Liverpool To Discover Nabil El Zhar Compensation Fate

Fifa has promised a decision in the "near future" over St Etienne's claim for £160,000 relating to their training of Liverpool's Nabil El Zhar.

The Morocco international, now 23, joined Liverpool in October 2006 and signed a new deal in July 2009.

The French club argues it is entitled to a compensation payment as it helped develop El Zhar between 2004 and 2006.

"The investigation commenced in 2008," Fifa told BBC Sport. "Investigation of the affair is now concluded."

El Zhar was with St Etienne between 2004 and 2006 on a scholarship contract after he joined the Ligue 1 club from Nimes Olympique, before moving to Liverpool at the age of 20 when he signed a professional deal.

"Given Liverpool's size, history and wealth we're disappointed we haven't received compensation - €180,000 (£162,000) is 0.1% of Liverpool's turnover," St Etienne sporting director Damien Comolli told BBC Sport.

"On top of that the player has recently signed a new deal so they must be happy with him and his performances."

In 2008 Liverpool successfully defended a claim brought by St Etienne for compensation in respect of El Zhar's alleged breach of contract with Fifa's Dispute Resolution Chamber ruling that the French club had no grounds for their claim.

It was after that decision that St Etienne brought proceedings before Fifa regarding the compensation training claim.

"The claim is currently pending determination by Fifa and we await the outcome of its deliberations," said a Liverpool statement, initially released to the BBC following a Football Focus investigation in October. "As such, we do not feel it appropriate to make further comment at this stage."

The Fifa statement, sent on Tuesday, added: "The investigation can be submitted to the competent deciding body for consideration and a formal decision [made] in the near future."

It costs St Etienne more than £3m per annum to run their academy, which since 1997 has produced a number of players that have been sold, bringing in more than £25m in transfer fees.

"We've been producing an average of one-and-a-half first-team players per annum over the last five years and four of our current starters have come through the ranks," added Comolli.

Earlier this month the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that clubs can seek compensation for young players they have trained if they go on to sign their first contract with a team in another EU country.

The ruling has been interpreted as a victory for clubs that develop young players, but a leading sports lawyer believes the judgement will allow top European clubs to snap up emerging talent without having to pay the player's true value.

"In reality, the net effect is that clubs have to be paid, but not very much," said Adam Morallee, a partner at Mishcon de Reya Solicitors, reflecting on the ECJ ruling.

"When dealing with top talent, the size of the payment for the big club is likely to be small in relation to the potential value of the player.

"The added bonus for the clubs is that if they pay, they won't be in breach of contract or procuring a breach and then won't get a Gael Kakuta-like punishment from Fifa," added Morallee, referring to the recent dispute between Chelsea and Lens over the French winger's move to Stamford Bridge in 2007.

Comolli would like to see Fifa introduce a tribunal system that requires buying clubs to pay add-on fees to provide protection for clubs that develop young players.

"I am not a dreamer," said Comolli. "A club cannot impose on a player to sign his first pro contract in the club where he signed his scholarship. Players can sign wherever they want due to the freedom of movement principle.

"But I would like to see a different compensation system organized by Fifa - a mix of the current system and of the English one.

"For example if a club signs a talented player they should pay a fixed amount, plus add-ons - £500,000 for 20 starts, another £500,000 for 40 starts and £1m for a full cap and a sell-on to be paid to us if the boy is sold.

"All those add-ons and the sell-on should be fixed by Fifa within the compensation system in order to avoid long and painful discussions.

"I think that would be a fairer system which will protect clubs who are developing players."

Reds Ace Set For Debut

Liverpool's latest recruit James Walker starts his Anfield career today as our Superleague Formula title defence starts at Silverstone.

There are 12 dates on the circuit this year and plenty of points available for Liverpool to try and mount another title challenge.

Saturday is the qualifying round when Walker will be hoping to put himself into pole position for Sunday's three big races.

Speaking about his debut season at the Kop, Walker said: "The thought of representing a prestigious club like Liverpool, one of the biggest teams in Europe and having the link between English club and driver, has got fantastic foundations already for being successful.

"As a local driver, trying to get the fans behind me is going to be a lot easier so hopefully we can have as good a season as they had in 2009.

"I'm obviously really looking forward to my home round at Silverstone. I was quick there in Renault World Series last year, finishing second in the feature race and qualifying on the front row, and I think my driving style definitely suits the high-powered cars round a circuit like that. The home support is definitely going to help as well so I can't wait.

"I'm going to get down to work during testing and make sure we're in good shape for a strong weekend."

No Way Back For Riera

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has indicated that there is no way back for Albert Riera at Anfield.

The Reds have been trying to offload the Spanish winger after his radio outburst at his boss' expense in his homeland ahead of the Europa League tie with Lille.

A move to Spartak Moscow has stalled, reportedly due to personal terms, and Riera has since announced his desire to stay with Liverpool.

But Benitez, who is preparing his side for Sunday's trip to Birmingham, has let it be known that the 27-year-old does not have future on Merseyside.

"We still have some time until the end of the Russian transfer window so we will see what happens," the Reds chief told the Liverpool Echo.

"I didn't see his latest comments but for me, on the day before a massive game when he was talking this way was disappointing. It was especially so when he was saying things that weren't true, so I was really surprised.

"I was really disappointed with his timing and the comments themselves. He also said he wants to play, that's why he had to go, but our fans are not stupid and they will know what's going on. We'll see what happens now."

John Aldridge: Second Leg Cracker Can See Liverpool Overhaul First Leg Benfica Deficit

The stage is set for an absolute cracker in the second leg of our Europa League tie against Benfica at Anfield next Thursday.

I'd say we have a slight edge after the first leg thanks to that away goal but it's very well balanced.

We have the edge with the away goal but they are a good side with some quality players and won't sit back. They will come to Anfield and try to score because that's the way they play.

It is only the consolation cup but it is getting tasty now and it's going to be a great European night.

The first leg was frustrating. Rafa Benitez was right to say what he did about the referee because he simply wasn't up to it.

The official was certainly swayed by the atmosphere inside the ground.

We couldn't have any complaints with the two penalties but the treatment dished out to Fernando Torres was a disgrace.

The tackle by Luisao that led to the sending off of Ryan Babel was cynical.

It was clear Benfica were out to rough Torres up and they got away with it.

To put your hand in the face of an opposition player once you are taking a risk, but to do it twice like Babel did was just stupidity.

Maybe a referee in this country would have given him a slap on the wrist but not in Europe.

But the fact is Luisao should have gone for that tackle and the way he reacted after the incident. If both him and Babel had gone there would have been no complaints.

Decisions didn't go our way and after the way we were treated over there I'm expecting our players to be right up for it at Anfield.

The likes of Torres and Gerrard will be desperate to put one over them and hopefully we'll have a far better referee.

Mourinho The Man To Breathe Vitality Into Liverpool's Stale Corpse

At the end of a dismaying and diminishing season, a bright light beckons Liverpool. Whether they will respond to it, show the nerve to pay Rafa Benitez his £16m after acknowledging that he has never been further away from the future he offered when so astonishingly winning the Champions League five years ago, is far from clear; but then what is at Anfield these days?

There is, however, no doubt about the identity of the man holding the light. With increasing candour, Jose Mourinho is announcing that he craves again the passions and the fury of the Premier League.

He made English football his theatre; he felt the warmth of the audience; and even that section of it which poured down scorn was also agreeing that his presence had been both a key and dramatic element in the football life of his adopted country.

"I don't like Italian football," he proclaims now. "And it doesn't like me. So it is quite simple."

Real Madrid, where the respected coach Manuel Pellegrini already carries the burden of failure in his greatest imperative -- success in the Champions League after last summer's spending orgy -- is probably the most obvious next staging post of Mourinho's career. This will be especially so if he can deliver the European prize for Inter Milan after their serial run of Italian league titles, a possibility that has sharpened since the brilliant triumph over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last month.

Real Madrid is of course no mean stage for the extrovert Portuguese. It offers supreme kudos and a budget to meet any coach's dreams. But Real Madrid operate in Spain, not England, the place where the Mourinho brand still blazes in neon more brightly than anywhere else in the football landscape. In his early days at Chelsea he impatiently stopped an interrogator who was painting a scenario that didn't quite suit the Special One.

It involved, after all, the possibility that he might not achieve all his goals in his first season at Stamford Bridge. "Don't give me your movie," snapped Mourinho. "I have a movie of my own -- and I'm the star."

There is no doubt that there is a large measure of respect and affection still lingering for Benitez. The glory of Istanbul dies hard, heaven knows, but in the more realistic sections of the Liverpool following there is a pained recognition that Benitez has had his time to make a team that could build on that first dramatic success and that, as they now struggle to retain a foothold in the Champions League, it has passed.

