David Moyes And Rafa Benitez Clash Over Tactics

Rival Mersey managers Rafael Benitez and David Moyes have fallen out again over tactics following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Everton at Anfield yesterday.

Meeting in the fourth round of the FA Cup, the sides produced an identical scoreline to their Premier League meeting at the same ground just six days earlier.

Joleon Lescott headed Everton ahead in the 27th minute but Steven Gerrard equalised on 54 minutes to ensure both sides went into the draw for the fifth round, which will pair the winners at home to Aston Villa or Doncaster Rovers on the weekend of February 14 – after a replay at Goodison Park a week on Wednesday.

Despite taking the lead, Moyes’s side were forced to defend for long periods and his opposite number Benitez was unimpressed with what he thought were negative tactics by the Scot.

The Liverpool manager said: “Clearly we dominated the game, controlled it, but we just couldn’t score the second goal.

“I expected to win after we equalised, but the quality and character we showed today was very positive.

“I felt one team was trying to win this game and the other was trying not to lose, but I’m still really pleased with my team.”

Benitez sparked friction between the neighbouring sides two years ago when he described Everton’s tactics as those of a ‘small club’ following a 0-0 draw at Anfield, a remark that led then-Goodison Park chief executive Keith Wyness to reply: “Benitez is in a minority of one in believing Everton is a small club.

“Somehow we just expect more of a Liverpool manager.”

However, on this occasion, Moyes, while showing his displeasure at the Spaniard’s latest claim, offered praise to his opposite number’s team.

He said: “I’d never come here looking for a draw that’s for sure. I might have taken a draw in the end.

“We look after our business here, we do things with a bit of dignity at Everton.

“Liverpool is a great football club – they’ve got a great chance of winning the Premier League.

“In the end we got a good point on Monday and we’ve taken a good side to a replay in the cup so from that point of view on this occasion I feel Everton have the upper hand.”

He added: “I was satisfied with a draw. It was a really tough game, we’ve been to Anfield twice in a week and got draws.

“There was a lot said that we wouldn’t be in the next round so we’re pleased we’ve given ourselves a chance of going through now.”

Although Everton will now get a chance to face their neighbours on home turf, Moyes does not think they can be considered favourites.

He said: “We’ve come to a side who have got a lot of big players and have spent big to win trophies so that makes it difficult for a side like Everton.

“I don’t think we’ll be favourites, you couldn’t class Everton as favourites at this moment in time but what you do know is that the players are extremely resilient.

“We’ve come here over two 90 minutes against a team with great aspirations and made it very hard for them to score.”

While Benitez had virtually a fully fit squad to choose from, Moyes was without his two most expensive players Marouane Fellaini and Ayegbeni Yakubu while playmaker Mikel Arteta was a late withdrawal with a rib injury so the Everton manager was pleased with his side’s display in the circumstances.

He said: “We had Arteta, Fellaini, Yakubu and Saha out but Liverpool had all their players available over the two games.

“We’ve got players to come back and hopefully that will help us.

“As you could see, once it was 1-1 it was difficult for us to try and find another way to find a second goal to get back in front. We really didn’t have the physical capabilities to do so.”

Moyes added: “I was disappointed that Liverpool had got so much possession and I was hoping to have stemmed that but I have to say at times Liverpool played well with the ball.

“In the main I felt quite comfortable defensively with Lescott, Jagielka and the goalkeeper because the boys are in good form and showed it.

“We’re disappointed because when we went in 1-0 up at half-time I said to them ‘in six out of the last seven games you’ve not conceded any goals so just go out and do it again in the second half and you’ll come in winners’.

Although Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard was criticised for letting Steven Gerrard’s equaliser beat him at the near post, Moyes did not blame the American international, who made a superb save from the Liverpool skipper minutes later.

He said: “It could have been more but the goalkeeper was terrific and has been for us.

“We were in a wee bit of a mess before that but there was an exquisite piece of skill by Torres who back-heeled the ball into Gerrard’s path so sometimes you hold your hand up and accept that.”

Liverpool Hopes Now Rest On Firing Torres

AFTER another draw we are still left wondering if the class of 2009 really are the real deal or not; yes the draw specialists are resilient but have they really got that cutting edge to go on and win one or more trophies?

You can’t fault them in getting level in this game but once they pulled it back they seemed to drop down a gear.

To win trophies you need ability and desire in equal measures, some-times I really wonder if we have enough of the latter.

Now a tricky trip to Goodison awaits – on form we’ll be the underdogs.

What is clear is that as a defending unit, bar the last two goals against Everton, we are more or less there – full-backs may change but whoever starts in front of Pepe Reina are rock solid.

Martin Skrtel was especially excellent.

The zonal-marking debate will rage but Reina’s clean sheet record is a suitable retort.

Also clear is that the midfield don’t do enough to hurt the opposition.

I’m not going to get started on Dirk Kuyt, as after each game there is a power surge in the national grid due to the posts on Internet forums surrounding him.

But alongside him yesterday all we seemed to have was square and back passes, no attacking impetus at all.

What we are absolutely crying out for are central midfielders to burst into the box, wingers to take people on and whip in dangerous crosses.

At the start of the season I was licking my lips at the prospect of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Robbie Keane, Albert Riera and Ryan Babel in the same line-up. Now for various reasons this isn’t happening, but what it does show is that on form we have personnel.

That’s why I am backing Rafa to turn this around, the reason why we are so frustrated is that we know we have the team to win things, and Rafa has built it.

Our great hope now is that Torres can reproduce the form from last season as he edges closer to match fitness.

The hopes of a generation really do rest on his shoulders.

Liverpool Star Set For Everton Loan

As David Moyes carries on the search for new strikers to sign on loan, the latest name to come up is Liverpool's Robbie Keane.

Reports suggest that Everton are set to take Robbie Keane on loan for the remainder of the season from Liverpool.

The Ireland international striker has struggled to settle into his new home following his £20 million move from Tottenham Hotspur last summer.

The deal that has reportedly been offered to Everton is that they will take Keane on loan until the season finishes but the Reds will still pay the Irishman's wages.

An independent Everton fans' forum has reported that Toffees' boss David Moyes is on the lookout for more loan signings, and has also said that Keane has been offered to Everton on loan.

The 28-year-old has been left out of several squads by Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, and has only made 17 Premier League appearances this season, scoring five goals during that span.

Moyes has also been looking at Lokomotiv striker Peter Odemwingie. The Nigerian, who has been continually linked with the Liverpool-based club for the last year or so, could finally make the move to Goodison Park, possibly in a loan deal from the Russian Premier League side.

Liverpool Star Keane Off To Newcastle: Transfer Talk

Metro's Danny Griffiths digs deep to bring you all the latest transfer stories, rumours and gossip from around the country.

Newcastle United may be the shock destination for Robbie Keane after he has become a square peg in a round hole at Liverpool.

The Magpies need a big impact player to replace Michael Owen who appears set for a summer move to Manchester City.

And Keane, left out the FA Cup draw with Everton yesterday, is the type of energetic, high-octane player to excite the Toon Army if the Tyneside club steers clear of the relegation zone.

Newcastle may even strike while the iron is hot by making a move before the transfer window closes next Monday.

But Liverpool would have to swallow a significant loss on the £20m they paid Tottenham for the Republic of Ireland striker in the summer.

Keane, who stayed away from Anfield after he was not even given a place on the bench yesterday, faces a tough future.

It is difficult to see where he can go if he leaves Merseyside as he would not be a fit for Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal while Manchester City have just bought a replacement in Craig Bellamy and Everton do not have the cash.

Aston Villa may be interested but Liverpool would want to engineer a swap deal for Gareth Barry and that won't happen if Martin O'Neill's men qualify for the Champions League.

Villa would prefer to sign Daniel Sturridge from City and they are also interested in Eastlands midfielder Michael Johnson.

Spurs may welcome home the prodigal son but he has already shown he cannot play effectively alongside Jermain Defoe leaving Newcastle as his best bet if he is to leave his boyhood heroes and remain in the Premier League.

Manchester City star Robinho is back in town for showdown talks with manager Mark Hughes after his controversial exit from Tenerife training to fly home.

Chelsea will be watching developments closely and owner Roman Abramovich may sanction a move as he sends a signal to fans that he is still deeply in love with the club.

Tottenham remain busy with Sunderland's Pascal Chimbonda set to complete a £3m return to White Hart Lane if he passes a medical today.

It's a mystifying move as Spurs paid Rangers £8m for Alan Hutton last January and although he does not return from injury until April the hugely versatile Vedran Corluka has been an able deputy with Chris Gunter waiting in the wings.

Tottenham are also expected to complete the signing of Carlo Cudicini from Chelsea to provide cover for goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes and they could offer Mexican star Giovani Dos Santos for Brazilian forward Fred.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is ready to send Wales international midfielder Jason Koumas to Cardiff City for Joe Ledley but Fulham are also interested after selling Jimmy Bullard to Hull.

Meanwhile, back on Tyneside and Newcastle are interested in paying £4m for Celtic defender Stephen McManus but Joey Barton will not be moving to Portsmouth after they boosted their midfielder by signing Hayden Mullins from West Ham and Pele from Porto this morning.

Ruler Of Dubai Eyes Liverpool Again

Liverpool's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are seeing the value of the club fall ahead of difficult loan negotiations.

