If Chelsea Can Turn It Around, So Can Liverpool - Rafael Benitez

At the conclusion of one of the most disappointing campaigns in the club's recent memory, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hopes he gets the chance to ensure next season sees a Red renaissance.

The Anfield club finished seventh in the final Premier League standings with 23 points adrift of winners Chelsea. Benitez's future has been under huge scrutiny in recent weeks, with a move to Italian strugglers Juventus strongly linked, but the Spaniard insisted after Sunday's disappointing 0-0 draw with Hull City that he was willing and capable of turning things around.

Benitez won the Champions League and FA Cup in his first two seasons at the club, yet in the past four campaigns has failed to add to his tally. But in the wake of seeing Chelsea grab their first title since 2006, Benitez was quick to draw parallels with the London club.

"For any manager, when you have a bad season, you want to improve and change things and I think it has to be this way," Benitez told reporters.

"I think all the managers, especially when they are in England and are at a club for a long time, will have good moments and bad moments.

"In football every year you cannot win and win and win. You can see Chelsea winning [the Premier League], not winning and now winning again so it can happen."

Asked if he deserved the chance to revitalise Liverpool's fortunes, Benitez phrased his answer to rally against what he perceives to be a negative media campaign against him, with certain outlets using anonymous sources in articles to push their own agenda.

"It depends.’Senior sources' maybe will say different but it has been the same in the history of football," he said, before outlining what he hopes will be achieved in his latest meeting with the club's chairman, Martin Broughton.

"Every meeting helps, in one way or another, and at this moment we have to talk about everything," said the Reds boss.

"Hopefully the second meeting will be as positive as the first one, but the press continues with the same agenda.

"I think for the stability of the club it is important because we have to move forward on everything.

"Hopefully we can progress with our next meeting."

Juventus Claim Deal For Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Is Dead

According to numerous reports emerging in Italy, Juventus have now called off their pursuit of Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez.

Sky Sport Italia have claimed that deal is completely dead in the water while Turin daily Tutto Sport suggest that, following a board meeting, the club are now actively looking into an alternative to the Spaniard.

Initial reports suggest the club will try to pull off an unlikely coup by landing Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. However, it seems unlikely that the Frenchman would jump ship as he is believed to already be preparing the club for next season.

Juve have been courting Rafa for nearly four months and the Bianconeri directors were said to be confident they would get their man after Liverpool finished a disappointing seventh in the Premier League and were twice knocked out of European competition.

Dirk Kuyt Believes Rafael Benitez Will Be At Liverpool Next Season

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt believes that manager Rafael Benitez will still be at Anfield next season despite the reports linking the Spaniard with Juventus.

The Dutchman also sees it as vital that the Reds hold on to players such as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, both of whom have been linked with big money moves away from Merseyside in recent days.

"The manager has four years left on his contract, so I don’t expect him to leave unless something else happens," the Dutch international told The Liverpool Echo.

"For me, the most important thing is keeping the main players.

Hopefully then we can buy a few more key players and start winning trophies."

Kuyt also acknowledged that the Reds have made too many mistakes this season and it is vital that they learn from them quickly.

A 0-0 draw at Hull City on the concluding Sunday of the season consigned the Merseysiders to a seventh-placed finish, meaning that they face the ignominy of having to play in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League next season.

Kuyt believes that the players must be honest and take their share of the blame, before lifting themselves to face a new season with resolve and determination to succeed.

"It has been a hard season and we did everything to change things," the Dutchman added.

“Up until 10 days ago, we were fighting for a trophy but it didn’t happen. You can say we have to forget what has happened but, really, we have to learn from the mistakes we made. We’ve got to push next season and be bouncing from the start.

“In football, you can never be sure what is happening and at this time, we know the club looks very bad. We are looking for new owners and you don’t know which players are going to stay or go.

“But Liverpool is a club with a great history and great supporters and we have to stay close together and fight really hard.

“Every player is interested in what is going on but, if I am honest, I can’t blame that side of things for some of our performances.

"We tried to stay focused with things on the pitch – that’s what I did, as did everyone else. We just couldn’t make good things happen for the club."