Do Liverpool have a chance of landing Mourinho if they can dredge up the necessary finances? There are compelling arguments to say that they do.

While rumours persist that Manchester United see Mourinho as the dynamic successor to Alex Ferguson when he decides to go, the football man likely to be least inhibited or intimidated by the weight of the legacy, there is still not much of a clue about when the old warhorse is likely to gallop off over the horizon.

At Chelsea, where he would be given a rapturous welcome if he was to return -- as we saw so recently even when he was plundering the club's strong belief that it was their year to win the Champions League -- it is inconceivable that Roman Abramovich would make the public admission that he was wrong to first marginalise, then sack the man who delivered two Premier League titles as his opening statements to English football.

Arsenal, whatever the fate of their highest ambitions, belongs to Arsene Wenger as long as he wants them. Where else would provide a fitting home for Mourinho? The more you look at Liverpool the more you see the possibilities of Mourinho sating his ego.

Imagine the impact of a Liverpool revival under Mourinho. It is not as though he would be without some players of formidable ability. Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano (the most impressive defensive midfielder in the last World Cup) and Pepe Reina represent a hard core of excellence waiting -- in Gerrard's case it seems with ever dwindling optimism -- for the sense that they are part of a team with genuine prospects at the highest level.

If Mourinho still wants massed, fervent belief in his messianic powers, where better for him than a Liverpool where Bill Shankly, all these years after his glory, is still spoken of not as a mere football man but someone who changed the life and the expectations of a great city?

That there is still such an appetite in Mourinho, one that will not be assuaged if his second Champions League win comes later this spring, is plain enough.

He is much liked by the fans of Inter, but elsewhere in Italy there is no doubt the force of his personality is much less appreciated, infinitely less, certainly, than it was in England so far beyond the boundaries of Stamford Bridge.

"Italians do not really love football for its own sake," he said early in his Milan phase. "They like the contorni well enough, but not so much the football."

Contorni means the extras that come with the main dish and Mourinho was referring to the controversy and the intrigues of the game that occupies most intensely so many Italian fans when they sip their espresso and digestive.

"It is a different view of the game and I do not like it," says Mourinho.

An extraordinary statement, maybe, from a man who can whip up intrigue faster than the author of the 'Da Vinci Code', but then this is Mourinho weaving his charisma, plucking headlines out of the air as though they are white rabbits.

Imagine Mourinho throwing down again the gauntlet at the feet of Ferguson and Wenger and whoever happens to hold the Chelsea job from which he was banished. The effect on English football would of course be electric. At Liverpool, you have to guess, it would be like the dawn of their old life.

Steven Gerrard Keeping Tabs On Jay Spearing At Leicester City

Midfielder Jay Spearing has been receiving advice on how to help Leicester City's play-off push from Liverpool and England star Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard has taken a special interest in the 21-year-old's progress since he arrived at City on loan from Liverpool and has told Spearing to show the City fans what he is capable of.

Spearing revealed how Gerrard and Jamie Carragher took him under their wing from the moment he first arrived at Liverpool's training ground at Melwood, and how vital their advice has been.

One day he hopes to emulate them and become an integral part of Liverpool's first team, and he sees his stay at City as a vital stepping-stone.

"There is no-one better than Stevie G to learn from," said Spearing, who made his full City debut at Cardiff City on Tuesday night.

"I think he is the best midfielder in the world at the moment, and I think he has been for the past few years.

"I don't need anyone else to learn from. For the defensive side of the game I look at Javier Mascherano but, from the attacking side and his all-round game, I look to Stevie G.

"I spoke to him a couple of days ago. He texted me to see how it was going and he told me to enjoy myself and just show people what I am made of at Leicester. It doesn't sink in at first but then you realise it is actually him on the phone.

"Since the first moment I went down to Melwood he has looked after me. He gives me advice and suggests areas I need to look at, and what I need to work on in games. He has been great from the off and so has Jamie Carragher, he has been a massive help as well.

"They are both Scouse lads and they see me and want Scouse lads to come through.

"From the moment we went down they grabbed us and told us to stick by them.

"If they think we could do things better they would inform us. Who better to listen to than them?"

Spearing knows he has a long way to go before he can regularly play alongside the likes Gerrard and Carragher, but in the meantime he is focused on helping City reach the play-offs.

"It would be wonderful to have play-off winners on my CV and I think we are capable of it," he said.

"We have a great young side here with plenty of willingness and desire."

Jovanovic: I'm Still Anfield-Bound

Standard Liege star Milan Jovanovic insists he still expects to join Liverpool for next season, despite reports the summer move was in doubt.

Reports emerged last week that Liverpool's Bosman move for Jovanovic was in doubt because of fears over Rafa Benitez's long-term future at Anfield.

However, the player has refuted the suggestions and says he is only waiting for a work permit to make the move to Merseyside.

"For me, it's sorted," Jovanovic said. "The only thing is that my work permit is not yet in order.

"But I have until June to get it. I'm at ease. Next season I will play at Liverpool."

Rafael Benitez Wants Anfield Revenge After Benfica Defeat

Fuming Rafael Benitez has called on the Anfield factor to help Liverpool avenge defeat to Benfica after a controversial evening in Lisbon.

Benitez could barely contain his anger after his 10-man side were beaten 2-1 by the Portuguese side in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

The Spaniard was at a loss to explain a succession of decisions against the visitors by referee Jonas Eriksson and his assistants during a volatile encounter at the Estadio da Luz.

After Daniel Agger had given Liverpool a ninth-minute lead, Ryan Babel was harshly sent off on the half-hour for a push on Luisao when the Benfica centre-back somehow escaped a red card of his own for a vicious foul on Fernando Torres.

Torres then saw a goal contentiously disallowed before two hotly-disputed second-half penalties by Oscar Cardozo gave the Portuguese a slender advantage ahead of next Thursday's return leg.

Benfica could face sanctions from UEFA after a series of firecrackers were thrown on to the pitch with referee Eriksson at one point threatening to abandon the match unless the bombardment was halted.

And Benitez has challenged the Anfield crowd to create a similarly hostile atmosphere for the return leg.

“I'm confident we can do well,” said the Liverpool manager. “It will be totally different. With the fans behind us we can score goals and progress in the competition.

“Today was a very good example of what the fans can do, pushing the team. Our fans are fantastic and if they are behind the team we can work as hard as today and maybe do a good job and progress.

“We have to move forward at Anfield with the fans behind our team. We need our fans to show everyone that Anfield is different.”

Of Babel's red card, Benitez added: “I was surprised because a foul from behind is usually more serious than what Babel did. It's hard to understand but impossible to change.”

Benitez otherwise refused to be drawn on the controversial incidents, and instead preferred to praise his team for the manner in which they played despite being at a numerical disadvantage for more than an hour.

“We did well playing with 10 players for 60 minutes, and we were disappointed with the result as we had some chances,” he said.

“We conceded two penalties and had one goal disallowed. There were too many things but we have the second leg to come.

“When decisions are against your team you don't like them. The only thing we can do now is be positive and think about our fans behind the team.

“I haven't seen the replays of the penalties. We can't change the situation. We have to move forward.”

Benitez added: “They were attacking and pushing really hard. We defended well and we showed to Benfica that we can be strong, we can create and we can score goals.

“We had our chances against a good team. It could have been a better result, especially with the chance for Fernando at 1-1.

“It's half-time for us. We have one more game. I don't want to dwell too much on the problems or incidents.”

Babel is ruled out of the second leg along with Emiliano Insua, who accrued his third booking in the competition last night and must now serve a one-match ban.

Both Torres and Steven Gerrard were substituted late on, but Benitez allayed injury fears concerning the duo.

“Fernando and Stevie were really tired and we needed to break up the game and get some fresh legs on,” said the Spaniard. “It wasn’t easy to keep our tempo.”

Liverpool Can Overcome Benfica In Europa League Says Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool FC can turn around their Europa League quarter-final tie against Benfica as they have the advantage of a valuable away goal.

Although Liverpool FC lost 2-1 in controversial circumstances in the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon last night the result could have been much worse.

Striker Oscar Cardoza, scorer of two second-half penalties, missed three good chances even before Ryan Babel was sent off on the half-hour for pushing a hand in Luisao’s face.

Numerous other opportunities were wasted by a very forward-thinking Benfica side who will pose a threat on the counter-attack in the second leg at Anfield next Thursday.

However, defender Carragher is confident Liverpool FC can overcome the obstacle of a one-goal deficit.

"It’s disappointing but it’s still all to play for and only half-time," said the Reds’ vice-captain, who in playing his 621st match on Thursday moved up to eighth in the all-time list of Liverpool FC's appearance-makers.

