Monday, May 11, 2009

Steven Gerrard Urges Summer Spending At Liverpool

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, who produced another talismanic match-wining performance when he scored twice in yesterday's 3-0 defeat of West Ham United at Upton Park, feels that further reinforcement of the team is necessary in this summer's transfer window, if the Reds are to develop and end their long wait for a league title next season.

With Manchester United beating their local rivals Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford today, Saturday's victory in east London begins to look a little hollow, as the Red Devils moved three points clear of the Merseyside outfit, with a game in hand.

Only two fixtures remain for Gerrard and company, and it looks as though even the indomitable skipper's mind has begun to turn towards next season.

"We've shown this year we've made massive strides and there has been big progression," he told Setanta Sports.

"I think every squad, no matter how successful you are, still needs strengthening and changes.

"I don't think this team needs many changes because the players in the squad are very good. If we can get a couple in and get stronger, of course we want them."

Earlier media reports in England had intimated that Reds manager Rafa Benitez is set to rid himself of eleven players in the summer. No firm targets have yet become apparent as their replacements though.

Gerrard: Torres Partnership Is The Key


Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard would welcome two suitable signings this summer to strengthen a squad that he thinks will challenge for next year's title based on his partnership with Fernando Torres.

Gerrard has warned the Premier League that he expects to push Manchester United even closer next season if he and Spain striker Torres stay fit.

They have only started 13 league games together this season but have scored 16 goals between them in those games, with two from Gerrard helping defeat West Ham 3-0 on Saturday.

And Liverpool's captain feels his side are not far away from being the finished article.

"We've shown this year we've made massive strides and there has been big progression," Gerrard said. "I think every squad, no matter how successful you are, still needs strengthening and changes.

"I don't think this team needs many changes because the players in the squad are very good. If we can get a couple in and get stronger, of course we want them."

Liverpool are mathematically still in the title race but United are still favourites, although that could have been a different story if Gerrard and Torres were fit for the entire season.

"The frustrating thing for both of us is that we haven't been on the pitch together far more," Gerrard said.

"Going into next season it's important that we both stay fit to give Liverpool the best chance of being successful because we feel if we are both fit and on top form we'll cause defenders and teams many problems.

"Without sounding big-headed there is a confidence when we are both on the pitch that we can win football matches. When he is on top form I don't think anyone will argue that he is the best striker in the world. To not have him fit is so frustrating, as his team-mate.

"If we are both on the pitch and fit you'll see many more goals as well."

After Ryan Babel wrapped up victory at Upton Park, Gerrard then anticipated a nervous time this week watching United play their games in hand.

Hammers midfielder Mark Noble feels Gerrard deserves a title winners' medal in his career for his setting an example to other players in his position.

Noble, who swapped shirts with Gerrard and also picked up Jamie Carragher's to pass on to former team-mate Craig Bellamy, said: "He's the best, isn't he? Let's put that straight.

"In my eyes, with the praise he does get, I still don't think he gets enough. He's obviously labelled one of the best in Europe but with the goals he scores, how he is for Liverpool, I'd say he is the best.

"He has stayed at his own club all these years. The really big teams are all interested in him but he pledged his future to Liverpool. For his sake, I hope one day he wins the title. For him and for Liverpool."

For Noble, he hopes to eventually get close to the standards set by Gerrard.

"Everyone wants to aspire to being that good," he said. "He's got a fantastic brain but he is also an athlete - he's strong, powerful and quick. He's got everything. If I can be nearly as good as Stevie Gerrard I'd be pleased."

Milan Interested In Dossena


Milan are preparing a bid to bring Andrea Dossena back to Italy, as Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez looks ready to sell him.

The 27-year-old full-back joined the Reds from Udinese last summer, but has failed to hold down a first team place.

Despite a good performance against Manchester United in March, Dossena has found it hard to impress Benitez.

He has made just 13 appearances for Liverpool this season and is said not to figure in the club's long-term plans.

Milan would like to give their existing full-backs, Gianluca Zambrotta and Marek Janukolovski, some healthy competition.

Dossena has seven Italy caps and is versatile enough to help out across the defence and midfield.

He is likely to cost £8m, as Liverpool look to recoup as much of the £10m they spent on him last summer.

Several other teams in Italy and England are believed to be interested in signing Dossena, who started his career with Hellas Verona.

Benitez Forced To Watch As Title Slips Beyond Liverpool

Given his invariably animated demeanour on the touchline, it is to be assumed that Rafa Benitez is not a natural spectator. Yet that is the role he is being forced to assume this week for four and a half hours as Manchester United seek the points that will deprive Benitez's club of another League title.

Yesterday afternoon was the first, disappointing installment and all who love Liverpool must go through it again twice more before the players can ease their frustration at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday; by which time United's players could have the medals hanging round their necks.

