Debrecen Can Deal Liverpool A Knockout Blow

French fair play could help keep Liverpool's Champions League hopes alive when they take on Debrecen in Hungary Tuesday.

Five times champions Liverpool must win to have any hope of reaching the last 16 but they also need France's Olympique Lyon, who are already through, not to lose against Fiorentina in Italy.

Lyon have 10 points from four matches in Group E, Fiorentina are on nine and Liverpool four.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez suggested last week's World Cup qualifying furore, with France beating Ireland after Thierry Henry handled the ball before the crucial goal, could help his side's position.

"I don't know if the Henry incident will affect Lyon, but it could be good for us," British Sunday newspapers quoted the Spaniard as saying.

"If they want to show everyone in the world they are good professionals and want to win every game, it would be good," he added.

"It could be something that works out positively for Liverpool. Their coach said they would try to win. He is a professional. I know Lyon have a good group of professionals and a good manager."

Unless Liverpool overcome Debrecen, a side that have yet to score a point in Group E while conceding more goals (14) than anyone else in the competition, the Premier League side can forget about going any further.

Lyon and Fiorentina both put four goals past them in their away matches but Liverpool have won just once in their last 10 games and managed only a 1-0 victory over the Hungarians at Anfield.

Sunday's 2-2 domestic draw at home to Manchester City only added to Benitez's headache with Danish defender Daniel Agger needing five stitches for a head wound while Ryan Babel limped off with an ankle injury.

Liverpool, who can ill afford to miss out on the lucrative final stages, are already without key striker Fernando Torres but are confident England full-back Glen Johnson will have recovered from a calf injury by Tuesday.

Israeli Yossi Benayoun, who came back from a hamstring injury to score the equaliser Sunday, should also be fit while Benitez refused to rule out Babel and Agger.

Debrecen manager Andras Herczeg will be without key player Leandro, who is suffering from a partially torn knee ligament and could be out for a month or two. Either Zsolt Laczko or Marcell Fodor is likely to take the left back's position.

Norbert Meszaros had recovered from a groin injury but forward Robert Feczesin is still injured. Montenegro keeper Vukasin Poleksic was rested for Friday's 2-1 away win at Honved but should start.

Fernando Torres Absent From Budapest

Liverpool will try to keep their Champions League hopes alive without Fernando Torres.

The Spanish striker will again be absent when Liverpool head to Budapest today for the must win tie with Debrecen.

Torres is to continue his rehabilitation from a hernia problem on Merseyside and misses the game Liverpool have to win to have any chance to stay in the competition.

Kop boss Rafa Benitez also needs Fiorentina to be denied a home victory by Lyon, who has already qualified from Group E.

“We thought it would be two or three weeks for Fernando and he’s only about 12 or 13 days into that, so there is no point in him going,” said Benitez.

Skrtel Pleased To Score First Ever Liverpool Goal

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel was happy to break his scoring duck in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

It was Skrtel's first for Liverpool in 65 appearances, but the final outcome of the contest ensured it was a bittersweet afternoon for the Slovakian.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I was very happy to score my first goal for Liverpool. I have been waiting a long time for it, so it was a good moment for me.

"I am in my third season here and hadn't managed to score until today, but I hope this is the first of many more.

"But we are frustrated to have drawn again because we wanted to win. We couldn't in the end, and we are not happy because of this.

"There is nothing we can do about the result now and we have to look forward to the next game and try to win."

Liverpool Eye January Loan Move For Ruud Van Nistelrooy

The Dutchman has spoken recently of his desire to leave the Bernabeu, unless he can force his way back into the first team, as he wants to play his way back into the Dutch squad for next summer’s World Cup.

Yet with Real now possessing a glittering array of attacking talents, that looks unlikely meaning he could be set for a move in January, with Liverpool reportedly interested in signing the 33-year-old.

The tabloid claims manager Rafael Benitez is keen to add an extra striker to the ranks, and could take the Dutchman on loan until the end of the season.

The report adds that whilst both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are also interested in the Real man, he would prefer a move to Anfield, despite his strong connections with Manchester United.

The Dutch ace enjoyed phenomenal success in his five years Old Trafford, winning a Premier League and FA Cup and bagging 150 goals in 219 for the Red Devils.

Napoli Refuse To Rule Out Andrea Dossena Interest

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has refused to rule out a move for out of favour Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena.

The Italian has in the past been heavily linked with a move to the Partenopei, and the club has now indicated they are looking into the possibility of bringing the player back to the peninsula.

"I will not exclude a move for Dossena," De Laurentiis told the assembled press.

"We have also looked at [Cristian] Molinaro and [Antonio] Candreva, but I have to speak with [manager Walter] Mazzarri about it."

The top boss also shed some light on the talking point in football in recent times, as he called for video technology to be introduced into the sport so as to ensure that the 'Hand of Henry' incident is not repeated.

"I think we need replays on the pitch for these things," he concluded.

Rafa Benitez Still Believes In Zonal Marking

Rafael Benitez maintains his players still believe in zonal marking despite Liverpool’s continued failure to defend set-pieces costing them the chance of a morale-boosting victory at the weekend.

The Anfield outfit required a goal from substitute Yossi Benayoun to salvage a 2-2 home draw with fellow top-four aspirants Manchester City on Saturday.

After Martin Skrtel prodded Liverpool into the lead shortly after the interval, poor defending allowed Emmanuel Adebayor and then Stephen Ireland to put the visitors ahead.

Adebayor’s goal was a free header from a Craig Bellamy corner, the 12th goal Benitez’s side have conceded from a dead-ball situation this season.

It has led to criticism of Liverpool’s continued use of zonal marking, but while admitting there must be an improvement the Anfield manager has no plans to change his approach.

“When you’re using a zonal marking system you have to attack the ball and if there’s a player near you, you have to challenge,” said Benitez.

“We watched some set-pieces beforehand, and Richard Dunne scored against them when they were using man-to-man. In England, 35% of the goals come from set-pieces.

“But it is clear you have to attack the space or the player, it doesn’t mean you have to stand like a post.

“I think the majority of players believe in it, maybe you can find one or two who don’t. But we were one of the best – THE best – before.

“This year has been bad but it is still early in the season. We will see how things are at the end.

“We were improving at set-pieces, but it’s something we have to keep looking at.”

Liverpool have now won just one of their last 10 games and conceded 27 goals in 19 games in all competitions this season, and stand five points off the Champions League qualification places.

Their defence, disrupted by a calf injury to Glen Johnson before kick-off, was further affected by Daniel Agger being forced off after 11 minutes following a sickening clash of heads with Kolo Toure.

“We have had too many problems with defenders from the first game of the season,” said Benitez. “Like on Saturday, in the morning we thought ‘this is the team’, but then Glen Johnson couldn’t play.

“The understanding between the defenders is vital but it is a question of time.

“We had a shocking day with injuries. Glen was not happy with his calf and he had been limping a bit in training. Then we lose Agger.”

Placenta Doctor Mariana Kovacevic Wanted Over Possible Tax Evasion

Serb authorities investigating the mysterious housewife who uses placenta to treat Barclays Premier League players want to question her about possible tax evasion.

Mariana Kovacevic, whom they believe has at least three aliases and as many as four different addresses around Belgrade, is thought to charge 3,000 euros for sessions treating the likes of Robin van Persie and Frank Lampard.

That is six times the average monthly take-home pay in the Serb capital. She is not officially registered as a practising physiotherapist and the only Mariana Kovacevic in health authority records is listed at a pharmacy in Sarajevska Street.

When Sportsmail attempted to trace her at the pharmacy, we were told: ‘Ah, the woman that everybody in the city is looking for? No, I don’t know her. She doesn’t work here.’

In a case which is developing the sinister trappings of an underworld operation, Kovacevic has disappeared without trace. The players she is currently treating are also being kept hidden from view by a bewildering combination of subterfuge, private jets, fast cars and eagle-eyed surveillance.

Chelsea have admitted privately that Lampard flew to Belgrade on Friday for treatment on his damaged left thigh, yet he was not even seen at the airport, being funneled through the VIP arrivals terminal.

The authorities believe Kovacevic regularly changes her appearance, notably her style of dressing and her hair colour in a constant effort to avoid detection.

Now that the authorities have been alerted to her existence and her dubious medical practices - notably by van Persie, who unwittingly alerted the world at large last week - and the lack of unpaid tax, the fortysomething mother of three who is now thought to have spent time working for the Azerbaijan national side will be constantly sought by Serb Police.

Kovacevic has not been seen at her New Belgrade clinic since Wednesday when Van Persie, Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio arrived for treatment which is now understood to involve the use of electrical impulses and small metal sticks covered in placenta jelly penetrating the skin and then being fed back through it.

