Liverpool Face Journey Into Un-Known

Among the eight clubs that joined the Europa League in December were some of European football's more famous names.

Juventus, Marseille, Atletico Madrid and, of course, Liverpool had all dropped out of the Champions League and were ones to look out for in the last 32 draw.

With all due respect, Unirea Urziceni weren't.

Sounding a little like something nasty that might take a course of antibiotics and a couple of weeks to clear up, success has suddenly become infectious for the Romanian minnows.

Their rise from relative obscurity has been rapid.

Urziceni only won promotion to the third division for the first time in 2003, with promotion to the top flight coming three years later.

Indeed, when Liverpool last won the UEFA Cup, Unirea were a semi-professional outfit, struggling to make ends meet in the lower reaches of Romanian football.

Nine years on and they are reeling from the departure of the manager who guided them to an historic first ever Liga 1 title with which came passage into the Champions League.

Dan Petrescu is better known in England as the marauding right-back who won an FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners Cup with Chelsea in the mid to late nineties.

In Romania, he is a national hero. He was one of their most celebrated players and was fast becoming one of his country's most sought after managers.

That's why his sudden departure just a week after Urziceni had been handed a dream tie against Liverpool in the knockout stages of the Europa League was greeted with shock and derision.

Derision at the club's board for not backing Petrescu, and shock at his chosen destination.

After guiding the unfashionable provincial club to a Romanian cup final and league title in the space of just three years, Petrescu handed in his notice to take the reins at Russian second division club, Kuban Krasnodar.

Despite finishing third in Champions League group G, just a point behind Stuttgart, who pipped Unirea to the last 16 courtesy of a 3-1 win over the Romanian's in the final group game, Petrescu was powerless to prevent the release of two of his best players, Tiberiu Balan and Dacian Varga.

Although the pair had only been loaned to Urziceni from FC Sportul Studentesc, the failure of the club to retain their services, or at least bring in ample replacements, angered Petrescu who saw his position as untenable.

Leading Urziceni out at Anfield instead next week will be a man who, like Petrescu, has been there before.

Roni Levy was manager of the Maccabi Haifa side that met Liverpool in the third qualifying round of the Champions League in 2006/07.

He will take heart from a narrow 2-1 defeat at Anfield ahead of an admirable 1-1 draw played at a neutral venue in Kiev due to political problems in Israel at the time.

Levy was handed an 18-month contract at Unirea in January worth a reported $600,000 and knows he has a job on his hands to maintain the momentum of the most successful era in the club's short history - they were only formed in 1954.

"It's a very big moment in my career and I know how big this challenge is and how difficult it will be because everyone will compare me to Dan Petrescu," said the Israeli.

"I hope we will be top at the end of the season."

Levy will be grateful that Petrescu left Urziceni in good shape.

After 17 games, the defending champions are second in the Liga 1 table, level on points with leaders CFR Cluj and third placed Steaua Bucharest.

With the three Bucharest clubs, Steaua, Rapid and Dinamo, traditionally the leading lights of Romanian football, Urziceni and Cluj are threatening the established order.

The title rivals meet today as the Liga 1 commences following a two-month winter break.

It is a meeting that symbolizes a power shift away from the tripartite of Bucharest clubs who between them had won 25 of the 26 league titles on offer since 1981 until Cluj muscled in the season before last.

The reason for the sudden change is quite simple. Money.

Like Cluj, Urziceni were taken over by a new sponsor eight years ago. What has followed has been a logical progression.

After entrepreneur and now club owner, Dumitru Bacsaru, gained ownership of the club in 2002 through his company Valahorum, it took just a year for Urziceni to gain promotion to the second division.

As well as attracting better quality and, of course, higher paid players, the club's Tineretului Stadium was developed and its capacity increased to 7,000 seats.

Although the venue is more than sufficient for a town of just 17,000 inhabitants it doesn't meet UEFA requirements.

As a result, Unirea play their European home games 15 miles away at the Steaua Stadium in Bucharest, which nomadic Reds fans will be pleased to know has a more accommodating 27,000 capacity.

Urziceni remain unbeaten there in Europe this season.

An impressive maiden Champions League campaign included a 4-1 win over Rangers at Ibrox but also a couple of 1-1 draws with Stuttgart and Rangers in Bucharest prior to a 1-0 win over Seville there, suggesting Unirea are no pushovers on home soil.

Of their most notable players, former Alaves wing-back Pablo Brandan was linked with a move to the Bundesliga in January but nothing transpired.

