Liverpool FC Stadium Will Still Go Ahead

LIVERPOOL have dismissed reports suggesting they are considering ditching plans to build a new stadium.

Speculation claimed the club had hired architects to consider redeveloping Anfield instead of going ahead with proposals to construct a new ground on nearby Stanley Park.

But a club spokesman said: “No-one has been asked to look at increasing the capacity of Anfield with a view to us staying at the present ground.

“Global market conditions may have delayed the project, but the club remains committed to building a new world class LFC stadium on the site in Stanley Park.”

The club’s American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett recently announced the Stanley Park plans have been delayed for another year because of the credit crunch.

But the Reds remain adamant the Stanley Park option is the only one being pursued.

Meanwhile, Fernando Torres has revealed how boss Rafa Benitez never allows him to rest on his laurels – even after the striker’s record-breaking first season in a Liverpool shirt.

Torres scored 33 goals during his debut season in English football and has another five to his name already this term.

But he admits that Benitez is always demanding that he reaches even greater heights.

“I am my own sternest critic, but my manager is just as demanding as I am,” said Torres.

“Rafa keeps reminding me I still have a long way to go.

“I’ll score a goal, but he won't tell me he is happy afterwards – I have him on my back for six hours every day.”

UEFA Sorry For Reds Disruption

UEFA admit Liverpool fans face major disruption after next week's Champions League tie away to Atletico Madrid was switched to a neutral venue.

Atletico have been fined 150,000 euros (£120,000) for racist abuse of Marseille players and handed a three-match stadium ban after crowd trouble and lack of organisation at the same match.

Liverpool have expressed strong concerns over the timing of the decision but UEFA defended the move saying there was "no alternative" and have pledged to minimise problems for the 3,000 fans who have already booked a trip.

The match cannot take place within 300 kilometres of Madrid under UEFA's ruling, but there are further problems in that Atletico are set to appeal against the punishment, and a final decision will not be known until the weekend.

UEFA communications director William Gaillard said: "We are in touch with Liverpool because we are concerned about the fans.

"We know they face hardship and disruption and we sympathise with that, but we needed to punish Atletico Madrid. We have no alternative.

"What would people have said if Liverpool went there and the players and fans suffered the same treatment?

"We know how sensitive the British public are about racism and violence - and rightly so.

"This is to protect Liverpool fans too - the police were harsh and violent against peaceful fans during the Marseille game and do we want the same story as that, or as happened to the Tottenham fans in Seville last year?"

Gaillard said they were already talking to the club about moving charter flights and UEFA would help in any way they could.

"We are looking at the logistics and seeing what help we can provide," he added.

Liverpool have written to UEFA over the timing of the decision.

"To say the decision is a bit late in the day is to put it mildly," said chief executive Rick Parry.

"We have 3,000 fans going to the game and we are extremely concerned for our supporters, the vast majority of whom have already made travel arrangements.

"If the match is played at least 300 kilometres from Madrid, it will cause major disruption, inconvenience and large additional expense for our fans.

"UEFA have to take their needs into account when making a final decision on the game."

Liverpool fans have also criticised the short notice.

A spokesman for the fans' group Spirit of Shankly said: "This is outrageous - this game was played two weeks ago and UEFA have waited until now to make a decision.

"It's crazy to do this now when everyone's travel plans have been booked."

The row has overshadowed a significant moment in football's campaign against racism - this was UEFA's toughest action for racist behaviour.

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre has also been banned for his club's home and away fixtures against Liverpool for insulting Marseille player Mathieu Valbuena.

Atletico were found guilty of a lack of organisation that led to a number of serious problems. Visiting fans were "victimised" by police, according to UEFA, and no police escort was provided for the team coach to and from the stadium - it was attacked by 'ultras' from the Spanish club.

Furthermore, black journalists in the press area were racially insulted by Atletico fans and no provision was made for disabled supporters who had bought tickets.

Monkey chants were then aimed at Marseille's black players, and Atletico coach Aguirre repeatedly swore at Valbuena, calling him 'a son of a whore' and other insults, and then held onto the ball to waste time at a throw-in.

