Match report: Liverpool 0 - 2 Tottenham

Tottenham seized the advantage in the race for the final Europa League spot as Liverpool's first match since the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as permanent manager ended in defeat.

However, referee Howard Webb could have been accused of having a helping hand in deciding the outcome with a series of questionable decisions which culminated in the award of a very favourable penalty for the visitors' second.

Rafael van der Vaart's volley had given Harry Redknapp's side an early lead only for Liverpool to wrest back control of the game until 11 minutes after the interval when Webb controversially pointed to the spot and Luka Modric converted.

Spurs moved a point ahead of their rivals into fifth place as they inflicted a first home defeat for Dalglish, who signed a three-year contract on Thursday, since he replaced Roy Hodgson in early January.

That formidable home record - 20 points from eight matches prior to this encounter - counted for little as the visitors took the early initiative on their way to their first Anfield victory in 19 games stretching back to 1986.

Injury robbed Dalglish of midfielder Raul Meireles, which meant he had to break up the recent successful partnership of Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt and bring in fit-again club record signing Andy Carroll.

It undoubtedly had a detrimental effect as the £35million England international lacks the mobility and energy of Kuyt in a front two and denied the Reds the high pressing game they have employed of late.

Spurs enjoyed their extra time on the ball and put it to good use in the early stages, dominating possession.

Van der Vaart fired well wide early on but the next time he did not disappoint with his ninth-minute shooting opportunity.

When Modric's right-wing corner skimmed off the head of Martin Skrtel he brought the ball under control with his first touch and with his second volleyed it over the crowd - helped by a deflection off Glen Johnson - past Jose Reina's left hand and into the far corner of the net.

In recent weeks everything had gone right for the Reds, unbeaten in five with 17 goals scored, but the opposite was true on this occasion.

Tottenham's closing down and tight marking prevented the hosts producing the flowing pass-and-move football which has returned under Dalglish.

The only stroke of fortune they enjoyed was the leniency of referee Howard Webb, who chose to only book Suarez for his petulant kick at Michael Dawson while he was on the floor having been angered by the defender's apparent dive to win a free-kick.

Having been brilliant in front of goal in the last month the knack appeared to have deserted Liverpool as Carroll slashed wildly at Maxi Rodriguez's pass and failed to connect properly while midfielder Jay Spearing bundled a shot wide with his weaker left foot.

The same should not have been expected of Carroll though, who wastefully headed over from six yards from Skrtel's cross.

Suarez was closer with a free-kick which flashed just wide on the stroke of half-time but the Reds needed a change as distinctive as Dalglish swapping his tracksuit for jacket and tie at the interval .

Van der Vaart lasted just five minutes into the second half before limping off to be replaced by Jermain Defoe.

Anger at Webb's officiating reached a peak in the 55th minute when he penalised John Flanagan for a foul on Pienaar when the offence appeared to be both outside the penalty area and in favour of the home side.

Modric struck home the spot-kick to give Tottenham a two-goal cushion they barely deserved.

Liverpool surged forward, enraged at the perceived injustice, and Suarez fired over from Flanagan's low cross while substitute Jonjo Shelvey was narrowly off target with a long-range effort.

Chasing the game Dalglish sent on David Ngog for Rodriguez, giving his side every opportunity to score with four strikers on the pitch.

Carroll's ineffectual display meant he was lucky to still be on when he managed his first shot on target in the 87th minute but Carlo Cudicini held it comfortably and the target man immediately replaced by Joe Cole.

Having missed out on the Champions League the Europa League may be of some consolation for Tottenham, if they can better Liverpool's result next week.

There has been an argument put forward that both sides would prefer to miss out on Europe's second-tier competition to concentrate on their league form next season.

Having tasted his first home defeat, and only the fourth of his second spell in charge, Dalglish is unlikely to be in agreement.

Kenny: Slow Start Costly

Kenny Dalglish admitted Liverpool were made to pay for a slow start as Tottenham Hotspur dented their European aspirations with a 2-0 victory at Anfield on Sunday.

