Saturday, September 06, 2008

Why So Many British Asians Choose LFC

The lifelong Red has spent the last year researching and writing a book on the subject.

The Asian Liverbird, which was commissioned by the club after an approach by Bhana, explores how immigrants from Asia came to choose LFC upon arriving in England in the Sixties and Seventies – and why, generations later, their children and grandchildren are still wearing red.

"LFC has been entrenched in Asian households since the 1960s," says the author. "But the question of why is incredibly across the board."

Bhana's search for answers took him first to Melwood, where he spoke to stars such as Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Nabil El Zhar.

Next he conducted a raft of interviews with Asian fans and journalists, each of whom gave their account of why Liverpool is in the blood.

Each story is as colourful as it is different, yet one name is present throughout – Bill Shankly.

"It's the Shankly way," explains Bhana, who spoke to the great Sir Tom Finney about our legendary manager. "He had this great family-orientated take on life.

"It wasn't just what he did for Liverpool on the pitch. You hear about him giving tickets to fans and helping get young kids on the straight and narrow.

"As a kid I could really relate to the great man and I still do. His magic will never fade."

This view is shared by one of our most recognisable ethnic fans, Mohammed Amin Loonat, whose face appeared in every tabloid newspaper after he invaded the pitch to kiss Stan Collymore during the striker's goalscoring debut back in 1995.

"Shankly didn't care about the colour of your skin, or what your name was, he just wanted the club to conquer the whole world," says Amin.

"He made the Kop believe that they were part of the club, and rightly so – we are all one. People all over the world wanted a piece of this club."

If Shanks planted the seeds of our incredible ethnic fanbase, another Kop icon ensured they blossomed throughout the modern era – John Barnes.

"He was the first high-profile black player at the club," says Bhana. "Asians didn't have a great role model in football at the time, so they took to Barnes - a man of colour who destroyed defences week in, week out.

"Asian fans came to Anfield in their droves because of him. It certainly helped the club create an affinity with this fanbase."

The legacy of Shankly and Barnes can be seen in Asian communities up and down the country.

Take Bhana's home town of Batley, for instance. About 70 miles east of Anfield, this old mill town has, on the face of it, little in common with the bright, Capital of Culture-funded lights of Liverpool.

But sit down on a bench outside Batley Town Hall and you won't have to wait long to see a Liverbird sitting proudly on someone's chest.

Liverpool shirts are au couture in this part of Yorkshire, where 30 per cent of the population is Asian.

Journalist Nazia Mogra, who covered the launch of The Asian Liverbird for BBC Radio Manchester, thinks it is a generational thing.

"When the first generations of Asian kids grew up, Liverpool were the best team," she explains.

"You see a lot of people wearing Liverpool shirts in places like Preston, Manchester, London, and Batley.

"It has come through the generations. In the Asian community, a lot of things are passed down, and supporting Liverpool is one of them."

And it's not just in England where the Kop legend is passed on.

Bhana explains: "You cannot discount the impact second and third generation Asians have had on relatives in Asia and the Middle East, who are joining the trend of supporting Liverpool FC.

"Nowadays you hear about relatives in those countries wearing Liverpool tops and watching games. Little did Liverpool Football Club realise that the brand is revered all over Asia with a tremendous increase in fans as far as Gujarat and Bombay.

"My parents returned from a holiday in India recently and they could not believe how many Liverpool fans there were over there. They even saw a Liverpool FC shop in one of the biggest cities in India. No other club can boast such a fanbase or has given so much back to the supporters."

One man who has witnessed this growth first hand is two-times European Cup winner Phil Thompson.

The Scouser visited Asia in his playing heyday before returning two decades later as assistant to Gerard Houllier.

"The way Liverpool Football Club has grown in Asia and the Asian community is unbelievable," says Thommo. "I saw it as a player and it was great then. But I went back twice as assistant manager and it was astonishing – the kind of thing you have to see to believe.

"Growing up as a lad in Kirkby, I would never have imagined in my wildest dreams that Liverpool would go on to be this global phenomenon. I didn't know we had supporters outside the city.

"It just goes to show what Shanks started all those years ago. Of course, he would have said he predicted it!

"Club like AC Milan and Bayern Munich can say what they like but they have nowhere near the level of worldwide support Liverpool have, and these fans live and breathe the club just as much as lads from Kirkby and Anfield."

The Reds' global appeal has only increased since Thompson left the backroom staff in 2004, not least because of the miracle that was Istanbul.

The Asian market is one the club is keen to tap into, an example of which is the launch of a Chinese version of the Official LFC Magazine in Hong Kong.

Back home, the club is taking a palpable lead in commissioning a book specific to our British Asian fans. London Evening Standard journalist Amar Singh believes its 220 pages could have a real impact.

"This book is a big step forward," he says. "It has already made a real impact. At the launch of the book, Ian Rush, Phil Thompson and Mohammed signed copies for fans from various backgrounds. It was just unbelievable.

"I see more and more Asian Liverpool fans each time I go. I recently traveled up to Anfield in a coach with about 50 mainly Asian fans. It was a great feeling.

"British Asians will make their mark in British football and it's great to see Liverpool Football Club leading the way."

Riera Wants Silverware At Anfield


Albert Riera believes that Liverpool will be able to challenge for all four trophies that they are competing for this season after joining the club at the end of the transfer window.

The former Espanyol winger knows that expectations at Anfield are high and is confident that the current squad has the ability to try and win the quadruple this term.

Liverpool have not won the league since 1990 and that is now the main ambition for the Merseyside club and Riera sees no reason why this cannot be their year.

"At Liverpool the most important thing is when you are on the pitch to think only about winning," he explained.

"It is important to fight for everything - to fight to win The Premier League, the Champions League and the two cups. I am sure we will enjoy fighting for all of these titles.

"We want to challenge for everything until the last minute of the last game."

Riera is reported to have chosen to join Liverpool ahead of their city rivals Everton and he revealed that he chose the Reds because he thinks that he will win more medals with them.

"I want to be in finals and to challenge for The Premier League as well because for this club it is very important to challenge for the league, he concluded.

Friday, September 05, 2008

Jermaine Pennant Still In Liverpool FC Plans

RAFAEL BENITEZ has assured Jermaine Pennant he won’t freeze him out at Liverpool.

The Anfield manager was prepared to let the winger leave the club during the recent transfer window.

Pennant had talks with both Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers but ultimately declined the advances of both clubs.

The winger has fallen down the pecking order at Liverpool and has not even made the bench since being an unused substitute in the opening game at Standard Liege.

However, Benitez believes Pennant could still prove a useful squad member and has pencilled in the 25-year-old for an appearance in the Carling Cup clash against Crewe on September 23.

Liverpool may also look to extend Pennant’s contract at Anfield. The winger has entered the final 12 months of the three-year deal he signed when he arrived from Birmingham City for £6.7m in July 2006.

Liverpool have the option to invoke a one-year extension, a course they may choose to follow to prevent Pennant walking out of the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Liverpool FC Fans Back Jamie Carragher: You've Got It Right Over England

LIVERPOOL fans have given Jamie Carragher their backing after the Reds star admitted he has always put club before country.

Carragher came in for a storm of criticism yesterday after extracts of his forthcoming autobiography were published in a national newspaper in which he revealed an England defeat “never hurt me in the same way as losing for my club”.

He even went as far as saying he “would rather miss for England than LFC”, when discussing his England penalty miss against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup.

Former Liverpool player Stan Collymore, who won a total of three England caps before retiring at the age of 30 having never fulfilled his potential, was among those who criticised Carragher for his stance.

But the Bootle-born defender won the backing of Reds fans with Les Lawson of the Liverpool Supporters Club saying: “I agree with Carra. My only thought when international breaks come around is that I hope the players come back uninjured.

“I couldn’t care less about England, I’m a Liverpool supporter. We are Scouse, not English!”

Lawson even went as far as admitting Liverpool fans prefer to show allegiance to Spain because of the large contingent of Spaniards at Anfield.

He said: “I have watched Liverpool reserves when England are playing. In fact, if England were playing Spain, you would probably find Liverpool fans supporting Spain.”

Carragher’s attitude has been met with disappointment but not surprise by England supporters.

Mark Perryman, of the England Fans’ Group, thinks that European Cup-winners like Carragher, who play regular Champions League football, don’t reach the pinnacle of their careers on the international stage.

He said: “You do not want to hear things like that, but I do understand where someone like Carragher is coming from.

“His view is no different to many fans, particularly those who support the big clubs.

“If you asked most fans whether they would want their club to win the title or England to win the World Cup, they would back their own clubs.

“It is an attitude that has arisen as the Champions League has got bigger and bigger. I know that as an England fan these days, I am in a minority.

“The Champions League provides international quality football from September to March to players like Carragher. Success in it is crucial to the big clubs, so I understand his view.”

Jamie Carragher: Winning The Premier League Is Now An Obsession

I stare at my medal collection and there's a gaping, lingering hole.

It's a void I fear will never be filled before that dreaded moment when I wear the red shirt for the last time.

Since I turned 30, the pain of having no title medal seems to have intensified. I can't even really argue we've come close to ending our Premier League drought.

It hurts more as you begin to appreciate time is as much a rival as the other top clubs.

I may only have the three years left on my current Liverpool contract to win the league and it will sicken me not to achieve it. I'm fixated by this goal, consumed by my determination to bring the title back to Anfield.

I don't just think about winning the title once a day, but sometimes as many as half a dozen times in an afternoon.

