Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp wants to bring Peter Crouch back to one of his former clubs is preparing a bid in the region of £10 million for the Liverpool and England striker.

Liverpool owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks say talks with Rafa Benitez regarding squad improvement will take place in December.

Benitez invested heavily in his Anfield squad during the summer in a bid to turn the Reds into serious Premier League title contenders.

But there have been reports that the Liverpool boss is unhappy with the delay in finalising a permanent deal for on-loan midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Gillett and Hicks have now released a statement in an attempt to put the focus on the club's upcoming fixtures, starting with the weekend's game against Newcastle United.

December meeting

"We made a significant investment in the playing squad during the summer and desperately want this team to succeed," read the co-chairmen's statement on the club's official website.

"There are some very important games coming up in the next couple of weeks and all of us need to focus on winning those games and getting the best out of the players we already have at the club.

"We will leave any talk of buying or selling players until we come across to Liverpool in December and sit down with the manager then."

Benitez spent a club record fee to bring Fernando Torres to Liverpool in the summer, and also splashed out on Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel.

By Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

RAFA Benitez today sensationally refused to commit his future to Liverpool. In an extraordinary Melwood press conference the Reds boss even allowed himself to be linked with the England manager's job, which was vacated earlier today by Steve McClaren. The usually affable Benitez was clearly in a bad mood and chose his words carefully throughout the ten minute long press conference. On several occasions he was asked the kind of questions which he usually answers without even thinking but instead of doing that he chose to brush them off with the same cryptic answer. When asked about England's performance against Croatia, he responded: "I prefer to concentrate on training and coaching my team." When asked about the threat Newcastle will pose to Liverpool on Saturday, he answered: "I am focusing on coaching and training my team." He delivered the very same answer on at least ten more occasions. One of the few questions Benitez was prepared to answer concerned the national team manager's job. Asked if he would consider taking over from Steve McClaren if the job was offered to him, he said: "You never know what might happen, maybe." Just last week, Benitez appeared to commit himself to a long term future with Liverpool when he talked of emulating the 21 years Sir Alex Ferguson has spent at Old Trafford. But today's comments throw into doubt that previously held ambition and suggest all is far from well at Anfield. The inference which could be taken from the press conference is that Benitez is not happy with the backing, or a perceived lack of it, he is receiving from the club's American owners. The Reds boss gave this theory further credence when he admitted to being frustrated with life at Anfield but he would not expand on what he meant by this. But by refusing to commit his future to the club and allowing himself to be linked with another job it appears he has basically delivered a "Back me or sack me" ultimatum to Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Argentine ace keen on move to England
Monday, 19th November 2007 (19:25) by John Davies
Ezequiel Garay, the promising Argentine defender linked with a move to either Liverpool or Man United, has been talking about his ambition to play in the Premiership. The 21 year old who plays centre-back for his Spanish club, Racing Santander, is steadily progressing in to the Argentinian national side. Speaking this week, the player said: “To play in England is a dream. “But I insist that I do not want to talk about the hypothesis. I do not have any preferences about any clubs. “My head is in Racing but like all professionals I would like to progress. “But I have spoken with the directors of Racing only this week and there is no real news about me.” Garay plays at centre-back but is also capable of playing right back.

Alan Wiley of Staffordshire will take charge our next Premiership match as travel to the North East to face Newcastle United. The 47-year old is one of three policemen refereeing in the top flight and has been walking the beat in The Premiership for seven seasons. He started refereeing back in 1981 through the West Midlands Regional League and became a Football League linesman ten years later. In 1994 he was promoted to run the line in The Premiership. He was then given the whistle in The Football League twelve months later. He has just started to gain European experience and was a fourth official to Graham Poll in a Champions League qualifier last season. This will be his 28th match overall involving Liverpool match as a referee and our record reads 15 wins, 8 losses and 4 draws. He has refereed Liverpool once this season, it was our 6-0 hammering of Derby County back at the start of September. The last time he was at St.James' Park was just under a year ago as the home side defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 with ex-red Danny Murphy on the score sheet for the second and last time for Spurs. Wiley has refereed Newcastle since that game, back in February a first half strike from Scouser Ryan Taylor gave Wigan all points at the JJB Stadium. Also earlier in that season 2 goals from El Hadji Diouf gave Bolton a 2-1 win at Newcastle. In all of those previous matches he has only failed five times to show the yellow card to a Liverpool player or an opponent. He has also sent-off Steven Gerrard twice and Pepe Reina once, but he has yet to send off an opposition player. He is one of three current referees who have refereed the FA Cup and League Cup Finals, he achieved this two seasons ago by becoming the first referee to do both finals in the same season. He had already refereed Manchester United 4-0 victory over Wigan in the Carling Cup before he got the call to replace Mike Dean as the FA Cup Final between West Ham United and ourselves. His assistants on Saturday are Glenn Turner and Barry Sygmuta, with Howard Webb as the fourth official. Some memorable matches involving Liverpool and Alan Wiley. 11th March 2001 - A trip to Birkenhead in the 6th round of the FA Cup saw us come away 4-2 winners at John Aldridge's Tranmere Rovers. 2nd March 2002 - Nicolas Anelka scores his only Liverpool goal away from Anfield as we triumph 2-0 at Craven Cottage. Jari Litmanen also scored his last Premiership goal for the reds in the game. 11th August 2002 - Arsenal win 1-0 in the newly named Community Shield in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. Markus Babbel appeared for the first time after recovering from serious illness. 21st January 2003 - We overturn a 2-1 deficit against Sheffield United in the second leg of the Worthington Cup semi-final at Anfield. An extra-time goal from Michael Owen gave us a 2-0 win on the night. 11th May 2003 - Chelsea win 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in the last game of the season to claim the final Champions League spot. Gerrard was sent-off in the final minutes. 9th April 2004 - Arsenal's Thierry Henry grabs a hat-trick as the Gunners win 4-2. 26th October 2004 - Trouble off the field as we defeat Millwall 3-0 in the Carling Cup. 28th November 2004 - Neil Mellor scores a last minute winner against Arsenal. 5th February 2006 - Chelsea win 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Pepe Reina is sent off as Arjen Robben goes down like he's been hit by a sniper. 15th March 2006 - Robbie Fowler finally gets his first Liverpool goal since his return to Anfield in a 5-1 thrashing of Fulham. 13th May 2006 - One of the best FA Cup Finals ever see us defeat West Ham United on penalties after a pulsating 3-3 draw. 26th August 2006 - Dirk Kuyt makes his Liverpool debut and Daniel Agger scores his first Liverpool goal in a 2-1 home win against West Ham United. 27th November 2006 - Danny Guthrie and Nabil El Zhar make their Premiership debuts as second half substitutes in the 0-0 draw against Portsmouth. 1st September 2007 - Derby County are trounced 6-0 at Anfield with Babel, Benayoun and Voronin all making the Anfield debuts. Babel scores his first Premiership goal and Voronin nets his first at home.

