Match Report: Chelsea 0 - 1 Liverpool

Fernando Torres' much-anticipated Chelsea debut ended in disappointment for player and club as Raul Meireles sealed a memorable win for the Spaniard's former Liverpool team-mates.

Meireles hooked home from close range after 68 minutes to take the game - and potentially any lingering title aspirations - from the big-spending Blues.

It was a different story for £50million Torres though, with the most expensive player in British football history hauled off after 65 unremarkable minutes.

Torres received a noisy reception when his name was called, with his new fans cheering and his old ones booing the announcement.

The game was little more than a minute old when he had his first sight of Liverpool's goal, courtesy of a mislaid pass from Maxi Rodriguez.

The Spaniard took a couple of touches towards the edge of the area before aiming for the top corner, but there was too much elevation on the shot.

Liverpool continued to show nerves, Dirk Kuyt giving away possession in the middle of the park after under-hitting his pass to the lively Martin Kelly.

Torres followed suit when he next saw the ball, taking a heavy touch and surrendering possession under pressure from Steven Gerrard.

With Torres partnering Didier Drogba in attack, Nicolas Anelka's role was a more withdrawn one but the Frenchman struggled to create much in the opening 15 minutes.

Jamie Carragher and Kuyt combined well down the right to fashion a rare Liverpool attack but the Dutchman's cross could not find the waiting Meireles.

There was a heart-stopping moment for Martin Skrtel when Anelka nearly robbed him on the edge of the penalty box but the centre-half did well to hook away Ashley Cole's cross from the left.

Daniel Agger floored Torres, to the amusement of the away contingent, when he tried to pass him on the left flank but the free-kick was harmless from Drogba.

Torres gave a glimpse of his sure touch when he flicked the ball to Frank Lampard to set up a quick break and moments later he had the chance to show his predatory instincts from eight yards.

He got on the end of Drogba's pass but saw the diving Carragher smother his shot.

With 33 minutes gone Liverpool should have had the lead.

Following good work by Glen Johnson, Gerrard drilled the ball across the face of the Chelsea goal and to Maxi at the far post.

The Argentina winger fluffed his connection from point-blank range and saw the ball canon back off the crossbar.

If the first-half's lack of quality could be explained away as nervous tension following the Torres transfer, the drab start to the second was a disappointment.

It took seven minutes for the first move of note, Kuyt handing Johnson a shooting chance from 20 yards, and even then no save was needed.

The hosts started to come to life after that, Drogba and Anelka each forcing corners as they looked to test Reina.

Torres continued to be a subdued presence and it did not help his cause that each time the ball came his way, at least two former team-mates were on hand to relieve him of it.

Kuyt, meanwhile, was working hard in the Spaniard's former lone striker role but with Luis Suarez waiting on the bench Liverpool had more explosive options in reserve.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti clearly felt he did too and with 65 minutes gone he called time on an unremarkable Torres debut by sending on Salomon Kalou.

The Reds took the lead soon after, Gerrard breaking down the right and whipping a ball into the centre that neither Petr Cech nor Branislav Ivanovic came to meet.

The ball evaded Kuyt but Meireles was rewarded for his supporting run and hooked the ball home with aplomb.

Drogba tested Reina at the near post as Ancelotti's men attempted to rescue both the game and their title challenge and also made a hopeful appeal for handball in the Liverpool area with 10 minutes remaining.

Liverpool had chances on the counter, substitute Fabio Aurelio hammering one at Cech's near post and drawing a smart save.

The Blues became increasingly frenzied in their attempts to draw level and the first appearance of new £20million signing David Luiz, as a replacement, passed by almost unnoticed.

Ivanovic appealed for a penalty as injury-time began, but the officials were rightly uninterested.

Kenny Dalglish Says Liverpool FC's Only Motivation Against Chelsea Was Desire To Win

Kenny Dalglish insisted the sight of Fernando Torres in a Chelsea shirt hadn’t provided any extra motivation for Liverpool in yesterday’s impressive 1-0 victory over Chelsea.

The British record £50million signing endured a miserable debut as Raul Meireles scored the only goal of the game at Stamford Bridge.

A fourth successive victory lifted the Reds into the top six of the Premier League for the first time this season.

“The players approached it professionally,” he said. “I don’t think (Torres’ presence) was any incentive.

“The incentive for us was to get three points and we did. Whatever someone else wants to do with their life is up to them.

“I came here to win three points and it would have made no difference if Carlo Ancelotti was playing up front, I’d still want the three points. The personnel of the opposition is not important to me.

“To be honest, he had one shot on target and Jamie Carragher made one great block tackle on him, but I’m not here to talk about other people’s players. I’m here to talk about my own players.”

Victory was achieved without either of the two strikers Dalglish brought in to replace Torres.

Andy Carroll is still sidelined by a thigh strain and Luis Suarez was an unused substitute as Dirk Kuyt worked tirelessly up front.

Dalglish believes his new recruits will face a battle to get into the side.

“The players were fantastic in their determination to win,” he said.

“As this football club has always said, the most important people are the people who are at Liverpool Football Club and that is the way it will always be.

“We have signed two fantastic players in Suarez and Carroll and we’re looking forward to seeing them – if they can get in the team that is. With the way we played today that won’t be easy.

“We’ve had four games now and we’ve played different systems, and not had any goals against. That’s down to a great pride in their work and a fantastic respect for the club. Whatever way we play will be to our strengths.”

A remarkable transformation in the Reds’ fortunes has reignited talk of Champions League qualification and boosted Dalglish’s chances of being handed the job on a permanent basis.

However, the caretaker boss insisted he’s just focused on carrying out the duties he was given.

He said: “If you win games, you get points, you move up the table. We’ve had our reward with four on the spin, and we’ve got next Saturday to look forward to against Wigan.

“It’s repetitive but in my footballing life I was only ever told to look after the next game. Sixth is a lot healthier than 12th when we started. That’s credit to he players, who have given 100%.

“I’m only doing what I said I would come in and do, which is help. I’ll never stand in the way of progress at this football club. I have never had a conversation with the owners beyond the conversation I had when I came in.

“That’s where we stand at the moment and until there is more to discuss – that is where we are.”

Jamie Carragher Wants Kenny Dalglish Confirmed In Liverpool Job

Fernando Torres became the latest victim of Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool renaissance last night after the Spaniard's eagerly awaited debut as a £50m Chelsea player ended in deflation and a 1-0 defeat at the hands of former team-mates.

The striker's first appearance for his new club veered horribly off script as he was snuffed out by the impressive Jamie Carragher and substituted just after the hour. The travelling support had barracked his every touch but by the end were too busy rejoicing in Raul Meireles's fourth goal in five matches that confirmed the recovery instigated by Dalglish since he took over last month.

This success was achieved without the input of Liverpool's own new arrivals, the £23m Luis Suárez or the £35m Andy Carroll, with Carragher subsequently leading the calls for Dalglish to be handed the job full-time. "I have great respect for Roy, so I'd never say 'things have changed for the better' and that type of stuff," said Carragher. "As a club and as players we didn't do enough to help the manager out – the performances weren't good enough and obviously the managers take the brunt of it.

"But things have improved now and Kenny coming has got everyone onside. It's not our decision if he gets the job. That's up to the club owners. But for everyone, especially me and Stevie [Gerrard], he's a hero to us. The results are obviously going very well. If you're asking me, obviously I'd love him to be the manager."

By inflicting Chelsea's fifth defeat here in 132 league games Liverpool registered a fourth successive victory without conceding a goal, to rise to sixth place, only six points from the fourth Champions League qualification place. They can now aspire to returning to Europe's elite competition, potentially at Chelsea's expense.

"Good players come and go," said Carragher when asked about his former team-mate. "We've played against plenty of players [who have left] – we used to play against Robbie Fowler when he went to Leeds – and it's not easy. You know the quality they have and Fernando is one of the best strikers in the world. I'm sure he'll prove that for Chelsea but he's not with us now. We have to focus on our own team."

Dalglish was just as reluctant to talk about the departed Spaniard, whose transfer had so dominated the week and the build-up to this occasion. "I'm not here to talk about someone else's players but I don't think any of their forwards will be too happy about the game they had," he said. "We signed two fantastic players in Luis Suárez and Andy Carroll and we are looking forward to seeing them play, if they can get in the team. The way the boys played today it won't be easy for either of them.

"The Torres situation wasn't an incentive for us. Whatever someone else wants to do with their life, that's their choice. We've said all we have to say on the lad. I came here to win three points. If Carlo Ancelotti had been playing up front for Chelsea, I'd have still wanted the three points. The personnel and the opposition aren't important to me. We just look at ourselves and sixth place is a lot healthier than 12th, where we started.

"Now that's four clean sheets and 12 points from four games, so everyone connected to Liverpool is very happy. As for my role long-term, I'm only doing what I said I would do: come in and help. I won't ever stand in the way of progress at this club. I've not had a conversation with the owners and, until there's something else to discuss, that's where we are."

Ancelotti was left to reflect on a damaging defeat, with an opportunity to eat into the 10-point deficit from Manchester United at the top passed up. Chelsea have now lost as many games this season as Birmingham City, a side who hoisted themselves out of the relegation zone only with victory at West Ham yesterday, and the manager was left complaining that Glen Johnson's late barge on Branislav Ivanovic went unpunished.

"We're disappointed because we had an opportunity to close the gap but now we're still the same distance from United," said Ancelotti. "But we have to keep going. Maybe now we have less possibility to close that gap but we have to try again. We still have to try to fight again for the title.

"The right result today would have been a draw but this is football. Liverpool was strong defensively and we were not able to find the solution and we played too slowly from the back. But we need to give Torres time to adjust. He has experience, he has confidence and was enthusiastic to play today. In him and David Luiz we have bought players with fantastic abilities who will be the future of this club."

Kenny Dalglish Distances Himself From Permanent Managerial Role

Kenny Dalglish has claimed that he has not spoken to Liverpool’s American owners about being given the manager’s job on a full-time basis.

Liverpool’s caretaker boss said he would “not step in the way” of another candidate should the John W Henry-led Fenway Sports Group consider that was the best way forward for the club.

Dalglish has overseen a revival since returning to the helm at Anfield following a two-decade break. Liverpool has climbed to sixth in the Premier League and their 1-0 victory at Chelsea on Sunday was their fourth win in consecutive games.

Asked about his long-term job prospects, Dalglish told reporters: “I’m only doing what I said I would do and that is to come in and help. I would never stand in the way of this football club.

“I haven’t discussed it [manager’s job] beyond the conversation when I took this job. That’s where I stand at the moment. When there is nothing to be discussed, I won’t discuss it.

“My concern is the Wigan match next week. The owners have been fantastic in their support during the transfer window.

“You've got to give credit to them. I think by their actions they are making decisions that are in the best interests of this football club.”

Dalglish was delighted with the application of his players after responding impressively to a three centre-back system that was used to negate Chelsea’s three-pronged strike attack.

“The players were fantastic in their approach to the game and their determination to win the match and not lose a game of football,” the Scot said. “We have played with it (three centre-halves) twice. We play with a system that suits our players and the opposition.

“I’m not trying to be clever or a tactical genius. I’m just trying to get the best out of the players. It’s a credit to them that a couple of things that we did want them to do tactically they took on board brilliantly.

“We have got four clean sheets in a row and 12 points. Anybody who is favour of Liverpool is very happy at the moment.”

Asked about Liverpool coming up against old boy Fernando Torres, Dalglish insisted there was no additional motivation in the game beyond the lure of three points.

“The players approached it professionally," he said. "I don't think (Torres' presence) was any incentive.

“The incentive for us was to get three points and we did. Whatever someone else wants to do with their life is up to them.

“I came here to win three points and it would have made no difference if Carlo Ancelotti was playing up front, I'd still want the three points. The personnel of the opposition is not important to me.”

He added: “To be honest, he (Torres) had one shot on target and Jamie Carragher made one great block tackle on him, but I'm not here to talk about other people's players, I'm here to talk about my own players.”

Dalglish singled out the contribution of Jamie Carragher, who was magnificent on his return to the team after two months out with a dislocated shoulder.

“It’s like getting another player in,” he said. “He is a fantastic asset for this club. It was a great credit to his level of fitness, especially at his age. He is not a teenager anymore but has been able to keep training and work with the sports science people.

“It was very important for him to play today to encourage, talk and lead. His heart and commitment and pride in playing for the football club helped to get him to the end. Tomorrow morning he will not feel the way he does today.”

Fiorentina And Napoli Ready To Pounce On Liverpool's Lucas

Reports from Italy suggest that Liverpool may have to brace themselves for a summer bid for Brazilian midfielder Lucas. Both Fiorentina and Napoli are confirmed admirers of the player and chatter from La Viola suggests they intend to match Napoli bid for bid if Liverpool make the midfielder available.

Lucas had a stormy start to life on Merseyside under former boss Rafael Benitez, but has quickly matured into a proven Premier League performer and his qualities are appreciated at international level too. Indeed, Lucas has been dubbed 'the new Dunga' due to his style of play.

The 24-year-old was the subject of interest from Brazil in January and any indication that Liverpool would allow Lucas to leave would ensure a flurry of bids arrive. Fiorentina and Napoli would both be confident of getting their man, with each believing Lucas would suit Serie A, with Villarreal and Gremio are also keen.

The fact that the Liverpool midfielder also holds an Italian passport means he would not be counted as a non-EU player in the country, making him even more attractive to the Serie A pair though.

Gerrard Ruled Out For England

Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of England's friendly with Denmark on Wednesday night.

The midfielder picked up a groin injury in Liverpool's 1-0 win at Chelsea and will not feature for Fabio Capello's side at the Parken Stadium.

England's vice-captain reported to his country's team hotel on Sunday night but the FA has confirmed that he has now returned to Merseyside.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish had stated that he did not expect his skipper to play for the Three Lions.

"He has a groin problem," said Dalglish in the aftermath of Liverpool's victory at Stamford Bridge.

"He has to go so they can have a look at him but we've spoken to England and he'll not be playing."

Jay Spearing Believes Liverpool's Good Form Is Thanks To Steve Clarke

Midfielder Jay Spearing admits that Liverpool are training harder with Kenny Dalglish at the helm and that Steve Clarke’s appointment as first-team coach has made a significant impact at Melwood.

The 22-year-old told LFC Weekly: "Under him [Clarke] the pace of training has changed.

“He wants us to do things quicker. That's helped us to play at a better tempo in games.

"I think there was going to be a point in the season when it all clicked together and we started to play the way we should be and winning the games we should be.

“Slowly it's coming together under Kenny and Steve and we've got to continue that now.

"The atmosphere is good around the place again. You arrive in the morning and people are buzzing."

Spearing also revealed Dalglish’s spirit raised hopes high again at Melwood and that working with a legend like Dalglish has given him hunger for a regular spot in the Scot’s starting XI.

Dalglish showed his support for Spearing as he selected the midfielder in the team-sheet in the 2-2 derby against local rivals Everton in January.

Spearing added: "He's a legend and to be managed by him gives me, and all the players I'm sure, an extra boost.

"When he said he'd take the job it gave everyone, the players and backroom staff, a lot more confidence. It lifted the whole place.

"I don't really remember him being in charge the first time around. I've been told a lot about it and seen some of it on TV.

“He was obviously very successful then so why can't he do it now?"

John W Henry Questions Uefa Financial Fair Play Rules

Liverpool FC owner John W Henry has questioned whether UEFA’s financial fair-play rules will prove sufficiently robust - and was surprised to see Chelsea spending heavily on transfers as the London club revealed heavy losses.

Under UEFA’s new rules, clubs will face possible bans from European competition from the 2014/15 season if they spend more than they earn in the three years before.

Henry expressed surprise that Chelsea were willing to go as high as £50million to sign Fernando Torres from Liverpool, on the same transfer deadline day that the club also spent around £25million on David Luiz and announced total losses of £70.9million for the year ending 30 June 2010.

Henry said: "I was surprised Monday morning to receive an offer in that amount at the same time they were announcing such large losses.

"The big question is just how effective the financial fair-play rules are going to be. Perhaps some clubs support the concept in order to limit the spending of other clubs, while implementing activities specifically designed to evade the rules they publicly support.

"We can only hope that UEFA has the ability and determination to enforce what they have proposed."

For Liverpool’s part, Henry pledged to live well within the rules.

"We’ve always spent money we’ve generated rather than deficit-spending and that will be the case in Liverpool," he said, talking about the way in which his Fenway Sports Group operate the Boston Red Sox baseball team.

"It’s up to us to generate enough revenue to be successful over the long term. We have not and will not deviate from that."

Henry claimed Liverpool did not worry over what they had to pay to Newcastle for striker Andy Carroll, as long as they emerged with £15million in cash left over after the sale of Torres to Chelsea.

Liverpool have come in for criticism after lavishing £35million on Newcastle to bring Carroll to Anfield, but Henry said the size of the fee was not a concern as it was always factored in to negotiations with Chelsea.

"The fee for Torres was dependent on what Newcastle asked for Carroll," Henry said.

"The negotiation for us was simply the difference in prices paid by Chelsea and to Newcastle. Those prices could have been £35million (from Chelsea for Torres) and £20million (to Newcastle for Carroll), 40 and 25 or 50 and 35. It was ultimately up to Newcastle how much this was all going to cost. They (Newcastle) made a hell of a deal. We felt the same way."

With Ryan Babel moving to Hoffenheim for £6million, the difference on the Carroll deal allowed Liverpool to fund the £22.8million arrival of Luis Suarez from Ajax.

Henry also endorsed Liverpool caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish, without confirming he would be offered the job on a permanent basis.

"We didn’t know Kenny well prior to him coming aboard as manager," Henry said. "But he has exceeded our expectations on all fronts. It would be inappropriate to comment publicly on what happens beyond the end of this season."

Premier League Preview: Chelsea vs Liverpool

Chelsea welcome Liverpool on Sunday with all eyes very much focused on one man, Fernando Torres. The Spaniard’s move from Anfield to Stamford Bridge has prompted much discussion and even pictures of his old Liverpool shirt being burnt on Merseyside, yet a quirk of fate means he should make his first outing in a blue shirt against the men in red.

The good news for Torres is that this is a fixture the striker seems to thrive on. The Spaniard scored seven goals in eight games for Liverpool against Chelsea, including both strikes in the Reds’ 2-0 win at Anfield back in November.

The 26-year-old has vowed not to celebrate if he does find the net on Sunday, but having scored on his Anfield debut, few would bet against Torres being on the scoresheet at Stamford Bridge.

The gloom surrounding Torres’ departure did not last long at Anfield, no doubt helped by the arrivals of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. Suarez then introduced himself to his new fans with a goal in the midweek win over Stoke City to ensure the Kop have a new hero.

Whilst that will undoubtedly have given the Reds a welcome boost, so will their recent form which has seen them win three on the bounce, with three clean sheets to boot, and move up to seventh in the table.

However, their recent Premier League record at Stamford Bridge is poor. The Reds have failed to score on five of their last six visits and have managed just one win since 2004, when they needed Jose Bosingwa to put through his own net to secure victory.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

The £50 million man Fernando Torres is expected to make his debut against Liverpool and could be joined by another new boy, David Luiz, who is also available.

Alex, Yossi Benayoun and Yury Zhirkov remain on the injured list but other than that trio manager Carlo Ancelotti has a full squad to chose from and possibly a selection headache over how best to accommodate his new striker.

Possible starting XI: Cech; Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Essien, Mikel, Lampard; Anelka; Torres, Drogba.

Liverpool

After scoring on his debut against Stoke City, Luis Suarez is expected to make his first start for the Reds. However, fellow new boy Andy Carroll is still some way off making his debut due to a thigh problem.

Christian Poulsen is a doubt with a back problem and a knee injury may prevent Joe Cole from facing his former employers.

Jamie Carragher returns to the squad after recovering from a dislocated shoulder, however Kenny Dalglish has refused to confirm whether he will go straight into the starting line-up.

Possible starting XI: Reina; Kelly, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson; Kuyt, Gerrard, Lucas, Maxi, Meireles; Suarez.

'We'll Always Attract The Best'

Pepe Reina believes the deadline day arrivals of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll proves that Liverpool will always attract football's top talent.

The Reds swooped to sign the strike pair on Monday, with Suarez already marking his debut as a second-half substitute against Stoke City with a goal.

Reina feels the acquisition of the duo underlines the fact that Anfield remains an attractive destination to the best players on the planet.

"Liverpool will always attract good players because it's an historic club. It's one of the big four teams in England," he said.

"The people will always want to come here, that's clear.

"I hope for many more of the goals that Luis scored within 30 minutes of coming on on Wednesday. We have to welcome him, and Carroll as well."

The victory over Stoke was Liverpool's third successive win in the Barclays Premier League, following triumphs over Wolves and Fulham.

Reina added: "It was important to keep that momentum; we knew they were winnable games, although in the Premier League you cannot say that too often.

"We had respect for the three teams we played but we won them all. And we're a lot better now."

Real Madrid Reignite Interest In Steven Gerrard

Real Madrid are reportedly stepping up their interest in signing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, which will make Reds fans nervous following the loss of Fernando Torres to Chelsea last week, according to the People.

Jose Mourinho wishes to sign the 30-year-old Kop hero, and Real are apparently ready to mount a £25 million bid for the midfielder.

The Portugese coach is looking to add to his squad in the summer, and has long admired the Englishman’s ability, regarding him as a worthy addition to his Madrid squad.

Mourinho hopes to be third time lucky in attempting to sign the Anfield talisman, as he previously failed on two occasions when manager of Chelsea.

Liverpool are, however, unlikely to let their skipper go, as club owners New England Sports Ventures look to invest and propel the Merseysiders back into the Champions League.

Despite Torres’ departure, Liverpool made consecutive record-breaking bids to acquire the services of Luis Suarez from Ajax and Andy Carroll from Newcastle, defiant statements of intent regarding their ambition and the direction in which they plan to take the club.

The Real Madrid boss has been infuriated by his club’s failure to back him in the transfer market as he looked to sign another striker in the wake of Gonzalo Higuain’s injury and doubts over the suitability of Kerim Benzema.

The Spaniards finally found movement and brought in Emmanuel Adebayor from Manchester City on loan until the end of the season, with a view to a possible permanent transfer.

Romelu Lukaku Pursuit Set To Continue In Summer

Liverpool is reportedly ready to continue their pursuit of striker Romelu Lukaku.

The 17-year-old Belgian international is being courted by the cream of Euruope, with Liverpool one of the clubs heavily linked with a move for the player in January.

Damien Comolli, director of football strategy at Anfield, made contact with Anderlecht during the transfer window with regards to the player's availability, but Liverpool did not follow up their interest with a bid.

Chelsea did make an offer for the player, and they are thought to be the Reds' main competition for the player. Real Madrid, Manchester City and Spurs are also thought to be interested in the player valued at around €30 million.

“What happened on deadline day does not change anything. We know which clubs are interested and Chelsea and Liverpool remain at the front of the queue," a source close to the player told Goal.com UK.

Both clubs spent big in the transfer window with major striker additions, but the opportunity to sign a teenage 'wonderkid' is one that neither club is keen to pass up easily.

New Liverpool owners NESV proved they are willing to back Kenny Dalglish in the transfer market, and the Scot is thought to be keen on adding the player to the Merseysiders' ranks with the backing of Comolli.

The player fits the criteria set out by the club's new owners, with young, attacking talent wanted to fill the ranks for the future at Liverpool.

Spending power isn't something the Blues are lacking either though, and Carlo Ancelotti could easily challenge his Barclays Premier League rivals should he wish to spend Roman Abramovich's money on the teenager.

Reports claim the clubs will battle again for the player's signature at the end of the summer, and Liverpool will hope Comolli can persuade the player that Anfield can be his future home.

Fernando Torres Blames Tom Hicks And George Gillett For Liverpool Exit

Fernando Torres has told Liverpool fans they should blame the club's former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett for his decision to join Chelsea.

The Spanish centre forward angered Kopites by demanding a move in the closing stages of the January transfer window and then completing a British record £50 million switch to Chelsea.

Torres is likely to face a hostile reception when he makes his Blues debut against Liverpool today, but although he understands why the fans who used to idolise him may feel let down, the 26-year-old insisted there were good reasons for his exit.

In his first two seasons at Anfield, the Reds reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and finished as runners-up to Manchester United in the Premier League, but Torres believes the club then went backwards due to Hicks and Gillett.

He said: 'Then we were very, very close to being one of the top teams, but when you let Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano leave, it's a clear message.

'The old owners wanted to sell the club too many times and the team was being weakened.'

Torres added the Liverpool players never understood what ex-manager Roy Hodgson wanted them to do and that although Kenny Dalglish's arrival had given everyone at the club hope, the Scot's return came too late to persuade him his future should be at Anfield.

Liverpool used some of the money raised from the sale of Torres to sign Andy Carroll from Newcastle United in a £35 million deal.

However, Reds fans may have to wait until next season to see the England striker's debut, amid reports his thigh injury could keep him out for months.

Pepe Reina Defends Fernando Torres Chelsea Move

Liverpool's Pepe Reina has defended former team-mate Fernando Torres ahead of lining up to face Chelsea's new £50m striker at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Torres's transfer provoked anger from some fans, while Jamie Carragher said there was a feeling among the squad he had wanted to leave since the summer.

But, defending Torres, Reina stated: "Some say he is being disrespectful.

"But, in my eyes, what he gave was huge. He grew up with Liverpool, and Liverpool as a team grew up with him."

Torres, 26, further angered Liverpool supporters after leaving the club on transfer deadline day by saying that he felt a move to Stamford Bridge was a step forward for his career.

Yet Reina, a Spanish international team-mate of Torres, insisted that the former Atletico Madrid forward's decision was no longer relevant to Liverpool's future, repeating manager Kenny Dalglish's message that no one player is bigger than the club itself.

"Players come and go on a daily basis, but what stays is the club and the supporters," he said.

"That is the most important part to the club.

"It is football. It happens season after season, players come and go. Fernando was great for us in three-and-a-half seasons. He did everything for this club.

"Maybe he did not leave at the right time, but it was an opportunity for him. And £50m in the bank is double the price we paid for him.

"It is personal he decided to leave, he thought it was an opportunity for him to keep growing as a player and we have to respect that."

Reina also believes that Liverpool will always be capable of signing top players, a view supported by the recent capture of £35m club record signing Andy Carroll from Newcastle and £23m Luis Suarez from Ajax.

"Liverpool will always attract big players," he said.

"It is an historic club and one of the big four clubs in England and people will always want to come here."

Despite rising confidence after climbing to seventh with three wins in a row, Dalglish played down Liverpool's immediate prospects.

"Our ambition is to get as much as we can from the next game," said the manager. "It's the way I've been brought up. I don't see any need to change it.

"Of course, it's a difficult game. Chelsea is a good side - but I don't think we are too bad either.

"They will be looking at us and see that we are on the up. They will be as concerned about us as we are about them. To have won three on the spin with three clean sheets will give us a lot of confidence."

Torres, meanwhile, has promised Chelsea fans he is on the brink of recapturing the form that made him arguably the best striker in the world.

In his final four games for Liverpool, the Spaniard scored three times.

"In the last two months, I've been playing, if not at my best, close to my best," said the striker.

"I expect to be a bit better for the rest of the season. Last year was difficult with two surgeries on my knees. I needed time to recover. I did."

Despite saying he had a feeling Torres wanted to leave, Carragher also insisted he held no grudge against the Spaniard for moving.

And Torres said: "Hopefully I can play [on Sunday], and he can too.

"I would like to play against him because he's a top player. I like playing against the best, as I liked to play against John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

"I'm expecting a hard game. I know he's a big Liverpool fan. As a footballer, I'm sure he understands my decision. Plenty of my ex-team-mates have congratulated me for this move."

Steven Gerrard Takes Starlet Conor Thomas Under His Wing

England football superstar Steven Gerrard has taken on the job of mentoring Coventry teenager Conor Thomas since his move to Liverpool.

The Merseyside club’s captain has taken the 17-year-old Coundon lad under his wing this week after he joined from Coventry City.

Staff at Coundon Court School has been told their former pupil is getting lifts to training and one-to-one sessions with one of the best footballers in the country.

Conor joined the Premier League giants on a season-long loan during transfer deadline day on Monday – to the disappointment of many Sky Blues fans.

He had been hailed the brightest young prospect the club have produced for years but left days after making his first team debut.

His former PE teacher at Coundon Court School Marc Thomas said: “Steven Gerrard is his mentor. Dalglish just rang him and said ‘Steven Gerrard will pick you up’. He’s kind of taken him under his wing.

“It’s just one of those things. He would probably have got more game time at City but when you have one of the biggest clubs in the world banging on your door, it’s an opportunity that might not come along again.”

The season-long move with a view to a permanent deal came after Conor made his Sky Blues debut in the FA Cup defeat at Birmingham City.

It’s been quite a week for Mr. Thomas – no relation to Conor. He also taught rugby player Tom Woods at Woodlands School, who made his England Debut in the Six Nations opener against Wales last night.

Mr. Thomas has been teaching for 17 years and joined Coundon Court School on the same day as his talented namesake six years ago.

“We knew he was supposed to be a good sportsman because we co-ordinate with the primary schools,” he said. “He’s a big engine in the middle of the park and a big personality on the pitch.

“If you want to achieve at the top in sport you have to have the desire and the personality for it.

“He has all the attributes and he’s going to be working with some outstanding people at Liverpool. If he keeps developing his game then the world’s his oyster.”

Conor started out playing minor league football for Christ the King before joining City’s Academy under-sevens.

He left Coundon Court School at the end of his Year 11 studies last July. “He was never big headed, just a really nice lad,” said Mr. Thomas.

“He hasn’t got an arrogant bone in his body. We would love to see him playing in the Champions League or on Match of the Day.

“Everyone at the school is so proud of him.”

Capello Has Confidence In Carroll

Fabio Capello is confident Andy Carroll's British record £35million price tag will not weigh the young striker down.

After an eye-catching England debut against France last November, Capello has been denied the 22-year-old's services for Wednesday's trip to Denmark. A thigh injury that could delay Carroll's Liverpool debut for anything between a couple of weeks and a couple of months, depending on who you believe, means Capello will have to look elsewhere for his strikers.

But the England coach already thinks of Carroll as being a regular member of his squad. And he certainly does not feel the forward's progress will be hampered by the size of the fee Kenny Dalglish splashed out to get him.

"The fee won't be a problem for him," said Capello. "He has a strong mentality. When he played for England, he played without fear and with such a lot of confidence for someone making his first appearance. It wasn't an easy game for him either because the team didn't play well. But he was the most important player for us and I am sure he will be OK."

Capello quite wisely opted not to get involved in a debate over the actual size of the fee Carroll attracted, restricting himself merely to an observation that: "Liverpool and Chelsea have spent a lot of money on strikers. As a manager you quickly understand you need a really important forward to win something and improve the team."

And for Carroll's part, the attraction of Liverpool is obvious, even for a born and bred Geordie, the added attraction of European football is something Capello is convinced will help his development.

"It is an important move for him. I respect Newcastle a lot but the pressure he will find at Liverpool will be bigger. He knows Liverpool are a really important team in the world because they won a lot of titles."

And pressure there will undoubtedly be. For while Luis Suarez's big-money arrival means Carroll is not on his own in being introduced to the Anfield way of life, he will be the one most eyes will be on. "He is a really good player," said Capello. "At the moment he is young and strong. He has a different style to Torres, but now they have lost him, Carroll will be a very important player for Liverpool."

Sterling And Morgan Clinch U18 Win

Adam Morgan struck a late winner as Liverpool U18s warmed up for the FA Youth Cup with an impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.

The striker showed great composure to drill a low shot into the bottom corner on 82 minutes after Raheem Sterling's first-half opener had been cancelled out by Alex Henshaw's stunning volley.

It means Rodolfo Borrell's side has extended their run to seven matches undefeated ahead of their cup clash with Southend United on February 14.

The hosts made a bright start to what promised to be an entertaining encounter in Kirkby and after Krisztian Adorjan saw a goalbound shot deflected to safety, Morgan should have done better when he angled an effort off target from the edge of the box.

The Reds seemed intent on extending their fine start to 2011 and on 15 minutes great feet by Toni Silva took him beyond two defenders but his drilled cross was brilliantly cut out by a last-ditch City leg.

It was all Liverpool at this point and Sterling really should have opened the scoring when he fired wide after capitalizing upon an error by Tom Skodsgrud.

The young winger was a constant thorn in the visitors' side and it was his run and pass that saw Morgan force a stunning save out of James Wood.

City had rarely threatened but on 38 minutes they almost stole ahead when Bradley Robinson sizzled a low shot inches past the far post.

However, Liverpool responded and they finally broke the deadlock on 43 minutes. Adorjan slipped a ball through to Sterling, who showed great composure to evade a challenge and coolly fire into the corner.

It was no more than the home side deserved and it was Borrell's charges who continued to ask the questions following the interval.

Morgan was the first to show on 48 minutes, firing a low shot into the midriff of Wood before seeing a well-placed attempt crash off the left-hand post following more good play by Sterling.

Liverpool had created enough chances to be out of sight by the hour mark but they inevitably paid the price for their misses when Henshaw drew City level with a stunning volley from 30 yards.

It was a huge blow for the hosts but they almost restored their lead within seconds of the restart. Morgan took up another good position in attack but after rounding Wood he saw his low shot hacked off the line.

It was suddenly anyone's game and City began to look threatening without truly troubling Tyrell Belford in the Reds' goal.

Liverpool needed to find another gear if they wanted to claim the victory their display deserved and they slowly began to assert their authority again, with Silva twice going close.

First, the Portuguese ace teased a defender and struck a curling shot that just missed the far corner before unleashing a venomous 25 yarder that Wood somehow managed to get a fingertip to.

With the clock running down it looked like the Reds would be forced to settle for a share of the spoils until Morgan finally got his goal when he turned on the edge of the box and angled a drive into the near post corner.

There was even time for the home side to put the icing on the cake but Adorjan saw his controlled strike bounce back off the post.

John W Henry: Kenny Dalglish Has 'Exceeded Expectations' As Manager

Liverpool co-owner John Henry has praised caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish in his efforts since taking over from Roy Hodgson for "exceeding expectations", whilst the American also believes that the team's future remains at Anfield.

There is much discussion on whether the club legend will permanently take the reigns at Anfield, but Henry's comments cannot harm his chances of being in the Red's hot-seat come next season.

The American told The Guardian: "We didn't know Kenny well prior to him coming aboard as manager, but he has exceeded our expectations on all fronts. It would be inappropriate to comment publicly on what happens beyond the end of this season."

Meanwhile, it seems that he has at least made his mind up on whether the club will be on the move in its geography, after several years of speculation, Henry looks to keep the team at Anfield

He added: "It's not a coincidence that the last two ownership groups could not get a new stadium built. What they proposed or hoped for just didn't make any economic sense or they would have been built. A lot of time and effort is being put into study and creatively looking at all options."

Liverpool's finances have long been a talking point as well in past seasons, but thanks to the purchase of the club by the recently re-branded Fenway Sports Group, the £200 million worth of debt was wiped clean, but still looks to spend wisely.

The deadline day of last month's transfer window saw Liverpool spend around £57m of two players, however, with the sales of Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel bringing in over £55m, the club were able to keep any expenditure to a minimum.

Henry explained: "The fee for Torres was dependent on what Newcastle asked for [Andy] Carroll. The negotiation for us was simply the difference in prices paid by Chelsea and to Newcastle.

"Those prices could have been £35m [from Chelsea for Torres] and £20m [to Newcastle for Carroll], 40 and 25 or 50 and 35. It was ultimately up to Newcastle how much this was all going to cost. They [Newcastle] made a hell of a deal. We felt the same way."

This example of spending is the basis of how Henry claims he plans to go about his business in rebuilding Liverpool and his group will not be throwing money at the club to spend without a calculated process.

Henry claimed: "We intend to get younger, deeper and play positive football. Adding two top players [Carroll and Luis Suárez] who have just turned 22 and 24 is a good first step."

Carroll Eyes Gerrard Link

Andy Carroll admits he can’t wait to link up with Steven Gerrard and hopes his move to Liverpool can take his game to the next level.

The new Reds No.9 believes his switch to Anfield will provide him with a fresh challenge and has set his sights on making an impact on the European stage.

"Liverpool's an instant draw, it's massive," he said. "Kenny Dalglish is a great bloke, a fantastic manager and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"Newcastle was my hometown and I loved it and the fans.

"That's what I've come here for - a new challenge and hope I can do the same here. I want to love the fans as I did up there.

"At Newcastle there were great players, here at Liverpool you've got Steven Gerrard who's outstanding and that's what I'm looking forward to, playing on a higher stage, like in Europe.

"I've got to concentrate on Liverpool and everything else will fall into place. If I get a call from England it's great.

"But Liverpool is number one at the minute. I know what I can do, people can say whatever, I'll still go out and do my best.

"It has been a massive change in the last year or so; getting promoted, getting the number nine shirt, getting in the England squad and then coming to one of the world’s greatest clubs.

"It’s very different to playing in the Championship. It has been so fast and thinking about it now, it does seem a very big change.

"It's a great chance for me to show what I can do. I've been in Newcastle all my life, but stepping away from people I've known is a big change."

The decision to swap his beloved Newcastle for Merseyside may have come out of the blue for Carroll, but he insists he already feels settled in the north-west.

He explained: "I said it felt like home after three days because of the welcome I've had. I know a lot of people here through Joey and Ryan Taylor so I've got a lot of friends down here who were practically up in Newcastle every week.

"My girlfriend is already down here so we're looking for places to stay. I'm looking forward to it."

Carroll is the latest in a long line of No.9s that achieved hero-status on Tyneside.

He admits he has modelled his game on former Magpies star, Alan Shearer and was quick to secure his idol's old shirt when it became available.

"I watched Shearer as a fan. It was the (No.9) shirt I wanted to wear when I was growing up," he said.

"So, getting it and being handed it was a great feeling.

"I knew the number nine shirt was empty. So, I thought I'd go in and ask for it. I'd had a couple of days off and they pulled me in and gave me it.

"I know I can play football, I know I can score goals and so I know I can handle the spotlight. I don't feel any pressure because I believe in myself to score goals and create them.

"Everyone knows what the Newcastle No.9 shirt means, and what it means at Anfield as well, with players like Fowler and Rush. But I want it because I know I can handle it.

"Now I've got the number nine at Liverpool which is great as well."

Despite receiving an ovation from the Kop ahead of Wednesday's victory over Stoke, Carroll has yet to feature at Anfield after missing out on his only chance back in May 2009.

Carroll said: "I was on the bench at Anfield when I was younger here, but Joey (Barton) got sent off when I was supposed to be coming on.

"I was stripped ready to come on, but got pushed back to the bench.

"That was the only time."