A volley from Rafael van der Vaart and Luka Modric's penalty secured the points for Spurs to ensure the race for Europa League qualification will go right to the wire.

In order to finish fifth, the Reds must now better Tottenham's result against Birmingham when Dalglish takes his charges to Aston Villa next Sunday.

"I think they started better than we did, scored a goal and we didn't start to play for 25-30 minutes," the boss told his post-match press conference.

"We started to look a bit better, but then at the start of the second half they got the second goal and that gave them a real foothold in the game.

"It was difficult for us to break them down. We didn't have enough on the day to break them down and penetrate their goal, but I don't think Pepe was overly busy either.

"We never played as well as we can play and that's a disappointment for the players because it would have been a fitting way for them to finish the last game of the season at Anfield for the efforts they've put in since January. But maybe it was too much of a fairytale.

"We're disappointed we never got the result because it would have been a fitting way to end."

He added: "We don't know why we didn't start as well as what we have done and are capable of, but I suppose like in everything else, you get days like that."

Dirk Kuyt Refuses To Give Up On Europa League Qualification For Liverpool

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt is refusing to give up on securing a Europa League place for the club after Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Anfield to Tottenham gave the Londoners the edge.

Goals from Rafael van der Vaart and Luka Modric ensured that if Spurs beat Birminghan City at White Hart Lane on Sunday then it shall be Harry Redknapp's side competing in the Europa League next season.

However, if they fail to take three points against Alex McLeish's relegation threatened side, then a victory at Villa Park for Liverpool will mean it is Kenny Dalglish's team playing in Europe next season.

"Obviously the result was very disappointing," Kuyt told the club's official website.

"We all hoped for a good result and a win, but it didn't happen.

"There's still one game to go and hopefully they [Spurs] will draw next week and we win and get into Europe next season.

"It's disappointing. We gave everything but it wasn't as good as the last couple of weeks."

Dalglish Angry Over Tottenham Penalty Award

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish chose not to publicly criticize referee Howard Webb after his side's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham at Anfield but claimed officials "get away scot-free'' by not having to explain their decisions.

The Reds trailed 1-0 when Webb awarded a soft penalty for a foul by John Flanagan on Steve Pienaar, which appeared to take place outside of the area.

"I'm not here to sponsor the FA,'' said the Scot, clearly unhappy at the official's handling of the game. "It is unhelpful to everyone that we cannot express our true thoughts and it is even more disappointing that the officials get away scot-free without having to come in and explain their decisions.

"I think it is safer for me to leave it at that. We cannot legislate for refereeing mistakes but we could have been a greater help to ourselves if we had started the game better.'

"They (Tottenham) started better than we did and scored a goal and we didn't start to play for 25 minutes,'' Dalglish said. "We started to look a bit better and then at the start of the second half they got the second goal and that gave them a real foothold and we didn't have enough to break them down.

"I don't think Pepe Reina was over-busy either but we never played as well as we can play. That is a disappointment for the players because it would have been a fitting way to finish the season at Anfield - maybe it was too much of a fairytale. We feel we have short-changed the fans by not getting the result.''

Dalglish's first home defeat since returning in January put Spurs in pole position to secure European football next season. Tottenham have missed out on the Champions League, having done so well in the competition this season, but Harry Redknapp will take Europa League qualification.

"It was a big win for us. We had to win today to try to finish above Liverpool and we have given ourselves a chance,'' he said. "We now have a tough game against Birmingham, who need a result after today. We are not fighting for the Europa League, we are fighting to finish fifth. You want to win every game and finish as high as you can, that is your pride.

"It is not ideal playing Thursday and every Sunday [in the Europa League] is not what you want but we are there [at the moment]. That is better than [qualifying via] the Fair Play League because you start three weeks earlier.

"I scared them before the game by saying if we don't win today we are top of the Fair Play League, which means we come back in two weeks' time and start playing - they thought I was joking. That is going to be a nightmare for someone, I just hope it isn't us.''

