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REDS SET TO BREAK NEW EURO GROUND

REDS SET TO BREAK NEW EURO GROUND Jimmy Rice 30 July 2007
It's 43 years since the Reds began their European odyssey against Reykjavik.
In that time, they've faced opposition from 37 countries, and 11 pieces of silverware have found their way back to the Anfield trophy cabinet. No new ground left to break then, you'd think. Well, this season could see the club venture into unchartered territory if they are drawn against one of four teams in the third qualifying round. If the Reds are pitted against either Toulouse, Fenerbache, Lazio and Werder Bremen on August 3, they'll be facing their 100th different opponent in European competition. The group stages, if Liverpool make it, could also throw up some new adventures. Five unknown quantities have already booked their place in the competition proper: German sides VFB Stuttgart and Schalke 04, French champions Lyon, Portuguese runners-up Sporting Lisbon and, of course, Manchester United. Here are the 99 teams Liverpool have played in Europe:
Austria: Austria Wien, Grazer, Innsbruck Belgium: Anderlecht, Standard Liege, Brugge Bulgaria: CSKA Sofia, Levski Sofia Cyprus: Apollon Limassol Czech Republic: FC Slovan Liberec Denmark: Brondby IF, Odense BK East Germany: Dynamo Berlin, Dynamo Dresden England: Chelsea, Leeds, Notts Forest, Spurs Finland: Haka, HJK, Lahti, MyPa, Oulu France: Auxerre, Bordeaux, Marseille, Monaco, Paris SG, St Etienne, RC Strasbourg Germany: Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund Greece: AEK Athens, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos Holland: Ajax, AZ Alkmaar, PSV, Vitesse Hungary: Ferencváros, Honved Iceland: KR Reykjavik Ireland: Dundalk Israel: Maccabi Haifa Italy: Genoa, Inter, Juventus, AC, Roma Lithuania: FBK Kaunas Luxembourg: Jeunesse d’Esch Northern Ireland: Crusaders Norway: SK Brann, Stromsgodset Poland: Lech Poznan, Slask Wroclaw, Widzew Lodz Portugal: Benfica, Boavista, Porto, Vitoria Romania: Dinamo Bucuresti, Rapid Bucuresti, Steaua Bucuresti, Petrolul Ploiesti Russia: CSKA Moscow, Spartak Moscow, Vladikavkaz Scotland: Aberdeen, Celtic, Hibernian Slovakia: MFK Kosice Slovenia: Olimpija Ljubljana Soviet Union: Dinamo Tbilisi (now Georgia) Spain: Alaves, Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona, Celta Vigo, Deportivo La Coruna, Real Betis, Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Valencia Sweden: Malmo Switzerland: Basel, Sion, Servette, Zurich Turkey: Galatasaray, Trabzonspor Ukraine: Dynamo Kiev Wales: TNS 43 West Germany: Borussia Moenchengladbach, Eintracht, Hamburg, Cologne, 1860 Munich Yugoslavia: Red Star Belgrade (now Serbia)


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McManaman says title may still be out of reach

McManaman says title may still be out of reach

Jul 31 2007

by Adrian Curtis, Liverpool Daily Post Correspondent

Fernando Torres, made his club debut against Werder Bremen in Grenchen, Switzerland, - Picture: MARTIN BIRCHALL

STEVE McMANAMAN insists Liverpool still have a lot of ground to make up on Manchester United and Chelsea despite splashing out more than £20million on striker Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid.

Former Anfield hero McManaman is a big fan of Torres but hints that everyone will be expecting immediate results for such a huge fee.

Although Liverpool have won the Champions League under Rafael Benitez, the Anfield faithful are still waiting for the current generation of players to lift the league crown they last secured in 1990.

Liverpool finished some 21 points behind champions Manchester United last season and McManaman believes it will take a huge effort to bridge that gap, especially as United have also spent big.

Torres has been joined by Yossi Benayoun, Ryan Babel and Andriy Voronin in the hope that Liverpool can finally land their ’holy grail’ this season. McManaman said: “The holy grail for the Liverpool fans seems to be the Premier League. They have won the Champions League but everyone is hankering on about the Premier League.

“In the last five years Liverpool have been successful in terms of winning trophies but all Liverpool fans go on about is the league. If they won the league they would be fine and talk about the Champions League again.

“Tottenham have spent a lot of money, but I still think it will be very difficult to dislodge Manchester United and Chelsea.

“As much as everybody else has gone out and strengthened and I still think United will buy more players, the fact is there was a 21-point difference between Manchester United and Liverpool last season – it is a big gap.

“While the holy grail for Liverpool fans is the Premier League, for the other big two, United and Chelsea, it is the Champions League.

“Manchester United have bought players for the Champions League. Their second leg defeat to AC Milan last season was down to tired legs and a lack of bodies. Alex Ferguson doesn’t want that to happen again.

“But it is not as if they have bought five players who are going to go straight into the starting XI.

“They want to be strong in all competitions right up until the end, that’s why they have bought these players. I think they have bought for all four competitions.”

The arrival of Torres from Atletico Madrid could give Liverpool the striker they have so badly missed in recent seasons.

But the huge fee involved has put extra pressure on the 23-year-old to provide goals from the start.

McManaman added: “I think he is an excellent player. He was the superstar in Atletico. He is a typical number nine. He puts his head in where he knows he could get hurt. He’s strong and he’s deceptively quick.”

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Rafa Benitez gives green light to new signings

Rafa Benitez gives green light to new signings

Jul 30 2007

by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

Fernando Torres

LIVERPOOL arrived back on Merseyside jet-lagged and bruised by a rare penalty shootout defeat in Hong Kong, but with enough positive feedback to mend any damaged egos.

As usual, the fanatical Asian fans were the real stars of the Far East trip, eventually silenced after seven days of incessant singing by the heroics of David James.

Even if Liverpool returned without a trophy, the public relations triumph was unquestionable.

Liverpool players made daily appearances on the city’s community coaching pitches or shopping malls, and showed a willingness to break the autograph signing world record.

The culture in Asia appears to focus on individuals as much as teams, and although the trip could easily have been shrugged off as an unnecessary distraction, the players seemed genuinely humbled by their experience.

“The fans out here are unbelievable. It makes you very proud to be a Liverpool player when you see this,” said skipper Steven Gerrard.

For most of the crowd on Friday, it seemed getting a glimpse of their chosen one, whether it was Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres or, as in most cases, Gerrard, was more important than the result.

It’s doubtful Rafa Benitez, although clearly upset his team didn’t win the ultimately meaningless Asia Cup, was ever going to draw significant conclusions from the two games.

Searing heat made normal training impossible, team selections were reassessed until minutes before kick-off depending on the latest documentation, and the usual plethora of substitutions in such games ensures the sense of exhibition always overrides that of competition.

