Former Liverpool Great John Barnes Wants Premier League Return

John Barnes has spoken out on the strengths of his Jamaica side, a potential Premier League return, and the possibility of England one day appointing a black manager.

John Barnes' managerial career did not get off to the best of starts with a largely underwhelming and short-lived tenure at Scottish giants Celtic.

Barnes then snuggled into the cosy cocoon of broadcasting, but this lengthy sojourn was interrupted with a triumphant return to management.

In November 2008 the 45-year-old took charge of the Jamaican national team and has already guided the Reggae Boyz to the Caribbean Cup.

The former England captain though has hinted that he would be using his current position as a national manager as a stepping stone to a Premier League return.

"Do I have long-term ambitions for Jamaica? Well, my contract lasts until June," he told The Liverpool Echo.

"If things go well perhaps we can talk about the future then. But you can’t have long-term ambitions in management. The experiences of Felipe Scolari and Tony Adams this week have proved that.

"As a manager you simply have to think about winning the next match, because if you don’t achieve that short term aim, chances are you won’t get the chance to do any long-term thinking.

"Ultimately, I want to get back into football management in England," he declared.

"Where? I’ll consider anything. Any club with a chairman or a board of directors prepared to support me and empower me to do my job properly. But I am immensely enjoying being back in management and I believe, without a shadow of a doubt, I can be a great coach."

Jamaica were last night held by Nigeria, but prior to this fixture Barnes had helped guide the side up 30 places in the FIFA rankings, and together they were unbeaten in six games.

"The players here in Jamaica have great ability and great physical attributes. It’s tactical discipline and awareness I need to build up – a belief that the team ethic can be successful.

"That doesn’t come naturally. I need to accentuate the positives of teamwork as well as the flair which we possess," he said.

"I am a very methodical manager in terms of how I want my teams to play."

Noting Paul Ince's record of being the first black Englishman to be in charge of a Premier League club (at Blackburn Rovers, later replaced by Sam Allardyce), Barnes discussed the possibility of a black manager one day coaching the Three Lions.

"Well, Obama is President of the United States because he is worthy, not because of his colour. So you have to find a manager who is good first," Barnes explained.

"I’m in that category, Paul Ince is, too. If the opportunity is there, I have full confidence that I could join that managerial elite," he concluded.

Gareth Barry Never Tried To Force Move Away From Aston Villa

Gareth Barry didn't contemplate forcing a move away from Aston Villa in the summer, because of his respect for Martin O'Neill. The England international came close to joining Liverpool, but the move fell through after the club failed to meet Villa's £18m valuation of the player.

However, Barry has maintained a professional approach this season, and has played a key part in the club's surge into the top four of the Premier League.

"I said straight away that myself and the manager are both professional people who want the best this season for Villa," Barry said. "The relationship is very good.

"It can go through your head what others have done to get away from a club - but it was just not the reputation I would have wanted. It never went through my head to go through that. I've got too much respect for the club, and for the manager, and I've just got on with the job."

Barry was initially stripped of the club captaincy, but O'Neill has reinstated him in the absence of the injured Martin Laursen.

"Everyone knows I enjoy captaining Villa," Barry added. "I've always looked forward to doing it and it does give you that extra lift, captaining the team out there. It can raise your game. But Martin is the captain this season and, if we win a trophy, that will be more than enough."

Red Card Nightmare For Liverpool's Emiliano Insua At Under-20 World Cup Hopes End

Emiliano Insua was sent off as his under-20 World Cup hopes ended in disappointment at the weekend.

The Liverpool left-back was Argentina’s captain in the South American qualifying tournament, but a 1-0 defeat by Colombia means the defending champions will not take part in the under-20 finals for the first time in 16 years.

Insua actually went closest to equalising after Richard Chara had given the Colombians a 65th minute lead.

And his misery was completed in the 83rd minute when he was dismissed.

Insua, who made his Reds debut in April 2007, had just made four successive starts in Rafa Benitez’s senior side and looked to have moved ahead of Andrea Dossena and Fabio Aurelio in the pecking order when he was called away on international duty.

Argentina’s Under-20 squad has won five of the last seven U-20 World Cups, but will not now defend their crown in Egypt.

Insua, however, will be available again for next weekend’s visit of Manchester City.

Liverpool International Stars Avoid Night Of Pitfalls

Liverpool’s Spanish stars came safely through last night’s international in Seville.

Fernando Torres negotiated 64 minutes against England before he was replaced by Spain’s second goalscorer Fernando Llorente, while Xabi Alonso played the full 90 minutes.

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina and defender Alvaro Arbeloa were both introduced at half-time.

On a busy night of international football, Yossi Benayoun was Israel’s match-winner, scoring from close range as his country beat Hungary 1-0 in Tel Aviv.

Young striker David Ngog also got on the scoresheet with a neat volley as France Under 21s drew 1-1 with Tunisia.

Javier Mascherano captained Argentina to a 2-0 win in France, while Daniel Agger was booked as he lasted 90 minutes in Denmark’s 1-1 draw against Greece.

Ryan Babel came on for clubmate Dirk Kuyt at half-time in Holland’s 1-1 draw with Tunisia, while Sami Hyypia played the full 90 minutes as Finland lost 1-0 to Portugal thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty.

On Tuesday night Martin Skrtel and Andrea Dossena both tasted defeat in international friendlies.

Dossena earned his sixth cap after replacing Andrea Pirlo 75 minutes into Italy’s 2-0 defeat against Brazil at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, while Skrtel played 90 minutes as Slovakia were beaten 3-2 by Ukraine.

All of Liverpool’s international contingent were due to report back to Melwood today – but there were no indications of any problems.

Liverpool Will Ring Changes Despite FA Youth Cup Win - Hugh McAuley

Liverpool’s youngsters won’t be allowed to rest on their laurels after last week’s excellent FA Youth Cup victory over Chelsea.

The Reds will entertain Bolton in the quarter-finals on February 27, but first travel to the Midlands in FA Premier Academy League action on Saturday – and coach Hugh McAuley has promised changes.

"We go to West Brom on Saturday and we’ll make one or two switches," he explained.

"The boys got us a first class result and worked very hard.

"But squad rotation is perhaps more relevant in our position because they are young lads who need to play.

"We also need to see all the lads play and ensure everyone gets their proper quota of games so we’ll change one or two.

"West Brom always give you a good game, especially on their own patch, but we’re up for it."

Liverpool’s last league outing was the mini mini-derby won by Everton, but McAuley said: "The two games we have played in the league this year have been against two tough teams, but we have played really well in both. We drew with Manchester City and lost to Everton, although I thought we were the best team and it was a game we should have won.

"And we’ll go into the next game full of confidence after the win over Chelsea.

"We are playing some good stuff. We have shown good spirit and really good enthusiasm. We have no problem on that side of it and I am sure if we keep that up, results will come in the league.

"It is important we keep our consistency, enthusiasm and the right motivation."

He added: "The game at the end of the week or the Youth Cup match are the situations where we judge our players, particularly when we play the bigger clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton and also Arsenal in the Youth Cup last year. They tell where our players are and how far we are compared to those teams."

Benitez Bruised In His Battle With Agger Over New Liverpool Contract

After proving useful ammunition for Rafael Benitez in his internecine battle with Liverpool's owners, the manager's focus on Daniel Agger has now backfired.

The Danish defender with a ridiculously inflated view of his talent and who is not a patch on first choice Martin Skrtel, has stopped moaning about his lack of a new contract and is now talking about leaving because he is not playing enough.

Benitez made much of Agger's situation before, blaming Tom Hicks and George Gillett for dragging their feet over the player's new deal and therefore pushing him towards the open arms of other clubs.

But what will the manager say now the finger of blame is pointing at him?

Agger said: 'If I don't play, then it's untenable and it can't go on like that. He won't let me play. The question now is whether that is the right thing for me.'

While Benitez's political manoeuvring was all about getting more power in a new deal, Agger's is about money and status. He is the pawn with teeth.

Liverpool Prepare Bid For Barcelona's Exciting Young Winger Deulofeu

Liverpool want to sign Barcelona's wonderkid winger Gerard Deulofeu.

Anfield scouts have been tracking the 14-year-old's progress for months and are preparing a deal to land one of Europe's hottest prospects.

Deulofeu, dubbed 'the new Ronaldinho', has been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal in the past but may favour a move to Liverpool due to the strong Spanish influence on Merseyside.

The left-sided attacker is just the latest talent produced by the Catalans. World stars Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Lionel Messi all graduated from Barca's famed academy.

But the Catalans will do everything in their power to block any move for Deulofeu.

The Spanish giants vowed never to lose another trainee on the cheap after Arsenal exploited a transfer loophole to land Fabregas for a nominal fee back in 2003.

Carra: We Are The Comeback Kings

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool’s new-found ability to snatch late victories could see The Reds overhaul Manchester United in the title race.

Rafa Benitez’s side have needed late goals to claim the points in their last two league games against Chelsea and Portsmouth, with Fernando Torres riding to their rescue on both occassions.

