Dirk Kuyt Is Crucial To Liverpool's Campaign

Dutchman Dirk Kuyt might not be your typical Anfield superstar but his presence in the Reds starting line-up may be one of the reasons Liverpool are flying high.

The son of a fisherman is proving to be a great catch for Rafa Benitez who snapped up the striker ahead of Premier League rivals two years ago.

And Liverpool certainly have more fun when the Blond Bombshell is on the pitch.

Hopes were high when the Liverpool striker was brought in from Feyenoord for around £9m in the summer of 2006.

Spaniard Fernando Morientes had been a flop, Peter Crouch was never in favour.

Kuyt bagged 12 Premier League goals in his first season and in doing so became the first player to hit double figures in the top flight under Benitez.

He's already passed his miserly return of three Premier League goals last year by scoring against Man City, Wigan twice and Spurs this season.

But those aren't the only stats that show what an impression Kuyt has made at Anfield - and that's why Rafa now wants to offer him a new contract.

When Kuyt plays, Liverpool are three times as likely to win, about half as likely to concede and on average pick up double the amount of points compared to when he's not there.

Rafa knows that and that's why the Liverpool boss continues to keep the Dutchman in his side, even if it's in the wide right role and not as a conventional front man.

Fernando Torres may have pushed Kuyt out of his natural position but the arrival of another Spaniard, Albert Riera, on the opposite wing, may have given him the space and balance that he and Liverpool need.

Liverpool have an abundance of wide men - Jermaine Pennant, Yossi Benayoun, Ryan Babel and now Kuyt - but out of all of them it's only Kuyt who has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season.

His bustling, energetic style makes him a fans' favourite - they always know he's trying.

That's why Rafa wanted him, and that's why it's better for Liverpool when Rafa plays him.

Atletico Madrid President Calls Steven Gerrard A Diver

Stevie Gerrard is a good enough actor to make it in Hollywood, claims Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo.

The Liverpool skipper enraged the Spaniards by falling dramatically to win a late penalty in their Champions League draw on Tuesday.

And Cerezo, who is also an agent for film actors, said he would happily sign up the England midfielder as a client - especially for a remake of The Fall Guy.

"I would sign Gerrard to do a movie because he is a good actor," said Cerezo.

"It's a shame that we didn't qualify for the Champions League's last 16 as we lost the point we needed because of this penalty.

"We can be upset but that doesn't change anything."

Torres: I'd Return To Atletico

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has not ruled out the possibility of returning to former club Atletico Madrid and complete some unfinished business, but he insists it will not happen any time soon.

Torres earned legendary status at Atletico before moving to Liverpool in 2007.

The 24-year-old Spain international said it was the right time to leave, but he would love to wear the red and white of Atletico again.

"I hope to experience many things still, but for me it is an exceptional club," said Torres.

"I don't know if I will retire there, but I would like to go back and finish some things that are left to do.

"When I was there I couldn't do any more, but I would like to go back."

He added: "Right now I have no plans to leave England. Not to Spain, not to Italy, not to another English club."

Torres has taken the Premier League by storm since leaving his homeland, scoring 33 goals in all competitions during his first season at Anfield.

That has put him in the running to win the Ballon d'Or as the European player of the year, although he does not believe he has much chance of taking that award.

"No. There is a clear favourite. I think there have been very few years when there has been someone who has done so much to deserve the award as Cristiano Ronaldo did last season," Torres added.

U-18s Crash To City Defeat

It was a bad day at the office for Liverpool Under-18s who crashed to a 4-1 defeat at Academy League leaders Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.

Hughie McAuley's second placed side went into the game without last weekend's hat-trick hero Nathan Eccleston who was nursing an injury, and fellow striker James Ellison was also ruled out with a knock.

Joe Kennedy scored a brilliant consolation goal for the Reds but McAuley's team were second best on the day.

"It wasn't a good game for us but we are honest enough to admit they were better than us," McAuley told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"For the first 20 minutes we were the better team. Alex Kacaniklic had a great chance but we couldn't score.

