Dalglish Given Green Light To Spend By Liverpool Board

Kenny Dalglish has been told he can splash the cash this month by the Liverpool board.

The Anfield legend is only in caretaker charge until the end of the season and there were concerns he would not be allowed to strengthen the squad.

But, after holding talks with owner John W Henry and chairman Tom Werner, Dalglish has been given the green light to bring in new faces.

“They are good people and we had a positive meeting with John and Tom. We discussed many things, one was obviously transfers,” said the Scot.

"There is no problem with transfers as long as we are responsible. We can go and look for players and try to sign them and bring them in.

"Any time I have been in a transfer market it has been responsible so I will continue to do that and try to spend the club's money as diligently as my own."

Liverpool has been heavily linked with a big-money swoop for Luis Suarez but Dalglish refused to confirm the club's interest in the Ajax striker.

"We are not going to give names or talk about sums of money," added the 59-year-old.

"We don't intend to mislead people but we have a huge responsibility to do our business in a way that has been done since I've known the club and that is in private."

Steven Gerrard Hopes Steve Clarke Can Become ‘Fantastic Addition’

Steven Gerrard is hopeful that Liverpool's new first-team coach Steve Clarke can help improve the team's defence and attack, after what has been a largely underwhelming campaign.

The Reds have managed to keep only six clean sheets in their 22 Premier League games, and have conceded 31 goals in the process. Their attack has also been found to be wanting with striker Fernando Torres having problems in front of goal, and they have a goal difference of -4.

"I think he's a great appointment," Gerrard was quoted as saying by the Liverpool Daily Post. "From what I've seen he's supported some fantastic managers in his career. He played at the top level and has vast experience in the game.

"It's early days yet but the training sessions have been good. If he can come in and help us tighten up defensively and help us improve going forward he'll be a fantastic addition to the coaching staff.

"It's exciting to see how his relationship will work with Kenny. Hopefully the pair of them, along with Sammy Lee, can help guide us up the league.

"Between them that trio have plenty of experience and should make a very good coaching team."

Fabio Coentrao Admits Anfield Interest

Liverpool has been boosted in the race to sign Portuguese international left back Fabio Coentrao.

The Benfica defender has been linked with an Anfield switch in recent months, and has now revealed his personal feelings towards Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool side.

"I love Liverpool," Coentrao is re-quoted as saying on Live4Liverpool.

The 11 cap international also admitted that it was nice to be tracked by Real Madrid, and that being coached by the 'Special One' would be difficult to turn down.

"Who would not want to be coached by Mourinho?”

A product of the Rio Ave youth system, Coentrao joined Benfica in 2007. After three loans the following season, the player settled well into the Águias first team and has been a regular for the past two years.

Manchester United has also previously taken an interest in the player, and were again linked less than a week ago by the Daily Mail.

It is Liverpool who have been following the player more closely in recent months though, with scouts reportedly sent to watch the 22-year-old wingback at the Estádio da Luz.

Dalglish has been promised money to spend at Anfield by the club's new owners, NESV, and a left back is thought to be high on the Liverpool agenda in an effort to cover the under-performing Paul Konchesky.

The Reds would hope to negotiate a deal lower than the £20 million valuation, and Liverpool could face competition for the player were an offer for the highly-rated player accepted.

Gervinho Rules Out Exit

Gervinho has quashed talk of an impending move to England by committing his short-term future to Lille.

Various reports have suggested that the Ivorian striker is a target for a number of Premier League clubs.

Speculation claimed a switch during the January transfer window was a possibility, with Liverpool believed to be among those leading the chase.

Gervinho, though, claims he has no intention of moving on any time soon, with his full focus at present on helping Lille land the Ligue 1 title.

"There is no way I'm leaving Lille now," the 23-year-old said.

"I am enjoying my football now more than ever before. We are playing well, scoring goals and our team spirit is fantastic.

"I want to win the league here, that is very important and would give any player a lot of confidence.

"My ambition is to play for a big club one day, in a big league, but at the moment Lille is the place to be and I am enjoying being part of their success."

Pressed on whether a switch to England could happen in the future, Gervinho added: "One day I expect to play abroad in a very good team that can challenge for the Champions League."