"The plan was to keep it tight and nick a goal, which we got early on. Obviously the sending-off had a big part to play.

"To play an hour with 10 men is always difficult and although it’s still disappointing the result is not too bad.

"It’s good to get the away goal but we have to capitalise on that in the second leg to make it count.

"At the moment we’re behind but a 1-0 victory at home will be enough to see us through and if we can get that, that’s when the away goal will prove crucial."

A guilty Babel has apologised to his team-mates for being naive in allowing himself to get sent off, admitting it was "stupid and silly".

"I will learn from the mistake and it won’t happen again," said the Holland international, who will be suspended for the second leg.

"It was a stupid, silly thing for me to touch him in the face, but I think a yellow card would have been fair enough.

"I have spoken to the lads and said sorry. It’s good to know that my team-mates are backing me up and they didn’t let me down.

"They fought all the way and I am confident we can do well in the next game.

"I feel very guilty that we lost but a big complement to the team is that we were still comfortable with 10 men.

"Hopefully we will get the good result we need."

Liverpool Midfielder Lucas Leiva Happy With Away Goal After Europa League Defeat To Benfica

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva was content after the Reds' 2-1 loss at the hands of Portuguese outfit Benfica in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final.

The Brazilian international feels the Reds did well in the opening stages of the game, and is confident that Liverpool can overturn a one-goal deficit in the second leg in order to ensure progression to the semi-finals of the competition.

"We are really disappointed," Lucas told Fifa.com

"We started really well in the game and scored an early goal. We created some chances even with 10 men.

"Now we have to keep going and try to go through in Anfield."

Lucas was hesitant in his analysis of Ryan Babel's red card following a heated argument with Benfica defender Luisao, suggesting that the team are more focused on the second leg than disputing refereeing decisions.

"The referee just said it was 'hands to face' - something like that," he added.

"To be honest, we don't want to talk about the referee. I think everyone saw the game and you can analyse better than us.

"We'll just keep going now. We have an important game in the Premier League and then we'll try to go through to the semi-finals."

The second leg of the Europa League tie will be played next Thursday at Anfield, with the Reds going into the game with the advantage of Daniel Agger's away goal despite facing a one-goal deficit.

Benitez Blasts Ref After Benfica Beating

Rafael Benitez was left fuming by the performance of ref Jonas Eriksson in Liverpool's Europa League quarter-final first-leg defeat to Benfica.

Defender Daniel Agger had put the visitors ahead by converting Steven Gerrard's ninth-minute free-kick with a clever backheel.

However, Ryan Babel was sent off on the half-hour for pushing a hand in Luisao's face in a melee sparked by the defender's crunching tackle on Fernando Torres.

In the second half two controversial penalty awards allowed Oscar Cardozo to score twice having earlier missed a host of chances.

Benitez said he was disappointed with Babel for his response but felt Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson should have been stronger when he only gave Luisao a yellow card.

"I was surprised because a foul from behind is more serious," he said.

"I would like to analyse the foul before. And after, when one player is shouting in front of the referee after he already has a yellow card.

"It is a big difference when you kick a player from behind to a player touching another in the mouth.

"It is difficult to understand and impossible to change but we have to move forward and think about Anfield.

"Always decisions against your team you don't like but you cannot change them and the only way now is to try to be positive.

"Half-time was a 1-0 game and we had confidence, I prefer not to talk about problems or incidents."

Torres, in particular, came in for some rough treatment but Eriksson was content to allow it - much to Benitez and his players' anger.

Throughout the second half fireworks were thrown towards Jose Reina's goal, resulting in two stoppages and a report to the UEFA delegate, which did little to improve the visitors' mood.

It was to their credit the Liverpool players, in the main, kept their cool as Torres and Javier Mascherano were both in danger of being suspended for the crucial second leg had they been booked.

Emiliano Insua was not so fortunate, however, and his yellow card late in the first half gives Benitez a problem at left-back next week.

Despite the defeat Benitez felt his side had performed well and even though he felt at least one of the penalty decisions was harsh he has urged his players to forget the game and move on.

"I haven't seen the replays but you can't change the decisions," he added.

"Our play for 60 minutes with 10 players was good and we are disappointed because we had chances.

"It means we are a good team because we had chances.

"They (Benfica) were trying to push very hard and we were defending well.

"We showed we can be strong, we can create and we can score goals.

"The team was working very hard and with the fans behind us we can progress in the competition.

"Hopefully we will not need to push too hard (in the second leg), just push and play well and score goals."

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus felt his side should have put the tie beyond reach with the number of chances they created.

"We could have scored more but it was not an easy game," he said.

"It was easy after the sending-off but we played well, we were more offensive after that and the two best teams in this competition were playing against each other."

Ryan Babel Admits Red Card Against Benfica Was 'Stupid And Silly'

Liverpool FC forward Ryan Babel has admitted to being "stupid and silly" following his sending-off in Thursday night’s 2-1 Europa League quarter-final first leg defeat to Benfica in Lisbon.

Rafa Benitez's side took an early lead through Daniel Agger and watched the Portuguese league leaders waste numerous chances but the match turned on the 30th-minute dismissal of Babel.

The Holland international raised his hands to Luisao in a melee started by the Benfica defender after he had viciously gone through the back of Fernando Torres - a tackle which infuriated Liverpool FC manager Benitez.

Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson, who lost control of the game the moment he allowed Luisao to escape with a yellow card, had no hesitation in sending-off the Liverpool FC player.

Two second-half penalties from Oscar Cardozo turned the game around for Benfica to leave Babel regretting his actions.

"The referee told me the red card was for touching Luisao’s face - that was it," said the Dutchman.

"It was clear that Luisao had made an awful foul and all I wanted to do was back up Fernando.

"Too harsh maybe. In the end maybe it was a stupid, silly thing for me to touch him in the face, but I think a yellow card would have been fair enough. But if they are the rules...

"He came very loud and very close with his face and I just tried to back him off with my hand (to say) don’t come too close.

"That’s it and in the end, they made it bigger than it was. But it was a mistake by me, I will learn from it and it won’t happen again."

Match Report: Benfica 2 - 1 Liverpool

Daniel Agger's clever backheel gave Liverpool the lead in a controversial first half of their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Benfica in Lisbon.

The Dane produced the perfect start in the ninth minute by converting Steven Gerrard's low free-kick but Ryan Babel was sent off on the half hour for pushing Luisao in a melee started by the Brazilian centre-back.

Midfielder Lucas Leiva returned to the starting line-up for Liverpool's Europa League quarter-final first leg against Benfica in the Estadio da Luz.

With Maxi Rodriguez unavailable, the Brazil international returned to the team with Steven Gerrard moving to his more usual advanced midfield position, and Dirk Kuyt switched back to the right.

Defender Jamie Carragher made his 621st Liverpool appearance, moving above Alan Hansen to eighth on the all-time list, while Jose Reina featured in goal for the 250th occasion.

Benfica were without former Barcelona striker Javier Saviola, who sustained a toe injury in the weekend victory over Braga which is also likely to keep him out of the second leg.

The cacophonous noise inside Benfica's impressive ground was silenced as early as the ninth minute with virtually Liverpool's first attack.

Maxi Pereira's foul on Gerrard gave the Liverpool captain a chance to whip in a dangerous free-kick from just left of the penalty area.

However, with the hosts massed around the six-yard area the midfielder fooled everyone by rolling a low pass in towards the penalty spot where Daniel Agger produced a classy backheel into the corner of the net.

It was reminiscent of a similar move which saw the Denmark defender score in the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea in May 2007, although that one was hit with more power.

Benfica's European top scorer this season, Oscar Cardozo, could not show the same control from Fabio Coentrao's left-wing cross three minutes later as he deflected the ball over the crossbar.

The Paraguayan then nodded Angel di Maria's free-kick wide and headed another Coentrao effort straight at Reina from eight yards.

Benfica's barrage continued but Pablo Aimar's first touch for once let him down as he looked to beat Reina.

Chances continued to come and go for the hosts with Ramires next to head over at the far post from a cross by Di Maria, whose shot from 25 yards fizzed just over Reina's crossbar in the 28th minute.

Chaos descended in the on the half hour as referee Jonas Eriksson lost control.

Centre-back Luisao took exception to a tackle by Ryan Babel and subsequently hacked right through the back of Fernando Torres.

A melee ensued in which Luisao continued his protest at Babel and the Dutchman responded by pushing the Brazilian in the face.

The Swedish official showed the Benfica defender a yellow and then flashed a red at the Holland international - sparking wild protests by Liverpool's entire team.

After much argument the decision stood and Babel trudged off.

David Luiz was next to go into the book for clattering Torres in the 37th minute and the Spain striker thought he had exacted the perfect revenge.

