Kaka : Gerrard has Everything

AC Milan and Brazil star Kaka has stated that he feels Liverpool forward Steven Gerrard is one of the world's finest players, hailing the England man as possessing all the attributes of the modern footballer.

Gerrard has been in supreme form recently, helping his club to an almost incredible run of results by handing out thrashings to Real Madrid, Manchester United and Aston Villa in successive fixtures prior to the international break.

The Liverpool-born star also played well in England's weekend friendly at Wembley with Slovakia, with a particular feature of his performance being his fluent interchanges with Wayne Rooney.

Such versatility and 'football intelligence' is another factor in former Real Madrid and France legend Zinedine Zidane recently opining that Gerrard was perhaps now the finest player in the world.

That opinion was shared to an extent by Kaka, when he was questioned by British football magazine Four-Four-Two recently as to who he thought was the best player in the world.

"That’s a difficult question," he replied. "If I had to choose three, I would pick Cristiano Ronaldo, because of his skill and speed; Messi, because of his flair and skills; and Steven Gerrard, who for me is the complete modern player."

Kaka went on to assertively refute the notion that the signing of David Beckham by Milan was turning the club into a version of the 'Galacticos' days at Real Madrid, claiming, "I don’t believe you can call AC Milan the new Galacticos.

"We’ve always been a team full of big names and stars, so nothing has changed there.

"David Beckham’s arrival has helped us a lot, thanks to his skills, his quality and his professionalism. He is an amazing player, with a lot of talent. And I think I can learn a lot from playing with him."

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Torres : Aguero will leave Vicente Calderon some day

The former Atletico Hitman Fernando Torres has admitted today that he thinks Sergio Aguero will have to leave Atletico Madrid at some stage in order to further his career.

The Argentine has impressed with the Spanish side and has attracted the interest of many of the top clubs around Europe.

Whilst he has stated on many occasions that he doesn't want to leave Atletico, the rumours have persisted, and with a top four finish not a guarantee by any means this season, he could even be off this summer.

Torres, who finally left Atleti to join Liverpool two seasons ago, told La Razon that he thinks the day will come when Aguero will leave too.

"Kun is growing to be one of the best players at Atletico and the moment will come when he realises he has to leave," he explained.

"I am sure that Kun feels very happy there but the time will arrive when he thinks it has finished, and the big clubs do not always wait for you. A moment will come when a decision has to be made and the club will have to understand it…If he is lucky, they will understand it as they did with me."

Certainly the Atletico fans still have a special place for Torres and there is no doubt that he is still loved at the club.

He revealed that Atletico still has a place in his heart and that he will return some day, but that "one thing does not have to do with the other".

"I had to find what was best for my career and the decision to leave was the right one. Perhaps today I even think I could have left earlier, it wouldn't change anything. I knew the club I was going to and I believe that I made the right choice," he concluded.

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Barry delays Villa stay and open doors for Liverpool

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry won't make a decision over his future until the summer.

He has only 15 months remaining of his current contract at Villa but is playing a straight bat to any questions about whether his 12-year spell at the club will end in the summer.

Liverpool target Barry said: "What happens in the summer if Villa don't finish fourth? These are the sort of negative comments being thrown at me that I'm trying to push away from the whole squad.

"My aim is on the eight games to go and I still believe we can finish in the top four. I'm hopeful the rest of my team-mates are too.

"The way we've played this season, there's no reason why we can't get enough points from the last eight games to be there or there abouts.

"That is all I am focusing on and anything after that, I'll deal with at the end of the season."

Barry is keen to play Champions League football and believes the experience would make him a better player at international level.

He said: "I've yet to play in the Champions League. If I'm playing regularly there, hopefully my game can come on and make me a better international player.

"International football gives you confidence, being a regular in the England team, when you go back to your club.

"You feel a couple of feet taller, knowing you've played for one of the best countries in the world.

"That gives you a lot of confidence to go and play in the Premier League again."

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Eto'o on his way to Liverpool???

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is weighing up a move for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o in a bid to ensure his side do not rely so heavily on Fernando Torres next season, according to reports in Spain.

