Liverpool Have Little Room For Error In The Premier League - Rafael Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that his side cannot afford to slip up any more than they have already this season, if they are to achieve a run in the Champions League next season.

The Reds' top-four credentials have been called into question this term, with evidence in the form of a tight race for fourth place along with Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Despite having lost just once in their last 10 games in all competitions, the scrappy goalless draw at Eastlands followed by a less than dominating performance against Blackburn Rovers at Anfield has induced Rafa to bellow a rallying cry.

"Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa will be very dangerous so we cannot make many mistakes," said Benitez, according to The Daily Mail.

"We know last year was really good in terms of points in the league [as Liverpool collected 86] and now we are in a different and more difficult situation because the expectations were very high.

"It is really difficult because we have three or four teams really close."

Performances apart, the Reds have been getting the right results after a dreary start to the season that saw them bow out of the Champions League and both domestic Cup competitions at an early stage.

"We have to keep this momentum and prove, show everyone else, we are good enough," he added. "I prefer to be positive and we will play well and continue to win."

McLeish Linked With Replacing Rafa At Liverpool

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is the shock name being mentioned within boardrooms of the Premier League as a potential candidate for the Liverpool manager's job, should Rafa Benitez be lured away from Anfield by Juventus in the summer.

McLeish has built a formidable reputation for his achievements in solidifying the Premier League status of the Midlands club and word is that he can be prised away for a relatively cheap compensation because of his contract terms at St Andrew's.

While a move for Jose Mourinho has been mooted, it's thought the Portuguese coach's huge personal price tag would be difficult for Liverpool to be match, with McLeish's wage demands likely to better fit Liverpool's budget.

In addition, any move for the Inter Milan boss, presently earmarked for Manchester City if they change managers in the summer, would require a massive transfer budget.

McLeish is one of Sir Alex Ferguson's apprentices, and the pair struck up a perfect manager-captain relationship at Aberdeen, when Sir Alex was making a big impression at the beginning of his managerial career.

A Premier League chairman told Soccernet: "There has been mention of McLeish and Liverpool, but who knows how strong it might be. I would put it no more than 50-50, you never know.

"It is easy to see why a club like Liverpool would be interested [in McLesih] if Rafa Benitez did leave in the summer, as its common knowledge that Juventus have been showing interest in him."

Javier Mascherano To Seek Liverpool Assurances Before Signing Deal

Javier Mascherano will seek reassurances over Liverpool’s plans to strengthen manager Rafael Benitez’s squad before agreeing to turn his back on a potential move to Barcelona and extend his contract at Anfield for a further two years.

Liverpool have approached Mascherano’s representatives with a view to offering the Argentine international captain improved terms on his current deal, which expires in 2012, and the two parties are expected to meet on Merseyside early next week.

Barcelona were widely expected to return with a firm bid for the player this summer after initial enquiries from the European champions’ sporting director Txiki Begiristain were rejected outright by the Anfield club last year, but Liverpool are confident a deal worth around £100,000-a-week will be enough to retain the midfielder’s services.

The club will have to convince him, though, that owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have the resources to equip Benitez with a side capable of maintaining their Champions League status and challenging for the Premier League title after a campaign tinged with desperate disappointment.

“Liverpool have approached us to discuss a new contract and my agent will have a meeting in the next few days,” said Mascherano. “The reality is that I am very happy at Liverpool. I want to know what the club’s plans are and then we will see if, at this moment in time, I can renew my contract.

“It is not that I felt unsettled [by the rumours of Barcelona’s interest] in the summer or that I am more at home now. I have always been very happy at Liverpool. Everyone at the club has always treated me very well. That is all there is to say at this stage.”

Liverpool are also thought to be close on sealing a new, five-year contract for the Spanish international goalkeeper Pepe Reina as Benitez looks to secure the futures of all of his most valuable assets.

Dani Pacheco Wants To Muscle In On Liverpool First Team Scene

DANI PACHECO is aiming to muscle in on a first team place at Liverpool this season.

