Liverpool's Chances Of Winning The Title Were Harmed By The Transfer Window

I was on holiday in a rather remote region when the transfer window closed, so was kept waiting for excited news of frenetic late dealings. And waiting, and waiting, because of course, no one got excited as no remarkable late deals got done.

It leaves me with a real sense of regret, especially where Liverpool are concerned. Of course, I was acutely aware of the fact that they had no money to spend, but still in the back of my brain was a faint hope they had hoodwinked us all, and would go out and make a spectacular star signing that would have the Premier League buzzing.

Most of us can never be neutral when it comes to football, but were you able to be for a second, then it wouldn't be hard to see that Liverpool ending their 20 year wait for the title could only be good for the game in this country.

I believe that English football needs a powerful Liverpool winning trophies, and I think that deep down even Manchester United fans would concede that the lack of a real title threat from Merseyside for much of the past two decades diminishes the game - however slightly.

This was to be their season. Liverpool were within touching distance of the title last season, and would surely have become Champions had they been able to call on even a fraction of the firepower United enjoyed from the bench when games against the likes of Spurs, Aston Villa and Wigan late in the season started to slip away from them.

Rafael Benitez knew that too. The Anfield manager was painfully aware that while he had a team to compete with the best, his squad was too thin, and he didn't have the quality cover required for key positions. Even in March, he was planning to recruit those players.

But the financial crisis that has swept across the globe caught up with the Merseyside club this summer, and instead of investing in those players the manager thought would provide the final step to the title, Liverpool became a club that had to make a profit in the transfer market.

In these current financial conditions, that is no bad thing, and given the climate at the moment, it is difficult to argue that any organisation or individual should start spending money they don't have. And yet, I have a sense that Liverpool may just have been penny wise and pound foolish.

United, while remaining formidable will not be quite the force they were last season, and while Chelsea now have a top class manager and an enviable start to the campaign, they are an aging squad who were not much refreshed in the summer. Manchester City are still some time away from being title contenders, while Arsenal are probably still a little too inexperienced (though I do hesitate to say that.

Had Liverpool invested in a couple of match-winners from midfield and attack, then they would have gone into the season as favourites to win the Premier League. But they didn't, and managed to lose a key player in Xabi Alonso while they were at it.

I still think they can win the title, but now they will need the odds to fall in their favour, particularly where injuries are concerned. Even the normal amount of bad luck all clubs suffer will surely be too much for them to cope with, and should Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt or Jamie Carragher have extended spells away from the team, then they will struggle.

The worst case scenario is even grimmer. If City remain within striking distance of the top four until the New Year, their muscle in the January transfer window - potential bans notwithstanding - will make them genuine contenders to break the established order. Then, Arsenal or perhaps an injury-dogged Liverpool will be vulnerable to missing out on crucial European income.

It is my belief that Benitez agrees with this assessment. He knows with the right backing he could have had a proper shot at the title this season, and he knows that his job was made much harder when that backing didn't materialise.

How much harder, only time will tell, but the Spaniard will not settle for second best for too long at Anfield, because he knows that his own position will be in jeopardy should Liverpool go another season without a trophy.

As I said, an end to the Reds' wait for the title will surely be a good thing for English football. It is just a shame the club didn't appear to recognise the glorious opportunity they surely had this summer to secure that elusive piece of silverware.

Carragher Defends Young Signings

Jamie Carragher has said scouting for young talent abroad is perfectly acceptable - as long as it is done within the rules.

The Liverpool defender, who came through the youth ranks on Merseyside alongside captain Steven Gerrard, believes provided young English players are given the chance to prove themselves, then bringing in foreign youngsters should be allowed.

Since Chelsea were banned from signing any players in the next two transfer windows after their swoop for former Lens striker Gael Kakuta, Manchester United and Manchester City have also been accused of tapping-up hot prospects.

Carragher feels it is up to the governing bodies to define what is allowed and what is breaking the rules.

"As long as the clubs aren't breaking the rules, there's not a lot that you can say," he told Sky Sports News.

"Those are the rules and if you can get players from abroad very cheap who are very good then you can't say no if you think it's going to improve your first-team in the future.