Carragher says United have been pulling late wins out of the bag for years now and The Reds newly-discovered steel could see them pip their rivals for the title come May.

"It's not just a one-off game,” Carragher told the official club website. “We've come from behind like that quite a bit this season.

"It's something Manchester United have done a lot in the past to win titles and you've got to take your hat off to them because they've done it over the years and this season as well.

"It's something we've not been too good at in recent years but we seem to have it in our locker this season and hopefully that will push us as close to the title as possible.

"There's nothing better when you think you're going to lose a game and you come back and win – it knocks the stuffing out of the opposition and you just want the referee to blow the final whistle as soon as that goal goes in.

"We still had to defend a few high balls into the box (at Portsmouth) but you've got to keep your emotions in check. You're so excited but you realise that the game still hasn't finished. But we were delighted when we got back in the dressing room."

After a brilliant start to the season in which they soared to the top of the table, The Reds are now two points behind United after a poor January in which they failed to win a league game.

But Carragher says the Liverpool players have never stopped believing they have what it takes to win the title.

"We never thought our title hopes were dead and buried although we realised we were making things more difficult for ourselves," he added.

"We'll only be able to tell in the coming months what effect these two late wins have had but it can only be positive because scoring goals late gives you a massive lift."

English Angle: Who Will Fill The Gerrard/Keane Void For Liverpool?

No matter which way you look at it, Liverpool now have a gaping hole in their forward line. Steven Gerrard faces at least three weeks on the sidelines after limping out of the FA Cup loss to Everton, and Robbie Keane has been sold back to Tottenham Hotspur for a fraction of the original price paid.

So who in Rafael Benitez's squad is capable of making their absences not so harshly felt? Who can take residency in the space behind Fernando Torres? Let us examine the candidates...

Dirk Kuyt (Holland, 28, right midfield/centre-forward)

This Dutch import is perhaps the hardest-working player in the Premier League. Since cementing a spot on the right side of the Reds' midfield - or attack, depending on the setup - the former Feyenoord forward has established himself as one of Rafa's untouchables. But is he able to do the job up front these days?

Kuyt is often regarded as a permanent stop-gap, strange as that term may seem; not quite a winger, but nor either a particularly threatening presence in front of the sticks. Pundits recall his introduction to English football as a failure, which only proves what short memories some people have.

In fact, the Oranje regular netted 14 goals during his first season on Merseyside, in what was generally a disappointing campaign for the club (other than a Champions League final appearance, in which this particular player scored Liverpool's only goal). He came from the Eredivisie as a goalscorer of some repute, and showed plenty of promise early doors, despite his obvious lack of pace. However, an abysmal start to his second term at Anfield saw fans screaming for him to be traded - again, a demonstration of how fickle the footballing community can be.

He has since become an integral part of Benitez's first XI, providing unmatchable endeavour on the flank. But Kuyt isn't all about donkey work; he still knows how to play a bit of football, too, and find the net. He pops up with crucial goals just when his side needs them, such as his strikes against Arsenal and Chelsea in the CL last season, and his winners against Manchester City and Wigan Athletic this term.

Ryan Babel (Holland, 22, winger/striker)

This youngster makes up the rest of Liverpool's first-team Dutch contingent. Signed in 2007 from Ajax, there were high hopes after his impressive displays at the European Under-21 Championship. However, things have not gone quite as planned.

Babel has suffered the same fate that many promising strikers, including his previously mentioned compatriot, have suffered: he has been stuck on the wing. But while Kuyt has flourished in this role, his more inexperienced countryman has struggled to adjust. Moreover, he hasn't been given a proper chance.

Unfortunately, this highly talented forward has become known as something of a 'super-sub', coming on late in games to run tired defences ragged with his blistering pace and natural goalscoring ability. Starting opportunities have been rare, especially since the arrival of Spanish winger Albert Riera last summer.

It is the view of many Kopites that Babel would prosper if given an extended run as a striker. The great Marco van Basten once compared him to Thierry Henry, and the similarities are certainly there for all to see: the dribbling ability, the wicked speed, the powerful shot and the pure, raw, undeniable talent. Will Rafa give him that chance to fulfil his potential? We'll see.

Yossi Benayoun (Israel, 28, attacking midfielder/winger)

Benayoun is another who has received precious few first-team opportunities at Liverpool. A cultured player who possesses arguably the best ball-control of anyone at Anfield, his slight frame and lack of genuine pace have counted against him when it comes to Rafa's team selection. He is another who has suffered from Riera's presence and Kuyt's wide-right revival.

Still, the former West Ham United man has proved a more than handy option. He bagged 11 goals during his first season in the North West - an impressive total for a player regarded more for his prompting than his finishing.

Many overlook this guy's past when judging his net-finding prowess. With the Hammers he played almost exclusively as a midfielder, but at Racing Santander and Maccabi Haifa he was a playmaking forward by trade; indeed, he tallied some 55 goals in 130 league games for the Israeli giants.

Following Keane's departure, Benitez singled out Benayoun as one of those who could slot in behind 'El Nino' as a support striker. In fairness, he struggled somewhat when thrust into this role following Gerrard's early exit against the Toffees. But it would be foolish to judge a player on one performance alone, as Reds fans found out in the past when hailing El Hadji Diouf and Bruno Cheyrou's debut outings.

Lucas Leiva (Brazil, 22, central midfielder/defensive midfielder)

This one is a roughy, no doubt, and surely an unpopular one with the Liverpool-supporting readers given his abject displays of late - particularly after his sending off at Goodison Park. But, regardless of the bad press he's receiving at the minute, the kid's got talent.

Lucas rose to prominence when he was awarded the Bola de Ouro after an outstanding 2006 season with Gremio, attracting the interest of countless European clubs. The Reds landed him the following summer, and big things were expected of a player touted as a perfect mix of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano - a box-to-box playmaker with great intelligence and solid defensive skills.

Well, no. Not quite.

The Dourados native has clearly attended the Paul Scholes school of tackling, and his lack of strength and physical presence renders him useless as a midfield enforcer. Sadly, though, this is the role in which he has most regularly been deployed, and he has cut a desperate, ankle-hacking figure at times.

The fact is, he's Brazilian. He likes the ball at his feet, and he likes to move it quickly. He also likes to take up very dangerous positions in the box. Benitez has hinted at the possibility of Lucas being given more attacking licence, and when he has been (far too infrequently) offered such an opportunity he has usually taken it gleefully. He demoralised Newcastle United late last year when Alonso was left on the bench. Right now could be a great time to let the Selecao youngster cut loose.

The Verdict

There are other players who might have been mentioned. Krisztian Nemeth would have been right up there, had he not been shipped out on loan recently (watch out for this kid, massively talented Hungarian). Spanish starlet Dani Pacheco is another earning rave reviews in the reserves. David N'Gog seems to be preferred to both where the first-team squad is concerned, but the French youngster is Torres' understudy more than anything else.

From the candidates mentioned, though, it's a matter of circumstance. If Rafa needs a reliable, hard-working foil who can link with the midfield and pressurise defences all day long, Kuyt is the man; if a lethal tandem of pace and skill is required, then Babel; Benayoun may be more suitable when it comes to keeping hold of the ball and toying with edgy, heavy-footed centre-halves; and Lucas could be just the ticket to break teams down with quick-fire, one-touch passing deep in the final third.

On the whole, though, this punter simply wants to see Ryan Babel given a good, solid run in the first team. He's a striker, plain as day. He might be frustrating to watch in his current state, but he's shown more than enough to suggest that he could develop into a terribly dangerous player.

Rafa Benitez: Form Of Fabio Aurelio Could Be Key To Liverpool's Title Charge

The Spaniard believes that should the versatile Brazilian stay injury free and on form, then he could have a significant impact in the second half of the Reds' season.

A series of niggling injuries have blighted Fabio Aurelio's recent Liverpool career, but Rafael Benitez believes that the early season setbacks are a thing of the past, and that Fabio could be a pivotal player in the Reds' run-in.

Aurelio is a left back by tradition and trade, but was recently deployed in the middle of the park where he put in a sterling performance in the 3-2 win over Portsmouth.

It is this versatility, Rafa claims, that will be essential as the business end of the season approaches.

"Fabio was one of the best players on the pitch at Portsmouth," Benitez told the club's official website today.

"He played really well. We knew he could play in central midfield from his time at Valencia and he showed on Saturday that he is a clever player with quality.

"He will be an important player for us for the rest of the season," he said.

"At Anfield especially, when we want to attack we know he will always be available because he has good movement and can deliver good crosses.

"It's always important to have players who can play in different positions, especially if they understand the game," Benitez concluded.

Defence Is Key To Our Title Hopes, Insists Reina

Pepe Reina believes Liverpool must match Manchester United’s defensive meanness if they are going to overhaul their rivals and reclaim top spot in the Premier League.

Edwin van der Sar has kept a record-breaking 13 clean sheets this season.