The talented, but tiny Spanish starlet has been spending extra time in the Melwood gym in a bid to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

And even though the five feet six inch striker has already made a significant impact in the first team this season – notably with his goal creating contribution against Unirea Urziceni last month and a lively Champions League cameo against Fiorentina back in December, the 19-year-old is looking further ahead to the future.

Still to make his first competitive start, the former Barcelona youngster hopes an intensive weight training regimen will help him realise that ambition sooner rather than later.

“I am working hard in the gym to improve my physical side and try to be stronger in the next few years,” said Pacheco.

“I have to be patient and keep working hard. It's not easy to play in the first team at this great club. You have to learn different things every day and listen to what the staff are telling you, then do that on the pitch.

“You have to be focused every day in training and then when the chance comes I have to be ready.”

With two games in four days next week – the Premeir League trip to Wigan on Monday followed by the trip to Lille for the Europa League last 16 first-leg, Pacheco is hoping he may get further opportunities to impress.

“We have a very important week coming up,” he declared.

“It’s important we beat Wigan on Monday because we need to keep up our fight for fourth place. We then have the Europa League when we play Lille which will be another tough game, so I have to be ready if the manager needs me.”

The last time his manager needed him, Pacheco rose to the occasion – literally as well as metaphorically – climbing to head Ryan Babel’s cross into David Ngog’s path and give Liverpool a crucial one goal advantage from the first leg of their last 32 Europa League clash with Unirea.

“That was my best moment so far at Liverpool and it was really special for me,” he added.

“To play for the first team and be involved in the winning goal in front of The Kop was special for me and all of my family.

“It has been a really good season for me so far and it has given me a lot of confidence. I know I have a long way to go if I want to play for the first team every week, so I will keep working hard and hopefully I'll play more games in the future.

“I always say you will improve every day as a player training with the first team. I train every day with players like Fernando and Stevie and they are always talking to me, giving me advice and helping me a lot.”

Pacheco himself turned helper and advisor this week when he was the guest of honour at Liverpool FC’s Young Person of the Year awards at Anfield.

Honouring the outstanding achievements of young people in the city, the event was in its ninth year – and presents awards based on commitment and compassion displayed in the community, and courage shown in overcoming affliction.

“Of course it was a real privilege to hand out the awards to all the youngsters and I will be happy to come back any time they want me.

“We players are people and were young once too, so for us it is very important to come here and help out.

“It's a special night for everyone involved, including myself.”

Liverpool FC Regeneration Director, Andrea Titterington, said: “This is a huge celebration for young people.

“So many times, all you hear in the press are negative things about young people, but actually the majority of young people are terrific.

“This is an opportunity for people in the community to nominate young people who have made a huge contribution, who have tremendous courage and have overcome all sorts of issues. It's just the greatest night ever - it's better than the Oscars!”

She added: “It's important for the club to be involved in events like this because it underlines everything else we do in the community, not just the regeneration projects we're doing in Anfield, but also all the community projects that Bill Bygroves' team does, the education projects, the coaching and physical activity projects, and the health programmes we run as well.

“The commitment to the local community here is immense and this is a great opportunity to celebrate that.

“It's absolutely essential for first-team players to lend their support. It really is a life changing experience for young people to meet their heroes, even if they happen to be Evertonians!!

Awards given out included Schools Special achievement awards, the Sweeper Zone awards, Kickz, Goals for Girls, Reading 4 Families and the Jack Carley award for amazing courage.

Community Manager Bill Bygroves added: “I think it's vitally important for the club to hold events like this because it's a connection between the young people of our district and community with the football club.”

The event is backed by Liverpool City Council, who have been involved since the awards' inception in 2002.

Alan Hansen Backs Pepe Reina To Be Liverpool's Player Of The Season

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is the clear contender to be the Reds' player of the season, according to former Anfield defender Alan Hansen.

The ex-Reds skipper feels that few of Rafael Benitez's men have demonstrated such consistency and commitment as the Spanish keeper, who has been second to none at Anfield over the course of what has been a tricky campaign.

"Reina has been brilliant all season and is without a shadow of a doubt Liverpool's player of the year," Hansen told LFC Weekly.

"The great thing about him is his total and utter reliability. If you asked me what I'd want in a goalkeeper playing behind me at Liverpool, which would be what I'm looking for - total and utter reliability.

