Sunday, July 19, 2009

Liverpool to battle Spurs for Young signature?

By Soccernet staff July 19, 2009

Liverpool are ready to join Tottenham in bidding to sign Ashley Young from Aston Villa, according to reports in the News of the World.


The winger is one of the best prospects in the league and Villa have reportedly rejected an opening £18m offer from Tottenham, saying it is nowhere near their £30m valuation of the player.

Now the door may be open for Liverpool to get involved as their move for Valencia midfielder David Silva has stalled.

However, while Villa are bracing themselves for Liverpool's offer, manager Martin O'Neill has said he does not want to see the player leave.

O'Neill insisted on Thursday: "There have been a lot of stories about Ashley - and that's what they are - stories."

He added: "No-one has come in and asked us about Ashley Young and I have got to tell you, if they did they would get short shrift."

Thursday, July 9, 2009

GLEN JOHNSON: THE FIRST LIVERPOOL PICTURES

Paul Eaton 09 July 2009

New Liverpool signing Glen Johnson met up with his Anfield teammates for the first time on Wednesday - and we were there to snap some exclusive pictures at Melwood.

The England defender will be officially paraded as a Liverpool player on Thursday, when he will give his first interviews since swapping Fratton Park for Anfield last month.

But before his unveiling as Rafael Benitez's first summer signing, our new right back was getting used to his new surroundings at the club's training complex.

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Tuesday, July 7, 2009

PHOTO SPECIAL: REDS BACK IN TRAINING

Jimmy Rice 07 July 2009

We went down to Melwood to bring you these exclusive shots of those among Rafa Benitez's squad who have returned to training following the summer break.

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(Final photo shows physio Matt Konopinski, sports therapist Ivan Ortega and fitness coach Eduardo Parra Garcia)

Real admit, Liverpool are pricing us out

Real Madrid director-general Jorge Valdano has told a Spanish radio station that it is likely the Spanish giants won’t be able to meet Liverpool’s price tag they’ve put on midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Alonso has been one of Real’s most targeted players this summer, but it is thought Rafa Benitez wants at least £35million for the Spanish international.

Speaking to Cadena Sar, Valdano said, “Xabi Alonso is a priority if he fits into our budget, and this doesn’t seem the case. We are very far from the figures that Liverpool have set out.

“Liverpool have taken up a difficult stance over Xabi Alonso. I don’t like to talk about the private details of negotiations.

“We are studying many alternatives. We want someone who can channel the play and there aren’t many like that in the world.”

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Benitez defends £17m Johnson transfer fee

By Soccernet staff June 24, 2009

Liverpool's decision to splash out around £17.5m on Portsmouth wing-back Glen Johnson has raised a few eyebrows, and now Rafael Benitez has defended spending over the odds in order to "compete in the top four".

Glen Johnson

ShaunBotterill/GettyImages

Glen Johnson: Now an England regular

The 24-year-old England international agreed terms with the Anfield club on Monday, meaning only formalities remain before he completes a move.

The financial hit will be softened by the fact Portsmouth still owe the Reds around £7m from the deal which took Peter Crouch to Fratton Park 12 months ago and it is believed the two clubs have agreed to merge this into the deal leaving a £10m fee.

Even so, Liverpool will be paying a huge fee for a player who cost Pompey just £4m two summers ago.

"Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more,'' said Benitez. "You can't compete in the top four of the Premier League unless you spend some money.

"We were looking for a player of quality and also somebody who is British because of the new Champions League rules. Glen Johnson fits both categories.''

Johnson's stock has risen considerably over the last 12 months, from a player getting into scrapes off the pitch, to a firm regular in Fabio Capello's England plans.

As Liverpool have endured problems in the full-back areas throughout Benitez's tenure, this time the manager will hope he has a right-back for the long-term.

Benitez is also confident he will make other signings while securing the long-term futures of his best players.

"We have a plan. We can sign one more player if necessary, but that's without any players leaving,'' he told the Liverpool Echo. "Alvaro Arbeloa has had a very good season but he has one year left on his contract.

"If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition, but if we get a good offer we will have to consider it.''

Benitez is also hoping to offload Sebastien Leto, Andriy Voronin and Andrea Dossena.

Leto is expected to sign for Panathinaikos shortly.

"I think that the possibilities to play at Panathinaikos next season right now are more than 90%,'' said the Argentinian winger. "I have been waiting for something from Olympiakos all these weeks but they didn't make a move to buy me so far.''

FERNANDO: WE'LL RETURN FRESH

Jimmy Rice 23 June 2009

Fernando Torres has assured Liverpool fans he and his fellow Spaniards will return to Anfield fresh and ready to aid another title assault in 2009-10 despite their Confederations Cup antics.
Torres has featured in all three of Spain's fixtures so far in South Africa, while Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera, Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe Reina have also played prominent roles to help set up Wednesday's semi-final with the USA.

Rafa Benitez will allow his countrymen extra time to recuperate before they join up with their clubmates for the pre-season tour of Asia.

Kopites are hoping Torres in particular comes back feeling 100 per cent after an injury-hit 2008-09.

"After our holidays are over we have to join up with the team for Liverpool's Asian tour," said our No.9.

"We can't wait for the tournament to end so that we can go on holiday, with the Cup, so as to get some rest. We will return for the new season with plenty of energy as it is going to be an exciting season for Liverpool and also for Spain, as there is a World Cup at the end."

