Hyypia: End The Speculation About Rafa's Reds Future

It is about time the onging speculation concerning the future of Rafael Beneitez as Liverpool manager was ended once and for all by an unequivocal statement from the club. That is the view of Sami Hyypia, the long-serving Liverpool central defender.

Sami Hyypia believes the persistent uncertainty surrounding Benitez's position at Anfield is undermining the club and should be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Last autumn's row between Benitez and club owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks sparked widespread speculation that he Spaniard's days at Anfield were now numbered.

And Hyypia for one is fed up with the incessant rumours - not least because he believes it is affecting the whole team.

Liverpool's performances and results in recent weeks have been distinctly below par, and Finnish international Hyypia has urged the club's hierarchy to resolve the situation regarding the manager so that Liverpool can get their season back on track befoire it is too late.

"We seem to be becoming like Newcastle," Hyypia told The Mirror.

"Every time we pick up a paper, there seems to be something new. But our job is to concentrate on the games.

"In the football world there are some things that happen very quickly and you can't do anything about them. The players hope that if there are arguments, they can be sorted out."

On a more positive note, Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt is backing his Spanih team-mate, Fernando Torres, to win this season's Player of the Year award.

Torres underlined his value again on Saturday when he produced a stunning 25-yard effort that salvaged a 1-1 draw for Liverpool against Middlesbrough.

It was the 17th goal of his first season in English football.

Kuyt does admit, however, that Liverpool have become too reliant on Torres and captain Steven Gerrard to provide the goals this season. Those two have scored 18 of the Reds' 35 League goals.

"Torres is having an unbelievable season especially as he's coming from a foreign country and not speaking English very well," said Kuyt.

"He's definitely a quality player and one of the best players in the League at the moment. He's one of the best in Europe.

"He's got everything, he's really quick and he's got a good finish and great ability. He's frightening for defenders to deal with.

"Definitely Fernando and Stevie G have a chance to be footballers of the year. They've done really good things this year for Liverpool."

Atlético Open Sissoko Talks With Liverpool

Atlético de Madrid have contacted Liverpool with a view to signing Mohamed Sissoko during the window transfer window as Maniche prepares to leave.

Los Colchoneros' coach Javier Aguirre has always insisted that he would only sign players if other leave and a change of midfielders now looks to be on the cards.

Marca believe that Atlético have been met with a favourable response after enquiring about Sissoko and a deal could be negotiated this week.

Maniche is on the verge of completing a loan move to Inter and that will free up a space as Aguirre sticks to his strict policy of having a 24-man squad.

Sissoko looked set to be joining Juventus and he had said publicly that he believed the deal would go through, but La Vecchia Signora now appear to have pulled out.

Inter have also been linked with the Mali international, but that appears to be an unlikely proposition with Maniche joining.

Liverpool and Atleti have a good relationship after lengthy talks last summer about the transfer of Fernando Torres brought the clubs closer together.

Another factor in the Spanish side's decision to try and sign Sissoko is the recommendation of Jesús García Pitarch who was instrumental in signing him for Valencia from Auxerre in 2003.

Pitarch now works for Atlético and has advised the board and coach about the technical characteristics that the midfielder will bring to the side.

Rafael Benitez On Collision Course With Owners

It was a throwaway remark but it carried within it a damning indictment. "We seem to be becoming like Newcastle," said Liverpool's veteran centre-half, Sami Hyypia. "Every time you pick up a paper, there seems to be something new."

The papers Rafael Benitez would have picked up in the team hotel in Yorkshire on Saturday morning contained leaks from Bayern Munich that their newly appointed manager, Jurgen Klinsmann, had been offered his job.

The relationship between the owners of Anfield and their manager continues to corrode like the rusting bits of steel you still stumble upon in this part of Teesside.

With its horizons framed by the black Cleveland Hills and refinery chimneys, Liverpool have never enjoyed the Riverside Stadium and, as if to emphasise it, their bus was involved in an accident on its journey to a scene of regular crashes. Under Roy Evans, Liverpool were swept away in a League Cup semi-final here and four years later, in November 2002, their last credible title challenge began to come adrift at the Riverside when Gareth Southgate stuck home a loose ball. Liverpool, hitherto unbeaten, did not win again for another two months.

For Gerard Houllier it marked the beginning of the end and until Fernando Torres scored Liverpool's first goal on Teesside for six years, you might have said the same for Benitez.

Hyypia, like virtually all footballers, knows that the politicking between boardroom and dug-out is outside their orbit and perhaps their understanding. "We have to keep concentrating on the game," he remarked, something Liverpool have not been doing well lately. "That is our job. In the football world, some things happen very quickly and you can't do anything about them. If there are some arguments, the players hope they can be sorted out."

