Reports late this evening claim that George Gillett and Tom Hicks are about to postpone construction of the club's new stadium because they can't raise the funds.
The controversial duo had hoped to send the builders in within the next fortnight but it's looking highly unlikely that the project is going to get off the ground, if you believe the latest claims.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum remains confident of eventually taking over the club so this news will certainly be welcomed by him and his team of advisors.
Friday, 29 August 2008
PARRY IN BARCELONA....
Rick Parry is back in Barcelona again.
We have spent most of the summer informing you of the chief executive's frequent visits to the city. It would appear that this time he's there to conclude the deal for Espanyol's Albert Riera.
Despite working on that bit of business, we think that Parry's other visits there were for someone else, possibly at Barcelona, as we see no reason why he would have to make so many trips to conclude what appears to be a simple deal for Riera.
Will we ever know? Probably not...
We have spent most of the summer informing you of the chief executive's frequent visits to the city. It would appear that this time he's there to conclude the deal for Espanyol's Albert Riera.
Despite working on that bit of business, we think that Parry's other visits there were for someone else, possibly at Barcelona, as we see no reason why he would have to make so many trips to conclude what appears to be a simple deal for Riera.
Will we ever know? Probably not...
Sunday, 24 August 2008
TRANSFER'S EXPECTED SOON
Liverpool have told Arsenal that they will not sell Xabi Alonso for £10million.
It is claimed that the Gunners have approached the Reds to see if we would be prepared to do a deal at that price but Rafa Benitez isn't prepared to let him go so cheap.
Meanwhile the boss has revealed that following talks with Rick Parry, there could be some transfer activity within the next few days.
Rafa said: "We are working really hard, we are moving in the right direction and hopefully we can do something positive in the next few days.
"The talks were positive, we cannot discuss names but we are now both working to improve our squad.
"There was no friction, but some personal problems. Now things are more clear and that is positive. It was a private conversation."
On Gareth Barry, he added: "I have had no word about Arsenal wanting Gareth Barry, and that is all I want to say on the subject. Other than that we are working towards improving our squad.
"Likewise there has been nothing more on Xabi Alonso. At the beginning of the summer we were looking at ways of raising money, but now we are happy with Xabi, he is a very good player.
"The offer we had was not good enough, so why would we want to sell him?"
It is claimed that the Gunners have approached the Reds to see if we would be prepared to do a deal at that price but Rafa Benitez isn't prepared to let him go so cheap.
Meanwhile the boss has revealed that following talks with Rick Parry, there could be some transfer activity within the next few days.
Rafa said: "We are working really hard, we are moving in the right direction and hopefully we can do something positive in the next few days.
"The talks were positive, we cannot discuss names but we are now both working to improve our squad.
"There was no friction, but some personal problems. Now things are more clear and that is positive. It was a private conversation."
On Gareth Barry, he added: "I have had no word about Arsenal wanting Gareth Barry, and that is all I want to say on the subject. Other than that we are working towards improving our squad.
"Likewise there has been nothing more on Xabi Alonso. At the beginning of the summer we were looking at ways of raising money, but now we are happy with Xabi, he is a very good player.
"The offer we had was not good enough, so why would we want to sell him?"
STEVE GERRARD GERRARD
Late goals from Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher claimed a dramatic victory for Liverpool after Middlesbrough had threatened to pull off a shock win at Anfield. 
The Reds had looked on the verge of a frustrating defeat with five minutes remaining but the home-grown duo had other ideas.
Gerrard's superb curler from the edge of the area won it after Carragher's deflected strike had cancelled out Mido's opener.
It was a positive end to a frustrating afternoon for the Reds who dominated for the majority of the clash but struggled to find a way past rookie stopper Ross Turnbull. But they will now head into the second-leg of their vital Champions League qualifier on Wednesday in buoyant mood after snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
The visit of 'Boro marked the first match of the new season at Anfield and as supporters settled into their seats they were not just treated to their first glimpse of the likes of Robbie Keane and Andrea Dossena in competitive action, but they will also have noticed the new electronic advertising boards lining the perimeter of the pitch.
The game itself began at a frenetic pace and although the visitors looked lively in the early exchanges it was Liverpool who had the first real sight of goal when Dirk Kuyt brought a great save out of Ross Turnbull from 25 yards.
It was the ideal start for the keeper who had only been called into the starting XI at the last moment after Brad Jones injured his hand in the warm up.
The Reds were eager to test him at every opportunity but both Robbie Keane and Yossi Benayoun shot well wide of goal when provided with opportunities while Pepe Reina had to be alert to tip Andrew Taylor's 15th minute blockbuster over the crossbar.
The visitors were far from overawed by their visit to Merseyside and, buoyed by their opening day win over Spurs, they more than matched Liverpool with Stewart Downing in particular looking dangerous on the left.
It just wasn't happening for the hosts and after Torres saw his penalty appeals turned down by referee Mike Riley Steven Gerrard was next to hang his head in frustration after his arcing effort flew just wide of the near post.
As the half came to a disappointing end, fans will have been cheered by the sight of Keane combining brilliantly with Torres to set the Spaniard clear but Robert Huth did just enough to deny him a clear strike at goal.
It was something they hoped to see more of in the second period but as the clock ticked down the visitors' rearguard remained stubbornly resistant.