But Reina, who once kept 11 consecutive clean sheets for Liverpool and has been the Premier League’s Golden Gloves winner for the last three seasons, believes the Reds can be just as mean.

“We went from the end of October to the middle of December without conceding any goals and we’ll probably have to defend like that again in the remainder of this season if we want to compete for honours,” he said.

“If you put a run together like that it gives you a real chance of success. It is difficult, but we can do that.”

Reina, with Spain preparing for tonight’s friendly international, is already gearing up for a winner takes all showdown with United next month.

“This is my fourth year here and we’ve usually done well in the second half of each season,” he added.

“All we can do is concentrate on our own game, keep getting results and then try to take points from them when we go to Old Trafford.

“Fernando (Torres) said recently we have to be close to them when that match comes along, and I agree.

“That might mean being just a point or two behind them, although obviously it would be even better if we were top. Whatever happens we have to go into that game still with a chance of winning the league.”

Tommy Smith: Lack Of Goals Still A Concern For Liverpool

We have reached a stage in the title race when only wins will do.

So it was a surprise selection that Rafa Benitez came up with for the trip to Portsmouth – and at 2-1 down a second defeat would have seriously hit our title hopes, especially as Manchester United won again the following day at West Ham.

In the end, however, he got the win the Reds needed, albeit with goals from two of the players he rested in Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres, so you have to pat him on the back.

You can see his point in wanting to rest players.

Kuyt has played in most games this season, while Torres is still feeling his way back after a long injury lay-off. The other factor he possibly considered was that Pompey are a bad side.

Perhaps, therefore, it wasn’t such a gamble to rest key players – but they still had to play crucial parts to get the result.

You can’t complain after coming away with the points, but the Reds generally are not scoring enough goals, and that has been happening too often this season.

It’s a fact that, with Steven Gerrard sidelined, the only player capable of scoring regularly is Torres.

I have always felt that you must play your best team. The one Benitez put out was not a good side, although I am quite happy with what he did, providing the result is right.

But it was only when Kuyt and Torres were introduced that we really started to threaten the home side.

On top of that, the zonal marking policy is rubbish. Players keep failing to pick up men and the goals are being conceded, particularly from set pieces. It’s not just been a problem this season, either, and has often put us on the back foot chasing games.
It’s a different game from my day, and you can understand the manager trying to protect his players, but you wonder what Torres could have done if he had been playing for half an hour.

The title race is still wide open. While United have a game in hand, they still have to play us at Old Trafford, and that is a problem – for them! We know that a win there can swing the pendulum our way.

It won’t be easy, of course, but there’s no better incentive than winning the title.

Torres Wants Liverpool Captain Gerrard Alongside Him In Madrid

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres hopes Steven Gerrard will be fit enough to take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on 25 February.

In one of many mouth-watering ties coming up over the next few weeks, Liverpool travel to the Bernabeu to face the Spanish giants in the first leg of the second round of Europe’s premier club competition, with the return scheduled for Anfield a fortnight later.

Whilst Gerrard should have recovered from the torn hamstring he suffered in the FA Cup defeat at Everton in time for the Merseyside meet, Torres is hopeful the England international will also be available to feature in Spain.

"Steven’s a special player and a vital part of our team and we need him fit again soon," said Torres.

"We wish him the best and hope we can have him back as quick as possible - if it is in time for the UEFA Champions League game with Real Madrid even better."

Play Me Or I'll Leave, Agger Tells Liverpool

Liverpool's prospects of losing Daniel Agger for a cut-price fee this summer have increased after the defender said he will not sign a new contract unless his first-team chances improve under Rafael Benítez.

The Denmark international is entitled to buy out the final 12 months of his Anfield deal at the end of this season for around £2m. Agger's failure to sign a contract extension has previously been blamed on a lack of communication with the Liverpool hierarchy, a charge levelled by Benítez himself, along with the player's financial demands.

Now the 24-year-old admits limited appearances this season are also a factor in his reluctance to commit his future to the club, and that he is likely to seek pastures new should Benítez persist with his favoured central defensive pairing of Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel. "Let me be honest and admit that, if I don't play, then it's untenable and it can't go on like that," said the Dane.

Agger has only enjoyed a consistent run this season after Skrtel suffered a cruciate ligament injury at Manchester City in October. The £5.8m signing from Brondby was restricted to two starts in 12 matches before the City game as he returned from a metatarsal injury, and has started only once – at Portsmouth on Saturday – since Skrtel reclaimed his place against Stoke City on 10 January.

The frustrated defender added: "It's never fun as a footballer when you don't play every time. That's no secret. But that's my situation in the club right now; that he [Benítez] won't let me play. That's not my decision. The question now is whether this is the right thing for me, because I would like to play some football. But for now I have chosen to give it some time and give it a chance and fight for my spot in the team. I feel I'm good enough. For the same reason it's annoying that I don't play. I'll wait for the chance and then I will prove that I'm good enough. I'll show them - no doubt about that."

Agger also revealed he is prepared to leave a decision on his future until the summer, when he is eligible to exploit the Webster Ruling and buy-out his existing Liverpool contract. The defender, whose agent, Per Steffensen, has held talks with Milan over a possible move, said: "There is no dialogue on a new contract with the club. It seemed like Liverpool were eager to close this deal and sign a new contract but that proved to be wrong. For me it is OK to wait and see how things evolve in the summer. I believe that I am in a good position for negotiations and I wish for more time in the red jersey." José Reina, the Liverpool goalkeeper, has admitted Benítez's team cannot afford many more slip-ups if they are to sustain their challenge to Manchester United for the Premier League title. The Anfield club have kept their championship prospects alive with late victories over Chelsea and Portsmouth in their last two league outings, but the Spaniard believes there must be improvement on the home form that has produced five draws in 12 games this season.

"Every match is like a final now," said Reina. "We know we can't afford to drop many points, especially at home. There are big games coming every week and we have to be ready for them. As a footballer that's what you want. This is Liverpool and if you want to win trophies, then you have to be up for it all the time - and we are.

"I don't know why we drew all those matches earlier in the season.

Against Everton we were only three minutes away from winning the derby before they equalised. It's true we didn't create a lot of chances in those games and it was hard to find a winner. When that happens it can damage confidence and that sometimes affects you in the next game. But it isn't unusual. The season is nine months long so it's natural that at some stage you will not be at your best. Hopefully we have come through our worst moment and the next few months are going to be better."

We’ve Got To Be Like United – Carragher

Jamie carragher believes that Liverpool must continue to become more like Manchester United if they’re to win the Premier League title.

Earlier this season, Carragher’s Anfield team-mate, left winger, Albert Riera hit out at their great North West rivals by branding them ‘lucky’ because of their tendency to win games with late goals.

But while there’s not much love lost between Bootle-born Carragher and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, the 31-year-old defender has a begrudging respect for United’s ability to secure the points in the closing stages of matches and believes that it is a vital commodity for his own team to possess if they’re to thwart the Red Devils from equalling Liverpool’s English record of 18 titles this term by breaking their own duck in the Premier League.

Liverpool have been developing a knack for late winners themselves this term and came from behind twice to defeat Portsmouth 3-2 at Fratton Park on Saturday, a result that ultimately cost Tony Adams his job.

Dirk Kuyt levelled on 85 minutes and Fernando Torres netted the winner on 90 minutes to temporarily lift Rafael Benitez’s side above United at the Premier League summit before their own 1-0 victory at West Ham on Sunday.

Coming just six days after Chelsea were felled at Anfield by two Torres goals in the final two minutes, it was the sixth time that Liverpool had won a game in the final five minutes this season and the third occasion they had struck the winner in the final minute, a statistic which pleases Carragher. He said: “It’s not just a one-off game, we’ve come from behind like that quite a bit this season.

“It’s something Manchester United have done a lot in the past to win titles and you’ve got to take your hat off to them because they’ve done it over the years and this season as well.

“It’s something we’ve not been too good at in recent years but we seem to have it in our locker this season and hopefully that will push us as close to the title as possible.”

Carragher added: “There’s nothing better when you think you’re going to lose a game and you come back and win – it knocks the stuffing out of the opposition and you just want the referee to blow the final whistle as soon as that goal goes in.

“We still had to defend a few high balls into the box (at Portsmouth) but you’ve got to keep your emotions in check as you’re so excited but you realise that the game still hasn’t finished but we were delighted when we got back in the dressing room.”

Following last Wednesday’s energy-sapping FA Cup replay defeat to Everton which went into extra time, Benitez made six changes for the trip to Fratton Park and going into last five minutes with Portsmouth leading 2-1, Liverpool faced the potential of ending the weekend five points adrift of United at the summit with the Red Devils also having a game in hand. However, Liverpool’s last-gasp win keeps them within touching distance of Ferguson’s men with the gap still just two points and with faltering Chelsea replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari with Guus Hiddink following their goalless draw at home to Hull City, the battle for the title looks like an increasingly two-horse race – unless improving Aston Villa can cause the biggest shock in Premier League history.

