RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/13/2007 8:54:13 AM
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azinorum
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REINA: LET'S KEEP GOOD CUP RECORD GOING
Paul Eaton 13 April 2007
Pepe Reina is hoping Liverpool can continue their excellent Cup record against Chelsea when they take on Jose Mourinho's men in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
With a place in the Athens final at stake for the winners, the Reds' goalkeeper is confident Liverpool can once again emerge triumphant at the end of what promises to be another titanic battle between the two sides.
"We have no fear of anyone, but of course we respect Chelsea. They are a great team, but let's see what happens in the two matches," he said.
"We have seen they are better than us in the league but in knockout competitions we have been better than them. Hopefully it will be the same this time."
For midfielder Bolo Zenden, the semi-final gives him the chance to face another of his former clubs after already crossing swords with Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven earlier in the competition.
"It is unbelievable to have three Premier League sides in the last four. It just shows how strong the league is," Zenden said. "But in the last three years an English team will have been in the final.
"For me, the semi-final is another game against a former club and a big opportunity.
"As for me leaving Chelsea, you have to make your choice at the time and it was a good choice. I am still pleased with what I have I done in the meantime."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/13/2007 8:56:16 AM
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azinorum
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GONZALEZ DREAMING OF EURO GLORY
Paul Eaton 13 April 2007 - LFCTV ONLINE (the official site)
Mark Gonzalez today admitted he's 'living the dream' as he celebrated becoming the first Chilean footballer to progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The Liverpool midfielder is approaching the end of his debut season at Anfield and although admitting he hasn't yet produced the form he's capable of, he's confident the campaign could yet have a fairytale ending for everyone connected with the club.
"I'm very happy that we're in the semi-finals again and from a personal point of view I'm pleased to be the first player from Chile to go this far in the competition," he said. "I've never lived something like this before so obviously I'm very proud of it.
"We did a professional job against PSV and even though it was probably quite a boring game to watch, we knew that the result and going through was all that mattered. The fans were brilliant on the night and it was important we won the game for them.
"I'm really proud of what we've all achieved so far this season. I'm living the dream at the moment and with each game we're getting closer to the final.
"I remember watching the Istanbul final from my bed when I was injured and it was obvious the players were loving every moment of the celebrations. It would be fantastic if we could go to another final."
Jose Mourinho's Chelsea now stand between the Reds and a place in Athens and Gonzalez is hoping his improvement in form over recent weeks will stand him in good stead when Rafa Benitez finalises his team selections for the two matches.
"I feel good at the moment because I'm playing well," he said. "I knew when I signed for Liverpool that it would take me time to get used to the football here and if I'm being honest I have to admit it has been harder than I expected.
"It's much faster than I was used to in Spain and it was tough to adapt, but lately I feel as though I'm doing a lot better and enjoying being involved with the squad.
"I really feel as though next season is going to be a big one for me and I can't wait for it to start. I know people expected a lot when I came here but it was always going to take me some time. I'm calm about the situation because I know next season will be much different."
He added: "I'd love to be involved in the games against Chelsea. I'm very confident at this moment. I've been in the squad for the last Champions League games and always think I'm an option to go in or to start. Obviously, I want to do my best and show what I can do. Hopefully we can all get to the final.
"I think it's going to be a very tough tie. It's different from a game in the Premier League, much different. Obviously, at this moment we have a lot of confidence but winning the game is going to be hard."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/13/2007 8:57:57 AM
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azinorum
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CROUCH: I LOVE IT AT LIVERPOOL
Steve Hunter 13 April 2007 - LFCTV ONLINE
Peter Crouch has revealed that he just loves life at Anfield and is hoping he can fire the goals to help Liverpool achieve Champions League glory this season.
The 18 goal marksman admitted there is no club he would rather be at than Liverpool and added he wants to be part of Rafael Benitez's plans for bringing back more trophies to Anfield.
"I knew there were a lot of rumours earlier in the season about other clubs being interested, but I always made my feelings clear when I was asked about the future," said Crouch.
"There's no way I'd want to leave Liverpool. Where do you go from Liverpool other than to a club at a lower level?
"I love it here and being at a top four club you know you've a chance to play in the Champions League every year and continue to compete for trophies.
"I also think there's a great team developing here and with the help of the new owners we could put in a serious challenge for the Premiership over the next few years. I want to be part of that.
"It's been going really well for me recently. I'm on a good scoring run and to be in with a chance of finishing top scorer in the Champions League is great."
The Reds number 15 has scored seven goals in this season's competition and is currently level with AC Milan ace Kaka. However, UEFA haven't counted Crouch's effort against Maccabi Haifa because it was in the qualifying round and not from the group stage onwards.