Victory on Wednesday night could set up a dream final of Spain versus Brazil.

Torres added: "It's not the same playing against Brazil as it is playing against any other team.

"They are currently playing well, scoring goals; they have great players and this may well help give the tournament the importance it deserves.

"A Spain-Brazil final would be a match the whole world would like to see and a match that everyone would want to play in. I'm sure it would be a game full of good football."

One of the most controversial elements of this summer's tournament has been the sound emanating from the stands, with fans playing their distinctive vuvuzela throughout matches.

Torres, though, has been overwhelmed by the support he has encountered for both his club and country.

"Since arriving, I have seen a lot of people with Liverpool banners and wearing Liverpool shirts with my name on the back," said the 25-year-old, who with three goals is the tournament's joint top scorer alongside strike partner David Villa.

"To tell the truth, it came as a surprise because I didn't expect this so far from Spain and England.

"I have not grown tired of signing autographs as it's a delight to have so many fans so far from my own country. It's surprising to see how people with just the minimum resources available have more drive and enthusiasm than anyone. The children, for example, come up to you wearing a smile from ear to ear."

Meanwhile, the competition has allowed Torres to expand his already-impressive collection of opponents' shirts.

He explained: "I've had the opportunity to swap shirts with opponents, and these will all be added to my collection.

"I keep them all, but I've yet to find time to put them all on show anywhere. I have all of the shirts from the Premier League and my father has the ones from Spain.

"One day I will get them all together, like a museum. I'm sure that I have tops that will bring back plenty of memories. I have swapped shirts with Zidane, Raul, Beckham, Figo, Ronaldinho. I guess that with the passing of time their value will grow."

Friday, June 19, 2009

Chelsea match Liverpool's £17.5m bid for Johnson

By Soccernet staff June 19, 2009

Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie has confirmed Chelsea have matched Liverpool's £17.5m bid for England defender Glen Johnson.

Glen Johnson

Image/AFP

Glen Johnson: Off to pastures new?

Pompey accepted a bid from Liverpool earlier this week and the 24-year-old looked set to seal a move to Anfield. However, Storrie has confirmed the Fratton Park club have also now agreed terms with Chelsea - Johnson's former club.

The in-demand full-back now has a decision to make, with both sides keen to tie up a deal this week.

"The matter will come to a conclusion at the beginning of next week. I do not have a preference over the move, it is up to Glen," Storrie said. "The deals are almost identical so it really is down to him and what club he prefers, which one is going to pay him more money.

"Glen wants to play regularly in the Champions League, he has got himself back in the England side so I understand that. Sometimes you have to be fair to players."

Storrie admits that Johnson needs to be playing Champions League football next season in order to secure his place in Fabio Capello's starting XI - with the World Cup finals now less than 12 months away.

"It's a big year for him with the World Cup coming up," he added. "Playing Champions League football will make him an even better player than he is today."






Thursday, June 18, 2009

Rumour Mill: Mascherano, Villa latest

Written by Max Munton on June 18th, 2009

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano continues to be linked with a move to European Champions Barcelona, with reports this morning suggesting the Catalan club are lining up a £45million offer to sign the Argentine international captain.

Reports say that Mascherano and his wife are “unsettled” on Merseyside and are looking for a way out. Some reports suggest that his agent, Walter Tamer, has met with Barcelona officials this week over a proposed transfer to the Nou Camp.

However, Mascherano has already been quoted this summer as being happy at Liverpool, looking forward to the new season and even urging manager Rafa Benitez to sign international teammate Carlos Tevez.

Benitez also confirmed a week ago, “He has a long contract and any club can forget about bidding for him. Barcelona can offer £40m or even £50m, we don’t want to sell.”

Doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere, Barca.

LFC PlayerThe La Liga giants have also been linked with a move for Pepe Reina, who ironically played for Barcelona against Liverpool in the UEFA Cup Semi-Final in 2001.

But again it looks like Barcelona will be disappointed with the 26-year-old, who played 30 games for Barcelona between 2000 and 2002 already excited about Liverpool’s title charge next season.

Meanwhile Spanish striker David Villa, who has been linked with several big clubs including the Reds recently following Valencia’s financial woes, looks set to have snubbed a move to the Premier League in favour of joining Real Madrid’s new ‘galacticos’ era.

On Tuesday, Fernando Torres urged Benitez to sign the 27-year-old who scored Spain’s winner in their 1-0 victory over Iraq in the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa yesterday.

LFC PlayerAndrea Dossena has denied speculation that he is unhappy at Liverpool and wants to move back to Italy.

Yesterday his agent said that if Juventus were to come in with an offer for him, he’d have to seriously consider it.

But the Italian full-back says, “I never said I wanted to go away from Liverpool. I’m happy in Liverpool and I want to stay. Journalists say ‘you come back to Italy’. I want to stay in Liverpool.”

And the Reds have been linked with a move for 20-year-old Uruguayan midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro, who Sky Sports report BBC Sport own economic rights for. Yeah, we had to do a double-take on that too!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

REDS FACE TRIP TO SPURS ON OPENING DAY

James Carroll 17 June 2009

Liverpool will kick-off the 2009-10 Barclays Premier League campaign with an away clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Reds will visit White Hart Lane on August 15 looking to get the season off to a flier and avenge the 2-1 defeat they suffered in the corresponding fixture last season.

Stoke City are the first visitors to Anfield four days later before Liverpool host Aston Villa in front of the Kop.