"Having a goalkeeper like Reina behind you gives the central defenders a huge amount of confidence.

"The ironic thing is that England haven't got a goalkeeper to take to the World Cup but Liverpool have got the best keeper in the Premier League and he can't get in the Spanish side. It's crazy."

Hansen has been impressed with the recent improvement in the defensive solidity of Benitez's team and now wants to see them begin to threaten more in attack.

"To have a goalkeeper of Reina's stature playing so well is absolutely fantastic for Liverpool and what we need now is to get it right at the other end of the pitch," the Scot added.

"It's all very well having a run where we are not conceding many goals, but we need to start scoring more if we are to get fourth place and qualify for the Champions League, starting at Wigan on Monday night."

Liverpool Denies Reports Of New Deal

Liverpool have denied reports that the Abu Dhabi royal family are considering adding to their Premier League portfolio by buying the Anfield club.

Manchester City are owned by one member of the wealthy Al Nahyan dynasty, Sheikh Mansour, but Liverpool insist they have had no contact from the family.

And even if they did they would have to have any potential deal sanctioned by the Premier League, convincing them in the process that competition between City and Liverpool would in no way be affected.

Premier League chiefs do not believe that would pose a problem, however, with the suggestion being that family rivalry might even add an extra edge.

Three or four parties are said to be interested in acquiring a stake in the Merseysiders that will raise around £100m and help reduce the club’s current debts of £237m.

The Royal Bank of Scotland are demanding the cash before they will sanction a new refi nancing package.

New investment is crucial to dispel fears that the club can’t compete for major honours from the likes of Javier Mascherano, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

Manchester City Owner's Family 'Eyes Up Takeover Bid For Liverpool'

The Abu Dhabi royal family which owns Manchester City is believed to be weighing up a bid to buy Liverpool.

City is owned by one member of the Al Nahyan dynasty, Sheikh Mansour, but reliable sources claim the family are pursuing an interest in the Reds.

In order for such a deal to be sanctioned by the Premier League the family would have to prove the competition between City and Liverpool would in no way be affected.

But Premier League chiefs do not believe that would pose a problem, with one saying: ‘Sibling rivalry can be the strongest of competitive instincts.’

Liverpool’s current owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett would want around £400million to sell the club but their price may drop if the club fails to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The family’s interest at Anfield was first reported in December but, according to one source, the purchase of City has been viewed as a great success in terms of raising the profile of Sheikh Mansour, and this has intensified interest in Liverpool.

The source said: ‘City is viewed as having been a good move and now the family are interested in Liverpool.

'In the Far East, it is Manchester United that are the big club but in the Arab world it is Liverpool most people are mad about.’

Fourth Place Is Between Liverpool And Manchester City - John Aldridge

Former Liverpool hero John Aldridge believes the race for fourth place in the Premier League is a straight fight between the Reds and Manchester City, and has tipped Rafael Benitez's men to come out on top.

Speaking exclusively to Goal.com UK Aldridge, who scored 63 goals in 104 games for the Reds between 1987 and 1989, said he expected the race for a Champions League spot to be fiercely contested, but said Liverpool's more favourable run of fixtures gives them the advantage over their rivals.

"I personally think it's between Liverpool and Manchester City," said Aldridge, "It is obviously very tight, and I think it could go right down to the wire. We could be looking at the last day of the season being decisive.

"Manchester City are, at the moment anyway, playing the more attractive football, and scoring goals, but you look at Liverpool's run-in, and that to me gives them a slight edge."

Liverpool's desperation to secure Champions League football at Anfield next season has been heightened by the release this week of Deloitte's Football Money League, which shows the Reds to be trailing behind the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in terms of revenue generation, and Aldridge knows the importance of a top-four finish for Benitez and his side.

"For the future of the club, it is vitally important that they get fourth this season," he said, "I really hope that they do of course, but I think that they will in the end."

And, as one of the best goalscorers in the club's history, the former Republic of Ireland frontman is in no doubt as to who holds the key to Liverpool's success this season - Spanish striker Fernando Torres.

