Liverpool FC's Xabi Alonso Not Happy With Second Place

Good season or bad season? If you’re a blind devotee of the Shankly school, where ‘first is first, second is nowhere’, then you’re probably firmly in the Xabi Alonso camp, our midfield maestro having declared himself unsatisfied that we have finished the season trophy-less for the third successive time.

And if you want to look on the dark side, there’s plenty of stuff to get you frothing at the mouth looking back over this campaign. The Robbie Keane episode still leaves a sour taste in the mouth, even if the liqueurs served up in the second half of the season did much to cleanse our collective palates.

At various stages Rafa has taken on not just the 19 other Premier League sides, but their managers, our owners, the chief executive and the Hull groundsman to boot; losing some battles, but emerging stronger overall. However, as that great philosopher Ben Parker (Spider-man’s uncle) once said: “With great power comes great responsibility”.

So if you don’t deliver the title soon Rafa, we know where to come...

For those seeking to pinpoint the reasons why we didn’t win the title, the collective wisdom is that the seven home draws cost us dearly.

Stoke may have been spared by an early refereeing blunder, but in the majority of the other matches we just weren’t good enough to break the opposition down, and didn’t deserve to; not the stuff of champions.

And if you want to play the game of pinpointing league-losing results, look no further than Wigan away and Everton at home, when we surrendered leads late on in games with schoolboy errors; a bit more discipline in those key moments, and we’d still be nursing headaches this morning from Sunday’s celebration.

But enough of this introspection and doom-mongering; let’s call up yet another arch-philosopher, Ian Dury, and find reasons to be cheerful. Who will ever forget that week in March, when Real Madrid and Manchester United were destroyed in quick succession, the latter humiliated on their own ground?

A week later, the rout of Aston Villa brought our goals tally to 13 in three games, against some of the best sides in Europe.

Doubles over the Red Babies and churlish Chelsea provided conclusive proof that we can live with the best, and even our failures were glorious: the rest of the country marvelled at our resilience as we threatened to overturn Chelsea’s first-leg lead from the Champions League quarter-final and traded goals with Arshavin at Anfield.

Newcastle United were lucky to concede just five at St James’; and late comebacks became commonplace both home and away, with injury-time winners at Manchester City and Portsmouth among the most memorable.

Throw in Benayoun’s last-gasp effort at Fulham, when we really started to believe, and we’ve had our fair share of matches this season which will live in our memories long after the upset of seeing United equal our titles haul.

The mess of statistics you’ll by now be familiar with brook no argument: the number of defeats, the unbeaten home record, the goals scored; they all point to a highly-successful season. The painful reality however, is that the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have not so much raised the bar, but strapped it to the head of a giraffe.

Excellence is not enough; you have to strive for perfection. Which means that Rafa can afford no more mistakes in recruiting the high-quality additions we need to take that final step towards turning potential into achievement.

Liverpool Plan Double Raid On Relegated Boro

Liverpool’s interest in Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing is well known, however the Daily Telegraph suggest Rafa Benitez may also have his eye on another of their home-grown talents.

In addition to Downing, the newspaper alleges that Liverpool are considering bidding for the England Under 21 centre-back David Wheater.

The 6ft 5in defender has impressed in a struggling Teesside outfit, and has previously been linked with a move to Arsenal and Birmingham City.

The Telegraph suggests Gareth Southgate may cash in on the star, despite Wheater recently committing his long-term future to the club after their relegation was confirmed.

While Downing may have to bide his time to leave the club due to his ankle injury picked up against Aston Villa, the relegated club have slapped a £9 million asking price on the towering Wheater.

The lofty price may prove a stumbling block for Benitez due to his limited transfer kitty this summer, but should Middlesbrough be willing to budge, a deal may be brokered.

Southgate recently admitted he was hopeful of holding onto the vast majority of his squad, but suggested Downing would probably leave in January after his rehabilitation from injury.

Liverpool Legend Ian Rush: Hyypia Was Houllier's Greatest Signing

Sami Hyypia called the curtain down on an illustrious decade of service at Liverpool recently, and will embark on one last footballing voyage - to Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen.

It is a move that has brought with it countless tributes, and club legend Ian Rush believes the Finn is deserving of any accolade.

"[He] deserves all the tributes that have come his way because he's been a fantastic servant for the club," he explained to The Liverpool Echo. "Sami will go down as probably the greatest signing of Gerard Houllier's reign as manager.

"When you consider what the club paid for him and what he has achieved over the past decade it really is remarkable. He has given 10 years of exceptional service and the tears at the end of Sunday's game proved just what the club means to him."

Rush continued, "I know from experience that leaving a club like Liverpool takes a lot of getting used to. You don't realise until it's over what a massive part of your life the club is and Sami will need time to adjust.

"If you are talking about dedication and passion for Liverpool I'd put him right up there alongside Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher."

Liverpool Identify Javi Martinez As Xabi Alonso Replacement

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Liverpool are lining-up Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez as a replacement for Xabi Alonso.

Reds manager Rafael Benitez has repeatedly denied that Alonso will be sold this summer, but the midfielder has continually been linked with an exit from Anfield in the forthcoming transfer window.

It is thought that should the Spanish international leave the Merseyside outfit, he will make way for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.

However, recent reports have indicated that Liverpool, who tried to sign Barry last summer, have not expressed an interest in signing the Villans captain of late.

It seems, therefore, that Benitez may have targeted Martinez instead.

Apparently, the Premier League giants attempted to sign the Spain Under-21 international two years ago.

It is claimed that los Leones will want at least €11.5 million (£10m) in exchange for the midfielder, who’s contracted at San Mames until 2012.

Since joining Athletic Bilbao from Osasuna for €6m (£5.2m) in 2006, Javi Martinez has scored eight goals in 94 appearances.

Rafa Wants To Deal Quickly

Rafa Benitez has insisted he intends to conduct his transfer business during the early weeks of the summer.

The dust has barely settled on the Premier League season, but thoughts are already turning to next term.

Benitez is likely to be an active player in the transfer market as he embarks on building a side capable of landing the title.

The Spaniard feels the key to mounting a title challenge will be to bed in any recruits as quickly as posslble.

“Clearly we want to sign players but we know that it will be difficult to find players who are better than what we already have,” Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

“It is not easy to find this kind of player in the current market and if we do then maybe they will be too expensive or not available.

“But we have to sign the right players and make the right decisions during the summer.

“We have some targets but right now it is too soon because some clubs do not know what the future holds for them but we will wait and see.

“But our idea is to have players signed before pre-season begins because this would be perfect.

“It means you can start working with them and training with them with the ideas that you want to get across to them so that they can start putting them into practice on the pitch.”

Javier Mascherano: Liverpool Must Hold On To Xabi Alonso

Javier Mascherano has warned that the consequences could be dire for Liverpool if they let Xabi Alonso go.

The Spanish midfield-orchestrator has arguably been the Reds' most bankable performer this season, yet Rafa Bentiez has failed to do enough to convince the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus that they have no real chance of prising him away.

The Liverpool boss recently reiterated that he had no intention at all of selling Alonso, but the Basque-born player has reportedly been made to feel under-appreciated at times over the past couple seasons.

Thus, it is hard to imagine that Alonso - who came close to joining Juventus last year - wouldn't be prone to having his head turned this summer, but Mascherano believes it is imperative that the Reds keep hold of their No. 14.

"Xabi is so influential. Hopefully the great players at Liverpool can stay and we can bring another player in to improve the team," the former West Ham United man told Sky Sports.

"It is important when you have the team in good form you keep the key players, and Xabi is one of them."

Mascherano then stressed his faith in Benitez's abilities, as he reckons a good pre-season should see them compete for silverware on all fronts next term.

"For sure Rafa will work really hard to improve the squad and maybe next season we will be stronger," the Argentine said.

"If we can keep this squad and improve it, things will be really good for the future. We will be fighting in all the competitions, not just league."

Ian Rush: Liverpool Need Carlos Tevez & Xabi Alonso For Next Season

There’s no doubt Liverpool need two or three new signings this summer to strengthen the squad.

I don't think anyone has made either of the positions on the left hand side their own.

We also need a different option up front as we've relied on Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard too much.

Ryan Babel and David Ngog haven't proved they are capable of producing the goods on a regular basis so Rafa Benitez needs to bring someone else in.

I would love to see Carlos Tevez at Anfield next season and I think he would fit in really well.

There is also talk of David Silva or David Villa being up for sale as Valencia have got financial problems.

Securing the services of any one of those three players would be a massive boost.

Xabi Alonso's future has been the subject of much speculation but I really hope he stays at Anfield.

I know the club is very close to his heart and he would be a big loss if he left.

I've heard some people suggest we might need to sell Alonso to raise cash for signings but that makes no sense.

If you are going to replace Alonso with a better player, then you would have to spend a lot more money than Liverpool would be able to raise by selling him.

We might get £14m or £15m for him but who could we buy for that money who would do a better job?

How Good Is Fernando Torres?

