Liverpool And Rafael Benítez Stuck In Limbo Until The Club Is Sold

It is amazing how quickly ambitions recede and goals diminish. Liverpool, title contenders at the season’s start, are now faced with the challenge of trying to qualify for the Europa League next season. Not exactly dignified.

The Europa League, like methadone, may only be a pallid substitute but it’s better than nothing. Starting with Burnley on Sunday afternoon, Rafael Benítez knows his side must secure qualification via the league or be faced with the task of winning the thing just to be able to take part in European competition next season.

Liverpool are four points clear of Everton in seventh – all that is needed for Europa qualification after Portsmouth’s exclusion was upheld – but have to play Chelsea next week.

“It’s always important to be in the Champions League or the Europa League, both for the image of the club and for the money,” Benítez said.

“Yes, the image would suffer if we missed out on the Europa League, but sometimes you never know what is best. We will try to win the competition, try to be there and if not, we will get ready for the next challenge.”

The image of the club. That’s a pretty tough thing to define at the moment. In their current state, Liverpool are a provisional club. Even the short-term future is obscure. We don’t know who will own the club, who will manage it or who will be playing for it.

As those three factors are interdependent the picture will only become clearer if there is a radical change. This is a club at the end of a cycle and this season’s last four (or five if they reach the Europa League final in Hamburg) fixtures are the anticlimactic endgame. Or that’s what you must hope.

The worst-case scenario for Liverpool is that an overly optimistic valuation of the club, by Tom Hicks in particular, will deter investors and force the club to limp into another campaign without the means to compete.

Benítez has made it clear he needs four or more high-quality players. If he doesn’t get that investment the “next challenge” he spoke of will be another club.

Juventus clearly want Benítez to be their next manager. In many ways they are Liverpool’s Italian echo: the nation’s most successful club fallen out of their domestic elite and facing the commercial desert of exile from the Champions League. Unlike Liverpool, though, Juventus have money to invest and Benítez might see it as the best venue to rehabilitate a damaged reputation.

What consequences Benitez’s departure would have on the playing staff is intriguing. Roberto Mancini made the mistake of publicly declaring his admiration for Fernando Torres last week – that’s a long way from any sort of deal being done. Torres is a year into a four-year contract, which he signed last summer, and there has been no formal approach from Manchester City. It would take a degree of agitation on Torres’s part if he were to leave – perhaps Benitez’s departure would provoke that.

The case of Javier Mascherano is also interesting. The Argentina captain has been close to signing a new contract for some time now but it has somewhat curiously stalled again. Bets being hedged? “We were very close but I don’t know if there are changes,” Benítez said. “I don’t know if something has changed since the last time I was talking to him, which was maybe three or four days ago. I still expect him to sign. He is happy so hopefully he can stay.”

Even Liverpool’s transfer plans have been put into stasis. “The priority now is to prepare the team properly for our next game and then we will have plenty of time to prepare transfers,” Benítez said. Everyone is waiting for something to happen.

In the short term, Benítez has the task of lifting his drained players for Sunday’s game. After their long haul to Madrid via planes, trains and automobiles and their sapping defeat in the Vicente Calderón once they finally got there, it will not be easy to restore the freshness to this team. “They will be a little bit tired but that happens sometimes,” Benítez said. “We will work very hard with them, the medical staff, the fitness coaches, everyone is working very hard to recover the players quickly.” Just a few more games to go. Then, finally, the clouds over Liverpool should begin to part.

Premier League Preview: Burnley vs. Liverpool

Burnley play host to Liverpool this weekend in the knowledge that defeat could see them officially dumped from the Premier League.

After a promising start to their first top-flight campaign in over three decades, the Clarets now sit second from bottom with three games remaining - one point behind Hull City, who could move further clear with a result at home to Sunderland.

However, the crucial clash for Brian Laws and his charges is West Ham United's Saturday match with Wigan Athletic at Upton Park. A win for the Hammers would confirm Burnley's immediate return to the Championship.

There is a real chance the Lancashire outfit will be playing for pride alone when Rafael Benitez's road-weary Reds come to town on Sunday afternoon.

