Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Liverpool 0-0 Portsmouth

Liverpool endured the frustration of being held to a goalless draw by a dogged Portsmouth side at Anfield.

The Reds were allowed to dominate play as an injury-ravaged Pompey barricaded their goal behind the massed ranks of a spirited and stubborn defence.

A low Steven Gerrard cross caused some desperate defending for the visitors but keeper David James saved Luis Garcia's shot to avert the danger.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 11:52 PM 1 comments

Liverpool set to change hands?

Apparently the list of contenders to buy Liverpool has narrowed!

Dubai International Capital, whose head Samari Ansari is a Liverpool fan, are interested along with George Gillet Junior, owner of Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team.

The Dubai option appears favourite, with rumours of a deal being close to completion, but others are still stalking Anfield and there may yet be a twist.

They are believed to include Belfast property millionaire John Miskelly, a Norwegian group led by Oystein Stray Spetalen and Petter Stordalen, and a consortium based in Switzerland put together by Robert Herd, the former chairman of Oxford United.

Will Morgan return to the table? Unlikely but many still hope he will.

Moores' asking price of £300m for his 51% stake has been a sticking point, but he may now consider reducing that price to finally close a deal.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 5:05 PM 0 comments

Bellamy cleared of assault

Craig Bellamy has been cleared of assaulting two women in a Cardiff nightclub.

The Cardiff-born 27-year-old was accused of assault against Sophie Palmer, 19, and her friend Holly Smith, 20, at the No 10 club in February.

The player was cleared by district judge John Charles after a five-day trial at Cardiff Magistrates Court.

His co-defendant, Franklin Lynch, 52, of Barry, was found not guilty of common assault against Ms Palmer.

The judge told the striker: 'It was inconsistent to convict you with the serious discrepancies in the prosecution case and the two charges are dismissed.'

posted by LFC in Toronto at 3:03 PM 0 comments

Liverpool v Portsmouth Today

The Reds will be facing Portsmouth today with a very short bench.

Liverpool midfielder Boudewijn Zenden is out after joining the injury list with medial knee ligament damage.

Daniel Agger or Jamie Carragher will be forced to move up from defence into midfield, while striker Craig Bellamy is missing because of a court case.

The Reds are aiming to make Portsmouth their fourth successive Premiership victims at Anfield, while Pompey travel aiming to end a four-match losing League run away from home.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:43 AM 0 comments

Reds chasing Defoe?

Liverpool could offer Craig Bellamy as part of an exchange deal for Spurs striker Jermain Defoe.

Despite only signing the Welsh striker in the summer, Rafael Benitez is apparently prepared to include Bellamy in a package to beat off competition from Manchester United, who are also interested in Defoe.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:40 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Carra to Midfield!

Jamie Carragher is set to be used as an emergency central midfielder after Liverpool's campaign was further undermined by new injuries to Boudewijn Zenden (out for five weeks) and Xabi Alonso in the Man City Match.

Meanwhile, Bellamy's trial continues...

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:43 AM 0 comments

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Reds Win with Unstoppable Gerrard Shot

Steven Gerrard came to Liverpool's rescue as their captain's first league goal of the season guided them to a narrow win over Manchester City.

Gerrard crashed a swerving shot past Nicky Weaver after Dutchman Dirk Kuyt intercepted Joey Barton's poor pass - his goal was eerily similar to his PSV goal in the way he powered to the edge of the box before scoring with an unstoppable shot.


Before the goal City had frustrated Liverpool and might have taken the lead themselves had Bernardo Corradi taken a couple of reasonable chances.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 1:48 PM 0 comments

Friday, November 24, 2006

Rafa: Stevie only just begun

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes his skipper Steven Gerrard does not fully realise how good he can become.

But Benitez now sees a growing maturity in Gerrard that will also benefit England and the much-maligned partnership with Frank Lampard.

Liverpool are preparing to face Manchester City at Anfield, intent on protecting their 13-month unbeaten home league record.