The draw at Hull also frustrated Kuyt, who wanted to end the season with a victory to cheer the fans.

“We were all hoping to finish the season with a good result so we had some kind of good feeling to finish on but unfortunately that did not happen," he said.

"Stevie [Gerrard] went close and we had a couple of other chances.

"We pushed hard but we didn’t get the result we wanted and that is disappointing."

Rafa Backs Carragher For World Cup

Rafael Benitez has backed Jamie Carragher to be a crucial player for England at this summer's World Cup if he agrees to come out of international retirement.

Speculation is rife that our No.23 will be called into the squad by Fabio Capello this week as England continues to struggle with defensive injuries.

Benitez said: "Carragher is always fit and I think he will be a very good option for England.

"They have centre-backs but they have had some problems. Carragher can also play in two different positions. He can help England.

"I think he'll be in the squad and I say congratulations because I think it will be good for him."

Carragher originally retired from international football in 2007.

Mancini Admits Torres Blow

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted it will be very difficult to lure Fernando Torres to Eastlands this summer.

The Liverpool frontman has been linked with a big-money move to City but their failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League could scupper any possible deal.

Tottenham pipped the Blues into the Premier League's top four this season and will now be rubbing shoulders with Europe's elite next term, unless they lose in the qualifying round of the competition.

City will be playing in the Europa League instead, as will Liverpool, and Mancini believes it will harm their chances of signing top players.

"Can we attract the top, top players, like Torres? I don't know, but I don't think so," he said in The Sun.

"If we finished in the top four, it would be better and easier to attract them.

"In this situation it is different. There are probably some players who want to play in the Champions League and not in the Europa League.

"But there are a lot of players in Europe who will want to play for Manchester City next year.

"We won't be playing in the Champions League but we must try to win the other competitions and finish in the top four in the Premier League."

City ended the campaign with a 1-1 draw at West Ham on Sunday, with Shaun Wright-Phillips equalising a Luis Boa Morte opener.

On his first campaign with City, Mancini remarked: "Things were very difficult when I arrived.

"It is never easy to join a club in the middle of a season. But we have improved.

"We are in the right position - in the top five. We tried to qualify for the Champions League and missed out. But finishing fifth is better than finishing sixth."

Steven Gerrard Ready To Quit Liverpool - With Man City Plotting £40million Move

Steven Gerrard is ready to wave farewell to Liverpool – with Manchester City making a record £40million bid for the Kop skipper.

Megabucks City’s Arab rulers have given the go-ahead for the capture of the summer and hope to agree a fee and speak to the England star as soon as possible.

Gerrard’s future has been in doubt because of the Anfield club’s financial troubles. City’s up-front money may be too much to refuse for the beleaguered owners.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez could reluctantly accept a sale if he is given assurances that he will get the funds to transform a squad that has missed out on the Champions League.

Benitez put on a bold front on Sunday, insisting after the goalless draw at Hull: “If I stay, I’m not thinking about selling Gerrard or Torres.”

But when Benitez was asked if Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres wanted to stay he admitted: “That’s a question for them.”

The final word will be with Gerrard, who is 30 in three weeks’ time and has been a Kop idol since his teens.

He would not have Europe’s elite competition at City but he could take on a new challenge and lead them to a title bid.

City are poised to make their bid formal in the next few days but their interest is already known at the top level and the super-rich outfit want to get a ‘marquee’ signing that will make the game take notice.

The title wannabes know Real Madrid are also lurking but fancy their chances of outbidding them.

Kuyt Admits Anfield Uncertainty

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt admits he does not know which of his team-mates will still be around for the start of next season.

Both Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres have been linked with moves to other clubs this summer.

A dismal campaign, finishing seventh in the Barclays Premier League after early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup, has been compounded by ongoing financial difficulties at Anfield.

Manager Rafael Benitez believes he needs to bring in four or five players in the close season in order to get Liverpool back into the top four.

But with the debts of parent company Kop Holdings, set up by co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett when they bought the club three years ago, reaching £351million at the end of last season that seems unlikely.

And those money worries have only fuelled speculation that big-name stars will be offloaded to ease the stricken finances of the up-for-sale Merseysiders.