Seven days ago, Serb sportsmen happily spoke about their visits to see Kovacevic and the miracle cures she had performed on their injuries. Now it is almost impossible to find one who will even admit to visiting her.

Partizan Belgrade’s Portugal midfielder Almami Da Silva Moreira denied seeing her, in spite of being identified by the owner of the cafe bar directly opposite as having entered Kovacevic’s clinic earlier this season.

Speaking after Saturday’s 2-1 league win over Smederevo, Moreira said: ‘I haven’t been to see her and I hope I don’t need to see her in the future, but I would go. You must believe in life. If people believe in her it’s a good thing. She can help them.

‘Maybe the players who have seen her can’t explain to their club doctors what she is doing there. Maybe she is doing magic things with a magic potion. If she was stopped doing what she does by the authorities, it would be a pity for football players. It would be a shame for everybody because Belgrade is the centre of the Premiership just now.’

Match Report: LIverpooL 2 - 2 Manchester City

Liverpool proved they are not ready to be replaced in the top flight elite by Manchester City just yet as Yossi Benayoun's equaliser secured a draw at Anfield.

The mega-rich men from Eastlands arrived on Merseyside intent on proving they were top four material but they found a Liverpool side in defiant mood despite more injury problems.

Martin Skrtel put Liverpool in front but Emmanuel Adebayor and Stephen Ireland sent City ahead before Benayoun equalised.

Despite the furore over Liverpool's use of a Belgrade clinic to get players fit for a key week of vital matches in Europe and the Premier League, all four of the men sent to Serbia for treatment failed to make the starting line-up.

Glen Johnson was not even on the bench, where Benayoun, Albert Riera and Fabio Aurelio were initially named.

Liverpool had Steven Gerrard, Ryan Babel and Jamie Carragher, the latter after a ban, returning from the side that drew with Birmingham last time out.

Manchester City made one change from the side that were held at home by Burnley last time out, Nigel De Jong coming into the side in place of Carlos Tevez, who was a substitute.

Liverpool started well, Gerrard attacking the right flank of City's defence when the opportunity arose.

The first chance came after five minutes from a free-kick following a Gareth Barry foul on Dirk Kuyt.

Gerrard swung the set-piece in from the right, Daniel Agger flicked on and centre-back partner Skrtel saw a free header from the left brilliantly saved by Shay Givens.

Agger, though, was injured in the incident after clashing heads with Kolo Toure. The young Dane's legs buckled under him as he was receiving treatment and he was carried off suffering from concussion.

Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos was soon on as substitute, a reshuffle Liverpool did not need against the pace of Emmanuel Adebayor, with Craig Bellamy itching to run at Carragher on the left.

Soon Liverpool suffered more injury trouble. Babel was hurt in a collision with De Jong, and needed treatment on the line.

Babel lasted only a couple of minutes more after his limping return and was replaced by Benayoun.

City was intent on containment and eventual control. De Jong effectively regained midfield possession to set in motion City's calm, thoughtful approach play.

Toure, suffering following an earlier tackle with Gerrard, was replaced at the break by Nedum Onuoha.

And Liverpool produced the lift the game needed with a goal after 49 minutes.

Pablo Zabaleta had given away a needless free-kick for holding Ngog on the left, and when Gerrard swung the set-play into the box, Skrtel was there first in front of Adebayor to stab home from six yards.

City needed to up their game now, and with the fire-power of Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz on the bench, they certainly had the ammunition.

And they waited until the hour mark to withdraw Barry and send on Tevez, who instantly drew a booking for Lucas following a tangle on the half-way line.

City cranked up the pressure as Liverpool fell deeper, and they were level after 69 minutes. Bellamy's corner swirled into the box and it was Adebayor's turn to lose Skrtel this time, heading the ball down into the turf from where it bounced high into the top corner.

City struck again after 76 minutes when Tevez and Wright-Phillips worked well to create a chance for Stephen Ireland to flick the ball past Reina.

Liverpool's response came within 60 seconds. Ngog crossed from the right, the ball deflecting to Benayoun who forced it home from a couple of yards out.

Rafa Happy With Character

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez praised his side's character after they fought back for a 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

Yossi Benayoun's goal earned Liverpool a draw after goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Stephen Ireland cancelled out Martin Skrtel's opener for the home side.

The draw means Liverpool have only won once in their last ten games in all competitions, but Benitez was happy with the attitude of his players.

"We're a little bit disappointed, we had chances at the end. But with the problems we had, making two substitutions in the first 18 minutes, to still come back we showed very good character. Until the last minute we were still pushing," Benitez told Sky Sports 1.

"The players worked so hard. You could see that even with a lot of problems we were winning and even though we conceded the first goal then the second, you could still see the character of the team.

"In the circumstances I thought we were very good."

Benitez saw his injury problems increase after Daniel Agger and Ryan Babel were forced off with knocks in the opening 20 minutes.

Agger sustained a deep cut after a clash of heads, while Dutchman Babel limped off with an ankle injury.

Benitez is unsure if the duo will be fit for Liverpool's vital UEFA Champions League clash with Debrecen this week, but is hopeful Albert Riera, who was an unused substitute against City and Glen Johnson will be available for the trip to Hungary.

"Agger has five stitches and Babel has a problem with his ankle, but it's too early to say and we have to wait," noted Benitez.

"I think it was important for Yossi Benayoun to come through today. On the bench was Albert Riera and hopefully (Glen) Johnson (will return). Maybe we'll have some more coming back."

Despite dropping more points Benitez is confident his side can end their slump in form once all their players are back to full fitness.

"With some players available and fit we are much better," said Benitez. "We are still bringing players back from injury. Gerrard was tired, (David) Ngog was tired and we had to make two substitutes early on."

Benitez Sure Of Top-Four Finish

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insisted his side will finish in the Champions League places following their 2-2 home draw with Manchester City.

The Reds have lost five and drawn two of their opening 13 Premier League matches and are now 13 points adrift of Premier League leaders Chelsea.

But a defiant Benitez said: "When we have all our players coming back I am confident we will start winning games.

"If we can improve and play at our level, we will finish in the top four."

Despite the draw against fellow Champions League-hopefuls City, Liverpool are still within two points of fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Injuries to Daniel Agger and Ryan Babbel during the game added to their ever-growing injury worries and Glen Johnson was ruled out before the game.

But Benitez, who is also without key striker Fernando Torres, expects a noticeable upturn in their fortunes when some of the sidelined stars return.

"We had a shocking day with injuries," said Liverpool's Spanish manager, whose side have managed just one win in 10 matches in all competitions.

"Glen was not happy with his calf and he had been limping a bit in training.

"Then we lose Agger and Babel. We had one problem after another. We had to use players who have not been training with the squad, but we still managed to score first.

"We felt we could hang on, then they scored twice and we had to show great character to hit back at them to get the equaliser.

"We then had a couple of great chances at the end and could have won the game.

"You cannot be happy with a home draw, but to lose three players is very difficult.

"And of course we had three players on the bench who have been for treatment in Belgrade and had not been training with the team.

"It is not easy to manage, but the reaction of the players was fantastic. You cannot ask for more from players in such a position."

Why Rafa Benitez Needs To Release The Handbrake - And Throw In Aquilani - To Save Liverpool's Season

Rafa Benitez needs to drop the handbrake and throw in Alberto Aquilani to put Liverpool’s season into top gear.

This is a crossroads fixture for both teams and already seen as crucial for Liverpool and Manchester City.

But City have missed the chance to put daylight between themselves and Liverpool in recent weeks.

City have got stuck in a rut with draws while Liverpool have stuttered badly but are still in touch with the top four.

Liverpool are unquestionably a different team with Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres fit and starting.

But the player that Benitez really starts to need pushing forward is Aquilani, all £20m worth of him.

Aquilani is an attack-minded player and maybe that is why Benitez has been very cautious about bringing him in and starting with him even after his lengthy injury lay-off.

But if you’re going to pay big money then surely sooner or later you have to try to reap the rewards.

Benitez was a bit more expansive with the style of football last season and yet this season, with bad results and low confidence, there has been a temptation not to take risks.

Liverpool desperately need a run of results and to start kicking on and there’s only one way to do that - really go for it in games.

The David Ngog dive rather deflected from Liverpool’s draw against a team tipped for relegation. But that was bad and now they need to win games.

Beating City would give the club such a lift and the belief that they can make the top four and also see off one of their main rivals.

A run of games with a few wins would really see them move up the table and Liverpool need their big players to deliver.

It’s not just all about Torres and Gerrard. Others must take responsibility. And when you cost £20m, Aquilani has to deliver.