"UEFA say I'm on six goals, but I'm definitely counting the qualifying game because that was an important one for us," added Crouch.
"To be up there with such a quality player as Kaka is fantastic. I do take a lot of satisfaction from that. But if you ask me what I'd prefer, I'd rather the team won the Champions League than finish top scorer.
"I feel over the last few years I have proved myself at the top level, whether it's been the step to a club like Liverpool, the Champions League or internationals. That's down to working with such a good manager who always wants you to keep on improving.
"There are parts of my game I'm still looking to work on. People have mentioned my heading quite a bit this season.
"To be fair, I've always scored goals with my head, but there were a few occasions earlier in the season when I should have scored headers. It's something I was aware of so to get a few recently was pleasing.
"In a funny way, I think the nose operation came at a good time in the season where a little break has done me the world of good.
"When I came back I felt really fresh and sharp and it's gone on from there. There were a few of us who took time to hit our best form earlier in the season, but now we seem to be clicking at the same time which bodes well for the big games to come."
Meanwhile Crouch is keen to put one particular erroneous story to rest that circulated from a story on television this week which claimed that Liverpool's top scorer is a Chelsea supporter.
"I was stitched up a bit with that," Crouch admitted.
"When I was younger my dad did take me to see Chelsea, but when I was with my mates I was more a QPR fan, so it's not like I was ever a big Chelsea supporter.
"You've also got to remember the Chelsea back then was nothing like the Chelsea it is now. I remember going along there when they were in the old Second Division.
"Put it this way, there's no question where my allegiance is now. I'm firmly in the red camp. The same applies to my dad.
"He's been travelling to our European games with Jamie Carragher's dad and his friends, so you don't have to worry who he'll want to win.
"We know what the hype is going to be like over the next two weeks and it's already started. I'm looking forward to everything about it.
"Last time Liverpool played Chelsea at this stage I was on the outside looking in, hoping rumours that Liverpool were interested in me were true and wishing I could be part of such a big game.
"Now it's going to happen you just want it to come about. You're always focused on the game, but there's no escaping the attention of such a massive match."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/13/2007 8:59:43 AM
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azinorum
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RAFA: FORGET CHELSEA, LET'S QUALIFY AGAIN
Paul Eaton 13 April 2007 - LFC TV ONLINE (the official site)
Rafael Benitez has urged his players to secure Champions League qualification for next season before continuing their pursuit of European glory this year.
Liverpool face Chelsea in this season's semi-final but with three Premiership matches to play before the first leg at Stamford Bridge, the boss is demanding total focus on the league programme.
"I was pleased with the players last weekend at Reading because they showed they could focus on the Premiership and put the European games to the back of their minds. The message to them this weekend is exactly the same," he said.
"We know people are talking about the Chelsea games but for us it's important to concentrate on the league at this moment. We have three games to play before the Champions League and if we can win them our situation in the table will be a lot more comfortable. I think two wins between now and the end of the season could be enough and we want to get them as quickly as possible."
The Reds visit Eastlands tomorrow to face a Manchester City side buoyed by recent victories away from home which have taken them clear of the relegation battle at the foot of the table.
"It will be another hard game for us because they have done well of late," added Benitez. "They've had some problems at home but they're still a good side."
Craig Bellamy misses out for the Reds after picking up a knee injury in midweek while Robbie Fowler is also sidelined.
Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Steve Finnan are all poised for recalls after being rested for the tie with PSV. Dirk Kuyt is available again after serving a European ban in midweek.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/13/2007 9:01:49 AM
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azinorum
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Dalglish raves about brilliant Rafa
Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish believes that Rafa Benitez has turned Liverpool into a brilliantly organised side who have the belief and ability to achieve more success in the Champions League this season.
Dalglish had his fair share of glory as a player and manager at Liverpool including three European Cup wins, so when he speaks - pin back your ears:
"Rafa did well at Valencia and his team is brilliantly organised," says Dalglish. "They are really well prepared. The players have great belief and confidence in what he is telling them to do. When you get those two things together it is reflected on the pitch, especially in Europe, it sticks out like a sore thumb.
"Liverpool won the Champions League two years ago and there are a lot of positive things happening at the club. There is the prospect of a new stadium in three years, prospect of the Champions League and the prospect of Rafa having a few extra shillings to spend.
"He has always had money to spend, it's not like they have been paupers, and now they've inherited this money. He's always been able to buy players and he's bought a few but it is positive and we are looking forward to see what will happen.
Talking about the great strides Liverpool and indeed the other Premiership sides have made this season Dalglish says:
"Liverpool have a one-in-four chance. I'd love to see Liverpool in the final, whoever else joins them doesn't really matter.