Liverpool Reportedly Outbid By Manchester City For Juan Mata

Liverpool has been outbid by Manchester City for Juan Mata, according to reports.

The Spanish midfielder, who plays predominantly on the left flank, has been coveted by a number of clubs across Europe, with Reds boss Kenny Dalglish thought to be keen on bringing the 23-year-old to England.

However, Manchester City have joined the race for the player, and The People claims Roberto Mancini has tabled a £22 million offer for the player. The paper goes on to claim the Eastlands outfit has spoken to Valencia president Manuel Llorente over the move.

It's reported in the same story that Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli offered £17 million for Mata, although a lack of European football could now be a major stumbling block for the Anfield outfit.

Liverpool has been linked with a number of wingers in recent weeks, with Ashley Young, Eden Hazard and Xabi Prieto all speculatively placed on the Reds' summer wishlist.

City have also been linked with a number of more high-profile targets, with Barcelona star Xavi thought to be one of those on the club's radar.

Mancini's spending power places the club in a position of dominance, and is likely to lead to Liverpool missing out on Mata.

With Valencia's financial stability still uncertain, the La Liga outfit is likely to sell to the highest bidder, leaving Liverpool to look elsewhere when the transfer window re-opens.

Jose Enrique Has Had No Contact With The Reds

Reported Liverpool target Jose Enrique has refuted suggestions that he has already negotiated a summer move to Merseyside.

It has been widely speculated that the Newcastle defender will join the Reds during the transfer window as they look to draft in a new first-choice left-back.

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has since claimed that a deal was already in place to bring the Spaniard to Anfield, although Enrique has denied this is the case.

"Liverpool is a big club but I am not negotiating with them at the moment, I am calm at Newcastle," the 25-year-old told Radio Marca.

"My dream is to play for the Spain national side and I think that I have a chance.

"I have improved as a footballer since my arrival to England. The Premier League is more competitive than La Liga and I have not received offers to return to Spain.

"The referees in England are not so strict on the field because they permit more action."

According to The People, Manchester United is ready to challenge Liverpool in their pursuit of £15 million-rated Enrique, who continues to gather plaudits for his performances in the Barclays Premier League.

Liverpool Blow As Barcelona Youngster Wants Nou Camp Stay

Barcelona youngster Jeffren is set to snub a summer move to Liverpool in a bid to make his name at the Nou Camp.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Liverpool who are set for a £50million summer spending spree, according to reports.

Old Firm duo Rangers and Celtic were also keen on bringing the Venezuela-born forward to the SPL on loan but Jeffren insists he wants to stay at Barcelona despite his lack of first-team football.

"I do not want to go because I want to succeed in this club," said Jeffren, who has started just three La Liga games this season.

"I hope to have more minutes on the pitch and my biggest wish is to remain at Barca."

Stars Forget Rivalry For Luca

Footballers from both sides of Stanley Park forgot rivalry for one night on Sunday for Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones and his son Luca.

Luca was diagnosed with leukaemia last year. A donor was found but sadly the five-year-old's cancer came back in February and once again he is facing an incredibly difficult fight.

That's why the likes of Jamie Carragher, Joe Cole, Pepe Reina, Phil Neville, Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta went along to the Hilton in Liverpool for a charity dinner.

Money was raised through tickets and a silent auction at which guests could bid for memorabilia signed by Maradona, Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens, Nirvana, Pele, Lionel Messi and loads of other icons.

As well as collecting cash, the aim of the evening was to highlight the Anthony Nolan 'Give a Spit, Save a Life' campaign and how easy it is to become a donor by encouraging young men and women to take part in a simple spit test.

Brad told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's great to see so many people here from the club and Everton as well - they've shown great support.

"Things are tough, but Luca is doing his best to battle through and being a little soldier. We're hoping and praying this treatment works because unfortunately there are not too many things after this that can help him.

"This last year has put everything massively into perspective. Football has kind of taken a back seat but Luca is the most important thing in my life so I've got to make sure I do everything I can for him."

