Carragher Doubts Pool's Title Chances

Liverpool thrashed lowly Luton 5-0 in their FA Cup third round replay to seal their first win in five. Nevertheless, captain on the night Jamie Carragher has admitted that his side are out of this season's league title race.

Liverpool are way off the pace in the league after a succession of draws and many of the Anfield faithful are disillusioned following manager Rafael Benitez's heavy spending in the summer transfer window and the club's subsequent failure to progress.

Benitez's future has been cast in doubt in the past few weeks for various reasons, and matters on the field are equally unpredictable.

Carragher, who was made captain for the Luton game in honour of his 500th appearance for the club, was honest in his assessment of the Reds' title chances.

He said: "Only time will tell. I haven't got a clue."

Though behind his manager, there was a subtle jibe that he, like many of the fans, would prefer domestic success in the league to cup runs in Europe, as has been Benitez's priority during his Anfield tenure.

"It doesn't look like it is going to be this season," he admitted. "He [Benitez] has done very well but the league is the one we want."

"[It] would be lovely [to win the title] before I finish of course."

Carragher refused to excuse Liverpool's ability to keep pace due to lack of transfer funds.

"It makes it more difficult, the spending power of other clubs, but you only have to look at Arsenal – they don't spend the big money and they have won a lot under Arsène Wenger," he mused.

As is his style on the pitch, he remained defiant and determined that the side would fight in all competitions until the last day of the season.

"We are not stupid, you never throw the towel in but for us to get back into contention for the title we would have to have an unbelievable second half to the season and the rest would have to have an unbelievably bad second half," he declared. "We realise our best chance of silverware is the cup competitions. That's why they are so important."

Liverpool are fourth in the Barclays Premier League, 12 points off leaders Manchester United.

Prandelli Lined Up As Benitez’s Successor?

Cesare Prandelli has sparked speculation that he could be set to succeed Rafa Benitez as manager of Liverpool.

It is widely expected that Benitez will not be on the Liverpool bench at the start of next season due to his frosty relationship with the club’s American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Hicks recently revealed that they had approached Jurgen Klinsmann about possibly replacing Benitez if the Spaniard left.

"We attempted to negotiate an option as an insurance policy to have him [Klinsmann] become manager if Rafael left for Real Madrid or other clubs that were rumoured in the press - or in case our communication spiralled out of control for some reason," Hicks said.

Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli, who is one of Italy’s best coaches, was asked about the possibility of him taking over at Liverpool, to which he replied: "In football never say never."

Prandelli is preparing his side for this evening’s Coppa Italia second leg tie against Ascoli in Florence. The scores are 1-1 from the first leg.

“We want to win tonight against Ascoli and get through first of all,” Prandelli explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We can go far in this competition. I will play players who haven’t had much of a run recently and hope that they will make my future selections tough for me. Anyone who is picked will demonstrate what it means to be a Fiorentina player.”

Havant Heading To Anfield

Non-league Havant & Waterlooville booked a dream trip to Anfield after shocking League One leaders Swansea in their FA Cup third-round replay.

In an action packed game, the Blue Square South side stormed into a three-goal lead through Garry Monk's own goal and strikes from Jamie Collins and Rocky Baptiste.

Swansea hit back through Guillem Bauza and Jason Scotland but it was Tom Jordan who sealed a fourth-round clash with Liverpool on 65 minutes.

The Hawks were ahead after just four minutes when Mo Harkin's curling cross was headed past his own goalkeeper by Monk.

And Havant grabbed a second on 25 minutes when an unmarked Collins poked home Brett Poate's corner.

Incredibly on 37 minutes Baptiste made it three after tapping in from Richard Pacquette's cross-shot.

Bauza pulled one back straight away with a brilliant 25-yard strike before Leon Britton saw his penalty saved by Kevin Scriven after Bauza had been brought down in the area.

The drama did not let up in the second half with Scotland tapping in after Bauza hit the post.

But despite Swansea piling on the pressure, Jordan grabbed the decisive fourth when he headed in Poate's cross.

Roberto Martinez's side struck the woodwork through Thomas Butler and Britton but it was Havant's night.

More Trouble At Liverpool - Reports

The future of Liverpool and their American owners has once again been cast in doubt amid fresh reports of financial trouble.

The Independent reports that Tom Hicks and George Gillett are at loggerheads with the rest of the club's board.

The cause of the dispute is the way in which the pair plan to refinance the loan with which they secured ownership of Liverpool last year. The loan from the Royal Bank of Scotland is due to be repaid at the end of next month and, rather than inject their own money, Hicks and Gillett are intent on securing a second loan of around £350m to pay off the first.

'The businessmen want to put the new debt directly on to Liverpool's books, guaranteed, crucially, against club assets, not their own,' reports newspaper.

The club's board are understandably aghast at this proposal, not least because it directly contravenes the American's pledge not to plunge the club in 'Glazer-style' debt. 'Now, it seems, that is exactly what they were planning. Neither has spent any of their own cash yet. Unless they guarantee the new loans with their own money - which they may be unwilling or unable to provide - the impasse will continue,' says the newspaper.

With neither party willing to budge, a sale becomes increasingly likely. The newspaper cites a 'major football financier' claiming that 'Hicks and Gillett had agreed a deal in principle to sell the club for £350m, and that a process of due diligence was under way.'

Benitez Focuses On Victory

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez refused to be drawn over his future with the club, after watching the Reds beat Luton Town 5-0 in an FA Cup third round replay at Anfield.

Comments from co-owner Tom Hicks about an approach to Jurgen Klinsmann hit the headlines earlier on in the week, but Benitez focused solely on his side's victory over the Hatters.

Benitez told Sky Sports: "We weren't really thinking about it because we know it's important to progress in the FA Cup.

"I was not thinking too much about this, I was thinking about the game. I'm really happy because we won 5-0 and progressed in the competition.

"We knew it would be difficult to score the first goal, but afterwards it would be an open game.

"We had a lot of chances and they worked really hard with a lot of players behind the ball. We were trying to do our job and they were trying to do theirs."

Tom Hicks Is 'Undermining' Rafa Benitez, Says Alan Hansen

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks’ admission that he held talks with Jurgen Klinsmann can only “undermine” manager Rafael Benitez.

That is the verdict of former Liverpool star Alan Hansen, who is at a loss as to why Hicks went public on the situation.

In his column on the BBC Sport website, Hansen said: “I haven’t got a clue why he has come out and said this.

“Maybe the story was going to come out and he thought he’d be better off making a statement first.

“Whichever way you look at it though, these events cannot do anything but undermine manager Rafael Benitez.

“His position is not untenable, but for one of the owners to come out and publicly say he had talks with the man who was heavily linked with Benitez’s job - well, it puts even more pressure on the Spaniard.

“Insurance policy or whatever Hicks wants to call it, the fact is he met Klinsmann and offered him the job if Benitez went, which is remarkable.”

Liverpool Anger As Hicks Reveals Secret Approach To Klinsmann

Tom Hicks's admission that Jürgen Klinsmann was approached to succeed Rafael Benítez has spread internal division at Liverpool into the boardroom, with the other co-chairman, George Gillett, and the chief executive, Rick Parry, enraged by the public revelations which have undermined the Spanish manager and exposed the Americans' ownership to ridicule.

Hicks had intended to draw a line under the uncertainty about Benítez's future - at least until the end of the season - by saying that although he had spoken to Klinsmann last November he now backed Liverpool's current manager after the club qualified for the Champions League knockout stages. Instead the Texan has fuelled the infighting at Anfield as well as damaging Benítez's long-term prospects at the club.

Gillett is understood to be livid with his business partner at the embarrassment the Klinsmann revelations have caused and the fury it has provoked against their reign among the Liverpool support. It is not the meeting with the former Germany national team coach which has irked Gillett, however, because he himself was present at Hicks's Californian retreat when the Liverpool owners tried to secure their "insurance policy" against Benítez's rumoured departure. Klinsmann has since accepted an offer to coach Bayern Munich from July 1 and Gillett had intended the clandestine meeting to remain private.

The falling-out comes at a sensitive time for the Liverpool co-chairmen, given that they have six weeks to secure a £350m loan that would refinance their purchase of the club and enable work on a revised stadium project to commence. Failure to finalise a deal with the Royal Bank of Scotland and the US investment bank Wachovia, which rests on personal guarantees from the American pair, would heighten problems for Gillett and Hicks and increase the prospect of Dubai International Capital launching a fresh takeover bid. Sources close to the owners, however, are adamant the loan will be in place within the next few weeks.

Benítez could sue Hicks for constructive dismissal after this week's comments but he would have to resign from a job he cherishes before taking legal action and he is not considering that option at present. He would also risk losing a £6m pay-off should he walk away from Anfield.

Liverpool's former manager Kenny Dalglish yesterday insisted Benítez did not deserve to be treated so poorly for his public outburst against the Americans' transfer policy last November and said instability at the club had begun to affect the playing staff. "I think it's a disappointing phase when Liverpool, who have never washed the dirty linen in public, have contributed over the past two or three months to a lot of headlines which really you had never seen before," he said.

Steven Gerrard: We Must Start Making The Right Headlines Again

Steven Gerrard admits Liverpool must ensure they command the headlines for the right reasons after helping the Anfield outfit into the fourth round of the FA Cup last night.

The midfielder netted a hat-trick as Coca-Cola League One outfit Luton Town were overwhelmed 5-0 in their third round replay.

