Liverpool Football Club Is A Way Of Life - Rafa Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has acknowledged that his team must show more fighting spirit next season if they are to end the club's long wait for a league title, and has asserted that it his aim to inculcate that mentality as soon as possible.

The coach also drew parallels between the club's situation and the way in which the city of Liverpool has always been known as a place where people do not take a backward step, where they face adversity together and beat it.

"When I decided to sign a new contract I did it because Liverpool Football Club is more than a club," he told The Liverpool Echo.
“It is the heart of the city. It is our life and for the people here it means so much. I thought I had to sign. We have to fight. We have to do it.

"The people in this city are always fighting and have been fighting all their lives. We want to do the same.

"We know the situation is not fantastic but I have a lot of confidence in our squad and we want to fight like we did this year."

Liverpool are beset by financial problems at the moment, largely as a result of the ownership of American businessmen Tom Hicks and George Gillett, whose holding company made significant losses and whose decision to buy the club has left it saddled with huge debts.

And the Spaniard also affirmed that he felt the supporters had every reason to feel optimistic about the season ahead, despite the club's limited capability to compete in the transfer market.

"We have a very good squad but we can still improve a little bit," he added.
"How much can we improve? Enough to the win the title? I’m sure it will be enough to compete. Like this year we will try to compete on all fronts until the end."

Liverpool FC Boss Rafa Benitez Happy With Summer Transfer Kitty

Rafa Benitez today insisted he has got enough cash to splash to turn Liverpool into Premier League champions.

The Reds’ summer spending is expected to be dwarfed by a number of their rivals but the Spaniard is in fighting mood – and confident he will land his main transfer targets.

“We knew it could be difficult because there is a crisis all around the world,” he said.

“Clearly we don’t have too much to spend but I think we have enough money to add the one or two players that we need.

“I’m very happy with the squad we’ve got.

“This season has been really good and we’ve competed on all fronts.

“If we can sign one or two players then I’m really positive that we can improve.”

Benitez, who signed a new five-year contract back in March, will celebrate five years as Liverpool manager next week.

He admits he is relishing the challenge of taking the club to the next level.

“When I decided to sign a new contract I did it because Liverpool Football Club is more than a club,” he said.

“It is the heart of the city. It is our life and for the people here it means so much.

“I thought I had to sign. We have to fight. We have to do it.”

Tom Hicks And George Gillett Set To Refinance Liverpool Loan

Liverpool's beleaguered co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, look set to ­refinance their £350m loan with the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia from next month's deadline, the ­Guardian has learned. The extension could cost up to £3.5m for the arrangement fee, with ­interest payments – approximately 4% above the banking rate – similar to the terms on their current facility.

It was announced last week that Hicks' and Gillett's parent company, Kop ­Football (Holdings) Limited, suffered a £42.6m loss for the year ending July 2008 despite a record turnover of £164.2m. A Liverpool supporters group, Spirit of Shankly, has launched a protest campaign to dissuade RBS from extending the loan beyond the 24 July deadline.

However, the two banks are willing to extend their loan, given rising income at a club who finished second in the Premier League last season, qualifying for the lucrative Champions League for a ­seventh season in a row. "Banks won't want to jeopardise growth through ­taking control," a source close to the situation said.

Facing multi-billion pound losses, banks are pushing unprofitable companies into insolvency or demanding ­control through a debt-for-equity swap. In Spain the local savings bank Bancaja has ­practically taken control of Valencia, who have about £500m of debt. However, the source added: "It doesn't make sense to take control of a business that's performing well; this approach could be applicable to Liverpool."

The refinancing deal will buy Hicks and Gillett time as they attempt to avoid having to sell Liverpool, although their prospects of borrowing a further £400m to build a new stadium on Stanley Park have receded. Last week's accounts included a warning from the accountants, KPMG, that there would be "significant doubt on the group's and parent company's ability to continue as a going concern" without an extension to the £350m loan. A source close to Hicks responded that the Texan was "very relaxed" and "confident".

Real Madrid Give Up Chase For Liverpool Star Xabi Alonso

Hot on the tail of securing the services of Brazilian star Kaka for an impressive six years, newly appointed Real Madrid president Florentino Perez spoke to Telemadrid about the players that he has been linked with of late.