It’s the same for City as there are big expectations for them this season. People say Mark Hughes must reach the Champions League but I feel fifth would be good progress.

After all, they have had to buy players who were largely not in teams in the Champions League but the next tier down.

When you do that, you get the next best and recent results have told us that City are still a work in progress.

Robinho is the exception to the rule and, with all his sulking and agitating, I would just sell him if I was City.

If Sheikh Mansour can get the money back they paid for him or even close then they should just cut their losses. Simple as that. You don’t want disruptions when you’re trying to build something.

City’s big problem is not the attacking players anyway. Craig Bellamy and Martin Petrov can give them better options to Robinho down the left.

It’s the problem that City have when they don’t have the ball. Gareth Barry and Nigel De Jong are good players but the trouble is the team don’t defend well enough as a unit yet.

It’s not just about the back four struggling but the whole team not giving the likes of Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott protection.

You can be sure that City will kick on and spend big again in January to try and push for the top four.

But I’ve still got my doubts about whether City can make it and once Liverpool get back in their routine and groove then the top four will probably take on a rather familiar look again.

Henry Cheat Storm Can Aid Liverpool

Rafa Benitez has called on Lyon to restore France's battered reputation - and help Liverpool complete another Euro miracle.

The Reds need Lyon to go from 'cheats' to emblems of fair play against Fiorentina on Tuesday - even though the French club has already qualified for the Champions League group stage.

Four of Lyon's players were part of the France squad whose integrity was hit by Thierry Henry's handball in the World Cup play-off win over Republic of Ireland.

Benitez, whose side face Hungarian whipping boys Debrecen, believes the eyes of the world will be on Lyon.

Draw or defeat for Fiorentina on their own patch will provide Benitez's side a route into the Champions League last 16.

A potential £21million will be lost if the cash-strapped Merseysiders crash out of the competition.

Benitez said: "I don't know if the Henry incident will affect Lyon but it could be good for us. It will be difficult for them but they have quality and players who want to prove something.

"If they want to show everyone in the world they are good professionals and want to win every game, it would be good.

"It could be something that works out positively for Liverpool. Their coach said they would try to win. He is a professional. I know Lyon have a good group of professionals and a good manager."

But Benitez has warned his side not to become preoccupied with events in Italy as they must keep their side of the bargain.

He warned: "We have to do our job. That is the key thing. We can talk about Lyon and Fiorentina but it is something we cannot control. For me, it is all about us winning against Debrecen.

"You cannot influence the other game. We have to concentrate on our job, win our game and then see what happens in the other match.

"If we talk too much about Fiorentina- Lyon, we may lose focus on our game. It would be bad if Lyon won and we didn't. So we have to do our job."

Benitez has been assured his immediate Liverpool future will not be threatened by midweek events in Italy or Hungary.

In contrast to the calamitous Klinsmann- gate saga of 2007, new managing director Christian Purslow is emphatic the club will NOT review Benitez's position on the basis of the Champions League campaign.

League displays will determine the success and failure of the season.

And while a recent bad spell has led to hysteria beyond Anfield's walls, within the corridors of power there is calm. Purslow's message to Benitez - with whom he has immediately established a close working relationship - has been one of understanding, given the injury crisis which has swept through the dressing room in recent weeks.

Purslow's philosophy is: "If we can't qualify this time, it's important to make sure we're at the Champions League party next year."

That stance ensures the Spanish coach will be judged at the end of the season no matter what happens this week. There remains a conviction from Benitez that the return of the cavalry will see order restored at the top of the Premier League.

However, the financial consequences of Liverpool being dumped into the Europa League are dire. The difference between going out at the group stage and the last 16 amounts to just £1.6million in prize money but sides that progress to the later stages reap massive dividends.

When Liverpool last reached the final in 2007 - the first year of the Americans' reign - they earned £24m from the combined prize and TV money. Over half was won AFTER the group stage.

If they go out on Tuesday, Liverpool can expect around £12m for their participation this year. But there will also be celebrations at Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and the Emirates due to the Anfield exit.

As Premier League runners-up, Liverpool were entitled to 30 per cent of England's ever increasing 'market share' from TV rights. That figure is calculated after the tournament.

Last year, Liverpool received 15 per cent of £50m as the fourth- placed finishers, amounting to £7.5m.

They could have at least doubled that this year.

In their absence, United, Chelsea and Arsenal will divide the Reds' share among themselves according to how far they progress.

Regardless of mounting criticism of Benitez, the Liverpool fans do not trust Tom Hicks or George Gillett to make decisions in the club's long-term interests.

Even Benitez's critics are uncomfortable with the notion of the manager leaving before owners who have inflicted such damage on Liverpool's reputation - especially as they have largely benefited from the Champions League campaigns.

The duo have used previous success to increase the value of the club.

A Liverpool setback in Debrecen will make it more difficult for Hicks and Gillett to attract the kind of investment they are currently pursuing. But it is a top-four finish which remains most significant.

Investors are already baulking at the £100m asking price for a 25 per cent stake in Liverpool.

The Americans will almost certainly have to rethink their strategy if the club falls out of the Euro elite, especially with a deadline looming at the end of March. This is when Liverpool must pass the Premier League 'going concern' test to retain its UEFA licence.

Fernando Torres Losing Battle To Be Fit For Merseyside Derby

Fernando Torres is losing his fight to be fit for next week’s Merseyside derby.

Liverpool’s Spanish striker is sidelined by a groin injury since playing through the pain barrier in the Champions League draw with Lyon at the start of the month. He returned to training last week and was expected to return this week.

But Rafa Benitez has admitted that Torres will miss the Champions League trip to Debrecen on Tuesday night and that the clash with rivals Everton at Goodison Park next Sunday may also be a game too soon.

Benitez said: “Torres had a plan of fitness that would take three weeks working with the physios.

“You can see he is improving all the time, but I would say that he is still maybe 10 days away from being right.

“The next few days will decide whether he will be fit for Everton, but at this moment there are no guarantees.”

Painkilling Injection For Gerrard

Steven Gerrard has had a second painkilling injection to ensure he leads from the front as Liverpool begin another pivotal week.

The Kop skipper returned to the starting line-up for yesterday's Premier League clash with Manchester City after recovering from a groin injury.

Now he's hoping to inspire a Champions League revival against Debrecen on Tuesday.

There were fears the 30-year-old would need an operation to cure any lingering pain.

But another cortisone injection in midweek should prevent the need for surgery.

Gerrard has been desperate to help get Liverpool's season back on track. An operation would only rule him out for three weeks, but with so many important games coming up he knows his club needs him.

"It's been a frustrating few weeks," admitted Gerrard.

"It's been a strange month because as soon as I was fit we had the international break.

"I've been dying to play and can't wait to get going again.

"The mood in the camp is really good. We know our position in the table isn't good enough but we have faith in our ability. We know we can put things right."

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano's hopes of forcing a January move to Barcelona will end in frustration.

Benitez will not allow further disruption to his squad given the problems this season.

Mascherano has been a shadow of his former self since a £30million deal fell through last summer.

Liverpool will review his future at the end of the season. Until then the Argentine is under orders to forget about a switch to the Nou Camp.

Mark Hughes Plans To Tempt Fernando Torres

Mark Hughes will make another audacious bid to prise Fernando Torres away from Anfield if Manchester City replace Liverpool in the Premier League’s so-called Big Four this season.

Manchester City had a £70million offer for Spain striker Fernando Torres rejected last summer but will go back for him if they qualify for the Champions League for the first time. Rafa Benitez claims he would quit if Torres was sold, insisting £100million is not enough.

But neither that nor failed attempts to sign Kaka and John Terry will deter City from tempting debt-ridden Liverpool with a huge offer next summer. Hughes served notice of his intention to undermine Liverpool when he stole Gareth Barry from under their noses. And his coup de grace would be to tempt Torres.

Match Preview: LiverpooL vs. Manchester City

The first Premier League match of the weekend also happens to be one of the biggest, as Liverpool look to revive their season when they take on top four chasing Manchester City.

The Reds' 2-2 draw with Birmingham City last time out stretched their horror run to one win in nine games. With five league losses already, it would appear that their title race is all but run.

Although Rafael Benitez and his loyal charges have insisted that silverware is still well within their grasp, a top-four finish seems a more realistic target - particularly with the way things are in the Champions League.

Even that relatively humble goal is fraught with obstacles. One of which the 18-time English champions will welcome to Anfield on Saturday lunchtime.

City themselves have a point to prove after a summer of significant investment. Now is the time to show their cash-fuelled rise is no joke and they can mix it with the biggest clubs around.

