Liverpool Chief Executive Rick Parry: “We Have The Nucleus Of A Very Good Team”

Chief executive Rick Parry has voiced his feelings that the Reds are a brilliant side, and claimed that certain changes are necessary in the squad if they are to lay their hands on the Premier League title in the coming season.

The Reds, who at one point had a huge gap of 21 points with the Premiership champions Manchester United in the 2006/07 campaign, managed to reduce it to 11 points by the end of the season.

Parry claimed that with some improvements to the current squad during the summer, it will definitely put the Reds well in the race for the title when the season resumes.

Parry said: "We have to look back, learn and build for next season when the Premier League title will again be a priority target.

"We said back in February that despite the off field issues we needed to focus on a busy and important game schedule.

"The players did this and we qualified for next season's Champions League with games to spare.

"As ever, we now begin to concentrate on further improving the squad for next year. We have to be real contenders.

"The points gap has narrowed but it's still not enough.

"We have the nucleus of a very good team and now we must build on that during the summer break."

Bentley Drops Liverpool Hint

David Bentley's latest comments suggest that Blackburn boss Mark Hughes will have his work cut out for him this summer trying to convince the young shooting star of the merits of staying true to his club.

The former Arsenal prospect has been heavily tipped to move to Anfield in recent months, having become increasingly unsettled following Blackburn’s failure to qualify for Europe.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes has rebuffed all interest so far and is desperate to hang onto Bentley, whose link-up with Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz provided most of the club’s highlights this season.

However, with news that Liverpool have revived their interest in the England internaional by way of a ₤12 million bid and Bentley himself showing signs of resisting committing to a new deal, things do not look especially good for Blackburn in this regard.

"No I haven't signed it but we're not talking about that now," said Bentley when pressed on the status of contract talks at Ewood Park.

"I watched the Champions League Final and of course that's the sort of match I want to play in. Every player when they start their career wants to reach the top of their game and I haven't done that yet.

"I wouldn't say I'm impatient - but I'm hungry for success," he added.

Bentley was speaking from England's training camp, where he and the rest of Fabio Capello's squad are preparing for their double-header against the United States and Trinidad and Tobago.

"I don't look at myself as a full international," Bentley added. "I haven't played in a big tournament, haven't played in the Champions League, so I've still got it all to do at the moment.

"That's what I'm trying to do. I've still got to work hard, get better as a player and hopefully one day I'll be in the big games."

Torres Is Staying At Anfield, Insist Liverpool

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is adamant striker Fernando Torres will not be leaving Anfield.

The Spaniard made a seamless transition to the Barclays Premier League following his transfer from Atletico Madrid, scoring 33 goals in his first season in England.

His efforts earned him the runner-up spot in the Footballer of the Year award behind Cristiano Ronaldo and he has become one of the most coveted forwards in the game.

Chelsea were rumoured to be preparing a £50million bid for the player but Hicks insists the Reds would never contemplate selling Torres and told the Daily Telegraph: 'We would never consider it.'

Liverpool Boss Benitez Plays Down His Side's Title Chances

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has played down his side's chances of winning the Premier League next season, describing the title as 'an option'.

The Reds finished fourth in the season just ended, 11 points behind champions Manchester United.

Their last league title came back in 1990 but Benitez did not sound overly confident of ending that depressing streak in 2008/2009.

'It is an option, for sure,' he said.

'We know our weaknesses and our strengths. We know where we need to improve, so we'll try to build a new team looking at these things.

'It's more difficult than in Spain because the top sides spend big, big money. We will try to do our best and the key for me is to not talk about the title.

'The key is to be near the top, to be contenders. If we stay close then I think we are capable of doing it.

'It's more difficult because after two years of Chelsea winning the league and spending big money, United needed to do the same.

'They started spending big money and Arsenal were also spending big money on young players. We are trying to do the same but because they (Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal) are continuing to spend big money, it makes it more difficult to catch up.

'You also see Aston Villa, Newcastle, West Ham and Everton spending money and having strong teams. It's not easy to be in the top four and be contenders but because we have a young squad we can try again.'