The trip to Turf Moor will seem like a skip to the shops for Liverpool after their 1,200 mile overland trek for their Europa League clash with Atletico Madrid in midweek, which the visitors lost 1-0.

Nevertheless, all the talk from Anfield has stressed that there can be no excuses for a sluggish performance this weekend, as they look to keep alive their slim chances of finishing in the top four.

The Merseyside giants - runners-up in the league last season - are hanging back in seventh place, five points behind a Tottenham Hotspur side who have a game in hand and Champions League football within their grasp.

Three points is an absolute must for 'Pool, although their recent record away from home - four goals in ten league games - doesn't bode well. The fact that they have won at Burnley just once in their last nine attempts in all competitions is another worrying statistic they will want to alter.

FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Apr 22: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool (Europa League)
Apr 19: Liverpool 3-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
Apr 11: Liverpool 0-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Apr 8: Liverpool 4-1 Benfica (Europa League)
Apr 4: Birmingham City 1-1 Liverpool (Premier League)

Burnley

Apr 17: Sunderland 2-1 Burnley (Premier League)
Apr 10: Hull City 1-4 Burnley (Premier League)
Apr 3: Burnley 1-6 Manchester City (Premier League)
Mar 28: Burnley 0-1 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
Mar 20: Wigan Athletic 1-0 Burnley (Premier League)

TEAM NEWS

Burnley

Clarke Carlisle is the major concern for the hosts. The defender twisted his ankle in training during the week and looks all but certain to sit out this weekend.

David Nugent is also a doubt after missing training on Friday, but the striker should return on Saturday and is expected to make the matchday squad.

Last starting XI (vs. Sunderland): Jensen; Mears, Duff, Cort, Fox; Eagles, Alexander, Cork, Elliot, Paterson; Fletcher.

Liverpool

Will the striking dilemmas never cease for Rafa? With Fernando Torres out for the season after knee surgery, fill-in forward David Ngog - who scored against West Ham - is now struggling with a back problem and could be shelved pending fitness tests on Saturday.

Defenders Emiliano Insua, Fabio Aurelio, Martin Skrtel and Martin Kelly are all out injured, but midfielder Maxi Rodriguez is available after being ineligible for Europa League duty.

Last starting XI (vs. Atletico Madrid): Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Agger; Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun; Ngog.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Burnley - Jack Cork

On loan from Chelsea, the young utility player has offered some real quality and sharpness in an otherwise messy Clarets side. Classy both on and off the ball, he could well be the first true success story to come from the Blues academy during Roman Abramovich's era.

Liverpool - Ryan Babel

With Ngog a doubt, boss Benitez could look to his Dutch enigma for the goals on Sunday. The former Ajax star has improved rapidly since the turn of the year and will hope to start after a typically bright showing off the bench in midweek.

Rafa Benitez Hasn't Given Up On Fourth Place

Liverpool have not given up on fourth place in the Premier League claims manager Rafael Benitez.

Benitez’s side head to struggling Burnley on Sunday praying that their faint hopes of finishing fourth are still alive.

Liverpool's last two trips this season are to Turf Moor and Hull on the final day but even victories there and also at home to Chelsea are probably not going to be enough to get them into the Champions League next season.

Liverpool returned from Madrid with another injury worry after striker David Ngog had to come off with a back problem in the second half against Atletico.

With star striker Fernando Torres out for the remainder of the campaign after a second knee operation and four defenders currently sidelined it leaves the squad looking a bit thin.

Benitez will assess what effect the trip and match in Madrid had on his players before deciding who is ready to face a tricky test at Burnley.

One player certain to return is midfielder Maxi Rodriguez, who will be fresh after remaining on Merseyside because he was ineligible for Europe.

"We have to consider a lot of things. We have to train and see how they feel and after this we will analyse carefully but we cannot make decisions now," said the Reds boss.

"We had five players injured against Atletico so it is not easy to change them because we don't have too many fresh legs but we will try to manage with the fixtures.

"The medical staff are doing a good job and I think it will be okay."

Rafa Relishing Maxi Return

Rafael Benitez admits he will welcome Maxi Rodriguez back into the fold with open arms when Liverpool take on Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday.

