Sheikh Wants Fans Backing

Dubai billionaire Sheikh Mohammed is waiting for the green light from Liverpool fans before trying to buy out US owner Tom Hicks.

As Mirror Sport revealed yesterday, Hicks is considering selling his stake in the club.

And while City sources indicate Hicks has placed a valuation of £1billion on the club, there is interest from Sheikh Mohammed, head of the Dubai International Capital group.

Dic were in £450m takeover talks with Liverpool last year, before pulling out when the board held out for Hicks in a £219m deal.

Now the Sheikh - full name Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum - who is worth £7bn, is interested again and could be welcomed by fans who voiced their support for boss Rafa Benitez and their anger at the owners on websites yesterday.

"Both Yanks can XXXX off if they sack Rafa," said one fan, with another adding: "These cowboys have taken a massive loan to buy the club. Where is the bloody investment?"

And a third suggested: "It would have been better if we'd sold to the Dubai consortium."

Duo Fighting For A Future At Anfield

Rafael Benitez wasn’t the only person fighting for his Liverpool future that emerged from Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Porto with their reputation enhanced.

For differing reasons, both Peter Crouch and Harry Kewell have found themselves mainly with their face pressed up against the window of first-team action at Anfield this season.

It has led to speculation they will soon be plying their trade elsewhere, Crouch long touted to be ushered out of the club in next month’s transfer window while Kewell becomes a free agent in the summer.

But the players were given reason for encouragement by Benitez yesterday that their Anfield careers are not so cut and dried.

Crouch is out of contract in 18 months and Liverpool have yet to make a move to offer the striker a new deal.

That has alerted a clutch of potential suitors, with Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson linked with a January bid for the England international.

But Benitez has dismissed the notion Crouch is up for sale and has challenged the forward, who scored the final goal in the midweek 4-1 win, to prove he deserves an extended stay at Anfield.

“Peter knows how to win a new contract,” says the manager. “He has to work really hard, play very well and score a lot of goals. So he has a chance to win a new contract because he can do all of this.

For now, though, we have to win a lot of games and then we will talk about his future later on. He does not play every game, but now with two games every week for some while he will get his chances to impress.”

Benitez adds: “I do not think it will be the situation that he will walk away for nothing in 18 months, that will not happen. For now, though, I just want him to score more goals.

“The key is for him to score, play well and be happy. Then we will have the conversation about a contract.

“We do not want to sell Peter, we are really happy with him. Players in top sides know they cannot play in every game, but you can see how important he is for us.

“Against Porto in midweek he and Harry Kewell were key substitutions that helped us win the game. We do not want to see any transfer movement involving him.

“I want to see Peter score a lot more goals for us, he is not for sale. He is a good professional, he is always ready and waiting for his chance.”

Crouch revealed this week that he will “do everything” to stay at Anfield, but Benitez has reiterated the player must bide his time as he jostles with Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Andriy Voronin for a place up front.

“In a top side you need good players, but they cannot play every game, that is impossible,” he says.

“Crouch is a key player for us, we do not want to sell him. But when someone is not playing every game other clubs ask about them. They will be trying to get close to the player. But we do not want to sell him, we want him here to help us win the title.

“Manchester City have done well this season, and they have some money to spend. But they will not have Peter Crouch.”

Crouch is hopeful of a start tomorrow for the visit of Bolton Wanderers, who have lost just one of seven games since Gary Megson replaced the sacked Sammy Lee last month.

The Trotters haven’t won at Anfield in the league since January 1954, but will be buoyed by their 1-0 defeat of champions Manchester United last Saturday.

And Crouch says: “Bolton will come into the game on the back of a great result against Manchester United. Not a lot of teams will beat United and they will be in confident mood.

“It’s always a tough game against Bolton and we know that we will have to be at 100% to get the job done.”

Kewell, meanwhile, is also in contention for a recall to the starting line-up as he continues his quest for fitness.

He played 55 minutes on his first league start in more than 18 months in the 3-0 win at Newcastle United last weekend and made a telling contribution as a substitute in midweek, creating the decisive second goal for Fernando Torres.

