Aquilani Gets Masch Backing

Javier Mascherano admits he is growing tired of talk that Liverpool are missing Xabi Alonso and has given his full backing to Alberto Aquilani to shine at Anfield.

Alonso joined Real Madrid in the summer in a £30million move that saw the Reds use two thirds of that sum to purchase Roma's midfield maestro Aquilani.

But the 25-year-old Italian international has been an injured bystander with a troublesome ankle problem as his new team has suffered an indifferent start to the season both domestically and in Europe.

Aquilani's delayed start to his career in England has fuelled opinion that the Reds' poor form, which has seen them crash out of the UEFA Champions League, is largely due to the absence of their former Spanish pass-master.

But Mascherano, who formed a formidable partnership with Alonso in Liverpool's engine room last season, has called for an end to such views and has seen enough of the Reds' summer signing to suggest he will be a hit with the Kop and could be in line to show his talents against Arsenal on Sunday.

"We have to forget Alonso," said the Argentinian captain, who is in talks with boss Rafa Benitez about a new deal at the club. "You cannot find two players doing the same things in the world.

"Aquilani will give us everything he can and if he is fit he will be really good for us.

"Now little by little he'll increase his confidence and learn about English football, because it's totally different, but I think he will be really good for Liverpool."

Mascherano is aware that when Aquilani gains full fitness, the competition for places in midfield will increase.

Brazilian youngster Lucas seems the most likely player to give way, but Mascherano said: "I always have to fight for a place with my team-mates.

"As a player, when you have competition it's really good for everyone. You have to fight for recognition and everyone tries to work hard so that is good for the team."

Aquilani made his full debut for Liverpool in Wednesday's Champions League defeat by Fiorentina in a deeper role, with Steven Gerrard acting as the main support for Fernando Torres.

Mascherano was used, as usual, in a holding midfield role but it is believed that, in time, Aquilani will play further forward, with Gerrard in a deeper role.

Mascherano's own improved form has pleased Benitez, but the combative ball-winner insists he is solely focused on maintaining his best level.

He said: "I am trying to do my best, but others will have to decide if I am in my best form.

"I don't like to talk about me. The manager has to talk about me, the media have to talk about me, but I just try to do my best.

"But I am very relaxed at the moment because I am happy and trying my best."

Rafael Benitez Hoping To Halt Liverpool's Poor Premier League Form With A Win Over Arsenal

In the week Liverpool's Champions League elimination was made formal, following their 2-1 defeat by Fiorentina, Reds' boss Rafael Benitez has declared that the club will be taking their season one game at a time, beginning with their Anfield clash with Arsenal on Sunday.

The Merseysiders will be looking to halt a run of underwhelming domestic form that has seen them slip further and further away from the Premier League pace-setters, but Benitez is praying his side can begin bridging the gap by getting the better of Arsene Wenger's Gunners.

"As a manager you always know you have to work hard to win games, if you are not winning games it's difficult, but it's part of the job," Benitez told journalists at a pre-match press conference.

"I am just thinking about Arsenal," he said. "We have to play against Arsenal, try to win… then think about Wigan, think about Portsmouth, and carry on."

He continued: "Every game can be important until the end of the season. We start with this one, they are [near the] top of the table. If we win we'll be closer to the top four."

When asked how he and the club handle the vitriolic criticism levelled against Liverpool in recent weeks, he jested: "I switch off the volume of the Sky!"

On how managers handle the negative press, he added: "All the managers at top sides have to perform, there is a different situation at different clubs though.

"Arsene Wenger is a fantastic manager and people expect him to win trophies but he knows how difficult it is to do that."

Mascherano Calls For Consistency

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano believes the team must use Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash at home to Arsenal as an opportunity to rebuild their battered reputation.

An early exit from the Champions League - for the first time since manager Rafael Benitez took over in 2004 - and stuttering domestic form have had some critics writing off the club.

Former captain and manager Graeme Souness said he feared the club could go into "meltdown" if they did not secure Champions League football at the end of this season.

Mascherano admits the team have done "bad things" this season but stressed the players had to start putting things right against the Gunners.

The Argentina captain said: "The confidence is not here at the moment but we have a big game on Sunday to show ourselves, to show the fans and to show everyone that Liverpool still has a good team that can fight for something.

"It's not must-win on Sunday but it's really important. It's not just about the three points, it's about the situation.

"We couldn't play as well as we could (earlier in the season). Some players were not in top form, now maybe we are back in form, and some players were injured - which makes it difficult when you can't play the same team for two or three games."

Consistency is now the key for Liverpool and a good run over the festive period - they are only four points behind third-placed Arsenal - could stabilise their season.

"It's difficult because we cannot win two or three games in a row at the moment," he said.

"We won against Manchester United and then we lost (at Fulham). We couldn't continue winning but we have to start from now.

"It is a great chance for us. All of us want to win and to get the confidence. We want to play like we can play.

"We have to show to everyone that Liverpool is still a big team and can play against anyone."

Mascherano said he felt they could prove their detractors wrong by winning a trophy this season.

Despite their Champions League exit Liverpool now drop into the Europa League, although their poor form means they will be unseeded, and they have the FA Cup to look forward to next month.

"We finished the Champions League in a bad way this season and we are sad," added the Argentina captain.

"We have to do the right things in the Premier League and the Europa League.

"The Europa League is not the same as the Champions League but it is still a competition so we have to try to win it because all of us know when we play for Liverpool it is a big club with a great history.

"The talk now is that it is a bad season for Liverpool but things can change.

"Maybe in May we will be talking about Liverpool winning something."

Aquilani Wants To Face Arsenal

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani has told boss Rafa Benitez that he has no concerns over his fitness as he hopes to keep his first-team place against Arsenal.

The Italy international played 86 minutes of the Reds' defeat to Fiorentina in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday in his maiden starting XI appearance.

Aquilani's full debut has been significantly delayed since his £20million summer move from Roma as he has been rehabilitating from an ankle operation.

But the 25-year-old, who has a reputation in Italy for being prone to injury, is ready to remain in Benitez's first XI plans for Sunday's vital Anfield clash with Arsenal.

He said in the Liverpool Daily Post: "I feel good. I'm really happy to have come through my first game.

"My ankle is better, fully healed and there weren't any problems after basically a year without playing it's great to have played so many minutes, because it means I can have more faith that I'm fully fit again.

"There's no fear at all that it might flare up again, I know it's better, so I'm not worried at all about that. I just feel really happy to have played again. It's really important for me to have played, because the more I play, the better I'll get and the fitter I'll be."

He added: "I need to play, play, play because I'm in a new team, and I need games now. My ankle is fine now, I feel good, and now I need to work hard in training for my body. I really hope I can play against Arsenal."

Aquilani is also confident Liverpool can turn around their fortunes this season, despite having been dumped out of the Champions League and sitting off the pace in the Premier League.

Rafa Benitez Must Find Cure To Liverpool FC's Ills

Given the grief the Champions League has inflicted on his team during the last few months, Rafael Benitez would be forgiven for wondering if it was worth the hassle of attempting to qualify for next season’s competition.

From a plethora of last-minute goals, an inability to hold onto leads, a lengthy injury list, a shot-shy attack and players losing form, Liverpool’s mental and physical shortcomings have been laid bare for the whole of the Continent to analyse.

But while their European rivals will have been lapping up the malaise at Anfield, Benitez is still struggling to find a cure for his team’s ills.

Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina with an experimental line-up mattered little in terms of points and prizes, but it was a significant dent to Liverpool’s fragile morale that they had slowly started to rebuild with a six-match unbeaten run.

Liverpool have set a number of landmarks during Benitez’s tenure, both good and bad, and this was another negative, the first time they had lost successive European home games after the almost identikit loss to Lyon in October.

Let’s be honest. Neither Fiorentina nor Lyon, effective but uninspiring teams, will be anywhere near Madrid when the European Cup is lifted in May.

But that both ousted Liverpool from the competition with a game to spare says everything about how underwhelming their Champions League campaign truly was.

Not that the overall campaign has been any better, with Benitez’s side out of the Carling Cup and having won only three of their last 14 games to slump to seventh in the Premier League table, four points off the top four.

Of course, qualification for next season’s Champions League is the very least Liverpool would have expected back in August, and that has now assumed priority for the remainder of the campaign.

Now, the good news. Alberto Aquilani’s long-awaited full debut on Wednesday has allayed any fears over his long-term fitness, although it will clearly take time for the Italian to get up to speed with the English game.

Steven Gerrard continues to regain his form and match sharpness, while the sight of Fernando Torres back on the pitch for the first time in more than a month – and withstanding a buffeting from the Italian defence – will have offered similar encouragement.

The injury problems of Gerrard and Torres have undoubtedly hampered Liverpool’s efforts this season, and it’s notable none of the miserly five goals they netted in Group E were scored by either player.

