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SATURDAY 9 |
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Gerrard reassured by fans' reception
The reaction Steven Gerrard received from Liverpool
supporters at Wrexham convinced him he had made the right
decision to stay at Anfield.
The England midfielder celebrated by parading the European
Cup around the Racecourse Ground and playing the first 45
minutes of Liverpool's 4-3 friendly victory at Wrexham.
Significantly, the chanting of his name by fans and
rapturous applause throughout his time on the pitch
suggested that he will suffer no backlash from the Kop.
"I didn't doubt that," said Gerrard.
(Sporting Life)
Rafa confirms he's still in the hunt for
more players
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has confirmed that he's still
in the hunt for players even though he's just landed
Valencia ace Mohamed Sissoko (subject to his medical
results).
Luis Figo is one target but besides that possibility, Rafa
is looking at bringing in up to three more players before
the season gets underway.
Speaking after today's win at Wrexham, Rafa sad: "At the
moment all we can do is wait. We have some possibilities and
Figo is one of them. We'll have to wait and see.
"I'm happy with the squad we have at the moment but we're
still trying to bring in two or three more players."
(Kop Talk)
Liverpool clinch Sissoko signing
Liverpool have snatched £5m Valencia midfielder Mohamed
Sissoko from under the noses of city rivals Everton.
Benitez said: "Mohammed is a young central midfielder who
plays a high-energy game with a high tempo.
"He's young, he's not bad on the ball and he will improve
the balance of our team in
the middle."
(BBC Sport Online)
Wrexham 3-4 Liverpool - FULL TIME
Liverpool secured a 4-3 victory away to Wrexham today thanks
to goals from Fernando Morientes (2) and Milan Baros (2).
The Reds returned to action in glorious weather and everyone
was given a run out by the Liverpool manager who handed
debuts to Jose Reina and Bolo Zenden.
Everyone appeared to come through the game without suffering
any injuries although Fernando Morientes did complain of
slight pain in his hamstring at half-time.
(Kop Talk)
Wrexham v Liverpool - confirmed team
LIVERPOOL: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Warnock,
Potter, Hamann, Gerrard, Zenden, Cisse, Morientes.
SUBS: Dudek, Raven, Josemi, Medjani, Whitbread, Garcia,
Welsh, Alonso, Riise, Baros, Le Tallec.
(Kop Talk)
Liverpool linked with Dario Srna
Liverpool have been linked with Croatian & Shakhtar Donetsk
right-midfielder Dario Srna. The news comes after Real
Madrid insisted that they wanted a fee for Luis Figo.
Shakhtar Donetsk sporting director Viktor Prokopenko said:
"Yes, Liverpool have made an enquiry into the availability
of Dario Srna.
(Shankly Gates)
Owen told to accept bit-part role
Michael Owen has been told he should leave Real Madrid if he
cannot accept being a squad player at the Bernabeu.
The 25-year-old England striker was unhappy at his lack of
first-team action last season and has been linked with a
return to the Premiership.
And Real coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo said: "You can't have
the attitude that you will only stay if you are playing.
"Those who want to be here just to play are better off
going. If you are here it is to be a member of the squad."
Luxemburgo's criticism was also aimed at Liverpool target
Luis Figo and Spanish international midfielder Guti, who
have all voiced their frustration at not playing regularly.
He added: "We are always talking about Michael Owen leaving.
"Look, he has a contract here - like Luis Figo. Whether they
will play or not is a different story.
"I am the one who picks the team and if I think someone
should not play, then they
won't play.
(BBC Sport Online)
Reds confirm two more pre-season fixtures
Liverpool have added two more friendly fixtures to their
pre-season programme and both games will revive memories of
our glorious Champions League winning campaign.
The Reds will meet Bayer Leverkusen in Lustenau, Austria, on
Saturday 16 July, and Olympiacos in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, on
Saturday 23 July.
The squad will be based at a training camp in Zurich during
this time and will make a flying visit back to these shores
for the Champions League first qualifying round 2nd leg tie
against TNS.
(LFC Official Website)
Figo pleads for Reds move
Luis Figo has urged Real Madrid to let him leave to join
Liverpool.