Benitez has revealed that any decision over Kewell’s future will not be made until next year at the earliest, a time by which the winger can open talks with clubs from abroad over a transfer.

But the Anfield manager reckons the Australian wants to remain in England and preferably at Liverpool – and will give him every chance to ensure that.

“The key for us is to keep Harry fit,” says Benitez. “If he is fit he is player who can beat players, create chances and score goals. He is important for us. We have nine games in December and we need all of our players.

“I don’t know when we will talk about his future. I’m not thinking about that. It’s important to see him training and ready for every game.

“We will have time and he knows that we will need to talk. But it will not be until after January or February, we will see, we aren’t exactly sure when.

“He’s not yet ready to pay a full game. I would sooner have Harry for 55 minutes at 100% than 90 minutes at 50%. He is training hard and trying to be ready but with our busy schedule he will get more games now.

“He is close to playing 90 minutes now, every week he is physically getting much better.

“I think Harry will be happy to continue here in England and especially at Liverpool.”

Boots Hold Key To Daniel Agger's Recovery

Daniel Agger could make his long-awaited return for Liverpool next week – thanks to a special pair of football boots.

The Denmark international has not played since the goalless draw at Portsmouth on September 15 after breaking a metatarsal in his right foot.

Agger was thought close to a comeback earlier this month only to complain of further discomfort in the same area.

However, the 22-year-old will train next week in a specially-commissioned pair of boots designed to protect the metatarsal.

And if Agger comes through training with no problems, he could be considered for next Saturday’s Premier League visit to Reading.

“I was talking with him this morning,” said Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez yesterday. “He is comfortable training in trainers but has had some problems with his boots. They are producing some news boots for him and I’m sure they will help him.

“It will be impossible for him to be fit for this week, but he may be back for next week if he is comfortable with the new boots.

“We don’t want to put a date on it. We just want to see how he progresses.

“But I don’t think he’ll be out for weeks. He can run and can kick the ball, but with the boots he felt something. He is training and doing more or less everything in terms of physical.”

Mascherano Holds Key To Rafa Benitez's Future

As Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett marvelled at Fernando Torres' goalscoring skills against Porto on Wednesday night, or more likely, pondered why a man costing £26.5 million could only beat the goalkeeper twice, it is unlikely that their eyes ever wandered to the stocky little Argentine furiously chopping the midfield wood, name of Javier Mascherano. To be fair, their £417 million investment in the club does not require them to appreciate the finer points of "soccer" nor to realise, which they apparently failed to do, that the 8-0 win over Besiktas last month represented anything special.

But if someone could have explained to them why Mascherano is as important to Liverpool as Torres and captain Steven Gerrard, even though he does his best work in their shadows, Hicks and Gillett might have a better understanding of the public attack on them by manager Rafa Benitez.

The owners, having allowed Benitez to pick their pockets for the best part of 100 million greenbacks in the summer, may regard him as cheekier than Oliver Twist for coming back for more so soon afterwards. Yet Benitez's call for new signings was really a singular plea for the permanent signature of Mascherano, who has blossomed from West Ham ugly duckling to Liverpool swan.

Benitez has a particular affinity for Mascherano, having spent four hours wooing him in January when he was on the point of signing for Juventus, which is why Rafa has pushed his luck to the point of losing his job. And though he now says he wants to kiss and make up with Hicks and Gillett, he is still a long way from being sure of staying as manager, even though fans from Norway and Ireland joined Scousers in singing his name in midweek.

Supporters regard Benitez as their most popular manager since Bob Paisley, though his outspoken attacks on Hicks, in particular, plus his veiled assaults on chief executive Rick Parry, have more a ring of Bill Shankly, who said: "There's a holy trinity of the players, manager and the supporters. Directors don't come into it. They are only there to sign the cheques."

Benitez seems to share that opinion, a dangerous one because football has changed irrevocably since then and the men who pay such fortunes to the piper call the tune and the key in which it is played. Rumours that Hicks is already so disillusioned that he wants out can probably be discounted. "It's been a big misunderstanding blown very much out of proportion," Hicks said yesterday. "George and I are happy to see that it has settled back down.