And Gerrard admits: “Torres’ return is massive for me, massive for everyone. He’s the main man, he’s our top scorer and we need him back firing.

“If that happens I’m sure we’ll move back up the league and get in them top four places.

“Without a doubt that has to be the main aim this season. It’s obviously important for the club, and having played in the Champions League for such a long time, it’s very important.

“We’ll be right up for the Arsenal game on Sunday. If we can get three points there and then take that into the Wigan game, we can turn a corner.

“If we get back to our full-strength team, and we get people fit, we’re confident we are good enough to finish in the top four.”

Liverpool, of course, already knew before Wednesday’s defeat that they would be plying their trade in the Europa League in the New Year.

The likes of Juventus and Benfica could lie in wait, while the Anfield outfit could also meet neighbours Everton later in the competition – a prospect Gerrard would relish.

We’ll take it very seriously,” he says. “We’ve got to try to win a trophy this year. The FA Cup and the Europa League are our two best chances of that.

“There are some good teams in there. It would be very nice if we were to come up against Everton! We’ll have to see what the draw gives us.”

Despite the tubthumping from the likes of Gerrard and his team-mates, Benitez will put all thoughts of the Europa League on hold in a bid to reignite Liverpool’s stuttering Premier League form, starting at home to Arsenal on Sunday.

“We will take it (the Europa League) seriously, but for us the main thing is to progress in the Premier League,” says the Anfield manager. “To be in the top four.

“We do not play in the Europa League until February, so we will have plenty of time to concentrate on the Premier League. Another European competition is later.

“What has happened to us in the Champions League, the misfortunes, will be an experience the players will remember and it will give them strength and more determination to improve over the rest of the season.

“I would expect a different approach on Sunday against Arsenal.”

Rafa Hits Back At Souness

Rafa Benitez has hit back at Graeme Souness after comments made by the former Liverpool manager that the club are on the verge of "meltdown".

Wednesday's Sky Sports studio panel of Souness and Jurgen Klinsmann were critical of the Reds after they succumbed to another late sucker punch in the UEFA Champions League which saw them lose 2-1 to Fiorentina.

Souness, who managed the club in the early 1990s, revealed his fear that his former club could capitulate should they fail to qualify for next year's European competition.

But Benitez, who came close to leaving the club when American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks spoke to Klinsmann about the possibility of taking over from the Spaniard, was unfazed by the Scot's comments.

"I switch off the volume of Sky," Benitez joked to Sky Sports News. "I think they both have a fantastic record as a manager so the fans they know really well what they say.

"The club we have to win, we have a responsibility, we have to concentrate on our job and that's it. If someone talks too much then that's their problem but the fans know the records they have both as a manager is fantastic."

Fernando Torres, who Souness fears will leave the club if they do not clinch Champions League football next term, conceded earlier on Friday that he thought Liverpool were out of the title race.

But Benitez was not yet ready to give up on hopes that the Reds can end their 20-year wait for the domestic crown ahead of Sunday's clash with Arsenal, which can be seen live on Sky Sports.

"I am just thinking about Arsenal," the Spanish tactician added. "We have to play against Arsenal, try to win, think about Wigan, think about Portsmouth and carry on."

The weekend clash, which resulted in a 4-4 thriller last season, could see Liverpool go within one point of the Gunners should they claim maximum points.

But Benitez was quick to play down the significance of the Anfield showdown, claiming every game from now until the end of the season is vital to the Reds' quest for a top-four finish.

Of Sunday's game: "I think it's important but every game can be important to the end of the season.

"We have to start with this one because they are at the top of the table so if we can win we will be closer and we'll have better chances to finish in the top four."

Alberto Aquilani Says Liverpool Gloom Makes It 'Difficult' To Shine

Following defeat to Fiorentina on Wednesday, Liverpool's supporters could at least take heart from the performance of Alberto Aquilani in what was his first start for the club. But the player himself has expressed worry about how smoothly he will integrate into the team, claiming their current malaise has made it "difficult" for him to impress immediately.

The midfielder completed 76 minutes of the 2-1 loss to La Viola – a result that saw Liverpool complete an abrupt and abysmal Champions League campaign with just seven points – and showed with his passing in particular that he could well be a worthy replacement for Xabi Alonso.

The ankle injury that has delayed the 25-year-old's progress since arriving from Roma in August for £20m has now all but cleared, but Aquilani believes a lack of confidence and momentum among his new team-mates means it will still be some time before he is performing at his very best.

"It is a difficult time for me because we are in a difficult place at the moment," said Aquilani. "That makes it harder for any player to start with a new side."

Those are hardly the words Anfield regulars will want to hear. They have placed great hope in Aquilani's arrival into the first-team rescuing Liverpool's season, starting with the visit of Arsenal on Sunday.

Such has been Rafael Benítez's cautious use of the Italy international that he may not even start the weekend fixture – prior to Wednesday, he had been restricted to three substitute appearances – but Aquilani is confident that he will eventually maintain a regular role in Liverpool's midfield and that the team can get out of their current rut.

The loss to Fiorentina, which was secured through an injury time goal from Alberto Gilardino, means Benítez's side has now won just two of their past seven fixtures in all competitions.

"This is not the season I was expecting when I signed for the club, that's true" Aquilani said. "I was expecting to play in the Champions League and to find ourselves competing for trophies. But it is a long season and I'm really happy to have come through my first game. It's great to have finally got on to the pitch with players like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and there's no fear that it [his ankle] will flare up again. I know it's better, so I'm not worried at all about that.

"I have plenty of reasons then to be positive about where the team is going. We have a lot of things to improve on but we also have all the ability we need to get better. With the players we have available to us, we can only get better. I don't have any doubts about that at all.

Javier Mascherano Drops Barcelona Hint After Rejecting Liverpool Contract Extension

Publicly tracked by Barcelona in the summer transfer window, Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano has incited new transfer talk after rejecting a contract extension with Premier League side Liverpool as reported by Sky Sports.

After expressing interest during the summer to play for the Blaugrana alongside countryman Lionel Messi, the price tag placed on Mascherano proved to be too high for Barca's tastes.

But with the recent development in the midfielder's contract talks with Liverpool, Barcelona sports daily SPORT seems convinced that the scene is set for a move to the Camp Nou in the near future.

The Argentine international still has 18 months left on his current contract and was evasive when questioned about the transfer rumours, simply saying: "I want to continue giving my best to help the team recover its form."

It's 'Massive' That Fernando Torres Is Back - Liverpool Skipper Steven Gerrard

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is delighted to welcome silky striker Fernando Torres back to first-team duty after the Spaniard cemented his return during Wednesday evening's 2-1 loss to Fiorentina.

Torres, despite accumulating an impressive goal-haul this season - he has scored 10 in the Premier League alone - has been out of action for the past five weeks due to a groin injury.

"It's massive for me that Fernando is back, massive for the club, massive for everyone here," he explained to This Is London. "He's our main man. He's our top scorer, so we need him back fit and firing.

"If that happens then I'm sure we'll move up the League and get in the top four places," he added.

Regarding their Champions League elimination, Gerrard revealed that it will now be a primary ambition of his to qualify once more for the prestigious European competition after such a long association with it.

"We had gone six games unbeaten before this, so it's a shame we lost. Having experienced the Champions League for such a long time, I want to play in it again next year. If we get back to our full-strength team, we are good enough to do it.

"But we'll be right up for the Arsenal game [at Anfield on Sunday] and if we can take three points there I think we can turn that corner."

Liverpool Can't Win Premier League This Season, Admits Fernando Torres

The Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has conceded that this season's Premier League title is out of reach for his side.

"We are really far out from the Premier League, so we now change our targets," Torres said. "We have to think the Europa League and FA Cup are the two competitions we can win this season and obviously trying to stay in the top four. Staying together is the main thing now.

"If we can stay together manager, players, staff, everyone at the club we have quality enough to stay in the top four and win trophies."

Torres is available for the Premier League match against Arsenal on Sunday after recovering from a groin injury that has prevented him from playing in the league since October.

"Arsenal are doing quite well this season," Torres said. "They are close to the top and playing with young players and doing really good. The mentality of the manager and players is brilliant, but we are playing at Anfield and with the help of our supporters we can beat anyone."

Torres is yet to win a trophy with Liverpool since his arrival in 2007. "If we win one trophy, it will have been a nice season, so we are on target," he said. "The people of Liverpool deserve to play in finals, whether it be in Europe or England, it is a long time since we played in a final and they deserve more trophies."

Alberto Aquilani, who started his first match against Fiorentina, could also be available from the start against Arsenal.

The visitors are hampered by a lack of fully fit strikers and will be relying on Andrey Arshavin. The Russia forward scored four goals at Anfield in April to clinch a 4-4 draw that helped to end Liverpool's title hopes.