Mark Lawrenson: Liverpool Must Ditch Defensive Zonal System And Get Physical

Rafael Benitez can search the globe for solutions to his defensive problems this summer all he wants. But if he wants to cut down on the number of goals his team conceded from set-pieces last season then it’s not individuals he should be concerned with – it’s tactics.

Liverpool employ a zonal system, which has generally worked just fine during Benitez’s reign.

But once teams know you are going to set up like that, they work out ways of getting an extra man off to capitalise if the ball goes loose in the area.

From Benitez’s own analysis, Liverpool conceded 10 goals more from set plays than they did in the previous campaign and that is a worrying statistic.

One which suggests that something somewhere clearly isn’t working.

And while it’s plain to see that Benitez needs to fork out for some full-backs in the transfer window, it’s not as if wholesale changes to personnel throughout his defence are required.

In fact, centre-back is the one area in which you would you say there’s definitely no need to bring in reinforcements.

Certainly not as a matter of urgency anyway.

Martin Skrtel came in in January and did alright, Daniel Agger will be coming back next year, while Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia provide the experience to mix with the youth.

It looks like a strong unit, yet this is the area most responsible for avoiding the sort of goals Liverpool let in so frequently last season.

The players are more than capable of sorting that out themselves but Benitez might have to consider a change of tactics to make it happen.

And bringing in man-marking would be the ideal way to do that in my view. When the opposition has a free-kick, you’re responsible for one man and you need to stop him getting away.

I believe that’s still the most effective method of defending in the modern era, perhaps even more so considering what defenders can get away with in their own penalty area these days – you’re allowed to virtually grab hold of people.

Being more ruthless and bloody-minded in this way could be key to preventing those set-pieces resulting in goals and be worth an extra 10 or 12 points throughout the campaign.

There’s nothing wrong with the zonal system in open play, where you can pass players on to each other when the opposition has got the ball.

Having someone like Javier Mascherano and another player in a deeper midfield role in front of the defence works very well. It’s why so few teams get beyond Liverpool in open play, particularly down the middle.

But the central defenders are more than good enough and disciplined enough to pinpoint their man at a dead-ball situation and deal with it.

That didn’t happen enough last season but that’s no reason for Benitez to use any of his transfer budget on a new set of centre-backs.

The ones he has are fine – they just need to get a bit more physical.

Liverpool In Shock Defender Move

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is set for a shock move for Bristol City defender Liam Fontaine, according to reports.

The 22-year-old defender has had a superb season with the Robins during their promotion chasing season.

And the Daily Mirror claims that Fontaine, who can play centre-back or left-back, could be ready for a £1m move to Anfield.

Meanwhile, Benitez has played down his side's chances of winning the Premier League next season, describing the title as "an option''.

The Reds finished fourth in the season just ended, 11 points behind champions Manchester United.

Their last league title came back in 1990 but Benitez did not sound overly confident of ending that depressing streak in 2008/2009.

"It is an option, for sure,'' he told the club's website, www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"We know our weaknesses and our strengths. We know where we need to improve, so we'll try to build a new team looking at these things.

"It's more difficult than in Spain because the top sides spend big, big money. We will try to do our best and the key for me is to not talk about the title.

"The key is to be near the top, to be contenders. If we stay close then I think we are capable of doing it.

"It's more difficult because after two years of Chelsea winning the league and spending big money, United needed to do the same.

"They started spending big money and Arsenal were also spending big money on young players. We are trying to do the same but because they (Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal) are continuing to spend big money, it makes it more difficult to catch up.

"You also see Aston Villa, Newcastle, West Ham and Everton spending money and having strong teams. It's not easy to be in the top four and be contenders but because we have a young squad we can try again.''

Liverpool City Council Plans Joint Stadium For Liverpool And Everton

Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley last night revealed he is still working on a plan for a joint stadium for Liverpool and Everton football clubs in the city.

The Lib-Dem leader’s revelation came after opposition Labour leader Joe Anderson urged the ruling group to make a last-ditch effort to stop Everton going to Kirkby by enabling the redevelopment of Goodison Park.