Carragher maintains that he has never given up on Liverpool’s title aspirations and with a crunch trip to Old Trafford just over a month away reckons his own side’s penchant for late winners will stand them in good stead.

He said: “We never thought our title hopes were dead and buried although we realised we were making things more difficult for ourselves but we’ve got the three points but United have got the game in hand so it’s up to them.

“We’ll only be able to tell in the coming months what effect these two late wins have had but it can only be positive because scoring goals late gives you a massive lift.”

Rafael - Reds Running Scared

Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart believes that Liverpool will be scared when the two sides meet each other in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.

The Spanish giants face Liverpool in a clash between two of the most successful club sides in football history.

However, the Holland international thinks that Madrid will have a psychological advantage even before the first-leg kicks-off.

"We're Real Madrid, which is why I think Liverpool are frightened of us. We have great players. It's going to be a great tie," he told Spanish newspaper Marca.

"The team is working hard to be in perfect shape. We're anxious to do well in Europe, and if we end up as champions I will be capable of anything. I will do anything to win the Champions League."

The 26-year-old has recently been relegated to the Real Madrid substitutes' bench, but he does not think his form has deteriorated badly.

"Everything was going well at the beginning of the season. I had a great feeling. I don't think I was playing poorly, but I was benched for a few matches," he added.

"It's not easy to get used to being a reserve because I had been a starter throughout most of my career."

Van der Vaart moved from German side Hamburg to Madrid in the summer of 2008 and is hoping to stay at the Bernabeu for some time yet.

"I signed for five years, but I hope to be here many more years," he said.

"I want to be an important part of Real Madrid's history and win many titles. That's what I've always dreamed about."

Barcelona To Chase Liverpool Hitman Fernando Torres

According to a report in The Daily Mail, Barcelona could launch an ambitious summer campaign to bring Fernando Torres, a former Atletico Madrid forward, back to Spain. This has been echoed in Spain by Sport.

The Liverpool striker will be very much in the public eye in his homeland over the next few weeks. The striker is preparing for a friendly clash with England in Seville and also a Champions League knock-out tie against Real Madrid.

However, it was at the FIFA World Player of the Year dinner that Joan Laporta, the president of the Catalan giants, is alleged to have laid the groundwork for an end of season pursuit. Lionel Messi and Xavi are also said to have hobnobbed with the Euro 2008 winner.

Any deal is likely to be dependant on the future of Barca's current top scorer, Samuel Eto'o, which is looking decidedly unclear at present.

The Blaugrana are holding several rounds of meetings this month regarding their plans for next term and contract renewals have been on top of the agenda.

Along with ensuring that Victor Valdes, Rafael Marquez and Carles Puyol are tied down to long-term deals, sorting out Eto'o is becoming a matter of priority.

While the free-scoring striker has a contract until the summer of 2010, Barcelona are not prepared to let that run down and to see him leave on a free transfer. Eto’o, however, does not appear to be in a rush to renew his deal.

"If Laporta and [technical secretary Txiki] Begiristain asked me to sit down and negotiate now, I would ask them not to distract me and that we can wait until the summer," Eto'o told La Vanguardia.

That will not have gone down well with either Begiristain or coach Josep Guardiola, both of whom are keen to have all their plans in place before the end of the current season.

Plans to cash in on Eto'o could be in place given his reluctance to talk, his expected wage demands and the fact that he could be away at the African Cup of Nations for six weeks of next season.

With that in mind, Sport believe that the names of David Villa and Karim Benzema have been superseded by an even more ambitious target: Torres is now the player that club want.

With the blessing of Guardiola and Laporta, Txiki Begiristain will now start to consider ways to force 'Pool into a sale.

It won't be easy, of course, but behind-the-scenes unrest at Anfield and a less-than-certain financial future could work in the favour of Barcelona.

Torres Planning Long Reds Stay

Fernando Torres has pledged his long-term future to Liverpool despite reports in Spain that Barcelona are weighing up a big-money move.

Speaking ahead of Spain's friendly with England on Wednesday, Torres insists he is happy to stay at Anfield and cannot imagine himself playing for "any other team".

He said: "I don't see myself playing for Real Madrid, or Barcelona or Chelsea or any other team.

"I see myself playing for Liverpool. I have a long contract and that's that."

Meanwhile, Torres is hopeful he is finally over the injury problems that have blighted his season so far.

"This year what I am more worried about are injuries," added Torres. "I have had many problems since last summer but I hope I will be okay now until the end of the season."

The 24-year-old is also wishing Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard a speedy recovery from his hamstring problem and hopes he could return to action for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid later this month.

"Hopefully Steven Gerrard will be okay too," said Torres. "He's a special player and a vital part of our team and we need him fit again soon.

"I don't know how long it will take for his leg to heal, but we wish him the best and hope we can have him back as quick as possible.

"If it is in time for the Champions League game with Real Madrid even better."

Agger - No Reds Deal

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger admits he is no closer to signing a new deal at Anfield.

Reports last weekend claimed Agger had agreed terms over a new long-term contract only for his agent to quickly rebuff the suggestion.

Agger, who has less than 18 months to run on his current contract, has confirmed he has not agreed a new deal and that he is ready to wait until the summer to sort out his future.

"There is no dialogue on a new contract with the club. It seemed like Liverpool were eager to close this deal and sign a new contract, but that proved to be wrong," Agger told Ekstra Bladet.

"For me it's ok to wait and see how things evolve in the summer. I believe that I am in a good position for negotiations and I wish for more time in the red jersey."

Agger is maintaining his focus on staying fit and playing regularly after seeing last season ravaged by injury because of a serious foot problem.

"I have more games in my body, and wish to fall into the rhythm.

"At this level you can't afford to make mistakes. I will only be judged when I am playing, regardless of how long you have been sidelined.

"I want to play every game but unfortunately that's not possible.

"But I am happy now that myself, Carragher and Skrtel all are fit. So now it's up to Rafa Benitez."

Spain Will Test Liverpool FC Manager's Patience On Torres

Rafael Benitez is heading for another club versus country row with Spain after coach Vicente Del Bosque insisted Fernando Torres could return to Liverpool “in better shape” after tonight’s friendly with England.

The Spanish coach insists he has not had a fall-out with Benitez over the striker, who has been visibly fatigued in recent weeks despite his return to goalscoring form.

Torres was taken off in the recent league game with Wigan and in extra time during the FA Cup exit to Everton last week.

On Saturday at Portsmouth he scored the winning goal, although he was only brought on for the final 14 minutes.

Liverpool manager Benitez has accepted that at least a 45-minute appearance in Seville is inevitable, but Del Bosque has hinted at giving Torres significantly more.

He said: “It might be good for Fernando Torres to play a lot of minutes and go back to Liverpool in better shape.

“You cannot make a decision in advance because then the game doesn’t go the way you expect.

“I know my starting 11 but it will depend on the match. You can’t say this or that person is going to play 40 or 45 minutes because you don’t know what is going to happen.”

Del Bosque is helped by the fact Liverpool have no game this weekend because they are not in the FA Cup, but Benitez will be concerned that his forward is further exposed to the risk of injury.

Captain Steven Gerrard will already be missing with a hamstring injury when they return to Premier League action at home to Manchester City a week on Sunday, and further injuries could leave them shorn of attacking options in a week when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League.

“There has been no conflict with Rafa Benitez,” Del Bosque said. “I have always had good contact with him and was in Villarreal earlier this season when Liverpool played a friendly there.

“There is a perfectly correct relationship with Liverpool. I spoke to him last Friday and of course we spoke about the players and their physical condition.”

Del Bosque added: “It was a perfectly cordial discussion and I would rather base my decision on what Rafa has said to me, not what has appeared in the press.”

Torres has already been injured while on international duty three times in his 18-month Liverpool career.

The last occasion came in a World Cup qualifier with Belgium, when he picked up a hamstring strain that eventually kept him out for the whole of December.

The 24-year-old made a scoring return to the Reds side as a substitute at Preston in the FA Cup on January 2, and he has since made seven appearances.

Benitez will also be monitoring Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, Albert Riera and Pepe Reina, who are also in the Spain squad to take on England.

Dossena Settled At Anfield

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena admits he is feeling more settled at Anfield after a difficult start to life in England.

Dossena struggled to make an impact at Liverpool following his arrival from Udinese last summer.

But the full-back believes he now understands more of what is required of him from Reds boss Rafa Benitez.

"In the first six months it was not easy for me because Italian football is very different from here," Dossena told Sky Sports News.

"Now I know what the boss Benitez wants from me."

Dossena insists Liverpool will fight until the end with Manchester United for the Premier League title.

The Reds sit in second spot two points behind leaders United, but Dossena says the squad will give their all to try and win the championship crown.

"United are a strong team, a good team, but we are Liverpool Football Club we want to win and we will try to win until the finish of the season.

"If at the finish of the season you win OK, but we want to stay there."

