[Korvin]

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.»

[Korvin]

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.»

[Korvin]

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

[Korvin]

Dimosik [02.12.2008 13:26], Реально мне не понятно нахрена нам был нужен Кин, он игрок такого же плана как анпример Беллами которые в схему Бенитеса ну никак не хотят вписыватся. Ну а Бабель — молод + не совсем форвард, а скорее атакующий полузащитник, и еще почему то чаще доверяют Бенаюну(которого тоже гнать надо ) 😈

[Korvin]

Dimosik [02.12.2008 09:59], когда торрес форму наберет 😎 , а пока никто не может тянуть игру на себе. крауча жалко продали , щас бы ооочень пригодился…

[Korvin]

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.»

[Korvin]

READ RAFA AND STEVIE’S PRE-MATCH NOTES
Liverpoolfc.tv 01 December 2008
Rafa Benitez and Steven Gerrard have been sharing their pre-match thoughts in tonight’s official match programme. Read what the manager and the skipper have to say online now.

The win over Marseille was an improvement on our performance against Fulham last weekend, but only just.

These two games have not been our best displays of the season but we are still at the top of the league and have now also reached the last 16 of the Champions League.

We can now analyse and change things but I am happy we are still creating chances. That is always a positive when you have not been playing well.

When we scored against Marseille, the game changed.

They started coming forward and attacking, using a lot of players with pace and ability.

When a team plays as Marseille did after the goal, you have to control them but we failed to do that at times. We played too long and open and were looking for the perfect final pass too much. We have to keep possession better than we did on Wednesday night.

It was a difficult game, but at the end of the day we won and achieved our initial target of getting through the group stage. We now have one more game to try and win the group.

Gianfranco Zola comes to Anfield as West Ham manager. He was a fantastic player with game intelligence and quality. Hopefully he will go on to become a great manager also, but only after tonight’s game.

There were many people linked with the job when Alan Curbishley left Upton Park. Zola had been doing a good job with the Italy U21 side, is a big name and also has experience in England, so it didn’t surprise me when he was appointed as Curbishley’s successor.

He moved quickly to bring in Steve Clarke from Chelsea as his assistant manager. As we know here at Liverpool, it is important to have good, experienced people within the backroom staff; people who know what it takes to be successful in the Premier League.

West Ham’s 1-0 win at Sunderland last weekend was only their second victory away from Upton Park this season, but they’ve had some close games on their travels and performances have been improving.

The win at the Stadium of Light halted a run in which they had picked up just two points from their last seven games. In that sense it was a massive victory for them and one that will provide them with more confidence coming here tonight.

It also moved them away from the relegation zone up into 13th place.

It’s very tight in the middle of the table this season, where one win can move a team up several places. One game can change everything. The key is to stay calm. If West Ham can do that, I believe they have enough quality to stay away from danger this season.

They’ve had some injury problems this season, most notably with Dean Ashton. He is a good player and an England international. Ashton is a big loss for West Ham but perhaps our gain tonight.

Saying that, they have the likes of Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole who can make a difference for them. The understanding between these two could be key for West Ham while Ashton is out.

Of course, we all know about Craig here at Anfield. He is a player with pace and passion.

Craig did well for us and hopefully is now enjoying playing week in, week out for West Ham. As with all our former players, we wish Craig all the best for the future and I’m sure you will give him a good reception tonight.

Rafa Benitez

We had three priorities on Wednesday night, and we achieved them all. We wanted to win the game, reach the last 16, and keep a clean sheet in the process.

There were times when it wasn’t pretty to watch, we know that, but we got the job done. That’s the most important thing.

There were a couple of really nervy moments in the second half for us, but Marseille had a game-plan that worked well for them. They were able to stretch the game in midfield where we like to keep things tight, and they isolated Fernando in attack too. They made life really difficult for us, especially after the break, and you can’t take anything away from them for that.

We expected that to be honest. They might have been saying in the build-up that they were playing PSV Eindhoven for third place, but they were always going to come here and give it a go, even with only an outside chance of qualifying.