The Portuguese star returned to pre-season training on
Friday with his future still up in the air.
Figo is believed to have agreed a deal to join Liverpool
after being told he would be allowed to leave Real for free.
"I don't understand, if the club don't see me as part of
their plans, why they won't let me go," he said.
Figo remains hopeful that he will secure his move to the
European champions as he looks to fulfil his dream of
playing in England.
"It's close but it's still up in the air and nothing has
been finalised," added Figo.
"It's my dream to play for Liverpool but dreams don't always
come true, I am still waiting."
(Sky Sports) |
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FRIDAY 8 |
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Reds beat Toffees to Sissoko
Skysports.com understands that Liverpool have succeeded in
hijacking Everton's move for Valencia star Mohamed Sissoko.
His agent Jose Segui confirmed the news, telling
skysports.com: "Valencia have taken the decision (to sell to
Liverpool) and Momo is happier now."
Sissoko is expected to sign a four-year contract with
Liverpool and should arrive in England early next week for a
medical.
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
TNS complete cup sell-out
Welsh Premier League Champions TNS have announced they have
sold out their allocation of tickets for the 1st leg of the
UEFA Champions League qualifier against Liverpool.
The first leg of the tie takes places at Anfield on
Wednesday and TNS have had no trouble selling their 3,000
ticket allocation for the game.
Liverpool fans have already snapped up all the available
tickets and so the match is now a sell-out. The tie sees the
Reds play their first competitve game under the title,
Champions of Europe.
(18-5.com)
Carra backs Figo move
Jamie Carragher would be delighted if Liverpool signed Real
Madrid superstar Luis Figo.
The Scouse stopper was celebrating signing a new four-year
deal with the European champions on Friday, amid reports
that The Reds were closing in on the signing of Figo.
Carragher says that it would be a huge boost for the club to
bring in such a big-name player as Figo.
"Oh yeah, he was the World Player of the Year a few years
ago and if we can get a player of that quality from Real
Madrid I think everyone at the club will be delighted,"
Carragher told Sky Sports News.
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Parry confirms Figo interest
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has confirmed the club
are interested in Luis Figo.
The Reds are reported to be leading the chase for the Real
Madrid winger as he looks set to leave the Spanish capital.
The Portuguese international is considering a move away from
Real after dropping down the pecking order at El Santiago
Bernabeu.
A deal is believed to have been placed in doubt by Real's
insistence that Liverpool pay a fee for Figo after initially
suggesting they would let the winger leave on a free
transfer.
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Carragher boosted by Stevie stay
Jamie Carragher has revealed his delight at Steven Gerrard's
decision to stay at Anfield after the Liverpool duo both
signed new four-year contracts on Friday afternoon.
The highly-rated defender was in the players' canteen at the
Reds' Melwood training ground on Wednesday morning when news
filtered through of his teammate's remarkable U-turn.
The previous evening, Carragher, like the rest of
Liverpool's squad was resigned to losing the man who lifted
the Champions League trophy aloft in Istanbul six weeks ago.
Little did he know Gerrard had thought the matter through
again in his mind, and reached a totally different
conclusion.
"Like everyone else, I was watching the reports on TV and
thought he was leaving," Carragher told the club's official
website.
"Then, we couldn't believe it when we were having breakfast
at Melwood and news came through that he was staying. I
almost spat my Corn Flakes out.
"It's a great boost for everyone at the club because we
thought he had gone. It is almost like signing a new player
for nothing, although I am sure he will cost a few quid in
wages."
(ITV Football)
Real deny Reds' bid for Figo
Real Madrid insisted on Friday they had received no official
offer from Liverpool for their Portuguese midfielder Luis
Figo although they are aware of talks between the player's
agent and the Anfield club.
Reports had claimed the European champions are set to sign
the 32-year-old, whose contract with the Spanish giants will
expire next year.
However, the Spanish club's head of communications Antonio
Garcia-Ferreras told PA International that no offer had been
received for the former FIFA world player of the year.
"Real Madrid have not received an official offer from
Liverpool for Luis Figo," said Garcia-Ferreras.