Dubai interests may again emerge as the main players in the battle to buy Liverpool. Speculation is growing in the Middle East that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, thought to have lost interest in the club last year as the credit crunch started to bite, may be preparing another move.

But if that does happen, it will only occur next summer, as sources close to the Sheikh argue that the price of the club is likely to keep dropping as the moment when loans with troubled Royal Bank of Scotland have to be renegotiated draws nearer.

Sheikh Maktoum is the ruler of Dubai and founder of Dubai International Capital, which was involved in lengthy and unsuccessful negotiations to buy the club last year.

The Sheikh then took on the potential takeover personally, but opted to pull out several months ago. However, with the intense rivalry between the Arab states over ownership of Premier League clubs, the Sheikh is again believed to be reviewing the situation.

It emerged last week that a Kuwaiti group, the oil-rich al-Kharafi family, were involved in talks – initially with Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks – over a potential buyout, plus the £400m financing of the club's proposed new stadium.

But the £600m asking price was considered too high and, following the amount of publicity the offer generated, it is now believed the consortium leader, Nasser Kharafi, has pulled out of negotiations.

A source close to the Middle East groups said: "The price was too high and the Kuwaitis were annoyed that their interest was leaked. Surely in the current climate, and with time running out on the Americans who must repay or re-finance their loan in July, nobody is going to buy Liverpool at this present time.

"The price drops with every passing day, and any prospective buyer would now wait until the summer before making a move. By then, the Americans would have to accept a much lower price – around £400m or lower."

That applies if the Americans fail to renegotiate their current deal, although there have been suggestions they still have hopes of achieving that. RBS was prepared to give them a six-month extension on that loan. But that was an existing deal, and they are highly unlikely to take on a new agreement with the Americans.

The source said: "With the government now having majority control of RBS, it would seem unlikely that Liverpool would be allowed a huge new loan while other businesses around the country are not."

Talks involving Liverpool's finance director, Philip Nash, and the commercial director Ian Ayre – along with high-level Hicks negotiators from Dallas – were held last week in London and the Middle East with the Kuwaitis.

But the £600m price was a sticking point, as were attempts by Hicks to continue as a minority shareholder. That looks to have brought him back into conflict with fellow owner George Gillett, who wants both Americans to leave on the same terms.

Reports of internal friction at Anfield have surfaced again, with the manager Rafael Benítez and the chief executive Rick Parry seemingly supporting different factions.

Last season it was Hicks who blocked the bid from DIC that was supported by Gillett – and now the co-owners appear to be at loggerheads again.

They will both be at next Sunday's home game against Chelsea, Hicks arriving a few days earlier in the hope of breaking the impasse over Benítez's new contract. Sheikh Maktoum and his Dubai associates, meanwhile, are watching and waiting.

Inter Milan Boss Mourinho Retracts 'Small Club' Jibe By Talking Up Liverpool's Title Credentials

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Liverpool possess 'everything they need' to claim the Barclays Premier League title this season.

Rafael Benitez's Reds sit second in league, level on points with leaders Manchester United but behind on goal difference having also played one game more.

While firmly in the title race, Liverpool have been guilty of squandering points at home to less-fancied opposition this season, but Mourinho, now the boss of Inter Milan, believes they can keep their championship challenge on track.

'It has been interesting watching Liverpool this season,' Mourinho wrote in the Sunday Telegraph.

'I think they have everything they need to win the title.

'I still can't understand why they didn't do it in the last four years. Why wouldn't they be able to do it this season? Of course they can.

'The manager is good, the players are good, the crowd is unique, the tradition of the club is big, so why can't they do it? I think they can.'

Mourinho warned, however, that the resumption of the Champions League at the end of next month could again be a distraction for the Anfield club.

'Usually it is when the Champions League starts that they lose their focus on the Premiership,' he continued. 'It was like this in previous years when they did very well in the Champions League but they lost too many points in the championship.

'They have already lost 10 points at home by drawing the kind of matches they used to win. Against Stoke, Fulham, West Ham, Hull and Everton it has been two points lost. So if you can imagine that they had those 10 points now, they would be top of the league.'

The Portuguese also played down the recent spat between Benitez and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

'As for these stories I read about Rafael Benitez and Alex Ferguson exchanging words, this is all part of the game,' he said.

'It is part of the fight you have to make to win a title, part of the pressure that managers try and put on other managers, clubs and structures to try to get an advantage.

'I think Benitez and Ferguson respect each other and both know they are contenders for the title. I don't think it is personal.'

Ballack: Chelsea Ready For Revenge In Liverpool

Chelsea travel to Liverpool on February 1 to take on a team desperate to improve their home form and stay shoulder-to-shoulder with Manchester United in the title race.

The Blues are already in danger of falling behind due to their indifferent record at Stamford Bridge, a trend that began when Xabi Alonso's deflected strike doomed the Londoners to their first league loss at home since 2004.

And so Michael Ballack is eager to ramsack Merseyside next weekend and give Chelsea's Premier League campaign a much-needed jumpstart.

"We know it’s difficult to win at Anfield but it’s not impossible," the German international said in The Sun.

"If we want to go back to the top, we have to win but Wednesday is the immediate focus.

"We have dropped too many points at home and we have to be careful.

"We’ve not had good performance this year against the big teams. That has to change if we are to win the title."

Chelsea currently sit third in the standings, two points behind Liverpool and one ahead of fourth-placed Aston Villa.

FA Cup Preview: LiverpooL vs. Everton

It’s ‘take two’ as Liverpool host Everton for the second time in the space of a week. The Reds couldn’t overcome their local rivals in league play, so they will be hoping to rectify that on Sunday.

Usually when Steven Gerrard scores the opener midway through the second half, it means victory for Rafael Benitez’s men. However, some slack marking, combined with Tim Cahill’s inimitable brilliance at set-pieces, saw 'Pool take only a single point from Monday’s derby date.

The result meant that Liverpool conceded top spot in the Premier League to their next fiercest rivals, Manchester United, whose win over Bolton Wanderers last weekend put them ahead in the title race on goal difference – with a game in hand to boot.

The giants of Anfield will be determined to set things right, although most would assume that Benitez and company would gladly swap an FA Cup triumph for three points in the league. However, the Spanish tactician is not underestimating the importance of the world’s oldest football tournament.

"The FA Cup is a massive competition," Rafa said. "It's very important for us and for the fans. We have great memories from 2006 and we want to repeat them."

Even though Liverpool are expected to rest several key players, the statistics are firmly in their favour as they prepare for their 210th meeting with Everton which is a record 21st pairing with their Merseyside nemeses in the cup.

The Toffees have not beaten the Kop kings on their (Liverpool’s) own patch since 1999, when Kevin Campbell struck to give the visitors a 1-0 league win. Furthermore, the Reds are unbeaten in the last five derbies and have only lost two of the previous 19.
Then there’s the Blues’ overall record in the FA Cup in recent years. They have not beaten top-flight opposition since 1999, when they downed Coventry City 2-1 in the fifth round, and they haven’t managed first-time away wins in both rounds three and four since 1968.

However, after scraping a point on Monday to stretch their unbeaten run to seven, albeit overshadowed by 'Pool’s 13 games without loss, the original residents of Anfield are aiming high, although they are well aware of the task which confronts them.

"I would like to win the Cup," said Everton manager David Moyes, "But there is a big obstacle in front of us and we need to overcome it before we can talk about winning the tournament."


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Jan 19 Liverpool 1-1 Everton (Premier League)
Jan 10 Stoke City 0-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
Jan 03 Preston North End 0-2 Liverpool (FA Cup)
Dec 28 Newcastle United 1-5 Liverpool (Premier League)
Dec 26 Liverpool 3-0 Bolton Wanderers (Premier League)

Everton

Jan 19 Liverpool 1-1 Everton (Premier League)
Jan 10 Everton 2-0 Hull City (Premier League)
Jan 03 Macclesfield Town 0-1 Everton (FA Cup)
Dec 28 Everton 3-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
Dec 26 Middlesbrough 0-1 Everton (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger have been the major injury concerns heading into this clash. The Spanish playmaker came out of Monday night feeling his sewn-up foot, while the Danish defender has been battling a calf strain. Nevertheless, both have shown progress in training and should be available.

Rafa the gaffer is expected to rest much of his first team, however, meaning Alonso could sit out regardless to make way for Javier Mascherano and/or Lucas Leiva. Andrea Dossena could get a chance at left-back, while Robbie Keane may get another shot in attack even after his lacklustre showing in the ‘first leg’, so to speak.

The boss has also been talking up Steven Gerrard’s performance on the training track, so the skipper is most definitely in the mix.

Possible XI: Cavalieri – Arbeloa, Agger, Hyypia, Dossena – Mascherano, Lucas – Benayoun, Gerrard, Babel – Keane/Torres


Everton

Nigerian stopper Joseph Yobo missed his fourth game on the trot on Monday, but he could return to the squad as he nears full recovery from a thigh problem.

Otherwise, Moyes is expected to use an identical starting line-up to the one which held the Reds only a matter of days ago.

Possible XI: Howard – Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines – Osman, Neville, Arteta, Pienaar – Anichebe, Cahill


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool

Ryan Babel has seen surprisingly little playing time this season, leading to questions about his long-term prospects under Benitez. But the Dutch forward should be given an opportunity against the Blues, and he’ll be determined to show that he’s worth a starting spot.