The Argentine is one of a clutch of South Americans at the club, another being holding midfielder, Ricardo Gomes of Brazil.

Urziceni captain George Galamaz joined from Dinamo Bucharest three years ago for a fee in the region of £1.5 million

It may not compare to the kind of figures we see in the Premier League but that won't prevent Urziceni believing they can prove their worth against Liverpool.

Dominic King: Liverpool FC Can’t Get Sidetracked By Europa League Adventure

A grand day out in Hamburg or an untroubled passage through to the end of the season in the Premier League?

They are the choices with which you are faced and, it must be stressed, this is an either/or situation; you can’t have one and top it up with the other.

In normal circumstances, the vast majority would opt for the former; nothing beats the feeling of being involved in a showpiece final nor can the emotions of winning a trophy be bettered.

Were Liverpool to go all the way in the Europa League, skipping through the rounds en route to a glorious conclusion in northern Germany, not one supporter would be complaining on the morning of May 13 – or would they?

Just say the weekend had seen Rafa Benitez’s side draw or lose at the KC Stadium, a result which meant they missed out on a place in the Champions League.

Suddenly the celebrations that you might have just started visualising will have become just that bit more muted; the harsh reality of modern football, sadly, means that clubs in Liverpool’s position need finance coming in just as much as trophies.

Having started to manoeuvre themselves into a position where it appeared they would firmly grip hold of fourth place, particularly after last Saturday’s victory over Everton, events in midweek have muddied the waters again.

There was, of course, plenty to like about certain aspects of Liverpool’s performance against Arsenal; they defended robustly and, in the main, stifled a side that usually plays with such dash.

Added to that were terrific performances from Javier Mascherano, Steven Gerrard – the captain is poised to spring into life any time soon – and the composed Daniel Agger, while the return of Fernando Torres, Glen Johnson and Yossi Benayoun is imminent.

Problem is, though, Manchester City – the side who, at this stage, look the most credible challengers for fourth spot – are now level on points with the Reds and have two games in hand; furthermore, they do not have any European fixtures to trouble them.

This, clearly, will be on Benitez’s mind when he starts his preparations for Thursday evening’s Anfield tussle with Unirea Urziceni – on one hand he will be desperate to give supporters who have had nothing tangible to celebrate since 2006 a trophy.

Yet, at the back of his mind, he will be conscious of the game which takes place less than 72 hours later at the City of Manchester Stadium, a meeting that could prove definitive in the race to reach the riches of the Champions League.

“There is nothing we can do about the Arsenal result now but the lads have got some time to reflect and be disappointed,” Gerrard noted earlier this week.

“We’ve got a very big league game coming up against Manchester City but if we play like we did against Arsenal, then I would really fancy us to beat them. You can see that in the way we have played in the last six or seven games, being so hard to beat.”

But with a game against Stoke City on Tuesday night, Roberto Mancini’s team could be three points ahead of Liverpool before the sides lock horns; the margins for error with which Benitez is dealing are decreasing dramatically.

Admittedly, City’s run in is far more complicated than the one Liverpool must negotiate; they have to travel to Stamford Bridge, the Emirates and Upton Park, aside from facing Manchester United, Everton, Aston Villa and Tottenham at home.

Looking at things from this point, Liverpool’s descent to the finish line hardly presents the perils of the Hahnenkamm, the most difficult assignments being the trip to Old Trafford and home showdown with Chelsea; granted their tendency to hit form during this part of the season, you would expect them to amass plenty of points between now and May 9.

Complicating matters, however, is the Europa League. Provided they breeze past Unirea – as they should do – Lille or, most likely, Fenerbahce await.

In an ideal world, Lille will provide the opposition in the last 16, as a short hop to northern France would be far more attractive than four-and-a-half hours to Istanbul.

That said, nagging away in the back of everyone’s mind will be the question – do Liverpool have the squad to cope with fighting battles on two fronts?

Imagine, say, Torres pulls up lame chasing a pass that prevents him hassling and harrying Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic or Gerrard tweaks a groin trying to help Liverpool to get through to the last eight of a tournament that nobody really wanted to be in.

Yes, it would terrific for Liverpool to go all the way in the Europa League but, quite simply, it cannot detract from the main aim.

Benayoun Returns To Training

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has announced that Yossi Benayoun has returned to training as the midfielder steps up his recovery from a broken rib.