"It's true that Luis Figo or his agent have been holding
talks with Liverpool but there has been no offer for Figo
from Liverpool."
(ITV Football)
Mellor raring to return
Neil Mellor insists he is more hungry than ever for success
after missing Liverpool's glorious UEFA Champions League
victory - but will settle for a place warming the bench.
The 22-year-old, who netted in the impressive comeback
against Olympiakos that turned Liverpool's season around,
has been sidelined since early March when his long-term
tendonitis injury became unbearable.
Mellor is under no illusions about the task he faces in
forcing his way into coach Rafa Benitez's attacking plans
this season.
With Spanish international Fernando Morientes peaking
following his first pre-season at Anfield, Djibril Cisse
returning to full fitness after a nasty leg break and £6
million Southampton target Peter Crouch reportedly on his
way to the club, competition for places has never been
greater.
It is a battle Mellor is ready for and the youngster is
relishing the challenge: "We've got some big reputations in
the strikers we have got here," he added.
"I can't expect to just walk into the side. There is no
chance of that happening, so just to feature on the bench
would be an achievement in itself."
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Gonzales keen to repay Rafa's faith
Mark Gonzales wants to repay the faith Rafael Benitez has
shown in him in signing the winger despite his injury.
Benitez was determined to bring Gonzales to Liverpool
despite the Chilean international having a cruciate ligament
injury and now the player knicknamed 'Speedy' at his former
club wants to repay that faith as soon as possible.
"I have to wait until November for a full recovery but then
I will demonstrate on the pitch what Rafa said about me,"
said Gonzales. "I felt very happy with what Rafa said,
knowing that I'm injured and there are other players having
good spells.
"It's a great challenge to be in a team full of stars and
which are the European champions.
"I'm the only Chilean footballer that is playing in a giant
team in any country.
"This team are characterised by their strength and they
demonstrated it in the Champions League final against AC
Milan, when they hit back from 3-0 down to beat them
on penalties."
(LFC Online)
Rafa ready for first friendly
Rafael Benitez is looking forward to putting his players
through their paces for the first time in match action this
pre-season when the Reds take on Wrexham tomorrow.
The friendly, which will be televised live on
Liverpoolfc.tv, will give Reds' fans a first chance to see
their heroes since Istanbul and Benitez is promising to give
as many players as possible some time on the field.
The Liverpool boss has already confirmed that Steven Gerrard
will start the game, while new signings Jose Reina and Bolo
Zenden are also expected to feature.
Benitez said: "I'm looking forward to the game. It is only a
friendly but we are starting to prepare the team for the new
season and so games like this are always important.
"Of course we have the Champions League qualifier against
TNS just a few days later and it's important that we're
ready for that game.
"At Wrexham my idea will be to use many players and give
them all some minutes on the field.
"We have a lot of work to do before the new season starts
and we'll be looking to make a good start to our
preparations at Wrexham."
(LFC Official Website)
Duo pen new Reds deals
Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have both signed new
four-year deals at Liverpool.
After a tumultuous week at Anfield, The Reds are to end it
all with a double boost as their two stars of last season
commit their long-term futures to the club.
Both the skipper and the defensive stalwart have penned new
four-year deals that tie them to the club until 2009.
(Sky Sports)
Saints braced for Crouch bid
Harry Redknapp is waiting for Liverpool to return with a
fresh offer for Southampton striker Peter Crouch.
Liverpool have already failed with two bids for the England
international, while West Ham United have also had an offer
dismissed.
A fee in the region of £8 million is likely to be required
to persuade Saints to do business but Redknapp is already
resigned to losing Crouch.
Steven Gerrard's decision to stay at Anfield had sparked
suggestions that The Reds would back out of increasing their
bid due to a lack of financial clout.
But Saints boss Redknapp does not feel the Gerrard situation
will have any bearing on Liverpool's pursuit of Crouch.
"I don't think Gerrard's decision will make too much
difference," conceded Redknapp.
"Liverpool have got the money to do something if they want
to."
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Liverpool receive transfer inquiry
Spanish outfit Celta Vigo have made an inquiry regarding the
availability of Liverpool midfielder Antonio Nunez.
