Rick Parry Defends Decision To Sell In 2007

The former Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has defended the decision to sell the club to George Gillett and Tom Hicks in 2007.

It has been widely-reported that Hicks and Gillett assumed control of the club despite a rival offer from Dubai International Capital (DIC) but Parry, who along with then chairman and owner David Moores made the decision to sell to the American duo, insists that DIC were not in the running.

"It wasn't a case of us rejecting Dubai," Parry told London's Evening Standard. "They were the preferred bidder but they walked away."

The reign of Hicks and Gillett, which ended when Fenway Sports Group bought the club last year after a bitter court battle, was punctuated by public arguments between the two owners, between Hicks and Parry and disagreements between then-manager Rafael Benítez and the owners.

The much-heralded new stadium in Stanley Park failed to materialize and the club struggled under the weight of the large amount of debt which was placed on the club by Hicks and Gillett. Parry believes much of the difficulty stemmed from the fractious nature of the relationship between the owners.

"I think one of the fundamental [problems] was that they actually didn't get on terribly well with each other," Parry explains.

Parry left the club in 2009 and, despite the often haphazard nature of the Hicks and Gillet era, he feels that for a period of time at least things were going well.

"Don't forget and certainly until I left – which was 2009 – we were second in the league. The business plan was a net spend of £20m on players. And they'd over delivered on that. They took us pretty close to winning the Premier League in 2008-2009, within four points of Manchester United with a huge points total.

"So it wasn't all doom and gloom. Then, in 2009, for whatever reason, there didn't appear to be any net spend at all on the players. By which time they clearly realized that they probably needed to sell completely."

Parry also stressed that despite what seemed to be a hostile relationship, he remains on good terms with Benítez.

"You don't get into the business if you want people who are easy," he said. "You want people who are winners. He's very demanding and he's a perfectionist. But I'm still friendly with Rafael."

Liverpool Target Eljero Elia Set For Summer Hamburg Sale

Liverpool winger target Eljero Elia is set for a summer exit from Hamburg, according to reports.

The Dutch speedster was linked with a string of clubs across Europe in the summer, with Liverpool the most heavily connected to a move for the 24-year-old.

Elia has continued to be linked with the Reds despite a change of manager at Anfield, and new Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish could now land the player for €12 million if reports in German newspaper Bild are to be believed.

A product of the Ajax academy, Elia made his name at FC Twente in the Eredivisie before making an €8.9 million move to Bundesliga outfit Hamburg in the summer of '09.

The player's progress has continued since the move, and with 17 international caps and a string of impressive cameo appearances for Holland during the World Cup to his name, the future looks bright for the former ADO Den Haag starlet.

Liverpool has been linked with a number of wingers in recent months, with Ashley Young, Matt Jarvis and Charles N'Zogbia all speculatively placed on the Anfield radar.

Dalglish has hinted at a number of squad changes for the Merseysiders this summer, with a left back and winger thought to be the priorities for the Kop hero.

Elia is another potential target, with the Rothosen reportedly looking to cash-in on the player to fund their own transfer activity. The options appear to be growing for Liverpool ahead of the re-opening of the transfer window in the summer.

Lucas Lauds Luiz Talent

Liverpool midfielder Lucas admits he has not been surprised by Brazil team-mate David Luiz's smooth transition to the Premier League.

Defender Luiz, 23, made the switch to Chelsea from Benfica in January and has already proved a big hit at Stamford Bridge.

He scored a vital goal against Manchester City last weekend and has slotted into the Blues backline with ease.

Luiz joins fellow former Benfica and Brazil man Ramires in West London and Lucas is pleased to see his compatriots performing so well, despite the fact that they play for a rival team.

"I've known David since I was maybe 19 years old and we used to play for the Under 20s together," he said. "I am not surprised [with his impact].

"I am really, really happy with the way he has arrived because I know how difficult it is to adapt in the Premier League.

"But he is already scoring a lot of goals and maybe people were not expecting this. And they have been important goals as well so I am happy with the way he is playing.

"Ramires is also doing really well and we are happy because I know how difficult it is for a Brazilian player to come to the Premier League and do well.

"Hopefully more Brazilians will come and help teams in the Premier League."

Lucas also believes that former Red Fernando Torres, who also joined the English champions in January, will prove a big hit at Chelsea once he breaks his scoring duck.