Anti-racism campaigners have praised UEFA with former Chelsea defender Paul Elliott, ambassador for European campaigners FARE, saying: "This is a momentous decision.

"I and other leading players in the game - black and white - fully support the actions that UEFA have taken."

Lord Ouseley, chairman of Kick It Out, added: "The leadership that UEFA has demonstrated through these sanctions sends out a message that is loud and clear - racism will not be tolerated."

The Spanish side released a statement on their official website shortly after the punishment was imposed by UEFA.

It said Atletico's lawyers were looking into the matter and UEFA had informed the club they have until 12pm on Friday to appeal.

Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe called on UEFA to use the money from Atletico's record fine to help Liverpool fans.

Sutcliffe said: "It's great to see UEFA taking a tough stance on racism as this is the only way we are going to kick this problem out of the game.

"But the decision to move the match at this late stage will play havoc with Liverpool fans' travel plans and put them out of pocket.

"These decisions need to be made more quickly to avoid this. I would like to see UEFA use the 150,000 euro fine paid by Atletico to help the Liverpool supporters get to the match."

Gary Neville Stirs Up Manchester United And Liverpool Rivalry

GARY NEVILLE knows the Premier League champions will come from the top four as usual – but the Manchester United skipper hopes it is not Liverpool.

It is 1995 since anyone except United, Chelsea or Arsenal last won the title – Blackburn pipped United – and you have to go back another five years for the last of Liverpool’s 18 successes, when Kenny Dalglish was still manager.

Since then, United have finished top on 10 occasions, reversing the old order under Sir Alex Ferguson and moving to within a single championship of Liverpool’s record mark.

But hope is growing in the red half of Merseyside the run will be brought to an end in May.

With Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard spearheading the Anfield challenge, Rafael Benitez’s side are in the slip-stream of early-season pacesetters Chelsea.

But Neville addressed the prospect of a Liverpool title win in typically forthright manner.

"I hope not," said the England defender.

"But we don’t know do we? They have started well and had some good results. They beat us, which was disappointing for us, but will obviously give them confidence.

"It will be Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and ourselves. We know the champions will be one of those four. It is a case of who puts the most consistent run together."

United are currently six points adrift in mid-table.

However, such statistics do not take into account their game in hand against Fulham, postponed at the end of August due to the European Super Cup encounter with Zenit St Petersburg.

In addition, United have also been to Liverpool and Chelsea, gaining a creditable draw at Stamford Bridge after being beaten at Anfield.

Neville is not too concerned. In fact, the two points he feels have to be made up were lost against Newcastle at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season.

"We will be three points behind if we win our game in hand, so we are still in contention," he said.

"We are probably not quite where we would like to be. But the most disappointing result was Newcastle at home.

"You can always lose to Liverpool away in the league even if you never accept it and it is always disappointing.

"We are two points behind because of that result against Newcastle.

"But it is a long season and we still have time to make it up."

Although he played against Chelsea, Neville missed the wins over Aalborg and Blackburn with a groin injury.

Young Brazilian Rafael Da Silva came in and did an excellent job in the Champions League tie before Wes Brown returned and helped keep a clean sheet against Blackburn, emphasising the strength of Ferguson’s squad.

So, although they have a dozen players on international duty this week, United have the likes of Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick fresh, plus Neville if he is fit, for Saturday evening’s clash with West Brom.

"The squad is strong in terms of depth," said Neville. "But as we have seen, we need the numbers.

"Over the last couple of years the manager has built up a young, strong squad. It has a little bit of experience as well, so we are really happy with it."

Atletico Set To Appeal Stadium Ban

Atletico Madrid will appeal against the stadium ban handed out to them by UEFA for incidents during their Champions League tie with Marseille.

The Primera Liga club have issued a statement in which they said they are planning to appeal the punishment - the sternest issued by UEFA in their fight against racism - and wanted to make a public defence.

European football's governing body have ruled Atletico's next two Champions League home matches cannot not be played within 200 miles of Madrid, meaning Liverpool's clash there next Wednesday will now have to be moved - leaving the plans of thousands of Reds fans in tatters. The Spanish club have also been fined £120,000.

