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THURSDAY 9 |
Pongolle eager for Reds reunion
Florent Sinama-Pongolle has admitted Atletico Madrid's
forthcoming clash with Liverpool will be the biggest match
of his career.
The former Liverpool striker has found the net four times in
six appearances for Atletico since signing from Recreativo
in July, and Pongolle is hoping to he can continue his
impressive form against Liverpool in the Champions League in
two weeks time.
"For me it's the biggest game in my career," Pongolle told
LFC magazine.
"It's going to be very, very hard, but I can't wait to go
back to Anfield - it’s something special."
"Since I left, I have only been back to Anfield once. It was
for the semi-final of the Champions League against Chelsea
in 2007.
"I invited four players with me from Recreativo. What a
game! I was jumping in the air and falling over people when
Dirk Kuyt scored the winning penalty.
"I went out with all of the players after the game to
celebrate as well. All of the Recre players couldn’t believe
what it was like. There’s no atmosphere in the world like it
at Anfield."
(LFC Official Website)
Carragher: Reds have Skrtel cover
Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool have the strength in
depth to cope with the absence of Martin Skrtel.
The Slovakia international has been ruled out until at least
December after damaging knee ligaments during Liverpool’s
victory over Manchester City.
"It's a massive blow – Martin has been a great player for us
since he arrived at the club," Carragher told the official
club website.
"We didn't know much about him when he first came to the
club, but he's done very well. He has cemented himself in
the Liverpool team quite quickly - which is a very tough
thing to do.
"It's just unfortunate for him that it's such a bad injury
but obviously it gives someone else a chance to get a run in
the team.
"That's why you need a big squad in a long season and credit
to the manager as well, he's seen that we didn't have enough
players in that area of the pitch at times last season and
we have Hyypia and Agger who can come in now."
(Setanta Sports)
Alonso 'too slow' for Juve
Claudio Ranieri claims he did not sign Xabi Alonso this
summer because the Spaniard is too slow.
Juventus were strongly linked with a swoop for the Liverpool
midfielder during the close-season as the Reds became
embroiled in a long-running transfer saga over Aston Villa's
Gareth Barry.
The Serie A giants held discussions with Liverpool in
regards to the Euro 2008 winner, but ultimately decided to
turn their attentions elsewhere.
"He was a player we wanted," Ranieri admitted.
"But he is a player, who even though he is an extraordinary
man and
a great professional, left me perplexed by the slowness of
his movement in midfield.
"In the midfield of Rafa Benitez's Liverpool, where all of
them are little soldiers, he finds himself in a fantastic
position.
"But in our midfield, he would have found it hard to support
the midfield line seeing as Mauro Camoranesi and Pavel
Nedved are not players that come back to give support like
Liverpool's wingers."
(Sky Sports)
Torres issues form warning
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has warned the rest of the
Premier League he is edging closer to his top form.
Torres, who enjoyed a fantastic debut season at Anfield last
term scoring 33 goals in all competitions, had a slow start
to this term by his own high expectations, scoring only once
in the club's opening five
Premier League games.
The 24-year-old has shown he is almost back to his brilliant
best with
a brace in each of his side's last two games at Everton and
Manchester City and says there is more to come.
"Me and the other players from the Euros started back in
pre-season later than everyone else, and as a result weren't
in the best physical shape," said Torres.
"Last year was very long for me. I played nearly 50 games
with Liverpool and then went straight to the Euros. But I'm
getting better each day and I'll soon be 100 per cent
again."
"I believe we can win the Premier League or the Champions
League. If we did that, it would be fantastic. We have
started well, so there is optimism.
"But I'd be happy with just 20 goals if we won the Premier
League or Champions League."
(Sky Sports) |
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WEDNESDAY 8 |
Reds extend Abalimba stay
Southend have agreed to allow Medi Abalimba to remain on
trial at Liverpool until the end of the week.
The talented teenager turned out for the Reds' reserve team
on Tuesday, playing just over an hour in a 1-0 defeat
against Manchester City.