"It goes without saying that Fernando Torres is absolutely vital for Liverpool, if they are to get fourth place," he says, "Liverpool have to do everything to make sure he is available along with Steven Gerrard, because when he is in the team, they are a different side."

Torres in December became the fastest player in Liverpool history to reach 50 league goals for the club, achieving that remarkable feat in just 72 games. And Aldridge believes that the Spaniard is already well on the way to establishing himself as one of Anfield's all-time greats, alongside the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.

"Absolutely, Torres can be one of the very best," he said, "Of course he needs to stay at the club for a number of years and have that longevity before he can be mentioned alongside the true greats, but he is definitely going the right way, his goalscoring record is phenomenal."

One of the key reasons for Torres' efficiency, Aldridge believes, is the role of skipper Steven Gerrard. The 29-year-old has recently rediscovered some of his best form after a patchy start to the campaign, and Aldridge believes a fit and in-form Gerrard could well be the catalyst for an upturn in Liverpool's performances.

"I think he has looked sharp in the last couple of matches in the centre of midfield," he said, "And when Steven Gerrard is in the side and firing, he brings a bit of bounce to the side, makes people click and gets people around him playing - Torres included.

"If Liverpool are to get themselves going then they need Steven Gerrard on song, make no mistake."

One area where Aldridge, who now works as a summariser for local radio station Radio City, thinks Benitez could improve Liverpool's chances is on the left hand side of midfield.

The form of Albert Riera has been indifferent all season, and though Dutch attacker Ryan Babel has shown glimpses of his undoubted talent of late, prompting some to call for the former Ajax man to be given a prolonged stint in the team, Aldridge believes the 23-year-old has wasted too many chances already at the club.

"I think with [Dirk] Kuyt on the right, Liverpool get a nice balance," he said, "He scores important goals and puts in some great work, but on the left we perhaps need some balance.

"We don't have a left-sided player who can go past a man and create things, like a left-sided version of Aaron Lennon or Shaun Wright-Phillips.

"Babel has had so many chances at Liverpool, and so far he has failed to take any of them. How many chances does he need?"

Insua: It's Taken Me Three Years To Settle

Liverpool defender Emiliano Insua believes it has taken him three years to finally settle in English football.

The 21-year-old Argentina international initially joined on loan from Boca Juniors in January 2007 and did not make his first-team debut for three months.

He made 13 appearances the following season, competing against Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena for the left-back spot.

But injuries to the former and the January departure of the latter has meant the South American has played in all but two of Liverpool's 28 Barclays Premier League fixtures.

And with Aurelio now ruled out for up to three weeks with a thigh strain Insua is set to continue his spell in the first team.

"For me this has been a special season because I've played many games in a row so I'm really happy," said Insua, who scored his first Liverpool goal in the Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal in October - just a fortnight after making his Argentina debut.

"It has given me a lot of confidence that I can do the job so I have to keep working hard and doing the same on the pitch.

"If you are playing so many games in a row you get experience if you are a young player.

"I think this season will help me for the future and give me experience."

Insua has been involved in 2,360 minutes of Premier League action this season, with only tireless forward Dirk Kuyt, midfielder Lucas Leiva and defender Jamie Carragher having had more on-pitch time of the out-field players.

Manager Rafael Benitez was keen to rest the 23-year-old by rotating him with Aurelio over the coming weeks but injury to the Brazilian has ruled out that option for now.

Aurelio has not had much luck with injuries, having missed the start of the season after sustaining a freak knee problem in a kickabout with his children during the summer and been troubled with few niggling injuries since.

"It's not good news and we think he is going to be out for maybe another two or three weeks - Fabio has had really bad luck," said Benitez of his sidelined left-back.

"It all began at the start of the season, when he suffered the injury during the summer with his family, and it's like there has been something every month since then.

"It is a shame because he is a top footballer and a really nice person but him being out leaves us with a problem because we wanted to play him, so we could give Insua a rest.

"Emiliano is a good young player and has benefited from being involved in so many games but he has been laying a lot recently.

"We needed Fabio so he could help the team and also help Insua. His injury is bad news for both of them."