Nunez was signed as part of the deal that saw Michael Owen
join Real Madrid but he failed last season to make much of a
positive impact.
(Kop Talk)
Real may scupper Reds' Figo bid
Liverpool face an anxious wait to see if they can win the
race to sign former World Player of the Year Luis Figo.
The Reds are reported to be deadlocked with Real Madrid over
a possible move for the 32-year-old Portuguese star -
Liverpool are believed to have agreed personal terms with
Figo but the transfer has been thrown into doubt after Real
asked for a £2million transfer fee.
Figo cost £37million when he signed from arch rivals
Barcelona in August 2000 but it was thought he had been
allowed to leave Madrid on a free transfer one year before
the end of his contract. Luis Douens, one of Figo's agents,
said: "An agreement exists with Liverpool, but the decision
rests on Real. If they want money for the transfer then I
believe it will be hard."
(Ananova)
Litmanen joins Malmo FF
Former Liverpool player Jari Litmanen has joined Swedish
side Malmo FF.
The Finnish international, who joined Liverpool in January
2001, has joined the Swedish side on a half a season
contract with the option of a further year.
Malmo are currently third in the Swedish league with 23
points from 13 games. The Swedish side are hoping Litmanen's
presence can inspire them into a Champions
League spot.
(LFC Online) |
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THURSDAY 7 |
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Reds out to hijack Sissoko transfer
Liverpool are set to hijack Everton's swoop for Mali
midfielder Mohammed Sissoko.
And in a crushing double blow for the Blues, Craig Bellamy
has agreed to sign for Blackburn.
The Reds made an offer for Sissoko last night, after boss
Rafa Benitez was alerted by Everton's interest in a player
he had under his wing at Valencia. And the Blues fear that
they could now miss out.
(Liverpool Eco)
Benitez agrees terms for Figo
Liverpool have agreed terms with Portuguese superstar Luis
Figo - but the deal is on ice because Real Madrid have
suddenly demanded a £2m transfer fee.
Figo secured a verbal agreement with the Spanish giants
saying he could leave on a free if he found the right club.
But having concluded negotiations with the Reds, the
32-year-old midfielder is now livid with Real's u-turn. They
now want a fee for his services.
Liverpool won't proceed with the transfer if they have to
pay the Spanish club.
As the Figo deal faces deadlock, Benitez is edging closer to
securing the services of Southampton's Peter Crouch and
Valencia's Mohammed Sissoko.
(Liverpool Echo)
Baros happy to stay
Liverpool striker Milan Baros has intimated that he is happy
to continue his career at Anfield.
Both Lyon and Valencia attempted to sign Baros this summer,
but neither move materialised.
Baros is now calm about his future and insists that every
major club needs four strikers and that he is ready to fight
the likes of Fernando Morientes and Djibril Cisse for a
first team place.
"Anything can still happen, I can still leave. This
possibility is not eliminated.
"I did not want to hurry something and also that is why I
remain at Liverpool.
"I have been here for three and half-a-years and I am
satisfied.
"I still work for Liverpool and I want to do my best for
them."
(Sky Sports)
Squad numbers for new boys
Liverpool have announced the squad numbers which will be
worn by their two new summer signings this season.
Boudewijn Zenden, who completed a free transfer from
Middlesbrough earlier this week, will wear number 30.
Goalkeeper Jose Reina, who has signed from Spanish outfit
Villareal, has been given
the number 25 shirt.
(LFC Official Website)
Carragher pledges future to Reds
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is to sign a new
four-year contract with the club by the end of the week.
The 27-year-old is expected to pen a two-year extension to
his current deal, which has two years remaining on it.
The news will delight Reds fans, coming the day after
skipper Steven Gerrard decided to commit to the club.
"We have been talking with Jamie Carragher and we expect the
contract to be signed before the end of the week," said
chief executive Rick Parry.
"He was outstanding for us last season and is clearly a big
part of our plans."
Parry also confirmed experienced German midfielder Dietmar
Hamann has signed the one-year extension to his contract,
while defender Djimi Traore has penned
"a long-term deal".