Now both us and Atletico know that we are into the knock-out stages, and all that’s left to decide is who goes into top spot in the group.

We drew both games we played against each other, so it’s down to goal difference at the moment. We’ve both got tricky away games to finish the group – us in Holland and Atletico in the south of France.

Both PSV and Marseille have a chance of reaching the UEFA Cup, so these games are going to be exciting. There are no meaningless games in this group.

We want to top the table and take any little advantage we can get when the draw is made before Christmas for the first knock-out round. It might only be a tiny advantage, but it’s better to have it than not.

You don’t get easy games anywhere in this competition, whether you’re first or second in the group. We’ve played Barcelona, Inter Milan, Benfica and Bayer Leverkusen at that stage, having finished first and second, and none of those games were what you would call easy.

Our away displays have maybe been better than our home ones in Europe this season, so we can travel to the Phillips Stadium confident we can get the job done.

We’d probably rather go there than the Velodrome.

Tonight, West Ham come to Anfield.

Arsenal’s win over Chelsea yesterday means it’s even more important that we get back to winning ways in the league tonight.

We’re not playing particularly well at the moment, we haven’t really hit the heights we can since Spurs away – and we lost that game — but a good win and performance tonight means we can forget that. We just need to spark into life again.

The 0-0 draw with Fulham last week was bitterly disappointing. We didn’t lose any ground on our rivals but it was a chance to gain an advantage.

Tonight we’re looking to put that right with a big performance and a big result.

Steven Gerrard

[Korvin]

LIVERPOOL V WEST HAM: MATCH PREVIEW
James Carroll 01 December 2008
Three points may be the target against West Ham tonight — but the Reds will regain top spot in the Premier League simply by avoiding defeat to the Hammers. Here’s the big match preview.
Liverpool play host to West Ham United with the Reds looking to bounce back from the frustrating draw with Fulham.

Victory for the Reds will ensure that they march three points clear at the summit of the Premier League and maintain their unbeaten home record.

Rafael Benitez’s side have not lost in the league at Anfield since last December and Liverpool enjoy a fine home record against the Hammers.

The London club haven’t recorded a victory at Anfield for 35 matches. Furthermore, the Reds have only lost five of the last 41 league meetings between the two teams.

West Ham did claim a victory over the Reds at Upton Park last season, courtesy of a stoppage-time penalty from Mark Noble, but Liverpool ran out comfortable 4-0 winners in the return fixture at Anfield, with Fernando Torres helping himself to a hat-trick.

Overall, Liverpool have won 53 of the league meetings between the teams compared to West Ham’s 21 triumphs. There have been 28 draws.

The two sides unforgettably met in the FA Cup Final of 2006 at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Steven Gerrard was the hero as he twice brought Liverpool level in a pulsating 3-3 draw, including a dramatic 30-yard strike as the game entered injury-time, before the Reds claimed a penalty shoot-out victory over their opponents.

Liverpool’s biggest home win against West Ham came in April 1984. Ian Rush and Graeme Souness both helped themselves to a brace of goals with Kenny Dalglish and Ronnie Whelan also adding to the 6-0 scoreline.

Former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy is the Hammer’s current number ten.

The boss:

Gianfranco Zola was appointed as the Irons boss in September, signing a three-year contract at Upton Park and becoming the first foreign coach to manage at Upton Park in the process.

His first game in charge saw West Ham dispatch Newcastle 3-1 in London but the likeable Italian has saw the form of his new club fluctuate since his arrival. A run of seven Premier League games with a win was halted with an away victory over Sunderland last weekend.

Zola’s only previous management experience came as an assistant to Pierluigi Casiraghi in the Italian under-21 set-up.

The 41-year-old is arguably better known for his successful playing career.

His first break came as the legendary Diego Maradona’s understudy at Napoli, having previously spent time Nuorese and Torres.

«I learnt everything from Diego,» Zola said of his time with Maradona. «I used to spy on him every time he trained and learned how to curl a free-kick just like him.

«After one year I had completely changed. I saw him do things in training and in matches I had never even dreamed possible. He was simply the best I’ve ever seen.»