Insua admitted playing alongside national-team captain Javier Mascherano and compatriot Maxi Rodriguez, a January signing from Atletico Madrid, had made his life easier on and off the pitch.

"The Argentinian people are really together for each other and it is such a different culture [in England]," added Insua. "In the first year I couldn't speak much English so to have Javier and now Maxi means it is very special for all three of us.

"Javier is the captain of the national team so I respect him and I listen to him and maybe he can help me for the future."

Lucas Out To Prove Himself

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes his side's mixed fortunes this season have helped his progression into a first-team player.

The 23-year-old is one of just three Reds players to have figured in every Premier League game so far this season alongside Pepe Reina and Dirk Kuyt.

The Brazilian, who was in the squad for his country's 2-0 victory over Republic of Ireland on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium and will hope to be in their World Cup squad this summer, has often been a much-maligned figure at Anfield since his transfer from Gremio in 2007.

However, Reds boss Rafa Benitez's persistence in using him alongside Javier Mascherano in a five-man midfield has seen the club's form pick up of late, with Lucas' determination to prove he can handle the pressure of playing for the club a key factor in his improvement.

"I've learned a lot more about myself and become a stronger person and player. It made me desperate to prove people wrong," he told LFC Weekly.

"There have been times (in the past) when I thought I may have made the wrong decision but now I am sure that I have made the right one.

"My game has changed a lot since leaving Brazil. I was able to attack more at Gremio because I played with two defensive midfielders. In England you have more responsibility.

"I still think I have some work to do if all the fans are going to believe in me. I'm happy and feel I'm improving. But it isn't about me, it's about the club doing well."

Lucas' comments were backed up by Benitez, who still feels he made the right decision signing a player who at the time was very highly thought of by a number of top clubs.

"I know he can improve so much more," said Benitez.

"When I was talking about him before he signed, I was telling people we were signing the captain of Gremio - and he was only 19.

"That means something. You do not captain teams in Brazil at such a level at that age if you are not a strong character with a good mentality. Hopefully he will continue to grow with us."

Kjaer Courts Liverpool Move

Palermo want to keep hold of star defender Simon Kjaer, despite the player admitting he would like to leave the club at the end of the season.

Kjaer has conceded he wants a move to one of the bigger clubs in European football - highlighting Premier League giants Liverpool as his preferred choice.

The 20-year-old - who joined Palermo just over two years ago - says he is seeking a new challenge in his career, but insisted any switch would have to be to an 'attractive club'.

The central defender still has over two-and-a-half years left on his current deal at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, however the Dane is eager to finalise a transfer before he turns his attention to World Cup duties with his national side.

Kjaer said: "I will take a step towards the dream or I will stay in Palermo. I would prefer to have it sorted out before the World Cup. I am ready for a new challenge, but is has to be an attractive club.

"(The) Premier League is the best league in the world and then there is Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain.

"England and the physical playing style would probably suit me better. In case the right offers come, it would be exciting to form a partnership with (Daniel) Agger (at Liverpool)."

Officials at the club are not as keen to let their prize stopper exit, though, with Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini saying he does not want coach Delio Rossi to lose key players in the close-season.

Palermo currently sit fourth in Serie A and are well positioned to secure a UEFA Champions League berth, a feat which Zamparini believes could persuade the likes of Kjaer to remain in Italy.

He said: "I hope that all can remain in Palermo and maybe if we go into the Champions League, (the) boys are more encouraged to stay.

"I want (Edinson) Cavani, Javier Pastore and Kjaer to remain here. Kjaer is much too an important player for us - I'd buy him again just to not make him go away."

Turan Eyes Liverpool Move

Turkey international Arda Turan would be interested in a move to Liverpool.

The Galatasaray midfielder has spoken of his desire to experience football overseas and Anfield would be one of his preferred destinations.

"Of course I want to play abroad but it is our board's decision," said the 23-year-old, who has previously been linked with Rafael Benitez's side.

"As I always mention, Liverpool attracts me because of their tradition.

"In Europe, I am a Liverpool supporter, so if I go to play in Europe, I would like to play for them."