"It's a great reflection on the Premiership that they have three of the four semi-finalists. That speaks volumes for the quality of the Premiership.
"There are a lot of fantastic players in the Champions League, it is great to watch and that's been reflected by three of the four teams in the semi-finals."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/13/2007 9:04:38 AM
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azinorum
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Liverpool's Reina: Premiership superior to Spanish Liga
tribalfooball.com - April 13, 2007
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina says the Premiership is superior to Spain's Primera Liga.
He told AS: "The Premiership can dominate Europe because it has the most financial power and that translates into the great players arriving, players who make you more competitive. The League is the hardest, very physical and by far quicker.
"The stadiums are comfortable and always full. And in the end, the passion from the fans makes the Premiership even more attractive."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/13/2007 9:06:18 AM
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azinorum
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Liverpool's Finnan hopes for bigger final performance
tribalfooball.com - April 13, 2007
Liverpool fullback Steve Finnan is targeting a fresh chance to prove himself on club football's biggest stage.
Finnan suffered injury heartache when he was replaced at half-time during the Reds' memorable final win on penalties over AC Milan.
The Irishman said: "You start thinking about the final even before the tournament starts but obviously it is in touching distance now.
"I'm not bothered about making up for my injury in Istanbul or anything like that. We won it back then and I'd love to win it again in Athens - simple as that.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/13/2007 9:09:32 AM
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azinorum
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Bellamy targets semi-final return
BBC SPORTS ONLINE - 13 April 2007
The knee injury sustained by Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy is not as serious as first feared - and he should be fit by their Champions League semi-final.
The 27-year-old, stretchered off against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, has a medial ligament problem.
A club spokesman said: "Craig will have a couple of days intensive treatment which should improve the situation."
Liverpool are hopeful Bellamy will be fit in time to face Chelsea in the semi-final first leg on 25 April. Manager Rafael Benitez initially feared a scan would be necessary to determine the extent of the damage - but that is not now thought to be the case. The striker is expected to sit out Saturday's trip to Manchester City and the following home match with Middlesbrough next Wednesday.
But the Welsh striker is targeting a return against Wigan on 21 April ahead of the Champions League tie.
Bellamy's international manager, John Toshack, will also be eager to have his best striker firing on all cylinders for Wales' 26 May friendly with New Zealand in Wrexham. That is followed swiftly by a must-win Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic on 2 June in Cardiff.
Bellamy has suffered with knee problems throughout his career and has had six operations. Only a referral to renowned American knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman helped steady a recurring problem that at one stage had threatened Bellamy's career.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/13/2007 9:12:49 AM
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azinorum
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Benitez responds to Mourinho jibeBBC SPORTS ONLINE - 13 April 2007 Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has cranked up the war of words with Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho ahead of their Champions League semi-final.
Mourinho has already claimed Liverpool will be favourites as they are only challenging for the Champions League. But Benitez said: "We were good friends until we started winning, then he started changing his mind. "It's the same with the managers of the top sides. He has good relationships with managers of teams he beats."
He added: "He fights with the managers of the top sides. He has already started it with us, yesterday!"
Chelsea beat Benitez's former side Valencia on Tuesday in dramatic fashion to set up a rematch of the infamous Champions League semi-final of 2005 when Liverpool went on to win the tournament. The Reds beat Chelsea courtesy of a goal from Luis Garcia, which the Blues argue did not fully cross the line. But Mourinho insisted after the win in Valencia that revenge will not be his motive as he aims to steer Chelsea to a historic Quadruple.
"Revenge is not for me in football or life," said Mourinho, whose side will be at home for the first leg on 25 April. "It is a tie where we know we start from behind and why is simple: Liverpool play only in the Champions League and Chelsea plays in the Champions League, Premiership and FA Cup. "And we have players suspended and on yellow cards. Liverpool is in a very clean situation so I think they start in front of us." Benitez answered Mourinho's taunts by citing the money that his rival has had available to lavish on his Stamford Bridge squad.
"Always as a manager you must be confident your team can win, and any Liverpool team will always be confident," said the Spaniard. "But we know Chelsea are a very good team, in the last five years they have spent big money on players and they have a very good squad. "They will be tough. They have spent money for five years, they are in other semi-finals and chasing trophies, that is what they want and have prepared for.
"Yes we only have one trophy to go for, but they would not want to change what they are doing now."
Benitez also hopes it will be an advantage to play the second leg at Anfield in a repeat of the semi-final between the pair two years ago. Benitez said: "They may not accept what happened here two years ago, but they cannot change things now. "We are pleased we will play the second leg at Anfield. If we can do something at Stamford Bridge, maybe we will then have the advantage.