Gerrard's free-kick was weakly punched by Julio Cesar and Torres volleyed it home only for an offside flag to go up.

Emiliano Insua was booked for pulling back Di Maria just before the break, ruling him out of the second leg.

Within four minutes of the restart Cardozo planted one header straight at Reina and the other over from five yards and you sensed just maybe it was going to be Liverpool's night.

There was a brief stoppage in play when a firework was thrown close to the fourth official next to Reina's goal and Eriksson made a point of mentioning it to the UEFA delegate in the technical area.

Cardozo's 59th-minute free-kick rattled back off Reina's right-hand post but when Aimar went down under Insua's tackle chasing the rebound Eriksson pointed to the penalty spot.

This time Cardozo finally hit the target to beat Reina.

In the 76th minute Torres had a glorious chance to put his side back in front - and score his first Liverpool goal on foreign soil since March 11 2008 - but with only Cesar to beat he dragged his shot wide from Kuyt's pass.

It was to prove costly as two minutes later Di Maria's cross hit Carragher as he slid in to tackle and the fourth official signalled a penalty for handball.

The defender was booked and Cardozo scored his second spot-kick of the night.

After more hefty challenges Torres was withdrawn for David Ngog to make an appearance on his 21st birthday.

With more fireworks raining down behind Liverpool's goal towards the end Rafael Benitez's side were fortunate to leave Lisbon with just a one-goal deficit.

Rafael Benitez Blames Squad's Lack Of Depth For Liverpool's Poor Season

Liverpool have struggled this season due to the squad's lack of strength in depth, according to manager Rafael Benitez.

The Reds have struggled for much of the season in both the Premier League and European competition but, after beating Sunderland 3-0 at the week in an impressive performance from a near full-strength XI, Benitez believes injuries have taken their toll.

"Everyone knows we have a good 11. You can see some good players on the bench but also others with less experience," said Benitez ahead of their Europa League clash against Benfica on Thursday.

"When you talk about the league the depth in your squad is very important and we have had problems with injuries.

"It has been a difficult season for young players as well because they have had to perform on the pitch when the team is not doing well.

"The majority of the players have been fighting from the beginning but the problem in football is you can be working very hard but if you don't win people say you are not doing enough."

With the first leg of the quarter-final against the Portuguese league leaders taking place away from home, Benitez is reluctant to look too far ahead in a competition he believes the club can win.

"We have to have confidence that we can win but my idea is to take it one game at a time," he said.

"We have a very difficult tie and if we can progress Valencia or Atletico will be dangerous but you never know - we are in form now too so hopefully we can do well, be in the final and win.

"If we can keep this spirit and mentality we can beat anyone."

Inter Give Up On Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas & Turn Transfer Effort To Liverpool's Steven Gerrard

Inter have kicked the plan to sign Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas into long grass and they will focus their transfer efforts into landing Steven Gerrard from Liverpool instead, according to Tuttosport.

Fabregas has been the number one objective on Jose Mourinho's transfer list, but Inter have realised that signing him will be difficult. Mourinho's relationship with Arsene Wenger is not the best, and Fabregas has made it clear his dream is to go back to Barcelona in the future.

With that in mind, the Nerazzurri have set out an approach for Gerrard. His name has been floated around Massimo Moratti's office for the past two weeks, suggesting a move is still in its development stage.

Signing the England international will be less than easy. However, Inter are hoping to press for the best deal and they are expected to make a €35 million bid for him.

Mourinho will attempt to raise funds for the deal by offloading players, and his recent spat with Mario Balotelli will see the Italian as first on the list to go.

Balotelli has a €70 million release clause in his deal. Inter are aware they will not get such a figure for their player, but they will attempt to sell him for €40million, meaning they would have enough allowances to fund a move for Gerrard.

Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Barcelona have all been linked with the Inter forward.

Alberto Aquilani Could Miss The Rest Of Season

Rafa Benitez is about to discover the full extent of Alberto Aquilani's latest fitness setback after refusing to rule out fears his injury-jinxed midfielder could be out for the rest of the season.

The £20million signing from Roma damaged an ankle in training and failed to make the trip to Lisbon for Thursday's Europa League quarter-final first leg with Benfica after being booked in for a scan on Merseyside.

Benitez initially played down concerns that the Italy midfielder faced another lengthy lay-off but would not be drawn on the possibility that his season may already have ended.

'We have to check on Alberto and find out exactly what he has done,' said the Liverpool manager, after touching down in Lisbon and hosting a late-night press conference in the team hotel at nearly 10pm.

'We should have an answer to that sometime tomorrow and can only hope for the best in the meantime. I don't think it is too serious, but it is clear he has a problem with his ankle.

'Is that the end of his season? We have to check tomorrow. We will see then.'

Aquilani was still recuperating from ankle surgery when he signed for Liverpool and was kept waiting for his debut after his recovery went on longer than expected.

He has made few appearances in the starting line-up since, amid increasing misgivings that he is struggling to cope with the physical demands of the Barclays Premier League.

Liverpool Winger Albert Riera Claims Move To Spartak Moscow Has Broken Down

Liverpool midfielder Albert Riera has revealed that his proposed loan move to Spartak Moscow has broken down and he will now consider his options in the summer.

The Spaniard had looked a certainty to move to Russia after publicly slamming Reds manager Rafael Benitez.

However, it now seems that he will have to wait a while longer before exiting Anfield.

"Negotiations with Spartak Moscow are stalled. My intention is to decide my future in the summer," he told Spanish newspaper Marca.

"I want to continue my career at Liverpool because it is one of the best clubs in the world.

"The feeling is spectacular, we have a great stadium and I feel very good at Liverpool.

"I speak with Fernando Torres and (Jose) Reina and agree on the greatness of Liverpool."

Juventus Cling Onto Hope Of Landing Liverpool Coach Rafael Benitez

Juventus will not concede defeat in the race for Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez, as they cling onto a line of hope to reel him in.

Il Corriere Dello Sport claims Juventus have been left with just one main target - Benitez - after Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli pledged his allegiance to the Tuscan side.

Bianconeri vice-general director Roberto Bettega will now use the Easter period for some reflection before he flies out to Liverpool next week to open up a new line of communication with the Spaniard.

Benitez is under contract at Anfield until 2013, but top chiefs at Juventus have promised significant action, and they are prepared to pay any penalties they incur from signing the coach should the deal take off.

Also, Juventus have allocated an extra budget to help pay for Benitez's top coaching staff, who he would bring to Turin with him.

The Bianconeri are now set to act quickly to help speed up the move.

Alan Hansen Says Jamie Carragher Has Got Many Years Left Playing For Liverpool

When Jamie Carragher made his Liverpool debut more than 13 years ago, he could only dream of one day being spoken of in the same breath as Alan Hansen.

As two very different defenders, it is unfair to compare them.

What is clear, though, is that they’ve both produced the quality required to join an elite band of players who can say they’ve played over 600 times for Liverpool.

In their case it’s 620 apiece.

Carragher, who will usurp Hansen against Benfica in Lisbon on Thursday, will be shifting himself back to ninth on the all time list of total number of appearances for Liverpool.

While injury forced Hansen to retire, the former club captain believes Carragher will continue to clock up many more games for the club.

“In modern day football it’s a hell of an achievement to play over 600 games as Jamie has, especially for one club,” said Hansen.

“Every year since 1977 when I was at Liverpool there seemed to be a testimonial. Players used to stay around for a long time whereas nowadays to stay 10 years in one place is an achievement in itself.

“But to be 10 years and play so consistently well to reach the number of games Carragher has is absolutely phenomenal. The level of consistency in his performance and how he has conducted himself is a tribute to Jamie Carragher.”

His consistency has been such that Carragher has played in 50-plus games in eight of the last nine seasons for Liverpool and looks set to do so again this year.

That doesn’t happen if you’re not playing well and Hansen places the Bootle-born defender among the Liverpool greats.

“It’s fantastic for Liverpool Football Club and the fans too,” he says. “In a long line of centre-backs who have stood out for the club, here they have another one. You can go through eight or nine of them who have been sensational since big Ron Yeats came in under Bill Shankly. Jamie is up there with the best of them.

“To play 621 games – and counting – is absolutely sensational.”

On his own admission, Carragher did not have the best start to this season.

He turned 32 in January providing an easy target for critics to begin to write him off.

Hansen says this is inevitable for players of a certain age. It’s how you bounce back that counts.

The Match Of The Day pundit believes Carragher has worked hard to address his form and is back to his best again.

“The last six weeks or so would sum Carragher up,” says Hansen. “He’s not had the best season by his standards, and looked to be struggling at times. But he’s played really well lately. He had a great game against Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford but, even before that, was getting back to the level he’s been at for a number of seasons now.”

