Barnes Backs Pool Title Credentials

Former Liverpool player John Barnes feels his former side are showing championship-winning credentials so far this season.

Pool have not set the world alight with their standard of play so far this season, but results are going their way with recent victories picked up against Manchester United and Marseille.

Barnes admits that Pool’s form is not ideal, but stated the key to winning league titles is picking up results when you are not playing well, which the Anfield side are doing.

Speaking to Setanta Sports, Barnes said the current team had the mark of champions.

“It’s a great start for them, particularly from the results' perspective and we are in the results business,” he said.

“They haven’t played sparkling football but they did well against Manchester United and did well against Marseille so the pleasing thing is that they’re picking up points without really playing at the top of their form,” added Barnes.

“That’s the sign of champions. I’m not saying they’re going to be champions but they’ve got a chance.

“They have to pick up points against the so-called lesser teams which is where they’ve fallen down.”

Barnes also commented on the controversy raging at one of his other former clubs, Newcastle United. The ex-England winger backed Kevin Keegan’s decision to leave, adding that if the manager is not comfortable within a structure, it will never work.

“It is very similar to Curbishley, they’re the type of managers who have to have their final say as to who comes and who leaves the club,” Barnes said.

“There are clubs on the continent that operate that way but the important thing is for the manager to be happy with the structure,” he stated.

“If the manager isn’t happy, then it can’t work.”

Liverpool Can Challenge For Title, Says Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard believes that Liverpool can challenge for the league title this season.

The Merseyside-born midfielder, who is approaching his ten-year anniversary since making his debut for the club, says he is reluctant to raise expectation levels too high but expects the club to be near the top of the table at the end of the campaign.

Liverpool can achieve their best start to a Premier League season if they beat Stoke on Saturday.

"It's easy to get carried away at times, but it's too early to start making any sorts of statements,” Gerrard said.

"I've done it in the past, when I've said we have got a chance in this or that year, only to see us fall short.

"I think we are better equipped to go closer this season, but that's as far as I will go at the moment.

"I don't want to raise anyone's expectations too high in only the second month of the season.

"The plan is to still be in with a chance with five or 10 games to go. We have to be challenging."

Gerrard, who is one goal short of 100 for the club, is keen to add more medals to his collection and says the current Liverpool squad is "a lot stronger" than the one that reached two Champions League finals in recent seasons.

"I often reflect on what I have achieved in the game. I think about it every day and just hope that all those highlights, the trophies, the goals, the great wins and matches, are not the end of it,” Gerrard added.

"I want more of those experiences and memories. They are the best things that have happened to me in football. The joy you get from them is unbelievable.

"So over the next five years or so I want to get more cups under my belt and I am desperate to try to win this league.

"I feel the squad is a lot stronger than last season. There are certainly a lot more match-winners here."

Gerrard Calms Reds Expectations

Almost 10 years since his debut and one goal short of his century for Liverpool, Steven Gerrard is still searching for the holy grail of title glory.

The league championship is the only domestic medal that 28 year-old Gerrard does not possess.

And as he prepares to celebrate a decade in the Liverpool side since his debut in November 1998, Gerrard will surely by then have cracked the 100-goal mark for the club after moving to 99 with his Champions League double in Marseille.

Gerrard is aware that expectation in the red half of Liverpool has hardly been dampened by last weekend's victory over Premier League champions Manchester United and Tuesday's success in Provence.

And if Liverpool beat newly-promoted Stoke on Saturday it will be their best start to a Premier League season after five games, beating the 12 points they amassed back in 1993-94.

The 100th goal, when it comes, will see him equal Kevin Keegan's tally for the Anfield club.

Gerrard knows, however, that it is the league crown, not won since 1990 by Liverpool, which the fans, players and management crave.

But the boy from Huyton is not daft enough to start making wild predictions of success.

Speaking to LiverpoolFC magazine, he said: "It's easy to get carried away at times, but it's too early to start making any sorts of statements.

"I've done it in the past, when I've said we have got a chance in this or that year, only to see us fall short.

"I think we are better equipped to go closer this season, but that's as far as I will go at the moment.

"I don't want to raise anyone's expectations too high in only the second month of the season.

"The plan is to still be in with a chance with five or 10 games to go. We have to be challenging."

Liverpool, unbeaten this term, have lost only one league game since the defeat at West Ham in January. In all 36 matches so far in 2008, Liverpool have been beaten just four times.

It is the sort of form that gives Gerrard confidence that he can add to his own personal haul of medals over the coming years.

He said: I am hoping that the next three or four years will be very good for me. I hope people are right when they say you peak at 28 or 29.

"I often reflect on what I have achieved in the game. I think about it every day and just hope that all those highlights, the trophies, the goals, the great wins and matches, are not the end of it.

"I want more of those experiences and memories. They are the best things that have happened to me in football. The joy you get from them is unbelievable.

"So over the next five years or so I want to get more cups under my belt and I am desperate to try to win this league.

"I feel the squad is a lot stronger than last season. There are certainly a lot more match-winners here."