"They know that. But playing counter-attack like they did in Valencia shows how dangerous they are in away games. "Chelsea know us and we know them very well."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/13/2007 9:17:54 AM
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azinorum
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Man City v Liverpool City of Manchester Stadium Saturday, 14 April
Kick-off: 1500 BST Manchester City welcome back Dietmar Hamann and Stephen Jordan into their squad but striker Paul Dickov (knee) is out for another fortnight. Micah Richard will miss his fourth game running as he struggles with an ankle problem that needs surgery this summer. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, Steve Finnan, Jamie Carragher and Javier Mascherano should return for the match at Eastlands after being rested. Craig Bellamy misses out as he recovers from knee ligament damage.
Manchester City (from): Isaksson, Weaver, Trabelsi, Onuoha, Distin, Dunne, Ball, Jordan, Sun, Johnson, Barton, Ireland, Dabo, Hamann, Beasley, Sinclair, Vassell, Samaras, Mpenza, Corradi
Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise, Pennant, Gerrard, Sissoko, Alonso, Mascherano, Fowler, Crouch, Kuyt, Gonzalez, Arbeloa, Dudek, Zenden.
Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce:
"If you ask me whether we are in a league position I will find acceptable if that is where we end up, the answer is no.
"For me to start turning around and make noises about being safe would send out a message that our season is finished - and it is far from that."
MANCHESTER CITY have clawed their way to safety with a four match unbeaten run, culminating in Easter Monday's 3-1 victory away to Fulham that nailed Chris Coleman's coffin, and put the Citizens on the safety target of 40 points. Now they take on the Champions League semi-finalists Liverpool, looking to extend that run of 10 points out of 12.
But City have not scored in five Premiership games at Eastlands. They've played 468 minutes (seven hours 48 minutes) of League soccer on their own turf since Georgios Samaras scored from the penalty spot for their second in the 2-1 victory over Everton on New Years Day. Indeed this match pits the top flight's second weakest attack against the second strongest defence.
Kiki Musampa scored the only goal in the Citizens' home victory over Liverpool on 9 April 2005 - their only points against the Reds in six meetings.
LIVERPOOL duly became the third English club to reach the semi-finals of Europe's elite club competition on Wednesday with a 1-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven, to win 4-0 on aggregate. It means they go to the City of Manchester Stadium on a four match winning run in all competitions.
The Merseysiders cannot be moved from third spot in the table whatever happens here. But the players will want to give their manager Rafael Benitez an early birthday present with a third successive League maximum. The Spanish boss turns 47 on Monday.
The Reds have won almost twice as many League games against Manchester City as they have lost (won 72, lost 37). That includes three 1-0 victories in their last three contests, when John Arne Riise, Harry Kewell and Steven Gerrard have scored the crucial goals. They go to Eastlands in search of a second successive 'double' over City, having gained their first in the Premiership last season.
The Reds have already beaten Tottenham, Watford, West Ham and Reading home and away, while Manchester City have been 'doubled' already this season by Blackburn, Reading, Wigan and Chelsea.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/20/2007 10:39:31 AM
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azinorum
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Man City 0-0 Liverpool
By Mandeep Sanghera - BBC Sports Online Saturday, 14 April 2007 Manchester City's DaMarcus Beasley hit the crossbar as he came closest to breaking the deadlock in an uninspiring draw with Liverpool.
Reds winger Jermaine Pennant had an early chance but his stabbed shot was saved by keeper Andreas Isaksson. City's best opening came when Beasley cut inside and saw his 75th-minute strike come back off the woodwork. The home side might have had a late penalty for a Jamie Carragher handball but their claims were waved away.
Liverpool's players wore black armbands for the game as a mark of respect ahead of the 18th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy when 96 fans died at an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest. The game itself started off in languid fashion as both sides lacked an urgency to their play dictated by their current league standing.
The visitors began by patiently passing and probing as they dominated the early possession and Pennant should have put them ahead. He got round the back of left-back Michael Ball as he chased a Steven Gerrard pass only to see his stabbed shot saved by Isaksson. City responded through Emile Mpenza heading wide as he, in contrast to the game, was tireless in his efforts to keep the Reds defence on their guard.
A Liverpool corner was allowed to find its way to Carragher at the far post and he should have done better than to put his angled shot into the side-netting just before the break. That was as good as it got until shortly after the interval when the tempo started to pick up and John Arne Riise fizzed a long range left-foot strike just wide.
