Rafael Benitez Clueless Over New Liverpool Deal, Considers Aston Villa Title Challengers

The Liverpool gaffer revealed that he still does not know when he will sign a new contract, is focused on his own team, and warns of Villa's potential title charge.

Liverpool's seeming reluctance to offer manager Rafael Benitez the new contract that he desires has prompted endless speculation regarding the Spaniard's short-term future, as well as who could suitably replace the man who has led the club to two Champions League finals.

Benitez though remained cagey in a scheduled pre-match press conference when he questions were posed as to whether there was any news with regards to his contract.

"There is no news," he said. "I have to stay focused on football because we have many important games coming up. I don't know when [there will be any news], but we need to concentrate on football."

Liverpool's title rivals Manchester United have recently been dubbed as the "Untouchables," from Arsene Wenger, the man who groomed the "Invincibles," a team that went on a 49-game run without defeat.

Blackburn Rovers' boss Sam Allardyce who are Sir Alex Ferguson and United's weekend opposition, today intimated that the club are "formidable, not 'untouchable'," but Benitez has skirted the issue, by declaring that it is more beneficial for a team to focus on their own home, rather than admire the way another is decorated.

"We have to think about ourselves. We need to go and get three points in the next game, with no need to think about the other team. We just need to play well, win, and see what happens."

Many commentators have cited that the race for the Premier League crown will be competed between two thoroughbreds. But again, this is a sentiment that Benitez contests, as he feels Aston Villa could prove be worth a punt.

"Aston Villa are a team in a good position, as are Chelsea who are still in a good position. Anything can change.

"I think it was the same before. United are a good team and winning many games so you know you need to win as many games as you can but as I said, anything can change in one or two games time."

Liverpool host Manchester City this weekend.

Liverpool FC coach Mauricio Pellegrino: Never Mind The Gap - Just Close It

If, as expected, Liverpool go into Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester City eight points behind league leaders Manchester United there will be no shortage of doubters ready to write off their title hopes as an impossible dream.

But when you have been part of a team that clawed back an identical deficit to a Real Madrid side during the Galacticos era then you are surely entitled to believe that impossible is nothing.

Liverpool coach Mauricio Pellegrino looks back with great pride on the season when Valencia surprised everyone in Spain by reeling in the Real of Raul, Zidane and Beckham having lagged well behind them with three months of the campaign remaining.

Now he believes the Liverpool squad he helps train daily has both the characteristics and quality to ensure United will not be able to rest on their laurels even if they do give themselves an eight -point cushion.

"In football and in sport in general anything is possible," said the man who was described by Rafa Benitez as "a born winner" upon his return to Anfield in the summer.

"As long as your rivals do not have too many points with too few games left to play then of course they can still be caught – there are so many examples of this happening.

"When I was with Valencia as a player there was a time when we were eight points behind Real. This was in the 2003/04 season. We had won La Liga in 2001/02. This time we were behind and lots of people did not think we could catch them.

"But we went on a run in which we won seven games in a row and Real Madrid lost two or three games and we ended up being champions.

"We never gave up and we kept on believing in ourselves and because of this we were able to take advantage when the leaders did not win as many games as they had been expected to.

"We had a very strong team and we had confidence to keep going right up until the end and it paid off.

"In football you never know and things can change from one week to the next. With three points for a win gaps can be closed very quickly.

"If you look at the Premier League table the gap between Manchester United at the top and Aston Villa in third place is not so big.

"We still have chances, Villa still have chances and Chelsea in fourth still have chances.

"Our target now is to ensure that we get towards the end of the season with our chances still intact.

"Man United will be the favourites because they are the champions and they are at the top of the table but our team is having a good season and we will try to continue in this way.

"The team has confidence, the players have energy and they want to fight to the very end.

"We have tried from the very start to compete at the top of the table and we are doing that but we know that we can still improve some details.

"Some of the players are increasing their level and some of them are coming back from injuries so the future could be good."

The impending arrival of City brings similarly evocative, if more recent, memories for Pellegrino.

The last time the two sides met Liverpool staged one of the comebacks of this or any season to record a memorable victory after being two goals down.

And the 37-year-old believes the character they showed in that game is emblematic of what he sees in the squad all the time.

"Our squad has shown great character on many occasions this season," he said.

"If you go back to the first home game we were behind against Middlesbrough with only a few minutes remaining and we came back to win.

"It was similar in our last match against Portsmouth which we won 3-2 after being behind twice.

"The best example though is probably the win over Man City when we came back from two goals down away from home. That takes character and this means that we do not need to worry about pressure because the players have already proved that they can cope with it."

If Liverpool are to overhaul United then they must first deal with their Mancunian rivals and Pellegrino knows just how vital a win on Sunday could turn out to be.

"We have won our last two games so now we want to make it three," he said.

"Man City will be a tough opponent but we are confident that we can get the result that we are looking for.

"If we do win then we can look ahead to the Champions League game with Real Madrid with even more confidence and belief."

Having conquered Madrid once, Pellegrino now wants to do it again but it is United who occupy his thoughts most right now.

The similarities between United and Real are not lost on the Argentinian and now he wants Liverpool to do what Valencia did five years ago and show that even the hottest of favourites can be defeated.

"You can find comparisons because each country has powerful teams who the press is always pushing because they are expecting them to win the title," he said.

"We know this is the business but at the end it is eleven against eleven on the pitch and if you do your job well, with confidence and you play as a unit then this can be more powerful than the other things – the press or the money or the power.

"I trust in our players. It is an amazing squad to work with and they deserve to have a chance right up until the end because they have worked hard from the very first day.

"We are at a crucial stage in the season and the next month will decide if our possibilities will increase or decrease but, like I said, I believe in the Liverpool players."

Pepe Reina Dimisses Liverpool To Atletico Madrid Switch

Pepe Reina has dismissed speculation suggesting he is seeking a move to Atletico Madrid.

Reina’s father recently declared that the Liverpool keeper is desperate to seal a transfer to Atletico, but the 26-year-old insists he is happy at Anfield.

“It’s my father who made this declaration because he wants me to play for Atletico, but as far as I’m concerned, I don’t,” he said.

“If one day I was to think of moving back to Spanish football, Atletico would be my first option because it’s a club I have a lot of affection for.

“Nevertheless, saying that I want to move to Atletico right now is wrong because I’m happy at Liverpool.”

Technical Ability Will Give English Clubs The Edge In Champions League - Alan Hansen

New Football Pools pundit Alan Hansen talks exclusively to Goal.com about three of next week's Champions League clashes involving English clubs - and expects the Premier League representatives to have the edge over their continental opponents.

Alan Hansen was a colossus on the pitch for Liverpool and Scotland, becoming a true Anfield legend and collecting a host of medals in a glittering playing career. And since hanging up his boots he's become a giant of football punditry too, renowned for his forthright views and analyses which are eagerly anticipated by millions of viewers of BBC TV's Match of the Day every week.

Looking forward to the potential treats in store as Champions League action resumes on Tuesday and Wednesday, Alan Hansen spoke to Goal.com about the likely outcomes of three key matches...


Real Madrid v Liverpool

The Real Madrid v Liverpool clash is an absolutely massive match between two of the biggest clubs in world football. The Spanish champions are playing well at the moment but Liverpool have showed in the last 5 years or so that they can produce fantastic results in this competition.

The atmosphere for the 2nd leg at Anfield will simply be out of this world. The atmosphere for European nights is already superb but with Liverpool still in the title race and the level of opposition they are facing, it will take it up a notch or two. Usually Liverpool are only competing for this trophy at this time of the season so the fact they are still in with a chance of the Premier League too should add to the excitement of this game.

Let’s get it right, Real Madrid are truly formidable opposition but over two legs Liverpool are definitely strong enough to go through. You can only beat what is put in front of you and we all know Real Madrid have plenty of attacking threat but they are definitely vulnerable when they aren’t in possession of the ball. You can have the best attackers in the world but if you don’t play with a structure then you will suffer which has been the case of the Spaniards in this competition in recent years.

Real are not short of top class defenders, they possess the likes of Sergio Ramos, Fabio Cannavaro and Gabriel Heinze; but it’s not all about the back four, it’s about how they defend as a team and I think Rafa Benitez’s side could exploit that. Liverpool will be resolute in the first leg at the Bernabeu in front of a fanatical home crowd. I must admit that I envy the Liverpool players walking out on that pitch as despite numerous European games for the club I never played in that fantastic stadium.