Ryan Babel and Sami Hyypia were also on target to secure Liverpool a home fourth round tie against Swansea City or non-league side Havant and Waterlooville on Saturday week.

Last night’s game came after the admission from the club’s co-owner Tom Hicks that Jurgen Klinsmann had been approached in November with a view to taking over from manager Rafael Benitez.

But Gerrard believes the players are focused on winning games to help ease the uncertainty at Anfield.

“A lot was said in the media about the club so it was important that the headlines were about the football and a good win,” said Gerrard, who now has 15 goals for the season.

“We’re aware of it (the off-field situation), every time we pick up a paper or switch on the TV, so it’s important we stay focused on winning football matches.

“It’s not particularly about the manager, it’s about the team, about progressing into the fourth round, so we’re happy we’ve done that.

“It’s important we keep winning football matches and making sure the only headlines are about football and not what’s happening off the pitch.”

Benitez would not be drawn on the revelations of the past few days, instead choosing to focus on the backing offered to him by the Anfield crowd last night.

“The supporters were amazing as always,” he said. “I was really pleased with them, and I don’t really need to say anything else because they are fantastic.”

Of questions on his future, Benitez added: “I know you must ask about this, but I prefer to enjoy the day; we have won 5-0 and progressed in the FA Cup and had a good day.

“I would like to talk about the performance on the pitch and that means the team is winning games. I am really pleased to be here.”

Gerrard handed over the captain’s armband last night to Jamie Carragher, who was celebrating his 500th appearance for Liverpool.

The two teams formed a guard of honour to welcome the centre-back on to the pitch before the game, with the defender’s son James the Liverpool mascot for the evening.

And Benitez said: “There were celebrations tonight for Carra’s 500th game, but the players were concentrating on doing a professional job and did very well.

“The FA Cup has always been important for us. We will try to progress and win the competition if we can.”

It took Liverpool until the stroke of half-time to break down a stubborn Luton rearguard with Babel’s opener, and Benitez said: “We knew that we needed to score and early goal and open the game up.

“We couldn’t do that and Luton defended well and we had a lot of opportunities, but as soon as we scored the first goal the game opened up and it was easier for us.

“The supporters enjoyed the game. We scored five goals, Carra celebrated his 500th game and Gerrard got a hat-trick, so it was really good.”

After criticism of his team selection in the 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road in the original tie last week, Benitez fielded a strong line-up that included both Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

And the manager explained: “We will play against Villa on Monday so there is plenty of time to rest the players before then. You know my idea is to protect the players and keep them with fresh legs, and we can do that.”

Luton manager Kevin Blackwell admitted his patched-up side were outclassed but he was proud of the way his players performed against a team he feels could win the competition.

He said: “There is no doubt they (Liverpool) have ability in abundance and have done exceptionally well for Rafa. It was an awesome team they put out. Clearly they have done a great job for the manager.”

Blackwell announced last week he would be leaving the cash-strapped club next month, but despite news of a potential deal to safeguard the future of the Hatters, he insisted he had not thought about changing his mind.

He said: “I don’t know what is around the corner.”

LiverpooL 5 - 0 Luton Town

Under-pressure Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez saw his side ease their way into the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to a hat-trick from Steven Gerrard.

League one Luton collapsed in tonight's replay at Anfield after going behind to a late first-half goal from Ryan Babel.

Sami Hyypia was also on the scoresheet to give Benitez some breathing space after the shock revelation that Jurgen Klinsmann had been sounded out about the possibility of becoming the club's next manager.

Benitez selected a strong side, knowing defeat was not an option after the shock admission from co-owner Tom Hicks.

Jamie Carragher was named captain on his 500th appearance for the club while Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso were also in from the start.

Luton received a boost ahead of the game with the news a deal had been agreed with a consortium led by television presenter Nick Owen to buy the club.

The Kop made their feelings know about the manager from the start with chants of "Rafael Benitez" ringing around the ground.

Jermaine Pennant split the Luton defence after three minutes and found Gerrard. He raced forward but was crowded out.

Pennant then found Peter Crouch three minutes later, only for the striker to miss a good chance, heading wide from close range when it seemed easier to score.

Babel almost gave Liverpool the lead in the ninth minute after being released by Gerrard.

He beat goalkeeper Dean Brill with a curling shot from 20 yards but his superb effort came back off the post.

Then Crouch hooked the ball high over the crossbar following a cross from Gerrard and Torres followed suit in the 14th minute.

Liverpool, as expected, were running the show and Babel again came close in the 17th minute when his effort was blocked by Richard Jackson.

Luton were making a decent fist of it after shipping out a number of players in the past week.

Despite their lowly status, the third-tier club were being backed by a good number of supporters, who made themselves heard.

Babel was wasteful in the 38th minute when he sent his effort over the crossbar from the edge of the area after Crouch had played the ball back to him.

Veteran Luton defender Don Hutchison then launched himself at a shot from Gerrard on the stroke of half-time to make a clearance.

The breakthrough finally came in first-half stoppage time when Babel rifled a shot beyond Brill and into the corner after being released by Torres.

Alonso tried his luck straight from the kick off by trying to lob Brill but the goalkeeper was alert to the danger.

John Arne Riise strode forward for Liverpool in the 51st minute, only for his effort from distance to finish wide.

Gerrard made it 2-0 a minute later when he headed in from close range after Crouch flicked on a cross from Pennant.

Liverpool raised the tempo and Torres saw his shot deflected to safety by Kevin Keane in the 56th minute.

They extended their lead a minute later after Gerrard swung in a corner from the left.

Hyypia claimed the goal although Luton defender Matthew Spring seemed to get a touch at the last minute.

Gerrard scored his second of the game and made it 4-0 in the 64th minute, stroking the ball into the corner.

It came after Hutchison had only partially cleared a shot from Torres inside the area.

Gerrard completed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute with a thumping 30-yard drive that wrong-footed Brill after being set up by Riise.

Substitute Dirk Kuyt should have made it 6-0 only to head wide from close range 10 minutes later following a cross from Pennant.

Luton were happy to play out time but at least the cash-strapped club have the promise of a financial windfall and new owners.

Liverpool, meanwhile, can now look forward to a visit from either Swansea or non-league Havant and Waterlooville.

FA Cup Preview: Liverpool vs. Luton

League One strugglers Luton Town travel to Anfield for their lucrative FA Cup third round replay against Liverpool.

You could virtually copy and paste the previews of Liverpool’s last two matches, for nothing has changed. Off the field politics continues to play a prominent yet unwanted role. On the field the Reds look lethargic, drawing games against lesser sides and relying as always on the exceptional Fernando Torres to dig them out of holes.

Two more points were dropped against Middlesbrough on Saturday – the first half was particularly shambolic, something Liverpool fans have almost resigned themselves to as their side’s stuttering start to 2008 (three 1-1 draws) continues.

The gap to leaders Manchester United is now 12pts, but the bitter truth is that Liverpool’s rivals are no longer United, Arsenal and Chelsea, but actually Everton, Manchester City and Aston Villa. As far as the Premier League goes, the aim must now realistically be fourth spot, a step backwards from previous seasons.

Nobody knows what will transpire at Anfield in the summer (you have to question the sense in Hicks making public his approach to Jürgen Klinsmann, a move that has strongly undermined Benítez) but Liverpool need trophies to appease their owners and, most crucially, the fans.

Thus this FA Cup replay against Luton Town just got a whole lot more important. Supporters expect the Reds to win Tuesday night’s game at Anfield, but it is the manner of the win that is significant. Hitting the League One strugglers for four or five will yield greater satisfaction and boost squad morale far more than a drab 1-0.

This may be a game against inferior opposition, but it remains an opportunity for those not named Torres or Gerrard to step up to the plate.

Convention says a win is better than a draw, but for Luton Town, a club on the brink of insolvency, nothing could have been finer than the 1-1 FA Cup draw with giants Liverpool nine days ago. John Arne Riise’s own goal gave the Hatters that all important equaliser, earning them a lucrative rematch at Anfield and a windfall of up to £500,000.

It all helps, but until a buyer is found this continues to be a club in dire straits. The latest setback occurred as boss Kevin Blackwell tendered his resignation. Unlike a well known brand of quick drying wood stain, Blackwell stated that Luton Town “did not do what it said on the tin.”

Disillusioned with the club's predicament, Blackwell released a statement last Friday: "We have ended up managing a squad of players who do not know if they are being paid or have a future with the football club,” he said. “It is now our belief that no possible future scenario for this club can match in any way shape or form what we came here to do.

"Ironically we no longer have contracts that would require us to give notice but we are acutely aware that just to walk away would simply add to the short-term problems. We will therefore continue work under our basic terms and conditions for approximately one month, leaving the club after home game against Bournemouth on February 9th."

The final straw proved to be a broken promise that nobody would be sold before the Liverpool rematch. As it is, star players David Edwards (Wolves) and Chris Coyne (Colchester) have been cashed in, with three others out on loan and further bids placed for Brill, Calvin and Talbott – all of whom started against Liverpool last weekend – being considered.



FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Middlesbrough - Liverpool 1 - 1 12/01/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Luton - Liverpool 1 - 1 06/01/2008 FA CUP
Liverpool - Wigan Athletic 1 - 1 02/01/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester City - Liverpool 0 - 0 30/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Derby - Liverpool 1 - 2 26/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool - Portsmouth 4 - 1 22/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE



Luton

Luton - Swansea 1 - 3 12/01/2008 LEAGUE ONE
Luton - Liverpool 1 - 1 06/01/2008 FA CUP
Luton - Yeovil 1 - 0 01/01/2008 LEAGUE ONE
Port Vale - Luton 1 - 2 29/12/2007 LEAGUE ONE
Bristol Rovers - Luton 1 - 1 26/12/2007 LEAGUE ONE
Luton - Tranmere 1 - 0 22/12/2007 LEAGUE ONE




TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

It’s fantasy Rafa time once again as we try to guess Benítez’ team selection. Inevitably enough, rotation should be the order of the day in a game that should not need Gerrard or Torres to be won. Jamie Carragher will captain the Reds in his 500th matchMartin Skrtel may gain his first taste of English football but Daniel Agger has suffered another injury setback. Ryan Babel could return to the side after impressing as a substitute against Middlesbrough, while Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt look likely to start up front.


Luton

The Hatters really are in deep trouble as Blackwell has revealed players may pull out of the match for fear of getting injured and scuppering potential transfers elsewhere. Members of the squad have received just four-and-a-half weeks' wages in three months. New captain Chris Perry is a doubt with a thigh strain, but more worryingly so is goalkeeper Dean Brill - the club have no fit reserve. Matthew Spring returns from suspension and Sam Parkin from a long-term injury.




PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool – Peter Crouch

Crouch appears to have become fourth choice striker at Anfield now as he jostles with Voronin and Kuyt for the right to partner Torres in the big games. Looking at the stats gives you an inclination as to why: midway through January, Crouch has yet to score a goal in the Premier League.

The big man was left out again at Middlesbrough, but the last of this season’s five goals was against Luton in the original third round tie. This may predominantly be a game for the Reds’ second-string but with Kuyt and Voronin also misfiring the England international must take his chances to convince Benítez of his worth.

Luton – The whole team

Desperate times call for innovative measures... recommending readers keep an eye out for Luton Town during this difficult time. The club appears to be on its last legs but all fans of football must hope a buyer is found and the Hatters' future secured. As the world's richest teams become increasingly financially and sportingly dominant it is easy to forget about the trials and tribulations of those beyond the Premiership.

Rush: Red Faces All Round

Liverpool are in danger of becoming a laughing stock under the ownership of George Gillett and Tom Hicks, according to Kop legend Ian Rush.

Rush accused the American tycoons of undermining the great traditions at Anfield after they admitted lining up Jurgen Klinsmann to replace Rafael Benitez as manager.

"Now people are going to say the club is a laughing stock," said Rush, who scored a record 346 goals in 640 Liverpool appearances.

He added in The Sun: "In many ways, you can understand that because this is not the way Liverpool normally do things.

"The tradition of the club - and the very thing that has made them so hugely respected throughout the world - is to do everything in-house, not out in the open like this.

"Look at Newcastle - we certainly don't want to get like that. That's just change for the sake of it. With Harry Redknapp turning them down, it's just going to drag on and on. That doesn't help anyone.

"Now we all know that in football these days there's only one winner - the owners.

"But admitting that Klinsmann was approached is poor timing and puts a lot more pressure on Rafa.

"It's not just upsetting for Rafa but for the players and the fans as well. Everything seemed to be dying down a bit but now it's all been blown up again."

Benitez fell out with Gillett and Hicks towards the end of last year over the clubs transfer policy and the co-owners claim their fear the Spaniard would walk away prompted them to seek "an insurance policy" in the shape of Klinsmann.

They also said they wanted to learn more about English and European football from Klinsmann, who had two spells at Tottenham as a player.

But Rush questioned their motives, insisting Benitez knew far more about both areas of the game than the German.

The former striker fears Benitez will now be seen as "a dead man walking" but urged Gillett and Hicks to give him until the summer to show progress was being made at Anfield.

Liverpool Seek Cup Win While Luton Happy With The Cash

Jamie Carragher will captain Liverpool on his 500th appearance for the club when they face Luton Town in an FA Cup third-round replay at Anfield on Tuesday.

The Reds should end a poor run of four successive draws when they face the League One (third division) side, who surprisingly held them to a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road nine days ago.

Since then the financial problems which have forced Luton into adminstration this season have bitten even deeper with several players having left and manager Kevin Blackwell announcing that he will be departing next month.

At least impoverished Luton should bank around 500,000 pounds ($980,600) from the match. The only result beleaguered Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez wants is a resounding win to help quash, for a while, the never-ending speculation surrounding his position.

Tuesday's only all-Premier League replay is at the Madejski Stadium where Reading face Tottenham Hotspur for the third time in 18 days following their 6-4 league defeat at White Hart Lane on Dec 29 and their 2-2 Cup draw there the following week.

Two Premier League sides are on a hiding to nothing with Fulham visiting League One club Bristol Rovers and Derby County, with only one league win all season, facing Sheffield Wednesday of the Championship.

Benitez - We Must Do Better

Rafa Benitez believes that Liverpool need to improve if they are to get anything from this season, starting in the FA Cup third round replay against Luton on Tuesday night.

The Spaniard has seen his side record four consecutive draws in all competitions and are yet to post a victory in 2008.

The disappointing cup draw at Kenilworth Road was followed up by another 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough on Saturday, a result which leaves the Reds 12 points behind leaders Manchester United in the race for the Premier League title.

Benitez is well aware that performances must improve quickly and has challenged his players to show their quality over the next few weeks.

"We know we must improve," he told the club's official website.

"Clearly we talked about this after the game, but the players know when we have played badly.

"The mentality and the attitude must always be 100 per cent commitment, must always be 100 per cent for winning from the first minute. We must think about this.

"All of us need to improve. The players know that some players are playing well and scoring goals, so we need to see the other players doing what they were doing at the beginning of the season when we were scoring goals from everywhere.

"The players and the staff know we must play better and give the fans more. We will try and do that against Luton at Anfield.

"The quality is there. We were playing some fantastic football at the beginning of the season and also in some of the Champions League games. The football is there, but maybe it's a little bit of confidence that we need at the moment.

"When you have chances and you don't score, everybody starts talking about how we got another draw, so the players can maybe lose confidence.

"But it's simple how you can change this: winning, scoring goals and playing well."

Hicks Confirms Klinsmann Talks

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has cast more doubt over Rafa Benitez's future at Anfield after confirming the club lined up a move for Jurgen Klinsmann before the German moved to Bayern Munich.

Benitez's position at Liverpool has been the subject of virtually constant speculation ever since his row with Hicks and fellow co-owner George Gillett.

During that time, Klinsmann was strongly linked with a move to Liverpool with the American pair believed to be big admirers of the former Germany coach.

And Hicks has now sensationally admitted that the tried to negotiate an option to bring the former Tottenham hero to Anfield as a replacement for Benitez.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "We attempted to negotiate an option, as an insurance policy, to have him become manager if Rafa left for Real Madrid or other clubs that were rumoured in the UK press."

"Or in case our communication spiralled out of control for some reason."

Benitez has played down the rumours over his future saying he is happy at Anfield, but Hicks' comments could see the Spaniard's position become untenable.

Hicks does, however, insist Benitez does now have his full support.

He added: "After George and I had our long and productive meeting with Rafa following the Man United match, we put all of our issues behind us and received Rafa's commitment that he wanted to stay with Liverpool.

"We never reached agreement on an option with Jurgen, and we are both pleased for him that he has a great opportunity to return to Germany and coach a great club team.

"Rafa has both of our support, and our communication has greatly improved."

Lawro: Liverpool Promises Don't Ring True

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson says the actions of the club's co-owners are "very very strange" after it was revealed they met Jurgen Klinsmann.

American investor Tom Hicks had talks with the former Germany boss, but insists that was an "insurance option" should Rafa Benitez leave for Real Madrid.

Mirror columnist Lawro, a stalwart of the famous Liverpool sides of the 1980s, believes Hicks and business partner George Gillett are making some poor decisions.

He said: "I just find some of the things they are doing are very very strange indeed.

"They have wanted Klinsmann to say: 'I will take the job if Benitez goes', which is strange in itself. Because how would that come about?

"Their actions are very, very difficult to work out and I think the majority of Liverpool fans are looking at this and thinking it doesn't bode well for the future."

Lawrenson believes Benitez's response to the news could go either way. He added: "Benitez could say: 'That's out of order' and walk or he could turn around and get on with things - it's purely down to his reaction."

Supporters have already marched through the streets of the city this season to back their beleaguered manager, and Lawrenson added: "The vast majority of Liverpool fans are pro-Benitez. I think they will be even more so against Luton."

"When these two Americans took over the club, it was supposed to be a brand new dawn, a new stadium was on the way, etc, etc, etc but something just doesn't ring true - I sometimes think the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing."

Hyypia: End The Speculation About Rafa's Reds Future

It is about time the onging speculation concerning the future of Rafael Beneitez as Liverpool manager was ended once and for all by an unequivocal statement from the club. That is the view of Sami Hyypia, the long-serving Liverpool central defender.

Sami Hyypia believes the persistent uncertainty surrounding Benitez's position at Anfield is undermining the club and should be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Last autumn's row between Benitez and club owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks sparked widespread speculation that he Spaniard's days at Anfield were now numbered.

And Hyypia for one is fed up with the incessant rumours - not least because he believes it is affecting the whole team.