The Reds travel to Stamford Bridge to do battle with Chelsea on October 3, before Manchester United arrive in L4 on October 24.

The first Merseyside derby of the season is scheduled to take place at Goodison Park on November 28 while the Reds will take on Arsenal at Anfield on December 12.

Rafa Benitez's men will play host to newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day, ahead of a visit to Villa Park to cross-swords with Aston Villa on December 28.

Liverpool's first Barclays Premier League fixture of 2010 will see Tottenham come to Anfield on January 9.

Everton make the short journey across Stanley Park on February 6 ahead of the Reds' encounter with Arsenal at the Emirates on February 9.

Liverpool will look for a repeat of their unforgettable performance at Old Trafford last season when they face United away on March 20.

The end of April will see a home clash with West Ham United (April 17) ahead of an expedition to Barclays Premier League new boys Burnley on April 24.

Liverpool will wrap up their season at Anfield by doing battle with Chelsea on May 1 before the Reds end the campaign at Hull City on May 9.

barclays premier league logo

Liverpool 2009-10 Barclays Premier League fixtures:

August

15 Tottenham Hotspur (a)
19 Stoke City (h)
22 Aston Villa (h)
29 Bolton Wanderers (a)

September

12 Burnley (h)
19 West Ham United (a)
26 Hull City (h)

October

3 Chelsea (a)
17 Sunderland (a)
24 Manchester United (h)
31 Fulham (a)

November

7 Birmingham City (h)
21 Manchester City (h)
28 Everton (a)

December

5 Blackburn Rovers (a)
12 Arsenal (h)
16 Wigan Athletic (h)
19 Portsmouth (a)
26 Wolverhampton Wanderers (h)
28 Aston Villa (a)

January

9 Tottenham Hotspur (h)
16 Stoke City (a)
26 Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)
30 Bolton Wanderers (h)

February

6 Everton (h)
9 Arsenal (a)
20 Manchester City (a)
27 Blackburn Rovers (h)

March

6 Wigan Athletic (a)
13 Portsmouth (h)
20 Manchester United (a)
27 Sunderland (h)

April

3 Birmingham City (a)
10 Fulham (h)
17 West Ham United (h)
24 Burnley (a)

May

1 Chelsea (h)
9 Hull City (a)


Please note all of these fixtures are subject to change for television purposes and/or police requests.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

FIVE YEARS WITH RAFA BENITEZ

Paul Hassall 16 June 2009

Rafael Benitez was named the new manager of Liverpool Football Club on this day in 2004.

To mark the fifth anniversary of his Anfield arrival Liverpoolfc.tv pays tribute to our favourite Spaniard and his Rafa-lution.

Rafael Benitez Training

He is our Spanish messiah, a genial tactician who restored our reputation as one of Europe's biggest clubs and led us to one of the greatest triumphs in our history.

To say his legend can be summed up in six minutes would be to belittle his other achievements, but those few precious moments that followed half-time on Wednesday, May 25, 2005, were undoubtedly the most important of his five year reign.

The Reds somehow mustered all their inner strength to claw back a 3-0 interval deficit before going on to secure 'Old Big Ears' on penalties as we catapulted the nostalgic tales of the glory of yesteryear right into the present.

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Thanks to Rafa the trophy is now 'ours for keeps' but while some of the game's greatest coaches can only dream of achieving such success once in their career, it would not be the last time he would lead the Reds out for a Champions League final.

Even the late, great Bill Shankly took time to establish Liverpool as a force, but Benitez made an almost immediate impact, shrugging off the disappointment of a fifth place finish in the league to defy the odds and lead the Reds to a fifth European Cup success in a dramatic climax to his debut season.

A rollercoaster 2004-05 campaign began with a crash course in English and the news that the club's top marksman Michael Owen was on the brink of a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

It was a difficult start and one that would set the tone for much of the season.

The Group Stage of the Champions League would provide a microcosm of the campaign, with disappointing displays away to Monaco and Olympiakos juxtaposed by impressive home triumphs - the victory against the latter proving to be one of the defining games of our campaign.

In fact, Europe would provide a wonderful respite from the Premier League struggle, as every frustrating away day defeat against the likes of Crystal Palace, Manchester City and Birmingham City would be followed by a transformation in spirit and desire in knockout matches with Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Chelsea.

Luis Garcia scoring the second goal versus Juventus at Anfield

The '05 semi-final second-leg at Anfield is one of the greatest nights the red half of Merseyside has ever witnessed and was the start of a run of results in the last four of cup competitions that would see Rafa tactically outwit the self-styled 'Special One' Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea may well have clinched a 3-2 aet victory over Liverpool in the Carling Cup final, but there was no doubting which was most important.

A wave of optimism carried Liverpool into Rafa's second season and although the Reds secured a Super Cup win over CSKA Moscow a fixture pile-up as a result of Champions League qualifiers and poor Premiership performances saw them struggle early on.

A run of one defeat in 18 matches, in which they set a new club record of 11 consecutive clean sheets, got the Reds back on track. A third placed finish saw us set our highest points tally since the inauguration of the Premier League and was topped off by yet another cup final appearance.

This time it was in the FA Cup as the road to Cardiff was paved by a 1-0 success over Manchester United, an emphatic 7-0 mauling of Birmingham City at St Andrews and a 2-1 semi-final win over... yes, you've guessed it, Jose Mourinho's Chelsea.