The Israeli had been a rival to goalkeeper Jose Reina as the Reds' Player of the Season in a troubled campaign prior to the injury, which he sustained in the FA Cup defeat to Reading on 13th January.

With Glen Johnson and Fernando Torres also on the sidelines, Benitez will therefore be keen to welcome Benayoun back into his plans as Liverpool chase a place in the UEFA Champions League.

But the Anfield boss will not be taking any risks with the 29-year-old and so it would appear that Thursday's Europa League home first leg against Unirea Urziceni and the crucial Premier League trip to Manchester City could come too soon.

"Yossi was training with the team," Benitez told Liverpool's official website. "Still we have to be careful with his rib, but he was training."

Benayoun was linked with a move Dynamo Moscow in the winter transfer window, but Liverpool refused to sell.

Kyrgiakos Relishing Battle

Sotirios Kyrgiakos believes he has adapted well to life at Liverpool and is relishing the physical nature of the English game.

The Greek defender has been one of the Reds' most consistent performers since his summer arrival from AEK Athens and has played a key role during the club's recent rise back into the top four.

Although the 30-year-old picked up his first red card in the fiery Merseyside derby clash with Everton last Saturday, he cannot wait to get back in the side and feels his spell at Rangers between 2004 and 2006 prepared him for the rough and tumble of Premier League football.

He told LFC magazine: "I didn't have too many problems adapting to football here because I had played in Scotland with Rangers.

"In Germany and Greece I did not have to be as physical because football isn't so aggressive.

"Anyway it's not all about aggression, that's not the most important thing. You have to want to go and win the ball. There is no point waiting for it to come to you, you have to go and get it."

Prior to the Liverpool derby, Kyrgiakos lost a tooth in the 2-0 victory over Bolton, but insists that will not stop him battling hard in the future.

"There are a lot of elbows flying in football here and the referee says no foul," he added. "That is part of football. It's tough and I like this side of the game."

Daniel Pacheco Close To Starting, Says Rafa Benitez

Rafa Benitez has placed Daniel Pacheco on red alert as he revealed the promising young striker is edging closer to a first-team start.

The 19-year-old has been attracting rave reviews for Liverpool reserves this season and there is a buzz of anticipation among supporters about his progress.

Pacheco is held in high regard at Anfield and showed flashes of promise in the two appearances he has made for the first team so far, against Fiorentina and Wolves.

More recently, Pacheco was on the bench in five of the Reds’ last seven fixtures .

“Dani is continuing to train with the first team,” said Benitez, who next game is against Unirea Urziceni at Anfield on Thursday night.

“When we let (Andriy) Voronin go (to Dynamo Moscow), we immediately brought Dani into the group and every day you can see that he is progressing. His training is good.

“Every day you are thinking about when you can play, he has been on the bench a lot and sometimes you are thinking when it might be right to put him on.

“He has game intelligence and we know that he can make a difference. He is still very young but we are pleased with him and he is doing well.”

Benitez signed Pacheco from Barcelona in the summer of 2007 and he has just signed a deal that will keep him at Anfield until 2012.

“It depends on the game but, clearly, if he continues to keep working as he has been doing, he will definitely gets his chance,” added Benitez, who is keeping his fingers crossed that Jamie Carragher will shake off a groin injury sustained in Wednesday’s defeat to Arsenal.

Liverpool Midfielder Alberto Aquilani Risks Missing World Cup Due To Lack Of Playing Time

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani could fail to make Italy's final 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup, according to Calciomercato.it.

The player spent the first part of the season out with a serious ankle injury, and has since only made eight appearances in the Premier League and has yet to play a full match under coach Rafa Benitez, who seems to prefer Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, and Lucas in central midfield.

Having featured inconsistently for the English outfit after his £20 million move from Roma in the summer, the latest reports in Italy suggest he will be overlooked by coach Marcello Lippi for the upcoming friendly with Cameroon and potentially the World Cup as well if he does not become a regular at Anfield.

The 25-year-old missed the 1-0 loss to Arsenal on Wednesday, suffering from a virus. The player has 11 caps for the Azzurri in his career, scoring twice during that time.

Ryan Babel Can Still Play A Role For LIverpool FC

First came the instant control, then the subtle shift in direction to flummox an Arsenal defender before an explosive shot.

Ryan Babel’s moment of genuine quality deserved better than seeing his effort tipped on to the bar by Manuel Almunia but it caused supporters to shake their heads in disbelief as much as it did frustration.