Everton

Tiny Tim Cahill earned his side a point on Monday with a trademark header, making him the first Evertonian since Dixie Dean to score in three Anfield derbies. The Australian midfielder sits on 99 career goals, and wouldn’t he love to rack up his ton on Sunday.

The Day The Magic Walked Out Of Anfield

Eighteen years have elapsed since Everton and Liverpool met in the FA Cup, but for Peter Beardsley, that rare specimen of a man revered on both sides of the Merseyside divide, it is not too late to set the record straight. The former England international admits he "cannot lose" when the rivals meet in the fourth round today. Back in 1991, however, he could not win.

There is hope at Liverpool, courted by Kuwaiti billionaires and finally ­presenting a genuine title challenge under Rafael Benítez, of a new era of prosperity at Anfield. Today's FA Cup encounter, though, revives memories of when something special undoubtedly ended. Liverpool did not lose just the tie when they last faced Everton in the FA Cup, they lost Kenny Dalglish and their authority over the English game went with him. Beardsley, though it may be hard to believe now, was cited as a principal cause.

Hindsight has brought perspective to the reasons for the Scottish manager's resignation two days after an epic 4-4 draw at Goodison Park, with Hillsborough and the exhaustion of 20 years as a talisman for Celtic then Liverpool chief among them. Yet the Liverpool rumour mill of the time concerned a dressing-room revolt over Beardsley's demotion behind David Speedie and Jimmy Carter, and a major clash with a striker Dalglish had enticed from Newcastle with the promise of his own No7 shirt.

Beardsley responded to a recall by scoring twice in that derby, then found himself cast as the villain of the piece in some quarters within 48 hours. Even 18 years later it is a transformation he struggles to comprehend. "I got the blame for a lot of what happened, which was wrong," the 48-year-old insists. "I never fell out with Kenny other than being devastated at being left out of the team. Kenny is a good friend. I got involved in his wife Marina's charity last year, we played in a charity game together against Celtic and Kenny played in my testimonial. If I had any problem with him I wouldn't have invited him. It is wrong for people to say we fell out.

"We lived next door to each other and Kenny and Marina were different class. In fact, Kenny was the one who told me to ask for more money when I was negotiating my move to Liverpool. I was going to ask for less than I eventually got. He told me I was the club's record signing at the time and so I should be asking for wages that reflected that. I would do anything for that man. The man is a genius."

Liverpool were training on Luton's plastic pitch on Friday 22 February 1991 when their ashen-faced manager announced his departure at Anfield. "We didn't have a clue it was coming," Beardsley admits. Dalglish has since revealed he regretted his decision within a fortnight and would have returned had an invitation arrived. "I needed the break, I needed the rest," the Scot said. "After two weeks I got what I needed and I'd have been ready to go back, but the phone never rang. No one ever asked me how I was doing or whether I'd reconsider and the club went on and appointed Graeme [Souness]."

Beardsley believes a more profound cause triggered Dalglish's departure from Liverpool. He explained: "I might be wide of the mark, but my own theory is he left because Hillsborough took its toll. Kenny went to at least half the funerals. I went to one. I am not embarrassed to say it, but I just couldn't cope. I went to one in Burnley with Kevin MacDonald and it was completely soul-destroying.

"What Kenny and Marina did at the time was unbelievable. They had three young kids of their own and did everything they could for everyone involved. I know he left two years later, but I think, in the end, everything caught up with him. He was going to as many funerals as he could. He went to Sheffield several times. He was sensational. I have never known a man do so much for so many people in such a short space of time. Kenny should be knighted for what he did after Hillsborough alone."

Liverpool were champions when Dalglish left although, as the signings of Speedie and Carter indicated, a painful transition had already commenced. One week after the manager's exit another Scottish mainstay, Alan Hansen, confirmed his retirement with a knee injury. With a brief exception under Roy Evans, and until this season's drive under Benítez, Liverpool have rarely threatened to capture their 19th title. It illustrates Dalglish's standing in the eyes of Beardsley that the Scot remains a reason for a 19-year drought.

"Kenny going had a far bigger impact on Liverpool than most people realise, certainly at the time," Beardsley says. "To be fair to Graeme Souness, he tried to the right thing, won the FA Cup and did OK in Europe, but it didn't work out for him. When you lose someone of Kenny's pedigree and personality from a club it takes a long time to recover. We had the same problem at Newcastle when we lost KK [Kevin Keegan] for the first time. Only when Bobby Robson came in did we recover.

"I don't think Liverpool have had a better chance of winning the league since than they have now."

Kenny Dalglish: I Was Waiting To Be Asked Back To Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish has spoken this week of the FA Cup derby which forced his shock leaving of Liverpool.

And he admitted he is disappointed he was never asked back.

Dalglish's decision to resign just 48 hours after the incredible 4-4 draw in 1991 was one of the most sensational stories in Anfield history.

Rumours and wild speculation spiralled around the city - but the truth was that the intense pressures of management left him in a position where he felt his head "was going to explode."

He quit on February 22, 1991.

Seven weeks later Graeme Souness was appointed manager.

But Dalglish admits he had regrets within weeks of standing down.

"Aye, I regretted leaving," he said.

"This game against Everton for Rafa and the boys has brought back to me a time, probably for the first time in my career, when things weren't the happiest for me.

"I needed the break, I needed the rest. After two weeks I got what I needed and I'd have been ready to go back, but the phone never rang.

"No-one ever asked me how I was doing or whether I'd reconsider returning and the club went on and appointed Graeme.

"I went on the Friday after the 4-4 draw and then Alan Hansen went the week after me.

"But two weeks later I was ready to get back to it. I needed the break, though.

"This is the first FA Cup game against Everton since 1991 and my resignation, so there's all sorts of memories and feelings floating to the surface."

Kenny admits that it was the 4-4 draw with Everton which convinced him he needed a break.

"I knew that night I had to go," he explained. "After we took the lead for the final time I was standing on the touchline and I knew that I had to make a change to shore things up at the back.

"I could see what had to be done and what would happen if I didn't do it, but I didn't act on what I knew I had to do. That was the moment I knew.

"The wife was busy planning my 40th birthday and I just came in that night and told her I was done. I needed the break. I was shattered and Marina was stunned.

"I never fell out of love with the game, even now I still love it and you get those pangs of regret and thoughts of what might have been.

"I just needed to get away from the pressure. The club did offer some sort of extended break, but I didn't know when we had that conversation how long I needed.

"If I'd asked for a week, then needed another, and another after that then how were the club going to contend with that?

"Who was going to take over for that time and what was going to happen to results with uncertainty hanging over the whole of Anfield?

"That's why I felt it was better to resign while I got my head together. Big Alan Hansen went the week after me, going because of an injury.

"I suppose that it was an injury that finished my own Liverpool career in the end.

"Big Al's injury was a physical one and mine was more of a mental injury. Mine was something that healed.

"Leaving Liverpool was the first decision I'd made in my life, in more than 20 years. That was for the good of Kenny Dalglish and the Dalglish family and not the football club.

"That's how momentous it was for me.

"I took the break and felt refreshed and more like my old self after just a couple of weeks. But no-one from Liverpool called.

"I thought, maybe, considering what I'd been through and what I'd given to the club - with the success we had enjoyed - that someone might have called to see how I was and whether a return might be possible.

"But the club had other ideas, clearly, and went in another direction.

"I understood, but Liverpool had been my life and parting was one of the hardest things I did."

"I ended up at Blackburn feeling maybe like I had a point to prove - to myself as much as anything."

Liverpool Need Not Walk Alone If They Can Win It Together

There is a theory among sports psychologists, bizarre as it may sound, that sometimes people just do not want to win. They are unwilling or not coached to go through the emotional pain and struggle it takes to prevail and cannot cope with the attention that challenging for a title brings. And so they find excuses as subconsciously they prefer the comfort zone of mediocrity where anonymity and safety reside.

It is most marked in individual sports, like tennis and golf, particularly these days when even lowly ranked players can make millions without ever winning anything. It can occur, though, in team games, too; sometimes to the collective and sometimes to a few members who can thus undermine the whole group. And, as we know in the modern Premier League, players can also make millions there without ever winning anything.

You have to wonder whether the dynamic is starting to apply to Liverpool. Ever since they hit the top of the table, there have been a series of events that render it more than coincidental that results tailed off and they ceded the leadership to Manchester United, who in the 19 years since Anfield last saw the title, have pulled to within one win of equalling their record of 18.

All seemed to be going well in December when the brinkmanship of their victories in autumn looked to have disappeared with heavy defeats of Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United.

Then came Steven Gerrard's Southport shenanigans, which are likely to hang over the club for the rest of the season with him being bailed on Friday until March 20, the week following Liverpool's confrontation with United at Old Trafford and the day before a game against Aston Villa.

To follow that, there was Rafael Benitez's berating of Sir Alex Ferguson for venturing to suggest that Liverpool might lose their nerve. Much of the conflict since has been internal but spilling out on to a public stage. Benitez wants full control of transfers before he signs a new contract, reopening his rift with chief executive Rick Parry. Daniel Agger is awaiting a contract offer, while Emile Heskey is allowed to slip through the net and join Aston Villa.

Amid it all, they have failed to profit from United's trip to Japan for the World Club Championship by drawing games they should have won. Now they face an in-form Wigan away in midweek before hosting Chelsea next Sunday.

