Match Preview: Liverpool vs. Chelsea

Liverpool host Chelsea in a certified humdinger, with only goal difference separating the two title hopefuls. The visitors are lusting for revenge, but the hosts will be happy with victory of any sort.

With Manchester United’s surge to the top of the table, Liverpool have slipped suddenly to third place after carrying the lead into the New Year. Their form this month has been as average as the Red Devils’ has been electric, as they have yet to claim a single Premier League win in 2009.

Rafael Benitez’s men were on-course to rack up three points in midweek, until Lucas Leiva’s flailing foot felled Jason Koumas to gift Wigan Athletic a late equaliser from the penalty spot. It ended 1-1 at the JJB, and the Reds’ title tilt seems to be faltering fast. The manager is feeling the pressure, too, judging by his baffling post-match comments.

Thus, Sunday’s clash against Chelsea takes on extra significance, as defeat would see the Merseyside giants essentially drop out of the leading pack. It would also see them lose their unbeaten record against the rest of the ‘Big Four’ this season, a run which began with quite an important result in west London earlier in the campaign.

Stamford Bridge came tumbling down when Liverpool plundered a 1-0 win in October. It was the Blues’ first league loss at home since 2004, and a result which put the Scousers atop the table at their hosts’ expense.

From then on, the two teams intermittently stole pole position from each other for the first half of the season. But now both are on level pegging points-wise and hoping to oust United from their newly reclaimed perch, and Chelsea look the more likely to do it.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side are on the recovery trail after a near-disastrous holiday slump. Their 2-0 win against Middlesbrough on Wednesday was encouraging, and what better time to exact revenge on the Reds than when they (Liverpool) are enduring a malaise of their own?


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Jan 28 Wigan Athletic 1-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Jan 25 Liverpool 1-1 Everton (FA Cup)
Jan 19 Liverpool 1-1 Everton (Premier League)
Jan 10 Stoke City 0-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
Jan 03 Preston North End 0-2 Liverpool (FA Cup)

Chelsea

Jan 28 Chelsea 2-0 Middlesbrough (Premier League)
Jan 24 Chelsea 3-1 Ipswich Town (FA Cup)
Jan 17 Chelsea 2-1 Stoke City (Premier League)
Jan 14 Southend United 1-4 Chelsea (FA Cup)
Jan 11 Manchester United 3-0 Chelsea (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Alvaro Arbeloa is still under an injury cloud, but the Spanish full-back is in the squad and could feature, but Jamie Carragher could slot in at right-back instead. Philipp Degen remains a long-term absentee.

Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera and Dirk Kuyt are all expected to reclaim their first-team spots after being rested for the stalemate in Wigan. That means Lucas, Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel should return to the bench. Daniel Agger has shaken off a calf problem and is back in contention.

Liverpool squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Agger, Hyypia, Carragher, Dossena, Aurelio, Benayoun, Babel, Alonso, Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard, Riera, Torres, Kuyt, Keane, Cavalieri.

Chelsea

Ricardo Carvalho will be left at home for the trip to the North West, as the Portuguese defender continues to battle a hamstring problem. Michael Essien is still recovering from a knee problem picked up last year, while Joe Cole is out for the season.

On the bright side, Salomon Kalou – who scored both goals against Boro – has been declared fit despite pulling up sore after the clash with the Teessiders.

Chelsea squad: Cech, Hilario, Taylor, Ferreira, Bosingwa, Terry, Alex, Ivanovic, Mancienne, A Cole, Lampard, Ballack, Mikel, Deco, Kalou, Malouda, Drogba, Anelka, Stoch, Belletti.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

It was Xabi Alonso who did the damage in the reverse fixture, with his deflected strike, and the in-form Basque star could be crucial again. His composure and intelligence was sorely missed in midweek, as was his passing range. If Liverpool want to make use of their possession, this man must start.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard will be attempting to drive Chelsea forward from the centre of the pitch. The England man is having another superb season, and yet some have criticised his influence – or lack thereof – in the really big games. Time for ‘Super Frank’ to stand up and be counted.

Kuyt Has Big Phil Raving

Big Phil Scolari or Rafa Benitez, who is feeling the most pressure? That is the question doing the rounds of football at the moment.

The Liverpool manager has had a fair go at ­losing the plot, what with his rant about Sir Alex Ferguson and the pressure he has put on referees, as well as his pop at officials after saying the ­second half against Wigan in midweek was “crazy”.

Then there is his refusal to confirm that Robbie Keane has a future at Liverpool.

But as Scolari and Benitez prepare to square up at Anfield for tomorrow’s massive Premier League clash, the Brazilian is running his Spanish counterpart close for bizarre outbursts.

After his own attack on officials, Scolari ­yesterday named who he thought was the most dangerous player in the Liverpool team.

Most people would expect him to say Steven Gerrard or Fernando Torres – but, no, the Blues boss went for Dirk Kuyt.

Yes, the hard-working Dutch striker who has been converted into a right midfielder by Benitez because he does not score enough goals.

Scolari was full of praise for Gerrard and understood why he was asked: “If you stop Gerrard, do you stop Liverpool?”

However, Scolari had another name up his sleeve, saying: “They have one player who I like so much and nobody has mentioned his name yet. It is not Gerrard or Torres.

“No, it is Dirk Kuyt from Holland. When he was playing for Holland and I was the manager of Portugal, I used to think to myself, ‘Please don’t play him.’

“And if they didn’t, then, it was a huge relief. He’s a fantastic player and very dangerous. He works so hard.”

In lots of ways the point Scolari was actually trying to make is that Chelsea cannot afford to think of Liverpool as a one-man team.

He was either slightly deluded or playing his own version of Fergie’s mind games, because that is exactly what Liverpool have been in recent weeks, with skipper Gerrard pulling the strings.

Scolari knows this but would not admit it. When asked if Chelsea must ­stifle Gerrard to succeed this weekend, he said: “And Torres? And Riera? And Mascherano? That’s like saying my team is all about Lampard.

