Liverpool FC Football Museum On Winning Streak With Visitors

Ever since winning the European Cup in 1977, Liverpool Football Club has deliberately courted supporters worldwide.

As the most successful English club ever, Liverpool FC was the first to create a museum in 1997, knowing its support base was big enough to back the attraction.

This is coupled with a stadium tour around Anfield, which was updated earlier this year.

"We'll always be looking at refreshing the tour and making it better,” said Tom Cassidy, LFC commercial tourism manager.

“So, if you come back in again, you'll notice tweaks and improvements.”

The museum was such a success, it was soon copied by Manchester United and Arsenal.

It was the first club to launch an International Supporters Club, after winning two UEFA Cups in 1973 and 1976, and then the European Cup in 1977.

“Our profile across the world was sky-high and LFC made an intelligent decision to get people abroad to support and see the team play,” said Stephen Done, Museum & Stadium Tour curator.

In August, 2006, The Mersey Partnership gave a very special chairman’s award to LFC for an outstanding contribution to the visitor economy.

Pre-Capital of Culture data showed LFC’s visitor draw and spend in the city was so extraordinary it outranked all other attractions combined.

The museum and stadium tour gives an insight into who visits the city.

“There’s a significant increase in overseas visitors. We seem to be swimming in Spaniards, a race previously not known to travel,” said Mr Done.

In 2001, LFC won five trophies, and this brought a huge interest in the museum, followed by the Champions League Final in Istanbul, in 2005, which doubled visitor numbers.

“Capital of Culture was astonishingly good for us. There are no signs of it tailing off,” said Mr Done.

In 2008, the Museum and Stadium Tour had 156,000 visitors, and last year 1,320,000 people attended games at Anfield.

Tommy Smith: Liverpool Must Forget Manchester United Pain

Losing to Manchester United was hardly a good end to what had otherwise been a good week for Liverpool.

It’s always desperately disappointing to go down at Old Trafford – particularly after what we did there last season. But there’s just too much at stake now for Liverpool’s players and fans to dwell on it.

Okay, we started well and on Sunday with a terrific Torres goal should have done better to protect that lead.

Emiliano Insua is taking a fair bit of flak and, while he has clearly got lots still to learn, some of it has been a bit harsh. I was impressed with him last season but he just needs to sharpen up and get back to basics well. By that I mean defending.

But you can’t just point the finger at him. All in all we just sat off United and played too deep for me. Undoubtedly playing twice in the week when United had no game favoured them. And if Rafa Benitez had brought Babel on earlier to have a go at Gary Neville it might have made a difference.

But it’s done now so let’s move on. There are seven crucial league games left and while Spurs will be favourites to get fourth, we are still in the hunt.

Quite simply, Liverpool have to keep going. This is a club with a history of defying the odds and proving its critics wrong. And if we can reproduce the form we showed in midweek, we’ve still got every chance of making a late run at it and finishing above Tottenham, City and Villa.

Everton can do us a favour by beating City on Wednesday – but our destiny is still to a degree in our own hands.

Fourth place feels lousy I know. But it is important to make it as we know.

No one can afford to let a painful defeat effect the determination to make it.

Liverpool Winger Albert Riera Confirms He Wants To Move To Russia Within A Week

Liverpool winger Albert Riera has admitted that a move to the Russian Premier League presents itself as an "interesting option", while hoping that a deal is concluded before the turn of the week.

The Spaniard fell afoul of Reds boss Rafael Benitez after calling the Merseyside club a "sinking ship" while alluding to the manager as one who lives in an ivory tower with little or no contact with his charges.

The midfielder was subsequently frozen out of the squad, while reports pointed towards a fine owing to the derogatory comments that culminated in an alleged bust-up with a reserve player.

Presently, the former Espanyol player insists that he is keen on securing a move to Russia in the hope that regular football will earn him a ticket to the World Cup with his national side.

"Russia presents a very interesting option for me," Riera is quoted as saying in Russian newspaper Sport Express.

"For one, it's the only prestigious league in Europe where the transfer window is open.

"And secondly, if I play there regularly, I may be able to earn my ticket to the World Cup in South Africa."

The 27-year-old hopes that the deal will be chiselled out before the end of the week.

"I hope that the question of my transfer will be resolved by this week," he said.

It was initially believed that CSKA Moscow was to be the destination, with their arch-rivals Spartak also in the chase to secure the player's signature. But the former have since ruled themselves out of the race.

"The 'Army Club' are surprised to learn [from the media] that they are [a] candidate for the signing of Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Albert Riera," reads a statement from CSKA.

"We know of similar cases where CSKA is additionally recommended for a football player seeking a new place of work.

"However, to those who are trying to bring extra interest to the player, we can give advice: to specify an interested party, we would say Barcelona or Manchester United.

"By the way, this will be more interesting to lovers of rumours."

It is consequently believed that Spartak will sign Riera on loan for the season.

Aquilani Progress Pleases Benitez

Rafael Benitez is convinced Alberto Aquilani will prove to be a good signing for Liverpool.

The Reds splashed out £20million on the Italian midfielder last summer, keen to find an able replacement for the Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso.

Unfortunately, the Anfield faithful have seen little of their big-money signing this season, with injury and illness keeping him sidelined for long periods.

There have, however, been signs on the rare outings he has managed that there is plenty more to come from him in the future.

Aquilani is still only 25-years-old and Benitez is adamant that the former Roma man can be a resounding success in England.

"You can see he wants to improve and it is important for us to have another player pushing," Benitez told the club's official website.

"We need players with quality to help us improve until the end of the season. Alberto has got desire and he is working very hard. When we have him available, he can give us a different approach on the pitch in different games.

"It is a question of time. It is disappointing that he was ill and missed out against Lille but we are hopeful he will continue to improve and play more games before the end of the season."

David Ngog: Premier League Has Toughened Me Up

Liverpool striker David Ngog believes that he is improving as a Premier League player all the time.

The 20-year-old has featured more frequently for Rafael Benitez's team this season and feels that playing against the rugged defences in the English top flight has toughened him up.

"No game in the Premier League is ever simple, but especially away from home," he told LFC Weekly.

"A lot of the teams are very physical and make you fight for everything.

"You have to be strong and really battle to get possession and keep it until your team-mates can get forward in support. It wasn't something I found easy at first.

"Now I think I am getting stronger in those situations. The more experience you have of playing like that the more confident you become.

"I think I'm becoming a better player and know I need to do that. If I can I will be happy.

"I've managed to score some goals which is pleasing. But that's what people expect of strikers, it's our job. Hopefully I can get more in the future."

Ngog's recent appearances have been restricted by the return to fitness of Fernando Torres. Nevertheless, the Frenchman is delighted that the Spaniard is back in the team as the business end of the season nears.

"It's great to have Fernando back in the team again. He obviously helps us all to play better because he is so good," he added.

"Also, for a young striker like me it's great to have someone like that here. He's one of the best in the world. All I can do is be ready and take an opportunity to play when I get it."

Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Believes Rivals Will Slip Up In The Race For Final Champions League Spot

Rafael Benitez has suggested his Liverpool side can still qualify for the Champions League after a weekend which saw the Merseyside club lose further ground to the Premier League’s fourth place challengers as the Reds were defeated 2-1 by league leaders Manchester United at Old Trafford.

"It's difficult but there [are] still seven games to play. We have to keep going because still it's a long race," Benitez told the club’s official website.

"We know we have to perform and win our games, and it's clear that the other teams will drop some points and lose some games. How many they drop is the key."

Benitez was quick to reiterate the belief that his side could overcome the challenge for that final Champions League spot from rivals Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa.

"We have the belief we can finish in the top four but we have to keep going. Every game is important for us," he concluded.

Liverpool are four points behind fourth placed Tottenham although have played a game more than Harry Redknapp's side.

The Reds take on Steve Bruce's Sunderland on Sunday at Anfield.

Liverpool FC And City Council Face £8m Bill If Stanley Park Stadium Does Not Go Ahead

The city council could be forced to pay back up to £8.2m in European funding if Liverpool FC’s new stadium in Stanley Park does not go ahead, the Daily Post can reveal.

A report by the Audit Commission describes the way the council managed European and government grants during the Capital of Culture year, as a “significant issue”.

A total of £8.2m was given to the council to pay for improvements to Stanley Park that would allow the stadium development to begin.

But, according to the report to go before the council’s audit and accounts committee today, “the grant offer was made on the condition that the new Liverpool Football Club stadium will be built in Stanley Park. In the event that this does not occur, then the European Regional Development Fund grant of £8.2m will be repayable.” The council says it is in talks with the club regarding the issue, and has come to an agreement so it is not burdened with the bill itself.

But last night opposition leaders said the council should not be in a position where there is even the possibility it could end up liable for money linked to a commercial venture.

