Crouch Wants To Stay AT Anfield

If Peter Crouch feels like a misfit, it is probably because the forward has to prove himself again. From being released by Tottenham Hotspur, to being unfancied at Aston Villa, to recent speculation that Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, has been willing to sell him, to doubts about his international credentials, Crouch has sometimes been a target in more ways than one.

The margins between success and failure are so small that he might have been England’s hero with an equalising goal against Croatia in the European Championship ten days ago. Instead, he has to ensure that preconceived ideas about his height of 6ft 7in are not adopted by the next head coach of England, as well as Liverpool if they part company with Benítez.

Crouch has faced criticism from opposition players and fans and even DJ Spoony, the BBC Radio 5 Live presenter, made fun of his lanky frame this week. “When things are bad you have to get out there and prove people wrong,” Crouch said. “When they’re going right you have to stay on top of it, not become lax or to let your standards slip. I’m stronger now and know what my role is, whereas before I was maybe trying to do too much.

“I didn’t fit in at Aston Villa under David O’Leary, so I had to move on. Hopefully my form for England [14 goals in 24 appearances] will count for something. When the new [England] manager comes in, the challenge is to impress in training. He will have his own philosophy and there will be change — new faces. But we have enough quality now, maybe we just haven’t shown it.”

Crouch has started only two Barclays Premier League and four Champions League matches this season, scoring four times, prompting speculation about a move. Benítez said yesterday that Crouch was not for sale after Thaksin Shinawatra, the Manchester City owner, said that Sven-Göran Eriksson, the club’s manager, was interested in the forward.

“At the start of the season I was frustrated that I was not in the squad,” Crouch, who was speaking at the launch of Gameloft’s Real Football 2008, said. “I wondered whether he [Benitez] fancied me. Within a few weeks I was playing. He chops and changes, never lets on what he’s thinking. It is hard to read the manager. If I knuckle down I will get a number of matches to justify my place.

“I literally have no idea whether I am playing — unlike every other manager I have worked for. He usually tells us an hour and a half before kick-off if we are playing. In training the day before he’ll sort out a team shape with two sets of players and then swap things around. We know the system, just not the players.”

Still only 26, Crouch has played for seven clubs and has accrued transfer fees of £15.5 million “I feel settled in my prime,” he said. “I do want to stay at Liverpool, but every now and then there is speculation and you realise that a big club are interested in you. Moving abroad is not something that I would be afraid to do — but we have the best league in the world.”

Had his goal ensured England qualified for Euro 2008, he might have become established. “I thought that was my defining goal and moment,” he said. “But it didn’t mean anything. That’s how fine the line is — between taking your nation to the European Championships and just scoring another goal.”

Benitez Has Talks With Parry In Bid To Ease Tension

There are not many employees who covet an office near the boss, but Rafael Benitez is one of them. The day-to-day contact he enjoyed with Foster Gillett, the son of Liverpool's co-owner, George Gillett, who was installed as his representative in Liverpool in August, gave him the ear of the management.

The two men, who according to Benitez were in and out of each other's adjoining offices at Liverpool's Melwood training ground, have seen far less of each other since the American returned in October to Montreal for reasons which are still not altogether clear and Benitez, in the course of putting a troubled 10 days with his owners in the past yesterday, underscored the value to him of their being together. "When Foster is around it [is] easier," said the Spaniard, whose public indignation over the club's transfer policy stems in part from the insistence by George Gillett and Tom Hicks that he deals with the chief executive, Rick Parry, on such issues.

Gillett Jnr stayed on in Liverpool this week after flying in for the Champions League win against Porto on Wednesday, though Benitez had not yet encountered him at Melwood when he spoke. "Maybe we will talk this afternoon," he said. "I missed him after the [Porto] game because I was talking to Spanish radio journalists." Those journalists may have helped put off what might be an uncomfortable reunion for Benitez, whose indignation expressed at two press briefings are known to have angered the American's father and his co-owner at Liverpool, Hicks.

Though reports yesterday that Hicks and Gillett may be ready to sell up at Liverpool already are wide of the mark – Parry described the claim as "utter garbage" – they certainly seem to be keeping Benitez at arms' length. The Spaniard has received none of the periodic emails he gets from the club's owners since the midweek win which keeps another improbable European recovery story alive. Was this a disappointment, he was asked yesterday? "Maybe it's another misunderstanding," he replied. The Americans' response – like much else at the club it seems – has been through Parry this week. There was "information" Benitez said, but he would not say what.

The Liverpool manager did reveal that he has sat down with his chief executive in an attempt to resolve their differences. "The meeting with Rick Parry was about the problems we have had and the problems we could have in the future," Benitez said. The Spaniard, who is known to want to stay in a city where his family are very happy, went to some lengths to demonstrate that he has taken on the Americans' message about focusing on the players he has. The message was not delivered repeatedly as an ironic riposte, as it was last week, but with the air of a man acting on orders.

"My idea is to keep working with the players," Benitez said. "I will prepare the team and take care of the team," he added later. Victories over Newcastle and Porto make swallowing pride a little easier for the Spaniard. But he certainly does not feel he has acted inappropriately. "I think it [my behaviour] was normal," he said. "All managers want the best for their club." His mood if Liverpool do not prevail in Europe – they visit Marseilles on Wednesday week – and maintain the form they showed at St James' Park is more difficult to predict.

The extended absence of centre-back Daniel Agger, which led Benitez to rely more heavily on Sami Hyypia than he would have wished and fuelled a row over the Americans' refusal to sanction an immediate approach to Milan's Kaka Kaladze, will continue for a few weeks yet. Agger, probably Liverpool's most badly needed player, did not take to a new pair of boots made for him after his metatarsal fracture and is awaiting another pair before making his return. Fabio Aurelio is near a comeback, though Benitez must wait longer for his influential midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Benitez also said that he does not want to part company with Peter Crouch, despite suggestions from Thaksin Shinawatra that Manchester City are interested in him.