Liverpool's performances and results in recent weeks have been distinctly below par, and Finnish international Hyypia has urged the club's hierarchy to resolve the situation regarding the manager so that Liverpool can get their season back on track befoire it is too late.

"We seem to be becoming like Newcastle," Hyypia told The Mirror.

"Every time we pick up a paper, there seems to be something new. But our job is to concentrate on the games.

"In the football world there are some things that happen very quickly and you can't do anything about them. The players hope that if there are arguments, they can be sorted out."

On a more positive note, Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt is backing his Spanih team-mate, Fernando Torres, to win this season's Player of the Year award.

Torres underlined his value again on Saturday when he produced a stunning 25-yard effort that salvaged a 1-1 draw for Liverpool against Middlesbrough.

It was the 17th goal of his first season in English football.

Kuyt does admit, however, that Liverpool have become too reliant on Torres and captain Steven Gerrard to provide the goals this season. Those two have scored 18 of the Reds' 35 League goals.

"Torres is having an unbelievable season especially as he's coming from a foreign country and not speaking English very well," said Kuyt.

"He's definitely a quality player and one of the best players in the League at the moment. He's one of the best in Europe.

"He's got everything, he's really quick and he's got a good finish and great ability. He's frightening for defenders to deal with.

"Definitely Fernando and Stevie G have a chance to be footballers of the year. They've done really good things this year for Liverpool."

Atlético Open Sissoko Talks With Liverpool

Atlético de Madrid have contacted Liverpool with a view to signing Mohamed Sissoko during the window transfer window as Maniche prepares to leave.

Los Colchoneros' coach Javier Aguirre has always insisted that he would only sign players if other leave and a change of midfielders now looks to be on the cards.

Marca believe that Atlético have been met with a favourable response after enquiring about Sissoko and a deal could be negotiated this week.

Maniche is on the verge of completing a loan move to Inter and that will free up a space as Aguirre sticks to his strict policy of having a 24-man squad.

Sissoko looked set to be joining Juventus and he had said publicly that he believed the deal would go through, but La Vecchia Signora now appear to have pulled out.

Inter have also been linked with the Mali international, but that appears to be an unlikely proposition with Maniche joining.

Liverpool and Atleti have a good relationship after lengthy talks last summer about the transfer of Fernando Torres brought the clubs closer together.

Another factor in the Spanish side's decision to try and sign Sissoko is the recommendation of Jesús García Pitarch who was instrumental in signing him for Valencia from Auxerre in 2003.

Pitarch now works for Atlético and has advised the board and coach about the technical characteristics that the midfielder will bring to the side.

Rafael Benitez On Collision Course With Owners

It was a throwaway remark but it carried within it a damning indictment. "We seem to be becoming like Newcastle," said Liverpool's veteran centre-half, Sami Hyypia. "Every time you pick up a paper, there seems to be something new."

The papers Rafael Benitez would have picked up in the team hotel in Yorkshire on Saturday morning contained leaks from Bayern Munich that their newly appointed manager, Jurgen Klinsmann, had been offered his job.

The relationship between the owners of Anfield and their manager continues to corrode like the rusting bits of steel you still stumble upon in this part of Teesside.

With its horizons framed by the black Cleveland Hills and refinery chimneys, Liverpool have never enjoyed the Riverside Stadium and, as if to emphasise it, their bus was involved in an accident on its journey to a scene of regular crashes. Under Roy Evans, Liverpool were swept away in a League Cup semi-final here and four years later, in November 2002, their last credible title challenge began to come adrift at the Riverside when Gareth Southgate stuck home a loose ball. Liverpool, hitherto unbeaten, did not win again for another two months.

For Gerard Houllier it marked the beginning of the end and until Fernando Torres scored Liverpool's first goal on Teesside for six years, you might have said the same for Benitez.

Hyypia, like virtually all footballers, knows that the politicking between boardroom and dug-out is outside their orbit and perhaps their understanding. "We have to keep concentrating on the game," he remarked, something Liverpool have not been doing well lately. "That is our job. In the football world, some things happen very quickly and you can't do anything about them. If there are some arguments, the players hope they can be sorted out."

The only men who can sort it out - with a single statement confirming that Benitez will continue to manage Liverpool at least until the end of the season - were not at Middlesbrough. Had they been, George Gillett and Tom Hicks would have noted a vast banner carrying a picture of the Boro chairman, Steve Gibson, who was hailed as, "One of Us". The Americans, even if they decide not to sell out to Dubai, are unlikely to see anything similar at Anfield.

Yet there is evidence that the drip-drip of uncertainty has begun to seep into the dressing room, however much the players might fix their gaze at the pitch. The unease surrounding Benitez broke to the surface in Liverpool's last game in the North-East - the 3-0 demolition of Newcastle that exposed the full inadequacies of Sam Allardyce's regime - when Benitez accused Hicks and Gillett of not understanding the transfer system.

Since then, Liverpool have lost to Reading, Manchester United and Chelsea and stumbled to four straight draws, each more unconvincing than the last. And to underline football's perversity, Liverpool have also produced the kind of great escape in the Champions League they so rarely conjure up domestically.

Southgate is fortunate to be in the employment of a man who is reluctant to sack or panic and who has invested deeply in home-produced talent. "The game is crackers at the moment so Rafa's situation doesn't surprise me," he said.

The Middlesbrough manager had his own problems. Illness threatened to deprive him of both Mark Schwarzer and Gary O'Neil and injury did for Jonathan Woodgate, whom he would have needed against Torres. Instead, David Wheater, another young product of the Middlesbrough academy, largely shackled a striker who even at 23 is approaching greatness. Wheater had spent last season on loan at Darlington and confessed that this felt like more than just a point. To Liverpool it would have felt much, much less.

Juventus Pull Out Of Sissoko Race

Unsettled Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko’s protracted move to Italian-giants Juventus appears to have fallen through after club president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli admitted that the Turin giants were unlikely to make any signings during the January transfer window.

Sissoko, who has fallen out of favour with current Liverpool incumbent Rafa Benitez, looked likely to complete his move to the Serie A side after admitting on Thursday that a conclusion to the deal was “very close”, with his manager adding that The Reds were just waiting for the “right club and the right offer” before the 22-year old could leave Anfield.

Even Rafa Benitez admitted that he was trying to find a solution for the Mali international after the 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough.

It was widely believed that Juventus’ manager Claudio Ranieri was keen on the athletic midfielder, but it now appears that they have withdrawn their interest and are satisfied with the squad they have available at the club.

Said Cobolli-Gigli: "Juventus will not make any acquisitions in the January transfer market. It's normal to dream of big players but, in order for dreams to come true, we need to wait for the right moment.”

While the Mali international’s ambition to play for the Italian side may have collapsed, he certainly won’t b e short of suitors if he does exit Merseyside, with reported interest from former club Valencia among others.

As for Juventus, the debate is on about Ranieri's continued support for Tiago Mendes, which is supposed to be the reason for the refusal to sign Sissoko.

The player is now being linked with Inter, who are also expected to sign Maniche on Monday.

Banks Set To Back ‘New Anfield’

Tom Hicks and George Gillett have moved closer to securing a bank deal that will allow them to press ahead with their ambitious plans for a 70,000-seat new stadium for Liverpool.

The Americans, who for several months have been locked in talks with Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia over a £350m refinancing loan, are now optimistic an agreement can be struck by the end of the month – and possibly as early as next week. The injection from the banks is necessary to cover the £270m of loans Hicks and Gillett took out to purchase Liverpool last February and help fund their new ground.

The Americans spent nine hours in New York on Tuesday with Rick Parry, Liverpool’s chief executive, discussing two rival architectural designs for ‘New Anfield’ and will make a decision on which option to take as soon as the package from the banks comes through. The Dallas-based company HKS produced a revised version of their original plans which were scrapped last month as the project became simply too expensive to proceed with, while Manchester-based AFL came up with their own proposals as the two firms went head to head.

Both companies were asked to produce a full set of proposals with detailed costings, designs, time scales and planning information. Parry says he was impressed by what he saw, but Liverpool are not yet willing to put their own deadline on when a decision will be made. Parry maintains, however, that whichever plan gets the nod it will produce an “excellent result”.

“We had two very detailed and very informative presentations which were very thorough and extremely professional,” he said. “It has been another big step forward to finding the best possible solution.”

Despite the snags over the new ground, and continued doubt over the future of team manager Rafa Benitez, Hicks and Gillett are adamant that they do not intend to sell the club and cut their losses, despite continuing speculation to the contrary.

LiverpooL Linked With Real Striker

Real Mallorca forward Juan Arango says he is flattered by reported interest in his services from Liverpool.

Spanish media reports that the Venezuelan is on Rafa Benitez's wanted list and although the 27-year-old says he has heard nothing, he would be interested in a move to Anfield.

He said: "I have been told some things but I really didn't know what was happening. I am very happy that such a big team like Liverpool is speaking about me.

"They play the Champions League, they are one of the giants in the world.

"I would like very much to have the chance to play at Liverpool."

He added: "Maybe if I keep on having good performances at Mallorca and the national team the coach decides to count with me in the future. You never know where football can take you to."

Benitez May Rest Torres Again For Luton Replay

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was surprised by the criticism he received for not using Fernando Torres when the Reds drew against Luton Town last week - but nevertheless is considering leaving the Spanish striker out again for Tuesday’s FA Cup replay.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was criticised earlier this season when he used Fernando Torres in a Carling Cup tie at Reading, after having rested him a few days earlier for a Premier League game against Birmingham that the Reds drew 0-0.