In Friday’s final, Liverpool actually gave their most promising performance of pre-season so far.

Players such as Harry Kewell, Jermaine Pennant and Xabi Alonso are looking in sharp form.

Momo Sissoko, whose recent decline has been of concern, was arguably the best player on the park against Portsmouth.

Ryan Babel in action against Werder Bremen in Switzerland - Picture: MARTIN BIRCHALL

The new signings didn’t enjoy themselves against Harry Redknapp’s side, but it has become one of the more peculiar phenomena of recent times that pre-season friendlies are now assessed as if they are Premier League games.

Live television coverage adds to their exposure, and rent-a-quote pundits are always on hand to offer ill-advised, premature declarations on the capabilities of a new signing.

The great Liverpool teams of the past must shriek in horror at the thought their pre-season results were ever considered accurate barometers of what’s to follow. The teams of the 70s and 80s never used to win a game before August.

As Benitez said before boarding the flight home: “I would be worried if the team was fantastic now.”

Now is the time to look only for hints of what may follow, and that’s precisely what Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel offered.

There were several exciting touches by the young Dutchman, and had Torres’ drop of the shoulder and strike on target not been against a keeper in such good form, the trauma of the missed penalty would have been replaced by the celebration of a first Liverpool goal.

Benitez was quick to remind reporters how little time his £30m acquisitions have had to adapt to their new club.

“I think there were okay,” said Benitez. “They were trying to do good things and the understanding with their

team-mates is something that I think will improve.

“I think they will be ready for the start of the season because we will have time and the conditions will be different now. It was difficult to tell in those conditions whether they are fit or not. I think that they are a little bit behind the others but not too much. Two weeks will be enough.

“It's clear that we need to improve, but the team was creating chances, we had plenty of possession and good ideas.”

Perhaps the most positive comments on Liverpool came from the winning manager, Redknapp.

He may have seen his side triumph, but he was under no illusions which side looked more impressive.

“What about Liverpool? They’re a bloody good team,” he said.

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Steve Finnan: We will iron out the flaws in our game

Steve Finnan: We will iron out the flaws in our game

Jul 30 2007

by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

Steve Finnan

STEVE FINNAN is convinced Liverpool will iron out any lingering flaws ahead of the new season as they prepare for their final warm-up games this weekend.

After completing a gruelling trip from Hong Kong, the team will head to Holland for the Rotterdam tournament.

Friday’s penalty defeat in the Asia Cup exposed weaknesses which were all too apparent last season as Liverpool dominated the game but failed to turn superiority into goals.

It’s hoped the summer investment in attacking talent will change the fortunes of Rafa Benitez’s side, and Finnan dismissed claims the loss to Portsmouth is a taste of what’s to come.

“The game against Portsmouth was similar to a lot of games last season,” admitted the defender.

“If Premiership points had been at stake, we’d have been very frustrated not taking three points. Even losing a friendly was frustrating. We had the chances and they only had one when Pepe made a good save.

“But overall we have to remember these games are all about fitness. It’s always nice to win, but the Premier League is what’s important.

“The new lads have had no time at all to settle really, but we know they’re all really good players. The squad is improving all the time, and it’s certainly better now than at any time I’ve been at the club.

“It’s just about working on a few things here and there now before the season starts properly.”

Finnan feels part of Liverpool’s problems away from home last season were psychological, as the failure to punish sides when they were on the rack became a habit they couldn’t shake off.

“There were a lot games last season when we had all the play, didn’t score, and maybe we’d be thinking here we go again,” he said.

“A lot of teams are forced to defend against us, and we’ve got to take that dominance we have in many games, try and nick a goal and keep at them.

“That relieves the pressure on the defence, too. I can remember a lot of games where we’ve dominated and only given away one or two chances but conceded goals and lost points.

“You have to get in front when you’re on top.”

Finnan will pen a new deal tomorrow after agreeing a two-year extension, which may become three, depending on clauses.

“It will be great to get it signed.”

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We must be more ruthless admits Kuyt

Jul 28 2007

by Chris Bascombe in Hong Kong, Liverpool Echo

A dejected Dirk Kuyt

DIRK Kuyt admitted Liverpool must find their ruthless streak in the next fortnight as they paid for missed chances in yesterday's Asia Cup.

A rare penalty shoot-out defeat brought the Hong Kong tour to a disappointing end, as Portsmouth denied Rafa Benitez's side their first silverware of the season.

Kuyt refused to be disheartened by the defeat, however, insisting there was enough promise during an encouraging overall performance.

"I feel we showed some quality and created lots of chances," said Kuyt.

"The only disappointing thing is we did not score any of them. That's what we must work on.

“But we will and hopefully it will come. I think you could see both Torres and Babel have plenty of quality and skill. The pair of them are very fast and both have great futures here.

"Ryan can play up front or on the wings, so there are lots of positions for him and Fernando is just a top striker.

"The expectations to do well at Liverpool are always really really high. That's easy to say, but the English league is one of the toughest in the world with some of the greatest players in it and that's what makes it so much more difficult.

"I know what it's like coming into a big club like Liverpool, where everyone is watching you. But we've only had two weeks or so together on the pitch. But we've got a really strong team and we are all really close.

"It's better on trips like this, because you're not only involved together out there in training and on the pitch, but off it as well.

"That means you get to know people a lot quicker than if you're just training and going home. You have a coffee together, a chat, and all those things, which really helps.

"I still think we showed some good teamwork and that will only get better - it will come. It's only the second match with Fernando and Ryan but you can see the quality.

“The only thing I would say is that we need to finish the chances but I am sure it will come. Maybe in two weeks."

Liverpool arrive back in England tomorrow to begin preparations for next week's Rotterdam tournament.

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Xabi Alonso wants Liverpool to be quick out of the blocks

Jul 30 2007

by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Xabi Alonso

AMBITIOUS Xabi Alonso has set his sights on improving his goal-scoring record for Liverpool this season.

Alonso was on the mark from the penalty spot in the Barclays Asia Trophy semi-final victory over South China last Tuesday.

The 25-year-old, who signed a new five-year contract last month, has netted only 12 times in 134 appearances for Liverpool since arriving from Real Sociedad three years ago.

But Alonso is keen to provide extra firepower to a Liverpool team that scored just 57 times in the league last season compared to the 84 of champions Manchester United.

“I would love to score more goals, but sometimes you have to know how the manager wants you to play,” said Alonso. “Sometimes you need to be farther from the goal because you need to cover while a team-mate goes forward. Of course it’s a challenge and an ambition for me to score more goals, but it’s not easy. I don’t think I’m going to be a 10 or 12 goals man. In some positions it’s not that easy.”

Alonso agrees with team-mates Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard that Liverpool must be on their mettle from the first whistle of the opening game against Aston Villa on Saturday week or risk another campaign of Premier League underachievement.