"Overall they were sharper than us. They passed the ball better and took their chances. They deserved to win and they had a better cutting edge in attack than we did.

"Joe scored a late goal three minutes from time with a rasper of a shot from 30-yards out. It was just a pity the goal didn't come earlier in the game.

"City are a good team but we have done well this season. We will bounce back and we will now look forward to the derby with Everton next Saturday."

Liverpool Under-18s team: Martin Hansen, Michael Scott, Christopher Buchtmann (Shane O'Connor 70), Conor Coady, Joe Kennedy, Andre Wisdom, David Amoo, Adam Pepper (Michael Roberts 65), Lauri Dalla Valle, Marvin Pourie, Alex Kacakniklic (Thomas Ince 50). Subs not used: Alex Cooper, Hakan Duyan.

Match Preview: LiverpooL vs. West Brom

West Brom travel to Liverpool on Saturday evening hoping to apply a fitting conclusion to their hosts' shaky week.

Last weekend Rafa Benitez's Reds suffered their first defeat of the season as they were stunned by a White Hart Lane late-show to surrender top spot in the Premier League.

And after dominating in North London only to suffer defeat, Benitez's side almost suffered the same fate in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday as Atletico Madrid very nearly completed a classic smash and grab on Merseyside.

The home side will, therefore, be eager for a polished performance upon their return to domestic action as they bid to revitalise their title credentials, but West Brom and manager Tony Mowbray will have other ideas.

Mowbray will have studied the blueprint of last season's Championship rivals Stoke, who travelled to Anfield in September, frustrated Benitez's men, and made off with a deserved stalemate and point.

The Baggies will also be well aware that they need to address a dip in form which has seen the Hawthorns outfit slip into the relegation zone following four games without a victory.

West Brom's cause will not be helped by the probable return of Liverpool star Fernando Torres, with the Spanish striker likely to make his comeback after a hamstring injury to add a neccesary cutting edge.

Xabi Alonso would be expected to make way, but the midfielder's excellent run of current form suggests Robbie Keane's place in attack could be under threat as the Republic of Ireland international still seeks his first Premier League goal in red.

Centre-half Daniel Agger appeared to dislocate a finger against Atletico but should be fit, while Andrea Dossena could return for Fabio Aurelio as the pair continue to be handed equal opportunities at left-back.

West Brom midfielder Filipe Teixeira has returned to training after knee and calf problems and could be named in Mowbray's squad, while James Morrison is in contention for a starting place despite limping off against Blackburn last weekend.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson will make his return to Anfield after joining the Baggies in July.

However, Leon Barnett (knee) is expected to remain on the sidelines for another two weeks and defensive colleague Abdoulaye Meite (calf) remains on the long-term injury list.


Possible Teams:

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena, Kuyt, Gerrard, Mascherano, Reira, Keane, Torres.

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Donk, Olsson, Robinson, Greening, Koren, Valero, Morrison, Miller, Bednar.

Torres Set For Baggies Return

Rafa Benitez is hopeful Fernando Torres will be able to make his first appearance in more than a month when West Brom visit Anfield.

The Spanish striker has not played for the Reds since the 3-2 win over Manchester City at Eastlands on October 5 after picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty.

In the six games Torres has missed Liverpool have scored eight times, but have only scored more than once on one occasion when Wigan were edged out in a five-goal thriller.

Benitez is optimistic Torres will prove the time has come for him to be unleashed on Premier League defences again by proving his fitness ahead of the visit of West Brom.

"Fernando has more confidence now and he has been training normally with the rest of the squad," said Benitez.

"He looks okay and we will decide whether or not he is ready to play against West Brom after our final training session before the game.

"But we are hopeful because he is much better now than he was earlier in the week."

Meanwhile, fellow injury victim Martin Sktrel has ditched his crutches as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee ligament tear.

The 23-year-old centre-back is happy with the way his recovery programme is progressing but is not yet ready to set a date for his return to action.

Skrtel suffered the injury after falling awkwardly at City.