In fact, it was 'Boro' who manufactured the best opening of the game on the hour mark when substitute Mido broke down the left and fed the ball into Tuncay who produced an unorthodox turn to completely bamboozle Martin Skrtel before lashing his shot straight at Reina.
For Liverpool it was Torres who continued to look the more likely and he smashed a 25-yard thunderbolt just wide of the far post as he continued his bid to become the first player in Liverpool's history to score in nine successive home league games and break the previous record of eight set by Roger Hunt in 1961-62.
However, it was not to be El Nino's day and Rafael Benitez's men were stunned 20 minutes from time when Mido received a pass from Jeremie Aliadiere and fired a sweet 25 yard strike into the bottom right-hand corner to leave Reina with no chance.
It looked like Middlesbrough were on the verge of their first win at Anfield in 21 attempts but with time running out Carragher pulled them level with a speculative 25-yard effort that took a huge deflection off Emanuel Pogatetz.
And it got better for the Reds in injury-time when Gerrard seized on a loose ball on the edge of the area to curl home a magnificent winner and send the home support into ecstasy.
Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Taylor, Pogatetz (captain), Huth, Wheater, Downing, O'Neil, Shawky, Aliadiere, Sanli, Alves. Subs - Johnson, , Hoyte, Williams, Digard, Emnes
The Reds had looked on the verge of a frustrating defeat with five minutes remaining but the home-grown duo had other ideas.
Gerrard's superb curler from the edge of the area won it after Carragher's deflected strike had cancelled out Mido's opener.
It was a positive end to a frustrating afternoon for the Reds who dominated for the majority of the clash but struggled to find a way past rookie stopper Ross Turnbull. But they will now head into the second-leg of their vital Champions League qualifier on Wednesday in buoyant mood after snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
The visit of 'Boro marked the first match of the new season at Anfield and as supporters settled into their seats they were not just treated to their first glimpse of the likes of Robbie Keane and Andrea Dossena in competitive action, but they will also have noticed the new electronic advertising boards lining the perimeter of the pitch.
The game itself began at a frenetic pace and although the visitors looked lively in the early exchanges it was Liverpool who had the first real sight of goal when Dirk Kuyt brought a great save out of Ross Turnbull from 25 yards.
It was the ideal start for the keeper who had only been called into the starting XI at the last moment after Brad Jones injured his hand in the warm up.
The Reds were eager to test him at every opportunity but both Robbie Keane and Yossi Benayoun shot well wide of goal when provided with opportunities while Pepe Reina had to be alert to tip Andrew Taylor's 15th minute blockbuster over the crossbar.
The visitors were far from overawed by their visit to Merseyside and, buoyed by their opening day win over Spurs, they more than matched Liverpool with Stewart Downing in particular looking dangerous on the left.
It just wasn't happening for the hosts and after Torres saw his penalty appeals turned down by referee Mike Riley Steven Gerrard was next to hang his head in frustration after his arcing effort flew just wide of the near post.
As the half came to a disappointing end, fans will have been cheered by the sight of Keane combining brilliantly with Torres to set the Spaniard clear but Robert Huth did just enough to deny him a clear strike at goal.
It was something they hoped to see more of in the second period but as the clock ticked down the visitors' rearguard remained stubbornly resistant.
In fact, it was 'Boro' who manufactured the best opening of the game on the hour mark when substitute Mido broke down the left and fed the ball into Tuncay who produced an unorthodox turn to completely bamboozle Martin Skrtel before lashing his shot straight at Reina.
For Liverpool it was Torres who continued to look the more likely and he smashed a 25-yard thunderbolt just wide of the far post as he continued his bid to become the first player in Liverpool's history to score in nine successive home league games and break the previous record of eight set by Roger Hunt in 1961-62.
However, it was not to be El Nino's day and Rafael Benitez's men were stunned 20 minutes from time when Mido received a pass from Jeremie Aliadiere and fired a sweet 25 yard strike into the bottom right-hand corner to leave Reina with no chance.
It looked like Middlesbrough were on the verge of their first win at Anfield in 21 attempts but with time running out Carragher pulled them level with a speculative 25-yard effort that took a huge deflection off Emanuel Pogatetz.
And it got better for the Reds in injury-time when Gerrard seized on a loose ball on the edge of the area to curl home a magnificent winner and send the home support into ecstasy.
Teams
Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa, Benayoun, Gerrard (captain), Alonso, Kuyt, Torres, Keane. Subs - Agger, Plessis, Aurelio, Ngog, El Zhar, Babel, CavalieriMiddlesbrough: Turnbull, Taylor, Pogatetz (captain), Huth, Wheater, Downing, O'Neil, Shawky, Aliadiere, Sanli, Alves. Subs - Johnson, , Hoyte, Williams, Digard, Emnes
Saturday, 16 August 2008
LIVERPOOL WIN
Liverpool won 1-0 against Sunderland this evening with a goal a brilliant individual goal from Torres.
RAFA CONSIDERS HIS FUTURE WITH LFC...(AMERICANS OUT!)
EXCLUSIVE: Rafa Benitez thought of resigning from Liverpool last week and even discussed leaving the club with his closest allies, according to sources close to the Spanish manager. The only thing that stopped him from leaving Anfield was his respect for the Liverpool fans and for the people that work with him on a daily basis.