“The challenge is to have a good start first of all,” he added. “If we start well it will give us a boost and we’ll have more confidence. We’ve got to try to prove to ourselves that we can be at the top from the beginning. We’ve got to start as well as possible. The last few seasons we’ve had a poor start and the gap has become so big that it was difficult to go for the title. We need to focus on the start of the season and not be thinking about the last game.”

Alonso and the remainder of the Liverpool squad returned from their eight-day stay in Hong Kong yesterday morning. Benitez’s side conclude their pre-season preparations with two games at the Port of Rotterdam tournament.

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Rick Parry: Asian trip needed to keep support

Jul 30 2007

by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

A Liverpool fan in Hong Kong kisses the shield

ANYONE who has travelled from Merseyside to Fratton Park will agree it sometimes feels like a 6,012-mile journey.

It’s no secret that Rafael Benitez was not exactly overly enthusiastic at the prospect of making such a lengthy trip to ultimately face Portsmouth in Hong Kong last week.

And while the Liverpool manager probably won’t ever be fully convinced by the merits of the tour, the club can take plenty of encouragement, both short and long-term, from their seven-day stop in the Far East.

The warmth, fanaticism and hysteria with which Liverpool are received in Asia never fails to surprise.

In Hong Kong, where the Anfield side last visited four years ago, the players were feted from the moment they stepped into the airport last Sunday, a section of hardcore fans setting up base camp outside the Grand Hyatt Hotel for the duration of the squad’s stay.

Portsmouth and Fulham may have also travelled to take part in the Barclays Asia Trophy, but Liverpool were the real draw for the public.

The accusation that clubs visiting Asia are often only there for a quick buck and give nothing back in return cannot be levelled at Liverpool.

From coaching sessions with local children to addressing supporters’ clubs, unveiling the new European away kit and numerous other engagements, the players immersed themselves in the Hong Kong community and will have strengthened the bond with fans in the area, even if the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard saw precious little actual playing time.

Liverpool, in terms of both business and stature, are now a global brand and their new American connection means visits Stateside could well become a more regular occurrence.

However, the need to compete with Manchester United and Chelsea to ensure a prominent standing in the lucrative Asian market mean the Far East remains high on the Anfield pre-season agenda. The inevitable long-term effect of their trip makes it difficult to gauge exactly how much the tour will be worth to Liverpool.

But chief executive Rick Parry admits: “It is the third time we have been out to Asia and it’s one of the most important markets.

“We have tens of millions of fans there and it is a market that we are conscious of and one that we will continue to be aware of, that’s for sure.

“Like United’s support base in Asia, ours goes back at least a couple of generations.

“You have two different types of market in Asia. There is the traditional market who support the club, and then there are those who follow the players individually and they are more fickle.

“We got a big uplift of support when we won the Champions League in 2005, and some of the surveys went through the roof. But it went down a bit over the next two years, so that shows that such surveys aren’t reliable as a long-term guide.

“You have to sustain your support by coming out to the fans. You need to have exposure, and that’s part of the reason why we’ve looked to the television channel. You have to keep contact all year round, and the supporters in Asia are very knowledgeable.

“But much of what you do in Asia stems from success on the pitch and by signing good players and winning things.”

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REDS ON TOUR: DAY 7

REDS ON TOUR: DAY 7 Mark Platt (back in Liverpool) 29 July 2007
Liverpool have been in Hong Kong for the 2007 Barclays Asia Cup and the club's official website was following them every inch of the way. Here's a taste of what happened on the seventh and final day of the tour...
*****
It's fair to say the Liverpool squad have spent plenty of time on the coach while in Hong Kong but their twice-daily trips to training and other excursions have been lightened up by the Hong Kong Stan Boardman, aka tour guide Gain. His amusing commentary and corny jokes regularly had the lads in raptures but the less we say about his Prince Charles and the fox's hat gag, the better!
*****
No trip to Hong Kong would be complete without a visit to The Peak and the Liverpool squad whiled away few hours on their last day of the tour by taking a tram ride up to one of Asia's most popular tourist attractions. For those with a fear of heights the steep acsent can be a white-knuckle experience but the Redmen held their nerve before disembarking at the summit to enjoy an excellent last meal on the island.
*****
'Reds Stranded In Shark Infested Waters' could almost have been the sensational newspaper headline you was waking up to this morning. On their way to the airport for the flight home, the squad took a ferry ride around the scenic Hong Kong waterfront. The spectacular views of the neon-lit city skyline were a sight to behold but when the boat overheated and broke down there were a few anxious moments as talk of missing the plane spread. With sharks known to occupy these warm waters, the Jaws-factor meant swimming to the shore was definitely not an option, but, thankfully, the delay was not too long and everyone eventually made it to the airport on time.
*****
Lucas Leiva's joy at joining up with his new team-mates and finally making his Liverpool debut was temporarily tempered when his luggage somehow failed to make it from the hotel to the airport. With clothes and many personal artefacts inside the said bag, the likeable Leiva cut a despondent figure in the depature lounge. Fortunately, just seconds before boarding, the Brazilian was informed that his lost luggage had been found and his usual beaming smile returned.
*****
A Bill Shankly-esque team-talk prepared Liverpool for their BA flight back to Heathrow on Saturday night but it wasn't Rafa doing the talking it was the pilot. In his pre-take off chat to passengers he suddenly began quoting the great man and recited the famous 'matter of life or death' quote!
*****
One of the undoubted highlights of the trip has been the fanaticism of the Asian Reds and their overwhelming support has not gone unappreciated by the players and staff. Wherever Liverpool went during their week-long stay on Hong Kong Island, hundreds of fans were there to give them an enthusiastic greeting. Liverpool head of press Ian Cotton regularly thanked the die-hards who camped outside the team hotel by handing out pin badges, while the entire squad happily posed for photographs and signed autographs at every given opportunity.
*****
Finally, on behalf of everyone at Liverpool Football Club, a big thank-you to the people of Hong Kong for the hospitality they have shown during the tour and to all the fans who were out there supporting the Reds.

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Penalty defeat for Reds in Asia

Penalty defeat for Reds in Asia
Written by This Is Anfield on July 28th, 2007
Liverpool 0-0 Portsmouth Barclays Asia Trophy Final

Liverpool took on South Coast Premier League opposition Portsmouth in the humid heat in Hong Kong on Friday infront of a feisty and loud sell-out crowd.

The big debate that lasted until literally seconds before kick off was if Liverpool’s new record signing Fernado Torres would play any part, and thanks to some last minute work from the Premier League’s chief executive and the thumbs off approval of Pompey boss Harry Redknapp ensured he would.

Portsmouth kicked off the game, and straight away Liverpool were on top, having most of the posession but not doing much with it. The first real chance of the game fell to Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt, who was starting alongside fellow Dutchman Ryan Babel upfront. Aussie Harry Kewell crossed from the left flank for Dirk, who really had time to control the ball but decided to flick the ball in mid air without taking a touch, to see the ball fly over ex-Liverpool goalkeeper David James’ bar.