Perez admitted that Los Blancos are looking to bring in an estimated six new players, but the 62-year-old conceded that attempts to sign Liverpool midfielder and Spain international Xabi Alonso could be entirely in vain.

"He [Xabi Alonso] is a great player but he also plays in a big team and I haven't heard any news that they plan to sell him," he said.

"It's obvious that [Liverpool manager Rafael] Benitez is counting on keeping him. That's normal, he's a good player and it wouldn't be easy to replace him."

Since taking over, Perez has openly laid his cards on the table when it comes to his intentions in the Spanish capital. The honcho stated that at least nine players are regarded as dead weight, and will be let go as he looks to continue rebuilding the club in a glamourous fashion.

"The squad has 28 players. We can bring in six new and only register 25," he concluded.

Rafa Benitez To Fine Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano After Agent’s Barcelona Transfer Claims

Rafa Benitez is ready to fine Javier Mascherano after his agent claimed the player was desperate for a move to Barcelona.

The new European Cup winners started tracking Mascherano earlier in the season when he was struggling to tie down a regular midfield spot at Liverpool.

Agent Walter Tamer said yesterday: “I believe that a transfer would be feasible.

“If Barca really want him, he will sign for them.

“If a club like Barcelona want to bring you into their ranks after having completed such a brilliant season and having won everything, obviously as a player you are going to say, ‘Yes, I want to play there’.

“It is an honour for Javier that a club like Barca pay such close attention to him, especially after the incredible season they had.

“He would have a very easy job at Barca. Sometimes we talk and joke that the only thing he has to do is run, rob the ball and pass it on to all the superstars in front of him.”

Benitez insists Mascherano has three years left on his contract and will not be allowed to leave.

But the Anfield gaffer has some work to do to persuade another midfielder, Xabi Alonso, that he is still wanted on Merseyside.

Alonso has grown disillusioned after Benitez tried to sell him, and now wants a move to Real Madrid, who will make a firm offer for the Spanish international within the next week.

Benitez can do without outside interference affecting plans he has been working on since being told his budget earlier in the year.

When Benitez agreed his new contract in March, he was told he would have a minimum of £20million to spend this summer plus any cash he generates himself in the market.

He is bullish about bringing in the two big-name stars he believes will enable Liverpool to wrest the Premier League title from Manchester United.

“I’m positive we have a squad to compete because we were close even though Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard didn’t play together for a long time this season,” said Benitez.

“We have a very good squad and we can still improve a little bit. I’m sure we can improve enough to compete.

“Some clubs were asking for our players, so our priority was to extend the contracts of our key players – those players who are the spine of the team.

“We spent some money to guarantee this and now we are in a very good position.”

With the likes of Ryan Babel, Andrea Dossena, Andriy Voronin and Sebastian Leto all up for sale, Benitez could raise another £20m for his kitty.

And that will allow him to bid for Valencia winger David Silva, plus a top-class defender such as Portsmouth’s England international Glen Johnson or Spain centre-back Raul Albiol.

Benitez is also looking to bring in back-up players and Middlesbrough striker Tuncay has appeared on his radar.

Liverpool FC Legends To Finally Receive World Cup Winners Medals

Liverpool football legends Ian Callaghan and Gerry Byrne will finally receive their World Cup winner’s medals today – more than 40 years late.

They are among the “back-up boys of ‘66” who will be honoured by Gordon Brown at Downing Street after a long campaign to recognise the squad players who missed out on the Wembley final.

Callaghan, a Toxteth-born winger, played in one of the early games of the 1966 tournament, but fell victim to a change of tactics that saw England become the “wingless wonders”.

Left-back Byrne – who, like Callaghan, spent his entire playing career at Anfield – unfortunately never made it onto the pitch throughout the tournament.

A medal will also be awarded to Manchester United winger John Connelly, who began his career at his home-town club of St Helens, in the Lancashire Combination League.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Mr Brown told the Daily Post: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Gerry Byrne, Ian Callaghan and the other players to Downing Street.

“It is absolutely right we recognise their role in England’s 1966 World Cup success – one of our finest sporting moments.

“They are real football heroes and have made this country proud.”

