Liverpool are reported to be weighing up a January move for Portsmouth's Sulley Muntari if they are priced out of a move for Javier Mascherano.
Muntari has impressed at Fratton Park since his summer arrival from Udinese and his performances are thought to have alerted Reds boss Rafa Benitez.
Benitez is drawing up his list of targets in the January transfer window and could make a move for Muntari if he is priced out of a deal for Mascherano.
The Ghana international has quickly adapted to life in England and he is a big fans' favourite at Pompey.
The 23-year-old has admitted he would be interested in a move to a bigger club if the chance became available.
"I want to end up at one of the biggest clubs - that is every player's dream," Muntari is quoted as saying in The Mirror.
"Of course I will try my best here and help Portsmouth win many things, and maybe qualify for Europe, but eventually I would like to play for a bigger club."
Monday, December 17, 2007
Liverpool Eyeing Muntari
Reds Report 'Positive' Talks
The meeting was arranged following a dispute between the Spaniard and Tom Hicks and George Gillett over the club's approach to the January transfer window.
Benitez was frustrated at what he saw as an unnecessary delay over the pursuit of new players and claimed the American duo did not understand the European transfer market.
But a statement on the Liverpool website said: "A meeting was held this evening involving Tom Hicks, George Gillett, Foster Gillett, Rick Parry and Rafa Benitez which was wide-ranging and positive.
"The discussions were amicable and constructive. All those present are united in their desire to bring further success to the club."
Earlier in the day, the Reds had lost 1-0 at home to Manchester United, a result which seriously dents their Premier League title hopes.
Carlos Tevez scored the game's only goal, but Benitez said: "It is too soon to talk about the title.
"Clearly, it will be harder. If we are going to get closer we need to start winning some games in a row.
"Every team can lose points, so I have the same confidence to keep going and try and keep winning.
"We are a team that has a lot of positives but this defeat is frustrating because we are very close to Manchester United. We just made one mistake and paid for it, just as we did last season."
Liverpool 0 - 1 Man Utd
For the second season running, a close-range goal in front of the Kop proved enough to give Manchester United victory over Liverpool at Anfield.
Whereas John O'Shea's goal in the corresponding fixture came in stoppage time and spurred United on to the title, this time the first half was nearing its end when Carlos Tevez struck.
And while the Argentina forward's effort will not prove decisive in the championship race at this early stage, it has left United nine points in front of their fierce north-west rivals, who, after suffering their first defeat at Reading last week, have now lost their unbeaten home record too.
It is not the ideal backdrop to Rafael Benitez's crunch meeting with co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks, although United, unbeaten in Premier League combat on this ground for six years now, will not care much about that.
Twelve months ago, Liverpool did everything but beat United, virtually battering their north-west rivals into submission before O'Shea popped up in the final minute to snatch victory.
The home fans must have endured an uneasy feeling of deja vu as they watched the opening period unfold.
What incisive football was played amid a frenzied atmosphere was all theirs. The chances fell the way of the men in red too. Unfortunately, the shots were either off target or failed to beat a United defender stood on the line.
Liverpool's efforts were assisted by a rare faltering performance from Edwin van der Sar, who twice had his attempts to take what looked like routine catches hindered by his own players.
On the first occasion, the veteran Dutchman ran into a crowd of United defenders as he tried to collect a Steven Gerrard free-kick that had been deflected high into the air.
Harry Kewell was on to the loose ball first but drove his volley straight at Anderson, who was still marshalling a post.
Fernando Torres, a man Ferguson tried to buy from Atletico Madrid on three separate occasions, should have finished off the rebound but, from six yards, nodded disappointingly wide.
Then, when Van der Sar came off worst in a collision with Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand's back header seemed destined to bounce into his own net until Patrice Evra raced back to clear.
Torres was off-target with a couple of efforts, as was Sami Hyypia.
Yet, for all the pressure, it was United who took the lead two minutes before the break as the Liverpool defence fell apart following a Ryan Giggs corner.
After failing to pick up Wayne Rooney on the edge of the area, Alvaro Arbeloa then remained rooted to the goalline as Liverpool pushed up hoping for an offside as the ball fizzed into the box.
Tevez was actually behind Pepe Reina as he scooped home his eighth goal of the season but with Arbeloa behind him, it did not matter and the Argentina forward wheeled away in celebration, the ball hitting virtually the same spot O'Shea had found in March.
For a very brief moment, it appeared Torres would level within a minute of the re-start as the United defence opened up in front of the Spain international.
The ball seemed to get stuck under his feet and before he could regain any momentum, Torres had been robbed.
It was the prelude for more sustained Liverpool pressure, which United countered by throwing their bodies in the way of anything vaguely threatening.
Ferdinand and Vidic were immense figures at the heart of the rearguard action, their efforts only made slightly easier by Dirk Kuyt's poor performance.
The Dutchman was totally ineffective, his contribution paling in comparison to Torres, even though he was not having one of his better days.
Crouch's introduction gave the Red Devils' overworked defence another problem to counter and another substitute, Ryan Babel, almost took advantage of the extra space when he skimmed a shot agonisingly wide of Van der Sar's left post.
Babel injected more life into the Liverpool attack but it was Rooney who would have saved the visiting fans an anxious final 10 minutes if he had not turned Ronaldo's low cross wide from eight yards.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Gerrard Will Go Down Alongside Dalglish As Anfield Great, Says Reds Team-mate Carragher
Jamie Carragher has hailed Steven Gerrard as one of the best players in the world - and puts the England midfielder alongside Kenny Dalglish in the list of Liverpool greats.