Last weekend Fernando Torres opened the scoring against Tottenham with a header John Toshack would have been proud of, and with it, scored his 50th goal for the club on only his 84th appearance; reaching that landmark in less games than the like of Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen managed. The great Roger Hunt netting his first 50 goals in 79 games being the only Liverpool player to reach that landmark before him. So much for "foreigners" needing time to bed in and adapt to the pace of the English game.

But just how good is Fernando Torres?

Can strikers be measured only by goals scored, or is their influence on the shape of the side, assists provided or off the ball work as crucial when considering their importance to a side, or deciding their ranking among the world's best?

While Torres weighs in with more than his fair share of goals, his mere presence in the side proves just as crucial at times. Defenders are scared of him. They're scared of his pace. Sides "double up" on him time and time again, sometimes even 3 men pressing each time he's in possession. So while that makes life difficult for our number 9, it draws defenders towards him and creates more and more space for others to exploit. Just by being on the pitch he creates problems. His contribution cannot be measured purely through goals scored.

Having him leading the line changes the way we approach a game, and changes the way sides set up against us. His presence forces the opposition to sit 5 to 10 yards deeper and creates space for Gerrard bursting through as he pulls defenders with him, also creating the space that Yossi Benayoun has exploited brilliantly in the past few months of this season. His role in the side is vital to the way we play, no matter how many goals he contributes. The shadow he casts is priceless.

This season he's started only 20 games in the league and made 4 appearances from the bench. For a lot of those games he's been below peak fitness and returning from injury, and hasn't really once had a chance to build up full match fitness and get into his stride as he did last year. Yet he's still managed to score league 14 goals; only 5 less than the golden boot winner, Anelka. 14 goals in 20 starts make for pretty impressive reading in the circumstances.

The one statistic never mentioned when discussing the goal scoring record of Torres, is that all his goals come from open play; every single one of them. He doesn't take penalties, nor does he take free kicks. The fact that all his goals come from open play shows his goal scoring record in a completely different light, as pretty much all of the great goal scorers I can remember notched their fair share of goals from the spot or dead balls. It's frightening to think how many Torres would score in a season if he took all our penalties.

The partnership he's struck up with Steven Gerrard was one of the finds of last season. The captain has finally found his best position after years of wasted attacking instinct being stifled in central midfield, and his link up play with Torres is an absolute joy to watch. Two world class players that would walk into any side in the world at the forefront of our attack; yet it's a partnership that has featured together only 14 times this season due to injuries. More than anything else, that statistic highlights why we've just fallen short in this season's title race.

Some will point to our victory at Anfield over Man United without either of them in the side, or the victory at Stamford Bridge without Torres, or the numerous draws at Anfield; but I don't think there's any hiding from the fact that if they'd have played together more than 14 times this season then we'd have picked up a few more points along the way. A massive case of what might have been. More than any summer signings or changes at the club before next season, the one difference in next season's title challenge will be keeping Gerrard and Torres fit and playing together more they've managed this year. We haven't got the money to sign a player of similar quality to step in when either are sidelined, nor will any player of that quality be happy to play second fiddle when they are fit. It's vital they play together in the majority of games if we want to become Champions come May.

One of the reasons why he hit the ground running in The Premiership is that he deals with the physical nature of the game brilliantly. Only once in his two seasons in a red shirt can I recall him becoming frustrated with heavy handed treatment dished out during a game and letting it affect his performance. That was in the FA Cup tie at Goodison when he was kicked all over the place, and he began to show signs of it getting to him. Other than that game, he's just got on with it; shrugging off the challenges and letting his football do the talking. His strength on the ball is immense and his desire immeasurable.

The Confederations Cup takes centre stage this summer, for those that even know what it is, and will therefore prevent Fernando Torres from having a few months with his feet up to recharge those batteries for August. But the tournament is nowhere near as intense as a World Cup or the European Championships in which Torres played in all last summer. He'll get far more of a rest this time around, and will return to Melwood refreshed and reenergised for the new season.

If he can stay fit for the majority of next season, then what odds on him finishing top scorer? Considering he was only 5 off the pace this time around with how things panned out over the season, I'd make him a pretty hot favourite to be taking home that golden boot next May.

Keep him and Gerrard fit and he might just be taking home the Premiership trophy as well.

Liverpool FC's Xabi Alonso Targetted By Incoming Chelsea Manager Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti has already considered a future with Chelsea, according to revelations made by the AC Milan coach in his autobiography.

In ’Preferisco La Coppa’ (I Prefer The Cup), which was launched in Italy yesterday, the 49-year-old describes two meetings he claims to have held with Blues owner Roman Abramovich last year in Geneva and Paris.

Ancelotti admits he found himself plotting the best way forward for the Stamford Bridge club.

“I confess that at certain points in 2008-09 I watched my DVDs of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba,” said the Italian, who won two European Cups with AC Milan.

“I was already the coach of the boys on paper.”

Ancelotti also proffered the names of two players - Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery - who he thought could help to turn Chelsea into the attractive, winning side the Russian craves.

“President, your team is very physical, you have to put more quality in the middle of the pitch,” Ancelotti claims to have told Abramovich.

“I gave him two names, Franck Ribery and Xabi Alonso.

“He thought of a third name, that of Andriy Shevchenko, who was close to his heart. (Abramovich said:) ’I can’t understand why he’s not playing, because since we brought him to England he’s not the real Sheva.”’

Abramovich is said by Ancelotti to have added: “Chelsea don’t have a personality. I have the ambition of winning every competition in which my team takes part, a team that at the moment I don’t recognise.”

Rafael Benitez Keen To Sign David Wheater

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is hoping to revive his interest in Middlesbrough defender David Wheater after the Riverside club were relegated from the Premier League.

Benitez tried to sign the England under-21 international last summer and enquired about his availability in January but his Middlesbrough counterpart Gareth Southgate was unwilling to part with one of the key players in his side’s battle for survival.

Now, though, Southgate knows he needs to trim his squad to cope with the financial impact of demotion and, with Stewart Downing injured, Wheater is one of his most saleable assets.

The only sticking point for Liverpool would be the defender’s asking price. Birmingham were last week quoted £9 million for the player, a fee Benitez would be unwilling to pay for a back-up central defender with funds at Anfield at a premium.

Sources close to full-back Andrea Dossena have insisted the Italian international is happy at Anfield despite struggling to make impact following his £7 million move from Udinese last summer. Reports in Italy suggest Dossena is a target for Napoli and Sampdoria but he is believed to be willing to remain in England to fight for his place.

Ryan Babel Told He Can Depart Liverpool

According to a report in the British tabloid The Sun, Liverpool have made it known that Ryan Babel can move on during the close-season.

Apparently, the 30-time capped Netherlands international has been frustrated at his lack of playing time since joining the Reds in 2007.

While the 6ft versatile forward, who can play on the wing or as a striker, started 29 games and made a further 20 substitute appearances in the 2007-08 season, he began only 13 times in the 2008-09 season and came off the bench on 29 occasions.

It is thought that his agent, Winnie Haatrecht, met with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez last week to discuss the situation.

However, it is claimed the Spaniard failed to guarantee that the 22-year-old will start more games next year and will allow him to leave the club this summer.

Babel has three years remaining on his current contract. He was linked with a loan move back to Ajax, whom he left for £11.5 million to join the Merseyside outfit, although his £60,000-a-week wages are thought to be a potential stumbling block in his return to the Amsterdam ArenA.

Pepe Reina Would Rejoin Barcelona

Pepe Reina has revealed that he would like to rejoin Barcelona if the chance arose but admits that the Catalan club are not actively looking to sign a goalkeeper at the moment.

The 26-year-old custodian rose through the ranks at Camp Nou before leaving to join Villarreal in 2002 after making just 30 appearances for the Blaugrana.

With Barcelona preparing for the Champions League final and with two domestic trophies already secured, Reina admitted that any player would like to be a part of that.

“Every footballer would be delighted to play for Barca,” he is quoted as saying by Sport.

“Regarding the fact that I know the club pretty well, it would please me, but I am a Liverpool player and feel great there.

"Besides, Barcelona are not after a new keeper. Barca have a great keeper in Victor Valdes, who has achieved a top season and hugely contributed to their Champions League campaign.”

Reina still believes that he has a challenge to overcome at Anfield after the club had a superb season only to be held off by Manchester United in the title race.

“This year we did fight until the end of the Premier League season, but at the end of the day we could not win it," he added.

"We claimed the most points in our history, 86, but still finished second. The team have progressed.”

Tommy Smith - Liverpool FC Have A Ruthless Streak Now

The last game of the season might have been a bit of a low key affair – but it was important Liverpool finished with that win.

Three more goals saw us keep up a fine run of form and although it’s not been quite enough to take us to where we wanted, it’s signalled to the rest of the Premier League that we mean business now.

There’s a ruthlessness developing in this Liverpool side that I like.

We’ve developed a bit of devil about our play and you sense that sides like Spurs, when they face us, are now dreading the prospect.