The only men who can sort it out - with a single statement confirming that Benitez will continue to manage Liverpool at least until the end of the season - were not at Middlesbrough. Had they been, George Gillett and Tom Hicks would have noted a vast banner carrying a picture of the Boro chairman, Steve Gibson, who was hailed as, "One of Us". The Americans, even if they decide not to sell out to Dubai, are unlikely to see anything similar at Anfield.

Yet there is evidence that the drip-drip of uncertainty has begun to seep into the dressing room, however much the players might fix their gaze at the pitch. The unease surrounding Benitez broke to the surface in Liverpool's last game in the North-East - the 3-0 demolition of Newcastle that exposed the full inadequacies of Sam Allardyce's regime - when Benitez accused Hicks and Gillett of not understanding the transfer system.

Since then, Liverpool have lost to Reading, Manchester United and Chelsea and stumbled to four straight draws, each more unconvincing than the last. And to underline football's perversity, Liverpool have also produced the kind of great escape in the Champions League they so rarely conjure up domestically.

Southgate is fortunate to be in the employment of a man who is reluctant to sack or panic and who has invested deeply in home-produced talent. "The game is crackers at the moment so Rafa's situation doesn't surprise me," he said.

The Middlesbrough manager had his own problems. Illness threatened to deprive him of both Mark Schwarzer and Gary O'Neil and injury did for Jonathan Woodgate, whom he would have needed against Torres. Instead, David Wheater, another young product of the Middlesbrough academy, largely shackled a striker who even at 23 is approaching greatness. Wheater had spent last season on loan at Darlington and confessed that this felt like more than just a point. To Liverpool it would have felt much, much less.

Juventus Pull Out Of Sissoko Race

Unsettled Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko’s protracted move to Italian-giants Juventus appears to have fallen through after club president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli admitted that the Turin giants were unlikely to make any signings during the January transfer window.

Sissoko, who has fallen out of favour with current Liverpool incumbent Rafa Benitez, looked likely to complete his move to the Serie A side after admitting on Thursday that a conclusion to the deal was “very close”, with his manager adding that The Reds were just waiting for the “right club and the right offer” before the 22-year old could leave Anfield.

Even Rafa Benitez admitted that he was trying to find a solution for the Mali international after the 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough.

It was widely believed that Juventus’ manager Claudio Ranieri was keen on the athletic midfielder, but it now appears that they have withdrawn their interest and are satisfied with the squad they have available at the club.

Said Cobolli-Gigli: "Juventus will not make any acquisitions in the January transfer market. It's normal to dream of big players but, in order for dreams to come true, we need to wait for the right moment.”

While the Mali international’s ambition to play for the Italian side may have collapsed, he certainly won’t b e short of suitors if he does exit Merseyside, with reported interest from former club Valencia among others.

As for Juventus, the debate is on about Ranieri's continued support for Tiago Mendes, which is supposed to be the reason for the refusal to sign Sissoko.

The player is now being linked with Inter, who are also expected to sign Maniche on Monday.

Banks Set To Back ‘New Anfield’

Tom Hicks and George Gillett have moved closer to securing a bank deal that will allow them to press ahead with their ambitious plans for a 70,000-seat new stadium for Liverpool.

The Americans, who for several months have been locked in talks with Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia over a £350m refinancing loan, are now optimistic an agreement can be struck by the end of the month – and possibly as early as next week. The injection from the banks is necessary to cover the £270m of loans Hicks and Gillett took out to purchase Liverpool last February and help fund their new ground.

The Americans spent nine hours in New York on Tuesday with Rick Parry, Liverpool’s chief executive, discussing two rival architectural designs for ‘New Anfield’ and will make a decision on which option to take as soon as the package from the banks comes through. The Dallas-based company HKS produced a revised version of their original plans which were scrapped last month as the project became simply too expensive to proceed with, while Manchester-based AFL came up with their own proposals as the two firms went head to head.

Both companies were asked to produce a full set of proposals with detailed costings, designs, time scales and planning information. Parry says he was impressed by what he saw, but Liverpool are not yet willing to put their own deadline on when a decision will be made. Parry maintains, however, that whichever plan gets the nod it will produce an “excellent result”.

“We had two very detailed and very informative presentations which were very thorough and extremely professional,” he said. “It has been another big step forward to finding the best possible solution.”

Despite the snags over the new ground, and continued doubt over the future of team manager Rafa Benitez, Hicks and Gillett are adamant that they do not intend to sell the club and cut their losses, despite continuing speculation to the contrary.

LiverpooL Linked With Real Striker

Real Mallorca forward Juan Arango says he is flattered by reported interest in his services from Liverpool.

Spanish media reports that the Venezuelan is on Rafa Benitez's wanted list and although the 27-year-old says he has heard nothing, he would be interested in a move to Anfield.