The sale of Robbie Keane to his former club Tottenham in January has left Benitez with just youngster David N’Gog as cover for Torres, a situation the Spaniard knows he must remedy if Liverpool are to keep pace with Manchester United and Chelsea.
Eto’o has insisted he would like to stay a Camp Nou until his contract runs out in the summer of 2010 and while Benitez would be prepared to wait to land one of Europe’s best strikers on a free transfer, it is thought he may try to exploit the uncertainty surrounding his future to land his man sooner.

After coming close to leaving Barcelona last summer, after manager Pep Guardiola revealed the Cameroon international did not feature in his plans, Eto’o has won his place back in emphatic fashion. He tops the Spanish goalscoring charts and has played a key role as Barcelona have threatened to run away with the La Liga title.
But Guardiola could still be convinced to cash in on a player unlikely to sign a new deal if a suitable offer arrived as he looks to supplement Europe’s best attacking line with the likes of Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery and Brazilian striker Keirrison.
Despite landing two La Liga titles since joining the Catalan side from Real Madrid, as well as playing a key role in winning the 2006 Champions League, Eto’o’s time at Barcelona has been chequered. He is widely considered a source of dressing room discontent and Guardiola had wanted to sell him, along with Deco and Ronaldinho, last summer, but could not find a buyer.
Benitez has been promised a transfer kitty of at least £30 million by Liverpool’s owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, plus whatever he can raise by selling off any of his squad he no longer requires.
A striker, as well as cover on the right wing and at right back, are likely to be his priorities, while a second move for Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry is likely

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Benitez gives Agger hint

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has hinted that Daniel Agger is a part of his future first-team plans.

The centre-back has been persistently linked with a move away Anfield, with AC Milan understood to be monitoring prolonged contract negotiations.

Agger - whose season has been hit by injury - has yet to put pen-to-paper on a long-term deal as he is not guaranteed a place in the starting XI after apparently falling behind Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel and Sami Hyypia in the pecking order.

However, Benitez has implied that the Denmark international could regain a regular place in his plans if he remains on Merseyside.

The Liverpool boss said in the Mail on Sunday: "Agger knows what I think of him.

"If he stays fit, he will have as good a chance of playing as anyone else, maybe more."

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Rafa backs Gerrard for PFA Player of the Year

Rafael Benitez has spoken of his admiration for Steven Gerrard and believes his captain would be a worthy recipient of the PFA Player of the Year award.

The Reds skipper has scored 21 goals so far this season and in a chilling warning to opposition defences throughout Europe, his manager claims he can get even better.

Asked if his captain would get his vote as the country's best player this season, Rafa told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Yes. If he can continue playing at this level then why not?

"For me Stevie is one of the best players in the world. To say one is the best above anyone else is difficult because there are a lot of quality players about, but he is one of the best. That is clear.

"He is more mature, he is still learning and tactically he is improving. He can still play better because he has the potential.

"He has quality and always tries to improve in every training session. That is very positive. You know when he is on the pitch you have more options to win.

"I was tempted on Sunday to keep Steven on because he could have scored more goals after his hat-trick but I wanted to give some minutes to another player."

Benitez also believes his role playing just off Fernando Torres has seen his skipper's game rise to even greater heights.

"Changing his position and seeing him play in a different role, I think he has improved a lot.

"He scored 23 goals one year and now he has 21 and can score more before the end of this season, so that is very positive for the team and also for him.

"When Gerrard and Torres are together for us the rest of the team has more confidence. It's good for the rest of the players as they get a lot of confidence when we have those two together on the pitch."

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Liverpool tracking Silva

RAFA BENITEZ is weighing up a summer swoop for Spanish star David Silva.

The Reds boss has identified the Valencia man as one of his top transfer targets - but will only do business if the price is right.

Valencia have hit massive financial difficulties in recent months and are set to sell crown jewels Silva, David Villa and Raul Albiol in an effort to bring their debt of 450m euros under control.

It is Silva who has caught Benitez's eye though, with the Liverpool manager on the lookout for a versatile attacking player who can figure in a number of positions behind Fernando Torres as he looks to add strength in depth to his squad.

The 23-year-old certainly fits that bill and Liverpool have already made tentative enquiries about his availability.

They will only follow up their initial interest if Valencia are realistic about their valuation of a player who has won 21 caps for Spain.

Reports in Spain suggest the La Liga outfit are holding out for a fee in the region of £25m for Silva and with Barcelona and Juventus also both believed to be interested in snapping him up the battle for his services could be hard fought.