Striker Jimmy Greaves, defender Jimmy Armfield and goalkeeper Peter Bonetti will also be honoured.

FIFA, football’s governing body, agreed to mint special replica medals for the players who missed out on the 1966 final, plus England’s coaching staff.

Between 1930 and 1970, only the 11 victorious players who played in the final received a winner’s medal.

It meant only the players who beat West Germany 4-2 on that famous day at Wembley were honoured, including Roger Hunt, another Liverpool player.

Now the new policy will also hand a record third medal to Pele, who triumphed in 1958 and 1970, but was injured for Brazil’s 1962 final win.

Callaghan, who made a record 640 appearances for Liverpool between 1960 and 1978, helped England beat France 2-0 in one of the group games, but lost his place to future Everton star Alan Ball.

He went to win only four England caps, while Byrne – who famously played through the pain of a broken collarbone to help Liverpool win the 1965 FA Cup Final – represented his country only twice.

Tranmere's John Acherberg Lands ‘Dream Move’ To Liverpool FC

Tranmere stalwart John Achterberg has spoken of his joy at landing a ‘dream job’ at Liverpool as he departs Prenton Park after 11 years.

The Dutchman, who turns 38 next month, will move to the Anfield outfit as a goalkeeping coach, working primarily with the reserves and youth teams under Xavi Valero’s stewardship.

Achterberg, who made more than 300 appearances for Rovers since arriving in England from FC Eindhoven in 1998, was player-goalkeeping coach at Tranmere, acting as understudy in the first team to Danny Coyne.

He becomes the latest big name to depart the Wirral club this summer following the exits of captain Antony Kay, assistant manager Peter Shirtliff plus manager Ronnie Moore – who was sacked on Friday despite taking Tranmere to the brink of the play-offs on a reduced budget from the previous season.

Achterberg said: “This is a dream chance – I need to take it with both hands.

“It’s a massive wrench for me to leave Tranmere after so many years, the fans there have always been so great to me and hopefully they always will be.

“I’d like to think that the Tranmere fans will understand my move however as I’m joining one of the best clubs in the world.”

The Utrecht-born keeper was the longest-serving player at Prenton Park having been signed to replace the Everton-bound Steve Simonsen but had lost his regular number one spot in recent seasons with his role at the club being more focused on his increasing coaching commitments.

With numerous changes in personnel both on and off the pitch at Tranmere in recent weeks, Achterberg had faced an uncertain future with the League One outfit and needed no convincing when Liverpool came calling.

He said: “A chance like this doesn’t come along too often.

“Coaching is the future for myself, I’d been doing more and more of it at Tranmere in recent years and that’s where I needed to progress.

“In the same way you want to play at the best club possible as a player you want to do the same as a coach.

“When you hear a whisper that Liverpool might want you there’s not much thinking needed in your decision – you need to do what is best for yourself.”

Achterberg, who was awarded a testimonial game at Prenton Park against an Everton XI last season, will be reunited at Melwood with former Tranmere colleague John McMahon who has left his job as assistant manager at Shrewsbury Town to replace Gary Ablett as Liverpool’s reserve team manager.

He said: “It will be nice to work with John.

“I’ve always got on really well with him and have a very positive work relationship.

“I can’t wait to start. I’ve already met Rafa (Benitez) twice and I’ll be speaking to Xavi (Valero) soon to discuss our plans for training.”

Anfield Anquish

Ursula Errington from Sky NewsBusiness believes that the current plight surrounding Liverpool isn't as bad as it may appear.

Liverpool fans are fearing the worst following the announcement that despite a record turnover, the Anfield club's net debt has nearly doubled to £86million.

Auditors have warned George Gillett and Tom Hicks that failure to refinance a £350million loan - due on July 24 - "may cast significant doubt upon the group's ability to continue as a going concern".

However, speaking to Sky Sports News Errington pointed out that both Gillett and Hicks money tied up in a number of other companies in the US, and this could help refinance the loan repayment.

"I think we also need to be aware that Gillett and Hicks have other assets in the US that they could liquidate if necessary and use the money to appease the bankers in the UK and extend that debt financing," she explained.