If you want to be at the very top you have to put fear into the opposition before a ball is kicked.

And I’m seeing more of that in a Reds team which can go into the close season full of belief about the future.

Unfortunately, United turned some of their scrappy performances this season into wins, whereas our below par performances ended in draws.

So that has ultimately proved the difference.

Obviously we need some players in and some out and I’m pleased Rafa Benitez has said he wants it all done quickly this time.

But the one player I am sad to see go is big Sami Hyypia.

I'm not surprised he ended up in tears after the fantastic reception he got in his last game.

Sami’s a true Liverpool legend but I just feel he could have stayed on another season and been a valuable squad member.

We saw that at Old Trafford this season when he played at a moment’s notice and turned in one hell of a performance.

But now he’s gone after 10 great years of top class service I of course wish him nothing but the best.

The fans have left him in no doubt that he will always be a hero to them – and welcome back at Anfield at any time in future.

Liverpool Collect Records But No Trophy

Liverpool completed their first unbeaten home programme for 21 years in a season that has been statistically remarkable if lacking in silverware. Their points tally is their highest in the Premier League, likewise their total of away wins. No team since the top flight was rebranded has lost only two matches in a full season and not finished as champions.

The irony in this, of course, is that it is their home form that has cost them the title. Those two defeats – at Tottenham and, incongruously, Middlesbrough – may have hurt. But far more damaging were the home draws against Stoke, Fulham, West Ham and Hull, not to mention Manchester City, even Arsenal, given that Liverpool scored against them four times.

It is a failing to which Rafa Benitez did not refer in his programme notes, preferring to focus on positive facts, although he did confess that ''it is not easy to win this league'', which is something of an understatement. Then again, it could be argued that squandering cheap points at home is a shortcoming that ought not to be too difficult to put right.

Liverpool FC Star Javier Mascherano Urges Club To Buy Tevez

Javier Mascherano has urged Liverpool not to sell Xabi Alonso – while expressing his desire to see compatriot Carlos Tevez at Anfield next season.

Speculation continues to rage over Alonso’s future, despite Rafael Benitez repeatedly stating he does not want the Spanish midfielder to leave.

Real Madrid presidential candidate Florentino Perez is keen to sign Alonso and will reportedly make a £23m bid for the player should he as expected be elected into the Bernabeu hotseat next month.

But Mascherano believes Liverpool should resist any overtures from Madrid.

“Hopefully the great players in Liverpool can stay and we can bring another player to improve the team,” said the Argentine.

“It’s important when you have the team in good form to keep the key players and Xabi is one of them.”

Another player Argentina captain Mascherano wants at Anfield next season is Tevez, his international colleague and briefly his West Ham United team-mate when they both arrived in the Premier League in August 2006.

Tevez is likely to leave United in the summer and Mascherano is convinced Benitez should make a move.

“I don’t know what the situation is but it would be great if Carlos could come here because I know how good he is,” said the midfielder. “But maybe it’s a difficult situation.

“I don’t know exactly what is happening. The only thing I can say is that he is a great player and a great person.

“I don’t speak to him about football situations, just about his family. But everyone knows that Tevez is a great player.”

Rafa Benitez Hopes Steven Gerrard And Fernando Torres Avoid Injury

Rafael Benitez is already praying Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will have an injury-free season next time around.

The Liverpool manager knows any improvement on this term’s runners-up spot in the Barclays Premier League will depend on Gerrard and Torres staying fit.

Benitez believes the pair are a frightening prospect for any opposition when they are in the side together.

But the Anfield outfit’s goal-scoring double act only started 21 games together all season because of injury troubles and that cost them the title, according to the manager.

Torres will be playing in the Confederation Cup this summer in South Africa, while Gerrard has England’s World Cup campaign to consider, something which has further frustrated Benitez.

The Spaniard said: “Fernando will be away with Spain, Steven also has international duty. It is not something we can stop so there’s no point complaining.

“Top players are needed by their countries. But you don’t have to ask me what I would prefer.

“Let’s hope the two of them can then have a relaxing summer and be fully fit when we start again in August, and stay that way through the season.”

Gerrard finished the campaign with 16 league goals, the third highest scorer in the top flight after Cristiano Ronaldo and Nicholas Anelka, and hit 24 in all competitions. Both tallies are career bests for the club captain.

Torres took his season’s tally to 17 with the opening goal in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Spurs, his 50th for the club and a total per games played that is quicker than Kenny Dalglish or Ian Rush achieved for their half-centuries.

The value of Torres and Gerrard to Benitez’s aims is only too obvious.

And as Benitez surveys a season which has seen Liverpool set a Premier League club record of 86 points, remain unbeaten at home in the league and finished the division’s leading scorer, he underlines how difficult it is to win the title.

He said: “We have missed Gerrard and Torres too much, they do make a big difference when they play in the side together which hasn’t happened as much as we would have liked.

“Let’s hope they can have a good rest this summer and be back for what I believe will be a better season.

“We have to maintain the levels of this season, the consistency and quality, to improve next time around.

“But the transfer market will be difficult. There will be many clubs trying to get the very best prices for their players and things may not happen quickly.

“We know players we want to sign but that depends on money and other clubs.

“This is now a challenge for all of us, to make that next step, to get closer to the title.

“We made some mistakes this season, the home draws. Next time we must avoid those mistakes.”

He added: “To get 86 points is a massive achievement, it would have won the league on seven previous Premier League seasons.

“But we have to improve, we have to be almost perfect to win the title with it now being so competitive and with such top sides involved. We have improved a lot this season, if we keep going the same way then we will be closer to the title next season.

“You just need to look at the statistics, we have only lost two games in the league all season and been undefeated at home. In fact we have lost only five of 55 games all season.

“But the Premier League is very difficult, winning trophies in England is very difficult.

“The quality we are facing is in effect the best sides in Europe, all the top four get to the final stages of the Champions League, three to the semi-finals this season.

“There is not just one top side, Manchester United. There’s Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham, they are all able to challenge along with us.”

Liverpool FC's Young Stars Bid To Turn Tables On Gunners

Exactly 20 years ago to the day Arsenal achieved a seemingly impossible result at Anfield to give their season a silver lining.

This evening Liverpool Youth team will look to do the same and turn the tables on their London visitors in the second leg of the FA Youth Cup final.

Few Liverpool supporters will want reminding that on May 26 two decades ago Michael Thomas grabbed the title for the Gunners in the most dramatic of conclusions to a league championship race.

Trailing 4-1 from last Friday’s first leg at Emirates, and with no away goals rule in the Youth Cup, Hugh McAuley’s young Liverpool side must defeat their Arsenal counterparts by twice as much as George Graham’s team to take the trophy.

The Liverpool coach said: “We have got to hope that we can get a good start, get at them and make things happen. We will try and get an early goal and give it our best shot.

“We have to stay positive and believe that we can get a result. That is the talk we will have with the boys.

“Our club has shown that you can pull games back if the attitude is right, the commitment is right and you get the breaks.”

Hertha Pass On Voronin

Andriy Voronin has confirmed that he will not be staying at Hertha Berlin next season.

The Ukraine international joined the German outfit on a season-long loan from Liverpool last summer.

Having struggled to adapt to life in England, the former Bayer Leverkusen forward rediscovered his goalscoring touch once back in the familiar surroundings of the Bundesliga.

He found the target on 11 occasions for Hertha as they challenged for a UEFA Champions League spot.

Their efforts ultimately proved to be in vain, as they finished fourth, and Voronin was informed that he would not be required in the 2009/10 campaign.

"(The match against Karlsruhe on Saturday) was my last match as a Hertha Berlin player," Voronin told Die Welt.

"I want to wish the club and their fans all the best in the future."

Silva Coy On Liverpool And Madrid Reports

David Silva has refused to comment on speculation that he will either join Liverpool or Real Madrid this summer.

Silva is one of the most coveted left wingers in world football, but he will not be playing Champions League football at Valencia next season after Los Ches were beaten by Villarreal on Saturday.

The 23-year-old has always remained loyal to Valencia, but reports in the Spanish press have long linked his name to former manager Rafa Benitez at Liverpool.

Monday reports in Spain are now suggesting Silva would be Florentino Perez’s top target should he win Madrid’s presidential vote, but the Spain international insists his current intention is to stay at La Mestalla.

"I have to be focused first on recovering [from a thigh problem] to be able to help my team and I'm not thinking of anything else,” said Silva, as Valencia prepare to face Athletic Bilbao for a place in the Europa League.

"I don't know anything about the rumours and I insist that I have a contract with Valencia that I wish to fulfil."

Match Report: Liverpool 3 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool claimed runners-up spot in the Barclays Premier League and denied Tottenham European football after a season that produced an unbeaten home league record for the first time in 21 years.

Their unbeaten home stretch was extended to 30 games as Sami Hyypia bid a tearful farewell to Anfield after 10 years at the club.

The ovations were for the veteran Finn and a Liverpool side who had pushed Manchester United close in the title race.

Their goals came from Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and an own goal from Alan Hutton, with Robbie Keane scoring for Spurs on his return to Anfield.