Arshavin has been frustrated that he has struggled to match that devastating display. "It doesn't matter where I play on the right side or the left I don't think I have played that well," Arshavin said. "Only sometimes have I shown my full skills and I am not sure why that is. But we are still doing well and fighting for top place so that is very positive and I still have time to show something of myself."

Javier Mascherano Coy Over Liverpool Contract Extension

Javier Mascherano has proved reluctant to formally confirm his long-term commitment to Liverpool when pressed on whether he intends to sign a new deal at Anfield.

Rafael Benitez recently revealed that the club had conducted "very positive" talks with Mascherano regarding a contract extension for the player whose current deal lasts until the end of the 2010-11 season.

Mascherano has been linked with a possible move to Barcelona at various times over the past 12 months after impressing at Anfield following his arrival at the club in January 2007.

But with Liverpool struggling in the league and exiting the Champions League at the group stage, the Argentina captain has declined to confirm that he will be extending his contract with the Merseyside club.

"I just talk about football - not about contracts or money. I want to play," Mascherano said following Liverpool's Champions League defeat at the hands of Fiorentina on Wednesday night.

"I am playing for Liverpool, I am a Liverpool player and, like the manager says, I have two more years on my contract so I think I don't have to say anything else. I play for Liverpool and will continue playing and trying to give my best.''

Aquilani Wants Reds Support

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani hopes to learn from the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano as he makes his gradual progression to first-team regular.

An ankle injury restricted the Italy international, who arrived in the summer after the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, to just 22 minutes prior to last night's Champions League defeat to Fiorentina.

However, the £20million signing from Roma gave a glimpse of what the side have been missing with some intelligent touches and clever passes during a 76-minute run-out on his full debut.

Aquilani admitted he was relieved to finally be able to showcase some of his talents but admits there is a long way to go before he is fully up to speed.

"I started for the first time in seven or eight months in the first XI - that's very hard," he said.

"After that length of time it's difficult to be fit but I'm happy because I'm playing and that means I'm getting there.

"My ankle is better, it's improved, so while the result was not good from a personal point of view it's been good physically.

"I can play better but it was important to start and to run because after seven months I need to play, play, play because I'm in a new team.

"There are very good players and they can help me. The [Fiorentina] game was important for the confidence when playing with Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano and the other players."

Manager Rafael Benitez insists Aquilani is not a direct replacement for crowd-favourite Alonso and that was immediately evident from Wednesday night's performance.

The slightly-built 25-year-old has an inclination to play at least 15 yards further forward than his predecessor did as his range of delivery and defensive responsibility is not as extensive as the Spain international's.

However, where he is likely to excel is in picking out the killer pass in the congested space around the penalty area and he showed glimpses of what could be important link-up play with Gerrard against Fiorentina.

The Liverpool captain, who saw some similarities with Alonso, was just pleased to have his new team-mate out on the pitch.

"It was nice for Aquilani to get out there and get his first start," said Gerrard.

"He can dictate the tempo of a game. He's a clever player, a good passer. I don't want to tempt fate but he's very similar to Xabi."

Wednesday night's match was the ideal time to start Aquilani as, with Liverpool unable to progress to the knockout stages, it was a dead rubber for the hosts and almost had the feel of a pre-season friendly.

Whether Benitez will be bold enough to field his playmaker at home to Arsenal in Sunday's crucial Premier League match remains to be seen.

Aquilani is willing to rise to the challenge but admits he is still a long way short of match fitness.

"The first half I was okay and then after that I got a little bit tired, but that's normal," said the Italian

"I hope I can play against Arsenal. I am in the squad so I hope I can play more and improve my match fitness, because that is important.

"If you don't play the fitness is not good. The training is good but matches are different.

"I am ready but I don't know if I can play 90 minutes. But this match was important for improving."

If Liverpool, currently in seventh, are to make a bid to regain their place in the top four they have to start it against the Gunners at Anfield.

A win would put them just a point behind Arsene Wenger's third-placed side.

"That is very important for us. We have to think about winning each match - we cannot look at the table - and Sunday we need to win," said Aquilani.

"It is very important for us to qualify for the Champions League next season."

Loyal Liverpool Fans Deserve More Than Gerrard's Aim For Fourth Place

"Fourth place is the priority, it always is at this club. For financial reasons and because all the top players want to play in the Champions League."

If those words had been said by Spurs skipper Robbie Keane, Aston Villa counterpart Stiliyan Petrov, even Manchester City captain Kolo Toure, they would have been more than acceptable.

After all, if anybody breaks through the glass ceiling this season to smash up the cosy cartel at the top of the game, it will be an achievement, irrespective of the money they have spent on doing so.

But none of that trio were speaking.

They were the closing lines of Steven Gerrard's interview after Liverpool's miserable Champions League campaign ended, almost inevitably, with the concession of a last minute goal and defeat by a distinctly average Fiorentina.

And they were words that, whether by accident or design, summed up the parlous state of a club that began the campaign targeting their first title for 20 years and are now merely playing for respectability.

That there is no crowd more patient than Anfield was brought home once again last night.

The response to Alberto Gilardino's winner was not boos and jeers - they left that to the Chelsea supporters who lost it at their own players after they had drawn at home to APOEL, ending a run of 12 successive Stamford Bridge wins - but a chorus of "You'll never walk alone".

That is loyalty, with a capital L, the mark of a club that, even in difficult times, can count on the utter commitment and backing of its fans.

And yet, for all the fixed gaze that Rafa Benitez did not lift publicly from the instant he took his seat in the dug-out before kick-off to the end of his post-match interviews, it is hard to say the club deserves it now.

This season, by the standards Liverpool seek to set, has been little short of dreadful.

The full playing record is: P23 W10 D4 L9. If calculated in Premier League terms, 34 points out of 69, mid-table mediocrity.

But if you take the aggregate parts, it looks even worse.

In the Champions league, two wins against the weakest team in Europe, and one point out of 12 from the games with Lyons (not the force they were and currently fourth in France, behind those European giants Montpellier and Valenciennes) and Fiorentina (fifth in Serie A but only one point further clear of the relegation zone than they are adrift of the leaders).

And at home, 24 points out of 45 and actually closer to Wolves, in 18th, than they are to Carlo Ancelotti's table-toppers.

As Gerrard added about the European flop: "It's not good enough from our point of view."

For those Liverpool fans trudging back through the puddles that adorned the Kemlyn Road and the streets around Stanley Park, that was an understatement.

It was not supposed to be like this, not after coming so close last term that, when Yossi Benayoun popped up on the last gasps of injury time at Craven Cottage, many thought that it was their destiny to finally win the crown.

Fast forward eight months from that early April evening, and a cloud of gloom is hanging over the red half of Merseyside.

Should Arsene Wenger's rested Arsenal - you don't seriously expect to see Tom Cruise, Kyle Bartley or Fran Merida again outside an FA Cup fourth round trip to Accrington or Gillingham, do you? - plunder all three points on Sunday, even Gerrard's re-calculated ambition may start to look unlikely, with all the financial repercussions that would bring.

Admittedly, even if Liverpool were still six points behind Spurs at Christmas, you'd back them to overhaul Harry Redknapp's side over the following 20 games.

But Villa and City are also very much in the mix, looking to capitalise on the weaknesses and with every point dropped, the pressure will rise, not just on Benitez, but his players too.

As a consequence of what has happened already this season, Benitez has unwittingly turned Alberto Aquilani into the focus of the entire season, his capture to balance the sale of Xabi Alonso looking like the fatal flaw in the Spaniard's argument.

Aquilani looked tidy and neat against Fiorentina, but way short of being the inspiration he suddenly needs to blossom into despite still feeling his way back from injury, while it would be understandable should Gerrard and Fernando Torres begin to think more about South Africa with their countries next summer, than the Europa League and a fight to the death for fourth.

Benitez has always prided himself on the ability to bring a squad together in the teeth of adversity. This, however, is increasingly becoming his toughest task since leaving Valencia.

Gerrard Slams Champions League Peformance

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard gave a frank assessment of his side's UEFA Champions League performance after they were beaten 2-1 by Fiorentina at Anfield.

The Reds were already condemned to the obscurity of the Europa League prior to the match and were guaranteed to finish third in Group E.

But that did not stop Fiorentina from heaping more misery on Rafa Benitez's side, who picked up just seven points from six matches.

Yossi Benayoun looked to have lifted the gloom surrounding the club by putting his side into a first-half lead with a glancing header.

However, the Italians hit back in the second half, first levelling through Martin Jorgensen and then snatching a dramatic winner in injury time thanks to Alberto Gilardino's strike.

It concluded what has been a miserable European campaign for Liverpool, and Gerrard was forthright in his analysis of the Merseyside club's performance.

"If you look at the whole campaign, it was not good enough from our point of view but now we need to try to qualify for the same competition next year," he told Sky Sports 2.

"It wasn't our strongest team but we gave a good account of ourselves. We were a bit unlucky to lose in the end.