“They have fantastic players, the same as us. Gerrard is a fantastic ­player, one of the best in his position. Look, in England we have two players in this position – No.8 or No.10 – and you won’t find any better elsewhere in the world.

“Gerrard and Lampard are the best in this position. It’s not only Gerrard, though, that we have to beware. Okay, he’s fantastic because he scores, marks, dribbles, crosses. He’s the complete player.

“But the other players together help him to make this. I’m thinking about the complete Liverpool.”

This is a huge challenge for Chelsea, who so far this season have only taken one point from 12 off the other sides that make up the so-called Big Four.

That came at home against Manchester United, with the Blues having lost to Arsenal and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge and been thumped at Old Trafford 3-0 earlier this month.

Two wins on the trot in the league, including Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Middlesbrough, have helped Chelsea rise to ­second place, but Scolari knows that this could be a watershed game in their title challenge with United.

He added: “A win would be very good for us. We started the Boro game under pressure because we were in fourth position.

“Villa had won and the other teams were in front of us. For confidence it’s very good, but we know we are behind United and together with Liverpool. We are not better than these two teams, but for confidence it’s very good.

“We’ve played better than before in the last four or five games.

“We’ve won games, played better than before and have had more heart in these games.”

Scolari knows that if his team does beat Liverpool, he will be the next target for Sir Alex Ferguson’s mind games.

But the Chelsea manager remains defiant, warning: “He (Fergie) works very hard, is very good and he has mental ideas about this and that.

“However, don’t forget that we have a good team. That’s more important than A, B or C names. We have a good team.”

And they will need to show that at Anfield, for talk is cheap.

Alonso Looks Back To The Battle Of Stamford Bridge As Reds Prepare For Crunch Clash

Xabi Alonso feels of Liverpool's remarkable win at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season has been all but forgotten because of the controversy surrounding the Anfield club's faltering title bid.

Liverpool ended Chelsea's 86-game unbeaten home record in the Barclays Premier League back in October, and Alonso 'scored' the winner.

That goal has subsequently been credited as an own-goal to Jose Bosingwa by the dubious goals panel, but Alonso is still credited with the effort in Liverpool's own records. And that will not change.

Now Liverpool are aiming for a notable double over the west Londoners, which would be only their third League win over Chelsea in boss Rafael Benitez's reign at Anfield.

The clash is already being built up as a make-or-break game for Liverpool in their title challenge, having drawn seven of their last 11 League games and slipped to third place behind champions Manchester United and Chelsea.

But Alonso, rested at Wigan in midweek, believes that Liverpool have shown this season they can match the top sides.

That win at Chelsea, the victory over United and a draw at Arsenal back up his view.

Alonso said: "We've had some good results against the top teams this season, people should not forget how we won at Chelsea.

'Hopefully now in the second part of the campaign we can do it again and record more good results against our main rivals.'

With a trip to United coming up on March 14 and a home game with Arsenal on April 18 - plus the visit of fourth-placed Aston Villa to Anfield on March 21 - Liverpool cannot afford any more slip-ups.

And their current position, two points behind United and below Chelsea on goal difference, leaves no margin for error now.

Alonso said: 'If we can beat the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United again, that should give us a good chance of staying near the top and challenging for the title.

'These are important games. By beating our main rivals we can bring ourselves closer to the title than we have been for many seasons.

'Winning these games tells us that we can come face to face with anyone and win.'

Liverpool may well be on an unbeaten run of 15 games now, but the amount of draws in that run has given United - with a game in hand - the chance to surge to the top of the table.

But Alonso recalls the win at Chelsea to give himself confidence for the increasingly difficult task ahead.

He said: 'We were really pleased with how we played there and the win gave us a big confidence boost to take on into the season. Another win like that will again really boost us as we approach the run-in.'

And he still believes the winning goal that day should be credited to him.

He said: 'It probably wasn't the best goal I'll ever score, but it helped bring us three points and that is the main thing.

'It gave us what was our first really big result of the season, and we fully deserved it. I always felt, though, that it was my goal.'

Alonso, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera - all rested to the bench for the 1-1 draw at Wigan on Wednesday - will return to the side.

And despite the controversy of the past month and Liverpool's problems on and off the pitch, Benitez insists he does not feel under pressure.

He said: 'I do not feel any extra pressure. I am pleased to be where we are because trying to avoid relegation is not nice.

'We are close to the top, we have improved the squad, and if we can beat Chelsea people will say we are back in the title race.

'We know our players, we speak to them every day and we know the decisions to make. And thanks to those decisions we are eight points better than at this stage last season.

'This has always been a must-win game. As they all are. After my comments about Mr. Ferguson we still knew we had to win at Stoke, those words didn't change anything on the pitch.

'The same applies to other games this month that have followed some controversy.

'Every point is important, it doesn't matter what is being said off the pitch. This season we are in a much better position than before.'

And if Liverpool do win on Sunday, they will see it as an omen.

It will be their first League double over Chelsea since the 1989-90 season - the last time Liverpool lifted the title.

Kuyt - Chelsea Is A Must-Win

Dirk Kuyt admits Liverpool must beat Chelsea and clinch their first Premier League win of 2009 if they are to challenge for the title.

Liverpool's only victory since the New Year has been the FA Cup third round success at Preston.

And after league draws with Stoke, Everton and Wigan the Reds have slipped from top spot into third behind Chelsea, with both sides now chasing defending champions and league leaders Manchester United - who also have a game in hand on their rivals.

But the Dutchman believes they should not be written-off just yet as long as they can recreate the same performance which saw them end the Blues' unbeaten home run last October.

"We have just got to win this game now and show we can beat our big rivals again," reports the Daily Star.

"We've done it once and of course we know that would send out a message to everyone - but we are out to win every game.

"We have had too many draws at the start of the second half to the season, and now the only message we can send out is by beating Chelsea.

"It's a big team, a big game, and we just need to win it."

