The Home Of Liverpool Fans

Liverpool to battle Spurs for Young signature?

2009-07-19T23:46:00.000-07:00

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."

GLEN JOHNSON: THE FIRST LIVERPOOL PICTURES

2009-07-09T02:11:00.000-07:00

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.

PHOTO SPECIAL: REDS BACK IN TRAINING

2009-07-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

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.

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

Real admit, Liverpool are pricing us out

2009-07-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

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.”

Benitez defends £17m Johnson transfer fee

2009-06-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

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".

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

2009-06-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

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."

Chelsea match Liverpool's £17.5m bid for Johnson

2009-06-19T03:13:00.000-07:00

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.

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."

Rumour Mill: Mascherano, Villa latest

2009-06-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

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.

The 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.

Andrea 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!

REDS FACE TRIP TO SPURS ON OPENING DAY

2009-06-17T03:18:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

FIVE YEARS WITH RAFA BENITEZ

2009-06-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The 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.

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.

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.

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

2009-06-16T23:47:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

GERRARD EYES DREAM DOUBLE IN 2010

2009-05-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-15T20:27:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-15T20:22:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

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."

RAFA: CITY CAN NOW THROW TITLE OPEN

2009-05-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

West Ham	0 - 3	Liverpool
		Gerrard
		Gerrard
		R. Babel

Gerrard

R.Babel

SAMI HYYPIA: WHY I'M LEAVING LIVERPOOL

2009-05-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-05-05T07:35:00.002-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

2009-05-05T07:35:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

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.

With 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

2009-05-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

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.

The new boy looks decent...

A toast to the first of many trophies!

The Owen Cup final - 'my' finest display

Treble glory

Last-gasp glory v Wolves - a Sami favourite

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

A perfect start against Juventus

Sami dares to dream...

The dream becomes reality

Sami Hyypia - Kop legend

AURELIO: TITLE CAN STILL GO TO THE WIRE

2009-05-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

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."

BENITEZ HOPEFUL ON TRIO

2009-05-03T09:05:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

Liverpool	1 - 3	Newcastle
Benayoun
D. Kuyt
Lucas

Benayoun

D. Kuyt

Lucas

[EPL] April Goal of the Month

2009-05-03T08:00:00.001-07:00

RAFA: REDS WILL LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE

2009-04-27T20:13:00.001-07:00

James Carroll 27 April 2009

Rafa Benitez believes the experience of being in a title race will stand his players in good stead for future campaigns.

While refusing to throw in the towel on the Reds' Barclays Premier League dream, the Liverpool boss feels the lessons learnt from this season could prove invaluable in years to come.

"The team, the squad, has shown that it's better and this is a fantastic experience for the next years because we are in a position now that we were not before, for me that is the positive thing," said Benitez.

"Always you can talk about trophies but in England there are so many strong sides, it's not easy. At least you have to be there, you have to be contending - then you see what happens.

"We have four games now to finish the season and we're still in the title race so I think it's very positive.

"Normally when you play this level you know that at the end of the season you will play for trophies and can lose but if you analyse the whole season I think the team's done very well, especially without Gerrard and Torres for a lot of games.

"I have confidence that we can fight until the end. After that, it's very good experience because we have been in a position we were not before, not for a long time."

With four games remaining Liverpool are three points behind league leaders Manchester United, who also have a game in hand.

"I have confidence United will drop points. So we need to keep going, keep doing our job, put them under pressure and then we will see," added Benitez.

The Reds kept the pressure on United with a 3-1 victory over Hull City on Saturday, and although delighted to pick up maximum points from a potentially tricky fixture, Benitez claims his side can improve on their display.

"We were talking with the players about these kinds of games that could be the difference," said the Anfield chief.

"This year we've won against the top sides, so these kind of games, which we've been drawing, have to be the difference in the future.

"We assessed the game and I thought we could control it, but it was difficult because they were pushing. We were making mistakes, and we need to improve."

While the result keeps Liverpool firmly in the hunt for the title, Hull remain hovering perilously just above the relegation zone, but Benitez is backing the Tigers to beat the drop.

He said: "I think Hull can be safe. It'll be difficult for all the teams near the bottom because they'll play now with more nerves, more anxiety, but I think it will be a good battle - if you're not in it. But Hull have the potential to stay up."

CARRA HOPING FOR FINAL DAY DRAMA

2009-04-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

James Carroll 27 April 2009

Jamie Carragher is hoping the Barclays Premier League title race goes right to the wire as he is confident Hull City would be capable of doing Liverpool a favour on the final day of the season.

The Tigers provided a stern test for Rafa Benitez's side at the KC Stadium on Saturday, but the Reds emerged with a hard-fought 3-1 victory to keep up the pressure on league leaders Manchester United.

United visit the KC on the last afternoon of the campaign and Carragher believes he has seen enough of Hull to suggest they could pose problems for Alex Ferguson's men, potentially helping Liverpool's title bid in the process.

"We have been on a great run of form recently and that was probably the worst we've played in a long time to be honest," said the Liverpool vice-captain.

"Credit to them though, they competed really well and caused us quite a few problems and we were just delighted to get the result in the end.
"Good luck to them, we just hope they do the same when they play Man United at the end of the season.

"They weren't really the kind of conditions you want to be playing in when it's warm because the pitch was really sticky and the grass was long so we couldn’t really get our passing going.

"But obviously they did that because it gives them more chance of making a game of it and, like I said, good luck to them.

"If they keep going like that I'm sure they will do well and hopefully we can take the title race to the last game because it won't be easy for United to go there just as it wasn’t for us on Saturday."

Carragher was delighted with Liverpool's character as they dug in to grind out the victory.

"That's what we're about to be honest," he added.

"We've shown all season that we are prepared to fight and I think that's one of the main reasons why we've only lost two games up to now.

"Obviously people will point to the fact that we've had a few more draws than some of the other teams around us but to only have two defeats at this stage of the season is testament to the team and its character."

DIRK: WE WILL NOT GIVE UP ON DREAM

2009-04-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

Steve Hunter 27 April 2009

A defiant Dirk Kuyt today refused to give up hope of lifting the Barclays Premier League title.

Manchester United remain three points clear with a game in hand after their 5-2 victory over Tottenham on Sunday.

However, Kuyt still feels Alex Ferguson's men face several stumbling blocks in their five remaining fixtures.

"We will keep fighting and putting the pressure on Manchester United," said Kuyt.

"It was a pity that we didn't beat Arsenal on Tuesday because I thought we played really well, only we made too many mistakes, but sometimes that happens.

"We have to move on now to what's in front of us. We will try to win our games and hopefully they will lose some points.

"I've seen some strange things happen. We could still do it."

Liverpool are the Premier League's leading goalscorers this season with 66 but Kuyt admitted he would gladly swap that statistic for top spot.

"To score the most goals is not the most important thing because we want to win the league," he said.

"At the end of the day we are only in second place so all we can do is win our remaining four games and then see what happens.

"You have to give everything you have as a team. We have a great team and we will fight to the end and see what happens come the last day of the season.

"They will need to slip up again to make it really interesting, but we just have to wait and see. We won't give up."

The Reds number 18 took his tally to 13 for the season when he hit two during the 3-1 win at the KC Stadium on Saturday.

It was a special day as Kuyt was making his 100th appearance in the top flight for the Reds.

"It was nice to score a couple of goals but the positive thing was we kept going and got the three points," he said.

"We didn't play very well but we got the result which was the most important thing."

NEXT MATCH

2009-04-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

LIVERPOOL V NEWCASTLE UNITED
Sunday 3 May 2009 13:30

Liverpool entertain Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday with the Reds looking to retain their unbeaten home record in the Barclays Premier League.

Rafa Benitez's side have not lost a league game at Anfield since December 2007 and enjoy a fine record against the Magpies in front of the Kop.

Last season, a Fernando Torres inspired Reds ran out comfortable 3-0 victors and Newcastle haven't claimed a point at Anfield since May 2004 when they played out a 1-1 draw on the final day of the season.

That draw came ten years after they last won a league encounter at Anfield.

Earlier this season, the Reds demolished Newcastle 5-1 at St James' Park. Steven Gerrard scored twice with Sami Hyypia, Ryan Babel and Xabi Alonso also finding the back of the net.

RAFA'S DELIGHT FOR DOUBLE DUTCHMAN

2009-04-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Rice at the KC Stadium 25 April 2009

Rafa Benitez singled out Premier League centurion Dirk Kuyt after his double blast helped Liverpool to a 3-1 victory in Hull.

The Dutch striker marked his 100th league appearance for the Reds with two second-half goals to see off Phil Brown's plucky side.

"Everyone has to be really pleased at the club because Kuyt is a fantastic professional who always works so hard," Benitez told reporters. "It was very good for him to score on his 100th game - very positive. I'm really pleased for him."

Xabi Alonso was Liverpool's other goalscorer at the KC Stadium, where the hosts showed the kind of fighting spirit that could keep them in the division.

Geovanni scored for Hull after the 58th minute dismissal of Caleb Folan for violent conduct towards Martin Skrtel.

Benitez added: "The sending off was clear - I watched the replay. After this, credit to them - they had 10 men but were still pushing.

"We deserved to win so I'm happy - we got three points from a difficult game. It was difficult because they worked hard and were pushing.

"It's always dangerous (against relegation strugglers) because you know they will fight until the end. We talked about it before. We needed to be calm and challenge for every single ball.

"We were a little bit nervous because the pitch was terrible. The grass was long and it was very difficult to pass the ball. That means you can make mistakes when the other teams goes to press.

"But you have to accept this situation because it's part of the game, and we were better in the second half.

"We were a little bit nervous but we showed character."

HULL C. 1 - 3 LIVERPOOL

2009-04-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

Hull C.	1 - 3	Liverpool
Geovanni		X. Alonso
		D. Kuyt
		D. Kuyt

X. Alonso

D. Kuyt

Geovanni

D. Kuyt

KENNY: I'D BE HAPPY TO HELP CLUB I LOVE

2009-04-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

James Carroll 22 April 2009

Kenny Dalglish today admitted he would relish a return to working for Liverpool Football Club.

