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RAFA: WE WANT TO QUALIFY TONIGHT
James Carroll 26 November 2008
Rafa Benitez took ten minutes out of his pre-Marseille preparations to talk to radio journalists about the game and the fitness of Steven Gerrard.
Journalist: It’s another big European night. For you personally, it’s a bit of a milestone as you’ll take charge of Liverpool in Europe for the 66th time, which is more than any other Liverpool manager…
Rafa Benitez: I am proud to be in this position and I hope to be here
for another 66 matches. I think it is a good achievement for any
manager, especially at a top club like Liverpool because that means
that the team is doing well in Europe and that is positive for the
club.
Journalist: So you are aware of the whole history of European football because a lot of managers would say ‘I am only concentrating on the match’ and ‘I don’t care about statistics’ but you obviously are proud…
I am proud but I am more focussed on Marseille. I was not aware of the record until someone told me recently, but it is good. When I was in Madrid, Liverpool beat Madrid 1-0 in the European Cup Final. The
Madrid goalkeeper was my mate and I knew some of the other players so I am well aware of the history of Liverpool in Europe.
Journalist: How much is the success in Europe having an effect on the league form and the success you’ve had in the Premier League this
season? Is that in turn pushing the players on in all competitions?
When you are a top side you have four competitions to compete in
so it can be difficult to concentrate in all of them but the Champions
League and Premier League are massive. Hopefully we can qualify and then we can concentrate on the Premier League.
Journalist: You have talked about the club’s history and your own
personal achievement. Does the weight of expectation get more difficult every year?
Yeah, we have experience of this. After my first year everybody was talking about winning something and doing well. Because we had won
the Champions League, expectations were too high. Now we are trying
to win the Premier League but in England the other teams are so good
that it is really difficult. I think we have keep working as hard as
we are now in order to win the Premier League and other competitions.
Journalist: There’s almost been a backlash to the Fulham result in the press. Are you surprised at how quickly people forget what a good run you’ve been on?
[Laughs] I can guarantee you that I was not reading the press! I was really disappointed after the Fulham game but the following day I was preparing for this game. In the Premiership, we are at the top of the table and in a fantastic position. If we can beat Marseille then we will qualify for next stage of the Champions League. Clearly the situation is much better for us than it has been in the last three
years. We are doing well in all competitions apart from the Carling
Cup, where we made a mistake which we paid for, but everybody knows
that the priority is the Premier League and the Champions League and
then the FA Cup.
Journalist: What are you expecting from Marseille? Another similar
set-up to Fulham at the weekend?
No, I don’t think so. It will be difficult as they have some good
players who are quick and have ability. They showed last season that
they are good at counter-attacking. They have to win so they must
decide whether to play deep and leave the possession to us or come and
attack, so it will be interesting to see but we have our own plan and
idea.
Journalist: How important is it that you finish the job against
Marseille so you don’t have to worry when you go to Eindhoven?
Last season we only had one point after three games in the Champions League so we knew that we needed to win every game to qualify. Two years ago, we had qualified before we played the last group game so we were able to try out some young players against Galatasaray. Qualifying is the most important thing and I think it is better to finish first in the group, but we were knocked out by Benfica after finishing first while we have beaten Juventus and Inter Milan after finishing second. The main thing is to qualify to allow us to concentrate on the Premier League.
Journalist: How is Steven Gerrard?
He is okay. He was training this morning so I think that he will be fit for Marseille. I don’t know if he can play 90 minutes, that depends on his fitness, but he can start if we want to use him.
Journalist: He’s clearly an important player in your team…
Yes we know he is important but I think that every player here is
important. Gerrard and Fernando Torres are players who have scored goals in the last two or three years, almost always in Gerrard’s case, so it is important to keep them fit.
Journalist: And you need them for the big occasions and this is a big occasion…
Yes. They are top class players and they can show the quality that
they have in the big games.
Journalist: Any other injury problems at all?
Degen and Skrtel. The rest of the players are fit.
УЕФА расследует эпизод матча «Ливерпуль» — «Марсель»
УЕФА сегодня изучит все обстоятельства вчерашнего инцидента на Энфилде, когда в капитана Красных Стивена Джеррард запустили с трибун некий предмет, сообщает Telegraph.
Джеррард находился у углового флажка со стороны трибун, занятых болельщиками «Марселя», и собирался исполнить стандарт, когда произошёл инцидент.
В УЕФА вчера официально подтвердили, что это происшествие включено в отчёт португальского рефери Олегарио Бенкверенка, а также делегата от УЕФА Свена Йоханссена.
В Джеррарда, который забил победный гол, позволивший «Ливерпулю» обыграть французский клуб со счётом 1:0, запустили маленький металлический предмет.
Босс «Ливерпуля» Рафа Бенитес похвалил сдержанность, которую проявил Джеррард, и напомнил реакцию игрока «Челси» Дидье Дрогба, который месяц назад в матче Кубка Лиги с «Бёрнли» швырнул монету обратно на трибуны.
Представитель «Ливерпуля» сказал: «Делегат от УЕФА в курсе того, что случилось с Джеррардом, и теперь дело находится в его руках».
Представитель УЕФА на матче заявил: «Обстоятельства инцидента будут включены и в мой отчёт, и в отчёт рефери».
«В УЕФА знают о случившемся, дальнейшие комментарии теперь стоит ждать только от них».
В УЕФА уверены, что это была провокация со стороны болельщиков «Марселя» и заверили, что против «Ливерпуля» никаких мер принимать не будут.
Бенитес добавил: «Джеррард правильно поступил в этом эпизоде. Стивен сдержался и отреагировал адекватно».
TORRES AND AURELIO INJURY VERDICTS
Paul Eaton 27 November 2008
Fernando Torres and Fabio Aurelio both face short spells on the sidelines after picking up injuries against Marseille on Wednesday night.
Both players underwent scans at Melwood earlier today after picking up hamstring and calf strains respectively during the 1-0 Champions League victory.
A club spokesman confirmed: «Fernando has a strain in his right hamstring and will be out of action for between two and three weeks.
«Fabio has a calf strain in his left leg and will be out for two weeks.»
LIVERPOOL 1 — 0 OLYMPIQUE MARSEILLE
Wednesday 26 November 2008 19:45 , Champions League Group Phase
LIVERPOOL 1-0 MARSEILLE: THE VERDICT
Steven Gerrard’s first-half header took Liverpool into the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Marseille on Wednesday. We’ve compiled the best bits from this morning’s post-match reaction.
The local newspaper
A year after taking their European hopes to the wire, the Reds have given themselves a continental comfort zone which will allow Rafa Benitez and his players to rest easy as others endure the kind of late drama which is usually their trademark in this competition. The job has been done with the minimum of fuss — if not maximum level of performance — and Liverpool can now put all European concerns to the back of their minds until the last 16 gets underway in three months.
Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo
The broadsheet newspaper
For a short period, Liverpool looked a real force, a high-class blend of grit and creativity, partnerships all over the pitch. Carragher ushered opponents down cul de sacs as Agger snapped into tackles. Alonso exuded class, his right boot capable of sweeping the ball 50 yards upfield. Alongside Alonso, Mascherano kept nicking the ball off Marseille players.
Henry Winter, The Daily Telegraph
The tabloid newspaper
It was a wonderful goal from Gerrard, straight from the Anfield archives of how to beat foreign opposition into submission. The home side passed the ball carefully until Xabi Alonso surprisingly found himself clear on the right flank to deliver a searching deep cross beyond the far post. The skipper has an eye for goal that few in his position have ever matched, and he will surely go down as one of the best attacking midfielders there has been.
David Maddock, Daily Mirror
The player
It was nervy but it was a job well done. We wanted the three points and a clean sheet and we got it. But then we lost control in the second half and there are a lot of things that need looking at. Marseille deserve credit because they were organised. We knew it would be difficult because they are fighting to stay in the competition. But we stuck together, defended well and hopefully in the next couple of days people will forget the second-half performance and see that we have qualified. Steven Gerrard
The boss
We knew before the game that they have good players and we were not controlling the game or keeping the ball — the game was too open and they had too much space. They were always a threat. It was a difficult game, but we won and that is the main thing.
Rafa Benitez
The supporter
Job done, we’re through — and that’s the most important thing. But I felt we could have gone for the second goal in the second half. If we had won 2-0 then we would have topped the group, and then a draw in Eindhoven could have been enough to qualify as Group champions. Getting the win was the main thing, though.