The Blues currently sit in sixth place - one point ahead of their upcoming opponents. The 3-3 draw with Burnley last time out was their fifth consecutive stalemate in the league and left them further adrift from the leading pack

Thus, the international break could hardly have been timed better for either side. They will both be looking for a result that could save their season.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Nov 9 Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham City
Nov 4 Olympique Lyonnais 1-1 Liverpool
Oct 31 Fulham 3-1 Liverpool
Oct 28 Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
Oct 25 Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United

Manchester City

Nov 7 Manchester City 3-3 Burnley
Nov 1 Birmingham City 0-0 Manchester City
Oct 28 Manchester City 5-1 Scunthorpe United
Oct 25 Manchester City 2-2 Fulham
Oct 18 Wigan Athletic 1-1 Manchester City


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Steven Gerrard didn't join up with the England squad for the glamour game against Brazil and the skipper is fit to start after battling a recurring groin problem. Fernando Torres, however, is all but sure to miss out, along with Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera.

But there is more good news for manager Benitez, as centre-half Jamie Carragher is available once more after serving a ban for his red card at Fulham.

Alberto Aquilani is an outside chance to make his first start for the club, while defensive duo Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger - who both stayed home over the international break - are expected to play.

Possible starting XI: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Mascherano, Lucas, Aurelio, Gerrard, Ngog.

Manchester City

Gareth Barry sustained a groin injury whilst serving his country in Qatar, but the former Aston Villa captain is in line to face the club that coveted him for so long.

Craig Bellamy - who spent a season at Anfield - finds himself in a similar situation, although he missed Wales' 3-0 win over Scotland.

Nedum Onuoha (thigh) could be fit enough to make the matchday squad, and there are reports that Robinho (ankle) is all set to make his return - although other sources suggest the Brazilian is still a short while off.

Possible starting XI: Given, Zabaleta, Lescott, Toure, Bridge, Wright-Phillips, Barry, De Jong, Bellamy, Tevez, Adebayor.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Glen Johnson

The England full back has been shining light in an otherwise gloomy campaign, bringing a new dimension with his adventurous play from the right flank. He can be exposed behind, however, and will need to be vigilant given the visitor's quality in attack.

Manchester City - Gareth Barry

Reds boss Benitez admitted recently that this man was the lynchpin to a plan that will now never be put into place. The midfielder has copped some flak for a perceived lapse in his passing game, but he would no doubt love to show Tom Hicks and George Gillett that he'd have been money well spent.

Rafa Benitez Concedes Champions League Hopes Rest On Make-Or-Break Manchester City Clash

Rafael Benitez acknowledges that Liverpool's clash with Manchester City on Saturday is 'make or break' to their hopes of ensuring Champions League football next season.

The stakes are very high for boss Benitez, who has sent four players - Yossi Benayoun, Albert Riera, Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio - to Belgrade this week for unorthodox placenta cell treatment on their injuries.

Now all four, plus injured trio Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger and skipper Steven Gerrard, should be available to face Mark Hughes' ambitious side.

Benitez said: 'This is a big game, an important game. But then all Liverpool games are important. But this could be described as a make-or-break game for our season.

'We are aware of City's ambitions. They have spent some money on good players and they also have a good manager with experience.

'It will be tough, and important for us to win particularly with the Champions League game away to Debrecen next week. A good win will give us all confidence for that.

'We want to progress and we want to be higher in the table. We want to continue playing big teams and playing for something important.

'But it is too early to talk about final league positions, but clearly it is a big game for both clubs. But we must be confident we can win.

'I am not amongst the managers, 80 per cent I am told, in the Premier League who believe City will finish in the top four. We will be in the top four.'

Although City have been left clutching at draws recently, failing to win from their last five games, Liverpool are also under pressure to break their own poor form in the league following their 2-2 home draw with newly-promoted Birmingham nearly a fortnight ago.

Benitez added: 'The aim is to kick-start our season.

'We must improve and a win will be a real lift for everyone.'

'We know City have money and they have spent a lot, but we must not just keep looking at what they are doing.

'What we have to do is to keep going, keep playing at our best.

'We are not in a good position in the table or in the Champions League.

'But we cannot change what has already happened.

'We need to win two or three games and the attitude will be totally different, with the fans and players having more belief.

'It is normally against good teams that we do best because the games are more open. We did it against Manchester United, and we aim to do the same to City.'

Liverpool FC Commercial Chief Hails Club’s Links With Spain

Ian Ayre, the commercial director of English soccer club Liverpool, has paid tribute to the club's Spanish links, following the acquisition of the Spain Tourist Board as a sponsor and the success of Spanish driver Adrian Valles in the team's Superleague Formula motorsport franchise.

Turespaña, the Spain Tourism Board, signed a three-year contract with the club, which is managed by Rafa Benitez and has a number of Spanish stars including goalkeeper Pepe Reina and striker Fernando Torres. Last weekend, when Valles sealed the 2009 championship at a race in his home country, the link was further underlined.

"We're all aware of the clear Spanish connection Liverpool Football Club has and having Adrian is great," said Ayre. "He had a great day at Anfield the week before.

"The players keep in touch with him. I know Pepe Reina is a bit of a petrolhead and has been in regular contact. Rafa also sent a great message of congratulations to him on the day. He's fitted in really well and is clearly a rising star of motor racing."
Ayre added: "The celebrations were unbelievable. It looked like Adrian had his entire village from Spain up on the podium with him. There was lots of champagne being sprayed about."

Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Hails Miracle Cure

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has hailed the clinic that has got four of his top men fit for Saturday's crunch Premier League encounter with Manchester City.

Benitez defended the use of a controversial Serbian clinic to get Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio, Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera all fit.

The Belgrade clinic is run by physiotherapist Mariana Kovacevic, and the unusual treatment involves massaging with a placenta cream.

All four are now in contention for the visit of Manchester City, and Tuesday's vital Champions League clash with Debrecen which has clearly buoyed the Reds boss.

"We knew of other players at Premier League clubs who have been to Belgrade for treatment with this lady, and we were made aware that it was very effective," Benitez told the Press Association.

"[Manchester City's Pablo] Zabaleta told Riera about it.

"She [Kovacevic] has been working for seven years with top-class sportsmen, not just footballers. So she has the experience.

"We felt it was a good opportunity to send some of our players. We sent two, Benayoun and Riera and they came back and started training straight away.

"So we decided to send two more, Johnson and Aurelio, and the same thing has happened. They have been training and all four will be in the squad against City.

"Arsenal's Robin van Persie went earlier, but now there are several more top players who are going to have treatment in the same way.

"City have sent two, [Vincent] Kompany and Zabaleta beforehand, and they were playing within days.

"There have been no injections, it is a placenta cream applied with a [massage] machine that creates waves of pressure."

He added: "We sent our players, and Van Persie was there. Kompany and Zabaleta have also been there, and we have been made aware of the success of this treatment over several years.

"Many top players have been going there for seven years, it has been successful and I believe it is safe.

"It is good for specific injuries, doctors have explained the treatment and the components of the cream that is used. We are happy with it.

"We checked it out when we became aware of the different players who had been there. I must admit we have been surprised with how well it has worked.

"It means we have players available and training that we expected to be out for several weeks. Can we guarantee that they are fully fit? We will see, but they have trained with the rest of the team for three days and they are OK."

Rafael Benitez Confirms Liverpool's Glen Johnson Received Placenta Treatment

Liverpool clash with Manchester City this weekend and Rafael Benitez will be hoping the international break will have given his side the opportunity to turn their recent shoddy form around.

Roaming right-back Glen Johnson, according to Benitez, has received the experimental placenta massage that Arsenal striker Robin van Persie elected to try following the injury he sustained while representing Netherlands.

Steven Gerrard, though, will likely feature against Mark Hughes' men. Benitez hopes his talismanic captain scores the winner against a side who are gunning for a top four spot in the Premier League this season.

Benitez told a press conference: "We have some problems, [Dan] Agger has been training, [Steven] Gerrard has been training, Glen [Johnson] too. We have [Martin] Kelly and [Fernando] Torres, who is still not fit.

"We have a plan of two weeks, but [Torres] is ten days away now."

Regarding the placenta treatment given to Johnson, Benitez said through a smile: "We knew from some players from other Premier League clubs that it was a good treatment, and the doctor has good experience with clubs in Europe. Some [Manchester] City players, an Arsenal player [have all received it], so it is something that is credited, he had no injections."

The Spaniard was also delighted to be able to welcome Gerrard back into the side: "Gerrard is important for us, not just on the pitch, he is an example. This is a very good for us, and hopefully he will score the winning goal for us."