"There was not much in it as far as points were concerned. It was just about getting this game out of the way and trying to get good preparation for the game against Arsenal on Sunday."

There was some good news for Liverpool in the form of a rare appearance from summer-buy Alberto Aquilani.

The midfielder's time at Anfield has been dogged by injury rehabilitation but the Italian appears to be making a timely return to full fitness ahead of his side's clash with Arsenal at the weekend.

Benitez will have been boosted further by the return of striker Fernando Torres after a five-match absence, suggesting his charges are getting back to full strength.

Gerrard hailed the performance of Aquilani on a difficult night for his side and added that they will now go about winning the Europa League after their Champions League disappointment.

"He's done well," said Gerrard. "It's going to take him a while until he gets up to speed as far as match fitness is concerned.

"But the boy's a player, there's no two ways about it. He sees a pass, he's on the same wavelength and I have no doubts he'll turn into a fantastic player for this club.

"It's another cup to try to win. The final is at Hamburg, a fantastic stadium. We'll try to win it now."

Benitez: Premier League Is The Priority

Rafael Benitez will put all thoughts of the Europa League on hold in a bid to reignite Liverpool's stuttering Premier League form.

The Merseysiders completed a miserable Champions League campaign with a 2-1 defeat at home to Fiorentina on Wednesday night - another late goal, this time from Alberto Gilardino, condemning them to a third defeat in six Group E contests.

A third-placed finish means the club will compete in the Europa League in the new year but Benitez's main priority is to ensure the club return to Champions League action next season via a top-four finish in England's top flight.

He said: "We will take it (the Europa League) seriously, but for us the main thing is to progress in the Premier League. To be in the top four.

"We do not play in the Europa League until February, so we will have plenty of time to concentrate on the Premier League. Another European competition is later.

"What has happened to us in the Champions League, the misfortunes, will be an experience the players will remember and it will give them strength and more determination to improve over the rest of the season."

Liverpool currently lie seventh, three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, and have the chance to close the gap on another European rival when they host Arsenal on Sunday.

Benitez added: "I hope that a new beginning, a new season, starts for us from this point. Now we must concentrate on Arsenal and try to do well on Sunday.

"This has been a very disappointing Champions League campaign. Two late goals in matches against Lyon changed everything, and now it has happened again against Fiorentina.

"We knew we could not progress before the game, but to lose another late goal was very disappointing for the team, for everyone.

"I would expect a different approach on Sunday against Arsenal. It is always difficult approaching a game like Fiorentina knowing that whatever you do you cannot change the situation, we were already out."

The Spaniard attempted to take the positives from another setback against Fiorentina with the performance of Alberto Aquilani giving him the greatest satisfaction.

"Even though we lost, there were some good things to take into our next match. Alberto Aquilani and Fernando Torres both looked good, while Steven Gerrard is getting closer to full fitness," he said.

"Gerrard is getting more games under his belt, Torres looked very positive and Aquilani played well and showed quality with his passes.

"It was also good to see young Danny Pacheco getting some time on the pitch in the first team, he is a young player of real potential.

"Both Torres and Aquilani are fit and will train hard for the rest of the week and they will be ready for the Arsenal match."

We’ve Got To Get Back In

Steven Gerrard today promised Liverpool will atone for their Champions League debacle by making sure they qualify for next year’s tournament.

A makeshift Reds’ side created an unwanted piece of club history last night when a 2-1 defeat against Fiorentina meant it was the first time they had sustained back-to-back European defeats at Anfield.

It was a gloomy end to a miserable European campaign and one that means they will not be seeded when the draw for the Europa League’s round of 32 takes place in Nyon a week tomorrow.

Skipper Gerrard admitted Liverpool haven’t been good enough but he is confident a squad which now has star striker Fernando Torres fit again and Alberto Aquilani up and running can salvage the situation – starting against Arsenal on Sunday.

“Financially it is very important for the club and having experienced the Champions League for such a long time, I’m desperate to play in it,” said Gerrard.

“We had gone six games unbeaten and it was a shame that we lost this one at the end because we wanted to use it as preparation for Sunday.

“But we will be right up for Arsenal; if we can get three points there and take it into the Wigan game, I’m sure we can turn that corner.

“If we get our full strength team back and get important people fit, I feel as if we are good enough to get into the top four.

“It’s massive to have Fernando back; he’s our top scorer, he’s our main man and if he stays fit, I’m sure we will move up the league and get in the top four.”

Aquilani’s belated first start in a Red shirt was one of the high points for Rafa Benitez and Gerrard, who linked encouragingly with him in the engine room.

The Italian was given a standing ovation when he was substituted late in the second half and Gerrard was suitably impressed with his efforts.

“It was all about giving minutes to squad players and getting some injuries back and it was nice for Alberto to finally get out there,” he said.

“He can dictate the tempo of a game, he is a clever player, a good passer of the ball; I don’t want to tempt fate but he’s very similar to Xabi (Alonso).”

Whether Aquilani starts again against Arsenal remains to be seen but Gerrard has assured supporters that the squad has the depth and quality to manage battling for a top four spot, as well negotiating the long road to Hamburg – the setting for the Europa League final.

“We’ll take it very seriously and we have got to try and win a trophy,” he said. “The FA Cup and the Europa League give us the best chances of that.

“Hopefully we’ll have a top four finish as well. It’s very important we achieve that. But for the time being, it’s the Europa League and we aren’t seeded because we lost this game.

“I’m sure we’ll come up against a big side and it would be very nice if we came up against Everton at some point but we will see what happens.”

Liverpool's Season Begins Now - Rafael Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hopes that the loss to Fiorentina in the Champions League will kick-start a Red resurgence in what he believes will be "the beginning of a new season".

The Merseyside club has been guilty of conceding late goals on the European stage this season, which ultimately resulted in them being flushed down into the Europa League.

It was a rerun of their entire European campaign when the Viola visited Anfield on Wednesday, as the hosts conceded yet another late goal to hand Cesare Prandelli's men all three points.

"The result and the way it happened just about sums up our Champions League campaign," Benitez is quoted in The Guardian as saying.

"Another last minute goal, and we are disappointed with that for the third time in this group.

"We are still trying to see the positives, we are playing better and we must now take that into a very important game at home to Arsenal.

"It is the beginning of a new season for us now, I hope.

"Now we must be ready for the next game on Sunday [against Arsenal]. We worked so hard, we had chances, so they are the only positives that we can take from the game."

Summer signing Alberto Aquilani made a positive first start in front of the Kop, and Benitez admitted that he may be thrust into the heart of the action against Arsenal this weekend.

"Aquilani showed his quality, his touch was good," he said.

"His vision and passing were good, but obviously he will have to work on his match fitness.

"Everyone is available for Sunday, if he trains well he could well be involved against Arsenal."

Liverpool Plan To Swap Flop Ryan Babel For Spurs Misfit Roman Pavlyuchenko

Liverpool have targeted Tottenham misfit Roman Pavlyuchenko in a surprise January move which could see Ryan Babel head in the opposite direction.

Manager Rafa Benitez knows he desperately needs back-up for Fernando Torres and has grown increasingly tired of Babel's displays and murmurings of discontent.

He is a long-time admirer of Pavlyuchenko and believes he can restore the striker to the scoring form that helped Russia reach the Euro 2008 semi-finals and prompted Tottenham to splash out £13.8million just over 15 months ago.

However, due to Liverpool's dire financial situation, Tottenham hold all the cards in any possible deal. They know Liverpool have a minimal budget and must wheel and deal to get transfers done.

Babel, an £11.5m signing from Ajax two years ago, represents Liverpool's biggest bargaining tool and at 22 he has a great re-sale value. However, Tottenham want optimum price for Pavlyuchenko and may even ask for Babel plus cash.

Manager Harry Redknapp has other targets in mind and has been told he must sell before he can buy. He is keen on bringing in another goalkeeper and centre half and has lined up a deal for Brazil midfielder Sandro from Internacional, who could cost up to £8m.

Redknapp knows Babel has potential but may feel it is better for Tottenham to bring in straight cash for Pavlyuchenko from other suitors so he can plough the money into his priority purchases.

Pavlyuchenko, who has grown increasingly frustrated with his plight at Tottenham and has attended several meetings to discuss his future, will no doubt be delighted about Liverpool's interest.

He is fourth in the pecking order of strikers at White Hart Lane behind Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane and has made it clear he wants away.

Only this week his agent, Oleg Artemov, said: 'We are not happy about his situation at Tottenham, so we'll do everything to ensure he can change club in January. There were contacts with Roma, but for now only by telephone. Spartak Moscow, Arsenal and Zenit St Petersburg are also interested in the player - anything can happen.'

Benitez had considered a move for Pavlyuchenko earlier in the year but again did not have the necessary resources at the time. He believes the former Spartak Moscow star can play in the lone striker role or as a link man between Torres and the Liverpool midfield if called upon.