"When you've got an awful lot of debt in this current economic climate, many of us recognise this is not the best of times to try and negotiate with the banks. But at the same time there is room for manoeuvre there and these guys are very able and adept. They have teams that will help them renegotiate with the banks and sort out these refinancing situations."

Sky Sports News also caught up with Professor Tom Cannon, who believes Liverpool owners Hicks and Gillett must sell off some of their other assets if they are to ease the club's financial woes.

Professor Cannon said: "Accountants like KPMG don't use the kind of language they've used here lightly. They've talked about material concerns, they've warned about their ability to continue under the present basis. I don't think I've ever heard accountants talk about a top football club in this way before.

"Fans should be very concerned. In some senses the fans have delivered what they've been expected to do. Turnover and trading profit have both gone up, but I'm afraid the cost of debt and management fees has produced a deficit which is frankly very worrying given the turnover. You're talking about a loss of almost £40million on a turnover of £200million. That is very worrying."

The Reds currently have a deficit which is roughly a third of the company in terms of trading, which is a massive difference from Premier League rivals Manchester United, whose figures are in the range of £300million and have a trading deficit of around £20million.

Professor Cannon, who is professor of strategic development at Liverpool University's school of management, cites the interest charges as the most worrying element of Liverpool's plight.

"They've got big debts but they're paying about £35million in interest," he explained. "We all know how interest rates have declined in the past year but Liverpool seem to be paying a rate that is over 10 per cent. This is at a rate where people are borrowing money at rates of around two and three per cent. It just goes to show how hard it has been to renegotiate the extension of their funding. In July they will be under pressure to renegotiate a much better deal.

"I think the pressure on Hicks and Gillett to bring in another investor is too hard to resist. Whether another investor will come in under the type of conditions Hicks and Gillett seem to be asking I don't know. It's more likely Hicks will sell some of his interest in the Texas Rangers or the Montreal Canadians. They desperately need new finance, not least to take the burden of this debt and the related interest. They can't seriously think in terms of another six-month extension this July; they need long term secure financing."

Liverpool are already counting the cost of their off-the-field troubles. This week they missed out on Gareth Barry, a player who last season publicly stated he wished to move to Anfield but has now instead gone to moneybags Manchester City. They have been heavily linked with a move for Portsmouth's £2million-rated defender Silvin Distin but Professor Cannon believes that unless finances improve, they will miss out on big-name players this summer.

He said: "We now understand why they didn't compete even more vigorously for Gareth Barry. They were talking of paying £18million for him last summer; the difference now is something that has been clearly shaped by these figures. I think Rafa Benitez is in a very powerful position; he has a lot to offer players who might want to come in, but he will clearly be operating under very strict trading conditions in terms of anybody he wants to sign.

"This is certainly going to hit Benitez's budget significantly. Most people around Merseyside thought he would sign Barry, which would have produced a phenomenal midfield with Gerrard and Mascherano. Unless they can sell Alonso or do more in the buying and selling then they're clearly going to be operating under straightened conditions."

New Liverpool FC Academy Director Frank McParland Outlines Future

Liverpool’s new Academy director Frank McParland has outlined plans for the overhaul of the club’s youth set-up.

Manager Rafael Benitez appointed McParland to conduct a review of the Academy earlier this year and the changes required continue apace.

As reported in the Daily Post yesterday John McMahon has taken over from Gary Ablett as reserve team coach, while several other changes to the coaching staff are expected over the coming weeks.

As many as 16 academy employees – including coaches, physiotherapists and sports scientists – have left the club in recent weeks.

And McParland is heading up a new set-up with new technical director Jose Segura, who has worked in Barcelona’s youth set-up, also on board.

McParland said: “Work continues to identify the best possible people to get the academy working properly again and producing players that can progress through to the first team.

“I hope to be able to confirm other additions to our team within the next month.

“We will examine every part of the academy’s operation and will be looking to make improvements not just in the coaching set-up, but also in areas such as medical, physio and fitness work.

“One new initiative will see the appointment of a head of sports science, who will tailor specific programmes for individual age groups to help them progress more quickly.”

MARK LAWRENSON: American Dream Liverpool FC Fans Can’t Wait To Wake Up From

I had a fear that when the full extent of Liverpool’s financial meltdown was made public it would look like we were back to square one.