Last night, Cllr Bradley told the Daily Post: “I’d back the redevelopment of Goodison first and foremost as an Everton season ticket holder, but you can’t unless Everton make a commitment.

“If they want to come to the table, we’re always ready and willing.

“I’ve also been working behind the scenes on a joint Liverpool and Everton stadium. I’ve talked to the sports minister and to the NWDA and I’ve spoken to Bill Kenwright.

“We’re also opposing the Kirkby bid on planning grounds.”

Liverpool FC has planning permission for a new 61,000 stadium in Stanley Park but no work has started yet.

Fans have strongly opposed any joint stadium proposals.

Knowsley Council had hoped changes to the planned £400m joint Tesco/Everton development in Kirkby – including reducing the retail element by around 25% – would stop Liverpool Council object- ing to the project, but it seems that has been unsuccessful.

The more objections filed, the more likely it is that a time- consuming and possibly fatal “call-in” for government scrutiny will materialise.

Joe Anderson made his call for Liverpool to fight harder to keep Everton in the city as Knowsley planners prepare to assess the club’s Kirkby plans.

A report circulated to planning members suggests that the application could be seen in the early part of June.

The planning agenda for May 29 outlines a proposed change in procedure as a one-off mea- sure to accommodate the vast levels of interest in the plans.

The agenda sets out that any- one wishing to speak in the planning debate must give a response by June 5: “The plan- ning committee will meet shortly after that deadline to examine the proposals.”

But Cllr Anderson believes extending the footprint of Goodison Park is a viable alternative to relocation to Knowsley.

He said: “Liverpool Council owns some of the land surrounding Goodison Park and so we should be trying to negotiate with Everton about what can be done there.

“It’s a crazy situation. The city council is sitting back and letting a multi-million pound business move away from the city and not doing anything about it.

“Historically, this club has always been in the heart of Liverpool and my true belief is that this council should be negotiating with Everton Football Club to achieve a status to keep the club in the city.

“Everton needs a Plan B and we should be talking to them about that now.”

But Everton FC spokesman Ian Ross last night said the city had not come up with a viable alternative.

“We’ve always been open to approaches and negotiations with Liverpool City Council.: “Unfortu- nately (the city) have been un- able to put anything to us that in any way matches the current proposed Kirkby project.” “A wide variety of people have suggested the city council should come forward with a plan for us to look at but the simple truth is that they haven’t.

The Destination Kirkby plans have pro- ven so unpopular that 1,186 people have signed a Downing Street petition demanding the club’s planning application be called in by the Government.

The A total of 1,186 people have backed the submission attacks the proposals for breaking with Knowsley’s Unitary Development Plan.

However anti-stadium campaigners narrowly failed to win any seat at the recent local elections.

Rafa: We Need A Winning Mentality

In his end of season review with the club’s website, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez reiterated his desire to forge a winning mentality in his team. He also also noted the necessity to spend big in order to keep pace with the rest of the "big four."

For the first time under the reign of Rafa Benitez, Liverpool did not contest a cup final. After succumbing to Barnsley in the FA Cup quarter final and to Chelsea in the Champions League semi final, the Merseysiders were consigned to a season without an end-of-season decider. Rafa Benitez is intent on bringing the right mentality to the club; firstly, with the players already in his squad and secondly, on the players he attracts in the summer.

He said: “It's always the same: during the season you must do your job with the players you have and afterwards, in the summer, you need to do your job with the staff. It's really important to sign the right players with the right mentality. – a winning mentality. You want players who are desperate to come here and win trophies.”

Among Liverpool’s weaknesses this season was a tendency to concede from set-pieces, something which frustrates Benitez. He anticipates improvements in this department over the summer as he adjusts the club in preparation for an assault on the Premier League title.

He continued: “We have analysed a lot of things this year. For example, we have conceded a lot of goals from set pieces. We need to understand why because the season before we conceded six, now it's 16, yet we're doing more or less the same things. We can improve in this area.

We also need to keep the team scoring in open play while at the same time improving a little bit in defence. We have been really good in defence for three of four years, but I think we need to improve a little bit if we want to be at the top of the table.”