Gerrard inspired Liverpool to a 4-0 thrashing of Marseille to secure a place in the Champions League knockout stage - a feat that had appeared impossible earlier this season, after only one point was secured from their first three European games.
Carragher told the Liverpool Echo: "He's definitely one of the best players in the world. You look at Kaka and (Lionel) Messi, but they probably play further forward.
"For me, he'll go down alongside Kenny Dalglish as one of the greatest players ever to have played for Liverpool - and at the moment he's probably in the top four or five players in the world."
Gerrard opened the scoring in the Stade Velodrome and in doing so overtook Michael Owen's record for goals in Europe - and also became the first Liverpool player since John Aldridge in 1989 to score in seven successive matches.
Liverpool will face tough opponents in the last 16 - they will be drawn against AC Milan, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Barcelona or Seville but Carragher is not daunted.
He added: "We'll be a big game for anyone as well, don't forget. When you're in the Champions League you play the best teams in Europe.
"It's good players and the top teams in the best stadiums. But if you want to progress, you've got to beat the best."
Carragher added he does not have "a clue" whether the result eases the pressure on manager Rafael Benitez.
"That's not up to us," he said.
"We just get on with playing and at the moment we're doing all right - and we just hope to keep it going."
We Must Be One Of The Champions League Favourites, Says Bullish Liverpool Keeper Reina
Inter Milan, holders AC Milan, Real Madrid and Barcelona are prospective opponents, while Sevilla could join the list should they finish top of their pool after Tuesday’s matches.
Reds goalkeeper Jose Reina, however, said his side do not fear anyone in Europe, saying: "We know we will play a Spanish or an Italian team and it will be difficult.
"Playing the second game away will also be hard.
"But it is always a difficult competition and only the best can play in it. We trust ourselves - we have reached the final in two recent seasons so we have to be one of the favourites."
He added: "We have beaten Barca, Juventus, Chelsea (in recent seasons). These have been difficult games and we therefore have confidence in ourselves."
Reina also called on his team-mates to help relieve the boardroom tension that currently exists at the club by continuing their superb recent form on the pitch.
The much-publicised spat between manager Rafael Benitez and co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, which centres around the release of funds for the January transfer window, will come to a head this weekend when the parties meet.
Benitez can go into the talks armed with an amazing recent run of results - Saturday's defeat to Reading aside - that culminated in last night's stunning 4-0 win at Marseille which secured the Reds a place in the Champions League knockout stages.
That made it 25 goals in the last seven games for the Merseysiders, who are also well placed in the Barclays Premier League heading into Sunday's crucial clash with rivals Manchester United.
Benitez's position is surely not under threat after the results of the past month, and compatriot Reina has hailed his team-mates' ability to shut out the off-field issues and concentrate on what is happening on it.
"We have to respect the opinions of the manager and the owners," said the Spain goalkeeper.
"But all we can do is go out there to play and win - that is all. We are trying to play as well as we can on the pitch, and not worry about anything else.
"There are always things happening. But two weeks ago, we said to ourselves we must focus on our play and do our best on the pitch. That's what we are doing."
The club's players and supporters have rallied around Benitez in his time of need and arguably made his position even stronger, despite his public slanging match with the Reds' American owners.
Reina has ultimate faith in his boss, adding: "The manager has a cold mind - he knows what to do at any moment.
"We have showed everyone that people must trust us in what we are trying to do, and in these difficult situations. We have a great team. Now we have to compete at this high level in the Premier League now and play another 'final' against Manchester United."
The thrashing of Marseille will go down as another epic European night for the Anfield club.
Before Tuesday night, every English team who had come to the Stade Velodrome for a European fixture had gone home defeated - that included Liverpool following a UEFA Cup fourth-round clash in 2004.
But the class of 2007 made a mockery of that record, dominating from start to finish in a Champions League masterclass.
Goals by Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres in the opening 11 minutes calmed any early nerves, and the Reds made the most of some embarrassing OM defending to add further efforts through Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel in the second half.
Benitez's men picked up just one point from their opening three games but three straight wins, during which the team scored 16 goals and conceded just one, rounded off an ultimately successful Group A campaign.
"The pressure is always there because we are Liverpool and with that, you must win every game," added Reina.
"We are favourites in every competition we play in and that brings its own pressure. It was a must-win game but we knew it was in our own hands.
"Because of the situation we were in, it was one of our best games in terms of completeness.
"We played well going forward and were compact in defence. In the end it was an easy game for us and we just have to keep this momentum going."
Rafa: Liverpool's Spending Has Not Matched Big Clubs But I Hope To Clear Up 'Misunderstanding' With Owners
Liverpool's net outlay on players is not as high as that spent by England's biggest clubs and as a result does not guarantee they can win the Premier League title, manager Rafael Benitez has said.
"There's a misunderstanding when people speak of the money Liverpool have spent, as between what we have spent and recovered we're at a similar level to those at the top, but not the biggest sides," Benitez told Thursday's sports daily AS.
"Manchester United have spent £70million pounds (this year) when we have spent £40 something million and recovered £26million.
"Many people say we have to win the title because of the money we have spent but other teams such as United, Chelsea, Newcastle United or Aston Villa have also spent a lot of money.
"Arsenal have been spending a lot on young players for years and now are reaping the rewards," he added in the interview.
"All the top teams spend money but this does not guarantee the league title because Chelsea and United... are very big with a base created over a number of years."
