Rafael Benitez Urges Liverpool To Step Up Premier League Preparations

Liverpool have lost their opening two games of their pre-season, and although manager Rafael Benitez isn't concerned by the results or the performances, he wants to see his side return to winning ways when they take on Thailand this evening.

Speaking to the clubs official website, Benitez said, “We know there is going to be a fantastic crowd here and that they will be giving us great support, so of course we want to win for them.”

The Liverpool boss went on to give his reaction to the club's support in Thailand, saying, “When you come to a country like Thailand and see all the supporters then it again makes you proud to be the manager of the club. I hope we can put on a show for the fans tonight, but it won't be easy.”

Reflecting on his team's preseason so far, Benitez added, "The only thing wrong with our games so far have been the results, especially the last one in Vienna. The players are working hard in difficult conditions out here, but we are preparing them properly for the season which is when it really matters."

Latest On Steven Gerrard Court Case

Liverpool FC Steven Gerrard was in a "huff" before he attacked a man with a barrage of punches, a court heard on Wednesday.

Gerrard, 29, confronted Marcus McGee after he refused to give him control of a stereo at the Lounge Inn bar in Southport, Merseyside, last year.

The England midfielder was drinking in the early hours of December 29 with a throng of friends to celebrate his team’s 5-1 drubbing of Newcastle.

He downed bottles of Budweiser and a Jammy Donut shot.

Gerrard - who said he was seven out of 10 on a drunkenness scale - returned to confront businessman Mr. McGee and threw three punches at him, the player said.

On Wednesday, Liverpool Crown Court heard from barman Nathaniel Lockie who relived the attack and claimed Gerrard was in a "huff" after not getting his own way.

He said: "Gerrard grabbed the back of his jumper and pulled it over his head, pulled him down and started uppercutting him.

"While that happened I ran round to the other side of the bar trying to help and he (Gerrard) was dragged off into the restaurant."

Mr. McGee, 34, said when he refused to hand over control of the music Gerrard asked him: "Who the f*** do you think you are?"

He said of the attack several minutes later: "I remember a barrage of punches coming in at my face but I didn’t know who has done what.

"Having watched the CCTV it was obvious Steven Gerrard hit me a couple of times, maybe three times but I couldn’t honestly say on the night.

"I didn’t know who did what."

The first shot was actually thrown by Gerrard’s friend John Doran, 29, of Huyton, Liverpool.

He and four other men have admitted affray and threatening behaviour.

The victim said the millionaire midfielder tried to grab a card controlling the stereo from him.

"I didn’t give it to him, no," he said.

"It wasn’t my permission to be giving it out to somebody else, it was my job so I didn’t hand it over.

"He made a move to try to grab the card to take it away and I remember it slipped on the floor at one stage."

He denied punching back at Gerrard when they clashed violently.

But in a police interview read to court, Gerrard claimed it was the other way round.

The father-of-two said he had permission from manageress Sabrina Malik to pick some songs and Mr. McGee was arrogant and rude to him.

He told detectives: "He grabbed my music menu off me and said ’You are not f****** deciding what music goes on in here’."

He added: "When he grabbed it I said ’What’s your problem, why can’t I change it?’

"He basically said to me ’I am not putting your music on.’

"It was quite aggressive, and I said ’What’s the f****** problem, why can’t I put my music on?

"He said ’Because you f****** can’t, you’re not allowed.

"I said ’I have permission to do it’."

The seven women and five men of the jury heard that Gerrard felt upset and "gutted" about what happened.

The player told detectives Mr. McGee proceeded to stare at him through a gap in a partition wall.

Gerrard, married to model Alex Curran, wanted to sort the problem out so went back to discuss it with Mr. McGee, he said.

"I didn’t go over there intentionally to have another argument or start fighting," he said.

"I was having a good night but I was gutted and just wanted to straighten it out with him."

Gerrard said he believed Mr. McGee was going to attack him.

"He stood up quite aggressively out of his stool and I thought to myself ’I am not going to be able to sort this out in the way I wanted’," Gerrard said.

"I thought he was going to give me a smack.

"He was shouting back and I didn’t know what he was saying but he started arguing and I thought he was going to hit me so that’s why I threw a punch."

Mr. McGee lost a front tooth crown and suffered a cut face in the melee.

Gerrard’s police interviews end with his solicitor, Richard Green, saying the star was "deeply apologetic" about what happened.

"He understands his obligations and responsibilities and this is completely out of character and out of the blue," he said.

"He is extremely remorseful for what actually happened and certainly there wasn’t any intention for events to turn out that way."

The court heard that when arrested Gerrard was "totally co-operative" with police.

He is expected to go into the witness box on Thursday morning.

Glen Johnson Amazed By Liverpool Fan Support In Thailand

Liverpool's latest major acquisition has been overwhelmed by the fanfare that the club has received in Thailand, where they will play a pre-season friendly.

"It's unbelievable," beamed Glen Johnson to the club’s official website. "The lads were saying before we came out that we had a great support over here and it's incredible to see so many fans everywhere we go.”

The 24-year-old went on to speak of how the fans influence him to perform on the pitch, saying, “Of course when you see such support it makes you even more determined to do well.

"I want to play with the consistency I had at Portsmouth but I want to improve both the defensive and attacking side of my game. I want to establish myself in the team."

Johnson also commented on the Reds’ prospect of challenging for the Premier League title during the coming season.

"Last season Liverpool only made one or two minor errors and if we can improve on that, we have a great chance [to win the title]," he concluded.

Mascherano Wants To Quit Reds - Agent

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano is keen to secure a move to Spain as he has grown "tired of life in England", according to his agent.

The Argentina international is a reported target of Real Madrid and Barcelona, but the enforcer remains part of Reds manager Rafa Benitez's plans.

However, Mascherano's representative, Walter Tamer, has claimed the 25-year-old has grown unsettled in the Premier League and is eager to move abroad.

Tamer is quoted by Infobae.com as saying: "Barcelona is the easiest deal to set up as Javier wants to go to Spain. He is tired of life in England.

"His wife has not been given a permanent visa. She has to go through an odyssey each time she wants to go.

"Liverpool refuse to sell, this can be overcome with an extraordinary offer."

Carragher Wants Xabi Alonso Saga Sorted Out

Liverpool FC defender Jamie Carragher wants Xabi Alonso transfer to stay at Liverpool FC but hopes the saga won't drag on through the summer.

Alonso’s future on Merseyside has been the subject of intense speculation with Real Madrid reportedly interested in a £30million deal, while the Spaniard’s name has also been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City among others.

Boss Rafael Benitez has so far sidestepped the issue during Liverpool’s two-match tour of Asia, only going so far as to confirm the 27-year-old will remain a Red until after the game against a Singapore XI on July 26.

However, Carragher believes a decision on Alonso’s future needs to be made sooner rather than later with the new Premier League season less than a month away.

"The feeling within the squad, he is a top player and you do not want to lose your top players and hopefully it can be sorted out as quickly as possible," he said.

"If the club thinks it is in the best interests of the club sometimes you have to do what is in the best interests of the club.

"But that’s a personal matter for the manager and the club. We all go through these situations - well hopefully not me - and as I said, I just hope it gets sorted out sooner rather than later."

Alonso did not feature in Liverpool FC’s 1-1 draw with Thailand in a pre-season friendly in Bangkok due to a slight ankle injury, lending further weight to the notion he is about to leave Anfield.

However fellow midfielder Javier Mascherano, another whose Liverpool FC future has been cast into doubt, did play although the Argentinian elected not to speak to the media following the game.

Ryan Babel, who has been tipped by Benitez to play a significant role this season, opened the scoring for the visitors with six minutes gone at the Rajamangala Stadium and spurned two further chances to add to his tally before Sutee Sumsomkit levelled in impressive fashion midway through the second period to leave the Reds still searching for their first pre-season victory.

There was a further setback when Martin Skrtel limped off 10 minutes after coming on at half-time and while Benitez said it was too early to tell how long the defender could be ruled out for, it was nevertheless an unwanted blow.

"I’m really disappointed because Martin has had a problem with his hamstring and a little bit with the ligaments in his knee, so we have to wait," he said.

Carragher echoed his manager’s disappointment over his centre-back partner’s exit.

"That’s part and parcel of football. It’s disappointing but hopefully he will be ready for the start of the season because he’s a top player," he said.

Despite being held by Peter Reid’s team and seeing his charges spurn a number of chances, Benitez was nevertheless pleased with Liverpool FC’s performance.

