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WEDNESDAY 9 |
Ajax tempted to move for Babel
Ajax boss Martin Jol says the prospect of resigning Ryan
Babel from Liverpool “has appeal” after comments from the
Dutch winger last week suggesting he’d be open to a return.
Frustrated by lack of first team action, Babel last week
said he’d be tempted to move back to Holland in the January
transfer window in order to make a claim for a place in the
Dutch World Cup squad next summer.
And Jol says he’s taken into account Babel’s plea.
He said, “I’ve read what he said, but I don’t have anything
to say
at the moment.
“Babel does appeal as a good option, but it all depends on
whether we need him when the time comes.”
Babel signed for Liverpool in the summer of 2007 for around
£11.5million.
(This is Anfield)
Lee impressed by Burnley start
Liverpool assistant boss Sammy Lee says he has been
impressed by the start Burnley have made to life in the
Premier League.
The Reds face the league’s newest team this Saturday at
Anfield as they look to get some momentum on their campaign
following two victories and two defeats in their opening
four games.
But Lee knows the visit of the Clarets won’t be an easy
ride.
“Burnley’s start has not been surprising – we know about
them and the quality they have,” he told the club’s official
web site.
(This is Anfield)
Aurelio closes on return
Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio has targeted a return to
action in this weekend's clash with Burnley.
Aurelio has yet to play this season, having spent the last
few months recovering from a knee cartilage operation.
The Brazilian sustained the knee injury in a kickabout with
friends while on holiday in Brazil earlier in the summer.
Aurelio will feature in a practice game on Thursday and he
is hoping to prove his fitness to Reds boss Rafa Benitez.
"I am feeling good and working hard to try and get back into
the squad for Saturday," said Aurelio.
(Sky Sports)
Shields: Thank-you, Merseyside
Freed Liverpool fan Michael Shields today paid tribute to
the Merseyside football fans who helped secure his release.
The 22-year old was sentenced to 10 years in prison in
Bulgaria for an attack on a barman in 2005, but has always
maintained his innocence. Supporters have campaigned
tirelessly to clear his name.
Michael was finally released today following a pardon by
Justice Secretary Jack Straw, and told reporters: "I would
like to say a massive thank-you to all the people out there,
including Liverpool and Everton fans, in support of me and
my family over the last four years by writing letters,
protesting and marching.
"Your voices were heard. Thanks to you, I knew I'd never
walk alone.
"My family have stood by me every step of the way. I would
not have made it without them.
"I also want to extend my sympathy to the victim of the
unprovoked attack in Bulgaria."
(LFC Official Website)
No Crewe complaint over 'tap-up'
The Football League has told BBC Sport no complaint has been
received from Crewe Alexandra over an alleged illegal
approach to one of
their players.
Earlier in the week Crewe director of football Dario Gradi
said they had reported an unnamed Premier League club for
tapping up one of their youngsters.
Reports suggested it was Liverpool and the player was
15-year-old
Max Clayton.
But Liverpool, who were willing to offer a six-figure sum
for Clayton last year, knew nothing about any complaint.
(BBC Sport Online)
It’s a tough time for
Liverpool FC to face Burnley
It will be like turning back the clock when Burnley come to
visit Anfield this weekend.
But in truth this one is more about us turning the screw on
them.
Burnley were a very well respected top flight side in the
1960s and many people were pleased to see them get promoted
last term through
the play-offs.
But the fact they are newcomers who’ve been away so long
certainly doesn’t mean there is an easy match in prospect.
There are warning signs for Liverpool that they need to pay
attention so they are bang on top of their game from the
kick-off.
They have already beaten Manchester United and Everton, so
to underestimate Burnley would be foolish.
(Tommy Smith - Liverpool Echo) |
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TUESDAY 8 |
Carragher defends young signings
Jamie Carragher has said scouting for young talent abroad is
perfectly acceptable - as long as it is done within the
rules.
The Liverpool defender, who came through the youth ranks on
Merseyside alongside captain Steven Gerrard, believes
provided young English players are given the chance to prove
themselves, then bringing in foreign youngsters should be
allowed.
Since Chelsea were banned from signing any players in the
next two transfer windows after their swoop for former Lens
striker Gael Kakuta, Manchester United and Manchester City
have also been accused of tapping-up hot prospects.
Carragher feels it is up to the governing bodies to define
what is allowed and what is breaking the rules.
"As long as the clubs aren't breaking the rules, there's not
a lot that you can say," he told Sky Sports News.
"Those are the rules and if you can get players from abroad
very cheap who are very good then you can't say no if you
think it's going to improve your first-team in the future.
"But as long as the clubs aren't breaking the rules. I think
it's up to Fifa or Uefa if they want to change the rules but
as long as the clubs can hold their heads up high and know
that they've done nothing wrong then that's the main thing."
The Reds fans' favourite also praised the youth set-up at
Anfield, and said the Scouse core of the team that Liverpool
currently have will
always continue.