Charlie Adam Linked With Liverpool Move

Charlie Adam could be set to leave Blackpool this month and join Liverpool after the Reds chairman Tom Werner declared a mountain of transfer funds will be made available to manager Kenny Dalglish.

The 25-year-old Scotland international has expressed his desire to play at a top level club after impressing in the Premier League this season.

Pulling the strings in midfield Adam has netted three times so far, fuelling further interest in his future with Aston Villa another potential suitor.

‘It really isn’t difficult to ignore all the talk. The bottom line is that everybody knows I want to play at the highest level,’ Adam said.

Werner has promised to give Dalglish the best possible chance after taking over from Roy Hodgson, indicating that he’s happy for Liverpool to increase their wage bill rather decrease it.

‘I don’t want to get the wage bill down, I want it to increase and we have the resources to do that. I expect us to move forward and improve our position,' he said.

‘We will be driven by value but we certainly have the resources to have some targets.'

Liverpool’s new American owner New England Sports Ventures has already proven they’re ready to spend big with £25 million reportedly on the table for Ajax’s Luis Suarez after John Henry met with the striker's agent on Tuesday.

With Blackpool manager Ian Holloway fighting tooth and nail to keep the box-to-box midfielder, it’s expected Adam will depart the club for no less than £5 million more than double his estimated price of £1.7 million.

Paul Konchesky 'Back To Fulham' As Liverpool Eye Clint Dempsey Transfer

Fulham have been offered a boomerang deal to take back Paul Konchesky, with Liverpool keen to use him in a transfer deal to buy Clint Dempsey.

Konchesky, a Roy Hodgson signing, has been a flop in front of the Kop in his four months at the club - failing to prove his credentials at left-back.

Frozen out of first-team plans since Kenny Dalglish began his reign, Konchesky is limited in his movements due to Premier League rules stipulating a player may not play for more than two top-flight clubs in any one season.

Utility player Chris Baird has been warming Konchesky’s old spot in Fulham’s defence, but with limited funds Mark Hughes would only be inclined to bring the 29-year-old back to Craven Cottage on a loan deal following his £4m move to Liverpool last August.

Anfield bosses could look to maximize the deal by bringing in highly-rated playmaker Clint Dempsey, who has been in excellent form this season.

The 27-year-old Texan, who is contracted to the Cottagers until 2013, makes sense for the Reds' American owners New England Sports Ventures who are keen to focus on maximizing players’ marketing potential.

Another option for Konchesky is a temporary move down to the Championship.

High-flying Queens Park Rangers manager Neil Warnock has been actively searching for a defender and Konchesky’s stature could help the club in their quest for a spot in next year’s top-flight.

Cole Impresses In Reds Triumph

Joe Cole produced an impressive 45 minute cameo as Liverpool Reserves' defence of the Lancashire Senior Cup got underway with a 1-0 success against Manchester City on Wednesday night.

The Reds No.10 was a surprise starter for the second-string's encounter in Hyde and played in a free role just off lone striker, Nikola Saric as John McMahon's men booked their place in the last four courtesy of Gerardo Bruna's cool finish just past the half hour mark.

The former Chelsea star showed some fine touches throughout a first period dominated by the Reds and gave watching manager, Kenny Dalglish food for thought ahead of Saturday's first-team clash at Wolves.

But it wasn't just Cole who shone for Liverpool.

The likes of Tom Ince, fresh from his loan spell at Notts County, and Dani Pacecho were also instrumental in all of the away side's best moves.

After an edgy opening in which City went close, Cole had the Reds' first chance of note when he cut inside and left two City defenders for dead before firing a shot just wide.

On 28 minutes a great move instigated by Ince saw Saric play in Cole on the edge of the box but despite a smart turn and finish from the No.10, his celebration was cut short by the sight of the referee's assistant's flag for offside.

The Reds had suddenly found their groove and two minutes later Saric sent Ince galloping in on goal but City stopper, David Gonzalez did well to advance off his line and clear the danger.

Pacheco then saw a long range effort from a quickly taken free-kick deflect just past the upright before McMahon's team finally got the reward their inventive attacking play deserved.

A great ball by Ince found Jack Robinson marauding down the left. The full-back cut a clever pass back into the path of Cole and although the 29-year-old's shot was well saved by Gonzalez, Bruna was on hand to coolly fire in the rebound.