Liverpool keeper wants championship

By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 13th November 2007

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina insists the club's main target this season is to win the Premier League.

The Reds have tasted UEFA Champions League and FA Cup glory under Rafa Benitez - but the league title has eluded them during the Spaniard's reign at Anfield.

Liverpool have not won the title since 1990 and the Spanish shot-stopper feels it is time they claimed the big prize.

Target

"For us our target is to be in the top four first and then to win a trophy, as many as we can but obviously after 18 years our big target is the Premiership," Reina told Sky Sports News.

"But knowing big sides are involved like Arsenal, Man U and Chelsea - mainly it is going to be tough and it will be a long race and this is just the beginning."

Reina feels Liverpool are well placed to make an assault on the title.

Hope

"I respect all the opinions, but we are Liverpool and we are a top side and we must show it on the pitch," he continued.

"We have to go little by little and step by step but I don't want to talk too soon as we are still at the start of the season almost and for us our target is to win something, FA Cup, Premiership, Champions League whatever. We are a winning side and that is our target."

John Arne Riise has reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool by dismissing any rumours of a switch to Aston Villa.

The versatile Norwegian international admitted his form has been below standard this season but made his intentions clear that he is not leaving Anfield.

Riise still has 18 months left on his contract at Anfield and is eager to see out his career with the Merseyside giants.

He told the club's official website: "There was a story about me moving to Aston Villa in January.

"I was away with the national team at the time and Liverpool are quite big in Norway so a lot of people were asking me about it. But it's completely false.

"I have 18 months left on my contract here and have no intention of leaving. Liverpool is the club closest to my heart and it's where I belong.

"If it wasn't for Liverpool I wouldn't be the player I am today and there is no chance that I'm going to ask for a transfer. I want to finish my career here and hopefully I can do that."

The 27-year-old, renowned for the shooting power and accuracy of his favoured left foot, has yet to score this term and knows he needs to improve his form to keep his place in Rafael Benitez's starting line-up.

"I was happy with my performances in pre-season, but when the season started I felt I wasn't reaching my true level," added Riise.

"I've noticed the fans haven't been too happy with my form and rightly so.

"I'm my own biggest critic and I know when I haven't performed well. Now I think I'm getting my sharpness back and hopefully returning to my real level."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has urged Australian officials to exercise caution with winger Harry Kewell who has made just three substitute appearances since his lengthy injury lay-off ahead of the Socceroos' friendly with Nigeria in London. Kewell was rested for the 2-0 Premier League win over Fulham at Anfield, but Benitez said he would be discussing Kewell's role against Nigeria with Football Federation Australia. "Maybe it is good that he will go with the national team but I would like to see the player training with a proper program so we need to talk to the Australian federation to see if we can maintain the progression of the player," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

The Good – Jermaine Jenas The Tottenham midfielder was man of the match in the Spurs’ impressive 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic.

He was a constant creative threat throughout the match on Sunday, and showed composure in front of goal by scoring twice. Jenas was really up for it and made his first mark after only 13 minutes.

After excellent build-up play by Robbie Keane, whose footwork confounded the Wigan defence, the Irishman drove in a low cross and Jenas was first to it, finishing well from close range.

On 26 minutes, Berbatov found space for a lovely pass in behind for Jenas, and the English international took the ball in his stride having raced from midfield. He took a touch into the box from the left, drawing out Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland. Jenas then cut sharply to his left and flew by the keeper, before finishing low, just inside the near post. It was a beautiful goal from the 24 year-old, who looked comfortable on the ball from the kick-off.

He should have had a first half hat-trick, but he finished into the side netting on one occasion and an effort that beat Kirkland was ruled out for offside. However, Jenas was involved in Tottenham’s fourth goal, 18 minutes from time.

He drove toward the box again, forcing the defence to retreat. Then, he spotted a diagonal run by Darren Bent, and he slotted the ball through. Bent took a touch into space before scoring under Kirkland, who had come out to cut off the angle. A comprehensive and entertaining win by Tottenham, whose free flowing and attack-minded football was achieved in no small part by Jenas’ contribution.

The Bad – Eddie Lewis The Derby County midfielder scored a freak own goal on Saturday, and his blunder epitomized a forgettable 5-0 defeat at home to West Ham.

The visiting side had their way with The Rams, but none of the goals embodied their shortcomings as much as the third, as the thirty-three year-old put the ball into his own net amateurishly.

As the corner came in from Solano, Moore got up to head it but only so far as Lucas Neill, who headed it back into the middle. The ball fell kindly to Jonathan Spector, whose low shot was initially blocked by Lewis, standing on the line at the near post.

But the ball somehow squirmed through the legs of the American, and he was helpless to keep the ball from slowly rolling over the line. A terrible moment for the veteran, but even worse for Derby, who are looking, on this evidence, to be hopeless at avoiding relegation.