Last week Benitez again chose to rest his star striker - in the FA Cup third round against Luton, when Liverpool were fortunate to emerge with a 1-1 draw and a replay.

After his rest, Torres looked sharp in yeserday's Premier League clash at Middlesbrough, scoring a superb equaliser.

Now Benitez has suggested that he might rest his leading scorer again.

"I was surprised when a journalist questioned me about not using my strongest team," Benitez told the official Liverpool website.

"We had 10 international players in the side but the journalist was just talking about Fernando Torres, so I think he didn't know exactly about our squad.

"We will approach the replay with the same idea. I will use a strong team again because we want to progress in The FA Cup.

"It is a fantastic competition and we want to win it again."

Liverpool Set To Sign Garay?

Liverpool could be set to make their second signing in quick succession, in the form of Racing Santander defender Ezequiel Garay.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has identified his defence as the area that most needs strengthening, and only yesterday completed the signature of Zenith St Petersburg’s Slovakian stopper Martin Skrtel.

Acording to Radio Marca, Benitez has now set his sights on Argentine centre back Garay.

The defender signed for Racing Santander in 2005 from Newell’s Old Boys and has since established himself as a key member of the team.

The 21-year-old recently won his first cap for his country in Argentina’s friendly with Norway in August, and is regarded as a future regular for Los Gauchos.

Garay, who can also play at right back, is well known for his free-kick ability, scoring from a number of set-pieces for Racing.

Italian giants Juventus are also said to be very interested, however it seems that Liverpool have won the race after offering young midfielder Lucas Leiva as part of the deal.

Lucas has struggled to find space at Anfield, given the presence of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, although it is unclear whether the Brazilian will move on loan or in a permanent transfer.

LiverpooL Facing Second Takeover

Tom Hicks and George Gillett could be forced to sell their ownership of Liverpool by the end of February to Arab investors or the bank which financed their takeover.

The two Americans have encountered substantial difficulties in refinancing the £350m debt they incurred when buying the club last summer and are now reportedly unwilling to inject cash of their own in order to pacify the Royal Bank of Scotland, the bank from which it secured the loan.

According to The Observer, Gillett and Hicks are attempting to transfer the debt on to Liverpool itself but 'city sources believe this is an extremely difficult task to complete before the loan's due date at the end of February.'

'It is possible that the Americans will meet the deadline, but if not an Arab investment group, Dubai International Capital, is understood to be close to lodging an offer to buy out the American pair, probably for about £500m.n Takeover discussions are thought to be due before the end of this month,' the newspaper reports.

Gillett and Hicks have already ordered plans for a proposed new stadium to be downscaled and bickered with manager Rafa Benitez over the need to invest in new players.

With the size of their loan from RBS swelling to around the £350m mark, The Observer claims that 'attempts to restructure it have so far failed and the Americans have yet to inject new equity into the refinancing.

'While RBS have asked Hicks and Gillett to each commit £20m of their own cash to the deal, City sources believe that at least one of the pair is not prepared to do so.

'Should they fail in their efforts to repay the £350m acquisition debt on Liverpool when it comes due in just over six weeks, there would be the possibility of the next owner of the club becoming RBS.'

RBS are not thought to be keen on that scenario and the greater likelihood is that DIC will take over the club they were on the verge of acquiring last year before chief executive Rick Parry switched his allegiances and supported the American bid. Should, as speculated, the group buy Liverpool for around £500m then both Gillett and Hicks would profit from their venture by approximately £75m.

Jose Wants LiverpooL Job

Jose Mourinho has reportedly told Liverpool that he wants Rafa Benitez's job.

The Sunday Mirror claims that the 'former Chelsea boss has contacted Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett through a third party indicating that he would love to take over at Anfield next season.'

It is widely believed that Benitez will be sacked by the Americans at the end of the current campaign and Mourinho is currently precluded from managing another Premiership club this season under the terms of his compensation package with Chelsea.

The expected approach from either Real Madrid or Barcelona has failed to materialise and Mourinho is apparently warming to the idea of moving to the cold north-west.

However, his prickly relationship with Liverpool supporters remains a stumbling block, as does the growing uncertainty that Hicks and Gillett will still own Liverpool at the start of next season.

Middlesbrough 1 - 1 LiverpooL

Fernando Torres paid off another portion of his £26.5million transfer fee with a dazzling equaliser at Middlesbrough.

The 23-year-old Spaniard came to the rescue with a stunning 71st-minute strike from 25 yards as the Reds belatedly found top gear.

Until that point, Boro had looked the more likely victors after skipper George Boateng, who at one point appeared to be on his way out of the club following a bust-up with manager Gareth Southgate, had put the Teessiders ahead with his first goal of the season on 26 minutes.

Southgate's men might have doubled their advantage when Stewart Downing hit the post on 67 minutes, but as the Reds finally established a momentum with half-time substitute Ryan Babel particularly prominent, Torres lit up the game with a goal of pure quality.

From then on, the visitors looked capable of snatching all three points, although that would have been harsh on Boro, who were the better side for much of the game in front of their biggest crowd of the season, 33,035.

In the final analysis, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez had to be happy with a point as his side drew for a fourth consecutive game, but that did little to improve their chances of closing the gap on the Barclays Premier League pace-setters.

Boro have made something of a habit in recent years of producing their best against the Premier League's aristocrats while under-achieving when faced with the division's lesser lights.

They went into the game lying 15th in the table and having won only two of their previous nine league fixtures at the Riverside Stadium this season.

Among their victims were leaders Arsenal, and there was a similar relish to the way they set about their task against a side which started the season with their sights set on the title, but a little more than halfway through, are starting to look like also-rans.

Liverpool never really got going and apart from Steven Gerrard's well-struck 17th-minute shot and Yossi Benayoun's 37th-minute volley, both of which were well-saved by Mark Schwarzer, they rarely threatened.

That in part was due to the excellence of central defensive pairing Robert Huth and David Wheater, who made a series of timely interventions to keep Torres at bay.

Boro, who had 19-year-old full-back Jonathan Grounds making his first senior start and were again missing Jonathan Woodgate and Mido, produced the far more fluent football.

The invention of in-form Turkey international Tuncay international was a threat throughout and with Downing, a £12million target for Tottenham, providing good service from the left, they pushed consistently throughout the first half.

They made the breakthrough with 26 minutes gone when Gary O'Neil headed Downing's cross back across goal and Tuncay nodded it down for Boateng to slide the ball home.

Boateng, who had been warmly applauded when his name was announced, received the acclaim for his first goal of the season joyously as his rehabilitation was completed.

Benitez made his move at the break when he sent on winger Ryan Babel for full-back Alvaro Arbeloa, and there was instantly a different look about his team.

Striker Andriy Voronin simply could not believe referee Andre Marriner's decision not to away him a penalty within a minute of the restart after he appeared to be barged to the ground by Huth.

Voronin, however, only had himself to blame for not getting a shot away on 49 minutes after being picked out by the unselfish Torres.

But Boro were almost handed a second goal on a plate four minutes later when keeper Jose Reina inexplicably raced out to the left touchline without a hope of beating Jeremie Aliadiere to Downing's pass, and could only look on gratefully as the Frenchman's cross failed to locate a red shirt.

Babel had started confidently and almost made a major impact on 59 minutes when he cut in-field before unleashing a dipping, swerving shot which wrong-footed Schwarzer and flew inches past the far post.

But only the upright denied the Teessiders a second goal eight minutes later when Downing's shot thundered into the woodwork with Reina beaten, and O'Neil lifted the rebound over the bar.

However, Torres' big moment arrived with 71 minutes gone when he picked up the ball in midfield and despite stumbling initially, hammered a venomous shot past the despairing Schwarzer to level.

The Australian had to tip a late Gerrard effort over the crossbar and block a Sami Hyypia header with his legs as the visitors pressed for the win, but Southgate's men just about held firm.

Rafa: I've Spoken To Sissoko About Switching

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has spoken out about recent transfer speculation, not least that surrounding Momo Sissoko.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez denies that Momo Sissoko's transfer talk has soured relations between player and manager.

Rumour had it that the two were not on speaking terms after a difficult season and talk of a move, but Benitez insists that this is not the case.

"I was talking with Momo about leaving a few times, and with his agent,” he told LiverpoolFC.tv.

“We know we have two or three clubs asking about him and we will try to find the best solution for him and for us.

"It depends on if we find the right club and the right offer. We need to wait.

"In a top side the competition is always really hard. We've brought in Lucas [Leiva] and with [Steven] Gerrard playing in the middle this year, plus [Xabi] Alonso and [Javier] Mascherano, he is under pressure.

"But he wants to play every game. We will try to find a solution for him because he is a nice boy."

Benitez went on to add that Sissoko's probable departure did not mean that a new face was to arrive with the proceeds of any move.

"We are happy with the squad," he insisted.

"We needed another centre-back but in the other positions we have enough players.

"Mascherano? We will continue to keep working and we are confident he will stay with us."

EPL Preview: Middlesborough vs. LiverpooL

Liverpool travel to Middlesbrough seeking to prove their Premiership critics wrong.

These are not Liverpool Football Club’s finest hours.

As if the rumours of ongoing tensions between manager and owners and the worries over the club’s finances were not enough, the Reds are now stuttering on the pitch as well.