EPL Preview: LiverpooL vs Bolton

If Anfield owners Hicks and Gillet thought that they would be able to get rid of Rafa Benitez, they surely would be thinking otherwise now. The fans marched through the streets of Liverpool chanting the beleaguered manager’s name before their team responded with a crushing victory over a Porto side that are no walkover. And prior to the Porto victory was an annihilation of Newcastle at St James'.

If anyone sees a more one-sided game this season in a match not involving Derby being away from home, I would be surprised. In truth the 3-0 score line didn’t reflect the Reds' superiority; Torres alone could have bagged 4 goals.

The game could be contrasted with the Porto one, though, in which though the scoreline slightly flattered the Reds. Still, it showed that the teams spirit of Istanbul remained with the players continuing to fight even at times when the quality of the play was lacking.

In any case, the result is what mattered and the fans chanted the players’ names - Benitez’s, too - throughout the night. The manager was clearly touched, saluting the fans and praising them in his post match press conference.

If Hicks wants to fill his new stadium, getting rid of Benitez would be a miscalculated error in many ways. He would lose the backing of the fans; he only has to look at the tapes of when the Glazers needed numerous police security to leave Old Trafford for a glimpse into the future.

However, fans are fickle: Manchester United fans do not hold the Glazers up in such a negative light anymore. This is due to success; their team won the league and then the owners backed Ferguson to the hilt in the summer.

But nonetheless, getting a new manager into Liverpool will not take them closer to winning the league; any new man will come with new ideas, ideologies, and will want different players. The adaptation process takes time, and it would mean that the effort spent during Rafa’s tenure would have been pointless. Many players are at the club because of the man; the thought of losing players like Torres, Reina and Alonso should cause anyone connected with Liverpool some missed sleep.

It has been unfortunate that Rafa aired his recent grievances to the media - that was very un-Liverpool like. It has been distressing seeing this apparent slanging match going on in the papers, fuelled by opportunistic journalists.

But one silver lining is that it's now clear to all that the communications lines behind the scenes have to be improved, and hopefully the chief executive, Rick Parry, is seeing to this.

In that sense, it will be interesting to see the outcomes of the talks between he and Benitez, scheduled for December 16th. Anything but glowing support given to Rafa will see the owners confined to America: they will be unwilling to sit amongst the fans that greeted them with such optimism earlier. It could be different this time around.

Gary Megson’s Bolton pose a different proposition these days, too. After struggling earlier in the season, they have recorded a great result against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena – it's no mean feat to get a very credible draw there against a rejuvenated Munich side.

They followed this result with a hard fought win over a Manchester United side who had been in great form of late and had also been scoring goals for fun.

As such, they will approach this game believing that they can get a shock result after their recent exploits. They know the points are vital as they look to avoid relegation and propel themselves further up the league.

Megson decided to rest Anelka and Diouf - both former Reds players - in Boltons Uefa cup tie against Aris Salonika which they drew 1-1. This displayed where Megson’s priorities lay.

Bolton go to Anfield looking to follow last Saturday's shock victory over Manchester United with another against Liverpool, and thus end the Reds' unbeaten league record. The Trotters are looking to complete back-to-back wins for the first time in 20 Premier League outings, which would also take their all-time total of wins in this league to 100. Liverpool have won seven league games; Bolton have lost seven.

Both clubs were successful in Europe midweek, but both need victories from their final group matches to qualify to the knock out stages of their respective competitions. The Merseysiders have not lost a league game in nearly seven months, and boast the tightest defence in the highest league. Liverpool are protecting an unbeaten home Premier League record against Bolton, comprising seven wins and one draw

FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Nov 28 v Porto (H) WON 4-1 (Champ League)
Nov 24 v Newcastle (A) WON 3-0 (PREM)
Nov 10 v Fulham (H) WON 2-0 (PREM)
Nov 6 v Besiktas (H) WON 8-0 (Champ League)
Nov 3 v Blackburn (A) DREW 0-0 (PREM)

Bolton

29 Nov v Aris Salonika (H) DREW 1-1 (UEFA)
24 Nov v Man United (H) WON 1-0 (PREM)
11 Nov v Middlesbrough (H) DREW 0-0 (PREM)
8 Nov v Bayern Munich (A) DREW 2-2 (UEFA)
4 Nov v West Ham (A) DREW 1-1 (PREM)

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has no fresh injury worries to contend with as the hosts look to maintain their unbeaten record. Xabi Alonso, Daniel Agger and Jermaine Pennant are still sidelined for Liverpool. Peter Crouch is pushing for a place in the starting line-up after scoring off the bench against Porto. Fernando Torres is expected to lead the attack with Crouch battling it out with Dirk Kuyt and Andrei Voronin to partner the Spaniard. Benitez is expected to shuffle his pack with Harry Kewell and John Arne Riise both possibly returning to the starting XI.

Probable Starting X1 (Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Kewell, Lucas, Mascherano, Gerrard, Torres, Kuyt)

Bolton

Bolton boss Gary Megson is forced into making three changes, with Kevin Nolan and Nicky Hunt suspended and Danny Guthrie ineligible to play against his parent club. Ivan Campo is set to return to the starting XI after being ineligible in Europe. Gavin McCann is doubtful after picking up a nasty head injury against Aris Salonika. Nicolas Anelka will be restored to the side after starting only as a substitute against Aris Salonika.