The Ugly – Peter Crouch

The Liverpool forward was rewarded with a penalty kick for a ludicrous dive on Saturday, and the resulting penalty secured all three points for the home side in their 2-0 victory against Fulham at Anfield.

After Fernando Torres scored a beautiful goal in the 80th minute, Liverpool looked like scoring a second. Six minutes from time Ryan Babel played a through ball in for Peter Crouch, and while running onto it he went down, falling on the ball.

Referee Steve Tanner pointed to the spot, but upon a second viewing it is evident that the lanky English striker tripped over himself, his right leg clattering into the back of his left. Crouch will not want to watch that incident again, but the poor decision led to an assured league win for Liverpool, the first one in three weeks. And whether Crouch dived intentionally or simply tripped, the referee’s mistake turned an embarrassing situation for the 26 year-old into one that the Liverpool faithful won’t be complaining too much about.

Liverpool (0) 2 Fulham (0) 0

Until Fernando Torres unzipped his winter substitutes' jacket with 20 minutes remaining, Liverpool's home record this season appeared destined to read P 6 W 1 D 5, with Fulham's organisation and discipline set to be rewarded with a deserved point.

Scott Carson is set to complete a permanent switch to Aston Villa from Liverpool after a successful loan spell at Villa Park.

Midfielder 'more relaxed' when he's in starting line-up

By Laura Slatcher Last updated: 11th November 2007

Javier Mascherano has urged Liverpool to make a decision on his future at the club within the next month.

The 23-year-old's loan is set to end next summer and he is keen to secure a permanent move to Merseyside.

Liverpool would have to pay around £17million for the Argentine midfielder who had a brief spell at West Ham last season.

Mascherano insists he would not stay in England if Liverpool failed to offer him a permanent deal.

"I want to stay with Liverpool and I have told everyone in the club I want to stay, but what the club wants to do is not my decision to make," he told the Sunday Mirror.

"I'd like Liverpool to tell me what their plans are in the next month because obviously I want to know what will be happening to me as soon as possible.

"I am calm and relaxed about it. From my point of view it is simple - I want to play for Liverpool, I want to sign a permanent deal. I have told Rafa Benitez this and he has told me he wants to keep me. Now the club must talk to my owners about a fee or tell me that they don't want me."

Mascherano is keen to stay at Anfield where he is building a midfield partnership with captain Steven Gerrard.

Barcelona are among the teams watching the situation closely and Mascherano says he will not consider playing for another English club.

He said: "I have had enough of travelling the world from club to club. I want roots, and I want them here in Liverpool. I don't want to move again next summer but if I do not sign for Liverpool then I will not play for another club in England. Not Manchester United, not Chelsea or Arsenal.

"The club created an opportunity for me which I am grateful for so no other English club will come into my thoughts.

"By staying here I will become a better player and that way I can help Liverpool to be more successful."

Yossi Benayoun has admitted his 'devastation' at missing Israel's Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia through injury.

The Liverpool midfielder tore his abductor muscle in Saturday's Premier League victory over Fulham at Anfield.

If Russia defeat Israel in Tel Aviv on Saturday, England's hopes of reaching the finals of Euro 2008 would effectively be over.

And Benayoun, who captains the Israelis, has revealed his disappointment at missing out on the crunch tie.

"It's a slight tear and I have cancelled my flight back home," he said.

"I am devastated to miss the game and yes, I know how important our match is to all of England.

"I know how much they want us to win and I was hoping to do that, but now it's out of my hands."

Reds manager Rafael Benitez also confirmed that Benayoun, who scored a hat-trick in the Merseysiders' 8-0 UEFA Champions League rout of Besiktas last week, is definitely ruled out for Israel.

"It is clear he is injured and he cannot play," Benitez concluded in The Mirror.

Riise on a high after record-breaking Champions League win

By Eivind Haugen Last updated: 8th November 2007

Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise has revealed how the Kop played its part in the famous 8-0 victory over Besiktas in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

The Norwegian said the Anfield crowd spurred the players on to continue scoring when victory was already in the bag.

The record-breaking performance now sets the Reds up nicely as they seek to win their remaining two group games to squeeze through into the knockout stages of the competition.

Speaking of the game, Riise told NTB: "I'm very happy with my own effort.

Energy

"I was tired after a lot of running but the audience gave me a lot of extra energy.

"When they were singing we want 10 when we were leading 5-0, it gave us a lot of energy and we really went for 10."

Liverpool have struggled in the competition so far but Riise thinks this week's momentous victory could be a turning point.

The game saw Yossi Benayoun net a hat-trick, as well as braces from Peter Crouch and Ryan Babel, while skipper Steven Gerrard also got his name on the scoresheet.

"Finally we scored on our chances," reflected Riise.

Fun

"It's fun for Yossi to score a hat-trick."

It was an evening of double celebration for Riise as Norwegian team Rosenborg beat Valencia 2-0, with both goals from Steffen Iversen, to give themselves a great chance of qualifying out of Group B.

Riise added: "I will send my congratulations to Steffan Iversen and the boys.

"It's a huge achievement and very important for Norwegian football."

Benitez will keep everyone guessing as to whether an 8-0 victory is enough to guarantee the same players a starting place again at the weekend.

The media have been clamouring all over our boss wondering whether after a 4 day lay off - the reds will have impressed him enough that he will stick with his starting XI from the Besiktas game as the reds clash with Fulham on Saturday night at Anfield.

The one man who many would have expected could face the drop would have been Andriy Voronin (how dare he not score a goal on Tuesday ;)) but Benitez had plenty of praise for the Ukrainian:

“I have been surprised because everybody has asked about Benayoun or Babel or Crouch, and I think one of the best players on the pitch was Voronin.

“He did not score but he was amazing, passing the ball and controlling the movements.

“So I prefer not to talk about just one, I think we should talk about all of them because they were all magnificent.”

But in equal measure - if you have a fully fit Fernando Torres then dare you leave him out? Benitez had this to say on the £20 million man:

“Hopefully he’ll be available. He was okay yesterday and if we don’t have any problems he’ll be fit.