Arsenal are currently top of the standings one point clear of champions Manchester United and three ahead of Chelsea with Liverpool a further four points adrift in fourth spot.
Benitez has been reported to have a strained relationship with the club's new American owners over future spending plans for the squad, but he sought to play it down ahead of a meeting with them later this week.
"At a personal level we have a good relationship. We have had some differences at a professional level but when we meet and talk it will be cleared up as a misunderstanding," he added.
"We all want the best for Liverpool so I am sure we will understand each other well. I am very happy at Liverpool and hope to be here for many more years."
Liverpool reached the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday with a 4-0 win at Olympique Marseille and host a Premier League clash with champions Manchester United on Sunday.
Torres Can End Our United Jinx, Warns Liverpool Boss
He could scarcely be called Liverpool's secret weapon, given his prominence on Sir Alex Ferguson's transfer radar in recent years.
But another accolade was fitting for Fernando Torres ahead of tomorrow's Anfield showdown with Manchester United.
Rafa Benitez is waiting for his first Barclays Premier League win over the defending champions after one draw and five defeats in three-and-a-half years since he left Valencia to replace Gerard Houllier.
He knows why and decided to do something about it last summer by persuading owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to pay a club record £21million for Atletico Madrid marksman Torres.
Nearly six months on, he has seen enough of the 23-year-old striker to hail him as the missing link to deliver United's scalp.
The Liverpool manager had an inkling of the returns he could expect after Torres stalled over a move to Old Trafford for fear he might be leaving home at too tender an age, and also after he turned his back on Inter Milan last summer after the Italian giants' £27million bid.
He just didn't expect to be benefiting from them quite so early. Torres has scored 12 goals in 19 appearances this season.
Benitez said: "In previous games against United, we have played well, controlled the game and had plenty of possession without creating too much.
"Now, in Torres, we have a player with pace and ability who can give us something different. He gives us another option up front and is the element we have been missing.
"I don't know how strong United's interest was, but there was another club from abroad who topped our offer by £6million," he said, referring to Inter's bid.
"Maybe it helped that I'm Spanish and could speak to Nando (Torres) in his own language. I just know it was not difficult persuading him to come here.
"As soon as I phoned him he was aware of how much I wanted him at Anfield. He knew all about the club and how the Spanish players already here could help him settle in and it was all really easy.
"I didn't see the fee as a big gamble. Even so, I wasn't looking to him to score 20 goals in his first season, just to progress steadily and give us something different. Yet he is well on course for 20 goals and that is fantastic — a real bonus."
Benitez's next objective is to wrap up the permanent £17m signing of Javier Mascherano and the Argentina midfielder has added incentive to shine against United with compatriot Carlos Tevez among the opposition.
"Carlos and I have played against each other before when I was at River Plate and he was at Boca, but never in England," said Mascherano.
"We are good friends and I will try not to kick him, but I know all about the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester.
"Now that Carlos has moved up this way and is a lot closer, we speak very often. But we have not discussed this game and I don't think we will. For 90 minutes we will be opponents then we can be friends again. I know Carlos will be trying just as hard to be the one who comes out on top, so let's see what happens. It should be interesting.
"I got a big kick on the shin against Marseille but this is one game I don't want to miss and I feel sure I will be all right. Everyone wants to be involved in it and I desperately want to try and make sure we don't lose. I have done everything I can to stay at Liverpool.
"Now they must decide whether to buy me. It is their decision, not mine, because I have done all I can to convince them I'm worth keeping."
Prem Preview: Liverpool vs Manchester United
The greatly anticipated ‘Grand Slam Sunday’ kicks off at Anfield as these bitter North West rivals clash. United make the short trip down the M62 knowing that a win would open up a six-point gap on their rivals, and a point is enough to take United back to the top of the table.
For Liverpool and their manager Rafa Benitez, this game is huge. His recent spat with the club’s American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett has cast a large shadow over his future at Liverpool, and the Spanish Tactician will hope to show his watching bosses how good his side are when they visit for this game against the Champions.
Benitez had overseen an unbeaten start to the season until last week’s lame defeat at Reading, but his side bounced back with an impressive showing away to Marseille where Liverpool were exceptional.
Fernando Torres already looks more suited to the Premier League than he was to football in his homeland, and his pace has terrorised Premier League defenders since day one. The former Atletico Madrid icon is fast becoming a favourite of the Kop, and it is not difficult to see why considering he has already found the net an impressive 12 times in all competitions.
Liverpool supporters are desperate to win another League title, and a win at home to the reigning Champions would be some welcome ammunition for Rafa to take into his meeting with the new owners, which follows this game. Liverpool appear to be as strong as any side in the country when they play their strongest XI and the battles in midfield should be key to deciding the outcome of this one.
Can Gerrard and Mascherano get the better of Hargreaves and Anderson? This area of the pitch should be a warzone on Sunday, with four battlers competing for superiority in the key part of the pitch.
Expect a few tackles flying in, and it would be no surprise to see a red card.
Both sides appear to have found some good attacking form and much will depend on how Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher cope with the movement of Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo who have all been in scintillating form in recent weeks.
Possibly United’s biggest strength this season has come from their central defenders Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand who have helped United to the Premier League’s best defensive record. That record will be severely tested by the pace of Torres and the forward surges from midfield that Gerrard has perfected.