"In football you can never be sure what is happening and at this time we know the club looks very bad," said Kuyt.

"We are looking for new owners and you don't know which players are going to stay or go.

"But Liverpool is a club with a great history and great supporters and we have to stay close together and fight really hard.

"Every player is interested in what is going on but, if I am honest, I can't blame that side of things for some of our performances.

"For me the most important thing is keeping the main players. Hopefully we can then buy a few more key players and start winning trophies."

The future of Benitez may still be undecided but Kuyt expects the Spaniard to remain in charge at Anfield.

"The manager has four years left on his contract so I don't expect him to leave unless something else happens," added the Holland international.

While most Liverpool fans and people connected with the club will be happy to see the back of a dreadful 10 months, Kuyt stressed it was important not to gloss over the failings too quickly.

"It has been a hard season and we did everything to change things," said the 29-year-old.

"You can say we have to forget what has happened but, really, we have to learn from the mistakes we made.

"We've got to push next season and be bouncing from the start."

Pressure To Sell Increases As Liverpool FC Reveal More Huge Losses

The pressure on Liverpool FC to resolve the crisis surrounding the club’s ownership has grown after accounts for the 2008/9 season for parent company Kop Football Holdings revealed annual losses of UK£54.9 million.

According to auditors KPMG, those losses also pushed the club’s total debt to UK£472.5 million by 31st July 2009. Interest payments to creditors Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachowia rose in turn to UK£40.1 million. KPMG admitted to a “material uncertainty” about the club’s ability to continue as a going concern. As a result, interim chairman has discussed the accounts with the Premier League in order to ensure that the club receives a Uefa license for next season.

British Airways chairman Broughton has been appointed by the board in order to find a buyer for the club, and he insists that the prospects for a deal remain healthy. He said: “I expect to be chairman until we sell, so a matter of months. There’s no fixed price, there’s no agreed price — it’s a willing buyer, willing seller trade. We have willing sellers and there are willing buyers out there — that will determine the price.”

Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore insisted that he was unconcerned about Liverpool’s long-term future, but admitted that the situation surrounding the club’s ownership and future stadium plans would have to be resolved.

“What is absolutely true is Liverpool, season on season, without additional funding or without benefactor funding, cannot go on losing £55million a year, which is why, in Liverpool’s case, they have got to build a new stadium. That’s fairly self-evident. Clearly, it’s obvious you can’t go on making those losses year in, year out.”

New Siamese Stadium Plan For Liverpool And Everton Football Clubs Unveiled

A local business consortium today unveiled a “Siamese stadium” to house both Liverpool and Everton football clubs.

The proposals show two grounds standing side by side in Stanley Park sharing one “central spine” wall.

The Mersey Stadia-Connex group, which is behind the idea, believes the “Siamese-style” blueprint could save the clubs between £180m and £220m.

They argue it would allow both Liverpool and Everton to maintain separate stadiums – but the unique design will hugely reduce overall costs.

Images reveal a two-sided, ten-level central hub, with a 60,000 ground capacity for Liverpool and 50,000 for Everton.

Both stadia, the consortium say, could be extended to accommodate an extra 10,000 fans with work completed by 2013.

The scheme includes a 300-bed hotel, complete corporate and hospitality facilities, 150 executive boxes, and an underground car park with 1,350 spaces.

The central spine entrance features an atrium and hotel tower extending four storeys above the stadium roof.

Around 200 of the 300 hotel bedrooms face the pitch, and also twin as executive boxes with balconies.

Representatives from Mersey Stadia-Connex are understood to have communicated on a number of occasions, once face-to-face, with senior Everton FC bosses.

However, publicly, the Blues dismissed the plan, denying any contact with the group and describing the scheme as “unworkable, unaffordable and undeliverable”.

Liverpool FC were sent copies of the plans but have made no contact with Mersey Stadia-Connex.

An LFC spokesman said: “We remain committed to building our new stadium in Stanley Park.”

The Connex group is made up of architects, structural, civil and services engineers and a construction and cost consultant.

The National Football Museum, currently relocating their main base from Preston to Manchester, has expressed interest in the project.

The Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) was shown the proposals but appear to have distanced themselves, advising the Connex group it was the clubs’ prerogative to put forward new proposals.