The 28-year-old forward also believes fit-again striker Fernando Torres is close to recreating the form which saw him bag 29 goals last year having recovered from a hamstring injury.

"You can see every week how he is getting better. It is only a matter of time before he's back scoring goals for us again," Kuyt added.

Alvaro Arbeloa: Liverpool Will Thrive Under Pressure

The Reds' returning full-back loves the intensity of the title fight, and wants nothing but victory in today's crunch clash.

Liverpool have slipped from first to third in the Premier League standings since the turn of the year, and some pundits reckons their title tilt is on its last legs.

But Alvaro Arbeloa is reveling in the Reds' current situation, and he insists all of his team-mates feel the same way.

"It's really nice to feel the pressure of fighting for a title," the 26-year-old told the club's official website.

"This is why I came to Liverpool. Every player here wants to fight for the title, to feel this pressure and to play in massive games."

Liverpool take on Chelsea today in a contest which could make or break either side's campaign as only goal difference separates them in third and second respectively.

Arbeloa continued, "Sunday is massive for both teams. A draw is not enough for us - and not enough for them. We play at home and we have to win.

"It will be important after the last few weeks if we win and show people that we can beat a really good side. It will be good for us, the supporters and the media. This game can change everything."

Arbeloa has been battling a few niggling injuries over the past few weeks, but he has been named in the squad and could start at Anfield this afternoon.

Manchester City Eyeing Liverpool's Rafa Benitez As Their New Manager

Rafa Benitez is a shock target for Manchester City - with the club's Abu Dhabi backers watching his Liverpool contract stand-off closely.

City's multi-billionaire Arab owners are lining up a big-name manager as they consider sacking Mark Hughes, under more pressure after City's shock 1-0 defeat by ten-man Stoke yesterday.

Their interest comes after Benitez halted his contract talks. He wants full control over Liverpool's transfer dealings in his power struggle with chief executive Rick Parry.

The link to City will be a bombshell to Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, who arrived on Merseyside last night ahead of today's key title battle with Chelsea.

Benitez claimed last night that he "didn't know" if he would walk away from Anfield when his contract expires in 16 months.

People Sport understands Benitez is one of THREE managers under review by City's owners.

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho and Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari are the others on City's list.

The scrutiny of Benitez will cause more turmoil at Anfield with warring coowners Hicks and Gillett set to lock horns again this week over Parry's future.

Both owners will be in the Anfield directors' box this afternoon - albeit seated apart - for the first time in 18 months.

In the coming days they must decide whether to back Benitez to the hilt by getting rid of Parry.

The Spaniard blames Parry for a series of transfer blunders, including the £20.3million purchase of Robbie Keane last summer.

The Reds gaffer believed he could have signed Keane for around £10m - leaving funds to land Aston Villa's Gareth Barry for £18m.

Hicks arrived on Merseyside last Sunday in a bid to convince Benitez to sign the five-year deal on offer.

He and his son, Tom Jr., back the boss 100 per cent, while Gillett and his son, Foster, have faith in Parry.

It will come to a head at a meeting this week, with ex-chairman David Moores expected to have the casting vote over Parry's fate.

Benitez has been accused of losing the plot since his outburst against Sir Alex Ferguson last month, his team have fallen from the Premier League summit and skipper Steven Gerrard is facing a charge of assault and affray.

As he defended his five-year Anfield reign, Benitez played down talk of a first League title in 19 years.

He said: "How long did it take Alex Ferguson to win the league? Seven years. The Champions League? Thirteen years."

But with City's mega-rich owners considering giving untold transfer riches as the new ruler of Eastlands, the question is: Has the time come for Benitez to walk away from his Kop wars?

I Didn't Even Sanction The £20m Transfer In The First Place, Admits Angry Benitez

Robbie Keane is on the verge of a £15million return to Tottenham after being ditched by Rafael Benitez for Liverpool's most important game of the season against Chelsea today.

Benitez, who has also won important contract concessions from the club's American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, effectively ended Keane's six-month Anfield career yesterday when he left the mercurial striker out of his squad to face Luiz Felipe Scolari's side.

Liverpool must win today if they are to stay in the race for their first League title since 1990. But the omission of Keane, 28, prompted Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, reeling from the loss of Jermaine Defoe for several weeks with a foot injury, to move fast to secure the Irishman as a replacement

Keane, the Republic of Ireland captain, scored 107 goals for the White Hart Lane club between 2002-2008 and although he upset some fans with the manner of his departure for Anfield last July, most are likely to welcome him back.

Spurs, lying 14th after a 3-2 defeat at Bolton yesterday, are unwilling to repay the full £20.3m they received from Liverpool, but the clubs are likely to agree a fee before Monday's 5pm transfer deadline.

The departure of Keane from Anfield is a significant victory for Benitez in the power battle that has threatened to derail Liverpool's title ambitions this season. Benitez was unhappy that Liverpool paid the full blocking his £18m move for Aston Villa's England midfielder Gareth Barry.

Keane has scored only seven goals in 28 games for Liverpool and publicly showed dissent whenever substituted by Benitez, whose preferred attack is Fernando Torres, supported by Steven Gerrard.

The Keane issue was one of the reasons Benitez demanded authority over chief executive Rick Parry in choosing how Liverpool spend their money in the transfer market. Both owners are in England for the Chelsea game and hope to sort out Benitez's contract concerns so he can agree a new four-year deal before they return to America.

Hicks met Benitez for lunch yesterday and the Liverpool manager is expected to meet both owners once Gillett arrives on Merseyside this morning.

The Americans, who have been split on several issues, have joined forces to try to secure Benitez's signature. One of the most significant changes on the new deal offered to Benitez is that he will now report to the owners on transfers.

A source said: 'There has been a lot of communication between the owners and Benitez in the past 72 hours. Some changes have been made to the original contract offer and there is a hope that Benitez will agree to it. The idea is for him to be in charge of football matters, and leave Rick Parry to do the commercial side.