The third match ban will only be invoked if there is a repeat of crowd trouble or racist chanting within the next five years.

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre has also been banned for his club's home and away fixtures against Liverpool for insulting Marseille players.

"Regardless of the fact that the club is going to defend its rights by means of the filing of the corresponding appeal, it considers it necessary to put forward its position against the decision made by UEFA, both to its supporters as well as to the public opinion," said a statement on the club's official website.

"The club feels that the sanctions imposed are completely unfair and disproportionate.

"Concerning the accusation of racist insults, the club would like to state that at no time were insults of racist or xenophobic character directed at any Marseille player, as supported by the video of the match and in the record given by the UEFA delegate himself.

"It must be recorded that Atletico Madrid has no prior record with UEFA for equal or similar acts to those set out in the ban.

"In reference to the action attributed to our head coach, Javier Aguirre, for which he has been suspended for hurling insults at the players of the opposing team, the circumstance did not take place at any time, as is made quite clear in the report of the delegates designated to the match and from the fourth referee, who, at no time, mentioned such circumstances in his report."

Liverpool FC's Fernando Torres Disappointed At Ground Switch

LIVERPOOL striker Fernando Torres has spoken of his disappointment after hearing his much-anticipated return to the Vicente Calderon could be scuppered.

Torres had been due to face former club Atletico Madrid at the stadium in the Champions League next week, but that now looks unlikely after Uefa hit the Spanish club with a stadium ban yesterday morning.

The ruling saw Atletico fined 150,000 euros (£120,000) for their fans’ racist abuse of Marseille players earlier this month and handed a three-match stadium ban – one game suspended – after crowd trouble and lack of organisation at the same match.

Torres came up through the ranks at Atletico and quickly become a fans’ favourite before moving to Liverpool. in a big-money move a year ago, heard the news while on international duty with Spain in Belgium.

"After so much time waiting, it is the worst and most unexpected news that I could have heard this morning," the 24-year-old said.

"I’m eager to go back. I don’t know if it is definitive, I hope that a solution can be found.

"It is a shame that these incidents have forced the stadium to be closed, but if this is what happens then we have to accept it."

The sanctions against Atletico are Uefa’s toughest action on racist behaviour, and Rojiblancos’ coach Javier Aguirre has also been banned for his club’s home and away fixtures against Liverpool for insulting Marseille player Mathieu Valbuena.

Uefa confirmed the penalties yesterday and said the next two Champions League home games cannot be played within 300 kilometres of Madrid. The third match ban will be invoked only if there is a repeat of crowd trouble or racist chanting within the next five years.

Torres’ Liverpool team-mate and fellow Spain international Jose Reina added: "It’s a huge blow for us, the Spanish players at Liverpool. Above all for Fernando, who was the most eager of all of us to visit the Calderon.

"As well as that, we all had commitments, tickets agreed, and this changes all the plans."

Reina’s father, Miguel Reina Santos, played for Atletico in the 1970s.

Atletico: We Will Host Liverpool

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo is confident his side's Champions League match with Liverpool will go ahead at the Vicente Calderon.

UEFA handed Atletico a three-match stadium ban, along with a fine of around £120,000, for incidents during their Champions League home match with Marseille on October 1.

Those incidents included outbreaks of violence between Marseille fans and Spanish police after the latter removed a banner that featured a prohibited symbol, as well as accusations from Marseille officials and players that they had been racially abused by the Atletico fans.

European football's governing body have ruled Atletico's next two Champions League home matches - with a third suspended - cannot be played within 200 miles of Madrid.

That means Liverpool's clash there next week will have to be moved - although Cerezo believes that will not happen.

"The Atleti-Liverpool game will be played at the Vicente Calderon," Cerezo was quoted as saying in Marca.

"We will appeal. I have faith that UEFA will do the right thing. I hope they will listen to both sides evenly."

Meanwhile, Atletico's local rivals Real Madrid have thrown their support behind their neighbours.