Babel, of course, is Anfield’s greatest enigma, a player with all the gifts to become a giant; quick, strong, two good feet and capable of being a regular goal scorer.

Unfortunately, though, he has never put it together on a consistent basis and the fact that he does not have the work ethic of certain other team-mates ensures that Liverpool fans continue to view him with skepticisms.

It has been a wretched campaign for Babel, one that has been punctured with too many stories with him potentially leaving the club, ‘tweets’ about him being dropped from the squad and rows with Rafa Benitez.

Benitez, however, has held an olive branch out to him by using him in the last three games, as well as speaking positively about him.

With a clear focus, Babel has a platform to show his talent; the question is whether he wants to.

John Aldridge: David Ngog Needs Lessons At Finishing School To Help Liverpool FC

David Ngog might prove in time that he can master the art of being a centre-forward.

It is often a thankless task being asked to assume the role of a lone frontman and even when I was in the prime of my career, there were times when I found it hard going.

But we saw at Arsenal on Wednesday night that, once again, playing Ngog in that position does not really add anything to Liverpool’s team.

Rafa Benitez works with him every day, so he clearly sees things in him, but at the Emirates Stadium Ngog looked like a schoolboy playing in an adult’s match.

One thing you cannot fault him for his effort; he never stopped running or trying his hardest to help the team and, for that, he should be commended.

Unfortunately, though, in contests of great magnitude against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, effort alone is not good enough.

You need to have a clear head and be ruthless when opportunity knocks but, when Steven Gerrard sent him skipping through, Ngog was neither and Liverpool suffered accordingly.

Put it this way – had Fernando Torres been presented with the same chance, you would have invested your mortgage on him scoring; when Ngog was homing in on goal, he never convinced that he would score.

In my opinion, Dirk Kuyt should have started up front at The Emirates because he is vastly experienced and has scored a few goals recently but Rafa likes playing him in that role on the right.

Had the manager been able to invest in the squad during the January transfer window, maybe we would have had somebody with experience to take over from Ngog in Torres’ absence but that wasn’t the case.

Liverpool had a terrific chance to beat Arsenal on Wednesday, as the Gunners were as poor as I have seen them for a long time.

Without that killer instinct, however, things become more difficult. How it showed.

Glen: Kop Is Different Class

He may have represented six different teams during the course of his relatively short career so far, but Glen Johnson is in no doubt which set of fans have been the best to play for.

The 25-year-old had turned out for West Ham, Millwall, Chelsea and Portsmouth before joining Liverpool last summer, as well as featuring for England.

However, Johnson believes Kopites are a cut above anything else he's experienced.

"The fans are fantastic," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "People say how good the Portsmouth fans are, and they are, but Liverpool fans are in a league of their own.

"When you walk out (at Anfield) and hear the fans singing the anthem, it helps.

"Every player is so proud to put on the shirt."

Johnson revealed on Friday he hopes to be back in training inside the next month - and the defender has two wishes for the remainder of 2009-10.

He said: "For Liverpool, I hope we win every single game until the end of the season.

"Personally, I need to get my knee straight, get it back to how it was, and try to get back into the team.

"Hopefully we can tick every box, finish in the top four and be happy."

I’m Back To Best, Says Steven Gerrard

Those critics who believe Steven Gerrard has been in decline this season will have nodded sagely at the evidence.

There was the Liverpool skipper, statuesque in the middle of the Anfield turf and giving no impression of reproducing the lung-busting efforts and devastating thrusts that have been such a feature of his glittering career.

In fact, on closer inspection, Gerrard wasn’t even moving at all. And then the 29-year-old sauntered on to the field and all was explained.

Of course, the scene yesterday was the Liverpool captain coming face-to-face for the first time with a waxwork of himself to be displayed at Madame Tussauds Museum in London.

By his own admission, Gerrard has at times been a pale imitation of his spectacular best during a disappointing campaign for Rafael Benitez’s side.

But even in defeat at Arsenal on Wednesday, the signs were there once again that the fire is once again burning bright inside the England international after a campaign hampered by niggling injuries.

“I felt good about my performance, but I’d much rather we had got the victory,” says Gerrard.

“My fitness is very good now. I’ve trained well since I came back from the last injury. I was really happy with my performance against Bolton, and I felt good against Arsenal.

“I can’t take too much from that, though, because we didn’t win. But there is nothing we can do about this Arsenal result now.”