“I think they can all play together, Torres and Crouch or Kuyt and Voronin, as you want.”

As much as the media prodded Benitez refused to give away his plans:

“Maybe I will say ‘yes I want to keep my team’ and then I will have problems in training, so it is better to wait and see what happens before Saturday.”

Nov 8 2007

by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

FABIO AURELIO today called on Liverpool to forget about Besiktas and to focus on this weekend’s clash with Fulham. Though delighted with the way Liverpool demolished the Turkish outfit on Tuesday night, Aurelio says now is not the time to dwell on that game and the Reds must instead concentrate all their efforts on climbing the Premier League table. He said: “Yes, we did play very well against Besiktas and we can take a lot of confidence from that. “But in football the most important game is the next one and for us that means Fulham on Saturday so we must now concentrate on that.

Last Updated: Thursday, 8 November 2007, 16:10 GMT

Liverpool v Fulham

Anfield Saturday, 10 November Kick-off: 1715 GMT BBC coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day. Team news to follow later. BIG-MATCH FACTS Liverpool run out for Rafael Benitez' 200th game in charge, four days after thrashing Besiktas 8-0 - the biggest win in Champions League history. The Merseysiders put their unbeaten Premier League record on the line, against a Fulham side yet to win away, but one who also enjoyed their biggest win of the season last time out (3-1, home to Reading). This is a match between the draw specialists of the Premier League; six of Liverpool's 11 league games have finished all square, and 50% of Fulham's have also ended level (six of 12). The Cottagers were the last club to beat Liverpool in the Premier League. Fulham are chasing back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time in 46 outings; however defeat would take the Londoners' total of losses in this league to 100. The Craven Cottage club have never won in any competition at Anfield. CLUB FORM LIVERPOOL Club stats Fixtures Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 4th Lowest could fall: 7th 1. One of two remaining unbeaten clubs in the Premier League, with Arsenal, and one of six still to be beaten at home in the highest league. 2. Undefeated in 12 league games; won five and drawn seven since losing 1-0, away to Fulham on 5 May. 3. Their Premier League games this season have produced the joint lowest aggregate, with West Ham of 23 goals; 17 for, six against. That's 2.06 goals per game. 4. One of only two teams to have conceded six Premier League goals, at one every 165 minutes (two hours 45 minutes). Manchester United are the other club to have shipped just six, at one every 180 minutes (three hours) on average. 5. An opposition player is still to open the scoring in a Liverpool Premier League match this season, although an own goal from Sami Hyypia did give Everton the lead in the Merseyside derby on 20 October. 6. Not conceded a Premier League goal earlier than the 38th minute, and only shipped two in the first half; fewer than any other club. 7. Recorded three goalless draws in the Premier League this season; more than any other club. 8. Five of Liverpool's 10 league defeats last season followed midweek Champions League ties. 9. Drawn their last four league games against London clubs. 10. Of their five league wins this season, only one has been at Anfield. Drawn four of their five home Premier League matches; more than any other club, and unbeaten in nine league outings at Anfield. Won four and drawn five since the 0-1 reverse to Manchester United on 3 March; their only defeat in 40 home league games since October 2005. FULHAM Club stats Fixtures Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 11th Lowest could realistically fall: 14th 1. Not achieved successive league victories since beating Sheffield United (h) and Newcastle (a) on 26 August and 9 September 2006. 2. Averaging a point a game so far this season (12 in 12). 3. The 3-1 victory over Reading last Saturday ended a nine-match winless league sequence. 4. Picked up only two Premier League wins so far; home to Bolton and Reading. 5. Lost the lead seven times in league matches this season and beaten in an unequalled three games in which they held the lead. Dropped 15 Premier League points from winning positions, but this is now not the worst record this season; Spurs have failed to hang on to 16 points from matches in which they were winning. 6. Used more players in Premier League competition this season than any other club; fielded 26. 7. Been shown three red cards in Premier League matches this season; more than any other club. 8. Lost 12 of the last 15 Premier League journeys to the north-west, but gained two points from the last three trips. Their only maximum in the 15 league trips to the region was 1-2 v Manchester City on 29 April 2006. 9. One of eight clubs still searching for a first away win in the Premier League. 10. On the longest current streak of 22 matches without an away victory in the Premier League, picking up 11 points from a possible 66 since the 1-2 defeat of Newcastle at St James' Park on 9 September last year. Drawn the last three on the road; 1-1 at Wigan, 0-0 at Chelsea and 1-1 at Sunderland. KEY PLAYER NOTES LIVERPOOL Fernando TORRES is Liverpool's top scorer with seven goals, and top Premier League marksman, with four. Goalkeeper Jose REINA is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season. Benitez has not named an unchanged starting 11 since 31 October last year (v Bordeaux), and has only done so once in the last 159 matches. If selected:- Mohamed SISSOKO will be making his 50th Premier League appearance in Liverpool colours. Steve FINNAN will be facing a former club. The 31 year old Republic of Ireland international made 207 appearances (172 in the league) and scored seven goals (six league) between November 1998 and his £3.5m move to Liverpool in July 2003. If on the field from the outset:- Dirk KUYT will be making his 50th start in a Liverpool shirt. FULHAM Clint DEMPSEY and David HEALY are Fulham's joint top scorers with four goals each; only DEMPSEY'S are all Premier League goals. Fulham boast five players to have figured in at least a part of every one of their Premier League games this season; that's more than any other club (Simon DAVIES, Steven DAVIS, DEMPSEY, HEALY and Diomansy KAMARA). If selected:- Shefki KUQI will be playing on his 31st birthday. Danny MURPHY will be facing a former club. The 30 year old loanee made 249 appearances (170 in the league) and scored 44 goals (25 league) for Liverpool between July 1997 and his move to Charlton in August 2004. Suspended:- Paul KONCHESKY (one match) Elliot OMOZUMI (one match) HEAD TO HEAD Liverpool have not been short of goals in winning the last three home Premier League fixtures with Fulham, netting three, five and four goals respectively. Ten different scorers netted 11 of those 12 goals, and one was an own goal. The Cottagers lost 10-0 at Anfield in the League Cup 21 years ago. Home and away League (inc PL): Liverpool 22 wins, Fulham 7, Draws 11 Prem: Liverpool 7 wins, Fulham 3, Draws 2 at Liverpool only League (inc PL): Liverpool 15 wins, Fulham 0, Draws 5 Prem: Liverpool 4 wins, Fulham 0, Draws 2 LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME Liverpool 4-0 Fulham 9 December 2006 - Ref: Uriah Rennie Liverpool scorers: Gerrard 54, Carragher 61, Luis Garcia 66, Gonzalez 90 REFEREE Steve Tanner (Somerset)