As for his approaching decade in the first team, Gerrard said: "I'm getting scared, the years are flying by.

"It has gone so quickly, and in November it will be 10 years since I broke into the first team.

"They say time flies when you are having fun, and it's true. Now I just want to make the most of the time I have got left playing football."

‘Fantastic’ Javier Mascherano Praised By Liverpool Legends John Barnes & Alan Hansen

Rafa Benitez wasted no time in acknowledging the importance of his Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano at the weekend after a superb performance against arch-rivals Manchester United. However, he was not alone in praise as the New Football Pools Pundits and Liverpool legends John Barnes and Alan Hansen joined in with the plaudits.

Rafa Benitez had this to say, “The workrate of Javier Mascherano in the midfield is amazing.”

He then revealed just what the unselfish perfromances of the former West Ham player can give his team, “He can give the other midfield players more freedom. If you go with more offensive players you know he will be in a good defensive position, and that is very important for the team.”

Benitez then compared the little Argentinean favorably to a former Reds player, “The only player who covered more ground than Mascherano was Momo Sissoko. The difference is Javier has more experience. Momo was amazing and Mascherano is as good as Momo in terms of the workrate but also has better positions.”

Former Reds left winger and newly appointed Jamaica Coach John Barnes carried on the plaudits by summing up the Argentine’s performance. He said, “A special mention must go to the performance of Javier Mascherano in midfield. I felt he typified the Liverpool spirit on the day.”

Summing up the 24-year-old’s strengths, Barnes added, “He is incredibly hard working, is constantly up and down the pitch and I’m sure a monster to play against. He is a fantastic player.”

Alan Hansen was just as complimnentary about the midfielder that failed to get into the West Ham side on a regular basis. The former Scotland international said, “He may have let his compatriot Carlos Tevez run off him for United’s goal but he showed once again he’s a terrific little player.

“He is exceptionally quick, covers every blade of grass on the football pitch, is competitive but also extremely good on the ball.”

Hansen also emphasized the high regard he holds the two time Olympic Gold medal winner in compared to the rest of the Premier League when he added, “Mascherano has proven himself to be one of the best holding midfielders in England”.

Agger Bides His Time

After missing close to a year of first-team action due to a metatarsal injury, Liverpool defender Daniel Agger insists he is ready to bide his time to break back into Rafa Benitez's starting XI.

Agger's appearances in a Liverpool shirt have been few and far between over the past year. Last September, the Dane damaged a metatarsal that was expected to keep him sidelined for around four months.

However, the 23-year-old suffered an injury set-back in January when he damaged a different bone on the same foot.

Since making his Liverpool return in July during a friendly against Tranmere Rovers, Agger has found it difficult to force his way back into Rafa Benitez's plans.

Despite a Champions League appearance against Standard Liege, Agger has largely played third and even fourth fiddle to Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel and Sami Hyypia.

Indeed, Agger failed to be named among Liverpool's seven substitutes in their last league game at home to Manchester United.

Rumours in the press last week even suggested that he had considered the possibility of buying out the remainder of his Anfield contract via the controversial Webster ruling.

However, the centre-back is not too down-at-heart and is ready to work hard to ensure a first-team comeback.

With Sami Hyypia not named in the panel for the group stage of the Champions League, Agger may be afforded the opportunities to impress in that competition.

After watching from the bench on Tuesday night as his team-mates overcame Marseille, Agger told TV2: "I sat on the bench today so that is an improvement. All I can do at the moment to get into the team is to work hard in training."

Martin Jol: I Wanted Dirk Kuyt For Hamburg

HAMBURG boss Martin Jol has admitted he tried to sign Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt before the transfer window closed.

And speculation in Germany suggests he may try again in January.

The former Tottenham coach was linked with failed bids for Kuyt and Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar this summer, and admitted: “I would gladly have signed Kuyt and Huntelaar. Who could refuse the opportunity?

“I have no problem that the club was unable to get them. The quality of my attackers is more than enough, although with Huntelaar we would have had a real goal-getter.”

Kuyt is a confirmed admirer of Jol, but insists he is very happy at Anfield and has no desire to move.

“Martin Jol is one of the best Dutch coaches, someone who I want to work with possibly in the future,” he said “But I am happy at Liverpool. My contract still has two more years to run.”

Kuyt has started every match for Liverpool this season and appears to be more valued at Anfield than he is by his national team.

“At Liverpool I now have a strong position. At Liverpool I almost always play,” he said. “So it is hard to swallow when I end up on the bench at the Dutch team.

“At Liverpool I’ve achieved a high level under Rafa Benitez. It is such a high level that I would love to show that level in international matches with the Dutch team.

“I’d rather work my socks off for my club. I am not the kind of guy who starts having a go at the national team boss or at other players. I never show my frustrations in that way.

“I do admit I have spoken out to Marco van Basten when he was national coach.

“But only behind closed doors. Never in public. He told me I was a fair player in that way.

“It’s very simple. I am too good to be on the bench. The World Cup in South Africa will be my last chance in that tournament. Playing for Liverpool will help me get there.”