The project, which has taken eight months to design, is said to have reached “outline planning design stage and initial project construction cost status”.

The group has based its plan on Stanley Park.

But they said the scheme could still be “transferable” to alternative sites, and would allow each club to put together its own stadium-naming rights package.

A spokesperson for the Mersey Stadia-Connex group said: “We need to reach the prospective new owners of Liverpool FC to inform them about this sensational investment opportunity.

“Most fans will understand the many advantages and financial implications.

“This scheme differs from all previous concepts during the last decade in that we believe it manages to achieve all the clubs’ objectives.

“Primarily they seem to be, in the absence of it being practical to rebuild Anfield and Goodison, to offer state-of-the-art, 21st-century facilities to their faithful supporters, increased capacity and transformed hospitality, while retaining the strongest link to their heritage, all in a way which delivers the very best value for money in order to ultimately enhance their on-field performances and successes.

“As important as any of those just mentioned is the passionate desire to retain independence from each other, and we are protecting that requirement through a brilliant design concept formulated by Merseysiders for Merseysiders, where what is required is an open-mindedness and a degree of cooperation.”

Mersey Stadia-Connex also wished to clarify they do not represent or act with authority for either Liverpool or Everton FC.

Match Report: Hull City 0 - 0 Liverpool

Liverpool's hopes of a top six finish were dashed as they brought the 2009-10 campaign to an end with a disappointing 0-0 draw at relegated Hull City on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds dominated for long spells but couldn't find the breakthrough as Alberto Aquilani, Daniel Agger and Nabil El Zhar all spurned good chances, while Steven Gerrard hit the post late on.

It means Rafael Benitez's men finish the season in seventh place, with the prospect of a Europa League qualifier in July looming on the horizon.

The stalemate did hold some significance, however, with Jack Robinson coming off the bench to become the youngest Liverpool player in history at the age of 16 years and 250 days.

The Academy starlet replaced Ryan Babel with four minutes remaining to begin what will hopefully be a bright future.

Ahead of the encounter in Humberside, the boss opted to make two changes to the team that lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea, with El Zhar making his first start of the season and Babel coming in for the injured Maxi Rodriguez.

But it was perhaps the substitutes's bench that stole the pre-match limelight, with Martin Skrtel making his long awaited return from injury, while Robinson was hoping to make his own little bit of LFC history.

Many observers had suggested it was an end of season contest with little to play for, but with Pepe Reina still in the running for the Golden Glove award and the prospect of leapfrogging Aston Villa into sixth place, there was incentive enough for Liverpool to make the more promising start.

Some superb link up between Aquilani, Babel and Gerrard saw the skipper stretch his legs into the Hull area and angle a pass towards Dirk Kuyt, who was just a few yards away from collecting and having a free shot at goal.

It set the tone for a period of Reds dominance and on six minutes they could so easily have been ahead. Tom Cainey desperately tried to intercept Babel's searching pass, stretching out a leg that saw the ball loop over Tigers stopper Matt Duke and fly inches wide of the post.

It was a lucky escape for the home side who were keen to sign off their time in the Barclays Premier League with a notable scalp. However, it was the visitors who continued to look the more likely with Aquilani fizzing a few yards off target with a speculative 25 yarder.

El Zhar was then a fingertip away from capping his promotion to the starting XI with a goal, lashing a superb shot towards the top corner that Duke did brilliantly to keep out.

From the resulting corner Liverpool came even closer, as El Zhar's miscued strike was flicked goalwards by Kuyt, only for George Boateng to head off the line.

It had been a one-sided first-half, but after Aquilani dragged just wide of the far post, Hull almost snatched the lead. A free-kick was launched into the Reds' area, ending with Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink nodding a tame effort into the grateful arms of Reina.

It seemed to inspire Iain Dowie's men and they would miss two more gilt-edged opportunities just after the half hour mark.

Javier Mascherano lost possession deep inside Liverpool territory and after a miss-hit shot deflected into Mark Cullen's path, the striker somehow contrived to step on the ball and fail to convert from just six yards out.