He said: "I have been told some things but I really didn't know what was happening. I am very happy that such a big team like Liverpool is speaking about me.

"They play the Champions League, they are one of the giants in the world.

"I would like very much to have the chance to play at Liverpool."

He added: "Maybe if I keep on having good performances at Mallorca and the national team the coach decides to count with me in the future. You never know where football can take you to."

Benitez May Rest Torres Again For Luton Replay

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was surprised by the criticism he received for not using Fernando Torres when the Reds drew against Luton Town last week - but nevertheless is considering leaving the Spanish striker out again for Tuesday’s FA Cup replay.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was criticised earlier this season when he used Fernando Torres in a Carling Cup tie at Reading, after having rested him a few days earlier for a Premier League game against Birmingham that the Reds drew 0-0.

Last week Benitez again chose to rest his star striker - in the FA Cup third round against Luton, when Liverpool were fortunate to emerge with a 1-1 draw and a replay.

After his rest, Torres looked sharp in yeserday's Premier League clash at Middlesbrough, scoring a superb equaliser.

Now Benitez has suggested that he might rest his leading scorer again.

"I was surprised when a journalist questioned me about not using my strongest team," Benitez told the official Liverpool website.

"We had 10 international players in the side but the journalist was just talking about Fernando Torres, so I think he didn't know exactly about our squad.

"We will approach the replay with the same idea. I will use a strong team again because we want to progress in The FA Cup.

"It is a fantastic competition and we want to win it again."

Liverpool Set To Sign Garay?

Liverpool could be set to make their second signing in quick succession, in the form of Racing Santander defender Ezequiel Garay.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has identified his defence as the area that most needs strengthening, and only yesterday completed the signature of Zenith St Petersburg’s Slovakian stopper Martin Skrtel.

Acording to Radio Marca, Benitez has now set his sights on Argentine centre back Garay.

The defender signed for Racing Santander in 2005 from Newell’s Old Boys and has since established himself as a key member of the team.

The 21-year-old recently won his first cap for his country in Argentina’s friendly with Norway in August, and is regarded as a future regular for Los Gauchos.

Garay, who can also play at right back, is well known for his free-kick ability, scoring from a number of set-pieces for Racing.

Italian giants Juventus are also said to be very interested, however it seems that Liverpool have won the race after offering young midfielder Lucas Leiva as part of the deal.

Lucas has struggled to find space at Anfield, given the presence of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, although it is unclear whether the Brazilian will move on loan or in a permanent transfer.

LiverpooL Facing Second Takeover

Tom Hicks and George Gillett could be forced to sell their ownership of Liverpool by the end of February to Arab investors or the bank which financed their takeover.

The two Americans have encountered substantial difficulties in refinancing the £350m debt they incurred when buying the club last summer and are now reportedly unwilling to inject cash of their own in order to pacify the Royal Bank of Scotland, the bank from which it secured the loan.

According to The Observer, Gillett and Hicks are attempting to transfer the debt on to Liverpool itself but 'city sources believe this is an extremely difficult task to complete before the loan's due date at the end of February.'

'It is possible that the Americans will meet the deadline, but if not an Arab investment group, Dubai International Capital, is understood to be close to lodging an offer to buy out the American pair, probably for about £500m.n Takeover discussions are thought to be due before the end of this month,' the newspaper reports.

Gillett and Hicks have already ordered plans for a proposed new stadium to be downscaled and bickered with manager Rafa Benitez over the need to invest in new players.

With the size of their loan from RBS swelling to around the £350m mark, The Observer claims that 'attempts to restructure it have so far failed and the Americans have yet to inject new equity into the refinancing.

'While RBS have asked Hicks and Gillett to each commit £20m of their own cash to the deal, City sources believe that at least one of the pair is not prepared to do so.

'Should they fail in their efforts to repay the £350m acquisition debt on Liverpool when it comes due in just over six weeks, there would be the possibility of the next owner of the club becoming RBS.'

RBS are not thought to be keen on that scenario and the greater likelihood is that DIC will take over the club they were on the verge of acquiring last year before chief executive Rick Parry switched his allegiances and supported the American bid. Should, as speculated, the group buy Liverpool for around £500m then both Gillett and Hicks would profit from their venture by approximately £75m.

Jose Wants LiverpooL Job

Jose Mourinho has reportedly told Liverpool that he wants Rafa Benitez's job.

The Sunday Mirror claims that the 'former Chelsea boss has contacted Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett through a third party indicating that he would love to take over at Anfield next season.'

It is widely believed that Benitez will be sacked by the Americans at the end of the current campaign and Mourinho is currently precluded from managing another Premiership club this season under the terms of his compensation package with Chelsea.