Real president Ramon Calderon, speaking to Spanish television while attending the Madrid Masters tennis on Tuesday night, said: "It seems unfair to me. The police do not report to Atletico Madrid. Those that caused the problems were the Marseille fans."

Real full-back Michel Salgado added: "You can't punish an entire fan base for the racist behaviour of a few people in the crowd.

"I think they've been too drastic in their decision. There's racism in every stadium due to a minority of the crowd. It has nothing to do with sport. This punishment sets a precedent.

"We'll have to wait to see what UEFA does whenever this happens again; if every stadium has to be shut down because of this, many games will be played behind closed doors."

Steven Gerrard Up Against Stewart Downing For England Place Against Belarus

Gerrard is expected to play on the left side of England's midfield here, but Fabio Capello stuck Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing in that role in yesterday's final training session at the stadium.

The Liverpool captain has admitted he is worried about his place - and last night will not have helped his confidence.

Gerrard played in the centre of midfield while Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard were in the middle for the opposing team.

It will be a surprise if Wayne Bridge doesn't replace the injured Ashley Cole at left - back, although Joleon Lescott is a rival contender.

Gabriel Agbonlahor, David Wheater and Joe Hart will fly out today - barring injury - to join up with the senior squad after they all played for the Under-21s last night.

Milan Ready To Offer Liverpool New Zidane In Chase For Daniel Agger

Milan are ready to offer Liverpool the 'new Zinedine Zidane' in a bid to beat Real Madrid to the signing of Daniel Agger.

The Italian giants see the Danish centre-back as the long-term replacement for Paolo Maldini.

And they side are willing to offer France midfielder Yoann Gourcuff as part of a deal.

The 22-year-old spent two unhappy years at the the San Siro but is now starring on a season-long loan at Bordeaux - and has quickly established himself in the France team.

Reds Crash To Mini-Derby Defeat

Liverpool Reserves threw away a two-goal advantage as they slumped to a third successive defeat in a pulsating mini-derby at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Gary Ablett's side had looked on course to get their Barclays Premier Reserve League North campaign back on track after storming into a 2-0 lead courtesy of second-half goals from Jordy Brouwer and Gerardo Bruna.

But any hopes they had of bringing their two-match losing run to a close were duly ended in a dramatic final quarter of the contest as the Toffees hit back to snatch a 3-2 victory.

The Reds had gone into the match determined to mark their first home game of the season with a win and after a scrappy opening they carved out the first opportunity of note when Dani Pacheco fired wide at the near post following good work down the left by Emiliano Insua.

It was the start of a passage of play in which the hosts took control and James McCarten was lucky not to put through his own net after a devilish cross from the right from Francisco Duran.

Mini-derbies are notorious for being full-blooded encounters and it was perhaps no surprise that three players were booked in the opening 18 minutes as both sides fought with the passion and desire you would expect of such an occasion.

The visitors were boasting an experienced line-up but it wasn't until the 20th minute that they troubled the Reds rearguard and even then Jose Baxter sliced well wide of Dean Bouzanis' goal.

The same player was again presented with an opportunity just three minutes later but he drilled a wayward volley over the top after a cross from the left found him free at the far post.

All of a sudden it was the visitors posing all the questions and the Reds were lucky not to concede a spot-kick just shy of the half hour mark when San Jose appeared to bring James Vaughan crashing to the ground in the area.

Half-time came and went with the game still goalless, although only Jordy Brouwer will know how he failed to turn Duran's cut back into the net just seconds after the restart.

However, the Dutchman made amends on 56 minutes when he gave the home side a deserved lead, bundling home the rebound after Spearing's low effort was spilled by Carlo Nash.

The goal gave the Reds the confidence boost they were in need of and they should have doubled their advantage on 72 minutes but Gerardo Bruna was unlucky to see his shot crash back off the post following good work from Brouwer.

It was a frustrating moment for the forward, but he didn't have long to wait before he was celebrating the Reds' second just minutes later when his free-kick from the right deceived everyone and flew straight in at the near post.

It seemed like job done for Ablett and his men, but their two goal advantage lasted all of three minutes as James Vaughan dived full length to reduce the arrears after Victor Anichebe's drilled cross found him at the far post.