Cllr Joe Anderson said: “A robust arrangement should have been put in place to protect the council, not just on this scheme but on others as well.

“European funding was allocated on the premise that things would happen, and clearly if they’re not happening then there is the risk of the clawback.

“The council’s strategy just seems to be ‘let’s not worry about tomorrow, let’s grab what we can today’ and that approach is not good enough.

“People need answers: where is the money, what is it being used for and who is ultimately going to be responsible for paying it back? These risks should have been carefully considered when looking for funding in the first place.”

The Commission’s Certification of Claims and Returns audit for the year 2008/09 also highlights that the council was left with a bill of around £2.5m to cover a third share of a £7.5m funding shortfall for the Arena and Convention Centre (ACC). It hopes to get the money back from a revised bid put to European funders.

Earlier this year, the Post revealed how the council faced a £2m “clawback” of funding for the ACC, which includes the Echo Arena and BT Convention Centre, because the European Council of Auditors declared the contract arrangements “anti-competitive”.

Another issue identified by the auditors was the award of a contract for a construction project at Broadgreen school.

The report reads: “Our testing identified that the contract for the alteration and new extension of Broadgreen Primary School was not tendered in accordance with the council’s standing orders.

“Council officers have informed us that the work was awarded to a contractor following advice from the architects supervising the project on the grounds that the contractor had proved competitive on other projects, had demonstrated value for money and had a demonstrable track record.”

The report made a number of recommendations including ensuring the quality of documents relating to grant funding were improved.

Last night, council leader Cllr Warren Bradley and finance executive member Cllr Flo Clucas could not be reached for comment.

But a council spokesman insisted that, in its view, the Audit Commission report shows “effective management of public investment”.

On the Stanley Park project, the spokesman said: “This was money that was received for ancillary works linked to the stadium scheme. If the scheme does not go ahead, we can then go back to the club and the agreement is there will be no cost to the taxpayer for the scheme. We are unable to comment any further because it is a commercial agreement with the club.”

On the report’s other findings, the spokesman added: “We have already taken action to implement the recommendations in the report.

“A comprehensive review of grant claims from the current financial year carried out recently by our own internal audit team found no significant problems. In our view, the report demonstrates that public investment is managed properly and effectively by the city council.”

A spokesman for Liverpool FC said: “We continue to work in close partnership with Liverpool City Council and the local community on the regeneration of Anfield Breckfield and North Liverpool and remain committed to the building of the new LFC Stadium in Stanley Park.”

Fernando Torres Is The New Cristiano Ronaldo For All The Wrong Reasons

Fernando Torres is perhaps one of only three players who could fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo as the golden boy of the Premier League, the superstar face of the self-styled best league in the world.

Ronaldo was the undisputed poster boy of the Premier League prior to his £80m move from Manchester United to Real Madrid last summer. He was head and shoulders above the rest.

Without him, only Torres, Wayne Rooney and, possibly, Cesc Fabregas could genuinely claim to possess the star quality to grasp Ronaldo’s glittering mantle.

Rooney, having scored 33 goals for United this season, has emphatically beaten Torres and Fabregas to assume Ronaldo’s status as the Premier League’s number one box office star.

But while Fabregas might yet have the last laugh by inspiring Arsenal to a Premier League and Champions League double, what about Torres?

Ironically, despite Liverpool’s miserable season on and off the pitch, the Spaniard is beginning to show more Ronaldo characteristics than either Rooney or Fabregas.

But unfortunately for Liverpool, Torres seems to be adopting the negative aspects of Ronaldo’s game rather than the positive.

By admitting that he has urged Torres to show more ‘focus’ and ‘concentrate on football,’ Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is adopting a high-risk strategy in his attempts to quell the bad angels in the 26-year-old’s character.

Even when Ronaldo was at his toddler-like worst last season, Sir Alex Ferguson steered clear of publicly admonishing his star player.

Would any other United star have got away with the strop produced by Ronaldo when he flung his tracksuit top to the floor last season after being substituted during the derby victory against Manchester City?

Ronaldo also played the four-year-old when he practically substituted himself in the 1-0 win against Sunderland in Dec 2008 by walking off the pitch with an injury before the Ferguson had even been able to arrange a replacement.

Torres has yet to come close to that level of petulance, but the warning signs were there during Liverpool’s defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday.

After putting Liverpool ahead with a stunning headed goal, Torres then proceeded to ruin his display by choosing to launch into a childish stream of complaints in the direction of referee Howard Webb.

Whenever the TV camera focused on Torres, he was usually in the midst of a sour-faced rant at England’s number one referee.

And then, of course, there was the bizarre incident when Torres kicked the penalty spot, taking a sizeable chunk of turf with him as a result, following Webb’s decision to award the home side a soft spot-kick following Javier Mascherano’s tussle with Antonio Valencia.

Torres escaped a booking, but Webb later confirmed to the FA that he would have issued a yellow card had he seen the incident at the time.

Liverpool believe that Torres was on the receiving end of some physical treatment from the United defenders, but as Benitez acknowledged, such tactics are the price paid by all of the world’s top strikers.

Torres, despite his angelic appearance, can look after himself as well as any centre-forward, but the frustrations are creeping into his game and it should be a worry for Liverpool and Benitez.

He has now collected five bookings in seven games and, by giving an interview in Spain earlier this month when he called for Liverpool to make ‘four or five’ signings this summer, he directly challenged the club to match his ambition.

It is hardly the Liverpool way, but then there is also a school of thought that Torres is at least showing how much he cares by venting his frustration in a manner that Steven Gerrard would never dream of.

But whichever way his temperament is perceived, Torres is not focusing purely on football as Benitez wants him to.

He is wasting too much energy on arguing with officials and telling the owners how to run the club.

Both he and Ronaldo are undoubted world-class players, megastars of the game who will dominate the headlines in South Africa this summer.

But Torres needs to drop the petulance that marred Ronaldo’s final two years at Old Trafford.

He only started smiling again once he left Manchester for Madrid. Liverpool supporters will dearly hope that it does not require a similar change of scenery for Torres to put his demons to bed.

McMahon: The Best Yet

John McMahon hailed his players after the Reserves beat Hull City 1-0 on Tuesday night and claimed it was their best display of the season.

Jordy Brouwer's stunning 25-yard strike gave the Reds all three points as they battled in difficult conditions at North Ferriby United FC.

The win meant the unbeaten run now stretches to 14 games, including 13 wins and five straight clean sheets kept in the process.

Two of Rodolfo Borrell's Under-18 Academy squad John Flanagan and Alex Cooper made their Reserve team debuts in the full-back areas and both gave outstanding displays.

"It was a tremendous performance and I'm really pleased with the boys," McMahon told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"For me that was our best performance of the season. Ayala and Palsson were terrific at the back aided by good performances from the two Academy lads making their debuts.

"John made some really good tackles and I thought his decision making was excellent.

"Alex is not a regular in the Under-18s side and that was his first game for several months but he did ever so well. He is an intelligent lad with a fantastic attitude and he works really hard in training. He and John did a fantastic job for the team."

Reflecting on Brouwer's memorable strike, McMahon joked: "It was a good mis-kick! He usually puts them over the bar. I'm sure he will be down my ear now talking about that goal."

Francisco Duran made his first start, playing for just over an hour after spending over 15 months on the sidelines as he recovered from three cruciate knee ligament operations.

"You wouldn't have thought Francis had been out for so long with that display," he added.

"He was comfortable in possession. He was clever with his passing and his movement and always made himself available. We are delighted to see him back."

Martin Skrtel And Fabio Aurelio Could Return Next Month

Liverpool FC's injured defenders Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio could make a return to action early next month.

Aurelio strained his right thigh in Liverpool FC's 2-1 win over Blackburn on February 28 and his absence has caused problems for manager Rafa Benitez as it has left him with only Emiliano Insua at left-back.

The 21-year-old has been exposed in recent weeks, notably by Wigan’s Charles N’Zogbia and Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia, but Benitez has had no option but to continue playing the Argentinian.

Aurelio’s return cannot come quick enough to give Insua a break as a difficult season looks like it has taken its toll.

Centre-back Skrtel’s absence has not been noticed as much as Benitez has been able to call on a combination of Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

The Slovakian has been out since breaking a metatarsal in his right foot in the Europa League tie against Unirea Urziceni in Romania on February 25.

"Both are still injured and will need some time, but it’s only a question of a couple of weeks. It depends for each one," said Benitez.

Liverpool Accept £6m Offer From CSKA Moscow For Albert Riera

Liverpool have accepted an offer of around £6m from CSKA Moscow for their outspoken midfielder Albert Riera and hope to conclude the sale of Rafael Benítez's critic by the end of this week.