Liverpool Chief Exec Rick Parry Reveals 'Homegrown' Quota Being Considered By Premier League Clubs

Premier League clubs are considering a quota for a minimum number of ’homegrown’ players in their squads in a bid to stave off attempts to impose spending controls.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has revealed the 20 clubs discussed the move at a meeting last week and there was consensus over the general principle.

The move comes as the European Clubs’ Association, of which Parry is a board member, yesterday shelved a proposal for clubs in UEFA competitions to be limited to spending a maximum of 50% of their turnover on wages.

Clubs in the Champions League and UEFA Cup are already obliged to have eight homegrown players – of any nationality, but who have spent three years under the age of 21 at the club – in their 25- man squads.

Parry, speaking from Geneva in Switzerland said: “It was discussed at the Premier League last week after being put up by the Premier League board.

“We have not accepted a figure, just the principle that some minimum limit of homegrown players makes sense.

“For those of us competing in the Champions League we could introduce it now and it wouldn’t be an issue. Indeed the Premier League did produce an analysis which showed that actually a lot of the clubs would not have too much difficult complying.

“It will certainly be given more consideration, it’s a way off being decided but it was certainly a constructive discussion.”

The Football League have already agreed that from next season at least four out of the 16 players in matchday squads have to come through the ranks of clubs in England and Wales.

Other proposals being considered by the Premier League include giving financial incentives to clubs to use academy products, but the ’homegrown’ rule looks the most likely.

It will also allow clubs to argue they will bring more players through the ranks rather than spending big on established stars.

Parry said the Premier League’s discussions have come in response to pressure from the Government, UEFA president Michel Platini and FA chairman Lord Triesman for top- flight clubs to create a more level playing field and reduce debt.

He added: “We are aware that there is concern at Government and FA level and what we have to do is engage in that debate and be part of the solution.

“They want to see something, as does Michel Platini, so it’s about not being completely negative and isolationist about those ideas that do have merit and perhaps being in step with Europe rather than being completely out of step.”

The clubs will return to the issue at their summer meeting in June when a range of options on encouraging youth players will be put to chairmen.

A Premier League spokesman said: “There has been an ongoing discussion about raising the standards of youth development and progressing academy players but no definitive policy decision has been taken.”

Parry said that the 93 member clubs of the ECA who turned up for today’s general assembly viewed a 50% turnover-wages limit as a “blunt instrument”.

He said: “The debate on should we just have a simple 50% limit on turnover threw up all sorts of issues such as does that mean the big clubs stay big and the small ones never have a chance to catch up?

“Does it mean that clubs in countries with different tax regimes suffer?

“A lot of clubs felt it is a bit of a blunt instrument and maybe the debate over young players is a better approach.

“What we in England don’t want to see is a dumbing down and be penalised for the success we have achieved.”

Rafa Wary Of Villa Threat

Rafa Benitez is refusing to believe the Premier League title battle is a two-horse race between Manchester United and Liverpool.

United are leading the way two points ahead of Benitez's Reds, but Aston Villa sit just five points behind the leaders with managerless Chelsea a further two points adrift.

Villa have been the surprise package so far this season and Benitez admits Martin O'Neill's men could be involved in the chase for the Premier League crown.

"Aston Villa are in a good position," said Benitez. "I think it's too soon to say it's a two-horse race. We have to keep going and then maybe at the end it could be down to two teams.

"I'm not surprised Villa are doing well because they have good players. They are working really hard and are in a good position, and that makes motivation for each game easier.

"The important thing is we are still in a fantastic position. The character of the players at Portsmouth was very good and the way we came back showed we have the right mentality. We have done that so many times this season.

"We have more confidence now because we are winning. If we keep winning it will be easier to keep our focus and keep going to the end."

Benitez also expressed his shock at Luiz Felipe Scolari's sudden departure from Chelsea on Monday.

The Spaniard was sad to hear the Brazilian lose his position at Stamford Bridge after just seven months at the helm.

"I was really surprised and disappointed," added Benitez. "He is a nice man, a fantastic manager and a good professional."

Ian Rush: Rafa Benitez Had Perfect Response To Silence Liverpool's Critics

The vultures were circling the second Liverpool’s team-sheet was announced on Saturday night.

But Rafa had the perfect response with a massively important three points.

Like almost everybody else in the country, I was surprised when I saw so many influential names left on the substitutes’ bench.

I would be lying if I said otherwise.

But unlike perhaps plenty of pundits, I also had some sympathy with Rafa’s team selection, because I’ve been in exactly the same position as Fernando Torres.

I wasn’t sure about leaving Dirk Kuyt on the bench, because he looks like he could play about five matches every week and still not suffer.

But resting Torres was totally understandable.

He’s still feeling his way back from injury, he was clearly shattered on Wednesday night and the trip to Portsmouth came less than 72 hours later.

By introducing him when he did, Rafa ensured that Torres would be operating on a level playing field with the Portsmouth defenders.

Kenny Dalglish did exactly the same thing with me in the 1989 FA Cup final.

I’d been injured and had only made half a dozen substitute appearances before the cup final.

I thought I could start at Wembley.

I told Kenny I was fit.

I was desperate to kick-off against Everton, but he decided my energy levels weren’t up to what was required and left me on the bench.

In the end Kenny did the right thing.

If I’d started the match I probably wouldn’t have been able to do anything.

But when I came on my energy levels were at the same levels as the Everton defenders and I was able to make an impact.

It was the same with Torres at Portsmouth.

If he’d played from the start, when the Portsmouth defenders were fresh, he’d have been tired when the game started to open up in the last third and probably unable to take advantage of the opportunity which came his way.

As it was, he was sharp enough to find the opening and finish it in style just when it mattered the most.

It was good management, because the end result says so.

Just like Kenny got it right back in 1989.

Mark Lawrenson: Liverpool Still Needed Replacement For Misfiring Robbie Keane

I wrote here several times that I thought that Liverpool selling Robbie Keane in January would be the best thing.

But I meant for the player and the club.

And while Keane will no doubt be relieved to be back where he is loved and where the pressure is off, I don’t really see the benefit for Liverpool.

Because if you’re going to get rid of someone, you have to replace him.

This might sound wise after the event but I looked at Jo scoring two goals for Everton in their win over Bolton on Saturday and thought ‘well, why couldn’t Liverpool have taken a chance on him?’

Or at least a similar type of loan signing.

Okay, so he’s not played for ages and had looked a bit out of place at Manchester City – but that’s only the same situation Robbie Fowler was in three years ago.

But that didn’t matter because he was only brought in to boost the forward line for the final few months of the season.

I just think any striker would have done in these circumstances, where numbers are so low that David Ngog is starting on his own up front and even Andriy Voronin fancies it again.

Nothing against Ngog, but he’s untried and unknown. And that’s not ideal when you’re going for the league.

Keane didn’t have to be replaced by another £20million superstar, just a competent striker who can help take the burden off Fernando Torres.

Because the situation now is, we’re praying for Torres not to get injured between now and the end of the season.

He showed how vital he is with the winner at Portsmouth on Saturday. Take him out and you’re looking over at Manchester United. You’re looking for players to be able to provide you with what Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez and Berbatov do for them.

And then you realise how much Liverpool really do need Torres to keep on competing with them for this title.

Reds Look At Danish Starlet

Liverpool have handed a trial to highly-rated Danish winger Oliver Feldballe.

Feldballe currently plays for Odense and his performances have alerted Liverpool's coaching staff.

The 18-year-old, who has represented Denmark at Under 18 and Under 19 level, will train with Liverpool's first team so that Rafa Benitez can cast an eye over him.

Odense's head of development, Uffe Pedersen has confirmed the club are happy to let him link up with Liverpool and he believes Feldballe can establish himself as a big player in the future.

"We got an inquiry from Liverpool that they wish to see him in training and we have agreed to let him go there. He will be there for the rest of the week Pedersen told Bold.dk.

"Their philosophy is that they bring on a lot of players. If the players end up breaking through, there is a bigger chance that they will choose Liverpool as they already are familiar with the club.

"At the same time it is a good experience for our players to get away and try something new.

"He [Feldballe] is one of the biggest talents that we hope to use in the future."

Benitez Defends Liverpool FC Selection And Tactics

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez revealed his decision to make wholesale changes in personnel and tactics for his side’s dramatic late 3-2 win at Portsmouth was taken on the advice of the club’s medical staff.

Already without injured skipper Steven Gerrard and the suspended Lucas, Benitez started the game at Fratton Park with Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera, Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres all dropped to the substitutes bench.

Benitez said: “We were speaking to the medical staff who were treating the players, we spoke with the technical staff, with the fitness coach, with Sammy (Lee) and (Mauricio) Pellegrino and after we had a meeting and we decided on this team.

“It’s not easy to leave Torres or Alonso or Kuyt on the bench, it was a difficult decision, but sometimes you have to do this to be contenders until the end of the season.”

Benitez claimed he had faith in the rest of his squad, having given several of his fringe players an opportunity and declared he wanted to make a statement about the strength of his squad.