The visitors sensed an anxiety in the Reds' ranks and all Liverpool's good work was undone on 80 minutes when Lee Molyneux crashed in a magnificent 25-yard free-kick.

Both sides piled forward in search of the winner but despite the home side's best efforts they could not make the most of their opportunities and Vaughan was on hand to punish them with his second of the game, seven minutes from time to cap a remarkable comeback for the Blues.

Ablett Revamps Training Before Derby

Gary Ablett has overhauled reserves training in a bid to get their season back on track.

The second string go into tonight's mini-derby – a game you can watch exclusively live online through LFC TV – on the back of more intense training designed to guard against complacency.

It comes after the Reds began the defence of their Premier League title by gaining just three points from a possible nine.

Ablett told Liverpoolfc.tv: "As a staff we've been trying to put a few things right because we only lost one game last year and we've lost two already this time round.

"We've had to look at ourselves and the training methods, and look at the attitude of the boys to see if that's any different.

"Every now and again the boys need geeing up. The attitude of the majority is absolutely fantastic but they need to perform to their maximum day in, day out in order to progress at Liverpool.

"We've got to guard against complacency creeping in and we're looking at doing that by making training more competitive and intensive. They can't afford to relax if they want to get into Rafa's plans.

"We're now trying to set different scenarios in training. For example, we might play a game as if we're 1-0 down, or 2-1 up with 10 minutes to go. They have to think about whether to defend or attack. Another way we can do it is reducing the size of the area we play in to make it more intensive.

"We are better than what we've shown so far. There's a massive amount of room for improvement but the boys have showed they want to put it right."

Ablett led his team to a satisfying double over Everton last term.

The former defender believes this trick will only be repeating if his young guns keep their heads.

He explained: "If you ask our local players, they'll say it's one of the games they look forward to most. But since last year we've had a lot of players who aren't local and don't get caught up in the Liverpool v Everton stuff.

"That helps in terms of approaching the game more intelligently and playing with our heads rather than our hearts.

"That's the key to winning these kind of games.

"We've got a lot of players who've experienced this game and know what it's all about, but we've got some new players who we hope will approach it in the same way and not be overawed by the occasion."

Credit Crunch Concerns Dossena

Andrea Dossena admits the financial crisis in Britain has given him cause for concern.

The Italian joined Liverpool from Udinese over the summer, before the credit crunch began to bite.

The economic meltdown currently inflicting the world's economy has threatened to infiltrate football of late.

Clubs are being encouraged to investigate cost-cutting measures, while the possibility a salary cap being introduced has been touted.

At present Premier League clubs remain fairly stable, although the financial worries of top flight sponsor Barclays could yet have significant implications.

"Barclays lost a lot of money in a few hours," Dossena told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We are talking about one of the most important banks, and the sponsor of the Premiership.

"It is all difficult to understand.

"Had I known about certain things before I would have thought twice (about moving to England), I would have asked for more guarantees.

"But I feel good at Liverpool and I chose to move abroad because it was the best financial offer.

"Everything in England seemed secure, with the best organisation and club solidarity.

"But then you discover that West Ham are at risk and may have to sell and the big banks are in serious debt."

Lucas: Life Is Quiet Compared To Brazil

Lucas Leiva has spoken of his tough ordeal breaking into Liverpool's first team, and says life in England is quieter than in Brazil.

Lucas Leiva was considered hot property upon his arrival at Liverpool, along with Denilson the Brazilian pair were believed to have safeguarded the national team's midfield, but both have since been eclipsed by last season's form of Manchester United's Anderson.

Regarding his relationship with Denilson and Anderson, Leiva told Liverpool's official website: "I'm close to Anderson, because we used to play together at Gremio."

"I've not had much contact with Denilson, apart from when we've faced each other on the pitch. The fact we're all doing well over here reflects a change in the Brazilian mind-set."

Leiva also shared how different life is in England compared to his native Brazil: "Compared to Brazil, life is quiet here. We only train in the morning, and we can do what we want in the afternoons."