Alex Ferguson has had the better of Benitez over the seasons, with five wins and a draw since Benitez became Liverpool boss. Last season’s win at Anfield, through a last minute winner from utility man John O’Shea, was the catalyst for United to take back the League title from Chelsea and this side have enough resolve and ability to once again win at Anfield – something that neither Chelsea or Arsenal have managed this term.
With Arsenal and Chelsea meeting later in the day, this is a crucial day for the Premier League title race and neither United nor Liverpool will want to lose this game and give Arsenal the chance to reopen their gap at the top of the table.
It promises to be a scintillating and highly charged game between England’s two most successful clubs, and let’s hope these traditional enemies can get the biggest day in the Premier League so far this season off to a fascinating start.
FORM GUIDE (Prem unless otherwise stated)
Liverpool
Dec 11 v Marseille (a, CL) WON 4-0 (Gerrard, Torres, Kuyt, Babel)
Dec 8 v Reading (a) LOST 1-3 (Gerrard)
Dec 2 v Bolton (h) WON 4-0 (Hyypia, Torres, Gerrard, Babel)
Nov 28 v Porto (h, CL) WON 4-1 (Torres 2, Gerrard, Crouch)
Nov 24 v Newcastle (a) WON 3-0 (Gerrard, Kuyt, Babel)
Manchester United
Dec 12 v Roma (a. CL) DREW 1-1 (Pique)
Dec 8 v Derby (h) WON 4-1 (Giggs, Tevez 2, Ronaldo)
Dec 3 v Fulham (h) WON 2-0 (Ronaldo 2)
Nov 27 v Sporting (h, CL) WON 2-1 (Tevez, Ronaldo)
Nov 24 v Bolton (a) LOST 0-1
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool:
Xabi Alonso could return to the squad after missing two months with a broken metatarsal. Right Back Steve Finnan is doubtful with a calf strain, while Centre half Daniel Agger (foot) is still missing.
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Reina – Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Arbeloa – Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Riise – Torres, Kuyt.
Manchester United:
Experienced United legends Gary Neville (calf) and Paul Scholes (knee), as well as Park Ji-Sung (knee) all miss out for United, but after the money spent by Ferguson in the summer, his squad should be able to cope without them.
Possible Starting XI (4-4-2): Van der Sar – Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra - Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Anderson, Giggs – Rooney, Tevez.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Liverpool – Fernando Torres has already become a fans favourite at Anfield and will be desperate to score against the Champions on Sunday. ‘El Nino’ has scored some vital goals already and he has a pace and calmness in front of goal that is reminiscent of Thierry Henry.
Manchester United - Cristiano Ronaldo is always the man United look towards to decide games like this and the Portuguese winger is continuing his excellent form that won him the Player of the Year award last season. Ronaldo has strength and power to match his trickery and could be the match winner again at Anfield this Sunday.
Sissoko: I Want To Leave
Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko has declared that he is sick and tired over his lack of playing time at the club and wants to leave.
The 23-year-old has barely featured this season, and is behind the likes of Steven Gerard, Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso in the centre-midfield pecking order.
The Malian international’s lack of action has led to rumours he will leave Liverpool in January, and the player himself admits this is more than a possibility.
“I am sick and tired and want to leave,” said Sissoko.
“I am really disappointed because the game against Marseille [on Tuesday night] I was counting on.
“I respect the choices of the coach but now I want to discuss my future before the January transfer market. I am not happy about playing one game per month.”
Sissoko has been heavily associated with a transfer to Juventus, with their boss Claudio Ranieri a huge admirer.
The Bianconeri placed a bid for the ex-Valencia man in the summer, however they were scared off by his price tag.
With Juve in desperate need of a new centre-midfielder, there is every chance they may table a fresh offer next month.
Rafa Ready To Pounce In Window
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has revealed his intention to try and snap up a centre-back during the January transfer window.
The Reds pinned all their summer hopes on bringing in Gabriel Heinze from Manchester United, but that high-profile move was scuppered when a Premier League tribunal ruled against it. He eventually joined Real Madrid.
And with Dane Daniel Agger still sidelined by a foot injury, Benitez plans to strengthen his defence next month.
He said: "We have had a problem at centre-back because we could not close the signing of Gabriel Heinze.
"Then Agger got injured. This has forced us to play with Sami Hyypia who is 34 and Jamie Carragher in every game.
"You are looking at two matches per week and with the intensity that the game is played here, it is not easy for them to do it.
"Our idea is to bring in a centre-back, to provide balance to the team in this position."
The Reds have been recently linked with a move for AC Milan's Georgian stopper Kakha Kaladze.
Javier Mascherano Declares Himself Fit For United Game
Javier Mascherano has indicated he will be fit to face Manchester United at Anfield.
Liverpool’s Argentina international midfielder looked in some discomfort during the 4-0 Champions League victory against Marseille in midweek.
However he insists there is little to be concerned about.
“I got a kick but I think it’s nothing and I should be okay to face Manchester United,” he said.
Mascherano admits he is excited at the prospect of going head to head with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
“We’re close to the top so we need to win on Sunday to get even closer plus it’s very important for our fans that we get a victory,” he told uefa.com.
“Liverpool against United is a massive game, maybe the biggest there is in England, so we have to start preparing for it.
“We know we can get a victory and and our confidence is obviously high as well.
“When you win 4-0 away it’s very good for the team and now we need a repeat of this performance on Sunday.”
Xabi Alonso is set to return to the squad after a two-month absence with a metatarsal injury.
The Spain midfielder has featured in only six Barclays Premier League games and been out of action since the Arsenal match in October.