"We know it was a big change for him," he added. "He did really well for Liverpool and scored a lot of goals.

"I think as soon as he scores the first goal he will shine the same as he did at Liverpool."

Brazil take on Scotland in a friendly clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday and Lucas is looking forward to his time with the national squad.

"The new manager is trying to give opportunities to the young players and trying to build a new team so a lot of new faces are here," he remarked.

"But we just have to take the opportunity to try and be in the squad all the time and look to the Copa America."

Leiva - Kenny Motivation For Success

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has praised the atmosphere at the club under manager Kenny Dalglish and urged his team-mates to push up the table in the Barclays Premier League run-in.

The Reds have endured a tumultuous season after struggling for the most part under previous incumbent Roy Hodgson and the financial constraints under which he worked. However, Dalglish's return to the Reds has resulted in an upturn of fortunes that has propelled the side to sixth position in the top flight.

"Everyone can see the atmosphere is very good at the moment," said Lucas. "The results at the moment are also better than before."

He added: "We know how important it is for the club and for the fans so we believe we can do a lot more. We now have just eight games left to play and hopefully we can finish well this season and then see what happens.

"Then we can look to the next season."

Speaking ahead of Brazil's international friendly with Scotland on Sunday, Lucas was also keen to defend former team-mate Fernando Torres.

Much has been spoken about the Spain international since his £50 million January move to Chelsea and his subsequent inability to find the back of the net for his new club.

However, Lucas backed his former comrade and preferred to look to the future with new Liverpool attacker Luis Suarez leading the line.

"Fernando was a very good player for Liverpool," he said. "The atmosphere is very good but it was very good with Fernando as well.

"I don't like to talk about my friend because he is a friend of mine. I hope he will be happy at Chelsea and of course we are now looking at Luis and the player that came is already shining."

Liverpool Keen To Sign Roma Defender Philippe Mexes

Liverpool will attempt to secure the signature of the French international defender Philippe Mexes on a free transfer this summer should Kenny Dalglish’s prime defensive target, Gary Cahill, spurn Anfield in favour of Manchester United.

The Scot sees the Bolton defender as the ideal long-term replacement for Jamie Carragher, but knows he would be forced to pay a premium price — as much as £18 million — to see off United, persistent suitors for the 25 year-old, who has become one of the most coveted players in the Premier League.

Should Cahill indicate that he prefers a move to Old Trafford, Liverpool will turn their attentions to Mexes, whose £75,000-a-week contract at Roma expires this summer.

Liverpool's newly-promoted director of football, Damien Comolli, is a long-term admirer of the former Auxerre player and is thought to be confident he can strike a deal despite interest from Arsenal and AC Milan.

Talks over a new deal at Stadio Olimpico have been ongoing for 18 months but Mexes, a cornerstone of the French national side under new manager Laurent Blanc, has thus far failed to agree terms, with Roma’s boardroom engulfed in similar chaos to that which afflicted Liverpool before the arrival, last October, of Fenway Sports Group.

Thomas DiBenedetto, himself an investor in FSG, is expected to complete a takeover of the Serie A side in the coming days after nine months in which the club has been controlled — and half-owned - by UniCredit, the Italian bank.

The American billionaire, though, is unlikely to arrive in time to stop Mexes calling time on seven years in Rome.

The club are unlikely to return to the Champions League next season and face another summer of upheaval, with caretaker manager Vincenzo Montella likely to be replaced and several senior players, including Daniele De Rossi, keen to depart.

The wages Mexes would be able to command at Anfield as a free transfer may tempt him to join Liverpool even if the club fails to qualify for Europe, while it is believed FSG would consider signing a player outside their preferred age bracket — Mexes will be 29 — as he would still be able to command considerable resale value.

FSG are expected to commit substantial funds to Dalglish’s rebuilding project at Anfield once the Scot’s own future is finalised — negotiations are underway on a two-year deal to appoint him as permanent manager — with Comolli stressing earlier this week that he was expecting “a busy summer”.

Dalglish remains keen on signing Charlie Adam, the Blackpool midfielder, while both Ashley Young and Matt Jarvis, of Aston Villa and Wolves, are long-term targets.