Gerrard had his best game of the season in the midweek Champions League defeat of PSV Eindhoven, and saw him net only his second goal of the campaign.

And Benitez is aware Gerrard, now back in his favoured central midfield role, feels he is close to his best.

But not in the eyes of the Spanish boss, who said: "He can score goals, win the ball in the air, be good at set pieces, everything. When he says he is close to his best, maybe he does not know his true potential." [ More ]

posted by LFC in Toronto at 11:25 AM 0 comments

Injury Blues

In Wednesday's win over PSV, the Reds picked up a number of injuries that will complicate team selection in the coming weeks including this weekend's visit to City.

Mark Gonzalez's injury means we will lose him for two or three weeks and Xabi Alonso will be out of action for ten days. These are in addition to injury problems with Harry Kewell, Sissoko, Stephen Warnock and Fabio Aurelio.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 11:19 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Reds Win! Lots of Injuries & Gerrard finds form

In a match that saw Alonso, Pennant and Gonzalez off due to injury, goals from Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch secured Liverpool victory over PSV Eindhoven and the top spot in Champions League Group C.

Liverpool striker Peter Crouch is backing skipper Steven Gerrard to hit top form after returning to his goalscoring ways from central midfield.

England's vice-captain broke the deadlock in Wednesday night's Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield in typical fashion, bursting into the penalty area to stroke home Dirk Kuyt's lay-off.

It contrasted sharply with a number of distinctly ordinary performances from Gerrard playing out of position on the right.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 2:15 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Benitez demands Respect

(The Independent) Proud reputations, and not merely first place in Group C, appeared to be at stake for the Liverpool boss yesterday as he prepared for the Champions League visit of PSV by launching a staunch defence of his two-year reign at Anfield.

Detractors and a director have found a plentiful supply of ammunition to throw at the Spaniard of late as Liverpool's anticipated challenge for the Premiership title failed to materialise beyond the pre-season supplements and a lament-able away record stretched to a seventh League game without victory at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Yet it was not without foundation that Benitez called for more respect and perspective ahead of tonight's European release against the Dutch league leaders, bristling: 'I'm not happy with the table, but you would think we were having a terrible time.'

Liverpool are, lest we forget, the first English team to qualify for the Champions' League knock-out phase this season, in the Carling Cup quarter-final and separated from third-placed Portsmouth by only five points. "

posted by LFC in Toronto at 8:26 AM 0 comments

Rafa confident for European success

Rafa is certain Liverpool's inconsistency in domestic competition will have no effect on their Champions League fate.

Already qualified for the last 16, Liverpool will finish top of Group C if they beat PSV Eindhoven at Anfield - and a top place in the pool is his goal.

Benitez, who will have Spain midfielder Luis Garcia back in contention after a hamstring injury, will stick with an attacking system using two wingers, believing the approach will be good enough to overcome the Dutch champions.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 8:18 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Rafa: Attack!

Benitez is confident it's only a matter of time before the Reds return to winning ways on the back of a much improved display at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Despite registering another blank at the Riverside, the boss insists he'll stick with his attacking philosophy for the forthcoming games, starting with tomorrow night's clash with PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.

'When you look at the team we selected at Arsenal and Middlesbrough, it's clear we weren't playing for a draw in those games,' said the Reds' manager.

'No-one can say Liverpool is a defensive team. We play with two wingers and use a lot of attacking players.

'I spoke to the players yesterday and told them if we keep creating chances and playing well, things will change. It's clear we would prefer to create more opportunities, but when you watch the game it's unbelievable we didn't win on Saturday.'

posted by LFC in Toronto at 8:59 AM 0 comments

Liverpool v PSV Tomorrow

Tomorrow Liverpool face "The Farmers" in Champions League play. Both sides have already secured their tickets for the next round of the competition.

Liverpool have won their last three Champions League matches and are unbeaten in this season's competition. They are undefeated in six matches in Europe.