Liverpool’s seven-game unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt at the Emirates with Abou Diaby’s 72nd-minute header, with Gerrard berating the decision of Howard Webb not to award the visitors an injury-time penalty when his free-kick struck the flailing arm of Cesc Fabregas.

Benitez’s men remain in fourth place but have been joined on 44 points by Manchester City, with Tottenham Hotspur 43 points and Aston Villa a further point adrift.

City, though, have two games in hand, and with Liverpool’s next Premier League game coming at Eastlands on Sunday week, it is a game they dare not lose.

And Gerrard is upbeat. “We will reflect and be disappointed but we have got a very big league game up next at Manchester City, and if we play like we did against Arsenal then I fancy us to beat them,” he says.

“We have to aim for fourth place and we also have everything to play for in the Europa League. We need to play almost as if we’re in the title race – and we’re more than capable of doing that.

“We haven’t been good enough in the first half of this season and our position in the league tells you that.

“We’re too far behind in the title race and that’s because the consistency we need hasn’t been there this season. It’s as simple as that. There’s no point in saying we’ve been unlucky with injuries or whatever, because we just haven’t been good enough. No excuses.

“But if we show the consistency we did in that seven-game unbeaten run, then we’ll challenge to get in the Champions League place.

“I suppose everything comes down to confidence. You can have all the great players but with bad results comes a hit to your confidence and things spiral from there. It’s only in recent weeks that we’ve started to play like we can.”

As well as indifferent form, Gerrard has been forced to contend with rumours of discontent behind the scenes and a desire for a move away from Anfield.

But the skipper has once again dismissed such suggestions, and says: “There’s so much rubbish said about Liverpool that I can’t keep track! Maybe it’s done to try to drive a wedge or to upset things. It won’t work – we’re as committed as ever.

“I would be proud if I spent my entire career at Liverpool, so maybe I’ll quit playing when my current contract comes to an end. I’ll be 33 then and it might be a good moment to hang up the boots.

“For example, I don’t regret not leaving for Chelsea. I did think about it when the chance was there in 2005, but Liverpool has always been my club and it just wouldn’t have felt the same playing somewhere else.

“You’re often faced with temptations in this game and Chelsea was one, but I’m glad it never happened.”

Carra Facing Fitness Race

Jamie Carragher is facing a race against time to be fit for Liverpool's crucial Premier League trip to Manchester City next Sunday - but Fernando Torres is on the comeback trail.

The Reds defender was forced off during Wednesday night's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal after tweaking his groin and has been ruled out for seven to 10 days.

Carragher is doubtful for next Thursday's Europa League clash with Romanian champions Unirea Urziceni at Anfield and Rafa Benitez will take no chances with his vice-captain ahead of the potentially season-defining contest at Eastlands.

The manager's major concern will be ensuring Carragher is ready to face Roberto Mancini's side.

Manchester City pose the greatest threat to fourth placed Liverpool's hopes of Champions League qualification and if the 32-year-old was to miss out it would be a huge blow.

As Carragher focuses on a speedy return to action, Torres is stepping up his rehabilitation at Melwood.

The Spanish striker, who has been out since he suffered a knee injury in the FA Cup defeat to Reading a month ago, has started running again.

When the Reds' 12-goal top scorer underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage he was told he would be missing for six weeks.

Benitez is reluctant to put a time frame on Torres' return to action and will resist the temptation to rush him back.

The manager intends to monitor his progress over the next week before deciding whether he's capable of playing a part against City.

If Carragher, who has impressed at right-back in the absence of Glen Johnson, doesn't recover in time for next Thursday then Benitez will have a defensive headache.

He could draft in Sotirios Kyrgiakos, who is currently serving a three-match domestic ban following his sending off in the Merseyside derby but is available for the European tie.

Alternatively, Benitez may opt to turn to Philipp Degen or youngster Martin Kelly.

Liverpool and City are level on points but City have two games in hand and with a trip to Stoke next Tuesday they could be three points clear by the time they entertain the Reds.

Talk Of Fernando Torres Comeback Premature, Says Rafael Benítez

The Liverpool manager, Rafael Benítez, has dismissed speculation that their star striker Fernando Torres could return to action next week.

Torres has been out since suffering a knee injury in the shock FA Cup loss to Reading last month. The Spaniard is reportedly making good progress in his recovery but Benítez insists any claims he could feature at Manchester City a week on Sunday are premature.

Benítez told the club's website: "I think it will be too early. He is training with the physios and the fitness coach, but he's still not involved with the team. We will see next week how he progresses."