'If Manchester United were in the market for two players who cost the same money, the board would let Sir Alex Ferguson choose which one he needed the most - the same applies for Arsene Wenger and David Moyes. The owners understand Rafa should be given the same deal.'

Keane, a boyhood Liverpool fan, will be distraught at having to leave but has been unhappy at the deploying role he has been asked to play. Benitez indicated last night that he had not sanctioned paying £20m for Keane, insisting: 'The club spent it.'

He is apparently indifferent as to whether Keane attends today's game, saying: 'It's a day off for the players not in the squad. We don't insist they come to the game.'

Redknapp Hits Back At Rafa

Harry Redknapp has insisted he did nothing wrong by commenting on his admiration for Liverpool striker Robbie Keane.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez stated on Friday that he was not happy with Tottenham following remarks Redknapp had made earlier in the week.

The Spurs boss revealed that he thought Republic of Ireland international Keane was a 'fantastic player'.

Keane left White Hart Lane to join Liverpool last summer but there has been speculation about his future and a possible return to the London club.

Benitez has regularly left Keane out of his starting line-up in recent weeks but Redknapp maintains that he had no intention of unsettling the player with his comments.

Redknapp is adamant that he never expressed an interest in signing Keane and has accused Benitez of overreacting.

"The comments I made, there was absolutely nothing wrong with them," said Redknapp.

"I don't know why the manager of Liverpool gets upset about everything - it is strange.

"I said Robbie is a terrific player and a good lad but he belongs to Liverpool so it's not a possibility.

"It's crazy. I never mentioned I was interested in him. It was never a goer really."

Tony Barrett: Facts To Prove All Is Not Lost For Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez

Back in 1992, Elizabeth II made the annual Queen's speech notable for once by describing the year as her "annus horribilis".

For those of us whose grasp of Latin is only marginally better than our understanding of Aramaic, it didn't mean much, apart from the fact that it seemed a couple of divorces in the family and a house fire at Windsor Castle had darkened her majesty's mood.

Rafa Benitez – a man who can speak four languages, four of them directly derived from Latin – knew exactly what she meant and after the start he's made to 2009 he knows this year could end up being as horrible as Liz's was if every month turns out as bad as January.

In the first month of the year, the Reds boss has seen his team fail to win a league game and lose top spot to Manchester United; had his sanity questioned by all and sundry; had a third operation to cure him of painful kidney stones; seen his captain attend court and has had to cope with the knowledge that his outburst against Alex Ferguson has inspired his great rival instead of unsettling him.

December had been so positive, with 2008 ending on the high with the thrashing of Newcastle which was so impressive it even led to some of the Spaniard's biggest critics changing their tune and backing Liverpool for the title.

But, within 31 days of that magnificent performance in the north east, their hopes had been written off as everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong, while United went on their annual winning spree.

Liverpool have lost momentum and some belief during January. Their manager has made some mistakes, with the timing of his tirade against United and the substitution of Steven Gerrard at Wigan being the most obvious.

Despite what some would have you believe, though, Benitez has not lost the plot.

He is the same manager who took Liverpool to the Premier League summit and who presided over the statistical improvement which made 2008 the best year, points wise, that the Reds have had since he took over the Anfield hot seat.

Like every other manager, Benitez is not above criticism and there has been plenty to criticise in the last four weeks as Liverpool have run out of steam quicker than Meatloaf running a marathon.

But sometimes disappointment can cloud perspective and there are certain facts, to use Benitez's favourite word, that suggest all is not yet lost.

Going into February, Liverpool have still lost just one league game all season; are currently eight points better off than they were at the same stage of last season; their current tally of 48 points after 23 games has only been bettered by three Liverpool teams since three points for a win was introduced in 1981.

In some ways, Benitez is paying for raising expectations. Had Liverpool had a bad November but recovered to get within two points of the leaders hopes would today be high.

But a bad January on the back of five promising months means understandable disappointment, and the voicing of fears the plug may be about to be pulled on another title bid.

Strangely, the first month of last year wasn't any better, as Liverpool also failed to win a league game. And, like at Wigan on Wednesday, they ended January with points being dropped, thanks to another late penalty – at West Ham.

But things did get better in the months that followed, with the Reds picking up 36 points out of the 45 available to them.

Benitez will therefore be hoping that the form his team showed in February, March, April and May 2008 will be repeated this year. Should it be so, 2009 could yet turn out to be Liverpool's annus mirabilis.

Meanwhile, Jermaine Pennant claimed Liverpool's Spanish manager turned against him because of his nationality, an interesting way for Pennant to explain away his own inability to nail down a regular place for the Reds this season.

His Englishness did not go against him when Benitez decided to shell out £6.7m (that's English pounds not Euros, Jermaine) to bring him to Anfield from Birmingham in the summer of 2006.

Nor was it a problem when Pennant started a European Cup final against AC Milan, one of 75 appearances he made for the Reds in his first two seasons at the club.

Everyone has their own idea about why Pennant fell out of favour so dramatically with his manager, with theories ranging from his ongoing struggles with punctuality to his inability to influence matches.

I have my own theory and no, it doesn't have anything to do with that infamous picture of the 26-year-old swigging from a Jack Daniels bottle.

The truth lies in statistics and the one which damns Pennant's disappointing spell with Liverpool most tells us that he scored just three goals in his time at Anfield.

It is the fact that he failed to do this to any great effect, and not his nationality, which made him surplus to requirements at Liverpool at a time when their manager is actively pursuing home-grown players.

He only has himself to blame.

Rafa Benitez To Sign £20million Deal To Stay At Anfield

Rafa Benitez is expected to sign a new long-term contract with Liverpool this week.

The club's American owners have agreed to give him full control over transfer policy. Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks last night arrived at Anfield to tell Benitez the valuation of transfer targets will no longer be the remit of chief executive Rick Parry.

And the owners are ready to sanction the sale of £20million misfit Robbie Keane, who has been left out of the Liverpool squad for this afternoon's crunch clash with Chelsea.