He is thought to have impressed Liverpool's coaching staff,
but the club have asked for more time to reach a decision
regarding the Congolese midfielder's future.
That means the 16-year-old will remain on Merseyside, with
plans to hand him another run out during a practice match at
the weekend.
(Sky Sports)
Riera: Torres is world's best
Liverpool midfielder Albert Riera has tipped team-mate and
fellow countryman Fernando Torres to win the Ballon d’Or and
expressed his joy at being called up by Spain.
“They called me yesterday (on Tuesday) and I arrived as
quickly as possible because a call-up fills you with joy and
makes you believe,”
Riera told a press conference.
“Even though I was upset not to be part of the European
Championships squad, I was convinced I would have played my
part.
“But regretting and thinking of the past is useless, you
have to be focused on what’s to come.”
Riera is happy with his Anfield form and he admits he enjoys
his partnership with Torres, who is the best player around
according to
the winger.
"I am doing good things alongside Fernando Torres, who is a
partner and
a good friend. To me he should win the Ballon d'Or."
He added that: “La Liga and The Premier League are different
because
the rhythm of the games is quicker in England, you are more
focused on the ball.”
(Setanta Sports)
Rafa keeps his feet on the ground
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has reiterated the need for
his side to keep their feet on the ground following
short-term success.
The Reds, who received their perennial pre-season tip as
Premier League title contenders, came in for criticism at
the start of the campaign following a sluggish opening.
However, Benitez's side remain unbeaten in 12 games in all
competitions and - prior to last weekend's two-goal comeback
at Manchester City - have already recorded victories over
Manchester United and Merseyside derby rivals Everton.
The Anfield outfit are currently sat level on points with
Chelsea at the top of the table, but Benitez insists his
squad must remain grounded.
"It's important to send the right messages," Benitez told
the club's official website.
"We have a long, long way to go. We have to do things
properly both now, in one month's time and in three months'
time.
"We can have a lot of confidence in ourselves but we must
keep our feet on the ground.
"We (the squad) were talking about this before, although we
can enjoy being at the top of the table.
"But the players know we must keep going until the end. You
can't win
a title now - you can only win it at the end of the season."
(TEAMtalk)
Rafa buoyed by Skrtel positives
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is grateful defender Martin
Skrtel’s knee ligament injury did not turn out worse than it
has done, and is taking heart from the Slovakian’s proposed
pre-Christmas return.
“It is a big loss for us because Martin has done very well
for us since joining from Zenit St Petersburg,” said
Benitez. “He was playing very well and we were very pleased
with him so it is a real pity that he has got injured now.
“But we also know that it could have been worse and the fact
that he could be back for our games towards the end of the
year is positive for us.”
(Setanta Sports)
Rafa content to wait on new deal
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has dismissed rumours linking
him with
a move to Juventus as he waits on a new deal at Anfield.
Benitez has just over 18 months to run on his current
contract, alerting
a number of clubs across Europe to the Spaniard's possible
availability.
Juventus have been credited with an interest in Benitez as
doubts grow over the long-term future of Claudio Ranieri at
the Turin giants.
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks declared at the start of the
year that he
was keen to sort out a contract extension for Benitez, but
as yet no new deal has been in the offing.
Benitez is not worried about the situation and is hoping he
can sort out
a long-term deal so that he can continue his plans on
Merseyside.
"I'm not really worried about the situation at the moment,"
Benitez told
the Daily Express.
"I am trying to be pragmatic about it and am just
concentrating on
the things I can improve."
(Sporting Life)
Rafa pleased for Albert
Rafael Benitez was pleased to see Albert Riera called into
the Spain squad.
The Liverpool winger was a late call up for Spain to replace
the injured Diego Capel. Rafa Benitez believes Riera can
soon become a regular in the Spanish international squad.
"People maybe don't realise the situation and how well he's
playing,"
said the Reds boss.
"I could tell you he's doing really well and leave it at
that, but you also have to remember that since he's been
here the games have been United, Everton and Man City away.
That makes how he's doing even more impressive.