(BBC Sport Online)
Xabi welcomes Stevie u-turn
Xabi Alonso has fully welcomed Steven Gerrard's decision to
commit his future to Liverpool Football Club and admits the
mood at Melwood have visibly lifted since yesterday's
sensational announcement.
Alonso is delighted that his central midfield partner will
tomorrow sign a new contract with the Reds, killing off
speculation once and for all that the skipper was about to
call time on his Anfield career.
The Spanish playmaker revealed he and his team-mates were
shell-shocked at the possibility of Gerrard leaving but
insists the feel-good factor in the dressing room has now
been restored.
"It is great news for everyone in Liverpool," says Xabi.
"Steve is everything, a symbol for the team, and although
nobody is indispensable we would have started the new
campaign on the wrong foot.
"Gerrard is wanted by all and I do not believe that it was a
question of money for all those involved. In the year I have
been at Liverpool I have come to understand what is
expected, in particular in the league.
"These last few days the team did not train with the same
joy, but now I have noticed the spirit is back."
(LFC Official Website)
Lawless is living the dream for
Anfield tie
One man with more reason than most to celebrate Steven
Gerrard's dramatic U-turn is lifelong Liverpool fan John
Lawless.
As one of the key players at Welsh Premier champions TNS,
the 23-year-old is still coming to terms with the prospect
of playing against his footballing idols in the first
qualifying round of this year's Champions League.
Lawless was actually in Istanbul to see the Liverpool
skipper lift the trophy after the stunning fightback against
AC Milan. Now, just seven weeks later, he will be taking to
the field against the club he has supported since childhood,
dreaming of causing one of the biggest upsets in footballing
history.
Lawless, an FA Trophy winner with UniBond League side
Burscough, will step out at Anfield next Wednesday to
fulfill every supporters' dream of mixing it with players
they follow every week.
"I've followed Liverpool ever since I was a little boy," he
said last night. "I've been all round the world watching
them.
"But now I'm playing against them, which will probably only
sink in when I'm standing there in the tunnel next to all
those great players. To run out in front of the best fans in
the world is going to be an amazing experience."
(Daily Post)
Gerrard wants Rafa chat
Steven Gerrard is ready to improve his relationship with
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez after pledging to stay at
Anfield.
The Reds captain performed a staggering U-turn on Wednesday
after deciding to remain loyal to his boyhood club after 24
hours earlier declaring a desire to leave.
Reports of a bust-up with Benitez, along with his contract
situation, were put forward as a reason for Gerrard's desire
to quit the European champions.
"All the talk of bust-ups is nonsense," Gerrard told the
Daily Express.
"Our relationship is okay but I admit it could be better and
that is something I am going to work on.
"I spoke to him in the morning and I am sure we will sit
down in the next few days
for a chat."
(Sky Sports)
Moores' relief as uncertainty over
Liverpool chairman David Moores has expressed his
delight and relief following Steven Gerrard's decision to
stay at Anfield.
And like chief executive Rick Parry, Moores is convinced
there will never again be a summer of uncertainty surrouding
the skipper.
"I've been with the manager and Rick Parry in meetings,"
Moores said. "I've seen Jamie Carragher and Didi (Hamann)
and everyone's fine.
"Of course it's a boost, we'd rather have done without it
all, but we've got it and it will never happen again I can
assure you."
Moores said he hoped Gerrard's decision would now draw a
line under the affair.
"That's the end of the story," he added. "We've had all
this. He changed his mind because he knew what he'd miss by
going elsewhere. That's what changed his mind. He was
confused but he's fine now.
"It is satisfying. It means to me as chairman that we're
keeping our captain. It means a hell of a lot to me of
course it does."
As for how long Gerrard will remain at Anfield, Moores said:
"He said he's committed himself for life, so however long he
lives!"
(Daily Post)
Time off for the skipper
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has been given permission
to take the rest of the week off to recover from this week's
emotional developments.
The rest of the squad are currently preparing for next
Wednesday's Champions League encounter with Welsh minnows
Total Network Solutions.
(Kop Talk)
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Thor Zakariassen
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