You think of Real Madrid and you think of flamboyant attacking football. They’ve always had top players, I grew up watching the likes of Alfredo Di Stefano and Francisco Gento who were part of a truly great Real Madrid team. However, despite their style and size the Spanish champions have not won the Champions League for a while and are struggling to retain their domestic title, so Liverpool have a great chance in what promises to be a truly fantastic tie.


Inter v Manchester United

Having watched Inter in the Milan derby last week I did notice that they look a lot stronger under Jose Mourinho’s management. However, the way Manchester United are playing at the minute you have to fancy them to go through.

The thing about football is that one bad performance or one bad result can really upset a team to the extent where you don’t know where the next win is coming from. The problem for anyone facing Manchester United at the moment is that Sir Alex knows exactly what to expect so knows how to avoid complacency setting in. The fact that United have such a strong squad also helps the manager in that area as there is always someone ready to take another player's place in the side. This in turn keeps everyone on their toes.

The fact that Mourinho knows all about United will definitely help the Italians and we all know what a good tactician the Portuguese manager is. Then there’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he is a good forward but does not necessarily stand out for me as much as his reputation merits. The Swede looked big and strong in the Milan derby but the way United’s defence is currently performing, I don’t see him causing Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic too many problems. For me, Sir Alex’s side should progress to the next round as they are without a doubt the form side.


Chelsea v Juventus

The Chelsea v Juventus encounter sees former manager Claudio Ranieri return to Stamford Bridge. The Italian side sit 2nd in Serie A but remain 9 points behind leaders Inter so are unlikely to win their domestic title. Chelsea have also been struggling but I still would expect them to progress from this tie.
Ranieri should get a good reception from the home crowd though his time in charge of the club was marred by his failure to win the Champions League when they really should have at least reached the final. During the semi-final defeat to Monaco, the Italian made some of the worst substitutions I have ever seen and ultimately it cost them. If he had managed to win the trophy he may well have still been in the job. Unfortunately his time in the Chelsea hot-seat will be remembered due to his numerous unnecessary changes. After all, he was nicknamed the ‘Tinker-man’.

Chelsea should have too much power and pace for Juventus but that doesn’t mean that the Blues are lacking in technical ability. The Premier League is often accused of lacking the technique of the Italian and Spanish sides. I have to disagree with that. You don’t get three English clubs reaching the last four of the Champions League as happened last season, if they don’t have plenty of technical ability.

On Chelsea and Hiddink...

The arrival of Guus Hiddink at Chelsea should have an immediate effect on the dressing room in terms of giving the players a lift. Obviously the Dutchman has an excellent track record as a coach which is why he was employed, but then again, so did Big Phil Scolari. One thing’s for certain - Hiddink will need to heal the obvious factions at the club, though once these factions appear it can be extremely hard to get the team spirit back.

We don’t know if Hiddink wants the job full-time or not but he has walked into a great job, they remain in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League so he has a great chance of picking up silverware. He also inherits a great set of players too, if he can get them playing for each other again then anything is possible.

It’s important that Hiddink recreates the ‘team’ ethic that Chelsea were renowned for and if he can mould the numerous individual talents into a unit then he could turn it around at the club.

Alonso Cautious Over Gerrard

Xabi Alonso has warned Liverpool not to rush Steven Gerrard back from injury into the team.

Gerrard has been pencilled in for a surprise return to the side for this weekend's clash with Manchester City after making a quicker than expected recovery from his hamstring problem.

Alonso, who will miss the meeting with City at Anfield on Sunday through suspension, is wary of rushing Gerrard back too soon in case he suffers a relapse of the injury.

"It is good to see Stevie coming back but we have to wait until he is 100 per cent," warned Alonso.

"It is not intelligent to rush him back. Whenever he feels okay he will be a big part of our squad again."

Alonso admits he will be a frustrated observer on Sunday after picking up five bookings this season.

"It is always frustrating to watch games from the stands but I have known for a while I was likely to miss a match at some point and it has to be this one on Sunday," added Alonso.

"The important thing is all our international players came back fit last week and we have all also had some time off.

"It is important to have some time to disconnect during the middle of the season and now we can look forward to the game with Manchester City, which is going to be very important for us if we want to challenge for the title.

"Hopefully it will not be as dramatic as our game at City when we were two goals down at half-time. We had to play with a lot of belief in that second half and score three goals, which eventually we managed.

"This time hopefully it will be more comfortable.

"But they are a good team even though they have not got the best of away records this season, so we know we will be in for a tough match."

Riise Compares Roma Captain Totti To Gerrard

Roma defender John Arne Riise talked about the Giallorossi's fanbase and made a comparison between Francesco Totti and his former team mate Steven Gerrard.

Roma defender John Arne Riise, who joined from Liverpool last summer, talked about the Giallorossi's passionate fanbase and in particular the Curva Sud section of the stadium, comparing it with the legendary Kop at Anfield.

"The fans in Italy and England both have enormous passion," he told asroma.no, "and the players have a lot of respect for the fans. The Curva Sud is like the Kop in Liverpool and I've thought more than once how lucky I am to play in two clubs which have such marvelous supporters.

"The atmosphere they create before the match is magical, and gives us a lot of energy before the kick-off. I can advise everyone to come and watch a game in Rome, they won't be disappointed."

He then went on to compare Roma captain Francesco Totti with his Liverpool counterpart Steven Gerrard.

"Totti is like Steven Gerrard in Liverpool, a fabulous player, and someone who has the respect of everyone, both from his team mates and his opponents," Riise continued. "I'm sure next year we will play in the Champions League and with the strength we are finding this season we will certainly go far this year too."

At the moment the Giallorossi are in sixth place with 40 points, two away from a Champions League spot. Next week they travel to north London to face Arsenal in the first leg of their last 16 tie in the Champions League.

With the final being held in Rome this year, they will have an extra motivation to go all the way this season.

Who Could Succeed Rafael Benitez At Liverpool?

As uncertainty mounts over Rafa the gaffer's long-term prospects at Anfield, Goal.com's Mike Maguire mulls over who could replace the Spaniard, should he leave.

Liverpool are in the midst of what could end up as their best season in decades. They may be out of the FA Cup and League Cup, but are maintaining a genuine push for the Premier League title and will face Real Madrid next week in the last 16 of the Champions League.

And yet, Rafael Benitez's future is in serious doubt.

The Spanish manager is presently embroiled in talks over a new contract, and he has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with the slowness of the negotiation process.

Indeed, in a 'catch 22' of sorts, it is Benitez's desire to speed up the way things are done at Anfield that is causing the stall: he wants more control over transfers, but it is a privilege club co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett seem reluctant to grant.

The former Valencia coach's outspokenness on such matters has hardly helped, and he hinted in the press recently that he could leave in the summer if a deal is not struck by then - regardless of what the Reds achieve this season.

If that should be the case, who would be worthy of fashioning their own groove in the Anfield hot-seat? That is what we intend to find out. And in light of recent calls for British bosses to be given opportunities at top clubs, we've decided to focus primarily on home-grown candidates.

Martin O'Neill, Aston Villa

This man is the one most observers believe is ready to step up to a 'Big Four' job. Since taking over at Villa Park in 2006, O'Neill has transformed a relegation-threatened club into Champions League contenders - and this term, they're even an outside chance for the title.

The Ulsterman's CV reads very well indeed. In the early 1990s he took Wycombe Wanderers to the Football League for the first time in their history; they reached the old Second Division under his tenure. His Leicester City side won the League Cup twice, and they never finished outside the Premier League top ten during his reign. Then came the Celtic years, during which he re-established the Hoops as the best team in Scotland and led them into the Champions League.

Thus, with the Villans now battling for the UEFA Cup and sitting third in the league, O'Neill's credentials are there for all to see. Whether he is right for Liverpool, though, is up for debate. His recent spats with the club and Benitez over Gareth Barry aside, one must remember that he was part of the Nottingham Forest team who enjoyed a fierce rivalry with the Merseysiders during the late 1970s and '80s.

David Moyes, Everton

It might surprise some that the Scot had only held one managerial position - at Preston North End - before succeeding Walter Smith at Goodison Park in 2002. Not unlike O'Neill, he took a struggling side and led them back to Europe - most famously to the Champions League in 2005, beating the Reds to fourth place. The Toffees have managed a UEFA Cup spot in every season since, and they are expected to maintain that record this season.

If there is such a thing as a natural gaffer, Moyes is it. He set about attaining his coaching badges at just 22 years of age, so the vast majority of his playing career was spent preparing for life in the technical area. His exploits with a club whose results far outweigh their financial clout have impressed all and sundry, and some have even tipped him as the heir to Sir Alex Ferguson's throne at Old Trafford.

