John Aldridge: This Could Be The Most Important Week In Liverpool FC’s History

Christmas should be a time when you leave your worries behind and enjoy the festivities but, for Liverpool supporters, that is likely to prove impossible.

As I was privileged to play for the Reds and still enjoy a profile thanks to this column and my work for Radio City, rarely does a day pass by without me having a conversation with a fan about the state of our nation.

Never in my life, though, have I experienced a week like the one just gone.

Whether it has been at the shops, at the gym or in the pub, everyone I’ve spoken with has been in the doldrums; after witnessing at first hand the display at Portsmouth, it’s easy to see why.

When you compare our position today with where we were last Boxing Day, the only thing you could say about Liverpool is this is a club going backwards, one saddled with a massive debt and in real danger of slipping away from where it should be.

We are now faced with two massive games and, without being overly dramatic, the fixture at Villa Park on Tuesday evening is, in my eyes, one of the most important in our recent history.

Should we take six points off Wolves and Villa, the panic will start to subside but if we happen to lose to Martin O’Neill’s side, I would have to seriously doubt whether we would be able to retrieve an 11-point deficit – on fourth place!

But until our owners have sold up or we can move into a new ground, I cannot see a way forward for Liverpool and I’m starting to fear we are in decline; my biggest concern is that the situation has festered into the dressing room.

You could see that the body language of some of those who played at Fratton Park was not right; these lads are human. They know about the issues behind the scenes, they know we don’t have the money to compete for big signings.

Rafa Benitez, however, remains adamant that we will get back into the top four and has guaranteed he will achieve that objective; we, on the other hand, can only hope he is right – and pray his faith in certain players is not misplaced.

One Time Liverpool FC Owner Steve Morgan Is Back Home

It will be impossible for many Liverpudlians to watch this afternoon’s contest with Wolves without casting a wistful glance towards the director’s box.

While a battery of cameras will inevitably be trained on Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia, who is due back in town after a first visit in September, a rather more discreet, reserved gentleman will be the focus of attention for most.

Had things worked out differently, Steve Morgan could have been Liverpool’s owner but, for one reason or another in the summer of 2004, his dream was never able to come to fruition and he now finds himself as chairman of Wolves.

Whatever he feels, though, is unlikely to come close to the sense of ‘what if’ among the majority of the home crowd; had his takeover been completed, it is safe to assume Tom Hicks and George Gillet would never have crossed this particular doorstep.

“I have made mistakes in life,” Morgan said in an interview earlier this week. “But whatever disappointment came out of not buying Liverpool – and it was that at the time – something really good came out of it. I’m absolutely delighted to be in charge at Wolves.”

Perhaps sometime in the future, he will finally find a place back home.

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Wolverhampton

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez continues to guarantee that his side will finish in the top four of the Premier League, but the Spaniard will be well aware that anything less than three points against Wolves at Anfield will increase doubts.

The Reds have suffered a shocking campaign after producing numerous uninspiring displays to fall eight points off the UEFA Champions League places, a competition the 2005 winners were dumped out of at the group stages this season.

Defeat at Portsmouth last weekend was staggeringly a seventh league loss before Christmas and Benitez will therefore be desperate to avoid another setback on Boxing Day against 2008/09's Championship winners.

Wolves, though, will visit Merseyside high on confidence following a run of three wins from four games, which has seen the Midlanders climb to 12th position in the table.

The only defeat in the recent blip was when McCarthy grabbed the headlines for selecting a second-string side at Manchester United, a decision which paid off as survival rivals Burnley were beaten last time out.

Benitez could bring in Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who missed last weekend's defeat at Portsmouth with a calf injury.

Aquilani, a £20million summer signing from Roma, has yet to start a Premier League game for Liverpool having battled to recover from ankle surgery.

With Javier Mascherano suspended, Aquilani could be plunged into the Wolves match, while another option would be to slot short-on-confidence captain Steven Gerrard back into midfield and select Yossi Benayoun behind Fernando Torres.