"We had some chances, we were playing against a team that was well organised, and they play quick," the Spaniard said.

"So you come to a new continent and conditions are different, always more difficult, but I was pleased with the performance of some players.

"We knew that physically they are strong, they are quick, and then the pace of the other team is important. So we had to have some really good movement and I was really pleased with them."

Benitez, though, was reluctant to talk up his side’s Premier League title chances this term following last season’s impressive campaign.

"We have to keep working and try to be contenders," he added.

"I don’t think that we need to put any pressure on anyone. So we just keep improving and then we can stay there."

Manchester City To Launch Ambitious Bid For Liverpool's Xabi Alonso

While the football world is expecting Xabi Alonso to move to Real Madrid, Manchester City are plotting an audacious bid of their own for the Liverpool star.

The Alonso saga has dragged on all summer, with the player appearing keen to move to the Bernabeu.

However, as that deal continues to linger in limbo, Man City are preparing a bid. According to The Daily Express, the Citizens are now willing to match Alonso's £35 million valuation, and could even increase their bid to fend off Los Merengues.

It is unlikely that Alonso would choose City over Madrid, but should Los Blancos pull out of the race, Mark Hughes' side are ready to pounce.

Dirk Kuyt Is Starstruck In Presence Of Liverpool FC Legend Kenny Dalglish

Dirk Kuyt admitted even he was star struck after he warmed up for yesterday’s clash with Thailand by putting local youngsters through their paces in Bangkok.

The Reds striker was joined by new club ambassador Kenny Dalglish for the adidas sports clinic held in sweltering conditions at the Chulalongkorn Stdaium.

“The standard was quite high and the most important thing was to see the kids enjoying themselves and having fun,” said Kuyt, who was presented with a cake to mark his 29th birthday.

“It was a bit strange giving the clinic alongside Kenny because he was a hero of mine.

“To be with him helping the kids was fantastic.

“We really enjoyed ourselves out there, and it’s great that the club can do so many positive things while we are over here.”

Dalglish, who received a rapturous ovation, took the chance to show off his skills and pass on some tips.

“We put them through their paces for a bit and the lads did well,” he said.

“It’s never easy in this heat but everyone seemed to be having a good time and it was fun to be involved.

“Dirk probably did a bit more than me because he has younger legs, but it was good to get back out onto the field again and run around a bit.”

Dalglish admits even he has been stunned by the welcome the Reds have had from the Thai people.

“It really opens your eyes to the support and the feelings people have for Liverpool from all over the world,” he said.

“When people attach themselves to a club, no matter how far away they are you want to be able to do things for them and if us being here makes the people of Thailand happy then that’s great.

“I’d heard about the Thai fans and their support of Liverpool before but had never actually seen it. It has been fantastic from the minute we arrived at the airport.”

Liverpool Need At Least One Good Striker If They Are Going To Compete

Tony Cascarino, a football league veteran of over 600 games for the likes of Aston Villa and Chelsea, believes Liverpool are overly dependent on the fitness of Fernando Torres, and suggested they will need to add a top level striker should they wish to compete for the Premier League.

Speaking to footballpools.com Cascarino said: “The striker situation remains a problem for Rafa Benitez.”

“Fernando Torres is absolutely top drawer but you just can’t rely on him all season with his hamstring problems.”

“Another striker is a necessity and he has to be of a standard to perform in the first team rather than someone with potential as Torres is unlikely to stay fit for an entire season.”

“The problem is that prices for established strikers are just so huge and I don’t feel that Benitez will want to splash out £25m on a forward after having his fingers burned last season by the purchase of Robbie Keane.”

“David Ngog certainly doesn’t look ready but Ryan Babel could be an alternative as a central striker.”

“I’ve seen him play there before and he certainly possesses lightning pace and a powerful shot but it would seem Rafa is not a fan judging by the few opportunities the Dutchman has been given.”

“Whether Alonso goes or not, Liverpool need to bring in at least one good striker if they are going to compete for the title once again.”

Reds To Deal In Ayala

Liverpool are ready to reward young defender Daniel Sanchez Ayala with a new deal, skysports.com understands.

Sanchez Ayala joined Liverpool at the start of 2007/08 campaign after being snapped up from Sevilla.

The 18-year-old is highly rated by the Liverpool coaching staff and has established himself as a regular in the reserves in the last couple of seasons.

Sanchez Ayala has yet to make his first-team debut, but he has featured in Liverpool's first two pre-season friendlies this summer

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is a big admirer of the central defender and is keen to tie him to a new long-term contract.

Liverpool Have Squad To Challenge For Title, Insists Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is uncertain how Ronaldo's departure will impact Manchester United's title challenge this season but is confident the Reds have the squad to match the defending champions.

United have only spent around a quarter of the £80million they received from Real Madrid for the Portugal winger on Antonio Valencia from Wigan and Bordeaux's Gabriel Obertan while Michael Owen joined the club after his Newcastle contract expired.

However, Carlos Tevez also left Old Trafford for Manchester City and it remains to be seen how both his and Ronaldo's exits will affect the Red Devils this season.

Benitez, whose only major signing so far this summer is full-back Glen Johnson, downplayed the significance of Ronaldo's departure but believes United's spending is not over despite Sir Alex Ferguson's previous claims to the contrary.

'I don't know," he said when asked if Ronaldo's switch to Real Madrid means Liverpool now have a better chance of winning the Premier League.

'I'm sure that they will have some money and they will buy some players so they will be strong but we've really improved with Glen (Johnson) so hopefully we can be a little bit better and it will be enough.'

City manager Mark Hughes has quickly set about spending some of the Middle Eastern owners' millions in the transfer market in an effort to break into the top four and bring Champions League football to Eastlands.

United boss Ferguson has, however, dismissed suggestions their city rivals will prove serious title contenders this season but Benitez was more guarded in his assessment of the Eastlands club's credentials.

'I think that every club now in the Premier League is trying to improve, City is one of them so you never know,' he added.

'At least I would like to be there at the top of the table and be contenders but I cannot say too much about the other teams.'

Glen Johnson Eyes Premier League Glory With Liverpool FC

New signing Glen Johnson is aiming to reproduce the form that won him an England recall last season as he eyes Premier League glory with Liverpool.

Reds manager Rafael Benitez signed the full-back from Portsmouth for a reported £17million following an impressive season on the south coast that saw Fabio Capello restore him to the national team after an absence of almost three years.

Johnson made an encouraging debut in the recent pre-season friendly with St Gallen and his versatility may also prove a useful asset to Benitez, with the 24-year-old able to operate at right or left-back as well as in midfield.

"I just want to play with the consistency I did last year and, hopefully, with the attacking play and the defensive side that I’ve improved on," he said.

"I’d just like to be doing that week in, week out again.

"They’re (Liverpool) right up there with the world’s best and they showed that by how close they came last season so a few minor errors that could be cut out and there will be massive improvements.

"It’s a whole different club, the organization and the professionalism of all the staff makes a difference."

Johnson is Benitez’s only major signing of the summer to date as he plots to go one better than last season’s runners-up finish in the Barclays Premier League.

Babel Ready To Repay The Faith Insists Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes Ryan Babel will justify the faith he has shown in him – starting with tomorrow’s friendly against Thailand in Bangkok.

The 22-year-old Dutchman has struggled to live up to his £11.5million price tag since he arrived from Ajax two years ago.

However, Benitez has resisted the temptation to offload the winger and is backing Babel to be a major hit at Anfield next season.

“We have been really impressed with Ryan,” Benitez said.

“He worked hard in the summer and he came back really fit.

“He’s trying to do his best and that’s very positive when you have a player with his talent.

“The first two years in a foreign country are always difficult. Now he has the right mentality and I’m sure he will improve.”

The Reds touched down in Thailand yesterday after a 10-hour flight from Vienna and received a hero’s welcome in the capital Bangkok.

They face Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium tomorrow (kick-off 2pm UK time) before making the short trip to play Singapore on Sunday.

After a goalless stalemate with St Gallen and a 1-0 defeat to Rapid Vienna, Benitez is looking for a big improvement.

The 28-man squad has been boosted by the return of Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina, Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera, Alvaro Arbeloa, Andrea Dossena and Javier Mascherano following their extended summer breaks.

"For us this is a really important stage of the season," Benitez said.

“Everything we do is preparing the players for the first Premier League game. We must spend this time getting them match fit and working on tactics.

“We analysed what happened last year and know what we can improve on. This time is crucial to what we achieve when the season starts.

“We will continue to prepare them well this week and look to play well in the games.