The top brass on the other side of Stanley Park, however, may hope the Glaswegian instead decides to follow in Kenny Dalglish's footsteps.

Steve Bruce, Wigan Athletic

Why are the top British candidates decidedly anti-Liverpool? As a member of the great Man United team of the mid-1990s, Bruce is another who would have to change his stripes to take the Reds' reins. Not all Kopites would be against such an appointment, though.

Football fans on Merseyside know quality when they see it, and there is an undercurrent of respect for this Manc on the coast of the Irish Sea. Only once have Benitez's men beaten a Bruce-managed side in league play, and that came in the controversial 3-2 thriller against Wigan Athletic earlier this season.

After ending his six-year stint at Birmingham City to steer the Latics clear of relegation last term, the 48-year-old assembled a team that currently sit seventh in the Premier League standings. However, the inability to keep star performers - such as Wilson Palacios and Emile Heskey - at the JJB could drive him to a club with more spending power, should such an opportunity arise.

Sammy Lee, Liverpool (Assistant Manager)

Finally, a local lad. Lee's credentials in top-flight management may not read as well as those of the others on this list; his only job as the (little) big boss came at Bolton Wanderers, and that was a near-disastrous and short-lived stint in the wake of Sam Allardyce's exit.

However, there are many factors in his favour. He's a native Liverpudlian; he knows the club inside-out, having spent 11 trophy-filled years at the club as a player; since he replaced Paco Ayestaran as Benitez's right-hand man, the team's results have picked up noticeably; and his rapport with the Spanish players and staff is excellent, thanks to his years with Osasuna.

This appointment would be a throwback to the Boot Room era at Anfield, which effectively ended when Roy Evans left in the late '90s. Many of the more senior supporters would likely welcome him to the top job, but one can't help but think that his track record - or lack thereof, perhaps - might count against him.

Jose Mourinho, Inter

The one 'foreigner' in this motley crew, and unquestionably the most qualified of all the candidates. Everyone knows what he did at Chelsea: harnessed the power of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba & Co. to lead the Blues to back-to-back Premier League crowns, an FA Cup and a League Cup in three years.

Now in Italy, he's odds on to steer Inter to their fourth consecutive Scudetto, and yet his time in Serie A could come to an abrupt halt at season's end. His 'self-assured' attitude has put him offside with the local press, and failure to deliver the Champions League title could see him go the way of Roberto Mancini.

The Portuguese recently declared his desire to return to Stamford Bridge one day. However, in months prior, he stated that he would like to return to England - but not necessarily Chelsea. That led to speculation concerning Manchester City, United and Liverpool, where he was a top candidate to succeed Gerard Houllier before Benitez got the gig.

The Verdict

All these potential options, bar Lee, have endured some sort of feud with Rafa the gaffer or Liverpool. However, contrary to popular belief, leopards do change their spots from time to time. Matt Busby was an Anfield legend, after all...

First, the process of elimination. Lee, while all Kopites would love to see him lead the side to glory, hasn't the experience or perhaps even the capability to do the job. He's a brilliant No. 2, a great link between the manager and the players, but at the Reebok he clearly struggled to break away from that mould and establish his own persona as a manager.

Moyes is the next least likely. Face it, he's been at Everton around seven years now, and Merseyside rivalry is not as friendly as it once was. Gone are the days of the Nick Barmby and Peter Beardsley transfers - if Moyes crossed the picket-line, he'd be waking up with the severed head of a different animal on his pillow each morning.

Bruce is not quite as far-fetched, given his excellent record against the Reds, but O'Neill and Mourinho would have to be the frontrunners of this mob. And one thinks the fans would fancy the former. 'The Special One' is renowned for getting results without paying too much attention to style; the Villa boss, though, has constructed winning teams that are very good to watch. And the Kopites crave eye-pleasing yet very effective football.

However, 'MON' has never managed an elite European club. The step up is a big one, and one that many promising mid-table managers have failed to negotiate. Can he do the job, or is Mourinho the better bet?

Or should Hicks and Gillett just keep hold of Rafa Benitez while he still wants to be there?

Benitez Bid For Budget Control Fails

Rafael Benitez appears to have had to compromise over his demands for complete control over his club's transfer budget, with Liverpool's owners unwilling to hand over a sum that he is free to spend on players as he sees fit, as part of his new contract.

Benitez appears to be close to ending the drawn-out contract process which has created such uncertainty at Anfield, by putting pen to paper soon on a new £3.5m-a-year deal, and though it would appear that he will be able to answer more directly to the club's owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks under the auspices of the contract, the desire he expressed last month for a budget with which he is free to work does not appear to be one the club can satisfy.

Benitez has said he wanted a budget he could spend at his own discretion. "If you have £20m you can sign four players at £5m, one for £20m or one of £15m and another of £5m," he said recently. "Who will know how the money should be spent? One person – the manager, because he knows who he wants for his squad. Who will know the value of the player? The manager."

But the idea of the Americans handing over such a sum does not seem realistic, with Hicks and Gillett apparently insistent that they will expect to take each request for a player on merit, this summer. It was the Americans' decision that £18m was too much to lay out on Gareth Barry which has been a source of such rancour to Benitez, though the Spaniard's original estimate of the Aston Villa midfielder's value – at least £6m less – contributed to a belief shared by both owners that the Midlands club's demands were unrealistic as the process drew out.

Though Hicks is more amenable to Benitez's demands than Gillett, who will not countenance the idea of a manager being free to spend money as he choses, neither will allow a position to arise where he can spend such a sum without recourse to them. A clue to Benitez's acceptance of the need to compromise seemed to come in a recent Spanish interview, in which he said: "I never asked for complete control. I did, however, ask for the power to be able to make my own decisions and run the team the way I see fit. That is not the same thing." But it remains to be seen whether a more direct line to the Americans will be enough to satisfy him, should they decline him any given player this summer.

There are conflicting views on whether control over Liverpool's youth academy is the outstanding issue to be resolved before Benitez signs his new deal. Sources within the club suggest that control over the academy has never been realistic and is not an issue, though others suggest that the Spaniard is intent on being allowed to oversee that side of the club's overall development.

Meanwhile, UEFA are considering a request from Liverpool to move a Champions League match to avoid a clash with the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

Liverpool have asked if the second leg of their quarter-final – should they reach it – can be brought forward from its currently scheduled date of 15 April. That day marks exactly two decades since 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives at Hillsborough before and during an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool would like the game to be played on 14 April, allowing players and staff to attend a memorial service at Anfield the next day.

The club have alerted UEFA to this potential clash but European football's governing body will not make a firm decision until after the last-16 ties are played and the quarter-final draw made.

A UEFA spokesman said: "We have received a request and we will try our best to accommodate it, but we cannot guarantee at this stage that we will be able to."

Liverpool must first win a two-legged tie against Real Madrid to reach the quarter-finals.

Belief Is The Key, Says Benitez

Rafa Benitez today told his players not to worry about Manchester United and to have total belief in themselves.

Liverpool currently trail the league leaders by five points and the gap could tomorrow be stretched to eight should United beat Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford.

But with the Reds set to take on Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday Benitez knows the dynamic at the top of the table could still shift in favour of the Reds as long as they retain their focus and belief in the weeks to come.

“The first thing to stress is that we cannot change anything that other teams are doing unless we are playing them,” said the Anfield boss.

“We can only improve the things that depend on us and what we do ourselves - so it is important that we keep our focus.

“Clearly we have to believe in ourselves because we are in the position that we are in in the league table because we deserve to be there.

“We know that every single league game from now until the end of the season will be important and we cannot start to think about where we may or may not be in two or three games time if results go this way or that way.

“All we can do is focus on each game as it comes and try to do everything we can for winning.

“You never know what will happen at this stage of the season, there are often some strange results and this is why we must keep our concentration and not think too much about anyone or anything else.

“Training at Melwood has been really good this week and the mood among the players has been very positive, so hopefully we can take this into Sunday’s game.”

Benitez’s contract situation is yet to be resolved and he today told the ECHO: “There is no news and I want to concentrate on the football.”

But one thing which he insists is not in any doubt is that the battle for the title is not a two horse race between his own side and United as it has been billed in some quarters.

Benitez is refusing to rule out Aston Villa and reckons Martin O’Neill’s team could still have a major say in the destination of this year’s Premier League trophy.

He added: 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.

“Aston Villa are in a good position also but I am not surprised by this because they have good players.

“They are working really hard and are in a good position, and that makes motivation for each game easier.”