Labels: liverpool vs fulham

Peter Crouch has warned that Liverpool's crushing 8-0 victory over Besiktas could prove meaningless if Rafael Benitez's team fail to collect maximum points from their two remaining Champions League Group A fixtures.

Striker hopes Israeli star can assist England

By James Dall Last updated: 8th November 2007

Reds in confident mood

By Carla Hilton Last updated: 7th November 2007

Benitez says the win could be just the tonic the Reds needed

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes his side's 8-0 home thrashing of Besiktas will put fear into their next Champions League opponents Porto.

The Reds now need to beat Porto at Anfield and win in Marseille in their final two group games to secure their progress to the knockout stages.

"The next one is against Porto and at least we will have confidence and the supporters will believe," said Benitez.

"Porto need to come here to Anfield and they will be worried for sure."

He added: "The rest of Europe will also be aware of what we have done.

"But in the end we still have to win those last two games, regardless of how many goals we scored this time."

606: DEBATE What did you make of Liverpool's strikers?

Yossi Benayoun notched a hat-trick, Peter Crouch and Ryan Babel each scored twice, while Steven Gerrard also grabbed a goal as Liverpool's victory saw them bag a record Champions League win.

"We have been creating a lot of chances in previous games, but not scoring them," said Benitez.

"Today we scored early and the game opened up. Besiktas also had to win to keep their chances of qualifying going so they had to come out and try to attack and that gave our forwards space to use.

"It made our movement easier, the space was there and our strikers were on very good form.

"But we still must win the next two and then wait to see if it is enough."

The win was also Liverpool's biggest in Europe for 27 years and leaves them on four points, with Group A leaders Porto on eight points and Marseille in second on seven points.

The result was very upsetting for us and I would like to say sorry to all our fans Besiktas coach Ertugrul Saglam

"When you create chances, score hat-tricks and play that well, it gives all the front players - Yossi, Ryan and Peter, plenty of confidence that they can attack and be successful," said Benitez.

"If you score then you have confidence, that is the difference from the way we have played recently.

"But this was an all-round performance by the whole team. (Andriy) Voronin did not score but he was hugely influential in what went on, his play was unselfish and effective.

"He did a tremendous job, and the defence kept a clean sheet so there was very little for me to complain about, just a few minor things."

Besiktas coach Ertugrul Saglam, who did not answer questions at the post-match news conference, was shell-shocked and apologised to the club's fans.

"It was a very bad night for our team, and fans," he said. "The result was very upsetting for us and I would like to say sorry to all our fans.

"It is very difficult to accept this result, but life does go on and we have to work much harder now to improve in the future. I can promise our fans we will do that."

Folllowing tonight’s all time UEFA Champions League record result the reds manager has been amongst those discussing the fabulous performance and scoreline:

Benitez:

“The next one is against Porto and at least we will have confidence and the supporters will believe.”

“Porto need to come here to Anfield and they will be worried for sure.”

“The rest of Europe will also be aware of what we have done.

“But in the end we still have to win those last two games, regardless of how many goals we scored this time.”

“We have been creating a lot of chances in previous games, but not scoring them.”

“Today we scored early and the game opened up. Besiktas also had to win to keep their chances of qualifying going so they had to come out and try to attack and that gave our forwards space to use.

“It made our movement easier, the space was there and our strikers were on very good form.

“But we still must win the next two and then wait to see if it is enough.”

“When you create chances, score hat-tricks and play that well, it gives all the front players - Yossi, Ryan and Peter, plenty of confidence that they can attack and be successful,” said Benitez.

“If you score then you have confidence, that is the difference from the way we have played recently.

“But this was an all-round performance by the whole team. (Andriy) Voronin did not score but he was hugely influential in what went on, his play was unselfish and effective.

“He did a tremendous job, and the defence kept a clean sheet so there was very little for me to complain about, just a few minor things.”

The Besiktas coach, Ertugrul Saglam, was apologetic to the Turkish fans:

“It was a very bad night for our team, and fans.”

“The result was very upsetting for us and I would like to say sorry to all our fans.

“It is very difficult to accept this result, but life does go on and we have to work much harder now to improve in the future. I can promise our fans we will do that.”

Liverpool last night dramatically salvaged a faltering Champions League campaign by crushing Besiktas 8-0 to record the biggest victory in the 15-year history of the competition. The seven-goal record Arsenal equalled against Slavia Prague lasted precisely a fortnight.

Peter Crouch disappeared under a pile of bodies, perhaps consumed by mixed emotions. Having put Liverpool ahead in last night's must-win Champions League tussle with Besiktas and, having capped a sensational team effort with the eighth goal, his obvious delight might not only have been tinged with a sense of relief, having played so little football over the last few months, but also with a hint of sadness.

Rafael Benitez has explained the thinking behind his team selection for Saturday's goalless draw at Blackburn.