“It was disappointing to lose in Vienna and you can’t be happy when you don’t win but there were lots of positives to take from the game.

“Hopefully we can keep working well and keep working hard over here.”

Benitez refused to be drawn on Alonso’s future – despite a barrage of questions about where the midfielder will be playing next season.

The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid but he is expected to play some part in tomorrow’s fixture.

“Xabi Alonso is with us and available,” Benitez said. “His future is to enjoy his time here this week with the people in Thailand – enjoy the weather, the game and the journalists. For the next week he will be here.

“We will talk together about tactics, prepare for the game and try to enjoy our football.

“We have a lot of respect for our fans here so we will try to use all the senior players.

“But the Spanish players and Dossena and Mascherano arrived back late because of the Confederations Cup and internationals, so they will probably not play as much as the other players.”

Meanwhile, Benitez is unlikely to be conducting any transfer business while he’s away after insisting he’s happy with the make up of his squad.

“We have already signed Glen Johnson, an England international, who is a very good signing,” he said.

“Also Andriy Voronin has come back after being one of the best players in the German League.”

Liverpool Set For Aquilani Talks

Il Corriere dello Sport understands Liverpool have flown to Italy for talks with Roma about the prospect of signing Alberto Aquilani.

Yesterday Roma fans staged a protest expressing their anger at the club's lack of activity in the transfer market this summer.

As takeover talks come to a standstill and with no new investment in sight, Roma will have to sell if they are to buy ahead of next season.

Reports suggest Liverpool have identified Aquilani as the perfect replacement for Xabi Alonso, who appears ready to leave for Real Madrid.

Il Corriere believes Roma have told Aquilani that they will sell him should a decent offer arrive.

The 25-year-old who was born and bred in Rome struggled with injury last season, but also signed a new contract a couple of months ago.

Yesterday his agent, Franco Zavaglia, denied the existence of an offer from Liverpool.

“For now, they have not contacted me. I don't know anything. For now, there is nothing concrete,” Zavaglia said.

Roma have made a habit of selling one of their jewels every summer for the last three years.

Duffen Denies Reds Rumours

Hull City chairman Paul Duffen has dismissed reports that he is a contender to become Liverpool's new chief executive.

Liverpool are aiming to appoint a new chief executive after Rick Parry left his position at Anfield at the end of last season.

Reports had claimed that Duffen was to be put on a short-list of candidates to replace Parry on Merseyside.

However, Duffen has branded the speculation 'ridiculous' and insists his focus is on helping manager Phil Brown improve his squad.

"It's a great example of the silly season at work, it's ridiculous," Duffen told the Hull Daily Mail.

"I am completely focused on working with the manager and strengthening the squad for next season."

Duffen has been with the Tigers for the past two years and also holds a shareholding in the Premier League club.

Benitez Expects United Spending

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez expects Premier League title rival Sir Alex Ferguson to use his world-record transfer profits to strengthen Manchester United this summer.

The Red Devils earned a staggering £80million up front from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid this summer to significantly boost funds at Old Trafford.

But despite repeated reports linking him with Franck Ribery and Sergio Aguero, Ferguson has claimed that he will not spend any more money before transfer deadline day.

Benitez, though, believes his opposite number, who has bought Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan while also signing free agent Michael Owen, will venture into the transfer market before the end of August.

"I am sure they will have money and they will buy some players," said the Liverpool boss when asked about United.

Benitez is confident Liverpool will again be able to compete with United in the new season after finishing runners-up in the last campaign.

The Reds have signed Glen Johnson from Portsmouth and Benitez feels the England full-back will add a necessary edge.

"We have to be strong next season. We have improved with Glen and hopefully we can do a little bit better and that will be enough," he said.

Benitez is also aware of the emerging threat of Manchester City, who have spent big this summer on the likes of Gareth Barry and Carlos Tevez.

"I think every club now is trying to improve and Manchester City is one of them," he said.

"I would like to be there at the top of the table and be contending but I cannot say too much on the other teams."

Liverpool FC Keen To Build On Incredible Passion Of Far East Fans

When Ian Ayre took over as Liverpool’s commercial director two years ago he didn’t need telling what huge potential there was for the club in Asia.

Having spent 15 years living on this vast continent he had seen for himself the passion and devotion of its football supporters.

And in particular a deep love for Liverpool Football Club.

Six years may have passed since the Reds’ last trip to Thailand but the reception Rafa Benitez and his players received on their arrival in Bangkok yesterday proved that love is undiminished.

The arrival of the Spaniard along with Ryan Babel and Jamie Carragher at a press conference in the team’s stunning Royal Hyatt Erawan Hotel sparked a major scrum and that was just amongst the waiting local media.

Outside hundreds of fans had queued for hours in the searing 33 degree heat and energy-sapping 70% humidity to catch a glimpse of their heroes. Most were decked out in the club’s colours with some even boasting swine flu protective face marks adorned with the LFC crest.

For Ayre, the Reds’ arrival for the week-long tour of Thailand and Singapore was the culmination of nine months hard graft for him and his commercial team.

”Having lived in Malaysia, Hong Kong and China nobody is more aware than me of the power of Liverpool Football Club and of football generally in Asia,” he said.

“Commercially we have a genuine opportunity to do really well here.

“The big difficulty was choosing where to go. Thailand is a great example of a market where we have lots and lots of fans but there are plenty of others. But by choosing Thailand and Singapore we captured most of South East Asia and made it possible for fans from other countries to come and see the team.

“We started planning this trip last October and a lot of work has gone into it.”

This tour will undoubtedly raise the Reds’ profile and provide a welcome boost to the club’s balance sheet but Ayre insists there is much more to this trip than trying to flog more replica shirts.

“It’s less about what we are trying to get out of it and more what we are trying to put in,” he said.

“We build our business on the basis of having fans all around the world who support us and contribute by buying.

“Touring is about giving a bit back and that’s why we’ve brought a really strong squad here.

“Liverpool have been coming on tour to Asia for many years. But the difference now is that we are trying to be a bit more commercially aware.

“We are making sure people know we are here and try to make a bit more of an impact so we continue to grow in that way.

“Most of the tickets for these matches were sold through Adidas outlets rather than the traditional route of selling through ticket agencies. We also used Carlsberg and other retail outlets.

“We also attracted local sponsors with the likes of Tesco, Honda and the tourist authority of Thailand.

“They are taking the opportunity to be associated with Liverpool in this short period.”

Liverpool Insist Asian Tour Is About Fans, Not Money

Liverpool have insisted that the fans, not commercial opportunities, are the reason that they are undertaking their Asian tour.

Many see tours such as this as purely for financial benefit, but the Reds' commercial director, Ian Ayre, told the club's official website, "We have a duty to contribute to these football markets and to our supporters over here.

"We have in place a strong legacy program encompassing many different initiatives and which can be broken down into different areas. For example, we have a knowledge transfer program at which Rafa [Benitez] will meet coaches from Thailand and Singapore, I will be meeting representatives from the local businesses and the medical team will also be having sessions.

"We will be running a kids' program with open training sessions to try and show people what we do and how we do it.

"The important thing is that when our plane lands back in Liverpool there will still be things going on in our name over here which we can continue to support."

Liverpool's first match on tour is against Thailand on Wednesday, before they fly out to Singapore.

Steven Gerrard 'Launched Volley Of Punches'

England footballer Steven Gerrard launched a volley of uppercut punches at a man in a row over music, a court heard today.

The millionaire star "totally lost it" and attacked Marcus McGee, 34, "with the style and speed of a professional boxer" in a 2am bar brawl, it is alleged.

Gerrard was at the Lounge Inn in Southport, Merseyside on 29 December to celebrate Liverpool's 5-1 demolition of Newcastle United hours earlier.

The Reds' captain, who scored twice in the game, was enjoying a night out with a party of friends including Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish, 58.

But trouble flared when Mr. McGee refused to hand over a card controlling the CD player.

The victim was in charge of music for the venue after being given the card to pick songs for a staff party in an adjacent room to Gerrard's group.

David Turner QC, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court Gerrard asked McGee for the card, saying: "Here y'are lad. Give me that lad."

Mr. Turner said: "Mr. McGee took offence at his attitude and the expression 'lad' and he refused.

"Not many people on Merseyside, or indeed anywhere else, would refuse a request from Steven Gerrard but Mr. McGee did.

"There can be no doubt that this refusal astounded Steven Gerrard.

"He walked away back to his party but the CCTV shows how much his mood had changed.