Benitez has dismissed suggestions that lethal marksman Torres requires surgery on a hernia operation, but Albert Riera, Martin Kelly and Nabil El Zhar are not expected to return from injury until the New Year.

McCarthy, who has voiced his frustration at the criticism of his decision to shuffle his pack at Old Trafford, is poised to name an unchanged side for the meeting at Anfield.

With the exception of Michael Kightly, David Edwards and Andy Keogh, who all have ankle problems, Wolves have no other injury worries to contend with.

McCarthy's men follow the game against Liverpool with another tough clash against Manchester City on Monday.

Boss: Rest Will Boost Dirk

Rafael Benitez is confident Dirk Kuyt will return to his influential best after admitting the striker could need a break from first-team duty.

The Reds boss has been keen to give the Dutchman a breather in recent weeks but insists it is only a matter of time until he recaptures peak form.

"We have had some players who have had to play too many games this season and that is a consequence of the injuries," said Benitez.

"But I'm sure that if we have some more players we will be able to manage in a different way and give the ones who need it some rest, so they will be fresh for the next match. Dirk has played too many games, we know this.

"He could have had a little break against Fiorentina but (David) Ngog was ill and we needed to play him.

"But we know Dirk will get back to his levels, for sure.

"He is an amazing player, his work rate is fantastic and we can see that because we are watching all their statistics.

"He is always one of the players who runs the most during a match but we want him to have a rest if he can because I think that will help improve his game."

Kop In The Chase For Free Pandev

Rafa Benitez has joined Harry Redknapp and Carlo Ancelotti in the stampede for free agent Goran Pandev.

The striker has had his Lazio contract torn up by an Italian court last night.

Spurs boss Redknapp has been after Pandev for more than two years, while the fact that the Macedonian, 26, is not cup-tied for the Champions League means Arsenal could also move in.

The Gunners, however, are more likely to complete the cut-price signing of Bordeaux marksman Marouane Chamakh.

Kop boss Benitez is understood to have registered his interest but Ancelotti's Chelsea can better the wages the Anfield club would be able to pay.

Pandev had been frozen out by Lazio after asking for a move last summer. But he appealed to the Italian League's arbitration board, who not only ruled in his favour, but also ordered Lazio to pay damages and legal costs.

Now they will get nothing for him as Pandev is free to join any club he chooses.

Lazio president, Claudio Lotito vowed: "I don't give up. It doesn't end here. We'll see then who wins."

Pandev's case could mean other European clubs are now forced to include unsettled players in their plans, despite the disruption.

Desperate Liverpool Turn To Aquilani For Inspiration

Liverpool will finally turn to talented Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani against Wolves tomorrow as they seek to salvage their disastrous season.

Aquilani, a £20million summer signing from Roma, has yet to start a Premier League game for the Reds having battled to recover from an ankle injury.

But even though he is over that problem, boss Rafael Benitez has mystified fans with a stubborn refusal to use the 25-year-old despite Liverpool’s increasing problems on the pitch.

Benitez all but admitted that he was concerned about the slight Aquilani’s ability to handle the pace and physical demands of the English game.

But needs must and Aquilani is being lined up to face Wolves at Anfield on Saturday if he can overcome a calf injury which kept him out of last weekend’s abject defeat at Portsmouth.

Benitez said: “Alberto picked up a calf injury in the win against Wigan and was not able to travel to Portsmouth.

“He is getting better but we will have to see how he progresses. He is certainly in contention to play against Wolves.”

There was speculation that Aquilani was due to fly to Belgrade this week for treatment from the same specialist, Mariana Kovacevic, who has been used to treat Glen Johnson, Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera.

But bad weather put pay to flights to the Serbian capital and Benitez added: “Alberto was with us all week, working with our physios.”

With Javier Mascherano serving a four-match suspension, while recovering from a knee injury that will keep him out for three weeks anyway, there is a gap to be filled in midfield if Aquilani can prove his fitness and satisfy Benitez that he is up to the challenge.

Benitez could field Steven Gerrard in a deeper midfield role and play Benayoun or Aquilani behind Fernando Torres in another must-win game for Liverpool.

Benitez again refuted claims that Torres will need an operation on his hernia problem, despite suggestions from Spain that national team officials want the striker to have surgery now to avoid him breaking down again and missing the World Cup.

“An operation is not in our minds,” Benitez added. “I was surprised to hear such suggestions from Spain because we have a good working relationship with their medical team.

“We will continue to manage Torres’ problem and assess him on a game-to-game basis.”

After just four wins in 17 matches and with Liverpool eight points adrift of a Champions League qualification spot, their season is going from bad to worse with Benitez’s position constantly questioned.

But the Spaniard consistently declined to discuss his own future today.

Asked if he would resign if things did not improve, Benitez said: “We must start winning, against Wolves certainly, and then we will see a change.”

With Manchester City manager Mark Hughes axed last weekend despite being in sixth place, Benitez said: “I do not like to see any manager fired, it is important to give support to managers and to wait, to give them time.

“But things are changing in football, especially in England. However, it is important that people retain confidence in a manager.”

Asked if his own record of seven defeats in the league this season made him fear for his position considering Hughes lost only twice, Benitez again dodged the question, saying: “I am just concentrating on Wolves and preparing the team for the next game.”

Benitez Hails Liverpool Squad Strength And Expects Better 2010

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has declared in his Christmas message to the club’s official website that he is sure 2010 will see improvement in the side’s performance.

Bentiez also stated he was sure the fans would continue to back the team to help them through a difficult period.

"We know the fans are always behind us. We need to keep going and that is the way to change things."

The Spanish boss hit out at those who feel the squad he has assembled is not good enough, commenting: "The squad is much better than people think and we showed this last year. Now we need to show this again this year."

Benitez also pinpointed injuries as the major reason for Liverpool’s underperformance in the first half of this season. "We have had too many injuries this season, but now we have players coming back, which is good for us because it gives us more options and more quality."

Whilst Liverpool face Wolves at Anfield on Boxing Day, their meeting with Aston Villa just a few days later is more crucial than ever and will be a test of Benitez’s optimism.

Leeds Extend Martin Deal

Leeds United have extended the loan deal of Liverpool goalkeeper David Martin until the end of January.

Martin joined the League One leaders at the end of November and was due to return to Anfield after Monday's game against Stockport County.

However, Whites boss Simon Grayson is keen to ensure he has sufficient cover after Shane Higgs encountered a setback in his recovery from injury.

The deal means Martin will spend a second month at Elland Road and he is also eligible to play in the FA Cup, with Leeds travelling to Manchester United in the third round.

To date, Martin has made a solitary senior appearance for Leeds in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy against Accrington Stanley when he kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win.

Reds Keep Close Eye On Star Pair

Rafael Benitez admits the fitness of key men Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres is having to be carefully managed as Liverpool desperately seek an improvement in their form.

The Merseysiders have won just four of their last 17 games, and have fallen so far that Birmingham are ahead of them as the halfway point of the Barclays Premier League season looms.

Both Torres and Gerrard have had groin injuries which have restricted their involvement this season, and although they are presently available to boss Benitez, the Liverpool staff are closely monitoring their fitness.

Benitez said: "They still have some problems, so we must manage them carefully over a period of so many games in such a short space of time. We virtually have to decide on them before every game.

"And after each game we have to check them, to see how they are coping with their recoveries from injury."

Liverpool will be without suspended midfielder Javier Mascherano against Wolves, however Benitez is hoping the hard work carried out on the training ground will reap reward against Mick McCarthy's men.

"We do not need to talk too much about the problems we have, we have to work hard and find solutions. The only way to change things is hard work," Benitez said.

"I have been a manager for 23 years, and I know you have good and bad moments. The only way to change things is to keep working.

"We have tried to relax the lads. On Tuesday we had a Christmas meal for all the staff and players, which was a very positive occasion.

"We have a good team spirit, the players know we must improve and they know the only way is to stick together.

"We must show this unity on the pitch, and the players are concerned, they are talking about what is going wrong.

"I must manage and control the anxiety of the players, and the anxiety of the fans.

"We know we have to change the situation, sooner rather than later. That is clear.

"If we talk too much about having to win a title, or win a cup, it just makes things worse. We must help our players by making them concentrate on the next match and winning it."

Liverpool Football Club Lights Up Alder Hey Childrens Hospital

To anyone who reads this article and feels that it should not be on here as it is not really football related - please stop and think for a moment.

We have now reached the time of year when everyone should be in good spirits and ready for the two greatest events that take place every year. The first as everyone should know is the birth of the Baby Jesus in Bethlehem and the second as any child will tell you is the arrival of a certain gentleman called Father Christmas.

Unfortunately though there are some children who are unlucky enough to be ill and in hospital at this time year rather than being at home with their families. As part of their community affairs programme, Liverpool Football Club arrange for the Manager and players to bring some festive cheer to the patients and staff of Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Liverpool Football Club as you know are going through a crisis of confidence at the moment and I am sure were pleased to be able to turn their minds to things off the pitch. This week they took the time out from their training and match preparation to visit the children and distribute gifts donated by the club.

I am sure that the children were told that they would be having extra special visitors before the man in red arrives this evening.

The delight on the children's faces as you can see from the photographs that I have attached tells a million stories. Can you imagine lying on your sick bed, perhaps with something as bad as cancer and Fernando Torres and Stevie G walk up to your bedside? That I should imagine lifts the spirits of a child more than any medicine or story can do. Whether you are the Liverpool supporter or whether it is your parents, it is something that will be remembered for many years to come.

What has amazed me whilst looking at the photographs is how happy the children do look even though some of them are obviously really ill. It is a great compliment to the staff of Alder Hey to see that the children are well looked after and able to treat their illnesses as just one of those things.

This year Jamie, Albert Riera and Aquilani visited the special care baby unit which must have been a wonderful pick me up for the parents of these very young and very fragile children. Unfortunately though whilst there, they had to leave the ward rather quickly as a three week old little girl had a heart attack. On their return much to their relief they were told that she had survived and was again sleeping in her cot.

It was left to Rafa Benitez and Sammy Lee to visit the older children but I am sure they were just as pleased. I can just imagine the tales that will go around the school playground once they are discharged and back in their normal surroundings. To be able to stand there and say I have met Rafa and some of the team must be one of the greatest things that these children are able to boast about and I certainly can't blame them for doing so I will finish this article by giving my thanks to Rafa Benitez and the team for making a lot of children very happy. Of course my thanks also go out to the Staff who do a wonderful job day in and day out and I wish them all a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

To the Children I will say - don't forget to tell the nurses to leave some biscuits, sandwiches and a hot drink out for Father Christmas and also some Milk for Rudolph and the rest of the Reindeers.

Go to sleep when the nurses tell you too, and if you wake up in the night and hear the sleigh bells, close your eyes and listen, it means that Father Christmas is outside and waiting for you to return to the land of nod. You see, he likes to do things in secret. When you wake up in the morning, I am sure you will find that some wonderful gifts are waiting for you. He may even send in one of his helpers later in the day.

Pepe Reina And Emiliano Insua Meet Reds Fans

Hundreds of Liverpool FC fans queued up to get stocking fillers signed by their heroes.

First-team stars Pepe Reina and Emiliano Insua braved the Christmas crowds at Liverpool One to autograph team merchandise last night.

After one of the shopping centre’s busiest-ever days, the LFC store was closed and a crowd of fans snaked along Liverpool One’s upper level.

They were allowed to bring merchandise and memorabilia to get signed and meet goalie Reina and left-back Insua.

Sam Tyrer, pictured centre, left, who is from Bebington, Wirral, got Reina to sign a shirt.

It followed a similar event when midfielder Lucas Leiva and defender Fabio Aurelio were at the store earlier last week.

Rafael Benitez: Players Lack Confidence

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that he is responsible for lifting the Reds' low morale, following the recent performances that have seen the club go from title contenders to also-rans.

The Merseysiders are eighth in the Premier League, and have won only once in their last five outings in all competitions. Benitez admits this has caused a slump in self-belief among the players, something he must retrieve.

"That is my responsibility, to improve confidence," said Benitez.

"To do that I have to be positive, it is the only way. The message is very clear, we have quality in our squad and we must show that.

"We can win a run of games in a row, we have done that with these same players. That is the positive thought we must retain."

The former Valencia boss attributed the sharp dip in performances to the persistent injuries his skipper Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres have had to endure in recent times.

He added: "They have been included in FIFA's world team [of the year] this week, that shows how good they are and what they can produce. But when they are not fully fit, they cannot perform to those standards."

Ian Rush: Fernando Torres Will Stay At Liverpool Even If They Finish Outside Of The Top Four

Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes Fernando Torres won't leave the club - even if the Reds finish outside the top four this season.

The club has endured a shaky start to the season - exiting the Champions League at the group stage and slipping to 8th in the Premier League.

"He is a fantastic player. He is one of the best strikers in the world and the way he adjusted to the English game was fantastic," Rush told ESPN Soccernet.

"He is one of a few players that, if he becomes available, every top club in the world would want him.

Rush believes there will be interest in Torres, but thinks he will remain at Anfield because of the affection he has for the club.

"It wouldn't surprise me at all if teams were in for him in January, but he does have genuine affection for the supporters because he knows the supporters love him," he said.

"Him and Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher - the fans love them because of the effort they put in and the skill they have.

"I think that if they didn't finish in the top four, the likes of Torres and Gerrard would still be at Liverpool because they have a feel for the club. I think they will think, 'Let's give it one more go here. I owe it to the fans to give it one more go to get back into the Champions League'."

McCarthy - Reds Not Vulnerable

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy insists he does not view Liverpool as 'weak' ahead of their Boxing Day clash at Anfield.

The Reds are eight points off the top four in the Premier League after losing their seventh league game of the season at Portsmouth last weekend.

In contrast, Wolves have won three of their last four games and have climbed to 12th position in the table to ease relegation concerns.

But while McCarthy recognises that a trip to Anfield does not hold the fear factor of previous seasons, he maintains that Liverpool still represent a major threat.

The Wolves boss told Sky Sports News: "All through my life and football career, I have never ever thought that Liverpool are vulnerable.

"I suppose there are better opportunities than others, but I never see them as being weak, or go to Anfield thinking you can take advantage of their results.

"If it was us and we lost against Birmingham, and you see the resolve, determination and results we have had since then, I think that is what football clubs tend to do.

"There are two ways to look at it."

Alberto Aquilani Could Start For Liverpool Against Wolverhampton Wanderers

Alberto Aquilani could make his first league start for Liverpool against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on Saturday.

Aquilani, a £20million summer signing from Roma, has yet to start a Premier League game for Liverpool, having battled to overcome an ankle injury.

Despite his recovery from that injury, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has perplexed fans by his refusal to play the Italian more. But with Javier Mascherano currently injured and suspended, Aquilani could be asked to fill in.

Benitez said: "Alberto picked up a calf injury in the win against Wigan and was not able to travel to Portsmouth.

"He is getting better but we will have to see how he progresses. He is certainly in contention to play against Wolves."

There was speculation that Aquilani was due to fly to Belgrade this week for treatment from the same specialist, Mariana Kovacevic, who has been used to treat Glen Johnson, Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera.

But bad weather put paid to flights to the Serbian capital and Benitez confirmed: "Alberto was with us all week, working with our physios."

Aquilani's first appearance for Liverpool was as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat by Arsenal in the Carling Cup on October 28. He made his first start for the club against Fiorentina in the Champions League, a game they lost 2-1 on December 9.

Rafa Eyes Gerrard Improvements

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is expecting to see improvements from Steven Gerrard over the festive period.

The 29-year-old has struggled to perform at his highest level this season, due in part to a series of niggling injury problems, and that dip in form has coincided with the Reds' much-publicised fall from grace.

The Anfield club have won just four of their last 17 matches and currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Benitez has spoken with his captain over the club's current predicament and is confident he will soon be firing on all cylinders once again.

"Steven knows that he has to improve but that for me is very positive," Benitez said.

"He knows he is a very important player for us and we were analysing his statistics and he is doing much better.

"In the last game he wasn't at his level but that can happen in one game. He knows he is improving physically and the main thing now is confidence.

"I was talking with him this week about how to improve. He wants to give more.

"I am 100 per cent that he wants to give more. He is the captain and he is very important for the team and the club. He is someone who is pushing now and wants to improve."

Atletico Madrid & Zenit St Petersburg Favourites To Sign Liverpool’s Andrea Dossena

Atletico Madrid and Zenit St Petersburg have emerged as the favourites to sign Liverpool flop Andrea Dossena in January, according to the Daily Mirror.

Dossena is almost certain to leave Anfield after a disastrous 18-month spell since his arrival from Udinese.

The Italian international left back has barely featured this season, and will depart Merseyside next month.

A host of Italian clubs have been sniffing around, including Napoli and Juventus, but Spanish strugglers Atleti and Russian outfit Zenit are now the new favourites.

Atletico sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch is reported to have already started negotiations, but Dossena may be swayed by the Italian influence at Zenit, as they are coached by Luciano Spalletti and include Alessandro Rosina amongst their ranks.

Rafael Benitez: No Hernia Operation For Fernando Torres

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has declared that striker Fernando Torres will not be going under the knife to correct a persistent groin problem.

The Spanish media had previously reported that the 25-year-old may have to undergo an operation in order to be rid of his problem, which could otherwise pose as a threat for 'El Nino' with regard to appearing in the 2010 World Cup.

The former Valencia manager insists, however, that the Reds will continue to "manage" their star striker, who has had his fair share of injuries in recent times.

"An operation is not in our minds, I was surprised to hear such suggestions from Spain because we have a good working relationship with their medical team," Benitez said, according to the Press Association.

"We will continue to manage Torres' problem and assess him on a game-to-game basis."

Torres is expected to lead the line against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on Boxing Day.

Liverpool Want To Sign Belgrade 'Placenta Doctor' Marijana

Liverpool want ‘placenta doctor’ Marijana Kovacevic to take a permanent role with the club.

Manager Rafa Benitez and his medical staff have been so impressed by Kovacevic’s work with their injured players that they want to discuss a deal that would see her prioritise care for them.

The club want to explore the possibility of the Belgrade housewife, dismissed by some as a quack, establishing a base at Anfield so their players do not have to travel so far for treatment.

Kovacevic has already been courted by Manchester City, who flew her to Manchester earlier this year to discuss working for them. She also has an offer on the table from Romanian club CFR Cluj, which is believed to be worth £190,000 a year but allows her to carry on working with players from other teams.

She is believed to favour that type of arrangement rather than an exclusive deal which would limit her earning power.

A source close to Kovacevic said: ‘Marijana is in demand. Some doctors are not sure about her but many players from England, Germany, France and Holland are coming to her regularly because it works for them. Liverpool are obviously happy with the results so far.’

Kovacevic’s methods have attracted controversy over recent months after she shot to prominence with her efforts to repair Arsenal striker Robin van Persie’s torn ankle ligaments in November.

Frank Lampard was another high-profile visitor but Chelsea’s club doctor was not a fan of Kovacevic’s process.

She massages placenta fluid into the injured area and then treats it with an electro-magnetic device. However, questions have been raised over where the placenta is sourced, with conflicting reports it is from humans rather than horses.

Undeterred, Liverpool have used Kovacevic to help cut the recovery times of Alberto Aquilani, Albert Riera, Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio and Yossi Benayoun.

Indeed, Israel midfielder Benayoun insisted he had ‘no worries’ over the methods used in her placenta massage.

He said: ‘There were no animal parts used and no injections.

‘The doctor has treated a lot of players and seems to be held in very high regard. She explained everything to me beforehand and told me she would be using fluid from a placenta that had come from a woman.

‘Nothing went into the muscle itself. It was just a case of massaging the liquid on to the skin around the affected area. It meant I was able to play again within a fortnight and help the team at an important time.

‘I never envisaged being on the pitch again so soon, and it shows what can be done with this treatment.’

Kovacevic operates from a tiny first-floor clinic above a stairwell in an austere development of shops, offices and apartments in the area known as New Belgrade.

The mother of three, whose second husband is believed to run a betting shop, is said to cut an extraordinary figure. She ‘dresses crazily’, according to the owner of the hairdressing salon at the foot of the stairwell.

With long black hair, thick black eye make-up and thigh-length boots, ‘she always looks like she is going out for the night’, according to the proprietor.

Another bar owner, who has known her since she moved in a year ago, said: ‘She is an extrovert, but nice.

'She always wears big lipstick. She looks like Morticia from the Addams Family.’

Rafa Benitez Stands By His 'Hurt' Liverpool Players And Prays Steven Gerrard And Fernando Torres Don't Get Hurt Any More

Rafael Benitez insists Liverpool's under-performing players are hurt by their current struggles.

The Merseysiders, who have won just four of their last 17 games, were hit by criticism from former striker Ian Rush this week, the Welshman claiming not enough players were smarting after last weekend's abject 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth.

Rush, who exonerated Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Jose
Reina from blame, said: 'It should hurt them all, not just a few.'

But Benitez responded, saying: 'I do not accept that the players are not hurt by what is happening. They are working very hard to put things right. I can guarantee 100 per cent that they are trying to win every game and they are upset when things do not go
well.'

Benitez has held talks with several players - Torres and Gerrard included - to try to prompt an upturn in form ahead of the Boxing Day clash against Wolves and the trip to Aston Villa on Monday.

He said: 'I have spoken to several players, not just Gerrard and Torres. They are all determined to do well, but when we concede a goal now we lose any confidence that we have acquired.

'That is my responsibility, to improve confidence. To do that I have to be positive, it is the only way. The message is very clear, we have quality in our squad and we must show that.

'We can win a run of games in a row, we have done that with these same players. That is the positive thought we must retain. We have talked about just why we are in this position. There were many ideas, but the main one was that Torres and Gerrard were not fit.

'They have been included in FIFA's world team this week, that shows how good they are and what they can produce. But when they are not fully fit, they cannot perform to those standards.'

He added: 'They still have some problems, so we must manage them carefully over a period of so many games in such a short space of time. We virtually have to decide on them before every game.

'And after each game we have to check them, to see how they are coping with their recoveries from injury.'

Benitez, who will be without the suspended Javier Mascherano against Wolves, is hoping the hard work carried out on the training ground will reap its reward against Mick McCarthy's men.

'We do not need to talk too much about the problems we have, we have to work hard and find solutions. The only way to change things is hard work,' he said.

'I have been a manager for 23 years, and I know you have good and bad moments. The only way to change things is to keep working.

'We have tried to relax the lads. On Tuesday we had a Christmas meal for all the staff and players, which was a very positive occasion.

'We have a good team spirit, the players know we must improve and they know the only way is to stick together. We must show this unity on the pitch, and the players are concerned, they are talking about what is going wrong.

'I must manage and control the anxiety of the players, and the anxiety of the fans. We know we have to change the situation, sooner rather than later. That is clear.

'If we talk too much about having to win a title, or win a cup, it just makes things worse. We must help our players by making them concentrate on the next match and winning it.'