Liverpool Told They Must Pay £10m To Land La Liga Defender

Liverpool will land Osasuna defender Nacho Monreal if they meet the buyout clause in his contract, it has emerged.

According to AS, should the Reds bid £10 million for the 26-year-old, it will trigger the clause written into his deal and discussions between the two parties can then commence.

It was initially reported by the Daily Mail that Liverpool were chasing the Spaniard as they look find a recognized left-back after the departure of Paul Konchesky from Anfield.

With Konchesky failing to make a lasting impression on Merseyside, and subsequently being loaned out to Nottingham Forest, Liverpool are in desperate need of a long-term replacement - and appear to have identified Monreal as a potential successor.

With Fabio Aurelio struggling with form and injury, Glen Johnson has been forced to deputize for Liverpool and - while he seems to be flourishing in his new position - the Anfield club are expected to sign reinforcements in the summer.

As well as Monreal, Liverpool have also been linked with Newcastle's Jose Enrique and Celtic star Emilio Izaguirre in their pursuit of fresh blood.

Spanish Playmaker Reveals 'Liverpool Rejection'

Reported Liverpool target Sergio Canales has revealed he rejected the opportunity to move to the Barclays Premier League in January.

The 20-year-old has featured just nine times for Real Madrid this season and, hence, was linked with a transfer window move away from the Bernabeu, but ultimately decided to stay.

According to Sportingo, Liverpool were one of the clubs to have been rebuffed in their attempts to sign the Spanish playmaker - who believes remaining in Madrid represents the best option for his future progression.

"During January I had options to move to England, but I want to repay Mourinho and the club's trust in me," the young playmaker told Marca.

"I don't regret moving to Real Madrid and I knew that this first year would be tough. It's not great when I'm not in the squad but I want to show what I can do on the pitch."

Despite allegedly missing out on Canales in January, Liverpool are reportedly exploring the option of bringing him to Anfield during the summer transfer window as they look to bolster their attacking options.

Liverpool are also said to be pursuing Canales' compatriot Bojan Krkic, who himself is on the peripheries of the set-up at Barcelona.

It was initially claimed by Spanish publication Sport that Liverpool was monitoring Bojan and will mull over a considerable offer when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.

Marca has since claimed that Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli is 'confident' of signing the Bojan - but Barca is reported to only be willing to sanction a season-long loan.

Suarez Postive On Injury

Luis Suarez has handed Liverpool a lift by revealing his injury is not as serious as had been feared.

The Uruguayan produced a starring display in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Sunderland last weekend, scoring a brilliant solo goal to seal victory. He was substituted after scoring his goal and left the field seemingly nursing a groin problem.

Suarez pulled out of Uruguay's friendlies with Estonia and Republic of Ireland, opting to remain on Merseyside for treatment.

"In Liverpool working hard to be ready for next match," Suarez wrote on Twitter. "I've been lucky, the injury isn't that bad and it should be fine.

"I also want to tell you I'm a bit sad for not playing the match with Uruguay."

Reds Stage Derby Fightback

Liverpool Reserves came from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw in a pulsating mini derby clash against Everton at Anfield on Thursday night.

Despite the Reds' early dominance, Adam Forshaw gave the visitors the lead when he curled a brilliant long-range effort past Martin Hansen on 17 minutes.

Liverpool continued to press, but the Blues extended their lead as half-time loomed with Conor McAleny firing into the Anfield Road End goal and Michael Roberts spurned the opportunity to reduce the deficit before the break when his penalty was well saved.

However, the hosts were much improved in the second half and levelled the game up with two goals in seven minutes as Suso and Nikola Saric found the back of the net.

The Reds went closest as both sides toiled in search of a winner, but were ultimately forced to settle for a well-earned point.

Liverpool headed into the game in front of a packed Kop aiming to close the gap on Barclays Premier Reserve League Group B leaders Blackburn Rovers.

The Reds began the day four points behind the Lancashire side having played two games less.

However, Pep Segura's men were without a win in three matches and suffered an agonising last-gasp 2-1 reversal at Arsenal last time out.

It proved to be Everton who mustered the first attempt on goal inside two minutes when Apostolos Vellios pounced upon a wayward pass by Jack Robinson before having his skimming long-range strike parried by Hansen.