Benitez lamented the purchasing power of his domestic rivals, more so in the wake of Chelsea’s £16 million capture of Porto’s José Bosingwa. By failing to match the other members of the Premier League’s “big four” in the transfer market, Liverpool run the risk of being left behind.

“It's more difficult because after two years of Chelsea winning the league and spending big money,” said Benitez, “United needed to do the same. They started spending big money, and Arsenal were also spending big money on young players. We are trying to do the same but because they (Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal) are continuing to spend big money, it makes it more difficult to catch up.”

The Premier League, in the opinion of the Spaniard, is the most difficult in which to compete. “Clearly it's more difficult than in Spain because the top sides spend big, big money. We will try to do our best and the key for me is to not talk about the title. They key is to be near the top, to be contenders. If we stay close then I think we are capable of doing it.”

Although the Reds finished fourth, 11 points behind Champions Manchester United, Benitez is confident that his squad can close the gap and compete for the title: “It (the Premier League title) is an option, for sure. We know our weaknesses and our strengths. We know where we need to improve, so we'll try to build a new team looking at these things.”

Despite last season’s travails, Benitez is optimistic that his side’s setbacks will stand them in good stead for next season, with the character of his team forged in the pitfalls of defeat. He said: “You can always learn when you win, but you always learn more when you lose. In a difficult year you can see the character of the players. You can also see the character of all the staff and people around. You can see if they have the winning mentality that we want.”

“We have the spine for next season and now we need to add players in certain positions.’

Parry: Prem Is Priority

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has insisted the Premier League title is the club’s number one priority next season, in an attempt to placate disillusioned fans.

The Reds again failed to put up any real competition for domestic honours this term, finishing in fourth place, some 11 points behind champions Manchester United.

It is now 18 seasons since the Merseyside giants have won the league title, and their record of 18 English championships is now under threat from their greatest rivals, as United’s win brought their tally to 17.

And with the Red Devils also clinching their third European Cup, Liverpool’s historical superiority over their North West enemies is in danger of being completely nullified within a matter of years.

Such a situation has seen Reds supporters become severely disgruntled with the running of the club, who must now hastily undo more than a decade of timid or misguided spending if they wish to maintain their status as England’s greatest.

Manager Rafa Benitez has already declared his intention to move swiftly and significantly in the transfer market, having wrapped up the signing of Swiss full-back Philipp Degen and nearly completed the acquisition of Udinese defender Andrea Dossena.

And Parry, whose job is under threat following a falling out with club co-owner Tom Hicks, insists everyone at Anfield is keen to make a genuine challenge for the Premier League title next season.

"We have to look back, learn and build for next season when the Premier League title will again be a priority target," he said.

"We said back in February that despite the off field issues we needed to focus on a busy and important game schedule. The players did this and we qualified for next season's Champions League with games to spare.

"As ever, we now begin to concentrate on further improving the squad for next year. We have to be real contenders. The points gap has narrowed, but it's still not enough.

"We have the nucleus of a very good team and now we must build on that during the summer break."

Reds Renew Bentley Bid

Liverpool have revived their interest in Blackburn winger David Bentley by way of a ₤12 million bid, according to reports.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has been keeping a close eye on the 23-year-old over the past couple of seasons, as he seeks to increase his wide options over the summer.

The former Arsenal man has been heavily tipped to move to Anfield in recent months, having become increasingly unsettled following Blackburn’s failure to qualify for Europe.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes has rebuffed all interest so far and is desperate to hang onto Bentley, whose link-up with Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz provided most of the club’s highlights this season.

But Benitez has swooped with a ₤12 million offer in an attempt to prise the England international away from Ewood Park, although Rovers reportedly will not consider anything under ₤15 million.

Bentley could replace fellow ex-Gunner Jermaine Pennant, who may leave Merseyside after just two seasons.

The former Birmingham City winger was offered to Aston Villa as part of Liverpool’s bid for Gareth Barry, while Newcastle have shown interest in the 25-year-old.

