Uefa Partners Welcome Champions League Changes But Lament Liverpool Exit

Some of Uefa’s most influential commercial partners are delighted with the changes made to the scheduling of this year’s Champions League, according to the World Football Insider.

For this year’s tournament, Uefa has spread the tournament’s second round over eight matchdays instead of four and moved the final from Wednesday evening to late Saturday afternoon. May’s final at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid will be preceded by a week-long celebration of soccer, including the inaugural Uefa Women’s Champions League final.

Uefa marketing manager Gabrielle Saubran said that the governing body had looked to other sports for ideas on how to promote its showpiece final, but added: “We will monitor it. We will see if it meets the expectations of our sponsors, broadcasters and fans, but it’s something we want to do in the future.”

Both Niall Sloane, head of sport at British Champions League broadcaster ITV, and Paul Meulenjijk, head of sponsorship at long-term partner Mastercard, found it easy to see the benefits offered by the new format.

Sloane, speaking at last week’s Soccerex European Forum in Manchester, credited Uefa with showing “a flexibility and willingness to work with broadcasters that is not always present in other sports associations and indeed football bodies.” However, he admitted that the disappointing showing of English club Liverpool had been a minor setback for UK broadcasters, saying: “The extension of the round of sixteen from four match nights… would have been even better for ITV and [UK broadcast partners] Sky to see Liverpool get through to get significant domestic interest every [match] night. But even so I think the idea is right and it should work very well for us.”

For Meulenjijk, the change to the date of the final creates new challenges, with the earlier weekend kick-off likely to neccessiatate a greater focus on an Asian television audience and cause a change in the European viewing demographic. Ultimately, though, he was broadly optimistic. He said: “The final is now on a Saturday and that allows us to look at it from a different angle as well. During the week we can take people out, but [on a Saturday] it’s a family event – kids can come at weekends and it’s a lot easier to do that. From that perspective it’s a welcome change.”

Arsenal and Bayern Munich became the first teams to qualify from the expanded second round last night. 11,000 tickets for this year’s final went on general sale this week via the Uefa website, uefa.com. Uefa are keen to encourage families to attend the game, and have introduced youth packages comprising a ticket for a child and an accompanying adult.

Rafael Benitez Desperate To See The 'Real Liverpool' In Lille

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez wants his team to show their true ability when they travel to Lille in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The Reds go into the game on the back of a dispiriting 1-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic on Monday night and Benitez was frustrated that his team did not manage to fire in the way that they have been doing recently.

However, the Spaniard is confident that the result at the DW Stadium was merely a blip and his men will be back to winning ways again soon.

"In the last five to 10 games [before Wigan] we were showing real character and you could see everyone was working really hard, helping each other and working together to try and get results," the Spaniard informed reporters at a press conference at the Reds' Melwood training ground.

"It was a surprise the other day, but hopefully it was just a blip and we will see the real Liverpool on Thursday."

Benitez does know though that the defeat to the Latics make reaching the top four of the Premier League that bit harder this season.

"It was really difficult before and will be more difficult now, so we know we cannot make too many mistakes," he acknowledged.

"We have to carry on and try to get three points in the next league game against Portsmouth. But first we have the Europa League."

The Spaniard does see the game in France as a real opportunity to put things right, however.

"It is very clear this is an opportunity for us to do things right, try to get a good result and be ready for the next game," he affirmed.

"In football sometimes you prefer to have some time to rest, but now I think it is better to play games quickly."

Yossi Benayoun Faces Liverpool FC Europa League Fitness Deadline

Yossi Benayoun must prove his wellbeing in training today to stand any chance of being involved in Liverpool’s crucial Europa League tie with Lille.

The Israeli midfielder picked up a knock to his ankle during Monday night’s 1-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic and was unable to take part in yesterday’s warm down session.

He will be monitored closely at Melwood today – and will have further treatment – before boss Rafa Benitez decides whether to include him in his travelling party.

Benitez is already without Maxi Rodriguez (ineligible) and Fabio Aurelio (thigh) for the round of 16 clash and is considering making several changes to his starting line-up.

Not surprisingly, Benitez is still livid about the performance at the DW Stadium that has dented Liverpool’s hopes of a top four finish and is demanding a reaction in France.