Spurs, even though Fulham lost at home, could not take advantage and will not be in the Europa League next season.

Boss Rafael Benitez left out two defenders who had played in the win at West Brom last week but veteran Hyypia was not in the starting line-up.

A packed Anfield, who sung the Finn's name at every opportunity, would no doubt have liked to see the 35 year-old on from the start before he leaves to join Bayer Leverkusen but it was not to be that romantic a day.

Out went Alvaro Arbeloa, Lucas Leiva and Emiliano Insua, with Fabio Aurelio, Xabi Alonso and Martin Skrtel back in the starting XI.

Spurs were without defender Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Tom Huddlestone (knee), while Roman Pavlyuchenko was back on the bench. Alan Hutton, Gareth Bale and Didier Zokora returned.

Hyypia's name echoed around the stadium beforehand and there was a new, giant flag in his honour on the Kop.

But, ever the perfectionist, Benitez used both Daniel Agger and Skrtel in central defence with Jamie Carragher at right-back, as Liverpool tried to pin down the one point needed to be certain of runners-up spot.

They started at great pace, with Steven Gerrard firing over with a hooked shot from 25 yards, while Benayoun fired over from close in after Dirk Kuyt's header down.

Spurs were organised and controlled. Ledley King at the back even out-paced Torres on one run, while Jermain Defoe searched for the gaps at the other end.

Torres sparked into life when he surged through from midfield, got himself clear in the box but saw his attempt to steer a shot wide of Heurelho Gomes thwarted by a defiant challenge by Jermaine Jenas.

But he did not have to wait long for the breakthrough. Kuyt's cross from the left sailed towards the far post where Hutton was patently the wrong side of Torres.

The Spaniard rose to head in off the underside of the bar - his 50th goal for the club - with Gomes not even getting off the ground.

Spurs then lost Jenas - David Bentley coming on as a 39th-minute substitute - with the midfielder still suffering from the injury he had sustained in stopping Torres earlier.

Defoe then beat the offside trap to race clear but Jose Reina managed to block the chipped shot with his body, just outside the area.

King was felled by a fierce Skrtel drive in the box and Alonso tried to beat Gomes from the half-way line - a trick shot he has succeeded within the past but not this time.

Spurs responded with a curling Bale free-kick that was pulled down by Reina. Then another Skrtel drive following a corner deflected inches wide.

But Liverpool finally got their second when Benayoun's cute pass set up Kuyt for a shot from just inside the box. It looked to be going just wide but Hutton's outstretched foot turned the effort past Gomes.

The calls for Hyypia's involvement increased from the Kop but it was Albert Riera who was the first Liverpool substitute, in place of Kuyt after 66 minutes.

Gerrard then hit the far post from an acute angle. Hyypia at last came off the bench for a warm-up.

There is still plenty of speculation about Alonso's future but he had been outstanding throughout and forced Gomes into a flying save to his left.

Pavlyuchenko then replaced Defoe after 70 minutes for Spurs but Liverpool were in full flow now and Gerrard was next to go close with a curler from the edge of the box.

The Kop were now baying for Hyypia but, after 77 minutes, Robbie Keane - on his return to Anfield - was put clear by Luka Modric to calmly slot in only his fifth goal for Spurs since returning to White Hart Lane from Anfield in January.

Spurs then brought on another striker, Darren Bent, for Bale while Liverpool replaced Torres with David Ngog.

But Liverpool's worries were ended when Gerrard slipped the ball to Benayoun, who eased his way into the box to clip the third past Gomes.

The "we want Sami" barrage was booming again. Surely Benitez could risk it now. Vedran Corluka was booked for a foul on Gerrard and at last Hyypia was allowed to take off his training top for one last cameo appearance.

There was seven minutes to go, Gerrard was the man taken off and he made sure he put his captain's armband onto the giant defender as he came off.

Hyypia almost scored with a typical flying header from Aurelio's corner and at the end he was carried off by his team-mates at the end of a career that makes him a Liverpool favourite.

Rafael Benitez Wants Near Perfection For Next Season

Rafael Benitez admitted there were mixed feelings as Liverpool ended their season on a winning note.

The Anfield outfit secured a 3-1 home win over Tottenham Hotspur yesterday to finish the campaign on 86 points, their highest tally in the Premier League era.

However, despite losing only two league games, remaining unbeaten at home and being the top-flight’s leading scorers, Liverpool’s efforts weren’t enough to overhaul champions Manchester United.

And Benitez said: “There is both pride and disappointment. We have to be proud because when you talk about 86 points, it’s massive.

“But still it’s not enough to win the title. Clearly we have to improve and be almost perfect if we want to win the title.

“It’s not just United. You see Chelsea, you see Arsenal, and I’m sure Aston Villa, City and Tottenham will be better in the future.

“We have only lost two games in the Premier League and five in all competitions.

“It’s not easy ending the season without a trophy with these numbers but the Premier League and England is very difficult. We still have to improve, but clearly we have improved a lot.

“We have to now keep the same level as this season, the consistency. You can talk about the draws but also we’ve won a lot of games at the end. We need to be more ruthless from the beginning.

“It’s a challenge for us now to sign the right players, start the season like we did this one and not make mistakes.”

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp saw his club’s chance of European football ended, despite seventh-placed Fulham’s home defeat by Everton.

A win would have seen Tottenham leapfrog their London rivals to claim a UEFA Europa League spot.

Redknapp said: “We were short of several players, and lost Jonathan Woodgate the day before the match.

“We tried our hardest, European football would have been a real achievement considering the position Spurs were in when I arrived at the club.

“We almost did it in the end. But to have climbed from bottom to eighth is something to be proud of.

“We were just not able to hurt Liverpool. Some of our defending was poor, the goals we gave away could have been averted.”

The game saw Sami Hyypia’s final appearance for Liverpool and Redknapp added: “It was nice to see Sami Hyypia come on. He got an unbelievable ovation from a fantastic club.”

Liverpool Should Chase David Silva

If Liverpool are to improve on their runners-up spot in the Premier League, they will need to sign at least one player of proven quality this summer.

Valencia's David Silva could be a player that makes a big difference for The Reds, if they were to splash out on the 23-year-old.

The Spain international is able to play anywhere in attack, which means that Rafa Benitez could slot him into either the wide right, wide left, or the second striker position.

He does favour cutting in from the left and this is why he would be a great signing for Liverpool as that is a position that they have yet to really fill. Albert Riera started the season well there, Ryan Babel played decent in some substitution appearances, while Yossi Benayoun finished the campaign in great form - often playing there. But none have made the position their own.

The arrival of Silva would give Riera competition for the place, while Benayoun can then challenge Dirk Kuyt for the wide right spot as he prefers to drift in from that side or from the centre.

Riera will surely be a lot stronger next season, but it wouldn't do him any harm to have to fight for his place. Babel could then be used more as a striker, unless Silva was tasked with playing elsewhere on the pitch.

Benitez will more than likely receive the same warning that the other top flight managers will this summer, in that they have to sell players before they bring anyone new in. This shouldn't be too much of a problem though as there are a few ready to be ushered towards the exit door.

It will be very surprising if the likes of Jermaine Pennant, Charles Itandje, and Andriy Voronin turn up to Melwood for pre-season training. Then there are other players, like Nabil El Zhar or Sebastian Leto, who might move on due to limited opportunities in the first-team.

The bulk of the transfer speculation will surround Aston Villa's Gareth Barry (until his future is decided), but bringing in someone like Silva, who can add so much to their attack, would allow them to not rely so heavily on Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso as their creative forces in midfield.

Silva has the ability to take on defenders and set chances up for his team-mates, to produce a defence-splitting pass or piece of skill that opens things up, to score crucial goals, and to have an impact on games when nothing is going Liverpool's way.

With a player like Silva in their squad, The Reds would surely be able to go that next step and end their hunt for a league title.

Gerrard Tells Benitez: Please Keep Lucas

Steven Gerrard has urged Rafael Benitez to keep faith with midfielder Lucas and give the Brazilian the chance to become a Liverpool legend.

Reds skipper Gerrard is a big fan of Lucas, who has come under-fire this season following a number of poor performances.

Benitez is already planning an overhaul of his squad with Lucas one of the players that looks set to be offloaded.

But Gerrard reckons Benitez should persist with the 22-year-old and says his team-mate can become a huge hit on Merseyside.

"Lucas has had criticism and for me it's been unfair," said Gerrard.

"He's a young lad learning his trade and he's certainly got a bright future.

"He does a lot of work that goes unnoticed in this team. He's come into some big games when the manager has said 'sink or swim'.

"He swam, very well, and he's done really well for us."

Rafa Benitez's Five-Year Plan For Liverpool FC Is Dependent On Next Five Weeks

It has taken Rafael Benitez five years to close the gap at the top of the Premier League. At the end of his first full Anfield season the Reds were a cavernous 37 points behind runaway champions Chelsea.

Now they’re the equivalent of turning a couple of home draws into victories behind Manchester United.