The expected approach from either Real Madrid or Barcelona has failed to materialise and Mourinho is apparently warming to the idea of moving to the cold north-west.

However, his prickly relationship with Liverpool supporters remains a stumbling block, as does the growing uncertainty that Hicks and Gillett will still own Liverpool at the start of next season.

Middlesbrough 1 - 1 LiverpooL

Fernando Torres paid off another portion of his £26.5million transfer fee with a dazzling equaliser at Middlesbrough.

The 23-year-old Spaniard came to the rescue with a stunning 71st-minute strike from 25 yards as the Reds belatedly found top gear.

Until that point, Boro had looked the more likely victors after skipper George Boateng, who at one point appeared to be on his way out of the club following a bust-up with manager Gareth Southgate, had put the Teessiders ahead with his first goal of the season on 26 minutes.

Southgate's men might have doubled their advantage when Stewart Downing hit the post on 67 minutes, but as the Reds finally established a momentum with half-time substitute Ryan Babel particularly prominent, Torres lit up the game with a goal of pure quality.

From then on, the visitors looked capable of snatching all three points, although that would have been harsh on Boro, who were the better side for much of the game in front of their biggest crowd of the season, 33,035.

In the final analysis, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez had to be happy with a point as his side drew for a fourth consecutive game, but that did little to improve their chances of closing the gap on the Barclays Premier League pace-setters.

Boro have made something of a habit in recent years of producing their best against the Premier League's aristocrats while under-achieving when faced with the division's lesser lights.

They went into the game lying 15th in the table and having won only two of their previous nine league fixtures at the Riverside Stadium this season.

Among their victims were leaders Arsenal, and there was a similar relish to the way they set about their task against a side which started the season with their sights set on the title, but a little more than halfway through, are starting to look like also-rans.

Liverpool never really got going and apart from Steven Gerrard's well-struck 17th-minute shot and Yossi Benayoun's 37th-minute volley, both of which were well-saved by Mark Schwarzer, they rarely threatened.

That in part was due to the excellence of central defensive pairing Robert Huth and David Wheater, who made a series of timely interventions to keep Torres at bay.

Boro, who had 19-year-old full-back Jonathan Grounds making his first senior start and were again missing Jonathan Woodgate and Mido, produced the far more fluent football.

The invention of in-form Turkey international Tuncay international was a threat throughout and with Downing, a £12million target for Tottenham, providing good service from the left, they pushed consistently throughout the first half.

They made the breakthrough with 26 minutes gone when Gary O'Neil headed Downing's cross back across goal and Tuncay nodded it down for Boateng to slide the ball home.

Boateng, who had been warmly applauded when his name was announced, received the acclaim for his first goal of the season joyously as his rehabilitation was completed.

Benitez made his move at the break when he sent on winger Ryan Babel for full-back Alvaro Arbeloa, and there was instantly a different look about his team.

Striker Andriy Voronin simply could not believe referee Andre Marriner's decision not to away him a penalty within a minute of the restart after he appeared to be barged to the ground by Huth.

Voronin, however, only had himself to blame for not getting a shot away on 49 minutes after being picked out by the unselfish Torres.

But Boro were almost handed a second goal on a plate four minutes later when keeper Jose Reina inexplicably raced out to the left touchline without a hope of beating Jeremie Aliadiere to Downing's pass, and could only look on gratefully as the Frenchman's cross failed to locate a red shirt.

Babel had started confidently and almost made a major impact on 59 minutes when he cut in-field before unleashing a dipping, swerving shot which wrong-footed Schwarzer and flew inches past the far post.

But only the upright denied the Teessiders a second goal eight minutes later when Downing's shot thundered into the woodwork with Reina beaten, and O'Neil lifted the rebound over the bar.

However, Torres' big moment arrived with 71 minutes gone when he picked up the ball in midfield and despite stumbling initially, hammered a venomous shot past the despairing Schwarzer to level.

The Australian had to tip a late Gerrard effort over the crossbar and block a Sami Hyypia header with his legs as the visitors pressed for the win, but Southgate's men just about held firm.

Rafa: I've Spoken To Sissoko About Switching

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has spoken out about recent transfer speculation, not least that surrounding Momo Sissoko.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez denies that Momo Sissoko's transfer talk has soured relations between player and manager.

Rumour had it that the two were not on speaking terms after a difficult season and talk of a move, but Benitez insists that this is not the case.

"I was talking with Momo about leaving a few times, and with his agent,” he told LiverpoolFC.tv.

“We know we have two or three clubs asking about him and we will try to find the best solution for him and for us.

"It depends on if we find the right club and the right offer. We need to wait.

"In a top side the competition is always really hard. We've brought in Lucas [Leiva] and with [Steven] Gerrard playing in the middle this year, plus [Xabi] Alonso and [Javier] Mascherano, he is under pressure.

