Friday, December 09, 2011

Dalglish Wary Of Rangers

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish admits he has been impressed with Queens Park Rangers as he prepares to tackle them at Anfield this weekend.

The Loftus Road outfit currently sits in 12th spot in the table in their first season back in the Premier League after winning the Championship last term.

Dalglish is expecting a tough test against Neil Warnock's side on Saturday as Liverpool look to bounce back from Monday's defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

"I think the three (promoted) sides have done very well," said Dalglish.

"QPR played well against Man City at Loftus Road and were unlucky not to win, so if they can do well against the team at the top of the league I'm sure they will be looking to do well when they come here. All we can do is compete against them as best as we possibly can.

"They got off to a bad start at home and lost the first game 4-0 (against Bolton). Then they got a new owner, Neil got a couple of quid to spend and spent it well, so that's helped to improve them."

Meanwhile, Dalglish has backed Jonjo Shelvey to push for a place in the side after being recalled from a successful loan spell at Blackpool to cover for the injured Lucas.

"We brought him back from Blackpool, where he had a couple of fantastic games," added Dalglish. "He played in the reserves on Tuesday for an hour and scored a couple.

"We know what Jonjo is all about and it was a good experience for him going to Blackpool.

"If we get everybody back fit and from suspension then it may be the case he goes back out again, but whilst he's here we know what he can do and he can make a contribution as he did last year in a lot of the games he came on in."

Liverpool Fury Over Suarez Charge

Liverpool were in a state of indignation last night after the Football Association charged their striker Luis Suarez with improper conduct over what appeared to be an indecent gesture towards Fulham fans on Monday night and also deemed the club guilty of failing to control its players during their 1-0 defeat.

Liverpool's manager, Kenny Dalglish, will be asked for his reaction at his weekly press conference today and it may be incendiary, given that Suarez is already facing an FA charge over alleged racist abuse towards Manchester United's Patrice Evra during the clubs' match at Anfield in October – another charge which Liverpool have rejected.

The FA's governance and regulation committee, which analyzed images taken from Fulham's Putney End, have concluded that the Uruguayan did raise the middle finger of his left hand to home fans who had subjected him to abuse during the defeat. The additional decision to charge Liverpool with "failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion, following the dismissal of Jay Spearing", stems from the way in which the referee, Kevin Friend, was surrounded by Martin Skrtel, Charlie Adam, Craig Bellamy and Glen Johnson after Spearing's fateful 72nd-minute challenge on Moussa Dembele.

Suarez has until 4pm on Monday to decide how to respond to the charge and if convicted he could face a ban, though punishments in such cases have varied. Birmingham City's Stephen Carr was banned for one game for an obscene gesture directed at Aston Villa supporters last year, while Joey Barton – then at Manchester City – was merely fined £2,000 in 2006 for dropping his shorts to Everton fans. Raul Meireles and Emmanuel Frimpong have escaped any punishment for similar offences to Suarez. Wayne Rooney missed two games after hurling abuse into a television camera at West Ham last season.

Spearing is already facing a probable three-game ban and Liverpool can ill afford to be without Suarez even for one game, given his importance for the club. If he pleads guilty to the charge and apologizes – as Carr did – he could miss Liverpool's visit to Aston Villa on Sunday week, with a match at Wigan Athletic following four days later.

Liverpool's position mirrors that of Birmingham who, after the incendiary match at Villa in which Carr made his gesture, were also fined £10,000 for failing to control their players. Four of them were booked in the wake of a penalty award during the match.

Dalglish, who requested a meeting with referees' head Mike Dean earlier this season after complaining of decisions repeatedly going against his side, is convinced that Premier League clubs' failure to contain Suarez is leading others to denigrate him. "I think people try and find it easy to criticize him because he is such a good player," he said last month. "Rather than wax lyrical about him, they try and find a fault that isn't really there."