Whether Benitez can close the most difficult gap of all, however, could depend on the next five weeks.

After the competitive action came to a predictably uncompetitive end at Anfield yesterday, attention instantly switched to the identity of the men the Liverpool manager seeks to bring in this summer.

And perhaps even more importantly, who he lets go.

“No names, today, please” he grinned, as soon as the first transfer related query was directed his way after the 3-1 defeat of Tottenham.

But evidence that Benitez was thinking of the future had already been presented in his extended look at the Martin Skrtel-Daniel Agger central defensive axis.

Touted as the club’s future central defensive partnership, the pair have not started a match together before.

But with Alvaro Arbeloa injured, Benitez ignored the sentimental claims of Sami Hyypia – and the increasingly insistent demands of The Kop – to scrutinise the young duo for almost the entire afternoon.

It was the 83rd minute before Big Sami was called for his emotional swansong.

Even then, it was Steven Gerrard who was asked to make way, with Agger and Skrtel remaining in situ until the final whistle.

But it was difficult to form too much of an opinion of their future prospects against a demotivated Tottenham.

“Liverpool were a bit end-of-seasonish,” said Harry Redknapp. “If we’d have upped the tempo there’s a chance we could have gotten something here today.

“I told them at half-time, listen we’ve got to raise our game here. Fulham are getting beat. But we were a little bit short.”

That certainly applied to their forward line.

Spurs turned to all four international strikers during the course of an afternoon that started slowly and picked up pace as the match wore on.

But Pepe Reina only had a couple of long range shots to field before, ironically, it was Robbie Keane who found a way past him for the first time this month.

Keane had taken 17 minutes before he even touched the ball, and his most meaningful moment of the first 45 minutes was an embarassingly miscued volley.

But he finished clinically enough when he found himself clean through in the 76th minute – and after being ignored by the home fans all afternoon – a fate perhaps even more cutting than being booed – his respectfully muted celebrations brought appreciative applause from The Kop.

The most insistent calls from the home fans, however, came in the demands for Sami Hyypia to be introduced.

Rafa’s reluctance stressed that his thinking was focused very much on the future rather than the past.

“I was waiting for the last minute,” he explained somewhat puzzingly afterwards. “I thought that was best for the fans. I thought the last minute would be perfect, but the fans were pushing, pushing . . . so we brought him on for Gerrard so he could have the armband.”

Sami Hyypia most certainly will not be at Anfield next season.

Whether Xabi Alonso follows him out of the Anfield exit door remains to be seen.

The Spaniard had a quiet game yesterday, and his influence on the Liverpool squad is worthy of an article all of its own.

But, for now at any rate, Benitez was adamant that the 27-year-old is not for sale.

There has been plenty to admire in this second half of the season.

An unbeaten home league record for the first time in 21 years was secured; a more adventurous, ambitious attacking policy which saw the season end with 77 goals and the best goal difference in the country – in all four divisions – was completed.

And there were no unecessary injuries to worry about – with fingers crossed now that the pointless Confederations Cup brings no unwanted surprises this summer.

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are clearly pivotal to Liverpool’s future prospects.

Yesterday was only the 14th time this season the pair have started together.

And Torres’ headed finish from a Dirk Kuyt cross was pivotal.

But, so, too could be the next few weeks.

Manchester United have won the last three Premier League titles, but the margin of victory has been progressively smaller.

It was 21 points in 2007, down to 11 last season – now just four points remain between the North-West rivals.

This could be a very interesting summer.

Napoli Awaiting Formal Liverpool Offer For Ezequiel Lavezzi

Ezequiel Lavezzi’s representative, Alejandro Mazzoni was in Catania yesterday and met with Napoli director of sport Pierpaolo Marino ahead of the Serie A match between the Etnei and the Azzurri.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mazzoni has insisted that Premier League giants Liverpool have approached him with a €22 million offer to take the 24-year-old to Anfield, and that if the Partenopei are prepared to turn it down, it means they have the finances to grant his client a pay rise.

Lavezzi currently earns wages of €1.1m per year at the San Paolo and the agent is allegedly seeking a pay rise to €3m, which is the same amount of cash the Merseyside club have apparently put on the table for him.

However, Marino is said to be suspicious of Mazzoni’s claims and has demanded an official document proving Liverpool’s offer, before deciding whether to open talks with the Reds.

‘El Pocho’ has also been strongly linked with a move to Juventus in recent weeks, but the Old Lady have denied making a bid for the Argentine, who has netted seven goals in all competitions this term.

Sami Hyypia: Istanbul Is My Liverpool Career Highlight

Sami Hyypia has described the 2005 Champions League victory against Milan as the greatest moment of his ten year career with Premier League giants Liverpool.

The 35-year-old played his final game for the Reds against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday since signing from Willem II for £2.6 million in 1999.

Ten years, 454 appearances and 33 goals later, the 97-time capped Finland international defender has named the 2005 Champions League final when Liverpool came from 3-0 down to beat Milan on penalties as his finest moment.

"I think every player dreams of winning the Champions League at some time in their career or even just to be in the final and I have managed to play in the final and win it," Hyypia told The Liverpool Echo.

"So Istanbul is definitely a highlight of my life and I think from a fan point of view the way the game went made it even more special.

"Even the neutral fans of football will remember this game for ever because to come back from 3-0 down against AC Milan and then go on to win it is an incredible result.

"Even in a normal game this would be special so for it to happen in the Champions League final makes it even more so and it will stay in the memories of the players and the fans for the rest of our lives."

The 6ft 4in centre-back has won two FA Cups, two League cups, one UEFA Cup, one Champions League and two UEFA Super Cups with the Merseyside based club, much to his delight especially as he never expected to become a first team regular.

"I didn’t think I would be here for ten years. When I first came I thought that I would be on the bench sometimes and would play sometimes but would maybe have to get used to not playing all the time," Hyypia added.

"But then before the season started I realised that I really had a chance to be in the first eleven all the time and this encouraged me to work even harder.

"I’m not saying that I didn’t work hard from day one because it’s my nature always to work hard and then see what happens.

"But I didn’t have a lot of expectation for the first season. I just thought that I would do my best and show everybody that I could play football.

"It was also a good situation for me to start here because nobody knew me and nobody really had any big expectations of me."

While Hyypia admits that Sunday will be an emotional occasion, he is not getting too carried away because, as he puts it, he is not retiring just yet, just moving on.

"I remember a few games when I wasn’t happy with how I had played," Hyypia remarked.

"But there are so many good things to remember that it means the bad things stay in the background.

"I think Sunday will be a sad day but it’s not like I am retiring or anything. I just have a new challenge."

Everton FC And Liverpool FC Warned To Sort Out Stadium Plans

Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley has warned Everton and Liverpool they have until December to resolve their stadium issues or risk missing out on hosting the World Cup.

And for the second time in a week, Councilor Bradley reiterated his desire for further talks over a shared stadium between the two Merseyside clubs.

Representatives from Everton, Liverpool and the council were present at Wembley yesterday as the Football Association officially launched their bid to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022.

Liverpool have already registered their interest in becoming a host city for the tournament, with the city having until the end of the year to formally submit a bid.

Councilor Bradley revealed that it was feasible Everton’s proposed new 55,000-seat stadium in Kirkby and Liverpool’s planned new stadium on Stanley Park could both be included in the city’s application. But he said the city would first require assurances over the viability of the schemes while revealing Gerry Sutcliffe, the Minister for Sport, had called for a fresh debate over a controversial shared stadium.

“In theory, it’s possible that the city could have two stadiums by 2018 that could host World Cup games,” said Councilor Bradley.

“But that has to be identified by December this year, so it is crucial by then that the situation is resolved over the new stadium for the two clubs or any possible joint stadium.

“Both clubs have aspirations of building a new stadium. If those don’t happen, then I think there has to be serious discussion over a joint stadium.

“(Minister for Sport) Gerry Sutcliffe buttonholed me and said it would be a good thing for the city. He said we have should have further talks on a joint stadium and get the two football clubs around the table again.

“Obviously, I said I’d love to. And with the Minister for Sport so keen, it would be a good thing to have him there also.

“Of course, it all depends on the outcome of the inquiry into Everton’s proposed new stadium and whether Liverpool can raise the finances for their new stadium.

“But both clubs want to work as closely as they can with us to make sure the bid is robust.”

The outcome of the inquiry into Everton’s projected Kirkby move is expected in the autumn while Liverpool’s new stadium has been put on hold following the global economic downturn.

Should the FA’s bid to host the World Cup finals prove successful – world governing body FIFA will make a final decision in 18 months on who hosts the 2018 and 2022 tournaments – financial support is expected to be awarded to help fund the building of any new stadium.

But Councilor Bradley believes only a shared stadium between Everton and Liverpool should benefit from any public money.

“Discussions about any possible funding would ideally be based around a joint stadium as that would be far easier to justify spending public money on,” he said.

“If the clubs decide to go individually, I would not support any call for public money to be spent on the stadium. And I would guess the government would tell the clubs they have to fund the building themselves.”