Winning the title has become Liverpool's obsession, but whereas the supporters have their lifetimes to realise the ambition, as a player I'm running out of opportunities.

Without wishing to sound negative, I've no choice but to prepare myself for the possibility it might not happen. If I never win a title, knowing the standards I've set myself, I suspect I'll consider my career a partial failure.

Benitez Welcomes Riera To Liverpool But Fears Market Inflation Due To City Cash Injection


Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez welcomed new signing Albert Riera to Anfield today - then admitted the player's former Premier League employers could be title contenders this season.

The Spanish winger spent six months on loan with Manchester City in his previous spell in English football and although it was an unmemorable stint for player and club, the prospects of both have flourished this week.

Riera, 26, has signed a four-year deal with the Reds - where the company of Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Jose Reina will surely do his international prospects no harm - while City have agreed a takeover with the mega-rich Abu Dhabi United Group.

And although Benitez believes his new signing from Espanyol may finally solve his long-standing problems on the left wing, he accepts that the grand designs of City's new investors could make his quest for title success even more difficult.

For Benitez, the stunning capture of Robinho for a British record transfer fee could have set in motion a chain of events that will blow the accepted 'big four' wide open.

'You cannot just win the title by spending money but Chelsea won for two years spending big, big money. Afterwards Manchester United won spending lots of money too,' Benitez said. 'If we are talking about spending money then maybe Manchester City will win the title this year.

'It is not just a question of money but if you have more money it is easier. If you don't have too much money, you must do the job as best you can.

'If we are talking now, maybe they (City) need time but if we talk in January maybe they will buy five players... then you never know.

'But it is not just a question of "I will invest more and I will win". You cannot guarantee anything.'

One consequence of the City takeover Benitez can see taking immediate effect is a hike in transfer fees involving English clubs.

A similar thing happened when Roman Abramovich took over at Chelsea as the billionaire flooded the market with cash - and early talk of a City bid in excess of £120million for Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to prevent history repeating itself this time.

'Prices could rise,' said Benitez, who is believed to have paid around £8million for Riera.

'That could be a problem. You cannot change these things but you try and get the players you want as cheap as possible, even when prices go higher.'

Reflecting on his own newest recruit, Benitez - who denied knowledge of a deadline day offer of £50million for Torres - predicted a bright Liverpool future.

'We were talking about wingers and he is winger with Premier League experience,' he said. 'That is a good thing because maybe he can settle down quickly.

'He was here (in England) three years ago but since then he has been capped by the national team and has the experience of playing in a UEFA Cup final.'

He added: 'He's the kind of player all managers like and the supporters will be very happy. He is good in the air, has a good delivery and a good left foot, he is also strong and he can be really good for us.'

Riera, who was also a reported target for Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton, insisted Anfield was the only place for him.

'I am very happy to be here, it was my first choice,' he confirmed. 'I only wanted to come here for a lot of reasons - the history of the club, the Champions League, the team-mates, the supporters.

'A lot of things make this the perfect club for me now.'

Riera: Don't Judge Me On City Spell

Albert Riera today vowed to prove his worth at Anfield and insisted fans shouldn't judge him on his last spell in English football with Manchester City.

On the day Rafael Benitez unveiled his deadline day signing to the media at Melwood, Riera insisted his game has developed during the three years he has since spent in Spain - and now he can't wait to make an impact on Merseyside.

"That was a different moment," reflected Riera. "I went to Manchester City in January and we were playing for a place in the middle of the table.

"I was 22 but now I have three years more experience and this is very important in football. Since then I have played in a UEFA Cup final and I have played for the national team.

"I am now more prepared to play for a big club like Liverpool and I also know the Premier League.

"I think I am better now. I have made good progress and I want to continue this progress here.

Liverpool beat off competition from rival clubs - including Everton - to land the 26-year old, but Riera insists Anfield was the only destination he was interested in moving to.

"I am happy to be here," he added. "This is the first day with my team-mates. I wanted to come here because of the history, the Champions League, Anfield, the supporters and my team-mates. This is the perfect club for me.

"Espanyol had other offers, not just from Everton, but I told them I wanted to go to Liverpool.

"The most important thing for any player is to go out there to try and win every game. We want to try and fight to win everything, the Champions League, the Premier League and the two cups. These are the things I want."

Competition for the top prizes could have increased following the takeover at Riera's former club on deadline day, but Riera insists everyone at Anfield should just concentrate on their own performances rather than cast an eye down the M62.

"I know what has happened at City but the most important thing for me now is Liverpool," he said.

"They are one team we need to be careful of but we need to look at ourselves. If we do good things we do not need to think about other teams."

Liverpool’s Arbeloa Feels Torres Can Stamp His Class

Liverpool right back Alvaro Arbeloa is certain that his team mate Fernando Torres can move past his 33 goals, which he scored last season and make an even bigger mark in the Premier League.

Torres, who joined the Reds last season from Atletico Madrid for a fee of £20million and became the first Liverpool player to score 20 league goals in a single campaign since Robbie Fowler along with breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy's record for Manchester United, for most Premiership goals by a foreign player in their debut season.

Arbeloa who also hails from Spain, disclosed that Torres is confident to cross the 33 goal mark this season.

He told LFC magazine: "Nando's a crazy guy. He is really confident he can build on the total of goals he scored in his first season with us.

"If anyone is going to do it, then Fernando is the man. He wants to improve all the time, and one way for him to do that, the best way, is to score more than 33 goals.

"It seems like an impossible target – it does to me, anyway. But he is super confident that it is achievable.

"He believes he can smash last season's total. I said to him that I thought what he was saying was mad because it was a lot of goals and teams will be preparing to deal with him this season.

"They have been exposed by him and they will be trying to think up ways to prevent the same thing happening again.

"But knowing you have to stop him and actually stopping him are very different things. I don't know if it is possible – we hope not, anyway."

Rafael Benitez Delighted To Have Torres And Gerrard Back In Training

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez today revealed that Fernando Torres as well as skipper Steven Gerrard have resumed light training at Anfield.

The duo are hoping to attain full fitness ahead of the Premier League clash against defending champions Manchester United.

According to Benitez they can take up to “ten to twelve days” before making their comeback to first team action.

Currently Torres is nursing a hamstring tear that he picked up against Aston Villa at the weekend while Gerrard is on the way to recovery from a groin operation.

'Both players are now back jogging and will be out for ten to twelve days," said Benitez.

"Gerrard might be back before Torres but you never know."

Liverpool Fans Tell Royal Bank Of Scotland To Stop Extending Finance To Hicks And Gillett


Liverpool fans' group the Spirit of Shankly wants the Royal Bank of Scotland to stop financing the club's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The bank, along with US investment bank Wachovia, gave finance to the owners in January to re-finance their original loan of £350million, which ended with the club being saddled with £30m a year of interest payments.

That loan is due for re-negotiation again in January, and now the fans' action group wants the RBS to refuse any further cash. It is being suggested that fans will be asked to close their accounts and disrupt the bank's activities if further loans are allowed.

The SOS group says in a statement: 'We would encourage the RBS to withdraw financial support for Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

'Should the owners come back asking for more finance in January, we would ask the bank to refuse as it is against the wishes of the vast majority of Liverpool fans.'

Rafa Liked My Aggressive Style And Wanted Me To Intimidate Rivals And Team-Mates, Says Carragher


Jamie Carragher has revealed how Rafa Benitez wanted the aggressive defender to be his enforcer both on and off the pitch.

Shortly after taking over at Liverpool, Benitez handed the centre-half a DVDs of Arrigo Sacchi's legendary AC Milan side of the 1980s and asked him to analyse Franco Baresi's movements and organisation of the defence.

The Spaniard also wanted Carragher to inject some toughness into his team-mates - by any means necessary.

After a defeat at Birmingham, Benitez pulled Carragher in after training and told him a story from his Valencia days.

'When members of the squad didn't show the right attitude in the match, the Argentinian players would start a fight in the showers with the team-mates who weren't doing their job,' he said. 'I looked at the manager to make sure it wasn't a joke and could see a glint in his eye. "He's dropping me a hint here" I thought.

"I don't think that's me," I said politely, informing Rafa that verbal rather than physical tormenting of underperforming colleagues was more my scene.

'But it was comforting to know he trusted me enough to give me his blessing to take a swing at some of the players he didn't like.'

In his new autobiography, serialised in The Mirror, Carragher says Benitez's defensive wisdom impressed him most.

'It was a step up from what I'd enjoyed before. Gerard Houllier guided me towards becoming a top-class Premier League player, but Benitez has been the greatest overall influence on Jamie Carragher the defender.

'He's brought the best out of me, transformed me into a centre-half of European pedigree. I've played the finest football of my career under Rafa. Every training session has included advice on how I can improve my game.'

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Voronin Delight At Hertha Switch


New Hertha Berlin signing Andriy Voronin is excited by the prospect of playing in the Bundesliga after joining on loan from Liverpool.

The Ukraine striker was a deadline-day arrival from Anfield and is looking forward a second stint in Germany having plied his trade there for 12 years before moving to Merseyside in the summer of 2007.

"Hertha is a fine club with a young and very good team. It is a very, very exciting task ahead of me," he told Hertha's official website.

"The team has a lot of potential and good players like Arne Friedrich, Mark Pantelic or Joe Simunic to name but a few.

"Of course it is a brilliant league and the atmosphere is very special, but the difference between the Premier League and the Bundesliga is not huge."