The Argentinean utility man was ineligible for Thursday's Europa League meeting with his former club Atletico Madrid, but will return to the squad for the trip to Lancashire.

And Benitez believes Maxi has established himself as a key member of the Reds' side since his January transfer from La Liga.

"Maxi has become a very important player for us," said the boss. "He can keep the ball, he can pass it and his energy is good.

"He is always working very hard and it was a pity that we could not have him with us against Atletico; hopefully we will play well with him in the league.

"He is different to a lot of players that we have. His understanding is very good and we have been really pleased with what he has done for us."

Meanwhile, Benitez is calling on his troops to take maximum points from their remaining three league fixtures and ensure they are in a position to capitalise should Champions League chasers Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City slip up.

The Spaniard knows Burnley's fight for survival means they will pose a dangerous threat to his team - as the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal already have found out at Turf Moor this season.

However, he is keen for his men to ensure they head into Thursday's Europa League semi-final, second leg clash with Atletico in positive mood.

"It will be really important for us and the fans will be behind us, hoping that we can do what we have done in the past," added Benitez. "But they (Atletico) are a dangerous team, with pace and ability, so we will see. First we have to play against Burnley.

"I am trying to be positive that there won't be an effect. We came back by plane and the players have had some time to rest and hopefully we will win our game.

"Could it be different by the end of the weekend? We'll see. We've expected the others to drop points before but it hasn't happened. We just have to concentrate on our game."

Rafa Admits Away Troubles

Rafa Benitez has accepted Liverpool's away form has been their Achilles heel this season.

Their woeful domestic record away from Anfield this term has largely contributed to that situation as they have won just four and lost eight of their 17 matches on the road.

Benitez accepts their away form has been the major stumbling block to success this season and with a crucial Europa League semi-final second leg coming up on Thursday there is a danger his players will be too focused on that.

"We know our record away this year is not the best so we cannot go there thinking the job is done, we have to do it," said the Spaniard, whose side host Chelsea next weekend before travelling to Hull on the final day.

"Always you have an opportunity to change this record and it is positive that we were able to return home (from Madrid) by plane because we were originally thinking about arriving late on Saturday evening.

"We will have some time when we can rest and be ready. We know it will be a massive game and we will try to do our best.

"Never is it easy to play away, especially against a team which is fighting relegation.

"We have confidence and hopefully we can play well, score goals and have more confidence for the second leg against Atletico.

"We have got to go there and claim three points."

Benitez has refused to give up on fourth place despite the odds lengthening and fixtures shortening by the week.

The Liverpool manager is still holding out hope Spurs, City and now Aston Villa, who moved ahead of them into sixth with a midweek win over Hull, will slip up.

"Fourth place will be difficult and we know we are in a bad position but we still have to do our job," he continued.

"In the league we have to do the same and try to win and see what happens with the other teams.

"It could be a good game to play in between our Europa League."

Reds Eyes Swedish Starlet

Liverpool are lining up a move for talented Swedish teenager Kristoffer Peterson.

The 15-year-old, who currently plies his trade with Swedish minnows Savedalens IF, enjoyed a trial on Merseyside earlier this month.

Peterson impressed Liverpool's coaching team during his time training at the club and they are now ready to push through a move for the youngster.

The teenager is excited at the prospect of making the move to the English titans.

"I am no longer just toying with the dream. It feels like the club really wants to give me a chance," Peterson told Expressen.

The player's advisor, Robert Bengtsson Barkroth, confirmed Liverpool are planning to offer Peterson a deal at Anfield.

"We understand that Liverpool are willing to offer an education package, that will include school and studies," said Bengtsson Barkroth.

Liverpool Tempted By Move For Real Madrid's Rafael van der Vaart

Liverpool are considering a summer move for Rafael van der Vaart, having been offered the chance to sign the Holland international by Real Madrid.

Club officials met in the Spanish capital before Liverpool's Europa League semi‑final against Atlético Madrid on Thursday, with Real taking the opportunity to try to offload several players deemed surplus to requirements by the club president, Florentino Perez. Liverpool were interested in Van der Vaart, who was offered despite forcing his way into Manuel Pellegrini's plans this season, in a deal that would see Real recoup much of the €13m they paid Hamburg in 2008.