Councilor Bradley added: “Twenty stadiums need to be identified by the December deadline. It doesn’t have to be limited to just one stadium per city.

“Both Manchester stadium are sure to want to be involved while in London there is every probability that Arsenal and a proposed new stadium at Tottenham would join Wembley.

“It’s about meeting all the criteria. You can have two great stadium but without the infrastructure that can cope then the bid will fall short.”

The city successfully hosted World Cup games at Goodison in 1966, including the semi-final between West Germany and Russia, while Anfield was a venue for four games in the European Championships in 1996.

And Councilor Bradley said: “I think this is the next stage for the city.

“We have Shanghai around the corner and now we are trying to be further recognised on a world stage by being a World Cup bidding city. This is a big opportunity for the world to see Liverpool.

“There’s more to being a host city than merely hosting the matches themselves. There are other important aspects such as the infrastructure, the accommodation, grassroots participation and the team bases.

“You also need to supply Fan Parks as part of the bid.

“These Fan Parks aren’t close to the stadium, so it would be another big event with another 10,000-15,000 fans there.

“But Liverpool has shown with the Capital of Culture celebrations last year that we are capable of hosting events of such recognition, and we want to build on that.

“Bringing the World Cup to the city in 2018 would swell the coffers and further raise the profile of Liverpool.”

Benitez Insists Alonso Will Stay

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has insisted he will not sell Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso this summer.

Alonso, 27, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who could make a move for the playmaker if Florentino Perez wins their presidential election.

Benitez said: "Alonso has three years left on his deal - we're really pleased with him. We don't want to sell.

"But I have had a private conversation with his agent, and it was interesting to see who had that information."

Benitez was referring to his meeting with Alonso's agent Ignacio Ibanez on Friday.

"For me it was a private conversation, and it will stay that way, but it is clear he has three more years of his contract and we do not want to sell him," added Benitez, after Liverpool finished the season in second after beating Spurs 3-1 on Sunday.

"I repeat, we do not want to sell, he is not for sale. He has said he is happy here in Liverpool, in every single press conference, in every single interview.

"We have some ideas for the future, without losing any of our key players."

Alonso, who was expected to leave last summer, may be persuaded to move to the Bernabeu, with the prospect of Gareth Barry finally arriving at Liverpool still a possibility.

Liverpool Keeping Tabs On Feyenoord Youngster Castaignos

According to The Guardian, Premier League giants Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation of highly rated youngster Luc Castaignos. The 16-year-old currently plays for Dutch side Feyenoord.

The young striker was part of the Holland Under-17 squad making it to the final in the UEFA U-17 European Championships last week and impressed the English scouts with his outstanding performances.

Castaignos was crowned top scorer of the tournament with three goals in five matches and scored the opener in the final. However, he couldn't prevent Germany from eventually picking up the title as Holland were beaten 2-1 after extra time.

The forward recently signed a three-year deal at Feyenoord, meaning that he won't leave the Rotterdam side on the cheap. They've reportedly set a €4 million asking price for Castaignos.

Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool’s hopes of ending their 19-year title drought were dashed last Saturday, when Manchester United hammered out a 0-0 draw with Arsenal to equal the Scousers’ record of 18 English top-flight championships.

Thus, Rafael Benitez’s men head into the final round of the 2008-09 Premier League season with only second spot to aim for – but Steven Gerrard insisted earlier this week that the club’s fans deserve to see their team end the season in style.

The skipper said, "We haven't got much to play for really, but I think every time you put the Liverpool jersey on in front of your home supporters, the least they deserve is effort and if we go into it with that attitude, we can finish on a high with three points."

‘Pool will also be motivated to give Sami Hyypia, the veteran centre-back who has spent ten years at Anfield, a rousing send-off before he joins Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur travel to the North West hoping to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for continental competition.

Harry Redknapp’s charges sit eighth in the standings, two points behind Fulham, who occupy seventh spot. Thus, Spurs must beat Liverpool – and hope the Cottagers slip up against Everton – to have any chance of claiming the final Europa League place.

Interestingly, the Lilywhites have the wood over their upcoming opponents. Only four teams have beaten Liverpool in any competition this season – Tottenham have done it twice, in the League and the League Cup.

However, both of those victories came at White Hart Lane. Travelling to Merseyside is a different prospect altogether, as Spurs haven’t won a league game in front of the Kop since 1993.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

May 17 West Brom 0-2 Liverpool
May 9 West Ham 0-3 Liverpool
May 3 Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle
Apr 25 Hull City 1-3 Liverpool
Apr 21 Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur

May 16 Tottenham 2-1 Man City
May 9 Everton 0-0 Tottenham
May 2 Tottenham 1-0 West Brom
Apr 25 Man United 5-2 Tottenham
Apr 19 Tottenham 2-0 Newcastle


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Hyypia is expected to start beside his long-time defensive partner, Jamie Carragher, in what would be his final appearance for the Reds.

Hence, Daniel Agger may have to settle for a place on the pine – although he could miss out altogether if Martin Skrtel is named in any capacity.

Benitez demonstrated with last weekend’s line-up that he is determined to finish the season strongly, and that means the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and the much discussed Xabi Alonso should all feature.

Probable XI: Reina – Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Insua – Mascherano, Alonso – Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun – Torres

Tottenham Hotspur

The big absentee for Spurs is Tom Huddlestone. The 22-year-old starred last weekend against Manchester City but has since undergone knee surgery.

With Wilson Palacios out of the picture due to personal circumstances, that leaves only Didier Zokora to play the holding role in midfield.

Aaron Lennon (groin), Michael Dawson (ankle) and Jamie O’Hara (knee) are also out, while Jonathan Woodgate and Benoit Assou-Ekotto will undergo late fitness tests.

Probable XI: Gomes – Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto – Modric, Jenas, Zokora, Bale – Keane, Pavlyuchenko


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool

It’s all about big Sami Hyypia as far as Reds fans are concerned. Expect a typically accomplished performance that belies his 35 years. Also watch out for the in-form Xabi Alonso, who (if some reports are to be believed) could also be playing his final game for the club.

Tottenham Hotspur

As a Liverpool legend bids farewell, one of the club’s most high-profile failures returns. Robbie Keane found goals hard to come by during his six-month stint on Merseyside, and the Irish striker will be desperate to find the net on Sunday and help his side claim a rare treble over ‘Pool.

Davies Still In Anderson Hunt

Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies has not given up hope of landing Paul Anderson this summer.

The winger spent the 2008/09 campaign on loan at the City Ground from Liverpool, and made 28 appearances for the club are as they successfully avoided relegation from the Championship.

Having impressed during his time on Trentside, Forest were keen to make his move permanent during the off-season.

However, their plans were thrown into jeopardy when second tier rivals Swansea saw an offer accepted last week.

While that deal is far from finalised, the 20-year-old has previously enjoyed a successful loan stint at the Liberty Stadium and knows what the Swans are all about.

That has come as a worry to Davies, but he insists he will be doing all he can to ensure Anderson heads to Nottingham not south Wales.

"We are still interested in Paul and it is not out of our hands (regarding Swansea's accepted bid)," he told the Nottingham Evening Post.

"We will be seeing what we can do and will sit down and discuss the situation with Paul and talk to him about it.

"We will see what happens. We plan to speak to him when he returns from his holiday.

"We are putting together a side where we have players who want to come here and want to play for Nottingham Forest. I have said that all along.

"I want players who want to play a part in moving this club on to better things. But, if players think the grass will be greener elsewhere, that is up to them."

Liverpool 'To Triple' Lavezzi Wages

Ezequiel Lavezzi’s representative hints Liverpool “offered to triple his wages,” but Pocho won’t force Napoli into letting him go.

It was reported this week that the club had turned down a £22m bid for the Argentine and manager Eduardo Rossetto conceded there was some truth in it.

“Napoli own the player’s contract and therefore the final word is down to the club. All we can do is wait,” said the representative.

“Are we waiting for Liverpool? You are the one who says that. All I can confirm is that there has been an important offer, superior to £19m, which [President Aurelio] De Laurentiis considered insufficient.”

Lavezzi is a hero to the Napoli fans and any decision to sell him would not be taken lightly, even though he won’t be in Europe with them next season.

“It all depends on Napoli. For example, if I have a sports utility vehicle in my garage then I don’t spend much money on its upkeep.

“However, if I own a limited edition vehicle then I have to take good care of it, polish regularly and basically spend more. Understood?”

If the Liverpool bid has been rejected, then it has only served to bump up Lavezzi’s wage requirements.

“Without going into detail, I will say the offer was to triple his current wages,” continued Rossetto.

“An agent has come to us with this offer, which is impressive and solid. We are not going to sit here and speculate on the situation. Napoli will decide and then let us know.”

Jermaine Pennant Is Spain Target

Jermaine Pennant is set for a shock switch to Spanish football - with both Madrid clubs keen to sign him this summer.