Turan added on UEFA.com: "My dream has always been to play for one of the top European clubs, but you shouldn't make concrete plans in your life because sometimes these plans cannot be achieved.

"This is my dream, but for now I'm just working on my football."

Liverpool Winger Albert Riera Could Be Sold In The Summer

Albert Riera's continued omission from Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's match-day squads has prompted regional press to link the Spanish winger with a summer exit.

Riera has struggled with a hamstring problem this season, and was absent from the first-team for a six-week period.

During January, Benitez recruited Maxi Rodriguez, and with Dutch forward Ryan Babel's improvement in form, chances for Riera to edge his way back into contention appear limited.

The Liverpool Daily Post believes time is not on Riera's side, and speculates that, in order to free up funds for a period of overhaul when the season concludes, Benitez now regards Riera as a saleable commodity.

Spain international Riera has also been omitted from the national line-up, and was not included in his country's squad for Wednesday night’s friendly with France.

Peter Kilfoyle Says Liverpool FC Must Play Key Role In Anfield’s Regeneration

For Walton MP Peter Kilfoyle, the problems of Anfield – in terms of health, housing and employment – are considerable.

He met Gordon Brown while he was still chancellor of the exchequer to see if there was funding available to tackle Anfield’s deprivation and housing issues with a unique programme.

But a positive answer was not forthcoming.

Mr Kilfoyle said: “We had a meeting where I was trying to get him to agree a special purpose vehicle to look at issues in north Liverpool.

“But it is the nature of these things that they pass them down the line.

“It needs a total sweep through, that area, to get it all done, particularly Rockfield Road. We have a lot of people coming here from overseas and what must they think about the area? It must give a very bad impression.”

Mr Kilfoyle said the club – as the major attraction in the area – needs to be definitive about its plans, which still have a bearing on regeneration, as “the only organisation of any size and credibility”.

He is in two minds about whether he feels the club appreciates the importance of its role in economic regeneration.

He said: “Christian Purslow, the managing director, is a banker – he is not a regeneration person.

“I do not think, in all honesty, he would see a football club as having a community dimension in perhaps the way we expect in Liverpool.”

But club officials insist they do sees themselves closely involved in the renewal of the area.

Regeneration director Andrea Titterington said: “It is true the pace of housing improvements has slowed, largely due to the wider economic situation coupled with the availability of mortgages.

“But the housing providers are still committed to the original plans.

“Although significant improvements have been achieved, there is still more to be done.

“We remain as committed as we always have to assist in the implementation of the strategy for the regeneration of the Anfield and Breckfield areas.”

Dirk Kuyt Leads Way As Liverpool Stars Shine On International Duty

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt was on target as Holland beat USA 2-1 in last night’s international friendly in Amsterdam.

The Reds frontman netted a 40th minute penalty to put the Dutch on their way to victory.

Clubmate Ryan Babel came off the bench 10 minutes from time as the hosts defeated England’s World Cup opponents.

Klaas Jan Huntelaar made it 2-0 before Carlos Bocanegra bagged a consolation.

Fernando Torres played the second half as Spain enjoyed a 2-0 victory over France in a glamour friendly in Paris.

Torres replaced David Villa at the break but it was Sergio Ramos who grabbed both goals for the European champions.

Villa was full of praise for Torres, who came through the contest unscathed.

The Valencia man: “Strikers live for goals, we have to score goals, it is what measures our performance.

"At the moment Torres is not having luck in front of goal (for Spain) but his work has been good for the team and we have to be happy with his work-rate.

"A striker with so much quality, such magic and so much experience, despite not having a good year, he is always dangerous and never do you want to face him.

“The power he has in the last few metres is unique. I've never seen another player with that much power and that is what we as other strikers want."

Javier Mascherano played the full 90 minutes as Argentina secured an impressive 1-0 win over Germany in Munich.

Israel failed to qualify for the World Cup but Yossi Benayoun helped to lift spirits as he scored in their 2-0 victory in Romania. Sotirios Kyrgiakos couldn’t prevent Greece from going down 2-0 to Senegal.