Kuyt had most of Liverpool’s best chances during the first half, including a fine save from James from a Jermanie Pennant cross, which he did really well to get in as he was under pressure and pushed to the byline by the Pompey defence only to have Kuyt’s well timed header saved by the long legs of James.

Liverpool’s Malian workhorse Momo Sissoko was excellent throughout the match and showed a lot of attacking intent with Pompey letting him roam. He nearly took advantage of this several times throughout the match. The first time he seemed like a man out of his comfort zone as he charged through the Pompey backline only to be pushed off the ball by Sol Campbell.

New signing Ryan Babel disappointingly didn’t see a lot of the ball and only got one real chance when a mistake from David James where he took a horrible first touch and a slip to the ground, unfortunately Babel couldn’t capatalise quick enough to get the ball round James.

Pompey’s best chance of the first half fell to Gary O’Neil, when a brilliant defense splitting past set him one on one with Pepe Reina who stood up tall to save well with his feet.

Half time: 0-0

Liverpool again like in the semi-final made no half-time substitutions and were hoping to make posession count and try and breach the Pompey goal for the first time. Liverpool got off to a sharp start with Sissoko making another blistering run into the box, and going down under pressure. I cried out for a penalty, but on a replay looked like Momo went down cheaply to Sol’s dismay. But Momo was everywhere, hopefully he’ll put performances in like this regularly. (Take note Rafa)

The thoughts of the game turned to Fernado Torres, with the crowd going crazy, just waiting for El Nino to grace the field. When it finally came after 5 minutes of the second half on for for Kewell, the crowd went wild. Torres for his 40 minutes on the pitch showed glimpses off the £20 million Liverpool spent on him. With a few quick fire passes, and an excellent give and go with the outstanding Sissoko. Hearts were in the mouths of all that were in the stadium, when an extremely well taken first touch that had Pompey centre back Sylvain Distin in pieces for El Nino to fire just over. His next ‘near’ moment of glory was when an excellently timed kick from Reina set Torres on his way heading for James’ goal for the Pompey defender to cover well, but when all looked lost a flick out at the ball made James have to come out with an extremely good save down to his right.

Dirk Kuyt nearly scored the winner for Liverpool in the dieing seconds when Torres put a ball that just had too much on it through to him, but James dived on the ball quickly to stop the Dutchman.

Liverpool faced another penalty shoot-out.

Portsmouth’s new signing Utaka took the first penalty and got off to an awful start by putting it wide of the left hand post. Liverpool went 2-1 up with two very well taken penalty’s by Captain Steven Gerrard who was given a ‘God like’ welcome from the fans when he came on for the last 5 minutes (which maybe wasn’t the best thing to do due to his injury, but it pleased the fans, and was probably a bit to do with endorsement and marketing in Asia for the club.) And also Dirk Kuyt took his well. But at 2-2 it all went down hill when new boy Fernado Torres stepped up and hit a very poorly taken penalty at the right height for James to make a fairly comfortable save. Then another new boy Yossi Benayon stepped up and had the same fate, but this time forced James to make an excellent low dive to his left hand corner to tip the ball past the post. Portsmouth’s Niko Kranjcar won it for Portsmouth with a very well taken penalty beating Pepe Reina easily in the Liverpool goal.

Same old story as last campaign cost us again. We just couldn’t take our chances, and turn games we dominated into a win. Hopefully this will change by the start of the new campaign.

Congratulations to Harry Redknapp and his boys for the win, and a nice touch from Harry in his post match comments saying we played some excellent football at times, and we will be up there challenging for the title next season.

We should have won it, but it wasn’t to be in a game we dominated.

Better look in Holland boys.

Portsmouth win the 2007 Asia Trophy, 4-2 on penalties.

Report by Matthew Watson

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Heinze puts future on hold

Heinze puts future on hold

By Mark Buckingham - Created on 29 Jul 2007

Gabriel Heinze will not consider his Manchester United future until he returns from holiday.

The defender is looking to leave the Premier League champions due to concerns over his first-team chances and has been the subject of a bid from Liverpool.

United have rejected the offer, but legal advice has been sought from Heinze and Liverpool regarding a letter given to the Argentine's agent.

The former Paris Saint Germain full-back is currently on a break after playing in the Copa America and is trying not to focus on football.

"I am on holiday, but may return next week and say more," Heinze told the News of the World.

"For now I am a United player, but I am not saying anything else.

"I don't want to think about it and I don't want to think about football. I am on holiday and only want to think about the things I don't during the season."

United have been confident in their position regarding the letter given to Heinze's agent, which stipulated he can leave if a certain fee is met.

Liverpool feel it entitles the defender to join any club, but Red Devils chief executive David Gill claims it only concerns overseas teams.

Gill said: "There is this famous letter. I wrote to Heinze and his agent to give them an indication of what value we require for, effectively, an overseas transfer.

"If there is overseas interest and the valuation is right I can see him moving on.

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Rafa allays Gerrard worries

Rafa allays Gerrard worries

By Peter ORourke - Created on 27 Jul 2007

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has played down fears over Steven Gerrard's fitness.

Gerrard was restricted to a late cameo appearance in Friday's Asia Trophy final against Portsmouth after missing the opening game of the tournament against South China earlier this week.

The England international has been struggling with a stomach muscle problem, but Benitez insists the midfield dynamo will be fit for the big kick-off next month.

"I think it was okay, he is at 80 per cent, so we didn't want to take too many risks," Benitez told Sky Sports 1.

"We used him at the end and he scored his penalty and in two or three days he will be okay for sure.

"There is no problem for the start of the season."

Benitez was disappointed to lose the final to Portsmouth on penalties, but he could take positives from the club's trip to Hong Kong.

"I am a little bit disappointed," added Benitez, "We dominated the game, we had some chances and you need to take your chances, in football it is always the same.

"I think we had plenty of possession and also some clear chances but it is football and you need to score.

"This tournament was good for us. We played two games against good teams and you can see the mentality of the players and also the competition for each position."

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Heinze seeks legal advice

Heinze seeks legal advice

By Peter Fraser - Created on 27 Jul 2007

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Manchester United will win any legal battle with Gabriel Heinze.

It has been confirmed that representatives of Heinze, who is wanted by Liverpool, have employed a team of lawyers to try and negotiate the Argentine's United exit.

Liverpool have reportedly met United's £6.8million asking price for the player and the legal aid will now investigate if the Old Trafford outfit have a right to block the transfer.

However, United manager Ferguson is confident Heinze will report back for pre-season training on 6th August.

"We are aware Gabby is taking legal advice," said Ferguson.

"That is good. I hope it is good advice because we are confident of our position."