Sjubi, Lfc.tv message boards
REINA’S WARNING TO REDS RIVALS
Joe Curran 27 November 2008
Pepe Reina today sent out a stark warning to Liverpool’s rivals at home and abroad.
The Reds’ stopper has kept an impressive 12 clean sheets in 23 games this season, but admitted Liverpool were not currently firing on all cylinders after a nervy 1-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League and a frustrating 0-0 draw with Fulham.
And, even though they have made their best start to a Premier League campaign since Rafa Benitez took over the Anfield hotseat in 2004, Reina believes his teammates will prove to be an even more daunting prospect once they hit top form.
«We know that if we don’t concede at home then there are many possibilities to win the game, and that’s what we did against Marseille so we are happy,» said Reina.
«At the moment we are winning without playing brilliantly and are near the top of the league. We are also progressing in the Champions League, so let’s see if we can improve that bit more and keep winning.
«We will have even more chances of winning when we start playing better, so things are very positive and I’m looking forward to reaching our best form.»
Reina also backed Fernando Torres to get back to his peak form for the Reds and said: «It will only be a matter of time for him. Fernando has had a bad injury and he is still recovering.
«I have no doubt he is still the same player, Fernando is absolutely brilliant — he is a top-class player for us and I’m sure he will start scoring again soon.»
With Torres drawing a blank again against Marseille, it was left to captain Steven Gerrard, returning from a groin injury, to score the only goal to secure qualification for the last 16.
However, Reina has warned his team-mates they cannot keep relying on the England midfielder to get them out of trouble.
«Gerrard is an example for everyone in the dressing room and it is important for him to keep scoring,» said the Spain goalkeeper.
«He is always trying to do things properly in training and in games and because of his character you can see how good he is.
«We still have some other good players. We have a bigger squad and whoever plays for Liverpool does really well but when we have Stevie we are much better.
«When he is on the pitch it is more probable because he is a great player, but we are Liverpool and if we depend on only Stevie there is something wrong.
«He is an important player but the other 10 guys are killing themselves to help him.»
Наш игрок месяца (2008/2009, ноябрь): Fallen leaves on the ground…
Непростой месяц…
Месяц, в котором мы терпим первое поражение и вылетаем из первого кубка…
Месяц, в котором мы впервые проигрываем… два раза… и одному и тому же клубу…
Месяц, в котором нам забивает 3 гола один игрок…
Месяц, в котором мы при всех бедах продолжаем делить вершину с синими и получаем путевку в 1/8 ЛЧ…
Кто из красных впечатлил вас больше всего в ноябре?
Попробуйте составить пятерку лучших, по вашему мнению, игроков в ноябрьских матчах команды.
И попытайтесь расставить их по местам с первого по пятое…
Результаты голосований по всем месяцам будут рассчитываться по пятибалльной шкале, без учета количества указанных игроков (если только один, то 5, если трое, то 5, 4 и 3, шестые и далее получат 0.)
С кем играли…
01.11.08 Тоттенхэм – Ливерпуль 2:1
Рейна, Арбелоа, Аггер, Каррагер, Доссена, Алонсо, Маскерано, Джеррард, Риера (Бенаюн 77), Кин (Бабель 66), Кайт.
Гол: Кайт (пас — Кин ) 3.
04.11.08 Ливерпуль – Атлетико 1:1
Рейна, Арбелоа, Каррагер, Аггер, Аурелио, Маскерано (Лейва 77), Алонсо, Кайт, Джеррард, Риера (Бабель 61), Кин (Нгог 71)
Гол: Джеррард (с пенальти за якобы снос самого себя) 90
08.11.08 Ливерпуль – Вест Бромвич Альбион 3:0
Рейна, Арбелоа, Аггер, Каррагер, Аурелио, Бенаюн, Маскерано, Джеррард (Алонсо 80), Риера (Бабель 65), Кин (Торрес 72), Кайт.
Голы: Кин (пас — Джеррард ) 34, Кин (пас — Аурелио ) 43, Арбелоа (пас — Кайт ) 90.
12.11.08 Тоттенхэм — Ливерпуль 4:2
Кавальери, Доссена, Аггер, Хююпия, Деген (Дарби 84), Бабель, Лейва, Плесси (Алонсо 66), Эль-Жар, Нгог, Торрес (Инсуа 56)
Голы: Плесси (пас – Бабель с углового) 49, Хююпия (пас – Бабель с углового) 63.
15.11.08 Болтон — Ливерпуль 0:2
Рейна, Каррагер, Аггер, Хююпия, Аурелио, Алонсо, Маскерано, Джеррард, Риера (Бенаюн 89), Кин (Торрес 59), Кайт (Лейва 84).
Голы: Кайт (пас — Аурелио ) 3, Джеррард (пас — Торрес ) 73.
22.11.08 Ливерпуль — Фулхэм 0:0
Рейна, Арбелоа, Аггер, Каррагер, Аурелио, Маскерано (Алонсо 65), Лейва, Риера (Бабель 78), Кайт (Эль-Жар 82), Кин, Торрес.
Голы: 🙂
26.11.08 Ливерпуль – Олимпик Марсель 1:0
Рейна, Арбелоа, Аггер, Каррагер, Аурелио (Доссена 46), Маскерано, Алонсо, Джеррард, Риера (Бенаюн 63), Кайт (Лейва 85), Торрес.
Гол: Джеррард (пас — Алонсо ) 23.
Проведенное игроками время на поле
(минут, в скобках указано количество проведенных матчей
в стартовом составе и выходов на замену):
Аггер (7) – 630 (от звонка до звонка)
Рейна (6) – 540
Каррагер (6) – 540
Кайт (6) – 521
Маскерано (6) — 502
Арбелоа (5) – 450
Джеррард (5) – 440
Риера (6) – 433
Алонсо (4/3) – 419
Аурелио (5) – 405
Кин (5) – 358
группа игроков, которые провели не менее половины игрового времени команды на поле
Торрес (3/2) – 285
Доссена (2/1) – 225
группа игроков, которые провели не менее трети игрового времени команды на поле
Лейва (2/3) – 204
Бабель (1/3) – 180
Хююпия (2) – 180
Бенаюн (1/3) – 131
Нгог (1/1) – 109
Эль-Жар (1/1) – 98
Кавальери (1) – 90
Деген (1) – 84
Плесси (1) – 66
Инсуа (0/1) – 34
Дарби (0/1) – 6
Команда провела всего 7 матчей в этом месяце, участие в них приняло 24 человека. Из них 11 человек провели на поле не менее половины игрового времени команды.
Средний же состав ноября выглядит таким образом:
class=opp>Рейна
Арбелоа — Каррагер — Аггер — Аурелио
Кайт — Маскерано — Алонсо — Риера
Джеррард
Кин
Заметим, что именно этот состав был на поле первые 61 минуту матча против Атлетико.
По сравнению с октябрем отличий нет!
Впервые на протяжении двух месяцев не меняется средний состав команды.
Даниэль Аггер – единственный игрок, который играл на поле во всех матчах без исключения от звонка до звонка. Кроме него Шаби Алонсо принимал участие во всех матчах, правда, лишь в четырех из них со старта. Чаще всего на замену выходили Алонсо, Бенаюн, Бабель и Лейва (все по 3 раза).
Гол + пас
4 Джеррард 3 + 1 (0,818 за игру)
3 Кин 2 + 1 (0,754)
3 Кайт 2 + 1 (0,518)
2 Бабель 0 + 2 (1,000)
2 Аурелио 0 + 2 (0,444)
1 Плесси 1 + 0 (1,364)
1 Хююпия 1 + 0 (0,500)
1 Арбелоа 1 + 0 (0,167)
1 Торрес 0 + 1 (0,316)
1 Алонсо 0 + 1 (0,215)
Гол + пас за сезон
11 Джеррард 8 + 3 (0,645)
10 Кайт 7 + 3 (0,496)
8 Кин 4 + 4 (0,551)
7 Торрес 5 + 2 (0,546)
5 Бабель 1 + 4 (0,717)
4 Алонсо 1 + 3 (0,219)
2 Аггер 1 + 1 (0,167)
2 Арбелоа 1 + 1 (0,095)
2 Пеннант 0 + 2 (0,729)
2 Аурелио 0 + 2 (0,176)
1 Плесси 1 + 0 (0,309)
1 Хююпия 1 + 0 (0,197)
1 Лейва 1 + 0 (0,150)
1 Риера 1 + 0 (0,082)
1 Эль-Жар 0 + 1 (0,345)
1 Каррагер 0 + 1 (0,049)
Напомним топ-5 октября:
Кайт
Джеррард
Каррагер
Риера
Алонсо
Рафа: «Дадим время новичкам»
Рафа Бенитес сегодня обратился к болельщикам с просьбой поддержать Андреа Доссену, поскольку он только привыкает к английскому стилю игры в футбол.