Liverpool are unlikely to be willing to pay that kind of asking price but Benitez will move fast it a compromise deal can be struck.

Reds chief scout Eduardo Macia - who took Silva to Valencia when the attacking midfielder was a teenager - was recently dispatched to Spain to check on Silva's availability and was not discouraged by what he learned.

Silva was one of the stars of Spain's victory at Euro 2008, operating in a left sided attacking role which allowed him to support Torres and Villa at every opportunity.

An ankle injury has stopped him from making as many appearances as would have been expected for Valencia this season.

But the midfielder returned to action in January and is currently training with the Spanish national squad ahead of this weekend's World Cup qualifier against Turkey in Madrid.

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Rafa : Reina sure to be a KOP Legend

Rafael Benitez has spoken about the quality of Pepe Reina and claimed his stopper doesn't get the credit he deserves.

The Spaniard's clean sheet against Aston Villa on Sunday meant he broke legendary stopper Ray Clemence's record of 100 shut outs in all competitions in the fewest games.

Reina achieved his in just 197 games while Clemence got his century from 200 appearances.

The Reds boss admits he is very pleased to have the 26-year-old as his last line of defence.

"People don't realise how good Pepe is," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"If you ask me about Clemence I will tell you he was a fantastic goalkeeper and a legend. I think in the future people will know just how good Pepe is as a goalkeeper.

"He gives the team a lot of confidence and don't forget he is a young player so I think he can still improve."

Kop legend Bruce Grobbelaar this week even went as far as claiming Reina could score a goal himself one day from his own penalty area, and Benitez said: "It depends on the type of pitch. If it's a hard pitch maybe because his accuracy is very good."

Meanwhile, the boss admitted he was delighted with his side's performance against Aston Villa which saw his team close the gap at the top of the table to just one point behind Manchester United heading into the international break.

"I was really pleased with my team," said Rafa.

"People said I wasn't smiling but I was really happy and I can guarantee you that I was really proud.

"Goal difference could be important so we knew before this game we needed to score goals if we wanted to reduce the difference. We are now in a better position but we still need to keep playing well and scoring goals.

"For me we can still improve. The team is playing with confidence but I still think we can improve.

"We have to approach every game now thinking about just to win and get the three points."

Asked if the international break has come at a bad time, Benitez said: "Yes, you know my thoughts and I am really disappointed but you cannot change the situation.

"Hopefully the players will come back with the same mentality and we can keep the momentum. We will talk with them while they are away and hopefully they will all come back fit."

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Skrtel and Reira expect United to Crumble

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel believes Manchester United could crumble under the pressure as the end of the season draws near.

The Reds beat United 4-1 at Old Trafford nearly two weeks ago to start their title charge and with Sir Alex Ferguson's men dropping more points at Fulham, the gap at the top is now down to a point.

United still have their game in hand but the 24-year-old defender, who will play against England in the friendly with Slovakia on Saturday, is confident that the league leaders can slip up again.

"I think yes, because there are eight games left or so," he told deniksport.cz. "They are also in the UEFA Champions League. A lot of points are still up for grabs, and although they have a match against Portsmouth in hand, they will not have it easy against them.

"I just hope that we will stay in-form, they will slip-up and we will jump over them in the table."

Despite thumping Villa at Anfield on Sunday, Skrtel insists Martin O'Neill's top four hopefuls, Aston Villa, can spring a surprise when they visit United after the international break.

"It will not be an easy game for them. Aston Villa are still aiming for a Champions League spot and will not give them anything easy," he added. "We will see. It would be great if they could play better than against us and steal a point or three from United."

The Slovakian international also expressed his delight that Benitez had finally signed a new contract, after expressing his view that he had improved as a player under the Spaniard.

"It is good for us players as well as for the fans and the whole club, because Benitez has done a great piece of work during his time at Liverpool," he explained. "He is enormously popular here and I think that he is a coach of great qualities. He has also helped me personally.

"He has taught me a lot. Thanks to him we work a lot on tactics and game discipline. I have improved in both aspects."

Meanwhile, winger Albert Riera says confidence is growing in the camp that they can beat United to the title.

"Liverpool are playing really, really well in this moment," Riera told Sky Sports News. "The season is really, really complicated and you have to play well and the reality is you have to play ten months at the highest level and sometimes it is very, very difficult.