Martin Kelly Respects Liverpool Rival Daniel Ayala

Liverpool full-back Martin Kelly has spoken of his respect for colleague Daniel Ayala, despite the fact that the young Spaniard is in direct competition with him for a place in the team.

Both 19-year-olds have represented their countries at youth level and both have now played for Rafa Benitez's first-team, but Kelly insists that their relationship is positive.

"There is a healthy rivalry," the Englishman told the Reds' official website.

"He came in from Spain when I came up from the Academy. We bonded and I have to take my hat off to Dani this season. He's done well and I have to respect that.

"I've got to play football for myself and not look at what anyone else is doing. I need to focus on what I'm doing as a football player and hopefully I'm developing well.

"My dad has always said to me to let other players worry about me. That's what I try to do."

Kelly made his full debut for the Reds against Lyon last month, and says the experience of fellow academy graduate Jay Spearing helped him adjust to the situation quickly.

"You have an idea you're playing during training but I didn't know for sure until about an hour and a half before kick-off. Then the butterflies started," he added.

"Luckily, Jay (Spearing) made his debut the week before, so he was going through a similar thing.

"I'd told him that the boss clearly believed in him, so he had to go out there and take his chance. And he was there to say the same to me. We sit next to each other in the changing room, so he gave me a little bit of advice.

"It lived up to expectations. At the start when You'll Never Walk Alone finished and then we ran out to the Champions League music - you can't get better than that.

"Now I've had a taste of playing in the first team I want to play as much as I can."

The versatile Kelly says he is not yet sure of his best position, but reveals that the experienced defenders at the club are helping his development though.

"At the moment I don't know which is my best position," said the 19-year-old. "I'll play anywhere across the back four. When I went to Huddersfield I played at left-back for the first three games and it didn't seem any different to right-back. I don't mind where I play.

"I've been working hard on the tactical side of my game, which helps. That's coming along and I can't thank the coaching staff enough for what they've done to bring me on as a player.

"The defenders here are top-class players but I'll be trying my hardest in training.

"They [Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel] have been great with me, giving me advice and telling me how to put anything I'm doing wrong right.

"Training with them every day is fantastic - I can't wait to get out there with them and then I don't want the training sessions to finish."

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis: Liverpool's Andrea Dossena Is Possible

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has given the world another clue regarding his plans for Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena, indicating that a move could take place.

De Laurentiis, who is in Milan for the Lega Calcio general assembly, has uncovered part of his agenda for the January transfer window. Dossena is one of the targets, but the chief is not keen on hasty moves as he plans changes with Walter Mazzarri.

"I will not exclude a move for Dossena," he told the press. "We have also looked at Cristian Molinaro and Antonio Candreva, but I have to speak with Mazzarri about it."

All the hype has revolved around the international scene this week. France's controversial win over Ireland has got the world talking for all the wrong reasons. De Laurentiis has added his voice to the millions calling for video technology.

"I think we need replays on the pitch for these things," concluded the director.

Why Rafa Benitez Is Definitely In It For The Long Haul At Liverpool

Rafa Benitez said he would quit Liverpool if Fernando Torres is sold. The Spanish striker could have been sold last summer to Manchester City if Benitez had accepted their offer – and there will no doubt be more enquiries coming in for Torres until the day he does actually leave.

But what is remarkable about the offer made to Liverpool last summer is the scale of the City bid: £70million for Torres plus and additional £30million for Javier Mascherano. Benitez rejected both offers from Mark Hughes – but I wonder if those Liverpool fans clamouring for some headline grabbing transfer activity and the thrill of purchasing the likes of Ribery, Villa and Silva would have preferred Benitez to say yes?

In rejecting those bids in the summer, Benitez stuck with proven Premier League performers who are guaranteed to succeed, ahead of the instant impact of glamorous summer transfer activity: which in my opinion, was absolutely the right thing to do.

If anyone should question Benitez’s commitment after making that comment about leaving Liverpool – then they should know this. Rafa Benitez turned down the opportunity to take over at Real Madrid in the summer for the FOURTH time since he has been at Anfield.

Benitez rejected a package worth €6million per year over a four-year deal and a transfer budget that a manager’s dreams are made of. The reason he rejected Real Madrid? Rafa believes that he is in the middle of a major project at Anfield, one that so far hasn’t reaped the rewards he expected, but is clearly a work in progress and he has faith in its ultimate success.

The aim is not to bring one league title to Anfield, but a succession of them and an era of Liverpool challenging for all major titles for years to come.

Alberto Aquilani Is Asked To Kick-Start Liverpool's Season

Alberto Aquilani is in contention to make his long-awaited full Liverpool debut on Saturday as Rafael Benítez looks to the £20m summer signing to reinvigorate the club's season against Manchester City.

The Italy international has played only 21 minutes for Liverpool since arriving from Roma in August, as a substitute against Birmingham City and Arsenal, because of his recovery from ankle surgery plus illness. Benítez has been careful to nurse the 25-year-old towards full fitness after several months on the sidelines but is now considering handing the midfielder a first start against Mark Hughes's side at Anfield.

The Liverpool manager's final decision rests on the availability of Steven Gerrard, Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera, who all could be fit for Saturday despite the Israel and Spain midfielders tearing hamstrings against Birmingham last week. But the option to start Aquilani, who has increased his training schedule significantly since Liverpool's last fixture, is an important breakthrough for Benítez before a demanding set of fixtures and after a succession of injury problems. However, Fernando Torres may be out until the Merseyside derby on 29 November due to a hernia.

Aquilani was bought as a more offensive replacement for Xabi Alonso in the summer and, despite his delayed debut and injury problems, has been tipped to have a major impact at Anfield by his former Roma team-mate and captain Francesco Totti. "He is elegant and smart – these are his main characteristics. Potentially he is one of the best in the world," said Totti. "He has been unlucky with injuries so far but I believe he will do really well in England. Good players prove themselves wherever they go. Alberto will adapt to any type of football. He really is a complete midfielder."

Roma's all-time leading goalscorer added: "Alberto can play in any position in the middle of the park really, either a bit forward or a few steps behind. The advantage he has is that he really understands the game and has great vision – he is dynamic and can make the last pass or try to score himself. Here at Roma, with our 4-2-3-1 strategy, he was playing in front of the defence next to Daniele De Rossi or David Pizarro but also as an attacking midfielder just off me. I think he can do very well in a 4-4-2 too."

Aquilani was given the added incentive of fighting for a World Cup place by Marcello Lippi yesterday, when the Italy coach admitted the midfielder, who appeared for his country at Euro 2008, remained in his thoughts for South Africa. "If he plays with consistency for Liverpool, then why shouldn't I consider him?" said Lippi.

Benayoun and Riera both have an outside chance of facing City despite being ruled out for four weeks when they damaged hamstrings against Birmingham last Monday. The pair received treatment at the Belgrade home of Mariana Kovacevic, the physiotherapist who massages liquid from a horse's placenta into the affected area and is treating Arsenal's Robin van Persie for an ankle ligament injury, and have since made a remarkable recovery.

Liverpool FC’s David Ngog Is Ready To Face Manchester City Despite Breaking His Nose

RAFA BENITEZ is confident David Ngog will be available to face Manchester City this weekend – despite breaking his nose on international duty.

The young striker sustained the injury during a training session with France’s Under-21 squad last week and has returned to Melwood for treatment.

Ngog’s last appearance for Liverpool, of course, was shrouded in controversy after he ‘won’ the penalty that enabled his side to secure a 2-2 draw with Birmingham City.

That incident, though, overshadowed what had been an encouraging display – he scored the Reds’ opener – and with Fernando Torres set to be sidelined, Ngog will be needed.

“Ngog has broken his nose, so we will have to see how he is before the weekend,” Benitez said today. “But we think he is going to be okay. It is not too serious.”

While Torres continues to work with the physios at Melwood, Benitez is confident his squad will have a more robust look to it by the time City arrive at Anfield.

Steven Gerrard trained with the first team yesterday and once again came through the session with flying colours to take a step nearer to his first start since October 20.

Glen Johnson And Fabio Aurelio Are The Latest Liverpool FC Stars To Go For Radical Horse Placenta Treatment

Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio have become the latest Liverpool players to visit radical therapist Mariana Kovacevic in an attempt to end their injury problems.

Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun flew to Belgrade earlier this week to see Kovacevic, who has become famous for treating sportsmen with the liquid from horse placenta.

They have responded so well to treatment that there is a chance the pair could figure against Manchester City on Saturday and now Johnson and Aurelio have followed suit.

That pair were forced to miss England’s friendly against Brazil in Qatar last Saturday with respective hamstring and calf problems.

But after seeing Kovacevic, Johnson is now set to take his place on the right side of Liverpool’s defence when City visit, while Aurelio is making good progress too.