Zola won the Scudetto during his first season in the Italian top-flight but was sold to Parma in 1993 for ‘financial reasons’.

By now a regular for Italy, Zola continued to flourish at his new club, winning the UEFA Cup in 1995.

In November 1996, Zola joined Chelsea and made an instance impact, winning the FA Cup and being named the Football Writer’s Association Player of the Year.

Zola went on to make over 200 appearances at Stamford Bridge and wasvoted ‘Chelsea’s best ever player’ by the fans.

He was awarded an OBE in 2005 for services to football.

The dangerman:

Craig Bellamy left Anfield to move to Upton Park in the summer of 2007.

However, injuries have disrupted the Welshman’s time at the Hammers but the Reds will be well aware of the threat posed by the 29-year-old.

Bellamy is the current captain of Wales and has won 54 caps and scored 16 goals for his country.

West Ham United factfile:

West Ham are nicknamed ‘The Hammers’ because of the club’s origins as Thames Ironworks company football team, although their fans often refer to them as ‘The Irons’.

They were formed in 1895 as Thames Ironworks.

They play at the Boleyn Ground (more commonly known as Upton Park) which has a capacity of 35,647.

The Hammers do not play with a sponsor on their shirts after former sponsor, XL, went into administration in September.

West Have have won the FA Cup on three occasions, most recently in 1980.

They also lifted the UEFA Cup in 1965, beating 1860 Munich 2-0 at Wembley.

The Hammers have retired the number six jersey in tribute to England World Cup winner Bobby Moore.

West Ham were the last visiting team to win at Arsenal’s old Highbury stadium and the first to triumph at the Gunners’ Emirates home.

They have only had 12 managers in the history of the club, fewer than any other English club.

The Hammers broke their transfer record in July 2007 when they signed Craig Bellamy from Liverpool.

[Korvin]

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.»

[Korvin]

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.»

[Korvin]

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.»

[Korvin]

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.»

[Korvin]

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.»

[Korvin]

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.»

[Korvin]

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.

[Korvin]

Есть только один Стивен Джеррард…

Представляем карьеру нашего капитана в цифрах:

9 лет — в этом возрасте Стиви вступил в молодёжную Академию Красных;

18 лет 5 месяцев и 29 дней — точный возраст дебюта Стиви за первую команду в матче против «Блэкбёрн Роверс» в ноябре 1998;

13 — количество выступлений в первой команде в своём дебютном сезоне;

17 минут потребовалось ему для того, чтобы оформить хеттрик в ворота «Лутон Таун» в четвёртом раунде Кубка Англии (2007/08);

2 хет-трика в карьере (ещё один — в матче против «Тотал Нетворк Солюшн» в июле 2005);

54 — минута, на которой он головой замкнул подачу Йона Арне Риисе, сподвигнув тем самым Красных на «камбэк» в матче с «Миланом» в финале Лиги Чемпионов (2004/05);

8 — номер на его спине;

28 — номер, под которым он играл в свой дебютный сезон;

17 — номер его формы в сезонах 2000/01—2003/04;

23 гола в сезоне 2005/06 — лучший показатель Джеррарда;

1 награда лучшему молодому игроку года (2000/01);

1 награда лучшему футболисту по версии УЕФА (2004/05);

1 звание лучшего игрока матча Лиги чемпионов (2004/05);

1 награда лучшему футболисту года по версии профессиональной футбольной ассоциации (2005/06);

1 звание лучшего игрока финала Кубка Англии (2005/06);

4 звания лучшего игрока месяца Премьер-лиги;

70 игр за сборную;

14 голов за сборную;

1 Орден Британской Империи;

446 — число игр, потребовавшихся ему, чтобы забить 100 голов;

458 игр;

104 гола;

9 кубков;

10 лет;

1 Стивен Джеррард.

[Korvin]

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.

[Korvin]

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.

[Korvin]

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».

[Korvin]

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

[Korvin]

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.»

[Korvin]

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

[Korvin]

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.»

[Korvin]

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».