The Kop legend has been linked with an emotional return to Anfield to take up a role within the club's hierarchy, and says he'd be delighted to lend a hand if required.

Dalglish told LFC Magazine: "I was as far removed from the weekend's speculation about me returning to a role at Liverpool Football Club as it was possible to be, relaxing with the family at Loch Lomond in Scotland. That's not to say that the Sunday paper stories and TV debate escaped me.

"All I can say at the moment is what I've said many times in this column; if I can help Liverpool Football Club in any way, shape or form then I'm in. That's not a new revelation.

"If I can be of help to the club I love in any capacity then I'm more than happy to play any part that I can. If the manager or the people running the club think there's a role for me then I'll fill it happily.

"Similarly, if the club think the best thing for the club is for me to stay out of the way then I'm not going to take offence at that either.

"At the moment, there's not much more that I can say other than that if and when there's anything to say to the supporters - the people who keep this club alive - then they will be the first to know."

KUYT: WE WON'T GIVE UP

2009-04-22T20:04:00.002-07:00

James Carroll 22 April 2009

Dirk Kuyt claims Liverpool are refusing to give up on their dream of clinching the Barclays Premier League title.

The Reds played out a pulsating 4-4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield last night and although the result was enough to move Rafa Benitez's side to the top of the table on goal difference, Manchester United now have two games in hand on Liverpool.

"It is harder after last night because we knew before the game that we needed to win to keep the pressure on," said Kuyt.

"But at least we got a draw and didn’t lose and we have to keep fighting until the very end.

"It has become more difficult than it already was but you have seen a team that has not given up and we will never give up."

Despite dominating for long periods of the game, Liverpool were forced to come from behind on three occasions in order to claim a point and Kuyt believes defensive errors ultimately proved costly for the Reds.

"All of their goals came from our own mistakes and this is something we have to change but we need to keep our focus on our next game," added the Dutchman.

"It will be difficult but as long as we keep winning our own games then maybe they will struggle. United have two games in hand so they could take a six point lead so they will have to lose twice but that can happen.

"The point we took is an important one because otherwise we could have ended up seven points behind and that would have made it almost impossible."

GERRARD: THAT POINT COULD BE BIG

2009-04-22T20:04:00.001-07:00

Paul Eaton 22 April 2009

Steven Gerrard believes Yossi Benayoun's last-gasp leveller against Arsenal last night could yet prove to be a crucial goal in Liverpool's pursuit of the Barclays Premier League trophy.

Arsenal appeared to be heading for all three points as they held a 4-3 lead in stoppage time, but Benayoun's Kop end strike ensured the Reds went back to the top of the table, albeit only on goal difference after their seventh home draw of the season.

Despite the frustration of seeing two points slip away, Gerrard is remaining positive and believes the one point collected could prove significant in the final reckoking.

"United have a fantastic team and you look at their run-in, look to see where they are going to drop points - it would have been very difficult if we'd lost the game," said the Reds skipper. "I think that point could be big. We'll have to wait and see how big it could be for us.

"Performance-wise, at times we were very good. Torres and Benayoun were frightening going forward. Yossi was my man of the match.

"It's not like us to concede that many goals. We're normally sound defensively, especially at home.

"Now we need United to get beaten which is difficult to do because they're a good team. Hopefully others can look at what we did to them and what Fulham did to them. I still believe there will be twists and turns in this title race and we'll keep on fighting."

PM PROMISES HILLSBOROUGH HELP

2009-04-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

James Carroll 22 April 2009

Prime Minister Gordon Brown today confirmed the government are ready to explore means of disclosing official documents relating to the Hillsborough disaster.

South Yorkshire Police said earlier this week they would be prepared to release around 300 boxes of material regarding the tragedy if able to do so.

Now the Prime Minister has pledged to do his best to help the families affected by the disaster.

Asked during Prime Minister's Question Time whether official documents - not just police files, but also health and government records - would be released, Mr Brown replied: "96 people lost their lives on that day and the inquiry found that action had to be taken so that something like this would never happen again.

"I can well understand that, even after all these years, the feelings of the families are such that they want to be sure that everything possible was done, and so yes, we will look at how we can release whatever information is available to the families.

"I have to say that the Taylor Report was a very full inquiry, and there was then a further report after 1997 to at what may be necessary to do in addition.

"But if this is a means by which we can help the families in difficult times, even after these years, we will look very carefully at what we can do."

LFC 4-4 ARSENAL: THE VERDICT

2009-04-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

LIVERPOOL 4 - 4 ARSENAL
Tuesday 21 April 2009 20:00 , Barclays Premier League

Here's the pick of the post-match reaction following Liverpool's pulsating 4-4 draw with Arsenal.

The local paper
Liverpool were the better side and by no little distance, particularly in the first half which they dominated only to perversely find themselves trailing, and the fact that Arsenal did not win a single corner in the entire match tells its own story. The problem was that they put so much energy into their latest comeback from a losing position that they ended up running on empty in the closing stages and when Arshavin again found the target it was hard to see how the Reds could possibly get back into the game. From somewhere though, they again found the resilience and determination to come up with a result just when it seemed one would be beyond them and in doing so they kept their title dreams alive. Should Portsmouth show as much desire at old Trafford tonight as Arsenal did at Anfield then a disappointing point could yet turn into a decent one. The advantage is very much with United but no-one should write Liverpool off just yet, not in a season when anything can and so often does happen. The white knuckle thrill ride that is Liverpool's title challenge may have been driven off course but it has not been derailed and the seemingly endless succession of twists could still turn things back in their favour.
Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

The tabloid
Just when you think games can't get any better, you are proved wrong, wrong, and wrong again. A week ago, Liverpool had played their part in the match of the Champions League season at Chelsea. Last night, Rafa Benitez witnessed the Premier League equivalent.
Martin Lipton, Daily Mirror

The broadsheet
What a night, and what a match. Arshavin's four goals were stunning, four breathtaking finishes and they represented the only four clear-cut chances that Arsenal had all night. Yossi Benayoun's 93rd-minute equaliser was the last significant act in another conflagration of dodgy defences and swashbuckling strikers. Arshavin stole the show but Torres, with two goals of his own, was a giant, leading Liverpool in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard. Just eight days ago, Benitez's side played out another eight-goal extravaganza against Chelsea in the Champions League and last night they did it all over again.
Sam Wallace, The Independent

The broadsheet
When the dust finally starts to settle around Anfield this morning, after an extraordinary night when the old place was shaken to its foundations, it will be of little consolation to Rafael Benítez that his team have suddenly become English football's great entertainers.
Oliver Kay, The Times

The player
It was great game for the supporters to watch but not for us because we made too many mistakes. We should have won the game. In the first-half we created four or five really good chances but then they scored with their only shot of the half. We came back strong in the second-half and led 2-1. At that point we were controlling the game but we made more mistakes and then when we had to chase it they punished us. We have the best defence in the league and the best goalkeeper too, but I think we didn't defend well as a team against Arsenal. We scored four goals and still didn't manage to pick up the three points so I think that shows we should have done better.
Yossi Benayoun

The boss
I am very disappointed because we have conceded four goals we wouldn't normally concede. We made massive mistakes. You don't remember any saves from Pepe Reina. It's just four chances and four goals - all of them from our mistakes. You never know what can happen in football, so we have to be confident we'll have chances until the end of the season. United are in the driving seat, but we will see what happens on Wednesday. If they win it will be more difficult, but they have to win. They also have to play Arsenal, so we will see.
Rafa Benitez

The skipper
I think that point could be big. We'll have to wait and see how big it could be for us. Performance-wise, at times we were very good. Torres and Benayoun were frightening going forward. It's not like us to concede that many goals like we have tonight. We're normally sound defensively, especially at home. Now we need United to get beaten which is difficult to do because they're a good team. But I still believe there will be twists and turns in this title race.
Steven Gerrard

The opposition manager
The game was quality on both sides but you are only half happy when you concede four goals. We are bit less than half happy because we were 4-3 up with just a minute to go. The positive is that we have a long unbeaten run and this keeps that going, and another positive is that we have shown our quality. The negative is that three points would have been better.
Arsene Wenger

The fan
Phenomenal commitment, great entertainment (although I'm neutral on this) and the atmosphere was unbelievable. Three players stood out for me though: Torres, Benayoun and Kuyt. Torres is getting back to his goalscoring best and, according to an Arsenal mate who was in the away section tonight, was incredible. Benayoun is growing into one of my favourite players at the club. His heroic performances of 2009 so far will never be forgotten by me. Brave, skilful and pops up with goals. Gerrard clearly loves him and I do too. And Kuyt - the effort he put in was out of this world and he produced two stunning assists.
Underdogg, Liverpoolfc.tv forums

REDS ANNOUNCE FAR EAST TOUR

2009-04-22T19:57:00.001-07:00

Paul Eaton 22 April 2009

Liverpool Football Club have confirmed they will play two games in South-East Asia this summer as part of their preparations for the 2009-10 season.

In a tour promoted by Strategic Sports Investment, part of the Profitable Group, Rafael Benitez's men will face the Thailand national team in Bangkok on July 22 before flying to Singapore to take on the national team on July 26.

It will be the first time the Reds have visited Thailand since 2003, while their last trip to Singapore was in 2001.

Manager Rafael Benitez said: "We have a fantastic group of fans in both Thailand and Singapore and it will be great to take the lads out there again."

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC Commercial Director, commented: "South East
Asia is clearly a key region for Liverpool FC. As we continue to develop our international plans, being able to allow fans all over the world to see the team live is paramount. We have already had very positive feedback from our supporters clubs in the region and the club will be working closely with them, our sponsors and other local partners to ensure this is an exciting and memorable tour."

Former Liverpool star Steve McMahon, Profitable Group's Commercial
Director, added: "It is fantastic news that we are able to bring one of the best club sides in the world to Thailand and Singapore. It will give a real opportunity for Liverpool fans in the South East Asian region a chance to see their heroes play up close."