Hansen insists Carragher has plenty left in the tank before it’s time to hang up his boots.

“The way he’s playing now I’d say he’s definitely got a few more years in him at the top level. For me, he’s as good as ever.

“It doesn’t matter what age you are. I was 35 when I packed in but that was because I had a bad right knee.

“The last season I played, in 1990, I only missed four or five matches and was going as good as ever.

“But the problem is that, once you hit 30 and have a period of trouble, people just point to your age and say you’re finished.

“It’s difficult to come back from that but Jamie has done exceptionally well, particularly to play as he is in the latter stages of the season when players tend to tire. It doesn’t matter who you are, whether you’ve been a model of consistency and the best central defender of your generation or whatever. People don’t take any prisoners.

“Once you get to a certain age and have a bad run they will write you off.

“But Jamie has got enough mental strength to deal with that.

“He’s proven it by overcoming the critics.

“Among all the things that have changed in football over the years, the only way you can answer any critic is by doing it on the pitch.

“That’s what he’s done and that’s full credit to him.

“He’s come back strong again and that’s simply because he wants to play for Liverpool.”

As Carragher makes his 621st appearance on Thursday night, Hansen has no qualms about making way for the Reds stalwart.

“When I retired I must have had about 20 different records,” he says.

“Things like being the only player to have a Championship winners medal from three different decades. That’s gone.

“We had the most games unbeaten at home. Now that’s gone too.

“I look at some of the records now that people like Ryan Giggs have got and they’re incredible.

“Obviously you wish it was a Liverpool player every time but Jamie’s record to play that amount of games at a time when people are moving on left, right and centre is an unbelievable show of loyalty too.

“For that alone, Liverpool supporters should be eternally grateful.”

Liverpool's Ambitions Shrink To Fourth Place

A room set aside at the trophy-packed Liverpool Football Club museum at Anfield is devoted to endless replays of an astonishing night of European football.

Seemingly down and out after trailing 3-0 at halftime to AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul, Liverpool came back to tie the match and win the penalty shootout.

Although the memories are enshrined forever in the red section of Merseyside, manager Rafa Benitez's ambitions five years on have shrunk to securing fourth place in the Premier League and a spot in the Champions League.

"We know that we have to keep going," the Spaniard said after Liverpool romped to a 3-0 win over Sunderland last Sunday, courtesy of two goals from his compatriot Fernando Torres.

"It will be difficult. If Torres can stay fit he will be very important. If a striker is scoring goals he is a very important player and in trying to keep him happy the first thing we can do is win the games this year and try to be in the top four."

The spring-heeled Spaniard has scored four goals in his last seven games, to bring his season's tally to 20, but Liverpool still remain four points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and the north London side have a game in hand.

In an interview with a Spanish newspaper, Torres threatened to leave Liverpool if the club did not invest in some quality players and, even though Liverpool are still involved in European competition this season through the Europa League, fifth place might persuade him it is time to leave.

Torres, 26, would then be the target of richer and more successful English clubs and the Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. Reports from Italy say AC Milan are also interested.

Both through word and deed, Torres appears at the moment committed to the Liverpool cause.

"When you get injuries it is frustrating because every player wants to be able to play in every game," he said.

"Playing in less than 30 games is not too many for a footballer, especially a Liverpool player, but I am playing now and scoring goals and I just want to help the team.

"The main thing is that I am close to my best now. I feel strong, I have stamina. If I can keep scoring goals until the end of the season we can do good things for Liverpool.

"We have got 18 points to play for and all we can do is try to get them and wait to see what the results of the other teams ahead of us are."

Then there is captain Steven Gerrard, an England mainstay but a player who has scored only six league goals for his club this season.

Benitez, who has been criticised for playing Gerrard in a variety of positions, mounted a robust defence after the Sunderland match.

"Gerrard can play everywhere," Benitez said. "It depends on the team. I told him before the Sunderland game he was playing in the middle and he was happy. He can help the team and that is the main thing."

Gerrard, who turns 30 next month, concedes he has not been at his best this season. However, the man who at his peak epitomises the best qualities of a combative English footballer, thinks the spur of a place in Europe and the World Cup in South Africa can turn his year around.

"It's a big time for me, I am aware of my age and what I want out of the remainder of my career," he said.

"I look after myself, and I'm in good shape physically so I believe I've still got five years to fight for all the big prizes in football. I'll do everything I can to keep going.

"You have to accept that as a team we have underachieved and I have to accept that there have been times when my form hasn't been good. We deal with that and move forward.

"There's a chance to finish the season on a high with Liverpool now, by finishing fourth and going to (the Europa League) final. It would be fantastic if we could achieve both of those things. Then you focus on the World Cup. Things change quickly in football."

Liverpool FC Supporters Demand Premier League Probe Into Gillett And Hicks Ownership

Liverpool supporters have stepped up their efforts against owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks by questioning the thoroughness of the Premier League's 'fit and proper' person test

In an open letter to senior figureheads, the Liverpool Supporters' Union - Spirit of Shankly have called on League chiefs to investigate the Americans' dealings that contravene the guidelines of the probe, which was unveiled two years after the duo took control at Anfield.

Pledges made by the pair in February 2007, during which they claimed they would ensure that the club remained debt-free and begin work on a new stadium within 60 days of their takeover have been cited by the group in the letter to Chief Executive Richard Scudamore.

The proposed takeover by the Rhone Group has also come under scrutiny following previous dealings with surfwear brand Quiksilver amidst claims that John Muse, a former business partner of Hicks when he owned Brazilian outfit Corinithians, is involved with the bid.

Christian Purslow, Liverpool's managing director, is currently scouring the global market for a £100 million investment to reduce repayments owed to the Royal Bank of Scotland on the club's £237 million debt in order to negotiate an extension before this summer's deadline.

James McKenna, a spokesman for Spirit of Shankly, said: “Tom and George promised us heaven and have delivered hell.

"Who would have thought that three years ago we would be where we are now, owners with no money, a desperate search for investment to pay down debt, and fans having to seek and fight for answers about what is going on at their club?

"Questions must be asked of those who are meant to regulate the game, the Premier League. They are seemingly turning a blind eye to what is happened to us and other clubs, in favour of selling the brand.

"What brand will they have to sell if it carries on like this? If we don’t get the answers we want from them, then we will see if they will listen to us when we turn up at their offices and demand answers.”

He added: “Questions must also be asked, and the same mistakes not allowed to happen again, regarding who will invest in LFC now. We don’t want to be jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.

"Until we know what is happening at our club, we will continue to seek answers to protect the club, as the fans after all are the true custodians.

"Tom Hicks and George Gillett need to get the message – They aren’t welcome at Anfield and neither are any other investors looking to make a quick buck at the expense of doing it properly.”

Supporters have been encouraged to send a copy of the email, which can be found on the group's website, to Scudamore, chief spokesman Dan Johnson and Cathy Long, Head of Supporter Relations.

A joint protest with financially-strung Portsmouth took place before the game between the two sides at Anfield last month to call for more stringent measures to be taken when investigating owners of Premier League clubs.

Centenary Stand Collapses! Anfield In Danger!

Liverpool FC's season couldn't really have gone any worse, but this morning they are reeling from the shock that part of the Centenary stand suddenly collapsed in the early hours last night.

A mild earth tremour in the Irish sea is reported to be the cause, as there is widespread minor damage to buildings all around the Merseyside area, but a previously unseen crack in the Anfield foundations broke apart to leave half the stand in ruins, and the whole stadium declared a no-go zone by officials until the safety of the other three sides and assorted other buildings can be ascertained.

Liverpool have yet to make any official announcement, but this catastrophe is sure to increase the long-standing calls for a new stadium.

Liverpool have no home game this week, but rumours abound that the return leg of the Benfica match will probably have to be moved to the nearest available substitute, which is good news for Benfica as the last time they played at Goodison they won 2-0.

Europa League Preview: Benfica vs. Liverpool

Liverpool will be hoping for a repeat of their latest outing as they travel to Iberia this Thursday to take on Benfica in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals.

The Reds answered their many critics as they blitzed a shell-shocked Sunderland on their way to an easy 3-0 win on Sunday which keeps them in the hunt for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Much of the talk surrounding Anfield since then has centred on whether or not Rafael Benitez will adopt similar tactics for the trip to Portugal, with fans howling for more of the high-octane football which humiliated a normally stubborn Black Cats side.

However, it would be no surprise if the Spanish tactician were more conservative at the Estadio da Luz - especially when you consider his last encounter with the Aguilas.

It was Benfica who ruined Liverpool's Champions League defence in 2005-06, ousting the five-time winners in the first knockout round - and the Portuguese side are a far more impressive unit now than they were then.