"On days off I try to visit new places. I've been to London, which reminds me of Sao Paulo, and to the Beatles museum. But the main focus is my career, so when one of our rivals is on TV, I stay at home to watch it," he said.

"I live with my girlfriend and a housekeeper I brought over from Brazil to help us cook - I didn't want to change my eating habits too much!"

"I also live near other Liverpool players - Fabio Aurelio, Alvaro Arbeloa, Yossi Benayoun, Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres - so it's a very good neighbourhood to live in."

On Liverpool's Champions League winning credentials, Leiva added: "It's too early to say at the moment, but we believe in our squad. The club have a great history in the Champions League, but a lot of other clubs think they can win it this season, too."

Gerrard Vows To Wow Capello

Steven Gerrard is determined to prove to Fabio Capello that he is England's top midfielder.

And the Liverpool captain has pledged to bring his club form to the international arena if coach Capello sticks by him.

"I'll be honest, I haven't always hit my Liverpool form for England but it's not through a lack of trying. I'm desperate to play well for England." said Gerrard.

"He (Capello) wants me to emulate my form for Liverpool for England and he is prepared to help me. That's what I want. I don't want a manager to give up on me for club or country. I want them to keep trying to make me better.

"I have delivered but I need to make that more consistent. That's the next challenge for me, to try to stay in the starting XI and perform as consistently for England as I do for Liverpool. But I believe we are getting to where we want to be."

Gerrard, who describes life under Capello as "not scary, but exciting", insists his preferred role is as an attacking midfielder, although he accepts there are times when he has to be more disciplined when playing in partnership with Frank Lampard.

He said: "While I've still got that burst of energy I want to make the most of it. I still feel I've got a lot of years in these legs yet.

"Long term, well into my 30s, I can see myself going further back, probably ending up at right-back or left-back where I started."

Liverpool For The Title - Cisse

Djibril Cisse is hoping that former club Liverpool can bag the Premier League title come May.

Djibril Cisse left Anfield in the summer of 2005 to sign for homeland club Marseille amidst claims that Rafa Benitez was forcing him out.

The injury-plagued, flamboyant hitman never did see eye-to-eye with the no-nonsense Spanish gaffer, but 27-year-old Cisse isn't bitter.

In fact, Cisse, loving life back in the Premier League with Sunderland, will be rooting for the Reds this term, hoping they can finally bag the Premiership crown.

“I would like Liverpool to win the league, for having played there,” he told Setanta, “But Chelsea are going to be tough adversaries for them.”

However, even though he understands the Blues' power, he isn't feeling blue himself. He's taken to Wearside and Black Cats gaffer Roy Keane, who reportedly wants to make the on-loan l'OM man his first £10m signing in the summer.

Gerrard: I Fear For My England Future

Steven Gerrard has appealed to England manager Fabio Capello not to give up on him.

The Liverpool captain admits he has struggled to bring his superlative club form to the international arena but believes he and Frank Lampard can still make a success of the midfield partnership which has struggled so often for England.

Gerrard, who is likely to start out wide on the left in the World Cup qualifier against Belarus on Wednesday, in a variation of the 4-4-2 formation which finished the 5-1 victory against Kazakhstan on Saturday, puts his lacklustre performances down to trying too hard.

But he believes Capello is the right man to unlock the real Gerrard, the one who single-handedly turned around the 2005 Champions League final and rescued Liverpool in the 2006 FA Cup final.

Gerrard said: 'He (Capello) has spoken to me before each game and told me what he wants me to do. He's said he wants me to emulate my form for Liverpool for England and he is prepared to help me.

'That's what I want. I don't want a manager to give up on me for club or country. I want them to keep trying to make me better.

'I've got every confidence in this manager and the set-up he's got behind him to improve my form.

'I'll be honest, I haven't always hit my Liverpool form for England, but it's not through a lack of trying.

'I'm desperate to play well for England. I believe we are getting to where we want to be.'

Gerrard accepts accusations, aimed at him in the past by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, which at times he has tried to be Roy of the Rovers, running around with huge energy but not always great focus.