PSV have also won their last three matches in this competition and are unbeaten in four CL games (the first CL game being a scoreless draw against Liverpool).

posted by LFC in Toronto at 8:57 AM 0 comments

Friday, November 17, 2006

Benitez comments ahead of Middlesborough Match

(ECHO) Manager Rafa Benitez is certainly in the mood to start experimenting in pursuit of an elusive away win at Middlesbrough tomorrow.

Each demoralising away defeat has been swiftly followed by a call for the club's superstars to demonstrate how eager they are to make amends for an abject performance.

Benitez recognises there reaches a point when words of defiance from certain players ultimately sound increasingly hollow if they're not backed up by actions.

'Now is not a time to talk, but to work,' is a message which is now virtually inscribed on Benitez's office door.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 10:05 AM 5 comments

Reds poor travelers

(Football365.com) The defeat last week to Arsenal was the Reds' fifth successive away reverse in a season that has seem them produce their worst run of away defeats in 12 years.

This week has been one of soul searching and recriminations from angry fans who fail to understand how their side can be unbeaten in the league at home in 13 months, but are still capable of producing such limp, uninspiring road form in the Barclays Premiership.

The upcoming fixtures may look more inviting but, with confidence away from home so low, it is by no means certain Benitez's men will roll over the opposition.

Liverpool have Manchester City, Portsmouth, Wigan, Fulham, Charlton and Watford before Christmas - games they would normally bank on winning.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 10:01 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Wating for Momo Surgery News

Liverpool are waiting to discover precisely how long Momo Sissoko will be on the sidelines after the Malian underwent surgery.

Initial indications were that the 21-year-old midfielder would be out for three months, though this could change depending on how the operation went.

Supplemental:
Momo's surgery has been rated a success by surgeons

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:30 AM 0 comments

Gerrard returns to Midfield

Steven Gerrard has announced that he will revert to his preferred position of central midfield following Mohamed Sissoko's shoulder injury.

Sissoko has been ruled out until February and, following talks with manager Rafa Benitez, Gerrard is set to take his place in the middle of midfield having spent most of the season on either the right or left flank.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:26 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Riise No Coward

John Arne Riise insists Liverpool will not give up on winning the title - a day after team-mate Jose Reina said the Reds were now playing for fourth place.

Keeper Reina had said the Reds were realistically looking for a Champions League spot after the loss at Arsenal.

But defender Riise said: 'We never give up. Cowards give up.'

posted by LFC in Toronto at 10:37 AM 0 comments

Reina 'Flattered'

Jose Reina has said he is 'flattered' by reported interest from Valencia but claims he is concentrating on Liverpool.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 10:35 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Reina linked to Valencia Move

Jose Reina is a target for Valencia, according to reports in Spain.

The Liverpool stopper is said by AS to be homesick and looking for a move back to the Primera Liga. Valencia's back-up keeper Ludovic Butelle has been linked with a move to Liverpool already this season, so there may well be some scope for a swap deal.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:16 AM 0 comments

Monday, November 13, 2006

Reina: We can't win League

Jose Reina has admitted Liverpool are out of the title race and are concentrating on securing a Champions League spot.

Sunday's 3-0 defeat against Arsenal left Rafael Benitez's men 14 points behind leaders Manchester United and their woeful away record - they have managed just one point and one goal on their travels - has been the major problem.

But Reina believes the 2005 Champions League winners still have a good chance of success in Europe.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 3:14 PM 0 comments

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Sissoko set to miss three months

Liverpool will be without influential midfielder Mohamed Sissoko for three months as he requires surgery on his dislocated shoulder.

As earlier blogged, Sissoko sustained the injury during the 1-0 Carling Cup win at Birmingham on Wednesday after landing awkwardly following a challenge on Medhi Nafti.

'Unfortunately Momo requires surgery which is scheduled to take place next week,' said a Liverpool spokesman.

'It is anticipated he will be out of action for three months.'

Sissoko was sidelined last season when he suffered a serious eye injury during Liverpool's 1-0 defeat by Benfica in the Champions League."

posted by LFC in Toronto at 2:14 PM 0 comments

League Cup |
Birmingham 0-1 Liverpool

Liverpool reached the Carling Cup quarter-finals after a narrow win over Birmingham - but at a cost after losing Mohamed Sissoko to a shoulder injury.