Topping it all are yet more manoeuvring and machinations with the owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, as they court a buyer in the Kuwaiti billionaire Nasser Al-Kharafi.

Cue yet more glee at Old Trafford. Can Liverpool do anything more to sabotage themselves? From boardroom to boot room, it seems as if they need to ask themselves: Do we really want to win this?

If so, Hicks and Gillett, Parry and Benitez need to assemble for a meeting to set aside differences and renew their vows of silence. Benitez, 'surprised' at the ownership moves, needs to concentrate anew on instilling in the dressing room a winning mentality if the title is not to slip away.

Anfield has always housed the finest singers in the English game in its stands. Perhaps they could lend those inside the club their song sheets. That way, they might all be singing from the same ones.

Rafa Benitez Backs Mascherano To Return To Top Form

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has backed Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano to get back to his best form after suffering a slight lull in his performances this season.

Mascherano was arguably one of the Reds top performers last term, but he has only started six games this season after returning from the Beijing Olympic football tournament in the summer.

However, Benitez is not unduly worried and has backed the player to return to his imperious best soon.

"I think he is ready again after the Olympic Games," Benitez explained to the club’s official website.

"He said there was a difference and everyone could see that. But little by little he is getting better, the same as Ryan Babel.

"In training sessions you can see they, along with Fernando Torres and Martin Skrtel, are getting better.

The Spaniard continued, "When I use Mascherano depends on the games. Xabi Alonso was playing well this season so you try to keep the balance, and sometimes if you need a more offensive midfielder you can use Lucas or Steven Gerrard.

"But Mascherano is the perfect man for giving balance to any team in the world.

"Javier has not spoken to me about not playing as much at home, he is a very good professional and he knows he just has to train well."

Hamburg To Tempt Liverpool With Babel Offer

Bundesliga title hopefuls Hamburger SV have €20 million (£17m) burning a hole in their pockets following the sale of Nigel de Jong to Manchester City, and are reportedly eager to spend a good chunk of it on Ryan Babel.

The Dutch international winger-cum-striker is said to be unhappy at Anfield as he has been denied as much playing time as he would like to get. In 19 appearances so far this season, the versatile Dutchman has started only six matches, leading him to request a loan move next month - a request which Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez rejected.

If British tabloid The Daily Mirror are to be believed, Babel would like to play somewhere else and reports emanating from Germany suggest that HSV are willing to put up €14 million (£12m) to change Benitez's mind.

The 22-year-old speed demon joined the Anfield side in 2007 from AFC Ajax and delivered some top class performances, but has failed to find himself a regular place in the Reds starting XI as a result of his lack of consistency.

Ronaldo's A Show Off, Gerrard's The Best - Guud Hiddink

Tsar Hiddink believes his colleagues were fooled by hype, glamour and a fancy haircut when voting for the best player on the planet.

To most observers, Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo was the obvious choice for the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year award.

The Portuguese star netted 42 goals in all competitions as he helped the Red Devils champions of England and Europe, and even those - and there are many - who despise him as a person cannot overlook his footballing exploits of last year.

Russia boss Guus Hiddink, however, reckons the rest of the international game's coaches and captains were duped by the 23-year-old's flashy style and magazine-cover appearance.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is a good-looking footballer, he looks fit and, oh yes, his hair is always in place. But him winning the award is too much about glamour," Hiddink said in The Daily Mail.

Some have suggested that Lionel Messi could have pipped Ronaldo, due to his performances for Barcelona in the second half of the year and his success at the Olympics with Argentina last summer.

The Blaugrana sensation polled second in the award, though, while Fernando Torres took out third after a brilliant debut season with Liverpool.

But nor does Hiddink think either of these two young superstars deserved to be crowned the greatest player on the planet, for he believes Torres' skipper at Anfield should have got the nod.

"I very much preferred (Steven) Gerrard. He has superb technical and tactical qualities and I admire his spirit and attitude on the pitch," the Dutchman said.

"It has everything to do with his passion for the game and my passion for football. He is a player who fans can identify themselves with and a man who carries the love for his club on his club badge.

"There is not another player in the world who combines all those qualities. He is the type of player who appeals so much more to me than Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Of course, Ronaldo entertains the crowds and has great skills. But it is too much glamour and show. Gerrard, Barcelona's Xavi and Messi are not as much focused on themselves. They focus on the team."

No prizes for guessing who Hiddink's top three were, then.

Pennant Appeals To Milan

Jermaine Pennant admits there may have been contact with Milan for a summer switch and Emerson could switch to Portsmouth.

The former Liverpool winger bitterly blasted Rafa Benitez following his loan move to Portsmouth and confessed he was already looking to the future.

“I’m here for six months because I want regular football. It would be a great experience to play abroad and I’m not ruling it out,” said the 26-year-old international.

“It is weird I cannot get into Liverpool’s team but Real Madrid want me. It is very flattering to be linked with a club of their size because they are one of the best teams in the world.

“I did not speak to Madrid directly, but my agent may have done. I did not speak to Milan either, but again my agent may have.”

Pennant was signed from Birmingham in July 2006 for £6.7m, but has since been frozen out of the Reds squad by Benitez.

“It seems very strange to go from playing every week to training on my own on Saturday afternoons.

“But that is Rafa for you and I don’t think half the players at Liverpool can work him out.”

In the meantime, Pennant could be joined at Portsmouth by a Milan midfielder, as Sky Sport Italia claim there has been an approach for Emerson.

The former Roma, Juventus and Real Madrid star has struggled to find space in the Rossoneri side this season and is considering a loan spell in the Premier League.

It could well prompt his retirement, as Emerson’s contract expires at the end of the season.

Pennant - Rafa Confused Me

On-loan Portsmouth winger Jermaine Pennant has revealed that half the players at Liverpool do not understand boss Rafael Benitez.

The 26-year-old has switched Anfield for Fratton Park for the rest of the season after being frozen out of the Reds side.

Pennant had been limited to just five games for Liverpool this term, a stark contrast to 25 he notched up last season and the former Arsenal and Birmingham man has even trained alone during match days this campaign.

After remaining tight-lipped about his torrid time in Merseyside until now, Pennant has claimed many of the Liverpool players struggle to get to grips with the thinking of tactician Benitez.

Pennant, who is line to make his Pompey debut in front of the home fans in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Swansea, told the Daily Express: "I felt like my career was rotting away at Liverpool.

"I found it strange that I had been linked with a move to both Real Madrid and AC Milan, but couldn't even get on the Liverpool bench.

"Some people were asking me why I was not getting a sniff, even on the bench. But Rafa was the manager, and had his team, so I suppose I could not have a lot of argument.

"I don't know what it is between him and me really, but I have to say half the players at Liverpool can't seem to work him out."

Pennant, whose Liverpool contract runs out this summer, accepts his Reds career may be finished, but the right-winger is looking forward to being valued at Pompey.

"Rafa didn't speak to me very much. I think the last time was in 2006... only joking," Pennant said.

"Seriously, though, he hardly ever spoke to me apart from saying, 'Good morning, how are you?' and I sensed I might not have a future at the club.

"I was training on my own on a Saturday when the rest of the boys were playing and you can only put up with that for a certain amount of time before you have to decide what to do.

"I don't know if foreign managers don't like the mentality of English players and the way we work.

"Peter Crouch was moved on, and now I have. You can't really knock Benitez because he has won the Champions League and a load of other trophies, but I wasn't part of his plans and it will be nice to be appreciated again."

Pennant is now relishing the prospect of resurrecting his career at Portsmouth, where he believes boss and former Gunners team-mate Tony Adams will get the best out of him.

He added: "Tony is just the same as when we were together at Arsenal, that's the great thing about him. He is just like one of the players, and it's easy to forget he's the gaffer."

Parry And Thrust Wound Liverpool

Liverpool go into today’s FA Cup derby against Everton with Rick Parry’s position as their chief executive under threat again after a further deterioration in his relationship with co-owner Tom Hicks.

Last April, Parry survived an attempt by Hicks to oust him and for a while the issue seemed to settle down, but fresh discontent has surfaced. Hicks is due on Merseyside this week and has signalled that top of his agenda is talking to Rafael Benitez about the concerns that led Benitez to abandon talks about extending his contract.

It is thought Benitez will express reservations about Parry’s ability to conclude transfers – over which he is seeking total control – possibly adding to Hicks’s unhappiness.

Parry has been able to survive because of support from George Gillett, who, like Hicks, owns 50% of Liverpool, but Gillett is believed to be eager to sell his stake, whereas Hicks would like to stay on the board with a reduced shareholding. That would be disastrous for Parry but welcomed by Benitez, whose relations with Hicks are cordial.

While reports of a £500m buyout of Liverpool by Nasser Al Kharafi, a Kuwaiti billionaire, are premature, it is believed Hicks’s representatives have been sounding out potential investors about buying some of his stake and/or relieving Gillett of his 50%. Philip Nash, Liverpool’s finance director, has been in the Middle East this week to seek funding for the club’s proposed £350m new stadium, but the possibility of buying club shares has been discussed with would-be backers.

Hicks and Gillett, who bought Liverpool for £218m in 2007, have a £350m loan from the Royal Bank of Scotland, an extension to which expires in July, and the pair are under pressure to either sell out or acquire fresh finance before then. Al Kharafi, who was close to buying Liverpool last year, denies being in talks about a takeover but investing in the club or its new stadium has not been ruled out.