Probable Starting XI (Jaaskelainen, O’Brien, Joey O’Brien, Meite, Cid, McCann, Campo, Giannakopulos, Anelka, Diouf, Davies)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool

Fernando Torres has been in devastating form and seems to be taking of the burden off Steven Gerrard's shoulders; he has too often has been left to carry the side.

Bolton

Anelka has been in great form, and loves scoring against his old sides. His pace will be a big threat.

Liverpool Owner Tom Hicks To Sell Anfield Stake

Liverpool may be entering a period of upheaval after it emerged co-owner Tom Hicks is looking for a way out of the club.

City sources have confirmed that Hicks, who has been at the forefront of a dispute with manager Rafa Benitez over signings, is preparing to sell his shares.

Hicks took control at Anfield, alongside fellow American George Gillett, following a £219 million takeover.

Both men initially rang the praises of Benitez, calling the manager a genius, with many supporters predicting Liverpool would lift the Premier League title this season after a £40m summer spending spree.

However, results have been inconsistent, sparking criticism of Benitez's rotation policy and prompting the Spaniard to demand more funds in January.

Hicks and Gillett have so far been reluctant to release more money for players, prompting a very public breakdown in relations.

Now it seems developments have reached a head with Hicks hoping to cash in on his investment, as reported in the Mirror.

The businessman has reportedly put a £1 billion guide valuation on the club, and while City analysts have dismissed this as ridiculous, it was revealed last night that Dubai International Capital, the investment group headed by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, are ready to make a new bid having previously attempted a takeover.

Thaksin Confirms City Interest In Crouch Deal

Manchester City could be set to move for Peter Crouch after the club's chairman, Thaksin Shinawatra, revealed that manager Sven-Goran Eriksson was a big fan of the striker.

The Swede is a known admirer of the Liverpool and England striker, and it is no secret that City are in the hunt to bolster their attack in the forthcoming January transfer window, when Eriksson will be given about £30m to spend.

"Sven is looking for one striker and one or two midfielders," admitted Thaksin today. "Sven does like Peter Crouch, very much. But he has yet to decide [whether to make an offer]."

Crouch has been regularly linked with a move away from Anfield this season following the high-profile arrivals of Fernando Torres, Andriy Voronin and Ryan Babel.

Having started just eight matches in all competitions for Liverpool this season, Crouch could look favourably upon the opportunity of regular first-team football with his former international coach.

Thaksin, however, is adamant that City, who are also interested in resigning the Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka, will not be held for ransom over any player.

"We are looking for good players that are good money, not too expensive," he said. "I am not in the position to buy everything at any cost. Sven will pick the right person at the right price."

Riise Confident Of Winning Over Fans

Liverpool’s John-Arne Riise is aiming to win back the affections of the Anfield crowd, after suffering a recent dip in form.

The Norwegian international still feels he has a lot more to give and he has been heartened by Liverpool’s impressive recent form, resulting in 17 goals in just four games.

He told Liverpool’s official television station, “We struggled with scoring goals but in the last few games we've shown we're back in business. We're also very tight at the back right now, so it's good.”

”I think we've played well all season but have had the problem of not scoring enough goals. As soon as we got a couple then lots have come, like in the Besiktas game. Every time we went forward we scored. Of course, the new players have had more time to settle in, but really I think we're just proving how good we actually are.”

Riise knows there is still room for improvement though, as Liverpool face an uphill struggle to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.

”Of course the way we're playing and the amount of goals we're scoring is good, but you can always improve. We know this and, yes, I think we can get better.”

Liverpool face Bolton this weekend and Riise is relishing the physicality of a game against Gary Megson’s side.

“I look forward to it because it's part of my game. I don't like the games where you don't do anything. I like going off the pitch feeling pain and being tired because you've made a lot of tackles. That's what football is about. It's a great feeling to come away from a game knowing you have fought and won. Bolton will be this kind of game.”

Having missed out on the last two games, because of competition for places, Riise is keen to win the hearts of the Kop again, who have become increasingly frustrated with his lacklustre performances.

“I think I started the season in not my best form. I didn't feel confident and at my best, but the last six or seven games before the internationals I felt very good. I felt like I was getting my strength and my aggression back, and I'm ready to go.”

“I know some fans have been a little bit frustrated with me, that's the way it goes. I have to turn that round, hopefully starting on Sunday. The fans know I try to give 110 per cent when I go on the pitch, even if it doesn't always look like it. I have given them joy before and hopefully I can do it again.”

Liverpool Still Without Alonso, Agger & Aurelio

Liverpool are still without Xabi Alonso, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio as Rafa Benitez’s unbeaten side in the Premiership host 15th-placed Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.

Reds midfielder Alonso and centre-back Agger are on the sidelines with metatarsal problem while left-back Aurelio is only now back in training and expected to be fit for Champions League trip to Marseille on December 11.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez said: "Because of the type of injury Xabi and Daniel have – metatarsal – we have to be really careful."

Alonso had made a return from the injury against Arsenal at the end of last month but could not last the whole duration and has been out since, after initially along with Agger last featuring against Portsmouth on September 15 before picking the setback on international duty

Thousands March In Support Of Rafa Benitez

Thousands of Liverpool fans thronged the streets ahead of their team’s impressive Champions League win over FC Porto to voice their support for manager Rafael Benitez.

Amid chants of “Rafa is a Scouser” and “Rafa’s going nowhere”, the short march before kick-off was organised to show solidarity for the popular manager who is currently in dispute with the club’s new owners, leading to speculation he could be forced out.

Professionally-made banners and rudimentary homemade signs illustrated the strong sense of feeling towards the Spaniard.

“Rafa is God’s gift 2 Liverpool”, read one, while another likened a portrait of Benitez to Che Guevara.