"He was no longer the centre of that high-spirited party.

"He was clearly walking around pondering, musing over what had happened - about the man who said 'no' to Steven Gerrard."

Several minutes later CCTV showed Gerrard returning to the victim who was sitting alone at the bar and allegedly confronting him with the words: "Who the f*** do you think you are?"

Mr. McGee stood up and the pair were head to head, Mr. Turner said, "in the sort of hostile confrontation that is often seen between professional footballers".

The barrister added: "Steven Gerrard had clearly lost his cool: he was angry with Marcus McGee."

The situation attracted the millionaire's friends.

One, John Doran, who has admitted affray, pushed McGee away but "could not resist following through with his right elbow into Mr McGee's face", said Mr. Turner.

"We say at this stage Gerrard totally lost it.

"Almost immediately after the blow from John Doran, in fact within seconds, Steven Gerrard joined in the attack with a succession of well aimed uppercut punches delivered with the style and speed of a professional boxer rather than a professional footballer."

In police interview Gerrard said he punched Mr. McGee because he believed he was going to be attacked.

But warning the seven women and five men of the jury, Mr. Turner said: "If you consider Steven Gerrard was or even may have been acting in self defense you will acquit.

"But we say on this occasion Steven Gerrard's fists, not his feet, did the talking.

"This was never self defense in a hundred years."

Gerrard sat in the dock throughout the proceedings listening carefully and looking straight ahead.

As well as Doran, of Woodlands Road, Huyton, Merseyside, five other men admitted affray.

They were Accrington Stanley footballers Robert Grant, 19, of Enstone Avenue, Litherland, and Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport.

Ian Gerrard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, both Huyton, admitted affray.

John McGrattan, 34, of Rimmer Avenue, Huyton, admitted threatening behavior after denying affray.

Proceedings will resume tomorrow morning when it is expected Mr. McGee will give evidence.

Match Report: Rapid Vienna 1 - 0 LiverpooL

Liverpool slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Rapid Vienna in their latest pre-season friendly in Austria.

Rapid skipper Steffen Hofmann netted the only goal with a second half free-kick to see off a strong Reds side which included Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Yossi Benayoun.

Gerrard and Carragher played the first 45 minutes while Benayoun and Holland international Dirk Kuyt came on at the break as manager Rafael Benitez plenty of changes.

England defender Glen Johnson was not part of the matchday squad, however, after Benitez opted not to risk him after he took a slight knock to his Achilles in Wednesday's goalless draw against St Gallen.

Rapid had the better of the first half with Erwin Hoffer seeing a goal disallowed for offside while the same player saw a close-range effort well saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri.

The goal came after 57 minutes when Hofmann curled a low free-kick past Cavalieri's replacement Peter Gulacsi.

Stefan Maierhofer had another goal disallowed for offside before, at the other end, Benayoun saw a free-kick well saved by Raimund Hedl.

Benitez introduced Javier Mascherano with 25 minutes to go and the Argentinian's appearance roused the visitors with Kuyt twice coming close.

Benayoun also came close late on but Liverpool could not find an equalizer.

Rafa Benitez Hails Performance Of Liverpool Youngsters Despite Loss To Rapid Vienna

Liverpool were beaten 1-0 this evening in Austria, as they lost to Rapid Vienna in a pre-season game in which they struggled to build momentum and find quality.

Nevertheless, manager Rafa Benitez was delighted with the displays of several of the younger members of his squad and felt that the game was a valuable learning experience, despite the defeat, with performances of young Spanish duo Daniel Ayala and Daniel Pacheco attracting particular praise.

"I don't like to talk too much about individuals but both players were doing well," the coach told the Reds' official website.

"They're both young and when they come with the first team you always want to see something different. I am pleased for them and also with Jay Spearing because he played as a left full-back as we have some problems in this position at this moment.

"The other positives were to play a lot of players we wanted to play - it is all part of our preparations. We needed match fitness and we changed the majority of the players after 45 minutes - that was the idea.

"In terms of what we wanted from the game, only the result was wrong."

New right-back Glen Johnson was missing from the game, but Benitez insisted that nothing sinister should be read into his absence, concluding, "He has a small problem with his Achilles tendon but it is not serious," said Benitez. "Him not playing was a precaution."

Dirk Kuyt Hopes Liverpool Can Hang Onto Javier Mascherano & Xabi Alonso

Key Liverpool duo Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso, respective targets for Barcelona and Real Madrid, played pivotal roles in the club's success last season, and tireless forward Dirk Kuyt explained today that it is great to have the pair back with the squad in time for pre-season training.

Alonso had, earlier this week, intimated his pride at being a prominent member of Real Madrid's wishlist, as the Spanish giants hone in on further Galactico recruitments following the mega-money acquisitions of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Kaka.

The Reds' ambiguous financial future - with parent company Kop Holdings Ltd's fiscal numbers reportedly dwindling - it has been speculated that at least one of the two will be sold, and Mascherano crops up on Barcelona's wishlist, too.

However, Dirk Kuyt today explained to the Liverpool Echo that, “It’s really good to have them back and it’s good to see all the other lads also.
“We have a very good team which we showed last year and now we want to improve in the coming season and hopefully we can do that,” he concluded.

Alonso was close to a move last summer, where Arsenal allegedly attempted to prise the deep-lying playmaker away from Anfield for a cut-price £15 million fee. The Spaniard is now likely to fetch £30 million.

Xabi Alonso: Real Madrid’s Project Is Impressive But I Won’t Force Liverpool Exit

Real Madrid have spent the last few weeks haggling with Liverpool to take Xabi Alonso to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Spanish giants are hell-bent on acquiring the Spanish international, but the Merseysiders have stubbornly refused to lower their asking price as the two clubs continue to wrangle back and forth.

The midfielder himself has so far refused to demand an unceremonious departure from Anfield, but he did admit that he is particularly interested in Florentino Perez’s Galacticos reincarnation.

“It’s always a great feeling when Madrid want you, especially considering the phase of the career I am in now,” he told AS in a brief interview prior to his trip to Vienna to join up with the rest of the Reds squad for pre-season preparations.

“But at this point, as I have always said, whether or not that can happen is not up to me. It’s a matter that involves three parties, including myself.

“I do not like to force the issue. I prefer to talk.

“Madrid’s project is certainly impressive. But beyond that, I can’t tell you anything else.”

Xabi reaffirmed that he intends to hold discussions with Rafael Benitez to persuade the gaffer to let him go.

“I will talk to him, sure, but the first thing to do when I arrive [in Austria] is to greet him,” he professed.

“But I imagine that in the next few days, there will be time for all that, even though in reality, there’s nothing in particular to talk to Rafa about. It’s the clubs who have to negotiate to reach an agreement.”

And when he was asked why the Reds had declined to accept Madrid’s prior bid of €27 million, Xabi replied, “I am not the man who can answer these questions.

“The truth is that I cannot say much, because every little thing can be misinterpreted. And I do not know how things will turn out either because I am not a fortune teller.”

Andrea Dossena Calls Roma Ace Alberto Aquilani To Liverpool

Despite flirting with Juventus this summer, Liverpool and Italy left-back Andrea Dossena is now expected to remain in England and has urged Roma midfield star Alberto Aquilani to try his hand in the Premier League.

Speculation is rife in the peninsula that the Reds have set their sights on Aquilani and are set to lodge a formal bid to lure ‘Il Principino’ to Anfield.

“Aquilani is destined to improve even more and could do so even more quickly under a great coach like [Liverpool boss Rafael] Benitez,” Dossena told laroma.net.

“A player like him can comfortably play for Liverpool or any other club. He was sidelined due to physical problems last season and could not be at his best, but he has proved to be a great footballer.

“Aquilani can do well in the Premier League, even though it is a more physical league than Serie A.”

Aquilani is reportedly Benitez’s first choice to replace Xabi Alonso, who is being courted by Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid.

“Benitez is very good at setting up the team and moving it around,” mused Dossena.

“He has many solutions at his disposal and could employ Aquilani in different ways.”

Press reports are suggesting that Liverpool are prepared to table an €18 million bid for Aquilani and offer him a lavish five-year deal worth €3m-per-year.

Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Rules Out Move For Valencia Striker David Villa

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has ruled out a move for Valencia striker David Villa.

The 27-year-old Spain international has been linked with a whole host of Europe's top clubs throughout the summer, but Benitez has ruled out Liverpool as potential suitors.

"David Villa, he is not our target," the 49-year-old former Valencia manager told PA Sport.