He said: 'I have tried to improve that. That was a criticism from Rafa. He's helped me to become slightly more disciplined and I feel I can play either role - either attacking or if we're up against a good side when you need your two midfield players to be disciplined, I can do that now.

'You can't afford to be Roy of the Rovers all the time against top sides. If I'm wandering off all over the place my team-mates will come unstuck.'

The fact, however, is that Gerrard's inability to do for England what he does in the famous red shirt of Liverpool has become one of football's great conundrums.

It is one that weighs heavily with the 28-year-old. Is the answer simply that he is trying too hard?

'Maybe that's right,' Gerrard said. 'Sometimes I think I am thinking about it too much, trying too hard.

'Before the game you say you want to take the game by the scruff of the neck, be the main man, make it happen. And sometimes if it doesn't happen for you, you try to force passes and you get frustrated, that's normal.

'I think that's where I am at the moment. I am putting too much pressure on myself and trying too hard. Maybe I do have to relax.

'I'm more relaxed at Liverpool because maybe I can afford to have a one-off bad game for Liverpool because there'll be another game around the corner, whereas if you play badly for England it may be a long time before you can correct it.'

Casillas Hates Talk Of Torres Rivalry

Spain and Real Madrid shot-stopper extraordinaire Iker Casillas has revealed that he feels unhappy whenever there is discussion of his rivalry with Fernando Torres for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

The Spanish international goalkeeper is one of the hot favourites to scoop up the European Footballer of the Year accolade later this year and his case has been further boosted with continually impressive displays.

After helping La Furia Roja to a 0-3 win at Estonia last Saturday, the 27 year old has now kept 710 consecutive minutes worth of clean sheets – a new Spanish record – and he is only three games away from beating the current record held by a certain Gianluigi Buffon.

One of Casillas’ competition for the Ballon d’Or is expected to be fellow Spaniard and Liverpool hotshot, Fernando Torres and the campaigning that has been apparent in the media has made it look as though there’s a personal rivalry between the pair.

“I have spoken with Fernando regarding the Ballon d’Or. He is a teammate and a good friend of mine and there’s nothing more important than that,” he said during an interview with Spanish daily, As.

“We have clarified everything between us and that is the end of the controversy,” he continued.

Casillas was then asked if he fancied his chances of picking up the award.

“Man, all of us would like to win something like that and so would I.

“But for me, the Ballon d’Or is not an obsession. I believe in doing things well on the field and whatever happens after that, happens.

“The best thing is that this year, there are several Spaniards on the list. And after finally winning the Eurocopa after so many years, I would like to see someone from the national team win it because we deserve it,” he concluded.

Xabi Alonso Attracted By Move To Juventus

XABI ALONSO has left the door open for a possible summer move to Juventus.

The Liverpool midfielder came close to signing for the Serie A side in a £16million deal during the transfer window.

However, Juventus instead opted to sign Sevilla’s Christian Poulsen, with coach Claudio Ranieri last week claiming Alonso was “too slow” to accommodate the limitations of the Italian team’s other midfielders.

Coupled with Liverpool’s failure to prise Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, Alonso has subsequently played an integral part in the Anfield outfit’s unbeaten start but, quoted speaking in the Italian press yesterday, the 26-year-old has expressed his continued interest in Juventus.

“To be honest, for my part, the attraction has remained intact,” said Alonso.

“One thing I can say is that I personally appreciated the honesty of the club executives.

“They told me their tactics on the pitch were different and that is why they chose Poulsen and not me. These are things that happen in football and its fine. I could have gone but I didn’t because, in the end, they chose someone else.

“Juventus are Juventus, the most prestigious club in Italy, but you cannot be disappointed when you play for Liverpool.”

Dossena Relishes Azzurri Role

Liverpool full-back Andrea Dossena has finally broke into the Nazionale and played the full 90 minutes in Sofia. He explains to Tuttomercatoweb how he ended up in England this summer.