The “Rafatollah” – a large framed picture of Benitez which supporters treat with reverence – also appeared.

Organiser John Mackin said: “We did this to display to Rafa, and to anyone else, that getting rid of him would be disastrous.

“The man is held in such high esteem by supporters.

“We were hoping for a couple of thousand people to turn up, obviously if it had been a Saturday afternoon we could have expected much more.”

Benitez has been involved in middle of a public row with LFC’s American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over the club’s transfer policy.

There have been reports that his days as manager could be numbered.

However, the large crowds on Walton Breck Road outside the Kop stand last night were united in their admiration.

Holding a giant banner declaring “humility makes a great man twice honoured”, Norwegian supporter Howard Andresson said: “We made the banner because Benitez is Mr Humility and we don’t want him to go anywhere, we need him.”

Fan Paul Smart of Fairfield said: “Rafa’s got an unbelievable record and we just want to let the Americans know he can’t be sacked.”

Friend Mike Morris from Woolton added: “Benitez deserves our support for what he’s done.

“For Gillett and Hicks to get involved in Liverpool is great, but I think this should bring them to realise football in Liverpool has a whole different attitude to what they’re used to, and it’s not just about them negotiating with Rafa, but also about negotiating with us.”

Sean Taggart from Omagh said: “He has to stay.”

A banner unfurled inside the stadium at half-time read: “As always, we are focusing on supporting our manager”, a reference to comments recently made by Hicks declaring that Benitez should “quit talking” and focus on coaching the team – which prompted the Span- iard to repeat “as always, I am focused on training and coaching my team” at a recent press conference.

Liverpool’s dreams of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League were back on track last night after a spectacular 4-1 victory over FC Porto.

Benitez had said beforehand that Liverpool “must not lose” the vital group match.

Benitez: I Don't Have Any Personal Problems With Hicks And Gillett

Belated recoveries were not limited to Liverpool's Champions League campaign last night as Rafael Benítez took his first genuine steps towards repairing relations with the club's owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

A fractious week inside Anfield ended with Benítez savouring the most emotional night of his Liverpool reign as supporters marched in support of the manager before kick-off and his players produced an ultimately impressive victory over Porto.

From a renewed position of strength it would not have been difficult for the Spaniard to reinforce his opposition to the transfer restrictions which had cast serious doubt on his future at the club. Instead, he made his clearest peace offering to the Americans, reluctantly accepting their revised work structure and insisting their relationship has not been irrevocably destroyed by his previous outbursts.

"I want to make it clear that I don't have any personal problems with the owners," said Benítez. "We were talking about some issues but it was nothing personal. I was not angry with them, just surprised. I was surprised with the situation in the end because I was trying to improve my club.

"OK, now I know I may have to wait but it was a strange situation. I was just trying to do my best for my club but I don't have any personal problems with Tom Hicks or George Gillett."

The Liverpool manager had suggested a thawing in the damaging dispute on the eve of the game but that merely extended to not aggravating his American employers any further.

He had previously infuriated the pair, and courted the sack, with two petulant public displays after their instructions to freeze his January transfer plans - an order that Benítez took as a lack of faith in his ability to bring the Premier League title to Anfield.

But last night he continued: "We need to talk in the future and we will see what happens then about transfers. This has never been about my ego, but it is my responsibility. I need to take care of my team, my squad and my club.

"It would be a lot easier for me to stay and do nothing, just pick up my wages at the end of each month but I want to be involved. We all want what is best for the club and I think the owners understand that."

Benítez's conciliatory tone was in marked contrast to his stinging criticism of the Americans following Liverpool's win at Newcastle last Saturday, and his insistence that he wants to remain involved in transfer policy, a requirement now handed over to the chief executive, Rick Parry, may yet prove a problem when the manager meets his employers on December 16.

Foster Gillett, George's son and appointed representative on the Liverpool board, was at Anfield last night to witness a fervent show of support for Benítez and his report home will certainly ease tensions with the co-chairmen. "This is not about me being in a stronger position at the club," added Benítez. "I think I am in the same position as before and we need to talk about the future and our ideas."

The possibility of qualifying for the knockout phase of the Champions League with victory over Marseille in France on December 11 will aid Benítez's reconciliation process as much as his post-match words. And the Liverpool manager was also keen to show his appreciation for those supporters who marched in his support before kick-off.

Benítez said: "I think this was the most emotional night I have had here because it is important to get through in the Champions League and because of what has happened in the last few days.

"It was not the most difficult time I have ever experienced, but it was strange. I was just trying to do my job properly and, at the end of the game, I enjoyed it a little bit. I want to say thank you to the supporters."

LiverpooL 4 - 1 FC Porto

Fernando Torres' double kept Liverpool's hopes of Champions League progress alive with a hard-fought 4-1 victory over FC Porto at Anfield.

The Spanish hitman struck in the 19th and 78th minutes, while Steven Gerrard netted a third from the penalty spot in the 84th minute and Peter Crouch nodded a 86th-minute fourth to set up a winner-takes-all clash in Marseille in a fortnight's time.

The Reds made a bright start and were unfortunate not to win an early penalty when Yossi Benyaoun tricked his way past two defenders and saw his shot strike the arm of Bruno Alves.

But Porto were soon on the front foot with Ricardo Queresma dragging a shot wide with the Liverpool defence backing off.

However, the Reds took the lead when Gerrard's right-wing corner finds an unmarked Torres and his downward header beats Helton from 10 yards.

But the visitors were level after 33 minutes when Przemyslaw Kazmiercak's cross from left picked out Lisandro Lopez and his header from 10 yards looped over Jose Reina to make it 1-1.

