Rafa Benítez Keeps Feud With Alex Ferguson Simmering

Rafa Benítez could not resist a dig at Sir Alex Ferguson on Saturday.Asked about criticism he received from both Manchester United's manager and Sam Allardyce following Liverpool's recent win against Blackburn, the Spaniard retorted. "Maybe people have nothing to do."

Ferguson claimed that when Liverpool assumed an early 2–0 lead Benitez made a hand motion indicating the game was over but his Anfield counterpart insists it was merely a self deprecatory gesture intended for Xabi Alonso who had ignored his instructions and created a goal.

"With 30 minutes in the first half gone, how can you say that the game is over? Impossible," said Benítez.

"I was saying, 'Alonso, play short' but Alonso crossed and Torres scored. So I was saying, 'OK, good'. Simple.

To create something around this means that maybe somebody has nothing to do. Maybe people have nothing to do."

Meanwhile Dirk Kuyt appeared to mimic Benítez's reaction to that Torres strike when he celebrated scoring his second and Liverpool's third goal at Hull. The Dutchman denied this but added: "Rafa makes signals with his hands like that all the time in games."

Liverpool's Jamie Carragher Hopes Premier League Will Be Decided On Final Day

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the club will have a good chance of winning the Premier League title if it goes down to the final game of the season.

The Reds host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, May 24, while table toppers Manchester United will travel to the KC Stadium to take on Hull City.

The Merseyside outfit beat the Tigers 3-1 away on Saturday, however, the 31-year-old has insisted that it was such a difficult game that he would not be surprised if the Red Devils fail to win there.

"We have been on a great run of form recently and that was probably the worst we've played in a long time to be honest," Carragher told the club's official website.

"Credit to them though, they competed really well and caused us quite a few problems and we were just delighted to get the result in the end.

"Good luck to them, we just hope they do the same when they play Man United at the end of the season.

"They weren't really the kind of conditions you want to be playing in when it's warm because the pitch was really sticky and the grass was long so we couldn’t really get our passing going.

"But obviously they did that because it gives them more chance of making a game of it and, like I said, good luck to them.

"If they keep going like that I'm sure they will do well and hopefully we can take the title race to the last game because it won't be easy for United to go there, just as it wasn’t for us on Saturday."

Yossi In Line For New Deal

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed he plans to offer Yossi Benayoun a new contract at Anfield.

Benayoun has impressed in recent weeks in the absence of Steven Gerrard, with the diminutive Israeli popping up with a number of key goals.

The skilful attacker has voiced his frustration at not being able to hold down a regular place in Benitez's plans since his arrival in 2007, but this season has arguably been his most consistent in a red shirt.

Benayoun's former club West Ham have been credited with an interest in luring him back to Upton Park, but Benitez insists there has been no approaches for the player and that he wants to tie down the 28-year-old to a long-term deal.

"I think if he is happy, then he will be okay here," Benitez is quoted as saying in The Independent.

"Yossi now is playing, so I'm sure he is happy.

"We've had no real approaches for him.

"Now he is playing more games, has more confidence and you can see the quality that he has.

"I have to talk to him [about a new contract] but he is contracted for another two years."

Benitez is also confident Daniel Agger will agree a new deal to stay on Merseyside.

Agger's future has been the subject of intense speculation for some time as contract talks have been dragging on.

Reports over the weekend suggested the Danish international had rejected Liverpool's latest offer, but Benitez claims talks are progressing well and he remains hopeful the centre back will sign a new contract.

"I think that we are closer," said Benitez of Agger's contract talks.

Rafa Prepares For Busy Summer At Anfield

Liverpool are set for a busy summer in the transfer market as Rafa Benitez stamps his authority on the Anfield club.

Aston Villa and England midfielder Gareth Barry is the main target during the close season and there is interest in Carlos Tevez as Manchester United are reluctant to fork out for the Argentinian's services.

The trouble is a move for the former West Ham marksman may impact on their chances of beating Tottenham in the chase for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing as there is only a certain amount of cash swilling around in their transfer warchest.

And the Reds may also need to replace defender Daniel Agger as he has rejected a new four-year contract worth £10million.