"But he wants to play every game. We will try to find a solution for him because he is a nice boy."

Benitez went on to add that Sissoko's probable departure did not mean that a new face was to arrive with the proceeds of any move.

"We are happy with the squad," he insisted.

"We needed another centre-back but in the other positions we have enough players.

"Mascherano? We will continue to keep working and we are confident he will stay with us."

EPL Preview: Middlesborough vs. LiverpooL

Liverpool travel to Middlesbrough seeking to prove their Premiership critics wrong.

These are not Liverpool Football Club’s finest hours.

As if the rumours of ongoing tensions between manager and owners and the worries over the club’s finances were not enough, the Reds are now stuttering on the pitch as well.

Two games into 2008 and Liverpool can boast nothing more a pair of 1-1 draws against Wigan Athletic and Luton Town.

As per usual, Rafael Benítez has copped most of the flak. But against Wigan at Anfield a week-and-a-half ago the Spaniard arguably picked (injuries permitting) his strongest side.

The foreign favourites (Torres, Alonso, Kewell, Mascherano) and the home-grown heroes (Gerrard, Carragher) were all there – they just didn’t perform.

Gerrard in particular was a major culprit in that match, repeatedly failing to stick to his appointed position higher up the pitch, thus allowing Wigan the room to stride forward. And it was the captain’s hashed clearance that permitted Titus Bramble to drill in the Latics’ equaliser.

Not that Liverpool performed any better minus their leader at Luton, mind. Two years ago, against the same team at the same ground in the same round of the FA Cup, a supposedly less talented Liverpool selection saw off a Luton Town side undoubtedly better than that seen on Sunday 5-3.

True, the Reds weathered an almighty scare that day to eventually emerge triumphant, but the fact remains that they took the game to their opponents in 2006 and punished them when it mattered. Sunday’s poor effort didn’t come close to replicating the feat. Lacking both creativity and conviction, Liverpool meekly surrendered a lead they had obtained against the run of play.

They may win the rematch, but unless things improve anyone rational would back against the Reds replicating their FA Cup trophy success of 2006. With a game in hand but a gigantic 12 point deficit on league leaders Arsenal, this season’s much-heralded genuine title challenge also appears somewhat of a fallacy. Liverpool have never enjoyed games at Middlesbrough, but now would be a fine time to rediscover the winning habit.

Middlesbrough are a strange team. Great results like an away win at Portsmouth (neither Liverpool nor Manchester United could win at Fratton Park) and that superb 2-1 victory over league leaders Arsenal have been interspersed with a sorry 3-0 thrashing at Birmingham and comprehensive 2-0 loss at home to Everton.

Depending on which Middlesbrough and which Liverpool turn up, the outcome of this game could vary immensely. Liverpool may be favourites, but Boro have stopped the Reds from scoring in all of their last five trips to the Riverside. “Liverpool are a class side and it is always a big occasion when they come and play you,” said Boro boss Gareth Southgate.

Nevertheless, he knows his team need to pick up results in front of their own fans soon having notched just one win in their last seven. "Our home form hasn't been as good as it could have been so we've got to make this place an intimidating place to come to again,” he stressed.

But things aren’t all bad for Boro, and they defied many pundits by not falling victim to an FA Cup upset at Bristol City last weekend. “We have had three wins in six games, which would have been a decent record if we'd had a few draws as well,” added Southgate.



FORM GUIDE

Boro

Match Result Date Championship
Bristol City - Middlesbrough 1 - 2 05/01/2008 FA CUP
Middlesbrough - Everton 0 - 2 01/01/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Portsmouth - Middlesbrough 0 - 1 29/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Birmingham - Middlesbrough 3 - 0 26/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Middlesbrough - West Ham 1 - 2 22/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Derby - Middlesbrough 0 - 1 15/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE




Liverpool

Match Result Date Championship
Luton - Liverpool 1 - 1 06/01/2008 FA CUP
Liverpool - Wigan Athletic 1 - 1 02/01/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester City - Liverpool 0 - 0 30/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Derby - Liverpool 1 - 2 26/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool - Portsmouth 4 - 1 22/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Chelsea - Liverpool 2 - 0 19/12/2007 CARLING CUP




TEAM NEWS

Boro

Lee Cattermole and Julio Arca are both suspended, leaving Gareth Southgate with a few decisions to make in midfield. George Boateng has settled his differences with the boss and should play, Gary O’Neil may also earn a recall, but Woodgate (hamstring) and Tuncay (knee) are unlikely to figure. Wheather, who got the winner against Bristol City last weekend, should start in central defence

Likely XI (4-4-2): Schwarzer – Young, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz – O’Neil, Rochemback, Boateng, Downing – Hutchinson, Lee

Liverpool

Liverpool have an unusual wealth of central defensive options for this game: Daniel Agger is finally ready to return from his foot injury while Martin Skrtel completed his move from Zenit St. Petersburg on Friday. Reina, Arbeloa, Gerrard and Torres were all rested against Luton last weekend and should all start. It’s more or less a full squad available to Benítez, the exception being the Juventus-bound Mohamed Sissoko.