As the half came to an end Liverpool continued to ask all of the questions and Bruna came close to doubling the lead when he was well thwarted by Gonzalez. The Argentine then had another chance on 44 minutes when he seized upon Cole's exquisite flick, but again Gonzalez denied him with a smart save.

At the interval McMahon replaced Cole with David Amoo while Emmanuel Mendy came on for the solid Danny Wilson.

However, it did little to alter the pattern of the game as Liverpool continued to control the proceedings.

Amoo broke into the box on the left hand side and fired in a shot that flew straight into the midriff of Gonzalez.

Then Ince tried an audacious long range lob that dropped just shy of the crossbar before City finally came close when Ball headed wide.

The hosts pushed for a leveller late on and John Guidetti perhaps had their best chance with a rasping 20-yard drive that Peter Gulacsi did well to push around the post.

However, Liverpool remained the stronger side and McMahon opted to give new signing Jason Banton a 12 minute run out as they eased to a well deserved win.

Tom Werner Disappointed About Sacking Roy Hodgson

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has expressed his disappointment at having to sack Roy Hodgson but felt it was in the club’s best interest to let him go.

Hodgson's contract was terminated earlier this month after the Reds found themselves languishing near the bottom of the Premier League, struggling to even make the European places.

And Werner hoped that the situation was handled with the dignity it deserved and admitted that the former Reds boss was not fully culpable for the team’s poor season.

"Roy is a good man and is a good manager,” Werner told Sky Sports.

“Obviously nobody could have been happy with the performances, we all take a certain responsibility for that - the players, the manager, the executive.

“We expected that our club's fortunes would improve and at some point I think you have to say it's important to stabilize the situation, you don't like to sack anybody but sometimes you have to move forward in a different direction.

"I wish Roy the best, I have great respect for him and I think hopefully we handled the situation with a certain amount of dignity."

Hodgson’s replacement is Kenny Dalglish – an appointment that has certainly pleased the fans and Werner is delighted with the Scotsman’s progress so far and even hinted that he could be at Anfield next season.

"He is, as everybody knows, a remarkable person, an iconic figure in our club's history,” continued Werner.

“He's got many of the qualities that we've admired, he's competent, he certainly understands the club's philosophy, he's excellent at man management, and we've been very pleased with the progress.”

King Kenny Has Already Brought Renewed Vigour And Enthusiasm At Anfield

Glasgow Rangers mad Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish from Dalmarnock, was signed as a youngster by Celtic after his boyhood club Rangers failed to spot his immeasurable talent.

Dalglish took time to develop his natural on field role, manning the nets as a pupil at Milton Bank, and at right half for Scotland schoolboys. It was the eagle eyed Jock Stein that saw potential in the mercurial teenager and dispatched his Lieutenant Sean Fallon to try persuade sixteen year old Dalglish’s Protestant parents to allow him to represent the Catholic Bhoys.

Fallon’s charms snared Mr. & Mrs. Dalglish and wee Kenny from was duly snapped up by the Scottish giants, joining a conveyor belt with the likes of McGrain and Macari.

At Parkhead, Dalglish found himself amongst a pantheon of stars. Earning a small wage as an apprentice joiner, he was farmed out to develop his precocious talent at Cumbernauld United, the Celtic nursery team. Dalglish progressed onto the reserves and debuted at Douglas Park against Hamilton Accies in 1968. Breaking into a team that had been crowned Briatin’s first European cup winners in 1967 was no easy feat and it would be a further three years before Dalglish received his first team break in a benefit game against one of Scotland’s oldest clubs.

This game introduced Dalglish to the world of football and immediately thrust the lad from the Govan Docklands into the realms of football royalty. Dalglish was hypnotizing, netting six in a 7-2 routing of Killie.

Dalglish’s first competitive goal came soon after – a spot kick against his beloved Rangers, and the first of 23 for that campaign. He beat that the following season by netting an entrancing 41. With 269 appearances, 167 goals, five Championships, four Scottish Cups, a League Cup-winners medal, and the club captaincy Dalglish needed a fresh challenge.

And so he crossed South of the border over Hadrian’s wall in a record fee to Liverpool. Not to add too much pressure, Dalglish was immediately handed the number 7 shirt worn by his famous predecessor – Hamburg bound Kevin Keegan.