England defender Glen Johnson is the only major arrival at Anfield so far this summer, however, Benitez has not ruled out the possibility of more new faces joining the club before the end of August.

"We have already signed Johnson, an international for England. He is a good signing and Andriy Voronin is coming back, he was one of the best players in the German league, so we have two good additions," he said.

"You never know in football, we still have some time and we need to keep working on other names.

"We have fantastic players and hopefully we can keep the level of last year, and with one or two additions we could improve a little bit. At the moment we are very pleased."

Meanwhile, the Reds manager has refused to discuss the long-term future of Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid are reportedly eager to finalize a deal to land the 27-year-old as soon as possible, and Alonso has admitted that a move to the Spanish capital would be an interesting proposition.

Despite all the speculation, Benitez has confirmed that Alonso is part of the Reds squad embarking on a two-match tour of Thailand and Singapore, insisting that the Euro 2008 winner remains a Liverpool player, for now at least.

"Xabi Alonso is here with us so he will be available," Benitez said.

Carragher Targets Final Step

Jamie Carragher is determined to help Liverpool end their title drought in the 2009/10 campaign.

The Reds came agonizingly close to landing the top flight title for the first time in 19 years last term, only to be pipped by old foes Manchester United.

There is an air of expectation around Anfield that the Holy Grail is now within sight, though, with United having parted company with Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez this summer.

With Arsenal still in a transition period, and with Chelsea yet to spend big in the transfer market, Liverpool are widely expected to be among the frontrunners once again this season.

Carragher believes Rafa Benitez's men are capable of mounting a sustained title tilt and admits everyone connected with the club will be doing their utmost to bring the Premier League crown to Merseyside.

"We had a very good season in the league last year but we realize that if we can improve that by one or two per cent that may be enough and that's what we're trying to do," he said.

"We took Manchester United very close last year and we realize them and also Chelsea will come back and maybe Manchester City as well so there's a lot of competition

"Hopefully the pre-season games we can improve and get better and make sure we're ready for Tottenham (the first game of the new season) and go one step further than we did last year."

Phil Brown Denies That Hull City Have Contacted Liverpool About Andriy Voronin

Hull City manager Phil Brown has denied that the Yorkshire club are targeting Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin, as they look to bring in striking reinforcements ahead of the start of the new Premier League campaign next month.

Brown has missed out on a number of strikers so far this summer, with Frazier Campbell, Michael Owen, Daryl Murphy and Marc-Antoine Fortune all opting for destinations other than the KC Stadium, after being targeted by the Tigers' manager.

Voronin spent a fruitful season on loan at Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin last campaign, after being deemed surplus to requirements by Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez. He has returned to Anfield now though, and has vowed to fight for his place in the Reds' first team.

"We have not made any contact with Liverpool with regards to Andriy Voronin," Brown told Sky Sports.

Despite that denial however, Brown did acknowledge that the Ukrainian was a player in whom he would be interested were he available, stating, when asked if Voronin was a player who could interest him, "Of course he would."

Gerrard Appears In Court On Affray Charges

England midfielder Steven Gerrard was in the dock on Monday as jurors waited to be called to try his affray case.

The Liverpool captain, 29, stood next to his six co-accused at Liverpool Crown Court in a dark grey suit and black suede shoes.

The millionaire star took his place behind the glass sealed dock in courtroom 4:1 as Judge Henry Globe QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, adjourned the hearing for legal discussions.

The midfielder arrived early at court to meet his solicitor Richard Green for discussions ahead of the trial opening. The father-of-two is accused of affray - which he denies.

It is alleged Gerrard was involved in a nightclub melee in Southport in the early hours of December 29 in which businessman Marcus McGee, 34, was injured.

Gerrard was celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 demolition of Newcastle when trouble began.

Gerrard, of Formby, Merseyside, is jointly charged with Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport and midfielder Robert Grant, 18, of Enstone Road, Litherland.

Also on trial are John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, Ian Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, John McGrattan, 33, of Rimmer Avenue, and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, all of Huyton, Merseyside.

Following further legal submissions, the case was adjourned again until Tuesday morning without a jury being sworn in. The trial is scheduled to last between two and three weeks.

Napoli Are Interested In Liverpool Defender Andrea Dossena

The press continue to link Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena with a move back to Serie A and the player's agent, Roberto Laflorio, has confirmed interest from Napoli.

"Napoli like the player, but if they want him they must speak with the British club first," he told Radio Marte.

"I don't know if the English club really want to sell him. I spoke with Andrea and he said if an offer from Naples comes then he will discuss it with his family."

Dossena has struggled since moving to the Reds last summer, only managing 16 appearances in the Premier League in 2008-09. Napoli director Pierpaolo Marino has confirmed that the club will bring in a left-back, but has not named anyone specifically.

The 27-year-old has 10 caps for Italy since making his national team debut in 2007.

Rafa Looks For His Silva Lining

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is closing in on Valencia’s David Silva with the increasing likelihood that Real Madrid will land £30million-rated Anfield star Xabi Alonso.

Alonso fell out with Benitez last summer after efforts were made to offload him to Juventus to raise the money for a move for England midfielder Gareth Barry. Now he is anxious to join Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and company at the Bernabeu.

And Alonso has ignored Benitez’s call for him to stay and show some loyalty after the events of a year ago.

Liverpool have also been holding out for around £30m for the player they signed from Real Sociedad for £10m five years ago.

Now it seems Real Madrid are close to offering that figure for 27-year-old Alonso.

Importantly for Liverpool, a clause which entitles Real Sociedad to 20 per cent of any sell-on fee has now expired.

Benitez will quickly try to bring long-term target Silva, 23, to Anfield even though he may have to smash the club’s transfer record of £20m for Fernando Torres to do it.

Valencia have serious debt problems but they have still been playing hard-ball over their two prized assets, Silva and his Spanish international team-mate striker David Villa, 27, who is wanted by Barcelona and Chelsea.

They want £40m for Villa and £25m for Silva. With £30m from Alonso’s expected sale, Benitez will have the funds to try to push the deal through for midfielder Silva.

Benitez, though, is determined to resist Barcelona’s overtures for his Argentinian defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano, 25.

Lucas - Johnson Is Missing Link

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva feels that new signing Glen Johnson could propel the club to their first league title since 1990.

England right-back Johnson joined the Reds from Portsmouth earlier this summer for a fee of £18million, as manager Rafa Benitez plans for the new season.

Last campaign the Anfield club demonstrated improvement in England's top flight and finished just four points behind champions Manchester United.

Lucas is eagerly anticipating the 2009/10 term and has warned Liverpool's title rivals that they will be stronger with Johnson in tow.

"We have not been surprised by how good he's looked in training because we already knew him as a player," he told the club's official website.

"He has played at left-back but still showed his quality.

"Hopefully he will be an important player for us and help us win the title - that's what we want.

"His pace will be important and he is strong. He likes to go forward and we've already seen he has a good delivery. These are the things a full-back has to have.

"Full-backs are important in modern football and especially with the way Liverpool play. To have an overlapping full-back allows us to find space."

Liverpool To Battle Spurs For Young Signature?

Liverpool are ready to join Tottenham in bidding to sign Ashley Young from Aston Villa, according to reports in the News of the World.

The winger is one of the best prospects in the league and Villa have reportedly rejected an opening £18m offer from Tottenham, saying it is nowhere near their £30m valuation of the player.

Now the door may be open for Liverpool to get involved as their move for Valencia midfielder David Silva has stalled.

However, while Villa are bracing themselves for Liverpool's offer, manager Martin O'Neill has said he does not want to see the player leave.

O'Neill insisted on Thursday: "There have been a lot of stories about Ashley - and that's what they are - stories."

He added: "No-one has come in and asked us about Ashley Young and I have got to tell you, if they did they would get short shrift."

Robbie Fowler: Torres Can Out-score Owen

Robbie Fowler is backing Fernando Torres to outscore Michael Owen this season and help Liverpool take Man United’s title.

Kop legend Fowler says he was “surprised” when Owen joined bitter-rivals United, after leaving Newcastle on a free transfer.

But Fowler, who scored on his debut for Australian club North Queensland Fury against Wolves last week, is convinced Liverpool’s 19-year wait for the league title will end this season.

Fowler, 34, said of Owen: “I’m surprised Michael has gone to United but he’s a very good player and I hope he does well.

“But if he scores a lot of goals, I hope Torres scores even more.

“It’s a bit of a sticky situation for us, with Michael going there as I don’t want United to do well.”

But Fowler is convinced United will still lose their crown to Liverpool.