The President of the Thai Football Association, Dato Worawi Makudi said: "Liverpool's return to the kingdom is long overdue. When they were here last time everyone concerned with the tour had a great experience and we are looking forward to making sure that this will be an even better event for them this time. It's also a fantastic opportunity for the fans to witness one of the top sides in the Premier League, a league that is unrivaled here in Thailand. The experience that our players will receive from this game will help in the development of Thai football."

The General Secretary of the Football Association of Singapore, Winston Lee commented: "We are very pleased to welcome Liverpool back to Singapore. Many Singapore football fans are also fans of English football and they will look forward to this opportunity to catch one of the top club sides in the world in action against their very own local football stars right here in our country. Inviting teams such as Liverpool as well as Brazil and Australia last year is part of our continued efforts to bring top class football action to our shores. It will not only be a great experience for our fans but our players will get exposure to world-class teams and players."

Summer tour timetable:

22nd July 2009
Thailand National Team v Liverpool Football Club
Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok
8.00pm Kick Off (local time)
Bangkok is 6 hours ahead of UK

26th July 2009
Singapore National Team v Liverpool Football Club
National Stadium, Singapore
7.00pm Kick Off (local time)
Singapore is 7 hours ahead of UK

Officials from Liverpool FC, including Ian Ayre, the club's Commercial Director, will be in Asia to officially announce the Tour in the respective countries in the middle of May 2009.

Ticket information and the tour schedule will be released at these press conferences.

RAFA: TITLE OPEN DESPITE MASSIVE MISTAKES

2009-04-22T19:55:00.001-07:00

Jimmy Rice 22 April 2009

Rafa Benitez believes a series of 'massive mistakes' cost his side dear against Arsenal - but the Liverpool boss insists a 4-4 draw keeps this season's title race alive.

The Reds returned to the top of the league on goal difference thanks to an injury-time equaliser from Yossi Benayoun after four goals for Russian hotshot Andrey Arshavin.

However, second-placed Manchester United have two games in hand starting at home to Portsmouth on Wednesday.

"I am very disappointed because we have conceded four goals we wouldn't normally concede," Benitez told reporters afterwards.

"We made massive mistakes. You don't remember any saves from Pepe Reina. It's just four chances and four goals - all of them from our mistakes.

"You never know what can happen in football, so we have to be confident we'll have chances until the end of the season.

"United are in the driving seat, but we will see what happens on Wednesday. If they win it will be more difficult, but they have to win. They also have to play Arsenal, so we will see.

"I have explained before that, one Saturday when I was with Tenerife, we drew 1-1 at home and were fourth. Seville and Betis were first and second but they lost the next day, so we had one more point.

"The positive thing is that we've scored four goals against Arsenal in a very good game for the supporters. The other positive thing was the team fighting right until the end. To score another goal at the end shows this team has very good character."

Benitez, whose compatriot Fernando Torres matched Benayoun in netting a double, also paid tribute to the fans on what is sure to prove an unforgettable Anfield night.

He said: "The fans from the beginning were supporting and pushing the team. Sometimes you play with a little bit of anxiety, and some of the mistakes were because of this, but at the end, thanks to the fans, the team worked so hard and we scored the four goals."

Meanwhile, Benitez's opposite number, Arsene Wenger, insists the title race is far from over despite United's two-game advantage.

"Liverpool are still in it but it depends on United's games in hand," said the Frenchman. "It's still very open. United had some little problems before the Champions League, so it depends on how they bounce back."

LIVERPOOL 4 - 4 ARSENAL

2009-04-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

LIVERPOOL 4 - 4 ARSENAL
Tuesday 21 April 2009 20:00 , Barclays Premier League

LIVERPOOL TOP AFTER EIGHT-GOAL THRILLER

Liverpool are top of the league after drawing 4-4 with Arsenal in one of the most thrilling games of football ever witnessed at Anfield.

Andriy Arshavin scored four goals for the Gunners, who took the lead three times including once in injury-time.

Yossi Benayoun popped up to level with seconds to spare to put the Reds ahead of Manchester United on goal difference.

It was the Israeli's second of the game, with Fernando Torres also claiming a double in front of a stunned capacity crowd.

The result keeps the title race open, though everyone on the red half of Merseyside will be praying United drop points at home to Portsmouth in one of two games in hand on Wednesday.

Arsenal came to Anfield 18 league games unbeaten, but their best run of form since 2004 was in danger of being undermined by a lengthy injury list which included Emmanuel Adebayor, Manuel Almunia, William Gallas, Robin van Persie and Gael Clichy.

Buoyed by his side's four goals at Stamford Bridge, Benitez opted for an offensive line-up including four attackers. Little did the Anfield boss know that he was about to witness an even more exciting encounter than that seen at Chelsea a week ago.

Messrs Torres, Benayoun, Riera and Kuyt set about some sizzling play before one of Liverpool's all-time attacking greats, Ray Kennedy, who suffers from Parkinson's disease. Prior to kick-off, both sets of supporters held aloft mosaics showing the 57-year-old's shirt numbers (he wore No.5 at Anfield, No.10 at Highbury) to bring attention to the Ray of Hope fundraising appeal.

There were just three minutes on the clock when Kennedy witnessed a current Kop icon, Torres, doing what he does best. The Spaniard made a mug of Bacary Sagna to go one-on-one with Lukasz Fabianski. Rarely does the 24-year-old spurn such chances but his tame sidefoot was easy for Arsenal's rookie goalkeeper.

Minutes later Fabio Aurelio dinked a cute ball over a static back four to Benayoun, whose stretched effort again fell kindly for Fabianski.

Next, Dirk Kuyt bypassed two Arsenal defenders with a delicate throughball to Benayoun. The 'keeper committed early and got there just in time.

Fabianski was maligned in the press following a series of errors which contributed to Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, but the young Pole was single-handedly keeping Liverpool at bay here. Even his defenders looked a little surprised when he got fingertips to a 20-yard snapshot from Torres on 18 minutes.

The Spain international was again denied on 30 minutes after leaving Kolo Toure with his backside on the turf, while Daniel Agger had a header cleared off the line on his 50th league appearance for the Reds.

Six chances, no goals. All of which made what happened on 36 minutes even harder for the Kop to swallow. It was Javier Mascherano who was caught in possession on the edge of his own box, with Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas on hand to capitalise before feeding the onrushing Arshavin, who converted off the bar from close range.

Fabianski again came to Arsenal's rescue with a reflex save as Benayoun weaved his way towards an instant reply. The Israeli was playing like Peter Beardsley, but again missed out on his just rewards after a smart header from an Alvaro Arbeloa cross looped just over.

If Liverpool felt hard done by to be behind at the break, they didn't linger on their disappointment. It took Torres just four minutes after the restart to level the scores after an inviting cross from Kuyt. The No.9 found a yard on the edge of the six-yard box and powered his header beyond the reach of Fabianski to record his 15th goal of the season.

Seven minutes later the game had been turned on its head, and again the goal was the product of a Kuyt cross, this time towards Benayoun at the back post. The Israel captain ignored a high challenge from Sagna to send a diving header through the palms of Fabianski and over the line.

Twenty years after Arsenal clinched the title at Anfield, the Kop sniffed what could be a decisive victory in this year's race. But the drama was not yet complete.

Liverpool probed for a third but, to the surprise of just about everyone inside Anfield, it was the visitors who struck next through Arshavin. The Russian pounced after Jamie Carragher's header failed to reach Arbeloa before sending a 20-yard curler past the diving Pepe Reina.

Arsenal fans had barely finished celebrating when their January signing completed his hat-trick on 70 minutes after Aurelio failed to clear. The striker fired close to Reina but with enough power to ensure it reached the net.

It was just two minutes before a remarkable game took another twist as Torres prompted another Kop eruption. El Nino collected the ball on the edge of the box, bought a yard from Mikael Silvestre and slotted home via the hand of Fabianski.

Torres was denied a hat-trick with 10 minutes remaining when Kieran Gibbs cleared his glancing header off the line, while Jamie Carragher was almost the unlikely hero with a 20-yard volley with sailed narrowly wide.

But it was Arsenal who struck next in injury-time when a Liverpool corner was cleared to substitute Theo Walcott. With just Xabi Alonso back, the 20-year-old only had to look up to see Arshavin. He did, and the Russian kept his cool to beat Reina.

Game over? Not according to Benayoun, who seconds later found himself with the ball at his feet five yards out. The winger made no mistake with his sidefoot into the bottom corner and that, finally, was that.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Aurelio, Carragher (captain), Agger, Arbeloa, Riera, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Benayoun, Torres. Subs - Skrtel, El Zhar, Ngog, Dossena, Babel, Leiva, Cavalieri

Arsenal: Fabianski, Gibbs, Toure, Silvestre, Sagna, Nasri, Fabregas (captain), , Song, Bendtner, Arshavin. Subs - Eboue, Diaby, Vela, Ramsey, Mannone, , Walcott