"But as long as the clubs aren't breaking the rules. I think it's up to Fifa or Uefa if they want to change the rules but as long as the clubs can hold their heads up high and know that they've done nothing wrong then that's the main thing."

The Reds fans' favourite also praised the youth set-up at Anfield, and said the Scouse core of the team that Liverpool currently have will always continue.

"The more people you bring in will obviously make it a little more difficult but I think the spirit and the quality that we've got at Liverpool, I'm sure it will come through in the end," he added.

"We've got it now (a Scouse core). I think hopefully so, we've still got it at the moment. Hopefully for a few more years and when me and Stevie finish, there'll be more coming through."

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez Insists Ryan Babel Going Nowhere

Rafa Benitez has dismissed any talk of Ryan Babel leaving Liverpool in the January transfer window to join Ajax on loan and called on the striker to prove himself at Anfield.

Babel has expressed a desire to return to Holland in order to improve his hopes of making the Dutch World Cup squad but Benitez maintained his international place could be secured while playing for the Reds.

'Ryan knows he cannot go now, so he has to impress,' said Benitez. 'He is a good player and we know he has talent. It's important for us to talk with him and see how he progresses over these months.

'With the World Cup at the end of the year the majority of our players will want to impress and if they do well in each training session they will have more chances.'

The Liverpool boss also responded to complaints from both Babel and Albert Riera about a lack of first-team football by calling on both players to do their talking on the pitch.

But Benitez insists he is happy with both players and sees the competition for starting places within Liverpool's squad as healthy.

'Albert and Ryan both want to play,' said Benitez. 'They play in the same position and so have to compete with each other, which is good for us.

'The message is very simple. On the pitch all of the players have to prove something.'

Liverpool FC Assistant Manager Sammy Lee Hails Return Of Fabio Aurelio

Liverpool assistant boss Sammy Lee has hailed the return to fitness of left-back Fabio Aurelio.

The Brazilian has been sidelined since he injured his knee in a freak accident while playing with his son in the close season.

He missed all the Reds’ friendly matches and has sat out their first four Premier League clashes.

But the 29-year-old is now back in full training at Melwood and is in line to make his comeback at home to Burnley on Saturday.

Aurelio’s return increases competition for places with youngster Emiliano Insua having been preferred at left-back to Italian Andrea Dossena so far this season.

“Fabio will be like a new signing for us,” Lee said.

“He wasn’t available for pre-season, but he’s coming back and hopefully we’ll have him chomping at the bit and competing for a place very shortly. Any team likes to have all of their players available. That brings its own problems of course because you have to pick a team from them, but we would prefer to have that problem than a situation where players are out injured

“Rafa has said on many occasions he is confident with the squad we have and we feel we can mount a challenge on all fronts.”

Meanwhile, Lee has leapt to the defence of Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson.

The £17million defender was criticised for his performance for England in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Slovenia, but Lee has been delighted with the impact Johnson has made at Anfield since he made the switch from Portsmouth.

The 25-year-old has added a new dimension to the Reds’ attacking play and has already helped himself to two goals in four appearances.

“Glen is a quality player in a quality team and I think he has added something to us,” Lee added.

“What we try to do in each and every area and department is recruit quality and we feel we have done with Glen.

“He has come here and has been willing to listen and learn. For someone who is already an established England international that’s great and long may it continue.”

Why Most Liverpool Fans Don't Care About England

Anyone tuning in to ITV1 late on Saturday afternoon will have been greeted by the sight of grown men sporting silly hats in a sea of similarly dressed people and empty red seats. This, apparently, was Wembley's pre-match atmosphere in all its glory ahead of England's friendly with Slovenia. The St George Cross hung from every ledge in the famous (new) stadium as the national side took to the field and will no doubt be out in force again on Wednesday night when Croatia visit the capital.

However, the nation's symbol does not fly proudly on the streets of Merseyside nor does it feature every other week on the world famous embankment situated on Walton Breck Road. Whilst devotees of the national side will point out that Anfield has been used in recent times for Three Lions’ friendlies, thus being filled with St George Crosses, the majority of Liverpool supporters have a lack of interest in all things England.