[Korvin]

Рафа: «Победили, и ладно»

Наставник Красных Рафа Бенитес постарался несколько сгладить то плохое впечатление, которое произвела игра его подопечных в матче с марсельским «Олимпиком» в Лиге чемпионов. Тренер сказал: «В конце концов мы ведь победили, а это главное».

Красным так и не удалось навязать французам свою игру, более того, гости контролировали ход игры бóльшую часть матча.

Отличная игра Джейми Каррагера в защите и Пепе Рейны в рамке ворот позволили Красным не пропустить, в то время как Стиви Джи забил единственный мяч в матче после красивой комбинации с участием Шаби Алонсо.

По словам Бенитеса, мерсисайдцы вышли на матч с целью победить, коей и достигли, выйдя в следующую стадию турнира.

«Игра вышла немного странной, потому что они чаще атаковали, а нам удавалось лишь изредка контратаковать, но это объясняется тем, что мы довольно быстро открыли счёт в игре», — цитирует слова Бенитеса после матча ThisIsAnfield.com.

«Не будем забывать, что нам противостояла довольно сильная и техничная команда».

«У них не было иного выбора, кроме как идти вперёд большими силами. Потому они и сыграли с тремя нападающими, а ещё двое их футболистов выступали в роли атакующих полузащитников. Согласитесь, довольно сложно сдерживать сразу пятерых».

«Мы старались использовать игровые качества Торреса, но у нас не всегда получался завершающий пас, и над этим нам стоит задуматься. Но, в конце концов, сегодня от нас требовалось победить и пройти дальше, что мы и сделали».

В заключительном матче группового этапа (9 декабря) Красные померятся силами с ПСВ.

[Korvin]

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.

[Korvin]

TORRES EAGER FOR GERRARD REUNION
Paul Eaton 26 November 2008
Fernando Torres is relishing the return of Steven Gerrard to the Liverpool team tonight as the Reds go in search of the win which will secure their place in the knock-out phase of the Champions League.
Victory over Marseille would guarantee Rafael Benitez’s men a place in the last sixteen, while they would also qualify with a draw if PSV Eindhoven fail to beat Atletico Madrid.

The return of Gerrard after a groin strain is a timely tonic for the Reds, who will be looking to bounce back from their frustrating goalless draw with Fulham at the weekend, and for Torres who is delighted to welcome his teammate back to action.

The pair have not been in the same starting eleven since the 3-2 win at Manchester City on October 5.

«I wanted to play for a club like Liverpool, where I could learn from players like Steven Gerrard, who I have always respected as a player and a leader,» said Torres.

«A captain in England must lead by example. Steve Gerrard is someone everyone wants to be like – always the first at training, it is he who grafts the hardest in each exercise, who sacrifices himself during each match.

«You follow him blindly. Moreover, he is a star who decided to stay at Liverpool despite all the offers.

«It is a pleasure to receive the throughballs you get from Steven. He puts the ball where he wants, like Xavi (Hernandez) for the national team.»

Torres, meanwhile, has also reiterated his love for both the club and the city of Liverpool as he embarks on the challenge of looking to replicate a stunning first season in English football.

«It isn’t easy to adapt but once you have, you would have trouble wanting to play anywhere else,» he said.

«You go to play away at a team in the relegation zone and you find yourself playing on a perfect pitch, with the stands full to bursting and opponents who are there to play football.

«And even if they lose, the crowd are going to cheer them on until the death. You only see this in British football.»

He added: «The club is a symbol of a city which fought to stay alive.

«Everyone is proud of the team. Players want to come here because they know that Liverpool is a truly great club.

«Anfield is the most English of all the grounds — people live and breathe football there.

«With just 45,000 fans there, that roar they give makes you think you have wings on your feet.»

[Korvin]

LFC V MARSEILLE: BIG MATCH PREVIEW
James Carroll 26 November 2008
Liverpool entertain Marseille knowing that a victory will guarantee them a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a game to spare.

The Reds are currently level on points with Atletico Madrid at the top of Group D and will be hoping to pick up a convincing victory to boost their chances of finishing in first place.