Likely XI (4-4-2): Reina – Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa – Pennant, Gerrard, Mascherano, Kewell – Torres, Voronin



PLAYERS TO WATCH

Boro – Mark Schwarzer

The Aussie goalkeeper often sums up Middlesbrough as a whole, alternating between brilliance and blunders. Liverpool will undoubtedly create chances in this game, so Schwarzer will need to be on top form to maintain Boro’s run of Riverside clean sheets against the Reds.

Liverpool – Steven Gerrard

After finally regaining form and enjoying a rich scoring spell, Gerrard hasn’t been quite the same against Christmas. The skipper will have to show both tenacity and vision to break through Middlesbrough’s stubborn defensive line on Saturday. With a great performance Gerrard can often drag along the rest of his team in a game they desperately need to win.

Skrtel: Rafa's The Reason I Signed

Martin Skrtel admits the impression left on him by Rafa Benitez was key to him spurning offers from other Premier League clubs.

The Slovak trained with his new teammates for the first time on Friday morning before Liverpoolfc.tv was granted the first interview.

Skrtel - who was reportedly a target for Everton, Spurs and Valencia - told us his new boss made quite an impression during negotiations between the Reds and former club Zenit St Petersburg.

"The manager wanted me to come here which was important for me," said the 23-year-old. "I found him to be a nice man and Rafa was a big influence on me coming to Liverpool.

"I am looking forward to my first game at Anfield and playing in front of the Liverpool supporters. I can't wait. I have been to Anfield and it is beautiful. I can't wait to see it when it is full of fans."

The Russian Premier League is currently in the middle of a winter break, meaning Skrtel is not fit enough to play any part in this weekend's clash with Middlesbrough.

It may take the new boy 10 days to find match fitness, but with three established centre-backs already at the club, he knows he may have to be patient.

He said: "Obviously I was aware about the competition for places. Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger are players with immense quality.

"I will do my best to get into the team as soon as possible. For any team to have competition in all positions is good and I will work as hard as possible to challenge for a place. Rafa hasn't said too much to me about my place just yet."

Skrtel has already had a taste of playing with Premier League players having pitted his wits against Andy Johnson and Everton in the UEFA Cup earlier this season.

Never, though, has he played alongside players of the quality of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres – until this morning, that is.

He admits his first training session was a nerve-wracking experience.

"I had my first training session with the team today and the lads all welcomed me to the club. I was a bit nervous because they are huge stars but once training started I was okay."

As well as getting used to new surroundings here on Merseyside, Skrtel will embark on a crash course in English. Not that he'll need as many lessons as some who arrive at Melwood.

He explained: "The coach at Zenit, Dick Advocaat, spoke English to the players, so I already know many of the football phrases - that should help."

Skrtel admits he owes Advocaat a debt of gratitude, not only for the English lessons, but for allowing him to complete a dream move to the Premier League.

"The past few days have been full of anxiety and wait but I'm glad it's all sorted now and I am finally a Liverpool player," he said.

"I would like to say a big 'Thank you' to Zenit St Petersburg for allowing me to come to Liverpool. I was under contract at Zenit and they helped me with this move.

"When I played against Everton it showed me why I always wanted to play in the English league. I am very happy to be here."

The player also revealed the move to Liverpool means he will have to give up his other favourite pastime, hockey.

"As a child I played a lot of hockey. When I was at Zenit we had a winter break and the manager let me play hockey then. Now I'm here at Liverpool I won't be able to do that anymore more."

Benitez Insists He Is The Man To Lead Liverpool

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez pointedly talked about his and the club's long-term future at the end of a week which has seen his longevity at Anfield called into question.

All the speculation that Jurgen Klinsmann was being lined up to replace Benitez was swept away today by the news the former Germany coach will take over at Bayern Munich in the summer.

And the Reds boss chief was in relaxed mood as he spoke about his new signing - £6.5million defender Martin Skrtel - and the departure of Sam Allardyce from Newcastle.

The Spaniard consistently underlined his good working relationship with American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett by emphasising his and the club's long-term planning.

"The owners have allowed me to spend and people should realise that," said Benitez.

"Maybe because everyone seemed to be focusing on me they did not see that we have all been working together, the owners and me, to improve the squad for the future.

"It is important to realise that we were all trying to do the right things for our club and in this case it was to sign a young player for the future.