The Hilton was packed with footballers, the odd soap star, photographers from OK Magazine and entertainment including Paige from last year's X-Factor.

Despite the 2-0 defeat to Spurs earlier in the day there was a good turnout from the Liverpool dressing room, including Joe Cole and his wife Carly.

"When it's one of your mates, you turn up for them," said Joe. "Jones is trying to raise money for charity and we're all teammates and all in it together.

"Football is football and we all enjoy it but you can't put a price on your health and the health of your children and family. That's the main thing. This is life and I wish him and his family all the best.

"He's a good lad and we all feel for him and what's he's going through."

Everton's players heard about Luca's plight through Brad's international teammate Tim Cahill.

Phil Neville said: "It's a great cause. Tim with the Australia connection has told us a lot about it. There is a lot of rivalry between the two clubs but on a night like tonight we all join together for a good cause."

Brad has been supported through the last year by his partner Dani Lawrence, who recently ran a marathon in aid of Luca and Anthony Nolan.

"It's amazing how everyone has come to show their support tonight," said Dani. "Anthony Nolan have been so good to us that we just wanted to give something back."

Semi-final Despair For Reds

Liverpool Reserves crashed out of the International Soccer Sevens tournament in Hong Kong at the semi-final stage on Sunday.

Pep Segura's side had topped their group to reach the knockout stage on Sunday and they started brightly with a 2-1 win over Citizen.

However, they lost in the semi-final 2-1 to local side Kitchee.

The game finished 1-1 after normal time, but Kitchee grabbed a golden goal to knock the Reds out.

Nathan Eccleston was top scorer for Liverpool with four goals, followed by David Amoo who netted three.

Law Firm Acts For Dalglish On New Liverpool FC Deal

Law firm Bermans acted on one of the most eagerly-anticipated football deals of the season – for new Liverpool FC manager Kenny Dalglish.

Corporate Partner Kieran Donovan and Employment Associate Ansar Ali were retained by Mr. Dalglish to handle his new contract with Liverpool Football Club.

Bermans has offices in Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow and has acted on behalf of other prominent sports stars in recent years. The firm’s head of employment, Nicky Benson, has previously advised Everton and Tranmere Rovers football clubs.

Mr. Ali said: “It was a privilege to advise Mr. Dalglish on his contract and to be involved in something which means so much to millions of fans across the world and is so important to the fabric of the city and its economy.”

Mr. Donovan said: “Being retained to act for Mr. Dalglish in respect of his new contract with Liverpool FC is a reflection of the increasingly high-profile clients and transactions we are attracting to the firm.”

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Tottenham

Liverpool welcome Tottenham to Anfield on Sunday in a shoot-out for fifth spot in the Premier League.

The Reds are in pole position to finish fifth and claim a place in next season's Europa League as they are two points ahead of Spurs.

A win for Liverpool will guarantee fifth spot with just one game left after this weekend in the Premier League.

Liverpool go into the game buoyed by the news that Kenny Dalglish has signed a three-year deal as manager and he will be keen to round off a good week in style in the final game of the season at Anfield.

Spurs saw their top-four hopes ended by defeat at Manchester City on Tuesday night and they will be looking to bounce back at Anfield.

Liverpool could welcome back striker Andy Carroll after he missed the 5-2 win over Fulham with a knee injury.

Carroll has returned to training and is available for selection, but he may have to content himself with a place on the bench due to the form of Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez.

Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles was forced off with a minor injury at Craven Cottage but he has been able to train this week.

Long-term casualties Steven Gerrard (groin), Martin Kelly (hamstring), Fabio Aurelio (thigh) and Daniel Agger (knee) all remain sidelined.

Tottenham will be without several key players for the trip to Merseyside.

Gareth Bale (ankle), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (hamstring), Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Jonathan Woodgate (calf), Jermaine Jenas (thigh) and Alan Hutton (knee) are all out.

Goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is again set to miss out with the back injury that ruled him out of Tuesday's defeat at Manchester City meaning Carlo Cudicini could deputize again for the Brazilian.