Voronin might be missing out on Champions League football by leaving Liverpool, but the 29-year-old is still confident of a successful season in German capital.

He said: "Hertha are a young team with a lot of potential. Hertha is an ambitious club and I want to play a part in their goals.

"I think qualification for the UEFA Cup is a realistic target, and of course we want to progress as far as possible in this year's competition."

Dubai Investors Yet To Make Fresh Bid

The Dubai investors who attempted to buy Liverpool last year are yet to make an increased offer for the club.

Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, was reported to have sanctioned an increased offer of £500 million to buy Liverpool.

However, sources have now described those claims as inaccurate, and insisted there are no ongoing talks about the possible sale of Liverpool.

With the global banking crisis leaving Liverpool’s American owners unable to finance plans for a new stadium in Stanley Park, the club are in danger of treading water.

Cash flow is not a concern for Dubai International Capital, one of Sheikh Mohammed’s investment arms. But it remains unclear whether Tom Hicks and George Gillett would be prepared to listen to a fresh offer for their shares, should DIC return to the table.

Manchester City’s recent takeover by the Abu Dhabi United group makes the situation of Liverpool’s ownership all the more critical.

With such financial muscle, City can now realistically expect to mount a serious challenge for one of four Champions League places.

Liverpool and Arsenal are most at risk, but the impact of failure to qualify for the Champions League would be much greater at Anfield, where matchday revenues are dwarfed by those raised at the larger and more corporate-friendly Emirates Stadium.

It is estimated Arsenal generate £50 million more than Liverpool every year simply through this means, making the need to leave Anfield all the more pressing.

When they bought the club in 2007, Hicks and Gillett promised work on the new stadium would begin almost immediately.

But with annual interest payments of £30 million and the current financial climate as it is, there are fears on Merseyside that the Texan pair are simply incapable of fulfilling their pledges.

Rafael Benitez Defends Tactics For Aston Villa Game

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has defended his tactics at Aston Villa.

The Anfield side gained a creditable point from a goalless draw with Martin O'Neill's team.

But the use of striker Robbie Keane out wide on the left provoked a lot of comment.

However Benitez insists it was the right decision.

He said: "We changed the system to play 4-3-3 and give Xabi Alonso freedom, then when he was being pressed we changed to 4-2-3-1. People said, 'Oh, Robbie Keane wasn't playing well on the left.' But we had to think about winning the game, not just one player."

Liverpool were without Steven Gerrard through injury and lost Fernando Torres to a hamstring strain in the first half.

Benitez added: "Getting a draw without them showed the quality in the squad – but it could have been better. Having watched the videos, I thought we could have won. We had four chances – Alonso, Kuyt, Ngog and Keane. They had two and some set-pieces. So, the point was good but it could have been better."

Meanwhile, he is backing his side to improve their form - even though they remain unbeaten in the Premier League and are joint top of the table.

The displays have not been totally convincing and with dates against Manchester United and Everton on the horizon along with the start of the Champions League group stages, Benitez told the club's official website:

"Javier Mascherano, Lucas and Ryan Babel arrived late and I am sure that in a few weeks' time it will be better. We need to have better possession and work on having a higher tempo."

And the manager is optimistic Gerrard, out with a groin strain, could be fit in time for the encounter with United on September 13.

Benitez said: "Steven is okay. He's started with bicycle work and will start jogging, so I think he will be ready soon."

Benitez has also welcomed the competition for places in the squad, which has seen Daniel Agger miss out from playing in defence since the first leg of the Champions League qualifier in Liege.

Benitez said: "Martin Skrtel is a good centre-back, Jamie Carragher is very consistent and Sami Hyypia is a good option also, so Daniel needs to work hard if he wants to play and he knows that.

"We want two players for each position but Daniel has a very good mentality and he will be ready."

Sale Of Liverpool Likely To Be Sooner Rather Than Later

The Arab invasion of the Barclays Premier League seems certain to continue, with Liverpool's American owners weakening in their resistance to selling the club to Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai. Tom Hicks vetoed an attempted sale by George Gillett Jr, his co-chairman at Anfield, this year, but the American tycoons are expected to return to the negotiating table as an unforgiving financial climate takes a toll on their ambitions for the club.

Hicks maintains that he will not sell Liverpool, but the Texan is known to be troubled by the financial storm that has engulfed him and Gillett in the past 12 months. Last week, they blamed the credit crunch for the postponement of building work on a proposed 60,000-capacity stadium in Stanley Park and, with the Premier League stakes raised further by the Abu Dhabi royal family's imminent takeover at Manchester City, Hicks and Gillett are close to conceding that they do not have the resources to fulfil the ambitions they had when they bought Liverpool in February 2007.

There remains a £400 million-plus offer on the table from Sheikh Mohammed, who is leading the bid that was being driven by Dubai International Capital, the private-equity investment arm of the Dubai Government, when Hicks blocked Gillett's attempted sale this year. Hicks is known to be more open to selling Liverpool, but the two sides remain some way apart in their valuation of the club.

Hicks and Gillett are aware that the £350 million refinancing deal they secured through the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia a little more than seven months ago is up for renewal on January 25 next year and that the banks are not certain to grant them the option of a six-month extension. They must decide by January whether to try to prop up their regime for a further six months, or to sell.

The takeover of City could have a knock-on effect, with Liverpool facing greater competition to qualify for next season's Champions League. The club have annual interest payments of £30 million, which last season's revenue of about £20 million from European competition went a long way towards clearing.

Increased competition from an opponents with seemingly unlimited financial resources is likely to heighten the anxiety of Liverpool's owners, who kept a tight hold of the purse strings this summer in the belief that Rafael Benítez's squad was good enough to compete for the Premier League title and at very least to secure the top-four finish that would lead to next season's Champions League. Liverpool's net spend this summer was approximately £18 million, but Benítez remains aggrieved that the board vetoed an £18 million deal to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.

Could Gareth Barry Be At Liverpool FC In January?

FOR all Liverpool’s wheelings and dealings during the transfer window, this summer will forever be remembered for the one player who didn’t go anywhere.

The Champions League semi-final defeat to Chelsea had barely began to sink in when Rafael Benitez started planning for the new season in earnest with a £10m bid for Gareth Barry.

It would spark a protracted, rancorous, tedious and ultimately futile attempt to bring the Aston Villa midfielder to Anfield.

For whatever reason – and the rights and wrongs of the transfer chase remain fiercely debated and defended at both clubs – the Barry saga cast a long, embarrassing shadow over Liverpool’s summer.

And it also threatened to shatter the uneasy peace that had held among the Anfield corridors of power after a tumultuous previous campaign.

Such was Benitez’s frustration at the club’s owners’ failure to back his pursuit of £18m Barry, he had to be talked out of quitting. Instead, the Spaniard headed for yet more clear-the-air talks with chief executive Rick Parry.

With Xabi Alonso’s future intrinsically linked to that of Barry, it was all very messy and very unnecessary. But don’t be surprised if the chase resumes nearer the January transfer window, when Barry will be available at a greatly reduced price.

Benitez’s other summer priorities were a pair of full-backs, a striker, some wingers and a goalkeeper to provide a realistic challenge to first-choice Pepe Reina between the sticks.

The Anfield manager can feel satisfied – at least in principle – with movements both in and out of the club.

Brazilian keeper Diego Cavalieri arrived from Palmeiras and was encouragingly composed and authoritative during pre-season, with a debut against Crewe Alexandra in the Carling Cup lined up for later this month.

Andrea Dossena, a big-money £7m signing from Udinese, and free transfer Philipp Degen will provide competition on either side of defence, an area Benitez has long since pinpointed for improvement.

Evidence thus far suggests Italy international Dossena will need time to settle at left-back, although he will surely prosper once the team hits its stride after an unsure start to the campaign.

Degen, meanwhile, has already lived up to his injury-prone reputation by succumbing to a groin problem that has prevented him from making his bow. Clearly, it’s unlikely the Switzerland international will prove as dependable as the departed Steve Finnan.

Young striker David Ngog could prove an inspired signing if the Frenchman lives up to the promise of his earlier career.

The main interest, though, has come in the form of the two major attacking players Benitez has brought to the club.

Robbie Keane is the centrepiece of Benitez’s summer rebuild. Second only to Fernando Torres as the most expensive player in Liverpool’s history, the former Tottenham Hotspur man will be expected to strike up a partnership with the Spaniard and fire the goals that can ensure a creditable Premier League title challenge.

To do that, the duo will need the required service, particularly from the wide areas where Liverpool have been desperately crying out for creativity since the start of the campaign.

A successful end to a summer-long pursuit of Espanyol’s Albert Riera will hopefully provide potency down a left flank shorn of John Arne Riise, Harry Kewell and work-permit victim Sebastian Leto.

But the lack of similar threat down the right and the doubts concerning the balance in central midfield may well need to be addressed in January. Gareth Barry, anyone?

Jordy Brouwer Seals Opening Win For Liverpool Reserves

JORDY BROUWER scored the only goal of the game as champions Liverpool Reserves opened the defence of their FA Premiership Reserve League Northern Section title with victory over Middlesbrough Reserves at the Riverside Stadium last night.

Liverpool also saw new boy Phillip Degen come through 45 minutes of the match as the Swiss international right-back works his way back to full fitness following injury.

Gary Ablett’s side won three trophies last term and they started where they left off with victory.

After a slow start Liverpool hit their stride and took the lead on 17 minutes.