Benitez is refusing to be drawn on Liverpool’s ownership issues, repeating in his Friday press conference, “my concern is Everton”, but confirmed he is to meet Hicks and is thought to be open to restarting contract talks – providing there are signs he will get his way over transfers.

Today’s match will be the 21st FA Cup clash between Liverpool and Everton – on the 107th anniversary of the first – making it the most-played fixture in the 137-year-old competition. “It was disappointing not to beat Everton [in Monday’s league derby] and good we play them again so soon,” said Liverpool’s Sami Hyypia. Everton’s Phil Jagielka said: “Our game plan will be the same as Monday. When we haven’t got the ball we’ll look to make it difficult for them. The draw wasn’t kind. Liverpool away isn’t the kind of tie you’d pick on purpose but it wouldn’t be a big upset if we win.”

Liverpool Co-Owner Tom Hicks Broadens Search For Anfield Buyer

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks's search for a buyer for the club has not been confined to discussions with Kuwaiti businessman Nasser Al Khafiri.

Although Hicks declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations with the Al Khafiri family, it has become clear that the Texan has been conducting an increasingly desperate search for new investment since Christmas.

Hicks dispatched Liverpool's finance director Philip Nash to Kuwait this week to continue talks with the Al Khafaris, but The Daily Telegraph understands that he and Ian Ayre, the club's commercial director, have held talks with several other potential investors since the turn of the year.

Nash has been mandated by Hicks to talk to potential buyers alongside investment bank Merrill Lynch.

At least one European investor is thought to be interested in a potential purchase, and Gillett has appointed his own bankers, Rothschilds, to help with the search.

Hicks's intention is to find an investor to buy Gillett's 50 per cent stake and to pump money into the proposed £350 million move from Anfield to a new stadium.

It is thought Gillett is anxious to sell but Hicks is determined to remain on the board himself, perhaps with a reduced holding.

Sources insist that Gillett had been involved in the negotiations.

It remains to be seen if talks with the Al Khafaris continue following the revelation of their involvement. The family was close to a deal with the Americans in July last year but walked away suddenly.

The Al Khafiri family issued a statement last night denying they were in talks to buy Liverpool.

But the statement did not rule out the possibility that they were interested in taking a large stake in the club or investing in plans for the club's new ground.

Dalglish: Why I Quit After Last Cup Derby

Kenny Dalglish has revealed how a moment in the last FA Cup Merseyside derby made him realise it was time to walk away from the club he had served so well throughout an illustrious career.

Eighteen years have passed since the fateful night in March 1991 where the Reds drew 4-4 with the Blues in a Cup replay now firmly etched in derby folklore.

The local rivals not only produced one of the finest games in the competition's history, but it proved to be the Scot's final match in charge as Liverpool manager.

The Reds legend stunned the football fraternity after announcing his resignation as the dust was still settling on one of the greatest derbies in living memory.

Dalglish told the official LFC magazine: "I knew that night that I had to go. After we took the lead for the final time, I was standing on the touchline and I knew that I had to make a change to shore things up at the back.

"I could see what had to be done, and what would happen if I didn't do it, but I didn't act on what I knew I had to do. That was the moment I knew.

"The wife was busy planning my 40th birthday, and I just came in that night and told her I was done. I needed the break. I was shattered and Marina was stunned.

"I never fell out of love with the game, even now I still love it and you get those pangs of regret and thoughts of what might have been.

"Leaving Liverpool was the first decision I'd made in my life, in more than 20 years, that was for the good of Kenny Dalglish and the Dalglish family, and not the football club."

Having come to terms with the end of his own reign in the Liverpool hotseat, Dalglish is now a firm supporter of the current regime and would love nothing more than seeing Rafa Benitez lead the Reds to Wembley.

"I'd love to see Rafa leading Liverpool out of the tunnel at Wembley for the first time. Hell, I'd love to play in the game myself," added the 57-year-old.

"I've got great memories of playing there. It's a competition that we've done well in in the past and it's a ground where we have had some tremendous results.

"I've never even been to Wembley since it was re-done and it would be great for me personally to go back to watch Steven lead the teams out."

King Kenny admits to being bemused by the mentality of some clubs that see the FA Cup as a distraction.

"For me, it's a crying shame," he said. "I'm a Cup romantic and I love the competition. It's just so different to when we played.

"Maybe it's because I'm not in the game that I see it this way. If I was involved on a day to day basis and saw a club's bottom line and budget I'd understand it better.

"But all I care about is Liverpool. Rafa doesn't seem to care about prioritising his competitions too much - if there's a trophy to be won then the Liverpool boss will push his team towards it.

"That's the Liverpool way."

Kuwaiti Group Deny Liverpool Takeover Rumours

The Middle East investment arm representing Kuwaiti billionaire Nasser Al-Kharafi have moved today to disassociate themselves from suggestions that they are trying to buy Liverpool.

The move has come following speculation originating from English tabloid The Sun claiming that Liverpool's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are currently in discussions with Nasser Al-Kharafi regarding a potential mega-money takeover.

"We have not conducted any negotiations," insisted Jassem al-Kharafi, elder brother of the Group's chairman Nasser al-Kharafi.

"The Group has no plans to buy any sports club."

Kharafi Group vice president Loay al-Kharafi underscored the statement released to the press by insisting that the reports emanating from the British press are "not correct".

Al-Kharafi, ranked as the 46th richest man in the world, was linked with a takeover at Newcastle United last October, and his cousin held buy-out talks with Hicks earlier in the year.

Liverpool Fans Divided On Takeover Talks

Liverpool fans have responded with mixed emotions to news of takeover talks with one of the wealthiest families in Kuwait.

Some supporters are concerned that Tom Hicks' decision to open discussions with representatives of the Al-Kharafi family could lead to further off the field strife.

While the obvious appeal of having vast amounts of cash in the bank is welcomed, with one fan excitingly commenting "let's buy Kaka" on one of the club's unofficial messageboards, the fear of 'doing a Manchester City' is a concern for other supporters.

"I really hope something good comes of this," redfishman7 says on the redandwhitekop.com forum. "I don't want us to be in the stupid situation that City have found themselves in."

Gazzam1963 does not share his fellow supporters' concerns. He says: "The problem with City is they have all this cash to spend but no prospects for a couple of years.

"Liverpool are one of the top European sides with fantastic history, top of the league, Champions League every year so we are a different prospect to City."

Other Reds supporters see it as a chance to finally get rid of American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, whose rocky relationship has caused no end of problems for manager Rafa Benitez.

"Hope some good comes of this, but I doubt it will," Virginia Plain says. "Hicks is too much of a greedy b-----d and he doesn't know when to quit."

Rafa 'Surprised' By Takeover Talk

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has admitted his surprise at talk of a possible takeover at Anfield.

Widespread reports on Friday suggested the club were in discussions with Kuwaiti billionaire Nasser Al-Kharafi about possible investment in the Anfield outfit.

Benitez insists he knows nothing about the takeover rumours and is only concentrating on this weekend's FA Cup clash with Everton.

"I was surprised by what I saw in the press this morning, but I've just been focusing on getting my team prepared," said Benitez.

The Reds have been quiet in the transfer market so far and Benitez admits he is unlikely to do any business before the window closes.

"No we are not doing anything. We have received some phone calls about young players on loan but not really senior players because we need everyone for winning the title.

"I did not this opportunity because I have a lot of confidence in my squad so we were not looking for players we just want keep the people here happy and focused on games."

Asked if he would make any signings, Benitez added: "It would be difficult so I don't think so. We are not looking for players."

Why Liverpool FC Owners Want A Takeover

Moves to sell Liverpool to one of Kuwait’s richest families have been prompted by the need of the club’s American owners to find a buyer by July.

That is when the £350m loans owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett took on when they bought the club two years ago must be refinanced.

The duo been actively searching for a new owner for months, but it is understood they have been made aware that the Royal Bank of Scotland will not refinance the original loan in the summer.

That loan was extended for six months at the beginning of the year, but a source close to the deal said: "Hicks has been told time is running out, the clock is ticking."

It has emerged that Hicks sanctioned talks this week with the Al-Kharafi family, initially over funding for the club’s new stadium but then for a possible £500m takeover.

Gillett is thought to have been initially unaware of the talks, held with the club’s commercial director Ian Ayre and financial director Phillip Nash.

Both are allies of Hicks in the on-going war between the club’s owners.

The source added: "Hicks knows that RBS will not re-finance the original deal."

Gillett, who wanted to sell to Dubai international capital last season only to be thwarted by Hicks, is understood not to be planning to block this current move in retaliation.

The Americans know they must find a buyer or a new financial arrangement with another bank, or see RBS take control themselves.

In the current climate no other bank is likely to be interested, while RBS’s involvement in control of Liverpool would also put the Government in a difficult decision considering they now own a majority stake.

The source added: "Hicks has been trying to sell his assets, and that is believed to include Texas Rangers, while Gillett has cut back on his NASCAR involvement.

"Liverpool was almost sold to the Al-Kharafi family in November, it only needed a signature, but they walked away. Hicks is believed to have been furious."

The Al-Kharafi family’s wealth is estimated at £8bn.

The family are led by two brothers, Nasser and Jassem, but the planned purchase of Liverpool is likely to be a project overseen by one of their sons.