He said: “Rafa Benitez is a very good manager and he’ll be looking to put right a few wrongs last season.

“The way Liverpool finished the league last season was brilliant but unfortunately United’s finish was similar.

“But I have been saying for some time now that this will be Liverpool’s season – they will win the league.”

And his belief is also being backed up by John Barnes, though the wing king from the 1980s says fans must stay realistic.

Tranmere boss Barnes said: “Yes, Liverpool can win the title this time.

“And yes, they could have won it last season. But they over achieved. So I want Liverpool fans to be a little more cautious and not assume automatically that Liverpool will win it this year.”

Report: Liverpool Will Sell Xabi Alonso To Real Madrid For Wesley Sneijder Plus Cash

Xabi Alonso's move to Real Madrid is back on the cards, with Liverpool reportedly willing to consider a deal if Wesley Sneijder is included.

Alonso is seemingly intent on a move to the Bernabeu, but thus far the two clubs have failed to reach an agreement over a transfer fee.

According to The Times, however, Liverpool are now willing to accept a cut-price deal, if Wesley Sneijder is included in the package. The Reds are currently demanding €37million, a fee that Los Merengues are unwilling to match.

Despite the belief that all the Dutch players at Real Madrid are for sale, Manuel Pellegrini has stated that he considers Sneijder to be a vital part of the side. However, he might be willing to part with the Dutch midfielder in order to land Alonso.

It is expected that Alonso will not join the Liverpool squad on their pre-season tour to Asia, as both clubs continue to negotiate.

Xabi Alonso Set For Showdown Talks With Liverpool

Xabi Alonso’s future may take a step closer to being resolved today, as the midfielder is set to meet up with manager Rafael Benitez.

The Spaniard remains a transfer target for Real Madrid but Liverpool are loathe to sell one of their key players meaning the situation is currently at something of a deadlock.

However, according to the Mail on Sunday, the player and his manager are due to meet up today with the player’s future expected to be the main topic of conversation.

Indeed, today’s meeting offers the chance for a resolution to be found, as both player and manager attempt to determine whether the Spanish international will remain at Anfield next season.

Although both Alonso and Benitez have reportedly been in contact over the last few weeks, today’s meeting will be the first time the two men have come face-to-face since the end of last season.

The outcome, of course, will be eagerly awaited in Madrid, with the latest reports suggesting that Real are ready to conclude a €36 million deal.

Meanwhile, Liverpool face Austria Vienna in a friendly today and, following the game, will jet out to the Far East to continue their pre-season preparations.

It remains to be seen whether Alonso will join his colleagues on that flight.

Real Madrid Eager To Conclude €36m Deal For Liverpool's Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid have sent representatives to England to conclude the transfer of Xabi Alonso from Liverpool.

The saga has played out all summer, but Los Merengues finally appear to be closing in on their man.

According to Sport, Madrid have sent representatives to Merseyside to seal the deal, with the intention of paying €36 million for Alonso's services.

The newspaper goes on to claim that the midfielder will not travel with Liverpool on their pre-season tour to Asia, and that Madrid want him to join their pre-season camp in Ireland, which ends on Wednesday.

However, reports in the British press indicate just the opposite: that Xabi will link up with his fellow Reds for the trip to Thailand and Singapore, and will stay on at Anfield for another season.

Another obstacle could come if Inter decide to launch a last-minute bid, assuming the sale of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Barcelona goes through. Jose Mourinho is a big fan of Alonso, and could use the money to submit a higher bid than Madrid's.

Therefore, Los Merengues are eager to finish the deal before their arch rivals sign Ibrahimovic and throw another spanner in the works.

Liverpool Will Push For Aston Villa's Ashley Young And Keep Xabi Alonso

Rafa Benitez has been given the go ahead to push for the signing of Aston Villa's Ashley Young, according to the News of the World - which also claims that the Spaniard has been assured his compatriot Xabi Alonso will not be joining Real Madrid.

Young has been linked with a number of clubs all summer, but now Benitez and Villa boss Martin O'Neill could be set to wage war once again - as they did in the Gareth Barry saga last summer.

The newspaper claims that the England winger is a major piece in Benitez's Liverpool project for the coming season.

However, what 'Pool want and what Villa will countenance are likely to be two entirely different propositions. To deter potential interest, the Villans recently slapped a £30 million price tag on Young.

Will that put off the Reds' American owners George Gillet and Tom Hicks? The financially challenged pair were not prepared to sanction a considerably lower bid for Barry 12 months ago, so it will be interesting to see if there is genuine mileage in this News of the World story.

Meanwhile, the paper says that Alonso will now reject a move to Real Madrid to stay at Anfield. He was apparently set for a £27m move to the Bernabeu, but is now prepared to stay at Liverpool for at least one more season.

This suggests a dramatic change of mind by Alonso, who had seemed determined to join the Spanish giants. The News of the World implies that because he has joined his team-mates in Vienna, he has decided to stay.

However, the Daily Mail suggests that the situation is far from resolved. According to that paper, Alonso's future will only be decided after talks with Benitez.

The Liverpool party are due to fly from Austria to Bangkok after Sunday's friendly with Rapid Vienna, and if Alonso accompanies them to Thailand, the likelihood of a move to Real Madrid will diminish sharply.

But The Mail adds that Alonso and Benitez have barely communicated since the end of last season, and that sources in Spain believe their chilly relationship will persuade Alonso to sign for Real.

Of course, it could be that by selling Alonso to Real, Benitez will realise the funds with which to mount a determined bid for Young.

Pre-Season Preview: Liverpool

If ever there was a vital pre-season for Liverpool, it’s this one.

Having just fallen short of breaking their Premier League hoodoo last term, failure to take the next step in the upcoming campaign could be disastrous – in the eyes of the fans, at least.

Manchester United’s successful title defence in 2008-09 saw them equal their north west rivals’ record tally of 18 English championships. That alone is unbearable to most Kopites; as is the possibility of the Red Devils reaching 19 first.

Thus, a productive summer is essential for Rafa Benitez and his troops. They kicked off their pre-season play in Switzerland during the week with a 0-0 draw against St. Gallen, and they will be hoping to improve in their upcoming fixtures.

Rapid Vienna (A), Sunday 19 July, 18:15

Liverpool skip over to Austria to face Rapid Vienna. As one of the country’s powerhouse clubs, they should provide a significantly sterner test than their previous second division opponents.

Thailand (A), Wednesday 22 July, 14:00

The now-customary jaunt to South-East Asia begins with an exhibition match against the Thai national team. Ranked 117th in the world, the Elephants are coached by former foe Peter Reid, the ex-Everton and England defender.

Singapore (A), Sunday 26 July, 12:00

Then they go down to one of the smallest independent states in world, to take on a team that boasts more expats than natives. Expect plenty of the youngsters and reserves to get a run-out in this game.

Espanyol (A), Sunday 2 August, 20:00

Back to Europe, to take on the ‘other’ Catalan club. Having narrowly escaped relegation from the Primera Division last season, Mauricio Pochettino’s men will be hoping to lay the foundations for a vast improvement on their efforts in 2008-09.

FC Lyn (A), Wednesday 5 August, 18:00

Norway has become a regular stop on the Reds’ recent pre-season adventures. Last year, they took on Valerenga; this year, they will face their Oslo rivals. They are in the midst of the Tippeligaen season, and thus should provide decent competition.

Atletico Madrid (H), Saturday 8 August, 15:00

Fernando Torres’ old club will travel to Anfield for the Merseysiders’ final hit-out of the summer. Both sides have high hopes for the upcoming campaign and will want to take some good form into the season proper.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Glen Johnson remains Liverpool’s only big-money purchase so far this summer and the England right-back’s performances over the next few weeks will attract plenty of attention. Benitez has already made it clear that he wants the former Chelsea and Portsmouth star to sharpen up defensively.

Still, most gazes will be drawn inevitably towards Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano. The midfielders have been heavily linked with an Anfield exit, the former touted for Real Madrid and the latter for Barcelona. Alonso’s future is looking particularly murky and, as one of the Reds’ standout performers last season, he would be a hard man to replace. How prominently will he feature in pre-season, if at all?

As far as youngsters go, Dani Pacheco and Krizstian Nemeth are the ones to look out for – both extremely gifted forwards who have what it takes to crack the first team in the not-too-distant future. Scouse midfielder Jay Spearing is another to keep an eye on.

Dirk Kuyt: Glen Johnson Can Help Take Liverpool Higher

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt believes the signing of Glen Johnson could edge the club closer to winning some honours next season.