But that’s not the case – I now think we’re worse off than that.

Just when we have our best season for years.

Just when it looks like we can finally build a team to challenge Manchester United for the title, all that hope and optimism is out on hold by this almighty mess.

It’s worrying enough that Rafael Benitez has to face another summer of trying to get in early on his transfer targets and stressing over who he wants to bring in to strengthen his side.

But the difference this year is that his main rivals could leave him lagging so far behind that he can’t catch up.

Chelsea look like they will spend big again, Manchester United will want to strengthen, Arsenal have already started buying.

And Manchester City have to be taken seriously now. After all, they’ve just completed the signing of the man who was Benitez’s top target last year.

And whether the manager or the fans wanted Gareth Barry this summer or not is immaterial.

Last season when he was top of the list, the money wasn’t there for him but as soon as City wave the chequebook at him he’s up the M6 quicker than you can say “fulfilling my ambition to play Champions League football”.

It all indicates just how hard it will be for Benitez this year.

He has hinted he will have to sell to buy but what will this entail?

If Xabi Alonso wants to go then they should get good money for him. But he was one of the top players at Anfield last season and will be difficult to replace. You’re looking at getting two players in to make up for him.

And I don’t know what Dossena and Babel will fetch in but it won’t be megabucks.

All of which leaves one hope that the club can be sold as quickly as possible.

The only good thing about the release of those figures last week was that it brought home just how much the club has suffered since Tom Hicks and George Gillett took over.

The debt has got bigger and the chances of refinancing with the banks in a few weeks have to be very slim. But that might not be a bad thing.

Because I, like thousands of other Liverpool supporters, hope this will finally be the wake-up call the Americans need to convince them to get out as quickly as they can.

And if there is someone waiting in the wings to relieve them of this situation they have created, then happy days!

Liverpool Pay US Owners Millions In Expenses

Liverpool are being made to pay almost £2m to cover the travel, legal and other personal expenses of the club's owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett. The accounts published for the owners' holding company, Kop Football, for the year to 31 July 2008, show that Hicks charged £192,000 for "third party consulting, travel and other expenses," while Gillett charged £129,000 for "reimbursable travel, legal, personnel and other expenses".

The two men charged significant amounts of money for the same expenses, incurred by themselves personally "and affiliated companies", during the previous seven-month accounting period, which ran from 18 December 2006 to 31 July 2007, too. Hicks charged Kop £198,000, while Gillett charged £375,000.

The pair also claimed almost £1m for what are described in the accounts as "transaction-related expenses". Hicks and affiliated companies charged Kop £133,000 in this category, while Gillett's figure was much higher: £823,000. The total charged to Kop in expenses, for the owners and their affiliated companies, in 18 months from their takeover in early February 2007 to the accounts' end date of 31 July 2008, was £1.85m.

The accounts do not explain in further detail what "consulting, travel, legal, personnel and other expenses" were, or which were regarded as "reimbursable", and Hicks and Gillett were not available to respond with details yesterday. Nor was there any explanation of what constituted "transaction-related expenses". However, the only substantial transaction from December 2006 to July 2007 was the pair's takeover of the club itself. They borrowed £185m from the Royal Bank of Scotland to buy Liverpool in February 2007, and the club has been made responsible for paying the interest on that loan. Now it seems the club has also been made to pay for the pair's costs of doing the deal.

The accounts, published last week, showed that Kop owed a total of £313m to the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia in January this year, and that £36.8m was payable in interest last year. Kop's only asset is Liverpool Football Club so the interest, and the reimbursement of expenses, have to come from the club's income, made from television, supporters paying to watch matches, and other commercial earnings. Hicks and Gillett did loan Kop £58.2m from their holding company in the Cayman Islands last year.

Not all the expenses claimed had been paid by July 2008. The accounts state that of the £523,000 charged by Hicks and his affiliates, £188,000 was still owed, which meant he had been paid £335,000 by Liverpool. Of the £1.327m Gillett claimed for his expenses, £255,000 was outstanding, so Liverpool had paid him £1.072m.