Whether Rafael Benítez envisages a role for the 27-year-old midfielder in his plans is not clear and doubts over the manager's long-term future at Anfield, plus the transfer funds available, mean there are several issues for the club to address before pursuing a deal for the former Ajax favourite. Liverpool's interest, however, has been registered.

Benítez, meanwhile, has stated his displeasure at Roberto Mancini's pronouncement that Manchester City are hoping to join Europe's leading clubs in pursuit of Fernando Torres this summer. The Liverpool manager accepts there will be interest in the Spanish striker at the end of this season, as was the case last summer, but is unhappy at Mancini's decision to go public with City's ambitions.

"There are some things in football that you cannot change," said Benítez. "I wasn't happy about this situation [Mancini's comments] but, when you talk to Fernando, it is clear he is happy at Liverpool, so hopefully everything will be OK. It does happen in football at times but I'd prefer to focus on my team because we have some important games to play. I try not to talk of players at other clubs because I want to focus on the games we have coming up."

Liverpool were spared an arduous journey back from Madrid, flying home straight after the game, and Benítez admitted his concerns lie with improving a miserable away record at Burnley on Sunday. The 1-0 defeat by Atlético on Thursday meant Liverpool have won only seven of 27 away games in all competitions this season. Benítez said: "That record suggests we have not been good enough away from home and that we have to improve, it's true. In Madrid it was a pity because we couldn't get the away goal but we have to be more solid and stronger. That's mentally and physically – everything."

Benítez has still not spoken to the new Liverpool chairman, Martin Broughton, one week after the British Airways chairman was officially appointed to the role at Anfield with a brief to sell the club on behalf of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Rafael Benitez Will Abandon Liverpool Should The Club Sell Fernando Torres And Steven Gerrard

Rafael Benitez will leave his post at Liverpool at the season’s end should the club decide to sell its two most influential stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

According to the Daily Star the former Valencia boss is believed to be seeking assurances from newly-appointed chairman Martin Broughton that his most valuable assets will remain at Anfield for the start of the 2010-11 season.

Torres is a prime target for mega-rich Manchester City, who recently declared their interest in the free-scoring Spainish striker on public record, much to Benitez’ dismay.

While Inter boss Jose Mourinho is thought to be monitoring Gerrard’s situation on Merseyside, with speculation rife of the skipper losing patience at the club’s failing fortunes and underperforming ways.

Benitez himself has been linked with an Anfield departure, with Italian giants Juventus reportedly keen on acquiring the tactician as it looks to revamp its squad and regain its status among Europe’s most feared.

With the need to alleviate its debt, such sales could be forced upon as the financially embattled club looks to rebuild itself for the long-term.

Despite such speculation, Torres, Gerrard and Benitez have each issued their loyalty pleas towards the club amid the lingering doubt over their futures.

Lee: Goals Key To Final Dream

Sammy Lee believes Liverpool will have to hit the goal trail if they are to see off Atletico Madrid's Europa League challenge.

Diego Forlan's solitary strike has given Los Rojiblancos a 1-0 advantage heading into next Thursday's second-leg and the assistant manager reckons the Reds will need to show a marked improvement in the attacking third if they are to book a final berth.

"It's only 1-0 and that effectively means we are still in it," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"Pepe did make a crucial save but that just highlights the importance of him to this football club.

"We are confident. We know it is going to be difficult. We do feel that they are better on the counter attack so that will make it tough, but with our crowd behind us we can score goals.

"We know we will have to score goals. I don't mean just the one either, we'll need goals."

Before the Reds can focus their full attention on Atletico, they face a must-win trip to Burnley on Sunday.

Lee acknowledges that the Clarets are scrapping for survival but insists the Reds' bid for a top four place will ensure they are more than up for the test.

"At the end of the day we are still fighting for what we want," he said. "We've said on many occasions that each game presents its own degree of difficulty and none more so than Burnley.

"It's a very difficult place to go. The pitch won't be great but we'll have to adapt to it."

He added: "We know they have Fletcher who has scored some goals for them this season, but they also have Nugent and we know he can be a threat for us. At the end of the day it's about how we approach the game and we have to make sure we do everything right from our end."