Steve Finnan is doubtful because of a calf problem while Daniel Agger remains sidelined with a foot injury.
Torres Adds A New Dimension To Liverpool
Rafael Benitez has a clearly thought-out line of argument for when he comes face to face with the men who own Liverpool for the first time in three months.
However much Tom Hicks and George Gillett might resent his public criticism of them, however much they would like Benitez to become a mere coach rather than Liverpool's general manager, however much they would like talk of transfer budgets to cease, there is one thing that cannot be questioned. Liverpool are now a better, more successful club than the Liverpool Benitez inherited.
There is one chink in that argument and to those who cram the Kop, or any other part of Anfield, it matters painfully. The last time a Liverpool player scored a league goal against Manchester United, Gerard Houllier was managing a club Hicks and Gillett would have been only very dimly aware of. That was a Danny Murphy penalty in April 2004 - you would have to go back to November 2003 for the last time Liverpool managed to score one in open play.
Apart from a solitary victory in the FA Cup, marred by Liverpool fans attacking the ambulance that was attempting to take Alan Smith, his leg horribly broken, to hospital, Benitez's greatest achievement in this fixture has been a goalless draw.
For a man who rolls over the minutiae of football constantly in his head, Benitez is, naturally enough, aware of the naked statistics. "The differences have been in small details," he said, describing the last encounter at Anfield, a game in which United were all but overwhelmed until a half-saved free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo was stabbed home by, of all people, John O'Shea.
Sir Alex Ferguson, knowing the title was virtually his, leapt into the arms of his assistant, Carlos Queiroz. The United players hurled their white shirts into the away end, and Jamie Carragher was asked what more Liverpool had to do. "We need better players all over the pitch," the defender replied, before grinning, "except at centre-half."
Carragher got his wish, at least at centre-forward. In Fernando Torres, Liverpool finally possess the kind of striker Anfield has not seen since Michael Owen left Merseyside for Madrid in the first few weeks of Benitez's regime.
"When we were playing against Manchester United, we tended to have plenty of possession but couldn't make the breakthrough because they had good defenders and we were not so strong in attack," Benitez reflected before adding: "Now we have Torres, a player with pace and ability, and he will be a threat to them.
"This is a better squad now and Torres is one of the reasons for that. It will still be difficult, because Manchester United have a very good team, but we have different options to use against them than we did before."
There were several reasons why Torres chose Merseyside. He had spent four seasons leading Atletico Madrid's attack; he was only 23 and in those long, largely fruitless campaigns only Samuel Eto'o and David Villa had scored more times in La Liga. Yet when Barcelona could go to the Vicente Calderon stadium and win 6-0, Torres recognised that, despite the adoration of so many fans, it was time to find a club where success was a little easier to come by.
He might have gone to Old Trafford; he could have ended up at Inter Milan, who offered Atletico £6 million more than the £24 million Liverpool paid. But neither of them spoke to Torres in his native tongue. "It was simple to bring him here, because my Spanish is much better than my English," Benitez smiled. "I just gave him a call. We knew a lot of top sides were interested. But he knew the club and he knew some of our Spanish players and he knew I wanted him. It was quite easy."
Torres discussed the move with goalkeeper Jose Reina, who is now a next-door neighbour in the Woolton area of the city, and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas. He had the ability and the pace, but Benitez must have questioned whether this young, almost coltish, striker had the toughness for what is the most physically demanding league in the world.
"We did not expect 20 goals in his first season; we brought him to Liverpool so he could progress and offer us something different," Benitez said.
"Sometimes you have to wait to see the best of someone, and we were signing Torres for six years not six months. Some players take time to settle - it took Daniel Agger three or four months. Torres is a shy person, but he has confidence now."
It seems Torres' settling-in at Anfield is over. His goals against Porto and Marseille that helped secure Liverpool's qualification for the Champions League knock-out stages were sublime and, if he is going to score 20 in his first season by the Mersey, he now requires only another eight.
Benitez reflected that Torres had been signed "because the relationship with the owners was good" and, if it can be fully repaired, who knows who else he could bring to Anfield?
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Reina Insists Anfield Players Must Keep Heat Off Benitez
Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has called on his team-mates to help relieve the boardroom tension that currently exists at the club by continuing their superb recent form on the pitch.
The much-publicised spat between manager Rafael Benitez and co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, which centres around the release of funds for the January transfer window, will come to a head this weekend when the parties meet.
Benitez can go into the talks armed with an amazing recent run of results - Saturday's defeat to Reading aside - that culminated in Tuesday night's stunning 4-0 win at Marseille which secured the Reds a place in the Champions League knockout stages.
That made it 25 goals in the last seven games for the Merseysiders, who are also well placed in the Barclays Premier League heading into Sunday's crucial clash with rivals Manchester United at Anfield.
Despite coming under fire for appearing to throw in the towel in the defeat at Reading by substituting the team's star trio, Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Jamie Carragher, while their was still time to mount a fightback, Benitez's position is surely not under threat after the other results of the past month.
And compatriot Reina has hailed his team-mates' ability to shut out the off-field issues and concentrate on what is happening on it.
"We have to respect the opinions of the manager and the owners," said the Spain goalkeeper. "But all we can do is go out there to play and win. We are trying to play as well as we can on the pitch, and not worry about anything else. There are always things happening. But two weeks ago, we said to ourselves we must focus on our play and do our best on the pitch. That's what we are doing."