In the late seventies and early eighties, Union Jacks adorned terraces across Europe as the Reds reigned supreme on the continent. It was more a sign of cultural identity than anything else. Margaret Thatcher's iron grip on the country, especially in traditionally left-wing cities like Liverpool, combined with the English disease saw Kopites shed their national allegiances and adopt a separatist, club-only stance.

Another contributing factor is the traditional clientele who hang the national flag with pride at Wembley and beyond. Whilst the names of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are proudly emblazoned on St George Crosses, they are outnumbered by the likes of Bradford City, MK Dons and Peterborough United. The reason being that England's most ardent supporters come from the lower leagues. There is no correct reason for this but a common view is that it is the closest they will come to seeing top flight players at their peak

Somewhere in the middle of the national hysteria surrounding Euro '96, a new breed of England fans arrived; ones who will don the fancy dress and provide the FA's marketing department with the ideal unique selling point to entice more gullible masses to brand England. The fans inside Wembley on Saturday belted out their own renditions of 'Ring of Fire' and 'We're gonna bounce in a minute'. Interestingly, both originated from the upper echelons of the Kop and the latter is an overture to the chant for Liverpool's current number nine who incidentally is a Spaniard.

Fortunately, Wembley is not Anfield. There is more than one flag that has been waved to show support for Liverpool Football Club. Creativity, diversity and innovation are at the forefront of every matchday as supporters flood the terraces with colour and sound. There is certainly no need for a makeshift brass band to add an out-of-tune backing to ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ or any other chant for that matter.

Ajax Coach Martin Jol Baffled By Ryan Babel Rumours

Ajax coach Martin Jol has taken the time to react to the rumours linking the Amsterdam side with a loan move for Dutch international Ryan Babel from Liverpool in the upcoming winter transfer window.

The 22-year-old recently expressed his desire to play regular first team football and told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he considers returning to Ajax on a temporary basis.

"I read the interview with Babel, but I am not sure what to think about it. I will not seriously consider loaning Babel from Liverpool until he calls me to discuss such a move. I will think about it if a loan-deal turns out to be a realistic opportunity," Jol quoted as saying by De Telegraaf.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will allow Babel to leave the club during the winter break, even on a temporary basis.

Carlsberg Sign Four-Year Extension To English Soccer Sponsorship

Carlsberg, long-term sponsors of English soccer giants Liverpool and a number of other Premier League clubs, have extended their sponsorship of the Football Association, the governing body of English soccer, for the next four years.

While serious doubts remain about Carlsberg's future at Liverpool, the company has signed an extension to the partnership that sees it the official beer of both the England team and the FA Cup and the lucrative position as exclusive beer pouring partner at Wembley, the national stadium. Carlsberg will also be title sponsor of the FA's Referees Programme.

"This is great news for Carlsberg UK, our customers, consumers and our employees," said Gareth Roberts, Carlsberg UK's director of sponsorship & media relations. "This clearly states our continued commitment to delivering unique and exclusive activity that supports the trade in challenging times. Carlsberg's reputation in sponsorship continues to go from strength to strength and with this new agreement in place, its established involvement with the Uefa European Championships and a number of high-profile Premier League clubs, Carlsberg can clearly boast a portfolio second to none."

The new deal will start in August 2010, at the end of the current four-year contract. it will take in the Euro 2012 and 2014 Fifa World Cup tournaments.

Jonathan Hill, the FA's outgoing commercial director, commented: "As reflected by their innovative advertising campaigns, Carlsberg are arguably the most pro-active and creative of beer brands. It's great that we will be able to continue to bring their energy to our top assets namely England, the FA Cup and Wembley Stadium – and now the key area of recruiting and retaining referees, to the benefit of the amateur game in particular."

Financial details behind the extension were not disclosed, but it is thought to be in line with previous contracts and worth around US$14 million per year.

Liverpool Facing £1million Bill fFor Crewe Youngster

Liverpool could have to pay more than £1million to sign teenager Max Clayton after complaints about an unofficial approach from his club Crewe.