"There have been headlines (about Klinsmann) but my aim is to focus on my team and work with my squad to win games. I have been busy but now I think some people have been pointing in the wrong direction."

The 23-year-old Skrtel, signed from Zenit St Petersburg, is unlikely to be involved in tomorrow's match at Middlesbrough but could be given a debut on Tuesday at Anfield for the FA Cup third round replay against Luton.

Fellow centre-back Daniel Agger may have finally returned to the squad after four months out with a broken metatarsal but Benitez explained there was still a desperate need for defensive re-enforcement.

"We needed a new centre-back - a necessity - with the injuries we have had. The aim, though, was to bring in a young player to build for the future," said the manager.

"He is just 23 and we have a lot of young players here now who will be very good for our future as well as important to boost the squad.

"He has a good mentality and he is very strong but I will not put him under pressure, everyone needs time to settle.

"Agger needed six months and he is now a fantastic player, Martin will be used carefully and not rushed."

But after a week which began with claims - since forcibly denied by the Spaniard - Benitez privately expected to be sacked in the summer he was determined to emphasise the healthy relationship he maintains with the owners.

"After the meeting (in December) I had with the owners everything was much better," said the former Valencia coach, who had a public disagreement with the Americans in November over transfer plans.

"We have been talking almost every day and we have continued with the plan and that is to bring in young players who will be good for the future.

"The squad has young players who will improve each year and gain experience. It shows we have a good relationship with the owners.

"And after the meeting this week (in New York) between the owners and (chief executive) Rick Parry we have signed a new player almost straight away - that is very, very positive."

Benitez ruled out any further significant spending unless he gets a large fee for midfielder Mohamed Sissoko, who believes he is on the brink of a £10million move to Juventus.

"We have had some clubs asking about Sissoko and we will find the right solution," said the Spaniard.

"If we get the right club and right offer we will be able to progress.

"In a top side there is always tough competition. We have Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and then we bought in Lucas Leiva so Momo was under pressure.

"We are happy now with the squad. We have good competition in all the other positions and I feel we only needed a deal for a centre-back."

Benitez even found time to offer sympathy to Allardyce, an opposite number with whom he has had a number of run-ins when he was Bolton boss.

"I do not expect things to be done like that in England," said Benitez.

"People who take decisions must understand that if you want to improve something then it takes time.

"It is happening like this more often and people start saying it is normal with the pressure and the money involved but I believe it a big mistake.

"How long did it take Alex Ferguson to win the title, seven years. If the board had changed their manager then Manchester United would not be where they are now.

"That is a good example to explain why it is wrong to act so quickly."

Rafael BenÍtez Sees End To Threat From One Potential Successor

There is a deafening silence from the Liverpool owners on Rafael Benítez’s future, a situation that the manager admitted yesterday he can’t control, but at least he is rid of the spectre of Jürgen Klinsmann, who has agreed to take over as Bayern Munich coach in July.

Rumours had been rife throughout the football community about contact between Liverpool and the German — who is said to have links to George Gillett Jr, one of the club’s co-owners — and there were reports last night that Klinsmann was offered the manager’s job at Anfield before deciding to join Bayern, where he takes over from Ottmar Hitzfeld.

Benítez had been considered by Bayern for that position — as had José Mourinho, the former Chelsea manager — but his preference has always been to stay at Liverpool. However, his long-term future at Anfield looks bleak unless he can somehow repair a damaged relationship with the club’s board.

He must establish a better working relationship not only with the owners, but with Rick Parry, the chief executive, who is to liaise ever more closely with the manager in a revised structure that will result in Gillett and Tom Hicks appointing another senior executive to oversee other projects, most notably the club’s proposed new stadium in Stanley Park.

Despite invitations to do so, Hicks and Gillett have offered nothing approaching a vote of confidence in Benítez since he antagonised them in a damaging dispute over transfer policy. But Benítez, who completed a £6.5 million deal to sign Martin Skrtel, the Slovakia defender, from Zenit St Petersburg yesterday, believes that the only way to win their backing is to keep his head down and win matches, starting away to Middlesbrough this afternoon.

“If I can prepare the team properly for Middlesbrough and Luton [in an FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday] and we keep winning each week, it will be easier to find an answer to these questions,” he said.

We're Still In It, Insists Carragher

Though disappointed with their current points deficit in the league, Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher insists there is still hope for their title ambitions yet.

Liverpool fans were hoping that this season would provide their breakthrough in challenging for the league title.

The Merseyside giants have never won the Premiership since its inception well over a decade ago, and as the club with the best league record in England, the fans are eager to return to their former glories.

Vice-captain and fan favourite Jamie Carragher spoke to Sky Sports revealing his feelings on the Reds' predicament.

"Obviously it's disappointing to fall away a bit in the league but we're still only half way through," said Carragher.