Nevertheless, the hosts exerted all of the early pressure without ever really calling visiting stopper Connor Roberts into action - a Thomas Ince free-kick that cannoned against the Everton wall was the Reds' best chance of the opening exchanges.

It was, therefore, somewhat against the run of play when Everton's Forshaw broke the deadlock on 17 minutes.

Collecting Vellios's knockdown from a long ball forward, the winger strode two paces forward and clipped a fine effort beyond the outstretched hands of Hansen from fully 20 yards.

Liverpool's riposte saw Suso shimmy his way beyond three Everton defenders on the edge of the box before grazing the top of the crossbar.

And the Blues' hopes of maintaining their advantage were dealt a blow on the half-hour mark when Jose Baxter was stretchered from the field with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Thomas Donegan was his replacement.

With the first-half minutes beginning to ebb away, Saric looped a header harmlessly off target from Steven Irwin's free-kick before the latter skewed wildly into the Kop when well positioned moments later.

The Reds were made to pay for their profligacy three minutes before the break when Everton again struck the home side with a sucker punch.

Jake Bidwell's long punt forward from a free-kick just inside the Blues' half was flicked on by Vellios and into the path of McAleny, and the striker displayed great composure to execute a deft looping finish over the head of Hansen from 12 yards.

In first-half stoppage time, Liverpool was presented with a golden opportunity to reduce the arrears when they were awarded a penalty following a challenge by Aristote Nsiala on Robinson inside the box.

Michael Roberts opted to take the responsibility, but his spot-kick was tame and easily repelled by his namesake in the Everton goal to ensure the visitors went into the break with their two-goal lead still intact.

Segura's response saw the Spaniard replace Conor Thomas with Toni Silva ahead of the second period having undoubtedly demanded an improved showing from his contingent.

There were certainly signs of more promise in their play and after Saric had teed up Suso to steer narrowly over, Silva drew a fine stop out of Roberts.

The Everton custodian then had to be alert to thwart Irwin's close-range hook as the hosts finally began to threaten.

That pressure finally told on 58 minutes when Suso found the back of the net with a perfectly placed shot from 20 yards, finding the bottom corner with unerring accuracy.

And they should have levelled the scoreline within 60 seconds as Irwin's defence-splitting through pass sent Silva bounding down on Roberts's goal, but the Portuguese winger managed only to stab wide of the upright.

But Liverpool did restore parity on 65 minutes. Saric collected Robinson's low cross inside the box with his back to goal before spinning Nsiala and striking low into the far corner.

The Reds were well in the ascendency and went close to taking the lead first through Ince, whose audacious chip landed on the roof of the net, prior to Roberts making a brave sprawling block to frustrate Silva at close quarters.

With time ticking away, Silva was millimetres away from turning Ince's cross over the line as both sides took home a share of the spoils from a lively contest at Anfield.

Liverpool Have Big Summer Transfers In Pipeline Already - Damien Comolli

Director of football strategy Damien Comolli wants to take Liverpool back to trophy-winning ways - and has revealed that a busy summer of big-money transfer dealings is in the offing to kick-start their re-emergence.

Recently promoted by club owners Fenway Sport Group, Comolli has been briefed to help manager Kenny Dalglish do all he can to bring in top-quality players for next season.

'The owners said from day one they want to improve things and turn things around quickly and I have said the same thing since I arrived, so I expect a busy summer,' Comolli said.

'When we prepare for the next season it's difficult to say we work to the January transfer window. We work from summer to summer.

'When the window shuts in September we are preparing for the next summer window, not the one in January because, as people say, usually not much goes on in January.

'We proved that wrong but as soon as it shuts on January 31, we are thinking about the summer and what we are going to do.

'We talk about different targets, about players we thought about in January but couldn't do and keep the scouting team working.'

A number of high-profile targets are already being linked with Liverpool, including Ipswich's Conor Wickham.

But one major obstacle facing the club next season could be the lack of European football, if they fail to finish in the Premier League's top five or six.

This could deter high-calibre players from signing on at Anfield, Comolli admitted, but he added Liverpool's heritage should be enough to quell any reservations big-name players could have about joining the club.

'I've got to say it's sometimes easier to attract players when your club is involved in European competition,' he said.

'We'll do everything to get back there. We want to be in Europe, that's where we belong.

'I think Liverpool should always compete for the best competitions and we will have the squad depth next year to compete both in Europe and domestically, if we manage to qualify for Europe.'

Darijo Srna Confirms Reds In Chase For Douglas Costa

Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in signing Douglas Costa, according to teammate Darijo Srna.

The 20-year-old's reputation has continued to grow during his time with Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukraine, with Liverpool one of a trio of Barclays Premier League sides taking an interest in the player.

"I know many scouts have watched him. Lots of clubs are taking an interest – the likes of United, Manchester City and Liverpool. He really does stand out, he makes a difference on the pitch," said the Croatian full back.

A product of the youth system at Gremio, Costa has also impressed in the Champions League and will go head-to-head against Lionel Messi and Barcelona in the quarter-final.

It should be a good match-up, according to Srna at least.

“I’ve never seen such nimbleness – he is on a par with Messi. His speed with the ball and technique are out of this world."

The Daily Telegraph reported over the weekend that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a keen interest in the player again, with the Red Devils considering a move for the £15m-rated midfielder after having a bid rejected back in August 2009.

Anfield interest would appear to be relatively new, although Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has hinted at a number of changes on Merseyside in the summer.

Lucas, who was at Gremio during Costa's rise through the youth ranks in Brazil, could potentially play a part in attempting to entice the player to Liverpool.

Competition will be fierce though, and with the attacking midfielder's reputation growing to the point of being dubbed 'the new Ronaldinho', Liverpool will have to move quickly if they want to sign the player.

Dalglish Set To Move For Scott Dann In Summer

Kenny Dalglish is eyeing Birmingham City defender Scott Dann as a potential summer signing as he looks to rebuild his Liverpool side, according to skysports.com

The Scot is looking at long-term replacements for the ageing Jamie Carragher and hopes to build his side on talented young players following the capture of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January.

Dann has impressed during his time at St Andrew's after moving from Coventry City in 2009 for £3.5 million and has formed a formidable partnership with Roger Johnson at the heart of Birmingham's defence.

However, a hamstring injury sustained in the League Cup semi-final against West Ham in January ruled him for the rest of the 2010/11 campaign.

Dalglish faces competition from other Premier League clubs for Dann’s signature including Manchester United, who have also watched the England under-21 International with great interest and are short of defensive options after Gary Neville’s retirement and Rio Ferdinand’s problems with injuries.

A move for the 24-year old could, however, be put in jeopardy with the appointment of Damien Comolli to director of football at Anfield and it is expected that the Frenchman would want to be involved in all dealings at the club.

Despite Dalglish’s wishes to bring the Liverpool-born defender to the club, Comolli may want to bring in a more experienced player from Europe.

Liverpool And Arsenal Lock Horns Over Gary Cahill

Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly leading the chase for Bolton defender Gary Cahill.

The 25-year-old's future has been the subject of intense speculation over recent months and Metro reports that things will come to a head when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

According to Metro, 'serious' interest from Liverpool will galvanize Arsenal into spending upwards of £18 million in order to land the centre-back, while Bayern Munich are also expected to register an enquiry.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal are thought to be in the market for defensive reinforcements, with the latter seemingly more in need of bolstering their ranks at the end of the season.

Arsene Wenger's defenders have struggled with injuries and consistency this season and Arsenal are thought to be pursuing a number of potential acquisitions.

Arsenal was reported to have been chasing Cahill during the January transfer window but was ultimately fruitless in their alleged attempts to sign him.

When questioned on whether he was indeed planning to make a move for the former Aston Villa man, Wenger remained coy in his response.

"I think Gary Cahill is a very good player but I cannot tell you more,” he said.

"We like to keep our transfer negotiations very secret. It puts more pressure on when you go public so you understand we don't want to speak publicly about that."

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has also previously been ousted as an admirer of the imposing England international and could be prepared to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal in pursuit of Cahill.

However, a priority for Liverpool remains the signing of a recognized left-back as Glen Johnson continues to deputize until a solution is found.

Liverpool have been linked with Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre and former Anfield favourite John Arne Riise in their search for a new full-back, while Newcastle ace Jose Enrique is also reportedly on their radar.

Wilson Reveals Reina Bid

Arsenal legend Bob Wilson has revealed Arsene Wenger made "a big bid" for Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina last summer.