Two games into 2008 and Liverpool can boast nothing more a pair of 1-1 draws against Wigan Athletic and Luton Town.

As per usual, Rafael Benítez has copped most of the flak. But against Wigan at Anfield a week-and-a-half ago the Spaniard arguably picked (injuries permitting) his strongest side.

The foreign favourites (Torres, Alonso, Kewell, Mascherano) and the home-grown heroes (Gerrard, Carragher) were all there – they just didn’t perform.

Gerrard in particular was a major culprit in that match, repeatedly failing to stick to his appointed position higher up the pitch, thus allowing Wigan the room to stride forward. And it was the captain’s hashed clearance that permitted Titus Bramble to drill in the Latics’ equaliser.

Not that Liverpool performed any better minus their leader at Luton, mind. Two years ago, against the same team at the same ground in the same round of the FA Cup, a supposedly less talented Liverpool selection saw off a Luton Town side undoubtedly better than that seen on Sunday 5-3.

True, the Reds weathered an almighty scare that day to eventually emerge triumphant, but the fact remains that they took the game to their opponents in 2006 and punished them when it mattered. Sunday’s poor effort didn’t come close to replicating the feat. Lacking both creativity and conviction, Liverpool meekly surrendered a lead they had obtained against the run of play.

They may win the rematch, but unless things improve anyone rational would back against the Reds replicating their FA Cup trophy success of 2006. With a game in hand but a gigantic 12 point deficit on league leaders Arsenal, this season’s much-heralded genuine title challenge also appears somewhat of a fallacy. Liverpool have never enjoyed games at Middlesbrough, but now would be a fine time to rediscover the winning habit.

Middlesbrough are a strange team. Great results like an away win at Portsmouth (neither Liverpool nor Manchester United could win at Fratton Park) and that superb 2-1 victory over league leaders Arsenal have been interspersed with a sorry 3-0 thrashing at Birmingham and comprehensive 2-0 loss at home to Everton.

Depending on which Middlesbrough and which Liverpool turn up, the outcome of this game could vary immensely. Liverpool may be favourites, but Boro have stopped the Reds from scoring in all of their last five trips to the Riverside. “Liverpool are a class side and it is always a big occasion when they come and play you,” said Boro boss Gareth Southgate.

Nevertheless, he knows his team need to pick up results in front of their own fans soon having notched just one win in their last seven. "Our home form hasn't been as good as it could have been so we've got to make this place an intimidating place to come to again,” he stressed.

But things aren’t all bad for Boro, and they defied many pundits by not falling victim to an FA Cup upset at Bristol City last weekend. “We have had three wins in six games, which would have been a decent record if we'd had a few draws as well,” added Southgate.



FORM GUIDE

Boro

Match Result Date Championship
Bristol City - Middlesbrough 1 - 2 05/01/2008 FA CUP
Middlesbrough - Everton 0 - 2 01/01/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Portsmouth - Middlesbrough 0 - 1 29/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Birmingham - Middlesbrough 3 - 0 26/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Middlesbrough - West Ham 1 - 2 22/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Derby - Middlesbrough 0 - 1 15/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE




Liverpool

Match Result Date Championship
Luton - Liverpool 1 - 1 06/01/2008 FA CUP
Liverpool - Wigan Athletic 1 - 1 02/01/2008 PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester City - Liverpool 0 - 0 30/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Derby - Liverpool 1 - 2 26/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Liverpool - Portsmouth 4 - 1 22/12/2007 PREMIER LEAGUE
Chelsea - Liverpool 2 - 0 19/12/2007 CARLING CUP




TEAM NEWS

Boro

Lee Cattermole and Julio Arca are both suspended, leaving Gareth Southgate with a few decisions to make in midfield. George Boateng has settled his differences with the boss and should play, Gary O’Neil may also earn a recall, but Woodgate (hamstring) and Tuncay (knee) are unlikely to figure. Wheather, who got the winner against Bristol City last weekend, should start in central defence

Likely XI (4-4-2): Schwarzer – Young, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz – O’Neil, Rochemback, Boateng, Downing – Hutchinson, Lee

Liverpool

Liverpool have an unusual wealth of central defensive options for this game: Daniel Agger is finally ready to return from his foot injury while Martin Skrtel completed his move from Zenit St. Petersburg on Friday. Reina, Arbeloa, Gerrard and Torres were all rested against Luton last weekend and should all start. It’s more or less a full squad available to Benítez, the exception being the Juventus-bound Mohamed Sissoko.

Likely XI (4-4-2): Reina – Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa – Pennant, Gerrard, Mascherano, Kewell – Torres, Voronin



PLAYERS TO WATCH

Boro – Mark Schwarzer

The Aussie goalkeeper often sums up Middlesbrough as a whole, alternating between brilliance and blunders. Liverpool will undoubtedly create chances in this game, so Schwarzer will need to be on top form to maintain Boro’s run of Riverside clean sheets against the Reds.

Liverpool – Steven Gerrard

After finally regaining form and enjoying a rich scoring spell, Gerrard hasn’t been quite the same against Christmas. The skipper will have to show both tenacity and vision to break through Middlesbrough’s stubborn defensive line on Saturday. With a great performance Gerrard can often drag along the rest of his team in a game they desperately need to win.

Skrtel: Rafa's The Reason I Signed

Martin Skrtel admits the impression left on him by Rafa Benitez was key to him spurning offers from other Premier League clubs.

The Slovak trained with his new teammates for the first time on Friday morning before Liverpoolfc.tv was granted the first interview.

Skrtel - who was reportedly a target for Everton, Spurs and Valencia - told us his new boss made quite an impression during negotiations between the Reds and former club Zenit St Petersburg.

"The manager wanted me to come here which was important for me," said the 23-year-old. "I found him to be a nice man and Rafa was a big influence on me coming to Liverpool.

"I am looking forward to my first game at Anfield and playing in front of the Liverpool supporters. I can't wait. I have been to Anfield and it is beautiful. I can't wait to see it when it is full of fans."

The Russian Premier League is currently in the middle of a winter break, meaning Skrtel is not fit enough to play any part in this weekend's clash with Middlesbrough.

It may take the new boy 10 days to find match fitness, but with three established centre-backs already at the club, he knows he may have to be patient.

He said: "Obviously I was aware about the competition for places. Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger are players with immense quality.

"I will do my best to get into the team as soon as possible. For any team to have competition in all positions is good and I will work as hard as possible to challenge for a place. Rafa hasn't said too much to me about my place just yet."

Skrtel has already had a taste of playing with Premier League players having pitted his wits against Andy Johnson and Everton in the UEFA Cup earlier this season.

Never, though, has he played alongside players of the quality of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres – until this morning, that is.

He admits his first training session was a nerve-wracking experience.

"I had my first training session with the team today and the lads all welcomed me to the club. I was a bit nervous because they are huge stars but once training started I was okay."

As well as getting used to new surroundings here on Merseyside, Skrtel will embark on a crash course in English. Not that he'll need as many lessons as some who arrive at Melwood.

He explained: "The coach at Zenit, Dick Advocaat, spoke English to the players, so I already know many of the football phrases - that should help."

Skrtel admits he owes Advocaat a debt of gratitude, not only for the English lessons, but for allowing him to complete a dream move to the Premier League.

"The past few days have been full of anxiety and wait but I'm glad it's all sorted now and I am finally a Liverpool player," he said.

"I would like to say a big 'Thank you' to Zenit St Petersburg for allowing me to come to Liverpool. I was under contract at Zenit and they helped me with this move.

"When I played against Everton it showed me why I always wanted to play in the English league. I am very happy to be here."

The player also revealed the move to Liverpool means he will have to give up his other favourite pastime, hockey.

"As a child I played a lot of hockey. When I was at Zenit we had a winter break and the manager let me play hockey then. Now I'm here at Liverpool I won't be able to do that anymore more."

Benitez Insists He Is The Man To Lead Liverpool

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez pointedly talked about his and the club's long-term future at the end of a week which has seen his longevity at Anfield called into question.

All the speculation that Jurgen Klinsmann was being lined up to replace Benitez was swept away today by the news the former Germany coach will take over at Bayern Munich in the summer.

And the Reds boss chief was in relaxed mood as he spoke about his new signing - £6.5million defender Martin Skrtel - and the departure of Sam Allardyce from Newcastle.

The Spaniard consistently underlined his good working relationship with American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett by emphasising his and the club's long-term planning.

"The owners have allowed me to spend and people should realise that," said Benitez.

"Maybe because everyone seemed to be focusing on me they did not see that we have all been working together, the owners and me, to improve the squad for the future.

"It is important to realise that we were all trying to do the right things for our club and in this case it was to sign a young player for the future.

"There have been headlines (about Klinsmann) but my aim is to focus on my team and work with my squad to win games. I have been busy but now I think some people have been pointing in the wrong direction."

The 23-year-old Skrtel, signed from Zenit St Petersburg, is unlikely to be involved in tomorrow's match at Middlesbrough but could be given a debut on Tuesday at Anfield for the FA Cup third round replay against Luton.

Fellow centre-back Daniel Agger may have finally returned to the squad after four months out with a broken metatarsal but Benitez explained there was still a desperate need for defensive re-enforcement.

"We needed a new centre-back - a necessity - with the injuries we have had. The aim, though, was to bring in a young player to build for the future," said the manager.

"He is just 23 and we have a lot of young players here now who will be very good for our future as well as important to boost the squad.