It is at Liverpool that Dalglish cemented his legend, kick-started by a debut goal against the Boro and another against Newcastle.

Given full poetic license at Anfield, he was the perfect foil and supplier to the predatory Ian Rush – Liverpool’s record goal scorer. The spellbinding pair proved that it wasn’t necessary to play a little and large combination, to have a cavalier attack that scored bucket loads of goals on route to winning every major footballing honour in Europe.

The new Liverpool number seven immediately showed Anfield his worth by scoring on his league debut against Middlesbrough and on his home debut against Newcastle United.

Keegan’s Hamburg were on the menu for the Super Cup and the Red Warrior Poet orchestrated a 6-0 thrashing of the German giants. It was a hugely memorable season which culminated in a Red European Cup Final win. Dalglish dinked the winner against Belgian champions Bruges, securing an historic 1-0 victory at Wembley – one of his three European Cup wins.

After the tragedy of Heysel and losing the 1985 European Cup final to Juventus through a Platini penalty, Dalgish succeeded Joe Fagan in the Anfield hotseat. As player manager he secured Liverpool’s first domestic double, and narrowly missed out on a second in 1988 – Wimbledon’s Lawrie Sanchez nodding past Grobbelaar and Dave Beasant saving the first Wembley penalty for one of the greatest FA Cup upsets. Under Dalglish’s tutelage, a Liverpool team boasting Barnes, Beardsley, Houghton, Aldridge and Rush secured a further two championships as well as an FA Cup in 1989.

The toll of managing Britain’s premier club, along with the stress of experiencing the Hillsbrough tragedy (Ibrox disaster in 1971 & Heysel in 1985) haunted Dalglish, and in 1991 he resigned with Liverpool sitting pretty at the top of the table.

Dalglish returned to Blackburn eight months later and secured the Premier League for Jack Walker’s team. In 1997, he again stepped into the void left by Kevin Keegan, taking the helm at St James Park. He guided the Magpies to the 1998 FA Cup Final, losing 2-0 to Arsene Wenger’s high charged Gunners at Wembley.

A year later King Kenny returned to Parkhead as Director of football, recruiting John Barnes as manager, a move which did not work out.

Dalglish is a global face and one of the greatest players to have stepped onto a British field. The caretaker manager’s appointment of Steve Clarke was very shrewd and it will be interesting to see Dalglish lock horns with Fergie, Wenger, Mancini, and Redknapp.

Dalglish was the obvious choice – one that has renewed vigour and enthusiasm. Anfield is buzzing again. Liverpool may not have Man

City’s spending power, but Dalglish’s football nous coupled with the right boardroom backing can at least achieve Red respectability.

Dalglish’s return to the Liverpool hot seat after 12 years away from frontline football has ignited a dimming spark amongst Liverpool fans. It may prove to be just the catalyst needed to revive this great sleeping giant.

Liverpool Make Alvaro Negredo Back-Up Option If Bid For Luis Suarez Fails

Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo has emerged as a back-up option for Liverpool if their move for £20 million-rated Luis Suarez fails to materialize, according to The Times.

The Reds are in the hunt for a new striker this January, with David Ngog and Dirk Kuyt their only first-team options to partner Fernando Torres in attack.

Ajax’s high valuation for Suarez has forced the club to consider other avenues, and Negredo’s form for Sevilla this season has led to director of football strategy Damien Comolli making a firm enquiry about his availability.

Kenny Dalglish and Comolli are said to have now switched their attentions to the Spaniard as his transfer fee would be more realistic for the club’s finances.

Liverpool Facing Battle To Land 'Next Ronaldo'

Liverpool is facing stiff competition from Chelsea in the race to sign Chilean international Alexis Sanchez.

The Udinese star has been monitored by a string of top European clubs in recent seasons, with Liverpool one of those keen to bring the player to the Barclays Premier League.

Former Reds boss Rafael Benitez was keen to bring the player to Anfield as recently as May, and his Liverpool replacement Roy Hodgson was also thought be interested in bringing the player to Merseyside before his recent departure.

Real Madrid, Lyon and Manchester United are also thought to be interested in signing the player, but Chelsea now appear to be leading the race for the 22-year-old, according to the Metro.

Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo has revealed that the Blues are in talks with the club over a move for the player, who has previously been dubbed 'the new Ronaldo'.

"With Chelsea we talked about €30million. I want this figure, if not more. It is useless to talk about something we do not want to do because we cannot remove someone from the team when we're halfway through a season," Pozzo told Sky Italia.

Sanchez has the ability to play on either flank, and the former River Plate loanee shot to prominence after braking into the Chilean national team as a teenager.

It's unknown if new Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has taken an interest in the player, but the Merseysiders are keen to add attacking flair to their outfit in the current transfer window.

New owners NESV have pledged a transfer war chest in the region of £35 million, money which Liverpool could invest in a playmaker like Sanchez should director of football Damien Comolli give the nod over a move for the player.

Competition would be fierce to take the player from the zebrette should Liverpool decide to make their move, but others are likely to join should the interest become more fierce.

Ajax Tell Liverpool: 'Only Obscene Offer Will Get You Suarez'

Liverpool have been told that only an 'obscene' offer will be enough to land Luis Suarez from Ajax - with Anderlecht's Romelu Lukaku now seen as the club's primary target.

Reports that Ryan Babel would return to Ajax as part of a deal for Suarez appear to be premature, with Bundesliga club Hoffenheim ready to make a £7m offer for the forward.

That would leave Liverpool needing to find extra cash to bid for Suarez as insiders at Ajax believe Babel would have been used as part of a player-plus-clash deal.

And sources in Amsterdam have told talkSPORT that while Babel remains an attractive option, a deal to bring him to the club remains far off.

"Babel would be an interesting project but nothing is done. There might be news later this week," our Ajax source said.

"We want to keep Luis and only obscene offers would be enough."

Uruguay international Suarez is seen as the perfect partner for Fernando Torres in the Liverpool attack and while there appears to be interest from Anfield, Ajax are so far holding firm.

Suarez scored 49 goals in 48 appearances for Ajax last season and it is believed he would prefer to stay for one last season in Holland before leaving in the summer.

Babel Prefers Ajax Over Hoffenheim

Ryan Babel looks poised to leave Liverpool in his fourth season at Anfield, but his agent has revealed that he will only join Hoffenheim if a move to Ajax fails to materialize.

Babel, who has scored 22 goals in 146 appearances, is negotiating personal terms with the German club after they agreed a fee, believed to be €7 million, with Liverpool. However agent Winnie Haatrecht says the move will only happen if the forward is unable secure a return to former club Ajax.

''Hoffenheim will only be an option if Ryan isn't allowed to go on loan to Ajax or they do not want him,'' he said.

The player himself spoke on Tuesday of his hope for a loan move back to Holland - and stated that deal could form part of Ajax striker Luis Suarez's potential transfer to Liverpool.

Liverpool are reported to be interested in Uruguay striker Suarez, who scored three times at the 2010 World Cup before his infamous sending-off for a goal-line handball in the quarter final against Ghana, but no offer has been made.

Ince Set For Liverpool Talks

Notts County boss Paul Ince will seek talks with Liverpool about re-signing his son and Stephen Darby on loan.

Thomas Ince spent an impressive two months at the League One club this season and scored twice in eight appearances. Defender Darby was on loan at Meadow Lane for the same period, also turning out eight times.

Liverpool was unwilling to let Ince rejoin the Magpies unless he signs a new contract. He is refusing to agree so the clubs are in stalemate.

"The situation is the same with Thomas. He's not going to sign a contract," Paul Ince told the Nottingham Evening Post. "It might change under Kenny (Dalglish) because he might put him into their first-team squad. If he doesn't do that, I will be going in to see him.

"He's only young, he wants to play here because he enjoyed it and he wants to forward his education."

On Darby, Ince senior added: "We're trying to bring him back too because he did well."

Joe Cole Rules Out Loan Move Back To Boyhood Club West Ham

Liverpool's out of favour midfielder Joe Cole will remain at Anfield despite links with a loan move to former club West Ham, Goal.com UK can reveal.

Cole has struggled to find form following his free transfer from Chelsea in the summer and is yet to feature under new Reds boss Kenny Dalglish.

The Hammers board have backed manager Avram Grant after Martin O'Neill rejected the chance to take the manager's job at Upton Park.