He is reluctant to strip his threadbare squad further but recognises that Babel represents a sacrifice worth making for the benefit of the squad.

The only saving grace for Benitez would be a successful Liverpool rights issue as the club attempt to raise £100m in time for the January window - then the Spaniard would be able to call his own shots in the transfer market.

Despite glimpses of Babel's potential, he has failed to mature into the player Benitez hoped he would become and has hinted he believes a fresh start would help earn a place in Holland's World Cup squad.

For now, he is taking a diplomatic stance. Babel said: 'I feel confident that I'm good enough to play a lot of games for Liverpool. I keep saying this. Hopefully, I'll get chances to show this. For every player it's nice to go to the World Cup and it's very important to do that in your career.

'As far as I'm concerned, the way to do that is to fight for my place at Anfield, definitely.'

Match Report: LiverpooL 1 - 2 Fiorentina

Liverpool's miserable Champions League campaign ended in defeat to Fiorentina on Wednesday night.

The visitors grabbed a late winner through Alberto Gilardino in the second minute of added time to clinch top spot in Group E.

Looking at the positives, Liverpool started with Alberto Aquilani at last - and Fernando Torres returned from a groin injury for the final 25 minutes.

Yossi Benayoun's first-half header gave Liverpool hope in a game they largely controlled, but defensive uncertainty gave Martin Jorgensen the chance to drive home the equaliser in the second period.

Fiorentina, aware that Lyon were hammering Debrecen, realised they needed to win to make sure of top spot in the group, and they piled on some belated pressure.

It paid off and Liverpool were to suffer yet another late goal disaster. It had happened in both games against Lyon, and now Fiorentina struck to steal their win in injury time.

Substitute Juan Vargas set up Gilardino for a fierce finish that sent the Fiorentina fans wild, and the club's coaching staff into delirious jigs of delight.

Liverpool rested Jamie Carragher, Jose Reina, Glen Johnson and Lucas and would have left out Dirk Kuyt had David Ngog not been taken ill earlier in the day.

Youngster Stephen Darby had a rare run-out at right-back, while Italian defender Andrea Dossena was used in the unlikely role of left-midfield.

The Italians, already secure in the last 16, were missing Stevan Jovetic, their most exciting attacker who scored both goals in their 2-0 home win over Liverpool in September.

The Montenegro international failed a late fitness test on an ankle injury which meant Fiorentina fielding only three of the starting line-up from the first match.

Another of Liverpool's support cast, second-choice goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri was soon into action as he raced from his line to block Cesare Natali's run onto a weak Daniel Agger back pass.

Aquilani was neat and inventive, but Liverpool failed to create anything significant before their Brazilian goalkeeper saved well from Lorenzo De Silvestri and Riccardo Montolivo to keep his side on level terms.

The game, sometimes with almost a testimonial feel about it, meandered on towards the break before Liverpool found themselves ahead after 43 minutes.

Manuel Pasqual's foul on Steven Gerrard gave the Liverpool captain the chance to lift a free-kick towards the near post for Yossi Benayoun to flick a header back into the far corner, despite Sebastien Frey getting a touch on the effort.

Liverpool dominated the early stages after the break, but were punished for poor judgement by Martin Skrtel, who allowed a cross-field pass to drift past him.

Darby was left facing two attackers, and could do little to stop captain Martin Jorgensen driving home the equaliser after 63 minutes.

Torres had been standing on the touchline waiting to come on while all this was going on, and he eventually arrived before the restart for Kuyt.

Benitez maintains that with Torres fit, Liverpool would never have been in the position of European also-rans. Torres tried his best to prove the point with some fine runs.

There had been occasional glimpses of Aquilani's talent, but he was taken off to give reserve striker Daniel Pacheco his debut.

The 18-year-old is rated very highly by Benitez, and joined Torres in an all-Spanish front pairing.

Fabio Aurelio replaced the hard-working Javier Mascherano near the end, with Fiorentina searching for the crucial winner that would win the group.

It arrived in added time and left Liverpool with their worst-ever Champions League group points tally.

Souness Worried For Reds

Former Liverpool captain and manager Graeme Souness fears the club could go into "meltdown" after they finished their Champions League campaign with their lowest points haul.

A stoppage-time 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina at Anfield left Rafael Benitez's side, who were already unable to progress to the knockout phase, with just seven points from six matches.

And although they will now drop into the Europa League, with their Barclays Premier League form also disappointing there is a real danger they could not be involved in Europe's top club competition next season.

Souness, who won the European Cup three times with Liverpool, captaining them to victory in 1984, has grave concerns about what failing to progress in the Champions League this season could mean for his club.

"I fear they are in meltdown. If they don't reach the Champions League next year the best players won't want to play for Liverpool," he said.

"That would be the first time in as long as I can remember. They are hundreds of millions of pounds in debt and they need a new stadium to keep up with the rest and just stand still.

"Every year they are dropping off the pace so they need a new stadium.

"If they don't get to the Champions League the banks will be knocking on the door wanting to replace the income stream that the Champions League would give them.

"All those scenarios are frightening for Liverpool supporters.

"I can't see them becoming a Leeds United because I think there will always be someone out there, whether it be a Russian or someone from the Middle East, who deep down is a big fan and would get them out of a hole - a saviour if you like."

Souness said the priority now must be securing a top-four place in the league despite the lure of silverware elsewhere.

"I think there is real danger. They have to look at the second half of the season," he told Sky Sports.

"The Europa League means nothing to Liverpool. I'm a Liverpool supporter and I would love them to finish in the top four and win the Europa League and FA Cup.

"But if there was a choice of those three it would be to finish in the top four.

"If you are looking to move your club forward you have to encourage the best players to come to your club.

"If they are not in the Champions League that won't happen because you won't have the same income coming into the club.

"If you are already in debt the banks will put pressure on Liverpool because they want money from somewhere to lessen the debt they have right now."

Liverpool Manager Rafael Benitez Rates Weekend Opponents Arsenal

Ahead of Liverpool's final game of their Champions League campaign this season, against Fiorentina, Rafael Benitez has spoken about the upcoming challenge in the Premier League against Arsenal.

The Spaniard insists that while some players may be rested for the Gunners game, he will still likely field his star players against the Serie A side.

"We will change some players but we will still play some big names," Benitez told his club's official website. "It is important to pick them and give some of them the opportunity to improve.

"We will have to rest others though, because they are playing too many games. With the injuries, we have been playing the same players most of the time.

"We have a chart that details the minutes each player has played and some are way ahead of the others, so we will have to manage the situation and try and give minutes to others."

He continued: "We must try to play a good match against Arsenal, then we will have another game on Wednesday and then on Saturday. So we don't have too much time to think about them. We must just play and carry on."

Regarding the improvement of David Ngog, who has deputised admirably during the absence of key forward Fernando Torres, the Reds gaffer said: "You can see that he has improved but he needs to be stronger.

"The centre-backs are powerful in England and although he is only 20 years old and a big lad, he still needs to work hard in the gym and during games.

"We are really pleased with him," said Benitez. "It's a question of time but you can see his quality. I think you will see an improvement from him every week."

Liverpool Wary Of Heysel Insult And Abandon Mosaic Plans For Fiorentina Visit

Liverpool have abandoned plans for a mosaic on the Kop bearing the word “amici” – friends - to welcome Fiorentina to Anfield for tonight’s Champions League fixtures amid concerns it may offend Juventus supporters in the run-up to the 25th anniversary of the Heysel disaster.

The Premier League club had been asked by some supporters to create a mosaic as a goodwill gesture to Fiorentina after Liverpool’s travelling fans were afforded a warm welcome in Florence in September.

One group of Fiorentina’s ultras had asked for a formal twinning between the two sides – though no such link has been established – prompting Juventus fans to express their fear some fans of their fierce rivals were abusing the good relations between the clubs to taunt the Turin side over Heysel.

“Fiorentina have never missed a chance to cheer that tragedy,” said Juventus ultras spokesman Pino Leo.

“We are sure Liverpool fans do not know how their name and shirts are being used to offend the victims of Heysel, but we wish to inform them how Fiorentina will use the link. If there is no respect for the victims, we will always turn our backs on any new request for forgiveness.”

Sources at Liverpool insist the mosaic was intended purely as a goodwill gesture but the decision was taken last night that such an act may have been open to misinterpretation.

Complacency Liverpool's Worst Enemy In Fine Field Of Also-Rans

Luckily, Liverpool’s fans are inured to the pain by now. They have had a month to steel themselves for the shame, four weeks in which fatalism has replaced fury. On Wednesday night, the third most successful club in European history, boasting more European Cups than Manchester United, Barcelona, Internazionale and Juventus, bow out of the Champions League at the group stage. The club all of Europe once feared demoted to a place among the also-rans. It is a dark day indeed.