Rafael Benitez: League Is Not Vital For Liverpool

The dust may have only just settled on the Premier League season, but Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is already busy playing down his side's chances of winning it next year and fighting off speculation over the future of his best player.

Benitez feels the League is harder to win now than when he joined Liverpool in 2004, and knows that his task will be much harder if reports last night that linked Fernando Torres with a move to Chelsea turn out to be than speculation. Chelsea were last night reported to have made Torres their main transfer target and are prepared to offer up to £50 million.

"There is a desire among certain people at Liverpool to sell at a right price," said a Chelsea insider. "It is just a case of whether they have the nerve to incur the wrath of the Liverpool fans."

The relationship between American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett has left Benitez convinced the club is unable to match the spending power of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the transfer market.

"It's more difficult because after two years of Chelsea winning the league and spending big money, United needed to do the same," Benitez said. "They started spending big money and Arsenal were also spending big money. We will try to do our best and the key for me is to not talk about the title."

Benitez has warned that teams below Liverpool are spending big money in a bid to qualify for the Champions League. "You see Aston Villa, Newcastle, West Ham and Everton spending money and having strong teams. It's not easy to be in the top four and be contenders, but because we have a young squad we can try again."

Dossena Deal Proving Complicated For Reds

Liverpool's hopes of a straightforward deal for Udinsese defender Andrea Dossena appear to have been scuppered.

The Reds were expected to seal an €8 million deal for the Italian full back Dossena, but the latest word is that the 26-year-old is leaning towards staying Italy, with Fiorentina and Juventus now firmly in the frame.

Udinese sport director Pietro Leonardi admitted that talks with Liverpool are already well underway, but seemed to suggest that a conclusion is still some way off.

"We have not reached an agreement yet with the English club," said Leonardi.

"We are negotiating, but we will continue talking again next week.

Dossena enjoyed an excellent season for the Zebrette, playing 34 games, scoring two goals, and helping the club qualify for the UEFA Cup.

Riise Headed for Spain?

Liverpool full back John Arne Riise could be on his way to Spain following news that Atletico Madrid and Villareal have both joined the chase to sign the Norwegian. Schalke and Newcastle are also circling.

Riise, 27, who signed for Liverpool from Monaco in 2001, has become surplus to requirements at Anfield and is widely expected to leave the club this summer.

The Norwegian, who is one of the longest serving players at Anfield, has had a mixed season this year. The arrival of Fabio Aurelio has increased the competition for places in the side and Riise has not only lost his place in the starting line up but has also been forced to play out of position in midfield at times this season.

Riise, who made a name for himself as a defender with a ferocious shot has also seen his goals dry up this season.

Indeed the goal he will be most remembered for will be the last minute own goal he conceded against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final which turned the tie in Chelsea’s favour.

With manager Rafael Benitez keen to raise funds in order to embark on a summer spending spree it is thought that Riise is one of the players the Liverpool manager is more than willing to sell in order to free up some funds.

This is something that the player himself has acknowledged recently as he has reportedly told the press he is aware he may have to leave Liverpool in order to find regular first team football.

Riise has reportedly already rejected a move to Newcastle and there have also been rumours that Juventus are interested in signing the Norwegian, although this seems unlikely.

Far more credible are recent reports that the German side Schalke 04 are interested in the defender as well as Atletico Madrid and Villareal.

Whilst it is unclear where he will end up what does seem apparent is that his days at Anfield are all but over.

Rafa Seeks The Perfect Blend

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is keen to identify the correct players to complement the foundations of his side.

The Reds finished a second successive season empty-handed as they flirted with mounting a challenge for the title in the Premier League and departed the UEFA Champions League at the semi-final stage.

Benitez has already outlined his plans to spend this summer, and he has now stressed the importance of signing individuals who will add balance to his current squad.

"We have the spine for next season and now we need to add players in certain positions," he told the club's official website.

"It's really important to sign the right players with the right mentality - a winning mentality. You want players who are desperate to come here and win trophies."

Benitez is already looking to the next campaign, but admits he has learnt a great deal about his players after the disappointment of the 2007/08 season.

The Spaniard added: "You can always learn when you win, but you always learn more when you lose. In a difficult year you can see the character of the players.