The Liverpool winger, currently on loan at Portsmouth, cost the Anfield side £8million when he signed three years ago but will be a bargain Bosman free transfer at the end of the season.

Spanish giants Real Madrid fancy Pennant, 26, as an impact player coming off the bench in the second half while Atletico see him as a potential first team regular.

Pennant's agent has been in Spain this week talking to both clubs.

The former England Under-21 star lost his place on the right flank to Dirk Kuyt this season and moved to Fratton Park in search of regular action.

Steven Gerrard Disappointed By Sami Hyypia's Decision To Leave Liverpool

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard admits he is saddened by Sami Hyypia's decision to leave the club in the summer, though made clear that he completely understands the big Finn's decision.

The 35-year-old will be marshalling the defence of Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen next term, after having done that job so exceptionally well at Anfield for the better part of the last ten years.

"I understand the reasons behind Sami's decision to go because he's got a two-year deal, so good luck to him," Gerrard was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"But for selfish reasons I wish he would stay for another season here because he's such a fantastic player and great to have around the place.

"He's been here for the whole time I've been in the first team and has been a great influence and magnificent servant - an absolute legend."

Hyypia has already stated his intent to return to the club in a coaching capacity someday, which is something that Gerrard has wholeheartedly endorsed.

"I sincerely hope he comes back as a coach one day, because he can bring so much with him and impart so much knowledge," added the Reds skipper.

"He knows how Liverpool Football Club works.

"He's a great character and I could see him playing a big role in developing the youngsters, the reserves and even the first team in time.

"I took over from him as captain in 2003 and there was some controversy at the time, but not from Sami, who was incredibly supportive of me from the very start.

"That is a measure of the man. He should be regarded as a one of the greats of this club and I don't say that lightly.

"He has certainly helped transform Liverpool and got us back to where we should be."

Hyypia, who has not featured for the Reds' first team since playing a role in their 4-1 demolition of Manchester United at Old Trafford, could well make his farewell appearance at Anfield on Sunday, when Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur in the concluding fixture of the Premier League campaign.

Xabi Alonso To Hand In Transfer Request At Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is reportedly prepared to shock the club by handing in a transfer request.

The News of the World claims that the Spanish international will leave Anfield this summer and is ready to hand manager Rafael Benitez a written request.

Alonso’s future has been the subject of much debate since last summer, when Liverpool began a long and drawn-out chase for Gareth Barry.

Whilst the Barry deal fell through and Alonso remained on Merseyside, speculation has continued to mount over his future, despite the midfielder enjoying an impressive season with the Reds.

Manager Benitez has insisted that he wants Alonso to stay at the club yet it now appears that he may be forced into selling his compatriot.

It is understood that Alonso is becoming increasingly unhappy at the club and wants to leave this summer. Furthermore, his agent reportedly met Benitez on Friday to inform him of his client’s decision.

The tabloid goes on to quote a friend of the player as saying, “Xabi loves Liverpool but he doesn't feel he can stay. He has not been happy for a long time and wants to go somewhere he feels he can enjoy his football again.”

Liverpool will hope to raise £18 million from selling Alonso, concludes the report, money which they are then planning to spend on Carlos Tevez.

Alonso, meanwhile, is unlikely to be short of suitors with Real Madrid, Manchester City, Arsenal and Juventus all thought to be interested in signing the 27-year-old.

Rafa's Way May Have Put Barry Off His Move

Gareth Barry’s summer move to Liverpool could be ruined by the way he was treated by Rafa Benitez a year ago.

Barry was told by Benitez that the £18million transfer could not go through because Liverpool could not afford it, but then splashed out £20m on Robbie Keane.

Aston Villa want Barry to stay, offering him a new £60,000-a-week deal and manager Martin O'Neill said: "The disappointing aspect for Barry was that Liverpool were pleading that they could only afford this certain amount of money and then spent £20m on Keane almost overnight.

"If that worked in our favour, fine. Was Barry hurt by that? I'm sure that if I was a player I would have been.

"That's my view. If someone told me they were coming for me and they are going to do this and the next thing, then say they don't have the money but buy someone else for £20m and it's gone through in a day or two, that would be an issue."

O'Neill will ask Barry what his intentions are after England's two World Cup qualifiers next month and will also use his international future as a bargaining tool.

Barry has started every Premier League game for Villa this season and that has helped cement him in the England side, but at Liverpool, O'Neill will point out, Barry will be at the mercy of Benitez's rotation policy.

"In the summer time, after he has played the games for England, I think Barry would want to talk about his decision then because everything is hitting him at the moment,” said O'Neill.

"If you are asking me for my opinion, I'd be delighted if he stayed on with us. But I wouldn't guarantee it. We've had good discussions with his new agent.

"With regards to England, Barry plays in our side. But if he wants Champions League football the thing to consider is we rotate less than some of the other teams and he is one who thrives on playing most weeks."

Barry has three options. He can keep O'Neill to his word after he promised he would allow him to leave at the end of this season if he still wanted Champions League football.

He can stay for another season and run down the final year of his contract and be available on a free transfer, something Villa would agree to, despite losing a lot of money.

Or Barry can take the new four-year contract on the improved terms that are on offer to him.

Manchester City & Milan Hope To Beat Liverpool To Aston Villa's Gareth Barry

According to a report in the British tabloid The People, Premier League money men Manchester City and Italian giants Milan are planning to hijack Liverpool's move for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry at the end of the season.

The Villans have reportedly slapped a €11.3 million price-tag (£10m) on the England international.

The Sunday Mirror claims that Martin O’Neill is unwilling to accept anything less than that for the 28-year-old, despite Barry having only one year left on his current contract.

Liverpool are expected to renew their interest in the 28-year-old at the end of the season, despite spending the majority of last summer attempting, and failing, to snare the Villa captain.

According to the report in the tabloid newspaper, City, as well as the Rossoneri, are apparently ready to offer the 6ft midfielder wages in the region of €113,720-a-week (£100,000), amounting to around €21.8m (£19.2m) over four years.

This could rule the Merseyside outfit out of the race for his signature as they, as well as Arsenal who are also said to be monitoring his situation, will not be able to offer such terms.

It is also reported that the Citizens are considering offering England international defender Micah Richards as part of the deal, in the hope of having first option on Barry.

While his potential destination remains unclear, it seems almost certain Barry will leave Villa Park this summer after manager Martin O’Neill admitted he will not stand in his way.

“The price, obviously with a year left to run, is a different issue,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

“But, by the same token, he is an England international player, he has captained his country and he is still only 28-years-old.

“He wouldn’t come cheaply, even in this day and age.”

The news is unlikely to impress Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez with funds reportedly an issue at Anfield.

Indeed, the Spaniard may have to sell before he can buy with Xabi Alonso the man widely tipped to leave in order for Barry to arrive.

They may be more encouraged by the news that the midfielder hopes to play in the Champions League, which would rule out a move to Manchester City, although Milan may be an attractive proposition.

Soccer-Colossus Hyypia Prepares For Anfield Farewell

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has described Sami Hyypia as a colossus as the Finnish defender prepares to end his 10-year stint at Anfield.

The 35-year-old Hyypia will make his 464th appearance for the club against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday before moving to Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen.

"It's difficult to put into words. He's been fantastic for us -- a colossus," Gerrard told Liverpool's website (www.liverpoolfc.tv). He certainly deserves legendary status and he's definitely one of the best players I've ever played with. They're the biggest compliments I can pay Sami."

Hyypia, an instantly recognisable figure at the heart of Liverpool's defence with his towering physique and blonde hair, has become marginalised by the emergence of Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger as partners for Jamie Carragher.

After winning the Champions League, the UEFA Cup, two FA Cups and two League Cups, but not the Premier League title the club so craves, Hyypia said he was looking forward to a change.

"I am sad to miss that medal but I don't think I have anything to regret," the Finnish international said of Liverpool's near miss in the title race this year.

"Next season it might happen but I only play 10 games and I wouldn't get a medal anyway. I am sadder for the fans that Liverpool haven't won the Premier League than for myself.

"For 10 years I have played in the same league, in the same stadiums and against the same clubs mainly, so now I have a chance to go to Germany which is a good league."

Liverpool FC Fans Will Give Robbie Keane A Warm Reception

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp is confident Liverpool fans will give Robbie Keane a warm reception on his return to Anfield.

Keane, 28, endured six frustrating months at the club he supported as a boy before returning to White Hart Lane during the January transfer window.

Redknapp said: “Liverpool fans are special people as far as football supporters go and I’m sure they will give him a terrific reception.”

The Tottenham boss has also backed Liverpool to be in the thick of the title race again next season.

He said: “To think that they only lost two games and have not won the championship is amazing really.

“I’m sure they’ll come back even stronger next season.”

Rafa Benitez Promises That Liverpool Won't Sell Xabi Alonso

Liverpool will not sell Xabi Alonso this summer, manager Rafa Benitez has assured supporters today, as rumours about the classy midfielder's future refuse to dissipate.