The club's players and supporters have rallied around Benitez in his time of need and arguably made his position even stronger, despite his public slanging match with the Reds' American owners.
Reina has ultimate faith in his compatriot, adding: "The manager has a cold mind - he knows what to do at any moment. We have showed everyone that people must trust us in what we are trying to do, and in these difficult situations.
"We have a great team. Now we have to compete at this high level in the Premier League now and play another 'final' against Manchester United."
The thrashing of Marseille will go down as another epic European night for the Anfield club. Before Tuesday night, every English team who had come to the Stade Velodrome for a European fixture had gone home defeated - including Liverpool following a UEFA Cup fourth-round clash in 2004.
But the class of 2007 made a mockery of that record, dominating from start to finish in a Champions League masterclass.
Goals by Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres in the opening 11 minutes calmed any early nerves, and they made the most of some embarrassing Marseille defending to add further efforts through Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel in the second half.
Benitez's side had picked up just one point from their opening three games, but three straight wins, during which the team scored 16 goals and conceded just one, rounded off an ultimately successful Group A campaign.
"The pressure is always there because we are Liverpool and, with that, you must win every game," added Reina.
"We are favourites in every competition we play in and that brings its own pressure. It was a must-win game, but we knew it was in our own hands. Because of the situation we were in, it was one of our best games in terms of completeness.
"We played well going forward and were compact in defence. In the end, it was an easy game for us and we just have to keep this momentum going."
Liverpool finished second in their group and will now face an Italian or Spanish team in the last 16.
Reina, however, insists his side do not fear anyone in Europe, saying: "We know we will play a Spanish or an Italian team and it will be difficult. Playing the second game away will also be hard.
"But it is always a difficult competition and only the best can play in it.
"We trust ourselves - we have reached the final in two recent seasons, so we have to be one of the favourites."
He added: "We have beaten Barca, Juventus, Chelsea (in recent seasons). These have been difficult games and we therefore have confidence in ourselves."
Benitez lavished praise on his players for the manner in which they handled the pressure of knowing they needed a result in Marseille.
"They players have showed character in important games before and they have showed it again," he said. "When we lost against Besiktas and played badly against Marseille, I said we still had confidence.
"The team was still playing well in the league and scoring goals. That gave us more confidence. People are talking about how good the side is compared to last year, but we showed here that we can do different things.
"The performance was really good. We played compact as a unit, played well in attack, had our chances and did not concede."
The Anfield manager also claimed the impending meeting with the club owners has not entered his thoughts.
"I was not thinking about the meeting," he continued. "I must simply try to do my job. You could see the players, supporters, everyone was together. Everyone wants to win and we should talk about that, not the meeting.
"I am always confident - you can see that the players and supporters are happy, and this is good for the future of the club. I am not thinking about my situation every day, I am just thinking about my team and how they can improve."
Meanwhile, the Marseille coach, Eric Gerets, whose side failed to progress as a result of the defeat, admitted his out-of-sorts players were unable to cope with Liverpool's quality on the counter-attack.
"Every time Liverpool went forward, they looked dangerous," he said.
"I am really disappointed with what happened. We missed the game totally.
"I will wait to analyse the game, but it is fair to say it is the first time I have noticed that the players did not give 100 per cent."
Reds Duo Losing Fitness Battles
Liverpool pair Daniel Agger and Xabi Alonso look set to miss Sunday's big game with Manchester United as they recover from foot injuries.
Though both are back in training, doubts over their fitness have resurfaced after Rafael BenÃtez failed to name either in the squad to face Marseille in midweek.
Lacking match fitness, it seems unlikely to coach will risk them in Sunday's big game.
BenÃtez found out the hard way that bringing back key players prematurely can do more harm than good - Alonso was put back in Liverpool's starting XI for last month's game at home to Arsenal, but like fellow returnee Fernando Torres he was forced to hobble off part-way through.
Alonso's creative output will be missed, but BenÃtez looks set to persist with Mascherano and Gerrard in central midfield following Tuesday's convincing showing.
Agger, meanwhile, has not appeared in a Liverpool shirt since the early part of this season, but given Sami Hyypia's recent string of impressive showings he might not be too sorely missed.
Torres Admits Second Not Best
The former Atletico Madrid star scored a sensational goal as he helped Liverpool defeat Marseille 4-0 and book their place in the last 16.
Liverpool, though, could only finish second in Group A which means they will now face one of the teams who won their section and Torres says that is not ideal.
"It can be a Spanish or Italian team. All the teams are strong and to finish second is not the best," he told EFE.
"But it is all the same really, as we know that the level will be very high.
"Sevilla in the Champions League have been strong and Madrid and Barcelona are teams that aspire to win the whole competition.
Torres was pleased with his strike at the Stade Velodrome.
"I am very happy with my goal," he added.
"I think things are going very well for me and this goal has helped the team qualify and now we are in the next round.
"The game started at a very quick pace. It was not what we expected in the first ten minutes. The key to winning was to be able to play calmly and that is what happened.
"With Stevie's and my goal after only 11 minutes they knew it was very difficult to come back."
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Liverpool Likely Tto Face European Giants
Liverpool may have fought back from the brink of elimination to reach the Champions League knockout stages but they face a tough tie in the second round.
A 4-0 win in Marseille means last season's beaten finalists will be in the draw for the first knockout round, but they only finished second in Group A so their potential opponents are limited to the holders Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Sevilla.
Liverpool cannot be drawn against a team from England, so if Arsenal beat Steaua Bucharest in their final fixture and finish top of Group H, Liverpool will not be able to face Sevilla and they will be guaranteed to face one of the giants from Italy and Spain.
