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.

GERRARD SCOOPS PFA AWARD

James Carroll 05 May 2009

Steven Gerrard has been named as the PFA Fans' Player of the Year for the 2008-09 season.

The Liverpool captain, who has struck 21 goals so far this campaign, was recently pipped to the PFA Players' Player of the Year award by Manchester United's Ryan Giggs.

However, following a vote conducted by the PFA, Gerrard has scooped the fans' gong after another exceptional season.

PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor said: "Steven has always been a particular favourite of mine and I was delighted when he was nominated by his fellow pros for our Players’ Player of the Year award.

"Obviously, that particular award went to Ryan Giggs, and rightly so, and I am equally thrilled that football fans up and down the country have acknowledged Steven in this way.

"Like his many supporters and suitors, I have the utmost respect and admiration for the way he continues to go about his business. He is a top pro and a worthy winner."

Gerrard was the inaugural winner of the honour in 2001.

RUSH DELIGHTED WITH AGGER DEAL

James Carroll 05 May 2009

Kop legend Ian Rush has revealed his delight at the news Daniel Agger has agreed a four-year extension to his Liverpool contract.

The centre-back joined teammates Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt in committing his long-term future to the Reds on Saturday and Rush believes the 24-year-old will play a key role in the future of the club.

"Agger is a young player with a lot of potential and I think he could become a very important part of Liverpool’s future," said Rush.

"It’s obvious to say that the most important part of being a defender is being able to defend and Agger can certainly do that.

"He reads the game well, gets into good positions to make tackles and is decent in the air.

"But he also brings something different in that he is so comfortable on the ball that he can easily add to Liverpool’s midfield numbers on days when teams come to Anfield and don’t go beyond the halfway line.

The Dane has forged a reputation as a goal threat, having scored some spectacular strikes during his Anfield career - most recently in the 4-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers last month - and Rush admits he can see similarities between his old teammate Alan Hansen and Agger.

"If you have a player like Agger who can bring the ball out of defence it can make a massive difference, as I know from my own experience at Liverpool," added Rush.

"We were really fortunate to have a player like Alan Hansen who would break out of central defence and link up with play higher up the pitch.

"This was a really effective tactic for us, particularly when our opponents would try to play for a draw.

"The fact that we had a centre back who could start attacks meant that it was more difficult for us to be stopped and I think that Agger can do a similar job for the current team.

"I wouldn't like to compare him with Hansen, although there are obvious similarities, and Agger has the potential to score a lot more goals than Alan ever did!

"We have already seen the power of his shooting on several occasions and I think there are quite a few more goals to come from him because his technique is excellent.

"He is still learning but hopefully he is over his injures, because if Agger's progress continues he can become a very important player for Liverpool."

RAFA: WE WANTED SAMI TO STAY

James Carroll 05 May 2009

Rafa Benitez today hailed Sami Hyypia as the "perfect professional" and revealed he was keen to retain the services of the defender in a coaching capacity.

The Finn will bring his 10-year association with the Reds to an end in the summer after it was announced on Monday he has agreed to join German club Bayer Leverkusen on a two-year deal when his contract expires.

Benitez has confirmed he offered Hyypia the opportunity to stay on at Anfield for a further season as well as the chance to take up a role with the coaching staff in the future.

"We are disappointed because we will miss Sami," said the Reds boss.

"He is so important that we talked about him becoming a member of the coaching staff in the future, but he thinks he can play more and wants to be involved in the first team.

"The fact that we were talking to him about becoming a coach shows how much we think of him – he is a perfect professional.

"We were talking to him about an extension to his contract and the guarantee of becoming a member of the coaching staff. That shows we were really pleased with him and how good he is as a professional."

Although disappointed to see the legendary centre-back leave, Benitez has wished him all the best for the future and confirmed the door will always be open for Hyypia to make a return to Liverpool.

"In every single training session and in every single game he gives 100 per cent for the team and he has been a fantastic servant to this club," added Benitez.

"He is always keen to help the youngsters and he sets them a really good example but he has also been very supportive of me and my staff since I first came to Liverpool.

"From my point of view, I have been really pleased to work with him and now I must wish him luck for the future.

"All the fans and all the staff at the club are sad. We were trying to keep him.