This is the first time since his arrival that Benitez has come this close to resigning, although on two other occasions offers from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and a couple of other major European clubs led him to reassess his future at Anfield. On both occasions he decided to stay put and the club improved his contractual situation.
According to sources this time around, it is his desperation with the Barry transfer deal, the lack of a satisfactory conclusion to the Alonso transfer and the gaping hole on the left hand side of midfield - yet to be filled - that are the major causes of his dissatisfaction and frustration. This has nothing to do with his contract. “Rafa doesn’t care about what he is getting paid, he thought he was being undermined this summer and was close to giving up”, says a friend of the manager.
The situation at Anfield has been so confusing over the last few weeks - with the Gareth Barry saga and Xabi Alonso's failed move to either Juventus or Arsenal - that Benitez felt the need to explain, at his Friday press conference, that he was not involved in the Barry transfer: another way of saying that if it did not take place, then it was not his fault.
“Since I started talking with Martin O'Neill in April, I didn't talk with Aston Villa. All of the talks have been between Rick Parry and the owner and chief executive of As ton Villa and they have been pretty good... I was not doing the talks about Barry, I was not doing the talks about Alonso, so if someone wants to talk about these players, then they have to talk with the chief executive of our club. If you want to talk about football, talk with me," said Rafa.
According to different sources, Benitez would have liked Gareth Barry to have been his first signing of the summer, ahead of even Robbie Keane, and by now the squad would have been closed. Instead, there is at least one new player to come in, although Liverpool have not yet given up hope in signing the Villa midfielder. The club, according to sources close to Tom Hicks, can afford Gareth Barry or a new left winger without the need to sell anybody.
One final factor, that influenced Benitez' decision to stay, was his belief that the team is set for a very good season and that they are in a position to improve on last year.
This is the first time since his arrival that Benitez has come this close to resigning, although on two other occasions offers from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and a couple of other major European clubs led him to reassess his future at Anfield. On both occasions he decided to stay put and the club improved his contractual situation.
According to sources this time around, it is his desperation with the Barry transfer deal, the lack of a satisfactory conclusion to the Alonso transfer and the gaping hole on the left hand side of midfield - yet to be filled - that are the major causes of his dissatisfaction and frustration. This has nothing to do with his contract. “Rafa doesn’t care about what he is getting paid, he thought he was being undermined this summer and was close to giving up”, says a friend of the manager.
The situation at Anfield has been so confusing over the last few weeks - with the Gareth Barry saga and Xabi Alonso's failed move to either Juventus or Arsenal - that Benitez felt the need to explain, at his Friday press conference, that he was not involved in the Barry transfer: another way of saying that if it did not take place, then it was not his fault.
“Since I started talking with Martin O'Neill in April, I didn't talk with Aston Villa. All of the talks have been between Rick Parry and the owner and chief executive of As ton Villa and they have been pretty good... I was not doing the talks about Barry, I was not doing the talks about Alonso, so if someone wants to talk about these players, then they have to talk with the chief executive of our club. If you want to talk about football, talk with me," said Rafa.
According to different sources, Benitez would have liked Gareth Barry to have been his first signing of the summer, ahead of even Robbie Keane, and by now the squad would have been closed. Instead, there is at least one new player to come in, although Liverpool have not yet given up hope in signing the Villa midfielder. The club, according to sources close to Tom Hicks, can afford Gareth Barry or a new left winger without the need to sell anybody.
One final factor, that influenced Benitez' decision to stay, was his belief that the team is set for a very good season and that they are in a position to improve on last year.
Thursday, 14 August 2008
WE WERE LUCKY SAYS RAFA
| Rafael Benitez admitted his side were lucky to escape with a draw after they produced a below-par display in the first-leg of the Champions League qualifier with Standard Liege. | |
| The Reds boss was frustrated that his side could not reproduce their good pre-season form against the Belgian champions but feels the Anfield factor will play a vital role when the two sides meet at Anfield in a fortnight's time. "I think we were lucky not to concede," said Benitez. "You never know what is going to happen when a game gets underway but clearly we didn't play well. "The performance was poor but the result was good. We didn't concede away from home which is always important and to play the second-leg at Anfield could make a massive difference. "The positive thing was the result and we didn't have to say too much about the display in the dressing room because everybody already knew it wasn't good." The Reds struggled to come to terms with Liege's fast start to the contest and Benitez felt his side were their own worst enemy and was grateful to keeper Pepe Reina for securing a 0-0 draw with a first-half spot-kick save. "They were very aggressive and we could not keep the ball," he said. "Our passes were bad and we always lost the first and second ball. "In the first 20 minutes they were on top of us and after that we controlled it a bit more. "In the second-half they started the same way and played more long balls and continued to win the first and second balls and if you don't win them you will continue to be under pressure. "I was a little bit surprised because we were playing well in pre-season with a lot of confidence. "I told the players before, after watching their Super Cup game against Anderlecht, that it could be like this. "We knew they could be very aggressive. They were organised and pressed well and it was difficult for us to keep the ball. "I think the entire team didn't play well; so the strikers, midfielders and defenders didn't play well and Pepe Reina was man of the match." With Javier Mascherano, Lucas Leiva and Ryan Babel all on Olympic duty and the likes of Fabio Aurelio and Martin Skrtel out injured, Benitez felt his side lacked options on the bench and admitted he had been forced to bring skipper Steven Gerrard into the frame to try and inspire a late rally. "We have a lot of players away or injured and the competition for the places needs to improve," he continued. "Gerrard couldn't start and he is a player who can change a game and if you have two or three players of this level on the pitch it is different. "We were talking with the doctor before the match and we knew he couldn't start and we were thinking maybe we could use him and in the end we did need him. "I have been really pleased with the commitment of the players in the pre-season but this game was different, it was difficult and we didn't play well. "Fabio Aurelio and Skrtel have been training and when they are available we will have more options. "Argentina play Holland in the Olympics too, so one player will return earlier. If you have more players competing for places it is better for the team." | |
GARETH BARRY...*yawn*
Reds target Gareth Barry will become cup-tied this evening if Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill deploys him against FH Hafnarfjordur in the UEFA Cup second round qualifier.