Spanish striker Dani Pacheco’s cross was met by Brouwer and despite seeing his first effort hit the bar, the Dutch youngster followed to head home the rebound.

Pacheco hit a post and Stephen Darby had an effort ruled out for offside. But in the end Brouwer’s strike was enough to seal all three points.

LIVERPOOL RESERVES: Gulacsi, Ayala (Degen 45), Darby, San Jose, Huth, Kelly, Bruna, Spearing, Brouwer (Simon 61), Pacheco, Weijl (Irwin 85). Subs: Bouzanis, Crowther.

Jamie Carragher Admits Big-Spending Manchester City Will Be A Threat

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Manchester City's dramatic transfer deadline day transformation into one of the Premier League's biggest spenders could post a threat to the top four.

The Eastlands takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group was followed immediately by the £33million signing of Brazilian striker Robinho from Real Madrid.

Carragher says manager Mark Hughes has managed to pull off an "amazing" transfer.

"I was watching the transfer news up until 12am to see what was going on. It was an amazing day," the 30 year-old told the club's official website.

"It's like an Abramovic-type thing there, you know. To come in and break the British transfer record in one day is pretty amazing. If they've got that type of wealth and they've got players like Robinho, one of the best players in the world, then it's something you have to think about."

However Carragher remains upbeat about prospects for the season at Anfield following the closing of the transfer window until Janaury. And he has welcomed the arrival of Spanish winger Albert Riera from Espanyol.

He said: "I remember him from City. It's something we've needed after losing John Arne Riise, Harry Kewell and Sebastian Leto. He's got a good left foot.

"The manager obviously knows him a lot better than us players because he has a good link with Paco Herrera, who used to be his coach at Espanyol. Hopefully he can add something that's been missing from the team."

Full back Steve Finnan left Anfield for Spain as part of the deal after five years on Merseyside, with Carragher paying a warm tribute to the departing Republic of Ireland international.

"He has been a great servant," said Carragher. "He and Markus Babbel have been the best full-backs I have played with at this club. He was part of Istanbul and getting us to Athens, as well as the 2006 FA Cup win.

"It was a great signing by Gerard Houllier and I think Steve can be very proud of his Liverpool career."

Benitez Hopes Gerrard Is Fit For Key Clash

Steven Gerrard is currently sidelined and will miss out on England's crucial opening World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia, both away. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez hopes that his talismanic captain will return for the key Premier League crunch game versus Manchester United.

Steven Gerrard recently underwent a groin operation that ruled him out of England's opening World Cup qualifying campaign. The recovery time is expected to be 15 days leaving him uncertain for the visit of League champions Manchester United on the 13th of September.

Rafa Benitez gave the club's official website an update of Gerrard's progress, he said: "Steven is okay. He's started with bicycle work and will start jogging, so I think he will be ready soon."

Fernando Torres too is doubtful for the United game after a hamstring injury prevented him from Spain's games against Bosnia and Armenia.

Olympic call-ups to Lucas, Ryan Babel, and Javier Mascherano meant that they would return to Liverpool late, but Benitez is optimistic that they will be ready: "I am sure that in a few weeks' time it will be better."

Liverpool's Jamie Carragher 'Would Rather Miss For England'


Jamie Carragher says defeat while playing for England, even in the World Cup, hurt less than a loss with Liverpool.

Carragher turned his back on international football last year after being constantly overlooked by then manager Steve McClaren.

The 30-year-old won 34 caps, the last of which saw him miss a penalty as England went out of the 2006 World Cup against Portugal in a shootout.

And while the nation mourned, Carragher was consoled by the fact he "would rather miss for England than LFC."

"Did I care we'd gone out of the tournament? Of course I did. Passionately," writes Carragher in his forthcoming autobiography.

"I've never given less than 100% in any game.

"Despite this, whenever I returned home from disappointing England experiences one unshakeable, overriding thought pushed itself to the forefront of my mind, no matter how much the rest of the nation mourned.

"'At least it wasn't Liverpool,' I'd repeat to myself, over and over.

"The text messages of consolation I received on the coach included one from Kenny Dalglish.

"'I would rather miss for England than LFC,' I wrote back.

"I confess: defeats wearing an England shirt never hurt me in the same way as losing with my club. I wasn't caring or indifferent, I simply didn't put England's fortunes at the top of my priority list.

"Losing felt like a disappointment rather than a calamity. I was never in love with playing for England in the first place. By the time I stopped I felt a huge weight lifting."

In the book, Carragher also expresses his desire to manage Liverpool when he retires from playing.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Carragher Wants To Manage Reds

Liverpool's rock-at-the-back Jamie Carragher, in an interview in the Mirror, reveals his dreams of masterminding a successful Premier League campaign, not just as a player but also as a manager.

Sir Alex Ferguson established Manchester United as the dominant force in England over the past two decades much to the detriment to Liverpool.

In its modern format Liverpool have never won the League title. Two FA Cups; three League Cups; one Champions League; and one Uefa Cup have eased the league disappointment somewhat but the 38-game campaign still remains the crown that scousers covet the most.

Speaking ahead of the launch of his book: Carra My Autobiography, Jamie Carragher shared with the Mirror his ambitions of winning the Premier League with Liverpool, and the joy he would have being the Red that masterminded knocking Sir Alex Ferguson off of his long, illustrious, silver-laden pedestal.

"It would be more of an achievement [to win the league] as manager because it would come about through my decisions," he said. Whilst acknowledging the United boss' achievements, any competitive ruthlessness Carragher bears to the head coach of his north west rival he insists is born out of obeisance, as opposed to abhorrence. "It's like the ultimate football man's dream to be better than Ferguson because he is the master. I just hope he hangs around long enough to wait for me."

He continued: "I've got more respect for Ferguson than anyone else in the game," and in a statement that is sure to rile the red side of Mancunia, he claimed: "He's like a Scouser, really. He's funny, doesn't mind telling people to f*** off, and he even votes Labour. I love him."

Concerning derby day emotion, and the felicity he extracts from defeating a club he once held so dear he said: "Losing the derby is worse than losing any other game. My passion has gone full circle. I was made up on the first day of the season when Blackburn scored that late winner at Goodison. We were getting ready to play Sunderland and it gave me a big lift."

There is a shocking rumour that floats around the streets of Liverpool that states the reason Jamie Carragher always plays with a long-sleeved shirt is because he has a tattoo of an Everton badge on his arm. The retired international defender adds credence to this whisper as he revealed: "I was an Everton fanatic right through my childhood and teens. Everton controlled my life and dominated my thoughts 24/7. I went to the away games, followed them across Europe and in the mid-80s went to Wembley so often it began to feel like Alton Towers."

"When I talk about that Everton team I still say 'we'. Even when I was playing for Liverpool reserves I'd want Everton's first team to win the derby every time," he added.

A dramatic change-of-heart occured though in 1999 when Manchester United defeated Liverpool at Old Trafford and then the scourse firm were handed further misery as they were knocked out of the FA Cup. The 30-year old, from Bootle, visited a local called The Chaucer and was unashamedly ridiculed and lauded as a 'dirty Kopite', leaving the current vice-captain 'drained and demoralised'.

"I couldn't take it, he said.... People who I thought loved me, were getting off on my misery so I turned around and walked out. They hadn't done anything wrong. They were just being themselves and they're still my mates. But it was over. When I walked out of that pub I turned my back on Everton for good."

His dereliction of all things Blue gained momentum when, on derby days, team-mates such as Steven Gerrard and Robbie Fowler would be subject to personal abuse. The former's relationship with his girlfriend is often hecked on the terraces and the allegations often border on libel.

"I hate what they sing about Steven and his family. It's disgusting and goes way beyond the kind of banter that's acceptable in life, not just football... Robbie suffered the same type of scandalous taunts which really hurt him and his family. I'm not saying Liverpool fans are blameless because they're not. They dish out abuse during games with our rivals too. But it ends when the game ends."

He continued: "Evertonians spread the lies around the streets of Liverpool and chant them whether they're playing us, Reading or Portsmouth. I even hear it on the telly when they're playing away in Europe and I think that could be my family they're singing about."

Carragher has strong family ties due to his own upbringing and the respect he has for his mother, Paula. The Mirror report that when Paula was pregnant with him she was informed by doctors that her unborn child had spina bifida - a neural tube defect - and was alerted to the fact that she could have an abortion, but Paula - a strict Catholic - turned it down. The original diagnosis of spina bifida was false though... he had gastroschisis - a congenital abdominal wall defect - and spent six weeks in hospital trying to stay alive.

"She was willing to bring up a disabled child and was prepared to sacrifice her life for me. I owe everything I've ever done in the past 30 years to that decision."

Growing up he had a tough competitive streak that lent it's way to confidence and cockiness as he quickly realised he far outclassed his early team-mates.

"I couldn't accept that others weren't as good and I couldn't get off their backs. I was always getting dragged aside by managers and told to treat my team-mates better. It still happens today. Rafa often pulls me up about being too harsh on other players."

He continued: "I've had to send a text message to Pepe Reina apologising for what I'd said during a game. I say things to players and afterwards think 'what have I done?' And sometimes after I've had a stand-up row I think 'do they hate me?' "But I can't let people around me switch off... If someone tells me what to do on the pitch there's a good chance they'll get told to f*** off. That's my job," he jokes.

Regarding the impact that foreign talent has had on the English game, Carragher believes in some ways it has benefitted greatly, but in others it limits the opportunities for the local youth to play for the bigger clubs.