Daniel Agger volleyed in from close range in the seven minutes of first-half stoppage time added after Sissoko fell awkwardly on his shoulder. [ More ]

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:48 AM 0 comments

Sissoko out with shoulder injury

Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko will miss at least a month of the season after dislocating his shoulder.

The Mali international sustained the injury in the 1-0 Carling Cup victory at Birmingham after landing awkwardly following a tackle on Medhi Nafti.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:46 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Rafa wary ahead of Cup Match

Rafa believes Birmingham will have revenge on their minds tonight when they clash with his side in the Carling Cup fourth round at St Andrews.

Benitez does not need reminding of his side's 7-0 triumph in a FA Cup quarter-final at the same venue in March, with Birmingham at a low ebb and heading for relegation.

But Birmingham are now challenging for an immediate return to the top flight and will want to erase that seven-goal hammering out of their minds for good.

'This Birmingham game will not be like last season, it will be a very tough game,' said Benitez.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 10:09 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Internationals |
Bellamy is like Keegan - Toshack

Wales manager John Toshack says striker Craig Bellamy is the 'closest thing to Kevin Keegan' he has seen in 20 years.

Toshack, who forged a famous strike partnership with Keegan at Liverpool in the 1970s, made current Anfield star Bellamy his Wales captain last month.

The fit-again Ryan Giggs is restored as skipper against Liechtenstein, but Toshack praised Bellamy's efforts.

'I was very pleased with Craig's contribution, he is so like my old strike partner Keegan,' said Toshack.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:18 AM 0 comments

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Liverpool wins;
Rafa hails Kuyt

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hailed the work-rate and goals of Dirk Kuyt as the Dutchman grabbed both in the 2-0 success over Reading at Anfield.

Kuyt took his tally to five for the season as Liverpool extended their unbeaten home league run to 22 matches.

'Kuyt always works, always makes great effort and shows the right level of commitment,' said Benitez of the Dutchman he signed from Feyenoord in the summer.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 5:20 PM 0 comments

Friday, November 03, 2006

Reds preparing for march up the table.

Peter Crouch comments on the Reds state of mind: 'Perhaps the Champions League victory over Bordeaux on Tuesday can be a turning point in the season. We have always felt we have the quality to win games. Now it is a case of showing it.'

Boss Rafael Benitez surprised the critics by finally fielding an unchanged side against Bordeaux, after tinkering with his line-up for 99 successive matches previously.

But with Xabi Alonso struggling with knee and ankle problems and Luis Garcia troubled by a hamstring injury, the chances are the Spaniard will return to his rotational ways.

However, Crouch believes that whoever plays Liverpool are in the right frame of mind for another win.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 11:01 AM 0 comments

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Opinion:
The Rights And Wrongs Of Rafa's Rotation

Peter Gill on Football365.com has posted some interesting commentary on The Rights And Wrongs Of Rafa's Rotation. Summary? Rotation is accepted throughout the Premiership, and Rafa's getting stick because he isn't getting results. Does Rafa know his best team? Will LFC be fresh for the final months of the league as is the plan?

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:12 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Noel White Resigns from Board

Rafael Benitez hailed Liverpool's advance into the next stage of the Champions League with a 3-0 victory over Bordeaux, but still managed words of reconciliation with former club chairman Noel White.

White resigned from his position as a club director tonight in the wake of the previously anonymous boardroom attack on the Anfield boss.

White was quoted last week in the media initially as an unnamed director, criticising Benitez's management methods.

[Quote] "For the 21 years I have had the privilege of being a director of this great institution, my guiding principle has been to act in the best interests of the club," White said of his time at Anfield.

"In view of the controversy caused by comments in a national newspaper, and the effect this has had on the chairman, my fellow directors, the manager and many supporters, I feel the honourable course is to resign."

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:59 AM 3 comments