player who is
carpeted.
Frandel did not penalise Essien for his lunge at Hamman -
the Liverpool midfielder described it as "the worst tackle I
have experienced in my career."
A UEFA spokesman said: "The fact that he did not show any
card does not mean that UEFA later can say it was an
incident for a red card or yellow.
"But there will be evaluation of the referee as always by
the match observer."
(Sporting Life)
Hamann slams Essien tackle
Dietmar Hamann feared his leg had been broken by Chelsea's
Michael Essien in the first half of their Champions League
draw at Stamford Bridge.
The Ghanaian international sparked a touchline row between
rival managers after his reckless challenge, which went
unpunished by German referee Herbert Fandel.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was reluctant to get involved
in a post-game slanging match with Chelsea counterpart Jose
Mourinho but Germany international Hamann was scathing about
Essien's lunge.
"It was the worst tackle I have ever been on the receiving
end of," declared Hamann. "I really feared that I might have
broken my leg, thankfully it is only bad bruising."
(TEAMtalk)
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Thor Zakariassen
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