The Spain international is due to return to training at Melwood today having served a club suspension for last week's public criticism of Benítez's management style. Whether the 27-year-old gets as far as the training pitch is debatable, however, with Liverpool now willing to cash in on the marginalised winger and to allow Riera to discuss personal terms with CSKA.

Liverpool are hopeful of a swift deal for Riera, who has cut an increasingly frustrated figure in a season where he has been restricted to 16 appearances and whose desire for first-team football ahead of the World Cup arguably prompted his outburst on Radio Marca. The winger, signed for £8m from Espanyol in 2008, described Liverpool as a "sinking ship" in the interview and was scathing in the assessment of Benítez, who he claimed held a personal grudge against him and had zero dialogue with players.

Russia's transfer window is open until 8 April and Benítez will have made a profit of approximately £12m through sales this season should Riera follow Andrea Dossena and Andrei Voronin out of Anfield. Even that surplus is not guaranteed to be reinvested in the Liverpool squad this summer, however, with Champions League qualification, or the lack of, determining how much can be spent.

The Rhône Group has made provisions for a transfer budget as part of its £100m offer for a 40% stake in Liverpool, with a decision yet to be made by the owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, although Benítez's spending power will be reduced should they fail to secure a top-four finish.

Despite the financial uncertainty at Anfield, Benítez insists he has been encouraged by recent contract talks with Javier Mascherano and is confident the Argentina captain will be the latest component of Liverpool's first-team to commit his long-term future to the club.

"We were talking, progressing and we're closer now. Still we need to talk a little bit but we are closer," the manager said. "It would be very important for the club. We have some important players with some years left on their contracts and this could be another one. It's very important that we're keeping the spine of the team."

Spearing Seals Switch

Nigel Pearson has moved to bolster his promotion-chasing squad with the capture of Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing.

The 21-year-old joins the Foxes on loan until the end of the season to gain some much-needed first team experience at the Walkers Stadium.

Spearing is held in high regard at Anfield, making his debut in Liverpool's Champions League victory at PSV Eindhoven back in late 2008.

He also captained the Merseyside club's FA Youth Cup winning side in 2007, putting him on the fringes of Rafa Benitez's first team this year.

But with just the one start in the Reds' defeat at Sunderland and five appearances in total, the youngster has joined up with Nigel Pearson's squad to help secure their current play-off position.

Chairman Milan Mandaric believes Spearing can have a healthy impact on his manager's squad, saying: 'Jay is a great signing for the team, a player that should bea big help to us between now and the end of the season.

'We have been trying to do everything we can to ensure that we have the best chance possible of succeeding in this division.'

Spearing has been given the number 34 shirt, and joins up with the Foxes ahead of their crucial home clash with Reading tomorrow evening.

Liverpool Lead Chase To Land Cole As Suitors Circle

Liverpool FC are leading the race to sign Chelsea star Joe Cole after talks between the England star and the West London club broke down. Cole has admitted that talks between himself and Chelsea have stalled, and now Liverpool are being tipped as the favourites to land the playmaker, with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur the other Premier League clubs in the running for the former West Ham United youngster.

Cole, who moved to Chelsea in 2003 from West Ham United for a fee believed to be in the region of £6.6 million, is struggling to get first team opportunities since returning from injury under Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti with the classy playmaker now expected to leave the Stamford Bridge club. According to SKYBET Liverpool are now the favourites to land the player after their odds were slashed to 8/1, while Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are all at 10/1 to land the 28 year-old midfielder.

Liverpool are set for a summer of re-structuring at the football club and whether or not manager Rafa Benitez is at the football club, the Liverpool heirachy will look to strengthen the squad with Joe Cole a cost-effective way of adding an international to the Reds squad. The likes of Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is a confirmed admirer of Cole, while SKY BET have also tipped Manchester City and Arsenal to enter the race for the England winger.

Rafael Benitez: Fernando Torres Must Concentrate More In Big Games

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has asked Fernando Torres to ensure he does not get frustrated or distracted in the biggest games.

Torres scored in the Reds' clash with Manchester United at the weekend, but was also caught kicking the penalty spot in frustration after referee Howard Webb awarded a penalty against his side, and was unable to prevent the visitors failing to a disappointing 2-1 defeat.

Benitez was not upset by the striker's display of petulance, but believes he needs to try to channel his energy more positively.

"Fernando knows he has to focus a little bit more," Benitez told the Press Association.

"We were talking about this at half-time [against United] so that is something that will be better for him and better for the team.

"He can score more goals by concentrating on football.

"All strikers, especially top-class strikers, they are marked a little bit more closely than others and that is normal.

"It is not easy every game. People don't understand when you are a player on the pitch and you are fighting and sometimes you cannot understand these things."

Torres has scored 17 goals in a season that has been ravaged by injuries and, despite his problems against United, Benitez believes that the former Atletico Madrid captain has contributed greatly to his side when he has been fit.

"Sometimes when you talk about big names, top-class players, you are expecting something from them when the team is not doing well," he said.

"You expect them to say: 'It's okay, follow me'."

"We have had this conversation with Fernando and the rest of the team.

"It was something we were expecting from Torres and he was really good the other day [scoring twice against both Portsmouth and Lille]."

Fully fit for much of last season, Torres led Liverpool to a title challenge on the back of his 33 goals. Benitez can only wonder how differently the Red's disappointing season might have progressed, had he been fit for its entirety.

"It was a pity because it was a very good season [last year] and if we were doing more or less the same we would be up there," he said.

"We have seen some games where we couldn't score and we conceded and after we didn't have the same reaction as last year."

Ryan Babel Hopeful Liverpool Form Can Take Him To South Africa

Liverpool winger Ryan Babel is optimistic that his improving club form could yet win him a call-up to the Netherlands squad which travels to South Africa for the World Cup this summer.

The player had looked out of favour at Anfield earlier this season, but a recent run of first-team appearances has shown that he still has plenty to offer.

He looked set for a January exit, but talks with manager Rafael Benitez have cleared the air and he has featured in the Reds' last 12 games.

And that run of steady form might just now enable him to catch Oranje coach Bert van Marwjik's eye in the run-up to this summer's showpiece occasion.

"Every player wants to get a run of games to show what he can do. I hope I can continue to show more – If I can then I will be happy," Babel told The Liverpool Echo.

"Hopefully I can give something back to the squad. I’m slowly feeling more confident.

"I’m playing games now and want to show what I can do.

"The fans expect me always to dribble and take men on.

"It’s not always possible but I try to do it as much as I can.

"I like to take men on and hopefully I’ll show more of that in the future. I know if I play a lot of games then I’ll have a good chance of going to the World Cup."

Benitez: Reds Are Relying On Others

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez remains confident his side can secure Champions League qualification but accepts he is relying on their rivals making mistakes.

Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford - their 10th in the league this season - saw the Reds drop to sixth, four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.

With Manchester City, in fifth, and seventh-placed Aston Villa both having two matches in hand Liverpool's task is becoming increasingly difficult.

They have seven matches to save their season and Benitez knows they realistically have to win them all.

If they were to do that they would finish the season with 72 points, which was more than enough for Arsenal to clinch fourth last season as they finished nine points clear of Everton.

Of those remaining games, Birmingham away and Chelsea at home present the most difficult challenges.

Tottenham, by contrast, have to play Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in successive matches with a trip to Manchester City on the penultimate weekend of the season.

City also have to face United and Arsenal in successive weeks, while Villa - currently a point behind Liverpool - have Chelsea, City, Everton and a derby against Birmingham among their fixtures.

"We knew the game against United would be very tough. The question is now about the other teams," said Benitez.

"Tottenham won at the weekend but we have to keep going. We know they have to make mistakes and we have to keep winning games to reduce the gap and be there.

"There are still a lot of points to be played for so we have to keep going. If we can win our games we will be there at the end.

"As a manager you have to believe. It will be more difficult but we have to keep pushing and I think we can do it.

"This year is a difficult year with too many things against but still we have to keep fighting and I am confident the team will be ready for the next game against Sunderland (on Sunday)."

The defeat at Old Trafford came at the end of a week in which Liverpool had beaten Portsmouth 4-1 and then seen off Lille 3-0 in the Europa League.

And although losing to their arch-rivals was disappointing, Benitez insisted it was not as damaging as some were making out.

"The team was doing well last week, playing well and scoring a lot of goals," he said.

"You could see they started well against United. If you go there and don't perform or don't show character or are not strong enough that is not good.

"But we showed we can beat anyone if we play well and if we have some chances we have to take them and it could have been totally different.

"The team was not fantastic but it was not worse than United. You couldn't see the difference in the table out on the pitch.

"I don't think it is a set-back."

Despite the need to put together an unbroken winning run between now and the end of the season the inherently cautious Benitez is not prepared to go for all-out attack.