The point at Ewood Park extended the Reds' unbeaten record in the league this season to eleven games, although the manager was left frustrated that his side didn't take any of their late chances to claim maximum points. Benitez opted to start with just one recognised striker on the field in Dirk Kuyt, but he believes the work of his team enabled substitutes Peter Crouch and Harry Kewell to make an impact when they joined the action late in the game. "Sometimes when players play 20 minutes or half an hour, they are more important for the team," said Benitez. "At the end we were more dangerous for three reasons. They were more tired, Harry is a player who can beat players in a wide area and also because we had Crouch. "So they are the three reasons why we had more options to attack. We were playing with the same idea, just with different players and different qualities. "Harry was beating players, but Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun tend to go inside. With those, you don't need a target man who can play in the air. "But with a winger like Harry or players like Gerrard and Finnan, who can cross, you need a player who is good in the air. "Today, Harry couldn’t play from the beginning, but when he came on his impact was very important for us and Crouch was the same. "Maybe from the beginning would have been different because they were working hard between the lines and in the middle. We knew they were really dangerous in the middle, but when they were tired, we had more chances. "Crouch is a target man, so we could play more long balls for him and win the second balls. In the first half, we had to do it with ability on the ground, so it's different. "You could talk about any player who didn't play, Voronin or Lucas, the same with Arbeloa and Aurelio. People will talk and talk, but creating five chances is enough to win this game."

RAFAEL BENITEZ last night attempted to take the pressure off his team ahead of their vital Champions League clash against Besikstas by insisting an early exit from the competition would not be the “end of the world.”

A disappointing start to the group stages has left the 2005 winners looking for three straight wins to ensure progress.

The Liverpool manager has acknowledged his side have made costly mistakes in their first three Group A matches which have left them playing catch up in the race to make the last 16.

“Am I surprised that we are in this situation? No. In this competition if you make one mistake you can be in trouble,” said Benitez. “Because of our past achievements, if we go out now people would say it is the end of something.

“But if we lose it is not the end of the world, and if we do the right things against Besiktas and win then we have the confidence to go forward and win again. If we cannot win these three games and finish in the UEFA Cup, then we must accept that.

Holders Chelsea will meet Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup next month. Last season's beaten finalists Arsenal travel to Blackburn Rovers, while Manchester City play Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham host Everton in the other games. Chelsea have won the Carling Cup twice in the last three seasons, beating Liverpool 3-2 in 2005 and Arsenal last season. The two sides have met regularly in both European and domestic matches recently and their last clash ended in a 1-1 draw at Liverpool in August. Manchester City, who have made a good start to the season under former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, last won a major title when they lifted the League Cup in 1976. They will fancy their chances of progressing against a Spurs side who have just one win from their opening 12 league games. All ties will be played in the week commencing December 17 with the exception of West Ham against Everton which will take place in the week of December 10. The final is at Wembley Stadium on February 24 after being staged in Cardiff for seven seasons while Wembley was being rebuilt. Carling Cup quarter-final draw: West Ham v Everton Manchester City v Tottenham Chelsea v Liverpool Blackburn v Arsenal

Dunn hit the woodwork for Rovers in the first half

Blackburn and Liverpool shared the points in a tightly-contested match.

Rovers should have been in front by the interval after twice hitting the woodwork through David Bentley's effort and David Dunn's wonderful shot.

The game was more even in the second half, and both Christopher Samba and Dirk Kuyt could have done better for the visitors in promising positions.

Late on Brad Friedel twice saved Steven Gerrard shots, Peter Crouch went close with a header and Kuyt missed badly.

Liverpool deployed Kuyt as a lone striker, though Gerrard tried to get forward in support as often as possible.

But with Ryan Nelsen and Samba getting the better of the Dutchman, who has failed to score a league goal in open play this season, Liverpool struggled once the ball reached the Blackburn area.

Liverpool's wide players, Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel, also found the going tough - as did Blackburn's wingers Morten Gamst Pedersen and Bentley.

And with the play congested in midfield, both sides laboured to create scoring opportunities.

Finally after 34 minutes Blackburn did just that - and came desperately close to scoring - as Pedersen and Bentley came infield to link up well.

Bentley collected Pedersen's flicked header and his low shot grazed the foot of Jose Reina's post.

Four minutes later the game was treated to its first meaningful save when Friedel threw himself to his left to push away Babel's powerful shot.

Just before half-time Dunn was desperately unlucky not to score when his superbly executed shot crashed off the bar.

Dunn limped off at the end of first period and although he re-emerged for the second half he was soon to be replaced by Tugay.

The game was more open up after the interval and Samba might have done better when John Arne Riise failed to clear, but the Blackburn defender delayed his shot.

Just past the hour Kuyt failed to pick the right pass with Gerrard in wonderfully promising position.

Gerrard then drew two fine saves from Friedel, while substitute Crouch had a header cleared off the line by Bentley.

In the closing minutes Kuyt missed a glorious chance after good work by Harry Kewell and the Dutchman then went close with an angled shot.

---

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes: "It was a very good game. There were a number of chances for both teams. There were clear cut chances that on another day would have gone in.

"It was an evenly-matched game. But the last ten minutes were difficult for us.

"Liverpool had a number of chances and our keeper Brad Friedel did well for us when we were tired."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez: "I am disappointed. We deserved to win. We created very, very clear chances - and plenty of them.

"When the game became more open we had more control and went forward. We had more offensive players.

"We must think about the positives, we had a lot of possession and a lot of chances. In the second half, their goalkeeper was their best player."

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Blackburn: Friedel, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Bentley, Dunn (Kerimoglu 56), Pedersen, Santa Cruz, McCarthy (Derbyshire 89). Subs Not Used: Brown, Khizanishvili, Treacy.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Benayoun (Crouch 72), Sissoko, Mascherano, Babel (Kewell 63), Gerrard, Kuyt. Subs Not Used: Martin, Arbeloa, Lucas.

Booked: Carragher.

Att: 30,033

Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).

Labels: blackburn vs liverpool

Liverpool keeper keen to extend Midlands stay

Last updated: 4th November 2007

Scott Carson has revealed his desire to join Aston Villa on a permanent basis once his loan spell expires at the end of the season.

The England hopeful moved to the Midlands in a loan switch after Rafa Benitez made it clear Jose Reina was his No.1 at Anfield.