He said: “It was important to show this. We had players like Ngog, Babel, Benayoun working really hard and playing well and after we had the big names.

“So it was really good for the team because now we have more confidence and everybody will say maybe they can be there until the end of the season.”

However, with some of the players who came into the side failing to make an impact, Benitez had to rely on his more established stars coming off the bench to rescue the points although the Spaniard claimed he considered such possibilities before the game.
He said: “When you prepare you have an idea. The idea was to start with these players and see what will happen and we started really well so I thought we could win with them.

“We were playing very well. At the end we had some players who were really tired, you could see Arbeloa was really tired so we were thinking about substitutions.

“Ngog was also tired and he felt something so we thought okay we changed him.

“After we conceded the goal we needed more quality in the pass so Xabi Alonso was the second option. The last one was Torres because we were trying to win the game.”

Arguably Benitez’s most intriguing selection was the decision to hand a first Premier League start to striker David Ngog, but the Liverpool manager remains an admirer of the French teenager.

He said: “You can see he is a very good player. Clearly he has quality, he has talent.

“He needs to be strong to play in the Premier League, but his movement is really good and if the players around him can play well, he will play well too.”

Benitez also reshaped his defence by adopting a three centre-back system behind two wing-backs, but he rebuffed any suggestions that the system was a failure or that his continual use of zonal marking was costing the side unnecessary goals.

He said: “The use of a back three depends on the games.

“We needed to do it because we didn’t have too many fresh legs and we were trying to put players in good positions.

“If you look at corners and free-kicks normally we are doing the same as other teams. So everyone is conceding, it doesn’t really matter if it is man to man or zonal.

“It’s easy to talk but you can check, how many goals do you see that are scored in the Championship and the Premier League that are conceded man to man.”

Voronin Won't Get Liverpool Recall Despite Striker Crisis

Andrey Voronin has offered to return to Liverpool to ease their striker crisis.

And the Ukrainian misfit, on loan at Hertha Berlin, has cheekily claimed Liverpool have been in contact with him over the prospect.

Voronin was shipped out to the German club after just one season at Anfield and is in talks to make the move permanent.

But yesterday he claimed he could replace Robbie Keane, who returned to Spurs in the transfer window.

"I still have a contract at Liverpool and now Keane has been sold I could go back," said Voronin. "I was playing regularly at Anfield until they signed Keane, and with him gone, they don't have many strikers.

"I know my agent has talked with Liverpool and I could help them."

Yet far from talking to Voronin about a return, officials at Anfield explained they are trying to discuss his departure for good as they are still paying a big chunk of his wages.

Meanwhile, defender Martin Kelly has been given a contract extension to June 2011.

McAuley Eyes Albion Scalp

AS Liverpool under-18s continue to progress in the FA Youth Cup, they will now turn their attentions on getting back to winning ways in the FA Premier Academy League.

David Amoo’s goal gave Liverpool a 1-0 fifth round victory over Chelsea at Anfield last Thursday, but now they return to Academy League action this Saturday at West Brom.

Hugh McAuley’s side lost 3-2 to Everton on their last league outing and haven’t won for almost two months, due to the Christmas break and Youth Cup commitments, ironically against Albion at the Kirkby Academy in early December.

But they have progressed in the cup during that time and faced arguably their three toughest fixtures against Manchester United, North West league leaders Manchester City and neighbours Everton.

McAuley said: “The two games we have played in the league this year have been against two tough teams, but we have played really well in both. We drew with Manchester City and lost to Everton, although I thought we were the best team and it was a game we should have won.

“Performances have been good, if not results. But we go into the next game a team full of confidence after the win over Chelsea. We are playing some good stuff. We have shown good spirit and really good enthusiasm. We have no problem on that side of it and I am sure if we keep that up, results will come in the league.

“It is important we keep our consistency, enthusiasm and the right motivation.”

He added: “The game at the end of the week or the Youth Cup match are the situations where we judge our players particularly when we play the bigger clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton and also Arsenal in the Youth Cup last year. They tell where our players are and how far we are compared to those teams.”

Liverpool Warned Over Benitez

Liverpool have been warned it would be a massive mistake to allow Rafael Benitez to walk away from the club - by the man who let him leave Valencia.

Jesus Garcia Pitarch was Valencia's Sporting Director when Benitez quit the club for Anfield in 2004 after a disagreement over transfer policy.

And that same issue is reportedly now causing conflict between the Spaniard and Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry - with the manager's new contract still unsigned.

But Pitarch says Benitez must be backed by the Liverpool hierarchy after building a team that is finally challenging for the Premier League title.

"I think it would be a huge error if Liverpool allowed Benitez to leave," said Pitarch, who saw Benitez win two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup at Valencia.

"Rafa is a great manager, which he demonstrated with Valencia. I haven't been surprised he has had success at Liverpool.

"He is always ready for any challenge and I believe that Liverpool can win the title this season."

And Pitarch has revealed Benitez's methodical approach and analysis of opponents are the pillars of his success.

"He is a very methodical tactician," explained Pitarch, who is now Atletico Madrid's Sporting Director.

"He studies every aspect of a rival club in such detail and thinks of what they will do in any situation. That was his principal innovation at Valencia and now all clubs do the same."

Fernando Torres Defiant Over Liverpool's Title Hopes

'El Nino' reckons the Reds are still well and truly on course for their first English crown since 1990.

Liverpool are still hanging around in the title race, as their consecutive wins - against Chelsea and Portsmouth - see them sit just two points behind the Premier League leaders, Manchester United.

It was Fernando Torres' heroics which saw off Pompey and the Blues (and doomed Tony Adams and Luiz Felipe Scolari to the sack), as he struck late in both games to seal nervy wins for victories for the Reds.

Pundits have dubbed the Merseysiders' form since the turn of the year 'unconvincing'; but Torres, while admitting his have had some sticky moments, thinks that it as unfair label.

"We began very well and at the moment we're going through a period which isn't the best," he said on the club's official website.

"But we're not bad, maybe it's just that we're stifled by lesser teams who are happy with a draw. We are better against the big teams and we have to show that against Real Madrid.

"We're getting back players that have been absent with injury like me."

Torres believes it is all a matter of perspective. Liverpool might not be in tip-top touch, but they are in a far better position than they were this time last year.

"It all depends on how you look at things," the Spaniard continued. "You can be pessimistic and think we have been knocked out of the cup and that it was tough for us to win.

"Or you can think positively, which is what I do, and see that we are fighting for the league, which we're in the last 16 of the Champions League, that on the whole we are better than previous years.

"That's what I think."

Torres has endured an injury-riddled campaign, yet he boasts 11 goals so far this season.

Vicente Del Bosque Denies Rift With Liverpool Manager Rafa Benitez

The La Furia Roja coach has dismissed suggestions that the Reds boss is unhappy with the number of Spanish players returning to their homeland for this Wednesday’s friendly.

Liverpool manager, Rafa Benitez was reportedly left fuming again ahead of another week of international friendlies after four of his key players, including a fit but “tired” Fernando Torres, were called up to the Spanish national team to face England this Wednesday.

In the lead-up to the game, Spain coach, Vicente del Bosque has clarified that there are no issues between himself and Benitez in regards to the number of players leaving Anfield for Andalucia this week.

“It’s logical for each person to look after their own interest, but the national team must be put above everything else,” the 58-year-old said during an interview with Radio Marca program, ‘La Futboleria’.

“However, there has never been an instance where the players were forced to take part. We have sufficient players. He [Benitez] has not made any special requests not to take any of his players, and as such, the responsibility falls on me to make the decisions,” he added.

Del Bosque then went on clear the air once and for all, saying that the Reds gaffer was not at all upset with his players being called up.

“I spoke to him last Friday and he told me that what was published in the press is untrue. And I believe what he said,” he remarked.

Focusing on the game itself, Del Bosque is certain that Wednesday’s clash at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville will be a classic encounter.

“It will be an attractive game between two very big teams.

“They [England] have certainly improved a lot since the arrival of Fabio Capello. It won’t be easy to get a good result because both sides have a lot of great players and it will be very evenly matched,” he predicted.

Finally, ex-Real Madrid coach assured that his decision to call up young Barcelona midfielder, Sergio Busquets, will not be a once-off selection.

“We are preparing for the future with young players of this calibre.

“There are clubs who promote their youth players a bit too quickly and that is usually a bad decision, but in Barcelona’s case, it was the right thing to do,” he concluded.

Dirk Kuyt Hails Impact Of Fernando Torres In Liverpool Victory

The hard-working Dutchman has praised the contribution of his striking colleague following the weekend’s victory over Portsmouth.

After both players came off the bench to net crucial late goals and claim a dramatic win for Liverpool over Portsmouth on Saturday, consigning Pompey manager Tony Adams to the burgeoning ranks of the British unemployed in the process, Dirk Kuyt has been moved to shower yet more praise on to the shoulders of team-mate Fernando Torres.