Kuyt sidefooted high from six yards out but it was City who went closest when a corner was not properly cleared and Beasley rattled the woodwork with a shot from just inside the area. The ball appeared to strike Carragher's arm late on as he went up with fellow defender Daniel Agger to head clear. Referee Uriah Rennie waved away the home side's penalty appeals as City failed to score at home for the fifth game in a row.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/20/2007 10:41:53 AM
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azinorum
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THREE CHANGES FOR BORO CLASH
Lee Brown 18 April 2007 - LFCTV ONLINE
Rafa Benitez has made three changes to his Liverpool side for tonight's Premiership clash with Middlesbrough at Anfield, with Momo Sissoko, Peter Crouch and Bolo Zenden all coming in.
The Reds are looking to reclaim third place from ****nal tonight and Rafa has again shuffled his pack. Crouch is expected to play up front with Steven Gerrard in a supporting role and Javier Mascherano and Momo Sissoko at the heart of the midfield.
Liverpool - Reina, Arbeloa, Riise, Carragher, Agger, Mascherano, Sissoko, Zenden, Pennant, Gerrard, Crouch. Subs - Dudek, Hyypia, Fowler, Gonzalez, Kuyt.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/20/2007 10:46:49 AM
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azinorum
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LIVERPOOL V MIDDLESBROUGH: STAT ATTACK
Ged Rea 18 April 2007 - LFCTV ONLINE
Head to Head (League only)
At Anfield: Liverpool 34 wins, Middlesbrough 13 wins, 17 Draws.
Overall: Liverpool 54 wins, Middlesbrough 37 wins, 38 Draws.
Earlier this season the sides played out a second successive goalless draw at The Riverside.
In the Premiership Liverpool have won 10 and drawn six of the 23 meetings.
Liverpool won this fixture here last season. Two Fernando Morientes goals secured a 2-0 win shortly before the team left for the World Club Championship in Japan.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 18 League meetings with Middlesbrough at Anfield winning 12 and drawing six during that time.
Middlesbrough's last win at Anfield in the League came in March 1976 when Terry Cooper and John Hickton scored in a 2-0 win. Both Graeme Souness and Phil Boersma were in the winning side that day.
In the last 37 games, home and away, Liverpool have lost only 6 in the League against 'Boro.
The sides have never played out two goalless draws in the league in the same season. This is the 65th campaign that the teams have played each other.
The last man to be sent off in the fixture was Dominic Matteo in February 1999.
Robbie Fowler was the last Liverpool player to score a hat-trick against today's visitors. In December 1996 he became the first and so far only man to score four for the Reds against the Teesiders.
Liverpool's biggest win against 'Boro here came in 1931 when they won 7-2. Their heaviest defeat in the fixture was in 1907 when they lost 4-2.
Bolo Zenden, Pepe Reina and Momo Sissoko all made their Liverpool debuts against Middlesbrough in August 2005.
Jermaine Pennant could play the 150th league game of his career if selected.
The Reds last home league game, against ****nal last month, saw Peter Crouch score Liverpool's 20th hat-trick in the Premiership and their first since Milan Baros in November 2004.
The last time Liverpool scored a league hat-trick for the second successive home game was April 1986 when Ronnie Whelan scored three against Coventry City followed by Gary Gillespie against Birmingham City two weeks later.
Amazingly, Liverpool have conceded just one goal in the first half of their last 21 Premiership games. That goal was scored by Obafemi Martins of Newcastle at St James' Park back in February.
Liverpool are unbeaten in the last six in all competitions with four wins and two draws.
They have not conceded more than once in a home game in the Premiership since October 2005.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/20/2007 10:49:03 AM
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azinorum
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LIVERPOOL 2-0 MIDDLESBROUGH
Wednesday 18 April 2007 20:00 , Barclays Premiership
Steven Gerrard was Liverpool's captain fantastic as third spot in the Premiership was regained following a 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough at Anfield. The Reds skipper struck twice in the second half to seal the points against a resolute Boro side.
He broke the deadlock with a blistering 30-yard pile-driver in the 58th minute and added a second via the penalty spot seven minutes later.
Up until his opener it had been a frustrating evening, with the visitor's well organised defence keeping Liverpool at bay.
Rafa Benitez had welcomed Momo Sissoko, Bolo Zenden and Peter Crouch back into the starting eleven as the Reds aimed to overtake ****nal in the table.
In a lacklustre first half of few clear goalscoring opportunities it was Sissoko who went closest with a low shot, while, at the opposite end, Fabio Rochemback fired into the side-netting after a rare mishap by Jamie Carragher just before the break
Javier Mascherano headed onto the bar on 50 minutes from a Zenden corner and the Dutchman spurned a glorious chance minutes later when he blazed over from close-range.
It looked like being one of those nights when the ball just wouldn't go in until Gerrard then intervened with his quick-fire double to win the game.