Carson has repeatedly repaid the faith Martin O'Neill has shown in him, with a series of inspired displays prompting calls for an international call-up.

There is a deal in place to make the move permanent and it is an avenue Carson is keen to explore come the season's conclusion.

Progress

Carson said: "I think something has been agreed whereby, if everyone is happy, it could be made a permanent transfer.

"That's obviously up to the boss but it's something I would welcome. I want to establish myself as a number one and preferably I would like to do it here.

"I've been out on loan a lot over the past couple of seasons and it's not easy when you keep moving up and down the country. It would be nice to settle at a club that I like and where the fans like me.

"I've settled in well here at Villa. Everyone has welcomed me and that has been a big help. What I want now is to be settled for the next five to 10 years. I want to play as many games as possible."

Boss in Crouch hint, Kuyt backed to come good

Last updated: 5th November 2007

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has warned Peter Crouch he might have to get used to playing a bit-part role this season.

Crouch was again restricted to a late substitute appearance during Saturday's goalless draw with Blackburn, despite the absence of Fernando Torres through injury.

The 26-year-old impressed during his cameo appearance at Ewood Park and came closest to breaking the deadlock when he saw his header nodded off the line by David Bentley.

The England international has only started one league game this term and Benitez has hinted that Crouch could be better used as a substitute.

Role

"Is Crouch better as an impact player? He could be. Some players are like that," noted Benitez.

"Against Blackburn, Harry couldn't play from the beginning. Yet when he came on, his impact was very important for us. And Crouch was the same.

"Sometimes when players play 20 minutes or half an hour, they are more important for the team.

"Has Crouch been poor when he has started? I cannot say that. Maybe if he had played from the beginning, it would have been different.

"We knew Blackburn were really dangerous in the middle. But when they were tired, we had more chances."

Rafa defends Kuyt's work ethic November 04 2007

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has defended Dirk Kuyt, insisting the striker cannot be criticised because "his work rate is fantastic".

The Holland international could easily have had a second-half hat-trick in Saturday's goalless draw at Blackburn.

His current lack of energy was summed up two minutes from time when he blazed over from six yards with just former Reds goalkeeper Brad Friedel to beat.

The 27-year-old scored 14 times last season after his transfer from Feyenoord in August 2006, but has struggled this term in front of goal.

And although his work-rate remains among the best in the Premier League, Kuyt's touch appears to have deserted him.

He has only managed to score three goals in 13 matches this campaign with two being penalties against Everton.

However, with record signing Fernando Torres expected to be out for at least another couple of weeks with a torn adductor and Peter Crouch out of favour, Benitez has little option but to persist with Kuyt.

"When you miss chances and you have two or three, it means you are there. If you are not there, you cannot miss the chance," said the Spaniard.

"I will not criticise Kuyt because he plays a lot of games and over 90 minutes his work rate is fantastic.

"He is creating chances. When you have a player who can create three or four chances for himself, normally sometimes he will score so I think I must be pleased and positive with Kuyt.

"We need to profit from the work he is doing up front and it will be easier for him to score if his team-mates can score the first goal."

by Didi Hamann

I'll be at Anfield on Tuesday to see Liverpool against Besiktas in the Champions League and I have to say I don't like the look of my old team's situation at the moment.

ARSENAL-MANCHESTER UNITED Saturday, 12:45 EMIRATES STADIUM Referee: HOWARD WEBB (SOUTH YORKSHIRE) Injured: ARSENAL - Philippe Senderos, Robin Van Persie. MANCHESTER UTD - Ji-Sung Park, Ben Foster, Mikael Silvestre, Wes Brown, Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra, Louis Saha, Paul Scholes. *Arsenal have won all six games at home this term, but United have won their last eight League games. *Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, the managers, are famous rivals who lock horns this time with Arsenal top and United second, separated only because the Gunners have scored three more goals. *Fergie's United have met Wenger's Arsenal on 33 previous occasions. Atsenal have won 13, United 11 and here have been nine draws, including a goalless FA Cup final which was decided by a penalty shoot-out in Arsenal's favour. *Arsenal did the double over United last season, as they had done in 2001-02 and 1997-98. *United doubled Arsenal in 2004-05 and 1996-97. *Tommy Docherty played for Arsenal and managed United; Dave Sexton coached Arsenal and managed United. *David Herd, Ian Ure, George Graham, Jimmy Rimmer, Brian Kidd, Frank Stapleton, Viv Anderson and Andy Cole played for both clubs. *Cristiano Ronaldo is he Premier Leaue player with he most shots on target (29), Cesc Fabregas he one with the most assists (6). *United are the team with he most shots on target (102) and off target (87). The share with Spurs the most corners (88), and Arsenal share with Tottenham the most woodwork strikes (6).

ASTON VILLA-DERBY COUNTY Saturday, 15.00 VILLA PARK Referee: MARK HALSEY (LANCASHIRE) Injured: ASTON VILLA - John Carew. DERBY - Dean Leacock. *Bottom club Derby are still looking for their first away win since returning to the top-flight. *Tommy Docherty and Jogn Gregory managed both clubs; Bruce Rioch and Tommy Johnson played for both. *Villa have won four of their six games at home this season - losing only to Manchester United and Liverpool. *Villa have not lost to the Rams at Villa Park since November 1988. *Derby could move off the bottom and even out of the relegation zone with a win. But in order to record a victory they will need to score a goal - something they have not yet managed away from Pride Park this season. And the Rams remain the only team in England not to have a single goal to their name on the road. They have lost five of their six away games and earned just one point on the road.