He said: "I can already walk without crutches but for the next two weeks I have to wear a special orthosis (knee brace).

"The doctor explained some new exercises to me and we have not discussed the date of return yet. Anyway, I cannot nor do I want to rush anything. “

West Brom Goalkeeper Scott Carson Is Bracing Himself For A Testing Return To Liverpool Today

Carson, who moved to the Hawthorns in a £3.25m deal this summer after three frustrating years at Anfield, knows just what to expect from his old team and that his task will be even tougher if Fernando Torres is fit to play.

“Torres is a world-class striker and as a player you want to operate against the best,” said Carson.

“I would like to see him play and hopefully I can play well and prevent him from scoring.

“Tony Mowbray has been working on the shape of our team and hopefully we can click and be stronger at the back after conceding a few goals in our recent games.

“Hopefully I can go there and have a good game. If Torres plays it just means that I have to be even more on my toes.

“If we can go to Anfield and frustrate them for as long as we can who knows what the result will be.

“It would be great to get a point and give us a lot of confidence for the following game against Chelsea.

“I don’t know what kind of reception I will get from the Liverpool fans.

“I have no hard feelings about Liverpool. I never really had a chance to prove what I could do at Anfield, but it was a great learning curve for me.”

Albion’s aim for the season is survival, but Liverpool have far loftier ambitions and Carson expects them to sustain their challenge for the league title.

He said: “Liverpool are now playing really well. Going to Chelsea and winning proves they will be one of the title challengers. The likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are desperate to have a crack at the title.”

Mascherano Wants Agüero In Premier League

Liverpool's midfield battler Javier Mascherano wants fellow Argentine international Sergio Agüero in the English Premier League.

Agüero appears to be happy with Atlético Madrid, who have promptly slapped a £35 million price-tag on his head after learning of newly-rich Manchester City's interest in their star man.

Kun is highly rated by Atleti, who're currently trying to ease him back to full fitness whilst they gun for the last 16 of the Champions League.

However, Liverpool's recent continental double-header with the Primera Division side has reminded Reds star Mascherano of his highly-rated international team-mate. Now, he's urged the 20-year-old to head for the Premier League.

"I think playing for a big club in England would help him and he is certainly good enough to do it," said Mascherano, who initially moved to West Ham United in a controversial move.

"Lionel Messi is maybe one step ahead of him at the moment but he is still a fantastic player.

"He is strong and a good finisher and he has a very good technique."

The Citizen's are the only ones who've registered a strong interest in Kun, but the English giants will know all about his qualities. Still, it remains to be seen whether City, Liverpool or any other club would be willing to do business for anywhere near £35 million.

Kuyt's King Of The Kop, Says Dalglish

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has expressed his delight with Dirk Kuyt's form, insisting that the Dutchman is finally reaping the rewards for all his hard work.

Kuyt's constant inclusion in the Liverpool line-up became something of a running joke last season, as the Oranje forward's shots were more likely to end up in the Mersey than the back of the net.

The 27-year-old amassed a grand total of three goals in 32 Premier League appearances, and Reds fans were at a loss as to why Rafael Benitez chose him regularly ahead of Peter Crouch.

But since the back end of last term, Kuyt has enjoyed a remarkable revival. Since being shifted to the right flank to accommodate the Fernando Torres-Steven Gerrard partnership, he has gradually rediscovered not only his form but also his goalscoring touch.

Crucial strikes against Inter Milan, Arsenal and Chelsea helped Liverpool to within a whisker of reaching their third Champions League final in four years. And, though this season is barely a quarter gone, Kuyt has already bettered last term's league tally.

With Torres injured, the former Feyenoord man has rotated with Robbie Keane in the centre-forward role and has proved a valuable contributor with his strength and non-stop energy.

And Dalglish, the Glaswegian ex-forward widely regarded as Liverpool's greatest ever player, is thrilled to see Kuyt shining at Anfield.

"Dirk has had a really good season so far and it's always pleasing when someone who works so hard gets a reward," he told the club's official website.