The revelation about the expenses has further incensed supporters' groups who have campaigned for Hicks and Gillett to sell up and leave. The groups accuse the pair of breaking their promise not to make the club pay for their own borrowings to take it over, as the Glazer family did at Manchester United. Liverpool was sold because the previous chairman, David Moores, and chief executive, Rick Parry, believed the club needed wealthy backers to build the long-planned new stadium on Stanley Park, yet the North American pair have not found the finance.

James McKenna, spokesman for the Spirit of Shankly fans' group, said: "Hicks and Gillett were the multimillionaires who promised not to do a Glazer and that work would start on the new stadium within 60 days. Yet now we find, as fans, not only are we paying for their takeover, but we are also paying for their costs of having done it, and, for coming over to visit the football club. They were supposed to bring investment to take the club forward, but it turns out we're even paying their travel costs."

Rafa Benitez: Liverpool Are Not Interested In Ezequiel Lavezzi

Liverpool have reportedly been chasing the signature of Napoli star Ezequiel Lavezzi, but Rafa Benitez has quashed the speculation, stating that the Premier League side do not want to add the ex-San Lorenzo star to their squad.

"We never contacted Lavezzi and we have no intention of doing so. We want to put a stop to these rumours," the Spanish tactician claimed to the English press, according to tuttomercatoweb.

One of Lavezzi's representatives, Eduardo Rossetto, had recently made statements to the contrary, indicating the the Reds were extremely interested in signing the Partenopei forward.

The Argentine international has been an influential figure and fan favourite at the Stadio San Paolo for the last two seasons, but has become unsettled after what he claims is "a lack of respect" from the Serie A outfit.

Press reports from the peninsula suggest that AC Milan, Juventus, and Manchester City are also in the running for the 24-year-old.

Liverpool Did Approach Napoli About Ezequiel Lavezzi - Agent

While Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi has shown signs of discontent in the last few months of the season, his future remains very much uncertain. Recent rumours linked him with a move to Liverpool, but this was quickly denied by Reds coach Rafael Benitez.

Nevertheless, today his agent Alejandro Mazzoni claimed that the English club have spoken with Napoli director Pierpaolo Marino about the player, and he also said Lavezzi now wants to stay at the club.

"Lavezzi wants to stay at Napoli, but Marino has to maintain his promises," Mazzoni said to Sky Sport 24.

"I've read Benitez's words, but I'm sure that the English club spoke with Marino in the past few days. In football it's not necessary to make offers official. In any case, nothing has changed, the key issue is that Marino promised Lavezzi an improved contract over the last few months.

"Lavezzi has said several times that his desire is to stay in Naples."

Javier Mascherano Wants A 'Better Balanced' Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has revealed that he felt the club did not beat enough of the sides beneath them in the domestic table, as their bid to end a 19-year drought of league titles failed, despite some excellent victories over the teams at the top of the Premier League standings.

"It has been a very good experience," he told LFC Magazine. "Of course, it would have been much better for us to win the title, but it is good for us to know what it takes to try and win the league.

"We have drawn a lot of games at home against some of the clubs outside the top four, and we know this is an area we must improve next season.

"This season has been a bit strange. We have done really well against all the top teams but have sometimes struggled to beat the others.

"You win the league when you beat all the teams, the bigger ones and the smaller ones.

"But this season we went to Stamford Bridge, the Bernabeu and Old Trafford and won. This is very positive for the future."

Although the side has proved that it can win in some of the most challenging venues in world football, it now needs to increase its capacity to grind out results, the midfielder feels.

"This team is now showing we can win anywhere, but we need to get the balance right for next season," he concluded.

Javier Mascherano Would Leave Liverpool For Barcelona

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has become one of Barcelona’s prime transfer targets this summer and it appears that the Blaugrana could get their man should they step up their pursuit.

The Argentine captain’s agent, Walter Tamer, has revealed that his client would not hesitate in accepting an offer to join the Catalans should one be officially made.

“If a club like Barcelona want to bring you into their ranks after having completed such a brilliant season and having won everything, obviously as a player, you are going to say, ‘Yes, I want to play there,’” he told RAC-1 programme ‘Tu Diras’.