The Anfield side are the latest Premier League giants to come under scrutiny for their behaviour in recruiting top young talent from smaller teams, after a passionate outburst from Gresty Road director of football Dario Gradi.

The veteran boss has been angered by what he claimed was - in effect - an attempt to "steal" the 15-year-old, and he hinted an official complaint to the FA could follow.

But by last night there had been no contact with Soho Square over the matter, and Liverpool will look to swiftly settle by offering what they consider a reasonable level of compensation.

Crewe could expect to get less than £100,000 if they went to a tribunal, and that left Gradi complaining: "The big clubs are stealing other people's players and you worry financially for the clubs the players are stolen from.

"What sort of compensation are we going to get for all the work that has gone into developing him? Any compensation is insignificant for the effort that's gone in."

But after the fall-out from the Chelsea affair, when the Blues were banned from making any signings for 18 months after being found guilty of an illegal approach to Lens for Gael Kakuta, the Anfield club are ready to offer much more than the minimum compensation figure.

Clayton is regarded as the best young prospect at the Cheshire club, who have produced the likes of Danny Murphy, Rob Jones, Dean Ashton and Seth Johnson through their youth system.

The talented youngster is about to turn 16 and, through a loophole in football rules, can give notice that he wants to leave for another club, despite being attached to Crewe since he was seven years old.

He is the son of former Crewe striker Paul Clayton, and his brother Harry is a first year scholar at Gresty Road. Liverpool have watched him for the past 18 months, and were linked with a £1.5million bid in 2008.

Gradi has become increasingly frustrated at the manner in which his club has lost young players from their famed youth academy.

Manchester United persuaded two players to join them from Crewe last season, while Stoke signed two teenagers this summer, and Everton even took a 12-year-old from the academy.

Liverpool, though, are aware of the current mood after complaints about Chelsea and Manchester United have highlighted an increasing trend in top clubs taking the best young players from much smaller rivals.

They will offer a deal where Crewe are given a rising fee depending on the youngster's success in progressing through the ranks at Anfield, and it could eventually top £1million.

All The Latest From Liverpool FC’s Academy

Liverpool under-18s failed to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Leicester and they suffered another loss at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

After opening the FA Premier Academy League campaign with a victory Rodolfo Borrell’s side were beaten for a second time in succession when going down 2-0 at Nottingham Forest.

Without last year’s top scorer, Finnish striker Lauri Dalla Valle, through injury and also attacking midfielder Tom Ince Liverpool made little impression on the Forest backline in the one-sided first half.

The home side proved too strong, but after the break Liverpool improved and did find the net through defender Conor Coady, who was playing in a more advanced role than normal. But his effort was ruled out for a marginal offside decision.

Borrell said: “In the first half they were a bit stronger than us. They played long balls at times and went into the lead.

“In the second half we were better than them. We had more possession of the ball, and they tired a little.

“But we couldn’t score the goals that would have got us back (into the game). We did score one goal, which the referee said was offside. I wasn’t sure about it but from my position it was hard to see. At 2-1 it may have been different.

“But we are not looking for excuses. It’s time not to say a lot and we have just got to work hard and get ready for the next game.”

Liverpool will continue to put that hard work in on the training ground to get back on track this week. They take on Barnsley at the Kirkby Academy this Saturday (kick-off 11.30am) and will be desperate to return to winning ways after the disappointment of the past two weeks.

Borrell said: “We just need to get ready for the next game and continue to look forward. We need to work hard and improve. The players are doing this and hopefully we can improve.”

Liverpool will check on Dalle Valle to see if is able to return and provide a cutting edge.

Benitez Challenges Babel And Riera

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has challenged troubled stars Ryan Babel and Albert Riera to prove they have a Liverpool future.

The pair have both expressed a disappointment that they have not had more chances to impress in the first team this season.

Babel has openly questioned the Liverpool manager's selection decisions, and suggested he wants to go on loan to Ajax in January to improve his chances of playing for Holland in the World Cup finals next summer.

Babel even went to the extent of claiming that promises had been broken by Liverpool over the amount of first-team opportunities he would have this season.