The whys and wherefores of Liverpool’s premature demise have been debated endlessly in newspapers, on television screens and radio sets, on countless websites and internet fora, and it would be overkill to offer anything but a brief precis. Rafael Benitez, the manager, has spent badly, or not spent enough, his squad has been decimated by injury, or by an injection of players unworthy of Anfield, his squad has let him down, or his tactics have, his luck has gone missing, or run out. Delete as appropriate, almost. Liverpool’s supporters cannot quite decide what has gone wrong – few clubs in the world boast such a rift between fans who back the manager and those who do not – but they know that it has, and how.

All agree, though, that the Europa League offers some hope of redemption. For all that Europe’s lesser tournament is derided as a distraction from the thoroughly more important matter of qualifying for it next season – Harry Redknapp and Martin O’Neill both took this disdainful approach last year, got exactly what they deserved and should, as I suggested at the time, be banned from entering it for the foreseeable future as punishment – it is still a trophy, a commodity painfully lacking in Benitez’s last three years at Anfield. Liverpool, the consensus is, must win it, for footballing and financial reasons. Not only that, but they should win it. They are Tiger Woods on a crazy golf course, Frank Sinatra in a school music competition. They are the shark among the minnows, or so it seems.

Such a billing, though, is typical of the English attitude to the tournament, one perpetuated by the insular, complacent approach of O’Neill, Redknapp and their ilk, one that dictates that it is a mere afterthought played out in footballing outposts in front of one man, his dog and Colin Murray. It could not be further from the truth, and Liverpool will have to hope neither their players nor their manager buy into it. That way, embarrassment awaits.

The best display I, personally, have seen in any competition this season came in the Europa League, in Benfica’s systematic dismantling of an admittedly scratch Everton side in the the Estadio da Luz. Angel Di Maria, Pablo Aimar, Oscar Cardozo, Ramires and Javier Saviola – as well as Javi Garcia, the excellent midfield anchor – showed that night they would give any Champions League team a run for their money, so crisp was their passing, so free-wheeling their play. Last season, too, the verve of Hamburg, in beating Manchester City in the stadium where the final of the current edition will be held in May, would have been worthy of any team in the senior competition.

Indeed, it is not beyond the realms of possibility to suggest that the Europa League has more strength in depth than the Champions League this season. Obviously, no side matches the majesty of Barcelona, the durability of Chelsea, or boasts the stardust of Real Madrid. But take those sides, plus Manchester United, out, and what are you left with?

In Sevilla, Bordeaux, Bayern Munich – at least on the evidence of their win against Juventus last night – and Arsenal there are some intriguing outside bets, but in truth none of those sides are particularly fine vintages. Milan and Inter are both struggling to live up to the standards their forebears have set, while the likes of CSKA Moscow, Lyon, Fiorentina, Porto, Olympiakos and Stuttgart or Unirea are good, but hardly world-beaters.

Such contestants are not exactly a world away from what is on offer in the Europa League. Liverpool aside, there is the Juventus side eliminated at the last from the Champions League, Valencia, Villarreal, Ajax, Roma, Hamburg, Benfica and their city rivals Sporting, Wolfsburg, Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Panathinaikos, as well as the holders, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Everton, whose work Liverpool will be familiar with.

It is hardly a competition devoid of stars. David Villa is arguably the world’s best striker, Diego and Felipe Melo both regulars in the Brazil side which will travel to South Africa next summer as favourites, Amauri – overlooked by Dunga and now, somehow, apparently Italian – as well as Marcos Senna, Francesco Totti and, er, Harry Kewell. It is also home to a glut of players who will, in years to come, be multi-million pound, superstar signings. Di Maria, Ramires, Edin Dzeko, Sotiris Ninis, Joao Moutinho, Ajax’s brilliant Uruguayan Luis Suarez, among others.

None of those players, none of those teams, think of themselves as also-rans. It would be idiotic to suggest Liverpool are better off out of the Champions League (though that argument would be valid if they were still in domestic contention), or that the Europa League is a more glamorous, more enticing tournament. It is not, palpably, to the tune of £20 million or so in prize money. But to dismiss it as an irrelevance, a competition fit for nothing more than has-beens and never-will-bes, is misleading. It may be the Champions League’s little brother, but while it is not Bobby to Jack, it is very definitely Liam to Noel. The larger may have the greater talent, but the smaller does not necessarily see it that way.

Aquilani Has To Show He’s A Class Act For Liverpool FC

Wednesday night really is the ideal game for Alberto Aquilani. But it’s certainly not the ideal game for Liverpool FC.

I can’t remember a European match at Anfield which was effectively meaningless. But this one is and it’s so frustrating.

The Italian though, will quite rightly see it differently and after sitting on the bench for so long he’ll be bursting to get out there.

The fact the pressure is off is a good thing for him. But there is a different sort of pressure on him and it’s all to do with expectation.

Everyone can see that, as we feared, the loss of Xabi Alonso this season has hit us hard.

Fans are praying Aquilani can replace him now, though he’ll have his own style and strengths and comparisons in that sense will be unfair.

He’s also comes with a £20m price tag. But if reacts to it in the same way as a certain Fernando Torres did, then it will prove money well spent.

Aquilani’s appearance really is the main focus tonight because win or lose we’re going into the Europa League.

Some people say it’s not worth winning but this is not just a trophy, it’s a European trophy and one I was proud to lift back in 1973. So I hope we shrug off the disappointment of being in it and go all out to win it next year.

If we do so it we’ll give the fans a great day out in Hamburg and prove to people that we’re not suddenly to be written off as a force in Europe.

Add to that a top four finish which would put us back on the big stage next season, and we can still prove a good few people wrong.

But Wednesday night at Anfield it’s all about Aquilani.

Not many Italians have succeeded in the Premier League.

But for the sake of Liverpool and Rafa Benitez, this guy just has to go on and make a real difference now.

Liverpool's Andrea Dossena Welcomes Roma Interest

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena has welcomed interest from Roma, says his agent Federico Pastorello.

The Italian full-back has long been linked with a return to Serie A. Reports have suggested both Napoli and Roma were keen to land him during the winter transfer window.

Dossena has been peripheral at Anfield this term, but he is likely to play in tonight's dead-rubber game against Fiorentina in the Champions League. Pastorello believes this could be his shop window as he hints at interest from Roma.

"He will be playing his 30th game for Liverpool against Fiorentina. If from now until January we see he is no longer required by the club then we will evaluate other scenarios," the agent told Radio Kiss Kiss.

"Roma? We are delighted Dossena is valued by a coach like Claudio Ranieri. We are not worried about the money, what's important is that he is physically well."

I Am Not A Diver, Says David Ngog

Ngog is still dogged by the 'diving' allegation which has followed him since the penalty awarded against Birmingham at Anfield last month.

The Frenchman, who led the line for Liverpool against the Italians in Wednesday’s dead rubber, said: "I know criticism is part of football, but it was unfair because I am not that kind of player.

"I just tried to jump him and not to be touched. It happened so fast and I didn't think of getting a penalty.

"But I don't really think about that now. I just try to stay in a positive frame of mind to improve my game.

"I am enjoying my football here, I have been given my chance to show what I can do and I will always do that when an opportunity comes along again.

"All I can do is to continue to work hard and do my best for the team when I do get selected."

Wednesday’s match has no relevance to Liverpool, who have already bowed out of the competition and are destined for the Europa League.

However, 20-year-old Ngog is confident Liverpool have the quality to return to the Champions League next season as he prepares for one more chance to impress as Fernando Torres' stand-in.

Ngog said: "I know Fernando is one of the best in the world and just watching him is a great example for me. He's also given me lots of advice and been a big help.

"But the one I really looked up to as a youngster was (Thierry) Henry, because he's French. He is the best in the world, especially when he won the 1998 World Cup.

"We (Liverpool) are a Champions League team, we all believe that. It is the club's status. Now we must all keep going, improving and make sure we do well enough in the Premier League to qualify for next season.

"We know we have the quality, and we are confident. We aim to show from now on that we should be in the Champions League."

Champions League Preview: Liverpool vs. Fiorentina

It looks like a big clash at first glance, but neither Liverpool nor Fiorentina will have much to fight for when they cross swords in the final fixture of Champions League Group E.

For the Reds, it is the deadest of dead rubbers. The last round's results dashed their hopes of advancing to the knock-out phase - despite a 1-0 win at Debrecen - and thus Wednesday's game will serve as little more than a dress rehearsal for the Europa League.

However, following their goalless draw at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, even a meaningless three points would give Rafael Benitez's men a much-needed confidence boost.

La Viola fared decidedly better over the weekend, their 2-0 victory against Atalanta launching them into fifth place in what is a congested-looking Serie A table.

The Tuscan side are already through to the last 16 in Europe's elite club competition, and any sort of result at Liverpool will see them finish top of the group.