But Cole will not be rejoining the east London club in the current transfer window.

"He’s not going back to West Ham, there’s no chance of that happening. Certainly not now," a source close to the player told Goal.com UK.

"Joe’s not heard anything from Avram, or anyone else at West Ham for that matter. He’s focused on the job at Liverpool."

Former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson lured Cole north with an £80,000-a-week deal and virtually guaranteed him regular first-team football.

However, Cole has, like many Liverpool players this season, failed to shine and must take his share of blame with the club sitting just four points above the relegation zone.

Cole has scored just one goal in 11 league appearances, the winner against Bolton in Hodgson’s penultimate game in charge.

Martin Kelly Relishing Being Thrown In At The Deep End

Martin Kelly is enjoying the steep ‘learning curve’ of his rapid rise to Liverpool’s first team under Kenny Dalglish.

The 20-year-old has been the Scot’s choice at right-back in his three games in charge of the club.

And the Whiston-born defender is relishing the challenge of being thrown in at the Premiership deep end.

Kelly said: “I'm made up with my own form.

“Hopefully I'll keep training well and get a chance to play.

“It's the first time I've played three games in a week.

“It's pretty tough on you mentally as well as physically, but it’s all a learning curve.

“In the Premier League, Europa League and Champions League you need to play three times a week, so it's really good to do that.”

Kelly, who came through the ranks primarily as a central defender, is impressively managing to ward off competition from England’s number one right back.

Glen Johnson was played as a left back for the recent games at Blackpool and in the 125th Merseyside derby on Sunday.

Kelly believes the impact of new boss Dalglish is already having a marked effect on the Liverpool squad.

He said: “The team is coming together a lot more.

“We are all enjoying training and there have been some feisty challenges.

“It's good to have that in training.

“I think we are all working together as a team.

“He (Dalglish) has put points in place how he wants us to play.”

Kelly was largely selected for Europa League games under previous manager Roy Hodgson and made just two league starts when the 63-year-old was at the helm.

But already, he has won praise from Dalglish for his performances against Manchester United at Old Trafford and Blackpool at Bloomfield Road where his pass set up Fernando Torres for the Reds’ opener.

The England U-21 international stressed the competitiveness of this year’s Premiership and called for unity to turn Liverpool’s results around.

He added: “The things we are doing in training are starting to come together on the pitch.

“It will only be a matter of time now before we start getting the results as well as the performances.

“We were fighting and the equalizer came. We could have gone on to get a winner but it wasn't meant to be.

“We've just got to look forward to the next game now.

“The Premier League is a lot closer this season. We have got to stick together as a team.”

Reds Begin Defence Of Cup

Liverpool Reserves boss John McMahon is hoping his young side can mount a successful defence of the Lancashire Senior Cup when they take on Manchester City tonight at Hyde United in the quarter-final.

Confidence in the camp is high after last week's 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Academy and the likes of Daniel Pacheco and Suso could be involved in the squad.

Last season's final was brought forward to the start of this campaign when McMahon's side produced an impressive performance to beat Oldham Athletic's first team 3-0.

With the weather at the end of 2010 causing havoc to the fixture list last week's game with the Black Cats was the second string's first game since November 23.

"Manchester City will be a good test for us and we need games now so we are looking forward to it," McMahon told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"The performance against Oldham's first team at the start of the season was very pleasing. We did really well and the young lads produced a great performance.

"The Lancashire Cup and Liverpool Senior Cup are important for us because it gives us extra games against good opposition which the young lads need."

Kenny Dalglish Calls On Players To Show Some Pride

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has claimed that his side are showing the desire to turn the corner following their recent poor run of form.

Speaking after his side's 2-2 draw at home to Everton in the Merseyside derby, the Reds boss said that he felt the club's fans will need to see their players show some pride.

Dalglish told talkSPORT: "I think performances give pride back, winning would have been even better for them [the fans], and it wasn’t for lack of effort.

"I think if the players continue with the same mentality and desire then the punters will be right behind them, they just want to see someone with a bit of pride, obviously with a bit of ability as well, but these players have the ability.

"They went out there and worked as hard as they could and the fans appreciate that."

Dalglish also praised his players for their willingness to adapt to his new regime.