Torres, 25, is Liverpool's top goalscorer with 12 this season despite being restricted to 21 appearances by injuries. A niggling groin problem curtailed his involvement earlier in the campaign.

Fernando Torres Could Return To Face Manchester City

Fernando Torres could make a shock return for Liverpool FC next week – but Rafa Benitez fears another potential selection headache in defence ahead of the crucial trip to Manchester City.

Torres has been absent since limping out of the FA Cup third-round replay defeat to Reading on January 13 with a knee injury.

The Spaniard underwent an operation in Barcelona and was originally expected to be sidelined for six weeks.

But the striker was back running in training on Tuesday, raising hopes he could be available for the crucial Premier League visit to near rivals City on Sunday week.

Liverpool, though, are mindful of rushing Torres back into action and manager Rafael Benitez will only consider handing the player a return if he is fully convinced by his fitness.

Torres has made only 19 starts in all competitions during an injury-hampered campaign but remains Liverpool’s leading scorer with 12 goals.

Johnson Closes In On Return

Glen Johnson has revealed that he expects to return to training with Liverpool in the next three weeks.

The England international right-back damaged his knee against Aston Villa in late December and it was initially feared he had suffered cruciate ligament damage. Those fears were allayed and Johnson is now looking forward to making his way back to full fitness.

"It's been frustrating. The worst thing for a footballer is being injured, but now I'm looking forward," Johnson told the club's official website. "I'm definitely over the worst of it now and I'm about two or three weeks away from training, so I'm getting there.

"It's been like groundhog day - I've been doing the same things, working in the gym and doing stability work. Every day has been the same for the last two weeks, but now I've started to run, things can change."

Johnson was a fixture in the Liverpool side prior to his injury but expects a battle to regain his place in Rafael Benitez's plans.

"I don't expect to walk back into the side and play, but I am doing everything I can to be in the best shape possible," he said.

CSKA Moscow's Milos Krasic: Liverpool Can't Afford Me

A Moscow attacker Milos Krasic insists that Liverpool do not have the necessary means to meet the price that has been placed on his head.

The Serbia international was tipped to join the Merseyside club and link up with his international team-mate, Milan Jovanovic, in an adventure at Anfield.

But the 25-year-old believes that his ambitions, coupled with the Reds' difficulty in meeting his price tag, will ensure that the potential move does not take place.

"I'd love to be in the same jersey as him [Jovanovic]," Krasic said, according to The News of the World.

"But it is, at least for now, mission impossible.

"I'm familiar with the situation at Liverpool.

"The price set by my team is too high for the English giants and, frankly, I have other ambitions."

Following the player's revelations, it has been claimed that Real Madrid have pipped Liverpool to pole position in the race to secure the signature of the highly-rated attacker.

Sissoko Eyes Rafa Arrival

Mohamed Sissoko has admitted that he would love Rafa Benitez to become manager at Juventus.

The Italian giants are on the lookout for a new boss after sacking Ciro Ferrara at the end of last month and appointing Alberto Zaccheroni on a short-term deal until the summer.

Benitez is understood to be one of Juve's preferred candidates despite his insistence that he is focused on staying at Liverpool.

And Sissoko, who worked with Benitez at Valencia and Liverpool earlier in his career, would welcome such an appointment.

"Benitez? If he came I would be very happy," the midfielder said on the Juventus channel.

"He gave me the opportunity to play in Valencia when I was 17 and with him I won a title.

"He is an excellent technician but when he knew me I was still immature. Now I've grown up as a footballer."

Sissoko admits he would also like Juventus to sign Bayern Munich's in-demand playmaker Franck Ribery.

Ribery's future has been the subject of speculation for some time and many of the continent's top clubs are keeping tabs on his progress.

"Ribery is a great player, any team in Europe would have him," said Sissoko.

"If he comes to Juve it will be a beautiful thing and he would give us a big hand."

Sissoko's own future has attracted fewer headlines and he insists he is fully committed to Juve.

"I have a contract until 2013. I want to stay here and become great here," he explained.

Jovanovic Deal A Sign Of The Times

Milan looms large in Liverpool's recent past. There was the unforgettable, immortal triumph against AC in Istanbul in 2005 and the rather less fondly remembered rematch in Athens two years later. In 2008, a typically clinical display of high-class finishing from Fernando Torres defeated Internazionale in the San Siro.