“It is an honour for Javier that a club like Barca pay such close attention to him, especially after the incredible season they had. I believe that a transfer would be feasible. If Barca really want him, he will sign for them.”

Tamer also believes that ‘Masche’ would have no problems fitting into Pep Guardiola’s setup at the Camp Nou.

“He would have a very easy job at Barca,” claimed the agent.

“Sometimes we talk and joke that the only thing he has to do is run, rob the ball, and pass it on to all the superstars in front of him.”

Tamer, however, is aware that a Mascherano switch to Catalunya is not as easy as it seems, especially since Liverpool have to be willing to sell first.

“I have spoken with [Barca technical director] Txiki Begiristain before, but we have not been in contact for a while now,” the representative asserted.

“To have something concrete, we have to talk to Liverpool first to know what their options are for Javier to leave, and then talk to Barcelona to find out their level of interest.

“What if Xabi Alonso also leaves? Surely, [Liverpool manager] Rafael Benitez would not want to have both his central midfielders go. It will be difficult, although Xabi’s future does not depend on Mascherano and vice-versa.

“The transaction would certainly happen, but the first to leave will have more options.”

Rafa Benitez Believes Liverpool's 'Spine' Will Bring Success

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is sure that the 'spine' of his side represents a seam of true quality that starts with his goalkeeper Pepe Reina, goes through his central defence and midfield, and ends up with the sparkling boots of striker Fernando Torres.

"We are working very hard to keep the spine of the team - that was always the idea," Benitez told LFC Magazine.

"We have Pepe Reina as the number one goalkeeper, with Diego Cavalieri behind him, another good goalkeeper. Then we have Skrtel, Carragher and Agger - three good centre-backs.

"Then you go to the midfield with Alonso, Mascherano, Lucas and Gerrard, with Torres up front and Ngog, who is a very good prospect. We have a good squad, which is still young, so hopefully we can improve further.

"We know we still need to improve in some specific areas. We will be working very hard to do that over the summer."

With talismanic centre-back Sami Hyypia departing for Bayer Leverkusen after an emotional Anfield farewell on the last day of the season, there are only two players, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard, remaining from when Benitez first took over at the club five years ago this month.

The Spaniard feels that that is a sign of the development that has taken place in the squad, but he also acknowledges that perhaps the Reds have less leeway in the transfer market than some of their big spending rivals.

"Coming to a club that needs a lot of work is a massive difference to arriving at a club without too many changes to make. From my time here, Chelsea and United already had big squads with top-class players. They have both spent big money since and improved a lot.

"We could not spend that kind of money, but look at the level of the squad now compared to five years ago. We have had to work hard rebuilding the whole squad," he added.

"It's not just a case of saying, 'Oh, Liverpool should win because they are spending.' The other clubs are spending too but had better squads from the beginning. That is why, if we are to reduce the gap, we have to do things almost perfectly.

"We have learned together what it means to stay close to the top of the table, from the beginning to the end. I am sure that will help us in the future."

Benitez made retaining current stars his priority, once he had signed a new contract himself in the spring, with Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres all inking new deals in recent weeks.

Any transfer targets for the summer are still unclear, but Benitez's plans might well have been compromised by the financial problems faced by the club's owners that have been revealed in the last week.

Harris Eases Supporters' Fears

Investment banker Keith Harris believes that Liverpool fans should not be too concerned by reports the club could go out of business.

Owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett lost £42million last year, mainly through interest payments on the £350million loans taken out when they bought the club.

With a July 24 deadline looming to refinance those loans, Liverpool's accountants this week warned there is "significant doubt" about the parent company's ability to remain as a going concern.

"That is statement is one that is issued as a warning to the shareholders, and I would have thought in this case that the two shareholders are perfectly well aware of the situation at the club. It's serious but it's a warning to the shareholders," said Harris.

Rather than go out of business, Harris said Hicks and Gillett are realistically facing three owners: to sell up; find additional funds by selling other assets; or sell players to make up the shortfall.

Harris admitted the last would be "the most dire" as far as fans are concerned, and added: "I think that whatever happens, Rafa Benitez's manoeuvres in the transfer market will be restricted."

Gerrard Eyes One More Win

Steven Gerrard believes a win against Andorra on Wednesday would all but see England qualify for the World Cup in South Africa next summer.