If Liverpool come up with the £18million before the 7pm kick-off then the midfielder obviously won't be involved. If he does play he'll be ineligible to play in the Champions League before the knock-out stages in February.
Because of the on-going saga that has dragged on all summer, all eyes will be on the starting line-up (and the bench) this evening.
If Liverpool come up with the £18million before the 7pm kick-off then the midfielder obviously won't be involved. If he does play he'll be ineligible to play in the Champions League before the knock-out stages in February.
Because of the on-going saga that has dragged on all summer, all eyes will be on the starting line-up (and the bench) this evening.
Sunday, 10 August 2008
SIGN THE PETITION TO GET TOM HICKS AND GEORGE GILLETE OUT!
Today i am embarassed to be a Liverpool fan. These owners of ours are ruining our club, the traditions and principals that have stood firm are being torn down by 2 ignorant people who are simply in this for personal gain, and donot give a damn about the fans and actually winning... is that not what it is all about?
Sign this petition, its time to take action!YANKS OUT!
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ggthout/
Sign this petition, its time to take action!YANKS OUT!
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ggthout/
Saturday, 9 August 2008
CONCERNING CLAIMS FROM ANFIELD
Reports late this evening claim that Rafa Benitez has had a new bust-up with the club's owners for rejecting the offer of an interest free £12million loan.
A mystery Liverpool supporter approached the club with the offer so that the money could be invested on players in the summer transfer market but Tom Hicks and George Gillett rejected the offer.
It is also claimed that the duo are not impressed with the manager's pursuit of Gareth Barry because they think he's too expensive.
Both parties refused to comment about the claims when approached.
A mystery Liverpool supporter approached the club with the offer so that the money could be invested on players in the summer transfer market but Tom Hicks and George Gillett rejected the offer.
It is also claimed that the duo are not impressed with the manager's pursuit of Gareth Barry because they think he's too expensive.
Both parties refused to comment about the claims when approached.
LIVERPOOL WIN 1-0
The Reds boss admitted he was pleased with his side's overall display after Andriy Voronin stoppage time winner sealed a deserved victory against the Italians and Benitez felt the impact of the likes of Jay Spearing - who created the winning goal - was the main highlight of the night.
"I think it was a very good game against a good team," he said.
"You could see they were pretty sharp, comfortable on the ball and played well on the counter attack. We had two or three really good chances to score and win the game so overall it was very positive, particularly as we had a lot of young players in the side.
"The young players were good too. We know all about the senior players but they all played well. Nabil El Zhar, Jay Spearing, Damien Plessis, and Nemeth - they were all good."
Benitez also had words of praise for Xabi Alonso, who enjoyed a superb display at the heart of the Reds' midfield.
"He was playing well," he said.
"That was positive for us. He is a good player and hopefully we will have another good player coming in soon. We can improve so we will try to improve."
With a Champions League qualifier away to Standard Liege and a Premier League encounter with Sunderland just around the corner, Benitez is now focused on putting the final touches to his squad and admitted a left-sided player was still a priority.
"Clearly we have problems on the left," he said. "We have sold Riise and Kewell and Fabio Aurelio is injured. Leto doesn't have a work permit and Babel is at the Olympic Games, so I think we can improve in this area."
"I think it was a very good game against a good team," he said.
"You could see they were pretty sharp, comfortable on the ball and played well on the counter attack. We had two or three really good chances to score and win the game so overall it was very positive, particularly as we had a lot of young players in the side.
"The young players were good too. We know all about the senior players but they all played well. Nabil El Zhar, Jay Spearing, Damien Plessis, and Nemeth - they were all good."
Benitez also had words of praise for Xabi Alonso, who enjoyed a superb display at the heart of the Reds' midfield.
"He was playing well," he said.
"That was positive for us. He is a good player and hopefully we will have another good player coming in soon. We can improve so we will try to improve."
With a Champions League qualifier away to Standard Liege and a Premier League encounter with Sunderland just around the corner, Benitez is now focused on putting the final touches to his squad and admitted a left-sided player was still a priority.
"Clearly we have problems on the left," he said. "We have sold Riise and Kewell and Fabio Aurelio is injured. Leto doesn't have a work permit and Babel is at the Olympic Games, so I think we can improve in this area."