So with a seeding in the knock-out draw on offer, it is Fiorentina who edge it in the motivation stakes as they head to Anfield hoping to pile more misery on the Mersey men.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Dec 5 Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Liverpool
Nov 29 Everton 0-2 Liverpool
Nov 24 Debrecen 0-1 Liverpool (Champions League)
Nov 21 Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City
Nov 9 Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham City

Fiorentina

Dec 6 Fiorentina 2-0 Atalanta
Nov 29 Inter 1-0 Fiorentina
Nov 24 Fiorentina 1-0 Olympique Lyonnais (Champions League)
Nov 21 Fiorentina 2-3 Parma
Nov 8 Udinese 0-1 Fiorentina


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

With his side's fate already sealed, boss Benitez will no doubt ring in the changes and take the opportunity the rest some of his regulars.

Fernando Torres was tipped to make his return against Blackburn at the weekend but was left out of the matchday squad altogether. He could, however, feature in some capacity against Cesare Prandelli's invaders.

Alberto Aquilani didn't get so much as a minute on Saturday, and the Kop faithful (not to mention the midfielder's father) will surely kick up a fuss if he doesn't get on the park here.

Last starting XI (vs. Blackburn Rovers): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Mascherano, Lucas, Benayoun, Gerrard, Riera, Kuyt.

Fiorentina

Wonderkid Stevan Jovetic returned to the first XI at the weekend, while Marco Marchionni - another who tormented the Reds in Tuscany - is pushing for fitness after picking up a muscle strain in the 1-0 defeat to Inter on November 29.

Former Chelsea forward Adrian Mutu is still recovering from minor knee surgery.

Last starting XI (vs. Atalanta): Frey, De Silvestri, Dainelli, Kroldrup, Pasqual, Santana, Donadel, Montolivo, Vargas, Jovetic, Gilardino.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool - Lucas Leiva

The Brazilian continues to divide opinion on Merseyside, in spite (or perhaps because) of the fact he's been an ever-present in the starting XI this season. With the result irrelevant, this is the sort of game in which he must shrug off the shackles and show that he has the quality to match his enthusiasm.

Fiorentina - Juan Manuel Vargas

Jovetic would be the obvious choice, but this man has been in red-hot form. It was the Peruvian wide-man's goal against Lyon that knocked the Reds down to the Europa League, and, having scored again on Sunday, he will no doubt fancy himself to snag another at Anfield - if he's not rested, of course.

Rafa - No Aquilani Row

Rafa Benitez has played down reports of a row with Alberto Aquilani and confirmed he will make his full Liverpool debut on Wednesday.

The Italian international has yet to start at game for the club since joining from Roma for £20million in the summer.

Reports on Tuesday from Italy suggested that Aquilani was becoming frustrated at his lack of playing time, with his father claiming he has been fully recovered from his knee injury for over a month.

But Benitez insisted that there was no issue with Aquilani and he would be starting their final UEFA Champions League group stage clash against Fiorentina on Wednesday.

"I was talking with Alberto this morning and he was surprised too," Benitez said of the reports.

"Match fitness is something you can only improve on in games and we had the plan for him to play in reserve games, now is the right time - it is a Champions League game but we cannot qualify so we can play him from the beginning, he will have minutes and we will see how he reacts."

Benitez confirmed that Fernando Torres, who has been nursing a groin problem, would be involved but he will not be risked from the start.

"He [Torres] has been without playing for three-and-a-half, four weeks, so it would be a risk," said Benitez.

"We are starting with Aquilani after not too many games so at any point if you have to change it is important you have players who are out there who can play 90 minutes if you have a few who you are not sure about it could be trouble."

He did confirm that there are no issues over captain Steven Gerrard.

"Some players will need to play, some we will need to manage," he said.

"We will have a training session on Wednesday and analyse it but Gerrard can play, that is not a problem."

Rafa Benitez Set To Rest, Rotate And Replenish Ahead Of Fiorentina Dead-Rubber

If someone had told Rafael Benitez back in September that Liverpool's final Champions League Group E match would be a dead-rubber, it is not unreasonable to suggest his response would have been along the lines of a satisfied smile.

Of course, like most, that would have been to assume that the Reds would have sealed qualification from a useful, but hardly terrifying, group with a game to spare. A not unreasonable assumption, especially given their 1-0 opening-week success over Hungarian minnows Debrecen at Anfield.

Since then, Liverpool's season has unravelled alarmingly. And the origins of their collapse may well lie in their previous meeting with Wednesday night's opponents, Fiorentina.

When Benitez took his side to Florence on September 29, they were on a run of six straight victories, having seemingly bounced back from losing two of their first three league matches. They had just smashed six goals past Hull City at Anfield, and Fernando Torres appeared to be back to his very best form, with five goals in two matches.

Optimism was high. Liverpool were not playing especially fluently, but they were winning games. Just as they had in 2008/09.

It took just 45 minutes for reality to give optimism a good kicking. An experimental Reds line-up, with Fabio Aurelio in central midfield, received a first-half battering, in which two goals from Fiorentina's classy Montenegrin forward Stevan Jovetic put the game out of reach. The Reds lost 2-0, and pretty comfortably too.

Five days later, Benitez saw his side go down by the same scoreline at Chelsea, and the Reds have won just three of the dozen games since their Florence thrashing - a run of form which has seen them slide to seventh place in the Premier League, and crash out of the Champions League.

Wednesday represents a chance for Benitez and his side to restore some pride to the club, though even a heavy win over Cesare Prandelli's effervescent side would leave only tinges of regret amongst the Anfield faithful. A dead-rubber it might be, but Liverpool cannot afford to treat it as such.

Despite a run of six games unbeaten, and with three clean sheets on the spin, Benitez is set to ring the changes for the Viola's visit, with one eye surely on another critical Premier League fixture - at home to Arsenal on Sunday.

On the face of it, his squad is as fit as it has been all season. Ryan Babel was the only absentee as Benitez put his side through a rigorous training session at Melwood on Tuesday morning, and both Fernando Torres and Alberto Aquilani are expected to feature from the start at Anfield on Wednesday, the latter for his first start in Liverpool's colours.

Others - Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Emiliano Insua and Javier Mascherano - are likely to be rested for the Arsenal clash, with players such as Andrea Dossena, Philipp Degen and, perhaps, Dani Pacheco, given rare outings. Benitez's squad has long been lambasted for its lack of depth; Wednesday offers a chance to answer back.

Aquilani's presence should ensure that the Anfield atmosphere is in attendance on Wednesday night, and the importance of momentum - even if the Reds' recent performances have remained below the standards set last season - should not be underestimated.

It might have been a game against Fiorentina which began Liverpool's poor spell, but the return fixture offers a chance to show that that run, as autumn turns to winter, has been left behind with conkers and bonfires.

Benitez Makes Champions League Vow

Rafael Benitez has vowed to take Liverpool back into the Champions League as they prepare for the embarrassment of a dead rubber against Fiorentina on Wednesday.

Liverpool are already out of this season's competition having failed to finish in the top two in Group E, a humiliating experience for the five-time European Cup winners.

That will truly hit home at Anfield against an impressive Italian side who beat the Reds 2-0 in September at the start of a terrible run for Benitez and his side.

Liverpool had won six on the trot ahead of the match in Florence, but have managed just two wins in 13 since.

Benitez will finally give £20million midfielder Alberto Aquilani his full debut, four months after he arrived at the club, but that could well be the only thing to brighten the night for the Liverpool fans.

Benitez knows that the only way to get back into next season's Champions League is to finish in the top four of the Barclays Premier League, on current form not an easy task.

But he said: "I am convinced we will have Champions League football back here next season.

"We have a good team, a good squad and we can win games in a row now. We have not lost in six and kept three consecutive clean sheets, that is positive and an improvement on what was happening a few weeks ago.

"We know what it means to play in the Champions League. The players certainly understand.

"We have the right experience and I am confident we will finish in the top four, at least, so we must concentrate on our league games to achieve that.

"We have Arsenal next, then Wigan in midweek before Portsmouth away the following Saturday. We must win those games to get ourselves back into a strong position to make sure we do qualify for the tournament next season."

Benitez may rest Jose Reina, Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun and added: "Some players will get the chance of a game to impress, people like Aquilani who will start the match. There could be others who have not played yet in the first team.

"Alberto understands. When a player has been out for a long time you must keep building his fitness. We have tried to play him in reserve games but they have been cancelled because of the weather.

"He has trained well now for a few weeks, but it is not the same as matches and we have had to be careful with him because of the ankle operation he had.

"It was wrong to play him in difficult, physical, games against Everton and Blackburn. We have been waiting for the right moment.

"Games that are tough and tight would have been difficult. Now he can play in a game where the pressure is not the same.

"He has understood the problems, he can see his match fitness is not right. He has waited for his chance and now it has arrived.

"This game will be good for him and the team. We can play without pressure, play well and score goals."

Striker Fernando Torres will also return to the squad but will start on the bench after his lengthy recovery from a groin problem.