Rafael Benitez’s side can also qualify with a draw, providing that Atletico do not lose to PSV Eindhoven in Spain.

It’s a landmark night for the Liverpool manager, who will take charge of the Reds in Europe for the 66th time, surpassing Bill Shankly’s record of 65 games.

A win for the home side would also see the Anfield boss equal Bob Paisley’s record of 39 wins in competitive games against continental opposition.

«I am really happy to be here and really proud to have reached such a landmark,» Benitez told reporters ahead of the game.

«I don’t think it would be right for anyone to compare me with Shankly or Paisley, though, especially when you consider how Shankly built the club up and the top trophies Paisley won.

«I just hope I am still in charge after another 66 European games because it would mean we were still winning. That is what matters most. You can only play so many games in Europe in such a short space of time if you are winning most of them.

«I have never in my life been the sort of person to sit back after achieving something and say: ‘That’s it, I’ve done it now. That’s enough for me’.

«Always, I want to improve. I am really pleased and proud to be where we are today but I want to take it further and keep adding to what we have already done.

«When I took over, the team were having problems qualifying for the Champions League. I knew what I was walking into. It was a challenge but that is what I wanted.

«You create history by doing things, not talking about it and it is an important step forward that we are now qualifying for the Champions League every year.

«Not only that, we have reached two finals and a semi-final, which is no mean feat. I am always looking at the bigger picture and how we can improve and that is why I was unaware of this record until someone at the club told me earlier today.

«I have huge respect for the history of this club but my aim is to send out teams who win games in such a way that people are talking about how fantastic the present is.»

The Ligue 1 side are in need of three points at Anfield to keep their hopes of qualification alive, having only picked up one win from their opening four matches.

A Steven Gerrard brace clinched a 2-1 win at the Stade Velodrome earlier in the campaign but Marseille stunned Anfield last season with a 1-0 victory courtesy of a goal from Mathieu Valbuena, who is set to miss out on a return to Merseyside due to a knee injury.

However, former Liverpool winger Bolo Zenden is included in the travelling squad.

The Dutchman salvaged a point for Marseille with a stoppage-time equaliser against Lille to keep Eric Gerets side in third place in Ligue 1, six points adrift of leaders Lyon. Another former Red, Djibril Cisse, is contracted to l’OM but is currently on-loan at Sunderland.

Marseille can boast an Englishman in their ranks in the form of defender Tyrone Mears. The 25-year-old agreed a season-long loan-deal with the Stade Velodrome club in August and they have the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.

The Boss

Eric Gerets became the coach of Marseille in September of last year and masterminded a 1-0 victory at Anfield in his first game in charge.

The Belgian had been out of work for four months after leaving Galatasaray, where he won the Turkish Super League in 2006.

Gerets also had spells in charge of RFC de Liege, Lierse SK, Club Brugge, PSV Eindhoven (where he would later become manager), Kaiserslautern and Wolfsburg.

The 54-year-old enjoyed a distinguished playing career before he turned his hand to management.

He made his name as a full-back with Standard Liege before joining Italian giants AC Milan in 1983. He made 13 appearances at the San Siro before moving to Holland, where he played for MVV Maastricht. He rejoined PSV a year later and went on to make 200 appearances for the Dutch club.

Gerets won 82 caps for Belgium, scoring two goals, in his playing days.

The dangerman

Mamadou Niang is a powerful, pacey striker who is a fans favourite at the Stade Velodrome.

The 29-year-old joined Marseille from Strasbourg in 2005 and finished the season as l’OM’s top scorer with ten goals.

He dwarfed that tally in 2007/08 as the Senegal international fired in 28 goals in all competitions, including 18 league strikes that saw him finish as Ligue 1’s second top goalscorer.

Niang has 27 caps for Senegal and has scored 13 goals. He represented the Lions of Teranga at the 2004, 2006 and 2008 African Cup of Nations.

Marseille factfile

Marseille are often referred to by their nickname of l’OM in France.

Their club motto is ‘Droit Au But’, which is translated as ‘Straight to the goal’ in English.

Marseille were founded in 1899.