The 27-year-old moved to Anfield over the summer after a breakthrough season at Udinese and was given the nod by Marcello Lippi to control the left channel in the World Cup qualifier with Bulgaria at the Levski Stadium, due to a spate of injuries that have hit the national side, including Lyon's left-back Fabio Grosso.

"I strongly want to keep my place in this squad and keep movng on," he told the website specialized in transfer gossips.

Dossena has met up with several former Udinese teammates at Coverciano, as Lippi opted to put trust in the Friulani attacking trident, with Fabio Quagliarella now also joining debutant Simone Pepe and diminutive marksman Antonio Di Natale for the Stadio Via Del Mare game with Montenegro next Wednesday.

"Pepe has improved a lot and he has lots of qualities," he enthused.

"As for Totò [Di Natale], we linked up well at the Stadio Friuli, I know what he will be trying to do before the ball even gets to him."

It was suggested that other Italian clubs were in the frame to land Dossena over the summer, such as Fiorentina, but he plumped for an experience abroad in the end.

"Liverpool are a prestigious club and I was willing to try my hand in England," he asserted.

"I don't really think the Viola approached my agent, and to tell you the truth, I am somewhat astounded that Italian sides did not make a move for me."

Reds Rubbish Stadium Rumours

Liverpool have dismissed rumours they have shelved plans to move to a new stadium and are looking to expand Anfield.

Reports had suggested the club's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are struggling to raise the funds to finance a switch to a new ground in Stanley Park.

The Reds confess the New LFC Stadium has been affected by the current worldwide credit crunch, but a statement on the club's official website insists plans are still in place.

"The story is completely wrong" said a club spokesman.

"No-one has been asked to look at increasing the capacity of Anfield with a view to us staying at the present ground.

"Global market conditions may have delayed the project, but the club remains committed to building a new world class LFC stadium on the site in Stanley Park. Those plans have not changed."

Foreign Invasion Worries Carragher

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has gone public with his concern at the growing number of foreign players coming through the academy ranks of professional clubs, believing that it could be demoralising for the home-grown talent hoping to make their way in the game.

Over the last decade the number of overseas players plying their trade in England has rocketed, and with an increasing number of clubs in the Premier League currently owned by foreign investors, that figure could continue to grow.

At Liverpool, Steven Gerrard is the last English player to break into - and earn a regular place - within the first-team, and Carragher believes that the almost 10-year drought will continue should clubs fail to look to develop players themselves rather than cashing in on overseas clubs’ hard work.

This is a view shared by Uefa President Michel Platini, while the head of Fifa, Sepp Blatter, is another to concur with the belief that clubs should look to produce home-grown players rather than importing them.

"The foreign player issue has to be addressed. At all clubs,” Carragher told the Sunday Times. "Don't get me wrong, good foreigners are great for the Premier League but what worries me is when we get foreign kids in at 16, 17.

"There has to be something to stop that, to help clubs keep their identities. I think about when I was that age. If I'd been 18 and Liverpool had brought the Spain Under 18 captain into my position it would have been deflating.

"I always thank my stars I came in just as the foreign invasion was starting. I wasn't Stevie (Gerrard) at 18. I was a very good player and would have always had the mental strength to take my opportunity, but I wonder whether I'd have been given it.

"I don't know when the next Liverpool lad will break into our first-team and I don't think the academy system is what it should be."

The experienced defender also took the opportunity to reiterate his desire to see out his career at Anfield, insisting that he only has ambitions to play for his home-town club.

"For someone to ask, 'Who did you play for?' and to be able to answer a single name, 'Liverpool', that would be brilliant. I don't think I'll ever leave," he added.

Carragher also shed some light on manager Rafe Benitez’s man-management style, insisting that the harsh nature of his control is for the benefit of the team.

"Rafa is always on your back," the former England international continued.

"Some players can't handle that. Me, I don't like it but I'm the sort of person who responds.

"You've always got that thing in the back of your mind with Rafa, 'Does he actually think I'm any good?' You're always wanting to prove yourself. He hasn't got much good to say about anyone, Rafa. . . even other managers.

"He's the person who always thinks he knows best for you - and is usually right. There are times you want to tell him to . . . but later you think, 'That was good for me'."