"You can also see the character of all the staff and people around. You can see if they have the winning mentality that we want."

Gerrard Demands Summer Signings

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has reiterated the need for heavy summer spending in order to end an 18-year wait for the league title.

The Reds had been strongly tipped to secure 2007/08 Premier League glory, but Rafa Benitez's side ended the campaign in fourth position and 11 points adrift of champions Manchester United.

Swiss defender Philipp Degen is already set to make a free transfer move to Anfield on 1st July from Borussia Dortmund and Gerrard is keen to see more new faces over the coming months to end almost two decades of waiting for a league title.

Gerrard has previously called on Liverpool's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks to splash the cash in order to keep pace with the league's top three and Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry is a £12million target, but the midfielder has now reiterated his demand.

"We say it every season, but it's massive," Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo. "Other teams are going to strengthen and become better sides so it's important we do the same.

"A lot of sides spend every summer, teams and squads become stronger and it's important we don't fall away.

"We want to stay up there with the best and for us to challenge and win the league and to keep doing well in Europe we need to buy players, there's no doubt about it."

Gerrard, though, admits he is in the dark over Benitez's close-season targets.

"I know as much as the other players and you guys outside about Rafa's plans," Gerrard added.

"He doesn't call me in and tell me names, but obviously he assures me and the rest of the boys that if any players become available that will strengthen the team he will go and buy them, but it's important that Rafa gets the right backing.

"It (a title tilt) is getting down to the small details again so if we can make the team that little bit stronger, have a few more options and a few more match-winners and be a tiny bit better defensively as a team then we can do it."

Rafa Proud Of Reds' Spanish Quartet

Rafael Benitez has hailed the Liverpool contingent in the Spain squad ahead of the impending Euros.

There will be few prouder than Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez during Euro 2008 when he watches four of his players swap the Red of Liverpool for La Roja of Spain.

Alvaro Arbeloa, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina are all in the 23-man squad as Benitez's native Spain prepare for the Austria and Switzerland showpiece.

La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have fewer players involved and Benitez hailed his fab four, saying: "I will be supporting Spain, of course, because we have some very good players, including four from this club.

"As a manager of an English club, to see your players in any national team is really important. To see so many of our players in the Spain squad - I think we must be really proud because it is a special situation and one which is really good for us.

"It means that we are bringing in players with quality who are good enough to play international football, so that is very positive.

"The four Liverpool players who have been selected have shown the quality that they have.

"We know that Iker Casillas is a very good goalkeeper but for me Pepe Reina is as good as him.

"Arbeloa will have his chance because he can play in more than one position and he has more experience now, and Xabi, as we know, is a top-class player who can be at the same level of the other midfielders.

"Finally, we have seen how good Torres can be during the last season.

"Spain has a lot of quality. Everyone talks about the fact that they have not won a major tournament but statistics like this are there to be broken – maybe this will be their time."

Benitez hopes Liverpudlians will support Spain, because the Anfield club's success in Europe has gained them a fanbase in his homeland.

He continued: "In the first year we won the Champions League and many people in Spain were supporting us in the final and the other games.

"I think there are a lot of people in Spain who support us. Everyone has a first club – Barcelona, Real Madrid, Valencia, Villarreal, whoever – and their second club now is normally Liverpool."

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague added: "The interest in Liverpool has grown steadily in Spain since Benitez first arrived at Anfield.

"The fact that the manager of Liverpool Football Club was a Spaniard got everyone's attention and then the Spanish players came – the likes of Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso, Josemi and Antonio Nunez. That made the interest levels grow some more.

"But this season that interest has gone to a new level and it is all because of one man – Fernando Torres."

Benitez To Keep On Spending

Rafa Benitez admits Liverpool must keep on spending if they are to mount a realistic title tilt next season.

Although Liverpool finished nearer to champions Manchester United this season than the previous campaign, Benitez will be well aware his side never looked likely to challenge for top spot.

Benitez and his captain Steven Gerrard have both called for a busy summer of spending at Anfield and in highlighting Chelsea's £16.2million capture of Porto right-back Jose Bosingwa, the Reds boss accepts the chequebook needs to come out.