The Dane could be headed to Italy where Milan, Inter and Juventus are all interested in his services.

Downing, meanwhile, will be joined in a Riverside exodus by a large chunk of the first-team squad if Boro are relegated.

Gary O'Neil is wanted by his old club Portsmouth and also interests Fulham while Tuncay could end up at Everton, Bolton or Blackburn with Julio Arca heading to Hull if he does not return to Sunderland.

Spurs have been linked with an £8m summer move for Marseille striker Djibril Cisse, who is currently on loan at Sunderland, but are likely to chase a more potent finisher to replace Darren Bent, who appears to heading for the White Hart Lane exit despite scoring 17 times this season.

They remain keen on Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz while Portsmouth want Rovers defender Christopher Samba to replace Sol Campbell, who will not be offered a new contract in a cost-cutting measure at Fratton Park.

Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko will return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season because Milan will not pay the £9m fee to make his loan deal permanent and the Blues are willing to listen to offers for striker Nicolas Anelka at the end of the season and hope to recoup most of the £15m they spent to sign him from Bolton.

Arsenal may make a surprise bid if their London neighbours are prepared to lower their asking price but would prefer to spend their cash on strengthening their defence.

Fulham defender Brede Hangeland is on their shortlist after impressing at Craven Cottage this season.

The Norway international could be available as he has rejected improved contract terms along with Aaron Hughes, who could interest newly-promoted Wolves.

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o maintains he has no interest in leaving Barcelona for the Premier League, Serie A or anywhere else for that matter as he is already at 'the best club in the world'.

Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne, meanwhile, has emerged as a shock target for Real Madrid.

Benitez Eyes United Target Suarez

Ajax striker Luis Suarez looks set to be one of the summer’s hottest transfer targets with news emanating from Holland that scouts from a host of top European clubs have been monitoring his progress. Manchester United are known to be confirmed admirers of the 22-year-old and it now appears that Liverpool have joined their close rivals and AC Milan in sending representatives to the Amsterdam Arena.

Rafael Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson have each been linked in recent months with big money bids for Valencia's David Villa and Lyon's Karim Benzema respectively but it has now been suggested that Suarez’s credentials and cheaper price tag could see his name added to the list.

The Uruguayan hitman has been in deadly form this season admirably filling the gap left by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar following the Dutchman’s January move to Real Madrid. With 22 goals and 14 assists in 29 Eredivisie appearances Suarez drew level this weekend with AZ Alkmaar’s Mounir El Hamdaoui at the top of the scoring charts – a feat all the more impressive given his side’s poor form.

The striker, who is similar in style and stature to Arsenal’s Eduardo, has also impressed on the international stage netting an impressive nine goals in eighteen appearances since making his debut for Uruguay in 2007.

Despite recently claiming that he is content with life in Holland, Suarez has openly admitted to being frustrated by Ajax’s failure to contend for the league title and at the subsequent lack of Champions League action. It is thought that having cost the Amsterdam Arena outfit €9.5m from Groningen his price has valuation has now risen above the €15m mark.

Liverpool Must Sell To Buy Transfer Targets

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted he will have to sell players to help fund summer transfer targets.

Benitez will look to strengthen his squad in close season to keep pace with Manchester United and Chelsea and make another push for the Premier League title next term.

The Reds have been linked with a second attempt to sign Aston Villa's Gareth Barry, as well as Valencia striker David Villa and Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson, but in order to bring in that calibre of player he will have to trim his squad.

Ryan Babel and Andrea Dossena have been unconvincing and could be sacrificed, and Sami Hyypia is reported to have been offered a deal to join the coaching staff.

"More or less I will have an idea of how much we will have to spend," said Benitez.

"I think we'd have to sell players to increase the money we'll need, but at the moment we're not talking about names and money.

"We are working on targets and we will try to do things as quickly and cheaply as possible.

"Every year it is important to sign good players, the right players. We know we have better players than before and it will be difficult to find better players than we have now.

"But we are working very hard during the season, looking for and watching players. We will be ready."