Babel was initially axed by Holland from the squad preparing to face Japan at the weekend and then Scotland on Wednesday.

He was only recalled after injury problems, and then expressed his fears that his inactivity at Liverpool would affect his chances of going to the finals with Holland - who qualified at the weekend - next summer.

But Benitez is unmoved by the pairs' concerns.

He said: "Albert and Ryan both want to play. They play in the same position and so have to compete with each other, which is good for us.

"The message is very simple. On the pitch all of the players have to prove something.

"Ryan knows he cannot go now, so he has to impress. He is a good player and we know he has talent. It's important for us to talk with him and see how he progresses over these months.

"With the World Cup at the end of the season the majority of our players will want to impress and if they do well in each training session they will have more chances."

Ryan Babel Must Play More For Liverpool - Bert van Marwijk

Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has to force himself into a regular first team spot at Anfield, according to Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk, or his chances of representing his country at next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa will disappear.

The powerful winger has only impressed fitfully during his time on Merseyside so far, though many feel that Reds manager Rafa Benitez has not necessarily given the Dutchman as much opportunity as he perhaps should have, and Van Marwijk has affirmed that he needs his international players to be performing as regularly as possible for their clubs in order to put themselves properly in the frame for Holland.

Babel was originally left out of the squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Hampden Park on Wednesday night, having only been called up as a late replacement, and more time on the pitch at Anfield is what is needed for the player to be a regular for the Oranje.

"You have to be top at every level. It's good when their players play at a level that is as high as possible," he told Sky Sports News. "When you play three games in half a year, you can't have your normal level."

As for whether Babel should perhaps look for another club, Van Marwijk dropped a broad hint that it would perhaps be a good idea, adding, laconically: "They [players] have to make their own decisions, but they know what I mean."

As for Wednesday night's game in Glasgow, when a Scotland victory would reignite improbable dreams of World Cup qualification for the men in dark blue, Van Marwijk asserted that his side would be giving it their best and not merely turning up despite having already confirmed their presence in South Africa next summer with a 100 per cent record to date in the qualifiers.

"I play always with my strongest team. When we come, we try to win," he concluded.

Torres: Lack Of Funds Could Hinder Liverpool's Title Chances

Fernando Torres admits he fears the spending power of Liverpool's Premier League rivals could scupper the Anfield club's title hopes.

Manchester City spent a massive £120million during the summer and, although Chelsea and champions Manchester United were more circumspect, Torres fears Liverpool could be left behind.

The Anfield club spent over £35million on Glen Johnson and Alberto Aquilani this summer but recouped most of that with the £30m sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.

There were also regular rumours of friction between boss Rafael Benitez and the club's American owners over transfer budgets and Torres admits money is a major issue in the title race.

'I think we are close to getting a trophy but it's very difficult,' said the striker.

'In football at the moment, unfortunately money is really important.

'Clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have a lot of money to spend on good players,' he told the Liverpool Echo.

'That's not the way at Liverpool so we have to try to improve.

'If we are going to get the opportunity to win a trophy we have to do things better than ever. We are ready for the challenge.'

Fernando Torres: Liverpool Fans Love Me Like Steven Gerrard

Fernando Torres could not be happier on Merseyside, citing the predominantly working-class background of the city of Liverpool as one of the reasons he feels so at home in the north west.

"The people are so nice and polite here, and have a lot of respect for players when you are away from the pitch,” he told The Liverpool Echo. “That is one of the main things for me. In Spain it was difficult for me to go to restaurants or just walk in the street with my friends.

“Now I can do these things and go to the park, walk my dogs and go out for dinner. It’s a really working-class city and I like that because I was born in a working-class part of Spain. The people work all week and they go to the ground each weekend to enjoy the team. On the Monday they are working hard again just so they can see their team on the weekend.

“It’s really special to see [Liverpool] supporters with my name on their shirt. I can understand why they would wear a Stevie G or Carra shirt because they are from Liverpool.

“I only came here two years ago as a foreign player but they love me like Stevie [Gerrard] or Carra [Jamie Carragher]. That’s amazing and I have to say thank you to them for that."