Kuyt had levelled the match at 2-2 in the dying minutes before the Spaniard won the game with an injury-time header. The Dutchman was quick to acknowledge the vital role Torres plays in the Liverpool side.

"He is really important for us," Kuyt told The Liverpool Echo.

"It’s great that he’s back from injury, he was very important against Chelsea, he was great today [Saturday] and I’m sure he will be [great] for the rest of the season as well."

The nature of Saturday's victory also pleased Kuyt, who believes that the Reds demonstrated the character and heart that is present in the team.

"It was our best game,” the Dutch international added. “It doesn’t matter how you win matches as long as you do. What we did was show character today. It was a crazy match.

"We lost in the FA Cup against Everton, which was a real disappointment, and we knew it was a big game today. To come back twice from behind is very good."

Fernando Torres: Liverpool Is Steven Gerrard And Ten Others

Talismanic Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard had recently been ruled out of action for up to three weeks after scans revealed he had torn his hamstring.

Silky striker Fernando Torres though has indicated that this is an absence that the Reds can ill afford as they aim to maintain the pressure on league leaders Manchester United.

'El Nino' believes that Gerrard is irreplaceable, and even stated that Liverpool is "Gerrard and ten others."

Torres is currently linking up with his Spanish squad as the current European Champions host England in an international friendly.

He told The Daily Telegraph, "There is simply no substitute for Gerrard. Every great team has a talisman, the player who has been at the club for ever – he is ours.

"People come and go but he is always here. He is everything to us. Liverpool is Gerrard and 10 others. They talk about him being out for three weeks but hopefully it will be less.

"I am encouraged by the fact that he asked for the change as soon as he felt the pull. I hope that he will be out for less time than originally thought."

Regarding the Anfield reception that Torres is subject to, the modest Spaniard revealed that he remains overwhelmed by the adulation, adding, "It is wonderful when they sing my name. I am not Gerrard or Carragher, I am not one of theirs.

"But when you get so much support so soon, it is very special. And it drives you on to achieve things for those fans with goals and titles.

"The other day I was walking the dogs in the street and I walked past two men. Once I was ten metres ahead they started singing my name. It’s a great feeling."

Agger Wants Fewer Draws

Daniel Agger believes Liverpool have drawn too many games and has challenged his team-mates to stop dropping so many points.

The Reds have only lost once all season but they have slipped behind Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table following a disappointing run of seven draws in 12 games.

They have secured late victories in their last two matches against Chelsea and Portsmouth and Agger was especially buoyed by the performance at Fratton Park.

Pompey led 2-1 with just five minutes remaining but Dirk Kuyt equalised and Fernando Torres then fired home a last-gasp winner.

"You are not going to win a title if you are drawing every second game, we know that," Agger told the Liverpool Echo.

"So games like this one which we have won after going behind are a big bonus for us.

"Every game is only worth three points, you don't get any extra points for coming back but it always gives you a boost if you can come from behind.

"We worked hard for the win. The way the game turned out was not the way we had planned for it to be but the most important thing was to take the three points so we are just relieved that we did that."

Agger accepts that Liverpool will need to improve defensively if they are to wrestle top spot back from United

"The way they scored both goals was really disappointing for us and it was hard work to get back into the game," said the Dane.

"All we could do was keep our focus and continue believing in ourselves and thankfully the goals came.

"We had some really good moments in the game, passing the ball on the ground where it should be played.

"Even though it was a difficult pitch we passed it really well at times but sometimes we just needed to attack with a bit more determination.

"That's maybe the reason why we didn't create as many chances as we should have done before the goals finally came."

Rafael Benitez Accused Of Relying Too Heavily On Steven Gerrard And Fernando Torres

Liverpool narrowly beat Portsmouth on Saturday, with a Torres goal in the final minutes of the game proving to be the winner, leading some criticism towards the Liverpool boss.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been accused by The Times' Matt Dickinson of becoming too reliant on his main stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

The Reds came from behind to beat Portsmouth yesterday with a late Torres goal, and Dickinson believes that without the influential pair, Liverpool would not be sustaining as much of a challenge for the Premier League title.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Sunday Supplement programme, Dickinson said, "Liverpool are hanging in there, but I think yesterday's win just re-emphasised that he's so reliant on two players - Torres and Gerrard.

"Gerrard is out for a couple of weeks and Torres has had his injury problems. He goes off on international duty with Spain this week and Rafa will have everything crossed for a few days, because if Torres is out for another few weeks you feel then it will really all be over.

"I just don't see them sustaining the sort of pace Manchester United will set without Fernando Torres. He's one of the top finishers in the world."

The journalist also believes that any chance Liverpool have of winning their first Premier League crown is if Manchester United become too distracted by their pursuit of other trophies.

"Their best hope is that United have too much on their plate - that United carry on in Europe, the FA Cup, and, of course, they have the League Cup final."

Despite the recent bizarre transfer activity at Anfield, with Robbie Keane leaving the club to return to Tottenham Hotspur only eight months after joining the club, Dickinson believes the current Liverpool side are still capable of mounting a decent title challenge.

"He's made some mistakes in the transfer market, but don't all managers?
"He's put together a team who are, genuinely, challenging for the title. I don't think they'll win it because United have been there a million times before and have got the stronger resources.

"It's not easy taking on Man U when, for example, you go in for [Nemanja] Vidic, you pay the money to trigger his get out clause, Man U turn up a day later and say we'll trump you by another couple of million. That's the world he has to work in."

Hunger For Title Evident

Well, that was an emotional rollercoaster Alton Towers would be proud of. An unbelievable game that showed the spirit of this Liverpool team.

To come back again and again proves that these players really are hungry for the title. The celebrations of the winner epitomised that.

Interesting how people are still having a go at us in the media when Manchester United would be hailed for their resilience if it was they who came back. We have also scored more league goals than United this season which makes a mockery of the perception that Ferguson’s team are an attacking dream.

I am really pleased for Rafa Benitez; some of the rubbish being spouted by the media has been way over the top. Here we have a fantastic manager who really is a victim of raising expectations.

This man could have easily left on many occasions to take the Madrid job but why didn’t he? Simple – the man truly loves this football club, time for everyone to give him the respect he deserves.

The squad did look a bit threadbare, which led to a bold team selection. And for a long time it looked like it would lead to a damaging result.

However the old guard thankfully rescued us in the form of Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres. Kuyt has his detractors including myself, but it was a great finish, maybe the way forward is to use him as an impact substitute when the opposition are tiring.

It’s impossible to not admire Torres, already a true great. A consummate professional and a great ambassador for the club, we have had a long list of these but I have the feeling we’ll still talk about this guy decades down the line.

The international break has scarcely been more welcome. Torres himself has admitted he’s played too much football, which vindicates Rafa’s decision to use him sparingly in this fixture. When the league action resumes we need to keep the momentum, because the league is still very much winnable. To be in this position is proof of the progress – fact.

Jamie Carragher Warns Best Is Yet To Come From Fernando Torres

Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher has warned the rest of the Premier League that the best is still to come from striker Fernando Torres.

With skipper Steven Gerrard injured, centre-back Carragher took the armband for Liverpool’s 3-2 win at Portsmouth which took them back to the Premier League summit until Manchester United’s 1-0 victory at West Ham yesterday.

Portsmouth led 1-0 and 2-1 before goals in the last five minutes from Dirk Kuyt and Torres snatched the points for the visitors.

Manager Rafael Benitez made six changes to his starting line-up from the midweek defeat to Everton.

And having played 101 minutes at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, Torres, who has recently returned from a hamstring injury was one of the players left out as the Spaniard handed French youngster David Ngog his first Premier League start up front.

Despite still not possessing full match fitness, Torres came off the bench to score a last-minute winner for Liverpool for the second time in consecutive weekends and take his goal tally to three in six days.

Carragher has warned Liverpool’s rivals that with Torres doing such damage when he’s not 100% fit, he could become a force to be reckoned with when he’s back firing on all cylinders.

He said: “Fernando is massive to our title challenge. It’s credit to the players and the staff that we are where we are considering he’s been missing for a long time this season.

“To get him back, the way he’s been firing against Chelsea with a couple of great goals and then he’s done the damage against Portsmouth has gained us an extra four points in two Premier League games.

“If he can keep doing that for the rest of the season then we’ll run whoever it is close for the title.”

Torres is one of five Liverpool players in the Spain squad to face England in Seville on Wednesday and although his club manager has been nursing him back to fitness gradually, Vicente Del Bosque is expected to use him.

Carragher said: “At the moment Fernando is just coming back to fitness and he played into extra-time on Wednesday and now he’ll be going away with Spain so given the injuries he’s had this season the manager is being very careful with him.

“He’s doing okay with the goals he’s scoring but he’s not quite 100%. Given that, if he keeps coming on and scoring then we’ve got something to look forward to in the coming months when he is fully fit.”

Some glaring individual errors from Portsmouth’s former Liverpool duo Peter Crouch and David James handed their ex-team victory at Fratton Park.

And Carragher admitted that with a two-week break ahead of them because of their FA Cup exit, it was important to bounce back with a win following their derby defeat.