The Reds finished the 2008-09 campaign without a major trophy, but they did enjoy a good season as they finished as runners-up to Manchester United in the Premier League.

The Dutchman is confident Johnson's arrival at Anfield could well bring them the league title in 2010, having been impressed with his new team-mate thus far.

"Last season we played very well," Kuyt told the club's official website.

"Unfortunately, we didn't win any trophies, but if we can keep the team together then the fact we have added Glen Johnson means hopefully we can go one step higher.

"Glen has shown already that he is a very good player in the Premier League and the England team."

Johnson made his Liverpool debut on Wednesday night in a 0-0 friendly draw against Swiss side St. Gallen, in which he played the entire second half.

The former Portsmouth and Chelsea defender's first Premier League outing could be the club's season opener against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Liverpool Starlet Daniel Pacheco Guided By Experienced Players

Liverpool teenager Daniel Pacheco has spoke of the assistance he is receiving from senior members of the squad.

The Spaniard is currently in the team for Liverpool's pre-season friendly tour and featured in the opening game against Swiss side St. Gallen.

Pacheco has admitted it is tough competing in such a strong squad, but help from players like Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun, who speaks Spanish, is aiding his development.

"I am learning a lot from playing alongside Stevie or Dirk or Yossi," Pacheco told the club's official website.

"But I have to keep working hard and try to improve in order to impress the boss.

"Every day I am learning something. Yossi has been helping me a lot - it helps that he can tell me things in Spanish. He tries to help and I try to listen to everything he tells me.

"They are very good players so it's hard but the first-team are good with helping the young players. I'm very happy to be here."

Pacheco is yet to make a competitive first-team appearance for Liverpool since arriving from Barcelona in 2007, but is regarded as an exciting prospect for the future.

Stephen Darby Still Chasing Liverpool First Team Role, Despite Glen Johnson Signing

Stephen Darby would have been forgiven for being perhaps the only Liverpudlian who became downhearted when Rafa Benitez shelled out a club record £16m on a right-back this summer.

As if getting into the Liverpool team was not difficult enough he now has to compete with England’s first choice in that position for a place in the Reds starting line up.

But if Darby is in need of any inspiration as he attempts to prove that he can do a job for the team he supports then he could do a whole lot worse than look at the progress fellow full back Emiliano Insua has made over the last 12 months.

Last summer it was Insua’s turn to see his manager spend a club record on a player who operates in his position when Andrea Dossena was signed in a £7m deal, but as it turned out it was the Argentinian youngster and not the Italian international who found favour with his manager more and more as the season wore on.

It is an example which the naturally optimistic but always realistic Darby is hoping to follow in the coming campaign.

“Last season I was lucky enough to play for the first-team twice,” said the double youth cup winner.

“Now I want to build on that, work hard in training and hopefully get a few more opportunities.

“I signed a new contract recently and that was fantastic for me because I dreamed of playing for Liverpool as a boy so when I was offered the new deal the only thought on my mind was to sign it.”

Insua may have a slight edge on Darby in terms of experience having played 18 first team games compared to his opposite number’s two, but that doesn’t mean the Buenos Aires-born defender feels any more secure in the Liverpool squad.

“I know the last season was a good one for me because I played more games than I did in the season before but that has gone and now I have new challenges and new targets,” he said.

“If I can improve and show that I am working hard then maybe I can be involved in even more games this time – this is what I will be trying to do.”

For both full-backs the road towards hopefully confirming their first team credentials began in the sleepy Swiss town of St Gallen on Wednesday night with Insua playing the first half and Darby doing the second 45 minutes of Liverpool’s largely uneventful goalless draw.

The duo were just delighted to get some playing time under their belts as they bid to build on their match fitness ahead of the kick off of Liverpool’s Premier League season at White Hart Lane on Sunday 16 August.

Insua said: “It was good to get back to action because when you start playing games you know that the new season is not too far away.

“We are all looking forward to the new season and we hope that it will be a very good one for us but we also know that we will have to work very hard before then to make sure that we have got our fitness and that we are ready.”

“I thought the lads played really well in the first half against St Gallen,” added Darby.

“They were getting forward really well and were creating chances and I think we continued that in the second half so it was good for me to be a part of that.

“It was great for me to be involved again, especially with there being so many young lads out on the trip to Switzerland.

“The fact there are so many youngsters here proves that if you work hard and train well then you will get your chance.

“The manager has told me to work hard, take every day as it comes and then see what happens so that’s what I’m trying to do.

“It’s good for me that there are so many first team players who are willing to help the young lads and give us advice when we need it, that’s a massive help.”

The arrival of Glen Johnson does not make life more difficult for Darby though, not if the former Portsmouth man’s first appearance in a red shirt is anything to go by.

Benitez deployed his £16m man in the left back berth as he looks to smooth off some of his rough defensive edges and the Reds boss clearly believes Johnson is versatile enough to operate in that role.

Not that Insua is phased by this in any way.

“Glen played very well in his first game but this was no surprise to us because we know he is a good player because we have seen him in training,” said the 20-year-old.

“He is a good player and a good person and it is good for us that we now have him in our squad.

“Now I must wish him well because if Glen does well then it can only be good news for the team.

“It is also good for the team that he can play in both full back positions because it is always helpful if you have players who are versatile.

“I cannot afford to think about how this might affect me though. All I can do is focus on the next game and try to use pre-season to make sure I am fit for the first Premier League game on August 16.”

Pre-season may only just have begun but the battle for places is already as hot as ever and Stephen Darby and Emiliano Insua are clearly up for the fight.

Fernando Torres Gets What It Is To Play For Liverpool

Given his phenomenal goalscoring record since arriving at Anfield two years ago Fernando Torres’ status as the darling of the Kop has been well and truly earned.

It isn’t just the Spaniard’s goals that mark him out for hero worship though, it is the way he has integrated himself into Liverpool the club and Liverpool the city pretty much from the moment he first got here.

His respect for the traditions of his club is apparent each and every time he gives interview, so much so that it is rare for Torres to speak about Liverpool without mentioning the fans who devote so much of their lives to support the team he is so proud to play for.

It is often said that Torres just “gets it”, that he understands what it means to be a Kop star and what it means to represent the people of his adopted hometown and this was again clear following the birth of his daughter Nora.

In conversations with friends, Liverpool’s number nine could not hide his delight at becoming a dad and one of the things that pleased him most was to father – “a baby Scouser”.

Torres gets it alright, no question about that.

Why Javier Mascherano Owes Liverpool FC

Switzerland is a country that is so immaculately clean that it is hard to imagine it having any flies. But if there are, then the place for them to be yesterday would have been on the wall of Rafa Benitez’s temporary office in Badra Gaz.

Whatever was said between the Liverpool manager and the recently returned Javier Mascherano will rightly remain private but one can only imagine the tone of the conversation that took place.

Because every time Mascherano has been linked with a move to Barcelona over the past couple of months without the Reds midfielder doing his utmost to distance himself from such talk the more Benitez must surely have bristled with indignation.

So much so that the Liverpool manager recently only just stopped short of publicly rebuking the Argentinian, deciding instead to remind him that he owes his club a debt of loyalty – and rightly so.

When Mascherano was rescued from West Ham reserves by Benitez his status as one of the world’s finest holding midfielders was diminishing faster than Gordon Brown’s reputation.

His morale had fallen to such an extent that Diego Maradona’s “monster” of a footballer was actually being kept out of the Hammers first eleven by current Portsmouth plodder Hayden Mullins.

Since coming under Benitez’s guidance Mascherano has got his mojo back and Maradona is so pleased with his resurgence in form that he insists his Argentina team is “Mascherano plus ten others”.

In fact his rehabilitation has been so complete and so rapid that Anfield could soon rival the Priory as the nation’s finest therapy centre for broken stars.

Mascherano should remember this and he should also recall the start of last season when he was allowed to captain Argentina at the Olympics at a time when he should really have been playing for the people who pay his wages.

Interestingly, Lionel Messi – who has been quoted in the Spanish media several times beckoning Mascherano to the Nou Camp – was initially denied the chance to travel to Beijing by Barcelona only for the Spanish giants to relent at the last minute following pressure from the player.

Mascherano had no such problems with Liverpool as Benitez bowed to the 25-year-old’s wish to try and become only the second sportsman in the history of his country to win two Olympic gold medals, a feat he duly achieved.