Referee: Howard Webb

Conditions: Fine

Attendance: 44,424

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Benayoun

Breakdown

19:02 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Arsenal kick off attacking the Kop end
1 min : Prior to kick off both sets of fans produced a tremendous public show of support for Ray Kennedy. The Kop held up a mosaic with a white '5' on a red background to represent Ray's Liverpool shirt number while the away fans held up a blue '10' against a yellow background
3 mins : First chance falls to Torres but Fabianski does well to hold his effort from the edge of the box
5 mins : Good bit of pressure from the Reds ends with Yossi hooking a volley into Fabianski's hands after a cute chipped pass from Aurelio
6 mins : Another chance for LFC. Riera drills a low shot that the Gunners' stopper does well to keep out. A bright opening from Rafa's Reds
10 mins : Great ball by Kuyt finds Yossi but Fabianski is out well to deny him
14 mins : Masch turns well on the left and fires a low shot just wide. It's all Liverpool at the moment
16 mins : Beautiful Arsenal move almost unlocks the Reds defence... but Yossi is back to clear. Great work from the Israeli
18 mins : Torres crashes a shot towards the top corner...great save Fabianski
20 mins : Great link play between Riera and Benayoun sees the Spain winger get in behind, but his low cross is well defended by the Arsenal backline
21 mins : Free-kick 35-40 yards out to LFC...Xabi standing over it
22 mins : Easily cleared by the Arsenal defence
24 mins : Fabianski may had his critics on Saturday in the FA Cup, but he's started well here
25 mins : The Reds seem to have lost their way a little in the past five minutes or so
26 mins : Magnificent ball from Xabi sends Kuyt through...he's brought down just outside the area...no free-kick. Crazy decision by the referee. The crowd are not impressed
27 mins : An Arsenal free-kick is greeted by incessant booing...but it's cheers now as the Reds win a corner
29 mins : A mix-up between Reina and Agger almost results in an opening goal for the Gunners - but Fabregas drills his volley wide
30 mins : Yossi looks to be in... but that man Fabianski is there again
30 mins : Torres shoots from distance....another great stop from the Pole
31 mins : Agger almost caps his 50th Reds appearance with a goal but his flick-header at the near post is hooked off the line
33 mins : Nice feet from Arshavin...unfortunately for him, his attempted cross is not so good and he miscues for a goal-kick - much to the amusement of the Kop
36 mins : GOAL! Andrey Arshavin:
40 mins : Anfield has been stunned by Arsenal's smash and grab. It must have been their first serious attack of the match
44 mins : Kuyt sees a hooked effort cleared off the line but it looks like the Gunners will go in ahead
45 mins : There will be a minimum of one minute as added time
45 mins : Arbeloa sees his shot well saved
19:49 GMT : Half Time Reached
20:04 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : LFC restart the match attacking the Kop end
46 mins : Corner ball to the Reds
47 mins : Xabi's corner is flighted outside the box to Aurelio who gets his volley all wrong
49 mins : GOAL! Fernando Torres: Great header from Kuyt's cross
53 mins : It's the perfect start to the second period and the crowd are really up for this now
56 mins : GOAL! Yossi Benayoun: Yossi's header just crosses the line after another great ball in from Kuyt
59 mins : Xabi arcs a free-kick just over. It's been a stunning turnaround by LFC
61 mins : First Booking: Bacary Sagna:
62 mins : Torres' turn and shot is well gathered by Fabianski. The Reds are well on top
64 mins : Riera's shot is deflected for a corner following a great run by the Spaniard
65 mins : Substitution: Theo Walcott for Denilson :
66 mins : Fabianski does well to punch clear Aurelio's free-kick
67 mins : GOAL! Andrey Arshavin: Stunning effort from the Russian
70 mins : GOAL! Andrey Arshavin: Hat-trick
72 mins : GOAL! Fernando Torres:
73 mins : Substitution: Ryan Babel for Albert Riera:
78 mins : What a game!
79 mins : The Reds need the winner to pull clear of Man United
80 mins : Free-kick to LFC 25 yards out. We need a hero now
81 mins : But Xabi fires it well over
82 mins : Corner to LFC after a good run by Babel... Torres heads goalwards... it's off the line
83 mins : Another corner is cleared to Carra...but he guides a volley just over
84 mins : It's been a season of great comebacks but can we do it again?
86 mins : Substitution: Nabil El Zhar for Dirk Kuyt:
87 mins : Powerful run from Carra but his shot is wayward
89 mins : Corner to Liverpool. Time is running out
90 mins : GOAL! Andrey Arshavin:
90 mins : Substitution: Abou Diaby for Nicklas Bendtner:
90 mins : GOAL! Yossi Benayoun:
90 mins : First Booking: Francesc Fabregas:
20:56 GMT : Match Over

STEVEN GERRARD INJURY UPDATE

2009-04-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

Paul Eaton 18 April 2009

Liverpool today confirmed Steven Gerrard faces at least another week on the sidelines as he continues to recover from a strain in his adductor muscle.

The Reds' skipper aggravated the injury ahead of the clash with Chelsea in midweek, and has now been ruled out of Liverpool's Premier League fixture with Arsenal on Tuesday night.

"In the training session before the Champions League game at Chelsea, Steven Gerrard unfortunately aggravated a small strain he had previously suffered in his adductor muscle," confirmed a club spokesman.

"A scan has since confirmed our medical team's initial diagnosis and the player is expected to be out for between seven and ten days.

"In the meantime, Steven will continue to receive intensive treatment on the injury at Melwood."

MASCH: THESE PEOPLE ARE AMAZING

2009-04-18T05:48:00.002-07:00

Jimmy Rice 18 April 2009

Javier Mascherano today paid tribute to the people of Liverpool for the way they honoured those who died at Hillsborough 20 years ago this week.

The Argentina captain was so struck by Wednesday's Memorial Service that he rang friends back home to tell them what he had witnessed.

"I have never seen anything like it in my life," Mascherano told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I spoke to some people in Argentina about it because it was amazing to see the stadium almost full for a memorial service. It would not happen at other clubs or in other countries.

"It's great the way the fans and the city came together. They still remember after 20 years the people who lost their lives.

"When I came here I didn't know what happened 20 years ago but living in the city and playing for Liverpool you hear all the stories. It was so sad."

Mascherano's first professional club, River Plate, endured their own stadium disaster in 1968 when 74 people died trying to escape a fire.

"In Argentina something similar happened many years ago at River Plate but they don't remember like Liverpool fans remember," added the 24-year-old.

RAFA WANTS XABI TO STAY AT ANFIELD

2009-04-18T05:48:00.001-07:00

Jimmy Rice 17 April 2009

Rafa Benitez has spoken of his desire to keep Xabi Alonso at Anfield this summer.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a fine season after speculation about his future following Spain's Euro 2008 triumph.

Benitez said: "The first year was really good and this year he is also playing really well.

"Xabi has been having a very good season; he has been playing well in a lot of games and is a key player for us.

"We have a lot of confidence in him because he is playing really well and he is a player we want to keep because he has the quality, and the game, that we need."

ON THIS DAY: FIVE-STAR REDS SINK GUNNERS

2009-04-18T05:47:00.000-07:00

Steve Hunter 18 April 2009

Liverpool won their first League Division One title under Bill Shankly after a thumping 5-0 win over Arsenal at Anfield, on this day in 1964.

Goals from Ian St John, Alf Arrowsmith, Roger Hunt and a double from Peter Thompson did the damage on an afternoon that also saw the BBC's Panorama programme film the Kop - reporting on this 'extraordinary cultural phenomenon.'

It was a glorious moment for Shankly and a new Anfield dynasty was about to begin.

Elsewhere on this day in LFC history in 1984, Ian Rush notched up a century of strikes for Liverpool as the Reds were held to a 3-3 draw at Leicester City.

The iconic Welsh frontman took his tally to 100 goals in just 166 games with the second of Liverpool's three efforts after Ronnie Whelan had struck in the first-half.

John Wark grabbed the third and final Reds goal nine minutes from time but it was not enough to claim all three points.

INCE DEDICATES CUP WIN TO 96

2009-04-18T05:46:00.000-07:00

Louise Goulding 17 April 2009

Thomas Ince today dedicated Liverpool Under-18s' FA Youth Cup victory over Birmingham to the 96 who lost their lives at Hillsborough.

Ince and his teammates attended Wednesday's memorial service at Anfield, which marked the 20th anniversary of the tragedy, and the youngster believes it inspired the team to their 3-0 semi-final first leg win a day later.

"When we went to Anfield and saw the fans paying their tributes it was unbelievable. It was an inspiration for us," Ince said.

"We knew it wasn't only that we had a potential final to look forward to, but the fact that we could pay our own tribute to the 96 that died.

"It was pleasing to pay tribute to them with a 3-0 win and hopefully we have done them proud."

The forward certainly played his part on the night and enjoyed his role behind two-goal Lauri Dalla Valle.

"Over the last few games I have been playing in that position as it allows me to get in the gap between midfield and the back four, which allows me to do what I do best," he said.

"I am enjoying the role and I feel I am more involved in the game."

Hugh McAuley's men were leading 3-0 at the interval, but failed to add to their goal tally in the second half.

"Going in a few goals up helped us calm the nerves, but in the second half we got a little bit sloppy," added Ince.

"I think there were a few tired legs, but we can work on that in training and hopefully put the first-half performance on for a full 90 minutes."

IN PICTURES: ANFIELD PAYS ITS RESPECTS

2009-04-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

Paul Eaton 16 April 2009

Over 28,000 football fans yesterday joined the Hillsborough families and players, staff and officials from Liverpool FC to pay their respects to those who lost their lives on April 15, 1989.

Here are a selection of photographs from an emotional afternoon at Anfield.

FOWLER: TORRES CAN BE ANFIELD GREAT

2009-04-17T03:58:00.000-07:00

James Carroll 17 April 2009

Kop icon Robbie Fowler believes Fernando Torres has the potential to establish himself as an all-time Anfield great.

The Spain striker has endured an injury-troubled season, but has still managed to find the back of the net on 14 occasions.

Fowler is confident there is more to come from the Reds' current number nine.

"In terms of Fernando Torres, he could be up there with the greats of Liverpool, like Ian Rush," said Fowler, who scored 183 goals in 369 appearances for Liverpool.

"His record has been fantastic since he came to the club.

"He is just a very, very good player and he scores all types of goals, which is really crucial to a forward. He doesn't just get tap-ins.

"So I can see him being up there with the best of them. I think he has got everything."

Fowler also spoke of his desire to see his former club win the race for the Barclays Premier League title this season.

"I am really, really hoping that Liverpool win it," he added.

"If you had asked me four or five weeks ago I would have said Liverpool would have no chance as Man United were playing well and were six points clear with a game in hand.

"But Liverpool, ever since beating Real Madrid in the Champions League, have been on an unbelievable run and I can't really see them getting beat for the rest of the season."