Krisztian Nemeth’s Late Strike Wins Liverpool Senior Cup Final

Kristianz Nemeth hit the winning goal 14 minutes from time as Liverpool Reserves scored a 1-0 victory in the Liverpool Senior Cup final to end Waterloo Dock’s hopes of glory at Marine FC last night.

The Hungarian striker fired home from close range on 76 minutes to give Liverpool the trophy.

But Gary Ablett’s team, who have had a difficult season in the FA Premier Reserve League Northern section, were made to work hard for the victory as Jim Davies’ Liverpool County Premier League champions put up an excellent fight.

It is the 33rd time that Liverpool have won the trophy outright, while they have also shared it on five other occasions.

Ablett’s side started well and almost went ahead after five minutes but Nemeth was off target with his effort.

Four minutes later Waterloo’s Leighton McGivern was denied by a last-ditch tackle from Mikel San Jose.

Both sides had chances throughout.

Liverpool’s Vincent Weijl set up Nemeth and the Hungarian forward saw his shot from 25 yards saved by Dock keeper Ryan Brookfield.

At the other end McGivern was denied by Liverpool’s Australian keeper Dean Bouzanis, fresh from helping the club’s youth team reach the FA Youth Cup final.

Dock could have went in front soon after but captain Anthony Battle guided a free header from six yards wide of the target.

Then right at the end of the first half Liverpool forward Dani Pacheco curled a free-kick just past the post.

Five minutes after the break Gerardo Bruna saw another shot deflected wide.

The Argentine striker almost set up Nemeth, but after the Hungarian went around Dock’s keeper Brookfield, Garry Riley got back to deny him with a well-timed challenge.

Liverpool continued to press for the winner, but Waterloo also went close and Godwin Antwi has to be alert to block efforts from Craig Sutherland and Joe Roberts. With time running out Nemeth was denied again when Brookfield superbly saved another shot.

But the Hungarian striker wouldn’t be denied and he broke the deadlock on 76 minutes.

San Jose and Bruna started a good passing move and after Weijl’s cross into the area, Nemeth was on hand to stab home from six yards what turned out to be the winning goal.

Ajdarevic Open To Foxes Stay

Astrit Ajdarevic admits he could stay at Leicester City, but revealed he is wanted by a Premier League club.

The Swedish teenager is on loan at the Walkers Stadium from Liverpool and has made four substitute appearances for the League One champions.

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson is keen to have the midfielder in his squad next season and Ajdarevic is open to staying with the Foxes.

However, Ajdarevic also confirmed that there has been interest from a team in the top flight as he weighs up leaving Anfield again.

"There is a chance for that (staying at Leicester) and the clubs are in negotiations," Ajdarevic told Fotbollskanalen. "Leicester are negotiating with both Liverpool and my agent.

"It is Leicester and another club that have shown concrete interest. The other club is not a big club, like Liverpool or Manchester United, but it is a Premier League club."

Though Ajdarevic has yet to start a game for Leicester, the 19-year-old has enjoyed his time with Pearson's side.

He added: "It was hard to get into the team since they were on top of the division and everything was moving smoothly.

"I was more of a helping hand, but I have gained their trust and been able to play in big games for the club.

"It feels a lot better now than before as I have been able to play for the first team.

"He (Pearson) is pleased and has said that he wants me next season in the Championship and then you can just take him for his word, if I end up staying."

Rafa - United Can Still Crack

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez insists that Manchester United can still crack under the pressure in the title run-in.

The Reds went to the top of the Premier League on Saturday as they put Hull City to the sword at the KC Stadium.

But the Merseysiders' time at the summit was brief as United came from 2-0 down at half-time to crush Tottenham with five second half goals at Old Trafford.

The champions' result means they now sit three points ahead of Benitez's men with a game in hand but the Spaniard still believes the title race is not over.

"We have to keep on winning," he said.

"This football is always difficult and United are a good team, but if we keep winning I think maybe they will feel the pressure.

"You never know in football."

The former Valencia boss praised his team's 3-1 win at the struggling Tigers in what he described as difficult conditions.

"It was a terrible, terrible pitch, really difficult to play," he added.

"The ball was like a rabbit and it is difficult to catch a rabbit. It was a dry and long, terrible.