Torres also believes that it will not be long before Liverpool are picking up another trophy, and that the Premier League title is not far from their grasp.

Sammy Lee Sure Of Liverpool Success For Glen Johnson

Liverpool's assistant manager has spoken out in praise of full-back Glen Johnson, and believes the England international has made a great start to his Anfield career after his summer switch from Portsmouth.

The 25-year-old has bagged two goals in four games so far for the Reds and, despite some observers expressing reservations about the former Chelsea man's defensive capabilities, Lee thinks that he has definitely improved Rafa Benitez's team.

"Glen is a quality player in a quality team and I think he has added something to us," the coach told the club's official website.

"What we try to do in each and every area and department is recruit quality and we feel we have done with Glen.

"He has come here and has been willing to listen and learn. For someone who is already an established England international that's great and long may it continue."

The Reds are set to welcome Fabio Aurelio back from injury soon, adding further depth in the full-back positions, and Lee feels that the Brazilian's return will be almost like the arrival at the club of a new player.

"Fabio will be like a new signing for us," Lee added.

"He wasn't available for pre-season, but he's coming back and hopefully we'll have him chomping at the bit and competing for a place very shortly.

"Any team likes to have all of their players available. That brings its own problems of course because you have to pick a team from them, but we would prefer to have that problem than a situation where players are out injured

"Rafa has said on many occasions he is confident with the squad we have and we feel we can mount a challenge on all fronts."

Tom Hicks: Liverpool Won’t See A Penny Of Rangers Sale

American businessman Tom Hicks, the co-owner of English soccer club Liverpool, says the team will not receive increased investment after he sells his Texas Rangers Major League baseball franchise.

More specifically, the proceeds of the sale - certain to be over US$500 million - will not go towards the financing of the club's proposed new stadium in Stanley Park, which is unlikely to be ready much before 2018.

"Rangers and Liverpool are totally separate investments, so there is no connection," said Hicks. "Liverpool will obtain stadium financing when the financial market opens back up. We have all of our permits and will be ready when the market is ready."

Hicks' co-owner at Liverpool, George Gillett, is also set for a major windfall from the sale of one of his sports properties, the Montreal Canadiens.

Manchester City And Spurs Are No Threat To Us, Insists Liverpool Defender Jamie Carragher

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher insists the Anfield club are not worried about the threat posed by Manchester City and Spurs.

Mark Hughes and Harry Redknapp have guided their side's to 100 percent starts - with many tipping the the early-season pacesetters to break into the top four.

But the Reds stalwart says Liverpool are not contemplating losing their Champions League spot - but fully focused on winning the Barclays Premier League title.

He said: 'There are other teams who could get into the top four this year – but hopefully not at our expense.

'We’re not thinking about that, though, we’re just thinking about the title and not about fourth place.

'A couple of teams have jumped out so far. We’ve already played Tottenham and Aston Villa and of course Manchester City are the side a lot of people are talking about, but if we start playing the way we can then I’m sure we’ll be right up there.

'We’ve only played four games and if we go on to have a successful season then we’ll play more than 60 matches, so it’s a long season and there’s still a long way to go.

'We’ve not had the best of starts but hopefully we’ll soon start coming into our own.

'We’ve got Burnley up next and they’ve been a great story so far, beating two of last year’s top five in Manchester United and Everton.

'Owen Coyle has done a great job with them so we know it’s going to be a difficult game.'

Xabi Alonso Reveals Frosty Relationship With Rafa Benitez

Xabi Alonso claims manager Rafa Benitez showed him little affection during his time at Liverpool.

The Spain midfielder left Anfield in the summer to join Real Madrid in a £30m deal despite an outstanding season in the Reds midfield last term.

Benitez came close to selling Alonso to Juventus last summer as the Liverpool boss tried to pave the way for long-term target Gareth Barry.

And the former Real Sociedad man told Champions Magazine: 'Every now and again a player would appreciate a bit more closeness, a pat on the back, but Rafa is not that kind of guy.'

Alonso married earlier this summer - but Benitez failed to make the guest list for his big day.

He explained: 'I invited friends, I guess it's fair to say. Rafa and I always had a very professional relationship, yet there are a lot of urban myths about what we went through. It wasn't so bad.'