A Liverpool spokesman said last night: "The club will take the appropriate time to properly review the documentation sent to us before making any comment."

Dalglish Unhappy At FA Example

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has accused the Football Association of not setting a good example in successfully appealing against Wayne Rooney's three-match international ban.

The Manchester United striker's UEFA suspension was reduced to two, at the same time as Dalglish was addressing the media at a press conference.

The Scot is deeply unhappy at the treatment of one of his own players, Luis Suarez, both on and off the pitch.

Liverpool's Uruguay international, already facing a racism charge dating back to October, has now been charged with misconduct after allegedly making an obscene gesture to fans following the 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Monday.

And Dalglish believes the FA should look at their own actions before tackling other issues.

"I find it a bit strange the FA are supposed to be setting an example for things yet they appeal against Wayne Rooney's three-match ban," he said.

"I don't think that's a good example to set."

Dalglish labelled the way the FA have dragged their heels over Suarez's racism charge as a "joke".

The alleged racist incident with Manchester United's Patrice Evra occurred in the 1-1 draw at Anfield in mid-October.

No date for a hearing - at which Suarez will deny the allegations against him - has been set.

"The fact it has taken nine weeks to get a decision on one of the other charges is a bit of a joke as well," added Dalglish.

"I don't think that has helped as well. The circus which is around about him has been caused mainly by that. That will be done sooner rather than later and we will move forward."

Prior to Dalglish's press conference a screen, usually used for video analysis for the players in team meetings, was lowered into place.

The manager said there was evidence available from the Fulham game which highlighted why he was unhappy about Suarez's treatment on the pitch.

And he has not moved from his stance of being fully behind the 24-year-old January signing from Ajax.

"For me the most important person, who is under the greater spotlight is Luis," said Dalglish.

"The people at Liverpool and anyone who has any leaning to the club - be it, staff, players, supporters - they will stand by him and they know what the truth is.

"If anyone wants to see the truth from the other night it is on the screen."

Liverpool Want Newcastle Midfielder To Fill Lucas Void

Liverpool are hoping to once again raid Newcastle in order to bolster their squad after learning that Lucas Leiva will be ruled out of action for the rest of the season.

The Reds signed Andy Carroll last January and then Jose Enrique in the summer, while this transfer window they are being linked with a move for defensive midfielder Cheick Tiote.

Kenny Dalglish watched his side lose away at Fulham on Monday night, the first game without Lucas, while stand-in Jay Spearing received a red-card and will now face a three game ban.

Lucas had been in outstanding form for Liverpool over the last 18 months and it seems as though his presence will be missed in the heart of the Liverpool midfield.

With Steven Gerrard also ruled out for a number of weeks, Liverpool are suddenly looking short of options in midfield and could now move for one of Newcastle's stand out performers.

Tiote has been a revelation ever since arriving on Tyneside and Liverpool are known to be admirers of the midfielder after being suitably impressed with his performances.

Alan Pardew would certainly not want to let the midfielder leave but he is worried that a significant offer would be enough to persuade Mike Ashley to part with the Ivory Coast international.

It is believed that Liverpool are ready to offer as much as £20million for the midfield enforcer who is currently contracted to Newcastle until 2017.

Liverpool Set To Move For Marseille Striker

Liverpool have joined Spurs in the race for Marseille striker Loic Remy.

According to reports in France, Kenny Dalglish is interested in the French international striker but also faces a fight with Arsenal for the 24 year old.

Remy almost joined Liverpool in the summer of 2010 however the Reds baulked at the £12.5 million asking price placed on him by his club at the time Nice.

Instead the player moved to Marseille where he has blossomed both domestically and more importantly from an English manager’s point of view against the stronger opposition of Europe.

In two seasons the striker has scored 4 goals in 12 games in the UCL with his header against Borussia Dortmund midweek one of the crucial goals he has scored since his move to Marseille.

Remy also has 22 league goals to his name in 39 starts, with 7 to his name so far this season not to mention 2 assists.