Now Milan will play a part in the future: not in the Champions League, given Liverpool's early elimination, nor indeed with any connection to Italy. But Milan Jovanovic will join from Standard Liege in the summer. Trading one Milan for another can feel like downsizing: the Serbian striker has said he is moving to one of the world's top ten clubs; Liverpool could only face one of the other nine - Juventus, Rafa Benitez's supposed suitors - in the Europa League.

But it is a sign of the times. Jovanovic's appeal may lie in his excellent scoring record in Belgium, but his availability on a free transfer when his contract expires at Standard is probably the determining factor. He may not be the new David Silva or David Villa, but he comes rather cheaper than many of Benitez's previous targets.

The search for a snip is not confined to Anfield, as the widespread pursuit of Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh, also on a Bosman, seems to indicate. It is, however, particularly relevant for Benitez. Jovanovic will join Maxi Rodriguez, recruited last month at a similar lack of cost, on Merseyside. Selling Andriy Voronin, Andrea Dossena and Nikolay Mihaylov brought the club a January profit of over £7 million; last year's, courtesy of Robbie Keane, was £12 million while the Liverpool manager broke even in the summer. It is tempting to ask, once again, where the money has gone, but the new realities have required Benitez to adapt.

Having to make do is a constant theme. Jovanovic and Rodriguez come with a pedigree as regulars for Serbia and Argentina respectively; few with better CVs can be acquired without a hefty investment but that does not necessarily make either the ideal addition. The latter is already 29, the former will be by the time he arrives; they are not long-term solutions as much as the men who were on offer.

The same description applies to the last signing to command a fee. Sotirios Kyrgiakos was the stop-gap centre back, brought in because Benitez could not afford his preferred alternatives. Despite his derby dismissal against Everton, his last five appearances have provided the Greek with an unexpected renaissance in his Liverpool career.

At the heart of a defence that only conceded one goal in that time - as many as Kyrgiakos scored on his own - a man who had appeared a liability against Fulham and Lyon came to have sufficient impact that he was preferred to Martin Skrtel against Everton. Short of pace and seemingly clumsy, there is no pretence that the ungainly 30-year-old possesses the class of Daniel Agger or the longevity of Jamie Carragher, but he proved a doughty battler, especially against physical opponents. In short, he has served a purpose.

His reappearance was a reminder that needs must, which could be Liverpool's unofficial motto nowadays. It may also indicate a change of approach from Benitez. The Spaniard has been criticised for effectively exiling players he did not want. That is not an option now. Ryan Babel, who attracted bids in January, is back in the reckoning and almost equalised against Arsenal. Philipp Degen, another who appeared surplus to requirements, surprised with his effectiveness against Tottenham. He was another signed on a free transfer.

There is proof of the perils of delving into football's bargain basement at Anfield. In a summer when they spent £50 million, Voronin was another Bosman and his abject displays suggested Liverpool still didn't get value for money. But beggars can't be choosers and as long as Tom Hicks and George Gillett remain in situ and without additional investment, Benitez is in a form of penury.

So signing Jovanovic, like Rodriguez before him, makes sense. Remembering Kyrgiakos and Degen does, too. Targets have been downgraded, in the transfer market as they were on the pitch. Top four, not the title, is the aim; the champagne football has to give way to a diet fit for a more workmanlike team. Minus Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and Glen Johnson, albeit temporarily, and minus the world-class reinforcements that a bigger budget could have brought, the style of play has had to be customised to suit the players available.

Aspirations to being the most enterprising attacking side in the land, as Liverpool were for the final two or three months of last season, have been suspended, to win any way they can, aided by defensive frugality, a high work ethic and Dirk Kuyt's invaluable services as a scrapper. Making do is becoming the done thing at Anfield now.

Liverpool's Sotirios Kyrgiakos Just Loves Those Premier League Flying Elbows Week In, Week Out

Liverpool defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos has been pummeled by elbows, had a tooth knocked out and been red-carded in a Merseyside derby - but he wouldn't change life in the physical Premier League for anything.

The 30-year Greece centre back missed the midweek defeat at Arsenal because of his sending-off against Everton and will also be suspended against Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers.

Kyrgiakos has played a huge part in the recent Liverpool revival and admits he is relishing every fresh battle.

He said: 'English football is what I imagined it to be, it is tough - I didn't have too many problems adapting to football here because I had played in Scotland with Rangers.

'In Germany or Greece I did not have to be as physical because the football isn't so aggressive.

'Anyway it's not all about aggression, that's not the most important thing. You have to want to go and win the ball. There is no point waiting for it to come to you, you have to go and get it.