The form - and demeanour - of captain Steven Gerrard is a concern but it would be unthinkable that the England international would be dropped at a time when confidence is so fragile.

That means £17million midfielder Alberto Aquilani, in spite of his man-of-the-match display against Portsmouth, is destined to only play a bit-part role as the campaign nears its conclusion.

"Sometimes you have to attack but sometimes you have to be careful and defend," said Benitez.

"I don't think we were defending too much [at Old Trafford]. I think we were doing a good job and we were trying to go forward.

"But you have to create more if you want to be sure [of victory].

"Some games you have one chance and you score and in this case we were disappointed because how many chances did they have? How many saves did Pepe (Reina) make? One or two?

"We were trying to get the second goal against United and if you analyse the people we had on the pitch Kuyt is a striker, Maxi Rodriguez can keep the ball well, and we had Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

"After that we put on Ryan, Yossi and Aquilani, who are offensive players, but we were playing against a good team."

Jamie Carragher: Liverpool Will Fight On Following Loss To Manchester United

Following Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United yesterday, Jamie Carragher vows his side will beat competition from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for the Premier League's final Champions League spot.

"We have just got to recover from this [defeat to United] as quickly as possible and get on a run of victories," the centre-back told reporters.

"We were playing against a top side yesterday and have run them close.

"It’s really disappointing to lose, as there wasn’t much between the sides in the game.

"We did well to a certain point but we played last Monday, then again on Thursday and then had to come into this match.

"You didn’t see too many chances being created but we have lost and you have got to move on."

The 32-year-old predicts Liverpool will close the gap on Tottenham and Manchester City and eventually take fourth place by the end of the season.

He added: "Of course we believe we can still close the gap. They will both have difficult spells and we have got to make sure we take maximum points when they do.

"Maybe there will be more criticism of us now and at a club like Liverpool, the pressure is never off. Things are a bit more difficult but we have still got lots of points to play for."

Liverpool's take on Sunderland this Sunday at Anfield. Carragher has started each of his 42 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool this season.

Benitez To Take Torres And Mascherano To Juventus

Juventus have stepped up their interest in Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, who will look to take Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano with him to Turin, according to Italian daily Corriere dello Sport.

Roberto Mancini was spotted at last week's Europa League match between Fulham and Juventus and although likely preparing for Manchester City's fixture at Craven Cottage, was subsequently linked with the Juve job.

However, Corriere dello Sport claims that while in London, Juventus deputy director general Roberto Bettega renewed contact with those close to Benitez, with a view to the Liverpool boss taking over during the summer.

Juventus are enduring a difficult season and although the appointment of short-term coach Alberto Zaccheroni led to a brief revival, they are struggling to finish in the top four in Serie A which would guarantee Champions League qualification. Zaccheroni himself has admitted that a league finish outside of the top four would be a failure on his part.

Liverpool find themselves in a similar situation, scrapping for Champions League football next season and speculation has been rife over Benitez's future for some months. Corriere dello Sport also claim that should Benitez leave Anfield for Turin, he would look to take star striker Fernando Torres and midfielder Javier Mascherano with him. Torres himself recently questioned Liverpool's ambition to attract top players and challenge for honours.

Rafa Reveals Fourth Fears

Rafa Benitez has admitted it will be difficult for Liverpool to claim a UEFA Champions League berth after their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

The Reds slipped to their 10th defeat of a disappointing Premier League season after goals from Wayne Rooney and Park Ji-Sung cancelled out Fernando Torres' early opener at Old Trafford.

Earlier in the campaign, the Spaniard issued a guarantee that the Anfield outfit would be dining at European football's top table, but he is now aware that the pressure is mounting.

Sunday's setback leaves Liverpool four points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham having played a game more than the North London club, with Manchester City and Aston Villa also strongly in contention.

Benitez remains confident in the abilities of his side and has vowed not to look to far ahead as the season enters its final furlong.

He told Sky Sports: "It will be difficult, but still we have to fight. There are a lot of points to play for so we have to keep going and see what happens in the next game.

"I think they (the fans) can see that the team today was solid again. It is not like we are not doing well, not creating chances or are too weak.

"It depends on the other teams too. We have to win the first one, see what the position is in the table and think about the next one. We have to take one game at a time."

Benitez had no complaints about United's equaliser, with Rooney scoring on the rebound after his initial penalty had been superbly saved by Jose Reina.

Howard Webb pointed to the spot after Javier Mascherano pulled down Antonio Valencia, although initial contact was made outside the box, with the Argentina international booked.

The Liverpool boss added: "It appears that it was inside so it was a penalty, and Carra was there so it was a yellow card."

After a blistering opening with Torres on target after just five minutes and Rooney levelling soon after, there were few clear-cut openings until Park's winner on the hour mark.

Benitez felt his side deserved to take a point from their trip to Old Trafford, but paid tribute to an impressive United display.

He said: "I think it was very tight. They didn't have too many chances, we didn't have too many.

"Between two top sides the difference is always little things and they were better at these things.

"It was a great goal (from Torres), a great header. But we conceded too early and in the second half you could see they are a good team, no doubt about this, but they didn't have too many options and it could have been a draw, with a little bit of luck."

Bantams Keep Hold Of Threlfall

Bradford have extended the loan of Liverpool youngster Robbie Threlfall until the end of the season.

Threlfall joined Bradford last month on loan after impressing in the Liverpool reserves side and he has been a revelation since his move to Valley Parade.

The 21-year-old has made seven appearances for the Bantams since arriving at the end of February and has scored two spectacular free-kicks during his time at the club.

A number of clubs higher up the football pyramid are believed to have sounded out a loan move for Threlfall before the close of the loan window on Thursday, but Bradford have managed to keep hold of the left-back.

Threlfall's initial loan deal was due to expire on Monday, but Bantams boss Peter Taylor moved quickly to keep him for the last two months of the campaign.

Aquilani Exit talk Rubbished

Alberto Aquilani's agent has dismissed rumours linking the Italian with a summer exit from Liverpool.

Reports have suggested the Anfield club could offload Aquilani after just one season to raise funds for their summer rebuilding plans.

Aquilani, who missed the first few months of the season because of injury, has struggled to hold down a regular place in Rafa Benitez's starting XI.

The former Roma man has been linked with a quick return to Serie A, but Aquilani's representative, Franco Zavaglia, insists the rumours are wrong.

"False news has been circulated around," Zavaglia told Tuttomercatoweb.com.

"The player is happy in England and he will stay there with no problems.

"There is absolutely nothing that concerns him."

Liverpool's Future Imperfect As Cracks Show

Fast forward to early October 2010. Rafa Benitez, having lost at Eastlands and drawn home games against Birmingham and Fulham, arrives at Old Trafford for a showdown with bitter rivals that already appears key to a season’s ambitions.

Wayne Rooney profits from a late slip by Martin Skrtel, controversially now ahead of Jamie Carragher in the pecking order, to plunder the only goal which carries Manchester United back to the Premier League summit and leaves Liverpool nine points adrift in fifth.

The title is just a distant dream. Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, who were persuaded to stay at Anfield just a few months earlier by the promise of new signings, cut disillusioned figures.

The camera pans to a dejected David Silva, who remained in his tracksuit throughout having failed to impress since an £18million move from Valencia.

Afterwards, Benitez berates the Rhone Group, already at loggerheads with Tom Hicks and George Gillett, and whose £20m injection of capital pales into insignificance compared to the £80m spree that Roman Abramovich sanctioned at Chelsea in the summer. Liverpool supporters are mutinous. Again.

If something like that particular scenario is not to come to pass, then monumental decisions need to be taken at Anfield at the end of the season. And in that sense, yesterday’s defeat in the self-styled Theatre of Dreams might even be a blessing.

It will be difficult for the Liverpool supporters, who headed back along the M62 smarting from their first reversal at the hands of their most bitter rivals in four games, to accept as much as the horrible memory of Torres’ fluffed chance in the final seconds of normal time lingered.

Yet that is the stark reality that not even salvaging fourth place, a distant dream today, will cure.

Liverpool’s season is at the point where any glorious highs like the one they briefly imagined here, before Javier Mascherano brainlessly decided to offer Sir Alex Ferguson’s side a helping hand, can be seen as papering over cracks and should not be confused with mending them.

Anfield needs a fresh start because this club is stuck in a cycle, a vicious circle that will continue to whirl until major changes take hold.

Whether it is Benitez who leaves – expensive for a club so paranoid about finances – remains to be seen. Whether it is Gerrard or maybe even Torres – whose departures would raise funds unlikely to be plentiful by other means – is an alternative.

That all three at various times, and probably on the coach ride back to Melwood yesterday, will have given the possibility serious thought speaks volumes. Something needs to give and that the club’s hierarchy has been steadfast that star names will not be sold points to where ties will be severed when a disappointing campaign runs its course.