LIVERPOOL WIN 1-0
The Reds boss admitted he was pleased with his side's overall display after Andriy Voronin stoppage time winner sealed a deserved victory against the Italians and Benitez felt the impact of the likes of Jay Spearing - who created the winning goal - was the main highlight of the night.
"I think it was a very good game against a good team," he said.
"You could see they were pretty sharp, comfortable on the ball and played well on the counter attack. We had two or three really good chances to score and win the game so overall it was very positive, particularly as we had a lot of young players in the side.
"The young players were good too. We know all about the senior players but they all played well. Nabil El Zhar, Jay Spearing, Damien Plessis, and Nemeth - they were all good."
Benitez also had words of praise for Xabi Alonso, who enjoyed a superb display at the heart of the Reds' midfield.
"He was playing well," he said.
"That was positive for us. He is a good player and hopefully we will have another good player coming in soon. We can improve so we will try to improve."
With a Champions League qualifier away to Standard Liege and a Premier League encounter with Sunderland just around the corner, Benitez is now focused on putting the final touches to his squad and admitted a left-sided player was still a priority.
"Clearly we have problems on the left," he said. "We have sold Riise and Kewell and Fabio Aurelio is injured. Leto doesn't have a work permit and Babel is at the Olympic Games, so I think we can improve in this area."
"I think it was a very good game against a good team," he said.
"You could see they were pretty sharp, comfortable on the ball and played well on the counter attack. We had two or three really good chances to score and win the game so overall it was very positive, particularly as we had a lot of young players in the side.
"The young players were good too. We know all about the senior players but they all played well. Nabil El Zhar, Jay Spearing, Damien Plessis, and Nemeth - they were all good."
Benitez also had words of praise for Xabi Alonso, who enjoyed a superb display at the heart of the Reds' midfield.
"He was playing well," he said.
"That was positive for us. He is a good player and hopefully we will have another good player coming in soon. We can improve so we will try to improve."
With a Champions League qualifier away to Standard Liege and a Premier League encounter with Sunderland just around the corner, Benitez is now focused on putting the final touches to his squad and admitted a left-sided player was still a priority.
"Clearly we have problems on the left," he said. "We have sold Riise and Kewell and Fabio Aurelio is injured. Leto doesn't have a work permit and Babel is at the Olympic Games, so I think we can improve in this area."
LIVERPOOL WIN 1-
The Reds boss admitted he was pleased with his side's overall display after Andriy Voronin stoppage time winner sealed a deserved victory against the Italians and Benitez felt the impact of the likes of Jay Spearing - who created the winning goal - was the main highlight of the night.
"I think it was a very good game against a good team," he said.
"You could see they were pretty sharp, comfortable on the ball and played well on the counter attack. We had two or three really good chances to score and win the game so overall it was very positive, particularly as we had a lot of young players in the side.
"The young players were good too. We know all about the senior players but they all played well. Nabil El Zhar, Jay Spearing, Damien Plessis, and Nemeth - they were all good."
Benitez also had words of praise for Xabi Alonso, who enjoyed a superb display at the heart of the Reds' midfield.
"He was playing well," he said.
"That was positive for us. He is a good player and hopefully we will have another good player coming in soon. We can improve so we will try to improve."
With a Champions League qualifier away to Standard Liege and a Premier League encounter with Sunderland just around the corner, Benitez is now focused on putting the final touches to his squad and admitted a left-sided player was still a priority.
"Clearly we have problems on the left," he said. "We have sold Riise and Kewell and Fabio Aurelio is injured. Leto doesn't have a work permit and Babel is at the Olympic Games, so I think we can improve in this area."
"I think it was a very good game against a good team," he said.
"You could see they were pretty sharp, comfortable on the ball and played well on the counter attack. We had two or three really good chances to score and win the game so overall it was very positive, particularly as we had a lot of young players in the side.
"The young players were good too. We know all about the senior players but they all played well. Nabil El Zhar, Jay Spearing, Damien Plessis, and Nemeth - they were all good."
Benitez also had words of praise for Xabi Alonso, who enjoyed a superb display at the heart of the Reds' midfield.
"He was playing well," he said.
"That was positive for us. He is a good player and hopefully we will have another good player coming in soon. We can improve so we will try to improve."
With a Champions League qualifier away to Standard Liege and a Premier League encounter with Sunderland just around the corner, Benitez is now focused on putting the final touches to his squad and admitted a left-sided player was still a priority.
"Clearly we have problems on the left," he said. "We have sold Riise and Kewell and Fabio Aurelio is injured. Leto doesn't have a work permit and Babel is at the Olympic Games, so I think we can improve in this area."
Friday, 8 August 2008
DIC BACK IN THE HUNT....PLEASE BUY THE CLUB!
An inside source heavily involved in previous negotiations between Dubai International Capital and the club's owners has informed 'our informer' that Tom Hicks and George Gillett have again agreed to sit down to discuss the future of the club.
It is claimed that a formal meeting is to be held in New York within the next 11 days and that Rick Parry does not attend at the request of co-owner Tom Hicks, after it was suggested that the Reds chief executive should be present by DIC officials.
"DIC made moves again on Thursday. They will be back around the table before 19th August."