"If you lose you can say that is an excuse but we won, so I can explain it was difficult to play on.

"Pepe Reina was under pressure every time he tried to play the ball. We needed to be patient and try and pass the ball. We were a little bit under pressure.

"Credit to them, they played with 10 players and they were still pushing."

Kuyt Believes In Miracles

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has warned Manchester United the title race is not over yet.

Kuyt, who marked his 100th Premier League appearance for the club with two goals against Hull on Saturday, remains hopeful Liverpool can beat United to the title.

United are overwhelming favourites to clinch the championship as they are currently three points clear of their arch-rivals with a game in hand.

Time is running out for Liverpool to catch United with just four games left, but Kuyt is refusing to concede defeat and has vowed to push the leaders all the way.

"I believe in miracles in football," insisted Kuyt. "I have certainly seen stranger things happen in football.

"We'll just keep fighting for it - all we can do is keep winning our games.

"We have got a great team and will fight until the end and we shall see what happens on the last day of the season.

"I think they will need to slip up to make things interesting and as soon as they have dropped some points the pressure will be on them again.

"We will just have to wait and see and focus on ourselves.

"If we don't win anything, that's football. We just have to give everything we can as a team."

Kuyt appeared to mimic Rafa Benitez's infamous crossed hands salute when he scored his second and Liverpool's third goal at the KC Stadium, but the Dutchman insists there was nothing behind his celebration.

"It was not about Rafa's signals last week - he makes signals like that all the time in games," added Kuyt.

"It was just spontaneous. I was just happy because we were struggling in the game to be fair.

"That was game over but it is not game over in the league. We will keep chasing them until the end."

Rafa Benitez Takes Valuable Lesson From Liverpool FC Campaign

Rafael Benitez believes his players will learn from their experience of their title scrap with Manchester United while reiterating Liverpool have no intention of throwing in the towel on this season’s challenge.

The Anfield outfit kept up the pressure on their bitter North West rivals with a nervy 3-1 win at Hull City on Saturday.

United remain three points clear with a game in hand after their controversial 5-2 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur later in the evening.

For the first time since 1991, Liverpool remain in the hunt for the championship going into May.

And Benitez reckons the lessons learned from this season’s title tilt will hold his squad in good stead for future Premier League campaigns.

“The team, the squad, has shown that it’s better and this is a fantastic experience for the next years because we are in a position now that we were not before, for me that is the positive thing,” said the Liverpool manager.

“Always you can talk about trophies but in England there are so many strong sides, it’s not easy. At least you have to be there, you have to be contending – then you see what happens.

“We have four games now to finish the season and we’re still in the title race so I think it’s very positive.

“Normally when you play this level you know that at the end of the season you will play for trophies and can lose but if you analyse the whole season I think the team’s done very well, especially without Gerrard and Torres for a lot of games.

“I have confidence that we can fight until the end. After that, it’s very good experience because we have been in a position we were not before, not for a long time.”

United need to drop at least six points in their five remaining games for Liverpool to have any chance of lifting the championship for the first time in 19 years and prevent the Old Trafford outfit drawing level with their record 18 titles.

And Benitez added: “I have confidence United will drop points. So we need to keep going, keep doing our job, put them under pressure and then we will see.”

A goal from Xabi Alonso put Liverpool ahead on the stroke of half-time at the KC Stadium on Saturday, before Hull striker Caleb Folan was sent off on 58 minutes after kicking out at Martin Skrtel.

Dirk Kuyt doubled the visitors’ advantage shortly afterwards and although Geovanni pulled one back for Hull, another Kuyt strike in the closing moments sealed the win.

Of the game, Benitez said: “We were talking with the players about these kinds of games that could be the difference. This year we’ve won against the top sides, so these kind of games, which we’ve been drawing, have to be the difference in the future.

“We assessed the game and I thought we could control it, but it was difficult because they were pushing. We were making mistakes, and we need to improve.”

Hull’s defeat means they remain deep in the relegation mire having won just two of their last 25 league games.

But Benitez added: “I think Hull can be safe. It’ll be difficult for all the teams near the bottom because they’ll play now with more nerves, more anxiety, but I think it will be a good battle – if you’re not in it. But Hull have the potential to stay up.”