"There's definitely too many foreigners in the game," he said. "What's the point of spending all this money on the academies if we're not pushing local kids through? Liverpool FC is our club. It's a big part of our city and you've got to give young aspirational Scousers the chance to succeed. It's not just football," he added. "I've got two brothers who find it hard to work in Liverpool - in the Capital of Culture. One of the reasons is we've made it too easy for foreigners to come here and take the jobs."

In a startling admission of choosing club over country, Carragher admitted: "If I was given the choice between winning the World Cup with England or doing what we did in Istanbul, I'd take Istanbul because I know how much it meant to Liverpool. People told me that we gave them the greatest night of their lives and if they died next week they'd die happy... That's some thought."

Carragher stresses the importance of loyalty, not just in the modern game, but also in life - he married his childhood sweetheart three years ago, but they have been together since he was 18. But this is an ethic that has translated to Carragher's club-life, and he reflected on the occasion when Gerard Houillier opted to bring in Stephane Henchoz and Sami Hyypia after a young Jamie had just been awarded Player of the Year, he said:

"I'd just been voted Player of the Year but didn't start the season very well and fans were calling for Henchoz to play in my position. I thought 'hang on, a few games ago I was your best player'. I was only 21 back then and I struggled to get my head round it... It angered me and it took a while to get myself together. Then eventually the fans started singing about dreaming of a team of Carraghers and I thought 'you weren't singing that six years ago'!

"I'm under no illusion. No matter what I've done over the years as soon as someone better comes along it'll be 'f*** Carra off'. But that's football. People go on about how loyal I am to Liverpool. But it's not a question of loyalty. It's a question of 'where am I going to go from Liverpool?' "We're one of the best teams in the world and I'm playing every week. I don't to leave Liverpool, but if Liverpool weren't that good and a great team like Real Madrid or Barcelona came in for me I might go, because I've always driven myself to play at the best level."

On his current and future ambitions he said: "I've got three years left on my contract and I want to be playing 50 games a season. There's competition for my place and I'm prepared to fight for that because I've been fighting all my life. There will always be technically better players around than me, but no-one will be able to match my passion or drive. I'll be fighting for another contract after this one and I'll be happy then to accept 25 games a season."

Rafa Happy To Concentrate On Football

Rafa Benitez is looking forward to concentrating on football after a hectic transfer window.

The Anfield boss added six names to his first-team squad during the summer, including the deadline day capture of Albert Riera.

That deal saw Steve Finnan go the other way to Espanyol, while Andriy Voronin left for a year on loan at Hertha Berlin.

Benitez believes the departures will benefit both players, and the Spaniard is now looking forward to an extended period focusing solely on football.

"It's important because we can now concentrate on football and preparing the team," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"Voronin needed to play, and with the competition we have got up front it was going to be difficult for him. Hertha Berlin are a big team, so it was a good move for him.

"Finnan was involved in the Albert Riera deal, so it was a good option for us.

"We signed Philipp Degen and have also got Alvaro Arbeloa.

"But Finnan has been a good servant to the club. He is a consistent player – that's important in any position, but especially full-back."

Mark Lawrenson: Albert Riera Appears Miles Better Than In His Manchester City Days

I remember watching Albert Riera playing for Manchester City a couple from times.

Back then I wouldn’t have paid you air miles for him.

But I also watched him in La Liga for Espanyol last year and he seemed to have improved a great deal. And he clearly benefited from playing every week, so if Rafael Benitez really sees him as the solution to his left-sided problem then he must give him a run of games.

If he doesn’t, then play Ryan Babel on the left and give him a run of games. Either way, he needs to stick with who he feels is best in a certain position and go with that because bringing players in for a spell then leaving them out just won’t work.

Who he prefers in that slot is his decision, but sticking Robbie Keane out there certainly isn’t the answer. The reason why Liverpool are desperate for width is because they need to stretch defences and create more space for the strikers to work in.

Then they will get the ball where they want it rather than having to go looking for it in deeper and wider areas.

Either way, it’s time for Liverpool to take more chances in league games. At the back, it’s not as if the defence and goalkeeper are useless and need protecting, they’re probably the best in the top flight.

So I’m hoping to see more draws converted into wins before it costs them like it did last season.

Liverpool Defender Jamie Carragher Admits He Could Walk Away From Anfield


Jamie Carragher has admitted that hecould - at some stage - leave Liverpool.

The 30-year-old defender has spent his entire career at Anfield but he told the Daily Mirror: 'People go on about how loyal I am to Liverpool. But it's not a question of loyalty. It's a question of "where am I going to go from Liverpool?"

'We're one of the best teams in the world and I'm playing every week.

'I'm not saying I want to leave Liverpool, but if Liverpool weren't that good and a great team like Real Madrid or Barcelona came in for me I might go, because I've always driven myself to play at the best level I can.

Riera Ready For Reds Challenge


Albert Riera did not consider joining another club after discovering he was a target of Liverpool.

The former Espanyol winger moved to Anfield on Monday as Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez paid an undisclosed fee ahead of the transfer window deadline.

And having completed his move to Merseyside, Reira, who had a loan spell at Manchester City in 2006, is looking forward to the challenge.

The Spain international will be charged with the task of ending Liverpool's problems on the left of midfield, but he welcomes the pressure.

"As soon as I knew they were interested in me I knew there was only one club that I wanted to sign for and thankfully it has now happened," Riera, who had also been chased by Everton, told Liverpool's official website.

"I know I will have to work very hard to get into the team because there are a lot of good players here but that is a challenge I am looking forward to.

"It feels really good to be a Liverpool player and I am really happy to be at this club.

"I am looking forward to working with the manager and the players."

Riise's Open Letter To Liverpool Fans

Roma’s Norwegian international full-back John Arne Riise has penned a heart-felt open letter to Liverpool fans all over the world following his transfer from Merseyside to the Eternal City this summer.

John Arne Riise, something of a cult hero among Liverpool fans during his seven successful years at Anfield, left the club in the summer for AS Roma as it became clear his first-team opportunities under Rafael Benitez would become increasingly restricted following the manager’s transfer dealings.

Now Riise has written the following letter, published on Liverpool’s official website, liverpool.tv, to the Reds fans with whom he was so popular…


“Dear fans of Liverpool FC,

“After seven seasons at Anfield, it's time for me to "walk on". In many ways it feels inspiring and exciting to be familiar with the pressure of a new employer, meet new fans, meet a new culture and play a new kind of football. I look forward to this new adventure, but I travel with a loss.

“Because, it's not easy for me to leave you - the world's best supporters! I've been thinking about this almost every day this summer. After seven wonderful seasons, and more than 340 matches for Liverpool, I never had the opportunity to make a real and proper goodbye with you - the world's most motivating fans. You have always supported me and the team and I want you all to know how important you've been to me and the other players.

“I've been giving my "thank you" to the club, the staff and the players and they'll always have a special place in my heart. And this is my thank-you letter to all the fans out there that have been supporting me during these years. I will follow the team closely from Italy and will stay in touch with many of the players and many of my friends in Liverpool.

“With respect to the many hundreds of great moments I have experienced in red, it will be unfair to draw up one highlight rather than another. There has always been the highlight of wearing the red shirt at Anfield. It's always been a privilege to have the initials LFC on the space closest to the heart. As you all know I was a player who always, no matter what, gave 110 per cent in every training session and every game. I always tried to give you the entertainment you deserved. Even in the bad moments you were there for me and the team.

“To play in front of the red crowd, every minute has been a privilege. Even after my unfortunate own goal against Chelsea in the Champions League semi last April - where all our dreams were crushed - I felt the support and sympathies from you as real and important. When I signed seven years ago, I couldn't in my wildest dreams expect the journey you all gave me. I will always be grateful for that. A big thank-you to you all.

“I'm 100 per cent sincere when I say that I will always remember all the great moments we've had and you - our fans - have such great importance for these great matches and great moments. Liverpool FC will have a lot more great moments like this in the future and I hope that I will experience great things with my new team - AS Roma. I hope you will continue to follow my career.

“Therefore, I do not say goodbye, but so long. Arrivederci - Walk on!

Sincerely,
John Arne Riise
"The ginger".

Kuyt Bemoans Injury To Torres


Dirk Kuyt concedes the loss of striker Fernando Torres is a major blow for Liverpool, with their next match at home to Manchester United.

Torres damaged a hamstring in the 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on Sunday, and the club have since confirmed the injury will rule him out for between two and three weeks - making it highly unlikely he will be fit to face the champions in the Premier League clash at Anfield on September 13.

Kuyt could well take a more central striking role in Torres' absence, and said: "Fernando is one of the best players in the world and obviously he will be a huge loss to us.

"But at Villa we handled the loss well. We re-grouped and showed tremendous team spirit.

"It is something we will have to do against United if Fernando does not make it."

Ian Rush: Reds Lost The Chance To Put Pressure On United

Any team that comes away from Villa Park with a point this season is not going to be disappointed – but I can’t help but think that Liverpool missed a big opportunity on Sunday.

If they had won the game, they would now be five points ahead of Manchester United and with the international break that gap could not have been closed until the two sides meet at Anfield on September 13.

It might still be early in the season and United do have a game in hand, but they would not have wanted to come to Anfield knowing that a defeat would leave them trailing by eight points.

Football at its very highest level is all about pressure, and the best sides are the ones who can deal with it the best.

United have certainly not been found wanting in this respect, but it would have been interesting to see how they would have coped with the knowledge that they could lose touch with the league leaders.