“We were poor in the first half but we improved a little in the second,” said Benitez, who has Daniel Agger available again after he was ruled out of the Wigan game with illness.

“The positive for me is that we showed a better attitude and some character in the second half at Wigan and we have show it again in the Europa League.”

As Liverpool had only lost one Premier League game in 2010 and had show gradual signs of improvement, Monday’s display took Benitez completely by surprise.

But, as he points out, there is no point dwelling on the disappointment and he has urged his players to show the spirit that had put their campaign back on track.

“We had done well in the last 10 games and showed in games against Stoke, Blackburn and Bolton that we knew how to battle,” said the manager.

“We have just got to make sure we move forward quickly. It was always going to be difficult to qualify for the Champions League and it is even more difficult now.

“We just have to carry on and make sure that we are ready to get three points in our next game against Portsmouth.

“Sometimes in football it is better to rest but it is good that we have got a game so quickly; we will stick together and work hard.”

No Reds Bid For Stephens

Swindon Town's promising young goalkeeper Jamie Stephens looks set to stay with the League One club, after Liverpool failed to follow up their interest.

The 16-year-old enjoyed a trial spell with the Anfield club, but has since returned and the Robins have not been contacted by the Premier League outfit since.

Swindon boss Danny Wilson has told skysports.com that the youngster has all the credentials to be a top class stopper.

"He has got a lot potential, as a lot of young lads have, with his age and size he ticks a lot of boxes," he said.

"Whether he can realise that potential in the long-run remains to be seen, but we rate him very highly for a boy so young and hopefully we can nurture that talent so that he becomes a great professional footballer.

"He went up for the experience more than anything, but he has come back and really enjoyed himself.

"We wanted him to go up and get a taste for what it is like at a top club like Liverpool then come back and get his head down again.

"He has done just that and as far as we are concerned nothing else will happen in terms of Liverpool coming in for him, but time will tell."

The Robins slipped to their second consecutive defeat on Tuesday night at play-off rivals MK Dons and Wilson insists there was no room for sentiment against one of his former clubs.

"There is no sentiment for me because it is a totally different club from the one I left. There has been a mass change in personnel since I was there and I think there are only two people that remain from my time there.

"Things have progressed very quickly for them and they have done very well, so there is a professional respect there as there always is when going back to one of your former clubs, but it has changed a lot."

Liverpool Legend Ian Rush Urges Rafael Benitez's Team To Stop Sulking

Liverpool striking legend Ian Rush believes that Rafael Benitez's team need to take a hard look at themselves after the disappointment of losing at Wigan Athletic on Monday night.

The Reds conceded valuable ground in the fight for a fourth-placed finish in this season's Premeir League, and Rush feels that the answers to the current problems lie within the players' minds.

"Liverpool managed a feat on Monday that many would have thought impossible – they lost twice on the same night," Rush told The Liverpool Echo.

"If it was not bad enough seeing Wigan Athletic take three precious points, the defeat at the DW Stadium effectively saw us relinquish pole position in the race for the Champions League; things, from this moment, are going to be exceptionally hard.

"How, then, does Rafa Benitez turn the tide? He has got to do everything in his power to lift the squad, as if they are starting to feel sorry for themselves, they really won’t finish fourth – teams that sulk head in only one direction.

"I still believe there is sufficient talent at Anfield to get us out of this tight spot and maybe we need to get into the mindset where teams worry about us, rather than us worrying about keeping things tight.

"Should we start showing a bit more adventure going forward and the players have just got to roll their sleeves up, work hard and believe they can do it."

Rush does feel that the return of England full-back Glen Johnson to action was one of the few positives to be taken from the defeat at the DW Stadium.

The Welshman believes that Johnson will add more thrust and dynamism to the Reds' right flank.

"He will give Liverpool’s attack an edge and there is no doubt we have missed his drive down the right flank," Rush added.

"Johnson gets in a lot of crosses and shots and is able to produce great moments of skill, as we saw at the beginning of the season. Hopefully we’ll see it at the end, too."

Whelan Critical Of Reds' Owners

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan feels Liverpool fans are being short-changed by their American owners.