With both Manchester City and Tottenham facing tough fixtures at Arsenal and Manchester United respectively, the game at Turf Moor could potentially offer Rafael Benitez's men a chance to close the gap on fourth spot.

Lee admits Liverpool are relying heavily on others to drop points but is determined to finish the campaign with a flourish.

"We'll try and win the next three and see where we are," he said. "It's important we do our job. What other teams do is out of our hands. We know what we have to do - we just have to make sure we do it."

Lee also revealed that the Reds will continue to assess David Ngog's back injury before deciding whether he can face Burnley.

"He has got a bit of problem," he said. "We will wait to see how he reacts to it in the next 24 hours.

"We only got back to Melwood at 4am on Friday morning and then we had them in training later on. Some of them are in recovery mode, so we'll just have to wait and see. It's too early to assess things but we'll see how it goes over the next 24 hours."

Ngoo Strikes As U18s Sink Boro'

Liverpool under-18s continued their superb run-in to the season courtesy of an emphatic 3-0 victory at home to Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.

Rodolfo Borrell's side produced a dominant display against the North-East outfit and deservedly took the spoils courtesy of goals from Michael Ngoo, Tom Ince and Krisztian Adorjan.

It means the Reds have now stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches and will head into next Thursday's clash at home to Leeds United in buoyant mood.

On a sun-drenched afternoon in Kirkby, the hosts made a fast start to the proceedings and could have been ahead inside three minutes.

A flowing move saw Toni Brito E Silva cut in from the right flank and run menacingly at the visitors' rearguard. The ball was then worked to Adorjan who brought a magnificent full stretch save out of Adam Smith with a blockbusting 18 yard effort.

The hosts continued to boss possession but did not create another opportunity of real note until the 16th minute when Ngoo flashed a shot into the side netting after he was played in on the far right of the penalty area.

Middlesbrough responded and almost snatched a shock lead when Kieran Edwards stabbed just past Chris Oldfield's right-hand post after a corner had made its way right across the Reds' six yard box.

It proved to be a costly miss though, as Liverpool surged forward and grabbed the opener less than 60 seconds later.

Ince glided in from the left and played a pass into Craig Roddan. The midfielder then flicked a ball towards Adorjan who lost his footing, allowing Ngoo to seize possession and thrash a stunning shot into the top left-hand corner form the edge of the box.
It was no more than the home team deserved and they almost doubled their advantage a minute later but Ince dragged wide when well placed just outside the area.

On the stroke of half-time it looked inevitable that Ngoo would snare his second of the game, but the slightest of touches from a Middlebrough head denied him a free strike on goal after Adorjan and Ince had carved the Boro' defence open down the right.

It was the same story after the interval with Liverpool once again asking the majority of the questions.

Silva's now trademark mazy run from the right ended with a 25 yard drive that was brilliantly tipped past the post by Smith, while only Ngoo will know how he headed the resulting corner over the top after he was left unmarked in the six yard box.

A second goal was very much on the cards and just past the hour mark they got it when Ince was on hand to fire home from the left side of the box.

With the points all-but guaranteed the Reds began to express themselves more freely and they made it three with 15 minutes to go when substitute Raheem Sterling crossed for Adorjan to convert.

Middlesbrough's misery was compounded in injury-time when Philip Shead was shown a a straight red for stamping on Ince.

Striker Facing Fitness Fight

Rafa Benitez will assess the fitness of David Ngog before deciding who will play up front against Burnley on Sunday.

The striker had a problem with his back against Atletico Madrid and the Liverpool manager may have to shuffle his pack.

Benitez said: "Ngog was really tired. He had some knocks and a problem with his back, so I was talking with the doctor at half-time. He told me he couldn't play 90 minutes.

"We will consider a number of things but it's too early. We have to train and afterwards analyze carefully."

Benitez was relieved his side could fly straight back from Madrid following their 24-hour jaunt to the Spanish capital.

"And it's positive that we came back from Madrid via plane - that's great because we were thinking about arriving back late on Saturday.

"Now we have some time - we can rest and be ready."

Benitez is targeting an improvement in Liverpool's away form.