"He is a very genuine boy who will always give everything he has and the fans definitely recognise and appreciate the effort he puts in.

"He deserves all the success he gets because he works his socks off for this team."

Keirrison Ready For Europe

Europe's big boys have been put on red alert after Brazilian prodigy Keirrison, and his club, revealed that he is ready to leave his homeland.

"My dream is to play and to triumph in Europe," Keirrison said on the Setanta Sports website. "I am working to achieve this goal every day."

The 19-year-old, who has been touted as one of the most promising young strikers in South America, came to prominence last year when he helped Coritiba win the Serie B title and earn promotion to Brazil's top flight.

'K9', as he is colloquially known, has scored over 50 goals in 100 games since being elevated to the senior squad at the Estadio Couto Pereira, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed across the Atlantic.

Barcelona and Liverpool have both been strongly linked with Keirrison, with Rafael Benitez reported to be particularly keen on the Dourados-born forward.

The Coritiba president, Jair Cirino dos Santos, admitted that there have been several enquiries into the Keirrison's availability and declared that the youngster's days in the Brasileiro are nearing an end.

"There is certainly interest from Europe, but the issue is not yet resolved," Dos Santos said. "Keirrison will not play in Brazil next season and that is for certain."

Most of Keirrison's contract is owned by Mais Sports, a third-party firm similar to the one who brought Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez to West Ham United in 2006.

A spokesperson for the company said: "K9 will be in Europe for the next season, but we need to study the offers to decide what is best," he said.

"The kid is prepared for the jump to Spain, England or Italy. It will not be a problem because he will be Brazil's number nine in two or three years."

Benitez Planning Long-Term Future

Rafael Benitez has made it clear he is anxious for an early resolution to contract negotiations he hopes will secure his long-term future as Liverpool manager.

The Spaniard's next challenge comes against West Brom at Anfield on Saturday - when Fernando Torres will be restored to the Reds front line - but there are matters to be addressed off the pitch too, as Benitez plots Liverpool's bid for the Barclays Premier League title.

Torres' return is timely, after Liverpool lost their unbeaten league record to Tottenham last weekend. But sorting out Benitez's own future will also go a long way to boosting confidence.

"I want the contract done quickly, because the team is playing well," said Benitez.

"I do not want to be talking about this for weeks and months.

"The team is very strong - you can see the progress. There is a new stadium soon, and I want to be part of the future of Liverpool.

"The length of the contract is important to me. We have been improving the squad for five years - so clearly we know that in the future we can be contenders and we can win more trophies."

When a potential five-year contract was suggested, Benitez said: "That would be very good.

"We will have to see, but I would like to be here for a very long time.

"We must do it quickly. Next week there will be meetings, and I hope it can be sorted soon - certainly not too long.

"I do not want to keep talking about my contract. It is not good for the team and it is not good for the club. We are in a good position that could be good for the future.

"I would like to see it signed before the end of the month. The owners have to talk to my agent about the conditions of the deal, but clearly the length of the contract is crucial.

"Stability is the key to winning trophies and being contenders for the title."

Benitez also wants stability in his strike force, aided by Torres' return and a likely pairing again with Robbie Keane - who is still struggling for goals.

Benitez said: "When Torres was playing alongside Robbie before the injury, it was beginning to work well. I would like to see that partnership again.

"Robbie has been working so hard, and maybe the goals have not been coming.

"I talked to him yesterday; I said we were happy with him, and we know he is having to do things that are difficult for him. But it will be easier for him to play alongside Torres.

"If we have Torres fit, we will score a lot of goals - like last season.

"I have a lot of confidence in our strikers - Dirk Kuyt and Keane have been working so hard while Torres has been injured. But I will now have them all back at a very critical time for us."

Rafa - Maradona Talks Positive

Liverpool held constructive talks with Diego Maradona on Friday as the new Argentina boss dropped by to outline his future plans.

The Argentina legend spent almost two hours at the Reds' Melwood HQ talking to boss Rafa Benitez and captain-elect Javier Mascherano.