Make no mistake, this was another damaging setback for Benitez.

Liverpool showed on Sunday they can compete with the champions on any given day, but their best results have been the freak ones. Tottenham and United at home, Aston Villa and Everton away. Otherwise, the under-achievement has been unrelenting.

Benitez may yet welcome the chance to escape a job that has undoubtedly lost some of its appeal because of the weighty expectations that he feels are out of kilter with the resources.

Gerrard has struggled to exert himself, stymied by the shortcomings of Lucas and Mascherano, who seemed to take it as a personal affront that Nemanja Vidic had been sent off three times in succession in this fixture and not him.

There was no doubting that he started tugging at Antonio Valencia way outside the box, but loosening his grip only as the tussle reached the area allowed Howard Webb to indulge in a favourite pastime because this was the fifth penalty he has given United over his past eight games at Old Trafford.

It was not the sight of Carragher and Gary Neville coming nose to nose like two proud tribal chiefs that screamed loudest, nor even Ferguson and Benitez jousting on the touchline.

Rather, it was Carragher’s angry shove on Mascherano as the ramifications of his team -mate’s mindless actions sunk in.

There has been too much blaming of one another. The changes must not stop there.

Liverpool Can Still Finish Fourth, Says Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher today insisted Liverpool possesses the strength of character to shrug off their disappointment at Old Trafford and get their push for the top four back on track.

The Reds squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to make a statement against Manchester United on Sunday as they lost 2-1 despite Fernando Torres giving them an early lead.

With Manchester City and Tottenham – their rivals for the last Champions League spot – both winning at the weekend, the task facing Liverpool on the run in is hugely difficult. Carragher, though, has warned anybody who thinks Liverpool is out of the reckoning now that they have dropped down to sixth place to think again.

He is adamant there will still be plenty of twists and turns in the coming weeks and, having studied the fixture list, is confident Liverpool can still make their presence felt.

“We have just got to recover from this as quickly as possible and get on a run of victories,” said the Reds’ vice-captain.

“We were playing against a top side yesterday and have run them close. It’s really disappointing to lose, as there wasn’t much between the sides in the game.

“You didn’t see too many chances being created but we have lost and you have got to move on, as this was the most difficult fixture we had before the season end.

“Of course we believe we can still close the gap. They will both have difficult spells and we have got to make sure we take maximum points when they do.

“Maybe there will be more criticism of us now and at a club like Liverpool, the pressure is never off. Things are a bit more difficult but we have still got lots of points to play for.”

Once Ji-Sung Park headed in front after Wayne Rooney’s first-half leveller, Liverpool only threatened to score once in the final 30 minutes but Torres took an air shot.

“We did well to a certain point but we played last Monday, then again on Thursday and then had to come into this match,” Carragher pointed out.

“The squad hasn’t been strong enough for one reason or another this season but it was still a big ask to come here after that run, particularly as United had all week to prepare.”

There is little doubt the game changed after referee Howard Webb awarded United a penalty when Javier Mascherano tangled with Antonio Valencia.

Television replays showed the incident took place initially outside the area, while Rafa Benitez claimed Valencia made the most of the incident.

Alex Ferguson, meanwhile, countered by saying Mascherano should have received a red card as Valencia would have been “too quick” for Carragher, who was the last man.

“It was never a sending-off,” Carragher said. “It took place outside the box and I think I would have got there! Pepe (Reina) was unlucky when he saved (Rooney’s) penalty but it bounced back to him.”

Former Liverpool Hero Ronnie Whelan Believes Players Have Given Up On Boss Rafael Benitez

Former Liverpool player Ronnie Whelan believes that after Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League, key members of the Reds' squad have given up on manager Rafael Benitez.

Having watched proceedings unfold at Old Trafford over the weekend, Whelan believes the attitudes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres throughout the game underline the fact that the Spaniard's time at Anfield must be coming to an end.

"We saw Torres at his brilliant best for the opening goal but turn into a petulant child as the game slipped away," Whelan wrote in his column for Irish newspaper The Herald.

"We saw Gerrard ghosting around the pitch without much purpose, occasionally bursting into activity but mostly ineffective.

"Players usually know when a manager's time is up and if they're smart, a long time before anyone else realises it. It's now plain to see from their performances against Manchester United that they've had enough.

"Rafa Benitez has nowhere to go now. His best players can no longer muster the belief needed to go to Old Trafford and win against the odds.

"They did it for him last season and many times before when his reputation was on the line but not any more."

Whelan also admitted his belief that the club's star assets — particularly Gerrard and Torres — will undoubtedly be having doubts as whether they should stay with the underachieving club.

"They must be having a hard look now at the future and I'm sure there are clubs all over Europe that would be happy to fork out huge amounts of cash for either or both players — even in these recessionary times," the 48-year-old noted.

The former Irish international is also disappointed that the Reds' academy is no longer producing the sort of players that could help the club through its current crisis.

"It wouldn't be so bad if there was a half dozen young lads pushing up from the Academy ranks and filling in the gaps created by poor work in the transfer market over many years," he added.

"Home-grown talent served Liverpool well for many years but Jamie Carragher and Gerrard are the last to come from that source and they've been in the senior team for over a decade."

Rafael Benitez Believes That Manchester United's Antonio Valencia Dove For Penalty

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has accused Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia of diving to earn the penalty that canceled out an early Fernando Torres strike in United’s 2-1 victory on Sunday to vault them to the top of the Premier League.

Valencia fell awkwardly under a Javier Mascherano challenge to earn the penalty after 12 minutes. Wayne Rooney’s shot was saved but he was able to net the rebound to tie the game at one.

Benitez was clear when asked if the Ecuadorian international dove for United’s penalty.

"Yes I think so, Benitez told The Sun.

“There is maybe a contact but the way he fell down was strange.

"I've seen three replays and the last one was very suspicious.

"See the replay and how he fell to the ground.

"The penalty made a big, big difference. One situation changed everything."

The decision to award United with the spot-kick led to an argument between Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson, who thought that Mascherano should have been given a red card for being the last man on path to a scoring chance.

"I thought for the penalty kick it was a red card,” Ferguson said.

"There was no way Carragher could have got across to stop Valencia from shooting, absolutely no way. He's too quick for Carragher to get across.

"It was a penalty but you have seen it time and time again - the law of the game is that if you stop a player from a goalscoring opportunity, it's a red card. But not today it wasn't.”

The loss leaves Liverpool in sixth place, four points adrift of Tottenham for the last Champions League spot, and two points behind Manchester City, who also have two games in hand on the Reds, for fifth.

Match Report: Manchester United 2 - 1 Liverpool

Manchester United came from behind to clamber back to the Premier League summit, trampling on Liverpool's top-four hopes in the process.

Park Ji-sung headed home the winner after an hour, securing the spoils after Wayne Rooney's 33rd goal of the season had controversially levelled Fernando Torres' fifth-minute opener.

Although victory was not achieved without a nervy ending, during which Torres spurned a glorious chance to equalise, the result kept United's noses in front of Arsenal and Chelsea.

For Liverpool though, fight was not enough.

When they scored four times in the corresponding fixture last season, it appeared to open the door to that championship Holy Grail.

Not only has that been proved fool's gold, a 10th defeat of the season leaves them requiring slip-ups from Tottenham and others just to finish in a Champions League spot. What Rafael Benitez claimed before Christmas was a guaranteed fourth-place finish could hardly be further away.

Sir Alex Ferguson once claimed that a game of tiddlywinks between what the majorities still believes to be England's biggest clubs could trigger the deepest of passions.

Certainly there was no sense of inferiority from the visitors despite their present status, and with good reason.

It was the Merseysiders who had won the last three meetings - each of which featured the dismissal of Nemanja Vidic, who it seems in Torres has found someone he simply cannot handle.

Such is the mystique surrounding that duel there was an audible gasp the first time Torres ran at the Serbian. Like so much of the opening period's final half-hour, it petered out disappointingly. The spark had been ignited long before that, although Torres was the one who flicked the switch.

By his very demeanour, Torres gave the impression of being a man on a mission.

Five minutes into the contest, he seized on the loose ball after Michael Carrick had lost possession, sending Steven Gerrard away at top speed with an inspired backheel.

As Gerrard found Dirk Kuyt to his right, Torres continued his own run, United's defence never set properly to ensure the Spaniard remained under their control.

By the time Kuyt dug out his cross, Torres was on his own.

Park's wayward effort from a similar position later on proved the goal was anything but the routine effort it looked to be as the Spanish star guided the ball out of Edwin van der Sar's reach.

Quite apart from falling behind against such fierce rivals, an increasingly enthralling title race demanded a United comeback.