"With three other centre backs at Liverpool it was going to be difficult for Sami to play as often as he would like so he has decided to go to Leverkusen and, like I said, we are happy for him.

"We are really happy for him because he can play two more years to his maximum with a good team in a good league. So we must be pleased for him.

"It is sad, but it is his decision and we will support him."

CARRA SEEKING CITY FAVOUR

Paul Hassall 05 May 2009

Jamie Carragher is hoping Manchester City can do Liverpool a huge favour when they face United in their local derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Reds are currently three points behind Alex Ferguson's men having played a game more, and Carragher admits Liverpool will be keeping their fingers crossed that Mark Hughes and co can pull off a shock win against their rivals.

"We can only look after ourselves and we've been saying that for a while now," said the centre-back.

"We're in great form and have to keep that going until the end of the season and see what happens.

"It's in United's hands, it's up to them to throw away. But Man City or Arsenal could do us a favour.

"Manchester City are in great form at the moment and Arsenal might have something to prove if they are knocked out of the Champions League, so they can definitely get something against United."

Skipper Steven Gerrard, who returned against Newcastle after missing the previous four games with an adductor injury, added: "We'll keep fighting all the way to the end.

"Manchester United have a big Champions League game in midweek and hopefully Man City can do us a favour next week. But being realistic, we know they are still favourites."

SAMI AGREES BAYER LEVERKUSEN MOVE

Paul Eaton 04 May 2009

Sami Hyypia's decade of service at Liverpool Football Club will end this summer when he joins Bayer Leverkusen on a two-year deal.

Hyypia underwent a medical with the German outfit this morning and will link up with his new teammates in the summer for the start of pre-season training.

The Finnish international has earned legendary status at Anfield for the part he has played in the club's many successes over the past decade - and he will leave Merseyside with the best wishes of every Liverpool supporter.

It's hard to believe he cost the Reds just £2.5million from Dutch outfit Willem II back in May 1999.

After making his Reds debut against Sheffield Wednesday on August 7, 1999, Hyypia quickly formed a watertight partnership with Stephane Henchoz, providing the foundation for a historic treble in 2000-01.

The centre-half wore the captain's armband through much of this momentous campaign in the absence of the injured Jamie Redknapp. He jointly lifted both the UEFA and FA Cups.

Following the departure of Redknapp in April 2002, Gerard Houllier handed his trusty defender the captaincy on a permanent basis, though he'd be replaced by the emerging Steven Gerrard in October 2003.

samileverkusenWith the arrival of new boss Rafa Benitez in 2004 came numerous personnel changes, though it was clear Hyypia was going nowhere.

However, he did have a new central-defensive partner in Jamie Carragher, who was at last given a regular slot in his preferred position. Within 12 months they were regarded as one of the most formidable pairings on the continent following Liverpool's Champions League triumph in the Ataturk.

Hyypia scored one of the most memorable goals en route to Istanbul, an unstoppable volley to open the scoring against Juve in the quarter-finals.

Incredibly, he played every minute of 57 consecutive European games for the Reds from November 2001 to February 2006.

The arrival of young centre-halves Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel provided competition for places as Hyypia entered his twilight but, despite sometimes missing out, he continued to climb the club's all-time appearance table. In December 2008 he overtook Ron Yeats to enter the top 20.

History will undoubtedly judge the big Finn to be one of the club's shrewdest pieces of business - and possibly the best pound for pound signing ever to arrive at Anfield.

SAMI: 10 YEARS IN 10 GREAT PICS

Paul Hassall 04 May 2009

As Sami Hyypia prepares to bring his glorious Liverpool career to an end we've raided the archives to pick out some of the Finn's finest moments in a red shirt.

Liverpool today confirmed Hyypia will be joining Bayer Leverkusen on a two-year deal in the summer, but his contribution to the Reds' success over the last ten years will ensure he forever holds a special place in the heart of every Kopite.

Good luck Sami. A true Anfield legend.

hyypia


The new boy looks decent...


hyypia


A toast to the first of many trophies!


hyypia


The Owen Cup final - 'my' finest display


hyypia


Treble glory


hyypia


Last-gasp glory v Wolves - a Sami favourite


hyypia


It's just a friendly against Man United isn't it?


hyypia


A perfect start against Juventus


hyypia


Sami dares to dream...


hyypia


The dream becomes reality


sami hyypia bolton 021207


Sami Hyypia - Kop legend

AURELIO: TITLE CAN STILL GO TO THE WIRE

Paul Hassall 04 May 2009

Fabio Aurelio is convinced Liverpool can take the title race to the wire after the Reds closed the gap at the top with an emphatic 3-0 rout of Newcastle United on Sunday.