Boss Benitez (left) rejected an initial offer of four-and-a half-year contract extension last month because of his discontent that Parry refused to meet Aston Villa's £18m asking price for Gareth Barry last summer.

Instead, Keane's axed he sanctioned the £20marrival of Keane from Tottenham. Now Benitez will be given power to identify and value transfer targets within a set budget. Co-owner George Gillett will fly in today to seal the deal with Hicks and Benitez.

It will take Benitez to June 2013 and will be worth £20m. A source close to Hicks said: "The owners have had a number of conversations with Rafa Benitez on the telephone this week.

And they agree with his view on how transfer business will be conducted. Tom Hicks and George Gillett hope to conclude the contract while they are in England." Parry will now be asked to concentrate on the club's commercial side. Keane, left out of the squad for a second time, now looks destined for a return to London - if Spurs return the full fee.

Rafa Benitez Turns Into Gerard Houllier

When Rafa Benitez’s name was first put to the Liverpool board in October 2003, one director objected.

“He looks a bit like a Spanish Gerard Houllier to me,” said the cautionary voice.

Once he had arrived at Anfield the following summer, Benitez proceeded to dismantle any such fears, providing a welcome antidote to the erratic, paranoid ramblings which undermined the last two years of Houllier’s reign.

Deep into his fifth season on Merseyside, there are worrying signs of Benitez’s gradual transformation into the Houllier who departed Liverpool.

You could be forgiven for thinking there’s an Anfield script for under-siege bosses. Talk of ‘five-year plans’ carries a déjà vu warning, while the old ditty about how long it took Sir Alex Ferguson to win his first title has become a timeless classic.

Like Houllier, the pragmatic, likeable and brilliant coach who won silverware in his first two seasons, Benitez has now become a perplexing figure, a man struggling with a persecution complex.

It speaks volumes when the most lucrative managerial deal in Anfield history is presented as an act which undermines rather than reassures him.

Naturally, he has found ammunition thanks to the behind-the-scenes shambles, although he’s as much a beneficiary as victim. Four of Liverpool’s six-man board wanted Benitez’s position as manager reviewed last summer, and the same individuals believe there should be serious discussion about his future this May if he doesn’t sustain a title challenge.

A defeat to Chelsea today may even test his alliance with the fickle Tom Hicks, who must agree to his co-owner’s wish to shelve Benitez’s contract offer. That would undoubtedly signal the beginning of the end of his reign.

Boardroom dissenters felt compelled to agree to Hicks’ demand for a contract extension while Liverpool were top of the league last December.

They also felt they were serving the will of The Kop and herein lies one of the reasons Liverpool managers are vulnerable to an ascent into presumed dictatorship. The Anfield dugout is acclaimed unlike any in world football. Once he has won the hearts and minds of the people, a Liverpool manager inspires religious devotion.

Houllier enjoyed this for a time between 2001-02 and post-Istanbul Benitez was afforded the same status. Both have learnt to milk it during times of stress. Benitez has played ‘the fan card’ so much lately he could enjoy a profitable poker career.

On the back of such affection, the affable, intelligent, quietly-spoken modesty which typified their early years gives way to an erratic, megalomaniac pursuit of self-preservation and self-congratulation — but not enough self-assessment.

Criticism used to be brushed off but is now viewed as an act of sacrilege. Houllier used to go through Press cuttings with a highlighter pen in order to dress down detractors. Benitez has appointed his own media watchdog, Juan Francesco, to report to him on every critical sentence uttered in print, TV, radio or on Liverpool websites.

The disintegration of Houllier’s regime was traced to the departure of his right-hand man, Patrice Bergues, after the 2001 treble.

Again, the parallels are unavoidable. Rafa’s chief scout Paco Herrera and assistant manager Pako Ayesteran were voices of wisdom who have gone, replaced by backroom devotees who react to every Benitez decision with gushing applause rather than analysis.

“There’s no one there to say ‘no’ to him any more,” said one Anfield source.

Add to this a cautious tactical approach. Houllier used to order print-outs of the number of shots on goal and corners Liverpool won to distribute to disbelieving journalists. Benitez trotted out a statistic about the number of goals Liverpool scored last season when asked if he was ‘too defensive’.

His press conferences are also becoming an echo. In November 2002, Houllier stated: “We have been a victim of our own success after doing so well last year. But it is good people had greater expectations this season.”

This month, Benitez said: “Everyone thinks this is the year because expectations are so high. We are where we are because we’re doing things right.”

Rafa would be wise to learn from Houllier’s fate. Anything but victory over Chelsea and a vast improvement in body, mind and behaviour will ensure the attention switches away from the boardroom and stays on the dugout.

That may assist the players who admit the pressure appears to be focused elsewhere. For Xabi Alonso, Liverpool have been talking the talk but not walking the walk this year.

“Playing well is what gets you respect,” he said. “If anyone talks too much and doesn’t perform, he is danger of losing respect from other professionals.”

After his rants against Ferguson, Everton and contract dissatisfaction, Benitez should listen to such sage advice. It would be a good start for Rafa to ask his media analyst to find cuttings of how he managed the club between 2004-2006. That was when he made a habit of overseeing miracles to win trophies.

If he’s going to end Liverpool’s wait for the title, he needs another one.

Rafa Benitez: How We'll Revive Title Charge

Rafa Benitez reckons the ongoing return to form and fitness of three of his biggest stars is just the shot in the arm Liverpool need as they bid to get back to their best.

The disappointment of Wednesday night's draw with Wigan was only eased in the eyes of the Reds boss by the fact the game allowed Martin Skrtel, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano to get more playing time under their belts.

Incredibly, before last week the trio had not appeared in the same consecutive games all season.

Skrtel was out for three months with a knee ligament injury, Torres has been in an out of the side because of hamstring problems and Mascherano has not figured as regularly as expected because of struggles with his form and fitness following his participation in the Olympic Games in Beijing.

But, having seen them all start against Wigan and Everton, Benitez now believes it won't be long before all three are back to their best.