Similar sentiments apply to Fernando Torres, who has done his first couple of training sessions since being ordered to rest his damaged groin for three weeks.

Liverpool’s star striker, however, has not been involved with the rest of the first team squad and the club’s medical staff will continue to monitor his progress.

Liverpool Target Juventus Star Sebastian Giovinco

According to a report in the Corriere dello Sport, Premier League giants Liverpool are mulling over a bid to lure out-of-favour Juventus 'fantasista' Sebastian Giovinco to Anfield.

The diminutive hitman has only mustered six league appearances so far this term and has slipped further down the pecking order, after the arrival of Brazilian ace Diego over the summer.

The 22-year-old has been frequently linked with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico to boost his chances of proving his worth to Italy boss Marcello Lippi ahead of next year’s World Cup finals.

Premier League sides Arsenal and West Ham have allegedly sounded out Juve directors over his availability, but Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is now believed to have joined the hunt and could make an offer to secure his services during the January transfer window.

Giovinco would link up with fellow Italians Andrea Dossena and Alberto Aquilani on Merseyside, with the latter only making his Premier League debut earlier this month after completing a €20 million move from Roma last summer.

Giovinco Agent Rules Out Liverpool

Sebastian Giovinco’s agent has slammed reports that Liverpool are staging a swoop for the ‘Atomic Ant.’

The young Juventus prodigy has been linked with a January move to Anfield, where he would join fellow Italian Alberto Aquilani.

“I don’t think we can say there is anything true in these rumours,” agent Luca Pasqualin told Goal.com.

“Giovinco will remain at Juventus. I don’t know who spread this story around, but I can confirm Giovinco is staying in Turin. That is the reality.”

There were theories as to the Under-21 international’s future, as he is considered a reserve for Diego and Alessandro Del Piero.

“Giovinco is a Juventus player and must have faith in the Coach and his club. As for a hypothetical transfer to Liverpool, there is nothing to say other than he will stay at Juventus.”

Liverpool, Spurs And Fulham On Red Alert

Liverpool, Spurs and Fulham were put on red alert last night as Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted he would consider a return to the Premier League.

The Dutch striker is out in the cold at Real Madrid and is worried about his World Cup place.

The Spanish giants would consider selling the former Manchester United hitman for £5m in the January transfer market.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp would be interested in the 33-year-old as well as Fulham’s Roy Hodgson, who failed with a bid for Peter Crouch in the summer. Even Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez could consider an offer given his lack of attacking options and injury-ravaged squad.

Van Nistelrooy said: “If I do not get the chance to play in the next couple of weeks then the option to move on in January is very real and open. I need to speak with the new Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk about returning to the national squad, but I know that is impossible if I do not play at Real Madrid.

‘’If things do not change then I will need to study my situation and consider my options in January. I have not closed anything with any club and I would be interested in going back to England.”

Reds' Struggles Surprise Carlo

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted his surprise at Liverpool's Premier League struggles this season.

Rafa Benitez's men were expected to mount a serious title challenge this term but are already badly off the pace after losing five of their opening 12 games.

The Anfield outfit is already 11 points adrift of Ancelotti's league leaders, who have a five-point cushion over Arsenal and Manchester United following their 1-0 victory against the champions before the international break.

Some pundits expected the Red Devils to fall off the pace following the summer sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, but it is Liverpool's failings which have been an eye-opener for Ancelotti.

The Italian told Il Giornale: "United were two points behind Chelsea before our face-to-face; they have done well in the Champions League.

"Valencia, his (Ronaldo's) replacement, has great qualities and is starting to click with the well-oiled machine that is United.

"The only real disappointment (of the season) is Liverpool."

Ngog Gets Cameroon Invite

Liverpool striker David Ngog has been approached by Cameroon to play for the African country.

Ngog, who has played for France from Under 16 level through to Under 21, qualifies for Cameroon through his father.

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen is keen for Ngog to change his allegiance ahead of the African Cup of Nations and World Cup.

If Ngog decides to play for Cameroon it could leave Liverpool with problems in attack for January as Cameroon are involved in the African Cup of Nations in Angola at the turn of the year.

Ngog admits he is flattered by the approach and he is now considering his international future.

"I have had contact with the Cameroonian federation. Now I need some time to think about things. I'm very flattered," Ngog told The Sun.

Pepe Reina Is Saving Liverpool FC’s Season, Says Alan Hansen

Pepe Reina is the “tower of strength” that has already prevented Liverpool’s season from heading into oblivion.

That’s the verdict of Alan Hansen, who believes the Spain international is now challenging Ray Clemence for the title of the club’s greatest-ever goalkeeper.

Liverpool entertain Manchester City on Saturday having suffered a run of just one win in nine games to slip to seventh in the Premier League standings.

Another defeat at the weekend would further compromise their hopes of a top-four finish, with their ambitions downscaled following a poor start to the campaign.

And Hansen – who played more than 600 games for Liverpool and gained 23 winners’ medals in a 14-year Anfield career – reckons it would have been even worse but for the presence of Reina.

“Pepe has been invaluable again this season, and, for me, should now be considered as one of the greatest goalkeepers Liverpool have had,” said Hansen.

“He’s right up there with Ray Clemence and it’s probably just as well because if we didn’t have a keeper as good as Reina, we could have been in serious trouble this season.

“Liverpool’s back four have struggled at times this season, but if you have a back four that’s struggling, with a dodgy keeper behind them, then it’s the end of the story.

“Our defence has struggled but Pepe has been a tower of strength. He’s been a model of consistency. Keepers like him are worth their weight in gold as they give the back four confident.

“He has always been a good goalkeeper but if he had a weakness when he first came to Liverpool, it was when the ball was in the air, coming across him quickly.

“Initially he had one or two problems with those type of crosses but he has sorted it out and his judgement is now a lot better.

“In terms of every other quality you need to have as a keeper, Reina is right at the top of the tree. He is reliable, dependable and makes great saves.”

Liverpool are a point behind City having played a game more, and are three adrift of Tottenham Hotspur, who currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification place.

Benitez’s side have played five of the six teams above them this season in all competitions and beaten only champions Manchester United, losing to Arsenal in the Carling Cup and Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa in the Premier League.

And Hansen believes the visit of Mark Hughes’ Eastlands outfit is a must-win for Liverpool to get their season back on track.

“The City game is massive because if you take our current Premier League position into account and the fact qualification for the Champions League knockout stages is out of our hands, it becomes absolutely imperative Liverpool win,” said the Scot. “We want to qualify for the Champions League next season by finishing in the top four and a win would keep the spirits of everyone connected with Liverpool up after such a bad run.

“The sooner we get out of that, the better for the manager, players and supporters. What Liverpool must do is ensure that it isn’t them who are in danger of slipping out of the top four if City does come good.

“The players showed against United they are good enough and what they need to do now is play the same way against City.

“But if Liverpool gets everybody fit and our tried-and-trusted structure back on the pitch, I’m confident Rafa Benitez’s team is capable of showing what they’re all about.”

“Over the next few weeks the players will want to show everybody that their season is not dead and buried by putting a bit of light back into the challenge for the title.

“The players need to achieve a level of consistency to do that – and if they want an example to follow they need look no further than their goalkeeper.”

Future Is Bright For Liverpool - Rafael Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes that the future of the club is secure with regard to the burgeoning talent among the youth players who are set to break into the senior squad.

The 'Rafalution' of the Reds continued during the summer, when the Spaniard instigated an overhaul in the system and structure of the club's youth and reserve set-up.

"The players can see the difference and I am sure it will be easier for them to progress," Benitez told the club's official website.

"It is always important to develop your own players. Local players have passion and desire and I think that is the key if you want to be consistent and stay at the top of the table - you have to produce your own players.

"When you make changes it can take time, but we all have the same plan, everybody is following it and we try to do the same things here at Melwood and at the Academy."

When asked if he foresaw a bright future for the Merseysiders, the former Valencia manager answered: "Yes, I think so. I am sure."

Liverpool Manager Rafael Benítez Could Sell Quartet To Balance Books

Rafael Benítez may be forced to part with as many as four senior international squad members in the January transfer window as he attempts to trim Liverpool’s wage bill and balance the Anfield books.

Ryan Babel, Andrea Dossena, Andriy Voronin and Philipp Degen will all be sacrificed should suitable offers arrive, even though there are currently no guarantees that Benítez will be granted the revenue generated by their departures to reinvest into the Liverpool team.

The Spaniard has seen his team’s Premier League and Champions League challenges falter under the weight of an extensive injury list, highlighting the paucity of resources available to him after two consecutive summers of little net outlay on the playing staff.