После летнего перехода из «Удинезе» (итальянская Серия А) в карьере 27-летнего защитника были и взлёты, и падения.
Сейчас же, когда травму получил другой левый защитник Фабио Аурелио, у Доссены появился шанс показать себя.
Бенитес уверен, что игроку сборной Италии ещё предстоит доказать свою состоятельность в английском футболе.
«Для меня важно, что он очень-очень упорно трудится», — сказал наставник официальному сайту клуба.
«На днях в матче против «Марселя», он получил первый за долгое время шанс произвести впечатление. Он хорошо двигался, правда допустил некоторые ошибки в обороне, но также заблокировал и несколько опасных ударов.
«Он очень хорошо работает, но мне кажется, ему нужно немного успокоиться и играть надёжней, потому что в его действиях заметна некоторая нервозность».
В этом сезоне Доссена 13 раз появлялся на поле, это на два раза меньше, чем его конкурент Аурелио.
Однако, в то же самое время его трижды вызывали в сборную Италии, нужны ли ещё доказательства его профессионализма?
Бенитес добавил: «Сложность в том, что в итальянском футболе очень важна тактическая составляющая. Длинные передачи там — редкость, да и физические единоборства не такие жёсткие, как в английском чемпионате».
«Конечно, ему необходимо игровое время, но для меня важно, что он сам желает улучшить свою игру, и я его понимаю».
«Ему нужно понять здешнюю систему и тогда он начнёт прогрессировать. Неизвестно, сколько это займёт времени, но, надеюсь, к каждой следующей игре он будет становить лучше и лучше».
Инцидент с болельщиками «Марселя» получит продолжение
Как сообщает CNN, УЕФА накажет «Марсель» за эпизод в матче Лиги чемпионов в среду, когда с трибун в капитана «Ливерпуля» Стивена Джеррарда бросили предмет.
В пятницу в руководстве УЕФА заявили, что французский клуб ответит за этот инцидент 11 декабря на заседании контрольно-дисциплинарной комиссии.
В Джеррарда, как показали повторы, кинули зажигалку с трибун, занимаемых болельщиками «Марселя», когда игрок Красных готовился к розыгрышу углового. Чуть ранее он забил единственный мяч во встрече.
Это уже второй подобный инцидент, похожий случай произошёл, когда две команды встречались на футбольном поле во Франции.
В УЕФА добавили, что «Марсель» ранее уже был оштрафован на 15.000 евро после игры на Велодроме 16 сентября, в которой «Ливерпуль» победил 2:1.
Рафа винит Испанию в травмах Эль-Ниньо
Рафа Бенитес обрушил шквал критики на тренерский штаб сборной Испании — именно в вызовах Торреса в сборную он видит главную причину постоянных рецидивов травм подколенного сухожилия игрока.
В среду в победном матче на Энфилде, когда «Ливерпуль» одолел «Марсель» (1:0), Торрес получил очередное повреждение и теперь пропустит по крайней мере три недели, напоминает Viewlondon.co.uk.
Это уже пятая травма подколенного сухожилия, которую нападающий получил за последние 16 месяцев. 24-летний футболист недавно восстановился от предыдущего повреждения, которое не позволило ему тренироваться пять недель.
Бенитес утверждает, что тренировочный процесс сборной Испании может сломать карьеру Торресу.
«Это уже третий случай, когда, возвращаясь из национальной сборной, он «привозит» с собой рецидив. Думаю, что нам необходимо проанализировать сложившуюся ситуацию» — сказал испанец.
«Мы не знаем, что они там делают с игроками, но ясно, что это не идёт на пользу».
«Мы очень недовольны ситуацией. Мы должны понять, почему так получилось».
«Ранее мы прорабатывали с ним специальные упражнения, чтобы предотвратить травмы, и тем не менее у нас опять та же самая проблема».
«Ливерпуль» проведёт консультацию с тренерским штабом испанцев, чтобы решить все вопросы, связанные с тренировками в национальной команде.
Теперь Эль-Ниньо пропустит игры Премьер-лиги против «Вест Хэма», «Блекбёрн Роверс» и «Халл Сити», а также противостояние Лиги Чемпионов против ПСВ.
MELLOR RELISHING REDS REUNION
Steve Hunter 30 November 2008
Neil Mellor is relishing the opportunity to face his former club when Liverpool visit Preston North End in the FA Cup third round.
Since leaving Anfield for Deepdale in 2006, Mellor is now playing regular football for Alan Irvine’s team and was their leading scorer last season.
The former Academy striker is best remembered by the Kop for memorable goals against Arsenal and Olympiacos, and this tie will be very special for him.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv, Mellor said: «I watched the draw and when Liverpool’s name came out to play us I just couldn’t believe it.
«It will also be a bizarre experience for me to play against the likes of Stevie G and Carra. I always want Liverpool to do well and it would be fantastic if Stevie could lift the Premier League title at the end of the season.
«There will be a full house at Deepdale and there is a stand called the Bill Shankly Kop so there will be a special atmosphere.
«Hopefully I will be fit and the manager picks me. I won’t eat over Christmas so I can get in top shape for the game!
«I’ll never forget my time at Liverpool. The staff were brilliant and it’s such a special club to play for.
«I have some great memories from my time at Anfield and hopefully I’ll get a good reception from the Liverpool fans.»
The tie will be played over the weekend of Saturday/Sunday, January 3/4, 2009.
GERRARD: MY HUNGER FOR SUCCESS
Steve Hunter 30 November 2008
Steven Gerrard has revealed he is more hungry than ever before to help Liverpool make this season a truly memorable one.
The inspirational skipper yesterday celebrated 10 years in the first team at Anfield and said playing for his boyhood club is a very special experience.
«The anniversary means a lot to me,» said Gerrard.
«It’s been a special week and I’ve been having to pinch myself because I’ve been living this dream since I first pulled on a red shirt.
«The 10 years seem to have gone by in a flash but there’s an old saying that time flies when you’re having fun and that’s exactly what I’ve had.
«It’s been the best 10 years of my life and hopefully that will continue for many years to come.
«If anything, I’m actually more hungry than ever before.
«I’m desperate for the league title and obviously we’ve managed to get ourselves into a good position this season and now we just need to keep on plugging away.
«It’s safe to say there are still many more trophies I want to win before I hang my boots up.»
November 29, 1998, was the day the inspirational midfielder made his Reds bow and it is one calendar date he will always cherish.
«It was unbelievable,» he said.
«It was one of the best days I’ve ever had, not just in football but in my whole life.
«The buzz I got and the whole feeling I got when I got the call from the manager and Phil Thompson is something I’ll never forget.
«After that game I can remember thinking to myself ‘I’ve done it now, I’ve played for Liverpool and no-one can ever take that away from me’.
«For me to say that to myself it just goes to show how much I wanted it but the desire is just as strong now as it ever was.»
Gerrard doesn’t think he will keep playing as long as former Kop hero Gary McAllister who was still turning out for the Reds at the age of 37.
«I don’t think I’ll keep going for another 10 years,» he added.
«Gary Mac was a one-off. He was a very fit man and was probably fitter at 36 than he was at 26.
«I’d like to stick around for another five or six years definitely but I think another 10 is probably asking a bit much, particularly after the injuries I’ve had and the way I play.
«I’d be very surprised if I’m still playing football – not just for Liverpool, but for anyone – when I’m 38.»
The skipper is now preparing for Monday night’s visit of West Ham United to Anfield and is hoping Rafael Benitez’s side can return to winning ways in the Barclays Premier League.
«We’ve got another important game coming up against West Ham and that’s what I’m focusing on now,” said Gerrard.
«We’ve had a bit of bad news this week with a couple of injuries but we’ve got to put that to the back of our minds and look to keep on winning.
«It’s also important that we try to improve on our performance against Fulham and try to take all three points. Every game is crucial.
«I can understand why people are saying we have title credentials, it is because when we have gone a goal down in games we just haven’t given up. We have managed to turn things around.
«So now everyone says we have title credentials. That is the sort of pressure I suppose we expect.
«It is nice, but it raises expectations so it is important for us to stay humble.
«We know we are a good team, we know we are getting close to a title challenge. We know we can say that.