Torres had an immediate chance to make it 2-1 but he delayed too long in front of goal and the chance was gone. And as play switched down the other end, Lucho spurned a golden chance after racing through on goal, with his flicked effort trickling inches wide. There was another scare for Liverpool when Marek Cech's fierce left-footed strike is deflected onto the roof of the goal with Reina beaten.

After a more guarded start to the second period, Liverpool created the first meaningful chance when Torres cut in from the left and paid the ball off to Benayoun, but his first-time effort was sliced harmlessly wide of goal.

Liverpool continued to look lively with Ryan Babel causing problems down the right flank. Gerrard then flashed a shot just over the bar, Crouch saw penalty claims waved away, while Babel saw an effort hacked off the line as the Reds stepped up the pressure.

And their pressure finally told in the 78th minute when Harry Kewell's mazy run picked out Torres, who turned his man and curled a delightful effort into the far corner from just inside the area.

The Reds then wrapped up the win six minutes from time when Gerrard's free-kick into the box was handled by Igor Stepanovs and the Liverpool captain confidentally stroked home the penalty.

Crouch then nodded a fourth from two yards out with three minutes left on the clock to seal another great European night at Anfield.

UEFA CL Preview: LiverpooL vs FC Porto

Matchday 5 in the Champions League sees the return game to the opening fixtures with Porto needing just a point at Anfield to seal their place in the next stage of the competition. The Reds on the other hand know that anything less than a win will spell the end of the road for them in this season’s tournament.

It’s safe to say that this past week has been an unusual one at Anfield and perhaps not the ideal preparation for a vital midweek Champions League game. Manager Rafa Benitez has become embroiled in a face-off with club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over their apparent unwillingness to sanction transfer activity before they arrive on Merseyside for the clash with fierce rivals Manchester United on December 16.

After hinting at the row in his pre-match press conferences last week, Benitez confirmed that he was upset at the situation after Saturday's 3-0 win at Newcastle when he claimed the Americans “don't understand” the need for quick action to avoid disappointment in the January transfer window.

In response, Hicks and Gillett issued a statement last night when they reiterated their determination to stand firm. With the Premier League the stated aim of the Reds manager this season, it remains to be seen whether an early exit from the money-spinning Champions League will be tolerated by the club’s American owners.

However, despite the pressure Benitez remains upbeat over the club’s chances against Porto. “The team has confidence” said Benitez. “We know it will be a difficult game because we know Porto are a team with quality so we have to do our job and see if it is possible to play as well as we did against Besiktas.

“And I am confident we can do it. We are team that can play under strain and stress. We have proved that. People will be looking for another result like the Besiktas one but it is important that they are patient.

“We don't need a lot of goals. We just need to win because if we do that we can go to Marseille and have a real opportunity.” The damage was done to the Reds campaign with their loss at Anfield to Marseille and the away defeat to Besiktas in Istanbul.

Liverpool know exactly what is required, the fans will do their bit, the question is- can Rafa inspire the players to produce another glorious night at Anfield?

Unbeaten in Group A, Porto need just a point to guarantee their progression into the knock-out stages of this season’s competition. However, they know defeat at Anfield an a win for Marseille against Besiktas would see the group go down to the wire on the last matchday.

In the first game between the two sides Porto took the lead through a Lucho Gonzalez penalty, only for Dirk Kuyt to equalise with a header midway through the first half. Porto were unable to take advantage of Jermaine Pennant’s second half sending off and the game ended 1-1.

The opening day point, was followed up with a last-gasp win away at Besiktas. A draw and a win over Marseille has seen the Dragons jump to the top of Group A.

Porto arrive at Anfield top of their domestic league and with a weekend victory behind them to keep up their unbeaten start to the Bwin Liga season. A goal five minutes into the match and another five minutes from full time saw FC Porto to a comfortable 2-0 win against Setubal. Lisandro Lopez continued his hot goalscoring streak with the opener, and a spectacular Quaresma strike near the end ensured the leaders maintained their four-point lead at the top of the table.

FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Newcastle - Liverpool 0 - 3 24/11/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool - Fulham 2 - 0 10/11/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool - Besiktas 8 - 0 06/11/2007 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Blackburn - Liverpool 0 - 0 03/11/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool - Cardiff City 2 - 1 31/10/2007 CARLING CUP
Liverpool - Arsenal 1 - 1 28/10/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE


Porto

Porto - Vit. Setubal 2 - 0 25/11/2007 BWIN LIGA
E. Amadora- Porto 2 - 2 11/11/2007 BWIN LIGA
Porto - Marseille 2 - 1 06/11/2007 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Porto - Belenenses 1 - 1 02/11/2007 BWIN LIGA
Porto - Leixoes 2 - 1 29/10/2007 BWIN LIGA
Marseille - Porto 1 - 1 24/10/2007 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Rafael Benitez could be tempted to name an unchanged line-up from the side that impressively swept aside Newcaslte 3-0 at St James’ Park on Saturday, although Peter Crouch could return due to his recent form for club and country.


FC Porto

Stepanov and Bolatti are the new faces among Jesualdo Ferreira’s choices for the trip to Liverpool. The two players were called to the Portuguese champions squad, from where João Paulo will be the only notable absentee.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool- Steven Gerrard

Following the disappointment of England’s Euro 2008 exit, Gerrard was on the end of some booing from the Newcastle fans at the weekend. He responded in the perfect way with a match-winning display, scoring one and having a hand in the other two. Liverpool will need their inspirational skipper to reproduce that form against Porto on Wednesday in order for them to have any chance of progressing into the round of this season’s competition.