Hillsborough 1989

2009-04-17T03:56:00.000-07:00

A Video tamzen9 Made In Memory Of The 96 Liverpool Fans Who Died In The Hillsborough Disaster, R.I.P! *Never Forgotton*

MOTD remembering the Hillsborough 96

2009-04-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

FAMILIES HANDED FREEDOM OF LIVERPOOL

2009-04-17T03:30:00.000-07:00

James Carroll 16 April 2009

The families of the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough were handed the Freedom of the City of Liverpool last night.

In an emotional ceremony at Liverpool Town Hall, Trevor Hicks, president of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, signed for the honour on the families' behalf.

"I do not think anywhere in the world could have been as supportive as this city has been," Hicks told those in attendance in the Grand Ballroom.

"It is with great honour and humility that I accept this."

Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool's manager at the time of Hillsborough, then lit a candle in memory of the 96.

The families were also joined at the ceremony by Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Rafa Benitez, Alan Hansen and Alan Kennedy.

Earlier in the day, a moving memorial service at Anfield was attended by an estimated 28,000 people.

Hundreds of floral tributes, scarves and a variety of different football shirts were laid next to the Hillsborough memorial and tied to the Shankly Gates.

The commemoration was opened by the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, before the 96 names were read out and a candle lit in each of their memories.

At 3:06pm, a two-minute silence was impeccably observed at the stadium and across Liverpool as the city, including public transport, ground to a halt in memory of the 96. Similar silences were held in Sheffield and Nottingham.

The bells of Liverpool's two cathedrals and civic buildings then rang out 96 times at 3:08pm.

Liverpool Lord Mayor Cllr Steve Rotheram joined Hicks in giving a rousing speech before the Mayor and Liverpool manager Benitez symbolically laid a scarf on the penalty spot in front of the Kop.

The duo released 96 red balloons into the afternoon sky as Gerrard and Carragher presented Hicks with a Freedom of the City scroll to Hicks, on behalf of all the families.

The memorial concluded as Gerry Marsden sang an emotional rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone.

GERRARD NOMINATED FOR PFA AWARD

2009-04-15T00:20:00.000-07:00

James Carroll 14 April 2009

Steven Gerrard has been nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year.

The Liverpool skipper is the only non-Manchester United player on the six-man shortlist and joins Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo in the running for the honour.

Gerrard, who won the award in 2006, has been in sensational form for the Reds this season, with the 28-year-old netting 21 goals.

Speaking about Gerrard's nomination, PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor said: "Steven has been a personal favourite of mine for a long time now and I have the utmost respect and admiration for the way he continues to go about his business, as an influential midfield player, a talisman if you like, for club and country.

"I remember when he won the Young Player of the Year award in 2001 he told me that, whilst he was proud to win that particular award, he would not be satisfied until he had won the main prize, and that said a lot about his ambition and dedication.

"He went on to win the Players' Player award in 2006 and fully deserves to be amongst the nominees again this year.

"He is not only a top class player and captain, he is a top class lad too and a credit to his profession.

"He is a real Roy of the Rovers performer who, on so many occasions when Liverpool have perhaps looked down and out, he has pulled them through virtually single-handed and I don't think many people would argue with the comments made by Zinedine Zidane that Steve is the best midfield player in the world."

RAFA: THIS CAN INSPIRE PL GLORY

2009-04-15T00:19:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Rice at Stamford Bridge 14 April 2009

Rafa Benitez believes his side's gallant defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals could inspire them to Premier League glory.

The Reds almost completed a remarkable turnaround after the 3-1 first leg loss with first-half strikes from Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso.

Two goals for Chelsea early in the second half then looked to have ended the tie before Lucas and Dirk Kuyt once again stunned Stamford Bridge.

Hopes of a miracle comeback were only dashed in the 89th minute when Frank Lampard netted his second of the game to make it 4-4 on the night (7-5 on aggregate).

Benitez told reporters afterwards: "We showed character and quality and we have to be really proud. The players have done a fantastic job and the fans will be really pleased with the team.

"We were on top of them from the beginning. Credit must go to all the players, especially Lucas in the middle. In the position of Steven Gerrard he worked extremely hard. The players were pushing and pushing and we were very close.

"I think, clearly, when you lose you have to be disappointed but when you lose in this way you have to be proud and have your head up.

"Thinking about the Premier League, maybe it's positive because if we can score four goals here at Stamford Bridge, we can do the same in any stadium. We can win a lot of games with this mentality."

Benitez believes Liverpool were undone by a handful of mistakes in what was otherwise a memorable performance.

"When you play against a good side like Chelsea and make a mistake, you pay," he said. "Clearly we attacked and were controlling but with one or two mistakes they scored."

Benitez was quizzed on the absence of skipper Gerrard from his matchday squad.

"He felt something in his adductor so he wasn't available," he said. "It was an easy decision - he couldn't play."

Benitez believes Gerrard will recover in time to face Arsenal in the Premier League in a week's time.

"I think so," said the boss. "It's not serious. We thought he could be available today but in the end he wasn't."

On the substitution of Fernando Torres 10 minutes from time with the aggregate score 6-3, Benitez added: "Torres is okay. I thought it would be difficult so I wanted to change something and give minutes to a player with quality like Ngog."

CHELSEA 4 - 4 LIVERPOOL

2009-04-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

Champions League Quarter Final (1)

Liverpool	4 - 4	Chelsea
F.Aurélio		Pepe Reina (o.g)
X.Alonso		Alex
Lucas		F.Lampard
Kuyt		F.Lampard

f.Aurelio

X.Alonso

Pepe Reina (o.g)

Alex

F.Lampard

Lucas

Kuyt

F.Lampard

RAFA: STEVIE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

2009-04-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

Paul Hassall at Melwood 13 April 2009

Rafael Benitez believes an in-form Steven Gerrard could be the key to Liverpool producing a famous Champions League win at Chelsea.

The skipper was an unused substitute in Saturday's clash against Blackburn and the Spaniard is hoping a fresh Gerrard can inspire his side as the Reds look to overturn a 3-1 deficit.

"He is better but he is still working with the physios," the boss told a pre-match press conference at Melwood. "He will have one more day of training and then after we will see how he feels.

"It makes a difference if we play with him. Clearly we need him, he is a key player for us. Everything can change if he can play and if he plays well.

"We will talk with the doctor and with him before the game. It is not a massive risk but there is a small one because you could lose the player for 10-15 days and that would be bad. He was playing with some problems before though, so I think we can manage."

Liverpool need to score three goals at Stamford Bridge to have any chance of progressing to the last four of the competition. Asked if his side could call upon the inspiration of Istanbul, Benitez said, "It would be good and could be helpful.

"If we have the fans behind us and can give them something from the beginning, then it would be a very good inspiration.

"You approach the games away thinking about winning. In this case, if it is possible, we need to score an early goal and then we will play with more confidence.

"It's not a question of the managers, the players on the pitch can make a massive difference. Okay, we will try to help but clearly it will be the players. If we win it will be them, if we lose it will be us all together."

After conceding two set pieces against Chelsea in the first-leg Liverpool's use of zonal marking has come under great scrutiny.

However, Benitez insists it is still the best system for his side to use.

"They (Chelsea) have six or seven players that are really good in air, and that was clear the other day," he said.

"We talked about zonal marking but we scored against Blackburn who use man-to-man marking and yesterday you could see goals conceded between Aston Villa and Everton using man-to-man.

"So in the end it depends on the quality of the players in the air.

"It has been good for us in the past so hopefully it (zonal) will be good in the future."

Asked if the Reds could take heart from Bolton's three-goal salvo against Chelsea at the weekend, the boss added: "Yes. If you play well and have a bit of luck, you can score a goal, so we will see. It will be good for the club if we can win, so we will try to win."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163991090413-1018.htm

TORRES: UNITED WIN GIVES US BELIEF

2009-04-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

Paul Hassall 13 April 2009

Fernando Torres feels Liverpool's 4-1 win at Old Trafford should give them the belief they can pull off a famous comeback against Chelsea in the Champions League.

The Spanish forward netted a confidence boosting double in Saturday's 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers and is now urging his teammates to hit the goal trail in the quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.

"We have kept our confidence after the Champions League game and it was important to win for the fans," he said.

"It was an important victory because it was the last game at home before the Hillsborough memorial service and I think they enjoyed it.

"I hope that we can score three goals against Chelsea. We know it is a very difficult.

"They are a strong team, but we have confidence, we can do it and we have to go there to win the game. We beat Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford so we know we can do it.

"We know it is difficult and it is difficult to score against them, but we will prepare the game and see what happens.

"I think Chelsea will play for a win. If they score one or two it is over, so they will not just defend."

Torres got Liverpool off to the perfect start on Saturday with a sensational dipping volley that has earned comparisons with Marco Van Basten's goal for Holland against Russia in the final of Euro 88.

Asked if he was pleased with the goal, he said: "It was a good day for me.

"The first one was a great goal and a great start to the game. To then get three more goals was good for the team.

"I work hard on my heading so I was pleased with the second one. I am always pleased to score at Anfield and I almost had a hat-trick but the main thing was to win and stay fit for Tuesday which is a big game."

After a sensational first season in English football Torres' impact on the current campaign has been hampered by injuries.

He admits it has left him frustrated at times but is confident he has now put his problems behind him.

"It has been really frustrating to miss league games this season," he said.

"Just 19 league games and 11 goals is a good record.

"We have to try and learn from this for next season and try and help me stay 100 per cent fit for all the games."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163990090413-0927.htm

ALONSO: WE HAVE TO FIND THE BALANCE

2009-04-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

Steve Hunter 13 April 2009

Xabi Alonso insists Liverpool will need to find the right balance between attack and defence at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night and not leave gaps at the back for Chelsea to exploit.

Rafael Benitez's side must score three times against Guus Hiddink's outfit to stand any chance of progressing, but despite last season's runners-up being favourites, the Spanish playmaker remains confident that the tie is far from over.

"There is hope," Alonso told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We know it is going to be a very difficult task to score three goals, but as long as we have a little chance then we are going to try and fight for it and go there and try to do our best.

"I think that it will be the closest to perfect if we can go there, score three goals and beat them.

"We will need to have a very attacking mentality because we need to score a lot of goals. By the same way we can't go desperate all-out attack because if you do that you will have more chances to concede.