Please just buy LFC... those yanks are just holding back the Rafalution!!
It is claimed that a formal meeting is to be held in New York within the next 11 days and that Rick Parry does not attend at the request of co-owner Tom Hicks, after it was suggested that the Reds chief executive should be present by DIC officials.
"DIC made moves again on Thursday. They will be back around the table before 19th August."
Please just buy LFC... those yanks are just holding back the Rafalution!!
NO MONEY LEFT...........
Newspaper reports today claim that Liverpool have been unable to stump up the cash to complete the Gareth Barry transfer.
These reports totally contradict information supplied last night, that said the money was now in place but that the Reds are delaying the deal for other reasons.
The Mirror's Dave Maddock - who is close to the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher but not senior club officials - writes: "American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks had confirmed they would underwrite the £18million transfer for the Aston Villa skipper, allowing manager Rafael Benitez to sign Barry by the end of this week without first selling players.
"But the money has not arrived, prompting fresh speculation about their commitment to the club."
These reports totally contradict information supplied last night, that said the money was now in place but that the Reds are delaying the deal for other reasons.
The Mirror's Dave Maddock - who is close to the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher but not senior club officials - writes: "American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks had confirmed they would underwrite the £18million transfer for the Aston Villa skipper, allowing manager Rafael Benitez to sign Barry by the end of this week without first selling players.
"But the money has not arrived, prompting fresh speculation about their commitment to the club."
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
BARRY - LATEST
Incoming Liverpool signing Gareth Barry has formally rejected an opportunity to sign for Arsenal, after the Gunners matched our offer for the midfielder.
The Aston Villa skipper is due on Merseyside for a medical after telling his current employers that if they blocked his proposed move to Anfield, he would buy himself out of his contract next year for around £2million.
Publicly there has been a lack of progress but with Liverpool having been on their travels, no medical was going to be performed until the Reds returned to prepare for Lazio.
A medical is booked in for today but it's claimed that the player has still not been given permission to 'officially' talk to us, unless has something has changed overnight.
The Aston Villa skipper is due on Merseyside for a medical after telling his current employers that if they blocked his proposed move to Anfield, he would buy himself out of his contract next year for around £2million.
Publicly there has been a lack of progress but with Liverpool having been on their travels, no medical was going to be performed until the Reds returned to prepare for Lazio.
A medical is booked in for today but it's claimed that the player has still not been given permission to 'officially' talk to us, unless has something has changed overnight.
GERRARD INJURY UPDATE
Steven Gerrard could miss next week's Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege after limping out of tonight's 4-1 win over Valerenga.
The Liverpool skipper picked up a thigh strain and will undergo a thorough examination tomorrow. Early indications are that he could be out of action for around a week.
Speaking straight after the match, Rafa said: "It is a thigh strain. We need to wait but it could be one week."
The Liverpool skipper picked up a thigh strain and will undergo a thorough examination tomorrow. Early indications are that he could be out of action for around a week.
Speaking straight after the match, Rafa said: "It is a thigh strain. We need to wait but it could be one week."
LIVERPOOL WIN 4-1
Liverpool extended their unbeaten run in pre-season to seven matches as they eased to a comfortable victory over Valerenga in Oslo.
Liverpool: Cavalieri, Dossena, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Benayoun, Alonso, Gerrard (c), Kuyt, Keane, Torres. Subs - Darby, El Zhar, Hyypia, Insua, Nemeth, Ngog, Pacheco, Plessis, Reina, Spearing
Superb goals from Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and David Ngog secured a 4-1 win for the Reds as Rafael Benitez' side stepped up a gear in their preparations for next week's Champions League qualifier in Belgium.
Ahead of the match, a buoyant crowd packed into the stadium to see Liverpool in action, but it was the hosts who made the more assured start to the proceedings and after a cagey opening 10 minutes it looked like the Reds could be in for a tough evening.
However, it was Rafael Benitez's side that made the first chance of any note when Fernando Torres fizzed a low drive just wide of the near post.
It set the tone for the remainder of the half and just seconds later Xabi Alonso flashed a 25-yard effort just over the crossbar after Dirk Kuyt's cross from the right had only been half-cleared by the Norwegian outfit.
It seemed only a matter of time before Liverpool would strike the opening goal of the match and after Steven Gerrard had smashed a 30-yard shot well over the bar, they duly obliged courtesy of an exquisite finish from Alonso.
A neat build-up down the right ended with Robbie Keane, who touched the ball back for the Euro 2008 winner to curl the ball beyond the despairing dive of Perkins and into the far corner of the net.
It was the Spaniard's second goal of the pre-season and followed on from his superbly executed spot-kick in the 4-0 win over Rangers four days earlier.
It was all plain-sailing for the visitors and not even the blow of losing skipper Steven Gerrard through what looked like a thigh strain on 28 minutes could stop them from dominating the remainder of the half.
Robbie Keane went close to opening his account for his new club with an 18-yard shot that arrowed just wide of target while Jamaican defender Adrian Reid - who was making his Valerenga debut - was left to breath a huge sigh of relief when he saw his awkward defensive header crash back off his own post.
The Norwegians had been almost non-existent as an attacking force in the opening 45 minutes and so it came as a huge surprise to those packed inside the Ullevaal Stadion when they drew level within two minutes of the restart.
A flowing one-touch move down the right opened up the Liverpool defence allowing Bojan Zajic to coolly dispatch the ball beyond substitute keeper Pepe Reina and spark huge celebrations amongst his Valerenga teammates.
The home support began to dream of a shock Valerenga victory but the goal only served to shake the Reds into action and within 60 seconds normal service had been resumed courtesy of another virtuoso strike from Fernando Torres.
The Spanish hot-shot latched onto Dirk Kuyt's intelligent header before surging beyond Reid and nonchalantly slotting the ball past another substitute keeper, Bolthof, to put Liverpool 2-1 ahead.
From that moment on the pattern of play began to resemble that of the first period and Keane was once again cursing his luck less than a minute later when he dragged a low effort just wide after he was played through on the left side of the penalty area.
It was a frustrating night for the Irishman who is still to open his account for his new club although he did at times show glimpses of the quality he will offer Rafael Benitez's side.
The Reds boss once again opted to mix it up with a series of substitutions midway through the second-half but not before Yossi Benayoun made it 3-1 with a magnificent individual goal on the hour mark.
The Israel international slalomed his way past three defenders before clipping a rising shot over the keeper and into the far corner of the Valerenga net.
By now the Norwegians had run out of steam and there was even time for a fourth when substitute David Ngog raced into the area to fire home his second goal in as many games.
It meant the same four players who were target in the 4-0 mauling of Rangers at the weekend had found the net again and reiterated the strength in depth Benitez now has at his disposal.
Teams
Valerenga: Perkins, Jepsen, Muri, Reid, Storbaek, Berre, Heastad, Strand (c), Zajic, Holm, Shelton. Subs - Bolthof, Dos Santos, Fellah, Haidar, Jalland, Nouri, Singh, , ,Liverpool: Cavalieri, Dossena, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Benayoun, Alonso, Gerrard (c), Kuyt, Keane, Torres. Subs - Darby, El Zhar, Hyypia, Insua, Nemeth, Ngog, Pacheco, Plessis, Reina, Spearing
Monday, 4 August 2008
THE ARSE WANT ALONSO
Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.
The Gunners have made an official enquiry to Reds chief executive Rick Parry about the availability of the Spanish international, hence Rafa's comments about the player over the weekend.
Speaking on Saturday, Rafa said: "I don't think it will be easy [for him to leave].
"The value of Alonso in the market will be really high. We are really pleased with him and we don't want him to go unless we get a very good price."
Arsenal value Alonso around the £11m mark while it is claimed the Reds are looking for around £18m.
If Rafa does find a buyer, he will almost certainly bid for Valencia's David Silva. If Alonso stays, it means we have another great player for the forthcoming season.
It's a win-win situation in our opinion.
Meanwhile Benayoun has been linked with AS Roma, but his agent has claimed he is a happy Red and does not want to move now. Lets hope so.
The Gunners have made an official enquiry to Reds chief executive Rick Parry about the availability of the Spanish international, hence Rafa's comments about the player over the weekend.
Speaking on Saturday, Rafa said: "I don't think it will be easy [for him to leave].
"The value of Alonso in the market will be really high. We are really pleased with him and we don't want him to go unless we get a very good price."
Arsenal value Alonso around the £11m mark while it is claimed the Reds are looking for around £18m.
If Rafa does find a buyer, he will almost certainly bid for Valencia's David Silva. If Alonso stays, it means we have another great player for the forthcoming season.
It's a win-win situation in our opinion.
Meanwhile Benayoun has been linked with AS Roma, but his agent has claimed he is a happy Red and does not want to move now. Lets hope so.
Sunday, 3 August 2008
DAVID SILVA POSSIBLY ON HIS WAY
Rafa Benitez is running out of time to land his last luxury signing of the summer.
The Reds boss would like to bring in David Silva but he desperately needs to find approximately £19million to lodge a formal offer. Further payments would almost certainly have to be included in any deal but it's going to take an initial £19m to open formal negotiations.
If Xabi Alonso is sold that could free enough funds to convince the club's owners to fund the rest but it's likely that they would also want to see additional funds raised, possibly from the sale of Jermaine Pennant, especially after funding a move for Gareth Barry.
Valencia president Vicente Soriano is expecting Barcelona to swoop for Silva again within the next week. He's already gone on record as saying that both David Villa and Silva are not for sale. However Valencia desperately need money and Barca are aware of that. So too are Real Madrid who have emerged as favourites to capture Villa.
Roma are another club chasing Silva. The player's agent continually claims interest from Italy but Valencia have denied speaking to the Italians.
It is possible that Silva's future could be decided within the next week. If he remains with Valencia, that could suit Benitez as it would enable him to return next year armed with the funds needed to complete a deal.
INSIDER SOURCES ARE REPORTING: "Rafa wants to bring him [Silva] in but the budget won't allow it. He must sell 2, possibly 3 players and 1 of them would have to be Alonso.
"The Americans have already advanced money by finalising the Barry payments but even so they know that if they were to help Rafa bring in Silva, they would win over a lot of fans.
"But time is running out as Silva could be on his way to Barcelona if they swoop during the coming week."
The source added: "If Silva moves before the money can be raised don't be surprised if you see us linked with Shaun Wright-Phillips.