Goals from Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and substitute Lucas Leiva moved Rafael Benitez's side to within three points of Manchester United and the Brazilian is hopeful the Reds can now finish the season with a flourish and pile more pressure on the leaders.

"We know that Manchester United still have a game in hand, so our ambition is to finish well in our last three games and after that we will see where we end up," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"The next game at West Ham is really important. If we win we can go top again, so we need to keep the pressure on ahead of their match with Man City.

"They still have a couple of difficult games left so let's see what happens and try and take it to the final game of the season."

The Reds went into the clash with Alan Shearer's men knowing anything less than victory would all-but end their title hopes following Man United's 2-0 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

However, once Benayoun opened the scoring on 22 minutes, the result was never in doubt and Aurelio admits the hosts should have gone on to score more goals in what proved to be a one-sided encounter.

"It was a very important game for us," he said. "We know that Newcastle are in a very difficult position and we knew they would come here and fight right until the end.

"But I think we controlled the game and once we scored we began to dominate more and more.

"In the end we could have scored more goals. We hit the crossbar three times and created a lot of chances.

"We know that if Manchester United do make a mistake, goal difference could be important. At the start of the match our priority was to win the game, but we also knew that if we could score more goals it would be even better.

"Maybe we should be a bit disappointed because we should have scored more than three goals after creating so many chances, but the main thing is that we are three points closer and can now build on a good performance and an important result."

Sunday, May 3, 2009

BENITEZ HOPEFUL ON TRIO

James Carroll at Anfield 03 May 2009

Rafa Benitez is hoping to have Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano available for next week's clash with West Ham United.

Alonso was forced off the field late on in Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Newcastle United after a rash challenge by Joey Barton, which saw the Magpies midfielder receive a straight red card, while Mascherano also sustained a knock.

Benitez told his post-match press conference: "Mascherano twisted his ankle and Xabi picked up a knock.

"He (Alonso) has some bruising, but I think he will be okay in a few days."

The Anfield boss also expects to have the services of Torres at his disposal in East London after the Spain striker sat out the 3-0 victory over Newcastle.

"Fernando had a problem with his hamstring and it would have been a risk to play him today," added Benitez. "In the end we decided to leave him out of the squad, which I think was the right decision.

"I think he will be back next week. He was very close today, but to start with him could have been dangerous.

"To keep him on the bench, maybe without a proper warm-up, could have also put him at risk, but I think he will be ready for next week."

RAFA: WE SHOULD HAVE SCORED MORE

James Carroll at Anfield 03 May 2009

Rafa Benitez hailed his Liverpool players after the 3-0 victory Newcastle United, but insisted his team could have scored more goals.

Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt put the Reds into a 2-0 half-time lead, before Lucas Leiva came off the bench to head home a third at the death.

However, the home team could have further extended their advantage had they not struck Steve Harper's crossbar on three occasions.

"I think it was a good game, but could have been better as we had plenty of possession and a lot of chances," Benitez told his post-match press conference.

"We had opportunities to score more goals. To hit the crossbar three times in one match is enough!

"But in winning 3-0 and keeping a clean sheet, we have a lot of positives."

"We knew that mentally they could have some problems if we scored first," he added.

"That was the key, but you could see at 2-0 they were still working very hard so scoring the third goal was important for us to finish the game."

The win moves Liverpool to within three points of league leaders Manchester United and Benitez has called on his players to take maximum points from their remaining three fixtures to keep the pressure on Alex Ferguson's men.

"We know they (United) are a good team with good players," said Benitez.

"They have to make two big mistakes, but we have to be ready. We have to try and get three points in each match and see if they feel under pressure and make mistakes.

"We have to win our games. It is the only solution for us - keep winning games and put them under pressure."

LIVERPOOL 3 - 0 NEWCASTLE

Liverpool
1 - 3
Newcastle
Benayoun


D. Kuyt


Lucas




Benayoun



D. Kuyt



Lucas

[EPL] April Goal of the Month