The Latics secured their first-ever Premier League win over the Reds on Monday thanks to Hugo Rodallega's first-half goal.

Liverpool produced one of their worst performances in recent times at the DW Stadium, with numerous passes going astray while Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland went untested throughout.

Whelan believes the Merseysiders, who were expected to challenge for honours this season, are in a mess and that American owners George Gillet and Tom Hicks do not feel the passion of the supporters.

"The big sympathy I have is for the Liverpool supporters because they are a fantastic lot," he told Sky Sports News.

"Liverpool are in a mess. The owners, being American, I don't think they feel what we (British club owners) feel.

"I'm really, really sorry for their supporters. We went to Anfield earlier in the season and there's absolutely no atmosphere and no heart at all at present.

"The supporters feel that and I think the players are starting to feel it."

Dalla Valle Fires Reds Into Final

Lauri Dalla Valle was on the mark as Liverpool Reserves reached the final of the Liverpool Senior Cup after a 3-0 win over Tranmere Rovers at the Kirkby Academy on Wednesday afternoon.

The Finnish starlet was making his first start of the season for the second string and he netted after 42 minutes with an excellent finish from a seemingly impossible angle.

The move was instigated by Damien Plessis when his astute pass sent Alex Kacaniklic racing away down the left. His cross found David Amoo whose strike was well saved by Joe Collister, but Dalla Valle was quickest to react and the No.9 netted.

David Amoo and an own goal completed the scoring for John McMahon's side in the second half against a Tranmere side that finished the game with 10 men.

Another great boost for the squad was the return of Spanish starlet Francisco Duran also made his first appearance since November 2008, when he came on as a 73rd minute replacement for Chris Mavinga.

The former Malaga midfielder has battled back from three cruciate ligament operations - two on his right knee and one on his left.

Also back from injury were Nikola Saric and Gerardo Bruna who both enjoyed 45 minute run-outs.

The Liverpool Senior Cup holders will now face Everton or Skelmersdale in the final.

After four games postponed, John McMahon's side were playing their first game since February 1, and they were being watched by Rafael Benitez and Sammy Lee before the pair headed to John Lennon airport for their flight to Lille.

Reds heroes Kenny Dalglish and Phil Thompson were also in attendance.

For McMahon it was a match of sentimental value as he spent eight years at Prenton Park having been brought to the Wirral club by Kop hero John Aldridge, and also had a spell as caretaker manager of Tranmere.

Rovers fielded former Liverpool FA Youth Cup winner Charlie Barnett in midfield and had the experienced Chris McCready alongside the returning Ash Taylor in defence.

Playing on a superb playing surface at the Kirkby Academy, Liverpool quickly got into their stride with skipper Jay Spearing spraying some great passes around the field.

David Amoo and Alex Kacaniklic were always dangerous down the wings but the final ball and some good defending from Shaun Garnett's side was proving a tough barrier to break down.

The Reds went close when Spearing's clever header from a corner was hacked away in the six-yard box, but persistence was the key and the breakthrough came on 42 minutes when Dalla Valle pounced.

The second half started in dramatic circumstances when Tranmere were reduced to 10 men three minutes after the restart. Aaron Cresswell was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Steven Irwin.

The Reds then nearly doubled their lead when Collister produced a great save on the stretch to deny Kacaniklic, and Bruna could only put the rebound wide.

Collister was called into the action again on the hour mark when he kept out Spearing's rasping low drive which seemed destined for the net.

However, McMahon's side weren't to be denied and Amoo made it 2-0 with a low finish from the edge of the box.

Dalla Valle could have made it 3-0 but slotted wide after a great move involving Bruna and Kacaniklic. However, the third goal duly arrived courtesy of a Tranmere boot when the Finn combined with Spearing whose cross was deflected into the net.

Overall, it was an excellent display from McMahon's side and Dalla Valle will take a lot of confidence after netting his first goal for the reserves.

Rafael Benitez: Pepe Reina's Passion Make Him The Perfect Leader For Liverpool

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has praised the leadership skills of his goalkeeper Pepe Reina, asserting that the Spanish shot-stopper sets a fine on-field example to his team-mates.

Reina's passion for the club is that of a supporter, Benitez asserts, and that level of enthusiasm can only have a positive effect on the shot-stopper's team-mates.

"Pepe is the man closest to the fans on the pitch," the coach told the Reds' official website.

"He listens to what they are saying and he knows what they are thinking and you can see the passion he has in the way he plays and the way he directs things.

"He is a fantastic character and he is proud to be here. He has a strong mentality and you can see that in the way he is in the dressing room and around the training ground. He is someone who always wants the best for this team.

"I think he has been playing really well and we are pleased with him. He is a top goalkeeper and has broken a lot of records since we signed him from Villarreal. We are delighted he is with us."

Reina, 27, is reportedly closing in on signing a new deal to extend his stay at Anfield and Benitez can only see him improving as time passes.

"Pepe will continue to get better," the Reds boss added.

"When you talk about goalkeepers who play for top teams, they don't tend to have that much to do during games.

"What sets them apart is being able to make important saves after they have not been busy and we have seen Pepe do that lots of times."

Dalglish Leading Famous Four In Race To Succeed Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is under intense pressure at Anfield after the Reds lost 1-0 at the DW stadium thanks to a goal form Wigan Athletic forward Hugo Rodallega.

The future of Benitez has been called into question ever since Liverpool were knocked out the Champions League and were ruled out of the race for the Premier League crown. Fans and pundits have criticised the transfer policy of the Spaniard, replacing Xabi Alonso with lightweight £20 million Italian midfielder Alberto Aquillani, who has barely featured for Liverpool this campaign.

The boardroom unrest has also unsettled proceedings this campaign, with Benitez being linked with the managerial position at Italian Serie A giants Juventus, with the Spaniard refusing to rule out a move to Turin this summer.

Odds on the successor of Benitez at Liverpool have been slashed overnight with Kenny Dalglish the favourite at 11/4, Jose Mourinho, who is rumoured to be unsettled at Inter Milan at 7/2, and former Tottenham striker and German coach Jurgen Klinsmann. The German was rumoured to have been offered the job in late 2007, early 2008, with American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks offering the former German legend a detailed package.

The latest candidate tipped to be a contender to succeed Benitez at Liverpool is the number 1 candidate for the France job, and current Bordeaux boss, Laurent Blanc. Blanc has guided Bordeaux to the French Ligue 1 title and the knockout phases of the Champions League, while also finishing above Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, and Marseille manager Didier Deschamps.

Ryan Babel Insists Liverpool Are Still Fighting For Fourth Place In Premier League

Liverpool forward Ryan Babel insists that the Reds will not give up in their bid to claim fourth place in the Premier League, despite Monday evening's disappointing defeat at Wigan Athletic.

The 1-0 defeat was the Merseysiders' first ever loss to the Latics, and leaves Rafael Benitez's men in sixth place, a point behind Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom have games in hand.

Benitez has questioned his team's mentality after the defeat, but Babel insists that there is still plenty of fighting spirit in the squad.

"We definitely still have faith we can get fourth place. It will be harder and it's important to get three points in every game, as it was before Wigan. That's why it is so disappointing to have lost," the Dutchman told his club's official website.

"It is frustrating that we had built up some confidence by winning games, but one game can spoil the confidence.

"The disappointment is very big for everybody, but we have to start again."

Babel did acknowledge that Liverpool had made things hard for themselves at the DW Stadium, though.

"I think we made it difficult for ourselves. In the first half especially, there was space to play football but we failed to do it," he added.

"Then they scored and it was difficult because they were staying behind the ball. In any away game it is hard to score two goals."

And the Dutch forward admits that some serious analysis will be needed ahead of the Reds' next game, the first leg of a Europa League tie against Lille on Thursday.

"We will analyse the game and then we will know what his thoughts are," he said of manager Benitez.

"We have another important game on Thursday, so we have to be ready and prepared.

"We cannot be disappointed for too long. We will analyse and watch videos, like we always do, and I am sure we will be good for the game."

Sterling On The Mark In Mini Derby

Raheem Sterling scored on his debut as Liverpool Under-18s produced a stunning second-half fightback to beat 10-man Everton 4-3 on Tuesday afternoon.

The Reds recovered from a 2-0 deficit to see off their Blue rivals, with the former QPR teenager enjoying a dream start for the club.

Michael Roberts (penalty), Krisztian Adorjan and Craig Roddan (penalty) were the other scorers as the away side made their numerical advantage count, following the 46th minute sending off of Toffees defender Shane Duffy.

It was an afternoon to savour for boss Rodolfo Borrell, who dedicated the victory to first-team manager Rafael Benitez.

"It is a nice victory for me, but especially for the fans and the club," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I am also happy for Rafael Benitez, as he invests a lot of time in the club and the Academy.

"He made a bold move to bring me and the rest of my staff to Liverpool, so it's nice to be able to win this sort of match for him."

Reflecting on a rollercoaster 90 minutes, Borrell admitted his side were almost made to pay for some poor defending.

"We cannot concede such sloppy goals," he said. "If you concede so easily then normally you lose the match."

The Reds coach also had some words of encouragement for debutant Sterling, but was keen to stress that it was a team performance that saw Liverpool come away with the three points.

"I was pleased with Raheem's contribution and that he scored on his debut. He is quick and skilful but still only young. He can improve tactically and has a long way to go, but he is a great signing for this football club.

"He was one of a number of good individual peformances, but the main thing was how well the team did as a whole. That is what matters most and they all contributed to a deserved triumph."

Yossi Misses Training

Yossi Benayoun is a doubt for the trip to Lille after sustaining an ankle injury in the 1-0 defeat to Wigan on Monday.

The Israel international missed training today and Rafa Benitez must now decide whether to include him in the party which will travel to France for Thursday's Europa League last 16 clash.

Meanwhile, Daniel Agger should make the trip after recovering from a sickness bug which ruled him out of Wigan.

Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We had some problems with Agger. He was sick and lost some weight. We had to be careful with him but he's training now so hopefully will be okay.

"Benayoun had a problem with his ankle. We have to see - we have one more day. He wasn't training today so we have to decide."

One plus for Benitez on Monday night was the return as a substitute of Glen Johnson.

The gaffer added: "It was the only positive. To have another body and another player. He can be an important player for us for the rest of the season.

"It was clear he still hasn't got the match fitness but at least he showed his quality. He was going forward and it's a different option in the side."

Wigan Defeat Is Lowest Moment Of A Wretched Season

Liverpool's hopes of securing a top-four finish this season are hanging by a thread after Rafael Benitez's blundering side served up the worst performance in a season of strong contenders.

Most had guessed that Liverpool's abject surrender at crisis-ridden Portsmouth in December or their FA Cup humiliation to Reading in January would be the nadir of a season in which Benitez's furrowed brow and disbelieving stare have become part of the Anfield furniture, but this surrender to a superbly energetic and completely deserving Wigan Athletic side must surely rank as a new low.

Liverpool were, in a word, pathetic. Their supporters may point out that on another night Fernando Torres may have had a hat-trick, having spurned a succession of presentable chances either side of half-time, but to do so is to ignore the bigger issues which are blighting the Reds' season.

Torres' evening mirrored Liverpool's, early rustiness quickly turned into downright ineptitude, and ended in petulance. For the second league game in three, Liverpool collected five bookings. They can expect a letter from the FA for their disciplinary issues, but they should be receiving another for their performance. If that wasn't 'bringing the game into disrepute', then nothing is.

Wigan, by contrast, were everything you would expect from a side battling relegation in front of their own fans. Roberto Martinez can be rightly proud of his struggling side, who matched their illustrious guests from the first minute, and who were excellent value for their victory - their first ever against their Merseyside visitors, and only their second ever against a 'Big Four' club. But for his countryman Benitez, the aftermath will cast a far harsher light.

Benitez was angered by Blackburn Rovers' perceived spoiling tactics at Anfield last weekend, with some justification, but he can have no such complaints about Martinez's charges, who achieved their goals through smart passing, intelligent movement and a well-crafted Hugo Rodallega goal. In short, they produced the kind of display that a side chasing Champions League football should be able to muster, even away from home.

That Liverpool couldn't, that they failed to force Chris Kirkland into getting his knees dirty, that it took more than an hour, and the introduction of Alberto Aquilani, for them to string any sort of cohesive passing move together, will sicken their supporters, who travelled to Lancashire with optimism ahead of a testing Europa League trip to Lille.

A run of one defeat in 10 league games had reignited hope that spring would prove to be Red after a desperately blue winter, but it seems that little has changed at Anfield, despite constant reassurances from inside the camp. Turning corners every week will only lead you back to where you started, after all.

They have already surrendered the initiative in the race for fourth - Tottenham and Manchester City remain a point clear, having played less games, whilst Aston Villa now boast three games in hand - and even a favourable run of fixtures offers few guarantees between now and May.

Benitez bristled after the game when asked about his side's shortcomings, offering only sombre responses to inevitable questions. It was probably for the best - if he had gone into detail about this display we would probably still be waiting for him to finish.

Liverpool Manager Rafael Benitez Denies Any Knowledge Of Steven Gerrard's Offensive Gesture During Wigan Athletic Match

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez maintains that he did not see skipper Steven Gerrard produce any offensive gestures or hand signals during the match against Wigan Athletic, insisting he was not in a position to see the events that unfolded on the pitch.

In a match that saw the Reds produce a lacklustre performance, a lone strike from Hugo Rodallega was enough to give the Latics a major boost in their battle against relegation.

Towards the end of the encounter, Gerrard was booked for a foul, and the skipper appeared to make an offensive two fingered gesture while hurling a mouthful towards referee Andre Marriner.

"I don't know if Steven did anything or not, because it was too far away to see," Benitez said, according to the Daily Mail.

Although the man in charge did not take note of the incident at the time, it is speculated that the Kop favourite could be sanctioned by the authorities for his actions on Monday night.

Steven Gerrard Could Face FA Probe

Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard could face an FA investigation after he appeared to flash a V-sign at referee Andre Marriner during his side’s 1-0 defeat at Wigan on Monday night.

The England midfielder was booked in the 81st minute of the Barclays Premier League clash at the DW Stadium following a robust challenge from behind on James McCarthy, and replays of the incident suggested that Gerrard had gestured towards Marriner as well as mouthing an obscenity at the official.

Marriner did not notice the gesture but the FA may decide that Gerrard, who captained England in their 3-1 friendly victory over Egypt last week, has a case to answer.

Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez, speaking after the game, insisted he had not seen the incident.

"I don’t know, I was too far away," he said.

Rafael Benítez: Liverpool 'Played Without Intelligence'

Rafael Benítez cut a dejected figure as Liverpool's Champions League ambitions suffered a serious setback with a 1-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic last night, though he mustered enough venom to condemn his players for the attitude and lack of character they displayed at the DW Stadium. "We didn't show the right attitude and even though we worked harder in the second half, we played without game intelligence," complained the Liverpool manager.

Wigan's first ever league win over Liverpool has left the Anfield club in a precarious position. Hugo Rodallega's first-half goal gave Roberto Martínez's side a major fillip in their bid to avoid relegation, but Wigan's emotions were in stark contrast to Benítez.

The Liverpool manager added: "We didn't do anything in the first half. The attitude was much better in the second half but it wasn't enough. It is difficult to explain because we prepared for the game properly. We knew Wigan would play in this way but there were too many things from us that I cannot understand."

Liverpool had five players booked on the night and Steven Gerrard was pictured raising two fingers after he was shown a yellow card for a foul on the impressive 19-year-old, James McCarthy. Liverpool later denied the gesture was intended to be offensive or was directed at the match referee, Andre Marriner.

"We have to keep going for fourth place," added Benítez, who had described this fixture as a must-win before kick-off. "That is all we can do. You can have good and bad times but we had to do better tonight on what was a crucial moment."

Liverpool FC: Hicks’ Sale Plans Hit A Snag

Reports in America suggest the sale of Liverpool FC co-owner Tom Hicks' Texas Rangers MLB franchise, thought to be a done deal, may have hit a snag.

SportsBusiness Journal sources have indicated that MLB officials last week informed the team’s creditors that there would be delays in responding to the lenders’ concerns about the deal.

Liverpool co-owner Hicks wrapped up a deal worth some US$500 million at the end of January. Much to the chagrin of Liverpool fans, none of that cash was injected into the English Premier League team.

Now, it seems, the true complexities of the Texas Rangers sale are slowly emerging, with lenders and lawsuits revolving around Hicks but spilling over into the ownership transfer process itself. It remains unclear as to how much of the cash from the sale Hicks will see.

Chuck Greenberg, the lawyer at the centre of the buyout group, is still confident that the deal will be finalised by his self-imposed 1st April deadline. "We've had delays, not of our making," he said, "but you deal with it and move on. Nothing yet has knocked us off the 1st April date. What's best for us, for Tom, and for the team, is to finally get this thing done."

Hicks, meanwhile, was handed a boost last week as it was revealed that Liverpool's revenues, despite the owners' well-documented troubles, have been boosted by almost €10 million.

The English Premier League side recently handed lucrative contract extensions to Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun and Pepe Reina.

Match Report: Wigan 1 - 0 Liverpool

Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega's eighth Barclays Premier League goal of the season put a huge dent in Liverpool's top-four aspirations at the DW Stadium.

The Colombia international volleyed home Emmerson Boyce's 35th-minute cross after Dirk Kuyt had needlessly given away possession close to his own penalty area.

Liverpool showed little of the quality required for a place in the Champions League once Fernando Torres had hit a post in the eighth minute and the Latics were well worth their victory.

It was Wigan's first Premier League win over Liverpool and only their second over one of the so-called 'big four' - the other coming at home to Chelsea earlier this season.

That ended a run of seven league matches without a victory and lifted them four points clear of the relegation zone.

And while it was only sixth-placed Liverpool's second defeat in 11 games it could have done irreparable damage to their chances of finishing fourth as they have now played more games than all of their rivals.

Rafael Benitez's side's problems are clear to see as this was the sixth time in their last eight away league matches they have failed to score.

The closest they came in this game was when Torres hit the outside of the upright after Maxi Rodriguez's header from Steven Gerrard's corner dropped to him at the far post.

But Wigan quickly grew in confidence and Marcelo Moreno was only inches from connecting with a driven cross through the six-yard area by Charles N'Zogbia, who was causing left-back Emiliano Insua plenty of problems.

Rodallega curled over a 20-yard free-kick after being fouled by Lucas Leiva while Insua's difficulties against N'Zogbia continued as he was booked for bringing down his opponent in the centre-circle.

Gerrard could have opened the scoring in the 26th minute after good link play between Rodriguez, Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun but the England international's first shot was blocked by Paul Scharner and although he quickly recovered he could not hit the target with the follow-up.

Lucas was next to be booked for tripping Titus Bramble and Sotirios Kyrgiakos was also cautioned for cynically blocking off Scharner.

Liverpool were struggling to find any sort of rhythm and their alarming tendency to give the ball away proved expensive in the 35th minute.

Kuyt, deep position on the left, rolled the ball aimlessly to Boyce who instantly fired a cross to the far post where Rodallega poked home.

It was the first time the Reds had conceded in the opening 45 minutes of a league match for 11 games.

Bramble was then booked for clattering into the back of Torres, who headed over Rodriguez's cross from six yards just before half-time.

Within 42 seconds of the second half kicking-off Mascherano had to be quick to block Rodallega's shot.

At the other end Torres, unusually for him, failed to hit the target from Rodriguez's cut-back.

Ten minutes into the half Johnson replaced Lucas, with Mascherano returning to his favoured central midfield.

Liverpool almost gifted Wigan a second as Jose Reina came out to claim a through-ball only for Carragher to knock it past him and then smashed his clearance into Moreno.

The ball looped towards the goal only for Kyrgiakos to get back to head over his own crossbar.

However, Liverpool were not getting any better and Torres' ambitious 25-yard volley summed things up when it went out for a throw close to the right corner flag.

Wigan should have had a second in the 73rd minute when Rodallega's pass put N'Zogbia through but his shot was partially stopped by Reina and Johnson scrambled the ball out at the far post under pressure from Scharner.

Moments later Torres' volley from Kuyt's header down rolled agonisingly wide of the post.

Liverpool's frustrations boiled over as first the Spain international was booked after chasing Boyce half the length of the pitch to bring him down and then Gerrard was then cautioned for diving in on McCarthy, despite appearing to win the ball.

A sign of Liverpool's desperation could been seen in the five minutes of injury time when Kyrgiakos went to play up front.

It typified a night when the Reds' short-comings this season were laid bare by an industrious but by no means brilliant Wigan side.

Degen: I'm Still Dreaming

Philipp Degen has not given up hope of starring in this summer's World Cup despite his omission from the latest Switzerland squad.

The right-back helped the Swiss reach the last 16 in 2006 and is desperate for another chance to play on football's biggest stage.

Degen was not part of the squad which lost 3-1 to Uruguay this week but aims to do everything he can to impress manager Ottmar Hitzfeld between now and the end of the season.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I think everyone is looking forward to the World Cup but for me right now what's important is being here and playing here. The news will come in May and I hope I'll be going to the World Cup.

"I played all the games in 2006 when we were very successful. We got knocked out on penalties to Ukraine when we could have got to the quarter-finals. That was very sad for us.

"Now we have another chance. Our group is very difficult but our chances are alive. We have to try our best."

Switzerland will meet Spain in the group stages - setting up a potential clash between Degen and clubmates Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina and Albert Riera.

The defender thinks the trio are among a host of Liverpool players who could return to Melwood with World Cup medals.

"I think Spain are the number one team. If they don't get the title then they're doing something wrong," said Degen.

"But England also have a chance. Apart from Brazil and Spain they have one of the best squads. You have to see that.

"With the people they have in the squad and their ages - when are they going to have a better chance? For me, this is absolutely one of the best squads England have had for a long time. They have very good players.

"England, Brazil and especially Spain - these teams have to be at the top. Germany can also pull a surprise, and Argentina have good players but they have some problems."

Rafael Benítez Assures Alberto Aquilani He Is Not Forgotten

Rafael Benítez has assured Alberto Aquilani that he is not the forgotten man of Liverpool despite having to sacrifice the Italian's adjustment to English football in the race for a critical place in next season's Champions League.

Aquilani, the club's £18m signing last summer, should again find himself on the substitutes' bench with Lucas and Javier Mascherano preferred in central midfield against Wigan. The Italy international has endured a frustrating first season at Anfield with his debut delayed by an ankle injury and then Liverpool's poor form affording Benítez little leeway in his efforts to blood Aquilani.

The Liverpool manager has explained his predicament to the 25-year-old, who has started only seven games since his arrival from Roma and completed 90 minutes only once, and says the midfielder accepts that a top-four finish takes precedence over personal trials.

Benítez said: "When you have been injured for a while it's not easy for a player. Then, when you are available and the team isn't doing well, it makes it even more difficult. You have to decide if you can afford to give him two or three games when you know he's maybe not at the level he could be, so you could end up losing some of them.

"Alberto isn't stupid. He knows the priority now has to be the team and what's best for that. All he can do is keep training and make sure he is ready when we need him. But as I said, the most important thing we have to think of is the team, not one player."

Meanwhile, England right-back Glen Johnson is in contention for his first appearance of the year. He has not played since the 1-0 away win over Aston Villa in the Premier League on 29 December, where he was substituted after 89 minutes just before Fernando Torres scored. Benítez, though, admitted the relaid pitch at the DW Stadium will not influence his thinking of starting Torres or, by contrast, omitting Aquilani.

He added: "When I didn't play Alberto at Wolves it wasn't to do with the state of their pitch, it was because of the kind of game and because others were available, which meant we could manage in a different way. So whether I play him at Wigan or not isn't a decision that will be determined by the pitch.

"But we have had a conversation about things and he knows the situation. Alberto is a very good professional, who was a big name in Italy and wants to show his quality here. When you're like that but cannot play for three or four months and then you're available but can't play because the team is maybe doing really well or has problems, it's a difficult situation for any professional."

The Liverpool manager said Mascherano is now focused on his Anfield career after having his head turned by interest from Barcelona last summer, and expects the Argentina captain and the Spanish goalkeeper José Reina to commit to long-term contracts before the end of this season.

"I am 100% certain that Pepe will stay with us and I'm really confident Javier will too – both for a long time," said Benítez.

"I've spoken to Javier about what's going on and, while it wasn't easy when you have a top side like Barcelona asking about you, he's really focused now. I have confidence both will be sorted out sooner rather than later."