William Gallas has been ruled out of the trip to Anfield and Spurs' final game of the game with a calf injury he picked up at Eastlands.

However, Spurs could be boosted by the return of defender Ledley King from a groin injury after he came through 90 minutes unscathed in a practice match in midweek.

If Gallas misses out King could go straight back into the side alongside Michael Dawson in the heart of the defence.

Possible starting XIs

Liverpool: Reina, Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Johnson, Lucas, Spearing, Meireles, Maxi, Kuyt, Suarez.

Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Dawson, King, Rose, Lennon, Sandro, Modric, Pienaar, Van der Vaart, Crouch.

Kenny Feels For Spurs

Kenny Dalglish believes Sunday's opponents Tottenham have been a victim of their own success this season, having missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification.

Spurs embarked on an adventurous run in their debut season in Europe's premier club competition after finishing in fourth place in the Premier League last term.

Poor league form has coincided with the continental exploits, with Spurs surrendering their top-four status to Manchester City this time around.

Harry Redknapp's men most overhaul Dalglish's fifth-placed Liverpool if they are to qualify for the Europa League and face the Reds at Anfield on Sunday.

Dalglish reckons the increased number of games that comes with Champions League football took its toll on Spurs, but expects a tough game in Liverpool's last home game of the season.

"They have been punished for their success this year: too many games, competing in too many competitions, maybe," he said.

"It is unfortunate for them but it is a level of success that they got so close.

"It is a huge test against Spurs. It would have been difficult game whether it was the second last or second game of the season.

"But our boys won't be judged on what they do on Sunday. They will be judged on what they have done since January.

"I don't think anyone would have anticipated that (fifth place) in January when we started but we have to be realistic and not get carried away.

"They have been fantastic and to get us this close is a great credit to them.

"For us, we know what we are up against. They (Spurs) have the same target as us - to get a victory.

Dalglish, who this week penned a new three-year deal to become permanent manager of Liverpool for the second time, has transformed the club's fortunes since taking over in January.

The club legend insists his players deserve credit for their strong finish to the season, regardless of the result against Tottenham or away to Aston Villa on the final day of the season.

He said: "If we get a victory I'll be delighted but I don't think - irrespective of the result on Sunday or Villa the next week - what the players have done should be undermined.

"The next game is the most important and we will just take it on," he added.

"That has stood me in good stead throughout my playing and managerial career and I'm not going to change my beliefs.

"They have not done me too badly in the past. All the supporters care about is the people wearing our shirt giving everything they have got to get what they want.

"We will aim for three points on Sunday and then we will take it from there."

Dalglish Promises Not To Blow £50m On 'Greedy' Players

Kenny Dalglish has been told he can splash the cash by Liverpool’s owners – but he has warned he will not be held to ransom by greedy players.

Sunday Mirror Sport understands that Fenway Sport Group are ready to invest more than £50million in strengthening a Liverpool squad that has been resurgent since Dalglish replaced Roy Hodgson as manager in January.

They have also told the Scot that his budget will be swelled by any player sales, with Dalglish himself admitting that there will be departures from Anfield.

But the Kop boss has rubbished suggestions that Liverpool will have to pay over the odds for top players with no Champions League football on offer next season.

Liverpool can qualify for the Europa League by beating Tottenham at Anfield today, and Dalglsh said: “I don’t want to stand here and say how much we will have to spend or whether we are going after this player or that player.

“I want to give the players that are here the utmost respect for their efforts this season, but there will be people leaving and people coming in because that’s the nature of a football club.

“What I will say is that the owners have been fully supportive. They want the club to be successful and if we don’t have the players here to do that then we need to go and find somebody else.

“At the same time, if somebody is too greedy then they won’t be coming here.

“People are entitled to their own opinion (about the effect of not being in the Champions League).

“We are confident that we will get players if we want them.

“If they don’t want to come here for the right reasons then we won’t take them anyway. It’s as simple and as straightforward as that.”

Dalglish spent £58million bringing in Andy Carroll and Luiz Suarez to the club in January but recouped most of the cash by selling Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50million.

