Kop Asia

Liverpool vs Sunderland (Video)

2008-08-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

Watch Fernando Torres win the match for Liverpool when all seem to be going for a draw.

Video Analysis Standard Liege vs Liverpool

2008-08-14T00:28:00.000-07:00

Watch the analysis of the 3rd Round Champions League Qualifier.

Video: Watch Rafa Views on Keane

2008-07-29T03:22:00.000-07:00

Video: Watch Rafa Views on Keane

A Legend is born

2008-05-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Fernando Torres. Fernando Torres. Fernando Torres.

A legend is born. Anyone would disagree. 33 goals in the first season. 24 Premier League goals in the debut season effectively breaking RVN's record. 3 hattricks. Anymore doubt? I'm sure you don't. Goals and goals ang goals to come in many more years to come. Liverpool will bring the 19th top flight crown soon with this kind of player.

Here is a video for you to enjoy. All 33 goals of Torres this season.

Liverpool 1 - 0 Manchester City

2008-05-09T22:28:00.001-07:00

Liverpool were dominant in the first half game at Anfield against Manchester City. Both teams have nothing to play for going into the ending of the seasons. The best chance goes to Gerrard who forced a great save out of Joe Hart. Torres hit his 23rd premier league goals to equalised the all time debut season record held by RVN.

First Half Analysis

Second half Analysis

Torres Scored

Gerrard curling shot

Kuyt hit the post

Elano hit the post

Micah Richards For Liverpool

2008-05-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

Liverpool defence is far from solid. Liverpool will need to add some strength and pace to their central of defense. Micah Richards will make a good addition.

Your Says?

Abidal For Liverpool!

2008-05-01T23:50:00.001-07:00

Latest rumour is that Liverpool is lining up a 10 million pound bid for Barca left back Abidal. A left back may or may not be needed by Liverpool, depends on whether Riise is leaving or not. For me, Riise is still doing a decent job for Liverpool.

Your say?

Messi for Liverpool!

2008-05-01T06:44:00.000-07:00

If you are the manager for Liverpool and money is not a problem in this club, who would you like to bring in.

Lionel Messi will certainly solve lots of the right midfield problem for Liverpool.

Your say?

Update Chelsea 3 - 2 Liverpool FT

2008-04-30T14:20:00.001-07:00

Didier Drogba gives Chelsea the lead in the first half. Fernando Torres equalised and cancelled out the away goal advantage for Chelsea. Liverpool put on a brave performance despite trailing after the 1st ET with 2 goals from Frank Lampard and Drogba again. Babel scored another sensational long range effort but could not drag Liverpool out of the losing end. Well done Chelsea. Now all the best in Moscow.

First Half Analysis

Torres' Goal

Essien's Goal Disallowed

Lampard's Emotional Penalty

Drogba's Winner

Babel's Consolation

Enjoy the sweet moment Scholes. Cry after the final

2008-04-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

Is this the year when Liverpool is going to show the Mancs that who is the master in England. We are still the club to beat with the number of top flight english league winner medals and also european cup winner medals. Well Manc! You all will still have to work harder.

But I feel Rafa will be the writer of the history of Liverpool Football club adding the 19th and the 20th League title to Liverpool and the sixth European Title too. So Scholes welcome to the Champions League final and feel how is it to fail.

Meanwhile, Kenny Dalglish is convinced Liverpool can go some way to realising their Moscow dream by scoring a vital away goal in their semi-final clash against Chelsea tonight.
The Reds have not found the net in eight visits to Stamford Bridge under Rafael Benitez, but all that is about to change according to the man regarded as the undisputed King of the Kop.

"I believe that Liverpool can go there, score and win the game," Dalglish told LFC Magazine.

"Look at it this way; the law of averages dictates that Chelsea's home record has to come to an end eventually. Ours did, and so will theirs.

"It might not have gone at the weekend (against Manchester United) as people expected it to, but it simply cannot go on forever.

"They've gone 80-odd games without losing at home, they score in virtually every game down there and we haven't scored against them in London since Bruno Cheyrou in 2004.

"Something's got to give. There are simply too many averages there for me to believe that they'll all hold up.

"We've got to score on that basis alone, even before you analyse our strengths and weaknesses."

Carrick Handed Liverpool A Favour

2008-04-27T03:43:00.000-07:00

Michael Carrick's handball which was penalised for a penalty kick coulc have handed Liverpool a big favour in the Champions League Semi Final 2nd Leg.

Liverpool has secured their 4th place in the Premier League and can now concentrate their energy in the Champions League, the only meaningful competittion left for them. Despite making 9 changes to his team, Benitez managed to grind out a draw, coming back from 2 goal deficit. With Gerrard, Torres, Carragher, Kuyt and Babel all well rested, we can expect them to fire at Chelsea's Cech from all cylinders.

While Chelsea had to put in their full strength squad against Manchester United yesterday to beat Manchester United narrowly with a penalty kick decision. Chelsea started brilliantly and attacking fast just like they did in Anfield but soon they had to slow down as their players showed sign of fatigue.

Chelsea will still have to keep in mind that they have to go to St James Park the following Monday to face the resurgent Newcastle. It might be quite a tricky tie for them if they will want to pile on the pressure on United till the last game.

Meanwhile, Benitez is confident that Liverpool is more than capable of scoring a goal in Stamford Bridge, although they had not score there for 4 years since he took charge. We certainly hope so and we will want to see an attacking formation that is also mindful of Chelsea counter attacking ability.

Update: Birmingham City 2 - 2 Liverpool FT

2008-04-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Match Analysis

Goals

First Goal for Birmingham Forssell 34

Second Goal for Birmingham by Larsson , Wonderful Free Kick 54

Crouch Scores for Liverpool 2:1 64

Benayoun Draws for Liverpool (2-2) Nice Header 76

Liverpool recovered from 2 - 0 down to draw level with Birmingham which effectively sealed their Champions League Qualification for next season. Goals from Peter Crouch and Benayoun give Liverpool the vital point to make it 9 ahead of Everton.

6 Liverpool Transfer targets: Who are they?

2008-04-25T22:33:00.001-07:00

Maxi Rodriguez

Current Club Atletico Madrid

Appearances 69

Goals 24

Position Winger/ Midfielder

Price £12m

Albert Riera

Current Club Espanyol

2008 Appearances 30

2008 Goals 3

Position Left Midfield

Price ?

Fernando Amorebieta

Current Club Athletic Bilbao

Appearances 82

Goal 1

Position Central Defender, Left back

Price £6m

Philipp Degen

Current Club Borussia Dortmund

Appearances 47

Goal 1

Position Right Back

Price free

Antonio Valenica

Current Club Wigan

Appearances 45

Goals 2

Position Both Wing

Price £10m

Gareth Barry

Current Club Aston Villa

Appearances 382

Goals 39

Position Midfielder Left

Price £12m

Liverpool FC new Home Kit

2008-04-25T00:52:00.001-07:00

New Official Liverpool FC Home Kit Available now for pre-order in liverpoolfc.tv

Liverpool transfer target: Philipp Degen

2008-04-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

Summary of the new signing by Rafa Benitez

Philipp Degen

Personal information

Full name
Philipp Degen

Date of birth
February 15, 1983(age 25)

Place of birth
Hölstein, Switzerland

Height
1.84 m (6 ft ¹⁄₂ in)

Playing position
Right back

Club information

Current club
Borussia Dortmund

Number
23

Senior clubs¹

Years Club App (Gls)*

2001-05 FC Basel 83 (4)

2005- Borussia Dortmund 70 (2)

National team²

2005- Switzerland 26 (0)

Aurelio out for 3 weeks

2008-04-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio has been ruled out of the rest of the Premiership season with a torn groin muscle.

The Brazilian defender was stretched off the pitch in Tuesday's 1-1 Champions League semi-final first leg clash with Chelsea and has been ruled out for at least three weeks.

The diagnosis sidelines the former Valencia left-back for all three of Liverpool's remaining league fixtures and the second leg of the European semi-final next week.

It also places his participation in a potential Champions League final in Moscow on May 21 in serious doubt.

"I have been talking with the doctor and with this kind of injury it usually takes a minimum of three weeks for the player to recover, so it will be very difficult for Fabio to play again this season," manager Rafael Benitez told the club's official website.

"It is very disappointing because Fabio has been doing a good job for the team."

Riise: I'm sorry, I want to stay on, I will be stronger

2008-04-24T03:39:00.000-07:00

Liverpool left back John Arne Riise believes he will be back stronger after scoring a shock injury-time own goal in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

'I've learned that it's the way you hit back that matters,' Riise told Thursday's Norwegian daily Verdens Gang. 'Mentally, I am the best.

'I've got my head back in place after a heavy night. I'm going to learn from this.'

Substitute Riise headed a Salomon Kalou cross into his own goal deep into stoppage time at Anfield to give Chelsea a vital away goal.

'I decided to stoop and head the ball in the direction it came from,' said the Liverpool defender. 'But it was a swerving cross, the ball was wet, and it slid right off my forehead. It was a shock to see it lying in the goal.'

Riise added that he was hopeful of staying at Liverpool beyond next year when his contract expires with the Merseyside club.

'I hope and still believe in a new contract with Liverpool,' he said. 'But I cannot say definitely that I have a future here when I only have one year left of my deal and haven't heard anything from the club yet.'

Gerrard: We'll end Chelsea Record

2008-04-23T02:22:00.000-07:00

Liverpool Captain Gerrard has warned Chelsea that Liverpool will end their unbeaten record at Stamford Bridge and reach their third Champions League Final in four years.

Chelsea have the advantage after Riise's horrendous injury-time own goal gifted the visitors a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Anfield.

Avram Grant's team have not lost at home since Barcelona won 2-1 in February 2006 and Liverpool's record at Stamford Bridge is also poor.

They have not scored there under Rafael Benitez, with three draws and five defeats in his eight matches in charge, and their last win at Chelsea came in January 2004, but Gerrard said: “We believe we can beat Chelsea on their own patch.

"I am happy for people to say Chelsea are favourites, it's not important. We just have to block that out.

“We were the better team and created the better chances, I don't think Pepe [Reina] had anything to do apart from pick the ball out of the net at the end.

"Petr Cech pulled off two-three fantastic saves and we would have come off that pitch disappointed at 1-0 because it should have been a 3-0 victory.

“We've gone to Inter Milan, we've gone to Arsenal and scored so there is no reason why we can't do it at Stamford Bridge.

“We have come back a number of times and this team never knows when its beaten. Football can come down to small details and we were unfortunate that the luck was with Chelsea, maybe we will get the luck at Stamford Bridge.”

Cech agreed that Chelsea were fortunate to come away with a draw but believes his side have now done enough to reach the final in Moscow on 21 May against Manchester United or Barcelona.

He said: “On the last two times we played at Anfield we didn't take our chances so this time we kept going right until the very end.

“It's up to now we have had many chances to go through to the Final and haven't been able to do so.

"Once you break through that barrier though you have a big chance to win the tournament and I am confident now we will go all the way.”

Gerrard is confident, though, that Fernando Torres will be the man who can get the ball past Cech and end their barren run at Stamford Bridge, even though he missed two great chances to give Liverpool victory last night.

“We haven't played there with Fernando Torres in our team yet and he can cause defences problems as we saw in the first half,” Gerrard added.

Reina (above) also feels Grant's team will feel the strain of having to face United on Saturday before the return leg next week.

Benitez can rest key players for their game at Birmingham, with fourth place in the Premier League virtually guaranteed.

Reina said: “They have a much tougher game than us and can't rest as many players as we can.

"I hope a game like that will take a lot out of them.”

Substitute Riise's error in the fifth minute of added time cancelled out Dirk Kuyt's first half effort, as he headed Salomon Kalou's cross past Reina.

But Gerrard said: “As captain we can't point any fingers at John and we must make sure we get his head right because he has a big part still to play.

"It's not about blame, it's about sticking together. We win, lose and draw together.”

Benitez: Question raised about refereeing?

2008-04-23T01:24:00.000-07:00

Rafa Benitez slammed referee Konrad Plautz for giving so much added time in last night's Champions League semi-final first leg 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Anfield.

Dirk Kuyt had fired Liverpool ahead in the first half but John Arne Riise head into his own net in the fifth and ?final second of injury time to give Chelsea the away goal advantage ahead of the second leg. It is very obvious that the referee was siding Chelsea with stream of freekicks given against Liverpool. This has raised a few questions that somebody may be keen to bring the Russian owned club to Moscow for the final illegally?

Benitez said: 'It was a difficult match and I was very disappointed with the referee. This was not the first time.

'We knew what to expect because we'd had him before against Marseille. He gave just one minute injury-time in the first period and four in the second. It was hard to understand.

'All the free-kicks seemed to go against us. The first four free-kicks against us were for pushing, and then when one of their players (Ashley Cole) pushes one of our players in the back with both hands in the box, there's nothing.

'But we cannot blame the referee for our missed chances. We had at least four clear opportunities, and we must score those.

'But we must now be positive and clear our minds. If we play like that at Stamford Bridge next week and take those chances, we will go through.

'We have confidence in ourselves. I am confident we can do it, I will recall the first 20 minutes of the second period when we were very much on top of Chelsea. If we can do that again at Stamford Bridge, we can still get to the final.'

Benitez confirmed he had held brief discussions with co-owner Tom Hicks at the club's Melwood training complex ahead of the game, with the objective of setting up a meeting between the manager, Hicks and fellow owner George Gillett.

Benitez said: 'I had a short discussion with Tom Hicks, and the idea now is to set up a meeting involving both owners so we can discuss the future. I believe that is possible and can be arranged.'

Update Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea

2008-04-22T14:10:00.001-07:00

First Half

Riise's own goal

Dirk Kuyt gave Liverpool the vital 1st half lead just to be cancelled out by a Riise's last second own goal to give Chelsea an advantage back tu Stamford Bridge.

Benitez: Watch out Grant,Gerrard will never be a blue.

2008-04-22T04:24:00.000-07:00

Benitez believe Steven Gerrard will silent Grant by delivering the killer strike tonight against Chelsea.

The Reds skipper was on the receiving end of a charm offensive from Stamford Bridge this weekend – an approach he treated like a chat-up line from Heather Mills in a city centre bar.

Benitez, however, was keen to play down the ill-timed mind games.

“I think that after scoring the winning goal in the semi-final he will be more than happy to stay at Liverpool!” he joked, suggesting that Grant’s words had been manipulated.

“In these kind of games, if someone asks you about a player clearly you will talk really well about him. After this, you can use headlines and give more importance to his words.”

Benitez claimed to have suffered in similar fashion when he was asked how he compared Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea to Avram Grant’s incarnation.

“I answered this question the other day, trying to be positive and it was twisted a little saying I was trying to criticise, which was not true,” said Benitez.

“They are a good team, a very good team, well organised tactically – they have balance, are good in defence, good in attack and good on the counter attack, and good in set pieces.

Aurelio: We must concentrate on Chelsea now

2008-04-21T05:29:00.001-07:00

Aurelio believes that fourth place is in the safe and let's now shave Chelsea scalp.

The Reds is now eight points clear of fifth-placed Everton with a 2-0 win at Fulham on Saturday and with just three Premier League games left to play are favourites to clinch the all-important fourth spot.

And Aurelio insists they can now turn all their attention to tomorrow night's Champions League clash with Chelsea at Anfield.

"I think the win against Fulham was a big result because it puts eight points between us and Everton and that probably means the job is now done," he said.

"Now we have to look to keep on winning so we can get as many points as we can in the league because there are still three games to go.

"The good thing about this win is it will make it easier for us to concentrate on the Champions League."

Having missed out on last season's semi-final against Chelsea through injury, the Brazilian left back cannot wait to be involved in what promises to be another massive Anfield night.

He said: "I'm really excited and it will be great to be involved. Liverpool are in the same situation as last season but I missed those games so it means a lot to me to have a chance to play this time.

"The atmosphere last time was incredible and the players still talk about it today, so hopefully it will be the same this time."

Crouch: We must keep it tight at Anfielfd

2008-04-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

Peter Crouch does not believe that Liverpool is at a disadvantage by playing the second leg of the Champions League Semifinal at Stamford Bridge.

The Liverpool forward has denied that his side are weakened by the fact that the second leg tie will not be played out in front of a home crowd that has been witness to so much of Liverpool's European success, claiming: "We always feel with the players in our squad and team that we can go to Stamford Bridge and score."

The key, he believes, is playing a tight first leg tomorrow in Liverpool, and grinding out a head start for their second leg at Stamford Bridge. Confidence and taking care of the basics will be the modus operandi.

"I think the important thing is not to concede a goal in the first leg. It would be great if we could go on to score two or three goals. That would be the ideal scenario but I think it's important not to concede an away goal."

Crouch accepts that the role of the twelfth man at Anfield will still be important. "Everyone talks about our crowd but to experience it is an amazing feeling," he said.

"I've been fortunate enough to have been involved in quite a few fantastic European nights [at Anfield]. Knocking Chelsea out last year was fantastic, and Arsenal in the quarter-final this season was amazing. These are the type of games you want to be involved in."
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Crouch, who scored his 10th goal of the season in the 2-0 win at Fulham on Saturday, has placed much importance on his side having the self-belief to overcome Chelsea in the Champions League once again.

"We have beaten them in previous seasons and we can certainly take confidence from that. The smallest little details in the Champions League can make a difference and turn games. I think it will be tight and very cagey but over the course of the two legs hopefully it's us that comes out on top.

"We are not going to kid ourselves. Chelsea are a fantastic side with players that can win games on their own but we like to feel as though we've got the same."

Although both of this season's fixtures between the two teams were drawn, Crouch believes that Liverpool should have come away with more than just two points, something that he is keen to put right.

"They are doing well in the league but in the two games against them we feel as though we could have got a lot more out of them than the draws," he said.

"It wasn't to be but hopefully we can put that right in the Champions League."

Carragher: Torres is on top of world.

2008-04-20T04:04:00.000-07:00

Jamie Carragher has hailed Fernando Torres as the world's top striker and believes the Spanish marksman could prove to be the missing ingredient in Liverpool's quest for the Premiership title.

The Reds vice captain feels El Nino has added an extra dimension to Rafa Benitez's side this season and likens him to some of the club's legendary frontmen of yesteryear such as Ian Rush and Michael Owen.

"Last season I said the team needed a player who could add that 'X Factor', " he said.

"We wanted someone who could do something unbelievable and hurt the opposition when they were not expecting it.

"All the top teams have a player like that.

"We've relied on Stevie Gerrard to do that for us for a long time - but now Fernando has added another dimension to the side. For me, he has to be the best striker in the world.

"I'm delighted we've got him. His goal against Arsenal in the quarter-final second leg came out of nothing. It was a sharp turn and smashing shot.

"He also has unbelievable pace as well. He is like Michael Owen when he was 17 or 18, with that explosion over the first few yards.

"He's also similar to Ian Rush in a lot of ways. Not just because of his pace and goalscoring but also because of the work he does for the team.

"That certainly doesn't go unnoticed by the lads and supporters."

After all-but securing fourth place in the Barclays Premier League with a 2-0 win at Fulham on Saturday, Liverpool now turn their attention to a crunch Champions League semi-final, first leg clash with Chelsea at Anfield.

It is the third time the sides have met in the last four of the competition in just four seasons and Carra is well aware of how much Chelsea will want to avenge their previous defeats against the Reds.

"We have beaten them three times in semi-finals when you include the FA Cup in 2006, so they will be desperate to turn us over," he said.

"Hopefully we can keep that run going. But we realise they are doing well at the moment and it will be difficult to stop them.

"I think it will be as close as the last two Euro clashes. It's always been that way against them and I wouldn't expect it to be any different."

Benayoun excited with Champions League Semifinal

2008-04-19T23:47:00.000-07:00

Yossi Benayoun says he joined Liverpool for games like Tuesday's Champions League semi against Chelsea.

"I came here because of this," he told liverpoolfc.tv. "I want to try and win trophies and it is amazing for me to be in the semi-final of the Champions League and looking to finish in the top four of the Premier League.

"But we still need to work hard to try and make that final step because the thought of actually winning the Champions League is incredible."

The Israel international added: "At the end of January I was playing lots of games but since then the manager has changed the shape of the team and we are winning lots of games so you cannot complain.

"We have a lot of quality players so I just need to wait for my next chance to prove that I am a good player and I will try to do my best.

"But the most important thing is the team. We are doing well at the moment and hopefully that will continue."

Benitez: We'll surely be able to beat Fulham

2008-04-19T03:44:00.001-07:00

Rafa Benitez: I’m confident our squad is good enough for Fulham

ANYONE looking for a silver lining from Liverpool’s last visit to Craven Cottage need look no further than how much it riled Neil Warnock.

A Fulham victory by a single goal over a much changed Liverpool side in the build up to the Champions League final was enough to produce cries of foul play from the then Sheffield United boss who accused Rafa Benitez of not playing fair by his club.

This time around, it is the turn of Bolton manager Gary Megson to be cast in the Warnock role.

And he is already living up to that billing by reminding Benitez of his responsibility to select a side which does justice to the other teams in the relegation dogfight with Fulham.

Benitez, though, insists his first duty is to do the right thing by his own club and he refuses to take any heed of outsiders who try to influence his team selection.

And with the first leg of a Champions League semi-final against Chelsea now just three days away that is likely to mean a heavily rotated Liverpool side taking to the field at Craven Cottage for the second successive season.

Benitez, though, firmly believes that whatever players he chooses will be more than capable of securing a positive result against Roy Hodgson’s men.

“Clearly, the squad is stronger that it was last season when we went to Fulham,” he said.

“On that occasion, we could have won because we had the chances to do so but we conceded a goal and Fulham took the three points.

“We went to that game with some young players but we played well, had some opportunities and were unlucky to lose.

“This time, we want to win because we want to be in the top four and that is our priority.

“This game gives us a big opportunity because an eight point gap would be really difficult for Everton to overturn so we know that if we can get three points it will be easier for us.”

All eyes will again be on Benitez’s team selection for today’s clash and with Steven Gerrard already ruled out through a neck injury picked up in training the Reds boss is unlikely to risk many of his big guns ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Chelsea.

Yossi Benayoun, Andriy Voronin, John Arne Riise, Steve Finnan, Damien Plessis, Lucas and the fit again Peter Crouch all come back into contention for a place in the starting line-up.

And the Reds boss is hopeful that even if he does opt for a much changed team it will still be good enough to beat the Londoners.

He said: “I will be thinking a little bit about the Chelsea game because we cannot take any risks.

“But I have enough quality in the squad as was clear when we played Arsenal away in the league a couple of weeks ago and could have won.

“I have confidence in my squad and if we need to change we will change.”

Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy – who will always remain popular on the Kop thanks to his match winning exploits against arch rivals Man United – is likely to line up in the heart of Fulham’s midfield today and he is hoping Benitez will ring the changes.

“Hopefully Stevie, Torres and a few of the others will stay at home,” he said. “They have got Chelsea next after our match.

“But we have to stop worrying about other teams and worry about ourselves, and our performance has to be at this level [that it was against Reading] if we are to give ourselves a chance.

“I think we have to win three of our last four – if not, then two wins and two draws. We have to look forward to the Liverpool match and play with confidence.”

But Hodgson is in no doubt that whatever team Benitez comes up with will be packed with quality.

“Even Liverpool’s reserve team doesn’t look too bad to me,” he said.

“There are one or two players in there that most managers would like to work with, so we might come down to earth with a bump.”

Having scored and impressed in his last league outing at Arsenal, Crouch is likely to be recalled after missing out on last weekend’s 3-1 win over Blackburn through injury.

And he is expecting a tough encounter at Craven Cottage, even though he insists no-one at Anfield is distracted by forthcoming games against Chelsea.

He said: “The manager hasn’t talked about the Chelsea game with us this week and we are fully focused on Fulham.

“It will be a tough game away from home against a team that really needs the three points, but we will be focused.

“Fulham is a very important game for us. They are scrapping for every point to guarantee their survival but we want the win as well.

“Fourth place is still not cemented and we need to make sure we get the three points and get the confidence to take into Tuesday’s massive Champions League game.

“We are in good form so hopefully we can continue that today.”

Should Liverpool continue that good run of form they will all but put to bed the battle for fourth.

And at the same time they willstop rival managers from complaining about the way they go about their business.

But, judging by Benitez’s stance, pleasing the likes of Gary Megson is the last thing on his mind as he looks to plot a course to a third European Cup Final in just four years and seal a place in the top four of the Premiership.

Benitez is staying

2008-04-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

The ongoing drama between the clubs feuding American owners Tom Hicks, George Gillett and chief executive Rick Parry has been disastrous for the historic club's image, and despite it inevitably affecting his ability to plan long-term, the Spaniard insists that he will not jump ship as a result.

“I was preparing the team for Fulham,” was Benitez's deflectory response when pressed on whether he is making thoughts about his future at the club.

“The players have shown they are professionals, they are focused and concentrated on playing games.”

“At this moment I have two years of contract. I am really pleased and happy here and I want to stay.”

Benitez then turned his attention to the trip to Fulham, revealing concerns over the fitness of several players including star man Steven Gerrard.

“We have problems with Arbeloa, [Daniel] Agger, [Harry] Kewell and Gerrard. Agger and Kewell will not play, we need to check Arbeloa and Gerrard.

“Gerrard’s is a neck problem. He scored three or four goals with the head in training, so at the end he had a neck problem.

“But we will play a team to win so we can go eight points clear of Everton.”

Finally, Benitez commented on the status of the contract extension talks with Peter Crouch.

“We have no new news on Peter Crouch. He has been getting fit and he is ready for Saturday. If he is playing and scoring goals it is easier for us to discuss.”

Reina happy for Hyypia

2008-04-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

Pepe Reina has sung the praises of Sami Hyypia.

Hyypia, who has just been rewarded with a new one year contract, has been in fine form this season, earning the praise of Pepe Reina.

"If it was not for Fernando [Torres] he would easily be my player of the year. He has been consistent every single week of the season and to watch him play you would never believe for a minute that he is 34," said the Liverpool goalkeeper.

"I am delighted that he has signed a new contract for another year and if he maintains this form who is to say there can't be another year after that.

"People say that he is not quick, but did Adebayor get past him with speed very often in three games against him? I don't remember it if he did.

"He makes my job much easier, the whole defence do and that is why when people talk about Ray Clemence's record I say that it is not just for me it is for the defence, and the team as a whole.

"One thing that people forget about Sami is the important goals he scores for the team. He will be a big player between now and the end of the season if we are to end it gloriously. But I am sure that everyone will look to play their part."

Warnock Bitter over Liverpool dropping games last season

2008-04-18T04:57:00.000-07:00

I hope Liverpool never win another trophy under Benitez, fumes ex-Blades boss Warnock as Rafa looks set to field another understrength side

Neil Warnock has lashed out at Rafael Benitez for making a mockery of the Premier League survival battle - and hopes he never wins another trophy at Anfield.

The former Sheffield United manager is still seething that Liverpool lost 1-0 after fielding a severely weakened team at Fulham last May, a result which ultimately kept the London side up by a single point at the Blades' expense.

Neil warnock - disbelief

Down: Warnock says Benitez's team selection played a huge part in Sheffield United's relegation

Read more...

* Ballack, Essien and Lampard could all miss Chelsea's Champions League semi-final showdown with Liverpool
* Gillett slams Hicks for creating Anfield turmoil ahead of Liverpool's Champions League semi-final
* Liverpool PR war has Hicks in a spin

With Liverpool playing in the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, Warnock expects Benitez to leave his star names on the sidelines again against the Cottagers on Saturday but believes that would show contempt for the clubs fighting to preserve their top-flight status.

"My advice to Reading, Bolton and the rest would be, if you're expecting any favours, don't hold your breath," said the Crystal Palace manager. "They will have to do it themselves.

"The fact of the matter is that if Liverpool were already out of the Champions League and needed to win to get fourth spot, they would play their strongest side.

"Instead, I fully expect them to play a weakened team at Fulham.

"It's part of a big club's mentality. They look after themselves and they don't bother about anyone else. The whole story that Sheffield United were going down and me having a pop at them afterwards was just treated like fish and chip paper by them. Liverpool didn't care because they weren't the ones getting hurt by it all.

"I'm still very bitter about it and personally I hope Liverpool never win another trophy under Benitez. I like them as a club but I would be very pleased to see them win nothing."

Warnock still shudders when he recalls the moment he saw Liverpool's line-up at Craven Cottage last season.

"I felt sick, physically sick, when I found out the team Liverpool were playing," said Warnock.

"We had a late kick-off at Villa Park that day and when we saw who Benitez had picked, we were struggling to even think who they were.

"We hadn't even heard of them and a lot of them haven't played for the club since.

"It was scandalous, really. You don't feel it's fair but it just confirmed that these guys don't give two hoots about clubs like Sheffield United or people like Neil Warnock.

"You can talk about rules being put in place to stop it happening but that's not going to happen.

"The Premier League don't care about smaller clubs like Sheffield United, as they proved with the whole Carlos Tevez affair last season.

"Big clubs look after themselves and the people who run the Premier League will always look after themselves. Nothing will ever change.

"The sad thing is I felt we had done enough last season; we had 38 points, which would have been enough in a normal season.

"For us to get that number of points was an achievement and yet it's gone down in history as a relegation on my CV, not an achievement.

"Nobody got hurt apart from me and Sheffield United. Rafa Benitez certainly didn't."

Benayoun: Liverpool advantage for 4th place

2008-04-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

Yossi Benayoun has issued a rallying call to his fellow team mates, saying that their performance cannot drop towards the end of the season.

Liverpool's number 11 was one of the better performers in the win over Blackburn having come on as a substitute, but says the team cannot let up in their pursuit of 4th place in the league.

If Everton beat Chelsea this week, they will be just 2 points behind us, but Yossi insists the Reds can get 4th spot. "We have a good advantage because we have more points and a better goal difference,"

"But there are still 12 points to be played for so we have to make sure we do not lose concentration because if we do Everton could close the gap.

"It is obviously important for the club to finish as high up the league as possible.

"We want to play in the Champions League because it is a competition we enjoy and to do that you have to make sure you finish in the top four.

"In the last few weeks we have played really well in the league and, apart from the game against Man United, we have had some good results.

"But now we have to keep our good form going because there are no easy games in the Premier League.

Aurelio delighted by form coming out of injury now

2008-04-16T05:49:00.000-07:00

Fabio Aurelio says Liverpool cannot think about the Champions League tie with Chelsea while the Reds still have to face Fulham away this weekend.

Liverpool face Chelsea in the European Cup Semi Final next week, but first face an away day at Craven Cottage; something Aurelio insists his team mates have not forgotten about.

"We have to concentrate on each challenge as it comes along, We've a step to take before we play Chelsea. We want to guarantee fourth place as soon as possible because then we can focus totally on the Champions League.

"I think we probably need two wins to be sure but you can't take anything for granted. Look at Chelsea on Monday night - they were playing against a side towards the bottom of the table and could only draw. It's never easy to win any game in the Premier League and we need to be ready for Fulham this weekend.

"At least we're going there having had a rest this week. After the week we had with three games against a strong, quality Arsenal side we now have time to prepare for Fulham."

Fabio also spoke of his delight at finally getting a chance to prove himself in a Red shirt, having spent alot of time on the injury table during his Anfield Career: It's great that I'm now able to show the fans the level I can play at,It's hard when you're coming back from an injury and have small problems.

"I'm training well now, my body has adapted to the level of games we're playing and the competitions we're playing in and I am feeling really good.

"When you're feeling good then you have a lot of confidence and are more able to show what you can do.

"I'm really pleased to have been involved in the really important games and to have kept my place in the eleven. It's a really special feeling. I am improving physically every day and I'm thankful to Rafa for the confidence he has kept in me.

Liverpool’s Carragher Urges Focus On Fulham Before Champions League Showdown With Chelski

2008-04-16T05:28:00.000-07:00

Liverpool vice-captain Jamie Carragher has told his team-mates not to lose their focus from Saturday’s Premiership trip to Fulham, in the background of the Champions League semi-finals showdown with Chelsea.

The Reds defender is keen to get full points at the struggling Cottagers in their bid to secure the fourth-place in the league, with Merseyside rivals Everton also vying for the last Champions League qualifying spot.

"We've got to concentrate on the Fulham game first," the former England international said in the Liverpool Echo.

"We can't afford to look ahead to games in the future and if we were to take our eye off the game against Fulham we could end up losing that and maybe losing a bit of confidence for when we do play Chelsea."

Rafa Benitez’s side will head to Craven Cottage, with last weekend’s emphatic victory over Blackburn under their belt.

"We will have had almost a week since the Blackburn game so it's not as if we won't have had the time to prepare. Fulham are fighting for their lives at the moment and they had a good result against Reading at the weekend but we've got plenty of confidence ourselves and we'll be going there looking to get the win,” asserted Carragher.

"I'm sure it will be tough because Fulham need the points as much as we do for different reasons but we're on a good run of form and we have to look to take that into this game."

On their local rivals, Everton, who take on Chelsea on Thursday, he said: "Everton have had a great season and you can't write them off even though they've got a few difficult games coming up. Until it's mathematically certain we can't rest. We have got to keep our form going because I'm sure Everton will take it right to the wire.

"We have got an advantage at the moment and we are pleased with that but five points can go pretty quickly."

Liverpool Will There and About If They Win All Their Remaining Matches

2008-03-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

Steven Gerrard refuse to give up hope that we can still win the League this year. With Arsenal dropping another 2 points and Manchester United struggling to score against Derby who was just hammered 6-1 by Chelsea, things may well take a dramatic turn at the end of the season.

The next 5 games for Liverpool is absolutely crucial. If they win these 5 games, the fans will definitely start to buzz up and think that this may be the year that we can make the impossible Double of League and European titles. Let's continue to hope.

First up, Liverpool must kill off Manchester at Old Trafford. This can be done. Rafa will need to play his strongest team, and he might as well use the team to the max as he only have 2 games in the next 2 weeks. He should not approach the game defensively. As we can witnessed last week (against Derby), they will score if you let them continue to attack. Meanwhile, we need to be mindful of their quick counter attacking football. There should be any mistake by our defenders.

With Chelsea taking on Arsenal, nest on the schedules, the best results for Liverpool point of view is a Draw. If everything comes as we wish for, the max point that Liverpool can get is 83 points. It may well be enough for the League championship. Bear in mind that Manchester still potentially may drop more points when they face Chelsea and Arsenal later in the season.

The First 17 goals for The Kid

2008-03-14T23:39:00.000-07:00

Let us enjoy the first 17 goals of Fernando Torres.

Having scored 26 goals in 35 games, he is worth every penny of his 26m pound.

Welcome The New Prince "The Kid"

2008-03-10T01:51:00.000-07:00

Let's us see the video interview of the new prince El Nino

TORRES' TERRIFIC TREBLE: IN PICTURES

2008-03-06T18:00:00.000-08:00


	Fernando Torres scored his third hat-trick of the season as he took his goals tally to 24 as Liverpool beat West Ham United 4-0. Here's the best of the action in pictures.
Fernando Torres is about to make it 1-0 with another truly world class finish The name is Torres. The man with a licence to score goals Heads I win. Dirk Kuyt in the thick of the action Javier Mascherano riding high Slack marking in the box when Torres is around can only lead to one thing. El Nino is about to make it 2-0 Torres torments Upson again Hat-trick time. Torres puts the ball beyond Robert Green to make it 3-0 You're the man Fernando. Stevie G saulutes the Reds hero El Nino is mobbed by delighted teammates It's another belter from Stevie G A very satisfying night for the skipper and his team Here's another match ball Fernando Most probably two of the best players in the world

PICTURE SPECIAL: AGGER'S RETURN

2008-02-27T23:39:00.000-08:00


	Daniel Agger returned to action after five months out during the reserves 2-0 win over Man Utd on Tuesday in a game which saw Xabi Alonso and Harry Kewell find the net. Here's the best of our snaps.
These boots are made for Agger. Dan's new boots. He's back. The great Dane takes command. Spot on. Xabi makes it 1-0. Let's go for two. Xabi wants a second goal Agger finds it hard to be heard in front of a season's best crowd of over 10,000 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium Gary who? Kewell in full flight Bye Eck! Eckersley sees red Harry wants a piece of the action Kewell is about to make it 2-0 Didn't he enjoy that Well done Harry. Jay Spearing offers his congratulations Agger takes a well earned rest after a successful 45 minute comeback LFC.TV Man of the Match Xabi Alonso battles with Brazilian Rodrigo

Benitez to rotate less?

2008-02-27T04:47:00.000-08:00

Rafa Benitez has revealed he expects to use his rotation policy less in the coming months now Liverpool are fighting on just two fronts.

he Reds boss made only one change in Saturday's win over Middlesbrough from the victory over Inter Milan four days earlier - and that was enforced due to Jamie Carragher's ban.

When asked about his plans Benitez told the club's website: "I think so. It will depend on the players in the end, but we can keep some players playing more games now."

Saturday's 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough saw Liverpool temporarily leapfrog Everton into fourth place until the Toffees' win over Manchester City on Monday allowed them to reclaim the final Champions League spot.

"Everton have a lot of confidence right now and it was a good win for them (on Monday), but it's a long race," said Benitez.

"Portsmouth, Villa, Everton, City and us will all be there. I'm not sure if it will go to the final game but I think a lot will depend on these three games we have in a row."

PICTURE SPECIAL: FERNANDO'S HAT-TRICK

2008-02-26T00:19:00.001-08:00


	A Fernando Torres hat-trick helped Liverpool to a 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough at Anfield on Saturday. Here's the best of our snaps.
Mutual respect A youth side watches from the Anfield Road Alvaro Arbeloa stands in for the suspended Jamie Carragher But he and his fellow defenders get it wrong for the opener Another slip up at home on the cards? It's alright boys, I'm going to get 10 today Torres rounds Schwarzer for his first One down, nine to go Bang That was 20 for the season Hungry for more But it's Pepe Reina's goal that's breached next Pepe offers the linesman some optical advice The goal is wiped out...eventually A defensive slip up gifts El Nino another chance That's the hat-trick He's flying - 21 goals in 31 games this season

Long Overdue Win

2008-02-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

Finally a league win since boxing day. Well it's really an overdue win. What I can conclude from the Liverpool Vs Sunderland match is the most threatening forward pair Liverpool has is Torres/Crouch.

Why I said that. We can see that with Crouch ability as a target man and held up play which were made more effective when the opponent's defenders are trying to close up Torres. Torres goal was a clear explanation, Crouch header on and Torres pace, strength and cool finishing ensure that the ball end up at the back of the net.

I do have to agree with a lot of fans who increasing getting impatient with the ineffective Kuyt. He tends to lose possession and made a bad pass, and his finishing is not as quick as Crouch who almost score his second goal in a fantastic manner. It is not surprising Marco Van Basten dropped Kuyt from the Dutch Team. Babel seems to be a better striker and player who adapted well to the Premier League.

I hope Benitez will dropped Kuyt for a while and let Crouch play against Chelsea. His height will cause havoc to the Chelsea defense, with Terry unavailable.

Liverpool Best 11 this season

2008-01-31T23:03:00.000-08:00

Sigh...

That's all I can say after another poor outing and result. This means that Liverpool has failed to win in 6 league games and we are now 17 points behind the leader. Placed 7th on the table, really looks disappointing.

Anyway today, let's talk about the best 11 for Liverpool so far.

Goalkeeper - Jose Reina - the player that has the most playing time in the league for liverpool. He may be one of the safest hand in the league with the most clean sheets but the credits should go to the defense more than him. Charles Idtanje had some good showing in the domestic cup matches but has not enough matches to prove his ability.

Central Defender - Jamie Carragher remains the most important defender for Liverpool. His experience seems to be able to cover his lack of pace. We will certainly hope that he'll continue to produce the best defending ever. Sami Hyypia has more experience in his pocket but his severe lack of pace seem to have cause us to concede a few goals. Not to mention 2 consecutive own goals this season. We certainly missed Agger and wish he'll get fit soon and back in form.

Right Back - Steve Finnan vs Arbeloa. Arbeloa seems to be the bargain player Liverpool bought recently. He was able to play left or right with decent pace and passing. Finnan seems to have slow down and is facing problem recovering after pressing forward supporting the attack.

Left Back - Riise vs Aurelio. In this position, Riise wins hands down. Aurelio has been poor recently and his defense is horrible at times. Riise will still be best playing at left back instead of left midfield and his lost of form especially in front of the goal has cost Liverpool a few points.

Central midfield - Steven Gerrard - best midfielder in the world, no need for me to elaborate. However, Benitez and the owners will need to show that Liverpool is still ambitious to win the only trophy that he still lack in his cabinet.
Mascherano - proven himself to be able to provide cover for the back 4. However 17 million pound is like robbing a desperate Liverpool, with Alonso on long term injury end of last year and Sissoko losing his form after his sight threatening injury.

Wingers - Benayoun - 2 hattrick this season for a midfield players said it all. He has proven himself to be better than Luis Garcia. With more games I'm sure he'll provide all the important goals that once Garcia gave us. We definitely missed an in-form Pennant. Without him we really looks cluesless in attack.

Striker - for me the best strikers that Liverpool has this season are Torres and Babel. Dirk Kuyt is wasteful in shots and passes. Voronin seems to have lost his steam and having difficulty finding it again. Crouch has not been given enough playing minutes to prove himself.

In conclusion the Liverpool best 11 so far this season are

Reina
Arbeloa
Riise
Carragher
Hyypia
Gerrard
Mascherano
Benayoun
Pennant
Torres
Babel

Poor defending during set piece cause Liverpool the blush

2008-01-27T19:50:00.000-08:00

Once again, poor defending in set piece cause the blush for Liverpool. Firstly, a poor back pass from the 6.5 million pound defender Skrtel conceded the corner and poor marking let the Havant's player score. Liverpool had concede more goals from penalty and set piece than other open field playing. Is there any thing wrong with Rafa's zonal marking. Why is he still using the zonal marking when they are still conceding so many goals?

For the second goal, again poor control from Finnan given the ball to the Havant's player who slot it in deflected from Skrtel. Defensive strength use to be the back bone of the Liverpool game when they won the Champions League 3 years ago. I use to enjoy watching them frustrating the opponents Chelsea, Juventus, Barcelona alike. I do agree that attacking football is more interesting, but the defensive strength is the most important part of the game for Liverpool's players who are still struggling to adapt to so many tactical changes on the pitch.

As for Martin Skrtel, it was only his first full debut game for Liverpool. No doubt he was a bit nervous. I believe that he will improve and be an important player for Liverpool.

For the attacking players of Liverpool, well done to Benayoun who scored the hattrick. He was unlucky not to score the fourth goal. Credit must be given to him for being at the right place at the right time and some superb finishing.

Peter Crouch had a poor game despite scoring a late goal. He was left alone most of the time as Babel drifted to the left. Only support is from Benayoun who will usually attack from the deep midfield position. Babel had an average game. Other than the shot that set up Benayoun's second goal, his game is full of bad passes. For a player that was worth 11 million pound, please improve. I would love to see a Henry in Liverpool side in the future.

Macherano once again showed that he's the pillar of the midfield and defense of Liverpool. However, with some improvement to his passes and shooting, he will definitely be a player worth to be kept.

Next up - West Ham. I will hope for a win.

Luis Fabiano linked with move to Liverpool FC

2008-01-24T18:30:00.001-08:00

Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano could be on his way to the Premier League with the Brazil international claiming negotiations with an English club are at an “advanced” stage.

Although he did not name which club he is in talks with, Spanish media have been reporting that Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton are among those interested in signing the in-form hitman.

Luis Fabiano, who is the joint-leading goalscorer in La Liga this season with 13, reportedly told the Brazilian media that the possibility of moving to England was a “great opportunity” for him.

“It is very difficult for me to remain in Sevilla. The negotiations for me to go to England are very advanced. It is my great opportunity,” said the 27-year-old, who joined Sevilla from Porto in 2005.

“I am very happy at Sevilla and in Seville, who are a club and a city which I like very much. But it is my great opportunity and I will do what I think is most appropriate for me.”

Liverpool close to refinancing deal

2008-01-24T17:29:00.000-08:00

Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are expected to announce within the next few days that they have successfully negotiated a refinancing deal for the club.

Hicks and Gillett, who bought the club 11 months ago for 220.0 million pounds ($428.8 million), have been organising the 350 million pound deal with banks.

The agreement will allow them to refinance their original deal, repay loans taken out to buy players last year and to commence work on a new stadium.

Details of a the design for the new stadium are also expected to be revealed when the deal is officially announced.

While the Americans were negotiating with the banks, there was also widespread speculation that Dubai Investment Capital, the investment arm of the Dubai government, outbid when Hicks and Gillett bought the club last year, were considering a renewed bid.

Liverpool fans expressed their anger at Hicks and Gillett at Monday's Premier League match with Aston Villa with banners protesting about their involvement.

Hicks angered Liverpool's fans last week and undermined manager Rafa Benitez when he said the club had spoken to former Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann about possibly taking over as coach.

DISCUSSIONS DENIED

In a statement issued on Sunday Hicks said he remained "fully committed" in his role as co-owner.

He also denied he has been involved in discussions with DIC about a potential bid of up to 500 million pounds.

Hicks said in a statement: "I have not received any offer to purchase the club from the DIC or anyone else, much less accepted any such offer."

If Hicks and Gillett were to sell the club for 350 million pounds now, city analysts estimate they would each make about 30 million pounds profit from the deal.

The situation also turns some of the spotlight on to Spanish manager Benitez, who has taken the club to two Champions League finals, winning one of them.

His relationship with the American owners was strained at the end of last year over transfer policy but has since eased.

More injuries worry for Rafa

2008-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Rafa Benitez suffered yet another injury blow. Andrei Voronin suffered ankle damage at the training pitch at Melwood.

It means Voronin is out of Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round home tie against the Blue Square South side Havant and Waterlooville.

Full-back Alvaro Arbeloa is also out with an abdominal problem suffered during Monday's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at Anfield.

The Spanish defender will be sidelined for three weeks, but Voronin is hoping to be available for next Wednesday's Premier League trip to West Ham.

Babel Content With Bench Role

2008-01-22T21:49:00.001-08:00

Ryan Babel will continue playing off the bench in his first season at Liverpool.

"The manager has told me from the start that this would be the case at first," he told Liverpool's matchday programme. "He tells me that even though he paid a lot of money for me I must not think about that. He says I am still young and will improve with time.

"This is good for me to hear and gives me the confidence that I can train and work without worrying too much।"

The Holland international's pace and direct style has already seen some of the games great names draw comparisons between him and the Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

Indeed, before he set the Premier League alight as a marauding forward the Frenchman was primarily recognised as a winger in his early years.

It is a fact that has not been lost on Babel who hopes to one day follow the same route as the Barcelona man.

"Henry is a player I always looked to when I was younger," he enthused. "He did great things for Arsenal and I can only look at a player like that and try to develop as much as possible along similar lines.

"Henry was my number one idol.

"I have played most of my career as a striker and probably see myself in that role one day. Hopefully I will get the chance to play as a striker and that is how people will see me.

"I developed as a striker at Ajax but also have the ability to play as a winger. It's not that I don't like playing as a winger. It is an important part of developing my game and is a good way for me to get minutes on the pitch right now.

"The boss knows how I am thinking and I believe one day he will show faith in me to play as a striker."

Gerrard - speculation affects us

2008-01-21T23:46:00.000-08:00

Reds skipper admits players struggling to deal with speculation

Gerrard: Admits players find it hard to focus on football

It is not just this week, it has been going on for some time and it is certainly not helping the players.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits continuing off-field speculation about the club is making it difficult for the side to concentrate on football.

Uncertainty over the Reds' ownership and the position of manager Rafael Benitez have made for recurring headlines.

Form on the pitch has also been disappointing and the Reds needed a late Peter Crouch equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at Anfield.

"It is not just this week, it has been going on for some time and it is certainly not helping the players," Gerrard said.

"I have got to be careful what I say about the situation but it is certainly not helping the team.

"We know what is going on, but as players you have got a job to do on the pitch.

Impossible

"You try to put what is going on off the pitch to the back of your mind but sometimes it is impossible, when it is every day."

The result leaves Liverpool outside the Champions League places but Villa boss Martin O'Neill still believes they must be favourites to claim the fourth spot.

Everton, Liverpool, Villa and Manchester City are separated by just two points in positions four to seven in the table.

O'Neill said: "Liverpool are the strongest of the four sides going for fourth spot. We do not have a big enough squad and we would need a lot of luck to contest fourth spot."

Managers chief Richard Bevan has also added his support to the Liverpool boss and claims the club's owners of undermining manager Benitez.

Bevan, the chief executive of the League Managers' Association, believes the matter has been badly handled and feels clubs need to improve their lines of communication between from boardroom to training ground.

Surprising

Bevan told Sky Sports News: "Clubs and their owners must act in a professional and business-like manner.

"Certainly what happened to Rafael Benitez undermined the club and certainly undermined him professionally and personally. It was surprising to hear the comments from the owner.

"But we also have to realise it is a massive multi-million pound business.

"It is really about making sure all the stake-holders properly communicate their views, sit round the table and build medium to long-term plans.

"If we were to focus on communication the game would be better off and many issues behind the scenes would be kept behind the scenes."

Reds fail in bid for Croatian

2008-01-21T23:36:00.000-08:00

Liverpool have failed in a bid to sign Croatia Under-21 international Domagoj Vida. He has rejected a move to Anfield.

The 18-year-old believes his career would be better served playing regular first team football with his Croatian club Osijek and he is reluctant to come to Liverpool to warm the bench if he ever get into the first team.

Valued at £400,000, Rafa Benitez had been confident of landing the prodigy, but Vida’s agent Ivan Cvejetkovic revealed the player had other ideas.

"I was proud of Domagoj Vida," said Cvejetekovic.

"He appreciates the offer but he also thinks it would be better if he could still prove his quality playing in the Croatian league with Osijek instead of having a spot only on the Liverpool bench."

Another low spirit Liverpool display

2008-01-21T22:52:00.000-08:00

LIVERPOOL 2 : 2 ASTON VILLA

66% POSSESSION 34%

4 SHOTS ON TARGET 3

11 SHOTS OFF TARGET 3

1 OFFSIDES 7

8 CORNERS 2

12 FOULS 18

2 YELLOW CARDS 2

0 RED CARDS 0

ATTENDANCE: 42,590

Man Of The Match: Reo-Coker

These are the match stats. Liverpool was not able to secure 3 points yet again and effectively the league title dream is over. Rafa has only himself to blame for not able to bring up the player's spirit.

I have been watching Liverpool playing for as long as I can remember. The difference between Liverpool with the Mancs, Chelski and the Arss are that they do not play with high spirit. They seem to go down a gear after getting the lead and then allow the opponent to come back into the game. This has happened for uncountable times. Mr Benitez, it's about time to bring the spirit up. Forget about the off-field speculations. Bring the Istanbul spirit to every game, every minutes of it. If this can be done, even if we don't win the league the fans will still be pleased.

Post Match Reaction

Rafa Benitez:

“If you win and you play well then obviously everyone is a lot happier and things are a lot easier.

“But I really don’t have too much information, I just keep preparing for games and try to win every game.

“I am trying not to think about this.”

Steven Gerrard: (asked if the off pitch antics over the past week were affecting the players)

“It’s not just this week, it’s been going on for some time and it’s certainly not helping the players.

“I’ve got to be careful what I say, but it’s certainly not helping the team.”

“We know what’s going on, but as players you’ve got a job to do on the pitch and you try to put what’s going on off the pitch to the back of your mind.

“But sometimes it’s impossible, when it is every day.”

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill on Harewood:

“I’m delighted for him, Marlon has had to wait patiently for his chance with others doing so well.

“He made a big difference when he came on and after we’ve gone ahead I’m a little disappointed we didn’t win it.

“The top three would be happy to get a point from Anfield and I think on the balance of play a draw is fair.”

I still believe in Liverpool. Bring the spirit up and the league title will be home.