Smith Tips Keane To Be An Anfield Success

While midfielder Steven Gerrard anticipates his next goal for Liverpool - which will be his 100th for the club, striker Robbie Keane is still waiting to open his account for the Reds. But former Arsenal and England centre-forward Alan Smith is sure Keane will become a huge hit at Anfield.

Robbie Keane joined Liverpool - the club he supported as a boy - for £20million in the summer from Tottenham, but his Anfield career has yet to ignite properly.

Keane gives the impression of trying just a little too hard at the moment, which is understandable from a player whose game is based on enthusiasm and endeavour.

But Alan Smith, a highly-respected striker in a prolific career with Leicester City, Arsenal and England, reckons that if Keane can just relax a bit more he will make a big impression at his new club.

Writing for the Daily Telegraph, Smith knows from experience that every striker just needs a goal to kick-start any fallow period in his fortunes.

“Only then will he begin to loosen up and start showing his new public what he can really do. At the moment, there's a bit of tension to his game, especially when the goal comes within range,” said Smith.

“You could see it at the weekend in the way he snatched at one chance before reacting too slowly when Javier Mascherano’s pulled shot headed his way - nothing too serious, merely evidence of a player tightening up slightly.”

Smith continued: “As always with strikers starting out at new clubs, Keane just needs a break of the ball, a bit of luck in the penalty box, then the Republic of Ireland captain can start doing himself justice, whilst developing a better understanding with Fernando Torres.

“As yet, we haven't seen the pair click. A combination billed as potentially lethal has lain largely dormant over the first few weeks of the season.

“We can put that down to a few things. For a start, the early season internationals certainly haven't helped. With the best players disappearing to all four corners of the globe, the top club managers struggle for continuity.

“The Irishman and the Spaniard should dovetail beautifully to form the kind of potent attacking partnership Anfield hasn't seen in years.”

Keane has been working prodigiously, chasing lost causes and closing down opponents, excellent qualities in a team player that will endear him to the Liverpool fans - and impress manager Rafael Benitez.

Smith is sure Keane is a perfect fit for Liverpool, adding: “Just like the classy [Dimitar] Berbatov looks a perfect match for Manchester United, so the intelligent Keane seems made for the red half of Merseyside.

“In fact, I'd go as far to say that the famous No 7 shirt worn by Keegan and Dalglish rests in pretty safe hands. He's going to succeed - it's just a matter of time - and that moment, I'd guess, isn't too far away.”

Sunderland Reserves 2 - 1 Liverpool Reserves

GARY ABLETT'S title winning Liverpool reserves side suffered their first defeat in almost a year last night.

The Reds second string went down 2-1 at Sunderland in the FA Premier Reserve League North.

Sunderland were the last side to beat Liverpool when they inflicted the only defeat suffered by Gary Ablett’s side in the whole of last season.

And Liverpool could have no complaints about last night’s result, as they were second best throughout and but for an excellent display from keeper Dean Bouzanis could have lost by more.

The young Aussie keeper made two great saves inside the opening 10 minutes, and produced several more throughout the game. In attack Liverpool offered little, despite the hard work of David Ngog, who put himself about with very little support.

A Dani Pacheco free-kick that was clawed away from the top corner by Sunderland keeper Colgan was the closest Liverpool came to a goal in the opening half.

Nabil El Zhar and Ngog both volleyed wide in the second half, before Sunderland went in front through Michael Chopra. Liverpool hit back quickly through El Zhar, but Sunderland substitute Luscombe headed the winner from a Chopra cross five minutes from time.

"It’s difficult for me to say, but we have to be as honest as we can and be as honest with the players in the dressing room and so we must say the best team won on the night," said Ablett.

Pepe Reina Is Liverpool FC Saviour

IF Liverpool’s Champions League opponents are to be taken at face value, then the fates are suggesting a sixth European crown is on its way to Anfield.

After Standard Liege coach László Bölöni had berated his side’s supposed ill luck in their qualifying tie last month, on Tuesday night it was the turn of Marseille striker Mamadou Niang.

“Liverpool did not deserve to take three points,” said Niang after Rafael Benitez’s side left France with a 2-1 win. “If you look at the game it should have been a draw.

“It is true that Liverpool began with good rhythm and played well but they had many pieces of luck. We dominated the second half but their goalkeeper’s performance stopped us scoring again.”

Sour grapes? Perhaps. But while luck has admittedly played its part, there’s been nothing lucky in the main reason for the Reds’ unbeaten start to their European campaign.

Step forward Pepe Reina. The goalkeeper is often under-appreciated by those outside Merseyside who are happy to dismiss the Spaniard as little more than a penalty-save expert.

His team-mates, though, are more aware of the keeper’s value, which was on display with a string of fine stops as Marseille sought a second-half equaliser on Tuesday.

Steven Gerrard may have scored twice at the Stade Velodrome, but was quick to direct plaudits elsewhere.