"Spain has a very good group of players, so it's not easy -
but he can be there. If he keeps playing well here, it will
be easy for him.
"I think playing in the Premier League and Champions League
can also make a massive difference to the progression of a
player."
(TEAMtalk)
Legends named in Euro Hall of Fame
Three Anfield icons will be inducted into the European
Hall of Fame tonight.
Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan and Bob Paisley are among 10
players and managers selected by the National Football
Museum based on achievements in European competitions.
The list is completed by George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton,
Brian Clough, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Robson, John
Charles and Sir Matt Busby.
A host of stars will arrive in Liverpool for a ceremony
tonight including UEFA president Michel Platini, who will
receive an all-time great European footballer award.
The night will also mark the 30-year anniversary of
Liverpool's European Cup winning side of 1978. Dalglish will
be joined by former teammates including Phil Neal, Phil
Thompson and David Fairclough.
(LFC Official Website)
Juve confirm: We don't want Benitez
Juventus have publicly backed Claudio Ranieri in light of
reports that
the Italian giants were lining up Rafa Benitez as his
replacement.
Despite getting off to a strong start in the Champions
League, Juve have struggled in Serie A, slipping to 11th in
the table after scoring just five goals in six matches.
Reports in the press had linked Benitez to Turin, with the
Spaniard just two years away from the end of his Anfield
contract.
However, the Liverpool boss has stated he wants to sign a
new long-term deal on Merseyside, and now Juve president
Jean-Claude Blanc has confirmed he is backing Ranieri.
"I understand the concerns of the fans," said Blanc on the
club’s official website. "But we will not make a coaching
change.
"We have complete trust in Ranieri just as the Juve
president said on Sunday. I can confirm that 100%.
"With Ranieri, with his coaching staff, with the medical
staff we will analyse the situation in order to find
solutions to see Juve return to be
the team that we saw at the end of August."
(Setanta Sports)
Liverpool are beaten
by Sturridge’s strike
Liverpool Reserves slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Manchester
City in
the Barclays FA Premier Reserve League North last night.
An early strike from City frontman Daniel Sturridge proved
to be
the difference between the sides on a soaking wet evening
at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Liverpool Reserves: Gulacsi, Darby, Insua, San Jose, Kelly,
Plessis, Abalimba (Duran 62), Spearing, N’Gog (Bruna 46),
Pacheco, Weijl.
(Liverpool Daily Post) |
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TUESDAY 7 |
Xmas comeback for Skrtel
Liverpool have revealed that defender Martin Skrtel does not
require knee surgery and should return to action by
Christmas.
The Slovakia centre-back damaged his posterior cruciate
ligament in Sunday's 3-2 win at Manchester City, and
underwent a scan
on Tuesday afternoon.
Skrtel had impressed during his six Premier League starts
this season, and could now be at manager Rafa Benitez's
disposal earlier than
first feared.
Reds spokesman Ian Cotton said on the club's official
website: "Martin was examined by a specialist today, who
confirmed the player does not require surgery and is
expected to be back playing by Christmas."
(Sky Sports)
Gerrard: Our midfield is best
Steven Gerrard believes England have the best crop of
central midfield players in the world.
The Liverpool skipper returns to the England squad to face
Kazakhstan at Wembley on Saturday after missing the
victories over Croatia and Andorra last month.
Gerrard has often stated his preferred position is central
midfield but he must now wait to see whether he can force
his way into coach Fabio Capello's starting line-up in his
favourite role.
But he is in no doubt about the stiff competition he faces,
especially after the outstanding display in Zagreb where
England beat Croatia 4-1.
Gerrard said: "We just showed what the players can really do
when we come together. We still have a new manager, so it
was always going to take a while for him to get us playing
his way.
"It shows the quality of the central midfield players
available to England. I was the only one injured, but we
showed huge strength in depth. For me, England has the best
choice of central midfield players in Europe."
(TEAMtalk)
Reds look at Shrimpers starlet
Liverpool have taken Southend youngster Medi Abalimba on
trial.