They currently play at the Stade Velodrome, which has a capacity of 60,031.

Marseille hold the record with Saint Etienne for most league title wins (10) with their last success coming in 1992.

l’OM can also boast a record number of French Cup wins, having lifted the trophy on ten occasions.

They have also won the Champions League in 1993, beating AC Milan 1-0 in Munich’s Oylimpiastadion. Former Glasgow Rangers defender Basile Boli was the goalscorer and l’OM are the only French club to have won the competition. Marseille had finished as runners up in the tournament two-years earlier, losing 5-3 on penalties to Red Star Belgrade.

They reached the UEFA Cup Final in 2004, beating Liverpool en-route, but were beaten 2-0 by Rafael Benitez’s Valencia.

Notable former players include William Gallas, Didier Drogba, Christophe Dugarry, Eric Cantona, Laurent Blanc, Didier Deschamps, Marcel Desailly, Jairzinho, Claude Makelele, Mido, Joseph Yobo, Robert Pires, Jean-Pierre Papin, Rudi Voller, Jean Tigana and Chris Waddle.

Players who have figured for both Liverpool and Marseille include Titi Camara, Bruno Cheyrou, Pegguy Arphexad, Bolo Zenden, Djibril Cisse

[Korvin]

AGGER CALLS FOR VAST IMPROVEMENT
James Carroll 26 November 2008
Daniel Agger believes that Liverpool will require a much-improved performance if the Reds are to secure qualification for the next round of the Champions League against Marseille tonight.
A win for the Reds will see them qualify for the last 16 of the tournament with a game to spare but Agger remains deeply frustrated by Liverpool’s goalless draw with Fulham on Saturday and has warned his team-mates that they can ill-afford a repeat showing this evening against the Ligue 1 side.

«Our performance against Fulham in the first half was not good enough,» the Danish international admitted.

«It was really, really bad and it was almost too difficult to describe. We got better in the second half and created some chances and had more possession but we know we must do better than that.

«Marseille will be a difficult game because it is in the Champions League and all matches are tough in this competition.

«We want to go through to the next stage of the competition as early as possible.»

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano insists that confidence in the Reds camp has not been damaged by the draw with the Cottagers ahead of this evening’s clash with l’OM.

«We are towards the top of the table in the Premier League, which is positive, and we are also going well in Europe,» said Mascherano.

«The most important thing is the team and we know our target at the start of every game is to win our battles in all areas of the pitch.

«It doesn’t matter if you are playing away or at home, you have to try to play the same way and impose our game on our opponents.

«Our confidence is also good because we have not lost many games. This is good for all of the players.

«I think we are stronger than last season – maybe we have more options now,» he continued.

«We have players who can play in different positions so the manager can move them around. Everyone is working really hard in training to be named in the side.

«We have improved our team. We are stronger now and working hard to progress. We have a number of players who have been together two or three years so the understanding is much better and we are showing this on the pitch.»

[Korvin]

READ RAFA AND STEVIE’S PRE-MATCH NOTES
Liverpoolfc.tv 26 November 2008
Rafa Benitez and Steven Gerrard have been sharing their pre-match thoughts in tonight’s official match programme. Read what the manager and the skipper have to say online now.

If we want to win tonight we will have to play better than we did against Fulham here on Saturday. That was a bad day for us.

We didn’t play at the level we’ve shown in recent weeks. Hopefully, we can get back to that level tonight.

A point against Marseille could be enough to see us qualify from Group D. However, we’re not setting out for a draw. We never do and it’s really important we win tonight.

We know that we could have qualified for the knockout stages already. There was a sense of disappointment that we drew twice with Atletico Madrid.

While we had opportunities to win both games, we also know we could have lost the second match against Atletico here at Anfield where it took a late penalty for us to earn a point.

We cannot change those results and just have to concentrate on getting maximum points tonight to ensure we qualify.

Our initial priority is to reach the knockout stages. After that we’ve got one more game against PSV Eindhoven in which we will be trying to top the
group.

Steven Gerrard scored twice at the Stade Velodrome to help us beat Marseille 2-1 on matchday one.