“I’m sure people will mention the goals on my behalf, but for me the real heroes were the back four and especially Pepe,” says the skipper. “He made an absolutely superb save right at the end from Niang.

“We all have him down as the best keeper in the Premier League and one of the best in Europe, certainly. He’s immense. It’s at moments like that when you really need him.

“There are certain games when it’s been very quiet for the goalkeeper, but then you need him to come out and make a match-winning world class save.

“But that’s what he is capable of. His all-round game is superb and hopefully we can keep him for a long, long time because he is a big player for us.

“To progress in this competition you need to be strong defensively and you need your goalkeeper to be there – and we know we can certainly rely on ours. He is superb for us.”

For his part, Reina was quick to share the praise with his skipper while accepting Marseille’s speedy attackers had caused Liverpool consternation in defence.

“It was down to Stevie as well because he managed the pressure to take the penalty twice,” he says. “But, yes, Marseille had to go forward and it was difficult in the last 15 minutes. We were under a lot of pressure.

“It’s never easy against skilled players like they have between the lines and ability. It’s not always easy. To manage this kind of situation is very difficult and we’ve done very well, at least until the last 15 minutes.”

Liverpool had already come from behind to defeat Middlesbrough and Manchester United this season before repeating the trick on Tuesday for a winning start in Group D.

And Reina reckons it’s an example of the spirit that has been forged in players that refuse to be beaten.

“We talk about how we have been reacting to going behind,” says the goalkeeper. “There’s a lot of spirit and that's important.

“It’s really important to have that winning mentality and keep winning difficult games. It’s positive when you are thinking only about winning. We can’t think of anything but winning.

“It really helps to win a game like we did against United. It gives you belief and you don’t just lose that. You keep it with you.

“You keep every win with you and you build on it. You go out there knowing that you can do things. The atmosphere in the dressing room is special. We are in business of having to win.”

Gerrard’s goals and Reina’s saves ensured Liverpool didn’t have to wait until their fourth group game to register their first win, as happened last season.

PSV Eindhoven, thrashed 3-0 at home by Atletico Madrid in Group D’s other game on Tuesday, visit Anfield on Wednesday week where a win would put Benitez’s side in a strong position to progress to the knockout stages for a fifth successive season.

“We didn’t have the best start last season in the group, obviously we were under pressure after three results and we were really feeling that,” says Reina. “As soon as we get qualified we’ll get better. It makes us feel more relaxed when we’re winning and confident. That’s how we’re feeling at the moment.”

Liverpool would have been spared their late fright in France had Ryan Babel converted one of two late chances.

Babel says: “If we had a little bit more luck we could have scored more goals. I obviously had a couple of chances but unfortunately I didn’t hit the back of the net.

“I think Pepe saved us at the end. We were very lucky that they didn’t score the equaliser. We can be satisfied. I think you can see that goalkeepers are very important.”

Rafa Benitez: Liverpool FC Must Beat PSV

MANAGER Rafael Benitez now knows victory in their next group D match, at home to PSV Eindhoven on October 1, will send Liverpool to Atletico Madrid three weeks later with their destiny in their own hands.

The Reds got off to a winning start in Marseille on Tuesday, with Steven Gerrard scoring both their goals in a 2-1 win.

Madrid did even better, winning 3-0 at PSV to sit top of Group D.

Benitez said: “If we can win at home against PSV it will be good for our confidence. If we win that, maybe the next match away to Madrid will be the key to the group for us.”

But Reds winger Ryan Babel has warned Dutch outfit PSV will be no pushovers.

He said: “In Europe it is Eindhoven next at home for us, and being Dutch I know a good deal about them and they could be a lot more difficult than people expect.

“But if we can win that we will be really on the way to qualifying for the next stage.

“We remember how badly we started the Champions League last season. We knew that could not be allowed to happen again.

“So to win in Marseille against a difficult side, and that following our win over Manchester United, has given us all plenty of confidence.

“We have not lost this season and our confidence is improving with every game.

“But we are aware we have only just started. There is much to do, much to improve.”

Match Report: Marseille 1 - 2 LiverpooL

Steven Gerrard played a captain's role by taking his Liverpool goals tally to 99 as the Merseysiders opened their Champions League group campaign with a crucial win.

The Stade Velodrome had been the venue for Liverpool's European salvation last season, and Gerrard made sure it was a welcome return to the south of France.

Marseille had taken the lead early on through their skipper Lorik Cana, but Gerrard - already Liverpool's record scorer in Europe - grabbed a fine equaliser with an outstanding 25-yard curler.

Then six minutes later he cracked home a twice-taken penalty to give Liverpool something to hang on to.

And they needed to fight hard as the French side battled bravely in the second period, but Liverpool clinched their victory with a defiant rearguard action.

The Reds included both Gerrard and Fernando Torres in their starting line-up for the opening group D clash.

Both key players have been recovering from injury and their inclusion was a major boost for the Anfield club.

Andreas Dossena came into the side in place of calf-injury victim Fabio Arbeloa, while Lucas took over in midfield from Xabi Alonso.