Heinze, who is unhappy after losing his Old Trafford first-team place, argues he has a letter from United chief executive David Gill confirming that he would be allowed to leave if a club met their asking price.

The 29-year-old has two years to run on his current contract at the club, but this latest move makes it unlikely that he will feature when United begin their defence of their Premier League crown against Reading on 12th August.

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Ex-Red: Stan Collymore

Ex-Red: Stan Collymore
Written by Ste Speed on July 27th, 2007 ▪

Each Friday Ste Speed profiles an ex-Red, this time it’s controversial striker Stan Collymore under the spotlight. At the time he was a club record signing and enjoyed a debut which new record signing Fernando Torres would be happy with, scoring against Sheffield Wednesday at Anfield.

I know what you might be thinking, something along the lines of “why Stan Collymore, he was a wanker”. Well that may be true but his performances on the pitch for Liverpool (especially in his first season) get no complaints from me. He scored thirty five goals in eighty one appearances over two years and he also set up a massive amount of goals for others too. In the two full seasons he was with us his strike partnership with Robbie Fowler was incredibly prolific. They scored over fifty goals between the two of them in both the 95/96 and 96/97 seasons. What would we give now for that sort of return from any of our strikers today? I’m not 100% certain that all four of our strikers last season combined scored more than fifty goals between them.

Stan Collymore became a hot property in the mid nineties thanks to a stunning goal scoring record for Nottingham Forest of fifty goals in seventy one appearances. He was a big reason why they gained promotion to the Premiership and then he scored twenty five goals in the 94/95 season helping Forest finish third in the league.

collymore_evans.jpgHe was signed by Roy Evans in the summer of 1995 for what was then a British record of 8.5 million pounds. I remember vividly when we signed Collymore, we had actually been in a battle with Everton for his signature and in the end Roy Evans had to pay what seemed a ridiculous amount at the time in order to secure his services. I was in London the day he signed and I remember it being the lead story on the radio in the car journey home back to Liverpool. I still recall my dad and I whooping with joy as we were both convinced that this would be the signing that proved we deserved to be back at the top again. This was only heightened after Stan’s debut at Anfield when he scored an absolute screamer against Sheffield Wednesday. Unfortunately he got injured in the next game but when he came back a few games later he scored an even better long range goal against Blackburn Rovers, who were the reigning Premiership Champions at the time.

Unfortunately around the same time we found out about his character as a person too. After he was dropped for Ian Rush, Colly gave an interview to a football magazine in which he slagged of Roy Evans, the club and the Liverpool backroom staff. This was a massive story at the time & dominated the back pages of the newspapers for about a week. To be honest at the time I really thought we should have gotten rid of him there and then. However he was able to move forward from then on after settling his difference’s with Evans, and ended up scoring quite prolifically for the rest of the season. His best moment in a red shirt also came that season in the famous 4 - 3 win against Newcastle when he scored two goals including the injury time winner in front of the Kop. I’ll never forget watching that game (and the other 4 - 3 the following season) in the spare room of my mum and dad’s house on a Monday night. It was an amazing game and fully deserved its title of ‘match of the decade’.

Unfortunately Stan’s second season wasn’t quite as successful as his first. It was obvious he wasn’t settling in, the fact that he continued to live in Cannock in the Midlands was a major reason for this. Despite pleas from Roy Evans, Stan refused to move closer to Liverpool and chose to commute every day. He was also known for being quite moody too, especially if things weren’t going his way. We now know that he suffers terribly with depression but back then this wasn’t public information and he just had a reputation for being a sulky git. He would go missing in away games and I know a lot of players found it difficult to get along with him. Robbie Fowler talks more about this in his autobiography.

collymooooorrreeeeOnce Michael Owen started coming through Collymore was sold to his boyhood club, Aston Villa, for seven million pounds. Despite his reputation off the pitch he was actually quite a popular player on the Kop. At the end of what turned out to be his final game for Liverpool he went over to salute the fans in the Kop and even threw his boots into the crowd. My Uncle Marty actually caught one of the boots. See the enclosed pictures of the boot he caught. On the first picture you can see the grass still on the studs from the hallowed Anfield turf. In the second picture you can see that the boot has been stitched so these boots obviously meant a lot to him as he didn’t replace them when they ripped. What a fantastic souvenir!

The story of how Marty caught the boot is as follows; at the last game of the season and what turned out to be his last game for Liverpool, the team did its usual lap of honour and Stan came down to the kop end still wearing his boots. Marty was standing on one of the safety bars shouting to him to throw his boots to him. Stan then took one off and threw it directly to him, and as Marty was standing on the safety bar no one else could get it. He shoved it under his top and then shouted to Stan to throw him the other one but he threw that further down the line into another part of the crowd.

After leaving Liverpool, Collymore’s career went slowly downhill. After three years and only fifteen goals for Aston Villa, he ended up having short stints at Leicester, Bradford and finally Real Oviedo in Spain. His spells at these final three clubs all followed a very similar pattern. He would start explosively (a goal from an overhead kick in his debut for Bradford stands out) and then would get involved in some sort of fight with management and then leave in controversial circumstances.

The last time I saw him was as an actor playing a footballer in the film ‘Basic Instinct 2’. Unfortunately Stan seems destined to be remembered for his off the field tabloid antics, such as wife beating and dogging, rather than anything he did as a footballer. This is a shame because Stan Collymore was a very gifted player who had a natural instinct for scoring goals and if he could have just curbed his temperament he could have been one of the greats.

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Release the shackles Rafa

Release the shackles Rafa
Written by Alex Malone on July 27th, 2007 ▪

Three years into Rafa’s reign, I think it’s safe to say that most Liverpool fans would give a resounding ‘thumbs up’ to our manager. A European Cup, an FA cup, two consecutive top three finishes, and European Cup runners up. It’s a record most clubs in Europe, never mind England, would bite your hand off for.

But Liverpool is not ‘most clubs’ – we are Liverpool. The club that was built up and up into a Bastion of Invincibility. A club that virtually conquered the bloody world. No-one could beat us. I doubt a team from Mars could have either.

The 21st century has been very good to us so far. We’ve also enjoyed a treble, the odd Super Cup and other finals in the last seven years. But one irritating fact remains….it’s been 17 years.

There have been many false dawns… too many. Gerard Houllier peaked at number two but could take us no further. Many potentially exciting signings came, and after failing to ignite the fuse, went. They now ply their trade at Wigan and Bolton and the like.

In came Rafa. A man who’d managed the impossible in Spain was ready to take on the ultimate challenge… to put Liverpool back where they belong. He did so by conquering Europe, but as yet, he’s still to conquer England.

What Rafa has achieved in terms of team strength, is impressive. We now have a goalkeeper up with the best in England. We have a defence which is breached as infrequently as any in the Premier League. We have a central midfield envied throughout Europe, and with strength in depth to boot.