As it is, Liverpool did not do enough to beat Villa and that means United will not be under quite as much pressure, and I think that’s a shame.

Seven points from your first three games of the season is always going to be a good return and there are plenty of other teams in the Premier League who would love to have made as good a start as Liverpool.

Even though they are nowhere near their best, they have still managed to pick up points from some difficult games and that is definitely a positive.

But if they had just gone for Villa a bit more at the weekend I am sure they could today be boasting a maximum points haul and be top of the league on their own instead of sharing the leadership with Chelsea.

That is the next test for this Liverpool side and their title credentials – they have to start going to tough away grounds believing that they can win and doing everything they can to do so.

Too many draws stopped them from mounting a proper title challenge last season and they do not want the same thing to happen this time around, but they are going to have to start going for the jugular more if they are to turn draws like Sunday’s against Villa into wins.

Rafa Benitez is never usually happy when the international breaks come around but I’m sure he’s quite relieved on this occasion.

Losing Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to injury at the same time is obviously a massive blow but at least the blow is being softened by the fact that Liverpool do not have a game for a couple of weeks because of the internationals.

The two-week break means Torres and Gerrard can work on their recovery without missing games and hopefully they will both be back sooner rather than later.

But even if either or both of them have to miss the Manchester United game it is up to the other players to step up and prove that Liverpool can win without their star duo.

When I was a player, Bob Paisley was always telling all the lads at Liverpool that we had to make sure we were not found wanting whenever chances came our way.

That meant that if someone got injured you had to come into the side and do everything you possibly could to stay there.

That very same message will be being delivered by Rafa Benitez to those players he feels can come in and do a job if Torres and Gerrard are absent.

One of the big plus points to the way Liverpool have started the season has been the form of Pepe Reina.

There were a lot of people who wondered whether he would be good enough when he first moved to Anfield and I’ve got to admit I was one of those people.

But since then Reina has got better and better and he is undoubtedly one of the best around at the moment.

In the first few games of the season he has proved himself to be a match winner and when you’ve got a keeper who can do that it makes a massive difference.

Against Standard Liege he was Liverpool’s best player in both legs and the saves he made were the difference between going through or being knocked out.

Another thing I’ve noticed about Reina is how popular he clearly is with his team mates.

I first picked up on it during Euro 2008 when he made sure he looked out for all Spain’s players even though he wasn’t in the starting line-up. No doubt he is exactly the same with Liverpool and players like that are worth their weight in gold when it comes to building team spirit.

Arsenal Fail In £14million Liverpool Alonso Bid


Arsenal are reported to have had an eleventh hour offer of £14million rejected by Liverpool for Spanish International Xabi Alonso.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had been heavily linked with a move for the EURO 2008 winner all summer, along with the man the Anfield club had identified as the Spaniards replacement at the Reds, Gareth Barry of Aston Villa.

26-year-old Alonso had also been a target for Juventus and Turkish side Fenerbahce, where former Spain boss Luis Aragones is now the coach. However, there was no substance behind the Turkish rumours and La Vecchia Signora opted to sign Christian Poulsen from Sevilla instead.

This led to the Gunners making there last ditch bid to improve the midfield at the Emirates Stadium, but Liverpool have refuted the bid, with manager Rafa Benitez wanting more for the midfielder and being in no hurry to sell Alonso after skipper Steven Gerrard picked up an injury that will keep the England International out for a while.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Riera Moves To LiverpooL


Liverpool have signed Spain winger Albert Riera from Espanyol for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old has signed a four-year contract at Anfield after choosing Rafael Benitez's side over a host of other clubs including neighbours Everton.

Riera, who has been given the number 11 shirt at Anfield, has previously played in the Premier League in the 2005-06 season when he was on loan at Manchester City.

Vitor Flora Joins Liverpool FC

Liverpool have signed Brazilian striker Vitor Flora on a free transfer.

The 18-year-old spent last season playing in his homeland with Botafogo and has signed a contract until 2010.

He holds an Italian passport so he does not require a work permit, however, he will need to gain international clearance before playing for the Reds.

Flora joins fellow countrymen Lucas Leiva and Fabio Aurelio at Anfield and could make his debut for Liverpool reserves on Tuesday night.

The signings of pacey left-footed forward Flora and Gulacsi means manager Rafael Benitez has brought inv seven players this summer and the Spaniard is also hopeful of completing a deal for Espanyol winger Albert Riera, 26, before the end of the transfer window on Monday.

Reds Confirm Torres Injury

Liverpool have today confirmed Fernando Torres suffered a hamstring tear during the Reds' goalless draw at Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Liverpool striker limped off during the first half of the match and has been forced to withdraw from the Spanish squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia and Armenia.

"A scan this afternoon has confirmed a hamstring tear in Fernando's right leg. He is expected to be out for between two and three weeks," said a club spokesman.

Reds Sign Young Hungarian Keeper

Liverpool have completed the permanent transfer of Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi on a two-year contract.

The 18-year-old spent last season on loan with the Reds and was a part of the club's Treble-winning reserve side.

And Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has now opted to secure Gulacsi's services until 2010 as back-up to first-choice shot-stopper Jose Reina.

Gulacsi follows Krisztian Nemeth and Andras Simon in joining from MTK Hungaria and he is delighted to be staying on Merseyside.

"I am very proud to have signed for Liverpool," Gulacsi told Liverpool's official website.

"It's a dream for me to be working at such a great club, with expert trainers and alongside one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Jose Reina.

"After spending one year on loan I had no hesitation in agreeing to sign a permanent contract. To have signed for Liverpool is an unbelievable feeling."

Stuttgart Eye Reds Youngster


Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart are planning on making a move for Liverpool starlet Astrit Ajdarevic.

The former Sweden U17 playmaker moved to Anfield in December 2006, making his debut for the Reds youth team a month later.

He is held in high regard on Merseyside but may be allowed to leave the club on loan in order to pick up valuable first team experience.

The 18-year-old admits he would welcome the opportunity to test himself in Germany and hopes an agreement can be reached.

"I was down there for two days and trained with them (Stuttgart)," Ajdarevic told Swedish Eurosport.

"Then I met the president, the coaches and many others at the club. They are definitely interested."

Liverpool Boss Benitez Says Losing Gerrard & Torres Is A Problem

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is waiting to know the exact nature of Fernando Torres’ hamstring injury, while acknowledging that to lose the star striker close on the heels of captain Steven Gerrard’s groin surgery, is a problem.

The Spain international damaged his hamstring in the first half during Sunday’s stalemate at Aston Villa, and on first reports it appears that the 24-year-old could be out for a minimum of two weeks although a scan will determine the extent of the problem.

England midfielder Gerrard is recovering after an operation and is likely to be out for 15 days. As such, the influential Reds duo is doubtful for September 13 showdown with defending champions Manchester United at Anfield.

Benitez expressed optimism that the international break has come as a relief as that will give them time to work on the fitness.

He said in the Liverpool Echo: “He (Torres) will have a scan today. Clearly when you lose Steven Gerrard and then you lose Torres, it is always a problem.

“The only positive news is to have an international break now. At least they will have time to recover and we will see.

“It will be 10-15 days and Gerrard can maybe lose only one game. Torres could be more or less the same. It will be important to lose them for one game but not the worst situation.”

Voronin Seals Loan Switch


Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin has agreed a one-year loan deal with German side Hertha Berlin, the Anfield club have announced.

The Ukraine international signed for Liverpool on a Bosman free transfer last summer and scored six goals in 27 appearances.

However, the impact of Fernando Torres restricted his first-team opportunities and Robbie Keane's arrival this summer forced him further down the pecking order, prompting the forward to move back to the Bundesliga, where he previously played for Bayer Leverkusen, Cologne, Mainz and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Benitez: Alonso Will Stay


Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has reiterated that he wants to keep Xabi Alonso at Anfield.

The midfielder has been linked with Juventus and Arsenal throughout the summer transfer window and it was thought he could leave to finance a move for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.

However, with a deal for Barry having been ruled out last week, Benitez has confirmed he will not be allowing Alonso to leave in any deadline day deal.

The former Valencia boss has always maintained the stance that he did not want to sell Alonso and he does not expect the Spain international to leave Merseyside.

"I think that Alonso will be staying," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

Finnan Completes Espanyol Switch


Espanyol have signed Liverpool full-back Steve Finnan on a two-year contract, the Primera Liga club have announced.

The 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who has spent the last five seasons at Liverpool, will help provide defensive cover at Espanyol following the recent departure of right-back Pablo Zabaleta to Manchester City.

Finnan will be on international duty for the next week or so but Espanyol hope he will be available to make his debut for Bartolome Marquez's side in the home match against Getafe on September 21.

Monday, September 01, 2008

Aston Villa 0 - 0 LiverpooL


Rafael Benitez suffered a torrent of abuse and saw his Liverpool side miss out on the chance to go top of the Barclays Premier League after a goalless draw at Villa Park.

Aston Villa fans taunted the Reds boss with chants of 'There's only one Gareth Barry' after the collapse of the England midfielder's move to Liverpool, and some of the crowd aimed personal insults at the Reds manager.

Benitez was met with a crescendo of abuse from Villa fans when he made his way to the dug-out before shaking hands with home manager Martin O'Neill, with whom he became embroiled in a war of words over Barry.

But the game itself was mostly disappointing, with both sides cancelling each other out and for long periods adopting a safety-first approach until an exciting finale.