And the 18-year-old had his head in his hands less than a minute later when he glanced a free header wide of the far post after Will Atkinson's superb cross from the right.

Liverpool could count themselves very fortunate not to have fallen behind, but they should have taken the lead on 45 minutes when some woeful Hull defending saw the ball drop to Aquilani 10 yards from goal. The Italian composed himself and drilled in a shot that cannoned back off the crossbar, with Daniel Agger lashing the rebound way over the top.

A look at the half-time scores suggested that the title was well on its way to Stamford Bridge, while Villa's inability to breakdown Blackburn's stubborn rearguard meant a Reds goal would give them the advantage in the battle for sixth.

However, it was Hull who started the second period on top and they should have broken the deadlock on 51 minutes. Bernard Mendy teased a cross in from the right that Vennegoor of Hesselink and Cairney both came within a whisker of converting.

Next it was Mendy's turn to go close, firing in a 40 yard free-kick that Reina did well to tip over the top. The Spanish stopper had gone into the clash hoping to secure a fourth Golden Glove award in just five seasons, but with Cech a virtual bystander in Chelsea's rout of Wigan, the No. 25 would eventually have to share the gong.

At the other end, Liverpool had faded as an attacking force and as the final moments approached, the best they had mustered was a poor effort from Aquilani.

With time running out Gerrard almost snatched a victory, hitting a low shot just wide before going even closer with a drive that smashed back off the post.

Martin O'Neill Emerges As Liverpool's Number One Target To Replace Rafael Benitez

Liverpool have chosen Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill as their top choice to replace Rafael Benitez this summer.

Sunday’s match at Hull City is likely to be Benitez’s final game in charge of Liverpool as reports have suggested that Benitez will be moving to Juventus.

O’Neill is set to meet with Villa owner Randy Lerner to discuss his future with the club and some believe that the Irishman could leave in the summer, according to the Daily Star.

The last two Liverpool bosses have been Frenchman Gerard Houllier and Benitez, who is from Spain, but should the club hire a new manager they would prefer a British manager.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, Birmingham’s Alex McLeish and Kenny Danglish are also being considered for the Liverpool job.

However, O’Neill would be the main target to lead the Reds if Benitez completes a move to Juventus this summer.

Former Anfield star Owen Backs Liverpool's Carragher For World Cup

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has backed Jamie Carragher, following speculation that the Anfield stalwart will receive a surprise World Cup call-up.

With doubts over Rio Ferdinand’s fitness, Capello is reportedly on the verge of calling Carragher into his 30-man training squad to be announced on Tuesday, ahead of friendlies against Japan and Mexico.

Carragher announced his retirement from international football in 2007, having won 34 England caps. However, he has been one of Liverpool's more consistent performers this season and Capello will reportedly persuade him to make a return.

Owen, who played alongside Carragher for both Liverpool and England, told Sky Sports,

"Jamie has been there and done it for club and country,

"Whether he goes or not, he would be one of the last people you would worry about depending on."

Owen himself had harboured hopes of a late World Cup call-up, but saw his slim chances dashed after he was injured in the Carling Cup final earlier in the season.

Fulham Boss Hodgson Hints He's Open To Liverpool Offer

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has said that he would be open to an offer from a big club, hinting that a move to Liverpool would not be out of the question.

Last week, Hodgson was tipped as the front runner to succeed Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, who has been courted closely by Juventus. It appears that Benitez will not secure the assurances that he wants from the Liverpool hierarchy which could keep him at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Hodgson, has achieved what Benitez couldn’t, by leading his side to the Europa League final and has been linked with the Liverpool job. Hodgson has done remarkably at Craven Cottage, firstly keeping Fulham in the Premier League against the odds and now leading them to European glory.

The 62 year-old has plenty of top level experience, having coached Inter Milan and the Swiss national team.

The News of the World quote him today, saying that he would consider a move to a top club, which presumably included the likes of Liverpool.

Hodgson said, "If the day comes when a big club wants me and I am available then I would be happy to do it.

"If you really want to be the guy who is involved in European Cup finals every year, you have to choose your clubs very carefully," he added.

"My fault in the past has always been that I can't bear not working so whenever I leave a job I have a tremendous tendency - probably not always intelligent of me - to jump at the first job that comes my way that sounds half-decent."