"We will need to keep the balance but with an attacking mind of course."

The midfield will be boosted by the return of Javier Mascherano after suspension and Alonso said: "It is always good to have as many options as possible and good for the manager to have everyone available for this game."

Reflecting on the disappointing first leg, Alonso said every player is determined to put things right in the capital tomorrow night.

"Once we conceded the first goal we knew it was going to be hard and difficult because we had conceded an away goal," he said.

"I think maybe it affected us more than what it should have.

"The second half wasn't the best. The played well and controlled the game. We were not calm enough and they deserved to win. The result was very bad for us.

"You have to give credit to them. They have a great team and sometimes when they perform that well it is difficult to beat them.

"We made some very uncommon mistakes ourselves and that's something we will have to look at and try to improve for this game."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163987090413-0723.htm

TORRES: WIN WILL LIFT US

2009-04-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

Paul Hassall 12 April 2009

Fernando Torres believes Liverpool's 4-0 demolition of Blackburn will give them a huge lift ahead of their Champions League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Spanish striker admits the Reds were hugely disappointed by the manner of their 3-1 first-leg defeat against the Blues at Anfield and feels their rout of Rovers will lift spirits as they bid to rescue the tie.

"It was a great result coming after the game against Chelsea," said Torres. "The last game wasn't good, but we've done our job.

"We have confidence after this result to go to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday."

Torres got Liverpool off to a flier against Rovers with a stunning fifth minute volley that set the tone for the remainder of the match.

Asked if he felt it was one of the best he's ever scored for the Reds, he said: "Sometimes you try to score like this, but normally the ball goes out," he added. "But this one went in. It was a good goal."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163984090412-0842.htm

YOSSI: TORRES IS WORLD'S BEST STRIKER

2009-04-13T09:43:00.001-07:00

Paul Hassall 12 April 2009

Yossi Benayoun hailed Fernando Torres as the best striker in the world after the Spaniard hit a magnificent double in the 4-0 victory over Blackburn on Saturday.

The Israeli was left searching for superlatives after El Nino inspired the Reds to a morale-boosting triumph with a brace that included a stunning volley that could well be a goal of the season contender.

"That's what you get with Torres," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"He is always a threat. He is the best striker in the world. The goals that he scores are just unbelievable. Look at the first one today. It was incredible. He makes it look so simple too. It's always easier for us as a team when he is playing."

The win saw Liverpool briefly return to the summit prior to Manchester United's narrow win at Sunderland and Benayoun admits it was important the Reds reacted positively after their shock Champions League defeat against Chelsea on Wednesday night

"It was important that we responded after the disappointment of the Chelsea defeat," he said.

"We have to give everything in the Premier League and keep fighting to the end. We must keep winning to put pressure on Man United. Hopefully it will be enough to see us win the title.

"The win has restored our confidence and that was important. We know it will be very difficult on Tuesday at Chelsea. We will look to give 100 per cent and try our best and then see what happens. You never know in football - anything can happen."

Prior to kick off Anfield fell silent to mark the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster and Benayoun was pleased the Reds were able to cap the afternoon with the three points.

"It is very sad and we will all attend the service on Wednesday and pay our respects," he said. "We have to make sure something like that never happens again.

"The crowd were amazing today and hopefully we gave them something to cheer at a difficult time."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163983090412-0830.htm

LIVERPOOL 4-0 BLACKBURN: IN PICTURES

2009-04-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

Pictures by David Rawcliffe of Propaganda 13 April 2009

Liverpool kept up the pressure in the Barclays Premier League title race with a superb 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on an emotional day at Anfield. Here's the best of the action in pictures.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163981090413-0725.htm

LIVERPOOL 4 - 0 BLACKBURN

2009-04-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

Premiership

LIVERPOOL	4 - 0	BLACKBURN
Torres
Torres
Agger
N'Gog

Torres

Agger

N'Gog

SPANIARD SEEKS ISTANBUL INSPIRATION

2009-04-09T08:12:00.001-07:00

Jimmy Rice 09 April 2009

Alvaro Arbeloa today had one word for anyone who believes Liverpool are out of the Champions League: Istanbul.

Rafa Benitez's side need to score at least three goals at Stamford Bridge next week after losing the home leg of their quarter-final 3-1.

Arbeloa knows it will be tough but hopes the Reds can recreate their heroics from the 2005 Champions League final, when they overturned a 3-0 half-time deficit to lift the trophy.

"We can do it - why not? We believe we can," the Spanish full-back told Liverpoolfc.tv. "We have to go there and fight, try to get one goal and then think about another.

"Liverpool won a Champions League final by scoring three goals in 45 minutes, so why can't we get three in 90?

"I think we have to remember Istanbul and believe. We know it's going to be difficult to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but it's not over."

Liverpool led 1-0 after six minutes thanks to a Fernando Torres strike, but two Branislav Ivanovic headers turned the tie on its head before Didier Drogba inflicted more pain on Anfield.

Arbeloa added: "Maybe we defended too deep after the first goal - we gave them too much of the ball. We conceded and that was painful - and then we conceded again."

Meanwhile, Lucas Leiva insists Liverpool have already proved they can score goals in the toughest stadiums this term.

The Brazilian played a starring role in the 4-1 win at Old Trafford last month and is in no doubt that he and his teammates can do the same in south west London.

"We know it will be really difficult but it's not impossible," Lucas told us. "Chelsea came here and scored three, and we have the quality to do the same there.

"We will have to try until the very last minute at Stamford Bridge. I think we need the perfect performance.

"It's a different game but we have shown already this season we can win 4-1 at places like Old Trafford."

Liverpool now have two days before resuming their title charge in Saturday's lunch-time kick-off against Blackburn.

A win would see the Reds leapfrog leaders Manchester United, who travel to Sunderland at 3pm.

Lucas added: "We are really disappointed but we have to forget about this now because we have a really important game on Saturday, then the second leg.

"We can't talk too much now about the Champions League because we have a massive game in two days' time against Blackburn.

"It is impossible not to think about this game afterwards when you go home, but at training the next day you have to focus on Blackburn. Hopefully we won't make the same mistakes because we still have chances in the title race."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163954090409-0851.htm

PEPE: DON'T BLAME ZONAL MARKING

2009-04-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Rice 09 April 2009

Pepe Reina admits Liverpool must improve their defending from set-pieces after two headed goals from Branislav Ivanovic during the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea.

The Spain international was disappointed at the manner of the goals in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg but insists it would be ridiculous to blame zonal marking.

"You are always disappointed when you concede, but especially from set-pieces," Reina told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It's something we'll have to work on.

"It's always the same when we concede goals from free-kicks - people start talking about man marking and zonal. But we've done it for five years and, although I don't have the statistics, I know we're one of the teams that concedes fewest from set pieces."

Didier Drogba added the third as Liverpool slumped to their first home loss in 14 months.

Reina accepts he and his teammates were second best on the night, but insists their dream of reaching the final in Rome is not over.

"They were the better team and they deserved the victory," he said. "We now have to improve on everything we did on the night and be ready for the second leg.

"It's going to be much tougher to win the trophy now - we have to go there and win 3-1 or 3-0. But we can go to any stadium and win.

"Of course the 4-1 at Old Trafford gives us hope - it shows us what we can do at any stadium. We won like that at Old Trafford, why not at Stamford Bridge?

"It has to be a perfect performance. We have to have a great day and they must have one of their worst."

The Reds now need to focus on Saturday's early kick-off against Blackburn, a chance to overtake leaders Manchester United.

Reina added: "It's another competition and we are very much alive in the title race. It's an important game, and early kick-offs are never easy against a rested team, so we have to be ready.

"It's our job to be ready. Whenever we lose games we have to come in the next day and forget about what happened so we can try to move forward and improve.

"We now have to prove to ourselves and our fans that we're still there in the league."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163955090409-0941.htm

BENITEZ RUES DEFENSIVE MISTAKES

2009-04-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

Paul Hassall at Anfield 08 April 2009

Rafael Benitez was left to rue costly defensive mistakes after Chelsea secured a commanding 3-1 lead in the first-leg of the Champions League quarter final at Anfield

The Reds boss was hugely frustrated by his side's performance after Fernando Torres' opener was cancelled out by efforts from Branislav Ivanovic (2) and Didier Drogba.

It means Liverpool need to score three times at Stamford Bridge to have any chance of progressing and the Spaniard concedes it will be a tall order for his team to book a place in the last four.

"We scored the first goal and were doing well," he told the post-match press conference. "After that we lost control and they had chances.

"We conceded from a corner from which we could have done better. It is difficult to stop them because they have five or six players who are really strong in the air. It was a free header and that was a mistake.

"We had three players around and didn't stop him (Ivanovic). When you have people in that zone you must control that space but clearly we made a mistake."

Asked what he said to the players in the dressing room after such a disappointing result, Benitez said: "We were talking about the next game because we have an important game on Saturday against Blackburn.

"We have to be ready for that. Then we can think about the second game. We have to score three goals to progress. It will be very, very difficult but we still have 90 minutes to play.

"We have to forget this one and start thinking about Blackburn first and only then can we look at the second leg."

Chelsea's response to going a goal behind saw them take on an attacking mentality that led to three priceless away goals.

Asked if he was caught off guard by their offensive tactics, Benitez said: "I wasn't surprised because Chelsea are a strong team.

"They have won 11 games away in the Premier League and have a lot of confidence and are playing well.

"You have to play really well to beat them. We started well but after that we didn't play to our level.

"To lose any game is difficult, especially in this competition because everyone was suggesting we had a good chance.

"We need to forget as soon as possible. We need to think about Blackburn and then we can concentrate on the Chelsea game."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N163952090408-2237.htm

LIVERPOOL 1 - 3 CHELSEA

2009-04-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

Champions League Quarter Final (1)

Liverpool	1 - 0	Chelsea
Torres		Ivanovic
		Ivanovic
		Drogba

BOSS: LET'S GET THEM ON BACK FOOT

2009-04-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Rice 07 April 2009

Rafa Benitez today urged his team to replicate their blistering start against Real Madrid when Chelsea visit Anfield in the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

Liverpool stunned the Spanish champions in the last round with two goals in the opening 30 minutes. A similar tactic was used when Juventus visited Merseyside in 2005.