Lack Of Rotation By Rafael Benitez May Cost Liverpool In Home Straight

Despite a fractious boardroom, doubts over the club's future ownership and the endless saga of Rafael Benitez's contract renewal, Sir Alex Ferguson knows Liverpool are the only side who can stop Manchester United's relentless march to a third straight Premier League title.

Benitez's side have failed to be derailed by off-pitch politics and have remained in touch despite long-term injuries to Martin Skrtel and Fernando Torres. With a well-earned reputation as the league's strong finishers, Anfield should be quietly confident.

But Liverpool could yet run aground because of that old issue of rotation – or rather, a lack of it. In his four previous seasons in England, Benitez has come under fire for tinkering too much. Now, he may falter at the last because he has not rotated enough.

His faith in his policy has always been absolute. He honed it at Valencia, twice breaking the duopoly of Real Madrid and Barcelona by coming from behind in the home straight, his players fresh by virtue of being rested from the start.

For all the criticism, the bare facts suggest it worked in England, too. In the 2005-6 season, Liverpool lost just one of their last 13 games, at Arsenal, a feat they repeated last year, only slipping up to Manchester United. In 2006-7, distracted by another emotional run to a Champions League final, they lost four in the same period, but used reserve sides at Portsmouth and, famously, Fulham.

The flaw, of course, was that by that stage Liverpool were out of the race already, too far adrift from first Chelsea, then Manchester United to compete. Benitez has remedied that this time by naming a more settled side. Last year, he made 131 changes over the course of the season, and three years ago, 120.

In an injury-riddled season, he is on course to make just 101. Five players have started more than 80 per cent of Liverpool's games, with Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina ever-present. Dirk Kuyt, Steven Gerrard and Alvaro Arbeloa are not far behind.

Benitez believes "many factors" play a part in his knack for producing sides which finish strongly, but rotation is a key principle. By sacrificing it, though, Benitez may find that his greatest weakness was, in fact, his greatest strength.

He has also found it tricky to keep players out of the side happy, with Robbie Keane already dispatched back to Tottenham after six months.

Benitez will be relieved to know Ryan Babel does not intend to follow his lead. The Dutchman has struggled for form but says he is learning from Torres.

Babel Reiterates First-Team Plea

Ryan Babel has reiterated his desire for more first-team football at Liverpool but accepts that Fernando Torres is the star of the attacking show.

The Dutchman carved a reputation as a super-sub at the beginning of the season following a string of match-winning performances from the bench.

However, Babel has tailed off in the second half of the campaign, starting opportunities remain limited and his influence when joining games in the latter stages has decreased.

The 22-year-old has been deployed primarily as a winger by manager Rafa Benitez, but he has previously expressed a desire for a central role and is optimistic that the controversial winter sale of Robbie Keane will increase his chances.

"With Robbie having gone to Tottenham that has increased my chances a little more," Babel - who was linked with a loan return to former club Ajax earlier in the campaign - told the Liverpool Echo.

"I feel that I am ready for more playing time so hopefully that will come.

"I have spoken with the manager and he has told me what my role can be in the future. If necessary, I will play as a winger, but I have made no secret of my desire to play as a striker at Liverpool."

Babel recognises Spain international Torres is Benitez's first choice and he is hoping to learn from his team-mate.

"I have to be realistic. I know Fernando is the number one striker, there is no doubt about that," he added.

"But there are a lot of games and I want to prove that I can be a striker, too.

No Bidding War For Agger

Italian football agent Vincenzo Morabito claims that AC Milan are the only Serie A club interested in Liverpool defender Daniel Agger.

The 24-year-old has made just ten Premier League appearances this season and has featured only twice since the New Year.

The Denmark international has made no secret of the fact that he would be willing to leave Anfield if he does not start to play on a more regular basis.

The former Brondby centre-half's contract is set to run out in less than 18 months' time and so far Liverpool have yet to offer him a new deal.

"Agger is a player who is rarely used at Liverpool," Morabito told Sportmediaset.

"He is a good player but has not found much space in the team over the last two seasons."

Agger has reportedly attracted interest from Milan, who would be able to double his current wages, but recently fellow Italian giants Juventus and Inter have been mooted as alternative destinations.

"I don't think Agger will attract a bidding war between the major clubs but Milan are thinking about him to a certain extent," he added.

"Inter? I don't think so at all. If Agger was to come to Italy then he would only go to Milan."

The Rossoneri are said to be keen to line up a replacement for skipper Paulo Maldini who is finally expected to hang up his boots at the end of the season.

Rafe Benitez: Only 100% Run-In Will Bring Liverpool Title

Rafa Benitez has told his Liverpool players they must win every remaining game to have any chance of catching Manchester United in the title race.

United have moved five points clear of the Reds and can stretch their lead to eight if they beat Blackburn at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Liverpool don't play until Sunday when they face Manchester City at Anfield and Benitez claims they cannot afford to drop any more points.

"Clearly we don't want to lose points so we will try to win every single game," said the Liverpool boss.

"You never know what's going to happen. You can lose points one day and then a few weeks later the other teams lose points. We just have to keep going, think about the next game and winning three points."

Liverpool will not have played for 15 days by the time they take on City and Benitez hopes this break can help rekindle their faltering challenge.

Benitez felt his players were tiring and gave them a few days off after the international break to recharge their batteries.

"We had been playing too many games in a row so it was important for the players to rest and enjoy some time with their families," he said. "We need to be ready for the important weeks ahead.

"We know the City game is massive for us and that's why we have to concentrate totally on it and prepare properly."

Liverpool have been boosted by Steven Gerrard's rapid recovery from his torn hamstring, but Xabi Alonso claims it would be foolish to rush him back.

"It's good to see Stevie coming back, but we have to wait until he is 100 per cent," said Alonso, who is suspended on Sunday. "It's not intelligent to rush him back. Whenever he feels OK, he will be a big part of our squad again."

Whatever happens this season, Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has warned United that they pose a long-term threat to Old Trafford hopes of dominating English football for years to come.

The Dutchman said: "We have players who are just reaching their peak, Steven Gerrard just seems to get better every season.

"We have a lot of young, talented players who have now been at the club a long time."

Reina Out To End Real Record

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is hoping to finally break his losing streak at Real Madrid when they two sides meet in the UEFA Champions League.

The Reds travel to the Spanish capital for the first leg of their last 16 encounter next week and Reina is determined to enjoy success at El Santiago Bernabeu.

Reina has never won at Real's home during his time playing in Spain and he is also looking to exact revenge for his father who never enjoyed much success against Real while he was at city rivals Atletico Madrid.

"I have yet to win in the Bernabeu. In all the time I've played against them, I think I've managed only two draws," said Reina.

"But then of course it's a really tough place to get a result. That's always been the case. When my dad played against them in the 60s and 70s it was the same story. He also had a bad record against them.

"It won't be easy but we know we can do it, and that would be great for me and my family.

"Real are one of the best clubs in the world and if we did go out against them there would be no shame in it.

"But we will be doing our utmost to make sure that doesn't happen and I'm confident we can reach the quarter-finals.

"Every player wants to play in these massive games, and we feel we can do well there."

Reds Duo Wary Of Real

Xabi Alonso believes that Liverpool have to score at Real Madrid to give themselves a good chance of winning their UEFA Champions League tie.

Rafa Benitez's men travel to El Santiago Bernabeu next week and Spanish midfielder Alonso feels the La Liga outfit are better at the back under Juande Ramos.

The Reds' playmaker knows exactly what Los Merengues have to offer and recognised that an away goal could be crucial to their chances of triumphing.

"For us it is important that we score in the Bernabeu because that gives you something for the second game at Anfield and gives us more options to go through," he told Radio Marca.

"If we do not score then it could limit us for the return leg because if we then concede at home it will make things very difficult.

"I think it will be a very even tie and a great one to watch for the fans.

"Madrid have improved a lot defensively under Juande as they let in less goals and that will be something to think about.

"But we have good players and we expect to score and go through."

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina was also present with Alonso and he feels that things could be cagey as both sides, in his opinion, know how to defend better than they attack.

"I do not think that there will be many goals in the tie," he explained. "I am sure that they are in great form and it will be difficult to score against them.

"It will be very tight with few chances and the games will be decided in the details. Both teams are better at defending than attacking."

Steven Gerrard is facing a race to be fit for the first game and Reina hopes that the Liverpool captain makes it back in time to play.

"He will be doubtful until close to the game, but nothing has been decided. We hope that he recovers in time because he is a player that can win games," he added.

"I believe that he is not only one of the best players at Liverpool but also in world football."