"The more people you bring in will obviously make it a
little more difficult but I think the spirit and the quality
that we've got at Liverpool, I'm sure it will come through
in the end," he added.
"We've got it now (a Scouse core). I think hopefully so,
we've still got it at the moment. Hopefully for a few more
years and when me and Stevie finish, there'll be more coming
through."
(Sky Sports)
Benitez explains Degen,
El Zhar Liverpool omission
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez insists there was nothing
untoward in leaving out two foreigners from their Champions
League squad.
The Reds have had to leave out two senior squad players from
the 28, full-back Philippe Degen and winger Nabil El Zhar,
due to the regulations involving the amount of home-produced
players that have to be named.
Benitez said: "We had to leave two players out of the list
which was a difficult decision.
"For the young players to be involved is a very good
experience for them. It is important for them to be on the
list and if they are in the squad, or play, it would be
fantastic for them.
"Always when you go away with the senior players you can
learn something so I think that will be really important for
them.
"We have to prepare the team for these six games and then
hopefully we will have more games when the group finishes.
"The young players know if they work hard and improve then
they will get their chances."
(tribalfootball.com)
Crewe allege illegal approach
Crewe Alexandre claim Liverpool have made an illegal
approach for one of their youth players.
Crewe Directo of Football Dario Gradi has claimed a
Premiership club has made an illegal approach for one of
their kids. He has not named the club but it is common
knowledge he is referring to Liverpool and their interest in
Max Clayton.
"We have a situation where one of our 15-year-olds has been
approached," said Gradi.
"He is an outstanding player by any standards and he has
come in and told us that he wants to leave right now to join
a big club.
"What sort of compensation are we going to get for all the
work that has gone into developing him? Any compensation is
insignificant for the effort that gone in.
"We lost a 12-year-old to Everton. He was our best
12-year-old. The lure is that the bigger clubs pay big
expenses.
"This kid will be getting several hundred pounds a week in
expenses. We pay expenses but nothing like that. It's more a
case of giving out £20 if someone can pick a kid up
en-route.
"It is so hard to protect your players. All this goes
against the morality of the game - it's the rich robbing the
poor. At least FIFA have given the smaller clubs hope."
In the wake of Chelsea's transfer ban the Reds may try to
head off trouble by paying Crewe a larger than usual
compensation fee for Clayton.
(LFC Online) |
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MONDAY 7 |
Rafa's message for frustrated stars
Rafael Benitez today urged Ryan Babel and Albert Riera to do
their talking on the pitch after both players expressed
frustration over a lack of first team opportunities so far
this season.
Babel has revealed he would be interested in a loan move to
Ajax when the transfer window reopens in January, while
Riera made only his first start of the campaign at Bolton
last weekend.
Benitez insists both players will get chances to shine over
the coming months - and that it will then be down to them to
seize the opportunities which come their way.
"Albert and Ryan both want to play," said Benitez. "They
play in the same position and so have to compete with each
other, which is good for us.
"The message is very simple. On the pitch all of the players
have to prove something.
"Ryan knows he cannot go now, so he has to impress. He is a
good player and we know he has talent. It's important for us
to talk with him and see how he progresses over these
months.
"With the World Cup at the end of the year the majority of
our players will want to impress and if they do well in each
training session they will have more chances."
(LFC Official Website)
Torres is ready for the challenge
Fernando Torres admits that it is difficult keeping up with
the clubs who are spending a lot, but believes that
Liverpool can work hard to achieve success this season.
"I think we are close to getting a trophy but it's very
difficult," said the Spanish striker.
"In football at the moment unfortunately money is really
important. Clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and
Manchester City have a lot of money to spend on good
players.
That's not the way at Liverpool so we have to try to
improve. If we are going to get the opportunity to win a
trophy we have to do things better than ever. We are ready
for the challenge."
(LFC Online)
Aurelio welcomed back
Sammy Lee has welcomed Fabio Aurelio back into the first
team squad.
Aurelio is back at Melwood, training with the first team,
after missing all of pre-season and the first month of the
new campaign with a knee injury.
"Fabio will be like a new signing for us," said Lee.
"He wasn't available for pre-season, but he's coming back
and hopefully we'll have him chomping at the bit and
competing for a place very shortly.
"Any team likes to have all of their players available. That
brings its own problems of course because you have to pick a
team from them, but we would prefer to have that problem
than a situation where players are
out injured
"Rafa has said on many occasions he is confident with the
squad we have and we feel we can mount a challenge on all
fronts."
(LFC Online)
Gerrard: Fab key to glory
Steven Gerrard believes the Fabio Capello factor can help
England finally achieve their goal of World Cup glory.
England, who have struggled to live up to expectations in
recent tournaments, can clinch their 2010 spot if they beat
Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday.
Gerrard said: "Managers who are that good can make the
difference. He and his staff are winners - that mentality
has transferred itself
to the team."
(Teletext)
Thor Zakariassen
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