"I am not selling any of my shares to anybody," Hicks added, emphatically denying a British media report on Friday that suggested he was planning to offload his stake.

Both he and Gillett, though, are entitled to ask why there is such a rush to sign Mascherano, who is under contract until May when Liverpool have first option to buy him for £17 million.

Mascherano himself says: "It's not my problem and it's not causing me a problem. But I think they [Benitez and the owners] have to be there trying to solve their differences because it's more important than my situation. I hope I will stay here but it's very important Rafa stays as the manager. I think he will stay. I don't think he and the owners have too big a problem."

In his apparently new conciliatory mode, Benitez wants talks with Gillett and Hicks before the scheduled meeting on Dec 16 after Liverpool's Premier League game against Manchester United at Anfield. One can understand his reasoning, not wanting the owners to make a decision on his future after what promises to be a critical six days of the club's season. Before the United game, Liverpool play their final Champions League group fixture in Marseille, where only victory will guarantee their place in the knockout stages and where defeat could see them miss out even on the UEFA Cup.

That would not encourage any loosening of the purse strings by owners who talk a good game about being in it for the glory and understanding the Liverpool tradition yet are not so old-fashioned that they do not want a return on their investment. Such is the pressure on Liverpool managers to succeed that Paisley, the most successful in their history, once said: "I was there during the bad times, too. We finished second one season." He actually finished second twice, something Liverpool have managed on only two occasions in the 17 seasons since they last won the title. Although second place now brings with it automatic entry into the Champions League, it has never been viewed at Liverpool as anything but something nasty you occasionally step into.

Benitez has funds of goodwill with the fans because of the 2005 Champions League win and last season's place in the final. He will ultimately be judged, however, on whether he can construct a side to win the Premier League.

Striker Peter Crouch, restricted to cameo appearances this season, can certainly not be described as the manager's pet but says: "It's starting to come good now. We are confident at the moment, so I am sure we will have a strong second half to the season." That is assuming he is still at the club for the second half.

As for Mascherano, he says: "I'm very close to signing for Liverpool and I want to play for them. It's possible in the next month there will be a meeting and everything will be resolved." If he were playing in the States, where players have so many consonant-riddled names that clubs spell them phonetically in their programmes, he would appear as MAS-KER-R-NO. But his hopes of remaining a Liverpool player will depend on whether Hicks and Gillett believe Benitez has spelt out his own message too forcefully for their liking.

Outlook Is Brighter For Benitez As Hicks Speaks Up To Heal The Rift

Liverpoool owner Tom Hicks last night broke his silence on the civil war at Anfield to give under-pressure manager Rafa Benitez a vital peace offering.

Hicks insisted he 'got along just fine' with Benitez and described speculation that the Liverpool manager might be sacked as 'unfair'.

The Texan's comments will be a huge relief to Benitez, who has cut an isolated figure in the last couple of weeks despite Liverpool going into today's match against Bolton unbeaten in the Premier League.

It will also delight thousands of fans who demonstrated their support for Benitez during the midweek Champions League win against Porto.

Hicks confirmed that he and fellow owner George Gillett will fly to England in 11 days — 48 hours after Liverpool's decisive European qualifier against Marseille — to discuss plans with Benitez.

On the agenda will be the fate of Javier Mascherano and Peter Crouch. Benitez wants to tie up a £17million deal for Mascherano as soon as possible while the owners would prefer to wait until the summer when the Argentinian's loan deal ends.

Benitez is also keen to resist a £12m bid from Manchester City for Crouch but may have to convince the money men, who are aware that the England striker has only 18 months left on his contract and his value will fall if he is not sold in January. Hicks was incensed by Benitez's petulant behaviour at a press conference 10 days ago when the Liverpool manager sulkily repeated he would be 'focusing on coaching and training'.

Benitez has since tried to mend the situation and last night it appeared his tactic had worked, with the straight-talking Hicks suggesting they could continue to work together.

'We get along just fine with Rafa,' said Hicks. 'A small difference escalated into a huge issue, which was unfair to Rafa.

'He has the team playing very well now. It has been a big misunderstanding blown out of proportion. I'm glad things have settled down.'

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."