What this has done, is made Liverpool very difficult to break down and difficult to beat. But it’s the final jigsaw pieces that complete the puzzle. With the signings of Torres, Babel, Banayoun and Voronin plus the positive signals from Pennant and Kewell, there’s a quiet optimism that we may just have them.

The squad is undoubtedly the strongest we’ve had for years. Liverpool fans are incredibly knowledgeable, and we all knew, begrudgingly, that players of the calibre of Traore, Biscan, Nunez, Josemi, Zenden and Bellamy were not title winning material and simply had to be moved on and replaced with quality. They have been.

If I was to criticise Rafa in any way (ok, I’m going to, but bear with me!) I have two major concerns. While a rotation policy is workable with the right squad, it fails when you rotate quality with inferiority. Unfortunately, due to the squad he inherited, and the fact that you can’t rebuild Rome in a day, he was forced to do just that. In any chain, a couple of weak links and it will fail. The good news, is that with the current quality within the squad, rotation should not have the negative impact it’s been seen to have over the last couple of seasons, so my first ‘concern’ should be far less of an issue now that we can replace quality with equivalent quality.

rafaThat leads me to the point of this article. My one major concern left, is Rafa’s inherent tendency for caution. Too often, against clearly inferior teams, he tends to approach games with far too a high degree of caution. Whether it be a line up of 4-5-1, or a team top loaded with defensive minded players, we’ve dropped far too many points, and lost far too many games, by showing inferior opposition far too much respect. This is almost exclusively true when playing away from home. Those same players and teams who have derailed our title challenge at grounds like the Riverside, Bramall Lane and the Valley, are routinely dispatched without breaking sweat at Anfield.

The reason is simple. At Anfield, the shackles are off. He sends out a team to attack, and the result is routinely the same. We win – almost always. So while we end up with one of the best home records in the country, our away form just about gets us in the top 6 or 7.

The difference in home and away form is quite amazing!

If you look at last season’s table, using only home form, Liverpool won 14 of their 19 games. We gathered 46 points at home and scored 39 goals. On home form alone, we would have finished in 2nd place, a single point behind Man United and 3 points ahead of Chelsea! Only United and Arsenal outscored us at home, by 7 and 4 goals respectively.

But then there’s the away form!! A pathetic six wins and an even more pathetic 18 goals scored in 19 games. We ended the season with a –2 goal difference away from home versus a whopping +32 at home. Looking at away form only, we finished 20 points behind United, 18 behind Chelsea, and 4 behind Arsenal. United outscored us by 19 goals, more than doubling our tally.We finished just 3 points better off than Wigan… who finished 4th from bottom of the league!

So how can a team capable of home form equal to the eventual champions, be so poor on the road? In my humble opinion, it’s to do with a far too cautious approach, as I mention above.

Home or away a pitch is a pitch, a ball is a ball, and the opposition do not get technically any better just because they’re playing on their own ground. Indeed, the fact that they actually come out and give it a go at home, should mean that we beat them fair and square on ability alone, exploiting the fact that they dare attack us. But we don’t! We line up with caution, play with caution, and try to sneak wins… and it doesn’t work. I hate to say it, but it’s contrary to the philosophy that the mancs and Chelsea adopt.. and it works for them. While we won 6 away games, they won 13 and 12 respectively. United won only 2 less away than they did at home. Chelsea won exactly the same number, home and away. Amongst those who outscored us away from home were… wait for it…. Wigan, Fulham and Man City!!

So come on Rafa, let the shackles off! You’ve bought the players to take our attack to the next level, but you need to let them express themselves in a line up designed to attack and win. I can understand caution against the other 3 top teams, where a more European approach can pay dividends, but against the rest? The fact is, we’re superior to every other team, and we need to approach these away games with that mindset.

If we do, I can honestly see number 19 coming home.

But if we don’t, we may win the ‘home form’ league title, but we’ll remain miles behind when results from all 38 games reveal the final league table.

My vote is to go for option number one!

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Dirk Kuyt’s banking on Ryal Babel as Liverpool go double Dutch

Jul 27 2007

by Chris Bascombe with the Reds in Hong Kong, Liverpool Echo

Dirk Kuyt

DIRK Kuyt hopes the Dutch connection proves a winner at Anfield this season as he tipped Ryan Babel to make a big impact at Liverpool.

Babel is free to make his first appearance of the China tour today after the permit shambles which ruled several players out on Tuesday was resolved.

The 20-year-old attacker will join Fernando Torres and Lucas Leiva in the squad against Portsmouth, as the Hong Kong fans finally get a glimpse of £35m of new talent. All three have received their international clearance.

Kuyt is an international team mate of Babel, but also played against the youngster in the Dutch league.

He believes the maturity of the player will be a major asset as he tries to settle in England.

“He’s one of the most talented players in Holland, and the good thing he is still very young,” said Kuyt. “He played a lot of games for Ajax at a young age, and also the national team.

“The tournament he played for the Under 21s was really good, so I’m really happy he’s now with us.

“I’m sure he can do a good job at Anfield.

“I’ve played a lot of games against him for Feyenoord, and also plenty of times in the same team for Holland. I know him very well, and all I can say is I’m really looking forward to playing with him at Liverpool. He’s very mature, athletic and fast.

“I believe his whole family is the same and he has a sister who is a top athlete at 100m.”

Much has been made of Babel’s similarity to Thierry Henry, although Kuyt says it will take time before such comparisons are valid.

“He is a friend of Henry, which is why it’s mentioned a lot,” he said. “But the only way to be the same kind of player as him is to work very hard every day.”

Kuyt recognises competition for places in attack will be stronger this season, but feels signs of flourishing partnerships have already been visible in the friendlies.

“I think we’ve all shown we can play together,” said Kuyt. “When you play for a club like Liverpool it’s good to have so much competition. We need four good strikers.”

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Harry Kewell: I scrapped holiday to play for Liverpool

Harry Kewell: I scrapped holiday to play for Liverpool

Jul 27 2007

by Ian Doyle in Hong Kong, Liverpool Daily Post

Harry Kewell in action

HARRY KEWELL scrapped plans for a holiday in favour of a summer of hard slog as he attempts to salvage his Liverpool career.

The 28-year-old is desperate to repay the continued faith shown by manager Rafael Benitez after an injury-ravaged 12 months.

After Australia’s defeat to Japan at the weekend, Kewell swapped the Asian Cup for the Asia Trophy by flying from Vietnam straight to Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Hong Kong.

The winger then played 55 minutes of the 3-1 win over South China in Tuesday’s semi-final.

Kewell, who is hopeful of another outing in today’s final against Portsmouth, has less than 12 months remaining on his contract and has yet to be offered a new deal.

And the Australian acknowledges the clutch of new arrivals at Anfield means he cannot afford to waste any opportunity to impress.