Benitez knows it will be tough to take Chelsea by surprise, with the two teams having faced each other in each of the last five European campaigns.

However, the Spaniard is keen to see another high-octane performance from his side as they look to take a favourable result to Stamford Bridge.

"We have played 20 times in the last five years and we know each other really well. That makes it more difficult," Benitez told his pre-match press conference.

"We will not surprise them because we know each other really well.

"But we clearly have to play with a high tempo if we can because we have the supporters behind us. If we can start the game creating opportunities like against Real we'll have a good chance but Chelsea are a good team with experience. It will be an interesting game."

Asked if he was sick of facing Chelsea every year, Benitez added: "You know my idea: I am really pleased to be here playing Chelsea again because it means we're still in the competition. Hopefully it'll be the same for the next five years because it will mean we're still there at this stage."

Guus Hiddink is the fourth Chelsea manager Benitez has faced during his time in England.

Quizzed on the Dutchman, Benitez said: "I think he's doing well. He's a manager with great experience in different countries and with different players. My idea is that Phil Scolari is a fantastic manager but now Guus Hiddink is doing well too."

Meanwhile, Pepe Reina will become the first goalkeeper to play 50 European Cup games for Liverpool on Wednesday.

Benitez believes his custodian is among the top five in world football.

"Pepe has been fantastic for the club for the last few years," said the boss. "He's broken a lot of records and he is one of the top 'keepers in the world. One of the top five.

"He's really good in the air, he's quick. He's keen to learn and he concentrates. He trains hard and has character - there are a lot of positive things."

RAFA DISMISSES FERGIE CLAIM

2009-04-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Rice 07 April 2009

Rafa Benitez today dismissed suggestions from Alex Ferguson that whoever wins the Champions League quarter-final between Liverpool and Chelsea will be the biggest threat to Manchester United in the Premier League.

The Old Trafford boss claims the loser will be knocked off their stride in the title race.

But Benitez told his pre-match press conference: "If Chelsea are not in the Champions League he knows they'll be a threat, and if Liverpool are not he knows we'll be a threat - he loses either way.

"I think they (United) have a problem because, clearly, either us or Chelsea will be able to focus on the league.

"I think he will be supporting Liverpool because we are the big threat now and if we continue in the competition maybe we'll be tired.

"You will have time to prepare for every single Premier League game (if you are eliminated), so clearly he will be supporting us.

"He likes to talk too much about other teams. I don't think it's mind games - I think maybe he's a little bit scared."

TERRY WARY OF REDS DUO

2009-04-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

James Carroll 07 April 2009

Chelsea captain John Terry believes the partnership of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres is currently one of the best in world football.

Liverpool play host to the Londoners in the first-leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie at Anfield tomorrow and Terry admits he is concerned by the threat the double act pose to his side's European aspirations.

"They're up there with the very best in the world," the Blues skipper told reporters at a press conference when asked about the Anfield strike pair.

"Stevie is a world-class player and he's in great form at the moment. He links up very well from midfield and bombs on behind the defence.

"He's scored some great goals and supplies a lot of assists for Torres and the people around him.

"Torres poses a great threat to all defenders. We've seen over the past two years he is definitely one of the best in the world.

"As a defence we have to be very organised and not focus too much on just one of them because if we were to focus on Stevie, Torres will do the damage and the same the other way. Collectively we have to try and keep them both at bay."

Despite acknowledging the danger of Gerrard and Torres, Terry has warned his teammates they can ill-afford to underestimate the attacking menace of other members of Liverpool's squad.

He added: "You can't pinpoint one player to be their main danger. They've got three or four.

"Liverpool have got a great spine in their team with Reina, Carragher, Stevie and Torres as well as the likes of Alonso. They've got a fantastic squad.

"They're playing very well at the moment, similar to us. It's going to be a difficult game on a very big occasion and we're hoping we can be the team who comes out on top."

Terry does not believe the outcome of the tie will have any negative bearing on either side's Premier League title challenge.

"Whichever team is knocked out will really focus on the Premier League, while the other team will carry the momentum and push on in both competitions, so it works both ways," said the defender.

"One thing is for sure, both teams are really pushing Manchester United and pushing them all the way. United know ourselves and Liverpool are right behind them."

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink claims his team will go in search of an away goal to take back to Stamford Bridge.

"We will not sit back and wait until we are overcome," he asserted. "That is not the way to play football. That's not my philosophy or the team's concept.

"We will not just wait. Wherever we can, we will try and take the initiative."

Hiddink feels the winner of the tie will be decided by the performance of the players and not the managers.

"The players know each other very well, so there are no secrets," said the Blues' coach.

"It's been said the managers will have to come up with something extra, but I think this is exaggerated. The manager does not play, it is the players who execute his plans.

"We have our plan, they have theirs and in the end it will be up to the players to deliver."

RIERA EXPECTS CAGEY AFFAIR

2009-04-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Rice 07 April 2009

Albert Riera expects a game of cat and mouse when Chelsea visit Anfield for the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.

The Spaniard insists Liverpool must 'use their heads' in the first leg to ensure the tie is still there for the taking at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Riera explained: "I think Wednesday's match is really important, but I think the match away will decide who progresses to the next round.

"For us it's important to play as a team, try to score if it's possible and keep a clean sheet, because we know that is very important when you play at home in the Champions League."

Riera also insists Liverpool cannot afford complacency following their league double over the Blues.

"The Champions League matches are different to the Premier League because in the Premier League you play for three points and you have 90 minutes to beat the other team," said the wide man.

"In the Champions League you play 90 minutes at Anfield tomorrow, but you have to play with your head and try to think about the second leg away."

Meanwhile, Riera claims he and his teammates were not too downhearted when Manchester United regained top spot in the Premier League with a last-gasp winner against Aston Villa on Sunday.

"We have to just think of ourselves. We need to win our games, we cannot do anything else," said the Spain international. "We need to believe in ourselves and continue winning as we did last Saturday.

"There are still a lot of games to play and we are in a great position. We're still fighting for the title and our mentality has to be to try and take three points from every game and see what happens at the end. We cannot do anything else."

Asked if fighting for two major honours made this the most exciting period of his career, Riera responded: "Yes, definitely. Playing to fight for titles is really nice, this is the pressure that we want because it's a beautiful pressure."

PHOTO SPECIAL: REDS PREPARE FOR CL

2009-04-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

Pictures by David Rawcliffe of Propaganda 07 April 2009

Here are the best of our snaps from when Rafa Benitez put his team through their paces at Melwood this morning.

NEWS STORY CARRA: LEAGUE DOUBLE COULD GIVE US EDGE

2009-04-07T02:01:00.000-07:00

Paul Hassall 07 April 2009

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool's league double over Chelsea could give them a psychological edge ahead of yet another meeting in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The Reds defender admits he was somewhat frustrated to be drawn against the Londoners for the fifth straight year but insists Rafael Benitez's men will go into the clash confident of progressing to the last four.

"We've got a great record against Chelsea this season and if we play the way we have done against them in the two league matches then we know we can go through," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"The fact we did the double against them might give us that extra confidence. I'm sure if they'd beaten us twice we'd have gone into it with a bit more trepidation, but the fact we won twice will give us a bit of a boost."

The 31-year-old concedes that he would liked to have gone head-to-head with Bayern Munich rather than face another meeting with the Blues.

He feels Europe should be about taking on sides from across the continent and is still hopeful both the German giants and Liverpool will progress so he can realise his dream of playing at the Allianz Arena.

"My initial reaction was that I didn't really want us to get another English team because Europe is about playing European teams," he said.

"The Chelsea lads probably felt the same. I suppose we are sick of the sight of each other really! But we both know what kind of games they will be and we all realise it will be tough.

"I was desperate for us to get Bayern Munich because I wanted to play in their new ground. I like to play in different stadiums across Europe, but if we beat Chelsea we could still draw them in the semi-final."

Last season Chelsea knocked Liverpool out of the competition in the semi-finals. Asked if revenge would act as any form of motivation Carragher said: "Not really. This is a new season and we are probably playing better than we did last year.

"It was unfortunate with John Arne Riise's own goal because if it hadn't gone in, I think we would probably have gone through. That's how close the games are."

GERRARD: WE HAVE TO BELIEVE

2009-04-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

Paul Hassall 05 April 2009

Steven Gerrard feels a combination of belief and fitness have been the key factors Liverpool's push for both domestic and European glory.

The Reds skipper could not hide his joy after the Reds snatched yet another late winner against Fulham on Saturday to further bolster their title bid.

He admits confidence is high in the Anfield camp, and although Manchester United are still the favourites to be crowned champions, he is determined to take the race right to the wire.

"Our fitness has been the key to our recent success," he said.

"It has been instrumental in keeping us going and ensuring we maintain our challenge for silverware on two fronts. Belief is also a key factor.

"Confidence is very high and we have the momentum at the moment.

"I'm the captain. I have to be confident, I have to have the belief we can do it, we all have to.

"We've got nothing to lose. In terms of the Premier League we know United are still favourites and we know that Chelsea are not out of it.

"Everyone presumed that the title race was over, but there is always going to be twists and turns. One thing is for sure, though, we will give everything we've got."

The skipper also highlighted the return from injury of Fernando Torres as another reason for his team's recent good form.

"It's crucial to our team and paramount to the team's success that Fernando stays fit. He is priceless," said Gerrard.

"If we can do that from now until the end of the season, it's going to be an exciting finish to the campaign."

FULHAM 0 - 1 LIVERPOOL

2009-04-04T21:13:00.000-07:00

FULHAM 0 - 1 LIVERPOOL

benayoun

first haf highlight

second half highlight

RAFA: WE MUST KEEP CALM

2009-04-04T19:24:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Rice at Craven Cottage 04 April 2009

Rafa Benitez warned his players to remain calm after they returned to top spot with a dramatic 1-0 win at Fulham.