Yet the financial restrictions at Anfield are such that Benítez will be forced to endure the last six months of the campaign with a squad depleted still further unless he can find suitable reinforcements on loan.

Dossena, an £8 million signing from Udinese last year, has found his playing time severely restricted by the emergence of Emiliano Insua as Liverpool’s first-choice left-back and will return to his native Italy in January in the hope of securing a place in Marcello Lippi’s World Cup squad.

Napoli, who came close to signing him in the summer, remain interested, but the club’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, is unwilling to fund a permanent deal until next summer. It is likely Liverpool would have to make a contribution to the player’s wages should he agree a loan return to Italy.

Voronin, though he has signally failed to impress in England, remains well-regarded in Germany after an impressive loan spell with Hertha Berlin last season, and several clubs are believed to be ready to offer him a return to the Bundesliga.

Degen, too, a free transfer signing from Borussia Dortmund, is likely to head to Germany in search of the regular appearances which would guarantee him a ticket to South Africa. Both are believed to be on around £40,000-a-week at Anfield, a figure most German sides would struggle to match.

Babel insisted earlier this week that he sees his future at Anfield but the Dutch international has also admitted in the past that he would consider a return to his old club Ajax to safeguard his World Cup place, though any such move is unlikely to be permanent.

Benítez will be hoping several of his highly-regarded youngsters will be able to fill the breach, though uncertainty continues to cloud the futures of Nathan Eccleston – the young striker recently handed his first-team debut – after he rejected a contract extension last week amid reported interest from several Premier League clubs, and Lauri Dalla Valle, a Finnish prospect believed to be discontent with his lack of progress through the club’s ranks.

The Liverpool manager, though, will at least be able to count on Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger for Saturday's crucial game with Manchester City, with the return of his captain particularly pleasing. “The second injection [in my groin] seems to have done the trick,” said Gerrard. “I’m feeling a lot better, a lot stronger and now I just have to get my match sharpness back.”

Liverpool Manager Rafael Benítez Admits Premier League Title Is Preferred Prize

Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez would rather win the Premier League trophy than another Champions League title.

Following a disappointing start to the season which has seen them lose five league games already, many are ruling Liverpool out of the title race this term.

Nevertheless, Benítez, who brought the Champions League trophy to Anfield in 2005, is desperate to claim the domestic crown.

He told The Times : "Anyone who knows me knows that I want to win every trophy, every game.

"But if you ask me what I prefer, I will say the Premier League.

"If I do not win the title, I'm sure I'd be so disappointed maybe I would have this feeling [of failure]."

Many saw last term as a great chance for Liverpool to challenge for the Premier League title, but Benítez saw his plans scuppered when he failed to bring Gareth Barry to Liverpool.

And he believes the season would have turned out differently - possibly even with his ultimate goal reached - had Barry moved to Anfield.

"You never know," he said. "Football is a funny game.

"The plan was for Barry to play on the left and feed the ball to Robbie Keane, who would play up front with Fernando Torres.

"This blueprint had to be scrapped. The collateral damage was Keane, who signed from Tottenham Hotspur before the Barry deal had been done.

"When we wanted to sign Barry, we were sure we were signing a good player with a very good mentality and the quality to play in the Premier League. The priority was Barry, then Keane."

Rafael Benitez: When Door Was Shut On Gareth Barry

On Saturday afternoon, just before 12.45, a big-spending manager will take his seat in the dugout at Anfield aware that his side is desperate for a victory to ease the mounting pressure. Defeat will bring an avalanche of criticism. Yes, Mark Hughes could be in for a torrid afternoon if his Manchester City side is beaten by Liverpool.

Rafael Benítez knows that a win is essential, too.

Both managers have raised expectations for their clubs this year. Hughes lifted hopes with a £140 million spending spree. His Liverpool counterpart inspired his team to a flying finish to the previous Barclays Premier League season, when they fell just short of delivering the title to Anfield for the first time since 1990.

City is in sixth place in the table, a point above Liverpool. Both managers could come to rue their poor start to the season but will Benítez have bigger regrets on Saturday? There, in the sky blue of City, will be Gareth Barry, the man coveted by the Liverpool manager last year. Barry was the key to a new-look side at Anfield, one that never took shape after the midfield player stayed at Aston Villa, then moved to City in the summer.

Would Liverpool have won the league last season if Barry had signed? It is a question that Benítez must have mulled over a thousand times. He gives a deep sigh, so heavy that it is audible when the tape is played back.

“You never know,” he said slowly. “Football is a funny game. The plan was for Barry to play on the left and feed the ball to Robbie Keane, who would play up front with Fernando Torres. This blueprint had to be scrapped. The collateral damage was Keane, who signed from Tottenham Hotspur before the Barry deal had been done.

“When we wanted to sign Barry, we were sure we were signing a good player with a very good mentality and the quality to play in the Premier League. The priority was Barry, then Keane.”

Against a chaotic backdrop of politicking and finger-pointing at Anfield, Benítez’s priorities were ignored. Keane was the collateral damage but there were wider disappointments for the manager.

“We were looking to the future because we knew we needed three or four English players in the squad [for the Champions League],” Benítez said. “We knew there were rule changes and we needed English players and we were trying to get there early.

“The only way to do that was to sell [foreign] players and bring money in to sign English players. But the main thing about Barry is that he can play in three positions. To sign Barry would have been a very good addition for the team.”

Those who believed Benítez to be innately negative were surprised this season when he signed Glen Johnson as an attacking full back, but the manager has been looking for positive contributions from his defence for a long time. Here, too, he saw Barry as an option. “If you wanted to be more offensive, you could use Barry as a left full back and he would still be controlling the game because he’s good with the ball,” Benítez said. “He could play as a winger. Not a winger just to beat players but one with good delivery, good crosses, good possession.

“That was the idea. Everything was perfect. Good player, good mentality and English.”

The plan had gone awry and a new system was needed to put in its place. Using Steven Gerrard as a second striker compromised Keane’s role. Benítez acted decisively, sending Keane back to White Hart Lane after a mere six months at Anfield.

Would the Ireland striker have been a success in tandem with Barry? “Keane was a very good signing and everybody knew that he was a goal threat,” Benítez said. “He did not settle down in our team for different reasons and we needed to do something, so we did it quickly. With other players around it would have been easier for Keane. We played a different way.”

In trying to build his sides, Benítez attempts to balance the conflicting demands of domestic and continental football. The manager’s critics claim that he is more concerned with Europe, but Benítez sees his success in the Champions League as a natural consequence of his ability as a tactician. “Europe and England are totally different styles of football,” he said. “You can manage tactically better in Europe. You have plan against plan and you can adjust teams depending on your position.

“In England it is direct football all the time. It is more difficult. There are no tactics to deal with a goalkick from the ‘keeper or a punt that goes half the pitch. The only way is to challenge for the first ball, win the second ball. That is a massive difference in terms of tactics.

“The tempo is higher in England because it’s more direct football. It’s difficult to control. The English teams that have quality and strong and physical players are difficult to play against.

“Teams like Chelsea who are big, strong and also have quality can cope in the league and the Champions League.

“Manchester United is the same. They have Fletcher and Carrick, big, strong players, and they also have Rooney and Berbatov, who play with quality. The balance is not easy. You can find this balance spending some money.

“If you want to win here, you need stronger and quicker players. The stronger and quicker players who have quality cost money.”

Ron Gourlay, the chief executive at Stamford Bridge, said that it would take two European Cups in the next five years for Chelsea to become a big club. Benítez has delivered one to Anfield and reached another final.

However, would he consider his time at Liverpool a failure if he failed to deliver a title? “Anyone who knows me knows that I want to win every trophy, every game,” he said. “But if you ask me what I prefer, I will say the Premier League.

“If I do not win the title, I’m sure I’d be so disappointed maybe I would have this feeling [of failure],” he said. “But in football you have to compete against other teams. In the Premier League, you see clubs with big, big money, big stadiums. It’s easier if you have money to spend. But we have to deal with the money we have and cannot judge other teams.”

For this season, expectations may need to be lowered. Progression in the Champions League looks unlikely and a title challenge would need a run of form of heroic proportions. How would Benítez feel about slumming it in the Europa League? “It’s not easy to accept the situation,” he said. “But it’s not the end of the world. We must keep going. We’ll approach it with the right mentality and try to win.”

For now, getting the season back on track is simply a matter of seeing off City.

“For me it’s three points in the next game,” he said. “It’s the best way to be closer [to the top]. I have confidence that the team is better than people think, the squad is better than people think. If we win one or two games, we will gain confidence and you will see the players playing better.”

What Benítez said about his strikers.