Marseille, who won 1-0 in the Champions League last term at Anfield before losing the return 4-0, included Hatem Ben Arfa, their £10m signing from Lyon, who had recovered from an ankle problem.

Skipper Cana also returned, having been rested at the weekend in the draw at Bordeaux.

Liverpool had opted for caution with Robbie Keane and Albert Riera both on the bench. Gerrard was being used in the attacking midfield role that worked to such good effect last season, and several times early on Liverpool could have scored.

After just seven minutes, Steve Mandanda tipped over a Lucas header and soon afterwards Dirk Kuyt's pass set-up Ryan Babel.

The Dutchman created the space with his first touch but blasted a good opening high over. Then Gerrard forced Mandanda into a diving save before Torres saw a header clear the far angle.

Marseille had chances of their own. Mamadou Niang was clear on the left but wasted the opportunity, shooting high over. Martin Skrtel was booked for a late tackle on Niang after 20 minutes as the game became surprisingly open.

But after 23 minutes the French side were ahead when they caught Liverpool square and punished them with a fine goal.

Rarely are Liverpool exposed straight through the middle, but when Benoit Cheyrou's first-time ball sent Cana clear, his quality side-footed finish sent the Velodrome fans wild.

Liverpool's response was emphatic.

Two minutes later Torres won possession on the halfway line and presented Kuyt with a pass on the right that was instantly played into Gerrard's path.

The Liverpool skipper struck a first-time, curling effort from 25-yards that soared over Mandanda into the far corner for the equaliser.

And after 31 minutes Liverpool were ahead. Babel's sharp turn in the box ended with Ronald Zubar's trip and a penalty. Zubar was booked before Gerrard struck the ball past Mandanda off the post.

But Austrian referee Konrad Plautz ordered a re-take because Kuyt had encroached into the box. Gerrard kept his nerve and clinically netted a second time to put Liverpool ahead.

The double strike extended Gerrard's European goals record for the club. Last season, in the Anfield side's 4-0 win in Marseille, Gerrard's goal that night broke Michael Owen's benchmark of 23.

He extended that tally later in the competition to 25, and two more here in the opening half for the captain stretched his tally to 27, and 99 for the club in all competitions.

Marseille were stunned and soon sent on Mathieu Valbuena for the injured Modeste M'Bami after 41 minutes.

Ben Arfa lasted until the 56th minute before his ankle problem forced him off, Karim Ziani taking over.

The game was still very open. Babel almost forced the ball around Mandanda at one end, while Liverpool were making too many defensive errors at the other for Benitez to rest easy.

Marseille could easily have been level when Vitorino Hilton met a corner with a fierce downward header that Jose Reina managed to hold on to.

Liverpool sent on Riera after 64 minutes for Torres, who had looked short of pace after his spell out, before Ziani struck a 12-yarder over the bar as Marseille searched for parity.

The Reds then withdrew Gerrard after 68 minutes, sending on Yossi Benayoun with Babel now the lone striker.

Liverpool had got the most possible out of their recently-injured stars, and it was now left to their colleagues to withstand a mounting Marseille onslaught.

Ziani fired over again before Mamadou Samassa replaced Bakari Kone.

Babel saw a golden chance to finish the contest go to waste after 74 minutes when Riera and Benayoun set him up close in, only for Mandanda to save the point-blank effort.

The youngster then struck the post after 78 minutes as he surged through on the left. But still Marseille came forward searching for the equaliser as Liverpool sought to punish them on the break.

With five minutes left, Kuyt was replaced by Keane, fresh legs to the cause as Liverpool continued to hang on.

Niang saw a diving header go wide from a right-wing cross, Marseille still fighting for an equaliser.

Reina saved superbly in injury-time from Niang and Liverpool had their victory.

Gerrard Hopes For 100th Goal

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard hopes his 100th goal for the club will prove to be 'a special one'.

Gerrard took his tally for the Reds to 99 on Tuesday with a decisive brace in the UEFA Champions League group win over Marseille.

The midfielder's first goal for the club arrived in December 1999 against Sheffield Wednesday and he is now on the brink of a personal landmark.

However, Gerrard insists the priority is for Liverpool to keep winning and he accepts there will have to be an improvement upon the Marseille performance.

"I hope it's a special one," Gerrard told Sky Sports about the prospect of his 100th Liverpool goal.

"Hopefully it will come sooner rather than later.

"I'm not thinking about that, I'm just thinking about winning football matches for the team.

"Tonight was a good win, but we'll certainly have to up the performance."

Rafa Sees Room For Improvement

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes his side must find another gear despite coming from behind to secure a vital victory against Olympique Marseille last night.

The Reds triumphed 2-1 in their Champions League opener at the Stade Velodrome thanks to a captain's brace from fit-again Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool conceded the first goal of the game to l'OM skipper Lorik Cana midway through the first half, but Gerrard rallied with a 20-yard stunner and a penalty to put his side ahead eight minutes later.