Benitez also revealed that Steven Gerrard, who has missed Liverpool’s last three games with an adductor problem, trained over the weekend and should be available for the visit of Newcastle United on Sunday.

Steven Gerrard Backs Kenny Dalglish's Potential Return To Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has reacted to the recent speculation linking Kenny Dalglish with a return to Anfield by saying it would be the best signing Rafael Benitez could make for the team in the summer.

The Reds manager has hinted in the last week that Dalglish could return to the club in an advisory role to help the Spaniard.

Talks are reportedly at an advanced stage, and confirmation of the deal may come as early as next week after Dalglish is said to have been relishing the chance to return to Anfield.

The club captain has now given his opinions on the speculation, believing it could greatly benefit the club.

Speaking to The Mirror, Gerrard said, "My first response to the news was, 'Great, get him in now' because the man is a legend.

"It's a great idea to get Kenny in because it would give the club a massive lift.

"Put it this way, if I was a young player again and a number of clubs wanted to sign me, if Kenny Dalglish came to me and asked me to sign for Liverpool then there is only one place I would go."

The Reds are closer than ever before to winning their first Premier League trophy, but still have some catching up to do as they sit in second place, three points behind Manchester United, who have a game in hand over the Reds.

Liverpool FC Youngsters Must Use Youth Cup Final As Stepping Stone

Hugh McAuley is hoping his players use the FA Youth Cup final as a platform for success further up the football ladder.

The Liverpool coach was delighted his side secured the club’s third appearance in the final in the past four seasons with Friday night’s 3-1 second leg victory over Birmingham City.

Two goals from top scorer Lauri Dalla Valle and another from Swedish left-winger Alex Kacaniklic sealed a 6-1 aggregate success over the Midlanders to set up another two-legged tie with Arsenal at the end of next month.

McAuley, who coached Liverpool to their first-ever success in the competition in 1996 with a team which included Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher and David Thompson, knows that the competition can be used as a springboard for progress through the ranks.

He is hoping some of the current crop of young talent can follow in the footsteps of the class of 96 eventually into Rafael Benitez’s first team.

McAuley said: “It was very pleasing. It is a very long Youth Cup campaign, but I think everyone can see we deserve the right to play in the final. We have had some excellent games and I think the team has improved as we have gone on in the competition and we have seen the emergence of some excellent youth players.

“I think that is the highlight and the feature of the Youth Cup. History tells you that the top players do come through that way. Although Steven Gerrard didn’t play a major part in the Youth Cup early doors, at the same time other players have at this club and at the other clubs.

“The Youth Cup provides that stage for young players to develop in high-profile games. It is a fantastic development programme and we have enjoyed that this year and hopefully we can go on and do that in the final.”

He added: “It is three out of the last four years we have been involved in the Youth Cup final. It is fantastic for the boys and for the football club.

“It gives us that high-profile situation where our boys can be on show and do well and I think big clubs like Liverpool Football Club will benefit ultimately from being in the finals of this type of competition.”

McAuley is happy to have played a part in the latest run to the final, and he is already preparing for a tough clash with Arsenal, who beat last season’s winners Manchester City 6-2 on aggregate to book their place in the final.

The first clash is expected to be at the Emirates on May 22 with the return at Anfield pencilled in for the following Tuesday.

McAuley said: “For me personally it is fantastic. I was lucky enough to be the manager in 1996 when we had Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher and Davie Thompson in the team that was successful against West Ham on that occasion.

“Then a long-time on, a good few years on it is good to manage a team in the final again. It is good that over the last few years the youth team have done particularly well in getting to these finals and we are looking forward to the games against Arsenal. Hopefully we can good account of ourselves and produce some good games of football and some good individual footballers as a result of it.

“Having watched Arsenal they are a very good team and I am sure the games we play against Arsenal will be very good football games.

“We played them in the Youth Cup here last year and were fortunate to beat them 1-0 on the night. We were very good on the night and gave a good account of ourselves and played some excellent football. I am anticipating two very good games.

“There are some excellent footballers on show. Arsenal have some excellent players. Hopefully we can get our homework right and do some good preparation work and I am sure by time we play the games in May we will be ready for that.”