«But we have now got to prove we can stay in the race right to the end.
«The longer we go without delivering the title the more the pressure comes. But this is Liverpool, you have to expect that and deal with it. Every single game we play there is pressure to win.
«Even more so now because the wait for the ‘bread and butter’, as Bill Shankly used to describe the title, is getting longer.
«I have lived with it since I broke into the first team 10 years ago, but we are always under pressure.
«Making the Champions League every year is the minimum target, you have to earn the right to be in it.
«But with our history, and the number of cups we have won in Europe, we know it is our stage, it is where we want to be.
«We see how successful the club has been, players before our generation delivered, and fans expect the same today.»
SAUNDERS: KEANE WILL COME GOOD
James Carroll 30 November 2008
Dean Saunders insists it’s just a matter of time before Robbie Keane starts to find the back of the net on a regular basis.
With Fernando Torres sidelined through injury Saunders is backing the Republic of Ireland striker to show his quality.
«Robbie’s done it in recent weeks and that will make life easier for him,» Saunders told LFC magazine.
«He’s been working hard for the side, he makes intelligent runs and if he keeps doing those things I’ve no doubt that he’ll soon be banging them in on a regular basis for the Reds.
«Robbie proved at Spurs that he can do it year in, year out. He always contributed his fair share of goals there alongside Dimitar Berbatov and I’m sure he will for Liverpool.
«He’ll probably be aiming for around 20 this season and if he can
reach double figures by Christmas he’ll be well on his way.»
The recently-appointed Wrexham manager is fully aware of the pressure that comes with the legendary number seven jersey at Anfield, having been allocated it himself when he was signed from Derby County in 1991.
«It was a similar situation for me when I signed,» he added.
«I came with a big price-tag and, at times, the expectation did affect me. The fans are all excited and hoping you’ll do great things.
«You are very aware of that and really wait it to happen. But that is
part of life at a big club and you have to live with it.
«When I scored my first goal against QPR at Anfield I felt like somebody had lifted a piano off my back.»
Saunders also believes that he has seen enough from Liverpool to
suggest that the Reds can maintain their title challenge.
He said: «In terms of results the lads have got off to a
very good start this year.
«If you’re brutally honest they’ve probably not been firing on all
cylinders yet they have still been winning which, of course, is very
important and bodes well for the rest of the campaign.
«Dirk Kuyt has won them a lot of important points in games and they’re going nicely at the minute.
«In the Premier League the cream always rises to the top and hopefully Liverpool can keep right up there.
«At the moment they are creating a lot of chances in most games and
that’s a good sign.»
ZOLA: MY RESPECT FOR CARRA
Steve Hunter 30 November 2008
Gianfranco Zola has spoken of the admiration he has for Jamie Carragher.
The Italian brings his West Ham United team to Anfield on Monday night and believes the Reds number 23 is one of the best defenders in the game.
«Carragher is as important to Liverpool as Steven Gerrard,» said Zola.
«As a defender he is always there. He is clever and has saved results for them.»
BOSS: WHY STEVIE HASN’T YET REACHED PEAK
Jimmy Rice 29 November 2008
Rafa Benitez believes Steven Gerrard will still be playing at maximum level in five years — and could be even better than he is now.
At 28, Gerrard has reached the age most footballers approach their peak — but Benitez insists there is still a lot more to come from a player who today celebrates 10 years in the Liverpool first team.
«It is difficult to find a player who has spent 10 years at one club, especially now with the way football has gone,» said the boss.
«And for him to do it in a top side is even more difficult. But Steven has the right mentality.
«Steven has improved with every year. He is always trying to learn, he has matured as a player and a person and tactically he has become more astute.
«He is trying to learn still, to do the right things on the pitch, and I believe he will continue to improve.
«He is an example to everyone. He always trains hard and is a good professional. He is always committed on the pitch, it is a kind of leadership that all captains should aspire to.
«In 10 years he will be a manager — probably at Liverpool. So if I stay for a lot longer, he can take over from me.
«Physically he is very strong, but he can play for five years now at the maximum level and then three or so more years helping the manager.»
Gerrard will be even more important to his manager over the coming weeks in the absence of Fernando Torres.
The Spaniard has once again fallen victim to a hamstring injury — his third spell on the sidelines this season.
The 24 year-old striker has voiced his own concerns at the problem.
Torres said: «I am a little disappointed, but all I can do is move forward. It is worrying me because it has happened a few times.
«After this latest injury the important thing is to recover without rushing a comeback date and trying to make sure it does not happen again.»
RIERA RELISHING ANFIELD PRESSURE
James Carroll 29 November 2008
Albert Riera is relishing the pressure that comes with playing for Liverpool.
The Spanish international has made a bright start to his Anfield career following his transfer from Espanyol in August and Riera believes it is ‘normal’ for fans to have high expectations of their wingers.
«When a lot of things are expected from somebody, it’s because they have a lot to offer,» said Riera.
«I like responsibility and I’ve never been scared on the pitch. I’ll continue to play like I always have during my career.»
Riera was one of five Liverpool players named in the Spain squad for the international friendly with Chile last week and the 26-year-old admits the chance to join up with his compatriots was a factor in his decision to sign for the Reds.
He said: «They’re not the main reason I joined, but they’re part of why I came here.
«I’ve known Pepe Reina, Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso since we played for Spain’s under-17 team.
«I’m sure they’ll help me a lot during my time here, but I hope to help them too.»
Riera was given something of a baptism of fire to his Reds career when he made his debut against Manchester United at Anfield in September
However, it wasn’t his first appearance in front of the Kop, as the Reds number 11 ran out for Manchester City in L4 during his a loan spell at Eastlands in February 2006.
He recalls: «I remember playing here at Anfield, and I remember defending in my half of the pitch for the whole match.
«We lost 1-0 and we had no chances, so I prefer not to think about it.
Playing for Liverpool is much better than playing against them.»
REDS BOSS FINDS NEW POSITION FOR GERRARD
Joe Curran 01 December 2008
Rafa Benitez has tipped Steven Gerrard to take up a more attacking role during the next phase of his Anfield career.
The Reds skipper goes into tonight’s match with West Ham United having recently celebrated his ten-year anniversary at the club, and Benitez believes Gerrard could still add a lot to his game over the next few seasons.
«He is still young, 28 for a player is the best age and I think that he will not lose his power and he will not lose his quality,» said Benitez.
«He is a great finisher and can score goals, so maybe he can play as a striker in the future.
«When he is older he might not have the same pace but he will have the same accuracy and still be a great finisher.
«As a player in terms of his physical condition and technical ability he will not lose these things, so he can only improve because he can read the game better every year. I don’t know how long he will be as strong as he is now. But if he can stay with the same energy and same power a few more years he will be better and better.
«He is now one of the big names of world football and 10 years in the same club and scoring 104 goals for a midfielder is amazing. But he can score more goals and still be more effective on the pitch.»
Liverpool ran home 4-0 winners in last season’s fixture against the Hammers — which was also the last time the Reds scored four in a league game — and Rafa is confident his team have enough firepower despite missing Fernando Torres, who put three past West Ham at Anfield last term.
«I think we have enough people who can score goals and we can manage, Torres is important but we have to think about solutions,» said Benitez.
«I think we have played really well in some game and not taken our chances. But if we can play at the same level it’s just a question of time that we will score more in certain games in the first half — then it will be easier in the second half.
«We have to improve and play well, create chances and take them. One of the best games we played was Tottenham away but we lost the game.
«After two games without playing well, people are starting to say that we are looking a little bit nervous, but we are still close to the top of the table.
«We have qualified for the next round of the Champions League, we are in a fantastic position in the league and we are playing really well.
«If you have some experience, you know that, if you want to be a contender, you have to think only about the next game. And we know that, if we beat West Ham, we will be there at the top of the table for another week.»
RAFA: SHOW NO FEAR TONIGHT
Paul Eaton 01 December 2008
Rafa Benitez has challenged his players to show no fear as they look to go three points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League tonight.
Victory over West Ham would ensure the Reds take advantage of Chelsea’s slip-up against Arsenal yesterday, but the boss is taking nothing for granted and has called on his players to play their normal game in a bid to take top spot.
«We know we can go top of the league tonight and that is what we will be aiming for,» he said.
«We will be making the greatest efforts to do this but although it is important the players focus, it is also important we play our natural game with no fear.
«West Ham are a good team with a good young manager but we know if we play our own game that our quality will come through.
«It is important to remember that a win in the 90th minute is just the same as a win in the very first minute.
«That is the message I always give to the players and it is also the same for the fans.
«We want them to create another fantastic positive atmosphere because they really can make a difference.»
Benitez reports no further injury concerns ahead of the game, with both Fernando Torres and Fabio Aurelio ruled out after picking up knocks against Marseille last week.
Robbie Keane is expected to deputise for Torres while Andrea Dossena will get another chance to gain valuable minutes on the pitch at left-back.
«The thing that I have discovered is that the game is much, much quicker here than it is in Italy,» said the 27-year-old.
«In Serie A, you get more time on the ball, there is more time to play and the game is more tactical, but in the Premier League as soon as you get the ball there is a player trying to take it from you.
«The pace of the game does take some getting used to and that is what I am trying to do by working hard in training and in games whenever I get the chance.
«I was happy to play against Marseille and I was happy with the result that the team got and also with our qualification to the next round of the Champions League because that was the most important thing for us.
«But it also gave me a chance to improve my feeling within the team and that is important for me.
«I work hard every day and I have been waiting for the manager to call on me, so when he did I was very happy.
«Now I hope I will get another chance but for that to happen I know I will have to work hard in every training session and try to improve my understanding with my team mates so I can improve and feel more confident on the pitch.»
LIVERPOOL 0-0 WEST HAM UNITED
Monday 01 December 2008 20:00 , Barclays Premier League
REDS TOP DESPITE STALEMATE
Liverpool have edged one point clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League table despite being held to a frustrating stalemate against West Ham at Anfield.
Rafael Benitez’s men dominated throughout a one-sided encounter but could not make their superiority count, and after missing a whole host of good opportunities, they were forced to settle for a second consecutive league draw.
It means the Reds failed take full advantage of Chelsea’s surprise home defeat against Arsenal in a contest that mirrored the frustration of the 0-0 draw with Fulham nine days earlier.
The night had started with so much promise too and in the warm up to the match, the Liverpool players showed their support for Michael Shields by sporting t-shirts with the words ‘Free Michael Now’ emblazoned across them.
This was followed by a Kop mosaic and a pre-match plea from his parents — backed by actress Sue Johnston — in which they once again called for their son to be released.
It set the tone for a night when Liverpool were looking to send out another message; this time to their title rivals, that they were indeed, going to be strong contenders for this year’s Premier League crown.
With four changes from the side that edged into the last 16 of the Champions League at the expense of Marseille some sections of Anfield may have wondered whether it would affect the team’s start to the proceedings.
They needn’t have worried. Liverpool dictated the play from the kick off, showing the eagerness of a side determined to pick up all three points.
On five minutes Hammers full-back Herita Ilunga was lucky to escape when he appeared to handle Dirk Kuyt’s cross in his own penalty area while James Collins had to be alert to clear Albert Riera’ volley off the line.
In recent matches Liverpool have shown an aerial prowess in front of goal and they nearly extended their run of headed efforts to six in succession on the quarter of an hour mark when Sami Hyypia powered a fierce effort over the bar from Steven Gerrard’s right-wing corner.
It was one-way traffic even at this early stage, but the Hammers goal continued to live a charmed life, as Gerrard’s deflected free-kick flashed inches past the post while Hyypia went close with another header that was hacked off the line.
With no win in their previous 36 visits, it would be fair to say Anfield has never been a happy hunting ground for Gianfranco Zola’s men, and on the evidence of the opening half hour it looked like being another long night for them.
A slaloming run from Gerrard looked odds on to give the Reds their reward but, despite some great approach play that took him past two defenders, he eventually drilled his effort into the side netting.
The opening goal continued to elude Rafael Benitez’s side and although they will have felt aggrieved to have gone in at the interval all-square, it could have been much worse after Reds old boy Craig Bellamy gave them a reminder of the threat he can pose with a long range effort that crashed off the inside of the post.
As has so often be the case this season, Liverpool stepped it up in the second period and as they attacked the Kop end the chances continued to come their way.
First Kuyt opted to drag a 25-yard effort wide when a pass to Gerrard looked the better option, before Robbie Keane fired a tame shot into the Kop after good approach play by Yossi Benayoun.
The Israel international had been very much on the periphery of the game but could have returned to haunt his former employers just shy of the hour mark when his fierce volley deflected inches over the bar with Robert Green beaten.
As the clock ticked down the Reds continued to probe for the opener and the excellent Xabi Alonso wasn’t far off when he fizzed an effort over the top after an inventive free-kick from Gerrard had found him unmarked on the edge of the area.
The Hammers’ forays into Liverpool territory were rare to say the least, but they could have punished their hosts for their profligacy on 70 minutes when Carlton Cole headed a corner into the side netting.
With the countdown to Christmas now on, how Rafael Benitez would have wished for an early gift from his Liverpool frontmen, but it wasn’t to be and when Hyypia nodded another corner agonisingly wide, it became clear that they would have to settle for another frustrating Anfield stalemate.
Teams
Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Carragher, Hyypia, Arbeloa, Riera, Alonso, Gerrard (c), Benayoun, Keane, Kuyt. Subs — Babel, Cavalieri, Insua, Kelly, Leiva, Mascherano, Ngog
West Ham United: Green, Ilunga, Collins, Upson, Neill (c), Faubert, Mullins, Parker, Behrami, Bellamy, Cole. Subs — Boa Morte, Collison, Davenport, Lastuvka, Noble, Tristan, di Michele
Referee: P Walton
Conditions:
Attendance: Unavailable
Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Xabi Alonso
Breakdown
20:02 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : West Ham get the game up and running
5 mins : Yossi in the box �crosses �blocked by the arm of LLunga but the ref doesn’t see it
9 mins : Another handball shout on Llunga — this time outside of the box…then Stevie goes down inside the area but there’s little in it
14 mins : Riera from the edge of the box…Collins blocks
16 mins : Corner to Liverpool…
16 mins : Hyypia gets a free header…just over
19 mins : Yossi brought down 25 yards out…
19 mins : First Booking: Hayden Mullins:
20 mins : Gerrard blasts one…Yossi deflects it over but the ref gives a corner (which is wasted)
21 mins : Another corner…Kuyt flicks it to Hyypia…oh, it’s cleared off the line from Sami
22 mins : Liverpool are piling on the pressure
24 mins : Gerrard tries an audacious flicked pass on the edge of the box but it doesn’t come off
25 mins : Brilliant ball from Xabi to Dossena on the left but the Italian’s cross isn’t great
26 mins : Faubert tries one from range but it’s easy for Pepe…that was West Ham’s first shot on target
27 mins : Dossena swings in a superb cross but Upson clears
28 mins : Another corner…
28 mins : Played short to Dossena…his cross is too long this time
32 mins : Good play from the skipper…it comes to Alonso, whose shot goes well into the Annie Road
33 mins : The game has hit a bit of a lull
35 mins : Liverpool get ANOTHER corner…got to start making them count
35 mins : Upson clears…
36 mins : Gerrard gets possession down the right…beats one…beats two…but he shoots into the side netting
37 mins : Brilliant defending from Sami Hyypia
37 mins : Bellamy shoots from 30 yards…beats Reina…but hits the inside of the post…
39 mins : Gerrard vollies one over from outside the box
40 mins : Dirk breaks forward but then mis-controls and the ball rolls out…frustrating
42 mins : Lovely football from Liverpool…but Dossena’s cross is blocked. The left-back is playing well
43 mins : Reds corner…Reira seems to put it out of play but again the ref points to the corner flag…
43 mins : Kuyt at the back post…headers…Green saves low and on his line
44 mins : Great switch of play from Dossena…eventually it leads to our 132nd corner of the day
44 mins : …but again it comes to nothing
44 mins : Gerrard cross is headed wide by Sami
20:48 GMT : Half Time Reached
21:04 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Liverpool get the second half underway
47 mins : Riera goes one way, then the other but his cross finds no one
49 mins : Alonso through to Keane…the Irishman is offside
50 mins : George Gillett is sat in the directors’ box tonight
51 mins : Kuyt skins Collins but then chooses the wrong option by shooting low and wide when he could have played Stevie through
53 mins : Really good tackle from Dossena
53 mins : ..but then the Italian misses a header to allow Bellamy a run through. Thankfully it was Bellamy.
54 mins : First Booking: Xabi Alonso: Xabi brings Bellamy down…it was a clever foul
55 mins : Yossi to Keane…shoots wide from the edge of the box
56 mins : The attendance is 41,169
56 mins : What a save from Green to deny Yossi’s close-range volley…
57 mins : It should be 1-0…
57 mins : Poor ball from Keane to Stevie but the skipper still manages to get a shot in…sadly it’s wide
59 mins : Sloppy pass from SG gifts the Hammers possession
60 mins : Mullins shoots from 20 yards but it’s straight at Pepe
61 mins : Really good play from Andrea…beats a man to get a fine cross in but no one makes the run
61 mins : Gerrard skips past Mullins but his shot is askew
62 mins : Ilango handballs again and this time we get a free-kick in a dangerous area
63 mins : Gerrard plays it across to Alonso, whose terrific volley misses but just a few inches
66 mins : Substitution: David Ngog for Robbie Keane:
67 mins : West Ham corner…
67 mins : Cole heads narrowly wide
70 mins : Gerrard on the edge of the box…the ball gets away from him
76 mins : Dirk crosses but it’s too long
76 mins : Alonso shoots from 25 yards but it’s right at Green…come on Redmen
78 mins : Substitution: Ryan Babel for Albert Riera:
81 mins : Hyypia heads just wide…Kuyt almost gets a foot on it. Come on!
84 mins : Fantastic block by Carra…suddenly West Ham are having a bit of the ball
86 mins : Substitution: Luis Boa Morte for Julien Faubert:
88 mins : Kuyt four yards out…another great save from Green…it was a difficult angle for Dirk
89 mins : Boa Morte through…wide. He should have done better
90 mins : Run and shot from Babel but it’s over
21:53 GMT : Match Over
RAFA: WE DESERVED TO WIN
Jimmy Rice at Anfield 01 December 2008
Rafa Benitez claimed his team deserved more than a point after Anfield endured its third goalless draw of the season.
The result moved Liverpool one point clear of Chelsea at the top of the Barclays Premier League — but it could be more.
The Reds had 20 shots during a decent display but, with Robert Green excellent in goal, Gianfranco Zola’s men held firm to follow Stoke and Fulham in leaving Anfield with a share of the spoils.
Benitez said: «We clearly deserved to win. From the beginning to the end we tried to win and that’s why they had one or two counter attacks in the second half.
«The team played much better than before and some players did too.
«People can be disappointed and we are too, but we are one point clear at the top.
«We didn’t play well against Fulham but in this game we had plenty of possession, passed and moved the ball, and had chances.
«If you play badly, don’t have chances and the other team is in control, you can be worried — but we were much better.
«The crowd can be disappointed because they’ve seen a draw at home but if they see the newspapers tomorrow they will see we are top.
«We have one more point than Chelsea now and if we can go to Blackburn and win we’ll still be top.»
Asked if his team was lacking confidence in front of goal, Benitez said: «Maybe some players are but it’s just a case of us trying to keep creating chances — then I’m sure we’ll start taking them.»
Benitez was also quizzed on whether he would look to bring in another striker in January — possibly Michael Owen.
He responded: «Clearly I can guarantee that we are not going for Michael Owen.»
CARRA: PLENTY OF REASONS TO BE POSITIVE
Steve Hunter 02 December 2008
Jamie Carragher insists there are plenty of reasons to be positive after the Reds went one point clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a goalless draw against West Ham United at Anfield.
Despite missing the opportunity to go three points clear of Chelsea at the summit, the vice-captain believes Liverpool can take confidence from results going in their favour.
«I think the positive thing to take is the fact that we have qualified for the next stage of the Champions League and we are top of the Premier League. To do that when we are not playing well and going through a rough patch is really positive,» Carragher told Liverpoolfc.tv.
«You are always disappointed when you don’t win your home games, and obviously in the last three games at home we have not played as well as we could.
«We would have liked to get the three points and we certainly tried to get that but normally when you are not playing too well you go down the league. Instead we are going up the league when we are not at our best.»
Rafael Benitez’s side created the best opportunities to score on the night but came up against a Hammers goalkeeper, Robert Green, in great form.
«We put them under pressure which is what you expect, but that’s happened for years — goalkeepers having good performances at Anfield,» Carragher added.
«In saying that, it’s up to us to do a little bit more.»
The Reds number 23 is hoping he and his teammates can get back to winning ways at Ewood Park on Saturday, when they will be backed by their largest travelling crowd of the season with an away allocation of over 7,000 Kopites.
«We normally take a good crowd down to Blackburn which is a local game for us and hopefully we can get a result,» said Carragher.
«They have had a few bad results lately and it’s the type of place that we normally do okay. Hopefully that will continue.»
Besides a reunion with Stephen Warnock and a certain Robbie Fowler, Blackburn are managed by former Reds captain Paul Ince, who had a big influence on Carra’s early days at Anfield.
«Paul was one of the players in the team when I first started and he was a great help to me,» revealed Carragher.
«He gave me a lot of advice and he was someone I looked up to when I started to become a footballer. Hopefully he does really well after Saturday.»
TORRES THIRD IN EURO AWARD
Jimmy Rice 02 December 2008
Fernando Torres was today voted third in this year’s Ballon D’Or behind Lionel Messi and winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
The prize — also known as European Footballer of the Year — was awarded in the early hours after a poll of 96 journalists by France Football magazine.
A total of 11 Barclays Premier League players earned votes, with Steven Gerrard tenth, Wayne Rooney 13th and Frank Lampard 15th.
Michael Owen is the only Liverpool player ever to collect the award.
ALVARO STRIKE WINS NOVEMBER AWARD
Steve Hunter 02 December 2008
Alvaro Arbeloa’s stunning Kop end strike against West Bromwich Albion was voted Liverpool’s Goal of the Month for November by fans in an exclusive poll on the official website.
The Spanish right back’s first ever goal at Anfield was a very special moment for him, and he got 31 per cent of the vote.
In second place was Steven Gerrard’s header against Marseille (17 per cent), while Dirk Kuyt’s stunner at Tottenham came third with 14 per cent.
Liverpool’s Goal of the Month 2008-2009
August: Gerrard v Middlesbrough
September: Gerrard v Marseille
October: Gerrard v PSV
November: Arbeloa v West Brom
HYYPIA CHASING GERRARD
Jimmy Rice 02 December 2008
Sami Hyypia moved into Liverpool’s all-time top 20 appearances list against West Ham on Monday night.
The veteran Finn, a bargain £2.5million signing from Willem II almost 10 years ago, played his 454th match for the Reds — and typically helped to keep a clean sheet.
Hyypia is now level with another legendary centre-back, Ron Yeats.
Steven Gerrard (459) and Jamie Carragher (546) are the only current Liverpool players with more appearances.
Hyypia’s 454 games include 309 in the Premier League, 67 in the Champions League, 28 FA Cup, 25 UEFA Cup, 19 in the League Cup and two each in the FA Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup and World Club Championships.
In all these games he has come off the bench just eight times.
The 35-year-old has faced Chelsea more than any other club, turning out against them 23 times.
LIVERPOOL 0-0 WEST HAM: THE VERDICT
Joe Curran 02 December 2008
Liverpool went one point clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League table after a frustrating 0-0 draw with West Ham United. We’ve compiled the best bits from this morning’s post-match reaction.
The local newspaper
If Liverpool fans began the night attempting to overturn a conviction, they ended it regretting the fact that conviction is the one thing their team does not currently have. While the protest in support of jailed Kopite Michael Shields hit the target, Liverpool were unable to do likewise as an opportunity to take firm control at the top of the league passed them by.
Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo
The national newspaper
Liverpool summoned up every training-ground trick in an attempt to beat the outstanding Robert Green. Steven Gerrard varied the dead-ball chances, including cutting one free-kick back to Xabi Alonso, whose volley blazed over. Liverpool’s malaise began to afflict Gerrard, who mis-kicked one shot. ‘Attack, attack, attack,’ screamed the Kop as the clock ran down. ‘Defend, defend, defend’ echoed in West Ham minds. In the dying seconds James Collins and Matthew Upson headed clear, Green denied Kuyt as West Ham clung to a famous point.
Henry Winter, The Daily Telegraph
The tabloid newspaper
Steven Gerrard provided Liverpool’s two best moments, when his cross found Benayoun who hammered a shot goalwards that visiting keeper Robert Green miraculously saved. Then his brilliant long ball found Kuyt in the penalty area and in a brilliant position, but the Dutchman’s weak shot was again saved by Green.
David Maddock, Daily Mirror
The player
You are always disappointed when you don’t win your home games, and obviously we have not played as well as we could. We would have liked to get the three points and we certainly tried to get that but normally when you are not playing too well you go down the league. Instead we are going up the league when we are not at our best.
Jamie Carragher
The manager
From the beginning to the end we tried to win and that’s why they had one or two counter-attacks in the second half. The team played much better than before and some players did too. People can be disappointed and we are too, but we are one point clear at the top. We didn’t play well against Fulham but in this game we had plenty of possession, passed and moved the ball, and had chances. If you play badly, don’t have chances and the other team is in control, you can be worried — but we were much better.
Rafa Benitez
The supporter
The problem with many people today is that we expect everything instantly — internet connections, fast food etc. The Premier League is won over nine months and 38 games, not in December. The good thing is we are top of the table. True, we are not playing well but after 15 games we have done better than anyone else and in recent years we have done better in the second half of the season, so there is a lot to be positive about.
Ozreddoc, Lfc.tv message boards
JAMIE: YOUTH MUST STAND AND BE COUNTED
Jimmy Rice 02 December 2008
Jamie Carragher has urged Liverpool’s class of 2008 to take their chance tonight in the competition which saw him and Michael Owen shoot to fame.
Click here to watch our exclusive chat with Carra>>
The under-18s embark on their FA Youth Cup campaign in Leeds with some words of wisdom from the club’s vice-captain, who won the tournament in 1996 after victory over a West Ham side including Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand.
Carra wants the youngsters to stand up and be counted — insisting he and Steven Gerrard won’t be able to fly the Scouse flag forever.
He said: «A lot of the football they play is local — just in the north. So it’s important to pit your wits against sides from all over. It’s cut throat as well, with it being a knockout competition. You get to see the character of the team.
«And it’s also their first chance to get a bit of fame because the final is on telly. That’s where it all started for me.
«Academy football is extremely important. We’d all like to see a few more coming through and I’m sure they will. Stephen Darby and Jay Spearing were superb in pre-season so hopefully they’ll be involved in the future.
«Hopefully some more will come through because me and Stevie won’t be here forever.»
Carra is one of four players from the 1996 side who went on to play top flight football alongside Owen, Jon Newby and David Thompson.
He added: «It was a very good side, but I think it was based more on character than skill. There were a lot of characters in the team. Michael Owen was obviously a big part of it but there were a lot of others with character.
«There were plenty of times when I thought I might not make it. You go through a lot of ups and downs as a youngster.
«You have heavy defeats, and then when you get in the reserves, sometimes you don’t get a kick because you’re up against older professionals. You wonder how you’re going to make it.
«I remember my first ever game for the B team — we lost 4-1 to Man Utd and I wasn’t in the game. But you’ve got to shrug it off and show the character to get through it. It’s not a bed of roses.
«There are no secrets. The important thing is to work hard and listen to your coaches — then you’ll give yourself every chance of becoming a professional footballer. Don’t cut corners on or off the pitch.
«If you make it then you’re good enough — if not, at least you can sleep well in the knowledge that you’ve given everything.
Бенитес: «Должны были побеждать»
Рафа Бенитес заявил, что его подопечные заслуживали победы, после того как «Ливерпуль» в очередной раз (уже третий в сезоне) закончил нулевой ничьей свой матч на Энфилде.
Несмотря на результат, Красные стали единоличными лидерами чемпионата, опережая на одно очко лондонский клуб «Челси».
Красные нанесли 20 ударов по воротам «Вест Хэма», но каждый раз на пути мяча становился неподражаемый Роберт Грин, который помог подопечным Джанфранко Дзолы уподобится «Стоку» и «Фулхэму», которые также не позволили забить хозяевам Энфилд Роуд.
Вот, что поведал Бенитес официальному сайту клуба: «Мы заслуживали большего. Мы атаковали от начала и до конца матча, у них было всего пару выпадов за всю игру».
«Команда значительно прибавила по сравнению с предыдущими матчами».
«Болельщики несколько разочарованы результатом. Мы тоже, но фактически эта ничья вывела нас на чистое первое место в первенстве Англии».
«Мы довольно неудачно действовали в поединке с лондонским «Фулхэмом», но сегодняшняя ничья не чета той, мы отлично контролировали мяч, много комбинировали и несколько раз могли забить».
«Если ты плохо провёл матч, и ничья стала лишь результатом везения, то тебе впору начать волноваться, но когда ты играешь так, как мы в матче с «Вест Хэмом» впору волноваться сопернику».
«Фанаты расстроены очередной домашней ничьей, но, пожалуйста, посмотрите на таблицу — мы её единолично возглавляем».
«Мы опережаем «Челси» на очко, и, если в следующем туре обыграем в гостях «Блэкбёрн», сохраним эту фору».
Вот, что ответил Бенитес журналисту, который засомневался в способности игроков «Ливерпуля» сохранять хладнокровие в непосредственной близости от ворот соперника: «Возможно, некоторые игроки и начинают немного суетиться, но это пройдёт, надо только продолжать создавать опасность у ворот соперника».
Также Рафа ответил на слухи, в соответствии с которыми, Красные собираются пригласить ещё одного нападающего в период январских трансферов (возможно этим нападающим станет Майкл Оуэн).
Бенитес: «Могу сказать только то, что мы точно не приобретём Майкла Оуэна».
AGGER: I STILL NEED TO IMPROVE
Jimmy Rice 04 December 2008
Daniel Agger today spoke of his contentment with life on Merseyside — but admitted he had yet to reach top form after returning from injury.
Click here to watch our exclusive interview with Agger>>
The Dane, who missed almost all of last season with a metatarsal injury, has enjoyed an extended run in the side since Martin Skrtel suffered cruciate ligament damage against Man City in October.
With Skrtel hoping to return this month, Agger knows he will have to be at his best to stay in the team.
«It’s difficult to compare to how I was before, and I know there are some things I need to improve, but I can feel myself getting better and better with every game,» the 23-year-old told Liverpoolfc.tv.
«Maybe I am not there yet, but I will be soon.
«Of course sometimes it’s difficult but you have to keep working hard to improve yourself and that’s what I am trying to do.
«It has been difficult with the injury last year but that’s the past. Hopefully I’ll be back to 100 per cent soon.
«Outside of the pitch I’m really happy. I am enjoying everything. The people in Liverpool are so friendly. I was really surprised when I came to the city how friendly the people were compared to other places I have been. I cannot complain about anything. I feel at home.»
Meanwhile, Agger described teammate Sami Hyypia as ‘the ultimate professional’ after the Finn climbed into Liverpool’s top 20 appearance list by playing his 454th game against West Ham.
«I can’t even say how big an achievement it is,» said Agger. «He is such a superb player and such a good professional. I can’t think of anyone else who deserves what he’s got more than him.
«He is the ultimate professional. If he’s not playing he helps others as much as he can and tries to guide people.»
ORRES: BALLON D’OR AWARD A BIG BOOST
Paul Eaton 04 December 2008
Fernando Torres today insisted finishing third in the World Footballer of the Year awards will spur him on when he returns from injury.
Torres is currently recovering from another hamstring setback, with boss Rafael Benitez refusing to set a timescale for his star striker’s return.
But after only finishing behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in this year’s Ballon D’Or awards, the Spanish striker admits the recognition of his incredible debut year at Anfield has given him a massive confidence boost.
«The award is an important recognition,» he said. «It comes at a time when I am recovering from injury, and the accolade will spur me on.
«The injury is a bit worrying because it has happened to me before. Now the only thing to do is to get on with the rehabilitation and make sure that I come back when I am ready and not too soon. This prize is a massive reward that obliges me keep on working on my recovery.
«The year 2008 has been an extraordinary one for me, both on a personal and a team level. I would like to thank my team-mates from the Liverpool squad and the Spanish national team for their help.
«Their support was both important and necessary, and their contribution is one of the reasons why today, I can enjoy this amazing experience.»
As well as finishing third in the Ballon D’Or, Torres has made the FIFPro starting XI (pictured here at Melwood this morning receiving the award along with Steven Gerrard) and has also been nominated for the FIFA World Player award.
«This has been my best year as a professional footballer,» he admitted. «But my aim is to improve with every year that passes.
«I don’t look back, but set my sights on doing things right so that come 2009, I can be one of the candidates again, and so that next time, I can try and go one step further.
«The hardest part is not getting there, it’s staying there.
«Look at Gerrard. He has never won the award, and he deserves it as much as anyone, but he is always there with the best. My team-mate Stevie is the best role model there is.»
Torres added: «I adapted to English football easier than expected.
«We knew that, when I embarked upon this adventure, my style and attributes would adapt well to the demands of the Premier League.
«We made the right choice when it came to signing for Liverpool and playing in England.
«Last season we almost qualified for the Champions League final, and it was a shame that we didn’t make it all the way to Moscow.
«And as for Spain national team, what can I say? The trophy we achieved playing as a team has catapulted the players into a position where we are challenging for individual awards and prizes.»
KENNY DALGLISH: LET’S JUST ENJOY BEING TOP
Kenny Dalglish 04 December 2008
A lot is being said and written about recent performances, but the important thing to remember and focus on is that we are top of the league table. Let’s enjoy it.
You always want to play well and you always want to win games, but the big thing is to take as many points from as many matches as you possibly can. This season there has only been one game where we didn’t take anything — away at Tottenham — so clearly the boys are doing their best.
You want to try and capitalise on any mistakes Chelsea make and, okay, we didn’t do that in the way we would have wanted against West Ham, but we still picked up a point and it could prove to be a big point at the end of the season.
I know it has been said over the last couple of weeks that the fans are nervous and anxious and that it might be affecting the players, but I don’t really go along with that way of thinking.
The top of the league is the best place to be, full stop. The players have to enjoy being where they are and get on with the job of staying there. If they keep winning games then nobody will overtake them, it’s as simple as that.
What you don’t want to be doing before games is thinking too much about the league table and league positions. You have to try and beat the opposition, you don’t want to have to try and beat yourself as well.
The league table isn’t an obstacle or a team to overcome and it shouldn’t be in the players’ minds when they take on Blackburn this weekend. You play against the opposition, not against the league table.
There is nobody above us at the moment and that is a fact to be enjoyed, not frightened of.
There’s no reason for anxiety among the fans either in any way, shape or form. We have made great progress during 2008 and have got ourselves into a position where we can really challenge for the Premier League title for the first time in many years. That’s not something to feel anxious about.
The players go onto the pitch before every game with every ambition to do as well as they possibly can, and the people go through the turnstiles wanting to support their team as well as they can. It’s much easier when both factions are together. If it’s not going right then you will get one or two groans — like against West Ham — but I’m sure those people went away for a pint with their mates after the game and said to themselves and others ‘we’re top of the league’.
It’s great to see us looking down on everyone else and no matter what you might think about performances or players, don’t lose sight of the fact that the boys have picked up more points than any other team this season and have beaten Chelsea and Manchester United along the way.
It’s shaping up to be a really interesting title race, with all of the main contenders having suffered a few problems already this season.
Kenny on being top
The top of the league is the best place to be, full stop. The players have to enjoy being where they are and get on with the job of staying there. If they keep winning games then nobody will overtake them, it’s as simple as that. What you don’t want to be doing before games is thinking too much about the league table and league positions. You have to try and beat the opposition, you don’t want to have to try and beat yourself as well.
Chelsea’s away record is unblemished but, strangely, they have struggled for home points so far. Manchester United have played the ‘big three’ away from home and only picked up a point while Arsenal have done well against Chelsea and United but lost a number of games to other teams. It’s hard to predict how results are going to go from week to week.
I mentioned in my column last month that fans have a habit of wanting to look four or five games into the future and try to predict what’s going to happen. If football was that simple to predict it would be a dull game.
People would have been looking at the fixtures a couple of weeks ago and saying we’ve got to play Fulham and West Ham at home and Bolton away so that was going to be a certain nine points. And here we are sitting with just five points from those three games.
Who’d have thought we’ve have dropped four points at home in our last two league games? Who’d have thought the top five wouldn’t be able to score a goal between them the previous weekend?
Football is full of surprises but it’s how you recover and react to setbacks which is important and Liverpool have to be positive.
We have to get over the disappointment of not beating West Ham and go and take three points away from Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon. If we do that then we stay top of the table with another game having been played.
It won’t be easy though because I’m sure Paul Ince will have them fired up for the match. They don’t seem to have a lot of luck going for them at the moment and they’re struggling for results, but I’m sure he can get them out of the trouble they find themselves in at the present time.
Incey has done brilliantly in his managerial career so far and it’s good to see him being given a chance in the Premier League. He did fantastically well at Macclesfield when people probably thought he was mad to take the job. He rescued them by keeping them up and then went and did an equally good job at MK Dons. It’s going to be tough for him at Blackburn — especially following in Mark Hughes’ footsteps there — but I’m sure he has the credentials to do well. He just needs a bit of luck.
From a personal point of view it’s always a special fixture when Liverpool go to Blackburn because I have very fond memories of my time at Ewood Park. The people of Blackburn are good people — I just wish both teams could win this weekend!
From a confidence and building a momentum point of view, it’s important to get the victory on Saturday as it would put us in good shape as we head closer towards the Christmas programme of games.
Although we’ve had one or two setbacks so far, I’ve seen nothing to change my pre-season opinion that this is the best chance we’ve had to go close to winning — or to win — the Premier League title.
I said that three or four months ago and I stand by it today. I just thought at the start of the season that we looked really strong all through the team and as the season developed and we beat Manchester United and Chelsea, it only strengthened my belief that we can do it this year.
Chelsea have been inconsistent, United haven’t been on fire and they’ve still got the World Club Championship match in Japan today which means they’ll fall behind with fixtures, and Arsenal are struggling to put any kind of run together.
We’re not losing many games, we’re not conceding many goals and we’re sat with more points than anybody else after 15 games. I just wish we could score a few more though because I have a feeling goal difference might prove to be very important this season and at this moment our tally is inferior to Chelsea’s.
With that in mind, we could have done without Fernando Torres suffering another injury, but if we don’t rush him back and if he can return fully fit and feeling fresh then he could have a terrific second half of the season for us.
There is still an awful lot to play for and I am keeping my fingers crossed that the boys can keep picking up the points and stay at the top of the table.
Believe me, it’s the best place to be.
RESERVES PAY THE PENALTY IN ROVERS DEFEAT
Paul Hassall at The Halliwell Jones Stadium 04 December 2008
Liverpool Reserves slumped to their fifth defeat of the season after going down 1-0 at home to Blackburn Rovers.
Gary Ablett’s men had hoped to build on their recent upturn in form against the Lancashire outfit but struggled to break down the visitors’ stubborn rearguard and were beaten by Alan Judge’s first-half spot-kick.
On what was a bitterly cold night at The Halliwell Jones Stadium the Reds created the first opening of note when Dani Pacheco fired a tame effort wide after a neat exchange of passes with Gerardo Bruna.
It would prove to be the highlight of the first 45 for Liverpool who dominated possession without finding the cutting edge to truly hurt the Rovers defence.
For their part, the visitors seemed happy to use the pace of their forwards on the counter-attack and gave a warning of their threat on 10 minutes when Marcus Marshall had a header ruled out for offside.
It was a brief respite for Liverpool and they fell behind seven minutes later when Emmanuel Mendy brought Aaron Doran crashing to the ground in the penalty area.
It was a poorly-timed challenge from the right full-back and his was duly punished in full when Alan Judge stepped up and lashed home the spot-kick to give the away side the lead.
The remainder of the half saw the home side continue to probe for the equaliser, but despite the presence of the returning Krisztian Nemeth in attack, the closest they came was when Mikel San Jose headed over Bruna’s corner on the stretch.
It was a similar story in the second period with little goal match action at either end, although Pacheco almost gave the 455 fans who had braved the winter chill something to cheer when he forced a fine save out of Mark Bunn with an inventive chip.
With time running out Ablett summoned Jordy Brouwer from the bench and he almost provided Pacheco with an opportunity with a clever flick, but the little Spaniard saw his shot deflected to safety.
At the other end, Peter Gulacsi had to be alert to keep out Julio Santa Cruz as Rovers threatened to double their margin of victory.
Deep into injury-time the Reds nearly nicked a point but no-one was on hand to steer home San Jose’s cut back after he was left unmarked at the far post.
Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Daniel Pacheco. Showed glimpses of his quality in a largely forgettable display from Gary Ablett’s men.
Liverpool Reserves: Peter Gulacsi, Emmanuel Gomis Mendy, Stephen Darby (Steven Irwin 46), Mikel San Jose Dominguez, Ronald Huth, Damien Plessis, Gerardo Bruna (Jordy Brouwer 75), Jay Spearing, Krisztian Nemeth, Daniel Pacheco, Vincent Weijl (Ryan Crowther 60). Unused subs: Martin Hansen, Daniel Ayala.
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