However, the Merseyside club were under the pump throughout the second period and could well have left the south of France with nothing were it not for the heroics of under-siege 'keeper Pepe Reina.

And while Benitez was pleased with the result, he insisted the performance was not quite up to scratch - especially when compared to their domination of Manchester United on Saturday.

“The key was to get a third goal and finish the game. When we couldn’t do that we were a bit lucky in the end,” the Spaniard told the press.

“Coming from behind tells me we need to improve in defence but also that the mentality is very good.

“We are ready for winning and recovering from bad situations.

“The first game in your group is really important to win. It puts us in a good position. PSV and Atletico Madrid will find it difficult here.”

Mascherano Hails The Gerrard Effect

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has praised his Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in the wake of the club's 2-1 victory over Marseille last night.

Gerrard struck a first-half brace to give the Merseysiders a satisfactory start to Group D. The 28-year-old netted a penalty on the half hour after levelling Lorik Cana's opener with a majestic curling effort that beat Steve Mandanda all ends up.

His midfield colleague Javier Mascherano has hailed his captain's impact and revealed the pleasure of playing with Gerrard on the field.

He told UEFA.com: "What a player. With a world-class player like Stevie, it's always a joy and you just try to give him responsibility on the pitch."

Mascherano put in a tireless display in Liverpool's win over Manchester United on Saturday, leading to some observers concluding that it was his best performance in a Liverpool shirt. The Reds started the 2-1 Anfield win without their skipper, who was recovering from double-groin surgery. He was fit enough to play only 22 minutes of the encounter.

However, Gerrard was sufficiently able to take his place in last night's starting line-up and responded with a match-winning display.

His Argentinean team-mate was eager to emphasise the importance of Gerrard to the side, and hailed his effect on the team.

He continued: "He's very good for us and we can play with confidence when he's there. Marseille had four or five players in attack who played very well. They were good between the lines, very quick and it was difficult to contain them, but Stevie made the difference for us."

Pepe Positive After Liverpool Win

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is in a positive state of mind after his side came from behind to claim three points in Marseille last night.

Liverpool were trailing to Lorik Cana's opener before Steven Gerrard rescued the tie with a brace at the other end. The Reds captain netted a twice taken penalty kick to put alongside his fantastic leveller from 25 yards.

However, it is with the penalty kick that his goalkeeper Pepe Reina is most impressed. After being told to re-spot his penalty, Gerrard successfully dispatched the kick beyond Steve Mandanda a second time.

Reina told the club's official website: "The nerve of Steven Gerrard is unbelievable. He showed he can handle the pressure in this situation. It was incredible. That's why he's Stevie."

After the game, the squad member of Spain's Euro 2008 triumph was singled out for praise following a string of fine stops.

Liverpool have made a great start to the competition this season as they feature in what is probably the most difficult group to negotiate.

Reina lavished the praise on last night's opposition, but revealed his happiness at having secured the first three points of the campaign.

He continued: "We knew it would be tough because Marseille are a better side than they were last season. They were difficult to handle between the lines because they have skilful players with pace. They created problems for us but you expect that in Europe.

"It's a great start for us and it gives us the confidence to look forward. We are very happy.

"The positive thing is we have a winning mentality and players who can come in and do a job at the same level as those they are replacing. There is still a lot of room for improvement though and we have to keep working hard day after day."

Liverpool FC Legend John Barnes Is New Jamaica Coach

LIVERPOOL legend John Barnes will take over as Jamaican national team coach on November 1 - with the task of guiding the tiny nation to the World Cup finals.

Barnes, whose only experience of coaching was a stint at Celtic from June 1999 to February 2000, has signed a one-year contract.

Born in Jamaica he was the unanimous choice of the Jamaican Football Federation.

Jamaican chief Horace Burrell said: “John has a lot of experience playing at the highest level.

“He’s in fact an icon to many black players. He has had a short stint in coaching, but we believe that this individual has enough in him, and with a good support staff, we can see Jamaica through to this round of the qualifiers and beyond.

“In international football you need an individual with international stature. Having a coach of international repute opens a number of opportunities for our national team.

“Many countries will invite you to play friendlies only because of the image and reputation of your coach.

“When an icon like John Barnes becomes the coach of Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz team, immediately the international spotlight shines on Jamaica in every single aspect of the sport.

Former Tranmere star Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore will lead the Reggae Boyz in their next two CONCACAF Group B semi-final World Cup qualifying games against Mexico and Honduras in Kingston next month. Barnes’ first match in charge will be against Canada on November 19.

Brazilian technical director, Rene Simoes, was sacked last Thursday. The Boyz crashed to Honduras 2-0 in San Pedro Sula the night before – a result that flung the qualifying campaign to the 2010 South Africa World Cup in a spin after “top players” were consistently left out of the team, with Hull striker Marlon King in particular consistently overlooked.

Burrell added: “The JFF feels very confident that with the new adjustments, we will make it to South Africa 2010.

“We have to go for the experienced players. Mexico, Honduras and Canada all have professional players.”