Benitez said: "Fernando will not start the match, he has not been involved for a few weeks so it would be a risk to put him straight into the side.

"He will play some minutes, I am not sure yet how many, then he may be involved against Arsenal on Sunday.

"We want to win every game in front of our fans at Anfield, we must do well and then win against Arsenal here on Sunday.

"Of course I am disappointed with this situation. Over the last five years we have always qualified for the last 16, sometimes before the last group game.

"Now we are experiencing totally different feelings, but it is done now, we cannot change the position we are in.

"We now must think about the future, to do our best in the Premier League and the Europa League. We must do our best in whatever competition we are in."

Ngog Reveals Reds' Intent

Liverpool are determined to use the rest of this season to demonstrate to Europe that they are a team of UEFA Champions League quality, according to David Ngog.

The Reds have suffered a campaign to forget after being dumped out of the European Cup at the group stages, while they are also flailing in the Premier League.

Such poor form has led doubters to realistically predict that Rafa Benitez's side may not qualify for next season's Champions League.

But Ngog has revealed that there is a steely determination among the Liverpool squad to deliver a signal of ability across the continent.

The France Under 21 international said: "We are a Champions League team, we all believe that. It is the club's status.

"Now we must all keep going, improving and make sure we do well enough in the Premier League to qualify for next season.

"We know we have the quality, and we are confident. We aim to show from now on that we should be in the Champions League."

Ngog is still dogged by the 'diving' allegation which has followed him since the penalty awarded against Birmingham at Anfield in November.

But he has brushed that aside, saying: "I am not that kind of player, people should know that. I felt the criticism was unfair, but I want to put it all behind me now."

Ngog has earned an extended run of games in Benitez's first XI during Fernando Torres' injury-enforced absence and he was showing signs of genuine promise.

A glaring miss in Saturday's stalemate at Blackburn, when the former Paris St Germain player hit the crossbar from point-blank range, has earned criticism.

But he remains keen to impress, saying: "I am enjoying my football here, I have been given my chance to show what I can do and I will always do that when an opportunity comes along again.

"All I can do is to continue to work hard and do my best for the team when I do get selected."

Keirrison: Liverpool to Rescue Barca Striking Starlet from Lisbon Hell

Barcelona beat Liverpool to the signing of Brazilian striker Keirrison last summer in a deal worth £12m. However, reports in both Brazil and Portugal suggest the player on loan at Benfica may well be moving to Anfield in January in a 6-month loan deal. Barca’s summer move disappointed Rafa Benitez who had been tracking the youngster for some time had failed with a move in the last January transfer window.

Keirrison’s season-long move to Benfica was supposed to allow the player to get used to a more European style of play but the young strikers chances in the first team have been limited thanks to the performances of fellow South Americans Oscar Cardozo and Radamel Falcao. Barca are reported to be unhappy at their striker’s lack of action at Benfica and are willing to loan him to another club in Europe or back to Brazil where Santos are one of the clubs targeting the player.

Rafa Benitez made a late failed January deadline day earlier this year for the young Brazilian striker known as Keirrison de Souza Carneiro or just plain Keirrison for short. He was seen as a direct replacement for Tottenham bound Robbie Keane but the move failed to come off so Liverpool returned to wrap up a deal in the summer. However, it was Barcelona that signed the talented marksman leaving the Reds short of striking options for the first half of the 2009/10 season.

A move to Benfica was supposed to allow the starlet the necessary game time in a weaker European league but after just one league start, four substitute appearances and no goals, Barca are ready to move the player on.

The 21-year-old star has enjoyed a prolific record in Brazil’s Serie A with Coritiba prior to joining Palmeiras. His record in his homeland speaks for itself so it’s of no surprise that a number of European clubs had been alerted to his talent.

Despite Keirrison’s tender age he has already shown just how prolific he can be. Last season alone he has scored an impressive 20 goals in just 31 League appearances (30 starts). This is a remarkable feat since this was only his 2nd League season after scoring 12 goals in 32 League appearances (18 starts) in his first campaign. Few youngsters in world football can boast such an impressive strike tally as 37 goals in 70 League appearances (54 starts), so it’s no surprise he is attracting such attention.

After joining Palmerias the striker also scored 5 goals in 7 league matches (6 starts) as well as a further five goals in the Copa Libertadores.

Keirrison broke into the Coritiba first team in 2007 helping the club to promotion from Serie B but it was his impressive arrival in the top division that has underlined his incredible potential. The 5 ft 11 forward is renowned for his pace and finishing ability and his 20 League goals left him 1 strike behind the League’s top scorer. His goals helped Coritiba to a comfortable 9th place in the 20-team Serie A after an excellent return to the top flight. He had since proven himself at Palmeiras that he could score goals but failed to win over all the fans as he is more of a predator than a flamboyant striker.

Liverpool were one of a list of interested clubs last summer that included Arsenal, Olympiakos, Real Madrid and Valencia. Rafa Benitez has reportedly declared his interest in bringing the Brazilian to Anfield in a short-term loan deal to provide competition for both Fernando Torres and David N’gog. However, a number of Brazilian clubs are also looking to bring Keirrison back to Brazil including Santos.

Jose Paulo Fernandes takes over as Santos president in late December and has targeted the striker.
He told Globosporte, “Keirrison is on loan at Benfica, but he is not being used in Portugal, and it is clear we would be interested.”

“But we cannot forget that he is in Europe and is very expensive and is not something simple.”

A loan deal may well suit Liverpool with less fees to pay and a hungry striker who is looking to prove himself in Europe would be a good addition to a Reds team that is looking to close the gap on the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Dossena Eyeing Exit Door

Liverpool full-back Andrea Dossena has once again hinted at his desire to leave the club.

The Italian defender has found first-team opportunities hard to come by so far this season and is widely expected to leave Anfield when the transfer window opens in January.

Napoli are being touted as Dossena's most likely next club as he looks to secure a place in the Italy squad for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

The Reds play Fiorentina on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League, although they can not make the knockout stages of the competition.

"I hope to play (against Fiorentina) but the situation is not good, now we will evaluate everything," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It's clear that staying on the edge is not good and it might be better to find another solution."

Dossena has only made three appearances for Liverpool this term, against Debrecen in the Champions League, Bolton in the Premier League and Leeds in the Carling Cup.

Steven Gerrard: I'm No Liverpool Legend Yet

Steven Gerrard has rejected the tag of 'Liverpool legend', insisting that his decorated career will be incomplete if it ends without a Premier League title to show for it.

The England star made his 500th appearance for the Anfield giants in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Blackburn Rovers; a milestone that brought with it praise and testimony from all over the country.

However, Gerrard refutes the notion that his contribution to the Kop matches that of past greats such as Kenny Dalgish, Alan Hansen and Ian Rush.

"I don't think I'm a Liverpool legend," he said in The Mirror. "You can only call players legends when they've finished and you look back on their careers and they have been successful or a top player throughout.

"A lot of people give the legendary status out too early for my liking. I don't see myself as a legend - I see the likes of Dalglish, Hansen and Rush as legends.

"They have been there and done it. Hopefully one day I can look back on what I've achieved and can say I'm a part of the legends at this club, but I certainly wouldn't put myself in that bracket now."

The Reds haven't won the English championship since 1990, and many thought that hoodoo was nearing an end after they finished a close second to Manchester United last season.

However, 2009-10 has been a disaster to date, on both the domestic and European fronts, and Gerrard couldn't hide his annoyance at the way things have panned out.

"It's frustrating to be where we are in the league now because this was meant to be the year where we were going to be right up there all the way through," he said.

"It would mean everything to win it. It's frustrating not to have it already and I've come close on a couple of occasions.

"I will continue to fight for the Premier League from now until I stop playing. Hopefully I can add it to my collection because it would round a fantastic career off.

"It would be extra special if I could do it as captain in the next couple of years. I'm not sure how long I'm going to be captain for - probably another two or three years. If not as captain, then hopefully I can still lift it as a Liverpool player.

"Now, though, it's important for us to try to get back up to the top of the table."

At 29, Gerrard knows all too well that time is the enemy in his quest for a league winner's medal - especially if he wishes to fulfil his dream of winning it as captain.

He continued: "I've been around for 11 years and I'm getting towards the 30 years of age mark now, so I'm running out of time. I want to make the most of the next four or five years.

"I've still got many more ambitions and dreams that I want to fulfill before I finish."

Rafa Benitez Set To Tie Up Deal For Icelandic Starlet Kristjan Gauti Emilsson

Iceland wonderkid Kristján Gauti Emilsson, 16, is set to sign for Liverpool later this week.

The centre back, who also had trials with Manchester United and Rangers, was offered a contract after impressing Rafa Benitez.

Emilsson, who plays for Icelandic champions FH, has always supported Liverpool and described the move to Anfield as a 'dream come true'.