The Basque has been one of Liverpool's outstanding performers this campaign, but continues to be linked with a move away from Merseyside, with Juventus touted as a likely destination. There were also reports earlier in the campaign of a rift between Benitez and Alonso, although that seems to have faded into the background somewhat.

The Reds manager told the club's official website today, "It's very clear - Xabi has three years left and we do not want to sell him."

Alonso has made 46 appearances for the club this season, scoring five goals, with his creativity and perceptive passing helping drive on the more high-profile attacking talents the team possesses.

Liverpool Boss Benitez Plans Meticulous Summer Spending - Kenny Dalglish

Any players that Rafael Benitez targets this summer may be likelier to join Liverpool as the Spaniard's own future, together with those of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, have been secured earlier in the year, according to club legend Kenny Dalglish.

The Reds have been linked with a plethora of Premier League stars, and Benitez has already conceded that each penny paid toward his summer signings will have to be money well spent.

Liverpool splashed out in excess of £40 million on Andrea Dossena, Diego Cavalieri, Robbie Keane, and Albert Riera last year, with only the latter bearing fruit, and even then the orchard was not plentiful. Benitez, though, has admitted that such costly errors in the market cannot be repeated.

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry, cash-strapped Valencia's David Silva remains hot property, dynamic Portsmouth full-back Glen Johnson, Spurs winger Aaron Lennon, Bordeaux's Yoann Gourcuff and Heerenveen's Daniel Pranjic have all been reported targets.

Dalglish is quoted by The Telegraph as confirming that Benitez's decision to commit his long-term future at the club could prove influential in any potential dealings.

"Rafa signing his new contract and Gerrard, Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger agreeing to stay is very positive," he explained.

"Sorting Rafa out early will have given him plenty of opportunity to identify the people he wants to bring in and I am sure he is working diligently to do that.

"You want to see people coming in to help build on the season Liverpool have had."

Second Place In The League Should Have Silver Lining For Liverpool

Football dressing room walls are full of motivational catchphrases rubbishing the runner-up.

You know the sort.

“Winning is everything, second is nowhere.”

“Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser.”

“You get nothing for finishing second.” etc. etc.

Except in all but one glaring case, you do get something for finishing second.

Win the five matches it takes to get to the FA Cup final, and you're guaranteed a loser's medal.

Miss a penalty kick in a Champions League final and your chief executive can go up first to have a trinket placed around his neck.

Losing League Cup finalists used to receive a commemorative tankard – presumably to drown their sorrows – nowadays they're guaranteed a handsome medallion.

While on the greatest football stage of all, the World Cup, even the third and fourth placed finishers are rewarded with a memento.

In fact every Cup competition in world football recognises the achievement of finishing second . . . except the toughest one.

Advocates of the English Premier League insist it is the hardest and the best football tournament in the world – but the runners-up receive nothing.

After nine-and-a-half months of gruelling action, after 38 matches in the heat of August and the snow of January, after rotating squad resources to the absolute limit – the Premier League runners-up are left with nothing bar the memory of having pushed the champions to the wire.

For Liverpool it's a particularly galling situation.

Beat Spurs on Sunday and they'll have racked up 86 Premier League points this season.

In 12 of their 18 title winning seasons, that would have been enough for the ultimate glory.

The parameters have changed in the era of the big-four.

Since the Champions League has allowed the rich to get richer, you now need totals like 87 points, 89, 91, 95 and 90 to claim the ultimate prize.

Which should make finishing second in the modern era even more meritorious.

But instead, Liverpool have been reduced to scrambling around in the pursuit of records rather than medals.

It does seem to be a curious oversight.

Surely the introduction of runners-up medals would add greater significance to second place.

As soon as a team clinches the title, the teams immediately below are usually involved in a series of dead rubbers.

Introduce a medal and second place may become slightly more highly regarded.

And if a player still believed it was a meaningless bauble, he could always follow the great Neville Southall's lead in 1991.

While his team-mates trooped up the Wembley steps to collect their Zenith Data Systems Cup loser's medals . . . he remained rooted to his goalpost.

“What do I want one of them for?” he muttered. The Premier League agrees.

Rafa Benitez Makes Peace With Sir Alex Ferguson In Letter After Horror Smash

Rafa Benitez has made peace with Sir Alex Ferguson in a private letter.

The pair have been at loggerheads all year, but the Liverpool boss wrote to Fergie after the Manchester United manager’s grandson was badly injured in a car crash.

Benitez, a father of two girls, wrote offering his help while 10-year-old Charlie Ferguson is at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

An Anfield insider said: "There is an intense football rivalry between them, but that’s all it is - a football rivalry. Everything that has been said has been designed to gain an edge on the pitch. But when it comes to matters like this, Rafa is a family man who understands exactly what Sir Alex is going through.

"He wants to help any way he can. Rafa knows how difficult it must be, and he feels for a fellow manager who he respects as a person and a family man himself."

Charlie underwent a six-hour operation following the crash in which his mother Nadine, ex-wife of Ferguson’s son Darren, was also hurt earlier this month.

The relationship between Benitez and Ferguson broke down when the Liverpool manager launched an extraordinary attack on his rival at the turn of the year. They have since taken regular verbal swipes at each other.

But the letter will help build bridges and another source said: "Rafa wanted Sir Alex to know that if he or his family needed anything while the youngster was in Liverpool, they only had to ask."

Benitez Has Creative Winger Watched

Reports in France are suggesting that Rafa Benitez has had FC Lorient's winger Kevin Gameiro watched on a number of occasions, with reports suggesting the Anfield outfit are considering making a move for the forward.

The 22-year-old has been in superb form for the French minnows helping the club secure a respected mid-table finish in Ligue 1. Gamiero has chipped in with seven goals and 8 assists this season, attracting interest from France's domestic giants Paris Saint Germain and Marseille.

The former French youth international is rumoured to be considering his future after only one year at FC Lorient, with ambitions of forcing his way into the thoughts of French boss Raymond Domenech.

Sammy Lee Warns About Past Liverpool FC Transfer Errors

Sammy Lee admits Liverpool cannot afford to ignore the mistakes of 2002 as they prepare for a “massive” summer.

Rafael Benitez’s side bring down the curtain on their season tomorrow when they entertain Tottenham.

A point will confirm runners-up place behind Manchester United with the Anfield outfit having already reached 83 points, their record total in the Premier League era.

Benitez is already assessing his transfer options with Carlos Tevez, Glen Johnson, David Silva and Gareth Barry all among those the Spaniard has run the rule over.

The last time Liverpool finished second in the table seven years ago, they responded by spending more than £20m on misfits Bruno Cheyrou, El Hadji Diouf and Salif Diao and subsequently finished outside the Champions League places the following campaign.

And Lee, who was on then manager Gerard Houllier’s coaching staff in 2002, accepts Liverpool are treading a fine line as they aim to make the final transformation into a potentially championship-winning team.

“Each summer is massive,” said the assistant manager. “There will be activity going on behind the scenes here to bring new people in. You always need to bring in new players to strengthen and improve.

“We hope it’s just fine margins that need looking at rather than sweeping changes. It’s only tweaking that is needed, which is why this summer is going to be important. There is a fine line between success and not having success.

“The final bit is always the hardest part in anything. But we’re fully aware of the task that faces us. To get that little bit extra will be the hardest work for us.”

Lee added: “I was aware of what went on in 2002. That’s why the cliches come in, there’s no way we can afford to take anything for granted. The fact is we’re not 100% happy with the season because we have won nothing. There’s no way we can afford to rest on our laurels.

“If you win things, you don’t dwell on that either. It’s the old Ronnie Moranism, you forget that trophy then move on to the next one. Before we even finished the last game of the season, he told us how many days there were before we came back for pre-season.

“That was the type of mentality we had. We are preparing already for next season and there’s no way anyone here will be resting on their laurels because we have won nothing.”

Tottenham are one of only two teams – Middlesbrough the other – to have beaten Liverpool in the Premier League this season.

If Benitez’s side avoid defeat tomorrow, they will become the first team ever to go through a top-flight season losing as few games without winning the league.

But Lee said: “There certainly has been an improvement but it’s not enough of an improvement as we don’t have any trophies.”

Arsenal Youngsters Thrash Liverpool

Steve Bould's Arsenal youngsters secured an emphatic 4-1 victory over Liverpool in tonight's first leg of the FA Youth Cup final at Emirates Stadium.

Jack Wilshere, a 17-year-old midfielder who has already played for Arsene Wenger's first team, set up Gilles Sunu for the opening goal after 20 minutes.

Then the England Under-19 star doubled the Gunners' advantage when he scored from the penalty spot after half-an-hour.

The 33,000 crowd at Ashburton Grove saw Liverpool pull a goal back through Alex Kacaniklic before half-time.

But Arsenal were not to be denied, and they asserted themselves convincingly after the break.

Playmaker Wilshere schemed another goal when he played in substitute Sanchez Watt to make it 3-1 on 57 minutes.

Then Emmanuel Thomas headed in from a corner to make it 4-1and give the young Reds a huge challenge in the second leg at Anfield next week.