Nevertheless, Alonso admits Benitez helped nurture his talents during his time on Merseyside.

'He told me to keep a balance. You are not a genius when things go very well but neither a disaster when things go wrong. His style is what has made him what he is.

'I am starting a new era and I will be eternally grateful to Liverpool because they are a very special institution. I jumped into the pool of their history and philosophy.

'I got involved in the city and loved living in the centre. I have grown as a person and as a player. When I joined it was a new project and I was also starting out in this game.

'I left Spain at 22 and became something of a sponge, absorbing everything and trying to find out about the new country, its society and daily lives.

'I listened to people, talked to strangers, looked around.

'You have to have an open mind to respect their traditions. That helped me understand what was expected of me and the team.

'Plus, the experience of playing among the elite of Europe, fighting for titles, that has matured me after five unforgettable years.'

Pepe Reina Unfazed By Liverpool's Stuttering Start To Season

Pepe Reina has shrugged off Liverpool’s poor start to the season and is adamant that a run of strong form will return the Merseyside club back to where they belong: the top-end of the table.

"It is not normal for Liverpool to open the season with two defeats from three games," the goalkeeper said, according to the club's official website.

"But it's still early days and in a few weeks time, we may have a run of wins behind us and the bad results will be forgotten about.”

The goalkeeper perhaps had Manchester United’s notoriously slow starts in mind, when insisting that poor starts to a season were not necessarily an indication of how a team will finish.

"If a team is going to suffer from bad form, it's better for it to be at the start of the season because there is a lot more time to recover. Many clubs have proven that over the years and gone on to achieve great things at the end of the campaign," Reina said.

"There is a lot of pessimism about our chances this season from the media at the moment, but we are the only people who can prove them wrong.

"We still have confidence as a squad and we have to put trust in each other - just like we did last season."

Liverpool WILL Build A New Stadium, Promises Tom Hicks

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has vowed that the club will build a new stadium – but has said that the move will not be financed by the £450million he is set to bank from the sale of baseball club Texas Rangers.

Hicks and business partner George Gillett have been unable to raise the £500m it will cost to fund the development of a 60,000-capacity home for the Reds at Stanley Park because of the credit crunch.

There have been reports in the United States that Hicks has now entered into negotiations with six potential buyers for the Rangers – and that Liverpool will benefit from the windfall.

But Hicks said: “Rangers and Liverpool are totally separate investments, so there is no connection.

“I do plan to keep a significant participation in the Rangers. We are close to winning our division. I want to finish what we have started.

“Liverpool will obtain stadium financing when the financial market opens back up. We have all of our permits and will be ready when the market is ready.”

Liverpool’s new managing director Christian Purslow admitted last week that the club hope to have the stadium completed in time for 2018 – should England’s World Cup bid be successful.

That is six years behind the original schedule set when Hicks and Gillett bought Liverpool three years ago.

The American pair have been criticised for failing to provide the finance for the stadium and for manager Rafa Benitez to build a championship-winning team.

But Purslow’s portfolio is to develop new commercial streams – and he is in talks with several interested companies about a £15m-a-year kit sponsorship deal.

Hicks added: “Christian Purslow is working hard. Liverpool’s new management focus is producing great new commercial results that will become known in due time.”

Arbeloa - Xabi Loss Costly

Alvaro Arbeloa has questioned his former club Liverpool's title credentials after selling Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid this summer.

Arbeloa made the switch from Anfield to the Bernabeu in July, with Alonso following the same path just a week later for a fee believed to be in the region of £28million.

The Spanish international midfielder has since admitted that he wanted to leave Merseyside as soon as manager Rafa Benitez tried to replace him with Gareth Barry last summer.

Benitez has come in for flack for selling arguably his best performer last season, a suggestion only intensified after the Reds lost two of their opening three games, and Arbeloa admits that the decision to sell Alonso could prove costly.

"The thing I always say about Xabi is that he may not be a match-winner, but he does win you titles," the defender told The People.

"He brings so much balance and order to a team, and it is impossible to over-estimate how important a player he is."