Maradona wants the midfielder as his captain, a role which Mascherano himself has said he does not want, although Benitez thinks he has the right attributes to do the job.

Benitez said: "We talked about what Maradona wants from us and from Javier. The talks were positive, it was helpful to know what he was thinking.

"I did not discuss Javier becoming captain. But he has all the right credentials if he wants to do the job. He would make a great captain."

Mascherano was the last player to leave the training ground, but refused to discuss details of his meeting with Maradona.

The legendary 1986 World Cup winning captain brought Melwood to a standstill as players lined up to speak to him, with Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Robbie Keane heading the queue!

"I was having a discussion with Maradona in my office, but it was very difficult. There was a constant stream of our biggest players wanting to meet him. Probably our two most famous were first in the queue," said Benitez, who added: "Maradona was great, he was very patient with all the requests. Even some of Carragher's family turned up.

"Xabi Alonso also wanted to meet him, his father had played alongside Maradona at Barcelona.

"We also had lots of the youngsters here who were just speechless and wanted to meet him."

Maradona's visit came after he had held meetings at Manchester United's training ground earlier in the day.

Liverpool Fan Died Celebrating Steven Gerrard Goal

An elderly Liverpool football fan died after getting over-excited when captain Steven Gerrard scored a dramatic goal in the Champions League, an inquest heard.

Jim Carver, 77, a great-grandfather, was so thrilled when Gerrard scored that he jumped up to celebrate as he watched on television in his lounge.

He then felt light headed, fell to the ground and suffering fatal head injuries at his home in Whiston, Rotherham, the inquest heard.

Mr Carver was watching Liverpool's away game against Marseilles on September 16th. Marseilles had taken the lead but an inspired Gerrard double secured a 2-1 win for Liverpool.

Mr Carver's widow Beryl, 72, said: "Jim loved watching sport and was an armchair fan of Liverpool. I can't stand football so I was upstairs watching my own little TV when it happened.

"He had suffered a few falls in the past and I think he jumped up excited when Liverpool scored a goal.

"After that he decided he didn't feel too good so he was going to go to bed. He had bumped his head but we didn't realise it was serious at first, but then I called the ambulance.

"He was to come home from hospital but unfortunately he had another fall and his condition got worse."

Pathologist Dr Terry Marshall told and inquest in Rotherham that Mr Carver died "from head injuries sustained as a result of his celebrations during the televised Champions League clash."

Mr Carver, a retired steelworker, had five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Acting Rotherham Coroner Fred Curtis recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Liverpool FC Boss Backs Misfiring Robbie Keane

Rafael Benitez is backing Robbie Keane to rediscover the luck in front of goal that his hard work deserves.

The Liverpool manager could be faced with a selection dilemma tomorrow if Fernando Torres declares himself fit for the Premier League visit of West Brom.

If Benitez welcomes Torres back into the fold following his hamstring injury, a decision to go with two central strikers is likely to see Keane retain his place.

The Irishman has not completed a full 90 minutes for the Reds since the 2-1 win over Manchester United on September 13, but he has featured in all 12 Liverpool games since, either being taken off or used as a substitute.

And his only two goals since his £20m summer move from Spurs have come in Champions League group games as he endures a frustrating wait to open his Premier League account.

However, Benitez feels Keane can’t be judged solely on goals and has no qualms about his contribution to the team.

“Robbie is working really hard,” said the Spaniard despite Keane’s removal for David Ngog 20 minutes from the end of the 1-1 Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday.

“With strikers, people talk about goals but sometimes it depends on luck, positioning and good delivery.

“Sometimes you want to change things when you are creating chances, in the hope the other strikers can have a bit more luck.”

Torres’ return is yet to be confirmed as the forward continues to wait until he is fully fit before making his comeback.

The original prognosis of the hamstring injury he sustained playing for Spain last month was four games, but Torres has subsequently missed another two, the midweek meeting with former club Atletico and Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.

And captain Steven Gerrard is in no doubt about how urgent the top scorer’s return to the side will be in light of the struggles of the past week.