Tommy Smith: Liverpool Made Us Feel So Proud

NO COLUMNIST enjoys giving stick to players - but sometimes you have to do it.

So it is only fair that after a performance like Saturday's, every Liverpool player involved gets a huge pat on the back from me.

That is what they all thoroughly deserve after a magnificent performance against Manchester United, one which lifted the heart of every Reds fan, including me.

Let's be honest, when we saw the team sheet was missing Torres and Gerrard, it looked like we really were up against it.

But the players rose to the challenge and produced terrific performances all over the Anfield pitch.

Liverpool have perhaps been guilty of a lack of belief at times against United and the fact we hadn't beaten them for so long in the league was clearly a factor in that.

But faint hearts never win anything – and it was great to see the confidence and togetherness of the lads.

Rafa Benitez rightly highlighted the character they showed after going down to that early Tevez goal. I was delighted to see the team not shrinking but growing and fighting their way back with such obvious determination and self belief.

We closed United down at every opportunity. Mascherano led the way and was wonderful; Dirk Kuyt as usual never stopped while Xabi Alonso gave his best performance for a long time and had a huge influence on the outcome. And while Robbie Keane may not have performed miracles in possession, he tore around tormenting United's defenders..

Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel were rocks at the back and Arbeloa also showed just how solid and committed he can be.

The fans too played their part. These lunchtime kick offs usually affect the mood inside the ground but on Saturday in the sunshine it felt more like a European night.

A word too for Rafa Benitez. Once again he got it right with his tactics and the use of his substitutes. He put Ryan Babel on at just the right time and gave him the right orders. The manager must take credit for the fact that Babel popped up as the match winner.

The challenge now must be to take this long overdue win over United and bottle it.

If we show this sort of spirit and determination against all our opponents in the league then I’m sure we will make the progress we are all desperate to see this year.

The message to the players is simple.

Well done lads – in future pretend you are playing United every time you take to the pitch!

With an attitude like Saturday's we won't go far wrong.

Hamburg To Make £14million January Raid For Liverpool Striker Kuyt?

SV Hamburg coach Martin Jol is reportedly considering another move for Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt in the January transfer window after making an approach this summer for the Dutch International, which came to nothing due to the asking price from the Reds, according to reports.

28-year-old Kuyt has two years left on his current contract at Anfield after making the switch to the Premier League from Ererdivisie team Feyenoord in 2006 on a four-year deal to the Merseyside club.

Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Jol is a big admirer of his fellow Dutchman, with Jol attempting to bring the forward to Spurs, while he was in charge at White hart Lane, but eventually missed out to Rafa Benitez’s side.

However, it is now understood that Jol is preparing a £14million bid for Kuyt in the January window, which could prove enough to let Benitez let Kuyt leave Anfield for the Nordbank Arena.

Kuyt has been quoted recently as saying that Jol was someone he would want to work with in the future.

“Martin Jol is one of the best Dutch coaches, someone who I want to work with possibly in the future,” Kuyt told Sportsweek recently.

“I am happy at Liverpool. My contract still has two more years to run.”

Ablett Throws Down CupGauntlet

Gary Ablett has thrown down a League Cup gauntlet to his young starlets ahead of their clash with Sunderland tonight.

With the Carling Cup third round tie against Crewe Alexandra beckoning at Anfield next Tuesday night, Ablett is hoping the likes of Stephen Darby and Jay Spearing can impress manager Rafael Benitez and give him a selection poser.

The likes of Darby, Spearing, Damien Plessis and Emiliano Insua are expected to be involved against the Black Cats but Krisztian Nemeth is ruled out after picking up a knock on international duty with Hungary.

"I would hope some of the lads might get a chance against Crewe but we know the size of Rafa's first-team squad," Ablett told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"There's about 26 players in his squad now and it's going to be ever so difficult to get an opportunity. There's a lot of players who haven't played on a regular basis so far and they are going to want to play some football.

"Only Rafa knows what his plans are for Crewe and we will just have to wait and see how results go in the meantime.

"It's interesting when you speak to the likes of Carra and Stevie G about how the young lads did during pre-season and they have nothing but praise for them.

"Darby is the captain and one of those lads that would run through a brick wall for this club. He has got a fantastic attitude in training and during the matches. You ask him to do a job for the team and he will never complain. He will just get on with it and do it to the best of his ability which, nine times out of 10, will be a fantastic performance.

"Unfortunately, Nemeth picked up an injury while on international duty with Hungary Under-21s, but he's back in training and hopefully will be ready for a game in a week to 10 days."

Tonight's visit is the second north east trip of the season for Ablett's men after their opening 1-0 win at Middlesbrough. The jaunt to Hetton-Le-Hole is always a poignant visit for any Liverpool side with it being the birthplace of the great Bob Paisley.

The season before Ablett made his senior debut for Liverpool, Paisley was advisor to manager Kenny Dalglish, and as a young boy coming through the ranks he was well aware of just how special the great man was.

"I remember just being totally in awe of the man when you walked past him down the corridor," he added. "You look around Anfield and Melwood now and you see the foundations that Bob and Bill Shankly made. We've got them to be ever so thankful for.

