Liverpool v Everton

Anfield
Sunday, 20 March
Kick-off: 1605 GMT

Liverpool will welcome back Sami Hyypia, who has recovered from a stomach bug, and John Arne Riise should also return to the starting line-up.

Djimi Traore is still out with a knee problem, while Harry Kewell is not expected back for three weeks.

Everton striker James Beattie is available after suspension but Mikel Arteta (ankle) and James McFadden (hamstring) are both doubtful.

Steve Watson could make the bench after recovering from a stomach problem.

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Liverpool (from): Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Pellegrino, Warnock, Luis Garcia, Hamann, Gerrard, Riise, Smicer, Le Tallec, Nunez, Morientes, Baros, Carson, Biscan, Welsh.

Everton (from): Martyn, Hibbert, Yobo, Stubbs, Weir, Pistone, Naysmith, Carsley, Cahill, Osman, Kilbane, Bent, Beattie, Ferguson, Wright, Watson, Arteta, McFadden, Plessis.

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BIG-MATCH FACTS

LIVERPOOL trail Everton by one place, but more importantly seven points, going into the 201st Merseyside derby and 172nd League meeting. Rafael Benitez' side failed to close that gap to five points when held to a goalless draw by a well organised Blackburn at Anfield on Wednesday night. But the Reds will need victory here, and a further three points from their third successive home game, against Bolton on 2 April, if they're to stand any chance of pipping the Toffees to that fourth Champions League spot.

Benitez' boys are still going strong in this season's Champions League, but their goal threat seems to have dried up in the Premiership. They've gone three games and played 283 minutes (four hours 43 minutes) of top flight soccer since Milan Baros knocked home their third against Fulham at Anfield on 5 February. Wednesday's was their first goalless draw in the Premiership this season and in 33 League outings.

Last season's Anfield derby was one of the most exciting in years with a host of chances, which amazingly ended goalless. Liverpool have not scored in two Merseyside derbies, one of which was drawn, the other lost. The last three corresponding fixtures have finished all square, the last two goalless.

EVERTON too suffered a setback against Blackburn last time out - losing 0-1 at home on 6 March. David Moyes' side have won only one of their last five League and Cup encounters, and have remained fourth in the table despite losing five of their last 10 Premiership engagements.

The Toffees have fared better on the road than at home of late. They've picked up one win and two draws away from Goodison in the League, since losing to Tottenham on New Year's Day. But having said that, the 1-3 victory at Aston Villa in their most recent away game was a first maximum on their League travels in nearly four months.

Everton chalked up their first derby win in five years and first at home in six in this season's reverse fixture. A well-placed shot from Lee Carsley settled a scrappy 200th Merseyside derby. It sets up the chance of a first ever Premiership 'double' over Liverpool, first over them since the title winning season of 20 years ago, and tenth since they first locked League horns in 1894. However the Toffess have not won at Anfield since their 0-1 victory on 27 September 1999 courtesy of Kevin Campbell's winner.

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Referee:

Rob Styles (Waterlooville)

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SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

LIVERPOOL


Club stats
Fixtures
Going into the weekend: 5th 44 points
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premiership fixtures)

Completed five Premiership draws this season. Only Chelsea have finished all square that infrequently.
Won three and drawn one of the 10 games in which they were behind at half time.
Conceded only once in the first 15 minutes of top flight encounters. Only Arsenal can equal that.
Lost 10 of the 11 League matches, in which failed to score.
EVERTON


Club stats
Fixtures
Going into the weekend: 4th 51 points
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premiership fixtures)

Won 15 Premiership games. Only Chelsea (23), and Manchester United and Arsenal (18 each) have won more.
All but two of their League victories have been by a single goal (1-3 triumphs at Crystal Palace on 21 August, and at Aston Villa on 26 February being the exceptions).
Posted eight 1-0 Premiership victories.
Won 13 and drawn one of the 14 top flight matches in which they have opened the scoring.
Turned round in front in only two top flight matches this season (0-2, away to Norwich on 23 October - and eventually won 2-3, and 0-1 at Aston Villa, winning 1-3).
Come in at the break all square in 22 games - more than any other top tier club.
Accrued two more points after 29 games, than they did at this identical stage two seasons ago when they finished seventh.
Had 46 points at this stage when finishing a Premiership best sixth in the first year of a 20-club division in 1995/96.
Like Chelsea, not lost a Premiership game once in front, and dropped just two points from a winning position - the 2-2 draw at Southampton on 6 February.
The only club not yet to have conceded a penalty in Premiership matches this season.

Won one and drawn two of the last three Premiership matches away from home.
Not lost a League game on the road since the 5-2 reverse at Tottenham on New Years Day.

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KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES

LIVERPOOL

Squad profiles

Jamie CARRAGHER remains the only player to have figured in every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premiership matches.
EVERTON


Squad profiles

Marcus BENT and Kevin KILBANE are the only players to have figured in each of Everton's Premiership matches this season.
Suspended: Tim CAHILL

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LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME:
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
31 January 2004 - Ref: Steve Bennett

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THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE:
Everton 1-0 Liverpool
11 December 2004 - Ref: Steve Bennett
Everton scorer: Carsley 68

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HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
League: Liverpool 62 wins, Everton 55, Draws 54
Prem: Liverpool 8 wins, Everton 7, Draws 10

HEAD TO HEAD at Liverpool
League: Liverpool 35 wins, Everton 23, Draws 27
Prem: Liverpool 4 wins, Everton 2, Draws 6

from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4343223.stm

UEFA Champions League - Ticket Information

(©Getty Images)

Liverpool F.C. v Juventus FC

To be played at Anfield on Tuesday 5 April 2005

Kick off 7.45pm

The entire stadium will be ticketed and the following prices will apply;-

Main Stand, Centenary Stand, Paddock Enclosure, Anfield Road Lower Tier £30.00
Over 65’s £22.50

Kop Grandstand £28.00

Over 65’s £21.00

Kop Grandstand (one adult/one child combined) £42.00

Anfield Road (one adult/one child combined) £45.00

Wheelchair Spaces and Visually Impaired tickets £15.00

Personal Assistants Free

The allocation and selling arrangements for ALL Shareholders are as follows;

Shareholders

On holding 1-29 shares 1 stand ticket at £30.00
30-59 shares 2 stand tickets at £30.00
60-89 shares 3 stand tickets at £30.00
90 shares and over 4 stand tickets at £30.00

Selling arrangements for Shareholders

All the above tickets will be available to purchase by personal application at the Ticket Office Window, or by postal application or on the Credit Card line, telephone number 0870 220 2151.


Season Ticket Holders and Fan Card Holders who have attended previous UCL fixtures during Season 2004-05


Main Stand, Centenary, Paddock and Anfield Road Lower

1 ONE stand ticket at £30.00
Over 65’s £22.50

Kop Grandstand

1 One stand ticket at £28.00
Over 65’s £21.00

Kop Grandstand Adult/Child

1 ONE combined ticket at £42.00

Anfield Road Adult/Child

1 ONE combined ticket at £45.00


Wheelchair/Visually Impaired

1 ONE ticket at £15.00

Selling Arrangements

All the above tickets will be available to purchase at the Ticket Office, by postal application , online at www.liverpoolfc.tv or on the UEFA Credit Card line, telephone number 0870 220 0034.

Personal application

The Fan card must be presented when purchasing tickets at the Ticket Office and Shareholders must bring details of their shareholding.

Postal application

Postal applications from Shareholders, qualifying Season Ticket H and Fan Card Holders should include the correct remittance and stamped addressed envelope. Fan Card numbers must be quoted. Shareholders must give details of their shareholding. Shareholders with shares registered under a nominee company, must give details of the nominee company and the account number. Postal applications should be received by Tuesday 22 March 2005.

LFC Ticket Office
P.O.Box 204
Liverpool
L69 4PQ

Online bookings.

Tickets may be booked online by quoting the fan card customer number and unique password. There will be a transaction charge of £2.50 per ticket.

Telephone Bookings

Tickets will be available on 0870 220 0034 and will be subject to a 50p per ticket booking fee. Fan Card numbers must be quoted and supporters will be asked to confirm their address.

Shareholders tickets will be available on telephone number 0870 220 2151

Shareholders will be required to confirm their address and details of their share holding. Shareholders with shares registered under a nominee company, must give details of the nominee company and the account number must be supplied.

Tickets will be available as follows,

ALL Shareholders
From Monday 21 March 2005

Season Ticket holders and Fan Card holders
From Monday 21 March 2005 -
who have attended THREE OR MORE

Wednesday 23 March 2005
previous home UCL matches during season
2004 - 05

Season Ticket holders and Fan Card holders
From Thursday 24 March 2005 -
who have attended ONE OR MORE

Wednesday 30 March 2005
previous home UCL matches during season
2004 - 05

All of the above sales are subject to availability and for as long as supplies last.


Should there be any tickets remaining after the above sales they will be available to the General Public from Thursday 31 March 2005.

In the event of a General Sale it may be necessary to limit purchases to TWO tickets per person subject to availability and for as long as supplies last.

The following Ticket Office opening hours will apply;-

Monday 21 March – Thursday 24 March 8.30am – 5.30pm
Good Friday 25 March CLOSED
Saturday 26 March CLOSED – Telephone Sales Only 9.00am – 12.30pm
Easter Sunday 27 March 9.15am – 4.00pm
Easter Monday 28 March CLOSED
Tuesday 29 March – Friday 1 April 8.30am – 5.30pm
Saturday 2 April 9.15am – Kick off (3.00pm)
Sunday 3 April 9.15am – 1.00pm
Monday 4 April 8.30am – 5.30pm
Tuesday 5 April 8.15am – Kick off (7.45pm)

Liverpool Football Club CANNOT guarantee tickets will be available to all eligible applicants.

Should tickets still be available on the night of the match it will not be possible to capture data at the cash turnstiles and therefore loyalty CANNOT be credited on to the Ticket Office computer system. This will apply to Season Ticket holders or supporters holding Fan Cards who purchase tickets in this way.

Priority for tickets to any future rounds of the UEFA Champions League will be given to Season Ticket holders and Fan Card holders who have purchased tickets for the previous home matches in the competition.

All supporters should retain their ticket stubs, as they may be required for future home UEFA Champions League ticket allocations.

RAFA: IT'S A TOUGH DRAW

Paul Eaton 18 March 2005

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez reflected on today's Champions League pairing with Juventus and admitted: "It's a tough draw."
The Reds will take on the Italian giants in the last eight of the competition following today's draw in Nyon, with the first leg being played at Anfield on April 5 or 6.

Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Italian teams are always tough to play against and you always know you will be in for a difficult game.

"They beat Real Madrid in the last game with a late goal in extra time so we know they will be difficult opponents for us. But we will be difficult opponents for them as well.

"They haven't conceded many goals in the competition this season so that means they have a good defence, but they also have good forwards. They are very strong.

"We're at home in the first leg and our idea will be to be careful and not to concede any goals if possible. Then we will see what we can do. This is the Champions League and over two legs anything is possible.

"It is a tough draw but I'm confident we can do well in the tie."

And if Liverpool overcome the challenge of Juventus then they will progress to a semi-final meeting with either Chelsea or Bayern Munich.

"Again, the semi-final will be difficult if we get there," added Benitez. "Bayern are doing well in the German League and of course we know all about Chelsea.

"But for now all we are thinking about in the Champions League is the Juventus game."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N148190050318-1252.htm

LIVERPOOL'S IRISH DREAM TEAM

Mark Platt 17 March 2005


http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N148168050317-1008.htm

To commemorate St Patrick's Day, Liverpoolfc.tv take a look back at this club's proud connections with Ireland and come up with the all-time LFC Irish Dream Team...

Goalkeeper: Elisha Scott

The only member of our team to come from Northern Ireland, the legendary stopper hailed from Belfast and made his international debut back in the days before Ireland was divided. One of the all-time Liverpool greats, his Anfield career spanned an awesome 22 years during which time he played for his country on 27 occasions.
He remains the last Liverpool player to have represented Northern Ireland.


Right-back: Steve Finnan

The only current full Irish international on the club's books, Finnan was born in Limerick and, to date, has represented his country on35 occasions. Played in the 2002 World Cup and, as a regular member of Brian Kerr's side, he'll be hoping to help Ireland clinch qualification for next years World Cup.


Left-back: Steve Staunton

Drogheda-born Staunton joined Liverpool from Dundalk in 1986, winning a championship medal in 1990 and then becoming the youngster member of Eire's World Cup squad that summer. After leaving the Reds for a first time he won the FAI player of year award in 1993 and also played in the 1994 World Cup. With 38 caps during his two spells at Anfield he is Liverpool's second most capped Irishman.


Centre-back: Phil Babb

It was on the back of his fine performances for Ireland in the 1994 World Cup that then Liverpool boss Roy Evans shelled out a record transfer fee for a defender to acquire his services. His time with the Reds won't be remembered too favourably but he still managed to win a further 25 caps while plying his trade in a red shirt.


Centre-back: Mark Lawrenson

Rightly regarded as one of the finest central defenders to ever play for Liverpool and Ireland, Lawro won 24 caps during the course of his Anfield career but unfortunately missed out on Eire's halcyon days of the late 80s and early 90s after injury forced him into premature retirement.


Left midfield: Steve Heighway

Dubliner Heighway was one of the greatest wingers to ever grace a red shirt but he frustratingly struggled to reproduce his club form in the green jersey. He became Liverpool's first Irish international since Elisha Scott when he won his first cap in 1970 and went on to make 34 appearances in an unfulfilled 11-year international career.


Right midfield: Ray Houghton

A model of consistency in a Liverpool and Ireland shirt, Razor famously scored the winner versus England in the 1988 European Championships and won 73 caps in total. Glasgow born, but with an Irish father, he also netted a much-celebrated goal against Italy in the 1994 World Cup and was an integral member of Jack Charlton's team.


Centre midfield: Jason McAteer

His boundless enthusiasm made him a firm favourite of the Lansdowne Road crowd and he'd already made his name on the international stage when joining Liverpool from Bolton in 1995. His Anfield career may have reaped little in terms of silverware but the popular Scouser did manage to win a further 14 Irish caps while with the Reds. After leaving for Blackburn he continued to be a regular in the Republic side and scored the vital goal that booked their place in the 2002 World Cup.


Centre midfield and captain: Ronnie Whelan

Signed by Liverpool from famous Irish amateur side Home Farm in 1979, Whelan played 53 times for the Republic during a distinguished career but that figure could have been a lot more had it not been for injury. He's probably best remembered in the Emerald Isle for a spectacular bicycle kick against USSR in the 1988 European Championships and is Liverpool's most capped Irishman.


Attack: John Aldridge

A born and bred Scouser, Aldo qualified to play for Ireland by virtue of a grandparent and represented Eire at two World Cups and one European Championship. Despite his prolific goalscoring form for Liverpool it took him 15 games to register his first international goal but then the floodgates opened and no Reds player has scored more than the 19 goals he netted in an Irish shirt.


Attack: Michael Robinson

Although born in Leicester Robbo qualified to play for Eire via his Irish grandmother and was one of the first 'outsiders' to represent the Republic. His commitment to the cause though could never be questioned and he was already an established international by the time he joined the Reds in 1983. During his brief spell at Anfield he won a further five caps.


Subs


Jim Beglin: Waterford-born Beglin joined Liverpool from Shamrock Rovers during the summer of 1983 and made and made his international debut before making his senior club bow but a promising career was tragically cut short by a broken leg in 1987.

Bill Lacey: One of the finest wingmen of his day and a member of Liverpool's double title winning team of the 1920s. He also played in the 1914 FA Cup Final side and won 12 international caps during his Anfield career.

Ken de Mange : Failed to make the grade at Anfield after joining from Home Farm in 1983 but managed to win the first of two international caps when handed a surprise debut as a substitute against Brazil in 1987. Left Anfield without making a single first team appearance.

Mark Kennedy: During the course of an undistinguished three-year Anfield career, Britain's once most expensive teenager made more appearances for his country than his club.

Darren Potter: The Liverpool-born midfielder has followed in the footsteps of Aldo by committing his international future to Ireland and is a current under-21 international.


Full list of Liverpool's Irish internationals and caps won

Ronnie Whelan (51)

Steve Staunton (38)

Ray Houghton (34)

Steve Heighway (33)

Elisha Scott 27 (22 for Northern Ireland)

Phil Babb (25)

Mark Lawrenson (24)

John Aldridge (19)

Mark Kennedy (17)

Jim Beglin (15)

Jason McAteer (14)

Bill Lacey (12)

Steve Finnan (9)

Michael Robinson (4)

David McMullen (Northern Ireland) (3)

Ken De Mange (1)

(Thanks to LFC club statistician Ged Rea for the stats)

It was 28 years ago today!

March 16th 1977
Liverpool 3 v 1 St Etienne
Clemence, Neal, Jones, Smith, Kennedy, Hughes, Keegan, Case, Heighway, Toshack (Fairclough ), Callaghan

Goals
Keegan (2)
Kennedy (59)
Fairclough (84)

Attendance
55,043

Many call him "Super Sub" - we call him a great friend of the Toronto Supporters Club - cheers Davey

Return to days when derbies had more than pride at stake

Mar 16 2005
Liverpool Echo



SUNDAY'S Anfield showdown is the most significant collision of the two great Mersey rivals for years.

Champions League qualification could hinge on the outcome, with Everton lying fourth - and Liverpool breathing down their necks in fifth.

It is a throwback to the days when Everton and Liverpool meetings usually held greater significance than just local bragging rights.

Carrying off the pride of Merseyside mantle, usually led to other domestic honours . . . although not always!

Today we focus on four collosal collisons between the Mersey giants - when the team which won the battle didn't necessarily win the war!

April 25 1987 Liverpool 3, Everton 1

WHEN Everton travelled to Anfield in the spring of 1987, no less a prize than the League title was at stake.

Everton lay first and Liverpool second in the Championship table - and the Blue half of the city knew that victory in their neighbours' backyard for the third successive season would hand them a nine point lead, with only three games remaining.

The Reds still harboured faint title hopes of their own but, perhaps more importantly, did not want to countenance the prospect of their neighbours celebrating a title triumph on their turf.

Former Blue Steve McMahon crashed in a stunning opener, before former Red Kevin Sheedy struck an equally spectacular equal-iser direct from a free-kick.

Ian Rush struck on the stroke of half-time - sparking an Everton onslaught in the second half which saw Adrian Heath and Trevor Steven both hit the post with headers.

But Liverpool were always threatening on the counter and Ian Rush settled the match - and claimed a share of Dixie Dean ' s record haul of derby day strikes - with his second of the afternoon, and his 19th in total.

It was widely thought to be Rush's Anfield swan-song, with the striker leaving for Juventus that summer, but it is now Mersey soccer folklore that he returned to claim that record as his own.

Only sad note on a wonderful afternoon was the absence of television cameras to preserve a stunning clash for posterity. But all supporters fortunate enough to be inside Anfield that afternoon witnessed a classic.

April 16 2001 Everton 2, Liverpool 3

FROM an Anfield perspective, the parallels between this fixture and the forthcoming derby are uncanny.

Nothing less than three points would keep Liverpool in contention for a Champions League place.

A Good Friday defeat to rivals Leeds United three days earlier left European hopes dangling by a thread and manager Gerard Houllier recognised his side would have to win all their remaining games.

A dominant performance saw the Reds lead 2-1, but two controversial penalties looked set to deny Houllier's side three points.

Robbie Fowler missed, while David Unsworth slammed home after one of several Jeff Winter interventions.

Deep into injury time, Gary McAllister lined up a free-kick 35 yards out, and the rest was the stuff of derby folklore.

The wild celebrations reflected Liverpool's first Goodison win in a decade, while the dramatic nature of the victory kick-started an impressive finale which not only yielded the coveted Champions League place, but also the FA Cup and UEFA Cup.

The return to the European Cup was sealed with a win on the last day of the season at Cardiff, but Liverpudlians recognise it was four weeks earlier the momentum shifted in their favour.

March 20, 1988 Everton 1, Liverpool 0

NO titles were at stake when Liverpool travelled to Goodison Park 17 years ago to the day of this latest derby clash; the Reds' 17th title was as good as in the bag and the bookies had stopped taking bets on Kenny Dalglish's side.

But there was one notable record at stake. Liverpool had drawn with Derby to equal Leeds United's record of unbeaten games from the start of the season - 29 games. Avoiding defeat at Goodison would have given them the record outright.

One of the local radio stations had the bright idea of inviting Allan Clarke to join their commentary on the day. He had been a member of that successful Leeds side - and brother Wayne was in the Everton line-up that afternoon.

It was an inspired decision. Once fate had been tempted there seemed an inevitablity about the outcome: 1-0 to Everton, scorer Wayne Clarke.

It was only the third goal Bruce Grobbelaar had conceded in 17 games, but it was enough to give Everton the domestic glory.

The previous season had seen Liverpool take the derby honours, Everton the title.

In 1987-88 the tables were turned.

Feb 22, 1986 Liverpool 0, Everton 2

THIS should have been the result which cemented Everton's grip on their second successive Division One crown.

Instead, it proved the catalyst for an amazing run of results for Kenny Dalglish and co.

They bounced back from this home defeat to end the campaign with the prestigious league and cup double which had evaded Howard Kendall's men 12 months earlier.

Liverpool won 11 of their remaining 12 league games, drawing the other. And yet Everton still managed to finish just two points behind.

To rub salt into those Blue wounds, the Reds secured the double courtesy of a cup final derby win.

Such a dismal conclusion to the season would have been unthinkable for the Blues on the evening of Saturday, February 22.

Inspired by Gary Lineker's relentless goalscoring form, the defending league champions went into the game on top form and neck and neck with Liverpool in the race for the title.

This game was seen by many as a title decider.

In the opening half Pat Van den Hauwe had cleared off the line after Ian Rush had rounded Neville Southall.

Liverpool hearts were broken when, after 73 minutes of cat-and-mouse derby action, Everton took the lead through skipper Kevin Ratcliffe. It was only his second goal - and what proved to be his last - in an Everton shirt.

Much of the blame for the goal went to Bruce Grobbelaar. The clown prince of goalkeepers had produced an eyecatching display despite suffering from a hip injury ahead of the match.

But when Ratcliffe unleashed a speculative 25-yarder he allowed it to squirm away from him and roll into the net.

After taking the lead the Blues quickly killed the game off, Lineker netting his 28th of the season by chipping Grobbelaar with 12 minutes remaining.

Memory of Shanks spurs Benitez

By PA Sport

Everton may have reinvented themselves as the self-styled 'People's Club', but Liverpool have found their new man of the people in manager Rafael Benitez.

His stroll into Cologne's city centre last week in search of a pub and a TV screen ended with Benitez enjoying an evening with Liverpool fans in Jameson's Bar.

The place probably did not hold more than 200 raucous Scousers watching Manchester United go out of the Champions League, but virtually every one of Liverpool's 2,000 fans in Germany will try to convince you they were there.

They will tell you they were sitting with a man who insists he wants to "discover the heritage of Bill Shankly and learn about him".

It is hard to imagine the likes of Arsene Wenger or Sir Alex Ferguson stepping around the local German military police to buy drinks for fans, but Benitez has cemented himself into Kop folklore for his actions.

And if he can engineer back-to-back home wins this week, first on Wednesday against Blackburn and then on Sunday in the derby showdown with Everton, his hero status will be assured.

The German party did get a bit out of hand in the end with everyone wanting to wish him luck for the Leverkusen triumph, so he retired early to allow the punters to sing the night away.

But here was one foreigner intent on being one of the boys and finding out for himself what makes such a famous club tick.

He will have discovered that the songs from Liverpool's travelling fans are still about Emlyn Hughes and Tommy Smith, of Kenny Dalglish and Shanks.

And with that he will have discovered the key to his reign at Anfield. He has set out to discover the roots of the club and the new city he calls home.

He maintained a couple of weeks ago he was not just here for the money. He wanted trophies and he has already bought into the atmosphere by bringing his entire family over to his new Wirral home.

To Benitez it is the past that explains the future. And the victory in Leverkusen underlined that more than ever. He will now know that Liverpool refuse to be cut adrift from the European elite they once ruled.

They demand to be taken seriously as Champions League contenders and their song about winning the trophy four times - turned into five at the BayArena by jubilant fans - will ring in his ears because that is the heritage that refuses to drift into history even if it is now a distant memory since their last European Cup triumph.

Liverpool do not have the money to compete with Chelsea or the ground to compete with Manchester United, but they are clinging onto the good old days defiantly. And they are still English football's most successful club.

It is those days that seemingly form much of Benitez's learning curve at Anfield. He admitted that in the days before Leverkusen he sat at home watching videos of Liverpool's past European Cup finals.

And his wife reads the club's history books so she can discuss those great years with her husband when he returns from the Melwood training ground.

Benitez says: "Bill Shankly brought fresh air to Anfield. They breathed ambition, discipline and success. So now what my wife and I do is learn about him every day.

"She spends some of her day reading books about the history of this great club and every day, when I finally get home from Melwood, she teaches me more and more about Liverpool and what made it great.

"My challenge is to find, teach and inspire the old Liverpool spirit, the mentality, the philosophy of respect and the original values of football that our club made famous over generations.

"Shankly changed Liverpool's mentality into the hungry one that fuelled their desire to win. That was the basis for the Liverpool teams that later, even without him, went on to win those four European Cups.

"I spend 10 hours or more every day in Melwood and when I go back to my house I'm on the sofa watching a video, maybe an old one from great Anfield nights in the 1970s. Then I talk to my wife about my day and all the things that are unresolved in my head.

"I fight hard to find some time for my two young daughters, but the rest...it's football."

He adds: "In Valencia I could go home for my lunch and work around six hours a day. Here I am at the training ground 12 hours sometimes and my wife will ring and ask me what time I will be home for a meal, I can only say, 6,7,8 maybe.

"It is the way it has to be, I will work hard to bring success to Liverpool. I am sure English managers going to work in Spain would have to do the same."

With the worst injury list in the last eight years at Liverpool, Benitez has been denied much luck since he arrived. But a Carling Cup final, European Cup quarter-final or maybe fourth place in the Premiership would be a remarkable return for the Spaniard.

They've 'just' got to beat Everton to get within touching distance of the dream.