"We have some good options now," said the Reds boss.

"We have Skrtel and Mascherano, who have been much better, Agger who is fit again and Torres who is coming back.

"These are good options for us because they are good players who can play at a very good level and if they are fit we will have a strong squad for the rest of the season.

"Skrtel was a very nice surprise for us because in only his second game back against Everton he was playing at the same level as he was before."

Benitez believes the Olympics took a heavy toll on Mascherano, who has struggled to repeat his excellent form of last season in the current campaign.

But in recent weeks the Reds boss has seen indications that the Argentinian is about to get back to his best, something Benitez believes would be a massive boost to his team as Liverpool look to get back to winning ways.

He said: "Mascherano has shown in every training session that he has commitment, passion and is a good worker. Now, if he is feeling better, it will be a good addition for us.”

Benitez knows that Liverpool need to start winning games after a run of four consecutive draws and, with Chelsea set to visit Anfield on Sunday, is aware a victory over the London side is exactly what is needed to get back on track.

"We would like to start winning right now," he added.

Fernando Torres Out To Repeat Last Season's Heroics

HAVING been presented with a beautiful watch to commemorate his status as Liverpool's player of the year, Fernando Torres could not have picked a better moment to talk about his desire to make up for lost time.

Torres cuts a frustrated figure at present as he bids to shake off the fitness problems which have restricted his impact on Liverpool's season so far but he firmly believes he is edging closer to the level he wants to be at.

"It's been a strange season for me because I have never really had injuries before and I have had three on the run," he said.

"This has meant I have not always felt 100% but now I am feeling very good and every day I am feeling better.

"Now I just want to look ahead because there is still a lot to play for this season and hopefully I can play my part."

There would be no better time – and perhaps no better opponents – for Torres to announce his re-emergence from the sidelines than in Sunday's game against Chelsea. The London club have the dubious distinctionof being the first in the League to be on the receiving end of the Spanish striker's finishing skills.

In a moment that will never be forgotten by the 43,924 people at Anfield lucky enough to see it, Torres surged clear of Tal Ben Haim with a burst of electrifying pace before opening his body and stroking the ball into the net past a powerless Petr Cech. Mere mention of that game is enough to make Torres' face light up.

"It was my first game at Anfield in front of the Liverpool fans so it is a very special memory for me," he said.

"I also scored my first goal in that game so it was the beginning of everything for me. "Because of this there would be no game that would be better for me to score again at Anfield. "I know there will be so many people watching the game and our fans will be really wanting us to win so hopefully I can play at my best and score a goal.

"It is a special stadium for me and I would love to score there in every game we play."

Incredibly, scoring at Anfield is something the 24-year-old has not done since last May when he got the winner against Man City. That startling statistic is partially explained by the fact that injuries have meant Torres has started only a handful of games there since then. But it is a record he longs to put right.

He said: "It is something I want to change – for me, for my team and for the fans.

"Like I said, this has been a strange season for me and I have not been able to play in as many games or score as many goals as I would have liked but hopefully this will change.

"But more than anything I want to win a trophy with Liverpool and for this to happen we have to start winning more games.

"It's not just in the league either, we also have the FA Cup and the Champions League to aim for so there are a lot of big games coming up.

"But we are in a good position in all of these competitions and we have to be positive and I hope that this season will turn out to be a good one for Liverpool and for me."

Like everyone else at Anfield, Torres was hugely disappointed to see another two points go begging after being pegged back by Wigan on Wednesday night.

But he believes the meeting with Chelsea's line up of stars is the perfect motivation for Liverpool to get any such negative feelings out of their system and continue their involvement in the title race.

"We are in the race for the title and we will see what happens.

"Obviously, it was disappointing that we were not able to win against Wigan on Wednesday night.

"It was two points dropped at a time when Man United are two points ahead of us having played a game less.

"So we know that it is difficult for us but we also know that there are many more important games to come, starting with Sunday's against Chelsea, and we will have more chances to pick up important points.

"We must be positive because we are in a good position even though we have not been at our very best in recent weeks.

"If we can beat Chelsea then everything will change and that means this game is a big opportunity for us.

"Chelsea are fighting for the title with us and Man United so a win against them would boost our confidence for the rest of the season, that is why this is such a massive game.

"We are Liverpool and we are not scared of anyone. I know that Chelsea have some fantastic players and we respect them a lot but we have shown that we can beat them. Hopefully we can do that again.”

Masherano: Liverpool FC Will Make Chelsea Pay

Javier Mascherano is angry and now the Argentine wants to make Chelsea pay for Liverpool’s growing frustrations.

Mascherano has revealed Rafael Benitez’s squad are seething at being knocked off the top of the Premier League table.

Liverpool have let slip winning positions to draw successive top-flight games against Everton and, on Wednesday, at Wigan.

It means they have fallen two points adrift of leaders Manchester United and are also behind tomorrow’s Anfield opponents Chelsea on goal difference.

A month ago it was supposedly the Londoners who were the club in crisis. Now it is the turn of Liverpool to be scrutinised, despite having constructed a 15-game unbeaten run.

The problem for Benitez’s men is more than half of those games have ended in draws. And that inability to kill off teams that should have been beaten has forced a fuming Mascherano to admit Liverpool have no option to reinforce their title credentials by beating Chelsea.

“The players are very angry about the draws against Everton and Wigan,” says Mascherano. “These points are always crucial and, after a great season, it’s a shame to drop off.

“The road to the title is not lost, but certainly we have given chances to United to take advantage.

“The game on Sunday against Chelsea will be like a final for us. It’s win or nothing.

“A draw would be a disaster because, to offer United a four or seven points’ advantage, it’s almost the title for them.”

Liverpool must also welcome Arsenal and Aston Villa during the final third of the season, as well as make a potentially pivotal trip to Old Trafford in March.

Despite United being the only away team to win at Anfield in the last 65 league games, Benitez’s side have been hampered by five home draws already this season.