The family made their fortune from a variety of enterprises, including construction, banking, engineering, telecommunications and fast food.

Nasser is a highly successful businessman who runs MA Kharafi & Sons, which oversees the family’s interests, while Jassem is an influential politician who has served for the past nine years as the speaker in the Kuwait National Assembly.

Hicks and Gillett bought the club for £218.9m in February 2007, but their regime has seen constant problems behind the scenes.

The new stadium development has been stopped and there is an on-going conflict between boss Rafael Benitez and chief executive Rick Parry, which has become public again during the negotiations over the manager’s new contract.

Benitez wants more power over transfers, curtailing Parry’s influence in that area.

Rafa Benitez Warns Juventus Over Liverpool Star Dirk Kuyt Insisting The Dutchman Will Not Be Leaving Anfield

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has hinted Dirk Kuyt will not be leaving Anfield for Juventus.

The Dutchman had been linked with a move to the Serie A giants with reports in Italy suggesting the club were willing to spend around £30m to get his signature.

But Benitez, talking to the media ahead of Sunday's FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Everton, insists he does not want any 'senior player' leaving Anfield during the January transfer window.

And that would suggest Kuyt's immediate future remains on Merseyside as Benitez wants his more experienced players to end Liverpool's 19-year title wait.

He said: 'We are not doing anything in the transfer window.

'We are just waiting, we are receiving phone calls about our younger players going out on loan but not senior players because we need them to help us win the title.'

Babel Eyeing FA Cup Start

Ryan Babel is hoping he will get the chance to play against Everton in Sunday's FA Cup derby and help the Reds make amends for Monday night's disappointing draw by reaching the fifth round.

Rafael Benitez has already revealed he will make one or two changes to his team for the second Merseyside derby in a week, and the Dutch international is hoping he will be given the chance to impress.

Babel played the full 90 minutes in the third round win over Preston North End and admits everyone in the squad is determined to put things right after Everton's late equaliser on Monday.

"That was very frustrating for everybody and maybe it wasn't the best performance from us, but we have this FA Cup tie on Sunday which gives us a chance to play better and win the game," said Babel.

"We felt we would go on to win the game after Stevie scored a nice goal but it was disappointing to concede such a late goal.

"Everybody was disappointed in the dressing room after the game and it was very quiet. Sammy Lee spoke to us about the positive things and the fact we can put things right on Sunday, and he got our confidence up. Sammy is very important for us and he always lifts everybody.

"This will be a different game on Sunday and hopefully I will get the chance to play and help us win the game.

"We can talk a little bit about revenge maybe and we want to improve our performance and get a better result.

"I enjoy playing in the derby. I knew about the Merseyside derby when I was in Holland but when you talk about the level of both teams I think we are much better than them.

"Liverpool also has a big rivalry with Manchester United but we know how special this game is for the supporters.

"Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher also make us aware of just how important this match is and we are ready for Sunday."

The Reds number 19 is hoping Liverpool can go all the way in the FA Cup this season with the prize of playing at Wembley.

"I have never played there, so it would be great to play at Wembley," he said. "Hopefully we can keep doing well and go all the way.

"Last season was my first at Liverpool but we didn't win any prizes, so hopefully this season we can achieve something special. I believe we will win something - everybody has that belief."

The former Ajax winger recently lifted the lid on a chat in which the gaffer outlined areas he needed to improve to gain regular first-team football.

Babel is confident he can respond over the coming months and play a part in Liverpool's quest for big prizes.

"I know what I have to do and I will continue to work hard and try and be a regular in the first team," said Babel.

"I like the competition for places as it's good for your development when you have to fight for your place.

"I'm still 22 and I have a long career ahead of me. I know I am good enough and I will try and get a regular place in the starting XI."

Arbeloa: Kids Keeping Us On Our Toes

Alvaro Arbeloa believes there is a new generation of Liverpool players in the club's youth ranks ready to keep him and his teammates on their toes.

Youngsters like Emiliano Insua, Stephen Darby, Jay Spearing and Martin Kelly have established themselves in the first-team squad this season, and Arbeloa recognises the importance of developing young talent as well as splashing the cash on established stars.

He doesn't think it will be long before the talented crop of youngsters are pushing the senior players for a regular berth in the first XI.

"It's important that the young players at Liverpool are training with the first team as is happening now," the 25-year-old told the official LFC Magazine.

"They are improving and they are getting their chances in the first team.

"The development of Darby, Spearing, Plessis and Kelly is crucially important for Liverpool.

"You cannot buy players every transfer window. You must bring some of your own players through from within to maintain a healthy balance.

"We have got some very good young players here at this club and it would not surprise me at all if they began to force their way into the squads in the next year or so.

"It's good news for everybody."

The Reds defender was in a similar position when he was on the books at the Bernabeu and understands the pressures on emerging talent at a club like Liverpool.

"When I was a Real Madrid player I was in the same situation as they are," said Arbeloa.

"It is not easy trying to force your way into the games but if you have a good attitude, you work hard every day in training and are aware of the areas of your game that you need to strengthen, and work towards doing that, then you can do it."

Now a senior pro, Arbeloa knows he will have to retain the consistency he has shown in the first half of the season to keep his place.

"You anticipate competition for your place at Liverpool. It is good for the health and future of the club. No-one can be too confident about their place in the team," he said.

"You always have to play at a high level. I know that Darby is going to join Philipp Degen when he is fit and both of them will push me hard for my position."

Rafa Benitez Backing Steven Gerrard To Focus

Steven Gerrard is expected to lead Liverpool out in tomorrow’s derby with Rafael Benitez confident his skipper will not be affected by his court appearances.

Gerrard appeared in front of North Sefton magistrates yesterday charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray following an altercation at a bar in Southport last month.

The case was adjourned until Friday, March 20, 2009 when Gerrard will be one of three men due to appear before a judge at Liverpool crown court.

Gerrard was then driven straight to training at Melwood, as Liverpool prepare to entertain Everton for the second time in six days tomorrow afternoon, and the 210th time overall, in their FA Cup fourth round tie.

Gerrard netted Liverpool’s goal in Monday’s 1-1 draw with their Merseyside rivals, and Benitez has revealed the captain has shown no adverse reaction from his off-field pressures.

“The court appearance won’t have any bearing on team selection,” said the Anfield manager. “Steven was training really well. He was playing five-a-side at the end and scored two or three goals and was okay.

“I don’t think that he is affected by what’s going on. Steven is in the right frame of mind. We were talking and I asked how everything was, and he said it was okay. It was a normal training session.

“He has shown in the past few weeks what a fantastic professional he is and I think he will do the same now. He has our full support and he knows this.”

Gerrard’s next scheduled court appearance is sandwiched by a trip to league leaders Manchester United and a home game against fellow title rivals Aston Villa.

And Benitez said: “If the team continues playing well, we won’t see any problem if he is still focused on football.

“How can we guarantee he will be okay in that time? We just need to keep him fit and playing well, and it will be easier for me.”

While Gerrard is almost certain to start, Benitez is likely to make a raft of changes from the side that played on Monday.

“The players are training really well. We have a lot of options, and they are all good options. I cannot guarantee which team I will play. I will change some players but I don’t know how many yet.

“We will try to win, which players will play depends on if the players are ready or not and if we can manage and keep the balance. It’s clear we want to beat Everton.”

Liverpool were yesterday linked with a possible takeover by Kuwaiti billionaire businessman Nasser Al Kharafi, with current co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett keen to dilute their share in the club.

But Benitez said: “I was really surprised this morning with the news. I cannot say anything as I am preparing for the game. That’s it for me. The most important thing for me now is to prepare the game.”

Benitez also sidestepped questions over how possible new ownership at Anfield could impact on his contract talks and said: “We can only think about Everton. The training session was really good.

“The atmosphere on the training ground is very good, the players are really focused and ready for the next game. I’m sure you will ask me about this again, and I’ll just say the same thing.

“In my mind I don’t see us losing to Everton, I am always positive.”

Transfer target Emile Heskey has moved to Aston Villa, and Benitez admitted: “I don’t think we will do anything in the window now. We need to have confidence in our squad and keep going.”

Benitez: Players Must Stay Focused

Liverpool's FA Cup showdown at home to Everton on Sunday will be overshadowed by yet another potential takeover saga at Anfield, but boss Rafael Benitez wants his players to concentrate only on the job in hand.

With the club's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett reportedly involved in talks with the super-rich Kuwaiti Al Kharafi family, it could prove a major distraction to the task of overcoming Everton in the fourth-round tie.

Benitez, however, wants his players to concentrate on producing the right reaction to Monday's disappointing 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw with Everton at Anfield.

The Spaniard, who insists skipper Steven Gerrard is in the right frame of mind to play despite his court appearance yesterday, said: "It is always important that you respond well if you suffer a disappointment and this is what has happened in training this week.

"I have been really pleased with the last two training sessions we have had because the attitude of the players has been really positive.

"We have been analysing Monday night's game and we know that we made some mistakes. So we will try to adjust the small details that can make such a big difference.

"But it is important to remember that we drew on Monday night, we did not lose the game, and we have not lost any game for more than two months.

"There are a lot of positives and now we must try to build on them in the second half of the season."

He added: "We were not playing to our level on Monday night, we know that. But we still could have won the game and had it not been for a mistake with just a few minutes to go we would have done.