Liverpool Fans Outflanked By Manchester United's Green And Gold

Liverpool have become accustomed to living in Manchester United’s shadow during the two decades that have passed since the league champions’ flag fluttered over Anfield.

United have won the trophies, cashed in on the explosion of the Premier League across the globe and they could even erase Liverpool from the record books by winning a 19th league title this season.

The miracle of Istanbul aside, the red half of Merseyside has had little to throw back in the face of their foes from the other end of the East Lancs Road over the past 20 years.

And as the green-and-gold masses at Old Trafford now find themselves earning global publicity, and the apparent financial support of the Red Knights, in their battle to remove the Glazer family, those Liverpool fans attempting to overthrow their own despised American owners have been outflanked once again by their Mancunian rivals.

Whatever their prospects of success – and the smart money is on the Glazers riding the storm and banking a handsome profit many years down the road – the United supporters have won the publicity battle.

IMUSA and Must, the two groups fronting the campaign, have claimed the front pages, sports pages and news bulletins as a result of their clever campaign.

The Liverpool fans? Apart from the odd march and a couple of posters criticising Tom Hicks and George Gillett, they have slipped beneath the radar.

When Tom Hicks Jnr. was forced out on the back of an email row with a supporter earlier this year, Liverpool’s fans had the perfect opportunity to accelerate their campaign.

But since then, the focus has shifted firmly to Old Trafford and the movement aimed at overthrowing the Glazers.

The irony, though, is that Liverpool’s supporters have much more reason than the United fans to mount a visible campaign against the club’s owners.

Under the Glazers, whether the United fans like it or not, Sir Alex Ferguson’s team has enjoyed a period of incredible success.

Three Premier League titles, one European Cup, a World Club Championship and three League Cups.

Meanwhile, under the stewardship of Hicks and Gillett, Liverpool have won precisely nothing.

Rafael Benitez has seen numerous transfer targets slip through his grasp and, although he was able to lure Fernando Torres to Anfield, others have gone elsewhere.

So if any group of fans has reason to be disillusioned it is the Liverpool supporters. They are the ones desperate for a return to the glory days that United are presently enjoying.

United’s followers have gorged on success while Liverpool have starved.

Yet it is the United supporters that appear more determined to enforce regime change when it could be argued that they have never had it so good.

With the success of the green-and-gold campaign, there have been noises emanating from Manchester and Merseyside talking up the prospect of an unholy alliance between Liverpool and United fans aimed at showing their joint opposition to their respective American owners.

That proposal only has the support of a small minority on both sides.

Regardless of their shared ownership issues, United fans would enjoy nothing more than seeing Liverpool run into the ground by Hicks and Gillett.

Equally, the Kop would rejoice if United sank without a trace under the Glazers.

But while the United hordes milk the publicity generated by the green-and-gold campaign, Liverpool’s supporter campaign risks falling behind.

They need to find a trick of their own, a gimmick that will steal the thunder of the green-and-gold masses.

But maybe the moment has passed. Perhaps United have done them again.

Hicks And Gillett Left Smiling Despite Fan Discontent After Liverpool’s Revenues Soar By Millions

Despite continuing fan discontent and concerns over the financing of the club's debt, Liverpool FC's owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were given a boost this week when it was revealed that the club's revenues have been boosted by almost €10 million.

Liverpool have moved up to seventh place in Deloitte's Football Money League, after the Reds' annual revenues climbed from €207.4 million to €217 million. Liverpool still trailed Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, but United's revenues only improved by €2.2 million, and both chelsea and Arsenal recorded lower revenues than in previous years.

'Broadcasting revenue of £74.6m (€87.6m) has risen by £3.8m (5%) since 2007/08,' reports Deloitte. 'The increase reflected a second place Premier League finish in 2008/09, which provided £50.3m of revenue (a £4.3m (9%) uplift). Reaching the quarter-final of the Uefa Champions League in 2008/09 earned Liverpool €23.2m (£19.7m) which was €3.6m lower than the amount received from Uefa for reaching the semi-final in the previous season. Having failed to reach the last 16 of the Champions League in 2009/10, Liverpool will be looking for a very strong Uefa Europa League performance to minimise the shortfall against the level of European revenues they usually generate.