And Mascherano has called for a return of the “Anfield magic” and says: “I am an ambitious player and a fighter and I never give a chance to the opposition. From Sunday onwards, we must win all of our games to put fear into United and improve our chances of the title.

“This match won’t be at all easy because it is also a final for Chelsea. Chelsea are aiming for the title too and a point is nothing because the only beneficiaries would be Manchester United.

“I expect a difficult game, but I am optimistic and I want a return to the Anfield magic to claim three vital points in the season.

“Rafa Benitez ended the game against Wigan very angry and that’s normal because we have lost a lot of points when victory was in our grasp.

“It’s necessary to work as hard as possible now and get a great victory against Chelsea. Psychologically, it would be a massive injection ahead of the following games.”

Liverpool ended Chelsea’s 86-match home domestic unbeaten record with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge in October.

The last time they recorded a league double against the Londoners, Liverpool went on to win the league in 1990.

And striker Dirk Kuyt says: “We know we can talk all day but at the end of the day we have to beat Chelsea. But we have beaten them before and we know we can do it. It’s a big team, a big game, and we just need to win it.

“We’re still right in it. The players are probably more disappointed than anyone at losing points against sides like Wigan and Stoke.

“But that’s how it goes, and sometimes you need that bit of luck to go with it. But there are 38 matches so we will see. We just want to do our talking out there on the pitch.

“We’re not bothered what anyone else is saying. We have just got to win this game know and show we can beat our big rivals again. We’ve done it once and of course we know that would send out a message to everyone – but we are out to win every game really.
“We’re obviously very disappointed at the result against Wigan. We have had too many draws at the start of the second half of the season, and now the only message we can send out is by beating Chelsea.

“But the Wigan draw is not going to knock our confidence, it’s just a real disappointment because we know we can win these type of games. There are only a few little things we have to change, not too much, and we will be there again.”

Injuries have meant that Fernando Torres has played just 30 minutes in games against the other top five teams so far.

However, the Spaniard is expected to again lead the attack tomorrow against the team he scored his first-ever Liverpool goal back in August 2007.

And Kuyt adds: “Fernando Torres is back now after a bad hamstring injury, and you can see every week how he is getting better. It’s only a matter of time before he’s back scoring goals for us again.

“I think we showed in the first half of the season what can happen when we click. Sometimes we were missing players like Stevie and Fernando but were still winning.

“Now everyone’s coming back and we’ve been dropping points with draws, so we know we’ve got to start picking up wins again – starting with Sunday.”

Rafa Pleads For Trust Of Supporters

Rafael Benitez has urged Liverpool supporters to “trust” him as he dismissed suggestions his team are too cautious to win the title.

The Anfield outfit entertains fellow championship contenders Chelsea tomorrow afternoon having slipped below the Londoners to third place in the Premier League, with both teams two points adrift of leaders Manchester United.

Liverpool have been hampered by a run of form that has seen them draw seven of their last 10 top-flight fixtures, including successive draws in their last three outings against Stoke City, Everton and Wigan Athletic.

Many supporters were critical of Benitez’s team selection and substitutions as they surrendered a one-goal lead late on at the JJB Stadium on Wednesday.

But the Spaniard has urged fans to keep the faith and believes victory over Chelsea would “change everything” for his team.

“The supporters need to trust the team, the team is doing well,” said Benitez.

“I am the manager and I will make the decisions and if the team can continue winning everyone will be happy, if not we will be disappointed.

“This year we have a very good problem. Expectation has gone high. Now we need to manage the situation. We have to keep going whether we win or cannot.

“Clearly this kind of game can change everything. If we win everyone will be talking about us being back in the title race, we are fantastic, we have an opportunity.

“The draws have been disappointing. If we win against Chelsea everything will change.”

Responding to accusations his tactics are too safety-first, Benitez said: “119 goals last season, 82 points record in history of club, four trophies, seven finals, 14 trophies, you cannot be cautious and have all this.

“We scored more goals last season than any team in England. The problem is we are well organised as a team and when a team is like this it is seen as being less offensive.

“We have a very good balance. But you see the difference between Torres being fit and scoring goals like last season and being injured for three months.”

Benitez has been taunted in the past fortnight by rival supporters chanting “Rafa’s cracking up” but the Spaniard insists he is delighted Liverpool are competing for the title.

“When you play to avoid relegation you are under pressure, but when you play to win the Premier League, or to progress in the Champions League or FA Cup, I am pleased to be in this position,” he said.

“I don’t feel under any more pressure than when I was at Valencia trying to take on Real Madrid and Barcelona.”

Liverpool’s American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are both due to attend tomorrow’s game, but Benitez refused to be drawn on whether a possible new contract will be discussed.

“If the owners want to meet me, I have no problem with that,” he said. “It will be a private conversation. If we have to talk I don’t have any problem.”

Xabi Alonso and Albert Riera are likely to return to the starting line-up.

Chelsea Manager Scolari Lends Backing To Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has leapt to the defence of Liverpool counterpart Rafael Benitez following his attack on Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson earlier this month.

The Brazilian insists he has some sympathy with Benitez as the two clubs prepare for their crucial Barclays Premier League showdown at Anfield tomorrow, where a draw would give United a clear edge in the title race.

Benitez accused Ferguson and his staff of putting referees under pressure, especially at Old Trafford, and of consistently showing them little respect.

Now Scolari, who takes his side to Anfield on Sunday for their first away league fixture since a 3-0 drubbing at United, says he can understand the reasons behind Benitez’s controversial rant.

“It’s one of his ideas and I haven’t spoken to him about it,” said Scolari.

“Maybe I will at the weekend. I understand. I understand very well.

“I understand that, sometimes, when we play there (at Old Trafford) and at Stamford Bridge, I know what happens.”

Liverpool have drawn four out of their last five home games in the league but Scolari is reticent to boast that it is the perfect time to play them.

Benitez is under pressure as his contract dispute continues while he has also been criticised for his handling of striker Robbie Keane.