He said: “There are small details in football, little things which can change games. Against Everton we were a little bit unlucky that it went against us but against Portsmouth it went for us but that’s football.

“It’s a massive result for us because the next game is two weeks away. If we’d have gone into that break off a bad result it would have been hanging over us for a couple of weeks. We had an opportunity here a couple of days after the Everton game which was vital for us.

“It wasn’t too bad because we got the three points because we didn’t want to wait a long time to get a result and the Manchester City game is a couple of weeks away.”

For the first time this season, Liverpool switched to a back three formation with Carragher marshalling Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger either side of him but the skipper claimed there was no problem adapting to the alternative system.

He said: “We were fine with the three at the back – we’ve played that a lot of times under Benitez.

“We haven’t played it this season but we’ve done it plenty of times before under Rafa and we always seem to get good results with it.”

David N'Gog: I Want To Be Liverpool's Next Fernando Torres

David N'Gog arrived at Liverpool last summer from Paris Saint-Germain after impressing Rafael Benitez's scouts with his occasional outings in Ligue 1.

Very much a project player, the 19-year-old has taken up the role of Fernando Torres' understudy, beating a host of talented reserves - including Krisztian Nemeth and Daniel Pacheco - to the first-team bench.

The French striker has been paying close attention to his Spanish squad-mate, and he is delighted at how much he is learning simply by observing one of the world's most dangerous forwards.

"I have spent a lot of time watching Fernando Torres in training and in the games he has played," N'Gog told LFC Magazine.

"He is a great striker - he moves well, he finds space where other players would struggle, and more than anything else, he works hard for the team. I am learning a lot from him.

"Some strikers play for themselves first, they only react when the ball comes to them. I don't want to be one of those players, so I have been watching what Fernando does very closely.

"Not just Torres, but Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard too - you can learn a lot from players like them. Any young player would be delighted to have these players to look up to, and I am very fortunate to learn from them every day. I am picking up things from them all the time."

With Robbie Keane back at Tottenham Hotspur and Gerrard sidelined due to a hamstring injury, N'Gog could be given a several chances to strut his stuff over the coming weeks.

He added, "I am excited to be here at Liverpool, and hopefully I can impress the manager in training every day and play some more games in the second half of the season."

Fabio Aurelio Hails Liverpool's Winning Mentality

The Reds' Brazilian left-back was pleased with how he and his team-mates fought their way to victory at Fratton Park.

Liverpool looked certain to slip further behind Manchester United in the title race on Saturday, as they found themselves 2-1 down to Portsmouth with five minutes remaining.

However, the Reds rallied late, with Dirk Kuyt beating David James at his near post before fellow super-sub Fernando Torres finished the game off with a powerful, injury-time header.

The result put the Merseysiders back on top of the Premier League table, if only for a short while, and Fabio Aurelio was delighted with the battling qualities shown on the South Coast.

"It was really important to win and we kept going right until the end," the 29-year-old defender told the club's official website.

"The manager made a lot of changes to the team because we had a lot of players who were tired after the FA Cup game against Everton, so everybody tried to do their best.

"We had difficulties during the game but we twice came back and we have to be really pleased with the win. I thought we controlled the first half but in the second half it was like the beginning of the season when we were behind and then kept coming back.

"To win a game like this will help us for the rest of the season to keep fighting right until the end. It was really important three points, because we have two weeks now before our next game.

"We have a winning mentality and it gives us a lot of confidence. We will keep fighting hard and keep the pressure on Manchester United."

Aurelio, who scored Liverpool's opener at Fratton Park with a free kick inside the box, was given an unfamiliar role in what was a most curious team selection from Rafael Benitez.

The former Sao Paulo star was deployed as a central midfielder, a position he had never before filled as a Red, but he has received glowing reviews for his composed performance.

"It's not my natural position but I did play some games there for Rafa at Valencia," Aurelio said. "I haven't played in the centre of midfield for quite a while and the manager told me on Saturday morning I would be playing there.

"It's always difficult when you haven't played in a position like that for some time but I tried to do the best I could, and I am happy because I could help the team get a great result."

Fernando Torres Wants 'Irreplaceable' Steven Gerrard Back Soon For Liverpool

The Spanish striker wants his England international team-mate fit and firing again as soon as possible.

As Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez faces criticism that he is over-reliant on the superlative talents of his attacking duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, it would seem that the Spanish half of that formiable partnership may be a little guilty of the same thing, with some comments in the Spanish media today suggesting that Gerrard's absence with a hamstring injury is troubling Torres deeply.

Liverpool managed to secure a last gasp 3-2 victory over Portmsouth at Fratton Park yesterday, with the help of a goal from Torres, but at times such an outcome looked unlikely, with the Reds fielding an unfamiliar looking line-up due to injury and the well-publicised fatigue of the squad.

Despite that success, Torres is eager for his talismanic skipper to return to first-team action as soon as possible.

"He is irreplaceable," the striker said of Gerrard to AS. "Every great team has a model player, one whose home is there, one who stays there for life.

"People come and people go and he always stays. Here that's Gerrard. Liverpool is him and 10 others. He is everything for us.

"They're saying he'll be out for three weeks, let's hope it's less. I hope and would love his lay-off to be shorter."

Gerrard's injury will also prevent him from facing his team-mate in England's much-anticipated friendly with Spain in Seville next week.

Ryan Babel: I Can Become New Liverpool Hero Now Robbie Keane Has Gone

Ryan Babel believes the departure of Robbie Keane can finally make him a striking star with Liverpool.

Holland international Babel said: "I've had a really good talk with manager Rafa Benitez. I told him I am really happy at Liverpool.

"This is the place where I want to become a top-class player. Robbie has gone to Tottenham and that increases my chances so much more.

"I'm ready for more playing time. Meeting the manager, and having a talk about the future, was really important."

Babel joined Liverpool from Ajax in an £11million deal in the summer of 2007 but has been a fringe player since.

There have been increasing calls around Anfield for the Dutchman to take some of the pressure off Fernando Torres's shoulders.

Babel - who missed a sitter at Portsmouth last night - added: "I understand Liverpool is a massive club. When you play here, you know you are going to face so many matches every season.

"We play in all competitions and not a single player can play all of those matches.

"The manager invests so much time and energy in talking to us. He takes time with me. We talk about the system we play, about how he wants me and others to operate in his system. He has told me what my role can be in the future and what he expects of me now, if necessary as a winger.

"But I have not made a secret of my big desire to become a striker for Liverpool.

"That is where my ambition is and Benitez now knows that. I have told him that I have a real hunger for that position."

Some Liverpool fans are beginning to question Babel's progress, but the Dutchman insisted: "I have made big progress as a player at Liverpool.

"I train with the best players in the world and I feel as if I have one of the best coaches in the world.

"The Premier League is heaven for a player. You see and you meet the best of the best. Every opponent has quality and is physically strong. When I used to play at Ajax I could play and win matches without having to give 100 per cent. Under Benitez, and in the Premier League, that is impossible."

Babel still thinks Liverpool will win the title. He said: "Our rivals are going to drop points. They can't keep winning. It is important we show character when they make a mistake."

Kuyt - Rafa Proved Right

Dirk Kuyt admits Rafa Benitez was proved right to drop several first-team regulars for Liverpool's 3-2 win at Portsmouth.

Reds boss Benitez sprung a surprise with his team selection at Fratton Park after leaving Kuyt, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres on the bench, while also changing to a three-man central defence.

Benitez's substitutions worked perfectly as Kuyt brought the Reds level at 2-2 before Torres headed home a stoppage-time winner.

Dutch attacker Kuyt concedes he would prefer to be starting games, but he understands Benitez's decision to freshen up his team.

"It's the choice of the boss," said Kuyt. "Of course, as a player you always want to play, but it is the manager's choice - and he was right."

Jamie Carragher acknowledged Benitez had taken a gamble and feels the victory at Pompey proves Liverpool's desire to win the Premier League title.

"There are a few times that we've come back, so that tells you about the spirit of the team," said Carragher.

"It's always a gamble when your big names are on the bench.

"But we had extra-time against Everton in the week, so it wasn't about big names but fresh players.

"They came off the bench to make a difference and that's what they did."

No New Agger Deal Yet - Agent

Daniel Agger's agent has denied reports that the Liverpool defender has signed a new contract with the Premier League club.

Reports on Saturday claimed that the Denmark international had committed his future to the Reds by agreeing a new £70,000-a-week deal.

Agger's current contract expires next year and he has been waiting for the title contenders to discuss an extension.

However, the 24-year-old's representative Per Steffensen insists the centre-half has yet to resolve his future on Merseyside.

"It is simply not correct," Steffensen told TV2 Sporten in reference to the latest rumours. "There has not been any deal signed with Liverpool.

"Apart from that, I have no comments regarding Daniel's situation."

Since joining the Reds from Brondby just over three years ago, Agger has made over 70 appearances for Rafa Benitez's side.