Liverpool needed to win to go top but they could not find their way through a home rearguard in which captain Martin Laursen was a rock-solid performer.

Midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker had one of his best games for Villa on the right flank, before switching to full-back in the closing stages to accommodate £12million new recruit James Milner.

The encouraging factor for Villa was that they looked a match for Liverpool, an established member of the Premier League's 'big four', in a season where they are expected to challenge to break into the elite group of teams.

But Villa also found it difficult to create decent opportunities, with Javier Mascherano impressing in the Liverpool midfielder after his return from Olympic action with Argentina.

The first incident of note saw Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel booked after 13 minutes for hauling back John Carew on the left flank.

Liverpool suffered a setback after 27 minutes when striker Fernando Torres pulled up sharply when chasing an innocuous-looking pass and was immediately taken off.

It led to Benitez giving a debut to striker David Ngog who was signed from Paris St Germain earlier in the summer.

Then, after 35 minutes, Carew squandered the first clear-cut chance.

Barry's fine pass played in Ashley Young who had beaten the offside trap and he laid the ball back invitingly into the path of Carew, only eight yards out from goal.

But the Norwegian international opted to place his low shot rather than go for power and Reina was able to block his attempt.

Liverpool threatened for the first time when a deep cross from Andrea Dossena was only headed by Nicky Shorey into the path of Dirk Kuyt but his side's midweek Champions League goal hero shot into the sidenetting.

Then a superb reverse pass from Robbie Keane opened up the Villa defence for Ngog and his left-footed curler was only inches too high.

The visitors stepped up their game in the second half and Keane teed up a shot for Xabi Alonso which was deflected over Brad Friedel's bar by Shorey.

Then Friedel did well to tip over, at full stretch, a superb cross on the run from Dossena.

Villa enjoyed pressure of their own and Curtis Davies made good ground to get on the end of Young's free-kick but summed up the game by heading the ball away from the Liverpool goal.

The biggest cheer of the afternoon came with the introduction of Milner in place of Luke Young whose right-back berth was filled by Reo-Coker.

Dossena was booked a minute later for throwing the ball away after disputing a throw-in awarded to Villa.

Benitez brought on Fabio Aurelio for Kuyt after 70 minutes, and Petrov was just off target with a dipping volley.

Benitez then appealed in vain for a penalty after Reo-Coker's tackle on Keane who shot wide when under pressure from the Villa midfielder.

Keane Says Goals Will Come


Liverpool striker Robbie Keane says he is too experienced to start worrying about his Anfield goal drought.

The Republic of Ireland forward insists his slow start is nothing to be concerned about, and he said he is looking forward to developing a lethal partnership with Spanish ace Fernando Torres.

Keane is yet to find the back of the net since his £20m summer move from Spurs, but he is confident he can rediscover his scoring touch soon.

Keane scored 80 goals in 197 appearances for Spurs, including 23 in all competitions last year, and he said he wants to get his goal tally up and running when he plays in the next few matches.

He said: "If I was younger and a bit more naive, maybe I would start to worry about it. But when you're 28 and you've got experience with many clubs, you're not worried one bit as long as the team is winning.

"That is the main thing. It took me five games to score my first goal for Tottenham. The more people talk about it, the more it becomes a big issue.

"But I'm not worried about it and if I'm not worried, you shouldn't worry."

Keane added: "When you've been there and done that, you settle in a lot quicker than you would if you were younger.

"The new players and new environment take a little bit of getting used to.

"The spark with Fernando is only going to come with games. We have to understand each other and what the team do."

Gerrard's Injury Frustration


Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard says he had no choice but to go under the knife to resolve his groin problem.

Gerrard underwent the groin operation earlier this week after the club decided the time was right to get the injury cleared up.

The injury will sideline Gerrard for up to two weeks and it means he will miss England's World Cup qualifiers with Andorra and Croatia next month.

Gerrard admits he has been struggling with the injury for some time and he has revealed his frustration at missing the opening World Cup qualifiers.

"I've been struggling for a few weeks now. It's really frustrating for me because I want to play in every game," Gerrard told the News of the World.

"It's a very tough time as a player when you're injured. I've got some very big games coming up for club and country, so it's a massive frustration for me.

"But the fact is I couldn't reach the level I need at the moment because my groin was too sore.

"It was clear I needed to get the problem sorted.

"The doctor told me I needed to see a specialist. And he felt an operation was needed."

Torres Eager For 'Special' Madrid Return


This weeks Champions League draw will see Fernando Torres revisit Vicente Calderon as Atletico Madrid are pitted in the same group as Liverpool.

Fernando Torres spent six idolised years at Atletico Madrid, accumulating a multitude of appearances despite his young age.

El Nino hasn't taken long to win over the Liverpool support scoring some fantastic goals in his debut season, and looks set to continue that trend this campaign.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv, Torres said: "It will be very special for me and I’m sure that I’m going to enjoy the experience. I hope to get a good reception from the fans because Atletico gave me a lot, although I also gave a lot to Atletico."

"I understand that when the game starts they will see me as a rival, but I’ll never forget the years I spent there," he said.

"It will be an amazing feeling to run out onto the Vicente Calderon pitch again and meet up with old team-mates and friends," he concluded.

Liverpool travel to Madrid on Wednesday the 22nd of October.

Benitez - We Need To Be More Clinical

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was satisfied with the point his side secured away to Aston Villa, but believes his men need to improve their final ball if they are to challenge for a top-two finish.

In a drab affair at Villa Park, both teams lacked potency in the final third as Robbie Keane, Martin Laursen and John Carew spurned the only real clear-cut chanced of the game.

And Benitez, who is close to securing the £8 million signing of Albert Riera from Espanyol which could solve The Reds’ lack of width, believes his side will struggle to match Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United this season unless they can improve their attacking proficiency.

"We were controlling and creating the opportunity for the final pass," Benitez told Sky Sports 1. "We have to improve the final pass and that could be the difference."

The former Valencia manager confirmed Riera’s arrival at Anfield, believing the player will prove to be a shrewd addition to the side.

"I think so," Benitez said when asked whether the Spain international would be arriving. "He will be a good addition. It is nearly done."

Benitez also admitted that the club will have to await scans on Fernando Torres’ hamstring injury after the hit-man limped off midway through the first half.

"We don't know how long Torres will be out for yet," Benitez told Liverpool's official website. "We'll have to wait for the results of the scan on Monday.

"It could be he is out for seven to 10 days, but until he has the scan we won't know."

Rows Are Over, Insists Parry


Liverpool's chief executive Rick Parry insists that the fighting within Anfield is now over. Rows between Parry and Rafa Benitez over who would and wouldn't be signing for the Reds, along with the fallout between owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, threatened to see chaos decent. However Parry says that stability has been restored and everyone is now pulling in the right direction, as he explained to Sky Sports:

'Everyone is working together.

'Everything was relatively calm during the close season compared to the publicity at other clubs and now we just want to focus on winning games.

'There is a dialogue between the two owners on a regular basis. And they have been supportive throughout the last six months, especially in the transfer market.

'People forget that we have bought Robbie Keane and paid a huge fee for Javier Mascherano. So the commitment has still been there. They have been supportive through this transfer window and, at the moment, it is stable.'

Whatever happens we do not want any problems brought out into the open anymore, as far too much has been broadcast in public to see this famous club come something of a laughing stock all to often. Problems in the Anfield boardroom should, as much as is humanly possible, remain there from now on as most doesn't, and shouldn't be made public.

Parry also denied speculation that he could replace Brian Barwick as chief executive of the Football Association, he added:

'I'm still here but it's not about me. The story should always be the players.

In other Reds news out of favour winger Jermaine Pennant is being linked with a move to Stoke before the transfer window closes. A fee of £4m is being spoken of, and despite his desire to remain his future with the Reds looks very bleak, so there is a good chance he could go before midnight on Monday.

Old Failings Are Still Present

IT clearly wasn’t in Rafael Benitez’s plans to get to a day from the end of the transfer window and be watching Gareth Barry playing for the opposition.

But it was the players missing from his own squad that proved the greatest frustration for the Liverpool manager.

Steven Gerrard’s absence already assured Liverpool would be suffering from a lack of creativity – but having to make do for an hour without Fernando Torres, the one player who can make something happen out of nothing, left Benitez on a hiding to nothing.

And although in circumstances a draw can be considered a decent result, it brings back bad memories of what cost Liverpool a title challenge last season – settling for one point when three were on offer.

A win would have given Benitez the boost of getting one over on Martin O’Neill where it really matters – on the pitch.

If only events between the two clubs there could have been half as feisty as they have been off it during this long, heated summer.

But victory would have taken Liverpool top of the Premier League with three wins out of three. And unlike the previous two successes this season, they would have been easily forgiven for another below-par performance if they had forced the decisive breakthrough against a side like Villa.

The statement of intent that all title challengers want to make would be there for all to see this morning.

As it is, they stand unconvincingly shoulder to shoulder with Chelsea having not been able to produce a display that will inspire confidence that they will still be alongside them come May.

The loss of Torres with a hamstring injury after half an hour could still have major significance with Manchester United the next opponents but it wasn’t the biggest problem yesterday.

Indeed, his replacement David Ngog looked lively and almost scored towards the end of the first half.

But the deadliest finisher in England might as well be limping down the tunnel when he’s not being given anything to feed off.

Once again, a chronic lack of options and ideas in the final third paralysed Liverpool’s chances of getting among the goals.