'There are a lot of elbows flying in football here and the referee says no foul. That is part of football. It's tough and I like this side of the game.'

But life at the sharp end does have its drawbacks. During the 2-0 defeat of Bolton, Kyrgiakos lost a tooth and his all-action style led to an early bath against city rivals Everton when many felt that it was opponent Marouane Fellaini who deserved to go instead for his initial challenge.

Gerrard Backs Reds To Beat City

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has set his sights on beating Manchester City in 10 days' time as the race for Champions League places heats up.

Wednesday night's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal - where the Reds have not won for a decade - along with a similar reverse for Tottenham at Wolves and Aston Villa's 1-1 draw with Manchester United handed the initiative to City.

They are level on points with fourth-placed Liverpool but have two matches in hand and the fixture list pitches the two together at Eastlands a week on Sunday.

With third place now seemingly a distant hope after the Gunners extended their advantage to eight points Gerrard has called for all efforts to be put into beating Roberto Mancini's side.

"We have got to use a lot of positives from the (Arsenal) match," he said.

"There are plenty of teams who go there and get played off the park. I certainly feel disappointed leaving with nothing.

"We played against a fantastic Arsenal team with quality players who can open up any team in the world, and they did not really create many chances.

"It was just one mistake in our defence and they scored from it.

"The way we played over the 90 minutes, we certainly deserved a point.

"The lads are gutted after putting in all that effort and getting nothing, but sometimes that happens and you just have to get on with it.

"There is nothing we can do about this result now. The lads will reflect on it and we have a very big game coming up against Manchester City.

"But if we play like we did at Arsenal, then I fancy us to beat them.

"I feel if we are on our game and playing well, we are a match for anyone."

An eighth defeat of the season - six more than last year when they ran champions Manchester United a close second - is one of the most damaging statistics for Liverpool.

Seven of those came in the first four months of the campaign. By contrast, Manchester City have lost four and none so far at Eastlands.

The Liverpool captain knows their early form has cost them dearly but held up their seven-match unbeaten league run which came to an end at the Emirates Stadium as a yardstick for the remainder of the season.

"We are where we are in the table because we were very inconsistent earlier in the season," said the England international.

"But look at Liverpool's performances over the last six or seven games - if we show that consistency, then we will challenge for the league."

Gerrard's form has, like the team's, been patchy this season with niggling injuries preventing him from putting in the kind of inspirational performances he has gained a reputation for.

He now feels he is close to getting back to his best but said it was little consolation if it was not benefiting the team.

"I am really happy with the way I played myself [at Arsenal] but I get nothing from that because we came away with nothing," added the 28-year-old.

"But my form is improving."

Off the field manager Rafael Benitez said a deal to sign Standard Liege forward Milan Jovanovic was still to be completed.

The Serbia international, out of contract in the summer, told a Belgian newspaper yesterday the two parties had reached an agreement and all he had to do was complete a medical.

"There are a lot of rumours in the press but we are working and we will say something if we finalise things," said the Liverpool boss.

"At this moment we are talking with people and we are working."

Liverpool's non-involvement in this week's FA Cup fifth round may come as a blessing in disguise as he currently has defensive worries.

With the in-form Sotirios Kyrgiakos still to serve two matches of a suspension, fellow defender Jamie Carragher was substituted with an injury last night.

Benitez is hopeful the extra few days' rest will allow his vice-captain to make a full recovery before the trip to Manchester City.

Rafa Predicts Tight Finish

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes the race for fourth place will go right down to the end of the season.

The Reds missed the chance to go clear in the battle to claim fourth spot after being beaten 1-0 at Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Liverpool currently hold the coveted fourth spot, but Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa are all battling to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League.

Benitez was disappointed to see their recent unbeaten run come to an end at the Emirates and has called on his side to bounce back in their next league outing, which is a testing trip to City.

"When you lose after nine games without losing you have to be disappointed," said Benitez. "They (Arsenal) are a good team but now we think about the future.

"The race for the fourth position will be to the end and we have to be ready for the next game.

"It is difficult for anyone to win too many games in a row. The main thing is to be calm and to keep going."

Benitez is also waiting to find out the full extent of the injury picked up by Jamie Carragher against the Gunners.

Carragher was forced off in the second half with a groin problem and Benitez is hopeful the injury is not too serious.

"Carra has a problem with his adductor," added Benitez. "It seems like it is not serious but he could not carry on.

"We will see in one or two days and see how he feels."