Ten wins and three draws in 16 matches have seen Liverpool sour up the table into fifth place – and convinced owner John Henry to hand the Anfield legend a three-year contract.

But Dalglish is aware that Liverpool’s resurgence has simply papered over the cracks in inherited.

He said: “I don’t think we will be quiet during the summer and although we can all look forward to next season we also have to remain realistic.

“We won’t buy players if they are not the right calibre. We will keep our money in our pockets.

“Anybody that is coming in here will need to better than the ones here, but that is a big ask and that ireduces your options every time.

“I hope my coming back doesn’t frighten anyone away!

“As I’ve said, we will do our best quietly and efficiently and hopefully to the same quality and integrity as we have done our recent business.”

When Sir Alex Ferguson took over at Manchester United in November 1986 he immediately set his sights on knocking Liverpool off their perch.

He has done that by winning 12 titles in 19 seasons, but while privately Dalglish will be burning with the desire to return the compliment he is too wise to become embroiled in mind games with his fellow Glaswegian.

Dalglish added: “We set our own standards here, but we have to get up to speed with the people who are better than us.

“How do you judge they are better? The league position.

“I think we have beaten three of the top four and that is the standard we have to reach if we want to be successful.

“We have to get to the level that the successful teams are playing at.”

Reds Try For Altintop

Skysports.com understands that Liverpool have shown an interest in landing Turkish ace Hamit Altintop.

The midfielder's departure from Bayern Munich has already been confirmed and he will be leaving on a Bosman transfer.

He has held talks with Real Madrid already and is widely expected to join the Spanish giants, becoming their second Turkish import of the summer following on from Borussia Dortmund's Nuri Sahin.

But it is understood that Liverpool have made an approach to try and convince Altintop he would be better served continuing his career with a move to England.

Altintop has long been linked with the Premier League and, at 28, is far from past his best although he was only able to start eight league games this season.

Altintop is hugely versatile and can play anywhere across the midfield, which is of obvious appeal to any suitors.

It now remains to be seen whether Altintop will be able to reject the overtures of Real to move elsewhere.

After confirming he would be leaving Bayern, Altintop admitted he would dream about a move to Real - although he insisted he had not signed yet.

"Madrid is a dream, they are the highest, but still have not signed anything," he is quoted by Marca.

The speculations are there, but now I have no contract with Real Madrid

"My future is out of Germany and hope to take a firm decision about my future next week."

Joe Cole ‘Offered To QPR’ In Liverpool Swap Bid For Adel Taarabt

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish’s bid to make QPR star Adel Taarabt his first signing since taking over as permanent boss has been stepped up a notch with the news that he is prepared to offer marquee signing Joe Cole in part-exchange.

Taarabt lit up the Championship this season as he led Rangers to the title and a Premier League return, immediately sparking interest from a number of top clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea - as well as Liverpool.

The former Spurs youngster has been coy over his future in recent weeks, suggesting his head could be turned by a big-money move.

And Dalglish, who is determined to refresh the squad he inherited from former boss Roy Hodgson, has reportedly offered Rangers the option on playmaker Cole if they will allow talks between the Reds hierarchy and Taarabt’s agent.

Cole and his wife are said to be eager to return to London with their young family to be closer to their relations, having failed to settle on Merseyside since the 29-year-old made a free transfer switch from Chelsea 12 months ago.

The former England star’s exorbitant wages - believed to be in the region of £90,000 a week - could prove a huge stumbling block.

However, Liverpool’s new owners are prepared to splash out on new talent - and this eagerness to bring in top names could also see them do their best to facilitate the deal by offering Cole a lump-sum payoff to get him to accept reduced terms from QPR.

Liverpool Chairman Werner Says Youth Policy Crucial To Future

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner says they won't waver from bringing through more young players.

Reds fans are excited seeing so many locals make their breakthroughs this season.

Werner told liverpoolfc.tv: "It's critical because I think that one of the issues we felt we all needed to attack when we came in was the average age of the players.