Reports emerged in the press last summer that Arsenal had made a substantial bid for Reina, with The Sun claiming it was worth £23 million and the Daily Mail putting it at £25 million.

Wilson has now confirmed that Wenger - who has faced criticism for his failure to sign a top-class goalkeeper - did make an offer for the Spain international.

"Arsene tried like mad to buy not only a goalkeeper but what he considered to be the most consistent in the country, so he made a big bid for Pepe Reina," Wilson told talkSPORT.

"That didn't come out because that's not Arsene Wenger's way of doing it and it's not Arsenal's way of doing it, but he did attempt to do that."

While an injury crisis has forced Wenger to re-sign Jens Lehmann on a rolling contract, the emergence of Wojciech Szczesny has at least provided hope that Arsenal now has a goalkeeper capable of establishing himself long-term.

Wilson believes that Wenger would have had to have allowed Szczesny to leave the club had Reina joined.

"I think he would have lost, without any doubt, the young kid Szczesny, who I believe is going to be the future," Wilson added. "It's most unfortunate he has had this injury and in the game that he had it, but I happen to think Szczesny is going to be a great goalkeeper. The boy is ready now - you ask Arsenal fans."

Derby County Sign Brad Jones On Loan From Liverpool

Derby County have signed Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones on loan until the end of the season.

The Rams have brought in the 29-year-old as a replacement for Matt Duke, who has been recalled by his parent club Hull City.

Manager Nigel Clough told the Rams website: "Brad fits the bill perfectly.

"He has Premier League experience, Football League experience and most importantly big game experience."

Jones joined Liverpool from Middlesbrough for £2.3m in August and has made two appearances for the Anfield club.

The Australian, who has also had loan spells with Stockport, Rotherham, Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday, was in goal as Liverpool were beaten by League Two side Northampton in the Carling Cup.

"We have some big games coming up between now and May and he will be our number one in them," added Clough.

"He hasn't had much first-team football this season, so I am pretty sure he will be looking forward to the challenge.

"Liverpool has done us a big favour and I would like to thank Kenny Dalglish and the other officials at Anfield for agreeing to loan another of their players to Derby County."

Last month, the Rams secured the services of Daniel Ayala on loan until the end of the season.

Pacheco Heading Out

Liverpool are set to allow young Spaniard Dani Pacheco leave the club on loan and join Norwich until the end of the season.

The deal has yet to be rubber stamped by the FA as he is currently away on international duty with the Spanish under-21 side but he looks likely to join the Championship promotion hopefuls on his return.

Norwich boss Paul Lambert said: "Dani Pacheco is a lad we've seen playing for Liverpool's first team this season and I've been talking to Kenny Dalglish about him for a few weeks now.

"He's technically very good as you'd expect having been with clubs like Barcelona and Liverpool and the fact that he's away with Spain's Under-21s side at the moment speaks volumes for his ability and potential."

Comolli Sees A Golden Sky

Damien Comolli believes that Liverpool's decision to sell Fernando Torres meant that there was a 'bright new sky' over Anfield.

The Premier League side accepted a record-breaking £50million fee in January for the now-Chelsea striker and used the funds to make former Newcastle star Andy Carroll the most expensive British footballer in history.

A deal had already been negotiated for Luis Suarez before Torres left in the winter transfer window, but some of the funds from the sale of the latter will also help in paying Ajax.

Comolli, who was promoted to a role as Liverpool's new director of football on Tuesday, believes that the club benefited from the business decision by improving the atmosphere on Merseyside.

"Getting two players triggered the fact that we could sell one player who didn't want to be here and get two who did want to be here," he said.

"When you have someone who doesn't want to be here and you swap him for people who want to be here the atmosphere changes.

"It's like there is a bright new sky with no cloud over our head from the day that happened. So it's been only positive."

The decision of Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, to appoint Comolli, initially as director of football strategy, last November was a part of the Americans' rebuilding plan at Anfield.

Principal owner John Henry and Chairman Tom Werner bought a club who were on the brink of administration last autumn, but their plan is to restore the glory days to the 18-time champions of England.

It is expected that Kenny Dalglish will soon be handed a permanent contract after the Kop idol's impressive work as manager since succeeding the sacked Roy Hodgson in January, and Comolli feels confident the club are moving in the right direction.