"If Silva stays where he is, Rafa will obviously consider returning with a bid next year depending on how things work out this season."
The Reds boss would like to bring in David Silva but he desperately needs to find approximately £19million to lodge a formal offer. Further payments would almost certainly have to be included in any deal but it's going to take an initial £19m to open formal negotiations.
If Xabi Alonso is sold that could free enough funds to convince the club's owners to fund the rest but it's likely that they would also want to see additional funds raised, possibly from the sale of Jermaine Pennant, especially after funding a move for Gareth Barry.
Valencia president Vicente Soriano is expecting Barcelona to swoop for Silva again within the next week. He's already gone on record as saying that both David Villa and Silva are not for sale. However Valencia desperately need money and Barca are aware of that. So too are Real Madrid who have emerged as favourites to capture Villa.
Roma are another club chasing Silva. The player's agent continually claims interest from Italy but Valencia have denied speaking to the Italians.
It is possible that Silva's future could be decided within the next week. If he remains with Valencia, that could suit Benitez as it would enable him to return next year armed with the funds needed to complete a deal.
INSIDER SOURCES ARE REPORTING: "Rafa wants to bring him [Silva] in but the budget won't allow it. He must sell 2, possibly 3 players and 1 of them would have to be Alonso.
"The Americans have already advanced money by finalising the Barry payments but even so they know that if they were to help Rafa bring in Silva, they would win over a lot of fans.
"But time is running out as Silva could be on his way to Barcelona if they swoop during the coming week."
The source added: "If Silva moves before the money can be raised don't be surprised if you see us linked with Shaun Wright-Phillips.
"If Silva stays where he is, Rafa will obviously consider returning with a bid next year depending on how things work out this season."
WE'VE GOT BARRY...FINALLY
Liverpool target Gareth Barry is to undergo a medical at Melwood after Aston Villa finally agreed to let the player leave.
As expected the England international will complete his protracted transfer within the next few days.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill has been forced into an embarrassing u-turn after the player insisted that he wanted to become a Red, despite O'Neill's so called "deadline".
O'Neill said: "We had a meeting last Monday with Gareth and his agent at which we all agreed we would have a 5pm deadline on Wednesday and if Liverpool had not proved they had the wherewithal to proceed with the transfer deal then we would all leave that aside and move on.
"I was hoping that would be the case and this was not a matter of Liverpool missing the deadline by 15 minutes, as seems to have been reported.
"Liverpool first showed their interest in signing Gareth Barry almost four months ago, so this is not a case of missing a deadline by 15 minutes. That's simply not true.
"The following morning we were very upbeat on the strength of what had happened on Wednesday evening. We were very buoyant and optimistic that everything could come back to normal again.
"That wasn't to be though. On Thursday there was a meeting between Gareth's agent, myself and the player. Even though the deadline had passed they still felt Liverpool were going to come in and do the deal.
"Obviously I was disappointed to hear that. Gareth's head is a bit all over the place at the moment and they asked for some more time.
"So I've listened to what they've said and I'll go with it - reluctantly but I'll go with it. There will be no deadline and Liverpool have all the time in the world now to sign Gareth Barry. They've got up to the normal window, which is the 31st of this month.
"So it's really up to them, Gareth and his agent to sort it out. I've decided this is the only way forward for us really.
"I have a football club to run and I really do want people who want to play for us.
"If Liverpool at the end of it all do not come up with the money, that's no-one else's fault but their own.
"I'd be delighted if that was the case and Gareth stayed. But I would doubt that very much. The ball is very much in their court."
As expected the England international will complete his protracted transfer within the next few days.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill has been forced into an embarrassing u-turn after the player insisted that he wanted to become a Red, despite O'Neill's so called "deadline".
O'Neill said: "We had a meeting last Monday with Gareth and his agent at which we all agreed we would have a 5pm deadline on Wednesday and if Liverpool had not proved they had the wherewithal to proceed with the transfer deal then we would all leave that aside and move on.
"I was hoping that would be the case and this was not a matter of Liverpool missing the deadline by 15 minutes, as seems to have been reported.
"Liverpool first showed their interest in signing Gareth Barry almost four months ago, so this is not a case of missing a deadline by 15 minutes. That's simply not true.
"The following morning we were very upbeat on the strength of what had happened on Wednesday evening. We were very buoyant and optimistic that everything could come back to normal again.
"That wasn't to be though. On Thursday there was a meeting between Gareth's agent, myself and the player. Even though the deadline had passed they still felt Liverpool were going to come in and do the deal.
"Obviously I was disappointed to hear that. Gareth's head is a bit all over the place at the moment and they asked for some more time.
"So I've listened to what they've said and I'll go with it - reluctantly but I'll go with it. There will be no deadline and Liverpool have all the time in the world now to sign Gareth Barry. They've got up to the normal window, which is the 31st of this month.
"So it's really up to them, Gareth and his agent to sort it out. I've decided this is the only way forward for us really.
"I have a football club to run and I really do want people who want to play for us.
"If Liverpool at the end of it all do not come up with the money, that's no-one else's fault but their own.
"I'd be delighted if that was the case and Gareth stayed. But I would doubt that very much. The ball is very much in their court."
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