The Lisbon giants have already conquered Merseyside this season, beating Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park before thrashing them 5-0 at home, and are easing their way to domestic honours in some style.

And with a reputation as one of Europe's most forward-thinking teams to uphold, Jorge Jesus and his charges will be determined to put on a show against one of England's traditional powerhouses.

FORM GUIDE

Benfica

Mar 27: Benfica 1-0 Braga (Portuguese Liga)
Mar 18: Olympique Marseille 1-2 Benfica (Europa League)
Mar 14: Nacional 0-1 Benfica (Portuguese Liga)
Mar 11: Benfica 1-1 Olympique Marseille (Europa League)
Mar 7: Benfica 3-1 Pacos de Ferreira (Portuguese Liga)

Liverpool

Mar 28: Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
Mar 21: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Mar 18: Liverpool 3-0 Lille (Europa League)
Mar 15: Liverpool 4-1 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Mar 11: Lille 1-0 Liverpool (Europa League)

TEAM NEWS

Benfica

There is little to report from Lisbon, except that playmaker Pablo Aimar - one of Reds boss Benitez's former favourites at Valencia - is in line to start after a couple of games on the substitutes bench.

Last starting XI (vs. Sporting Braga): Julio Cesar, Pereira, Luiz, Falcao, Coentrao, Garcia, Ramires, Martins, Di Maria, Cardozo, Saviola.

Liverpool

Alberto Aquilani joins defenders Martin Skrtel (foot), Fabio Aurelio (thigh) and Martin Kelly (knee) on sidelines after injuring his ankle in training, while midfielder Maxi Rodriguez is ineligible.

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

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Benfica

Where to begin? Angel di Maria is one of the most sought-after young wingers in Europe; Oscar Cardozo has been netting goals for a laugh; and the experienced Argentine duo of Javier Saviola and Pablo Aimar have rediscovered themselves since crossing the border from Spain. Throw in Brazilian international Ramires, and that's plenty for the visitors to think about.

Liverpool

Fernando Torres' form since returning from injury has been irresistible, with his two remarkable finishes at the weekend underlining just why he is considered one of the world's greatest strikers. Steven Gerrard also starred in that game, and many will be curious to see whether the skipper stays in central midfield or is pushed up to partner 'El Nino'.

Liverpool Midfielder Alberto Aquilani Out Of Europa League Clash With Benfica

After being plagued with injuries for the most part of his career in England Alberto Aquilani will now miss Liverpool's Europa League quarter-final against Benfica with an another injury.

The Italian midfielder will not fly to Portugal with the rest of the squad for Thursday's game due to an ankle problem, although manager Rafa Benitez does not believe the 25-year-old has a long-term injury.

"He will not be available for this game," Benitez told the press on Wednesday.

"He had a problem with his ankle this morning and we have to fix it.

"It doesn't seem too serious but it's the same ankle as before and so we'll have to analyse the situation carefully."

Aquilani has endured an injury-ravaged time at Anfield since joining the club from Roma in the summer, making just eight starts in all competitions for the Reds.

Liverpool To Launch Bid For Real Madrid Legend Raul

Premier League side Liverpool are willing to sign Spain legend Raul from Real Madrid at the end of the 2009-10 season, according to latest reports.

The Mirror speculates that Reds manager Rafael Benitez will attempt to convince the three-time Champions League winner to leave the Spanish capital and move to Merseyside, where he would partner Spain international striker Fernando Torres in attack. The Daily Mail adds that Liverpool will offer Raul a two-year contract.

Raul is thought to have expressed a desire to play in the English top flight, and with him falling in the pecking order under coach Manuel Pellegrini this season, there has been speculation that he could leave Madrid in the summer.

The 32-year-old has also been linked with a move to the MLS. Raul has started just eight times in the Spanish Primera Division so far this season and has scored four times. He featured in seven Champions League games and was on the scoresheet twice.

Liverpool Line Up Transfer Bid For Danny

Liverpool are lining up a £3million summer swoop for Rangers kid Danny Wilson.

SunSport can reveal the Kop giants have been monitoring the brilliant 18-year-old defender's progress this season.

Now they have decided they will wade in with a bid for the centre-back, who is in the frame to be Scotland's Young Player of the Year.

That will rock reigning champs Gers, who were desperate to tie Wilson up on a long-term deal this week.

The youngster - also being tracked by Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa - has just 15 months to run on his current deal.

The Gers hierarchy tied up his team-mate John Fleck until 2013 earlier this week.

Wilson's contract, though, remains unsigned and Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is ready to test Rangers' resolve in the summer.

If the hot property has not put pen to paper on a new deal by then it seems certain the champs will elect to cash in on a talent developed at Murray Park rather than watch him quit for buttons.

Wilson suffered a setback earlier this month with a red card in the Co-operative Insurance Cup Final triumph over St Mirren but he has been in sparkling form for Gers as crocked Madjid Bougherra's stand-in.

Now the Kop interest throws those crunch contract talks into focus as Rangers gear up for the run-in to two-in-a-row.

Liverpool's Riera In Talks With Spartak Moscow

Liverpool's Spanish winger Albert Riera considering a possible transfer to Spartak Moscow, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

"He is talking with Spartak and we have to wait and see," Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez told the club website (www.liverpoolfc.tv).

Riera, 27, who signed from Espanyol in 2008, has been frozen out at the club since criticising Benitez in an interview with Spanish radio before Liverpool's second leg Europa League clash with Lille on March 18.

Liverpool's Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani will miss Thursday's Europa League quarter-final first leg clash at Benfica after injuring his ankle in training.

Steven Gerrard Mustn't Get Used To Centre Midfield Says Rafa Benitez

Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez has welcomed the return to form of Steven Gerrard but told his captain not to get too comfortable in his favoured central midfield role.

The Liverpool FC captain was dropped back to a more orthodox position against Sunderland on Sunday and responded with an improved personal display in the Reds' 3-0 win.

For a long time critics have been urging Benitez to deploy Gerrard in what they feel is his best position but the Liverpool FC manager said what was more important was the overall game plan.

"I remember discussions with England about Gerrard and Frank Lampard not being able to play in the middle but they can," said the Reds boss ahead of Liverpool FC's Europa League quarter-final trip to play Benfica in Lisbon.

"He can play everywhere because he knows what to do in every position.

"He was keen to do the best for the team and the best for the team the other day was for him to play in this role with Javier Mascherano.

"For me it is not the player and the system but altogether.

"In the last year with the same system we were quite offensive and this year we have scored a lot of goals, especially at Anfield, with the same system.

"It has been Lucas-Mascherano, Lucas-Aquilani, Lucas-Gerrard, Mascherano-Aquilani - we can mix and match.

"It gives us more options."

Liverpool The Only Top Club To Fall Short Says Jamie Carragher

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher reckons the Reds are the only top seven Barclays Premier League side to have underachieved this season.

Early exits from the title race, Champions League and FA Cup have left Liverpool FC looking for consolation in the form of securing fourth place and winning the Europa League.

Their problems this season have partly been due to injuries to key Liverpool FC players like Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Yossi Benayoun and Glen Johnson but Carragher said they could not use that as an excuse.

"I think the other teams have probably done what you’d expect, I just think we haven’t done what we expected to do," said the 32-year-old.

"People presumed the likes of Aston Villa and Tottenham could mount a top four challenge but I think people thought we would already be in there challenging for the league.

"We’ve disappointed ourselves a little. I don’t put it down to bad luck - that’s football.

"We all have injuries here and there and that’s just part of football and you deal with it.

"I just think at the start of the season we didn’t do particularly well and then we realised we weren’t going to be in the title race, which was what we had all built ourselves up for.

"It was a disappointment at that early stage, whereas the other teams were excited about the prospect of getting into the top four.

"Maybe it took us a while to get our heads around the fact that we wouldn’t be playing for the title, but a top-four finish is vitally important now for next season and that’s something we’re certainly capable of."

Carragher also hopes Liverpool FC can still lift some silverware in the Europa League.

Liverpool FC face Benfica in Lisbon on Thursday in the first leg of their quarter-final tie and should Carragher play he will make his 621st appearance for the club, lifting him above Alan Hansen to eighth on the all-time list.

"We’re still in the Europa League and we’re desperate to get our hands on some silverware - we haven’t done that for a few years," the Liverpool FC vice-captain said.

"That’s vitally important and success in that competition could change how the season has been looked upon - in the next few weeks it could all turn around."

Rafael Benitez Expects Liverpool Defender Daniel Agger To Get Even Better

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been impressed with the recent displays from Daniel Agger at the heart of the Reds' defence, and has challenged the Dane to improve further.

Benitez believes that Agger can go on to establish himself as one of Anfield's great names if he continues to show application and effort.

