Match Report: Espanyol 3 - 0 Liverpool

Real Madrid target Xabi Alonso made a brief appearance as a strong Liverpool team suffered a heavy defeat in Spain.

Midfielder Alonso came off the bench with six minutes remaining as Espanyol officially opened their new stadium, and reports in Spain indicate it may be his final appearance for Liverpool.

Luis Garcia - a namesake of the former Liverpool player - put Mauricio Pochettino's side ahead after 19 minutes and former Chelsea reserve Ben Sahar scored a second-half double to give Espanyol an impressive win.

The Barcelona-based team struggled to put teams under pressure at their previous ground, Montjuic, where the stands were far away from the pitch.

But the home side were able to feel the warmth of a sell-out crowd at their new home in Cornella-El Prat, and looked to boss the game early on.

Liverpool began well and Steven Gerrard tried his luck from long range early on, only to see his effort sail wide.

The Reds captain then almost gave the visitors the lead after 18 minutes, when he crashed a fierce effort against the bar.

A minute later, Liverpool were behind as former Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura played in Luis Garcia and the Spain forward beat international team-mate Jose Reina with a neat low finish.

Gerrard curled a free-kick against the post from 20 yards eight minutes later as Rafael Benitez's side sought a quick response.

Espanyol were proving hard to break down and the Catalans thought they had gone two goals up three minutes before half-time, when Raul Tamudo fired clinically past Reina.

However, the veteran striker was ruled offside and the home fans had to be content with a one-goal lead at the break.

Philipp Degen, Andrea Dossena, Ryan Babel and Jay Spearing came on for the visitors at the break, replacing Glen Johnson, Emiliano Insua, Yossi Benayoun and Javier Mascherano.

Espanyol made five changes themselves, but displayed more urgency and went 2-0 up after 62 minutes.

Jose Callejon's pass found Sahar in the area, and the Israel striker slid the ball under Reina.

Benitez brought on Albert Riera, Andriy Voronin, David N'Gog and Damien Plessis late on, and Alonso made his brief appearance six minutes from the end.

But Espanyol wrapped up a fine win minutes before the end, when Sahar netted after Reina could only parry Ferran Corominas' close-range effort.

Liverpool Did Not Deserve To Beat Espanyol - Rafa Benitez

Liverpool lost 3-0 to Espanyol tonight, as the La Liga outfit celebrated their first game in the new Estadi Cornella-El Prat in style, with goals from Luis Garcia and a brace from Ben Sahar sealing an impressive victory for the hosts.

Reds manager Rafa Benitez acknowledged that his side were very much second-best, with the Spaniard admitting the home side thoroughly deserved their win.

"The game was very important for them. For us it was a friendly game, but you have to play with intensity in every match and you have to work harder than we did today," the coach told the club's official website.

"For 25 minutes in the first half we were more or less okay, but for the rest of the game they were on top of us, winning every second ball and challenge. You cannot win these kind of games if you don't work harder.

"We had chances and hit the crossbar and post, but clearly we did not deserve to win."

Benitez refused to highlight the poor performances of individuals, stressing that the defeat was down to collective rather than individual weakness.

"I don't think it was a problem of one or two players, I think the team as a whole were not working hard enough," he added.

"Espanyol were very good moving between the lines. We were not pressing and working together and it created a big problem for our defenders.

"But when these things happen in pre-season, you can change things for the start of the season. We have 15 more days and all the players can work together."

"We have had some players coming back late and they need to play and train more for their fitness, so we will see if we can improve in the next game."

Liverpool are now set to leave Spain, with their next pre-season game lined up in Oslo, where they will face Norwegian outfit FC Lyn.

Liverpool Boss Ready For Another Shot At United Legend

Having won a gruelling internal scrap, Rafa Benitez can finally concentrate on throwing Liverpool's most powerful punches exclusively at his rivals.

It comes as a blessed relief on Merseyside that instead of worrying about another spat between manager, chief executive or absentee owners, the Anfield combat lines are more appropriately drawn.

Benitez has been forced to exhaust too much energy applying his Machiavellian wisdom to a process of self-preservation. He's now entirely focused on sending Sir Alex Ferguson into unhappy retirement.

Liverpool versus Manchester United part two is a skirmish Don King would love to promote. It went the distance last season, and the The Kop will be relishing an equally bitter clash in the months ahead.

The rest of the football world may embark on an eyebrow raising exhibition as the Rafa versus Fergie feud is reignited, but Liverpool will be comforted if the mud continues to be slung beyond the boundaries of their own patch.

Don't underestimate how thrilling it is for a Scouser to hear Ferguson so motivated to keep the Merseysiders 'off their perch' for another season.

Until Benitez's enduring challenge last May, Fergie had become so unflustered by Liverpool's top four presence he wouldn't even mention the Merseysiders' when discussing possible threats.

Worse still, Benitez's predecessors suffered the ultimate indignation of being regularly praised by the United boss. That's the surest sign of Liverpool's unthreatening behaviour at the business end of a campaign (Fergie's Spring tributes are reserved for Arsene Wenger these days).

Fergie and Rafa can't even spit out each others' name without getting a blister on their tongue now.

Liverpool will have no difficulty assessing their chances this time. The more Ferguson mentions them or launches co-ordinated anti-Rafa attacks with allies like Sam Allardyce, the more dangerous they're being perceived.

Equally, the first gentle jab by Benitez about fixture lists, refereeing standards and Old Trafford penalty decisions will be ample proof of his buoyant mood as the season progresses. There should still be caution before declaring Liverpool's internal squabbles gone for good, though.

Liverpool's appetite for a self-destructing bust-up has recently seemed as feverish as an outbreak of swine flu.

Benitez's greatest triumph last year wasn't merely to withstand the pressure from his ex-board (50 per cent of which had wanted him sacked). It was to keep the tide of opinion swinging ferociously his way through an exceptional league performance, earning a long-term contract and seeing off his backroom irritants in the process.

But the recent declarations of unity within Anfield still won't sound convincing until the takeover saga ends.

Financially vulnerable Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr have tolerated each other rather than buried their differences.

And although Benitez has established a working relationship with newly appointed directors and assumed greater control over a broad range of club matters, the curious cases of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano are testimony that tensions can flare up at the merest hint of an agent's briefing.

The new broom currently working its way through the corridors of Anfield power has not yet swept away all the debris of a traumatic few years.

As usual, the on-field hopes of The Kop rest with the formidable spine of the team. Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher and Dirk Kuyt tend to avoid the rotation process, and the outcome of the Alonso and Mascherano sagas undoubtedly impact on the months to come. The rest of Benitez's squad form a methodical, but formidable unit.

Glen Johnson's arrival should be the catalyst for him to not only cement his place as England's best right back, but develop into a world class one.

Inevitably, Benitez himself will take centre stage as he bids to justify his view of Liverpool as a work of meticulously designed progress edging ever closer to its goal.

There's a little of something for everyone in a portrait of Rafa.

The glass is two-thirds full when recalling the league doubles over United and Chelsea last season, allied to those memorable European campaigns which allowed successive owners to cheekily quadruple the club's value since his arrival in 2004.

The glass half empty brigade recoil at the thought of the failure to beat Stoke, the defeat to Middlesbrough and the home draws with Fulham and West Ham.

There remains a chameleon-like style to this Liverpool side. They absorb the qualities of their opponent, no matter how brilliant or indifferent. It's a regular occurrence for Liverpool to beat Manchester United or Real Madrid, while struggling against a relegation certainty a few days later.

That's because Benitez's analytical, scrupulous approach means the rough and smooth walk hand in hand.

He'll labour over the tactical intricacies of Tony Pulis' mind as much as if he was facing Jose Mourinho.

That's one of Benitez's biggest strengths as a manager, but to those of a bygone era who believe weaker teams should be brushed aside without the need for a clip board on the touchline, it's also a source of disquiet.

Cynics peddle the idea Liverpool continue to fall agonisingly short because of unnecessary meddling against lowly opponents.

Rafa's staunchest supporters will say it's been an extraordinary effort to become so competitive, and it was only the regular absence of either Torres or Gerrard that cost Liverpool the four more points they needed last season.

The conflict-ridden debate about Rafa's true place in the club's history will only be resolved when his methods bring more silverware. It will be four years in May since their last trophy, and that's Liverpool's longest drought since the early 70s.

But if Benitez wins the title, he'll be rightly elevated to the ranks of Anfield immortals Shankly and Paisley.

Such an achievement may even be regarded Liverpool's greatest of all given the silver-spooned opponents he's had to overcome, and the restrictive in-fighting which has plagued his reign.

Liverpool Ready To Offer Roma €21 Million For Aquilani

Liverpool are willing to offer Roma €21 million for their home-grown talent Alberto Aquilani, according to the British newspaper The Daily Star.

The Premier League outfit are currently involved in a tug-of-war with Real Madrid over their midfield maestro Xabi Alonso, and, should the Basque leave Merseyside, are eyeing the Giallorossi player as the ideal replacement.

On July 31, it was reported that the 25-year-old has already agreed to personal terms with the Reds, a five-year contract worth €4 million per season, should the two clubs come to an agreement over his transfer.

Roma president Rosella Sensi has already admitted she does not know whether the midfielder will remain at the Stadio Olimpico. The club may be forced to sell some of their stars following last season's disappointments, including failing to qualify for the 2009-10 Champions League.

Kop Cash In On Fernando Torres

Liverpool are putting their shirts on Fernando Torres to help ease their debts.

The Reds' American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jnr., rubber-stamped a £290million refinace package this week and cashing in on the success of Torres is a crucial part of their marketing policy.

Anfield commercial director Ian Ayre said: "All the players are important but it is evident certain ones are crucial.

"Fernando is a global icon and a great footballer. They go hand in hand. From a commercial standpoint he's a huge attraction.

"Torres is the highest-selling shirt here. I'm not sure when he actually overtook Steven Gerrard, and there's not a huge difference, but he is our biggest seller.

"Being a global brand we have a big opportunity to push on - but we know it's not all about shirts."

Carra - Strike Duo Are Key

Jamie Carragher feels keeping Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres fit will be key to Liverpool's hopes of winning the Premier League this season.

Liverpool came close to ending their title drought, which stretches back to 1990, last term after pushing Manchester United all the way.

The form of Gerrard and Torres, who endured an injury-hit first half of the campaign, was instrumental in the Reds' title bid and Carragher acknowledged the importance of his team-mates.

"No other team in England has a partnership like Gerrard and Torres," said Carragher.

"It's strange to be talking about Stevie as a striker now, but that's what he's become, and in that position, just behind the main forward, there is no one better.

"In fact, there is no better strike pairing in the world than Gerrard and Torres. They can tear defences wide open in a split second.

"When you have that kind of ability in your team it gives you incredible belief. If we can keep them both free of injury then we are going to take some stopping. There were times last year when we went into games without them and it showed.

"It was great to see them both sign new contracts this summer - they are the most important players in our team.

"If they stay fit and continue to improve then I think we will go very close. We all hope this will be our year, but we'll have to play as well as we did last season and turn the draws that damaged us into wins."

Liverpool's Carragher Wary Of Owen Threat

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is pleased to see former Red Michael Owen back at a top-four club, but hopes his friend finds life at Manchester United tough going.

Carragher predicted United's latest signing could prove a masterstroke for Sir Alex Ferguson, but is crossing his fingers the England striker struggles for goals in the Premier League title race.

''Signing Michael Owen was a clever piece of business by United and he has started really well in pre-season,'' Carragher told the Sunday Mirror.

''In a way I'm pleased he's got a big move to a big club because he came in for a lot of criticism at Newcastle. Why? What did he do wrong up there?

''For me, Michael Owen is still a great player and great role model and I have this feeling he'll be good for United.

''But he plays for our biggest rivals now so he'll know I won't want him to carry on scoring once the season starts.''

He added: ''He's scored a lot of goals in the first few games for United and I hope he scores a few more pre-season because I want him to do well.

''But as soon as the season starts I hope he has a drought.''

Napoli Opportunity Has Passed For Liverpool Defender Dossena - Agent

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena has repeatedlyly voiced his desire to return to Italy and this summer Napoli had shown a keen interest in the player, but, according to the player's agent Federico Pastorello, the deal is dead in the water.

"With the directors of Napoli I have not had contact for ten days, it is logicial to think that when we have not spoken for so long, the negotiations are defined as over," he told PianetoAzzurro.it.

"When you want a player, certain steps have to be taken that have not been made here. Obviously, they have a different objective or have decided to forgo the purchase of an outside left [defender]."

"We had spoken to the Rossoneri a long time ago, but they have not shown any interest in the player," he revealed in conclusion.

Last week, the Italian international had claimed he was "waiting for a better contract offer" from the southern Italian outfit, but it appears they have given up on signing the ex-Udinese player.

Liverpool Value Xabi Alonso At €40m - Report

Real Madrid continue their quest to find quality reinforcement for the centre of their midfield, with Xabi Alonso still believed to be their number one transfer target.

However, Real and Liverpool have been some distance apart in their valuation of the 27-year-old, who signed for the Reds in 2004.

And, according to news daily AS, Liverpool are demanding a fee of €40 million: €35 million paid up front, and €5 based on the midfielder's performances.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, has reportedly given the green light to raise the club's current offer to €30 million, a figure Liverpool are believed to be interested in accepting.

In the coming days, negotiations for Alonso resume, in what has been one of the longest transfer sagas of the summer.

Liverpool To Move For David Villa Once Xabi Alonso's Move To Real Madrid Is Complete

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is expected to make a move for Valencia's David Villa once Xabi Alonso's £30 million move to Real Madrid has gone through.

With Alonso guaranteed to leave this summer having submitted a transfer request earlier this week following months of speculation, Benitez and his scouting team have been on the look out for a suitable replacement.

According to the Sun, Alonso is expected to complete his deal with Real within the next 24 hours giving Benitez enough disposable cash to pair Villa up with his compatriot Fernando Torres.

Liverpool are said to be confident of their chances of snapping up the 26-year-old, who has already turned down offers from Real and Barcelona this summer, but have prepared a back up plan should they encounter any obstacles.

If signing Villa evades the club, Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, 24 is also on Benitez's radar.

While he would not come cheap - Roma rate their home-grown star at £30m - there are signs that his club would not stand in the way of a transfer to Liverpool.

Roma's financial situation puts them in a position where they are unable to object to big money transfers, which plays into the hands of Benitez.

There is currently an ownership row surrounding the club, after the agent Vinicio Fioranelli, representing a Swiss corporation saw his takeover bid collapse.

Real Madrid Set To Lure Liverpool's Xabi Alonso With Improved Bid

The Spanish side hope an offer of £28 million, with a further £1 million dependent on the player's success at the Bernabeu, will be enough to put an end to the Spanish international's long-running transfer saga.

Florentino Perez, the Madrid president, is thought to have sanctioned the deal after coming under pressure from Manuel Pellegrini, the club's manager, and technical director Jorge Valdano to sign a player identified in June as one of the Spanish club's chief transfer targets.

Perez has remained steadfastly unwilling to match Liverpool's £30 million asking price for a player he sees as a cost, rather than an investment, but Real's pre-season displays have only served to heighten their need for a creative midfield player.

Alonso handed a transfer request in on Wednesday in a bid to expedite the move after coming under pressure from manager Rafa Benitez to end the stalemate. The Spaniard does not wish to lower his demands but is conscious of his need to plan for next season as soon as possible.

The Liverpool manager will be handed the bulk of that fee, plus the £8 million raised from the sales of Alvaro Arbeloa, Sebastian Leto, Jack Hobbs and Paul Anderson, as well as any money generated by the sale of Andrea Dossena, to strengthen his squad.

Fernando Torres: 'I Have Never Thought About Leaving Liverpool FC'

One talented Spaniard may be heading for the Anfield exit door but Liverpool’s most valuable import insists he has never been happier.

Fernando Torres will return to his homeland for tomorrow’s friendly against Espanyol looking to build up his match sharpness ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

The prolific frontman only returned from his extended summer break on the eve of the Reds’ Far East tour but he looked like he had never been away.

He produced a dazzling 10-minute cameo against Thailand before opening his account during a half-hour burst in the 5-0 win over Singapore.

After being hampered by hamstring problems last season, Torres is on a mission to make up for lost time.

“I want to forget all my injury problems from last season and I want to play in every single game this season – be it the league, the Champions League, the FA Cup or the League Cup,” he said.

“Based on the quality of this squad, we can go very far and win many trophies.

“All I want is to score more goals to help the team win more trophies.”

Much has been made about Liverpool’s lack of firepower with Andriy Voronin, David Ngog and rookie Krisztian Nemeth the only possible alternatives.

Robbie Keane hasn’t been replaced since he returned to Spurs in January but Torres insists he is happy leading the line on his own.

“Playing up front alone has its challenges but I’m used to it since my days at Atletico Madrid,” he said.

“I don’t mind playing alone or with another striker. I don’t really think about it. As a striker, you are playing for the team and what is more important is that you score goals and help your team win the game in the end.

“I don’t think we need to sign any other players. We have already bought good players such as Glen Johnson whom I believe is a good signing for Liverpool.

“We don’t need to buy new players to prove that we are capable of winning.”

Torres admits he is relishing the prospect of renewing his partnership with Steven Gerrard following the skipper’s return to the Reds squad after his court appearance.

“Gerrard is the best player in the world and is a special friend to me,” Torres said.

“We have this special understanding between us on the field. He can read my mind and I can read his.

“He is always looking out for me on the field. Once I make a move, he will try and pass the ball to me. So far our partnership has worked very well.”

Xabi Alonso may have decided he wants to cut short his stay on Merseyside and move to Real Madrid but Torres insists he won’t be lured away.

The striker, who is under contract until 2013, is desperate to win silverware and believes he will achieve his dreams at Anfield.

“I have never thought about leaving the club,” he added.

“My team in Spain is Atletico Madrid and my team in England is Liverpool.

“I don’t think I’ll play for another English club, and definitely not Manchester United.

“I’m a Liverpool player and I just want to do my best for the club.

“I strongly believe we will win at least the league title within the next two years.”

Javier Mascherano To Stay At Liverpool As Barcelona Rule Out Big Spending

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano looks set to stay at Anfield this summer as Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola has suggested that the Blaugrana may not acquire any more new players this summer.

Mascherano is thought to favour a move to Spain, with his representative Walter Tamer suggesting the transfer would suit the Argentine for personal reasons.

Barca have spent around €45 million on striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Guardiola has hinted that the Swede's signature could be the last high-profile arrival at the Camp Nou this summer.

"The market is open but very complicated," Guardiola said, according to The Daily Star.

"All the signings are very expensive and one of the options is that there won’t be any more reinforcements.

"We are rich, but not as much as others. Everyone, for whatever player, is asking for a great deal of money.

“That wise man Sir Alex Ferguson was definitely right when he said that this isn’t a year to sign.”

The former Barca player continued, “What is certain is that we’re not going to bring in someone just for the sake of it."

Emiliano Insua: Liverpool FC Left Side Role Can Be All Mine

Emiliano Insua has set his sights on making the Liverpool left-back role his own this season.

The imminent departure of Andre Dossena means Insua will be battling with Fabio Aurelio for a place in the Reds side ahead of the Premier League opener at Tottenham in a fortnight.

The 20-year-old Argentinean has made 18 appearances since he arrived from Boca Juniors in January 2007 but he is desperate to establish himself as a regular in Rafa Benitez’s side.

“It’s not easy to play in a team which is always fighting to win titles but I’m hoping this season I can play more games,” he said.

“I’m feeling really good and I believe I can do it.

“Last season was really good for me. I played 13 games and learned so much.

“There is a great team spirit here and it is great to know you have the support of your team-mates behind you.

“Rafa is a very good manager and every day he is looking at my game and trying to help me improve.

“The manager has been great for me. He brought me here and I owe him a lot.”

Liverpool FC's Martin Kelly Eyes A First Team Spot

Martin Kelly has had a taste of the big time and is hungry for more.

The 19-year-old academy graduate from Whiston, who made his senior debut against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League last season, is relishing being part of Rafa Benitez’s squad during pre-season.

The defender went on the Reds’ Far East tour and got his chance to shine with 45 minutes against Thailand and half an hour against Singapore.

“I was really happy to be out there and spend time around all the big names,” he said.

“The training was great and the game time was a real bonus. The speed of the game is so much quicker in the first team compared to the reserves.

“I enjoyed the experience and hopefully now I can get some more matches under my belt.

“It’s a squad game these days so if there are any injuries I have to ensure I’m ready to be called upon.

“First team chances don’t come around too often but when they do I need to ensure I take them.”

Kelly graduated to Melwood in the summer of 2007 and can play at centre-back or full-back.

He helped the reserves win the title in 2007/08 and had a spell on loan at Huddersfield Town last season.

But he returned determined to make his mark at Anfield and has been learning fast from experienced clubmate Jamie Carragher.

“The lads have been great to me on and off the pitch,” he added.

“Carra has been a big help. Obviously he plays in my position and in training he has been talking with me about the things I need to work on.

“There are a few jokers in the side like Pepe (Reina) and Albert (Riera). But when it comes to training everyone gets down to work seriously and the vibe around the team is great.”

James Pearce: Now Liverpool FC Must Cash In On Far East Tour

Fears about the amount of travelling and the hectic schedule were dispelled as Liverpool’s tour of the Far East was a great success both on and off the pitch.

The gruelling heat and humidity will have boosted fitness levels and the two matches were decent, competitive workouts.

But what will live long in the memory is the extraordinary reception the Reds received both in Thailand and Singapore.

It just emphasised the massive commercial opportunities there are for the club on the Asian continent.

Opportunities which must be taken if Liverpool are going to be able to compete financially with Manchester United.

What was clear is that support for the Reds is not just some passing interest in the Far East but a lifelong devotion.

The tour rewarded that dedication and strengthened the esteem in which the club is held among fans who rarely get the chance to see their heroes in the flesh.

There were some moans about ticket prices and the use of the absent Steven Gerrard’s image to promote the matches.

But after a low key welcome Singapore was completely won over as the Reds made numerous public appearances across the city.

The highlight was the players’ boat trip down the Singapore River.

Fans armed with banners lined the banks in their thousands to show their appreciation at the club’s first visit in eight years.

One pleaded with Pepe Reina to win them the title.

He replied: “Jump into the water and we’ll do it for you!” Thankfully, the supporter remained on dry land.

In fact the only real complaint concerned the heavy handed nature of the security team provided by organisers Profitable Group.

Why they felt the need to bring in a group of bicep bulging body builders to accompany the team’s every move is anyone’s guess?

They were intimidating and heavy handed.

The sight of two of them shadowing Xabi Alonso and Kenny Dalglish during a coaching session at a local school was laughable.

The only danger from the pack of excited teenage girls was the threat of a perforated ear drum from the high pitched screams.

Hollywood Production Of Liverpool FC Play One Night In Istanbul Planned

Austin Powers star Mike Myers could be set to star in a Hollywood film adaptation of a hit Liverpool play.

Myers, who was born in the city, is one of a number of A-list names being considered for the movie version of writer Nicky Allt’s One Night In Istanbul.

Producers have also considered recruiting heart-throb Clive Owen and Kirkby-born actor Stephen Graham to appear in the football comedy.

They want to capitalise on the growing popularity of football in the USA by releasing the film next year.

Today, Mr. Allt described his excitement at the deal and his pride at recently having two hit plays running in the city at the same time.

The Liverpool fan-turned-playwright co-wrote immensely popular Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels, which has been running at the Royal Court, and his solo debut One Night In Istanbul was a sell-out, attracting huge audiences.

He said: “It is all happening at the moment. We were really pleased with how popular One Night was and I heard there were scouts sent up from London to watch it on behalf of a film production company.

“The next minute, I got a phone call from a producer saying the scouts gave them rave reviews and they were interested in meeting.

“I went to the Village Hotel, in Bromborough, and they had booked this big boardroom.

“You could tell they meant business when I was greeted by a director and a couple of producers.

“They explained to me a well-connected film producer, who ironically is an Evertonian, is over in Hollywood and is particularly interested.

“November was even mentioned as when they would like to possibly start filming.

“When they started reeling off these massive names of big stars, my head was spinning.

“I have always written in a filmic way and my original draft of One Night was like a film script anyway.

“It gives you much more freedom when you are not confined to everything happening on a stage.

“Hopefully with the USA national team doing so well in the World Cup qualifiers, they can tap into the growing footie following over there.”

The play, catch-lined “Four Scousers, three Turks and a night full of fireworks”, centres around fans Tommy and Gerry and their sons Jamie and Joseph, who travel to Istanbul to see Liverpool play AC Milan, and the comic and dramatic events which unfold.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez attended the opening night and even appeared on stage at the end, along with captain Steven Gerrard and team-mate Jamie Carragher.

Liverpool Are Tougher Opponents Than Manchester United – Andrey Arshavin

After signing for Arsenal from Zenit St. Petersburg in the January transfer window, Andrey Arshavin took the Premier League by storm.

Despite this, he rates the quality of the opposition he has faced very highly.

“None of the teams have been easy,” he told FourFourTwo magazine.

“A lot depends on the course of the game. Fulham were a particularly difficult opponent, not fun to play against. They were very organised, very disciplined, constantly closing you down.”

The Russian then went on to compare Arsenal's title rivals and stated that he thought Liverpool were the most difficult opponents he had played against.

“But if you're talking about Manchester United and Liverpool, Liverpool were the much harder to play against,” said the Russian.

Arshavin also weighed up the impact of Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid, saying, “It's impossible to replace Cristiano Ronaldo and I hope they'll be weaker as a result."

“If there were many others like him, Real Madrid wouldn't have paid £80m.”

“On the other hand, Alex Ferguson has won a lot of titles over the years, a lot of them without Cristiano Ronaldo, so he knows how to win trophies with other players,” he continued.

“But it will take time for them to compensate for his absence and I hope that we can make use of this and overtake United.”

Commenting on Wenger's footballing philosophy the Russian said, “I don't want us to be playing for the result alone, I want us to carry on playing the way we do, the way I love.”

“I love attacking football. My own view would always be: let's score more than we concede; rather than hang back by our own goal and wait for a single chance to score,” he continued.

“Anyway, if you look at Arsenal, the squad we have isn't designed to win 1-0.

“That's why you have 60,000 coming to the Emirates, they come to see something beautiful, something memorable.”

Alonso Future Up In The Air

Xabi Alonso is due to fly back to Spain with Liverpool on Saturday as the negotiations over his possible transfer drag on.

Liverpool are playing in a friendly against Espanyol on Sunday to open the Barcelona club's new stadium and at the moment Alonso is expected to be in the travelling party.

A final decision is likely to be taken after the squad have trained on Saturday morning ahead of an afternoon flight.

But with both Liverpool and prospective buyers Real Madrid digging their heels in over the fee for the 27-year-old international, a decision on the deal is now not expected until Monday.

Real are believed to now have offered players in part-exchange while Chelsea, Manchester City and an unnamed Italian club are still monitoring the situation.

But Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is still demanding £30million for the Spain international and has previously said that he is not interested in taking any Real players in the deal and wants a cash-only agreement.

The players on offer are Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Alvaro Negredo and Rafael van der Vaart.

Manchester City Ready To Pounce If Real Madrid Stall On Meeting Liverpool's Asking Price

Liverpool and Real Madrid are just £2.5million apart as they go into the final stretch of negotiations over Xabi Alonso's move to the Bernabeu.

Talks will take place over the weekend with Monday set as the deadline for a deal to be struck.
Liverpool have dropped their price considerably since the start of the summer and are reluctant to go much under £30m.

Following Alonso's decision to hand in a written transfer request, a compromise figure around £28m could be reached, but Liverpool will point to interest from Italy and other English clubs.

Chelsea and Manchester City both enquired about the Spain midfielder in May, but were told he is not for sale. Stamford Bridge boss Carlo Ancelotti remains keen if the price is right, but is also in talks to sign Andrea Pirlo from AC Milan.

Juventus were very interested in the 27-year-old last year, but have since signed Brazil attacking midfielder Diego, so it is unclear whether they are the unnamed Italian club said to be ready to make a renewed bid.

Alonso's heart is set on Madrid and the Spanish giants are keen to offer players to try to break the impasse in negotiations.

Madrid have struggled to offload players and are prepared to offer Liverpool one of Alvaro Negredo, Rafael van der Vaart or Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, according to reports in Spain.

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez is thought to have some interest in 23-year-old Negredo, but with Madrid valuing the striker at about £15m, Liverpool would prefer to take the cash.

Alonso is said to be dreaming of making his debut in his hometown of San Sebastian, where Real Madrid are the visitors for Real Sociedad's centenary match on August 15. The player started his career at the Basque club.

New galactico Karim Benzema has welcomed negotiations to sign Alonso, describing him as a 'superplayer' who he hopes to team up with.