Benitez has to make defiant noises. He is hoping that there may be a surprise on Wednesday at Wigan, though nothing in the latter's recent form suggests it. What seems far more likely, and has done for some time, is that he will have to make do with justified satisfaction at the best of his five League campaigns. It will almost certainly involve finishing runners-up for the first time since 2002, with the club's highest points total since 1988, and possibly as few as two defeats.

There was never any danger of suffering a third at Upton Park from the moment that Steven Gerrard made a classic run through the parting waters of the West Ham defence to open the scoring after 76 seconds. Liverpool's 4-2-3-1 formation now fits them as comfortably as a favourite old pair of shoes, even when, as on Saturday, Xabi Alonso is unavailable to sit snugly alongside Javier Mascherano as the holding midfielder. After Gerrard found the target again before half-time, Ryan Babel's late goal meant they have set a club record by scoring three or more times in six successive games.

"I'm really pleased because we are scoring goals as well as keeping clean sheets," Benitez said. "That means we have the balance. It's good for this year and the future and means we're going in the right direction. We have better players with a winning mentality and they're still improving.

"We will keep training normally and be ready if United make a mistake. It will be difficult, but it's the Premier League and all teams can win."

West Ham cannot, at least against the big four. Despite being in serious contention for a European place, they have now lost at home to United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal without scoring a goal. Carlton Cole and Dean Ashton may briefly have been in promising tandem at the start of the season for successive 4-1 victories under Alan Curbishley, but the continental pairing of David di Michele just behind Diego Tristan holds no such menace.

Di Michele embarrassed himself by attempting to win a penalty for falling over his own feet and was rightly booked by referee Alan Wiley, whose only mistake was not giving a free-kick for a foul by the otherwise immaculate Mascherano before Liverpool broke to win a penalty for their second goal. How successive West Ham managers failed to integrate Mascherano into a side threatened by relegation is one of the great football mysteries.

"The difference between teams like us and Liverpool is still big but we're getting there," Curbishley's successor Gianfranco Zola said. "When we'll get there I don't know but I'm sure we're going to. Trust me." The financially troubled owner-chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson obviously does, awarding Zola and his assistant Steve Clarke new four-year contracts. Unfortunately they now need some money to spend, far more than the insatiable Benitez.

United Striker Tevez Opens The Door To Man City And Liverpool


A stunning Carlos Tevez goal edged Manchester United closer to the Premier League title at Old Trafford yesterday.

But the Argentinian star now looks set to open talks about a move to Manchester City or Liverpool.

Tevez showed his frustration at United’s failure to offer him a permanent contact by running towards the directors’ box with his hands to his ears after his sensational strike completed his team’s 2-0 victory over City in the Manchester derby.

The gesture appeared to mock the United board’s silence over a long-term deal and came on a day Tevez had underlined his intent to leave United in Sunday newspaper interviews.

It is understood his advisers will today begin the search for a new club in earnest.

United would have to pay £32million to keep him beyond the loan deal which ends this summer.

Sportsmail can reveal interest from City and Liverpool is genuine and that contact has been made with Tevez’s representatives.

Tevez is also interested in a move to Spain — with Real Madrid heading the queue — but Sir Alex Ferguson said: ‘Nothing has changed. He is a Manchester United player.’

Gerrard Left Frustrated


Steven Gerrard admits Liverpool's title challenge could have been different if himself and Fernando Torres had avoided injury.

The pair have both missed a chunk of games after picking up a series of knocks throughout the season.

Gerrard and Torres started only their 12th game Premier League together in Saturday's 3-0 win over West Ham and the pair combined to devastating effect with the opening goal in the opening minutes at Upton Park.

Reds skipper Gerrard admits he has been left frustrated that the deadly duo have not been able to play together more often.

"The frustrating thing for both of us is that we haven't been on the pitch together far more," said Gerrard.

"Going into next season it's important that we both stay fit to give Liverpool the best chance of being successful because we feel if we are both fit and on top form we'll cause defenders and teams many problems.

"Without sounding big-headed there is a confidence when we are both on the pitch that we can win football matches. When he is on top form I don't think anyone will argue that he is the best striker in the world. To not have him fit is so frustrating, as his team-mate.

"If we are both on the pitch and fit you'll see many more goals as well."

Gerrard also believes Reds boss Rafa Benitez needs to strengthen his squad in the summer if they are to challenge for the title on a consistent basis.

"We've shown this year we've made massive strides and there has been big progression," added Gerrard. "I think every squad, no matter how successful you are, still needs strengthening and changes.

"I don't think this team needs many changes because the players in the squad are very good. If we can get a couple in and get stronger, of course we want them."