After the emphatic win in Marseille, Benitez was clearly reminded of the 2005 final victory over Milan and the crucial wins over Olympiacos and Juventus in that run when he said: "The players have showed character in important games before and they have showed it again.
"When we lost against Besiktas and played badly against Marseille, I said we still had confidence."
He added: "The team was still playing well in the league and scoring goals. That gave us more confidence."
Liverpool's qualification improves Benitez's position when he finally holds talks with club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over his January transfer plans.
But Benitez's post-match comments suggested he does not plan to make huge changes to his squad.
He said: "People are talking about how good the side is compared to last year, but we showed here that we can do different things.
"The performance was really good. We played compact as a unit, played well in attack, had our chances and didn't concede."
Sissoko Angered By Reds Axe
Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko has hit out at manager Rafael Benitez and hinted he could be set to leave Anfield in January.
Sissoko has been left out of the Reds' squad for their crucial UEFA Champions League showdown against Marseille at the Stade Velodrome.
The Mali international, who started his career with Auxerre, has made just one appearance in the Anfield outfit's group stage fixtures, the 1-0 home defeat by the French side.
Former Valencia player Sissoko insists he plans to hold talks with Benitez once the transfer window opens and wants to be a regular in the first-team.
He told radio station RMC: "I am really mad. The match is played in France, all my family is there and wanted to see me on the pitch.
"I respect that choice, but we will talk in January.
"That is quite a long time for me to ask myself the question (about leaving). I am not attracted to play one match in five."
Liverpool Justify Benayoun's Faith
Liverpool FC winger Yossi Benayoun praised his team's competitive edge after they advanced to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages with a clinical 4-0 triumph at Olympique de Marseille.
The winner-takes-all affair at the Stade Vélodrome had looked poised to be a tense encounter until Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres struck a goal each inside the first eleven minutes. Dirk Kuyt and substitute Ryan Babel then pounced after the break to wrap up a qualification that had seemed highly unlikely when the five times European champions found themselves with a solitary point from their opening three matches.
"Honestly, I always believed we could do it," Benayoun told uefa.com. "Even at the time, I said that if there's one team that can win three games in a row, it's Liverpool. This is a club that's proved over the last few years that it can deal with big games in this competition. We knew every game would be like a final and we won three finals."
The Reds progress as the second-placed team in Group A, behind FC Porto, and they could well go far after a textbook example of how to tackle a tricky European tie in a hostile stadium. "We knew all about Marseille's great fans so it was important to get an early goal," Benayoun said. "That gave us confidence and our second came soon after. It killed the game and after that their supporters weren't so noisy anymore."
The Israeli international insisted that the match was anything but easy despite inflicting Marseille's heaviest home defeat in UEFA competition. "When you look at the scoreline it seems easy, but I can assure you it wasn't," he said. "They have a lot of good players and even when it was 2-0 we needed to be careful. They only needed half a chance to get a goal and start a comeback but we were very strong defensively."
The Merseysiders were also particularly strong on the flanks, where Benayoun and Harry Kewell looked fresh after being rested at the weekend. They both caused plenty of damage, but the 27-year-old Benayoun felt the whole team should share the acclaim. "Everyone put in a great performance, all over the pitch," he said. "We played the way we know we can, we deserved to win and we deserve to be in the next round."
Marseille 0 - 4 LiverpooL
Liverpool delivered an inspired performance when it really mattered to secure a place in the Champions League knockout stages at the expense of Marseille.
The Reds became the first English side to beat Marseille at the Stade Velodrome in European competition as early goals by Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were added to by second-half strikes by Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel.
It meant the Merseysiders finished second in Group A behind Porto and qualified from the pool stages for the fourth year in succession.
In truth, the Reds could and should have won by more, such was their dominance and Marseille's lethargy, especially at the back.
It was a special night for Gerrard, who opened the scoring when he powered home the rebound from a penalty he won himself.
That was his 23rd goal in the Champions League, overtaking a milestone he had shared jointly with Michael Owen.
Torres was a pest to the Marseille rearguard throughout and his 11th-minute goal was a gem, a mazy run topped off with an ice-cold finish.
Kuyt and substitute Babel scored neatly-taken goals at either end of the second half as Marseille imploded.
They can at least console themselves with a UEFA Cup spot, while Reds coach Rafael Benitez can go into Sunday's meeting with club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett in renewed heart.
Liverpool came into the match reeling from Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Reading, their first loss in this season's Barclays Premier League.
They would also have had Sunday's Anfield summit meeting with Manchester United in the back of their minds although, as expected, Benitez put out all his big names in a full-strength team.
They delivered in the most emphatic manner and had qualification wrapped up after just 11 minutes.
The deadlock was broken Gerrard in the third minute from the spot.
The captain was the man to win the penalty when, having been set free by Kewell, he was sent tumbling by Gael Givet.
The defender was the last man and should have been red-carded, but he did not even receive a booking.
Gerrard dusted himself down and even though his initial attempt was saved by Steve Mandanda, he rammed home the rebound from six yards and Liverpool were on their way.
Torres was doing well up front, pulling defenders out of position and finding space with his pace.
But it was his skill with the ball at his feet that put Liverpool 2-0 up.
Receiving a short pass from Harry Kewell just outside the area, the Spain international jinked around two defenders before opening his body up and sliding a cool finish inside the far post.