For Liverpool, the equaliser came far too quickly. The controversy was immediate too.

Benitez argued Javier Mascherano's attempt to haul back Antonio Valencia was outside the box, which, indeed, was where the infringement began. Ferguson countered the combative midfielder had prevented a clear goalscoring opportunity.

The managers - no friends these two - continued their finger-jabbing row long after Wayne Rooney had tucked home the rebound from a spot-kick awarded by Howard Webb and saved by Pepe Reina.

That was it for the goal threat until the hour mark arrived.

During his long career, Gary Neville has gone on plenty of unselfish runs down the right wing, knowing David Beckham or, more latterly, Cristiano Ronaldo were never going to give him the ball.

Darren Fletcher is not quite of that attacking calibre but Neville must have sensed his run was purely to provide space for the Scot.

So it proved. As Neville flew past on the overlap, Emiliano Insua edged to his right. In an instant, Fletcher had exploited the gap and curled over a cross.

As Rooney and Jamie Carragher tussled and tugged, Park arrived behind them, launching himself at the ball like a guided missile and powering the diving header into the corner of Reina's goal.

Rooney had one more chance before the end, which he fired wide.

Torres was on the end of a far better one when Gerrard drilled over a low cross near the end.

For once against United, the Spaniard miscued and Yossi Benayoun headed the loose ball straight at Edwin van der Sar.

United could celebrate, Neville and Ferguson doing the cheerleading.

Liverpool's money men are staring at a big black hole marked Champions League, Benitez is failing on his guarantees.

Javier Mascherano Willing To Commit His Future To Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has revealed he is willing to sign a new contract with the club.

The Argentina skipper's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent times, with the tough tackler being tipped to join the ranks of Barcelona during the summer.

However, the defensive midfield stalwart has revealed the talks are ongoing, and the ball is currently in the club's court.

"I'm waiting for an answer from Liverpool," Mascherano said, according to the News of the World.

"They know what I want so it depends on them and not me. We have been talking about the contract."

It is claimed that the Argentine has a four-year contract in mind, with a mega-pay rise to around £90,000-a-week.

Liverpool have already tied down Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun, while Pepe Reina is also expected to sign a new long-term contract with the club in the near future.

Inter Boss Jose Mourinho Interested In Liverpool Job

The 'Special One' has been tipped to depart the San Siro at this term's end, with Real Madrid and Manchester City also believed to be pursuing his services.

Despite being interested in a potential job at Anfield, it is claimed that the Nerazzurri boss has no intention of plying his trade under the club's current owners: Tom Hicks and Geroge Gillett.

Moreover, it is believed that Mourinho will require guarantees with regard to funding and ownership if he is to take to the helm of the Kop club.

The club is reportedly in talks with the Rhone Group over a £100 million investment into the club, which will likely see Hicks and Gillett taking a back seat as the controlling stake would be held by the Rhone Group.

Pepe Reina Is The Best Goalkeeper In England - Rafael Benitez

Rafael Benitez is in no doubt Pepe Reina is the best shot-stopper in the Premier League.

The Anfield boss feels that Reina has proved the doubters wrong who claimed the Spain international would find it hard to cope with the aerial threat commonplace in the English game.

"We are really pleased because I remember at the beginning people said for England, in the air, he [Pepe Reina] is not the best," explained Benitez to his club's official website.

"He is the best in England - miles away from the others - and we are really pleased to keep him here for a long time.

"He is always organising the defenders and is more than a 'keeper.

"Sometimes the style of goalkeepers is for them to be really good in the six-yard box, but Pepe is really good in the 18-yard box.

"When you talk about a goalkeeper in a top side he normally doesn't have much to do.

"To be involved in this game especially at the end and the save shows the level of the player."

Benitez also praised Reina's commitment to the cause at Anfield and affirmed the talented gloveman would be staying on Merseyside for a while yet.

"Pepe is a key player and it is 100 per cent he will continue with us," the manager added.

"Since he came from Villarreal, always he has shown his character and his passion, his commitment with the club."

Liverpool Planning £50 Million Shopping Spree During The Summer - Report

Liverpool are pondering over whether they should spend £50 million during the summer to rebuild their squad as the club look to mount a serious challenge to win the Premier League next term.

The Reds forked out a handsome sum to bring in Glen Johnson and Alberto Aquilani last summer, and are reportedly set to wield the axe on some squad members to raise the funds required for player purchases this summer.

News of the World reports that the Anfield outfit will have £25 million made available once fresh investment in the club has been secured, however, the rest must be raised through player sales.

Albert Riera's recent fall-out with manager Rafael Benitez has put him in pole position to leave the club. It is speculated that his sale will generate £8 million, with CSKA Moscow believed to be interested in the player's services.

Meanwhile, it is claimed that Yossi Benayoun will also be sold to raise the funds required for a splash on the market. Liverpool are expected to fetch £9 million for the popular Israeli.

The Merseysiders also have approximately £8 million in reserve, following the sales of Andrea Dossena and Andriy Voronin in January, to make up the remainder of the money required to spend big in the summer.

Liverpool Warned Off Lille Youngster Hazard

Liverpool have been told that they must stump up a huge £20 million if they want to sign Belgian youngster Eden Hazard from Lille.

19 year-old Hazard scored the winner for the French side against Liverpool at Lille and also impressed back at Anfield, although his side were soundly beaten 3-0.

According to the News of the World, Liverpool have already made enquiries over Hazard's availability.

However, the £20 million asking price would be way above Liverpool's evaluation of the player or the kind of price they could likely afford.

Hazard was voted best young player in France in 2008-9.

Liverpool Are Going Nowhere And Need Drastic Change - Steve Nicol

Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has called on the club to make “drastic changes” this summer and insisted the Reds are in desperate need of players and new investment.

A miserable season at Anfield has seen the Merseysiders dumped out of the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League and facing a battle just to finish fourth in the Premier League.

Nicol, who is now coach of MLS side the New England Revolution, has insisted that big changes are needed at his former employers.

"Something drastic has to change because the team is going nowhere and ultimately someone is responsible for that,” he told the Independent on Sunday.

"They need players and they need investment. They've spent over £200 million so you can't say they've not had money to buy players.

"If you don't get the right players, you're not going to win games, and you have to say they haven't got the right players as a unit."

The former Scottish international also explained how he felt too much pressure was placed on star men Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, which was not helping the players.

"[Gerrard and Torres] look as though they're carrying the whole stadium on their back. Every time they touch the ball they are under pressure to do something,” he added.

"You have big European nights where Gerrard and Torres are winning the games but it is not possible to carry that burden every single time you step on the field."

Nicol spent 14-years at Anfield as a player, winning five league titles, three FA Cups and one European Cup.

Benitez Ready To Offload Aquilani, Riera and Babel In His Bid To Keep Torres

Liverpool have given Fernando Torres assurances they will be active in the transfer market this summer to try to convince him his future lies at Anfield.

Prior to the Manchester United clash on Sunday, both manager Rafa Benitez and managing director Christian Purslow have talked with their star striker.

Torres is considered vital to Liverpool's interests as a 'global brand' and they told him the team will be strengthened, despite uncertainty surrounding the ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona have all been linked with the hero of Spain's Euro 2008-winning campaign.

But Liverpool are adamant Torres will not be sold even for £60million because of the damage it would do to their reputation as a world force.

He is seen as their poster boy in the same way as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United.

To placate Torres, Liverpool are looking to sell squad players like Albert Riera, Ryan Babel and Alberto Aquilani this summer to raise £30m, which will then be invested in top-line talent.

A pre-contract agreement has already been reached with Serbian star Milan Jovanovic and Javier Mascherano is expected to sign a new £90,000-a-week deal.

Benitez said: 'We can talk with Torres and go forward. He is happy and we don't want to sell him.'

Reina Proud To Commit Long-Term Future To Liverpool

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has spoken of his pride in signing a four year extension to his Anfield contract, committing the next six years of his career to the Reds.

The 27 year-old joined Liverpool from Valencia in 2005 and is set to spend the best years of his career now at Anfield.

He said, "I am really proud and really lucky to be here.

"I felt wanted from the beginning and these kind of things are personal. My mind is clear, my decision is taken and I have no regrets at all.

"It is nice to hear that other teams want me. But I am not thinking about leaving Liverpool at all. This is the right club for me.

"I don't see it as a sacrifice, signing for so long, and it doesn't make any difference to me if some people are saying I could have had my pick of clubs across Europe.

"I have talked it through with my wife and we don't see any better place to go. It is personal as well as professional. The education of my child is another factor and I feel it would be brilliant for my kids to grow up speaking two languages.

"I want them to speak English as well as Spanish and if it turns out to be with a Scouse accent, I will still be proud of them!"