UEFA Consider Liverpool FC Request Over Hillsborough Date Clash

UEFA are considering a request from Liverpool to move a Champions League match to avoid a clash with the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

Liverpool have asked if the second leg of their quarter-final - should they reach it - can be brought forward from its currently scheduled date of April 15.

That day marks exactly two decades since 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives at Hillsborough before and during an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool would like the game to be played on April 14, allowing players and staff to attend a memorial service at Anfield the following day.

The club have alerted UEFA to this potential clash but European football’s governing body will not make a firm decision until after the last-16 ties are played and the quarter-final draw made.

A UEFA spokesman said: "We have received a request and we will try our best to accommodate it, but we cannot guarantee at this stage that we will be able to."

Liverpool must first come through a two-legged tie against Real Madrid to reach the quarter-finals.

Xabi Alonso Gutted To Miss Liverpool's Manchester City Clash

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has passed the yellow cards threshold and will sit out the weekend visit of Manchester City.

Thus, he'll have to endure the game from the Anfield stands. 'Pool cannot afford any more slip-ups if they want to stay in the hunt for the Premier League title, therefore, spectator Alonso is hoping for a more straightforward game than October's thrilling 3-2 comeback win at Eastlands.

"It's always frustrating to watch games from the stands but I have known for a while [that] I was likely to miss a match at some point and it has to be this one on Sunday," he told the club's official website.

"This game with Manchester City is going to be very important for us if we want to challenge for the title.

"Hopefully it won't be as dramatic as our game at City when we were two goals down at half-time. We had to play with a lot of belief in that second half and score three goals, which eventually we managed. This time it will hopefully be more comfortable.

"They are a good team and, even though they haven't got the best of away records this season, we know we will be in for a tough match."

Sir Alex Ferguson: Liverpool Are Manchester United's Title Rivals

Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't think that Chelsea will provide any major threat to Manchester United's drive for the Premier League title this season. Instead, he is viewing Rafa Bentiez's Liverpool as the main threat to his domestic ambitions.

"At this moment in time, Liverpool are our main challengers and our greatest threat," the Scotsman told The Manchester Evening News today.

Guus Hiddink has been appointed as temporary manager at Chelsea, but Ferguson clearly sees that making negligible difference to a title race his men currently lead by five points from Liverpool.

The gap to Aston Villa in third place is eight points, with Chelsea a further two points behind them, and Ferguson clearly views this as an insurmountable gap for the Londoners. Aston Villa remain something of an unknown quantity, whose lack of experience might tell in the run-in.

Ferguson has identified the period when United returned from Japan with the World Club Championship as key to the progress that they have subsequently made in climbing to the top of the table.

"We went to Stoke [December 26] and it was a lively pitch and we had just got back from Japan. But we scraped a result because we never gave in," the Scot added.

"We ended up with Ryan Giggs at left-back because we wanted to win the match. It was an important marker to lay down after coming back from Japan. We needed to win that game. Once we won that we have just gone on.

"Then I looked upon the West Ham match as our hardest away game in the run in. They had been playing their best football of the season and it is a tough place to go to.

"We had to play them at a great moment for them in terms of confidence and form so it was always going to be a big task for us. But the players delivered. We didn't lose our composure or nerve to play. The players know how to handle pressure."

Sielva Lining For Liverpool

Liverpool are understood to have first option on signing Espanyol’s 17-year-old attacking midfielder Oscar Sielva, according to Sky Sports.

The Anfield side’s agreement appears to stem from business done last summer when Albert Riera swapped his Barcelona surroundings for Merseyside.

Rafael Benitez is known to be keen on expanding Liverpool’s academy system as he looks to create a sustainable programme of development for young talent.

Sielva, who played against Manchester United in a pre-season friendly, is valued at around £2million.

Kuyt - Best Is Yet To Come

Dirk Kuyt has fired a warning to Liverpool's title rivals by suggesting the Reds have yet to hit top gear.

Rafa Benitez's side currently occupy second place in the Premier League standings, sitting five points adrift of leaders Manchester United.

The Anfield outfit have not been so well placed to launch a title charge since 2002, while they have failed to land the top-flight crown for 19 years.

However, Kuyt believes that long wait could be about to come to an end, with Liverpool set to hit their peak at a crucial stage of the season.

"It's right to say we have players who are just reaching their peak," the Dutchman told the club's official website.

"Steven Gerrard just seems to get better every season. Maybe he hasn't even reached his peak yet. He scores loads of goals and everyone can see how important he is. It's the same with Fernando (Torres) and a few others.

"We have a lot of young, talented players who have now been at the club for a long time.

"I think this is the best team I have played with at Liverpool."

Liverpool's next step on the road to potential Premier League glory sees them welcome Manchester City to Merseyside on Sunday.

The Reds have had two weeks in which to prepare for the game, having slipped out of the FA Cup at the hands of neighbours Everton, and Kuyt believes the enforced break will prove beneficial to Benitez's men.

"The manager gave us a few days off so I went back to Holland to see family and friends," he said.

"Hopefully it will be my last opportunity to go back this season, because that would mean we are doing really well.

"We're all ready for the season now. If we'd have got through in the FA Cup we would have been playing but we have to see this as an opportunity to be fresh for the games ahead."

Gabonse Starlet Linked With Anfield

Gabonese youngster Bruno Ecuele has reportedly become a target for Rafael Benitez, according to recent reports in the press.

Ecuele, 20, is currently on the books of French second division side SC Angers and has caught the attention of Premierleague scouts in recent weeks with some fine performances.

The young centre back has been linked with both Liverpool and Arsenal and Ecuele insists the interest surrounding him is flattering.

When speaking to skysports.com Ecuele stated 'It is fantastic to get noticed by huge clubs from the Premier League. It means I am doing well,'

'What I need to do is to concentrate on improving my game and see what happens.

He added, 'However, it would be a dream come true to play for a top team. Three years ago I was at FC105 of Libreville (in his homeland) and today I am linked with the best league in the world.'

Defensive Lapses Bring Liverpool Down To Earth

Coach Hughie McAuley is looking for a reaction from his players in Saturday’s Premier Academy League home clash with Crewe.

The Reds came back down to earth after their FA Youth Cup triumph over Chelsea as they were hammered 4-0 at West Brom last weekend.

McAuley’s men were second best throughout and conceded two goals in each half.

“It was a disappointing performance but that’s youth football for you,” he said.

“You have to take the good times when you beat Chelsea in the Youth Cup and the bad times when you get thrashed by West Brom.

“There were too many defensive lapses and we gave them too much space all over the park.

“They controlled the game and we never really got at them. It was just a bad day at the office for us - you get that sometimes when you are trying to develop youngsers.

“You just have to learn from it and move on. We’ve put a lot of hard work in this week to put things right.

“We need to get back to form ahead of the next round of the Youth Cup.”

The Reds sorely missed the attacking talents of Laurie Dalle Valle, James Ellison and Nathan Eccleston.

Dalle Valle (ankle ligaments) and James Ellison (back) missed out through injury, while Eccleston served a one-match ban.

David Amoo and Alex Cooper failed to take a couple of early chances and the defeat left the Reds still searching for their first league victory of 2009.

“We changed the team around and gave some game time to those in the squad who haven’t been playing regularly, but unfortunately the boys just didn’t get going at all,” McAuley added.

“West Brom were brighter and more up for the game than we were, so full credit to them. It was a bit of a hiding for our lads and we can’t say it wasn’t deserved.

“There wasn’t too much to shout about for us. Joe Kennedy and Thomas Ince did okay, but we struggled.”

The good news is that Dalle Valle and Eccleston are expected to return to action this weekend, while McAuley hopes to have Ellison back for for the FA Youth Cup quarter-final with Bolton at Anfield a week tomorrow.

Thomas Ince is part of John Peacock’s England under-17s squad for the Algarve Tournament in Portugal this weekend.

Ryan Babel: I Will Learn From Fernando Torres

Ryan Babel has told how he is hoping to put an indifferent season behind him – by becoming a Kop idol like Fernando Torres.

The Dutch forward has endured a difficult second season in English football and has found himself on the fringes of Rafa Benitez’s title challenging side.

But with the sale of Robbie Keane to Spurs having left the Reds boss short of attacking options, Babel is hoping to be given more opportunities to prove himself.

“With Robbie having gone to Tottenham that has increased my chances a little more,” said the 22-year-old.

“I feel that I am ready for more playing time so hopefully that will come.

“I have spoken with the manager and he has told me what my role can be in the future. If necessary, I will play as a winger, but I have made no secret of my desire to play as a striker at Liverpool.”

Babel was selected in his preferred central attacking role in Liverpool’s most recent game at Portsmouth.