He said: "We have to improve away from home and this is an opportunity to do that. It's never easy to play away, especially against a team fighting relegation but we will try to do best.

"We have confidence we can play well and score goals - and if we win we'll have more confidence for the next leg against Atletico.

"In the league we have to do our job - we have to win and see what happens. We can't control the other teams.

"It will be difficult to get fourth but still we have to do our job."

Jamie Carragher Confident Of Another Liverpool FC Comeback In Europa League

Liverpool FC defender Jamie Carragher admits the Reds have not made their Europa League campaign easy for themselves but has faith their experience will see them through to next month’s final in Hamburg.

A 1-0 deficit to Atletico Madrid is far from insurmountable next week at Anfield, where they have staged second-leg comebacks in the previous two rounds against Lille and Benfica.

It promises to be another rousing night on Merseyside and Carragher is confident Liverpool FC will get the result they need.

"We expected to play a bit better in Madrid but even though we lost 1-0 I think we’d take that," said the centre-back. "We limited the damage and it is all still to play for.

"We’ve definitely made it difficult for ourselves in the Europa League as we’ve always been behind going to Anfield but somehow we’ve always seemed to come through it.

"It is not something we’ve planned on doing but after our last two trips it’s something we’ve had to do and we know exactly what we need to do.

"It will be a long 90 minutes and we have to be patient. The job is to put them under pressure, play at a high tempo and hopefully it will be enough.

"It will be another great European night."

Liverpool FC, who have become the first English club to play in 16 European semi-finals, are now just 90 minutes away from their third European final in the last six years.

But even though they are so close to booking a place in Hamburg on May 12, Carragher said the players did not feel any additional pressure.

"Not to get the away goal is disappointing but we are always confident with second legs at Anfield," the 32-year-old said.

"I don’t think it makes any difference it’s the second leg of a semi-final.

"Atletico will be pleased with the score and be thinking if they get an away goal we’ll need three, but it’s up to us to stop that.

"We’ve been in lots of different situations. We were in the (2007 Champions League) semi-final with Chelsea and we lost the first leg 1-0 and eventually went through on penalties, so it is something we are aware of."

Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez is also targeting a clean sheet in the second leg to make his side’s task much easier.

"We have confidence. We have to score and a clean sheet would be fantastic because that would mean we just have to score two goals," said the Spaniard.

"It is really important for us to play the second leg at Anfield, where we’ve scored three goals against Lille and four goals against Benfica.

"We couldn’t give the fans the away goal they wanted but hopefully at Anfield we can give the fans a lot of goals.

"I’ve said 20 times before we can reach the final and I still say yes."

Atletico Madrid Will Be Difficult To Overturn But We Can Do It - Pepe Reina

Next Thursday will have to be another one of those special nights at Anfield. After their disappointing result against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final, the Reds have it all to do in the return. It's not so much the score that is so daunting. After all, Liverpool lost their first leg in France to Lille, and lost at Benfica 2-1 and on both occassions overcame their opponents.

But there is a difference. For a start, there is no Fernando Torres to spearhead the attack as he did against the French side when he scored two goals. Secondly, neither Lille nor Benfica possess the qualities in attack that Atletico have. Sergio 'Kun' Aguero, who was suspended for Thursday's first leg, will be back, and his partnership up front with Diego Forlan is always lethal. With Simao and Reyes on the flanks and Jurado prodding just behind the attack, it's impossible to imagine Atletico not scoring at Anfield.

The real worry for Liverpool is that in the last three rounds Atletico have done it the hard way too, but exactly in reverse to the English side. Against Frank Rijkaard's Galatasaray they drew at home 1-1, only to score a shock injury time winner in Turkey to win the game 2-1. Then they dulled the senses in a drab goalless draw at home to Sporting Lisbon only to produce a sparkling 2-2 result in Portugal. And in the quarter-finals they again scored twice away from home in a 2-2 draw at Valencia which helped them through. It's exactly these performances and results away from home that make Atletico strong favourites to reach the final in Hamburg next month.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina accepts the complexity of the tie, but believes that Anfield is always a special ground for teams to play at.

"We believe that we can do it, but I know it will be difficult. But at Anfield it will be easier for us and I hope our supporters will push the team right from the beginning."

Of that there is little doubt, but Reina lamented the manner of the goal that the team conceded. A comedy of misfortunes and errors that allowed Diego Forlan to bundle the ball over the line.

"To be honest, I think their goal was a bit lucky and it was really difficult for us to accept. But that's the way it was, and if you look at it, they didn't really create that many chances, but they were the ones who scored a goal so it has become massive for them now," said the keeper.

Atletico may have not created plenty, but the media in Spain has been highly critical of the way Liverpool played, describing their football as being "disappointing" and ultimately ugly. The confidence in the Spanish capital is high regarding Atletico's chances of winning through. Reina accepts that the way the Spaniards play means they will be dangerous opponents in the return.

"It's going to be interesting but it's difficult to play them. They play very well on the counter-attack so that is going to be a problem, but this is now at Anfield and we know what Anfield can do, so let's just have belief."

Steven Gerrard Calls On Liverpool To Become Europa League Heroes

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool's Europa League semi-final second-leg tie against Atlético Madrid next week will be an occasion "when heroes are made". The Merseyside club lost the first leg at the Vicente Calderón on Thursday night 1-0 but, according to Gerrard, they still retain hope of making the final in Hamburg on 12 May.

"It is still half-time," said the Liverpool captain. "We are still confident we can progress and we know we can turn any result around with our fans behind us, especially a 1-0.

"Although it's not the perfect result for us – it's a bit of a dangerous result – everyone in the dressing room is confident. I'm really looking forward to next week and the sooner Thursday comes around the better. If you don't want to play in that game there is something wrong.

Liverpool have been in this position many times before and on several occasions this season have taken teams back to Anfield and turned things around.

Against Lille they trailed 1-0 and won 3-1 on aggregate, and they demolished an accomplished Benfica side 4-1 in the quarter-final second leg having been 2-1 down from the first game in Portugal.

In fact, Liverpool's record when playing European semi-final second legs at home is formidable, with seven victories and one draw.

It is that experience which Gerrard expects will provide the platform for yet another famous night at Anfield, even without the injured Fernando Torres.

"The frustrating thing was that we were nowhere near our best and had no cutting edge in the final third in Madrid," said the 29-year-old. "We haven't played well at all on the road in the league or in Europe but we've got the experience, the know-how, of turning these results around.

"Next week will be a lot different on our pitch with our fans behind us I'm sure we'll play at a higher tempo and create more chances.

Aquilani Exit Talk Dismissed

Alberto Aquilani's agent has refuted talk that the midfielder could leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

Rumours have been rife that Aquilani could be on his way out of Anfield this summer after just one season on Merseyside.

The Italian international has failed to hit the heights at Liverpool since his arrival from Roma and due to fitness and form has been unable to establish himself as a regular in Rafa Benitez's first-team plans.

However, Aquilani's representative Franco Zavaglia insists the proposed sale of the club will have no bearing on the midfielder's future at Anfield.

"I don't think Liverpool will dismantle the team because they are in an economic crisis," Zavaglia told Tuttomercatoweb.com.

"Plus, Alberto has a five-year deal there. How can people say that he will be sold?"

Benitez Eyes Takeaway Nando

Rafael Benitez will take Fernando Torres and coach Sammy Lee with him to Juventus this summer — according to reports in Italy.

The Serie A giants have targeted the Liverpool manager after his future at Anfield became uncertain.

Juve are also planning a mass clear-out of stars in order to give Bentiez a strong transfer kitty.

And a host of Italian newspapers claim the Spaniard will use this money to lure Torres and No2 Lee away from Merseyside, even if the Turin side also look set to miss out on a Champions League place.

Rafael Benitez Insists That Liverpool Will Not Sell Fernando Torres To Manchester City

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has angrily refuted suggestions that the Reds might sell Fernando Torres to Manchester City this summer.

The Citizens were linked with a £60 million offer for the Spain striker in reports which emerged this week.

However, Benitez claims to find the idea absurd, especially as the player has never expressed any desire to leave the club.

“We have said repeatedly that Fernando is not for sale and he still has three years of his contract remaining,” Benítez told reporters.

“So how can they sign a player who does not wish to leave?”

City boss Roberto Mancini was himself coy on the rumours linking his club with the player, although he acknowledged that Torres was one of the world's top players.

He also hinted that City would be prepared to splash yet more money in the close season as they look to build a team that can mount a serious challenge for the title.

“I think we must buy a top player,” he said. “We must make sure we don’t spend too much on normal players, but if there is the possibility to spend the money on top players, young players who can help us build a future, I think it is OK [to spend big].

“I don’t like to waste money because I have respect for the club and the owners, but if we need a player [we will spend].

"If we want to win the Premier League ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United, I think we must sign some important players.

“Every year the club has improved and we want to do the same again. Sometimes you don’t have to buy 15 players and you can buy three or four important players. Next season we want to play to win the Premier League.”

Dirk Kuyt Sued Over Liverpool House Conversion

Dirk Kuyt, the Liverpool footballer, has been accused of scoring an own goal after allegedly failing to compensate high-end property group Knight Frank for works carried out on his house.

Knight Frank has launched a legal claim against the Liverpool player to try and recover monies it claims it is owed for acting as contract administrator at a former school Mr. Kuyt bought and converted.

The property group claims it is owed £50,600 after arranging for works to be carried out at the site on the outskirts of Liverpool in 2008.

"Pursuant to the contract, the claimant's fees would be 11pc of the total sum due under the construction," the legal action claims.

"At no time during the administration of the contract did the defendant express any dissatisfaction with the claimant's services. The total contract sum was £400,000 giving a fee of £44,000 plus VAT."

Knight Frank claims that after it submitted its invoice, Mr. Kuyt's Dutch representatives "expressed surprise" at the fees being calculated on a percentage rather than hourly rate.

"Subsequently, vague and entirely spurious allegations have been raised about the claimant's services and the defendant has failed and refused to pay the invoice," Knight Frank said.

Mr. Kuyt, in the team for Thursday's Europa Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid, moved to Liverpool in 2006.

A lawyer for Mr. Kuyt said he entirely disputes Knight Frank's claim and will file a full defence in due course.

Rafa Coy On Future Talk

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is remaining tight-lipped on talk linking him with a switch to Juventus.

Widespread reports in Italy claim Juve have made Benitez their top target to take over from interim boss Alberto Zaccheroni this summer.

It has been suggested Juventus are prepared to offer Benitez a lucrative contract and hefty transfer war chest to lure him to Turin.

Reports circulating have also claimed Juventus are now working on recruiting Benitez's backroom team if he does decide to leave Anfield.

Benitez insists he is not thinking about his future and is waiting to see who will buy Liverpool after American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett put the club up for sale last week.

The Spaniard admits Liverpool's search for new owners could decide his future on Merseyside.

Benitez told Premium Calcio: "The future? I just think about the next week, only of the sale of the club.

"I'm interested in who buys Liverpool.

"Resignation? I will have to wait for next week. I will talk to who will buy the club. We must wait."

Juventus Ready To Close Deal For Liverpool Coach Rafael Benitez

Juventus president Jean-Claude Blanc will fly out to Liverpool next week to close a deal for Rafael Benitez, who has informed the Italians that there are no problems relating to his future arrival in Turin, according to Sky Sport 24.

They report Juve's strategy as being a clear and concise one. First, Blanc will wrap up the transfer for Benitez after agreeing a deal, then he will head to Genoa and seal an agreement with Sampdoria sporting director Giuseppe Marotta. Blucerchiati president Riccardo Garrone has already given the Italian the all-clear to join Juve.

Marotta will then approve budgets and transfers strategies for Benitez to use in the summer.

The Spanish coach will earn €4 million per annum wages, with an extra €1m to spend on his backroom staff as he intends to select his own team of assistants.

Juventus are now trying to negotiate with Liverpool to help the Spaniard climb out of his 2014 contract. Reports have suggested it will take €16m to release Benitez from Anfield, but the Old Lady is hopeful of doing it for half that amount.

Blanc will now head to Anfield and speak directly with Liverpool so all parties can reach an agreement that satisfies needs and ensures there are no further obstacles.