"You need to bring young players into the system and at least give them an opportunity, and certainly these players have again proved they were worthy of being in the squad."

Reserves On Fire In Hong Kong

Liverpool Reserves have booked their place in the quarter-finals after comfortably topping Group A at the International Soccer Sevens tournament in Hong Kong.

The young Reds opened with a 1-0 success over the hosts' U18 side before firing three without reply at the expense of Yau Yee League Select.

The two wins set up a group decider against Celtic in which Pep Segura's team cantered to another 3-0 victory.

The Reds will now face Citizen in a last eight showdown on Sunday.

A Week With Our LFC Trialists

In an exclusive diary for Liverpoolfc.tv, two teenage trialists relive their experiences during a week at Liverpool Football Club.

How did they feel pulling on the famous red shirt for the first time? How would supporters back in South Korea react to the news that they were on Merseyside? And did they get to rub shoulders with some of our star names?

Find out more in this interesting account of their time at the club's Academy.

MONDAY

Kim Yoon-Soo: I woke up ahead of our first day of training still pinching myself.

I couldn't believe that within hours of arriving in England, I had been up to Melwood to meet some of Liverpool's first-team stars.

It was Saturday afternoon and the moment I walked through the entrance I bumped into Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez. I even got the chance to take a quick snapshot with Andy Carroll! It felt like it was all a wonderful dream but it was very much a reality. Meeting them made me even more determined to show what I could do when we arrived at the Kirkby Academy to have our first session with the reserve team on Monday.

It was great fun and I really enjoyed the atmosphere even though I do not understand English very well. I was later told that the man who had taken the session, Pep Segura, had coached my idol, Xavi at an early age!

We did a few interviews with LFC TV after lunch and then it was back to the hotel to chill. I was shattered. I remember dozing off that night wondering how good Xavi was at the age of 16. One thing's for sure, I could definitely get used to this!

Park Hyeon-Jin: The first day of a trial period is always going to involve a few butterflies beforehand, but I have to say that everyone was so welcoming that I soon forgot about it and just enjoyed my football.

The reserve players all seemed to be having good fun and I can't remember the last time I had such a laugh. The session was very efficient and I was hugely impressed with the facilities. With this kind of support no wonder there are pictures of so many great players hung in the hallways.

TUESDAY

Kim Yoon-Soo: With the reserves travelling to Hong Kong for a Sevens tournament, it was like a first day all over again when we joined up with Rodolfo Borrell and his U18 squad for training.

I was quite nervous but I did enjoy it - though it did take me a while to get used to the grass. It is much wetter than back home so the ball travels faster.

I was also surprised at how much banter there is amongst the players and the coaches. In Korea it is much more regimented, more like an army boot camp.

Overall I think it went okay but I knew that I needed to improve if I was going to realize my dream of coming here full-time.

Park Hyeon-Jin: I was really impressed with the U18s' set-up.

Rodolfo Borrell struck me as a superb coach right away and I found his training programme to be very creative.

The session went quite well and I came away thinking how privileged all of those players are to be able to wear the red of Liverpool. They are truly blessed.

WEDNESDAY

Kim Yoon-Soo: The day started off with a fitness test. It was quite rigorous but it wasn't a problem.

We then enjoyed another good training session. Again, I felt I could have done better but my mood was soon cheered when I found out we were going to visit Anfield in the afternoon.

We were treated to a special tour of the ground; from the changing room and the famous 'This is Anfield' sign right through to sitting in the Kop.

All I can say about that experience is 'WOW'! I'll never forget that day - everything was perfect.

Park Hyeon-Jin: Training with these U18 players really is a treat.

After the warm-up we had a mini game consisting of three 10 minutes periods.

The thing that I have noticed most about these players is there passion and desire to do well. That has really struck a chord with me and convinced me that one day I would love to have the opportunity to play here.

We visited Anfield stadium in the afternoon. I was blown away by it and when we visited the museum I began to appreciate just how BIG this club is.