Though the former Ajax man did not get on the scoresheet that day, he was happy that Benitez gave him a run out up front, and now he wants to repay his manager’s faith by proving his worth to the team.

And he is looking to learn from Torres as he endeavours to make the improvements he feels are necessary if he is to cut it as a top class striker.

He added: “I have to be realistic. I know Fernando is the number one striker, there is no doubt about that.

“But there are a lot of games and I want to prove that I can be a striker, too.

“Fernando has wonderful movement and that is what makes him the player he is. It’s definitely an area where I can get better, so I look at him in training.

“My shooting with my left foot could be better, too, and Fernando is good with both feet so I have been watching how he positions his body to strike the ball.

“I have to keep telling myself that I am only 22. it is easy to forget that.

“It is good for me that I have been playing more as a striker because that is where I feel most comfortable.

“But I have time on my side and there are more players in the squad who have more experience and are good in that role, too.

“As long as I am playing, though, I am happy being anywhere on the pitch.”

Rafa Benitez Urges Liverpool To Forget About Real Madrid

The Liverpool boss wants his men to focus on the Premier League for the moment, and let the Champions League take care of itself.

Liverpool seem to have made domestic success their priority this season, with the ending of a 19-year wait for an English league title their main target rather than winning another Champions League.

Manager Rafa Benitez has today given weight to that supposition by urging his men to forget about next week's Champions League opponents Real Madrid for the moment, and keep their focus on the weekend's Premier League adversaries, Manchester City.

"The main thing for us right now is the game against Manchester City – that is very clear," Benitez told The Liverpool Echo today.

"This game has to be the priority because it is in the Premier League and we are in a good position and want to take three points.

"We have three days after we have played City in which we can look forward to Madrid but for now our focus must only be on the league."

Many of Benitez's squad were away on international duty last week, and the Spaniard feels that, coupled with a weekend of inactivity due to their recent elimination from the FA Cup by city rivals Everton, may have freshened them up a little, as they move into a crucial phase of the season.

"It was important for us that in our last game before the break we managed to get a win against Portsmouth because it is always good to produce a positive result in such situations," the coach added.

"Some of the players have been away with their countries since then and we have also had some time off with the break so this should mean that they will return with more energy.

"We are in a good position and our confidence is high, now we must look to build on what we have done."

Gerrard May Face Manchester City

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard could make his return from a hamstring injury against Manchester City on Sunday.

The England midfielder suffered the tear in the Merseyside derby on February 4 and was initially expected to be out for three weeks - with the Champions League clash with Real Madrid thought to be his most likely target.

Now Reds manager Rafael Benitez, whose side rely on Gerrard's surging runs and goals from behind the striker, has opened the door for a potential return from the bench at the weekend.

The Spaniard said Gerrard had reacted well to treatment and was eager to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.

"He is improving. In these situations each day is important. He is working with the medical staff and is progressing.

"Normally he is a player who recovers quickly. He needs less time than other players," Benitez told www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"I was surprised because the Spanish press said he'd play some minutes this weekend and then play against Real Madrid, but the truth is we don't know yet.

"Maybe he could be on the bench against City but we don't know.

"He wants to play every single game. He knows the game against City will be very important, and also the Real Madrid one too."

Carragher Eyes Top Spot

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool deserve a pat on the back for emerging as the main challengers to Premier League champions Manchester United but insists the Reds will not be satisfied with second place.

Carragher and his team-mates finished fourth in the table last season, behind United, Chelsea and Arsenal, but this term Rafa Benitez's side have emerged as genuine contenders to end a title drought which stretches back to 1990.

The Anfield outfit, however, will fall five points behind European and world champions United if the Red Devils secure home victory over Fulham on Wednesday night.

But with Liverpool still to travel to Old Trafford on 14th March, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD 1, Carragher feels the club remains well placed for a push at league silverware and insists overhauling Chelsea and Arsenal deserves high praise.

"There are still a lot of games to go so it's important everyone at the club remains calm," Carragher said in the Daily Express.

"United have got a bit of a lead on us at the moment, but if we can close that gap before we go to Old Trafford that would put us in a great position, especially if we are in form at the time of that game.

"A lot of people said at the start of the season that we needed to be in the title race at the end and at the very least be in with a fighting chance.

"We finished fourth last season, but we have risen to the challenge by overtaking Chelsea and Arsenal.

"Even though everyone at the club understands that it is not over by a long way, at the moment it looks as if it is going to be between us and Manchester United for the title.

"Overtaking Chelsea and Arsenal in the race is an achievement in itself already, and everyone should be proud of that.

"Now, hopefully, we can go one step further and win this title."

Liverpool Could Lose Seven Stars In Summer

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is set to face another summer without some of his top players with Spain and Brazil set to take part in the Confederations Cup in June.

Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, Albert Riera and Pepe Reina are expected to be selected by Vincente del Bosque while Lucas Leiva and Fabio Aurelio are possible candidates for Dunga’s Brazil.

Arsenal are also likely to lose captain Cesc Fabregas for the South Africa based tournament which acts as a build up to the World Cup in 2010.

Egypt, New Zealand, Iraq, South Africa, Italy and the USA will also take part in the tournament which is scheduled for June.

Arranged every four years, the Confederations Cup is organised by FIFA and features the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships (CAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, AFC, OFC, CONCACAF), along with the FIFA World Cup winner and the host country, to bring the number of teams up to eight.

Speaking to FIFA.com, Godfrey Nkwane, one of the tournament coordinators stated:

"For us it is really mouth-watering to have the FIFA World Cup champions Italy, as well as Brazil coming to our city. It will bring excitement to the city and will really help our promotion of the tournament. You couldn't ask for better matches and our supporters will definitely fill the stadiums.”

Why Steven Gerrard Struggles To Have The Complete Love Of The Kop

Those who don’t go to Anfield on a regular basis are often surprised to see the matchgoing Liverpool fans’ attitude to Steven Gerrard. They expect admiration, love, a fawning devotion to the Liverpool captain.

Instead, there is an unsettling undercurrent of antagonism towards Gerrard, one that is fading as the years go by but can still rise up into hostility at the slightest excuse.

When they come across it, outsiders attribute the griping to Gerrard’s double flirtation with Chelsea - but the doubts in the Kopites’ minds go back farther.

Almost from the beginning, more than ten years back now, there were those who found Gerrard’s demeanour irritating. As soon as it became clear that here was a prodigious talent, the critics in the stands saw room for complaint. At times, the youngster appeared to be looking for the flashy ‘Hollywood’ pass when an easy ball was the preferred option.

It got worse after he was part of England’s 5-1 victory over Germany. Suddenly he was a national hero. Scouse supremacists are always naturally suspicious of English heroes.

Gerrard was earning the nickname ‘Stevie Me’. When he scored, he pointed to his chest frantically. When he was used on the right of midfield - which the Kop, almost to a man considered his best position - he seemed to sulk, yearning for the central role the media demanded.

And, in the big games, the alehouse tittle-tattle said, he disappeared. That meant, in simplest terms, he'd never destroyed Manchester United single-handedly. Yet, by the time Benitez arrived, he seemed to feel he was the dominant power at the club.

The perfect example of ambivalence to Gerrard came in Istanbul. After he scored Liverpool’s opening goal, he turned to rouse the crowd, gesturing with his arms for fans to turn up the volume. The volume rose, for sure, but there was an irritated growl behind it: we didn’t need lesson in support from him. Afterwards, he hogged the cup, with only Jamie Carragher wresting it away for any length of time. Not the Liverpool way. Not the work of a captain, either.

Then there was the flirtation with Chelsea. It was almost too much to bear to see a Scouser apparently determined to take Roman’s roubles. But he stayed. And since then, things have got better.

He’s matured. The arrival of Fernando Torres has removed some of the expectation and burden from him. He’s had more bounce about him on the pitch. Plus, his recent arrest has made this aloof and seemingly troubled lad from Huyton simpatico at last.

All things considered, he deserves the place at No 2 in the list of Liverpool’s greatest players - if you need a goal with the time running out, where else would you want to see the ball but at Gerrard’s feet. But he also deserves the acclaim and adoration of the Kop. It’s coming, it’s coming.

Everton Reserves 1 - 1 Liverpool Reserves

It was honours even in the mini-derby at the Halton Stadium last night.

Andy Holden’s side had been looking to complete a club hat-trick of wins following recent victories for David Moyes’s first team and Neil Dewsnip’s under-18s.

It looked possible when Scott Spencer scored a freak opener midway through the first half, but the visitors hit back immediately with the unfortunate Hope Akpan heading in at the wrong end.

With Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling now fighting for first-team places and Lukas Jutkiewicz and John Paul Kissock away on loan, Holden was deprived of experience.

It gave the bulk of Everton’s Under-18s side the chance to impress, alongside lone old-head Carlo Nash.

Three minutes in a neat interchange between Liverpool’s Dani Pacheco and Gerardo Bruna fashioned an opening for Victor Palsson. The right-sided midfielder beat Carlo Nash but James McCarten was well positioned to hack off the line.

Nathan Craig and Jay Spearing then took it in turns to lash speculative volleys off target.

A neat backheel from Spencer allowed Craig to cross from the left, but when the ball eventually fell for James Wallace, Reds keeper Martin Hansen did well to smother.

At the other end Dani Pacheco found Andras Simon unmarked in the box soon after but the save for Carlo Nash was simple.

However, as the half-hour mark approached the strangest of goals gave Everton the breakthrough. Receiving the ball from Spencer following an injury stoppage, Martin Hansen contrived to miss-control and allow the ball to trickle across the line.

But Everton’s lead was short-lived, Akpan glancing Pacheco’s free-kick into his own net just four minutes later.

Luke Powell, handed a late start following Tom McCready’s withdrawal looked to keen to make the most of the opportunity, providing a constant outlet down the right.

But the visitors continued to threaten, Pacheco cutting in onto his right foot early in the second half and fizzing a shot inches wide of the post.

Half-time appeared to have galvanised the hosts and Eunan O’Kane saw a bullet header tipped onto the crossbar by Hansen.

At the back the unfamiliar centre back pairing of McCarten and John Irving proved water-tight, while Seamus Coleman looked solid on his reserves home debut.

Twice Irving went close from Craig set pieces as Everton continued to probe. But the game petered out, both sides tiring, and understandably so, given the nature of the occasion.

And tired legs perhaps accounted for late openings for either side. With four minutes remaining Simon produced a fearsome shot on the turn only for Nash to muster a stunning reaction save.

It allowed Everton to launch a counter which resulted in the impressive Luke Powell hitting the upright – the woodwork forcing Everton to settle for just a share of the spoils.

Robben On A Revenge Mission Against Liverpool

Arjen Robben has some old scores to settle when Real Madrid meet Liverpool in the first knockout round of the Champions League, which returns next week.

The former Chelsea winger will come up against a side he has twice lost to in the semi-finals of the competition, with Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina saved his penalty in a shootout two years ago.

The Dutch international is eager to get revenge for the heartache suffered in 2005 and 2007, starting iith the first leg in the Bernabeu on February 25 before Real make the trip to Anfield 13 days later.

The game at Anfield in 2005 was infamous for the "ghost goal" scored by Spanish midfielder Luis Garcia - then-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho still refuses to concede the ball crossed the line - and two years later the Premier League clubs could only be separated by penalty kicks. After the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate, Reina saved from Robben and Geremi as Liverpool took the shootout 4-1 on Merseyside.

"I want to beat Liverpool because I've lost against them twice in the semi-finals," Robben told Radio Marca. "Also (Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe) Reina saved a penalty of mine and I would like to take another and score this time."

Robben is in the form of his career at the moment after finally settling in Spain and is expected to be a crucial figure in the Round of 16 tie, although he missed the 4-0 hammering of Sporting Gijon on Sunday with a slight muscle strain.

"Liverpool are a very strong team, they have a coach who is very good tactically, and they know how they have to play in particular games," he added. "The most important thing will be to score goals at the Bernabeu.

"We have to win by more than two goals because the return at Anfield will be tough."

Reds Register Brazilian Interest

The agent of Brazilian wonderkid Keirrison has claimed that Liverpool have enquired about the Palmeiras forward.

Keirrison, 20, has been on the radar of a number of top European clubs after finishing as joint top scorer in the Brazilian championship last season with 21 goals.

This season he has only underlined his growing reputation by scoring eight times in five appearances in all competitions, including three in the prestigious Copa Libertadores.

The reigning Brazilian Young Player of the Year currently plays for Palmeiras but his rights are owned by a company called Traffic Sports Marketing in a similar arrangement to the one that saw both Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano owned by Media Sports Investment.

Now a representative of TSM has claimed that The Reds have made an enquiry as to Keirrison’s availability, even if the latest talent to roll off the Brazilian production line will not be moving to Europe until the end of the year.

“We agree with Palmeiras that Keirrison will stay in Brazil until the end of 2009 because we want Palmeiras to fight for the Brazilian championship and the Copa Libertadores,” Roberto Benevides told the Italian press.

“We believe the technical merit and market price of the player may also double in this period.

“Major European clubs have asked about him: I am referring to Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

“Roma? No, we have never received any call from the Giallorossi.”

More Charges In Gerrard Bar Case

Two footballers have been charged over the same incident in a Merseyside bar which saw Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard accused of assault.

Accrington Stanley's goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin, 28, and midfielder Robert Grant, 18, have both been charged with affray, said police.

Gerrard, 28, was charged over the attack in the Lounge Inn in Southport in the early hours of 29 December.

The England player is on bail and due to re-appear in court on 20 March.

Gerrard appeared before magistrates last month, where he said he intended to plead not guilty to the charge.

Two other men, John Doran, 29, and Ian Smith, 19, both from Huyton, face the same charges as the midfielder.

Merseyside Police have also charged Paul McGrattan, of Linden Drive, Huyton, with affray and assaulting a police officer.

Mr. Grattan, along with the two League Two players will appear before North Sefton Magistrates Court on Monday.

Two other men, a 33-year-old from Huyton and an 18-year-old from Roby, Merseyside, remain on bail pending further inquiries.

A 34-year-old man from Southport suffered facial injuries in the incident at the Lounge Inn.

Liverpool FC Can Win Premier League Title Battle - Mauricio Pellegrino

Three-time title winner Mauricio Pellegrino believes Liverpool have the character to battle back and win the Barclays Premier League.

The club’s first team coach dismisses the notion they are out of the race as almost a third of the fixtures have still to be played.

Yet when Liverpool line-up against Manchester City on Sunday they could be eight points adrift of Manchester United.

The leaders host their game in hand tomorrow against Fulham and then welcome Blackburn to Old Trafford on Saturday.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are building up a head of steam but Pellegrino - who won La Liga with Valencia (twice) and Barcelona - is adamant the picture could change.

"Everyone in our squad has personality. We have shown in difficult moments this season that we have character," he told www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"We have a very good squad - all of them are very professional. I think the players are strong enough.

"They have to prove something in every single game but I am not worried about the pressure. For me, the best thing you can do in professional sport is fight for titles.

"I am sure we can get to the last two or three weeks and still have possibilities. In the end, the difference between first and second will be the small details.

"For me, the most important thing is to stay calm. We have to think about the next game, not the last game in May."

Asked if he was confident manager Rafael Benitez would eventually end Liverpool’s long wait for a title, Pellegrino added: "Why not?

"We can’t predict the future but I am sure that Rafa is one of the best trainers in the world and he is here at Liverpool.

"I am really happy here because the atmosphere at Melwood is very good. The most important thing is that Rafa is open minded.

"He listens to the opinions of every one of his staff, and he’s also a hard worker."

Ian Rush: Lay-Off Will Prove The Perfect Lift For Liverpool

By the time Liverpool kick off against Manchester City on Sunday it will have been more than a fortnight since their last game – and for me those two weeks may be the most important of the season so far.

As a player you love the games to come thick and fast, especially at this stage of the season because the more matches you play the more likely it is that you are doing well.

But it is absolutely vital that you get some rest at the right times and this is exactly what Liverpool have just had.

They would much rather have been involved in FA Cup action at the weekend, there is no question about that, and I am sure all the players and staff at Anfield did not enjoy looking on as other teams took part in round five.

But you have to take the positives from every situation, and in this case the benefit to Liverpool was clear in that the cup weekend came hot on the heels of an international break and this has allowed them to recharge their batteries.

Even though several of Rafa Benitez’s players went off on international duty this could still be beneficial because sometimes you just need a change of scenery and a different environment before getting back to the daily grind at Melwood.

The two biggest plus points for me are that the break will have allowed Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to work on their fitness.

Gerrard, in particular, will have been delighted that there has only been one match since he picked up a hamstring tear against Everton.

At almost any other stage of the season Liverpool’s captain would have expected to miss several matches with that kind of injury.

So if it turns out that he only ends up missing one then it will be more than welcome both for him and for the team.

Torres had been looking a little short of his absolute sharpest after coming back from his own hamstring problems and this was why Benitez only brought him on during the final stages of Liverpool’s 3-2 win at Portsmouth.