Rafa Benitez Is Running Out Of Time With Juventus

Rafa Benitez could find himself in no-man’s land if Juventus finally slam the door on him becoming their next coach.

The Turin giants have given the Liverpool boss a deadline of tomorrow to decide whether he wants to leave Anfield.

New president Andrea Agnelli is growing increasingly frustrated and got tough after a crisis meeting with his fellow power-brokers.

They agreed they need an immediate answer from Benitez, with the Italians worried they are going to be left behind in the race to sign new players for next season.

There’s also a stumbling block over what level of compensation has to be paid by Juventus, with Benitez still having four years left on a contract worth £16million.

Benitez is also cooling on the switch, after being told he wouldn’t be be able to take his entire backroom staff with him, and couldn’t be guaranteed total control over transfers.

Agnelli would now prefer an Italian coach – but his henchmen favour former boss Didier Deschamps, currently at Marseille.

Benitez might now reconsider his position at Liverpool but it may be too late for the Spaniard and today’s clash with Hull could be his final game in charge.

Liverpool Boss Benitez Puts Aquilani Up For Sale For £15m

The People report today that Benitez hopes to raise £35million by selling the likes of Aquilani, Ryan Babel, David Ngog and Nabil El Zhar. This will ensure that Liverpool can hold on to their superstars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

The Sunday tabloid add that Benitez has been given a June 14 deadline to tell Liverpool whether he intends to stay or leave and if he remains he will set about a serious shake up of the first team squad.

Aquilani is reportedly available for 15 million pounds with Babel free to leave for 10 million. Benitez also rates Ngog at 10 million.

In 2009/2010, Alberto Aquilani has played 19 games for Liverpool scoring once and providing three assists. The Merseyside giants paid 20 million euros for Aquilani last summer and the Italian is contracted to Liverpool until the end of season 2013/2014.

If the Spanish boss can raise enough money he will look to sign Bolton defender Gary Cahill for Liverpool.

'He's Been A Fantastic Signing'

Rafael Benitez today hailed Dirk Kuyt as a 'fantastic signing' for Liverpool as the Dutchman closes in on his 200th Reds appearance.

Kuyt will reach the milestone should he figure against Hull City at the KC Stadium this afternoon - and the boss believes he has proven to be a fine acquisition for the club since arriving from Feyenoord in August 2006.

"For someone who has come from abroad and played a lot of games with the passion he does, it is a fantastic achievement," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"It's always really important, but especially for a foreign player.

"I think people will realise in the future how good he is for us. Not just in terms of his performances on the pitch, but also as a person and a professional.

"He is a very good example and a great character who is always very happy and positive. He has been a fantastic signing."

Since moving to Anfield, Kuyt has been deployed in a series of different positions by Benitez - and the Holland star even offered to play at right-back during an FA Cup tie with Reading earlier this year.

However, it is a role on Liverpool's right flank where the 29-year-old has excelled most.

"It's not his best position - we know that he is a striker - but he has been very good for us playing on the right side," added Benitez.

"He has done well, scored goals, and has also played as a second striker and a target man.

"He has been good in all of these positions, but we needed to use him more on the right and he has done really well.

"That is the right attitude you expect from your players when you need them."

Chase On For McClaren

Steve McClaren's agent has confirmed that he will make a decision on his future this weekend, amid reports Wolfsburg have firmed up their interest in him.

McClaren has just led Twente to the Dutch title and a host of clubs are now tracking him.

Former German champions Wolfsburg are understood to be keen on securing his services, and sources claim that he has met with Bundesliga club.

However, another German side Hamburg are known to also be keen - whilst it is believed the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham and Celtic are keeping abreast of the former England coach's situation.

McClaren's agent Colin Gordon has now been quoted by the Dutch media, suggesting a decision on his future will be made over the weekend.

"There are many interested clubs," Gordon told De Telegraaf.

"He will use this weekend to think about his future.

"He is home in England with his wife and sons, and they will be involved in any situations he makes."

Match Preview: Hull City vs. Liverpool

Hull are likely to be without Jimmy Bullard and Caleb Folan for Sunday's final Premier League game against Liverpool at the KC Stadium.