The Reds have held a long-term interest in the teenager and
he spent a few days training with the club last season.
Rafa Benitez is believed to be a big admirer of the
Congolese midfielder and will cast an eye over him during
Liverpool's reserve clash with Manchester City on Tuesday.
Southend youth team manager Ricky Duncan believes training
with Liverpool will be a good experience for Abalimba.
"Liverpool are having another look at Medi after last season
to see how he has improved," Duncan told the club's official
website.
"It's a good experience for him and it highlights some of
the players that we are starting to produce when sides like
Liverpool are interested."
Liverpool could face a battle with arch-rivals Manchester
United for Abalimba as he also had a trial at Old Trafford
last year.
(Sky Sports)
Lamps concedes woes with Gerrard
With the eternal debate on their compatibility set to rear
its head again, Frank Lampard admitted that himself and
Steven Gerrard have consistently failed to perform to their
best when playing for England in recent seasons.
Sven Goran-Eriksson’s regime was characterised by his
attempts to accommodate both Gerrard and Lampard in the
centre of his midfield, something he never managed to do
with any great degree of success.
Steve McClaren followed Rafa Benitez’s suit by pushing
Gerrard out wide at first, while Fabio Capello’s penchant
for at least one holding midfielder makes it tricky to keep
everyone happy.
Lampard was partnered by Gareth Barry in the 4-1 cruise past
Croatia last month, but Gerrard is now back in the squad for
the forthcoming qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Belarus.
“When me and Steven are included either together or one and
not the other, we want to be at our best for England,”
Lampard said on Setanta Sports News in Tuesday's England
press conference.
“We both probably hold our hands up and say over the past
couple of years we haven’t done that. So everyone’s trying
to find a solution.”
(Setanta Sports)
Ian Rush: Spirited Reds
are teaming with defiance!
Liverpool’s incredible comeback against Manchester City
at the weekend showed the strength of their team spirit.
When you go two goals down away from home there is a
temptation to think that it’s game over and you won’t get
back into it.
But Liverpool have already shown several times already this
season that going behind does not mean you can’t win the
game and this shows the togetherness in Rafa Benitez’s squad
right now.
When I was a player Liverpool had a reputation for playing
until the final whistle and never giving up and it’s great
to see this sort of commitment and determination back again.
No doubt City thought they would be the first team to beat
Liverpool this season when Javier Garrido put them 2-0 up.
But from the moment Fernando Torres got a goal back you
could sense that the balance of power had shifted. I think
anyone who has seen the Reds play this season half expected
them to go on and win the game.
(Ian Rush - Liverpool Echo)
Aurelio remains confident
Fabio Aurelio is confident Liverpool can maintain their
title challenge.
The Reds are currently second in the table, separated from
top spot by goal difference alone. It's our best start to a
season in years and Fabio Aurelio believes confidence at the
club is so high the international break will be of no
distraction to the players.
"It's always difficult after the international break,
especially because almost our whole squad is away with their
national teams. We'll have just a couple of days to prepare
for the next game," the Brazilian told the club's official
website.
"But a few teams are in the same situation. Also, I think
the confidence we had before the break will mean we're not
in a bad position."
(LFC Online)
Masch gets Argentina call
Javier Mascherano has been named in the Argentina squad.
Javier Mascherano has been named in the Argentina squad for
their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay at home
on Saturday and Chile away a week tomorrow.
(LFC Online)
Agger ready to impress
Daniel Agger is ready to claim his first team place back.
The Dane is set to return to the starting line up following
Martin Skrtel's cruciate ligament injury. Although Agger is
disappointed for Skrtel, he is determined to make the most
of his own opportunity.
"Of course I hope to get some playing time, but this was not
exactly the way I wished to get it. I know Martin very well
because I share a room with him when we travel," said the
defender.
"I hope to get my chance and then I will prove that it's my
place. On the other hand, it might as well be Jamie
Carragher's place because I don't know why people only say
it is me or Skrtel who are fighting each other for a place
in the team."
(LFC Online)
Thor Zakariassen
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