“I was always going to meet up with the team as soon as we got knocked out – that was the agreement that we had with the manager and Australia,” said Kewell.

“I had to get back because we’ve got some greater players here, some new signings and you’ve got to fight for your position early on in the season.

“I'm desperate to do that. It would have been a bit of shifty move to go all the way back to England and then not met up with the team.

“I’ve got one year left (on my contract) and I just want to play for Liverpool and hopefully help the team push for the title.

“I suppose I could have had a holiday but I play for Liverpool Football Club and it’s a big thing being at this club this season and you have to work hard and be pushing for your position all the time so it was really important for me to get back.”

A series of injury concerns sparked by a toe problem at last summer’s World Cup meant Kewell played only 77 minutes for Liverpool during the campaign, with 33 of those coming as a second-half substitute in the Champions League final against AC Milan.

However, Kewell appeared in all four of Australia’s games in the Asian Cup this month and added: “I’m relieved to be back because obviously last year I was away most of the time getting treatment for injuries. It’s just great to be playing again.

“I did have moments of despair last season but I have a strong family behind me, a good medical staff, a fantastic manager and a great club so at times when you are down and out you just look to that support and thankfully I’ve always had it.”

Kewell reveals the support shown by Benitez in particular provided an important psychological boost in his fight to regain full fitness.

“It’s very important to have a manager who believes in you,” said Kewell, who was lively in last night’s training session at the Mongkok Stadium. “A lot of people doubted him but he stood by me which shows he has great faith in me and I just want to repay him for that.”

Benitez believes the availability of a fit-again Kewell will be like “another new signing”, saying: “When you look around the market place, it is clear that there are not many wingers with Harry's quality and that is why it is so important for us to have him back.”

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It won’t take Fernando Torres long to find his feet - Pepe Reina

Jul 27 2007

by Ian Doyle in Hong Kong, Liverpool Daily Post

Fernando Torres

THE Hong Kong public have been forced to be patient, but Pepe Reina believes Liverpool won’t have to wait long for Fernando Torres to start justifying his club record transfer fee.

The £18million striker will make his belated bow in the Barclays Asia Trophy today after being granted international clearance to play in the competition.

Torres will come up against Premier League opposition for the first time since his move when Rafael Benitez’s side take on Portsmouth in the final.

It’s likely to be an eye-opener for the 23-year-old, who until now has plied his trade solely in La Liga with Atletico Madrid.

Of course, memories are still fresh of the last striker to swap the Spanish sunshine for the blood and thunder of the Premier League with Liverpool.

Few doubted the credentials of Fernando Morientes when he arrived for £6million from Real Madrid in January 2005.

But the Spain international’s classy touches were too often overwhelmed by the pace and physical nature of English football, before making a successful return to his homeland with Valencia. Reina, though, believes a similar fate will not befall his compatriot Torres, with the goalkeeper confident his new team-mate has the mental strength to cope with the demands of his first season in a foreign country.

“I hope Fernando is going to cause defences a lot of problems this season,” says Reina. “It’s always difficult for new players to adapt in the first year but we’re going to try and make it as easy for him as possible and hopefully he’ll score a lot of goals.

“He’s got the firepower – he’s a top quality player. There was a lot of pressure on him before at Atletico Madrid and he handled it so I don’t think it will be a problem for him here. He’s a great lad, he’s understanding English football very early, he’s learning the language and he’s very strong mentally.”

With such a strong Spanish connection at Anfield, Torres is unlikely to have much problem settling in at the training ground.

However, Reina says the player will have to discover for himself the unique nature of the English game, with Torres almost certain to be a prime target for opposing defences this season.

“I’ve spoken to him about a lot of things but he’ll find out about the opponents at the right moment – I can’t explain what he’s going to find because I don’t want to scare him,” adds the goalkeeper. “He’ll learn as he goes along. He’s going to be ready to step up to the challenge, I’m sure about that.”

It’s not just the Hong Kong locals that were left waiting for Torres. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday claimed he became “fed up” hanging about for the striker to leave Atletico, somewhat conveniently overlooking the fact the player preferred a move to Anfield ahead of Old Trafford.

Nevertheless, Ferguson concedes Liverpool have bought wisely. “Over the past few years there has been some interest for us in Torres, but every time he signed a new contract,” says the United manager. “Sometimes you get fed up with that kind of thing. Torres is athletic, he’s brave enough and he’ll run the channels for them, which he did well in Madrid.

“He’s good in the air and has got a physique. He’s quicker than you think.”

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Chester City eye Lee Peltier loan deal

Chester City eye Lee Peltier loan deal

Jul 27 2007

by Neil Turner, Liverpool Daily Post

CHESTER City have had discussions with Liverpool with a view to taking promising young midfielder Lee Peltier to the Deva Stadium on loan.

The 20-year-old Toxteth-born player has made three Carling Cup appearances for Liverpool, as well as Champions League match against Turkish side Galatasaray.

City chairman Step-hen Vaughan said last night: “We are hopeful of attracting Lee to Chester for a tempor-ary spell, we know we face competition from Yeovil Town for his signature, but hope-fully our location and the ambition we all have at the club, will tip his decision in our favour.”

Chester will finalise the signing of ex-Everton midfielder, Tony Grant today, after the player agreed personal terms.

Meanwhile, Chester are talking to an interested party, who is keen to take over the sponsorship of the Deva Stadium. Three of the club’s seated stands have been sponsored for next season by APC Overnight, Liversage Holdings, and Vaughan Promotions.

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Last night City easily overcame League of Wales side Connah’s Quay Nomads 8-1 in a pre-season friendly at the Deeside stadium.

Chester scored twice in the first half with headers from John Murphy and Nathan Lowndes, but the Welshmen hit back with a Stewart White effort.

In the second half City hit six, with goals from Chris Holroyd (2), Simon Yeo, Ritchie Partridge, Phil Bolland, and Kevin Roberts.

City face Blue Square Premier side Droylsden at the Butchers Arms tomorrow.

CHESTER CITY: Danby, Marples, Westwood, Butler, Wilson, Partridge, Hand, Sandwith, Ellison, Murphy, Lowndes. Subs: Vaughan, Bolland, Linwood, Holroyd, Yeo, Marsh-Evans, Roberts, Rutherford.

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Peter Crouch eyes lengthy stay at Liverpool

Peter Crouch eyes lengthy stay at Liverpool

Jul 27 2007

Liverpool Daily Post

Peter Crouch

PETER CROUCH has revealed that he is looking forward to a long-term future at Anfield.

He said: "I look at people like Stevie, Carra, Sami and John Arne Riise who have been at this club for so long, and I think of how much I want to emulate that.

"Everyone who signs for Liverpool wants to stay for as long as they can, not just for a couple of years, and obviously with the club moving into the new stadium, all of us want to be part of that. There's nothing I'd love more than to still be at the club when that happens.

"When you hear other teams are interested it's better than no-one wanting you, I suppose. At least it proves you're rated and wanted, but I've always said I'm fully focused on Liverpool and really enjoy it here.

"We're challenging for things, spending money and these are exciting times to be at the club."

Crouch recognises the demands on him become greater every season.

"The manager has ensured the competition for places is going to be healthier," says Crouch. "Torres looks a quality player in training, even though we've not been able to see too much of him in the matches yet, and Voronin looks a good player. He had another good game on Tuesday.

"Every season it seems to get tougher in the competition for places. The first year was a challenge, then Dirk arrived and made it tougher last season.

"Now it's going to be even harder again. I just hope I can do as well as I can when I get the chance.

"What's important is all four strikers have different qualities."

Ex-Liverpool target Simao moves

AFTER protracted negotiations between Benfica and Atletico Madrid, former Liverpool target Simao Sabrosa has finally arrived in Spain for a fee in the region of £13.7million. The negotiations, which have been ongoing for the past six weeks, were finally concluded when the Portuguese international signed a five-year deal at the Estadio Calderon. Rafael Benitez had seen Simao inspire his team to a famous win at Anfield and rumours abounded that it was a matter of time before Simao would pull on a Liverpool shirt.

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Pennant: I must raise my game

Pennant: I must raise my game

By Steve Bramley - Created on 26 Jul 2007

Jermaine Pennant admits the pressure is on to deliver for Liverpool this season.

The £6.7million winger had a difficult first season and came in for some stick from some sections of the Anfield crowd.

The arrival of West Ham's Yossi Benayoun and Ajax's Ryan Babel on Merseyside has heaped even more pressure on Pennant, but the former Birmingham man says he is determined to prove his worth.

"The fans ask for massive things and if you are not delivering week in, week out, or not doing your best, they will get right on your back - and rightly so because this is Liverpool," Pennant told the Daily Star.

"Maybe the fans expected better things more quickly, but it is always going to take time.

"Moving here was a new start at a massive club for me and I think in the second half of the season I had them on my side, but I know this season I'm going to have to get even better.

"The manager has said that he wants the players proving in training every day that they are fighting for their positions because doing that will only make you a better player.

"The history of this club and how big it is means you can't let your standards slip for one minute."

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Gerrard joy at Kop plans

Gerrard joy at Kop plans

By Steve Bramley - Created on 26 Jul 2007

Steven Gerrard admits he is blown away by Liverpool's new £300million stadium.

The Reds unveiled the latest plans for their new 60,000 capacity ground in Stanley Park on Wednesday.

The club will dump the old Anfield name but will incorporate an 18,000 seat stand in the image of the famous Kop.

And skipper Gerrard, who signed a new five-year deal in May, says he is thrilled by the plans to retain a huge part of the club's tradition in their new home.

"The prospect of this was one of the major factors in me signing a long-term deal with the club and I just hope I'm still around when the day comes for us to play our first game in it," Gerrard told the club's official website.

"The fact a massive Kop stand will be incorporated into the new stadium is great.

"After five minutes looking at the plans I was completely blown away by it. It is amazing and the best thing about it is that it is so different to any other.

"We will have our own identity stamped all over this stadium and that is how it should be.

"We are Liverpool Football Club, we expect the best and this will be the best.

"As a supporter myself, I know what to look for in a stadium and I'm sure all our fans are going to love it.

"We all know the level of noise 40,000 Liverpudlians can make at Anfield so I can't even begin to describe what 60,000-plus can do inside the new stadium.

"It's going to be unbelievable and I can't wait to lead the team out there."

Jamie Carragher echoed his captain's views: "Everyone is excited by the new plans. They are spectacular. We've got a great stadium at the minute in Anfield, but the designers have come up with something completely unique.

"The fans will love it, especially when they see the plans for the new Kop. I've never seen a football ground like it and that's what makes it so special."

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Lucas Leiva’s heart set on Liverpool

Lucas Leiva’s heart set on Liverpool

Jul 26 2007

by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

Rafa Benitez with Lucas Leiva

LIVERPOOL’S latest South American recruit Lucas Leiva rejected late interest from Everton and Manchester United to move to Anfield, it was claimed today.

The 20-year-old Brazilian was finally given the all-clear to complete his £5m move after being granted a European passport earlier this week.

He was unveiled in Hong Kong today ahead of a possible debut against Portsmouth in the Asia Cup final tomorrow.

Manager Rafa Benitez said a host of Premiership and European clubs were anxious to sign the midfielder, who he believes will add to the competition for central midfield places.

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“We knew Lucas could be a good signing because he played at a high level for Brazil Under-21s. A lot of other top clubs were after him, so we had to move quickly,” revealed Benitez.

“One of those other clubs plays in red, and Lucas told me the other wears blue, but I won’t say which.”

Leiva told the manager Everton and United were those clubs, while Atletico Madrid were also hoping to secure a deal.

But Liverpool had already made significant progress in bringing the player to Merseyside.

“The Brazilian players usually think about coming to Europe and play in Spain or Portugal,” said Benitez.

“Lucas’ uncle is a former player called Leivinha, who played for Atletico Madrid. He was a very good player.

“Lucas thought about following his uncle to Spain, but then he liked Liverpool. He knows it will be difficult, but I’m sure he will be a very good player.

“He is a good worker and he is a winner.

“He’s a midfielder who likes to move from box to box. He’s not Steven Gerrard, but he likes to get forward.

“We are preparing a team for the short term and for the future, and Lucas is part of this. He will have a part to play this season.

“He has the personality and character to succeed here.”

Lucas says he’s not overawed by the prospect of competing for a place against so many high profile names like Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherano.

“I’m not intimidated by playing with these players. I hope to show them how well I can play,” he said. “I know a lot about British football. It’s a different way of playing here because it’s much faster.

“I hope to learn quickly with the help of my team mates. I hope we can play well together to achieve good results in the future.”

Fernando Torres is now free to play tomorrow after he received international clearance.

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Ferguson talks up Torres

Ferguson talks up Torres
Thursday Jul 26 2007 08:41

Sir Alex Ferguson expects Liverpool's new record signing Fernando Torres to be a big hit at Anfield, after confirming that Manchester United had been keen to land the Spain striker.

Twenty-three-year-old frontman Torres made a £26.5million switch to the Reds this summer after finally deciding to leave Atletico Madrid, having previously been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Ferguson told The Daily Mail: "Torres is athletic, he's brave enough and he'll run the channels for them, which he did well in Madrid.

"He's good in the air and has got a physique and he's quicker than you think.

"Over the past few years there has been some interest for us in Torres, but every time he signed a new contract. Sometimes you get fed up with that kind of thing."

Torres scored 91 goals in 243 appearances for Atletico, while he has also netted 14 times in 40 outings for the Spanish national team.

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