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Many felt Liverpool had done the hard work in the 2-1 triumph over Chelsea but, in an action-packed first-half at the Millennium Stadium, West Ham surged into a 2-0 lead.

Djibril Cisse reduced the arrears with a flying volley before Steven Gerrard took over with a performance even more staggering than the one he produced in Istanbul.

The skipper hammered home a magnificent equaliser on 54 minutes and just as it looked like Liverpool were dead and buried after Paul Konchesky's cross flew straight in, he did it again, with an incredible 30-yard thunderbolt in the 90th minute.

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The Reds would again prevail on penalties to claim a third trophy under Rafa in just two seasons.

The Spaniard had certainly shown he had the midas touch; following on from his success at Valencia where he had a developed a reputation as one of Europe's finest coaches.

In his last season at the Mastella he led Los Che to an unprecedented La Liga and Uefa Cup double, frustrating the duopoly of Barcelona and Real Madrid and asserting a managerial authority that exuded charisma and tactical brilliance.

His arrival provided a real coup for Liverpool and the ensuing success he achieved in just two years at the club had already secured his status as one of our greatest ever managers.

Success breeds expectation and while many grew frustrated by his penchant for rotation, the reward of a second Champions League final in just three seasons in 06-07 was further evidence the Reds were now a force to be reckoned with.

It would be a campaign that would mirror his first, with the frustration of yet another disappointing start on the domestic scene a stark contrast to the confident swagger the side had begun to display in the Champions League.

The first away victory in the league did not arrive until December's visit to Wigan Athletic although progress in Europe had been achieved with consummate ease in a group comprising Bordeaux, PSV and Galatasaray.

European Champions Barcelona stood in the way in the knockout stage, but Rafa had outfoxed them during his time in La Liga, and he would do it again; masterminding a sensational 2-1 success in the Nou Camp. A 1-0 reversal at Anfield in a game the Reds dominated and missed a whole host of chances could not dull the elation of defeating one of the continent's finest sides.

Riise scores at the Nou Camp

Another meeting with PSV in the quarter-finals gave the Reds a favourable draw and they eased to a 4-0 aggregate win before they met Chelsea for the third time in three seasons.

The Blues won the first-leg 1-0 to set up a repeat of the 2005 deciding clash at Anfield. Roared on by a passionate Anfield crowd, Liverpool did it again, this time courtesy of a Daniel Agger goal and what was now the obligatory penalty shoot-out.

Agger celebrates goal v Chelsea in CL semi

Remarkably, the final in Athens would be another repeat with AC Milan seeking revenge for 2005.

Liverpool would suffer an unfortunate 2-1 defeat in the Olympic Stadium, with Dirk Kuyt's late goal not enough to save the Reds after Filippo Inzaghi struck a brace against the run of play.

By this time there had been a wind of change at Anfield, a shift in the ownership of the club that promised progression.

Torres signs for LiverpoolThe arrival of Fernando Torres for a record fee was a firm statement of intent and with his strongest group of players since taking charge, Benitez made his best ever start in the Barclays Premier League.

The Reds marched to a run of 14 league matches unbeaten but a series of disappointing draws, and a surprising struggle to qualify for the Champions League knockout stage would hinder their trophy hopes.

A shock FA Cup defeat at home to Barnsley would prove the turning point, with the Reds going on to finish the season with a flourish.

In the last 16 of the Champions League runaway Italian champions Inter Milan swaggered into town and were blown away by a combination of Anfield's 12th man and late goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard.

A solitary strike from Fernando Torres in the second-leg at the San Siro claimed a famous 3-0 aggregate win to set-up a mouthwatering all-English quarter-final with Arsenal.

The Reds battled to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates before another incredible European night in L4 saw us see off Arsene Wenger's men with a 4-2 triumph.

Chelsea were once again awaiting the winners in the last four and it all looked to be going Liverpool's way when Kuyt opened the scoring in the first-leg at Anfield.

The home side dominated throughout and could well have doubled their tally before John Arne Riise's stoppage time own goal turned the tie in Chelsea's favour.

A 3-2 extra-time defeat in London would end our hopes of reaching Moscow, while a fourth place finish in the league saw us conclude the campaign 11 points off top spot.

Despite the disappointment of a second season without a trophy, hopes were high as 08-09 got underway.

However, injuries to Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, a partnership that had terrorised defences home and abroad, would ultimately cost the Reds the title in a season that saw the team lose just two Barclays Premier League matches.

Highlights would include league doubles over both Manchester United and Chelsea, with the 4-1 mauling of Alex Ferguson's men at Old Trafford a particularly sweet moment for fans, players and coaching staff alike.

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In the Champions League it would be Chelsea that once again ended our hopes. A 5-0 aggregate success over Real Madrid had set-up a quarter-final with the Blues and it looked like going to plan when Fernando Torres opened the scoring in the fourth minute.

real madrid

But a surprisingly disjointed display - one of most disappointing of the season - saw the Blues take control and they eventually romped to a 3-1 success.

A miracle similar to that of Istanbul was required, but if there was one team capable of pulling it off, it was Liverpool.

A fairytale first period at Stamford Bridge gave the travelling Kop hope as Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso levelled it up on aggregate.

But a mistake by Pepe Reina let the Blues back into it and a see-saw second 45 ended 4-4 after one of the matches of the season.

At this point the race for the title was still very much on until another epic 4-4 draw, this time with an Andrey Arshavin inspired Arsenal, handed United the initiative.