'Despite the challenging sponsorship market, Liverpool achieved a £13.5m (25%) increase in commercial revenues to £67.7m (€79.5m), which accounts for 37% of the club’s total revenue, following the commencement of four new partnerships, reportedly worth a combined £10m (€12m).'

Deloitte also noted that Liverpool's performance is likely to improve in coming seasons, when, amongst other things, its £20 million per year shirt sponsorship agreement with Standard Chartered begins. That deal more than double what Liverpool currently receive annually from Carlsberg. However, the report also noted that, to move up the Football Money League, Liverpool are likely to need to move to their proposed new stadium.

Failure to do so has been a key part of fan discontent at Anfield. A poster campaign in Liverpool has seen billboards throughout the city carry the message: 'Tom and George, Debt, Lies, Cowboys. Not welcome here.'

Jan Molby Expects A Fit Fernando Torres To Galvanise Liverpool's Push For Fourth Place

Liverpool stars Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and Glen Johnson will have a major impact on the club's season when they are fully fit once more, according to former Reds midfielder Jan Molby.

Molby expects Torres and Johnson to be keen to build form and fitness ahead of this summer's World Cup, although he has some doubts as to whether Rafael Benitez will want to disrupt his side's current defensive solidity by reintroducing Johnson at right-back.

"Torres and Johnson will certainly want to be fit and flying in time for the World Cup and players of their quality will always make an impact," Molby told the Reds' official website.

"Benayoun and Torres are already back in the first-team, but the problem is when do you put Johnson back in? Obviously he's got to return to full fitness first, but what will his comeback do to the way we've been playing recently? Glen loves to attack, so his return could alter the approach of our defence.

"However, in saying that, the centre-backs will have gained a lot of confidence from our recent clean sheets, so maybe we could be at the stage where we can deploy two attacking full-backs and see how it goes. Glen could also be an option for a wide midfield role."

The Dane does expect Torres to provide a major lift after being affected by injury for so much of the current campaign.

"It's not just the fact he lifts our team and crowd, he also has an effect on the opposition," Molby added.

"The last thing any opposition want to see is Fernando Torres on the teamsheet, whether he's starting or a sub.

"He has an impact all round, but of course when you've missed the amount of matches he has with injury, you need a little bit of time to find your feet again.

"It was no surprise he came back and scored a goal on Sunday against Blackburn because that's what he does, but in terms of his overall play he'll need a little bit more time to find his best form.

"We can't afford to lose him again - we have to keep our fingers crossed he can stay fit for the remainder of the season."

Liverpool striker Torres Favours Barcelona Move If He Leaves Anfield

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is keen on a move to Catalan giants Barcelona, if he is forced to leave Anfield.

Sport suggests that Liverpool may have to sell their prized assets, including Torres in order to help repay the club's large financial debt. Although both Chelsea and Manchester City have been linked with the 25 year-old, Torres reportedly would prefer a move to Barcelona.

Sport discounts the possibility of a transfer to Real Madrid, given Torres' loyalty to his former club Atletico Madrid. But the Liverpool striker apparently feels "a great sympathy" for Barcelona and "wouldn't hesitate a single moment" to move to the Nou Camp.

During his time at Atletico Madrid, Barcelona president Joan Laporta "was flirting" with the signing of Torres, according to Sport.

"El Nino" has been outstanding since moving to Anfield in 2007 and has scored 13 goals in 21 matches for Liverpool so far this season.

Inter To Sign Liverpool's Steven Gerrard When Jose Mourinho Extends Deal - Report

Inter coach Jose Mourinho is expected to sign a new deal and then make a fresh bid for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, according to Il Corriere Dello Sport.

Club president Massimo Moratti is keen on extending the Special One's contract from 2012 to 2013, and his salary will jump from €11 million to €13 million per annum as part of the new terms.

Once Inter are certain of Mourinho's stay, they will provide the funds he needs to strengthen the squad. First on the list will be Gerrard, who was linked with the club last summer.

But the England international has always made it clear he is not interested in leaving his hometown club.

However, failure to qualify for the Champions League could prompt him to reconsider his Anfield future.