Yossi Benayoun sent the Reds two points clear of Manchester United with a goal deep into injury time.

The strike prompted rounds of 'We're gonna win the league' from the travelling Kop, who had watched in frustration as their side hit the woodwork four times.

Despite his own evident joy from the sidelines, Benitez knows United can regain the lead if they win the first of two games in hand at home to Aston Villa on Sunday.

He said: "Hopefully we can keep the fans happy until the end.

"As a manager you have to be calm and leave the fans to enjoy. There are still a lot of games left.

"I haven't seen (my reaction) back yet but I am calm. It was a very important goal at a crucial time."

It was the 11th time Liverpool have scored in the dying moments of games this season - a stat Benitez credits to his staff.

He said: "You never say, 'Oh we're going to score in the last minute.' But we always talk about having to keep going until the end.

"The belief, the confidence and quality of the players is good. Physically the team is good thanks to the staff.

"Everyone is pushing - Sammy Lee, Mauricio Pellegrino and Xavi Valero. They are giving the players belief.

"When we decided the 11 starters today it was really difficult. Mascherano was late back from internationals, some players were tired and we had some problems with Benayoun. But the 11 players played really well in the first half, and after the substitutions in the second half it was the same. This shows the quality of the squad."

On how important Benayoun's goal could prove, Benitez added: "You never know how important it will be - hopefully it will be the most important of the season if we win the title.

"We worked so hard, played well and deserved to win. It was important for the fans and the main thing was the belief in the team.

"I always had confidence because we were playing well. The message at half time was to keep doing the same and you'll score.

"I think it's really important not only because it keeps United under pressure, but also for us. It will still be difficult but we are winning games and we have a lot of confidence now.

"But the winning mentality is to do things not say things, and we want to do things."

Asked if he will be watching United's clash with Villa on Sunday, Benitez added: "Yes, maybe, but I will not have any influence on the game so I will be relaxed with the family."

Meanwhile, Benitez revealed Benayoun had been struggling with a calf injury sustained on international duty and so was available only as a sub.

The Israeli is expected to be fit for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Chelsea.

GERRARD HAILS HERO YOSSI

2009-04-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

Paul Eaton 04 April 2009

Steven Gerrard has lavished praise on Yossi Benayoun after the Israeli midfielder grabbed a last gasp winner at Fulham to send the Reds two points clear at the top of the table.

Benayoun crashed home an unstoppable shot deep into stoppage time to give Liverpool a thoroughly deserved three points after another dominant away performance from Rafael Benitez's men.

Liverpool now lead the title race by two points ahead of Manchester United's clash with Aston Villa tomorrow - and Gerrard believes Benayoun's dramatic strike could have massive consequences come the end of the season.

He said: "We knew before the game a draw or a defeat was no good to us. It was important to win to keep the pressure on Man United, and on Chelsea who also won today.

"It was a massive performance from the lads and on the day the result was the least we deserved. If I'm being honest, there were times when I thought it wasn't going to be for us today, but we kept going and Yossi popped up with a great goal.

"Yossi is a special player. He gets important goals for us and even though he doesn't play every game, I think he's close to double figures now so that shows how important he is to us and how important it is to have a good squad.

"If we keep playing with this level of confidence for the rest of the season then Yossi's goal could prove to be massive for us.

"We have to see how Man United get on against Villa tomorrow now. The important thing for us is to make sure United know they are in a title fight and we're doing that."

STEVIE ISSUES FULHAM WARNING

2009-04-04T05:05:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Rice 03 April 2009

Skipper Steven Gerrard has warned Liverpool they will have to be on top form to beat a potentially fresher Fulham team this weekend.

Eleven of Rafa Benitez's first-team squad were involved in internationals this week - substantially more than their opponents.

And with Craven Cottage playing host to a Manchester United defeat two weeks ago, Gerrard knows three points are far from a given.

"The good thing now is that we can put the internationals to the back of our minds and just concentrate on the run-in," he said.

"The last three weeks have been among the most enjoyable in my Liverpool career and we want to keep that momentum going.

"We know that it is going to be difficult at Craven Cottage. They are a team that deserves respect; just look at what they did against Manchester United.

"Maybe because they don't have as many internationals as us, they might be fresher. We know they will be up for it - they are chasing a European place, so there is something riding on this game for them."

Another player hoping to put the internationals out of his mind is Javier Mascherano, whose Argentina side lost 6-1 to Bolivia.

The midfielder said: "For some of us, playing in the altitude was something new, for others not so much, but we can't say that we lost because of the altitude.

"Our rivals played better and nothing turned out right for us.

"This should serve us as a lesson and it will surely consolidate the squad, who are very united and growing in every aspect."

KUYT AGREES TWO-YEAR EXTENSION

2009-04-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Rice 03 April 2009

Dirk Kuyt today followed club captain Steven Gerrard in agreeing a two-year contract extension with Liverpool.

The 28-year-old has one year remaining on his current deal but is now set to stay at Anfield until at least 2012.

Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "This is another great piece of news for the club.

"Dirk had one year left on his contract and we were keen for him to stay. He is a player with great quality who has a big part to play in our future. We are delighted to have reached an agreement.

"To have announced new deals for Steven and Dirk on the same day shows how hard everyone is working and that we are moving forward quickly as a club. These are very positive messages and I am very happy."

Kuyt signed from Feyenoord in the summer of 2006.

He arrived as a striker but has since established himself as a right winger with a knack of scoring crucial goals.

Kuyt has bagged 10 goals in 41 appearances so far in 2008-09. Only Jamie Carragher has played more games for Liverpool this term.

Liverpoolfc.tv earlier announced Gerrard had agreed a deal to keep him at Anfield until 2013.

STEVIE: I ONLY WANT TO PLAY FOR LIVERPOOL

2009-04-04T04:52:00.000-07:00

Paul Eaton 03 April 2009

As revealed on Liverpoolfc.tv on Friday morning, the Reds skipper has agreed the terms of a new deal which will keep him at the club until at least 2013.

And now Gerrard has revealed his excitement at the prospect of seeing out the remainder of his playing days at Anfield.

"It's a fantastic feeling to have agreed the deal," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "This is what I wanted. I want to see out the rest of my career with Liverpool.

"I have said all along that as long as the club wanted me then I would stay at Liverpool. I've been a fan all my life and it'll be fantastic at the end of my career to look back and say I have been with Liverpool all the way through.

"The main priority is to be successful and I want to achieve success at the club I love. If we can win more trophies together then I will be really happy.

"This news has given me a boost and hopefully it will help us in our remaining games. We've got big matches to play, all of them cup finals as we have to win them all to stay in the title race and go all the way to Rome."

++ OFFICIAL 08/09 SQUAD PHOTOGRAPH

2009-04-04T04:39:00.000-07:00

First Team Squad

1. Diego Cavalieri
2. Andrea Dossena
3. -
4. Sami Hyypia
5. Daniel Agger
6. -
7. -
8. Steven Gerrard
9. Fernando Torres
10. -
11. Albert Riera
12. Fabio Aurelio
13. -
14. Xabi Alonso
15. Yossi Benayoun
16. -
17. Alvaro Arbeloa

18. Dirk Kuyt
19. Ryan Babel
20. Javier Mascherano
21. Lucas Leiva
22. Emiliano Insua
23. Jamie Carragher
24. David Ngog
25. Pepe Reina
26. Jay Spearing
27. Philipp Degen
28. Damien Plessis
29. Krisztian Nemeth
31. Nabil El Zhar
32. Stephen Darby
34. Martin Kelly
37. Martin Skrtel

2009-04-04T00:29:00.000-07:00

1959 - Shankly appointed manager

December 1st 1959 is a date that will forever be etched in the annals of Anfield history. For it was on this day that Liverpool Football Club announced Huddersfield Town boss Bill Shankly would be their new manager in succession to Phil Taylor.

League Champions -----> 18
1900-01 ; 1905-06 ; 1921-22 ; 1922-23 ; 1946-47 ; 1963-64 ; 1965-66
1972-73 ; 1975-76 ; 1976-77 ; 1978-79 ; 1979-80 ; 1981-82 ; 1982-83
1983-84 ; 1985-86 ; 1987-88 ; 1989-90

Division Two Winners -----> 4
1893-94 ; 1895-96 ; 1904-05 ; 1961-62

Lancashire League Winners -----> 1
1892-93

Football Association Challenge Cup Winners -----> 7
1964-65 ; 1973-74 ; 1985-86 ; 1988-89 ; 1991-92
2000-01 ; 2005-06

League Cup Winners -----> 7
1980-81 ; 1981-82 ; 1982-83 ; 1983-84 ; 1994-95
2000-01 ; 2002-03

Football Association Charity Shield Winners -----> 15
1964* ; 1965* ; 1966 ; 1974 ; 1976 ; 1977* ; 1979 ; 1980 ; 1982
1986* ; 1988 ; 1989 ; 1990* ; 2001 ; 2006 ( * shared)

European Cup Winners -----> 5
1976-77 ; 1977-78 ; 1980-81 ; 1983-84 ; 2004-05

UEFA Cup Winners -----> 3
1972-73 ; 1975-76 ; 2000-01

European Super Cup Winners -----> 3
1977 ; 2001 ; 2005

Super Cup Winners -----> 1
1985-86

Carlsberg Trophy -----> 3
1997-98 ; 1998-99 ; 1999-2000

Reserves Division One Winners -----> 16
1956-57 ; 1968-69 ; 1969-70 ; 1970-71 ; 1972-73 ; 1973-74 ; 1974-75
1975-76 ; 1976-77 ; 1978-79 ; 1980-81 ; 1981-82 ; 1983-84 ; 1984-85
1989-90 ; 1999-2000

FA Youth Cup Winners -----> 3
1995-96 ; 2005-06 ; 2006-07

==> You'll Never Walk Alone <== When you walk through a storm hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark.
At the end of a storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never, ever walk alone.

Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never, ever walk alone.