Reina accepts that Liverpool have endured a disappointing season although they still harbour hopes of Europa League glory. Nonetheless, he is confident of future success for Liverpool and admires the loyalty of the club’s fans.

Reina continued, "We always want the best for the supporters and to deliver trophies for them. But even when we are not, they are always behind the team and that is priceless,

"All of us want to win trophies but sometimes that is not the case, and you cannot throw in the towel. It has been a long wait for the fans, 20 years without a league title, and I would just love to be here when and if it happens.”

Match Preview: Manchester United vs Liverpool

There may be a sizeable gap between the two in the Premier League table, but all that will count for naught when Manchester United host Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men are on track for a 19th league title, and their Merseyside foes will be desperate to prevent that in any way they can as they look to maintain their status as England's most successful club.

And while Rafael Benitez and his charges have had precious little to smile about this season, they know that they are capable of not only beating, but humiliating their North West rivals.

Indeed, United have lost each of their last three encounters with Liverpool, the lowest of the lowlights being a 4-1 drubbing at Old Trafford this time last year.

That clash was a genuine title fight in and of itself, with the result launching the Scousers back into contention - although they would eventually fall four points short of their noisy neighbours.

That element is altogether absent from this clash, with 'Pool battling just to stay in the hunt for Champions League qualification while United sit top of the table.

But while their goals may differ now, the gap in points tallies doesn't diminish the fact that this the biggest and most fiercely fought fixture on the English calendar.

And it may be difficult to tell the home and away fans apart, given their shared fondness for banners adorned with the phrase 'YANKS OUT!'...


FORM GUIDE

Manchester United

Mar 14: Man United 3-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Mar 10: Man United 4-0 Milan (Champions League)
Mar 6: Wolverhampton 0-1 Man United (Premier League)
Feb 28: Aston Villa 1-2 Man United (League Cup)
Feb 23: Man United 3-0 West Ham (Premier League)

Liverpool

Mar 18: Liverpool 3-0 Lille (Europa League)
Mar 15: Liverpool 4-1 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Mar 11: Lille 1-0 Liverpool (Europa League)
Mar 8: Wigan 1-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
Feb 28: Liverpool 2-1 Blackburn (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Manchester United

Ryan Giggs will be available for selection after missing the Red Devils' last seven games with a broken arm. Jonny Evans and Rafael da Silva have also returned to training.

The travelling supporters will be denied the opportunity to heap scorn upon Michael Owen, as a hamstring injury means the former Kop favourite will play no further part this season.

Anderson, Wes Brown, Owen Hargreaves and John O'Shea are also sidelined.

Last starting XI (vs. Fulham): Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Park, Fletcher, Carrick, Nani, Berbatov, Rooney.

Liverpool

Fabio Aurelio was one of United's tormentors this time last year, and the Brazilian free-kick specialist could make the matchday squad pending a late fitness test. Martin Skrtel, though, remains laid up with a metatarsal injury.

Albert Riera's midweek outburst has seen him frozen out of the club, meaning the left-wing berth will go to any of Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun or Maxi Rodriguez - although many have called for the Argentine to play in place of Dirk Kuyt on the right after his impressive outing against Pompey.

Alberto Aquilani also starred on Monday night, but a stomach bug kept the Italian playmaker out of the Lille clash and he remains a doubt for the trip to Old Trafford.

Last starting XI (vs. Lille): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Babel, Torres.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester United - Wayne Rooney

Quite simply in the form his life. The Everton old boy has 25 goals in 28 Premier League appearances, and he will be determined to add to that tally as he leads the line against his blood foes. Moreover, his newfound aerial dominance will test a Reds defence which has often faltered against good crossing and set pieces.

Liverpool - Fernando Torres

His season may have been blighted by injury, but the Spaniard's stats are no less impressive than Rooney's - 15 league goals from just 19 appearances. Even short of match fitness, 'El Nino' was majestic against Lille and Portsmouth and will be sure to give his favourite whipping boy, Nemanja Vidic, a torrid old time.

Reds Look To Derail United's Ambitions

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez may not publicly admit it but he would take great delight in having a hand in preventing Manchester United securing a record-breaking 19th league title this season.

The two north-west rivals are currently locked on 18 apiece but, sadly for the Merseysiders, their last championship came 20 years ago.

In the intervening two decades their arch-enemies have rapidly caught them up and are currently in a three-way battle with Chelsea and Arsenal as they seek to win an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League crown.

Liverpool, by contrast, are scrapping for fourth place with Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa and it says much for the current malaise at Anfield that denying United another success ranks high on their list of ambitions in the remainder of the campaign.

They do have a Europa League quarter-final against Benfica to look forward to but home really is where the heart is for Liverpool fans who desperately crave another title.

Benitez, wisely, chose not to leave himself open to criticism for taking more interest in a spoiling role than dealing with Liverpool's deficiencies but he knows the significance of United usurping his club's history.

"I think for all our fans it would be really good [to stop United]," said the Spaniard.

"The rivalry between both teams is massive but for me, as a professional, I will keep my feelings inside.

"These games between United and Liverpool are more or less the same for both - it doesn't matter about the position in the table because both want to win so the pressure will be on both sides.

"As a manager you want to win against any club but especially against top sides.

"We need to win because we want to be in the top four."

Forward Dirk Kuyt was more forthcoming with his feelings, admitting: "No-one here at Liverpool wants to see them winning another league title but the main thing for us is to win our own games."

Benitez broke his Old Trafford duck last season with the stunning 4-1 victory over United, the second of three successive wins over Sir Alex Ferguson's side - all of which have resulted in defender Nemanja Vidic being sent off.

However, the Liverpool manager - like his United counterpart - does not believe that result will have any bearing on Sunday’s encounter.

"It is another game, another season so we have to approach it as another challenge," said Benitez, who will give a late fitness test to midfielder Alberto Aquilani after the Italian missed the Europa League victory over Lille with a sickness bug.

"Maybe they will think if we don't play well they can beat us but they have experience and will approach the game as they usually do.

"I don't think they will be thinking too much about the past.

"Last year was a very important and amazing game for us. It was the first victory there for me but it is another year and another challenge and we have to concentrate on this game."

Liverpool at least head into the match on the back of two successive victories, 4-1 over Portsmouth and 3-0 against Lille, in the last six days.

That has provided a much-needed boost to the players' flagging spirits, as has the form of striker Fernando Torres.

The Spain international, celebrating his 26th birthday today, now has 17 goals in 27 appearances of an injury-hit season and has scored in his last two matches against United.

"In terms of the week, we've had two good wins and people have more confidence so we will move forward and be ready for the next game," said Benitez.

"We played really well on Monday and Thursday was a good game and hopefully we can get a result at Old Trafford.

"If we stick together we can beat anyone. Old Trafford will be difficult but we will try.

"If we can work like we did against Lille and we have a game plan it will be the small details that make the difference."

Benitez has been left to bemoan his bad luck in terms of injuries this season, particularly to Torres.

The striker missed five weeks after a knee operation in January but had struggled with a hernia problem prior to that.

Had he been fit for the entire season Benitez believes Liverpool would have been close to replicating their record haul of last season when they amassed 86 points in running United a close second.

"The gap would be reduced - how much I don't know - but Torres fit and scoring would have been a big difference," said the Reds boss.

Babel Eyes Dazzling Finale

Ryan Babel is determined to maintain his recent resurgence and repay the Liverpool supporters with a series of dazzling displays.

The Dutch forward has shown glimpses of the form that had many tipping him as a star of the future in recent weeks and is confident his approach will give the Kop more reason to cheer.

"For any player, if you are given games to show what you can do, it's a good thing and also for me," he said.

"I hope I can show more of this and hopefully give something back to the supporters.

"Slowly you regain confidence when you play a number of games so hopefully I can show what I can do.

"They expect me to always dribble or take men on. It's not always possible but I try it as much as I can because that's what I want to do as well."

"Hopefully if I can show more of this in the future I will be very pleased."

The Holland international still has one eye on this summer's World Cup and is hopeful some top performances with Liverpool will earn him a place in his country's squad.

He added: "I'm happy that I could start again [on Thursday]. I think I'm very pleased with the team performance.

"If I play a lot of games then maybe I have a good chance to go to the World Cup."

Rafael Benitez: I Wouldn't Swap Fernando Torres For Wayne Rooney

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has insisted he would not swap Fernando Torres for anybody, not even Wayne Rooney.

Manchester United's Scouse star has shot through the stratosphere with 32 goals already this season, a return which has led some pundits to dub him the best striker in the world.

However, Torres has reminded everyone of his claim to such a titile since returning from injury last month, with doubles against both Portsmouth and Lille during the week.

And while Benitez acknowledged Rooney's obvious quality, he was confident there is no-one he'd rather have leading the Reds' line than 'El Nino'.

“I don’t think I would swap Fernando [Torres] for anyone, not even [Wayne] Rooney, not really. Fernando is a fantastic player, so is Rooney too,” the Spaniard told a press conference.

“There’s no doubt Rooney is very, very good. But Fernando is our player, the fans love him and we want to keep him for a very long time.

“He has something that is very important. These players make the difference in these big games, and for us, Fernando is very important.

“If he had been fit all this season, then the gap to the top would have been smaller, that is clear. If Fernando is fit, he’d score in a lot of games.”

Torres and Rooney will duel this Sunday as Liverpool visit Old Trafford hoping to make it four wins on the trot against United.

The Reds may not be enjoying the finest of seasons, as symbolised by Steven Gerrard's unusually indifferent form throughout, but Benitez knows his big guns are capable of blowing away even the toughest opponents.

“We know we can match any team. We have players like Torres and [Steven] Gerrard - if they are fully fit they can change games and win games,” he added.

“Gerrard loves playing [Manchester] United and I think Torres does too. The top class players want to play against the top sides and against other top class players.

“Both will enjoy it hopefully and it will be a challenge for them.”

Reina Holds No Reds Regrets

Jose Reina has denied Liverpool are a 'sinking ship' and insists he will not regret extending his contract.

The highly-rated goalkeeper agreed a new four-year extension at Anfield earlier in the month, meaning the 27-year-old Spanish international has committed his best years to the Merseyside outfit.

Europe's elite, including Reina's former employers Barcelona, had reportedly been keeping tabs on the talented shot-stopper in case he wanted to jump the 'sinking ship' - in the words of team-mate Albert Riera.

But the former Villarreal number one stands by his decision to remain at Liverpool for the next six years.

"I am really proud and really lucky to be here," said Reina, who will be charged with the task of halting Wayne Rooney when Manchester United host Liverpool on Sunday, a game live on Sky Sports.

"I felt wanted from the beginning and these kind of things are personal. My mind is clear, my decision is taken and I have no regrets at all.

"It is nice to hear that other teams want me. But I am not thinking about leaving Liverpool at all. This is the right club for me.

"I don't see it as a sacrifice, signing for so long, and it doesn't make any difference to me if some people are saying I could have had my pick of clubs across Europe.

"I have talked it through with my wife and we don't see any better place to go. It is personal as well as professional. The education of my child is another factor and I feel it would be brilliant for my kids to grow up speaking two languages.

"I want them to speak English as well as Spanish and if it turns out to be with a Scouse accent, I will still be proud of them!"

Reina accepts that Liverpool have endured a miserable campaign thus far, with expectations of ending a 20-year wait for the domestic title not reached in a season that could see the Reds finishing outside the top four and missing out on a coveted UEFA Champions League place.

But the Reds shot-stopper responded to comments by team-mate and compatriot Riera that manager Rafa Benitez is not prepared to change a losing side by insisting the rest of the camp are dedicated to the cause.

"We always want the best for the supporters and to deliver trophies for them. But even when we are not, they are always behind the team and that is priceless," he said.

"All of us want to win trophies but sometimes that is not the case, and you cannot throw in the towel. It has been a long wait for the fans, 20 years without a league title, and I would just love to be here when and if it happens."

Exclusive: Buyout Tycoon Lined Up For Liverpool Bid

I have learned that John Muse, the American private equity tycoon, is to play a leading role in an offer to buy a 40 per cent stake in Liverpool Football Club.

Muse has been lined up to co-invest alongside Rhone Capital, a US investment firm which last week tabled the first formal proposal to inject new funds into the Premier League club.

What I'm not clear about is how much money Muse, who is now chairman of HM Capital Partners, another private equity group, would invest under the Rhone proposal, which would see it paying about £110m in exchange for a 40 per cent stake.

The news is nonetheless significant because Muse was one of the founders of Hicks Muse Tate & Furst, the buyout firm where Tom Hicks, one of Liverpool's current co-owners, also made his name and fortune.

Hicks and Muse are said by people who know them to have had an at times uneasy relationship, although it seems logical to assume that they are on decent terms now.

After all, Hicks and George Gillett, the current shareholders, will continue to collectively own a majority of the equity in the club even if the terms of Rhone's bid would hand it effective control.

Christian Purslow, the highly-regarded managing director of Liverpool, has set an Easter deadline for serious offers. There has been plenty of speculative interest from around the world but I'd be surprised if there were more than three concrete proposals for Purslow to consider at that stage.

Liverpool had some decent news last night when they progressed to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, suggesting they may yet salvage some silverware from a dismal season. Whether the news off the pitch during the next two months remains unclear.

Rhone and Muse both declined to comment today.

The Genius Of Yossi Benayoun

It didn’t take long for Liverpool’s no. 15 to eclipse cult hero Ronny Rosenthal as the club’s greatest ever Israeli player. Benayoun, or “Benny Noon” as David Pleat insists on calling him (the clue’s in the letters David) proved to be one of Rafael Benitez’s more prudent signings when signed from West Ham for £5m in 2007.

Yet recent speculation has linked the Israeli captain with a move away from Merseyside. Liverpool had already rejected a £5m offer from Olympiakos in January, before sources within Dynamo Moscow claimed Benayoun to have agreed terms with the Russian club in preparation for an Anfield exit in the summer. If he does leave for pastures new, he will be sorely missed. Sport.co.uk has a look at some of the reasons why.

1.) Vision – An intelligent player, Benayoun has great positional sense, times his runs well and hits the right channels. Most threatening towards the end of a game when defenders begin to tire, Benayoun is regularly introduced from the bench by Liverpool coach Benitez and on occasion has completely torn teams apart.

2.) Touch – Benayoun has great feet, his touch is flawless and he has the ability and the confidence to run at defences with the ball at his feet. In the absence of Gerrard and Torres, it is always Benayoun who is often singled out by opposition managers as Liverpool’s major threat.

3.) Work rate – Unlike a lot of wingers who have a tendency to go missing in games, Benayoun is a wide player who has the dedication to track back and support his full-back. He never shrinks away from making tackles, occasionally conceding free-kicks in dangerous areas in doing so, but you can’t fault his enthusiasm.

4.) Goals – When it comes to these Liverpool have a tendency to over-rely on lone striker Fernando Torres. Benayoun has stepped up along with the likes of Gerrard and Kuyt over the last couple of seasons to ensure the goals keep coming. The Israeli notched hat-tricks at Anfield in this season’s comprehensive 4-0 defeat of Burnley as well as 8-0 drubbing of Besiktas last campaign.

5.) Big game player – It’s all very well scoring when your team’s playing well, but Benayoun has hit his fair share of crucial goals in his time at Liverpool as well. His pivotal strike at the Bernabeu to give Liverpool the upper hand against Real Madrid in the Champions League won’t be forgotten in a hurry. Nor will his injury-time winner at Fulham about this time last season which gave the Reds renewed hope of winning the title. That goal prompted scenes of jubilation among the travelling support and Liverpool fans should keep their fingers crossed there are more of these to come.

Alan Smith: Albert Riera Fall-Out Shows Rafael Benitez Man-Management Style Needs Tweak

Take a look at this quote: "People expect more from me and it's not easy. But they are also not doing what they said they were going to ... I can have a spectacular game but nobody guarantees me I will be starting the next match. It shatters your confidence ... He [the manager] can go from complimenting you to just plain trashing you in a matter of minutes."

Now compare it with this one: "I have been here two years and I know how he is. He has never sorted out a situation with a player by talking with him... If I'm doing something badly and you are my boss, and you value me, then you are going to come and tell me what I have to do to play again. This is what hurts me. His dialogue with the players is practically nil."

The first quote comes from Nani earlier this season when the Portuguese winger couldn't hold down a place at Manchester United. The second comes from Liverpool's Albert Riera after the Spaniard's frustration boiled over this week.

Both complaints are borne from a lack of match action but they also reveal the inherent differences between the respective methods of Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafael Benítez.

Because while Ferguson will slaughter you in front of everyone, he will also lavish praise when it's deserved. Not only that, the United manager will show compassion and patience if he believes someone harbours genuine promise.

He has proved this with Nani, an underachieving show pony for much of his time at Old Trafford but now starting to emerge as a proper player.

Benítez, on the other hand, struggles when it comes to showing his human side. Unlike Ferguson, he just can't bring himself to put a kindly arm around the shoulder when circumstances demand a lighter touch. Without doubt, his man-management skills could do with a tweak.

Among other things, that's what separates the two. That's why Nani has turned into a force for United, while Xabi Alonso got the hump with Benítez and left, and why Riera will probably end up leaving, too.

It might also have a bearing on why, going into Sunday's clash, 15 points separate United and Liverpool.