"Every year you must improve a lot because the other teams are doing the same," he told the club's official website.

"I think Chelsea have just spent £16million on a right-back, even though they got to the (Champions League) final.

"This year we have improved a lot. We signed two or three really good players, and also players who've been good for the club."

Liverpool's season has been played out against an unsettling backdrop of boardroom wranglings and rumours of Benitez being axed.

The Spaniard concedes it has been a difficult campaign on Merseyside but he remains confident the club has made strides to narrow the gap on their Premier League rivals.

"Yes, it's clearly been difficult, special and different, but at the end of the day we tried to manage.

"It's not a perfect season because you need to win trophies but it's not bad because we finished in the top four in the Premier League and Europe.

"Not the best, but not as bad as it could be."

Liverpool Face Dossena Fight

Fiorentina could rival Liverpool for the signing of Andrea Dossena after Udinese confirmed a deal has not yet been agreed for the left-back.

Liverpool are in talks to sign the 26-year-old, with reports suggesting Udinese want £8million for Dossena.

The Serie A side have acknowledged discussions have taken place and are set to meet with the Reds again next week.

"We have not got an agreement yet with the English side," Udinese's sporting director Pietro Leonardi told the Italian media.

"We are negotiating, but we will talk again next week.

"For the moment, nothing is done."

However, Dossena's agent Federico Pastorello says the player has yet to decide his future, with Fiorentina also rumoured to be interested.

Dossena played under Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli at Verona earlier in his career and Pastorello hinted at interest from the Viola.

Pastorello told the Italian media: "The future of the player is still very uncertain. He will decide everything in the coming weeks.

"Prandelli knows Dossena very well, he is aware of his strengths and weaknesses."

Kewell Heading For New York?

Liverpool winger Harry Kewell has revealed his desire to finish his career in the United States, with New York his preferred destination.

Kewell, 29, has had an injury-ravaged career and is almost certain to depart Anfield this summer, having failed to convince manager Rafael Benitez that he has a future on Merseyside.

Speaking to the press in Australia where he is on international duty, he said: “Playing there [in the USA] is certainly something I’d consider. Not now, but further down the line ... you never know. I do love the place.”

Kewell who was married in Las Vegas and frequent holidays in America made it plain that he would be more than happy to finish his career in the MLS. He said simply: “I love it, I love the place.”

The Australian captain, who joined Liverpool from Leeds United in 2003, has made only eight league starts this season as injury, poor form and a host of new arrivals at Anfield have curtailed his first team chances.

Despite this, there is likely to be much interest in a player whose huge potential has undoubtedly never been truly fulfilled.

Portsmouth and Fulham have both been rumoured to be interested in the winger, although his wage demands may prove a stumbling block to any potential transfer.

Benitez To Spend £70 Million - Report

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is hoping to spend £70 million this summer as he rebuilds his squad and attempts to bring the Premier League title to Anfield for the first time.

Liverpool’s American owners are expected to hand Benitez £20 million to enhance his squad but Benitez is hoping he can also raise £50 million from player sales to ensure a massive summer spending spree.

According to the News of the World Benitez is hoping to be able to raise £50 million from the sales of players such as Xabi Alonso, Peter Crouch, Scott Carson, John Arne Riise, Jermaine Pennant, Steve Finnan and Andriy Voronin.

He will then use the money to help strengthen his squad and is reported to have his eye on Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry as well as Andrew Dossena from Udinese. Liverpool have also this week confirmed the transfer of defender Philipp Degen, albeit on a free transfer.

Despite the ongoing behind the scenes ownership battles at Anfield it seems likely that Benitez will be handed more time and money at Liverpool to challenge for the title.

Despite spending heavily last season on players such as Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano and Ryan Babel, Liverpool finished the season without a trophy and some eleven points behind champions Manchester United.

Captain Steven Gerrard has already called for more investment in the squad if his side are to close the gap on Manchester United and Chelsea and it seems as if his words are going to be heeded and another busy summer in the transfer market awaits for Liverpool.