"Daniel is a player who will be even better in the future because he is eager to learn and working hard in training all the time," said Benitez, according to The Liverpool Echo.

"You saw the other day that he is a defender who likes to play the ball and he is going to become a very important player for us in the future.

"When you want to play well as a team, it is important you start with the defenders, and to do that, you need someone who can defend but also you need to rely on them in possession.

"For this club to progress, we need important players like him. He can pass it short, he can play it long, he can switch play and can score goals. His form is very good.

"We will have to keep working with him with his fitness. He has had some problems this year and also had a virus. It has been difficult in the last month as he played too many games."

Meanwhile, Benitez is hopeful that a good end to the season can help introduce a more positive mentality into matters at Anfield.

The Reds face Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday evening, and the Spaniard is hoping that his side can go all the way in the competition.

“Everybody wants to see attacking football – even the manager," he quipped.

"If we can keep progressing in the Europa League and finish well in the Premier League, it will be easy to talk about the future.

"Liverpool is a massive club and there are lots of players thinking about coming here. That’s why it is important for the future that we perform now.

"The effort has been good but we need to keep pushing. We know we have not done well this season and that has had an impact on our confidence.

"But you cannot change what has happened in the past. The only thing we can do is keep moving forward and try our best until the end of the season – that is the message."

Young Guns Triumph In Greece

Liverpool's Academy added another trophy to their growing collection after the under-12s claimed victory at a tournament in Greece on Wednesday morning.

The youngsters held off the challenge of Olympiakos, PAOK, Panathinaikos and AEK Athens to emerge triumphant and leave the Academy's Head of U12-U16 age groups, Steve Cooper, delighted.

He said: "We haven't played many tournaments in Greece over the years, but because of 'Pep' Segura's previous involvement with Olympiakos, we were offered this opportunity and decided to take it.

"It's always good to win any competition and it's great for the young lads to experience playing in different countries, against a different style of football.

"We are really pleased for everyone."

Youngsters Key As Benitez Plans Prosperous Liverpool Future

Rafa Benitez is planning for the Reds’ future, despite doubts over his Anfield future and says that youth development will be key to success.

Benitez has secured the future of important players such as Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard and hopes to tie up deals with Pepe Reina and Javier Mascherano next month.

Liverpool boss Benitez said, "It was the idea last year to extend contracts,

"It is the same this year to guarantee the spine of the team is there and, afterwards, try to bring in some good players to hopefully improve.

"With some players we are looking two or three years ahead, you have to be ready and prepare more or less the squad.

"In terms of the first team, to guarantee the extension of some players is enough to bring in the right players.

"We are always planning for the future. You can make mistakes but at least you have a plan.

"So if we don't make mistakes in the transfer window or if the [new] players settle down with this group of players we have at the moment we will improve."

As part of the contract that Benitez signed last summer to keep him at Anfield, he will also oversee the entire youth development of the club. It is a critical part of Liverpool’s future success in the eyes of the Spaniard.

Benitez continued, "This is the first year I am in charge of the academy and we are trying to improve and bring players from the academy," he added.

"We need some time. The reserve team are doing well so these players will be the future of the club."

Return Of Injured Stars Gives Benitez Confidence Of European Success

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was upbeat about the Reds’ chances going into Thursday’s Europa League clash with Benfica having seen the successful return from injury of Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson.

The Europa League represents Liverpool’s only remaining chance of silverware this season. They go into the quarter-final clash with Portuguese giants Benfica having beaten Sunderland 3-0 with goals from Torres and Johnson who have only recently returned from a spell on the sidelines.

With captain Steven Gerrard also coming back to form after a spell out, Benitez is happy with his options.

The Spanish boss said, "If they can stay fit I think it will be very important because you have more options,

"When you have two games a week it is important to have different players available so you can change the system and you can keep the tempo.

"It is really important to have Fernando, Gerrard and Maxi available.”

Focusing in particular on Liverpool's scorers against Sunderland, Benitez continued, "I can see Fernando is focused and he wants to do well. We are surprised sometimes by what he can do but my idea is that he can improve.

"He knows how to get better. Two goals and a great performance again against Sunderland is what the team needed.

"Johnson is an attacking defender and sometimes when you have the team playing well at home and everyone is going forward he can be a real threat.

"He had one or two chances against Sunderland and he was very dangerous down the right side."

Liverpool Line Up Summer Bid For Spanish Star

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has stepped up the chase for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez.

Martinez, 21, has been on Liverpool's radar for the past two seasons but Benitez is putting together his hit-list for next season.

Liverpool sent a scout to watch Martinez at Atletico Madrid last Thursday and Bilbao are well aware of Benitez's interest.

Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros said: "Javier is a monster of a player and can go very far."

Alberto Aquilani: I Love Everything About Liverpool & England Except The Weather

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani is settling quickly on Merseyside and is very happy playing his football in England, but has one major gripe: the weather.

But that hasn't put him off his new life in England, after switching from the sunny Italian capital last summer.

"I like everything in England, I just don't like the weather," he told LFC Magazine.

"I like the people, the supporters, the city and playing here. And I want to play well here."

The Italian is also hoping that he continues to make progress with his improving English.

"But I don't speak English very well. Now I understand more than I did before but I have to improve," he explained.

"At first I had regular English lessons but it has been difficult more recently and my English teacher is angry about this!

"It has been difficult because at one time my family were here so I couldn't do the lesson, another time we had too many games."

Benitez Ser To Utilize All His Weapons

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is looking forward to utilizing all his attacking options for their crucial Barclays Premier League run-in.

The team rightly received plaudits for their performance, particularly in the first half, against Sunderland at the weekend when they played a brand of football which had been missing for most of the season.

Deploying Steven Gerrard in a more orthodox central midfield position but with license to roam forward allowed Benitez to field Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Fernando Torres in front of the Reds captain.

And with full-backs Glen Johnson and Emiliano Insua providing more width down the flanks the Black Cats were torn apart with a high-tempo passing game which could have produced half a dozen goals.

It is unlikely Benitez will be so bold in all six of their remaining league matches - particularly at Birmingham on Sunday and at home to Chelsea on the penultimate weekend of the season - but the Reds boss feels having plenty of choices could be key to them securing fourth place.

"If they can stay fit I think it will be very important because you have more options," said Benitez, whose side travel to Lisbon on Wednesday for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Benfica on Thursday.

"When you have two games a week it is important to have different players available so you can change the system and you can keep the tempo.

"It is really important to have Fernando, Gerrard and Maxi available.

"I can see Fernando is focused and he wants to do well. We are surprised sometimes by what he can do but my idea is that he can improve.

"He knows how to get better. Two goals and a great performance again against Sunderland is what the team needed.

"Johnson is an attacking defender and sometimes when you have the team playing well at home and everyone is going forward he can be a real threat.

"He had one or two chances against Sunderland and he was very dangerous down the right side."

Liverpool have the easiest-looking run-in of all the Champions League-chasing sides but they are still four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham having played more matches than their rivals.

Benitez knows Liverpool's fate is currently out of their hands but he expects that to change, especially with Spurs having to play Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in a 10-day spell and City still to face the Gunners, United, Spurs and Aston Villa.

"At this moment we have to concentrate on what we can change now - to play well on the pitch and try to be as close as possible to the top four and progress in the Europa League and the other things will come," said the Spaniard.

"I think it depends on us. If we keep winning our games - there are difficult games - we will be closer and every week will be different.

"Sunday at Birmingham will be tough but if we can win our games I think they (Tottenham, City and Villa) will lose some points and I think we can be there."

The Liverpool manager has complete belief in the players which struggled earlier this season on the way to 10 Barclays Premier League defeats - eight more than in the previous campaign.

"Always you can have a bad season but you can see from the reaction of the players they are fighting and trying," he said.

"The players are focused and training well and the preparation was similar so it is just trying to get the confidence higher.

"The players knew before the Sunderland victory (that their remaining games would be crucial) but when you are trying to play well and trying to win and cannot then the confidence is a little bit low.

"But we didn't change too many things [against Sunderland]. It was because everyone was doing well and at the end that was positive because it was contagious.

"It is very important the players are playing well together and a clean sheet meant everything was positive.

"We have had some good games in the past but maybe this one, when you put together the first half and part of the second half, it was maybe one of the best performances this season."

Glen Johnson: I'm Getting Back To My Best

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes he is getting back to his best after his goal-scoring display in Sunday’s 3-0 triumph over Sunderland.

The England right-back missed two-and-a-half months of the season with a knee injury and has taken time to rediscover his form since returning to action in the defeat at Wigan earlier this month.

However, Johnson starred against the Black Cats as he scored for the first time in front of the Kop and created the Reds’ third for Fernando Torres.

“It was a fantastic feeling to score my first goal in front of the Kop,” he said, according to the Liverpool Echo.