EVERTON v BIRMINGHAM CITY Saturday, 15.00 GOODISON PARK Referee: MIKE RILEY (WEST YORKSHIRE) Injured: EVERTON - Leighton Baines, Mikel Arteta, Iain Turner, Andrew Johnson. BIRMINGHAM - Damien Johnson, Borja Oubina, Mikael Forssell, Johann Djourou. *Birmingham have only collected one point from their last 4 away games – but that was secured across Stanley Park from this ground, at Anfield. *Howard Kendall played for both clubs, and managed Everton - three times. *Bob Latchford moved from Birmingham to Everton for a club record fee in the 1970s. *Colin Todd and Archie Styles also played for both clubs. *Birmingham are seeking their first win at Goodison Park in 50 years - their last victory there being achieved in the 1956/57 season. *Birmingham have lost three of their last four away games. FULHAM-READING Saturday, 15.00 CRAVEN COTTAGE Referee: MARK CLATTENBURG (TYNE & WEAR) Injured: FULHAM - Jimmy Bullard, Lee Cook, Philippe Christanval, Brian McBride, Simon Elliott, Ian Pearce, Moritz Voltz, Kasey Keller. READING - Glen Little, Kalifa Cisse, John Oster. Suspended: Paul Konchesky, Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham) *Seol Ki-Hyeon joined Fulham from Reading earlier in the season. *Marcus Hahnemann joined the Royals from Fulham in 2002. *Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez played more than 250 game for Reading befire joining Wimbledon.

MIDDLESBROUGH-TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR Saturday, 15.00 RIVERSIDE STADIUM Referee: MIKE DEAN (WIRRAL) Injured: MIDDLESBROUGH - Matthew Bates, Robert Huth, Emanuel Pogatetz, Julio Arca, Brad Jones, Mido. TOTTENHAM - Ricardo Rocha, Ledley King, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Gareth Bale, Anthony Gardner. *Juande Ramos's first League game since taking charge of Spurs. *A win will allow the visitors to leap-frog Boro and climb out of the bottom three. *Mido joined Boro from Spurs. Cytil Knowles joined Spurs from Boro back in the 1960s. *Terry Venables played for and managed Tottenham, and was assistant manager at Middlesbrough. *Middlesbrough have lost their last four league games and are currently just outside the relegation zone with eight points.

NEWCASTLE UNITED-PORTSMOUTH Saturday, 15.00 ST JAMES' PARK Referee: CHRIS FOY (MERSEYSIDE) Injured: NEWCASTLE - Damien Duff, Steve Carr, Mark Viduka, Peter Ramage. PORTSMOUTH - Linvoy Primus, Sulley Muntari, Hermann Hreidarsson. Suspended: Richard Hughes (Portsmouth) *Portsmouth's Sylvain Distin played for Newcastle in 2001-02. *Lomana Lua-Lua joined Pompey from Newcastle. Andy Cole also played for both clubs. *Jim Smith managed both clubs. *The Magpies have won four of their five home games this season, and drawn the other one (against Aston Villa). WIGAN ATHLETIC-CHELSEA Saturday, 15.00 JJB STADIUM Referee: STEVE BENNETT (KENT) Injured: WIGAN - Emile Heskey, Rachid Bouaouzan, Heidar Helgusson. CHELSEA - John Terry, Michael Ballack, Ashley Cole, Paulo Ferreira. *Wigan boss Chris Hutchings is a former Chelsea player. His right-back Mario Melchiot also wore the royal blue of Chelsea. *The Latics have lost their last 5 League games. *Ken Bates left Wigan to take over as owner-chairman of Chelsea.

BLACKBURN ROVERS-LIVERPOOL Saturday, 17:15 EWOOD PARK Referee: MARTIN ATKINSON (WEST YORKSHIRE) Injured: BLACKBURN - Steven Reid, Andy Todd, Robbie Savage, Jason Roberts, David Bentley, Aaron Mokoena. LIVERPOOL - Mohamed Sissoko, Daniel Agger, Jermaine Pennant, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso. *5th placed Blackburn play the club immediately below them. *Rovers keeper Brad Friedel used to play for Liverpool. *Kenny Dalglish played for Liverpool a nd managed both Liverpool and Blackburn to League titles - Liverpool the old Football League Championship (1986, 1988, 1990), Rovers the Premier League crown in 1995. *Graeme Souness also played for Liverpool and managed both Liverpool and Rovers. *Stephen Warnock, Stephane Henchoz, Jason McAteer, David Thompson, Markus Babbel

WEST HAM UNITED-BOLTON WANDERERS Sunday, 16.00 BOLEYN GROUND, UPTON PARK Referee: PETER WALTON (NORTHAMPTONSHIRE) Injured: WEST HAM - Julien Faubert, Calum Davenport, Kieron Dyer, Bobby Zamora, Freddie Ljungberg, Scott Parker, Dean Ashton, James Collins, Hayden Mullins, Anton Ferdinand, Mark Noble, Craig Bellamy. BOLTON - Joey O'Brien, Andy O'Brien, Christian Wilhelmsson, Blerim Dzemaili, Ricardo Vaz Te, Heidar Helgusson. *Gary Megson is still looking for his first win as Bolton's boss. *If the Trotters do collect their first away win of the season it could be enough to lift them out of the bottom three. *These two teams contested the first ever Wembley FA Cup final, in 1923 - the famous 'White Horse Final.'

MANCHESTER CITY-SUNDERLAND Monday, 20.00 CITY OF MANCHESTER STADIUM Referee: ALAN WILEY (STAFFORDSHIRE) MANCHESTER CITY - Micah Ricards, Valeri Bojinov, Daniel Sturridge, Emile Mpenza, Martin Petrov. SUNDERLAND - Carlos Edwards, Dean Whitehead, Kieran Richardson, Stanislav Varga, Russell Anderson, Andrew Cole, Dwight Yorke. Suspended: Paul McShane, Greg Halford (Sunderland). *City have won all their home games this season. The Black Cats have yet to win away. *Dennis Tueart, Dave Watson and Mick Horswill from Sunderland's famous 1973 FA Cup winning side all went on to play for Manchester City. *Peter Reid managed both clubs. *Sunderland chairman and co-owner Niall Quinn played for both clubs.Suspended: Paul Konchesky, Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham)