"I like Ajax as a football side."

AUGUST 1
GH: A good advertisement for football

LFC Official Website

Gerard Houllier said the manner of the football and the passing and movement from both Liverpool and Ajax was a good advertisement for the game, after the goalless draw in the Amsterdam Arena.

The Reds manager said he thoroughly enjoyed the entertaining match and said on another day the final scoreline could have been 4-4. Houllier also said he was impressed with the passing of his side once again.

Houllier said: "This was a good publicity for football as it was a very entertaining and exciting game of football. Both teams wanted to score and it could have gone one way or another.

"I enjoyed watching the game and was pleased with our passing and creating chances. There's a few things we still need to work on but this game could have been 4-4. Some 0-0 games are boring but this one was a great advert for the game.

"I like Ajax as a football side as their passing and movement is good. We are still a young side and need time to develop. I mentioned that two years ago and I haven't changed my mind on that."

The Reds manager singled out Steven Gerrard for special praise after Houllier said the Reds number 17 wasn't quite 100 per cent.

Houllier added: "Stevie did well because he had a cold and in fairness I wouldn't have played him but Igor Biscan and Bruno Cheyrou had little knocks so I played him. I will make more changes against Galatasary on Sunday.

"I was pleased Harry Kewell came through well. He needs match fitness and I quite like him on the right side as he is skilful and causes problems to defenders. I'm just experimenting though and trying different things and I'll make changes for the Galatasary game on Sunday."

AUGUST 1
Kewell happy to be on the right

Ananova

New Liverpool signing harry Kewell slotted in on the right wing as he returned from injury in the Amsterdam Tournament.

The Australian, signed from Leeds for £5million, had been injured on his debut at Crewe and missed the Far East tour.

But Kewell returned and admitted he had enjoyed the experience despite Liverpool being held to a 0-0 draw by Ajax.

Kewell told Sky Sports: "I felt good. That's what I was looking forward to, getting through the game.

"It was disappointing that I missed the trip (to Asia) because it was a good time to bond with them (his new Liverpool team-mates).

"The lads have been great with me, I can't thank them enough."

Kewell admitted he did not mind where he was selected to play by manager Gerard Houllier.

"As long as I'm on the field I don't really care," he said.

"At the end of the day it's up to the manager where he wants to play me. It's something I'm comfortable with. I'm loving every minute of it."

AUGUST 1
Liverpool fail to convince

By Charles Carrick - Telegraph

Liverpool made an inauspicious start to their opening game in the Amsterdam Tournament, grinding out a draw with hosts Ajax.

The game proved a great contrast to the competition's opening game in which a slick Inter Milan defeated Galatasaray 3-0.

Liverpool's new signing Harry Kewell, making his second start following his £5 million switch from Leeds, alternated between right and central midfield and showed some of his trademark flashes of brilliance. However, the main talking point for Liverpool fans will have been their lack of real creativity.

Towards the end of the opening half hour, Ajax's early verve and impetus appeared to slow down as Liverpool took a greater hold on the game - but it was only a short-lived period of dominance for Gerard Houllier's side.

Kewell attempted a shot on goal after connecting with a Milan Baros pass but Petri Pasanen deflected his shot.

Van der Vaart was a constant menace for Ajax, prompted by former Liverpool man Jari Litmanen. Liverpool almost conceded an own-goal in the closing moments when Sami Hyppia kicked the ball against a post.