The crowd, so vibrant prior to kick-off, were stunned but their side could have been further behind by the break.
Liverpool were having little trouble at the back, Marseille relying on long-range pot-shots as their only means of testing Jose Reina.
Only once did they breach the Reds' rearguard, but Mathieu Valbuena - slipped in by Lorik Cana - chose to go round Jose Reina rather than shoot and the chance was lost. There was more action at the other end.
Kuyt, who was happy to drop back to help out his midfield, headed a drifting Harry Kewell cross straight at Mandanda midway into the half.
And towards the end of the opening period, Liverpool had a clutch of chances that should have harvested at least one more goal.
Gerrard sent a free-kick just wide before Kewell volleyed narrowly over in the 40th minute.
Torres, having outpaced Julien Rodriguez, then poked an effort over but it was all Liverpool.
By that time, Samir Nasri, the young France playmaker who was adjudged not fit enough to start after recent ankle trouble, had been thrown on by coach Eric Gerets, replacing Benoit Cheyrou.
And at half-time, former Liverpool player Djibril Cisse was introduced off the bench in place of another ex-Red, Boudewijn Zenden.
It mattered little and Liverpool were soon 3-0 up. More embarrassing defending allowed Kuyt to run free towards goal after Kewell's pass from the left in the 48th minute the Holland striker smashed home his finish from 10 yards and that was game, set and match.
Marseille's best chance of the game came just after the hour mark when Cisse got on the end of a Valbuena cross.
The striker's header beat Reina but hit the base of the post and went wide.
Benitez used his full allocation of substitutes in the final quarter, and one of them - Babel - added gloss to the scoreline in injury time when he ran onto a long ball, rounded Mandanda and slotted home into an empty net.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
UEFA Champions League Preview: Marseille vs LiverpooL
However, things are never that simple in football, and if a draw is reached on Tuesday night then the door concealing many permutations shall be flung open: honours even means the French outfit prevail due to a superior head-to-head record, courtesy of a 1-0 victory at Anfield on Matchday 2.
If Porto lose at home to Besiktas, however, matters become complicated yet further. Should the Turks register a shock victory at the Stadio Dragao, they will qualify, and Liverpool would join them thanks to a better goal difference in the head-to-heads between the Reds, Marseille and Porto, all of whom would finish on 8 points.
Of course (if only to avoid such complicated equations) the noises emanating from Merseyside have predominately focused solely on winning the tie. Steven Gerrard has already issued a battle-cry and the Liverpool fans have heeded their captain’s call as thousands upon thousands of Kopites are expected to flock to the south of France.
The stakes could not be higher for Liverpool, as many feel that with a very public rift between manager and owners apparent, failure to qualify for the final stages of the Champions League may signal Rafael Benitez' Anfield exit.
American custodians of Liverpool FC, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, have been deeply entrenched in all things financial, from reconstructing the expenditure on the new stadium to quenching Benitez’s thirst for big transfer buys. With the lucrative income-stream from the Champions League under serious threat of being hastily cut-off, Hicks and Gillett may see adequate justification to sack the Spaniard and bring in a less-demanding manager.
FORM GUIDE
Marseille
08 December v Monaco (H) WON 2-0
01 December v Lille(A) DREW 1-1
28 November v Besiktas (H) WON 2-0 (CL)
24 November v Metz (H) WON 3-1
11 November v Lyon (A) WON 1-2
Liverpool
08 December v Reading (A) LOST 3-1
02 December v Bolton (H) WON 4-0
28 November v Porto (H) WON 4-1 (CL)
24 November v Newcastle (A) WON 0-3
10 November v Fulham (H) WON 2-0
Marseille
Eric Gerets didn’t have the luxury of being able to rest his players against Monaco, instead he named his strongest line-up in the 2-0 victory. But there will be no complaints over tiredness from the French side, as the players themselves have billed this game as the most important of their season so far.
When the group was announced, many felt Marseille would become the whipping boys, but after their stylish victory at Anfield the French have emerged as strong candidates for qualification. Ex-Red Bolo Zenden is likely to feature against his former paymasters and will be looking to pull the strings for Gerets’ side.
Meanwhile, another ex-Red, Dijbril Cissé, may have fallen off the tracks this season but has shown that he can be an effective substitute.
Liverpool
Rafael Benitez has denied accusations that he cut his losses in the 3-1 defeat by Reading after substituting Gerrard in the 70th minute. Either way, Liverpool’s captain was afforded twenty minutes extra rest and will definitely lead the Reds out in the Stade Velodrome.
Who shall play alongside him is another question. Both holding midfielders, Momo Sissoko and Javier Mascherano started at the Madejski on Saturday, and with the result so crucial on Tuesday, Benitez may opt for a conservative formation and field the two again.
Otherwise, Daniel Agger is training again following his lengthy lay-off, but Benitez will probably not risk the Dane in such a high-profile game, and will most likely start Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia. Fernando Torres seems to have recovered from a slight knock picked up against Reading and will be included in the squad.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Marseille – Niang
The explosive striker has been Marseille’s only real threat in front of goal this season. With 8 goals he comfortably leads the club’s scoring charts and will be the main threat against Liverpool. Although not much of a team player, the striker has pace, power and desire to keep any backline occupied.
Liverpool – Steven Gerrard
Once again the stage is set for Liverpool’s favourite son to shine. His abilities are world-class and well-known, the only question remaining is whether he can drag his team from the brink of despair and into triumph as he did against Olympiacos and AC Milan in the glorious Champions League run of 2005.