"He has a good mentality and he is very strong but I will not put him under pressure, everyone needs time to settle.

"Agger needed six months and he is now a fantastic player, Martin will be used carefully and not rushed."

But after a week which began with claims - since forcibly denied by the Spaniard - Benitez privately expected to be sacked in the summer he was determined to emphasise the healthy relationship he maintains with the owners.

"After the meeting (in December) I had with the owners everything was much better," said the former Valencia coach, who had a public disagreement with the Americans in November over transfer plans.

"We have been talking almost every day and we have continued with the plan and that is to bring in young players who will be good for the future.

"The squad has young players who will improve each year and gain experience. It shows we have a good relationship with the owners.

"And after the meeting this week (in New York) between the owners and (chief executive) Rick Parry we have signed a new player almost straight away - that is very, very positive."

Benitez ruled out any further significant spending unless he gets a large fee for midfielder Mohamed Sissoko, who believes he is on the brink of a £10million move to Juventus.

"We have had some clubs asking about Sissoko and we will find the right solution," said the Spaniard.

"If we get the right club and right offer we will be able to progress.

"In a top side there is always tough competition. We have Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and then we bought in Lucas Leiva so Momo was under pressure.

"We are happy now with the squad. We have good competition in all the other positions and I feel we only needed a deal for a centre-back."

Benitez even found time to offer sympathy to Allardyce, an opposite number with whom he has had a number of run-ins when he was Bolton boss.

"I do not expect things to be done like that in England," said Benitez.

"People who take decisions must understand that if you want to improve something then it takes time.

"It is happening like this more often and people start saying it is normal with the pressure and the money involved but I believe it a big mistake.

"How long did it take Alex Ferguson to win the title, seven years. If the board had changed their manager then Manchester United would not be where they are now.

"That is a good example to explain why it is wrong to act so quickly."

Rafael BenÍtez Sees End To Threat From One Potential Successor

There is a deafening silence from the Liverpool owners on Rafael Benítez’s future, a situation that the manager admitted yesterday he can’t control, but at least he is rid of the spectre of Jürgen Klinsmann, who has agreed to take over as Bayern Munich coach in July.

Rumours had been rife throughout the football community about contact between Liverpool and the German — who is said to have links to George Gillett Jr, one of the club’s co-owners — and there were reports last night that Klinsmann was offered the manager’s job at Anfield before deciding to join Bayern, where he takes over from Ottmar Hitzfeld.

Benítez had been considered by Bayern for that position — as had José Mourinho, the former Chelsea manager — but his preference has always been to stay at Liverpool. However, his long-term future at Anfield looks bleak unless he can somehow repair a damaged relationship with the club’s board.

He must establish a better working relationship not only with the owners, but with Rick Parry, the chief executive, who is to liaise ever more closely with the manager in a revised structure that will result in Gillett and Tom Hicks appointing another senior executive to oversee other projects, most notably the club’s proposed new stadium in Stanley Park.

Despite invitations to do so, Hicks and Gillett have offered nothing approaching a vote of confidence in Benítez since he antagonised them in a damaging dispute over transfer policy. But Benítez, who completed a £6.5 million deal to sign Martin Skrtel, the Slovakia defender, from Zenit St Petersburg yesterday, believes that the only way to win their backing is to keep his head down and win matches, starting away to Middlesbrough this afternoon.

“If I can prepare the team properly for Middlesbrough and Luton [in an FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday] and we keep winning each week, it will be easier to find an answer to these questions,” he said.

We're Still In It, Insists Carragher

Though disappointed with their current points deficit in the league, Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher insists there is still hope for their title ambitions yet.

Liverpool fans were hoping that this season would provide their breakthrough in challenging for the league title.

The Merseyside giants have never won the Premiership since its inception well over a decade ago, and as the club with the best league record in England, the fans are eager to return to their former glories.

Vice-captain and fan favourite Jamie Carragher spoke to Sky Sports revealing his feelings on the Reds' predicament.

"Obviously it's disappointing to fall away a bit in the league but we're still only half way through," said Carragher.

"There's still a long way to go. Obviously we're outsiders now but we still want to make a challenge. The season's still well alive.

"It'll be difficult, I'm not kidding anyone. It's not just the points but that there is three other teams above us at the moment.

"There's no point throwing the towel in, just keep going and try and win the next game. By the time there are eight to ten games left we might have pulled half of that back.

"It might be down to five or six points and you might be back in it then."

"We met him at Melwood, hopefully he'll do well for the club," he concluded.

Rafa Benitez's side are poised to sign Martin Skrtel from Zenit, and Carragher welcomes the idea of the new recruit.

"It's probably something that's been needed this season, another central defender, and now he's come in," said Carragher.

"I think we missed out on (Gabriel) Heinze and obviously we've had to wait now until the January transfer window. But the club have got him in and hopefully he'll be a success."

Daniel Agger's Comeback Delayed

Defender Daniel Agger's hopes of making a dramatic return to Liverpool's side at the weekend were almost certainly dashed when the weather postponed his comeback in the reserves on Thursday night.

The Denmark centre-back was scheduled to play Blackburn at Morecambe's Christie Park ground but a waterlogged pitch prevented the match going ahead and manager Rafael Benitez is unlikely to pick the player into Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough with him having no action for four months because of a broken foot.

Benitez, after another taxing week when his position has again been in question, needs to get Liverpool back on track quickly and will now probably stick with veteran Sami Hyypia at the Riverside.

The Finn made his comeback from injury in Sunday's FA Cup third round draw at Luton, where he looked rusty and short of pace.

Now Benitez must decide whether to stick with Hyypia or revert to Alvaro Arbeloa.

Arbeloa and Brazilian fellow full-back Fabio Aurelio, along with captain Steven Gerrard, were both ruled out at Kenilworth Road due to injury.

All three have been battling for fitness this week but striker Fernando Torres, rested at Luton, is expected to return at the Riverside, along with Javier Mascherano and Jose Reina.

Agger, who must wait until January 22 for the next reserve fixture, will no doubt try to impress Benitez in training and prove that despite not playing since September he is worth the risk of being selected without playing in a warm-up match.

"I am almost there but of course I am going to need some playing time," said the Dane.

"Running around on the training ground is not the same as doing it on the pitch but I am almost back to full fitness now.

"I am very much looking forward to getting back. It is not fun being on the sidelines, especially at a club like this.

"There is massive competition for places and it is all about giving your absolute best every time you play.

"It goes without saying that it is hard to do that when you are out, and being out for four months over such a small bone in my foot has been very frustrating."

Liverpool Confirm Martin Skrtel Signing

Zenit St Petersburg's Slovakian international defender Martin Skrtel has signed for Liverpool on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 23-year-old centre-half, who has won 15 caps for his country, is believed to have cost the Merseyside club approximately £6.5 million.

Skrtel's new manager Rafael Benitez has high hopes for the Slovakian.

Benitez said: "I think he is a player maybe not many people know about but he played against Everton for Zenit St Petersberg, and he is a centre half that knows the English style.

"He is aggressive, quick, is good in the air and I think he's a very good player for the future and also for the present.

"He is very competitive, but his mentality for me is very good. Watching him in some games his mentality is similar to Jamie Carragher so I think it's very positive for the team.

"Our scouts first knew of him when he was playing for Slovakia and we have been monitoring him since the start of the season.

"We saw him play against Everton in the UEFA Cup match at Goodison and during the last few months we have been checking him closely.

"I don't think he will be ready for Middlesbrough because the Russian league season ended more than a month ago and the last competitive game Martin played was in the UEFA Cup in December.

"He has been training but I don't think that will be enough. He needs to get to know his team-mates and the league but I will look at him in training because he has a very good physical condition."

Liverpool's 10 Most Wanted

The Reds couldn't get him from Man United in the summer but Gabriel Heinze – now of Real Madrid – is the player fans would most like to see at Anfield. David Villa, Dimitar Berbatov and David Bentley are also high on the wish list.

A few weeks ago Liverpool fans were asked to name their "Most Wanted" transfer targets. The response was huge, to say the least with thousands taking part in the discussion.

And after the survey people got hold of the information the list was finally completed. So here, in reverse order, are the players chosen by the Liverpool fans:

10) Matt Taylor (Portsmouth)
9) Nicolas Anelka (Bolton Wanderers)
8) Kaka Kaladze (AC Milan)
7) Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn Rovers)
6) David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers)
5) Dimitar Berbatov (Spurs)
4) Micah Richards (Man City)
3) David Villa (Valencia)
2) Ricardo Quaresma (Porto)
1) Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid)


What do you think of the players selected? Anyone missing? Anyone on the list who you think shouldn't be?

Koeman Confirms Interest In Sissoko

Ronald Koeman has confirmed that he is in the running to challenge Juventus and take Mohamed Sissoko back to Valencia from Liverpool to bolster his midfield.

The Dutch coach believes that the 22-year-old Mali international is the perfect player to step into the defensive midfield position as he bids to change the fortunes at Mestalla.

Juve looked to be favourites to land Sissoko, but a return to Spain may tempt the player that has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield this season.

”We know the deal is complicated but it is not complete,” said Koeman. “He has all the characteristics of the player we need.”

Valencia are looking for a new player to add strength to the midfield after David Albelda was told that he was no longer wanted at the club.

Sissoko made 45 appearances for Los Ché in a two-year stint at the club after he joined them in 2003 from his first professional side, Auxerre.