"This means that if we play the way we know we can then clearly we must have a good chance of winning the cup tie. Obviously it will be tough because it is another derby but I have a lot of confidence that the team will do well."

It had been rumoured that Benitez would rest his skipper following the adjourned court hearing, in which the 28-year-old confirmed he intends to plead not guilty to charges of affray and assault.

But Benitez said: "Steven was working as normal in training and he was scoring goals and you could see the spirit was there that he always has.

"Steven is in the right frame of mind. I have watched him in training and he is fine.

"He scored a few goals in five-a-side and he is very positive and okay for the match.

"He showed the other week that he has a responsibility to the fans and the club.

"He is a very good professional and showed he can concentrate on the job. And he knows that he has our full support."

Benitez brushed aside takeover talk, adding: "I knew nothing of this and I was surprised to see what is being said, but I would prefer to train the team and concentrate on the game with Everton."

Pennant Rues Treatment By Benitez

Jermaine Pennant is looking forward to kicking off his Portsmouth career in today's FA Cup clash with Swansea after claiming being English made it hard for him to win favour with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

Former teenage prodigy Pennant, 26 last week, arrived at Pompey on a six-month loan deal after finding himself out in the cold at Anfield since October. Although he joined Arsenal for a £2million fee from home-town club Notts County ten years ago and became their youngest player in a competitive match at just over 16, he was rarely given a chance by manager Arsene Wenger.

Pennant had loan spells at Watford and Leeds before joining Birmingham City who sold him to Liverpool for £6million in 2005 where he forced his way into a star-studded team and played in a Champions League final.

But this season, after coming back from a broken leg, Pennant made just three starts for the Reds – the last in a 1-0 win over Portsmouth in their new manager Tony Adams' first match in charge – and claims he was a victim of Benitez's preference for foreign talent. He said: "I don't know what it is with me and Rafa. He knows I've got the ability and that I'm capable of playing in his team.

"But when you find yourself suddenly training on your own – when all the other boys are out there – and it's just a couple of years after playing in a Champions League final, you've got to wonder where you are going. A lot of people at Liverpool told me they can't understand why I've not even been given a sniff of a chance even on the bench, and I don't know either because I played 34 games last season and suddenly I can't get in."

Pennant said he felt his career was "rotting away" in Liverpool's reserves and that he simply had to review his options. "I've come here to Portsmouth to do a job for them and when my contract is finished in July then the world's my oyster," he said.

"I don't think Liverpool will be watching or coming back for me. All I've said to Rafa in the last couple of seasons is 'Good morning' and things like that, but you can't knock him. It's his team and he's won plenty of trophies, including the Champions League. But it does look as if, apart from the obvious ones, you stand a better chance of being in the team there if you are a foreigner."

Pennant's availability today is a boost for Adams, particularly after a scan revealed that Croatia midfielder Niko Kranjcar has torn a groin muscle and is likely to be out long term.

Liverpool In Takeover Talks With Kuwaiti Billionaire

According to The Sun, Liverpool are currently in discussions with Kuwaiti tycoon Nasser Al-Kharafi regarding a potential mega-money takeover.

The British tabloid claims that the Reds have sent over a delegation to kick off talks which could see the club's current co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, sell their stakes for £400 million.

Although things have settled down in recent times, the American business-partners' reign at Anfield has been swamped with controversy after controversy.

The Kopites are still furious that Hicks and Gillett broke their promise not to pile debt upon the club, not to mention their inability to drum up the funds for a new stadium at Stanley Park.

Furthermore, the pair's relationship with manager Rafael Benitez has always been terse at best, and their constant disputes over transfer dealings have caused considerable unrest within the club.

Thus, a change in ownership would suit all parties concerned: the Hicks and Gillett would cash in and move out, much to most fans' delight, while Benitez should get the cash cow he always wanted.

For Al-Kharafi's fortune is much vaster than the current owners', weighing in at around £12 billion, and he is ranked as the 46th richest man in the world.

Al-Kharafi was linked with a takeover at Newcastle United last October, and his cousin held buy-out talks with Hicks earlier in the year.

Liverpool Goalkeeper Pepe Reina Respects Reserve Stopper Cavalieri

The Spanish goalkeeper has no complaints if Liverpool's reserve stopper is favoured for the FA Cup once more.

São Paulo shot-stopper Diego Cavalieri signed for Liverpool last summer in a deal reported to involve a £3 million fee.

In his six-year career at previous club Palmeiras he accumulated over a century of first-team appearances despite his relatively young age for a first-choice goalkeeper.

He is held in high esteem by the Liverpool management as he was awarded Jerzy Dudek's old jersey number: 1.

Spanish glovesman Pepe Reina expects the Brazilian to guard goal in the fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend. He insists that he wishes it was he who would be playing, but would have few complaints if he was overlooked for the starting role.

"I would like to play - I would be lying if I didn't say that - but I think Diego deserves it," Reina told the club's official website.

"I have a lot of respect for what he is doing. Diego played a great game against Preston in the last round of the FA Cup.

"It is not easy when you are not playing regularly, but he works really hard and is a great professional."

Cavalieri has been favoured in the cup competitions thus far this season.

Reina though will reflect on good memories in the FA Cup, having been a key member of the thrilling West Ham United 3-3 final in 2006; a game that was eventually settled on penalties.

Liverpool FC Won't Rotate Fernando Torres

Rafael Benitez is ready to throw Fernando Torres straight back into derby battle – despite admitting he will rotate his Liverpool squad for Sunday’s FA Cup tie.

The Anfield manager is expected to make a raft of changes for the home fourth round clash against neighbours Everton.

However, Torres is almost certain to retain his place in attack after making his first start since November in Monday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Anfield against their Merseyside rivals.

The Spaniard enjoyed an 85-minute run-out in which only the width of the post prevented him from scoring in a third successive derby.

And Benitez said: “I was impressed with him on Monday.

“It is not easy to play in a derby when it is so intense. He was exhausted at the end but he did well.

“He is very close to full fitness – now it’s just about getting match fitness. He needs to play games.

“You know a striker needs to play games and be in front of the goal a few times. That’s the key – getting the confidence. The more chances you get the more likely you are to start scoring goals. Hopefully he can score this weekend.”

While Torres seems likely to stay in attack, the likes of Diego Cavalieri, Andrea Dossena, Lucas Leiva, Javier Mascherano, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun are hopeful of a recall.

Alvaro Arbeloa and Daniel Agger will also be considered if they recover from their respective hamstring and calf problems, and Benitez accepts he has one eye on the Premier League clash against Wigan Athletic three days later.

“We have plenty of time before the game but we have to think about Wigan and Chelsea,” said the Spaniard. “Anyway, I think we have enough quality in the squad.”

Liverpool were three minutes away from a fourth successive derby triumph when, after Benayoun fouled Victor Anichebe, Tim Cahill headed in from Mikel Arteta’s free-kick.

Benitez has warned against a repeat on Sunday, and said: “We had to be careful and not commit silly fouls, and then after we had to defend the set-piece.”

Reds Must Stop Blunders

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has told his players they must cut out the sort of mistakes that cost the Reds two valuable points in the Merseyside derby.

There will be a re-run for Liverpool against Everton on Sunday, this time in the FA Cup fourth round, but the pain of conceding a late goal in Monday's Barclays Premier League draw is still felt at Anfield.

Benitez blamed two mistakes - first Yossi Benayoun conceding a needless free-kick in a dangerous position, and then the Liverpool defence giving Tim Cahill a free run to score with a header.

The Liverpool manager told his club's official website: "We have talked about both things. We had to be careful and not commit silly fouls, and then after we had to defend the set-piece.

"Okay, we made the mistake - and maybe we can learn from it for the future.

"Clearly we have talked about this. The players realise we have to improve. But we are not conceding too many goals, and it is always going to seem worse when you concede such an important goal in a derby.

"We work on these things every week, practising set-pieces for and against."

Benitez hinted he is likely to rotate his squad, especially with league games against Wigan and Chelsea to follow. Fernando Torres is likely to begin again against Everton.

"We have to think about Wigan and Chelsea," added the manager.

"Anyway, I think we have enough quality in the squad [to rotate].

"I was impressed with Torres on Monday. It is not easy to play in a derby when it is so intense. He was exhausted at the end but he did well.

"He is very close to full fitness - now it's just about getting match fitness. He needs to play games.

"You know a striker needs to play games and be in front of the goal a few times. That's the key - getting the confidence. The more chances you get the more likely you are to start scoring goals. I hope he can score this weekend."

Reds Agree To Brouwer Move

Liverpool have allowed Jordy Brouwer to join Dutch outfit RKC Waalwijk on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old forward has moved to Holland after Reds manager Rafa Benitez agreed he should be offered the opportunity of first-team experience.

And having returned to Holland, Brouwer - who signed at Anfield from Ajax in January 2007 - is hoping to help Waalwijk earn promotion from the Jupiler League.

"I am happy RKC Waalwijk have given me the chance to play," Brouwer told the club's official website.

"I hope I can play a role in a possible promotion to the Eredivisie."

Brouwer has represented Holland at Under 19 level and was a key member of Liverpool's reserve side which won the title in 2007/08.

Paul Anderson Wants To Play A Role At Liverpool FC

As Merseyside football braces itself for another showdown, one Liverpool player is preparing for a Cup derby of a different kind tonight.