"There's still a long way to go. Obviously we're outsiders now but we still want to make a challenge. The season's still well alive.

"It'll be difficult, I'm not kidding anyone. It's not just the points but that there is three other teams above us at the moment.

"There's no point throwing the towel in, just keep going and try and win the next game. By the time there are eight to ten games left we might have pulled half of that back.

"It might be down to five or six points and you might be back in it then."

"We met him at Melwood, hopefully he'll do well for the club," he concluded.

Rafa Benitez's side are poised to sign Martin Skrtel from Zenit, and Carragher welcomes the idea of the new recruit.

"It's probably something that's been needed this season, another central defender, and now he's come in," said Carragher.

"I think we missed out on (Gabriel) Heinze and obviously we've had to wait now until the January transfer window. But the club have got him in and hopefully he'll be a success."

Daniel Agger's Comeback Delayed

Defender Daniel Agger's hopes of making a dramatic return to Liverpool's side at the weekend were almost certainly dashed when the weather postponed his comeback in the reserves on Thursday night.

The Denmark centre-back was scheduled to play Blackburn at Morecambe's Christie Park ground but a waterlogged pitch prevented the match going ahead and manager Rafael Benitez is unlikely to pick the player into Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough with him having no action for four months because of a broken foot.

Benitez, after another taxing week when his position has again been in question, needs to get Liverpool back on track quickly and will now probably stick with veteran Sami Hyypia at the Riverside.

The Finn made his comeback from injury in Sunday's FA Cup third round draw at Luton, where he looked rusty and short of pace.

Now Benitez must decide whether to stick with Hyypia or revert to Alvaro Arbeloa.

Arbeloa and Brazilian fellow full-back Fabio Aurelio, along with captain Steven Gerrard, were both ruled out at Kenilworth Road due to injury.

All three have been battling for fitness this week but striker Fernando Torres, rested at Luton, is expected to return at the Riverside, along with Javier Mascherano and Jose Reina.

Agger, who must wait until January 22 for the next reserve fixture, will no doubt try to impress Benitez in training and prove that despite not playing since September he is worth the risk of being selected without playing in a warm-up match.

"I am almost there but of course I am going to need some playing time," said the Dane.

"Running around on the training ground is not the same as doing it on the pitch but I am almost back to full fitness now.

"I am very much looking forward to getting back. It is not fun being on the sidelines, especially at a club like this.

"There is massive competition for places and it is all about giving your absolute best every time you play.

"It goes without saying that it is hard to do that when you are out, and being out for four months over such a small bone in my foot has been very frustrating."

Liverpool Confirm Martin Skrtel Signing

Zenit St Petersburg's Slovakian international defender Martin Skrtel has signed for Liverpool on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 23-year-old centre-half, who has won 15 caps for his country, is believed to have cost the Merseyside club approximately £6.5 million.

Skrtel's new manager Rafael Benitez has high hopes for the Slovakian.

Benitez said: "I think he is a player maybe not many people know about but he played against Everton for Zenit St Petersberg, and he is a centre half that knows the English style.

"He is aggressive, quick, is good in the air and I think he's a very good player for the future and also for the present.

"He is very competitive, but his mentality for me is very good. Watching him in some games his mentality is similar to Jamie Carragher so I think it's very positive for the team.

"Our scouts first knew of him when he was playing for Slovakia and we have been monitoring him since the start of the season.

"We saw him play against Everton in the UEFA Cup match at Goodison and during the last few months we have been checking him closely.

"I don't think he will be ready for Middlesbrough because the Russian league season ended more than a month ago and the last competitive game Martin played was in the UEFA Cup in December.

"He has been training but I don't think that will be enough. He needs to get to know his team-mates and the league but I will look at him in training because he has a very good physical condition."

Liverpool's 10 Most Wanted

The Reds couldn't get him from Man United in the summer but Gabriel Heinze – now of Real Madrid – is the player fans would most like to see at Anfield. David Villa, Dimitar Berbatov and David Bentley are also high on the wish list.

A few weeks ago Liverpool fans were asked to name their "Most Wanted" transfer targets. The response was huge, to say the least with thousands taking part in the discussion.

And after the survey people got hold of the information the list was finally completed. So here, in reverse order, are the players chosen by the Liverpool fans:

10) Matt Taylor (Portsmouth)
9) Nicolas Anelka (Bolton Wanderers)
8) Kaka Kaladze (AC Milan)
7) Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn Rovers)
6) David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers)
5) Dimitar Berbatov (Spurs)
4) Micah Richards (Man City)
3) David Villa (Valencia)
2) Ricardo Quaresma (Porto)
1) Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid)


What do you think of the players selected? Anyone missing? Anyone on the list who you think shouldn't be?