In his first season at Mestalla, he helped the club to win the Spanish title, the UEFA Cup and the European Super Cup.

A successful switch to Liverpool then saw him enjoy success in the European Super Cup, again, the FA Cup and the Community Shield.

Liverpool In No Rush Over Stadium Plan

Liverpool have delayed a decision on the designs for their new stadium as American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jnr try to thrash out a refinancing deal for the club.

Following presentations from two firms of architects which ran late into the evening at a board meeting in New York on Tuesday, Liverpool were due to make an announcement on their revised plans for the move to their new home at Stanley Park last night.

But chief executive Rick Parry issued a statement yesterday saying that while good progress had been made, a final decision had been put off.

He insisted, however, that whichever design was chosen, the club would be getting an "excellent result".

Parry said: "It was a very full day. We had two very detailed and very informative presentations which were very thorough and extremely professional. It has been another big step forward to finding the best possible solution and the whole meeting was very constructive."

Hicks and Gillett ordered the review of the stadium plans after Dallas-based architects HKS overshot the budget for the new 70,000-seat arena by £50 million.

The American owners then asked them to scale down their plans at the same time as asking Manchester firm AFL to come up with their own designs. "A clear decision will be taken soon," said Parry. "They were both very good in terms of coming closer to the right solution."

The reality for Hicks and Gillett is that they cannot choose a final stadium design until they have a clearer picture of how they are to finance that, plus £270 million of loans taken out last February to pay for their acquisition of the club.

Talks are ongoing with the Royal Bank of Scotland and American bank Wachovia about a new £350 million refinancing but have stalled after concerns over the amount of debt being placed on the club's books. There have also been question marks over the amount of cash being pumped into the refinancing by Hicks and Gillett.

Since the new year, the Americans have become more confident of clinching a deal before the one-year loan with RBS expires. One option being discussed by the banks is to lend money to the club to fund the start of work on the stadium project at the same time as offering Hicks and Gillett breathing space to raise new investment to help refinance the club acquisition.

Although the future of manager Rafael Benitez is certain to have been on the agenda during the meeting in New York, there was no comment from the club on the Spaniard yesterday.

On Tuesday he repeated his determination to stay at Liverpool, distancing himself from reports last weekend which suggested he expected to be fired in the summer.

Returning Agger Set For Reserves Outing

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez revealed that defender Daniel Agger is “very close” to returning to first-team action.

The stylish left-footed central defender has been crocked since September with a broken metatarsal, but he will be well on the road to regaining his first-team responsibilities after a reserve-team outing on Thursday.

Benitez, the subject of increased press speculation over his job, expressed his relief that Agger will be available for selection soon, and also stated that the Danish international’s return would spark an overall improvement for the club in the second half of the season.

"For us it's like signing a new player. He is very close to starting a game for the first team," he said on the club's official website.

The Spaniard insisted the medical team take their time with Agger’s recuperation after seeing fellow metatarsal-injured-absentee Xabi Alonso suffer continuous setbacks in his attempted return to action.

"The injury he had wasn't a bad one but we had problems also with Xabi Alonso, so we needed to be careful and we have missed him.

"We will be much better in the second part of this season."

Arbeloa: I Look Up To Finnan

Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa says he considers fellow defender Steve Finnan a friend and role model rather than a right-back rival.

Alvaro Arbeloa moved to Liverpool from Spanish side Deportivo in January last year.

Speaking 12 months into his Anfield career, the defender highlighted just how much he's learned from fellow Reds full-back Steve Finnan.

The Spaniard has become a regular fixture in Liverpool's starting XI, largely because of his versatility.

But while he's happy to fill in at left-back or centre-back for Rafa Benítez' side, he stressed that the right side of defence will always be his preferred option.

Nonetheless, when you're competing against an experienced professional like Steve Finnan you have to take games as and when you can.

"Finnan is unbelievable," the 24-year-old Arbeloa told LFC Magazine. "He never plays badly. He is a good player who always plays really well. He is a great example for someone like me. I am learning a lot about the game from him.

"Not only is he a fantastic player but I also count him as a good mate," Arbeloa continued. "It is a challenge for me to play on the right side of the defence because Finn is such a good player. Just watching and working with him in training every day can only improve my game in the long run.

"Finn still has some good years left in him," added the Spaniard. "At 24-years-old it is a good opportunity for me to be able to learn from someone like him and who knows what will happen in the future? It would be great if I can stay here for another eight years or so, though.

"It would be nice to have my own position one day," commented Arbeloa when asked if he could make the right-back spot his own. "But if you can play in three or four positions it is better for the team, the boss and for me. Sometimes players get injured or the boss has another idea for a certain game. I can play on the right or the left, but the most important thing is that I play well when or whenever I am in the team."

Liverpool Poised For New Cash Injection

A millionaire Liverpool fan looks set to help the club out of its current cash crisis.

Northern Irishman John Miskelly, a lifelong Liverpool fan, is reported to have held talks concerning a fresh cash injection into the Anfield side.

Miskelly has amassed a vast fortune from his dealings in property and even launched a £250m takeover for Liverpool last year, only to be beaten to the prize by American duo Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

However, neither of the Reds owners have yet succeeded in putting together a £300m refinancing package on the original loan used to buy the club.

The current global credit crunch and the spiralling interest repayments have put plans for a new luxury stadium at Stanley Park very much on hold.

With banks refusing to bail out the American pair, they have turned to alternative sources of investment, which The Mirror claims is Miskelly. It is not yet known exactly what or how much money any deal with the Ulsterman would involve.

Sissoko: Juve Transfer Close To Completion

Juventus are close to completing the signing of Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko, the player himself has admitted.

It has been no secret that the main objective of the Bianconeri’s January transfer campaign has been to find a new centre-midfielder.

This led to links with a host of top names, including Rafael Van der Vaart, Diego and Javier Mascherano.

However it now seems virtually certain that it will be Mascherano’s Liverpool team-mate Momo Sissoko who will be moving to the Stadio Olimpico in Turin.

“The negotiations with Juve are close to conclusion,” Sissoko told RMC.

“I am waiting for news in the coming days and while nothing has been signed yet, I can confirm that there are advanced negotiations between the Bianconeri and my agents.

“Certainly I would be excited to go to Turin. It is a prestigious club, it would be a new challenge and I could demonstrate my quality.”

The cost of the transfer is believed to be around €15m, which will leave Juve €5m remaining of their €20m January transfer budget.

Benítez Begs For More Time As Owners Discuss The Future

Rafael Benítez has made an impassioned plea to Liverpool's American owners to allow him to continue as manager, despite their reservations about the team's progress. George Gillett and Tom Hicks were having talks last night with the chief executive Rick Parry amid growing speculation that Benítez does not figure in their plans beyond the end of the season, but the man who brought the European Cup back to Anfield insists he wants to stay.

"I don't know how many times I have to say this before certain people believe me," said an exasperated Benítez. "But I will say it again because it is really important that everyone understands this - I love the club, I love the fans, I love the city and I am very, very happy here. I do not see my future at Real Madrid or Inter Milan or anywhere else. I see my future at Liverpool and this is where I want to stay."

Benítez could hardly have been more unequivocal as he waited to hear the outcome of Parry's discussions with Gillett and Hicks in the United States. The official line from Anfield was that Benítez's future was not on the agenda, but the Spaniard is entitled to be worried given his precarious relationship with the Americans and reports that Jürgen Klinsmann is to be sounded out about replacing him.

It has not helped Benítez that an off-the-record conversation with a number of Sunday newspaper journalists led to reports at the weekend that he feared he could be sacked. "I was shocked when I was told about the stories in the Sunday papers," he said. "To see my name linked with other clubs in such a manner really disappoints me. And the fact that the newspapers said that the stories had come from 'a source close to me' is what disappoints me most.

"All I can say is, no such quotes came from me and I know my friends well enough to know that they did not come from them. So I can only assume that the conversation I had with the journalists from the Sunday newspapers meant something different to them than me."

Benítez has completed the £6.5m signing of the centre-back Martin Skrtel from Zenit St Petersburg and turned down an inquiry from Fulham for Sami Hyypia, "The squad is the best it has been since I first came here and we have many young players who are going to get only better," he said, "so I have no wish to be at any other club. I want to be here this summer and many other summers after that."

Aurelio Hit By Injury Blow

Liverpool fullback Fabio Aurelio has been hit with another injury setback just when he was coming into a purple patch of form for the Reds.

Aurelio has shown some of the best form of his short Liverpool career in recent games but, much like last season, injury has struck to break his rhythm.

The Brazilian was ruled out of the weekend's FA Cup draw with Luton and has admitted he will not be available for the next league match away to Middlesbrough.

"It's a pity I've had to stop again because I was feeling good," he told the club's website.

"It's normal after a long injury to pick up little problems when you come back but hopefully I will only miss the one league game and be back for the Aston Villa match next week.

"I've spent a lot of time out and it's very difficult to explain how frustrating it has been. My wife probably knows better than me because she has seen what I've been like.

"I've not been capable of training or doing my job. It's been a difficult time but you just have to keep working. It's a dream for me to play without problems."

Although Aurelio will be missing for the trip to Teeside, he has acknowledged that three points are vital if the Reds are to keep their title chances alive.

"I think we've been frustrated with the last couple of league games because we were better than Man City and we should have beaten Wigan," he added.

"If we want to fight for the title then we have to be winning games."