The Liverpool midfielder was instrumental in the first two goals against Kazakhstan on Saturday as Fabio Capello's men ran out comfortable 4-0 winners to make it six wins out of six in Group Six.

Despite taking time to adapt to their surroundings on what was an extremely bobbly pitch the Three Lions took command when Gerrard crossed for Gareth Barry to nod home before playing a part in the second for Emile Heskey.

Further goals from Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard mean England need six points from their final four games to seal a place in South Africa but Gerrard believes qualification can be ensured as soon as Wednesday.

"I think if we win against Andorra we are in the box seat to qualify," he told the Sunday Mirror. "I think we are one win away from virtually sealing it.

"But it is important for us not to get carried away, be professional and get the job done and then we can go into the more difficult games with greater confidence."

Despite opting on the side of caution the 29-year-old believes the pain of not qualifying for the European Championships last year will ensure they don't slip up this time round.

"What we are all conscious about is qualifying for the World Cup," he added.

"Missing out on the European Championship was a massive blow and it took the players a long time to get over it.

"What we need to do is pay the fans back and qualify for the World Cup."

Torres: We Can Better Barca

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is backing his team-mates to overtake Barcelona as Europe's top side.

The Reds ended the season empty-handed, but kept up the heat on champions Manchester United until the penultimate weekend of the season, while also reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.

"Our aim has to be the best. If we have no desire to be the best in England and in Europe then there is no point even turning up for work," Torres said.

"I don't say it lightly, but we must think we can be as good or even better than (Champions League winners) Barcelona.

"It's the belief of everybody at this club that we can become the best and I think we have really moved forward in the last two seasons.

"Liverpool are just as famous as Barcelona as a football club and even more famous trophy-wise. But we want to make Liverpool as successful in this era as they were in the '70s and '80s."

Torres signed a contract extension to 2014 last month and maintains that he has no desire to go elsewhere.

"There is nowhere else in Europe I want to be," he said.

"I believe we are on the verge of something special here and I am delighted to commit my future to this club."

Torres added: "You would not get top players signing new contracts if they did not think there were good times ahead. I expect many trophies for Liverpool in the years to come."

Liverpool Determined To Keep Hold Of Xabi Alonso

Liverpool are determined to hold on to Xabi Alonso despite the midfield player’s desire to move to Real Madrid. Sources at Anfield indicated that it would take a “mind-blowing” offer by the Spanish giants to prise the 27-year-old away from the club.

Florentino Pérez, the Real president, told The Times yesterday of his interest in Alonso. “Xabi is a magnificent Spanish player, so of course we’d love to have him,” Pérez said. “But everything would involve reaching an agreement with Rafael Benítez. It will need to be an agreement that is in the best interests of both clubs.”

Liverpool made it clear yesterday that they have no intention of selling the Spain player, who has three years left on his contract. Alonso, however, has made it equally clear that he wants to move on. After the 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of the season last month, Alonso met Benítez, the Liverpool manager, to try to force the issue.

The Spaniard has been unsettled for some time, despite having a superb season. Before the Champions League qualifying match against Standard Liège in August, he was reluctant to play to avoid being cup-tied in Europe with any potential new club. However, Liverpool are adamant that they will resist any move for Alonso — Manchester City and Arsenal have also been linked with the player. Suggestions that £25 million would tempt Benítez to sell were laughed off as being “nowhere near” Liverpool’s valuation.

Benítez will be active in the transfer market despite Liverpool’s accounts revealing that the club’s profits failed to cover interest payments on debt last year. Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr., the club’s American owners, are almost certain to get an extension on their £350 million loan deal with Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Wachovia, due for repayment on July 24. RBS, which owns 75 per cent of the debt, is unconcerned by the reported loss of £43 million since most of it was due to “non-cash” write-downs in the value of players.

It is understood that the bank’s only reservation about the performance of the owners is their inability to finance a new stadium. The banks are encouraging Hicks and Gillett to look for new investment to push through the new ground.

RBS was reassured when Benítez and Fernando Torres signed extensions to their contracts in the closing weeks of the season. The Spanish pair’s commitment to the club was a significant factor in giving the Americans financial breathing space.