So the fact that he has since played an hour for Spain and has also had the opportunity to work on his overall fitness at Melwood is another boost to Liverpool.

The challenge now is to make the most of the recovery time that the last fortnight has afforded them.

There can be no excuses about tiredness when Manchester City come to Anfield because the Liverpool players should be as fresh as they have been at any other time this season.

Rafa 'Eyes' New Rosicky

Liverpool and Chelsea are leading the chase for Czech wonderkid Vaclav Kadlec.

The 16-year-old striker, who has already been dubbed the 'next Tomas Rosicky', has been watched by a whole host of top European clubs while playing for Sparta Prague.

Kadlec, who is already a member of the Czech under-19 side, had a trial at Anfield as a child before stating his desire to return home to be with his family.

But the Merseysiders are keen to lure Kadlec back to England before Chelsea get their hands on the promising forward.

And Rafa Benitez is expected to make a move for the player when the transfer window opens at the end of the season.

Rafa Benitez Slams Liverpool Bosses But Will Sign New Contract

Rafa Benitez has accused his Liverpool bosses of leaving him "dead" because of their agonising contract dispute.

Mirror Sport understands the Spaniard is finally ready to end the discord that has threatened to rip the club apart and sign a new contract. But it only comes after the Kop manager went public on the tortured negotiations.

Benitez insisted: “Anyone who has just a year left on his contract does not have anything at all and I have only got a year-and a- half left.

When people, either within the club or from outside it, realise that the manager only has that much time left then he is dead. "I've got 10 or 12 assistants whose contracts are up in June.

How can a manager lead a project properly if the continuity of his staff is not secure for two or three years?" Rafa could not resist having one final swipe at Anfield's American owners, even though he is ready to sign a contract until 2013.

Benitez has been in dispute about the terms of the deal, and has also fought the Americans over control of all football matters, including the final say on transfers and the running of the club's academy.

That led to fiery exchanges which seemed to affect the team as they slipped off the top of the Premier League, and led to criticism of the coach from owner George Gillett.

Liverpool FC Boss Benitez A Great Mentor – Fernando Torres

LIVERPOOL striker Fernando Torres has thanked manager Rafael Benitez for bringing him to England and making him a better player.

The Spanish international scored 33 goals in a brilliant debut campaign after becoming the club’s record signing in July 2007.

This season he has struggled with hamstring injuries and has found the net just nine times in sporadic bursts.

But despite the troubles in his difficult second season, Torres has no regrets about leaving Atletico Madrid.

“English football has been good to me because of its characteristics: it’s fast, direct and there are very few stoppages, and that suits my game more than Spanish football,” said the 24-year-old.

“My natural qualities – the speed, the power – fit the Premier League.

“I play as a number nine up alongside the centre-backs.

“If I played there in Spain, maybe it wouldn’t suit me as I would hardly see the ball.

“Rafa was looking for a striker with my characteristics – someone quick who could surprise defenders and get behind them – but I had to learn too.

“For a lot of coaches the tactical side of the game doesn’t matter that much.

“But for Rafa it is fundamental; he is conscious of the way we set up, the movement, the organisation.

“I’ve learnt a lot. It’s been a real pleasure for me to work with Rafa.”

Torres added: “At Atletico I played more on instinct, doing my own thing; here I have to learn about movement and positioning, about the team.

“Liverpool’s game is based on the team, on strategy. Hitting other teams on the counter-attack with space in front of us suits me perfectly.

“And having Rafa made it easier to grasp the tactical side of things.”

Liverpool will need Torres to rediscover his best form if they are to maintain their bid for a first championship since 1990.

The club trail defending champions Manchester United, who have a match in hand, by two points.

And the two sides have yet to meet in what could be a title decider at Old Trafford in March.

Three goals in his last four matches suggest he is starting to rediscover his sharpness, but Torres knows if Liverpool are to be successful in overhauling United they need captain Steven Gerrard to stay fit.

Liverpool Can't Compete With Manchester United And Chelsea, Says Rafael Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez claims the club cannot compete with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea when it comes to money.

With United likely to go five points cleat at the top of the Premier League table when they play Fulham this week, Benitez insists Liverpool have not lost sight of the title and are in fact over achieving given their monetary situation.

"Every year United collect £60 million more than us - that means they can buy three £20 million players each season," he told the Mirror. "Chelsea will have spent £500 million over the last five years.

"We've made a team that can compete with them but economically we're inferiors and can't afford the players they can. I have enough data to bore you with but if you look at United it wasn't just spending £31m on Dimitar Berbatov - they can spend whatever it takes for what they need every year.

"Last year it was £17m on Owen Hargreaves, £18m on Nani and £20m on Anderson. In my five years I've paid less in transfer fees than I've received, even though I bought Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane."

Benitez, set to sign a new contract, added that while he always looks for the positives that come out of losses and poor performances, one factor both he and his players are trying to conquer is the pressure coming from Liverpool fans and their desperation to see the title brought back to Merseyside.

"Now we're out of the FA Cup it's necessary to look for the positives and those are that we will play fewer games and be able to concentrate more on the Premier League and the Champions League," he said.

"The title in England is very competitive, more so than in Spain, because every opponent you face will make it hard for you.

"Our biggest problem is in the great expectations of the success that surrounds us. All we ever hear from the fans is 'The League the League, it's 19 years since we had it'. Since I've been at the club we've won four trophies.

"I feel we're where we need to be but the problem for us now is the anxiety around us - we must handle it and that's not easy."

Benitez concluded by insisting his rant earlier this year directed at Sir Alex Ferguson was entirely justified and long overdue.

"Ferguson controls everything in this country," he added.

"These are the facts as everyone knows. When he decided to talk about Liverpool I knew I had to respond to him."

Juventus The Latest To Move For Liverpool’s Agger

The Bianconeri have become the third Italian side to be linked with a move for the Danish defender.

According to The Daily Mail, Juventus are the latest Serie A club to express their interest in Liverpool’s 24-year-old defender, Daniel Agger. The future of the Danish player continues to be shrouded in confusion, as now Milan, Inter and Juve are all lining up for his services.

The battle for Agger’s signature has been between the two Milan clubs over the past few days, but the recent inclusion of the Bianconeri in this race is sure to heat things up.

Delays over a new contract, as well as a lack of first-team action this season due to the good form of Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel, has led to the defender declaring he wants out of Anfield.

Nothing came of his desire to leave in January, though, but it is highly likely that Agger could be leaving Liverpool at season’s end.

There have been no suggestions as to how much Juventus are willing to offer the Reds for the centre-half, although Milan reportedly were unsuccessful with an €8.5 million bid back in January.

Gerrard On Course For Euro Return

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is on course to appear in next week's Champions League tie with Real Madrid after returning to training.

Originally ruled out for three weeks after suffering a hamstring injury against Everton at the start of the month, Gerrard made his comeback in training on Monday.

According to the Guardian, the midfielder is 'optimistic' of meeting his scheduled recovery date at the Bernaéu next Wednesday.

Hereford Land Reds Starlet

Skysports.com understands Hereford have tied up an emergency loan deal for Liverpool defender Godwin Antwi.

The promising stopper spent the first half of the season on loan at League One club Tranmere, making six starts for Ronnie Moore's Rovers.

In a bid to garner more first-team experience he has agreed a switch to Edgar Street, initially on a one-month deal with Graham Turner's side.

Antwi was part of Liverpool's FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2006 after joining the Reds from Spanish side Real Zaragoza the year before.

He spent time with Accrington Stanley before enjoying a season-long loan at Hartlepool last term, where he scored one goal in 27 appearances.

Voronin Reveals Hertha Talks

Andriy Voronin claims he has opened talks with Hertha Berlin over extending his loan spell from Liverpool.

The Ukrainian is on a season-long loan deal from the Anfield club and scored twice in the 2-1 win over Bayern Munich at the weekend which sent Hertha top of the Bundesliga.

Voronin reportedly met with club officials, including general manager Dieter Hoeness and head of player licence Michael Preetz, on Sunday to discuss the possibility of him staying at the Olympiastadion beyond the end of the campaign.

"Yes, we have spoken for the first time," Voronin told the Bild newspaper.

"It was a good talk. I think we are on a positive path," his agent Andrey Golowasch added.

Hoeness admits Hertha would like to keep hold of the forward.

"There is a willingness on both sides to continue further," he said. "We value Andriy's performances very much - his goals, presence and experience.

"He also says Hertha are his top priority because he feels very happy with us and in Berlin. Now we have to look for solutions together."