Peter Crouch He is a fantastic boy and very clever, but he knew that Torres was the first choice and it would be more difficult for him.

Craig Bellamy He was different. He is a different kind of striker. He was in the position that Gerrard took, a second striker. Craig is a winner. With his mentality, to be on the bench is not an issue.

Michael Owen I couldn’t change his mind about going to Real. Two years later we had a conversation about the possibility of returning but he decided to go to Newcastle. He scores goals. This time round, I had a better goalscorer.

Spain v England is nightmare final scenario

One man unaffected by the excitement of the run-up to the World Cup is Rafael Benítez. Rather than looking forward to a festival of football in South Africa next year, the Liverpool manager is filled with dread.

“I’m really worried about a final between Spain and England,” he said. “All my players will be in it.”

The comment is said half in jest but there are some real concerns. Liverpool are suffering from the knock-on effects of a South African tournament, after Spain took part in the Confederations Cup during the summer.

“We are paying for the Confederations Cup,” he said. “The Spanish players came back late. If Spain- England is the final next year, it will be more difficult for us to prepare for the season.”

The timing of international matches is also an annoyance for Benítez. It will be better, he suggests, when the move is made from the present Wednesday and Saturday fixtures to 24 hours earlier.

“It will be better if international games are played on Tuesday and Friday,” he said. “It makes a big difference for all the top sides who have 10, 15 players involved in international football.

“Sometimes they arrive back on Friday so it’s really difficult because you cannot train with them. Then you have to play on Saturday morning sometimes. It is something that has to change. There are too many international games.”

Can Benítez imagine himself managing a national side? “I get asked that all the time in Spain,” he said. “Maybe in the future. I am happy here and like the day-to-day involvement. I prefer to stay here.”

What if the job meant that he was able to stay here? England? He laughed. “Maybe,” he said. “If I improve my English.”

Liverpool FC Commercial Chief Explains Motorsport Backing

Ian Ayre, the commercial director of English soccer club Liverpool, has explained the club's decision to back a racing team in the fast-growing Superleague Formula series.

Superleague Formula, which launched in 2008, features motorsport teams backed by professional soccer clubs, including the likes of AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Flamengo. The 2009 season ended earlier this month, with Liverpool's representative team beating Tottenham Hotspur to the championship in front of huge crowds at Spanish circuit Jarama.

"It's important for this club to win things," explained Ayre. "Anything that represents us successfully as a football club is important. We've got a great team and a great driver and for the last two seasons we've been very successful in Superleague Formula. The pinnacle of that was winning the championship and winning it well. We had our Madrid supporters' club there and for all these fans it was a great day. I was there alongside other members of our team and it's great to see how the interest is building. About 30,000 people turned up, so it's clearly growing as a sport and an event."

The agreement is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, adds Ayre. "We're contracted to stay involved for several more years and it looks like an exciting proposition. They're expanding where they race and are talking about places in the Middle East and Asia. These are areas where we're very big as a football club so it's a great synergy and a great fit," he said.

Ayre was also keen to stress that involvement in Superleague Formula is a financial opportunity for the club, rather than a burden. "There are two things, for me. The first is us licensing our club logos and brand to Superleague. They have a similar arrangement with a lot of other teams. This is a financial opportunity for the club.

"The second thing, which is perhaps more important, is that it spreads the awareness of our football club. Superleague races in markets that perhaps we don't go to very often as a football club. It attracts a different type of audience and means motor racing fans who perhaps aren't big football supporters become attracted to Liverpool. By the same token, established Liverpool fans can see a bit of motor racing and have a good day out. It's a family event with great access. They have a pit walk and you can walk along the grid as they are preparing for the race."

Liverpool’s Faith In Controversial Serbian Healer Pays Off

Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera are in contention for a surprise return to the Liverpool squad for Saturday’s clash with Manchester City after some controversial therapy.

They have been treated by a Serbian physiotherapist credited with accelerating recovery from injury with the use of placenta cells.

Benayoun and Riera had been expected to be sidelined for up to five weeks after suffering torn hamstrings during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Birmingham City at Anfield 11 days ago.

But the midfielders have now been given an outside chance of facing City at Anfield this weekend after making unexpected progress with their injuries after visiting Mariana Kovacevic in Belgrade. Israeli midfielder Benayoun said: “I am feeling better already. My hope now is that I will be fit in one week, two at the most. ”

Kovacevic has sprung to prominence following Arsenal forward Robin van Persie’s revelation that he would be visiting her Belgrade clinic in an attempt to boost his recovery from an ankle injury suffered while playing for Holland against Italy at the weekend.

Dutch team-mate Orlando Engelaar had recommended Kovacevic to Van Persie after making a quicker than expected recovery from injury after being subjected to her innovative methods earlier this year.

The injection of horse placenta on to the affected area is claimed to speed up the recovery process and, while it is not known whether Benayoun and Riera have been subjected to that treatment, both have returned to Liverpool ahead of schedule with their rehabilitation.

David Ngog, the French forward, is expected to be fit to face City, despite suffering a broken nose while training with France Under-21s this week.

Ngog, whose last outing for Liverpool ended in controversy amid accusations that he dived to win a penalty against Birmingham, will be able to take his place in the squad for City’s visit, according to manager Rafael Benítez.

Benítez said: “Ngog has broken his nose, so we will have to see how he is before the weekend, but we think he is going to be OK. It is not too serious.”

Liverpool face a crucial week with the visit of City followed by the Champions League trip to Hungary to tackle Debrecen, where even a victory may not be enough to save Benitez’s team from elimination.

Benítez said: “This is the start of an important week for us.”

Eintracht Frankfurt Can't Afford Voronin

Eintracht Frankfurt manager Michael Skibbe admits the club might be priced out of a move for Andriy Voronin.

The Liverpool striker has been linked with a move away from Anfield after failing to establish himself in the Reds first team, with manager Rafael Benitez preferring David Ngog as back-up for star forward Fernando Torres.

Voronin spent a season on loan at Hertha Berlin last term, scoring 11 times in 20 appearances, and has previously played for Borussia Monchengladbach, Mainz 05, Koln and Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.

However, a move to Eintracht looks unlikely as Skibbe revealed the club would find it difficult to afford the Ukrainian, despite a lack of options up front.

"We have a shortage up front following the injuries to Ioannis Amanatidis and Martin Fenin," he said.

"But I really do not think we are in a financial position to be able to afford a player like Andriy Voronin. I really do not think so."

Liverpool Sign 14-year-old Luton Town Forward Dave Moli

Liverpool have paid an undisclosed fee for the Luton youngster Dave Moli. The 14-year-old forward had been part of the Hatters' under-15 side but will now move with his family to Merseyside, where he will continue his schooling and train at the Reds' academy.

Luton reported another Premier League club to the Football Association for making an illegal approach for the player, but Liverpool's approach through the Blue Square Premier club has been accepted.

Luton's youth development officer, Gregg Broughton, said: "We never like to lose talented players, but it is important that we do not stand in the way of young players' development."

Liverpool have intensified their search for young players following a restructuring of the reserve and academy set-up, and the manager, Rafael Benítez, is impressed by the changes that have been made.

The Spaniard said: "It is much better now. The players can see the difference and I am sure it will be easier for them to progress. It is always important to develop your own players. Local players have passion and desire and I think that is the key if you want to be consistent and stay at the top – you have to produce your own players.

"When you make changes it can take time, but we all have the same plan, everybody is following it and we try to do the same things here at Melwood [the first-team training complex] and at the academy."

Rodolfo Borrell, the under-18s coach, and José Segura, the academy technical manager, who joined from Barcelona in July and May respectively, are two of several new arrivals at the club's youth complex at Kirkby this year, and the manager feels the changes are helping to drive the academy forward.

Benítez said: "They are doing well, but we didn't bring in just these two coaches. We brought in more people and changed staff. When you talk with agents, or people who are involved with coaching or watching the academy, everyone says it has changed a lot."

Alonso: It's Logical I Miss Liverpool

Xabi Alonso has admitted he misses Liverpool but urged the club to move on because he is happy with life at Real Madrid.

The Spaniard’s departure has coincided with Liverpool’s woeful form in the Premier League and Champions League and although he was flattered by Steven Gerrard’s recent comments that suggested he was devastated by Alonso leaving, the former Real Sociedad star is happy at the Bernabeu.

Alonso is quoted by the Sun: “I want to thank Stevie for his kind words but life goes on.”

“It's logical I miss Liverpool.”

“I lived there five years and saw what football means to the supporters.”

“I've still got friends there. It was an unforgettable experience and I'll always have the club in my heart.”

“But I'm so happy at Real Madrid and I hope to do some important things here.”