It was great seeing all of the trophies and going down the players' tunnel but the thing I will remember most is the memorial for 96 fans who passed away at the Hillsborough tragedy.

Every persons name was engraved and I realized just how much this club cares about its fans. I wasn't a supporter of Liverpool when I arrived in England - but I am now.

THURSDAY

Kim Yoon-Soo: Our final training session came around far too quickly. The U18s had a day off on the Friday to go to Alton Towers, so this was our last chance to impress.

I thought I did well and it was definitely my most impressive performance of the week. Whether I did enough, only time will tell.

All I can say is that this has been the experience of a lifetime. Whatever happens, I know this will make me a stronger player and a better person. Thank you to everyone at Liverpool Football Club.

Park Hyeon-Jin: In a way I felt a bit sad as we made our way onto the Academy playing pitches for our final session.

This week has been one I will never forget and to be honest, I didn't want it to end.

I don't know what the future holds but I would have no hesitation in coming here. This was the most amazing week of my life.

Kenny Dalglish Keen To Tame 'Wild' Expectations

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has warned the success he has enjoyed in his first five months in charge will not be replicated next season if complacency sets in.

The Scot yesterday completed the formalities of a three-year contract which gives him the long-term stability to work on a plan to restore former glories.

However, he believes "mad, wild predictions" about what could happen in the 2011/12 campaign should be ignored.

With Manchester United on the brink of securing their 19th title, surpassing Liverpool's record of 18, there is a desperation among fans to level things up again as quickly as possible.

But with the club destined for their second successive finish outside the top four, Dalglish is keen for the club to build on the progress made during the early part of his second reign as Reds boss.

And he stressed his appointment as permanent manager would not just make that happen and everyone had to continue striving to improve.

"We are not going to make any predictions but we cannot afford to think because we are finishing strong that is us set up for next year," said the 60-year-old.

"There won't be any complacency for next year because of what has happened this year, we also should not get carried away.

"We couldn't have asked for much more (since taking over from Roy Hodgson in January) - but we will next year.

"People are making mad, wild predictions about what is going to happen but the most important thing for us is we have the determination and the effort to put in a good show next year.

"What happens from there will happen."

Dalglish is the last manager to win the title with Liverpool, back in 1990, before quitting the following season as he felt he needed a break from the game having coped admirably with the Hillsborough tragedy two years previously.

He went on to win the Premier League at Blackburn but always felt he had unfinished business at Anfield, and after a couple of occasions when he felt he was close to a return he is now firmly ensconced in what he believes is his spiritual home.

The transformation he has overseen in such a short period of time, lifting the club from four points above the relegation zone in 12th to favourites for Europa League qualification, has been remarkable.

A win against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday will guarantee fifth spot but Dalglish admits he is unsure how big a challenge it may be restoring the success he had in his first spell in charge, when he won three titles and two FA Cups.

"Whether it's more difficult to get there or stay there is open to debate, but the only common denominator is wanting to get better. That's the priority, to get better," he added.

"So this is no different to last time. If I make more correct than wrong decisions, it won't go too badly.

"But we are not going to sit here and shout our mouth off about what we are going to do.

"When we came back in January there were no promises from anyone as to what to expect.

"We never had any expectation other than to do the best we could in every game.

"I never set any targets, although obviously we had to improve.

"It was an ideal opportunity for me to prove that I had something to offer.

"We're just going to work and do the best we possibly can because a lot of people care an awful lot about the football club and we've got to prove we feel the same way.

"Everyone has got together and you are a stronger force if you are one unit."

By bringing in Dalglish in January owners Fenway Sports Group, without knowing it, appear to have remedied a number of problems at the same time.

Performances and results have improved drastically, the atmosphere is much more positive and there has already been a progression of youngsters from the academy to the first team with the likes of teenagers John Flanagan and Jack Robinson fast-tracked because of injuries.

"The owners want to take the club forward, are well prepared to take the club forward and want to take it onwards and upwards," said Dalglish.

"I think we have a rosy future, we have kids at the academy who are looking very promising but we're not getting carried away."