But while Scolari accepts the Spaniard has problems, the Brazilian still expects a difficult game.

“He may have more problems at the moment, but if you work in the same place for three years or so, you know how to react to that,” said Scolari.

“I don’t know what’s happened there. I don’t know what’s happened with Benitez. I know when we’ve drawn or lost at home, we’ve needed to change something but I don’t know what’s happened there.

“Benitez is a fantastic coach with good players. We’ll need more ’adaptation’ than in the other games for this match.

“I think about my job, not his. I’ve lost 14 points at Stamford Bridge and I’m not a bad coach because of that. I like Benitez so much and I wish for him all the best. Not in our game, sure, but all the best in his life, in the rest of his career.

“He’s a very good coach who knows the Premier League more than me because he’s been here four or five years.”

Chelsea have yet to beat any of the other recognised members of the ’big four’ this season but Scolari is unconcerned.

He insists his side have a psychological edge after their victory over Middlesbrough in midweek lifted them above Liverpool into second place on goal difference.

“We started the Middlesbrough game under pressure because we were in fourth position,” said Scolari.

“(Aston) Villa had won and the other teams were in front of us.

“For confidence it’s very good, but we know we are behind Manchester United and level with Liverpool.

“We are not better than these two teams. But, for confidence, it’s very good. We’ve played better in the last four or five games.

“We’ve won games, played better than before, and have shown more heart.”

Liverpool also ended Chelsea’s 86-match unbeaten home league run earlier in the season but the Brazilian refuses to crank up talk of a revenge mission for his side.

“Any victory is very good for me,” Scolari added.

“Here at Stamford Bridge or away. It’s a game that, maybe, maybe, will decide the direction of winning or not winning the championship.”

Tottenham Hotspur End Interest In Liverpool's Robbie Keane

Tottenham Hotspur have abandoned their pursuit of Robbie Keane after initial talks, according to reports form several sources, including broadsheet newspaper The Independent.

Liverpool are said to have wanted the bulk of the £20.3 million they paid the White Hart Lane club in the summer for the 28-year-old Irishman's services. Spurs, of course, wanted him at a cut price.

Keane has flitted in and out of the Reds’ setup over the last few weeks and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp expressed his admiration of the player before sounding out the Merseyside men.

Other proposed transfer structures are thought to have been offered, such as a part-exchange deal involving unsettled Lilywhites Aaron Lennon and Jermaine Jenas, or having existing the £11m debt wiped clean. Liverpool, though, wanted hard cash.

Now, Keane is expected to fight for his place at Anfield, while Spurs will turn their attention to challenging Manchester City for the signature of Blackburn Rovers hitman Roque Santa Cruz.

We may not have heard the end of the matter, though, as Liverpool are said to be pointing the finger at Spurs, accusing them of tapping-up their former charge.

Atletico Want The Liverpool Trio Of Pepe Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa And Xabi Alonso

Pepe Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso are all being monitored by Atletico de Madrid as the Spanish outfit are keen to make a triple bid in the summer to land them all.

Atletico de Madrid are considering making an approach for Pepe Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso from Liverpool, but may wait to see what happens to Rafael Benitez, according to a report in AS.

Los Colchoneros are already drawing up plans for next season's squad and the Anfield trio are the main players that the club believe can bolster their squad.

Last summer Atletico coach Javier Aguirre wanted a playmaking midfielder and pinpointed Alonso only for him to appear to be ready to go to Juventus, before the Italian outfit opted to Christian Poulsen instead.

Now the Mexican trainer is intent on attracting Alonso to compliment the impressive forward line of Sergio Agüero, Diego Forlan, Mai and Simao.

Benitez would probably not want all three of the Spanish players to leave Liverpool if he were to stay but a new manager may allow them to go to raise funds.

That may be the only way that Atletico could prise Reina away as they are desperate to land the son of goalkeeper, Miguel Reina, who played in the 1974 European Cup Final.

Arbeloa may prove to be an easier proposition, but even the Spanish international defender is seen as a vital squad member by the Merseyside outfit.

One way that the club could be assured to having a chance of signing the trio would be to make Benitez the coach and that could be a realistic proposition towards the end of the season.

Wenger Considering Joining Atletico In Alonso Bid

Atletico Madrid are set to bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso according to reports in Spain, and Sport.co.uk sources have revealed that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is monitoring the situation and could be tempted with an offer for the Anfield talisman.

Wenger had a last minute deadline day offer rejected in the last transfer window and has been honest and open in his admiration for the former Real Sociedad playmaker.

Atletico see Alonso as the perfect addition in their pursuit of Barcelona at the top of the La Liga. The Spanish international was the first player this season to reach over a 1,000 completed passes in the Premiership.

The speculation surrounding Alonso is the next chapter in a difficult for Rafa Benitez and the Liverpool board.

Fernando Torres: 'Father Figure' Rafa Benitez Must Stay At Liverpool

Fernando Torres remains confident that Rafa Benitez - the man he describes as a father figure - will sign a new contract with Liverpool.

Benitez recently rejected Liverpool's offer of a new deal on the grounds that the contract put forward by club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett did not give him the control over transfers and influence over the academy that he had been seeking.

The future of the Reds boss remains up in the air although Hicks has pledged to thrash out a deal during his visit to Merseyside this weekend,

Torres is hopeful that a deal can finally be tied up and warned it would be "a mistake and a great pity" if the impasse continued and Benitez ended up quitting Anfield.

"Negotiations always take time and there's a lot to sort out but I'm sure he'll end up renewing his contract," said Torres.

"Sooner or later they'll come to an agreement. Rafa wants the best for him and for the club, so I'm not worried.

"He's been like a father to me and I hope and trust that he continues.

"He's been very important for me: he gave me confidence and taught me so much. He's one of the coaches you learn the most from.

"He's given a lot to the club and brought in some great players. Some of us wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him. If you ask the other players, they'd tell you the same thing.

"Letting Rafa go would be a mistake and a great pity."