His first was a trademark Stevie G strike that gave Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer little chance and for his second he sent Schwarzer the wrong way from 12-yards out after Crouch had been fouled by Andrew Davies.
This result moves the Reds two points clear of the Gunners and needing just one more victory to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Teams
Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Zenden, Mascherano, Sissoko, Pennant, Crouch, Gerrard MBE (c). Subs - Dudek, Fowler, Gonzalez, Hyypia, Kuyt
Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Cattermole, Pogatetz, Woodgate, Taylor, Downing, Boateng, Rochemback, Morrison, Davies, . Subs - Johnson, Jones, Lee, Riggott, Viduka
Referee: Graham Poll
Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Steven Gerrard
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/20/2007 10:50:26 AM
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azinorum
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RAFA: STEVIE MADE THE DIFFERENCE
Steve Hunter 19 April 2007 - LFCTV ONLINE
Rafael Benitez was full of praise for his captain Steven Gerrard after he inspired Liverpool to a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough at Anfield on Wednesday night.
The Liverpool manager said Gerrard is always likely to make things happen with his ability to shoot for goal from distance and he felt the first goal was the key to breaking down a well organised Middlesbrough side.
"We know the qualities Steven Gerrard has and he can change games with his shots from distance," enthused Benitez.
"He did just that for the first goal and that was the key to victory. We know Gerrard is happier when he is playing in the middle but he knows that sometimes I have to play him on the right side for the good of the team.
"I thought we deserved to win but we had to be patient and we had to work hard. Middlesbrough came to play on the counter attack and get men behind the ball and sometimes it can be difficult to create clear chances when the opposition play so deep.
"We now want to beat Wigan on Saturday and hopefully make sure of a top four finish. Then we can start thinking about the Champions League semi-final."
The Liverpool manager also revealed that the injury that forced Momo Sissoko to leave the field early in the second half wasn't serious.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/20/2007 10:51:27 AM
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azinorum
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BENITEZ: ONE MORE WIN NEEDED
Paul Eaton 19 April 2007
Victory over Middlesbrough last night means a win over Wigan on Saturday will guarantee a top four finish and ensure the Reds can look forward to the semi-final games with Chelsea free of pressure in the Premiership.
"We need to play the game and if we can win we will be in the top four and we can then think about the semi-final of the Champions League," he said.
"It's important to get that sorted as soon as possible. Bolton and Everton now need to win four games and that's not easy, but if we concentrate on ourselves and beat Wigan then it won't matter what the others do."
Benitez was pleased with his side's performance against 'Boro, as second half strikes from Steven Gerrard secured three well deserved points.
"I had confidence we would win because in these kind of games you need to do the job," added Benitez. "If you cannot win because the other team is good in defence then that's okay, but we were creating chance after chance. They played very deep, but as soon as we scored the first goal they came forward and that gave us more space and we created more chances.
"Zenden and Pennant were doing their job on the wing, Mascherano in the middle and Crouch and then Kuyt when he came on, and that kept their defenders wide and gave us more space."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/20/2007 10:53:04 AM
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azinorum
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GILLETT AND HICKS ARE A DREAM PAIR FOR LFC
Keith Costigan, USA 19 April 2007 - LFCTV ONLINE
Keith Costigan - Liverpool fanatic and football broadcaster in the States with Fox Sports - explains why the Reds are in good hands under the leadership of George Gillett and Tom Hicks in this week's 'LFC Letter From...' column.
Ten years ago I left my homeland of Ireland for the good old USA to follow my own soccer dreams. Although I wanted to go and follow my playing endeavours, it was a difficult move to make as I knew it would be hard being even further from my beloved Reds (I mean Dublin already felt an eternity away).
Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that The Reds would have to follow me Stateside to find owners to keep pace with the other big clubs in Europe. It is a move that I believe will make Liverpool the most feared side in world football. Still, never did I see this coming when I was a kid.
Growing up in Dublin, Ireland, you basically had two choices in who you supported. With my big brother supporting Man Utd, I did what any loving brother would do and chose Liverpool as my team. My first memory was seeing Liverpool, not in their traditional Red, but in their all yellow strip. The minute I saw Rushie score in that kit at Villa Park I knew Liverpool was my team.
Over the next ten years I would make several trips to Anfield to watch the Reds trounce on all opposition that was put in their path. It was particularly pleasing to rub my big brother's nose in the fact that Liverpool were the most successful team in the land.
It also seemed that anytime a big name player was available for transfer in England then The Reds were always favourites to get him. John Barnes and Peter Beardsley were just two, and when Derby were ready to sell one of the league's most deadly marksmen, Dean Saunders chose Anfield as his destination (okay, so it didn't always work out for us).
Then all of a sudden we were playing in the Premier League and not Division One and Liverpool could not repeat the success of the eighties (and I didn't answer the phone as much to my brother).
It seemed that football had really changed and other teams had embraced the business side of Sky's new approach to football. When Liverpool won the league it was celebrated by a lap of honour and then the players and trophy disappeared down the tunnel until the new season. Now teams had DVD'S and books on their championship run.
Still this won't last I said to myself, but it has, and if I am being honest over the last few years Liverpool have competed less and less for the big name players on the market and we have seen some very un-Liverpool like players pull on the Reds' shirt(El Hadji Diouf and Cheyrou to name a few).
The improbable run to the Champions League in 2005 brought us into the world eye again but another season without a Premiership crown meant we needed to do something to compete.
This brings me to our new owners and what it actually means for our great club. Living in the US over the last decade I have learnt a lot about American sports and how they are run.
I want to let you know that with the owners we have got, I believe we could not have got a better partnership. Everybody I have talked to over here about Tom Hicks and George Gillett have the utmost respect for the duo. They are both seen as great businessmen in the sporting world and, most importantly for Liverpool fans, they do not interfere with the playing side of things.
Tom Hicks is known as a man who will do anything for his team to win(most notably signing Alex Rodriguez for the Texas Rangers to the richest contract in sport - $252 million). He said he did it because he wanted to "win at all costs". Sounds like the kind of man I would like backing Rafa.
With George Gillett we have got a man who certainly is a man of the people. He is known for mixing with the fans of his Montreal Canadiens and he loves to take on board their advice (hope he can understand the Scouse accent). When he took over the Canadiens there was a lot of talk of withholding the tradition of that team, and from what I can gather he has certainly done that and more.
Together Gillett and Hicks have also been involved in the structure of many state of the art stadiums so the future of our new home is in good hands as they are already looking at ways to improve the plans on it.
So the last decade has seen a lot of change for my Reds and I hope that will be same for the next ten years. In 2017 I hope to be in our new stadium (whatever the name) with 70,000 screaming fans singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' as our procession to our third successive title continues.
Think it sounds far fetched? Well just think of the last ten years and you will see anything is possible.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/20/2007 11:02:54 AM
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azinorum
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PENNANT: EVERY DAY IS A LEARNING CURVE
Jimmy Rice 19 April 2007
The winger, who has been one of the Reds' star men of late, believes he is showing the kind of consistency which prompted Rafa Benitez to buy him last summer.
However, just days after the manager told him there was still room for improvement, he insists he won't rest on his laurels.
"I'm in good form at the moment, but that's as part of the team, isn't it?" said Pennant. "When the team's performing it's easier to play well yourself. Your best comes out then and at the moment I'm really enjoying my football.
"It's pleasing to have found a consistency level. That will be pleasing to the manager and the rest of the boys as well.
"I feel I'm having an impact on the games. I know the standards expected at Liverpool and I've known that since the first day I came here. Every day is a learning curve for me and the way we play football here is great for me.
"Being part of this team helps me get better and improves my confidence. Last night's game showed how confident I am out there now."
Pennant also admits he's eager to be involved when Liverpool face Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final next week.
"We've a game on Saturday before Chelsea and we need to put that first," he said. "We don't want to put Chelsea above all the others because we need to stay focused. Then we'll see what the manager chooses for the Chelsea game.
"If he wants someone who'll be more defensive on the right, he'll probably look to Stevie because I'm an out-and-out winger who doesn't have those defensive elements to my game.
"If the manager wants to go that way against Chelsea that's fair enough, but he knows what I can do, so whether I start or I'm on the bench, it's not a problem."
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/20/2007 11:05:11 AM
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azinorum
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WOULD 'SIR' BOB STILL BE THE GREATEST TODAY?
Tom Harness 19 April 2007
How would the greatest manager in the history of the game fare in the media-saturated world of today's football, where footballers often resemble Hollywood stars?
People have different views on who is the greatest British manager of all time. Fans of Manchester Utd will either say Matt Busby or Alex Ferguson, fans of Liverpool will be divided between Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, and others will put forward the merits of great managers like Jock Stein, Alf Ramsey, Bill Nicholson, Brian Clough and many others.
If the title went to the manager who won the most silverware then the title would go to Paisley, but I think that would be unfair to the rest of the challengers. They all faced different challenges when they took charge of their respective clubs, so it's not all about medals and cups; it's about what they did for their respective clubs. That is why we can never say who the best from the past is; we can state only what our opinion is, and here is mine.
For me, Paisley will always be the greatest, but it is impossible to write about him without mentioning the great Bill Shankly, because their managerial careers are so entwined. Shankly took over at Liverpool when they were a mediocre team in the old second division, who every year nearly got promoted but always fell at the last hurdle. Shankly took them into the first division and went on to make them the best team in England. He started the Liverpool empire. But as one journalist once said, Shankly lit the fire, and Paisley fuelled it.
Shankly was the great motivator of that team while the softly-spoken Paisley was the better tactician and would have a quiet word here and there with the players. So, while Shankly's achievements at building the Liverpool empire might seem the greatest feat, we have to remember that Paisley played a major part in all of this.
When Shanks announced his resignation and recommended to the board that his replacement should be his number two, Paisley reluctantly accepted. On the first day of training he walked in and announced: "Shanks has gone, they're giving me the job even though I didn't really want it. But we must try to carry on what he's started."
And from here the Paisley era started, an era that would produce the greatest football club team the world has ever known, a team that in nine years won six league titles, three European Cups, a UEFA Cup, a European Super Cup, five Charity Shields and three League Cups. This was all done by a man who would never raise his voice and would potter around Anfield in his flat cap, woolly cardigan and carpet slippers.
One question which may be asked is how would Paisley fare in the football world of today with the Mourinhos and the Fergusons? No doubt Shankly would relish the modern-day war-of-words between managers, but it would be short lived because of Shankly's quick wit and killer statements; no one would dare take him on. Paisley, however, would never reply, such was his mannerism. He'd let his team speak for him on the pitch.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/20/2007 11:06:47 AM
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azinorum
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WOULD 'SIR' BOB STILL BE THE GREATEST TODAY? part 2
But don't be fooled. People who think that Paisley could or would not embrace the technology that is part of the modern game would be very much mistaken. When the great man finished his playing career he took a huge interest in psychology and physiotherapy, and actually sat in on a number of operations to learn more about the human body and its injuries.
Paisley had an amazing ability to spot and diagnose injuries early on, and it was said that he could diagnose a player by just watching him walk. He said himself: "I'd always had an interest in physiotherapy and psychology. The physio side probably stemmed from the knocks I got as a player. I found that valuable later on. It stood me in good stead. If I was pinned down I'd say that was my greatest asset. I could speak to players and give them examples of injuries and how they heal."
Whatever he was doing it worked, because while he was at Liverpool they had very few long-term injuries compared to other teams of the day. Paisley was also decades ahead of his time in realising the importance of having a squad of players being ready for battle both mentally and physically.
He was a man of few words, but when he spoke people listened. When he reluctantly took the helm at Anfield many people thought his soft-spoken manner meant he couldn't continue the building of the empire built by his predecessor. How very wrong they were.
Imagine Bob Paisley in today's game. One picture keeps coming to mind for me: Jose Mourinho standing in his technical area on the sideline in his expensive Armani suit and beside him, the grandad-like figure of the great Sir Bob Paisley in his flat cap, woolly cardigan and carpet slippers.
So, if people want to know if famous sports people from the past would succeed in today's world, they should look no further than Bob Paisley. Not only would he survive in today's game, he would thrive in the world of modern football. His biggest attributes were that he could spot talent from a mile away, that he was not afraid to change his tactics for different teams (as he proved in Europe) and that he embraced new ideas on fitness and psychology. If he were around today he would once again conquer the football world.
Finally, we don't need the Government to recognise what the great man achieved by giving any gongs or medals. To all Liverpool fans across the globe he will always be the great Sir Bob Paisley.
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RE: Anfield Forever - the Scouse corner - 4/20/2007 11:08:28 AM
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azinorum
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Joined: 8/25/2006
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JAVIER: GERRARD IS INCREDIBLE
Lesley McKinney 19 April 2007
Despite his tender years, the 22-year-old new-boy has played alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Juan Riquelme.
However, the Argentine midfielder has been so impressed with the Liverpool skipper in training that he ranks him firmly amongst the cream of the international crop.
"Playing with Steven Gerrard is great, of all those I've lined up alongside he's definitely one of the best," Mascherano told LFC Magazine.
"He's incredible, I knew he was good before I arrived but he's even better than I imagined. I see it in every training session, every day. He can do everything and it's great to play with him on a regular basis.
"I think you've got to do everything with desire, good will and a positive attitude, that applies to both football and everything else."
Meanwhile, the skipper himself believes that, far from being a distraction, next week's semi-final against Chelsea will provide extra motivation going into Saturday's clash with Wigan.
Gerrard explained: "Now everyone is playing for places next week down at Chelsea, and that is always a nice situation for the manager to find himself in.
"We've just about got a full squad to chose from and everybody wants to be involved in the big games.
"I believe there is still more to come from us this season and we have kept enough in the tanks to bring success, and a trophy, back to Anfield in May."
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