“I cut inside and wanted to get a clean strike at goal and it was nice to see it go in with my left foot.

“I’m feeling good again. It’s not easy to come back when you’ve been out for so long but with every game my fitness is getting better.”

Victory kept Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League qualification alive and with six games to play they are four points adrift of fourth placed Tottenham, who have a game in hand.

Dirk: Fitness Key To Success

Dirk Kuyt believes a fit and firing squad can propel Liverpool to a successful conclusion to 2009-10.

Sunday's 3-0 dismantling of Sunderland was arguably one of Reds' most fluent performances of the season so far.

And Kuyt feels the return of key players from injury has been instrumental in helping Rafa Benitez's side produce the kind of attacking verve that has seen 10 goals scored in their last three Anfield matches.

"It's hard to explain why we can't play like we did against Sunderland every week, but now more or less everyone is fit," said the Holland forward.

"There are no injuries. Fernando is back, Stevie is over his injuries and that makes a lot of difference. For any top side it would be very difficult without these top players in your side.

"They are coming back and scoring very important goals and that helps the team as well."

Liverpool are currently sixth in the Barclays Premier League table, four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur having played a game more.

The Reds have just six league fixtures remaining in the race for Champions League football, and Kuyt reckons their current form gives them a good chance of securing a top four finish.

"We have to try and push to finish fourth. We are behind and we know it will be hard but what we have to do is win our own games and keep going from there," he said.

"The most important thing is last season around this time the team was playing very well, the results were good and this season everyone knows what has happened.

"Every player in this team has had bad moments and we are all trying to leave these moments behind us and keep going. We struggled a bit during the season, but we don't have time to look back on these things - we have to look forward."

Kuyt added: "These are six very important games now. Hopefully we can win those and at the end of the day it will be enough.

"I think the whole team has shown character. You cannot blame the team for not showing that. We have shown it many, many times."

For the moment, attentions will now turn to the Europa League and Thursday's quarter-final, first leg clash with Benfica in Portugal.

"All the games between now and the end of the season will be very important. We want to win something but we also want to play Champions League football next season," said Kuyt.

"Benfica are a very good team, they are top of league in Portugal. They have good forwards. Hopefully we can finish fourth and win a trophy this season."

Boss Hails Stopper

John McMahon hailed the performance of goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi after the Hungarian made a number of crucial saves during the Reserves' 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers on Monday night.

Both the goals came in the second half through substitute David Ngog and an OG from Bolton skipper Rhys Bennett, but Gulacsi made several important stops when the scoreline was still 0-0.

"Peter is fantastic to have in the team," McMahon told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"He is very reliable and he made some great saves for us. I felt for him at the end when we conceded a late goal because he prides himself on clean sheets and to be honest he deserved one.

"We had to work very hard for the three points. We kept going and showed a good attitude. We tried to do the right things but Bolton made it tough for us. Full credit to them, they were competitive and worked really hard.

"Dani Pacheco was man marked throughout the game and it was a good learning curve for him how to cope in different situations."

The Reds extended their unbeaten run to 16 games and moved to within three points of leaders Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North with the win.

"We had a better mentality and desire than we showed against Wigan so that was pleasing, but some of our play still needs to improve," added McMahon.

"We are on a really good run so full credit to the lads but we need to keep it going."

McMahon also had words of encouragement for Academy starlet Alex Cooper who made a great impact when he came off the bench to set up the opening goal for Ngog.

"Alex came on and was strong," he said. "He used the ball intelligently and full credit to him because he did really well for the goal."

Ngog Downs Trotters

Liverpool Reserves moved to within three points of leaders Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North after a 2-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers at the County Ground on Monday evening.

First-team striker David Ngog, on as a half-time substitute, netted with 18 minutes remaining to break the deadlock in a tense contest in Lancashire.

And the Reds' advantage was doubled soon after as Bolton captain Rhys Bennett deflected Gerardo Bruna's free-kick beyond his own goalkeeper.

Zoltan Harsanyi reduced the arrears in stoppage time, but John McMahon's men held out to cut the gap on pacesetters United at the top of the table - and the Reds still have two games in hand.

Liverpool kicked off in Leyland looking to extend their incredible 15-game unbeaten run and complete a hat-trick of victories over the Trotters this season, having already beaten them in the league and the Lancashire Senior Cup.

And the team selection reflected this as Nabil El Zhar was included in the starting XI alongside the likes of Dani Pacheco, Daniel Ayala and fit-again David Amoo, with a place on the bench for Ngog.

But Bolton made a lively start and had an early penalty appeal waved away after Michael O'Halloran went down under the challenge of Chris Mavinga inside the area.

The pacey winger brought a stop out of Liverpool goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi soon after, driving towards goal from a tight angle.

However, the visitors fired a warning shot on 10 minutes when a crisp move involving Pacheco, Amoo and Lauri Dalla Valle resulted in El Zhar drilling a low effort narrowly wide of the far post.

The Reds went closer still as Amoo powered a header goalwards from Pacheco's corner, with McMahon's charges beginning to assert themselves after a bright opening from the home side.

But Gulacsi was called into action once more on 21 minutes, the Hungarian having to dive at full stretch to thwart Aaron Mooy's long-range free-kick before Bennett blazed over the rebound.

Play quickly swung to the other end of the pitch, and Dalla Valle clipped over on the spin after good approach play by Amoo down the right.

As the half hour mark approached, Sam Sheridan's low cross picked out Mooy in space inside the box, but his side-footed effort from 15 yards was collected by Gulacsi to further frustrate the Bolton midfielder.

There was a real open feel to proceedings as the rain pelted down in Lancashire, though a congested midfield battle ensured neither side had much time to dictate play.

Amoo's powerful raids down the right wing appeared to be Liverpool's best chance of breaking down the Trotters' rearguard and the 18-year-old warmed the palms of Bolton stopper Adam Bogdan with a run and shot.

McMahon opted to introduce Ngog into the action at the start of the second half at the expense of El Zhar and the Frenchman looped a header well over soon after the restart.

But the Reds' attacking options suffered a blow nine minutes into the second period when Dalla Valle was forced from the field after failing to recover from a challenge. Dutchman Jordy Brouwer was his replacement.

And the visitors could have fallen behind moments later as Sheridan's stinging effort was palmed away by Gulacsi. Three Bolton attackers lurked ready to pounce on the loose ball, but Steven Irwin was thankfully on hand to avert the danger.

Just after the hour mark, Ngog collected Amoo's flick and powered a strike into the hoardings from the edge of the area with 'keeper Bogdan never worried, before Damien Plessis flashed over from distance.

Liverpool had enjoyed the lions' share of possession in the second period and they finally made the breakthrough on 72 minutes.

Substitute Alex Cooper claimed an impressive assist, with the Academy youngster's inviting low ball across the face of goal from the left leaving Ngog with the simple task of tapping over the line from point blank range.

And the Reds doubled their advantage moments later as Bennett inadvertently diverted Bruna's wicked free-kick from the right wing into his own net on 78 minutes.

The quick-fire brace left Bolton stunned, and Liverpool pressed in search of a third in the dying moments with Ngog, Amoo and Bruna all trying their luck.

Slovakian youngster Harsanyi netted a stoppage-time consolation for Bolton, but the home side were unable to muster an equaliser as the Reds stretched their unbeaten run to 16 matches with a hard-fought win.

Ian Rush: We Should Attack Teams More Often

Liverpool's legendary goal-scorer Ian Rush knows a thing or two about attacking, so was pleased to see his beloved Reds offensive mindset in the 3-0 victory against Sunderland on Sunday.

The Kop idol also believes Liverpool should take the game to their opposition more, especially when playing at Anfield.

"It was a fantastic to watch Liverpool make such light work of Sunderland. We did everything right from start to finish," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I was pleased to see us playing 20 yards further up the pitch.

"It made a difference to the way we played, helping the players close the opposition down quicker and get the ball moving well.

"That was all a consequence of deploying just one holding midfielder and bringing Steven Gerrard further back but with a license to roam.

"Previously, when we’ve been winning games, we’ve had a tendency to drop off and invite teams on to us. But on Sunday we just kept attacking.

"The 3-0 scoreline actually flattered Sunderland. It could have been much more with Daniel Agger, Gerrard and Fernando Torres all going close.

"I’d like to see us play like this more often."

Playing in such an offensive way against the strongest sides in the league is difficult, but against the weaker sides at home it is an approach that pays off, Rush reckons.

"Of course, you won’t get away with it against some of the stronger sides like Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal," he added.

"But I see no reason why we shouldn’t be playing like this against the teams we’re expected to beat, especially at Anfield where we should be taking the game to the opposition.

"It’s entertaining and we know it’s certainly effective." he concluded.