"This club has got fantastic links up in Hetton-Le-Hole with Bob. It's a great chance for some of our young players to know about the history and the personality that Bob was, and what an influence he had on Liverpool."

Sunderland were the last team to beat Liverpool in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North when they won 1-0 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in October 2007. However, Ablett's side got their revenge with a 1-0 win in the return game in Hetton-Le-Hole.

"We were unlucky not to take something out of that game we lost to Sunderland, and I remember Emiliano Insua hitting the bar and their 'keeper making a great save from Jay Spearing," said Ablett.

"When we beat them in the return fixture that was a very difficult game. Sunderland normally play a few seniors against us but it's one we are looking forward to, because we know on our day we can beat anyone.

"It was a bit of magic and strength from Nemeth that won us the game last season. He held their new centre half off and finished with a lob over the goalkeeper. It was a fantastic goal.

"We know teams want to beat us so we need to be prepared and go and play at the best of our ability every time we play. It was a good start for us beating Middlesbrough we want to show everyone what we are capable of again this season."

Spanish teenager Dani Pacheco caught the eye against 'Boro with a man of the match display, and Ablett has promised there is a lot more to come from the 17-year-old this season.

"Dani has had a great start to his career with us," said Ablett. "With him being so young last year we felt it would be more beneficial to let him settle in and keep bring him on as a substitute.

"Rafa gave him a chance with the first team during pre-season and he did particularly well. Our job is to keep him motivated at our level and we saw signs against Middlesbrough that he is quite prepared to do that. He passed the ball as well as I've ever seen him and he made the goal for Jordy.

"The disappointing thing from my point of view is when he went clean through on goal and hit the post. That's something we've got to get into Dani's game, get him scoring more goals but that will happen. He's still young and will keep improving."

Robbie Keane Needs A Goal To Settle Into His Role At Liverpool

Encouraged no end by Saturday's exceptional display that had Manchester United choking in their slipstream, Liverpool must feel in pretty fine fettle going into their Champions League opener with Marseille.

Rafael Benitez knows, after all, that there's so much more to come from this group of players, particularly the one bought at considerable expense from Tottenham in the summer.

In many ways, Robbie Keane has yet to get going at his new club. At the moment, it's as if he's trying too hard to succeed at the club he supported as a boy.

Easier said than done, but he just needs to relax a bit more and become the player that persuaded Benitez to shell out £20 million.

Mind you, like all front men, that will probably only happen when he finds the back of the net and, in Keane's case, heads for the corner flag to complete that trademark celebration, the one that ends with him firing pretend shots at the crowd.

Only then will he begin to loosen up and start showing his new public what he can really do. At the moment, there's a bit of tension to his game, especially when the goal comes within range.

You could see it at the weekend in the way he snatched at one chance before reacting too slowly when Javier Mascherano's pulled shot headed his way – nothing too serious, merely evidence of a player tightening up slightly.

As always with strikers starting out at new clubs, Keane just needs a break of the ball, a bit of luck in the penalty box, then the Republic of Ireland captain can start doing himself justice, whilst developing a better understanding with Fernando Torres.

As yet, we haven't seen the pair click. A combination billed as potentially lethal has lain largely dormant over the first few weeks of the season.

We can put that down to a few things. For a start, the early season internationals certainly haven't helped. With the best players disappearing to all four corners of the globe, the top club managers struggle for continuity.

Having said that, Benitez didn't exactly further the cause of this promising axis when plonking Keane on the left wing recently in a defensive approach at Aston Villa.

Liverpool supporters, let alone the player concerned, won't want to see too much of that as they look forward to the partnership taking off. Who can blame them either when, in theory, the Irishman and the Spaniard should dovetail beautifully to form the kind of potent attacking partnership Anfield hasn't seen in years?

Yet in Torres' absence on Saturday (the Spaniard's recovering hamstring kept him on the bench), Keane worked incredibly hard, compensating gamely for a slight shortfall in confidence by chasing down opponents like a man possessed.

That's important for anyone employed by the demanding Benitez, but particularly for someone trying to foster a relationship with a new set of fans. Mind you, I can't see too many problems in this case.

Keane is the type Liverpool's knowledgeable crowd should grow to love – a very skilful competitor blessed with a natural work ethic who also knows when to pass, and do it, crucially, with a great deal of craft and vision.

Six games in, those qualities might still be waiting to flourish. So might Keane's sharpness in front of goal. Yet if I had to nominate someone just now who seems ideally suited for a particular football club, the 28- year-old would rival Dimitar Berbatov, his old Spurs team-mate, as No 1 choice.

Just like the classy Berbatov looks a perfect match for Manchester United, so the intelligent Keane seems made for the red half of Merseyside.

In fact, I'd go as far to say that the famous No 7 shirt worn by Keegan and Dalglish rests in pretty safe hands.

He's going to succeed – it's just a matter of time – and that moment, I'd guess, isn't too far away. In fact, the Stade Velodrome might be just the place.