FC Porto- Ricardo Quaresma

The Portuguse winger caused Pennant and Finnan all sorts of problems in the first leg at the Estadio do Dragão. With the Reds needing to go all out for the win, Quaresma will look to exploit any gaps left in the home side’s defence and provide the crosses or even the goals to send Porto through to the next round.

Reina Desperate For Reviving Win

Pepe Reina denies that speculation surrounding the future of Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benítez could distract his team-mates as they chase a vital victory to salvage their UEFA Champions League hopes against FC Porto at Anfield.

Precariously placed in Group A, Liverpool know that six points from their two remaining games is their only possible route to the last 16. The pressure has been building on last season's runners-up in recent days following a well-publicised dispute between Benítez and the club's American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett. However, Liverpool goalkeeper Reina insists the players' focus is purely on facing Porto on Wednesday. "It is not affecting us at all. It's not easy and it's not nice but all we can do is play football and show how good or bad we are on the pitch," said the Spanish international.

Pressed about the significance of beating Porto, Reina said: "It's not a question of keeping the manager in his job – we want to keep going in the Champions League for a long time, so obviously we need that win and the three points so we can play Olympique [de] Marseille [on Matchday 6] and make it like a final. Our commitment to the manager is there and he has been quite successful in the last four years, reaching seven finals and winning four trophies. The players and the supporters are with Rafa, but that's not new. We all know how important he is for Liverpool. We will hopefully show that the manager and the players are all together and stronger than ever. It's a must-win game and we have to show our character."

Although they sit three points behind Marseille and four adrift of Porto, a competition-record 8-0 victory over Beşiktaş JK on Matchday 4 has strengthened Liverpool's conviction. Nonetheless, they simply have to carry on winning. "We will get more respect from people because it was a great win, but it was just one win and one good night," the 25-year-old said. "We must keep winning and it doesn't matter what happened in the past. This game will probably be more difficult. We are on a good run with three wins in a row and now the target is the Champions League and it's all depending on us. We know that if we win it will help us qualify."

Rafa Refuses To Discuss Bust-up

Rafael Benitez refused to discuss his war with Liverpool's owners as he concentrated on making sure the Reds stay in the Champions League.

A week of astonishing acrimony between the Liverpool boss and American club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett will be put aside when the Merseysiders fight for their European lives against Porto on Wednesday.

And Benitez will go into the Anfield clash with the Portuguese champions after clear-the-air talks with chief executive Rick Parry.

Hicks and Gillett have been enraged by Benitez's insubordination in a clear breakdown in their relationship with the Spaniard over transfer policy.

Benitez has been at odds with Parry too, so to be told that the club's administrative head was in charge of transfers was probably the last straw for the Spaniard.

But with speculation rife that Benitez's outbursts, first in an astonishing media conference last week and then after the win at Newcastle on Saturday, would cost him his job, there have been concerted efforts to cool down the crisis.

Benitez said: "As manager of Liverpool I know that the match against Porto is the most important thing, so I do not want to talk about anything else.

"I am sure we will win and play well, then I will be thinking about the next game, beating Bolton on Sunday.

"You can ask about the meeting with Rick Parry, but I will only talk about Porto, that is the only thing I am concerned about.

"We were thinking about Porto, were talking, but we talk a lot. We were talking about different things, but the most important thing for my club and our supporters is the game."

Privately Benitez has made it clear he wants to stay at the club. Whether this latest charm offensive will work with the Americans only time will tell.

There are even suggestions that the pair's own relationship is not good, but that they are united in a desire to eventually end Benitez's reign at the club.

This stance has angered Liverpool fans, who have always backed the man who has taken them to two European Cup finals. A fans' march to the ground is believed to be planned ahead of the Porto game, plus a chanting of the manager's name throughout the game.
Benitez would not even be drawn on whether he is pleased with such a public outpouring of support.

He added: "The fans are the most important thing, always. Their support is fantastic, you could hear that in the semi-finals with Chelsea, it was the same against Besiktas.

"And if they are behind the team again then I will be very pleased.

"The most important thing is the club and the supporters, the game is more important.

"We know we must win, but we must not think that is the only way. We must not make mistakes and lose the game.

"If we draw and then win in Marseille, it is still possible to qualify for the last 16, we must not forget that and end up making mistakes that mean we lose.

"As for the fans, I want to hear the same noise that we had against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, that will please me.

"We have enough confidence and experience to win this one. We have been here before, we have played huge games against Olympiacos, Juventus and Chelsea.

"We know what must be done, we must approach the game with confidence and the right mentality. We are in good form so we must continue to play in that manner."

Earlier in the day, Benitez had overseen a light-hearted training session at the club's Melwood HQ, with the emphasis on humour and a clear underlining of unity with his players.

Skipper Steven Gerrard and goalkeeper Jose Reina both insisted that the players will not allow the crisis to affect them against Porto.

Benitez deflected any questioning of his relationship with the club's owners, pointedly looking ahead to the Porto game.

He said: "Our form is much better now, we are playing some very good football, and we must maintain our momentum.

"We must do better against Porto than we did in Portugal when we drew our first match. The difference this time is that we will have our fans behind us, and we are playing better. We are in a better position than before.

"For the future? I have my plans ready...for winning the next game."

Rafael Benitez Focused Only On Porto

Rafael Benitez has attempted to calm the speculation surrounding his future ahead of Liverpool's key Champions League game against Porto tomorrow.

The Liverpool manager used a press conference last week to make a point about transfer policy to Tom Hicks and George Gillett, the club's American owners, who then said the Spaniard should concentrate on on-pitch matters until next month

The row was revived again over the weekend after Liverpool's 3-0 win over Newcastle United when Benitez suggested his bosses did not understand the importance of the January transfer window, which prompted reports that he will soon be sacked.

Sources close to the Liverpool manager say he took the first steps towards a reconciliation on Monday and Benitez would talk only about matters regarding Porto in today's pre-match press conference at Anfield.

In order to pre-empt questions on his future, Benitez began by insisting: "As the manager of Liverpool Football Club, I know that the most important thing is the club and the supporters so I will keep talking about the game against Porto."

Questions about the importance of reaching the knock-out stage of the competition were met with a similar straight bat.

Benitez is hoping to dampen talk of a split between himself and Hicks and Gillett but Liverpool's fans, who are staunchly behind the manager, are set to make their feelings known in very public fashion.

A march is planned before the game in support of the Spaniard and it has even been suggested the Kop may sing his name for the entire 90 minutes. "If they sing or chant for our goals it will be much better," Benitez said.

Liverpool FC Owners React To 'Rafa To Be Sacked' Claims

Liverpool owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have reacted to reports suggesting manager Rafael Benitez is facing the sack.

The Americans insist they expect to hold a scheduled meeting in mid-December with the present manager to discuss potential transfer deals for the January window.

However the statement stops short of categorically dismissing the speculation, which has been prompoted by a series of disagreements between the owners and Benitez over future transfers.

Benitez has been critical of the new owners' understanding of the workings of the European transfer market.

The statement, released last night, reads:

"Despite speculation in today's newspapers, there is nothing new to say.

"We had a good win yesterday and have got some very important games coming up starting with Porto on Wednesday, followed by Bolton and Reading, before Marseille and Manchester United in a few weeks.

"Both of us, together with Chief Executive Rick Parry, plan to meet with Rafa when we come over mid December to make decisions on the team's requirements at that time."

The behind the scenes disputes were brought sharply into the public domain when Benitez held a bizarre press conference ahead of the Newcastle match in which he repeatedly answered that he was concentrating on coaching the team in reply to a succession of questions.

Benitez showed no sign of backing down after the 3-0 win over Newcastle.

He said: "It's clear Mr Hicks wants the best for the club. So do I,"

"We have been here for a long time and we know what the passion of football means and what the transfer market in Europe means.

"It's not a draft system. We have free players available now. I'm not talking about players that cost money.

"We need to talk to the agents now, if not we will lose targets. In the summer, the players will be more expensive. I have not been talking about spending but doing the opposite. We have brought money back. We brought in £26m this year and you can see the value of the squad.

"We had a meeting on the day of the Arsenal game which was really positive. After this, something changed.

"They told me to be focused on coaching and training because Rick Parry will be looking after signing players."

Benitez is determined to stay put, and added: "I have passion for this club. The fans who were with me in Istanbul know what it means to me."

Benitez Bidding To Save Reds Job

Rafa Benitez "hopes to stay" at Liverpool but reportedly may still lose his job despite trying to make peace with Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The Liverpool Echo reports that Benitez is willing to make peace with Liverpool's American owners after repeatedly criticising their transfer policy over the weekend.

Benitez claimed that Hicks and Gillett didn't understand the European transfer system as he looks to add to his squad.

The owners refused to back Benitez in a statement issued on Sunday evening, leading to widespread reports that the Spaniard's sacking was a case of 'when' rather than 'if' on Monday morning.

However, the Echo reports that Benitez is 'ready to hold out an olive branch' to his superiors, but that may come too late to save his job.

The paper quotes a 'source close to Benitez' as saying: "Rafa loves it at Liverpool. He loves the people of the city, he loves the fans and he loves the club. All he wants is what's best for the fans - he gets frustrated when he feels he's not able to do that.

"But he is happy with Tom and George owning the club and he has enjoyed working with them since he came and he has no problem working with Rick (Parry) - all he wants is to be able to continue the job that he's started so he can continue improving the squad in a bid to deliver the title he knows Tom, George and Rick want just as badly as he does."

The source goes on to claim that the perceived reluctance of Liverpool to move on transfer targets has already cost the club at least one signing:

"The manager has got a few transfers that he wants to get done, one in January and two Bosmans in the summer but it looks like he is going to miss out on the first one now.

"That frustrated him because the first one was a centre half, a position he feels we really need back-up in. The frustration stems from the fact that communication has been so difficult with everyone being so far apart and in different time zones. But the fans should be reassured Rafa has no plans of walking away. He loves it here and his family are settled on Merseyside."

Reina: LiverpooL Will Progress

Jose Reina is convinced Liverpool can progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Rafael Benitez's side need to beat Porto at Anfield on Wednesday and Marseille in France in a fortnight if they are to keep their hopes alive.

But Spain goalkeeper Reina is confident they can succeed in those demanding games.

"We are third in the group now and need to register two more wins," he told www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"That will not be easy but if we play our real game then we know it will be enough.

"We must win in Marseille but we must deal with Porto first. There is no point in looking further ahead than that."

Reina recalls that Liverpool struggled early on before winning the trophy in 2005.

"They managed to get to 10 points in the group stages and that was enough," he said.

"We must aim for that total again and that will also be enough.

"That run to the final should be a mirror for us. We can look at it as an example of how the situation can be resolved."

Reina was still at Villarreal when Liverpool defeated AC Milan in Turkey.

But he was around to share in the disappointment of last season against the same opposition in Athens.

It is an experience he does not want again.

"I have not really looked at that DVD, it is in the past, we lost it and we must forget it and keep going," he said.

"People say we were unlucky in Athens, but in the end Milan won. If we get to the final again we must make sure we do not finish with that same feeling.

"But before we can even think about things like that we must make sure we win these last two group games.

"We must reach the knockout rounds before thinking ahead to any more finals."

Rafa Plays Down Anfield Rift

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has reassured supporters that his row with the club's co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks is not serious.

The Spaniard's frustration at the American duo's unwillingness to release funds for new players in the January transfer window bubbled to the surface in a tense press conference earlier in the week.

However Benitez was in more conciliatory mood in the wake of his side's 3-0 win over Newcastle earlier today.

"I think they don't understand what the transfer window means in Europe," he told Sky Sports.

"When you sign a player he needs to settle down. They don't understand how difficult it is to sign players. When you have the possibility now that you are free, you must do it or lose players. I'm trying to explain it, so it's OK.

"We will keep calm and I will try to keep focused on winning games for my supporters. I think it's not serious. If they understand what the market means for football here in Europe, they will understand I am trying to do my best for the club."

Hicks had reacted to Benitez's first set of comments with a terse warning to "quit talking about new players and to coach the players we have".

It is also believed that discussions over a permanent deal for midfielder Javier Mascherano and a possible swoop for Racing Santander defender Ezequiel Marcelo Garay have been put on hold until the Reds' precarious Champions League position is decided.

Newcastle 0 - 3 Liverpool

Sam Allardyce was plunged deeper into crisis as sorry Newcastle were humiliated at home by Liverpool.

For the second game on the trot at St James' Park, the Magpies were taken apart by the visitors, and only Shay Given and good fortune prevented Rafael Benitez's men from bettering Portsmouth's 4-1 scoreline three weeks earlier.

Steven Gerrard, who was booed by the home fans for his part in England's Euro 2008 failure in midweek, opened the scoring with a 28th-minute piledriver and after the hugely impressive Fernando Torres hit the post on the stroke of half-time, Dirk Kuyt made it 2-0 within 60 seconds of the restart.

Substitute Ryan Babel capitalised on the mayhem in Newcastle's defence to make it 3-0 with 24 minutes remaining as the home fans chanted "You don't know what you are doing" and "Big Sam for England".

Allardyce's team were simply woeful and the fury with which the final whistle was greeted by a crowd of 52,307 after they failed to muster a single shot on target will not have gone unnoticed by grim-faced owner Mike Ashley.

By contrast Benitez, who has found himself at odds with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, was able to wear the satisfied smile of a man who had seen his team do all he had asked of them.

Allardyce rose this morning to read of apparent unrest in his dressing room, but that was nothing compared to the boos which greeted his players as they left the field after a desperately poor opening 45 minutes.

In truth, it could have been much worse with Torres having squandered the chance to double the Reds' lead in the final minute of the half after Kuyt had turned Charles N'Zogbia's kamikaze header into his path.

Given looked to have misjudged his sprint towards the ball, but managed to make a vital block, and he got his reward when the Spaniard picked up the loose ball and fired against the foot of the post with the goal at his mercy.

Newcastle were able to offer next to nothing in reply with Alan Smith's dipping 38th-minute volley, which dropped just wide, their only effort of any note.

More worryingly, the 3-5-2 system adopted by Allardyce in the face of a defensive injury crisis looked alien to his players, who found themselves repeatedly out-numbered as Liverpool simply passed the ball around them.

Strikers Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins were painfully isolated with nominal wide men Geremi and N'Zogbia struggling to make anything of the sporadic possession they received.

Indeed, the biggest cheer of the afternoon to that point came when the first contestant in the half-time hit-the-crossbar challenge produced the most accurate ball of the day from a man in a black and white shirt to connect with the woodwork at the first attempt.

If the Magpies had escaped at the end of the first half, they were not to be so fortunate at the beginning of the second after Habib Beye was forced to concede a 46th-minute corner.

Sami Hyypia managed to get a flick on Gerrard's ball in at the near post and Kuyt bundled it home from close range to make it 2-0.

Allardyce did little to improve the mood at St James' when he replaced Emre with Joey Barton after 51 minutes with his side labouring.

Beye had to get in a block to deny Harry Kewell after 54 minutes after Torres had found space on the right and, although Smith volleyed high over at the end of a rare Magpies attack a minute later, there were cheers when James Milner emerged from the dug-out to warm up.

Milner duly arrived with 59 minutes gone, but Allardyce's decision to replace N'Zogbia was greeted with incredulity.

Newcastle were in complete disarray and after Torres had twice gone close, substitute Babel finally made them pay when he exchanged passes with Gerrard to fire home a third goal after 66 minutes.

Torres was tormenting the home defence and should really have added his name to the scoresheet, firing wide after 68 minutes with just the helpless Given to beat and then seeing another effort blocked by the Irishman seconds later.

Babel sent a stinging shot across Given's goal after 73 minutes and then laid a fourth on a plate for Kuyt, only to see the Dutchman scuff his effort straight at the goalkeeper, and the final whistle came as a merciful release.

Reds Owners To Meet Benitez

Liverpool owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks say talks with Rafa Benitez regarding squad improvement will take place in December.

Benitez invested heavily in his Anfield squad during the summer in a bid to turn the Reds into serious Premier League title contenders.

But there have been reports that the Liverpool boss is unhappy with the delay in finalising a permanent deal for on-loan midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Gillett and Hicks have now released a statement in an attempt to put the focus on the club's upcoming fixtures, starting with the weekend's game against Newcastle United.

"We made a significant investment in the playing squad during the summer and desperately want this team to succeed," read the co-chairmen's statement on the club's official website.

"There are some very important games coming up in the next couple of weeks and all of us need to focus on winning those games and getting the best out of the players we already have at the club.

"We will leave any talk of buying or selling players until we come across to Liverpool in December and sit down with the manager then."

Benitez spent a club record fee to bring Fernando Torres to Liverpool in the summer, and also splashed out on Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel.