Liverpool F.C.: 08/01/2006

Kromkamp to PSV, No Lucas Neill

Defender Jan Kromkamp's spell at the club is over after Liverpool confirmed his move to PSV Eindhoven.

There's no word of a Lucas Neill deal as the transfer window closes. The Anfield wage bill was reduced earlier yesterday with the departure of Florent Sinama Pongolle on loan to Recreativo de Huelva in Spain.

Trade Deadline Rumours

Liverpool are ready to offload a host of squad players to raise funds for the signing of Lucas Neill before the transfer window closes tonight.

Pool's offer of £2m for the right-back was rejected by Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday with the Ewood Park outfit demanding around £4m despite the Aussie being in the final year of his contract.

In an attempt to clear the path for Neill's signing, Pool sold Neil Mellor to Preston North End last night, while Florent Sinama Pongolle is bound for Recreativo Huelva. Among those also heading for the exit on a frantic day at Anfield could be Jan Kromkamp, Salif Diao and Stephen Warnock.

Intriguingly, Harry Kewell has also been added to the list of possible departures following reports that Tottenham have expressed an interest in the winger.

England |
Gerrard demands stylish victory

Midfielder Steven Gerrard says it is crucial England turn on the style when they face Andorra in the European Championship qualifier on Saturday.

England thumped Greece 4-0 in new boss Steve McClaren's first game in charge and Gerrard wants more of the same when they return to Old Trafford.

Moving day at Anfield

Promoted Primera Liga outfit Recreativo Huelva have signed Florent Sinama-Pongolle for the 2006/07 season from Liverpool with an option for another season for the 21-year-old Frenchman.

Preston have signed Liverpool striker Neil Mellor on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old has been dogged by knee injuries at Anfield but is back to full fitness.

Liverpool swoop for Rovers' Neill

Liverpool are poised to sign Blackburn's Australian defender Lucas Neill after making a 2m bid.

The 28-year-old will be on his way to Anfield before the transfer window closes after turning down a lucrative new contract at Ewood Park.

Neill was a star of Australia's World Cup campaign and has only one year remaining on his current deal.

Clock ticking on Euro funding for stadium

The clock on European funding, which comes via the north-west regional development agencies, is ticking and Liverpool has been told that as this money is coming from this year's budget the club must convice them that they are serious about this new stadium by the July 31, or the money will be allocated elsewhere.

However, progress on the new stadium has been so slow that costs have risen inexorably. Having started with an original estimate of £70 million the stadium could cost £190 million. One of the main problems has been finding an investor. On Tuesday rumours swept Merseyside of yet another consortium bid, which would be Liverpool's seventh potential bidder in the last year.

The latest rumoured bidder consists of Dermot Desmond, Celtic's largest shareholder, with John Magnier and JP McManus, once friends of Sir Alex Ferguson and investors in Manchester United.

Kuyt thanks fans for support in debut

Dirk Kuyt has saluted the rapturous reception he received on his Liverpool debut - as team-mate Boudewijn Zenden tipped the striker to take the Premiership by storm.

The £9.5million signing from Feyenoord made an encouraging first appearance at Anfield as a 52nd-minute substitute during the 2-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday.

Kuyt twice came close to scoring and impressed with his all-round play, easing any supporters' fears over his purchase following a below-par World Cup with Holland.

And the 26-year-old said: "It was a fantastic welcome. It was wonderful to play at Anfield, they are a wonderful crowd but the most important thing was that we won. "It was a pity I didn't score, but I'm sure it will come. And I think I can do more than just score and I try and work hard for the team and try some assists.

"I haven't set myself any targets in terms of scoring goals. For me, that's not the most necessary thing, the most important for us is to win trophies."

On the Agger Strike

Daniel Agger's thunderbolt on Saturday brought back memories of Jimmy Case and Graeme Souness in their pomp. But by the end, Kopites were comparing the young Dane to a very different Liverpool legend.

Agger's coolness in bringing the ball out of defence was reminiscent of Alan Hansen in his prime. The unflappable 'Jocky' launched many a Liverpool attack with his forays from centre-half and Agger had that same look about him in the West Ham match.

Kop's 100th Anniversary

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the world's most famous terrace - Anfield's Spion Kop named after the hill in South Africa where many young soldiers from Liverpool had lost their lives during the Boer War in 1900.

Liverpool 2-1 West Ham

A great goal from new boy Daniel Agger as well as veterans Gerrard and Luis Garcia working to set up Peter Crouch allowed a trailing Liverpool to enter the second half with some confidence and hold on for the win. Pennat and Kuyt were exciting players to watch - Kuyt having come on in the second half for Crouch and getting two chances on goal within his first minute in the pitch.

The game marked the first time the two clubs had met since Liverpool's thrilling FA Cup as well as being the day the Kop celebrated its 100th birthday.

Kuyt may play Saturday

Rafael Benitez could be set to give a debut to new striker Dirk Kuyt against West Ham after the striker impressed him during training. The Liverpool manager added the Reds new number 18 has looked sharp in training and is hopeful he will be a big success at Anfield.

"Dirk has trained well and he is fit and ready to play," enthused Benitez.

Champions League Draw

Liverpool have been handed their opponents for the Group Stages of the Champions League. Group C will consist of Liverpool, PSV Eindhoven, Bordeaux and Galatasaray.

More Injury Woes

With the win yesterday, the REDs have made it into the group stages of the Champions League, but limps away from the Valeri Lovanovski stadium in more ways than one. Full back Stephen Warnock is out for two weeks with an ankle injury while midfielder Mohamed Sissoko should miss three weeks with a knee problem.

Said boss Rafael Benitez: "We are in the group stages and I believe we deserve to be so after creating so many chances. But the worst thing for us is the injuries to Stephen and Momo. Both will be out for a while."

Europe |
FIFA warns Italian FA

FIFA said Italy could be thrown out of the qualifying campaign for Euro 2008 if Juventus continue to fight relegation to Serie B for match-fixing.

Juve were relegated and docked 17 points for trying to exert influence over referees and are now trying to take their appeal to a civil court. That would be against Fifa's rules and could lead to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) being suspended.

Maccabi Haifa 1-1 Liverpool (agg 2-3)

Liverpool reached the Champions League group stages after nervously edging past Israeli side Maccabi Haifa.

Striker Peter Crouch put Liverpool ahead early in the second half when he headed home Jermaine Pennant's cross.

But Roberto Colautti quickly revived Haifa's hopes in Kiev when he tapped home after goalkeeper Jose Reina was unable to hold Xavier Anderson's shot.

Colautti's goal instilled a more adventurous approach from Haifa and Alain Masudi's volley and Gustavo Boccoli's strong run gave Liverpool a couple more unsettling moments.

With nine minutes to go Reina made a superb one-handed stop to tip away Colautti's dipping effort to ensure Liverpool will be in Thursday's Champions League draw.

Reds must Advance or Face Calamity

Liverpool face a financial calamity if progress to the group stages of the Champions League cannot be achieved against Maccabi Haifa tonight.

Already handicapped by injuries and distracted by Israeli journalists demanding to know why the second leg of the tie, precariously poised after Pool's narrow 2-1 win two weeks ago at Anfield, is being played in Kiev, the beleaguered Rafa Benitez admitted upon his arrival in the Ukraine that the financial implications of defeat are weighing heavily on his mind.

In February, director Steve Morgan reported that the club's debts stood at around £73m. Since then, Benitez has spent £25m in transfers while the club is also pressing ahead with plans for a new £160m stadium in Stanley Park. The implications of a shock exit are unthinkable.

"Financially, it's really, really important we win," Benítez said. "It is vital to get through into the group stages. The Champions League is the most important club competition in the world and vital financially."

Maccabi Haifa v Liverpool

Today's match is the second leg of the Third qualifying round of the Champions League against Maccabi Haifa v Liverpool.

Liverpool will be without defenders Jamie Carragher and John Arne Riise for the trip to Kiev after both players picked up injuries on Saturday.

Danish youngster Daniel Agger is expected to replace Carragher at centre-back alongside Sami Hyypia.

Steven Warnock and Fabio Aurelio are in the running to slot in at left-back. The Reds are also able to welcome back full-back Steve Finnan and midfielders Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia from injury for the match.

Reds Travel Woes

Rafael Benitez had to withstand a tortuous trip to the Ukraine on Monday before walking straight into an astonishing assault on Liverpool's motives and character ahead of tomorrow's Champions League showdown against Maccabi Haifa.

Liverpool's flight from John Lennon airport was delayed for 90 minutes due to mechanical problems before they were forced to wait for another 90 minutes at Kiev airport to get their baggage because their plane 'had been parked in the wrong place'.

Eventually the charter plane was moved to the correct place to allow the baggage to be unloaded but not before there had been further delays over Chile international Mark Gonzalez's visa, while Peter Crouch was unable to produce his passport because it was stuck in the hold while the baggage row continued.

Both players eventually continued their journey to the city centre with their team-mates before embarking on a delayed training session.

Liverpool arrived for this third qualifying round second leg, with £12million hanging on the outcome as they hold a 2-1 lead over the Israelis, they were without injured defenders Jamie Carragher, John Arne Riise as well as youngster Gabriel Paletta.

But then their manager was ambushed by a remarkable sustained assault of questioning from Israeli journalists who criticised Liverpool's part in having the game moved from Israel because of the Middle East crisis.

Robben advised Kuyt

Dirk Kuyt has revealed his 'dream' move to Liverpool was given the final seal of approval by Chelsea rival Arjen Robben!

Kuyt has put pen to paper on a four-year contract after passing a medical to complete his transfer from Feyenoord.

It ends Rafael Benitez's long pursuit of the 26-year-old striker, who netted an impressive 71 goals in 101 league appearances during his three years with the Dutch club.

"I also spoke to Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Edwin van der Sar and everybody said Liverpool is a great club with a great crowd.

"Robben said the crowd is incredible. He played against Liverpool at the Community Shield and said that he came into the stadium and it was all red. He said Liverpool fans don't like him very much and they said a few things to him!"

Carra, Riise out for Two Weeks

Liverpool pair Jamie Carragher and John Arne Riise have been ruled out for at least a fortnight with ankle injuries.

Both players were forced to leave the field during the first half of Saturday's 1-1 Barclays Premiership draw against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Scans today have shown that England defender Carragher has sprained a medial ligament while Norway international Riise has torn lateral ligaments.

The news is a blow for Liverpool ahead of the second leg of their Champions League qualifying tie against Maccabi Haifa in Kiev on Tuesday.

Kuyt proud to be a Red.

Dutch international Dirk Kuyt reflected on his dream move to Liverpool and declared: "It is a special feeling to be here."

Rafael Benitez's new signing said he can't wait to get started in a red shirt and revealed he had no hesitation once Liverpool came in for him.

"I think Liverpool is a fantastic club with a lot of great history and it really is a dream to sign for them," enthused Kuyt.

"I won't say I'm going to score 20 or 30 goals this season as for me the most important thing is the team wins and I am a player that wants to win trophies with this club," added the new Reds number 18.

Kuyt is Here.

Liverpool have agreed a fee with Feyenoord for striker Dirk Kuyt.

Newcastle were also tracking the 26-year-old Dutchman, but Reds boss Rafael Benitez has won the race for the £10m-rated frontman.

'For me, Liverpool is sure to be the dream club I was looking for. There was more interest from abroad, but for me there was nothing of the calibre of Liverpool, a brilliant club with an enormous reputation.'

If Liverpool can complete the medical and final details of the move, Kuyt could be in the squad to face Sheffield United in the season's opener at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

But it is more likely that he will feature in the Champions League trip to Kiev next week to face Maccabi Haifa.

Wolves close to Potter loan deal

Wolves are hoping to complete a season-long loan deal with Liverpool for 21-year-old Darren Potter.

'Darren is here and he is having scans,' Wolves manager Mick McCarthy told the club's website.

Kuyt a Red by the Weekend?

Eary morning media have today reported that Dutchman Dirk Kuyt is expected to be a Liverpool player in time to make his debut against Sheffield United on Saturday, although this report is denied by Anfield and David Prentive of the Echo.

The Dutchman has apparently made it clear to Feyenoord that he wants to move to Anfield and the club will either have to accept a player-exchange deal involving Jan Kromkamp or staggered payments if they stick steadfastly to their £10m asking price.

Feyenoord set Liverpool a deadline of last Sunday to meet their demands - a deadline the Reds allowed to pass with no fresh approach.

Kuyt himself is desperate to resolve his future, and failed to turn up for pre-season training yesterday - when a new team picture was taken without him on it.

But if Liverpool is to be his eventual destination, Feyenoord will have to lower their demands significantly.

England |
Gerrard handed right-sided role

New England manager Steve McClaren will play Steven Gerrard on the right side of midfield against Greece.

Gerrard will fill the role that has for so long been held by David Beckham, who was left out of the squad.

The fact the former captain has been replaced by such a senior England figure as Gerrard will further add to the feeling that Beckham's England career is over.

McClaren seemed to hint that Gerrard could make the position his own when he revealed he had spoken to Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez about it.

Liverpool to play Haifa in Kiev

Kiev has been confirmed as the venue for Liverpool's away leg in their Champions League third-round qualifier against Israeli side Maccabi Haifa.

Reds win Charity Shield

John Arne Riise and Peter Crouch netted the goals that gave the Reds a well-deserved 2-1 victory over the reigning Champions in Cardiff.

Crouch said: "I want to win things and this is a good start to the season. We hope it is going to be a good season. People say it's not important to win the Community Shield but you see the fans and the players and see it is important."
Once again, Mourinho refused to congratulate Rafa at the end of match play. Mourinho said: "Football is 90 minutes. If we shake hands, if we kiss do you think that is important?

"I was on the pitch from the last whistle until the moment Liverpool received the cup. I was there the whole time."

In another interview after the loss, Mourinho also commented: "Liverpool had more intensity and pace, qualities that make a team better. They had that and we didn't.

"We had a big percentage of the ball possession, but Liverpool defended with intensity and looked dangerous when they counter-attacked.

"I keep saying they are a difficult team to beat and they can go to every game with an ambition to win.

"They are a good team but over 10 months of competition we will be there."

Crouch's late goal gave Benitez another win over Mourinho and tightened his psychological hold. He has beaten him in the Champions League, the FA Cup and the Community Shield. Now for the Premiership.

Gonzalez excited with Debut

Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez has admitted his debut against Maccabi Haifa was a dream come true.

Gonzalez came off the bench to score Liverpool's winner in the 2-1 victory over Maccabi in their UEFA Champions League qualifier.

Gonzalez, who has had to wait for over a year to make the move to Liverpool because of work permit problems, was delighted with his debut.

England |
Terry named as new skipper

John Terry has been today named as the new captain of the England football team.

The 25-year-old was confirmed as David Beckham's successor on Thursday, with Steven Gerrard made vice-captain by new England coach Steve McClaren.

LIVERPOOL 2-1 MACCABI HAIFA

A last-minute winner from Mark Gonzalez rescued Liverpool's blushes against Maccabi Haifa in the first leg of their Champions League third round qualifier.

The Reds went behind when Gustavo Boccoli scythed through their defence and shot low into the corner.
Craig Bellamy equalised four minutes later when he slotted in after Mohamed Sissoko's strike was only parried.

The stuttering Reds picked up the pace late on and substitute Mark Gonzalez sidefooted home after 89 minutes.

Newcastle keeping tabs on Kuyt

Potential Liverpool target Dirk Kuyt is not without potential suitors. Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder is still considering whether to move for the £10m-rated Feyenoord striker.

Roeder watched the 25-year-old in action in Amsterdam on Sunday and told Newcastle's website: 'He played well.

'I did not see any reason why we should not go and watch him again. We will be studying him again at the weekend as we are two or three other strikers.

'But that does not mean we are going to be bidding for him, or that he is coming here.' "

England |
Gerrard for Captain

Steven Gerrard leads his team into the new season at Anfield this evening with Rafael Benitez hopeful the Liverpool captain can do the same at Old Trafford in the near future.

For England, of course. New national team coach Steve McClaren dropped in at Melwood on Monday to meet Benitez, observe training and reacquaint himself with his Liverpool contingent.

But it was Gerrard in particular who was the main topic of conversation between the two managers, with McClaren due to name his first England squad on Friday for the friendly against Greece at Manchester United next Wednesday.

England |
McClaren 'mum' on new Captain

Rafael Benitez has recommended his club skipper Steven Gerrard for the England captaincy - but Steve McClaren is keeping his choice for the job secret.

New England boss McClaren is set to name the new captain of the national team on Friday.

'I asked McClaren who would be the next England captain, but was told nothing, he just smiled at me,' said Benitez. 'I think Steven would do it well, it would be very good for him. But now he must think about our next game.'

No Match in Israel

Liverpool's Champions League qualifier against Maccabi Haifa will be played on a neutral ground after UEFA announced no European games will be held in Israel during the current armed conflict.

UEFA have told the Israeli FA and clubs to provide alternative venues within another UEFA member association.

Liverpool are playing Maccabi Haifa at Anfield on Wednesday with the return leg on August 23.

Charlton close in on Traore

Charlton are closing in on the signing of defender Djimi Traore, according to the player's agent.

Willie McKay revealed the 26-year-old full-back travelled to The Valley for a medical on Monday.

'Djimi is looking forward to the prospect of joining Charlton and playing regularly,' said McKay. The Mali international moved to Liverpool in a £550,000 deal from French club Laval in 1999 but is now surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Messy Loss in Germany

Liverpool completed their pre-season preparations in the worst possible fashion by crashing to an emphatic 5-0 defeat against FSV Mainz in Germany on Friday night.

With next week's Champions League qualifier in mind Rafa Benitez started with a strong looking side but following a series of substitutions (Subs - Dudek, Peltier, Hobbs, Paletta, Riise, Anderson, Diao, Sissoko, Garcia) and a sensational five goal second half blast from the hosts consigned the Reds to a humiliating loss.

Mainz Match Preparation for CL Tie

Liverpool's youngsters are expected to step aside on Friday as Rafael Benitez's outfit play a warm-up game against Mainz in Germany.

Benitez is expected to field all his big guns in Liverpool's final pre-season friendly ahead of Wednesday's Champions League qualifying clash at home to Maccabi Haifa, the Israeli champions.

Reds boss Benitez knows there can be no mistakes in the third qualifying round first leg at home to Haifa, a tie Liverpool have to win to ensure the minimum £12million that comes from reaching the European Cup group stages.

That extra cash could be vital as Benitez bids to bring in the top line striker he needs, with more talks expected on Dirk Kuyt's future with Feyenoord.

Maccabi Haifa match in Ukraine?

Liverpool could face Maccabi Haifa in Ukraine after Dynamo Kiev claimed they had been approached with a view to staging the second leg of the Champions League third qualifying round tie, reports the Daily Mail.

Due to the Middle East conflict involving Israel, Liverpool have made it clear they do not want to travel to the country for a match which is scheduled to be played in Tel Aviv on either August 22 or 23.

Barragan to Deportivo

Primera Liga side Deportivo La Coruna have signed Spanish defender Antonio Barragan from Liverpool in a deal worth 1m euros (£680,000).

The Reds reserved the right to buy back the player after the second or third year for 700,000 euros (£475,000).

Wembley Costs Spiral

The cost of building the new Wembley stadium could spiral beyond the £1 billion barrier.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the situation has become so desperate that the stadium operators, Wembley National Stadium, are considering replacing Australian builders, Multiplex, with another contractor in order to get the stadium completed.

Despite the extraordinary cost, a completion date has still not yet been set, six months after the stadium was originally due to be reopened.

On Monday, Multiplex infuriated WNS by announcing that the stadium would not be ready until June 2007.
Relations have deteriorated to the extent that Multiplex have reportedly banned all non-essential WNS personnel, including FA chief executive Brian Barwick, from entering the stadium.

Benitez has faith in Hobbs

Teenage star Jack Hobbs will emerge from his searching examination during Liverpool's pre-season a better player, claims boss Rafael Benitez.

Hobbs, 17, a star of the club's FA Youth Cup triumph last season, has figured in all four of Liverpool's senior pre-season friendlies with varying degrees of success.

On Saturday he had a disaster against Kaiserslautern in Liechtenstein, being blamed for all three of the goals in a 3-2 defeat.

But a meeting with Benitez ahead of Tuesday night's friendly against Grasshopper in Zurich seems to have worked. Hobbs, despite the 2-0 defeat, had a much better game and shows he is learning quickly.

Liverpool not a threat - Mourinho

Chelski boss Jose Mourinho says Arsenal and Manchester United will provide greater competition for his defending Premiership champions than Liverpool.

Mourinho's captain John Terry has tipped the Reds to run Chelsea close as they go for a third successive title.

Reds lose to Grasshoppers

Liverpool conceded twice in 13 first-half minutes as they suffered a pre-season friendly defeat to Swiss side Grasshopper in Zurich.

Vero Salatic opened the scoring with a header, before new signing Gabriel Paletta made a mess of a back-pass to let David Blumer steal in to score.

Substitute Steven Gerrard volleyed just wide and later missed from 10 yards, while Peter Crouch had a shot saved. Mark Gonzalez and Craig Bellamy went close in the first half for the Reds.

Liverpool went into the game without Fabio Aurelio, Robbie Fowler, Luis Garcia and Steve Finnan - all of whom are carrying injuries.

Rafa impressed with Bellamy

Rafa admits he's been blown away by Craig Bellamy's energy levels in his short Liverpool career.

The Welsh striker has scored two goals in three games in Liverpool's pre-season friendlies so far, but it's his performances on the training ground that have impressed the manager most.

Benitez is preparing his squad for the next warm-up game against Grasshoppers of Zurich today (4pm) as they continue their training tour in Switzerland.

Game in Israel seems unlikely

UEFA have instructed Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Bnei Yehuda Tel-Aviv to play their upcoming UEFA Cup qualifying games outside Israel, indicating Liverpool could also be spared from playing in the war-torn country.

Next week's games will be staged in a neutral country, news which looks set to be followed by a similar decision regarding Liverpool's Champions League qualifier against Maccabi Haifa later this month.

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Kromkamp to PSV, No Lucas Neill

Trade Deadline Rumours

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

England |Gerrard demands stylish victory

Moving day at Anfield

Liverpool swoop for Rovers' Neill

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Clock ticking on Euro funding for stadium

Kuyt thanks fans for support in debut

Monday, August 28, 2006

On the Agger Strike

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Kop's 100th Anniversary

Liverpool 2-1 West Ham

Friday, August 25, 2006

Kuyt may play Saturday

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Champions League Draw

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

More Injury Woes

Europe |FIFA warns Italian FA

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Maccabi Haifa 1-1 Liverpool (agg 2-3)

Reds must Advance or Face Calamity

Maccabi Haifa v Liverpool

Monday, August 21, 2006

Reds Travel Woes

Robben advised Kuyt

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Carra, Riise out for Two Weeks

Friday, August 18, 2006

Kuyt proud to be a Red.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Kuyt is Here.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Wolves close to Potter loan deal

Kuyt a Red by the Weekend?

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

England |Gerrard handed right-sided role

Monday, August 14, 2006

Liverpool to play Haifa in Kiev

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Reds win Charity Shield

Friday, August 11, 2006

Gonzalez excited with Debut

Thursday, August 10, 2006

England |Terry named as new skipper

LIVERPOOL 2-1 MACCABI HAIFA

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Newcastle keeping tabs on Kuyt

England |Gerrard for Captain

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

England |McClaren 'mum' on new Captain

No Match in Israel

Charlton close in on Traore

Friday, August 04, 2006

Messy Loss in Germany

Mainz Match Preparation for CL Tie

Maccabi Haifa match in Ukraine?

Barragan to Deportivo

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Wembley Costs Spiral

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Benitez has faith in Hobbs

Liverpool not a threat - Mourinho

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Reds lose to Grasshoppers

Rafa impressed with Bellamy

Game in Israel seems unlikely

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