The striker has integrated himself slowly into the French national team, netting his first goal in the blue of France against Chile.

Advisor Of Midfield Star Reveals Liverpool Interest

The uncle and advisor of Celtic midfielder Beram Kayal has revealed that the prospect is currently being tracked by Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish, who currently has Lucas Leiva and Steven Gerrard out as long-term injury concerns.

Dalglish is likely to once again spend big money either in the January transfer window, or the following summer, and Kayal is now reported to be one of the players he and his scouting team are currently monitoring.

Dalglish has Kayal shorlisted after watching him closely at Parkhead last week. Kayal captained Celtic during their 1-0 defeat to Athletico Madrid, and has been valued at £8 million by a club he has become increasingly influential for.

Beram Kayal's uncle - Hamoudi Kayal - told website www.thejc.com; "These rumours about Kenny Dalglish wanting Beram are very flattering and they give him extra motivation to train harder and play even better.

"I think everybody knows that Beram is worthy of playing in the English Premier League and he has certainly proven himself in the SPL.

"It is no secret that Beram sees Celtic as a stepping stone to one of the big clubs in England. That said, Beram has just signed a new contract and he is completely focused on helping Celtic to win the SPL title and advance in the Europa League."

Liverpool Striker Sets Sights On Next Gerrard

Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy has set his sights on football coaching and management at the end of playing career.

The Welsh international, renowned for his fiery character on the pitch, has enjoyed a successful return to Anfield after moving to the club on a free transfer on deadline day.

But at 32-years-old, the former Newcastle and Manchester City forward admits his mind has pondered life after professional football, and Bellamy is hopeful he can stay in the game.

"I have a philosophy on football about how it should be played but I'd like to start off at a young age and find my feet, and work my way up through the ranks and learn that way," said Bellamy.

"I would like to start with academies. I'd like to coach young kids and try and improve them.

"You have to have a feeling for the club you represent, and it's important to let young players know who they are representing in the supporters."

His time on Merseyside has clearly had an instant impact, with Bellamy already targeting a future England international and Liverpool idol when he takes up a future role.

"I'd love to find the next Steven Gerrard and help him progress; it would be rewarding."

Lucas Feeling Good After Successful Surgery

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has successfully undergone surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament injury that prematurely ended the Brazilian international’s season.

Lucas was stretchered off during Liverpool’s 2-0 Carling Cup quarter final win over Chelsea last month, with scans confirming earlier fears that the former Gremio midfielder would require surgery on his damaged knee.

Writing on his Twitter page, Lucas revealed he had gone under the knife in his home country and added he was “feeling good”, while also thanking fans for their words of support.

“The surgery was successful! It happened yesterday night at São Paulo, Brazil,” he wrote. “I’m feeling good and I hope to recover as soon as possible! Thank you all for the messages!”

He later added in appreciation of all his well-wishers: “I'm also missing you! I will be back as soon as possible! Thanks!”

Lucas has become an essential part of Liverpool’s midfield quartet this year, helping the Reds embark on an eight game unbeaten run in the Premier League to stay in the hunt for a top four spot before their 1-0 loss against Fulham on Monday left them five points off fourth placed Chelsea.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a surge in popularity after a shaky start to his Liverpool career and was named the Reds’ player of the season last time out, leading to boss Kenny Dalglish describing his long-term absence as a “huge disappointment” for the team.

Dalglish’s midfield woes were further compounded by Jay Spearing’s three game ban for his red card against in the defeat against Fulham on Monday that the Reds have decided not to appeal against, meaning the 23-year-old will miss upcoming games against Queens Park Rangers, Aston Villa and West Brom.

With Steven Gerrard still on the sidelines alongside Lucas with an ankle infection, Dalglish has been forced to recall Jonjo Shelvey from his loan spell at Blackpool, but the Scot remains adamant that he will not dip into the transfer market in January for midfield reinforcements.