Bullard missed last week's 2-2 draw against Wigan, which confirmed their relegation, with an ankle problem and has not yet returned to training while Folan has a knee injury.

Rookies Will Atkinson and Mark Cullen are likely to keep their places after netting at the DW Stadium, with Kamil Zayatte, Ian Ashbee, Richard Garcia (all knee) and Stephen Hunt (foot) all long-term casualties.

Boss Iain Dowie believes the performances of the youngsters should give fans some much-needed hope for the future.

"The young boys have come in and shown what they're about,'' he said.

"Probably Will Atkinson was the one that raised eyebrows but he was picked on merit. What he gives you is a youthful enthusiasm and he seems to arrive where the ball is, which is a great habit to have.

"He's got goals (on loan) at Rochdale and we were seriously lacking in goals. Mark Cullen's got goals at youth-team level. They've continued that last week and it almost brought us a very big result.

"It didn't quite happen but this is something we want to build on. There were some positive moments for the future of the club.''

Liverpool midfielder Maxi Rodriguez is unlikely to recover from a thigh problem in time.

The Argentina international came off in last week's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea and is a major doubt, as is right-back Glen Johnson who missed that game with a calf injury.

Central defender Jamie Carragher is hopeful of recovering from a twisted ankle to face the Tigers to play in his 435th league match, surpassing the record of former captain Alan Hansen, and his 629th Liverpool game overall.

Lucas - Reds Still Attractive

Lucas Leiva does not believe the calibre of player Liverpool can sign next season will be hindered by failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

The Reds' hopes of a top-four finish were extinguished last weekend as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on home soil and the Merseysiders head north to relegated Hull City on the final day of the season in seventh position, two points off sixth-placed Aston Villa.

With a Europa League berth offering significantly lower income than the Champions League money boss Rafael Benitez normally commands, plus owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks' decision to put the club up for sale, the Spanish tactician - should he remain at the helm - looks likely to have a tiny transfer kitty to do business with.

But Lucas, one of Liverpool's better performers this season, insists the club can still lure the top names to Anfield through reputation should they be able to afford new targets.

"Liverpool is still a big, big club. When you have played in the Champions League, everyone wants to play in this kind of competition," said the Brazilian midfielder on the club's official website.

"But even if we can't offer the Champions League, I'm sure the big names will still see Liverpool as a good option. Hopefully we will get some players to help us."

Liverpool's loss to Chelsea was their 11th in the Premier League this season, almost double the number they lost in the past two seasons combined.

Their bid for Europa League glory, having failed to make it past the group stage of the Champions League, was also ended at the semi-final stage by Atletico Madrid, and Lucas admits the team has to do better next term.

"Everything we did last week against Chelsea wasn't good enough and it has been this way all season," he said.

"Sometimes we have conceded late goals, other times we have been unlucky. But the main thing is that we haven't done enough. That is absolutely clear. Now we have to wait and see what will happen.

"But if some players come here and they can help us, maybe we can improve next season. Rafa will know what we need. I will continue to do my job."

Jamie Carragher To Aid England And Fabio Capello’s Defensive Crisis And Come Out Of International Retirement

Jamie Carragher is set to come-out of international retirement after England head coach Fabio Capello targeted the Liverpool defender to solve his defensive headache, reports the Daily Mail.

The Anfield hero infamously hung-up his Three Lions boots in 2007, after being continuously played out-of-position at full-back, particularly by former coach Steve McClaren, in opposed to his preferred centre back role.

Nonetheless, the Liverpool man could be set to return to the England squad in time for the World Cup finals in South Africa with Capello fretting over the fitness of his defensive charges.

England captain Rio Ferdinand has been struggling with a back injury for the vast majority of the season, while Capello reportedly favoured replacement, Ledley King, suffers from a chronic knee problem that can flare-up and restrict the Tottenham man from competing in back-to-back fixtures.

Carragher certainly would tick the right boxes. His experience and versatility would be extremely useful for Capello, particularly with other players of suitable adaptability currently sidelined – Manchester City duo Gareth Barry and Joleon Lescott.