The Red Devils would go on to close out the Championship but Liverpool kept winning right until the end with 10 victories from our last 11 league matches. It ensured we finished the campaign by setting a new personal best in the Barclays Premier League, with 86 points.

Few sides have produced such sensational end of season form and not won the title, but rather than wallow in what might have been, Rafa and co have once again shown massive progression that can only bode well for the future.

Roll on 09-10, a season that promises to be another epic Reds adventure - especially if Rafa's first five are anything to go by.

five years of rafa

Liverpool close in on Pompey's Johnson for £18m

By Soccernet staff

Liverpool are set to sign Glen Johnson after reportedly having a bid of around £18m accepted by Portsmouth. The England right-back has been in impressive form this season and the south coast club could cash in after buying him for just £4m in August 2007.

Glen Johnson

Image/AFP

Glen Johnson: Off to pastures new?

Johnson has been a leading target for manager Rafael Benitez this summer and, after Chelsea withdrew from the race for their former employee, Liverpool now look set to land the 24-year-old.

It had been reported that the Blues and Manchester City had also had bids accepted for the player but, with Chelsea's withdrawal and Johnson's decision to opt against a move to City due to their lack of Champions League football, the path now looks clear for his move to Anfield.

Liverpool are still owed £7m by Portsmouth from the deal that took Peter Crouch to Fratton Park last year and that figure will be written off as part of the Johnson fee; while Andrea Dossena and Alvaro Arbeloa are also on the brink of leaving the club to provide Benitez with more transfer funds.

Johnson has cemented his place as England's first-choice right-back under coach Fabio Capello and played in the two recent World Cup qualifying victories against Kazakhstan and Andorra and should sure up an area in which the Reds have struggled in recent years.

He signed a new four-year deal at Portsmouth in January, but club officials accepted they could not stand in his way if he was offered the opportunity to move a club playing in the Champions League.

Portsmouth are being linked with Tyrone Mears, who spent last season in Ligue 1 with Marseille, as a replacement.

Friday, May 15, 2009

GERRARD EYES DREAM DOUBLE IN 2010

Paul Hassall 15 May 2009

Steven Gerrard has set his sights on emulating the legendary Roger Hunt by securing a glorious double in 2010.

The Reds skipper has vowed to make next season the biggest one of his career and hopes to land both the Barclays Premier League title and the World Cup - a feat achieved by Liverpool's all-time leading scorer in the league back in 1966.

"Roger Hunt was a fantastic player," said Gerrard.

"It's a bit before my time but my dad has certainly made me aware of how good Roger was.

"If I can go on and emulate what he achieved in 1966 next year, you will certainly see a happy Steven Gerrard come the end of the World Cup!

"It would be the best year of my career without a doubt.

"To win the league and then go on and win the World Cup, that's what dreams are made of.

"There's a lot of hard work and a lot of hurdles to get over before I can achieve that.

"But it is certainly the ambition and the dream. And I think it's possible."

If England are to maintain their hopes of glory in South Africa next summer they must maintain their impressive start in the qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra next month.

Gerrard is confident they can do just that and feels Fabio Capello has a squad capable of going all the way.

"We've got the potential to do it and we've got very good players.

"But it's important we don't raise expectations because it's not so long ago this team failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

"As for Liverpool, if I can go on to be involved in another title race and win it then it would be a fantastic feeling, too. Then I can take that confidence into the World Cup.

"We've still got one last chance this season, one last crack if Arsenal do us a favour. But if it's not to be, then there is certainly progression anyway."

After another superb season Gerrard was deservedly crowned Footballer of the Year earlier this week.

He admits it is an award he is hugely proud of and feels he is heading in the right direction for both club and country.

"That means everything to me as it's a great accolade," he said. "The standard of players is high, so to be named the best is special.

"For Liverpool, there has been a lot of progression and it has been fantastic to be involved in the race. And with England, we are top of our qualifying group with five wins out of five."

RAFA: LET'S FINISH THE SEASON IN STYLE

James Carroll at Melwood 15 May 2009

Rafa Benitez is targeting two wins out of two from Liverpool's remaining Barclays Premier League fixtures, regardless of the outcome of the title race.

Manchester United could clinch the trophy if they pick up a point against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday, with the Reds not in action until Sunday when they take on West Bromwich Albion.

"It's always important to have some targets," Benitez told his weekly press conference at Melwood.

"We always have to think positive. We need to get three points in our game and if we can still fight for the title, then we will still fight, but if not, then we will fight for second.

"For us, 80 points is really good - 82 is our best ever total in the Premier League. It would be fantastic to match that, although to finish with 86 points would be much better.

"I am pleased because we have been more consistent. It's very positive and good for the future.

"We will try to do our job in our remaining games and see what happens."

If United claim the title, they will equal Liverpool's record haul of 18.

Asked if trying to stop Alex Ferguson's men reaching that number had served as extra motivation this season, Benitez replied: "I was not thinking about them, I was thinking about us.

"To win the title is always the motivation. It doesn't matter how many - you cannot think about history all the time. You have to think about the present.

"Still we are fighting and if we cannot win it, then we will fight for second position and be ready for next season.

"It would be a fantastic achievement for us to win the title, but the priority is to think about ourselves winning it - not to prevent them."

Benitez believes Arsenal are capable of upsetting United and feels the Gunners will have a point to prove after they were eliminated from the Champions League by the Old Trafford club earlier this month.

He said: "Arsenal are a good team. They have players with quality and I think because of their defeats in their last two games they will want to prove something.

"Arsene is a winner and he will try to win this game and also the players will too. You cannot lose in the way they have lost in their last two games and not try to do your best."

The title race could be over by the time the Reds take to the field against West Brom at the Hawthorns, although the Baggies are still desperately fighting against relegation.

Benitez is anticipating a tough encounter, but has praised Tony Mowbray's men for sticking to their brand of open, attacking football throughout the season.

"It will be difficult because when you play against a team who are battling against relegation it is hard, but it is always tough in the Premier League," said the Anfield boss.

"They are a team who like to play football. It's a pity they are a team at the bottom of the table because they have always tried to play good football."

Benitez confirmed Xabi Alonso will return to the Reds squad for the trip to The Hawthorns.

He added: "Alonso is fit and he has been training. All of the squad are fit for this game."

Meanwhile, Benitez paid tribute to Steven Gerrard after the Reds skipper was named as the Football Writers' Association's Footballer of the Year earlier this week.

"I'm really pleased for him," said Benitez. "The award means he is in a team fighting for the title and it's a fantastic achievement when you consider the other players on the shortlist.

"Also, I am pleased he thanked the staff and his teammates. This shows he has the right mentality and also the quality.

"He has scored more than 20 goals in the last three years. For a midfielder, this is very important. He is a very good example to the younger players in the squad."

KUYT TARGETS REGULAR TITLE TILT

James Carroll 15 May 2009

Dirk Kuyt today warned Liverpool's Barclays Premier League rivals the Reds will again be serious contenders for the title next season.

Manchester United could clinch the league crown if they claim a point against Arsenal tomorrow, with Rafa Benitez's side not in action until Sunday at West Bromwich Albion.

However, regardless of the outcome of this weekend's fixtures, Kuyt believes Liverpool can be proud of their achievements this campaign and will be ready to fight it out for the title next term.

"This team can be proud of itself, and the way we have played this season no matter what happens in the final week, we can raise our heads high," said the Dutch forward.

"We have beaten the biggest teams, United and Chelsea, twice each in the league. We can say that there were too many draws in the home games, but you have to learn from it because we are a young team.

"We have a sense now, a really strong belief that we can go on and achieve what we want because the quality is there and the progress is there. If it is not enough this time we will definitely be there for the big push next season.

"The team is getting more experienced, and importantly, the players are now in it for the long term. Important players have agreed new contracts and they all believe they are part of something big. The belief is there."

Following his move from Feyenoord in 2006, Kuyt has firmly established himself as a key component in Benitez's first-team plans.

The 28-year-old has had more than his fair share of critics at times, but even from a young age, he has always been desperate to prove the detractors wrong.

He said: "When I was a kid I didn't get picked up by a professional club, and was just an amateur so I could never have dreamt that I would be part of a club like this.

"I was with an amateur club called Quick Boys and my dream was simply to play in the first team. So to be here now is beyond my wildest dreams.

"When I first started my career, people tried to tell me I wouldn't be a professional, I wouldn't play for a big club in Holland, I wouldn't reach the national team, I wouldn't play for an important club in Europe, and I wouldn't survive at Anfield.

"And I have always proved them wrong, I have always reached the next level. I am still getting better, still reaching my targets and still learning every day.

"Every step along that way I have had another dream and have achieved it. So I will not stop dreaming until we get what we want with Liverpool, and that is the title, this season or next."

Dirk's never-say-die attitude and his seemingly endless energy has drawn plenty of plaudits, and he accepts he is perhaps not your stereotypical Dutch footballer.

"I have heard the jokes that I can't be from Holland, and I know that I am not a typical Dutch player. Maybe I am different to the typical Dutch character too," he said.

"I'm from a fishing village where you have to work really hard, at sea five or six days a week, come home for one day and then be off working even for weeks at a time, so the mentality comes from that I think.

"That is my character, that is what the Liverpool fans see. But if you are talking football-wise then I am definitely not a typical Dutch player.

"You think of them being technically gifted, like Cruyff and Van Basten, Bergkamp and Van Persie - I am just a different kind of player.

"I do like to work very hard every game, but I enjoy myself, and maybe I'm a little more than just hard work.

"I am happy with what I have achieved so far with my own style, and I am still very hungry to do better. I still have the feeling that I can progress, get better and achieve more."

Having lost his father in the summer of 2007, Kuyt has overcome personal heartache to assert himself as one of the Premier League's most effective wide-men.

"I am proud that my father was able to watch me play here at Liverpool in my first year, and the last game he ever watched was the Champions League final which was at the highest level in one of the biggest finals and I scored," he added.

"His wish was that I stay here as long as possible, and that is my wish too. I want to be part of what is happening at Anfield.

"The proudest moment for me was signing for this club, being part of one of the biggest clubs in the world, and of course my father was proud of that fact.

"It is a famous club, one of the biggest in the world, and to be part of it with such a great history for me is something you want to be around as long as possible.

"Every year I am here I am proud. Every year you have to fight for your place and every year there are better and better players coming here to take your place, so I am proud to still be here and to have a new three-year contract."

BENITEZ: BAGGIES COULD SURVIVE

Jimmy Rice 15 May 2009

Rafa Benitez today warned his players to expect a real scrap on Sunday against a West Brom team he believes could yet survive in the Barclays Premier League.

The gaffer is aware his side could seal the Baggies' fate this weekend depending on results for Hull and Newcastle.

However, Benitez knows West Brom will give everything they've got to win three points and keep alive hopes of a great escape.

"It is always difficult when playing a team facing relegation," the Kop boss told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"They put more passion in, maybe. It's a massive difference to go to the Championship after playing in the Premier League.

"It will be a tough game for us. They are fighting.

"Why can't they stay up? The thing is, we have to win - that makes it more difficult for them. But anything can happen in football - the difference is not too big."

SPANIARD: I WANT TO FOLLOW ARBELOA

Jimmy Rice 15 May 2009

West Brom record signing Borja Valero has told of his ambition to emulate Alvaro Arbeloa's success in English football.

The pair, who played together at Real Madrid, will put friendship aside this weekend when Liverpool and West Brom meet for a game both sides must win.

"I speak with Arbeloa every week," said Valero. "He has been a good help to me, because he knows everything in England after being here almost three years.

"He has been a big help to me and my wife during my first season in England.

"For Spanish footballers it is difficult to come here, because the football is so different. You need to play a lot of games before you can play like an English player.

"Arbeloa is in his third season and is probably having his best season. The more I play in England the more I will improve."

West Brom need three points to keep their slim hopes of survival alive, while Liverpool will still be in with a title shout if Arsenal beat Manchester United on Saturday.

Valero joked: "I told Alvaro they have no chance of winning the league and to let us have the three points so we can stay up.

"It's going to be difficult, probably one of the most difficult games of the year."

Saturday, May 9, 2009

RAFA: CITY CAN NOW THROW TITLE OPEN

Jimmy Rice at Upton Park 09 May 2009

Rafa Benitez is keeping his fingers crossed Man City can throw the title race wide open on Sunday after Liverpool maintained their charge with a 3-0 win at Upton Park.

Steven Gerrard fired twice in the first half against West Ham, with Ryan Babel adding a third late on to elevate Liverpool to the top of the Barclays Premier League on goal difference.

United now play the first of two games in hand against City - and Benitez believes victory for Mark Hughes' men would crank up the pressure on the champions.

"We have done our job," said the Spaniard. "We have to keep winning, that's all we can do. We needed to get three points and put them under pressure, and now we will be supporting Man City.

"It's a derby and if they make a mistake they will be feeling the pressure. Man City is a difficult team to play against."

Asked if he would be watching the game in a blue scarf, Benitez joked: "Maybe. If I am at home and relaxed, I will watch it. I will be relaxed because you can't have any influence."

With time running out on Liverpool's title dream, Benitez was asked if he looked back with regret on any of the seven Anfield draws this term, notably the stalemate with West Ham before Christmas.

The boss believes this fixture was pivotal, explaining: "We can talk about some draws but especially this one. We were preparing this game and we watched clips of all the missed chances - there were a lot. It is a pity because this could have made the difference.

"Also, it's true that we've won a lot of games at the end of matches, so in the end, when you talk about nine months, you often finish where you should finish."

As things stand, Liverpool could miss out on the title having lost fewer games than the champions.

Benitez added: "I don't remember (if this has happened before), but we are doing a good job. I was talking to some people the other day and if you analyse the two games we lost - against Middlesbrough for the first 30 minutes we were on top, and against Tottenham it was one of our best away performances of the season. It's unbelievable, but that's football."

Reporters also asked the gaffer if he believed Liverpool would be champions had Gerrard and Fernando Torres started more than 12 league games together.

"We have scored a lot of goals through different players," he replied. "That's a massive positive. But if you have Torres and Gerrard on the pitch, it's a massive difference. The other team is always thinking, 'Who will score - Gerrard or Torres?' It's more difficult for them.

"But I have belief still this season."

Liverpool looked comfortable at Upton Park following Gerrard's second-minute opener but Benitez claims it wasn't as easy as it appeared.

"We were in a very good position because we scored the early goal," he said. "It made a big difference. They had to go forward and so we had more space. The penalty made it worse for them but still they played well, passed the ball and played with ability between the lines. We had to score the third goal.

"We had a lot of chances on the counter attack. We talked about it before and practised in the week, so that's good."

STEVIE HOPING FOR UNITED SLIP-UP

Paul Eaton 09 May 2009

Steven Gerrard helped fire Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League table - and then called on Manchester City to do the Reds a favour at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Two goals from Gerrard and a late Ryan Babel strike ensured Rafael Benitez's men once again leapfrogged United into top spot, with Alex Ferguson's side playing one of their two games in hand against their city rivals on Sunday lunchtime.

United now play three times before Liverpool take to the field again - and Gerrard is keeping his fingers crossed the Reds' title dreams are still alive by the time our next match at West Brom on Sunday comes around.

"It was important for us to keep going and do our job," said the skipper. "We have to win our remaining games and put pressure on United.

"If they win their games then fair play to them and they will deserve it, but at the moment we deserve to be at the top of the league.

"They have a tough game against Man City tomorrow. City have run into a bit of form and it's a derby match which is never easy. We just have to wait and hope City can do us a favour.

"Whatever happens now, though, this season has been one of progression. We're on May 9 and we're still in the title race and we haven't been able to say that for a long time. That shows we have good players and a good togetherness.

"We're still in there fighting and we'll keep going, but if it's not to be then we'll learn from where we have gone wrong this season and look to put it right next year."

WEST HAM UNITED 0 - 3 LIVERPOOL

West Ham
0 - 3
Liverpool


Gerrard


Gerrard


R. Babel

Gerrard



Gerrard



R.Babel

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

SAMI HYYPIA: WHY I'M LEAVING LIVERPOOL

Paul Eaton 05 May 2009

Sami Hyypia today spoke exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv about the reasons behind his decision to bring a glittering ten-year Anfield career to an end.

sami hyypia


First of all Sami, there are many fans all over the world saddened at the news that you're leaving Liverpool. Why have you decided to move to Bayer Leverkusen?

The main reason is I still think I'm young enough to play football and I know chances to play here would be limited. I spoke to the manager and I didn't want him to make promises about how many games I would play, but this season has been mentally very difficult. I haven't played a lot and playing is what I enjoy most.

I understand it isn't possible to play enough games here for me to be happy, so I had to look elsewhere. I got the option to go abroad to Bayer Leverkusen. The whole package was good, they have big plans for me and hopefully I can go there and help them to be successful.

Even taking into account your reasons for leaving, was it still a difficult decision to make?

It was very difficult because from day one I have felt at home here. I have had good relationships with the club, with the staff and all the players who have been here over the last ten years. It's difficult to leave but my reasons are all professional. I still want to play football.

Ten years is a long time to spend at one club. My family are settled here and I know it will be stressful moving with them into a new house in a new country. But the professional side drove this decision. It's a new challenge and I will give it everything to be successful in Germany.

What did the manager say in your discussions with him?

He wished me good luck. We had a number of discussions and the possibility of a coaching role was mentioned, but I don't feel ready for that yet. I feel I still have a few more years in my legs to play football.

You've been here for a decade and so will leave with a lot of great memories from your time at the club...

Yes, we have had a lot of ups and downs during my time here but I have so many great memories and Liverpool will be my English club for ever.

What has been the highlight from your time at the club?

Obviously the Champions League victory was amazing. To be 3-0 down and still go on and win is something we'll never forget. On a more personal level my first game at Sheffield Wednesday, my first match at Anfield and my first goal for Liverpool are moments I will never forget.

How much will you miss the Liverpool fans, with whom you've had a great relationship over the years?

Obviously I'll miss them a lot and I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you to them all. They still sing my name when I'm warming up or playing and that's always good to hear. It's sad to be leaving, but I'll be back one day to watch some games and maybe see them all again.

How much are you hoping for a chance to say goodbye to them on the last day of the season against Tottenham?

That's a decision for the manager to make. Even if I'm not involved in the game I will find a way to get onto the pitch at the end. If the Stadium Manager tries to stop me I'll run past him [laughs]. I am sure I will have an opportunity to say goodbye.

You mentioned you don't yet feel ready to be a coach - but is that a dream for the future and could we see you back at Liverpool in that capacity one day?

Yes, hopefully. Coaching is something which has always been in my mind, but I have to take my badges first. At the end of my playing career I will look to take the badges and then see. I would like to come back here one day as a coach.

This club will always be in your heart, won't it?

Yes, always.

DALLA VALLE SALUTES HYYPIA INFLUENCE

Paul Hassall 05 May 2009

As we continue to reflect on Sami Hyypia's Liverpool career, we spoke to a young Finn with high hopes of a red future about what it would mean to follow in the footsteps of one of his country's sporting greats.

Hyypia


As a Finnish player looking to make the grade at Anfield, what kind of achievement is it for Sami Hyypia to bring his Reds career to a close after 10 years at the top?

It's a massive achievement for Sami to have been at Anfield for a decade. Not many players can say that they have played at such a high level for such a big club over so many years. He deserves all the credit he gets.

Is he someone you have looked up to as a role model?

Yes. He is obviously a role model for me. His attitude is excellent and I think he is very professional. There aren't many Finnish players that have played for a top club like Liverpool.

dallevalle


Was the fact he was at Liverpool one of the reasons behind you joining the club?

Well one of the main reasons I chose to come here was because of the training facilities. They are very impressive. All the people were very friendly too, but it would be fair to say it helped my decision that Sami was here. I spoke with him and he only had good things to say about the club.

So you actually spoke to Sami before you signed? Has he been a friend for a while then?

Yes. He is a good friend. We go out sometimes and keep in touch on the phone. The best piece of advice he has given me is to keep my feet on the ground and work hard.

The Academy occasionally play practice matches with the first-team at Melwood. Did you ever go head-to-head with Sami?

(Laughs). No not really. We usually go up there during the international break and he was always away with Finland. I have had the chance to play against Jamie (Carragher) though, and it's great to test yourself against such fantastic players.

lauri dalla valle under 18s under-18s reserves youth cup academy


From a striker's point-of-view, what do you think made Sami such a great defender over the years?

He is very confident. He is a great tackler and can pass the ball both short and long without a problem. His main strength is probably that he wins almost everything in the air and he also has great positional sense.

What do you regard as Hyypia's best moment at Liverpool?

That's easy... Istanbul. For a Finnish player to win club football's biggest prize, in such a way, is amazing.

istanbul


What did Sami's presence at Anfield do for the popularity of Liverpool FC in Finland?

It has done a lot. There aren't many Finnish players who are playing for such a big club, so when you mention Sami's name they always think of Liverpool next. It was the same with Jari Litmanen too. He was a top player.

Finally, what would it mean to you, to follow in his footsteps and be the next Finn to make it big at Anfield?

That would be amazing for me. It would be like a dream come true.