Paul Anderson will step out for Nottingham Forest at Derby County in the other significant local spat in the FA Cup fourth round.

The 20-year-old has been earning rave reviews at the City Ground since signing on a season-long loan from Anfield in the summer.

After overcoming a thigh injury that delayed his debut until October, Anderson has been a regular starter, first under Colin Calderwood and then new manager Billy Davies, who assumed the reins earlier this month.

Anderson played the full 90 minutes of Forest’s shock 3-0 win at Manchester City in the third round, and was a goalscorer in Saturday’s 2-0 triumph over Plymouth that moved them clear of the relegation zone.

And Anderson says: “I’m really enjoying it at Forest and now I’m starting every game since coming back from injury. I can play on either wing but I’m on the right wing mainly.

“I think I’m doing all right at the moment but I don’t think I’m playing as well as I have been the last couple of years. I’m still getting my fitness back, but in terms of my ability I know I can do better.”

Of the City game, Anderson adds: “It was a great day. It was nice to beat a club from the Premier League and especially one that’s the richest club in the world.

“Playing against City was a great experience for me, because as a young player you want to impress against those kind of teams because that’s hopefully the level you will end up playing at. Now we’ve got Derby, and that will be an even bigger game for us.
“I’ve only been here a few months but I know all about how important this game is for our supporters. I played at Derby earlier in the season and the atmosphere was very hostile, their supporters were really against us.”

Having been signed by Liverpool from Hull City as a 17-year-old in January 2006, the nearest Anderson has come to a first-team appearance is as an unused substitute in the Champions League defeat at home to Benfica two months later.

The youngster spent last season on loan at Swansea City, helping the Welsh side to win the League One championship.

Swansea manager Roberto Martinez was keen to sign Anderson, but the player instead signed a new three-year contract at Liverpool.

“Liverpool told me to go and enjoy myself at Forest and play as well as I can and as often as I can,” Anderson says. “I know that they try and have me watched as often as possible to see how I’m getting on.

“I haven’t really had much contact with Liverpool this season. The main feedback I get from the club is through my agent, although I’ve had a couple of little of conversations with the club to see how I’m getting on.

“I hope that by the end of the season I have done enough so that when I come back to Liverpool I can get in and around the fringes of the first-team squad, but we’ll have to see.”

Anderson is one of several youngsters on loan from Liverpool, as Rafael Benitez looks to broaden the experience of his reserve and Academy players.

But the camaraderie between the budding stars is such that the winger has a frank admission to make.

“I didn’t actually watch the game against Everton on Monday, I chose to watch the Leicester game against Yeovil because I wanted to see how Jack Hobbs is playing,” says Anderson, who hails from Leicester.

“I obviously keep an eye out for Liverpool’s results as that’s where I want to be playing eventually, and they are doing well this season. But as long as we’re not training, I will try and watch the game on Sunday.”

Anderson adds: “It was weird watching the FA Cup draw, and how Liverpool and Everton were drawn together and Forest were then drawn with Derby. Those are two big games.

“Maybe some Liverpool fans might end up tuning in to watch the game on Friday to see how I’m getting on – that’s if they even know who I am!”

Crowds Expected For Steven Gerrard Court Appearance

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will make his first court appearance today.

Gerrard will appear at North Sefton Magistrates Court to answer an assault charge after an alleged brawl at the Lounge Inn in December.

Police have put a series of measures in place including a detachment of more than 30 police officers to maintain order outside the court. More police will control Southport’s traffic flow.

Paparazzi will be corralled into a designated area in front of the building with any press required to present a pass to gain entry to the court building.

Gerrard will face charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray. He will appear alongside John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, and Ian Gerard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, both Huyton.

There have been several other arrests in the case which saw part-time DJ Marcus McGee suffer bruises and a missing tooth on December 29.

Coleen Rooney’s youngest brother, Anthony McLoughlin, 19 was arrested of assault and affray. He was released without charge on police bail.

And 28-year-old Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin was arrested at his Southport home and questioned on suspicion of assault and affray before being bailed.

Gerrard Prepares For Court Appearance

The next phase of Steven Gerrard's season will begin in the unlikely surroundings of North Sefton magistrates court tomorrow when the Liverpool player attends the first hearing into the bar brawl that has led to him being charged with affray and assault.

While the club's manager, Rafael Benítez, and the rest of the first-team squad will be training in preparation for Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Everton at Anfield, Gerrard has been excused duty to attend court amid tight security.

There is expected to be a strong police presence to deal with the large number of journalists and the possibility of supporters congregating to see the 28-year-old Liverpool captain and England international arriving. Gerrard will be accompanied by his legal team although it is not clear if anyone from the club will also accompany him.

Gerrard had been celebrating Liverpool's 5–1 win at Newcastle United on 28 December when the incident allegedly occurred at the Lounge Inn, a popular haunt for Merseyside's footballers, in the seaside town of Southport. Earlier in the day, the midfielder had scored in a victory that put Liverpool three points clear at the top of the league.

Marcus McGee, a 34-year-old businessman and part-time DJ who was working at the bar at the time, allegedly lost a tooth in the fight and required hospital treatment after sustaining cuts to his face.

Six men were arrested and Gerrard will appear in court with John Doran, 29, and Ian Gerard Smith, 19, both of Huyton, Liverpool, who are accused of assault and affray.

Aston Villa Plan To Hijack Emile Heskey's Liverpool Move

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill wants a face-to-face chat with Emile Heskey - so he can talk the Wigan striker into snubbing Liverpool and signing for him.

O'Neill is planning to make a bid for Heskey which will force Wigan to let the England star speak to him.

He'll then attempt to persuade the target man to join his push for glory. Heskey is wanted by Rafa Benitez, who is keen to give him a return ticket to the Kop, although the Spaniard is happy to wait until he can get him for nothing in the summer.

O'Neill wants to make a case with Heskey to let him know how important he is to Villa right now.

Wigan are resigned to losing Heskey in the summer and for all Steve Bruce's protests they would accept an offer of around £3-£4million for their front runner before the window shuts.

If the Latics accept an offer from Villa, O'Neill will also have to come up with a contract worth £80,000-a-week for Heskey to match the Liverpool terms that will be on the table in the summer. O'Neill is deadly serious about signing the player he launched on the way to success while they were together at Leicester City and feels if he can get faceto- face with him he has a chance.

Liverpool do not want to buy Heskey at a high price just now, but could be put on the spot - especially as Villa now look like serious rivals at the top end of the table.

Benitez may even have to sell a fringe player to finance the deal now, which is another advantage Villa have.

O'Neill, due to fly to Europe to watch another possible target this weekend, failed to land Jermaine Defoe or Craig Bellamy.

Alonso Is Fired Up For Derby Revenge

Xabi Alonso insists Liverpool have to show their ruthless side to conquer Everton – and keep in the hunt for silverware.

The Kop kings were stopped in their tracks on Monday when Tim Cahill shattered their Premier League charge with his crushing late equaliser.

It meant that Manchester United stayed top of the table on goal difference with an ominous game in hand as Liverpool yet again threw points away.

This Sunday sees a re-run of that passionate Merseyside derby at Anfield in the FA Cup, which will provide the chance for Liverpool to take revenge on their close neighbours for derailing their title challenge.

However, Alonso knows that the Reds will need to go for the jugular when they get the chance – and effectively end Everton’s season in one game.

The Spaniard said: “This is our chance to take real revenge against Everton.

“The players were gutted and destroyed by the late goal we conceded against Everton, but we plan to make sure that the fans will be celebrating after Sunday.

“Tim Cahill’s goal was unjust because we had worked so hard for victory and Steven Gerrard scored a fabulous goal. We deserved victory, but it wasn’t to be.

“There will be just as much passion for this game and maybe more because there will be more Everton fans at Anfield for this FA Cup game.

“However, we want to make them cry and the way to do that is by being ruthless and taking control of the game.

“We need to make sure we score when we are on top, and maybe more than once, and then stay calm and hold our nerve.

“It is important to show mental strength as well as quality in our football.”

Liverpool have incredibly drawn five of their last 10 games in all competitions, which has put a skid under their season.

But almost more worryingly is the fact that they have only won two of their last six league games, drawing the other four.

That is eight points thrown down the drain, while Manchester United have been flying high and beating every team in their path, including a 3-0 hammering of Chelsea.

The FA Cup might not exactly be Liverpool’s main aim this season – especially given that they have an enticing last-16 tie in Europe against Real Madrid coming up – but getting back to winning ways is important.

And to do that Alonso knows that Liverpool will have to stop his fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta, who helped set up Cahill’s goal on Monday. The midfielder added: “We all know what a good player Mikel Arteta is and he showed that against us on Monday.

“He’s a very good friend, but we know we can’t give him a chance with a free-kick because he’s capable of punishing us.

“The less Arteta touches the ball, the better for us because he is Everton’s key player.

“These derbies are always very difficult for the players and even more so given that it is two within seven days of each other.

“The fact that we have Fernando Torres getting back to full fitness is a real key for us because he is so important.

“We have played a lot of games this season without him and managed to be at the top of the Premier League and get a long way in the Champions League.

“We will be a far more dangerous side with him in the team and although a lot of people are talking about the Premier League, we want to win the FA Cup as it’s such an historic trophy.

“We won it a few years ago and want to repeat that this year and start getting back to winning ways.”