The return of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva from the Olympics couldn’t have been better timed, but teaming them up with Xabi Alonso in midfield again exposed a lack of width.

At one point, Mascherano stared into a gaping hole where Albert Riera should be, realising all his team-mates were to his right even though he was in the centre of the field.

Lucas had seemed to start on the left flank, then Robbie Keane occasionally dropped in there to provide an outlet before everyone seemed to abandon the idea all together.

All too narrow and negative to cause Villa any serious sustained problems

For that reason, it wasn’t just the sight of Barry in a Villa shirt that made Benitez envious.

Nigel Reo-Coker and Ashley Young proved the value of genuine wide men with some electrifying breaks. Their supply line was pretty well snuffed out on the whole but they still showed up Liverpool’s lack of variety.

And when Reo-Coker was shifted to right-back to allow James Milner to make his second Villa debut, Benitez responded by adding full-back Fabio Aurelio to the midfield battle.

It was all taking on a congestion of spaghetti junction proportions and just made the likelihood of a 0-0 depressingly inevitable.

But at least that scoreline only reaffirms the one positive constant running through Anfield this season and that is the reliability of the defence and goalkeeper, having now only conceded once in five competitive games this season.

Pepe Reina’s fine save form John Carew proved vital while Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel expertly repelled perhaps the most dangerous attacking line-up outside the top four.

Villa – six goals in their two previous Premier League outings plus a glut in their Uefa Cup qualifiers – had plenty of pace and passion but, like their visitors, couldn’t transform it into anything that overly-worried the opposition.

And other things were just as predictable.

Such as the biggest cheers of the day being for Barry, the biggest jeers for Benitez. The Villa fans’ way of sticking one to Liverpool for the apparently despicable way they tried to prise away their captain.

Incidentally, the next loudest roar was for Milner, the same supporters presumably having no problem with their club’s pursuit of the winger to the point of him handing in a transfer request to Kevin Keegan last week.

Double standards that perfectly sum up a tiresome transfer window.

Yet Barry has emerged from the whole saga relatively well off out of it all.

He still has the adulation of the Birmingham faithful and his desired move falling through doesn’t seem to have affected his game.

Bes of all, not being a Liverpool player spared him from having to wear those hideous red stockings with his silver away strip.

It was Barry who opened up the Liverpool defence to create the game’s first real chance after 35 uneventful minutes of shadow boxing, setting Ashley Young free to tee up Carew, whose low shot was well blocked by Reina.

Liverpool took 40 minutes to register their first meaningful effort took 40 minutes when Dirk Kuyt lashed into the side netting – but it lifted his team-mates and Ngog was soon shaving the crossbar after a deft touch by Keane put him free.

It was a spell that at least seemed to give Liverpool some inclination that they could win the game and they came out for the second half in a much more positive frame of mind.

Keane teed up Alonso for a shot deflected wide by Nicky Shorey then Brad Friedel had to tip Dossena’s dangerous cross over the bar.

Keane then had an opportunity to find the net in August for the first time in six years when he raced on to a long ball but he fluffed the finish under pressure from Reo-Coker.

From that point, Villa looked the more likely as Milner forced Reina into a sprawling save and a series of late set-pieces also had the nerve ends jangling.

And as many have feared during Liverpool’s recent run of late winners, when the standard of opposition was raised, the chances of getting away with another ineffective attacking showing would lower.

Which proved the case yesterday as Villa, with Martin Laursen enjoying a much better afternoon than this time last year when his own goal contributed to an opening day defeat to the Merseyside men, found them all too easy to defend against.

All of which means it shouldn’t be too difficult for Benitez to stop lamenting his being without Barry – because the players he has got are giving him plenty enough to worry about at the moment.

Torres A Worry For United Showdown

FERNANDO TORRES is set to miss Liverpool’s meeting with Manchester United after he suffered a hamstring tear at Villa Park yesterday.

The Spanish striker, who sustained the injury after half an hour of the goalless draw with Aston Villa, will undergo a scan to assess the extent of the damage today.

But with Gerrard already doubtful for the Premier League clash at Anfield on September 13 following two groin operations, Rafael Benitez’s plans for the game have been thrown into chaos.

The Liverpool manager does expect Albert Riera to complete his £9million move form Espanyol today. The move has been delayed while the Spanish club ponder including full back Steve Finnan as part of the deal.

The Liverpool manager also refused to rule out further signings in the final few hours of the transfer window.

But with Gerrard and Torres now out of their country’s World Cup qualifiers while they begin their recuperation, Benitez is hoping that, if they do miss the United game, they can regain fitness for the opening Champions League group game in Marseille the following Tuesday.

“We will have to wait and see what the scan says, and then wait and see over the next seven, 10 days,” said Benitez after his side kept up their unbeaten start to the Premier League season to draw level on points with Chelsea at the top.

“It is a positive thing that we have this international break now.”

The lingering bad feeling over the Gareth Barry transfer saga led to Benitez receiving a torrent of abuse form the Villa fans.

But the Spaniard quipped: “I have been told the Birmingham accent is the hardest one to understand so I couldn’t tell what they were saying.”

Liverpool turned in another disappointing attacking display at Villa, creating only a handful of chances to break the deadlock. But with returning Olympic medallists Javier Mascherano and Lucas back in midfield, plus a solid defensive performance, Benitez did take some positives from the game.

He said: “I think it was a tough game but we could have won it and we also could have lost it, so at the end of the day a point is good for both teams.

“Clearly when you are without Gerrard and after you lose Torres it is always a problem but the team was always working hard and it’s a credit to the players.

“It was a pity because we could have won the game so it could have been better but it’s not bad to get a point here.

“We could see that Mascherano and Lucas are fantastic players with a very good mentality after returning from the Olympic Games. That’s the positive thing for us,” he added.

Benitez also backed Robbie Keane as the £20million man’s wait for his first Liverpool goal continued.

After being through on goal, a challenge from Nigel Reo-Coker seemed to prevent the Irishman getting in a clean strike, but claims for a penalty were turned down by referee Martin Atkinson.

Keane was then substituted for Yossi Benayoun in the closing stages of the game, but Benitez said: “Robbie was working really hard. I was trying to use another player with fresh legs like Yossi for the final 15 minutes.

“Robbie did a very good job for the team. He started the game on the left side in the first half and then I put him through the middle as a second striker. He was always working well for the team and trying to make things happen for us.

He added: “After watching the replay it could have been a penalty. The position of the referee wasn’t the best and it happened so quickly. It could have been a penalty but I’m not complaining.”

Meanwhile, Espanyol will today decide whether to include Finnan as part of the Riera deal. The 32-year-old right-back has not figured in any of Benitez’s squads so far this season and is free to find a new club before the close of the transfer window today, as are Jermaine Pennant – set for a switch to Stoke – and Andriy Vorornin.

“The (Riera) deal is nearly done and hopefully it will be on Monday,” Benitez added. “I have confidence. It will be good for us because he is a good player and he will give us balance. In terms of bringing in other players if we can do a deal then we will try.”

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Barry's Liverpool Showdown

Aston Villa face Liverpool this weekend in the third round of the Premier League. Gareth Barry will likely line-up against the team that flirted with him all summer. Barry remains a committed Villan.

In one of the most protracted pieces of transfer speculation of the summer, England international and Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry had alerted Liverpool to his growth in stature. The courtship was two-ways as Barry, who has been a Villan all his professional life, went as far to criticise manager Martin O'Neill for making him feel unwanted.

The midlands club set deadlines for the deal, while the Mersey side recruited other areas of the team with expensive acquisitions, namely Robbie Keane.

The deal now looks dead. For this window at least, but the story has risen again because of the ironic timing of Liverpool's visit to Villa Park.

Barry is quoted in the Metro as saying: "Will Sunday be strange? I am 100 per cent for Villa. That's all I'll be doing. That won't be strange at all. I've spoken to the manager and I've no problem giving 100 per cent for Aston Villa - and that will be starting against Liverpool on Sunday."

"Will the fans all be behind me?" He asked. "All I can do is give 100 per cent for the club. That is all the fans will want to see anyway. I am sure that will be enough."

"Am I here for the long haul? I always take things a season at a time. This speculation happened at the end of last season and it has been decided I'll be staying at Villa. 'I'll take this season now," he continued, "concentrate on that and hopefully we can improve on last season."

Forever begging the questions Barry added: "Do I feel hung out to dry over what has happened? That is what the football business is all about. I am contracted to Villa. They set a fee and it wasn't matched. Rules are rules."

Regarding any ill-feeling toward his current manager, the 27-year old said: "The manager knows I will be giving 100 per cent for himself and the club and that will be fine for everyone.... It's also nice hearing team-mates want you to stay. We have a great dressing room. You want everyone to stay really but I would have been disappointed if they wanted me to leave!"

Perhaps due to the public flirtation between Barry and Liverpool, Martin O'Neill has alternated the captaincy, with Barry yet to receive the armband this campaign, he said: "The manager decided to change the captaincy and I've got no problem with that. Nigel Reo-Coker has done it and Martin Laursen has done it. I enjoyed being captain but it won't affect my performances," he said.

Concerning his own fitness and recent performances, the midfielder added: "I feel I am getting back to my best. It is going to take a while. It wasn't the ideal pre-season for me... the games are always the best thing. It was a nice run-out even if it was at left-back."

The Hastings-born man finished by saying: "How far am I away from my peak? I don't know. I suppose everyone will wait for top performances and then say I'm fit so I suppose I'll have to start producing some of those."