He said: "I enjoyed watching us play in the first half – I thought we played really good football because that’s a great credit to the players because there’s obviously been a change in management.

"When there’s a change, there’s always a change in philosophy and Roy brought the way he liked to work, which has been very successful for him and we work to the way we like to work with Steve Clarke putting the sessions on.

"The players have adapted well."

Gerrard Will Fight To Keep Dalglish At Liverpool

Steven Gerrard says he is determined to ensure Liverpool's form improves dramatically so Kenny Dalglish is handed the manager's job on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

Dalglish, appointed as a short-term replacement for Roy Hodgson, has started his second reign in charge of Liverpool with an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, a league loss at Blackpool and a draw in the Merseyside derby against Everton at the weekend.

Though Dalglish has only been appointed at Anfield until the end of the season, Gerrard wants to see the Liverpool board appoint the manager on a long-term contract. For them to do so, the Liverpool captain knows the team must produce consistently improved performances.

"I want to do everything in my power to ensure that he stays here for a long time, beyond the initial six months," Gerrard told LFC Weekly. "I'd love nothing better when the end of the season comes than for us to be on the back of a good run of results that ensures he gets the job full-time. That's my short-term plan, to give everything I've got and all my energy to try to make that happen.

"I won't lie. When Kenny rang to say he was coming back it was a big lift. I love Kenny as a person and I've certainly enjoyed the first few days we've had working with him. I can see a positive future for Kenny at the club.

"I think he's the perfect person to get everyone moving in the right direction again. He's the talisman at this club. His nickname, the King, says it all really. He's the perfect manager and also the person to bring it all together. It's time to re-group and for us all to be pulling in the right direction because this season certainly hasn't been good enough."

Dirk Kuyt Says Kenny Dalglish Will Improve Liverpool With Time

Dirk Kuyt has said that Liverpool can only get better, the longer the players get to work with Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool has not won since Dalglish returned as manager nine days ago. They drew 2-2 with Everton at Anfield yesterday. Dalglish first met his players hours before their 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Manchester United last week. Liverpool lost 2-1 at Blackpool in midweek.

Kuyt scored a 68th-minute penalty to equalize against Everton. He said: "Between the games we just had recovery and preparation so we didn't have any full training sessions. It is never easy for any manager coming in the middle of the season but he has helped us a lot already and I am sure he will do better in the future. It is good that we have a couple of training sessions extra to get ready for the next game [at Wolves on Saturday].

"We all know we can perform better. It is sometimes difficult to change it quickly but I am confident with the manager and players we have we will do better than we did earlier in the season. It is just a matter of time before we perform again."

Dalglish, who resigned as Liverpool manager 20 years ago, was brought in this season to replace Roy Hodgson, who had been in charge of the team for six months. Liverpool, who have won seven of their 22 Premier League games, are four points above the relegation zone.

Kuyt said: "Six months ago I was playing in a World Cup final [for Holland] and last week I was beaten by Blackpool. That is something that shouldn't happen because I think we are better than that. It means a lot to all of us that Kenny has come to the club. He is a legend for all of us, players and supporters. It was really positive and I thought the way the supporters supported us was unbelievable. I think Dalglish is probably one of the most important former players and managers for Liverpool. You only have to listen to the crowd how important he is, and that is the same for the players.

"I don't want to be disrespectful to Hodgson because he gave everything he could. He just wanted to play a certain way. If you put every manager next to each other, every one has his own training sessions, his own tactics, his own way of playing. He gave everything for the club to do his best and it is just a shame it didn't work out."

Liverpool dominated the first half of 215th Merseyside derby and led 1-0 at the break, thanks to a goal from Raul Meireles. Everton scored two goals early in the second half, through Sylvain Distin and Jermaine Beckford, but Kuyt equalized after Tim Howard tripped Maxi Rodríguez.

Kuyt said: "I thought we did really well in the first half, but it was obviously very disappointing how we started the second. To concede two goals in a short period was really disappointing but the team afterwards showed a great effort and it was good to come back in the game. We're still disappointed to only get a point from this game.

"There are a lot of positives but we still have to do a lot of things better and we know that. We are confident of doing things better than we did. We don't have to be afraid of Wolves. We just have to go there and play with the same effort and the same quality we showed first half and keep it going for 90 minutes."