He said: “Hopefully Fernando will be ready come the weekend, we have missed him. He has been training all week and things look hopeful.

“We need to take three points against West Brom, but last week has been our only defeat this season and we are more than happy with the way the season has gone.”

Meanwhile, Andrea Dossena has admitted that he needs to improve his game in order to pressurise Fabio Aurelio for the Liverpool left-back slot.

Aurelio’s time at Anfield has been plagued by injury but he has edged ahead in the race to be John Arne Riise’s long-term replacement since he came back into the side at the start of the season.

He played a key role in the 1-0 win at Chelsea two weeks ago but Dossena returned to the side last Saturday for the loss to Spurs before giving way to Aurelio again in midweek.

“I am not fully happy with my level,” said the £7m summer signing from Udinese. “With Fabio in my position the manager has the option of a player more in tune with the team right now.

“I am learning all the time. I knew coming to Liverpool and a new league would improve me as player and I knew that John Arne Riise was leaving and I would have the chance to play.

“But I also knew that in Fabio I had excellent competition for my position. It’s not a rivalry as such, it is merely friendly competition. He’s a great guy and a great player and having him here will help me.”

Our Full Backs Are Not Up To Standard

Before Wednesday night’s game there was a real sense that Liverpool would come out wanting to kick the cat after losing to Spurs at the weekend.

But it never really happened for us against Atletico Madrid.

Of course, Steven Gerrard has gone and got us out of jail in the dying seconds and as we all know it’s not for the first time.

Okay, so the penalty was a tad controversial but while the Madrid players protested vigorously, Stevie kept his cool brilliantly and hammered it unerringly into the Kop end. So for me he deserves enormous credit yet again for staying focused when he could so easily have been distracted by the rumpus going on around him.

But there were a couple of things in particular which struck me about the side last night and which are niggling causes for concern, I feel.

Firstly, I remain worried that our full backs are not showing up to the standards we expect to see at Anfield.

First and foremost defenders have got to be able to defend. But for Madrid’s goal Fabio Aurelio found himself caught upfield and he never recovered the ground as Madrid countered quickly.

In fact it was Albert Riera – a left winger – who tracked back to try and block the attack.

Aurelio and Andrea Dossena are clearly vying for the left back slot at Anfield yet it’s clear neither have convinced Rafa Benitez. And I can understand the reasons for that.

I’m afraid I still have doubts too about Alvaro Arbeloa. He’s tidy enough at times but when you think of some of the great right backs we’ve had at Anfield – the names of Chris Lawler and Phil Neal spring to mind – well, let’s just say he’s got a lot to live up to.

Those two were famous not just for being top defenders, but for adding an incredible number of goals too.

The other big concern is that without Torres, we look like we’re struggling to get goals.

Robbie Keane works his socks off but isn’t a target man and will be disappointed he isn’t getting on the score sheet more regularly.

Up front I wonder whether we do, Torres aside, have an out and out striking alternative of the quality we need.

That said, we kept battling away on Wednesday night.

Madrid played with typical European style, sitting deep and taking us on in their own half, which made space difficult to find and chances hard to come by.

Thankfully, when you’ve got the thrust of your captain at hand, there’s always hope.

Credit him and Liverpool for, once again, showing they never know they are beaten. But we can do much better.

Rafa Benitez now has a few clear days to work with the first team squad ahead of another home game and it will be valuable time.

It looks like Torres will be back for the visit of West Brom on Saturday evening and that’s what we all want to see.

There’ll still be a sense of frustration after the Tottenham defeat and the failure to win the Champions League group at Anfield last night.

So while we didn’t quite get it out of the system against Atletico, the visit of the Baggies will give us another chance. This time I expect us to take it.

An emphatic victory and three points safely acquired is what we need right now.

Back to winning ways, please boys!

Supporters Wants George Gillett And Tom Hanks To Sell Them Liverpool

Liverpool co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have been urged to sell the club to supporters.

The ShareLiverpoolFC Group, who are attempting to recruit 100,000 shareholders to buy the club and take it into the ownership of the fans, has written an open letter to Gillett and Hicks pleading with them to sell their respective stakes to the fans.

Gillett and Hicks continue to deny that they are looking to sell Liverpool but the pair were reported last month to have engaged Merrill Lynch, the investment bank, to find a buyer.

While the latest development does not represent a concrete offer, it is a sign that the group, which is supported by John Aldridge among others, is serious in their intentions.

However, despite their clear ambition it remains unlikely the group could raise the £600million needed to match the Americans' asking price.

The letter, published on The Times website, reads: 'We understand you have decided to relinquish your ownership of Liverpool FC and are actively looking for a buyer. Along with the vast majority of Liverpool fans, we agree with your decision to withdraw.
'We would like to buy the club on behalf of the fans, and invite you to sit down with us to agree a deal.We are confident that if you're willing to sell to us for a fair price, we would have sufficient backing [either from the fans alone, or with a suitable partner].'

It continued: 'We want the club we love run solely in the best interests of a successful team, the fans and the community.

'We believe we represent a real opportunity for both of you to bring to an end a troubled period of ownership; an 'exit strategy' which would lead to admiration and respect from many.
'Doing the honourable thing and selling the club to the fans would return it to the values that made it the most successful football club in England and one of the best supported in the world.

'We'd also like you to be able to leave with dignity. George, in an interview last March, you said, "our goal from the beginning was to add … to the lustre [of Liverpool FC]", at this point you can only achieve this by doing the right thing – and that is to offer the club to the fans.'

Liverpool Must Seek Foreign Cash To Compete

A former Liverpool player said on Thursday the Premier League club should target foreign investors for cash to compete with rivals Manchester United.

"For Liverpool and the supporters it really doesn't matter who the owners are," Hansen told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in Dubai on Thursday. "They're only interested in financing of new players and how well it (the team) is doing."

"If the Americans haven't got the money then if DIC came in and bought it and guaranteed a new stadium then that would be great," the former defender said in reference to Dubai International Capital, a state agency of the Gulf emirate.

DIC was outbid by Americans George Gillett and Tom Hicks when the Moores family sold the Merseyside club for 219 million pounds ($348.1 million) in 2007.

DIC in September ruled out a fresh bid for Liverpool or other clubs after mounting speculation that Gulf Arab investors would look to emulate an Abu Dhabi-based group that took over Manchester City on Sept. 1 by buying into British teams.

"If you are a Manchester City supporter you're in dream land ... City have been in the doldrums for such a long time ... now with the transfer window in January, you don't know what's going to happen. They might buy the world."

Hansen said the most important focus for Liverpool was funding a new stadium. "You cannot compete with Manchester United if they've got 76,000 (seats) and we've only got 44,000."

Another Dubai state firm, Zabeel Investments, in October called off its proposed takeover of Charlton Athletic, which plays in the English Championship (second division).

In 2007 Zabeel tried to buy Liverpool.

Boss Benitez To Open Talks On New Contract

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is to meet with the club's owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks in the next week to discuss a contract extension.

The Spaniard's relationship with the two Americans has not always been good and has often resulted in him being linked with other clubs in the last couple of years, significantly Real Madrid.

However, they appear to have patched up their differences in recent months and with the club having their best start to a Premier League season, moves are afoot to keep Benitez at Anfield.

'I received a phone call from Tom Hicks on behalf of George Gillett also. They are talking about a meeting with my advisors and a contract extension. This is very positive news,' he told the club's website, liverpoolfc.tv.

'We decided to meet in the next week and now my advisors are in contact with them. We haven't spoken about the length of the contract but we talked and we all want to find a solution as soon as possible.

'For me it's easy. I want to stay here - I am where I want to be. It's very simple.'

Benitez signed a new four-year contract in June 2006 but the club are keen to secure his services on a longer deal - and the manager is equally eager to extend his stay.

'My family and I know how good the fans have been with us. The club is going forward and we have the new stadium project. There are a lot of positive things," he added.

'I want to stay here for a long time. Clearly I would like to be here when the new stadium opens. The other day I was joking that if they offered me a 20-year contract I'd be really pleased.'

Benitez also hopes that by agreeing a new deal he - and everyone else - will be able to concentrate on the team, which is currently second to Chelsea on goal difference in the Barclays Premier League.

'The team is in a very good position, so if I do not have to talk about my contract from now on it will be perfect,' he said.

'The last two or three press conferences I have been asked and asked, so the stability is really important.

'The owners know we are doing well. The atmosphere is really good, we are at the top of the league and our Champions League group. The team is playing well.'

Gillett and Hicks are known to be delighted with the team's form so far this term and a statement on behalf of the pair said: 'Rafa continues to do a great job, we are really pleased with the progress of the team and we look forward to talking to him and his advisors about extending his contract.'

No9! Another Liverpool Player's Home Is Burgled As Lucas Leiva Becomes Latest Victim

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has become the club's latest in a long line of players to be burgled while on the pitch.

Raiders struck at the Brazil international's home in Woolton while he was playing at Anfield against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old returned home to find raiders had stolen an Olympic bronze medal he won in the summer as well as a collection of Brazil and Liverpool shirts.

The raid follows burglaries in the last 18 months at the homes of England dynamo Steven Gerrard, Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt, goalkeeper Pepe Reina, defender Daniel Agger and Robbie Keane, who had a watch and jewellery taken from his penthouse in August.

Former players Peter Crouch, Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Jerzy Dudek were also burgled during their spell at Anfield.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said crime scene investigators attended the address and house-to-house inquiries were conducted.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Peter Parry said: 'I would like to empathise to Mr Leiva and his partner for what must have been an upsetting experience.

'As with every burglary victim, we will be carrying out a thorough investigation and offering them crime prevention advice.

'Taken from the address was an amount of jewellery and some very distinctive football and sports memorabilia.

'These items have significant personal importance to Mr. Leiva and they were associated with some very cherished memories. I'd ask members of the public to be on the look out in case they are offered such items for sale either on the street or in pubs or see the items for sale on the internet.'

Dossena Not Happy With His Form

Andrea Dossena isn't happy with his form for Liverpool since his arrival from Udinese. I don't think that he will find many arguments from the fans, as he has been disappointing on the whole since Rafa Benitez brought him to the club for £7m over the summer.

Fabio Aurelio is currently in possession of the left back berth, but the Italian is looking to reclaim this position but concedes that he needs to up his game to be successful at such a club with a rich history and the expectations of him, as he explained:

'I am not fully happy with my level and, with Fabio in my position, the manager has the option of a player more in tune with the tactics of the team right now.

'18 months ago I would not have expected to be playing for one of the most famous clubs in the world.

'I do not have silverware in my collection in my career but signing for Liverpool I have a real chance to win medals in every competition we enter.

'There are new demands on me. At Udinese, my place in the team was more secure than it ever will be at Liverpool, where there is so much ability in the squad.

'I must now get to a high level and maintain that, but first I have to battle to win selection. I am learning all the time. I knew that coming to Liverpool and a new league would improve me as a player.'

There have been some reports that Rafa could be looking to offload him already in an attempt to raise funds in January, if he could, and for the amount we paid (or near the amount) at this point in time I don't think that many would be unhappy. If the 27-year-old wants to prove himself then he needs to work hard, and if given the chance take it, if not he will prove an expensive failure.

In other Reds news Rafa has said that Robbie Keane, struggling himself (for goals at least, his work rate can't be faulted) since his big money move from Spurs, needs some luck to get going. However Rafa feels that when he gets this he will not look back, telling Liverpoolfc.tv:

'Robbie is working really hard. With strikers, people talk about goals but sometimes it depends on luck, positioning and good delivery.

'Sometimes you want to change things when you are creating chances, in the hope the other strikers can have a bit more luck.'

I'm not sure, although I'm sure Spurs fans could tell us, but I don't think that his season really got going goals wise until around this time last season and then he didn't look back, ending the season with twenty-something goals.