"I know there is still a lot of work to do, we're not where we want to be yet and it'll probably take a few months to do that, but I am totally confident," he said.

"All the signs are very positive and I can see only green lights, no red lights."

Comolli added: "It was a tough decision (to sack Hodgson) made by the club, but we have been looking forward since that and making other appointments with key individuals as we look to restructure the club.

"We are definitely looking forward to a bright future."

Comolli's role has been extended to oversee all football-related matters outside of first-team training and selection.

He said: "It's basically a day-to-day relationship with the manager and his coaching staff, it's also medical and sports science, performance analysis, player liaison, team travel, scouting and negotiating transfer contracts. A big part of it is the Academy."

Benitez Dreaming Of Anfield Return

Rafael Benitez admits "it would be a dream" to manage Liverpool again in the future.

The Spaniard only left Anfield last summer and while his successor Roy Hodgson lasted barely half a season, he himself was similarly unsuccessful at Inter Milan.

"I am really proud of being the manager of Liverpool Football Club and I would like to come back in the future," Benitez told Sky Sports News.

Benitez admitted Kenny Dalglish is currently doing an impressive job in his role as caretaker boss until the end of the season, and added: "You never know (when) because Kenny is doing a really good job. It's a question of time. You never know in the future.

"It would be a dream. I would be really pleased to come back in the future."

Benitez revealed he would consider other offers in England but would never contemplate managing Liverpool's rivals Everton and Manchester United.

"Fans in Liverpool know the teams I would not go (to) but I think these clubs wouldn't offer me a job.

"I'm a professional but obviously some clubs I would not go to, especially the big rivals of Liverpool. I won't say the names, but it's not difficult!"

Pep Relishing Derby Test

Pep Segura has told his young players to enjoy the Anfield experience when the Reserves take on Everton in the mini-derby tonight.

Playing on the hallowed turf used to be a regular occurrence for the second string in the 1970s and 1980s but nowadays it is very rare when a reserve team game is staged at Anfield.

The mini-derby is always a keenly contested affair and the Spaniard is looking forward to the Anfield experience.

"With the game being at Anfield it will be a special occasion for the young players and I hope we can produce a good account of ourselves," Segura told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"It's a special stadium, one of the most famous in the world and everyone would love to get the chance to play at Anfield.

"As a coach I like these derby games. Why? For the young players these are the games where they can grow a lot.

"They have to be 100 per cent focused at all times and keep their concentration and have a good mentality.

"I know what a Liverpool v Everton derby means to the supporters and our players and we hope to come out on top tonight.

"When I lived in Barcelona we always looked forward to the derby against Espanyol and they are special occasions."

The Reserves have been boosted this week by having the opportunity to train at Melwood.

"We have had some training sessions at Melwood this week which has been very good for their football education," he added.

"We have had the chance because it is international week and with many players being away it was decided to have one big group training together.

"It was a good experience for the young players because they could pick up good habits and also see what they need to do to try to get to the level of playing for the first team in the future."

Segura also spoke about the invaluable help he has received from U16 Academy coach Steve Cooper who is assisting him with the reserves.

"Steve is a fantastic friend and he is a great help to me," he added.

"This is a great opportunity for him and he can take a lot of experience from this.

"He is someone who wants to keep learning and I think in Steve Cooper Liverpool Football Club has a fantastic person as well as a fantastic coach."

New Anfield Jobs For Ian Ayre And Damien Comolli

Liverpool has ended their search for a new managing director by promoting from within, confirming former commercial director Ian Ayre in the role.

Owners Fenway Sports Group, led by John Henry and chairman Tom Werner, have also made Damien Comolli the club's director of football - a step up from his position as director of football strategy.

The search for a managing director has taken longer than anticipated but Ayre's appointment is recognition of the impressive work he has done on the commercial side since he joined the club in July 2007.

Henry, who together with Werner has been on Merseyside since last Thursday, said: "Ian has enormous experience gained from his work in the sports and media businesses over the past 15 years."

FSG brought Comolli to the club in November in order to bring some continuity to football operations.

"In the short time that Damien has been at the club, he has impressed us greatly with his knowledge of the sport, his work ethic and his incisive intelligence," added Henry.

"He is a clear thinker and understands exactly what is needed to form a long-term, consistent approach."