Of course, Steven missed Saturday’s match with a groin injury, but he has been working hard to give himself every chance of being ready for tonight.

We had to come back from a goal down to win in Marseille. After Lorik Cana had put them ahead, it took us just three minutes to get the equaliser. It was vital we replied so soon after Marseille had taken the lead.

When a team scores first, particularly at home, they can become more organised and gain in confidence. Scoring when we did prevented this from happening and we were then able to go on and win the game.

This will be the fourth time we’ve played Marseille in a year, having also drawn them in last season’s group stage.

Familiarity can be a help and a hindrance. While we know about them and how they might play, they will also know a lot about us.

You will remember Marseille beat us 1-0 here last season. It was a good finish by Mathieu Valbuena, but we made mistakes in the build-up to the goal.

Although we didn’t play well that night, we learned that Marseille can be well-organised in defence and also have good players who can be effective on the counter-attack, qualities we will have to be aware of tonight.

Our second game against Marseille last season saw us win quite comfortably, 4-0.

Between that game and our most recent meeting, I noticed Marseille were much more compact, making it harder for us, and I expect another difficult game tonight.

Marseille have some good players, and the manager, Eric Gerets, has instilled a good mentality in the team during his first year in charge.

They arrive at Anfield with three points after beating PSV Eindhoven 3-0 in France on matchday four.

That means Marseille have to win tonight if they are to have any hope of reaching the last 16.

This makes them even more dangerous and we have to be mindful of this while ensuring we do the right things to win the game.

As I’ve said, while a point may be enough for us to qualify, a draw here has not entered our thinking. We always try to win every game and once again I am asking you, the fans, to get right behind the team to help us achieve our goal.

You know how important your support is and I hope to see you all back here for more special European nights in the second half of the season.

Rafa Benitez

WE can’t afford too many afternoons at Anfield like the one we had last Saturday.

Credit to Fulham who came to Anfield and made life really difficult for us. They had a game plan, stuck to it and got the reward of a point. Opposition teams are well within their rights to use the tactics that they feel will get them the best result. They made the game as narrow as they could for us and packed the midfield with players.

It’s up to us to break teams like that down, and on Saturday we failed to get the job done.

We didn’t perform at anything like the level we know we should be hitting at home in the first half. The game was flat and so was our performance.

We were better after the break, but we were still well below the standards we’ve set for ourselves this season.

With all due respect to Fulham, that should have been a bread and butter three points for us.

You need to make the most of your home games in the Premier League. We were fortunate in one respect in that the other results at the weekend didn’t really harm us.

But we feel that Saturday was a missed opportunity. If we’d taken three points off Fulham then we’d have been two clear of Chelsea and 10 ahead of United, although they have a game in hand.

It wouldn’t have been decisive right now, but any opportunity that you get to put your rivals under pressure is one that you should be looking to take.

But it’s gone, and we won’t be dwelling on it. So long as we have learned a valuable lesson and improve our performances off the back of that draw then we’ll be fine.

But it’s a warning, just like Stoke was, of what can happen if we’re not on top of our game.

Tonight, however, it’s all about the Champions League and trying to book our place in the knockout stages against Marseille.

I don’t think anyone reading this will need me to remind them of what happened last season when they came to visit Anfield. We were poor, they were good and they beat us in our own backyard.

That result left us with a mountain to climb in the group. This season, it’s been more straightforward, but they’ve still got an outside chance of getting through so they’ll be determined and tough to break down.

I wouldn’t expect Marseille to be too adventurous early on tonight away from home. They’ll want to settle into the game and play on the break, like a lot of teams do.

They might have had someone at Anfield watching Saturday’s game and they’ll have seen Fulham frustrate us to death.

But we’re confident we’ll be 100 times better tonight. The onus is on us to dominate and create chances; hopefully we can take one of them early on and force them out of their comfort zone. A good start’s vital.

Personally, I’m hoping to be back in action after missing Saturday’s game. I hate not being involved because of injury and missing any game – but tonight’s massive for us and I want to be involved.

Steven Gerrard

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