Key to the run to the final has been top scorer Dalla Valle with the Finn firing in seven in the competition so far.

Owen was top scorer back in 1996 and the 17-year-old Dalla Valle’s striking ability plus the fact he has blond hair and wears the Liverpool number nine shirt comparisons to current star Fernando Torres and past strikers are inevitable.

McAuley knows he has a long way to go to match those illustrious Anfield stars, but the Liverpool coach said: “He is typically like a Michael Owen or Fernando Torres in that he is goalscorer.

“He is instinctive, he is always looking to get on the end of passes. He is always looking to run in the box and cause problems for the opposing defence. He is very quick and very sharp in the penalty area. There are a lot of similarities with Michael in that he is a goalscorer and he loves scoring goals. Half chances and loose balls into the penalty area he latches onto very quickly.

“He knows he has a lot to do, a lot to work on like all young players. But he has a touch and an instinct that gets him goals and he has done that all season. The boy is getting stronger, his game understanding is improving a lot more and his hold-up play is improving.

“There are parts of his game he needs to work at and he is working at, but he continues to score goals at youth team level and it is important he gets the right development and the Youth Cup is giving him that development to push on and improve his game.

“But he is an excellent prospect for the future.”

Dalla Valle went off against Birmingham with a thigh strain, but more as a precaution and he will be available for the final.

Midfielder Adam Pepper, though, faces a race against time to be fit. The Liverpool-born youngster suffered a groin problem and left the stadium on crutches. Liverpool, though, are hopeful the injury is not as bad a first feared and he can make the first leg of the final in four weeks.

Liverpool's Finnish Forward Lauri Dalla Valle Has Feet On Ground

Lauri Dalla Valle is not getting carried away after spearheading Liverpool Youth team’s charge to the FA Youth Cup final.

The Finnish forward has played a key part in the run to the final, having scored seven times so far in the competition.

The 17-year-old scored twice against Birmingham in Friday night’s 3-1 semi-final second leg win. They added to the double he hit in the first leg as Liverpool triumphed 6-1 on aggregate to set up another two-legged tie with Arsenal.

The Kontiolahti-born youngster said: “To score two in the first leg and two in the second leg I am pleased. I am a striker, I try to score and I am scoring, so I am happy.

“I try to get in good positions to score goals, and it is going well. I will always try to do my best. It is easy for me to keep my feet on the ground. I am always like that. I always think I am Lauri.

“It was very easy to settle into the country because I have had many people to help me. It took a couple of months to settle down in the English game because it is much faster and more physical but it is going better now.

“I am waiting for the final now. It would mean a lot to win it because it would be my first trophy in England.”

The Importance Of Alonso

This time last year it looked as though Xabi Alonso was on the brink of a move to Juventus with Gareth Barry being lined up as his replacement. Barry, of Aston Villa, was reportedly valued at £18 million which Rafa was not prepared to cough up. The move seemed to hinge only on Xabi Alonso continuing his career in Italy. I think the majority of Liverpool fans out there would certainly agree with me when i say, ' Alonso made the right choice to stay!'

Rafa has elected to play the majority of the season with two holding midfielders, primarily being Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano and it is definitely clear to see that the whole team are reaping the benefits. The facts are clear to see, the new formation is certainly working, and in my opinion the secret to the success is the partnership of Alonso and Mascherano. I also beg to differ that Gareth Barry would have had the same impact on the team, should his move actually have been completed.

It's fair to say that judging by last year’s performances the Spaniard seemed to be losing his touch a little, maybe that was the reason Rafa seemed keen to offload the Spanish international, but this season it's almost as if Alonso has transformed into a totally different player. Pin point passes, an eye for goal and a good report with 'Masc', as well as some incredibly vital goals against Chelsea most notably.

The plaudits will obviously go to the ever present Stevie G as well as Fernando but i thought it only seemed fair to build the praise up of Xabi Alonso as he's almost become an unsung hero. Before the goal against Hull City for example, on the weekend the team looked shaky to say the least, who knows what could have happened if Alonso hadn't have rattled that goal in on the stroke of half time. One thing is for sure, that goal brought some stability to the side and okay we looked a bit complacent when Caleb Folan was sent off for a kick out at Martin Skrtel, but we then ended up killing the game off and subsequently winning 3-1.

In my opinion if there was to be a player of the season Xabi Alonso would certainly be a contender due to the importance he plays within the team, thank god he didn't switch Anfield for the Stadio Olimpico di Torino in the summer, eh?

Sami Hyypia To Spurn Liverpool's Coaching Contract Offer

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Sami Hyypia will decline the opportunity to become a member of Liverpool's coaching staff in order to prolong his playing career.

Apparently, the 35-year-old has been offered a new one-year deal to remain at Anfield as a player-coach.

However, the 97-time capped Finland international believes his chances of playing regular first-team football with the Reds will be few and far between, so he will seek a move away from the club in the summer.

It is thought that manager Rafael Benitez convinced the 6ft 4in centre-back to reject overtures from the likes of Fulham, Newcastle United and Stoke City during the January transfer window to remain with the Merseyside outfit.

However, Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson is expected to make yet another offer for the former MyPa and Willem II star at the end of the season.

Match Report: Hull City 1 - 3 LiverpooL

Dirk Kuyt struck twice as title-chasing Liverpool ground out a crucial Barclays Premier League victory at Hull on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds were given a rigorous test by the relegation-threatened Tigers, who were reduced to 10 men, but held on to keep the pressure on Manchester United at the top of the table.

Kuyt put Liverpool 2-0 up after a controversial Xabi Alonso strike in the first half but Hull battled hard and pulled one back through Geovanni after Caleb Folan was sent off.

But Kuyt sealed the win in the closing minutes from close range.

Liverpool, perhaps feeling the pace after Tuesday's pulsating 4-4 draw with Arsenal, were second best for large periods.

Hull sensed they had nothing to lose but their performance should at least offer encouragement for their remaining four games.

Yossi Benayoun created the first opening with a weaving run into the box but his shot was blocked and Fernando Torres lifted the rebound over the bar.

Benayoun, who has emerged as a strong creative force in the continued absence of the inspirational Steven Gerrard, then curled another shot over soon after.

Yet Hull, anxious for points after just one win in 17, showed an energy that belied their position and Folan spurned a chance when he failed to control in the area.

Jose Reina also needed to deal with a dipping cross from Craig Fagan and Dean Marney scuffed a 20-yard shot after being put clear by Geovanni on halfway.

Geovanni went closer himself with a ferocious shot after a clearance fell to him 30 yards out, his half-volley flashing just wide of target.

Hull also tested the Liverpool defence with a corner and a couple of long Sam Ricketts throws during a prolonged spell on the front foot but a final touch was lacking.

Geovanni then seized on a poor Reina throw only to slip as he looked to deliver a cross and Lucas almost caught the hosts on the counter-attack when he screwed a shot wide.

Kuyt then tried his luck with a fizzing a shot from the edge of the box but Boaz Myhill was not tested.

Liverpool finally made the breakthrough in the last minute of the first half, although Hull were far from happy when Javier Mascherano was ruled to have been fouled on the edge of the area.

Alonso fired the resulting free-kick into the wall but the rebound fell kindly and the Spaniard lashed home from 25 yards.

Hull continued their protests after the half-time whistle and Barmby was booked for dissent by referee Martin Atkinson.

The second half began tamely with Torres firing one half-chance too high and clipping another just over.

But the atmosphere changed markedly just before the hour as Folan was sent off for kicking out at the recalled Martin Skrtel and Atkinson threatened to lose control.

There could be no debate about the red card after Folan tussled with the defender trying to intercept a Jamie Carragher pass and then lashed out as the Slovakian went to ground.

Hull were furious at a perceived injustice and Fagan was booked moments later for clashing with Skrtel.

The hosts then switched off after Kamil Zayatte conceded a corner and a weak clearance allowed Skrtel to shoot and Kuyt to turn in the misdirected effort.

Hull still felt aggrieved and Atkinson was under intense pressure as the tackles flew in and the crowd scrutinised his every decision.

Tigers boss Phil Brown had attempted to shake things up just before Kuyt's goal by introducing Daniel Cousin and Bernard Mendy and the pair combined for Geovanni to score after 73 minutes.

Mendy found Cousin with a long ball and the Gabon striker raced into the area before pulling back for an unmarked Geovanni to turn in.

It was the least Hull deserved but Torres almost finished them off on 80 minutes when he headed against the bar from a Kuyt cross.

Kuyt wrapped up the points two minutes from time from in front of goal after Alvaro Arbeloa's deflected shot was pushed out by Myhill.

Hull City's Phil Brown Blames Poor Refereeing After Liverpool Loss

Hull City manager Phil Brown feels his side could have got something from their match against Liverpool, had it not been for the poor refereeing of Martin Atkinson.

The away side opened the scoring when Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso's thunderous strike found the net on 45 minutes.

The home side were then reduced to ten men after Caleb Folan was giving his marching orders for kicking out at Martin Skrtel.

Things then got worse for the Tigers when Skrtel's mis-timed shot was headed in from close range by Dirk Kuyt.

Brazilian midfielder Geovanni gave the Tigers slim hopes of a revival when he found the back of the net but all hope died when Alvaro Arbeloa's shot fell to Kuyt, who scored his second of the game to give the Reds all three points.

After the game, Brown stated his side needed a lot of picking up at half-time, after what he saw as some poor refereeing decisions.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Brown said, "We were having to pick players up at half time after an injustice was done.

"We knew it was going to be tough and somebody has let them off the hook. I cannot see a free-kick there."

The Tigers boss however, felt the sending off was justified.

"I have no excuses for the sending off. I feel it was justified and it will be dealt with in-house. That killed us, 10 against 11, and Caleb made it a little bit easier for them."

The result leaves Hull perilously close to the drop zone, sitting in 17th place and just three points above Middlesbrough.

Rafael Benitez Plays Down Steven Gerrard Absence

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has stated that his side are able to cope in the absence of captain Steven Gerrard.

The Reds have come under criticism for their results of late and the overwhelming conclusion to the dip in form has been the absence of influential captain Gerrard.

The 28-year-old has been struggling with an injury for the past couple of weeks, meaning he has missed key games in the club's season. Liverpool have crashed out of the Champions League and lost ground in the Premier League title race and many have suggested this is due to Gerrard's absence.

The England international will again miss out on the Reds trip to the KC Stadium this afternoon, as they face Hull City looking to regain lost ground in the title race.

Benitez argues that, although Gerrard is a special player for the Reds, he does not carry the team and said he has confidence in his squad to be able to get a result against the Tigers.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Benitez said, "Gerrard is a key player for us, especially attacking, but the team is doing well.

"The team know they have to attack and they have to win and it doesn't matter Gerrard is not there. All of them try to push and try to help."

Liverpool sit in second place in the Premier League table, just three points behind Manchester United, but the Red Devils have a game in hand over their rivals.

Rafael Benitez Wants Yossi Benayoun To Stay At Liverpool

Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun has reportedly been informed by manager Rafael Benitez that he has a long-term future at Anfield.

The Israeli’s future has been the subject of much debate this season, after he admitted he was unhappy to be starting so many games from the bench.

Benayoun arrived at Liverpool on a four-year-deal in 2007 for a fee in the region of £5 million but has struggled to nail down a place in the starting XI during his time at Anfield.

However, he has been in stunning form in recent weeks and appears to have won over his manager after producing several match-winning performances for the Reds.

The News of the World reports that Benitez now sees the Israeli international as a vital member of his squad and has informed him that he does have a future at the club.

The 28-year-old has been crucial to Liverpool’s title hopes in recent weeks, scoring a last-gasp winner at Fulham and hitting a brace in Wednesday’s thrilling 4-4 draw with Arsenal.

Benayoun also hit the winner for Liverpool in the Bernabeu against Real Madrid in the Champions League and appears to be in the form of his life at the moment.

The former West Ham United man's presence in the team has also meant that skipper Steven Gerrard’s absence has been lessened.

Benayoun was in action again yesterday and, once again, he played a pivotal role in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Hull City, which temporarily took the Reds to the top of the Premier League.