So when he looks at those glittering gongs and reflects on his place in Argentinian sporting folklore he should also contemplate the fact that neither would have been possible without the benevolent blessing of Benitez and the backing of his club.

Mascherano owes Liverpool. He owes them for rescuing his career and for allowing him to follow his Olympic dream.

No doubt Benitez has reminded him of this while also pointing out that Barcelona is hardly a logical cure for Argentinian homesickness.

Aquilani 'Sacrificed' To Liverpool

Alberto Aquilani looks set to be the sacrificial lamb in Roma’s transfer campaign, as talks continue with Liverpool over a £22m move.

Earlier this month Coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed his club needed to sell someone – preferably from midfield, where there is an abundance of players – to raise money for the transfer kitty.

Despite penning a new contract in June, Aquilani is set to be that figure, as he would receive the most money on the market.

Liverpool have made an offer of £18m, but the Giallorossi are holding out for £22m and negotiations are set to continue.

Rafa Benitez has picked the Italian as the ideal replacement for Xabi Alonso should the £30m sale to Real Madrid go through.

“We will certainly evaluate any firm offers that come in for Aquilani and consider them carefully,” added Spalletti from Roma’s pre-season training camp.

Aquilani is considered one of the talents on the Italy scene, but has been plagued by injuries and is still recovering from ankle surgery.

Dortmund Considers Liverpool's Voronin To Replace Frei

Following the departure of Alexander Frei to Basel, Dortmund are preparing to swoop for his replacement.

Names on the list include Nantes’ Ivan Klasnic, Robert Lewandoski of Lech Poznan, and interestingly Andriy Voronin of Liverpool.

While Klasnic is reported by Bild to be their number one target, the Croatian only moved to France last season, signing a four-year deal, thus that idea could prove to be too expensive for Dortmund to implement.

The Bundesliga club are reported by that same source as giving serious consideration to Andriy Voronin.

The Ukrainian striker impressed the entire Bundesliga last season with his free-scoring exploits at Hertha Berlin, who were then not able to afford to make his loan move permanent.

Dortmund would look to conclude a similar deal with Liverpool for Voronin, taking the striker on loan with a view to a permanent deal.

Voronin himself could be keen on the move, having enjoyed his time in the Bundesliga and found the style of play much more to his liking.

Despite Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez speaking fondly of the Ukrainian at their training camp in Switzerland recently, there seems little doubt an offer for Voronin would be considered by the Anfield club.

Danny Ayala Grabs His Liverpool FC Opportunity

One man’s disappointment can be another’s opportunity and this was the case on Liverpool’s pre-season trip to Switzerland where Danny Ayala got to rub shoulders with the big boys after Daniel Agger was forced to withdraw through injury.

Understandably, Ayala had been gutted to find out he would not be in the travelling party when Rafa Benitez named his squad for the Swiss training camp.

The Spanish teenager had been desperate to be included and hoped to be able to travel with his close mate Dani Pacheco but Benitez had other ideas, believing it would be more beneficial for Ayala to get more playing time with the reserves instead of being surplus to requirements in Switzerland.

That was until Agger reported problems with his back and Ayala was booked on the official club flight to Zurich and took full part in Liverpool’s training camp in Badra Gaz before making his first team bow as a second half substitute against St Gallen.

Ayala has been able to benefit from the expert coaching of not only the likes of Sammy Lee and Mauricio Pellegrino but also Jamie Carragher, who has taken time out to give tips on the art of central defending.

That’s what you call a footballing education.

Roma - Aquilani Could Be Sold

Serie A giants Roma have admitted that they would be willing to discuss the sale of Alberto Aquilani.

The Italy international is reported to be a target for Liverpool, while Arsenal have expressed an interest in the creative midfielder in the past.

A move to Anfield has been touted in the wake of Real Madrid's continued interest in Xabi Alonso, with Aquiliani seen as an ideal replacement should the Spaniard head home.

Roma have previously maintained that they would be unwilling to part with the talented 25-year-old, but boss Luciano Spalletti has revealed that stance could be about to change.

"We need to be open and listen to any type of offers that are proposed to us," he said.

"We are not worried, we know what we need to do.

"There will probably be two or three transfer market deals done and I am convinced we will be able to work well."

Aquilani is under contract with Roma until 2013 and despite Spalletti's admission, club director Bruno Conti insists no approach has been received as yet.

"The situation as it is right now is that Aquilani will remain until there is a team that makes an offer," Conti said to Mediaset.

"Once this happens then we will see."

Liverpool Squad Must Ignore Xabi Alonso & Javier Mascherano Speculation - Emiliano Insua

Liverpool players must not allow the continuing speculation surrounding the future of midfielders Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano to affect them ahead of next month's Premier League start, insists the Reds' Argentine full-back Emiliano Insua.

Both midfielders have been linked with moves to Spain, with the saga surrounding Alonso's potential move to Real Madrid having bubbled along since before the end of last season.

Mascherano is reportedly piquing Barcelona's interest, with the player's wife apparently unhappy with life in England, but his compatriot insists that the other members of Rafa Benitez's squad must shut out any such distractions.

"Obviously they are two very good and two very important players for us, this is clear to everyone," the 20-year-old left back told The Liverpool Echo.

"There has been a lot of talk but all we know for sure right now is that Javier has already come back to us and that Xabi is due back with us on Sunday.

"The only thing we can do as players is to concentrate on our own situation and keep working hard to make sure that we are fit and ready for the first game of the season."

Xabi Alonso Nears £32m Move To Real Madrid From Liverpool

Real Madrid believe they will finally get their man when they return with an improved offer for Xabi Alonso this weekend.

The Mirror understands that the Spanish giants have reopened talks with Liverpool and are ready to increase their bid to around £32million.

Alonso wants the deal concluded before he is due to return to Anfield on Sunday, prompting both parties to intensify negotiations.

Madrid previously offered £22m for the Spanish midfielder and were reluctant to go beyond that figure for a player priced at just £15m last summer.

But the deal has been resurrected after Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez indicated he would be willing to listen to proposals that would give him £22m cash, plus a player in part-exchange.

Even though Spurs are close to agreeing a deal for young Real striker Alvaro Negredo, the Bernabeu club have offered him as part of their Alonso proposals, along with Dutch international midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

Benitez will do business if he believes that either player is priced at the right level, giving him the £35m which he believes reflects Alonso's current worth.

The Anfield boss won't accept anything less because he knows how costly it will be to replace the Spaniard in his midfield engine room.

Benitez wants to make a significant profit in replacing Alonso, to allow him to pursue Valencia winger David Silva.

With transfer activity gathering pace at Anfield, insiders within the club suggest that if a deal can be concluded to sell Alonso at the right price over the weekend, the club will try to wrap up a £20m deal for Silva next week.

Talks have been ongoing for some months, but the player has now returned from a holiday and it is thought a fee could be thrashed out in the early part of next week allowing Silva to sign by Wednesday.

Steven Gerrard Underlines Desire For Glory With Liverpool FC And England

Steven Gerrard has underlined his desire for glory with Liverpool FC as the Reds prepare for their second pre-season friendly on Sunday against Rapid Vienna in the Austrian capital.

The Liverpool FC skipper has made it clear that he wants the Barclays Premier League title, another Champions League success and a World Cup victory with England before he considers coaching and management at the end of his career.

"I still have many more dreams, and that means winning the Premier League because that is the only medal that is missing from my own personal collection," he told www.uefa.com.

"And it would be really nice to go to a tournament with England and to be successful, so that means the World Cup next summer for me.

"I want to go one better than a quarter-final, which is the farthest so far that I have gone in a tournament.

"It’s the last four and the final that I now am aiming for. And I want another success in the Champions League too.

"People could see my reaction when I lifted that trophy in 2005, how much it means to me, my team-mates and the supporters. That was the best night of my career and I want to match it and experience that success again."

Once his playing career ends - and he has intimated that his current contract taking him to 33 will be his last - Gerrard already has plans to remain occupied.

He said: "Now I am thinking about what I will do at the end of my career, I’m not getting any younger.

"It would be nice to stay involved in the game. I’m not sure at what level as either a manager or a coach or even going into the media. I want to stay involved because football is so important to me."

Gerrard’s partnership with Xabi Alonso at the heart of Liverpool’s side, however, looks to be in doubt.

With Alonso having made it clear to manager Rafael Benitez that he wants to leave the club, the Spanish manager has been determined to get the very best price for the 30-year-old.

Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder is now being linked in a player-plus-cash compromise. Benitez could also use the Alonso fee to buy Valencia’s attacking midfielder David Silva.