"For example we started really well, we were on the top of the table. After December and January we had some problems making a lot of draws at home but not losing.

"I think we were just not playing really well and the other teams wanted to beat who was top of the table that we were before. Now we are in a different position, but in a great position to fight for the title.

"We are one point behind Manchester United and we are really confident that this is the most important time."

Riera believes the pressure is on United after losing their last two games and he insists Liverpool will fight to the end to try and bring the championship back to Anfield.

"The feelings on the pitch are really well and we are in a great situation to fight and when you are behind somebody I think the pressure is for the other team," added Riera.

"Of course we have to wait as they are still in front of us, but we have a lot of confidence in ourselves and really good feelings.

"They are one point in front of us and have to play one match more than us as well, but the next two months we have a lot of important matches in the Premier League and Champions League, matches with a lot of pressure and we will be there waiting that they will not win every single match.

"We have to win every single match and I promised a long time ago we would fight for title and this is the promise we can do because to fight is compulsory and we will see at the end.

"We have a lot of confidence, a lot of good feelings and we will see what happens at the end of the season."

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Gillet denies selling his stake at Anfield

American businessman George Gillett angrily denied on Wednesday reports that he is considering selling his sporting assets including Premier League soccer club Liverpool and NHL team the Montreal Canadiens.

Gillett slammed media reports that he was preparing to dismantle his sporting empire which also includes the NASCAR team Richard Petty Motorsports.

"What was told to the media was that we are doing some estate planning and looking at various assets to see whether we should refinance them, sell them, buy them, nothing urgent, we were just starting the process," Gillett told reporters at the SportAccord convention. "We had engaged six investment advisors around the world and it got reported as four and that we were selling assets as opposed to estate planning.

"Even when you think you're doing it right it gets distorted. There is no story yet, we'll find out what it is when we get the reports.

"The need to make headlines sometimes transcends research."

There has been speculation for months that Gillett was looking to sell the Canadiens. He denied this was the case in December.

Gillett owns 80.1% of the Canadiens and 50% of five-times European champions Liverpool.

Gillett and co-owner Tom Hicks have endured a stormy relationship since taking control of Liverpool for £218.9m ($319.2m) in February 2007.

Neither man wants to sell his stake to the other. Last year Gillett said he was prepared to sell his holding to Dubai International Capital but a proposed deal fell through.

The Canadiens said on Monday that the Gillett family had retained the services of financial advisors in order to assess strategic alternatives to optimise the value of their corporate assets.

An intensely private man, Gillett labelled the reports an attack on his family's privacy.

"I think estate planning is as close to family private off the record you can get," said Gillett. "Yet somehow it has become a matter worldwide speculation.

"I came as a young man from a farm in Wisconsin; I am not use to this type of attention and this kind of impoliteness.

"I'm really offended by it because it is truly private. I know it affects assets we all know and love but it doesn't affect the operation of the businesses.

"The businesses are all in excellent shape financially, they are all healthy, they have strong incomes and relatively small debt in this difficult world."

Gillett did not sound like an owner preparing to unload any of his sporting assets, arguing that sport was one of the best places to weather the economic crisis.

"There some serious financial implications to what is going on in the world and the world economy but frankly we are fortunate to be involved in sports and sports entertainment," he said. "I can tell you the last place to lose support is entertainment and within the entertainment core the last place to lose support is sports.

"Sport is a refuge worldwide and I truly believe that. Historically entertainment is the last affected going into a downturn and it is the first coming back out.

"We are in a world of turmoil and hurt but I think we in sport are in the best spot in that world of hurt."

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TORRES Front-Runner for PFA Fans' Player of the Month award

Fernando Torres is amongst the frontrunners for the PFA Fans' Player of the Month award for March.

The Spain striker found the back of the net on two occasions as Liverpool romped to emphatic victories over Real Madrid, Manchester United and Aston Villa.

Other leading contenders include Didier Drogba, Aaron Lennon, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robin van Persie, with the winner to be decided by a fans' poll.

Torres won the award in February, with teammate Steven Gerrard prevailing in January and December.

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MCATEER : Gerrard the best player in the world

Jason McAteer has become the latest in a string of ex-pros to declare Steven Gerrard the best player in the world.

The former Reds wing-back agrees with Zinedine Zidane and Gary McAllister that Liverpool's skipper is now peerless.

"When a player like Steven Gerrard, arguably the best player in the world at the moment, gets space then he'll hurt you all day long.

"You can't really compare him to Lionel Messi because they both influence the game in different ways.

"The closest to Steven Gerrard at the moment is probably Kaka - and I would say Gerrard is above him in the best player ratings.

"He influences the team all over and it's not just about the goals. It's what he does off the ball, his movement and the way he brings players into the game."

Despite waxing lyrical about Gerrard, McAteer believes Liverpool's current run of 13 goals in three games is a real team effort.

He said: "If you look up and down the spine of Liverpool's team you've got Reina playing fantastically well - then there's Carragher, Gerrard and Torres.

"When those four players are on their game they'll influence the rest of the team. Aurelio has been absolutely brilliant in the last four or five games and Riera played fantastically well on Sunday. We know all about Dirk Kuyt too. The whole team has played collectively."

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Grobbelaar expects Reina to score

Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar would not be surprised to see Jose Reina add a goalscoring threat to his list of attributes.

Former goalkeeper Grobbelaar, who was a member of Liverpool's 1990 championship-winning squad, has been so impressed by Spanish shot-stopper Reina he considers him an attacking weapon for Rafael Benitez.

It was Reina's long kick which set up Albert Riera to score against Aston Villa on Sunday, and Grobbelaar claims opposition goalkeepers need to be aware of his potential menace.

''I've always said Reina has the best distribution out of the continental 'keepers,'' Grobbelaar told BBC Radio Five Live.

''His kicking out and throwing is absolutely superb. He might actually score from a kick one day, either out of his hands or he'll come 35 yards out and have a go at goal.''

Grobbelaar has been thrilled to see Liverpool revive their Premier League title challenge, as they attempt to end a 19-year wait to be champions of England again.

The 5-0 home victory over Villa took Liverpool to just one point behind leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand but have lost back-to-back league games.

''It's brilliant,'' said Grobbelaar. ''It's come at a great time. We know we have got to win every single game we play.

''Our away form has been better than our home form, despite the Villa match, so we know what we have got to do. United, on the other hand, have had this little hiccup.

''They've got to go away on international duty and come back and regroup. Believe me, this is not over by a long way.''

Liverpool will go top before United play their next game if they win at Fulham on April 4, 24 hours before the Red Devils face Villa at Old Trafford.

Manager Benitez has stressed there is ''real belief'' among his squad that they ''can beat anyone''.

Benitez added: ''But we must be calm, win the next game, get the points and keep going until the end. Otherwise everything will be wasted.

''Clearly we have confidence and the team is playing well. But we must just wait to see what happens next to United, while we must keep going and keep the team playing at this level.''

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Gerrard confidence while taking spot-kicks

Steven Gerrard claims he is now so confident taking penalties that the implications of missing never occur to him.

The Liverpool captain has a 100 per cent success rate from 12-yards so far this season, netting seven times, including two as part of his hat-trick in the Reds' 5-0 thumping of Aston Villa on Sunday.

"I've got more confident the more penalties I've taken," Gerrard told LFC Magazine. "Missing doesn't ever enter my thoughts now.

"I used to miss the odd pen here and there because I was frightened. I'd beat myself up before I'd hit it.

"I've grown into taking pens and I always feel as if I'm going to score. I wouldn't be hitting them otherwise."

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Gillet to sell his stake at anfield

George Gillett is edging towards the Anfield exit.

The Liverpool co-owner, who only last week claimed he was committed to a longterm stay at the club, has appointed investment experts to scrutinise his business interests. And they may advise him to sell his 50 per cent stake in the club.

Gillett took out a £65million loan last year to secure a refinancing package and he wants to pay off that debt.

He has been in talks with coowner Tom Hicks over a possible sale of his interest in the club, directly to the Texan, or to another investor.

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Hodgson wants to do United a favour

FULHAM manager Roy Hodgson insists his side can still have a major say in the destination of the Premier League title.

The Cottagers still have to face Chelsea and Liverpool before the end of the season and Hodgson's side are brimming with confidence after their 2- 0 defeat of league leaders Manchester United on Saturday.

It was Fulham's first home league victory over Manchester United in 45 years and Hodgson is already relishing Liverpool's visit to Craven Cottage on Saturday week and their trip to Stamford Bridge in May.

"We will be doing our very best to make certain that the performances we give against Liverpool and Chelsea are in no way inferior to the performance we gave against Manchester United," declared Hodgson. "We will work very hard, we will do our very best, and we will try and get points off them."

United's title bid hit another stumbling block thanks to Danny Murphy's penalty and a late goal by substitute Zoltan Gera.

But Hodgson was quick to warn Anfield manager Rafael Benitez and Chelsea's Guus Hiddink that they will have no easy ride against them.

"I hope they won't be thanking me when we play them, because there is no interest from my point of view in favouring any of the teams at the top," said Hodgson.

"My only interest is Fulham and trying to win matches. I can assure all Manchester United fans, and certainly my friend Sir Alex Ferguson, that we'll be working every bit as hard, and trying every bit as hard, to beat Liverpool and Chelsea."

Chelsea's failure to beat Tottenham on Saturday all but ended their own title chances but Liverpool's 5-0 demolition of Aston Villa put them just one point behind United.

The Red Devils will be without Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney, both sent off against Fulham, and Nemanja Vidic, dismissed in the previous 4-1 defeat against Liverpool, for their next league game against Villa.

But Hodgson still believes United remain favourites to lift the title once more.

"All of a sudden it's back to being more of a dogfight albeit, with the game in hand against Portsmouth, Manchester United can still have a comfortable lead," he said.

"There is going to come a time when life gets a little bit harder. But I don't think there is any team in the country better equipped to deal with that than Manchester United."

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Now its Carragher who warns United

Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United will be feeling the heat in the Premier League title race after a perfect weekend for Liverpool.

United's 2-0 loss to Fulham on Saturday was swiftly followed by Liverpool's 5-0 demolition of Aston Villa 24 hours later, a result which saw Rafael Benitez's side move to within a point of the leaders at the summit.
Liverpool's bulldozing display at Anfield came after comprehensive wins over United and Real Madrid in domestic and European competition respectively, and Carragher believes his side is coming into form at just the right time.
"This will have sent a message out to United and Chelsea," said the 31-year-old.
"Let's not kid ourselves, they'd have been watching the game.
"When you play Real Madrid and Manchester United and score so many goals, you know in the back of your mind that can't happen every week so to get five against Villa was a magnificent achievement.
"If we'd have dropped points against Villa, United's defeat at Fulham wouldn't have made that much of a difference but we've capitalised on it.
"Now United will realise they are in a fight for the league."
Carragher believes Liverpool have recovered well from a wobble at the turn of the year which saw United displace them at the Premier League summit.
"We are maturing and getting used to the demands of fighting for a title," he said.
"We were there earlier in the season but, having not been in that position before, maybe we didn't know how to deal with it.
"We've probably found it difficult a few times this season to cope with that.
"We're well aware that the title is in Manchester United's hands, but we're trying to put them under as much pressure as possible."

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Robben to Anfield?

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is ready to take a gamble on Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben.

The Daily Star Sunday says Benitez is planning a £20million bid for Real Madrid’s former Chelsea winger.
Robben has been outstanding for Real this season - when fit - and there remains doubts over his ability to stand up to rigours of top-flight football.

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Gerrard Warns United

HAT-TRICK hero Steven Gerrard has warned Manchester United that Liverpool are ready to pounce on any further mistakes from their bitter rivals in the race for the championship.

Rafael Benitez’s side moved to within a point of the league leaders after thrashing fifth-placed Aston Villa 5-0 at Anfield yesterday.
Having lost 4-1 at home to Liverpool last week, United slumped to a second successive defeat when they were beaten 2-0 at Fulham on Saturday.
With Chelsea also losing over the weekend, Liverpool have seen their Premier League title odds slashed as a result of their biggest win of the season.
And Gerrard believes an in-form Anfield outfit are in the mood to capitalise on any more slip-ups from United.
“It's important that we don't get carried away because Manchester United are capable of winning all their remaining games,” said the skipper.
“We've got to focus on what we're doing, keep winning and keep on their shoulders and keep piling that pressure on them so that they're going into games knowing that we're ready to pounce on any mistakes that they make.
“Chelsea are there as well. They got beat on Saturday as well but there's Chelsea as well.
“When you win, it's good to win convincingly and everyone knows we're on a rich vein of form and confidence is high here but we're just taking each game as it comes.”

Gerrard’s treble – two of which came from penalty spot – improved his tally to 21 goals for the season, with a career-best 13 coming in the Premier League.
And of his third career hat-trick and first in the league, the Liverpool skipper added: “It means a lot. Winning and the three points is the most important thing but it's always nice to get a hat-trick.
“You always wonder if you can stay on to score the third when Rafa’s in charge. He might take you off when you're on two just to keep your feet on the ground.”
Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring for Liverpool in the eighth minute with his 10th goal of the season, with Albert Riera doubling the lead on 33 minutes.
Gerrard netted his first from the spot six minutes later, before scoring five minutes after the interval and netting another penalty 15 minutes later after Villa’s former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel was sent off for a foul on Fernando Torres.
With eight league fixtures remaining, Benitez’s side have moved three points clear of Chelsea back into second place and possess a better goal difference than United, although the Old Trafford side still have a potentially decisive game in hand.
And Gerrard said: “Villa are a fantastic team and they've been going really well this season and it was important that we got after them from the start and never let them settle.”

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Liverpool tracking trio

Rafael Benitez is ready to cement Liverpool’s status as Europe’s top side by adding three top quality recruits to his squad in the summer.

The Daily Mirror claims that the Anfield outfit will spend big in the summer to sign Valencia duo David Silva and David Villa and former target Gareth Barry.

The combined price of the three players is expected to surpass the £100m mark although it is thought Benitez will attempt to put his contact book to good use in his negotiations with cash-strapped former side Valencia to secure a more appropriate fee.
Spanish duo Silva and Villa have been heavily tipped to leave the Mestalla in the summer, with Los Che rumoured to owe debts in the region of £400m while Gareth Barry’s chances of staying at Villa Park look likely to hang on whether Martin O’Neill leads his side to the Champions League places.

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Liverpool Rip apart Villa

Liverpool are breathing down Manchester United's necks in the Premier League title race after destroying fifth-placed Aston Villa 5-0.

It was the third stunning Liverpool victory in 12 days, having previously put four past Real Madrid and Manchester United.

The champions' lead is now one point - they also have a game in hand - but Liverpool have now scored more goals than Sir Alex Ferguson's men and have also wiped out their goal-difference advantage.

Villa had no answer to a side with a driven desire to take the title from under United's noses.

Steven Gerrard scored a hat-trick with a free-kick and two penalties, with the latter one following the dismissal of goalkeeper Brad Friedel for bringing down Reds striker Fernando Torres.

In the first-half Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera had scored, before Gerrard took over with his set-piece onslaught.

Liverpool had Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa back from respective ankle and hamstring injuries that ruled them out of last weekend's win at Manchester United, with Sami Hyypia and Lucas relegated to the bench.

They were joined there by defender Daniel Agger, who has only played one game since mid-December after a variety of injury problems.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill left out striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has scored only twice since before Christmas and was booed by his club's own fans last weekend. Defender Zat Knight was also on the bench, with John Carew and Curtis Davies back in the side.

There was still a solemn start to the proceedings, with a minute's silence following the death yesterday of 56-year-old club secretary Bryce Morrison, after he had flown back from the Champions League draw in Switzerland.

Morrison, who had worked at Anfield for 17 years, suffered a heart attack at home. Both teams wore black armbands.

The game got off to a blistering start, and after eight minutes Liverpool were ahead.

Alonso's header from Gerrard's free-kick cracked against the bar, and Dirk Kuyt reacted quickest to blast the ball home from 12 yards.

At the other end Ashley Young's cross arrowed in from the left and Carew's flick at the near post almost caught out Jose Reina - but the goalkeeper tipped the ball over the angle.

The contest was ferocious, and Gerrard was then rightly booked for a fierce, late, challenge on Davies.

Then Reina made another outstanding save to his left to claw away a towering header from Carew - who played under Benitez at Valencia.

Liverpool were relentless and after 33 minutes they claimed a second goal.

Reina's 80-yard clearance was allowed to bounce once on the edge of the area by a Villa defence pre-occupied with Torres and Riera took full advantage by smashing the dropping ball high into the net.

It could have been three when Arbeloa intercepted a bad Friedel clearance inside the Villa box, but he chose to pass to Torres rather than shooting himself.

But the third was not long coming. After 39 minutes Riera controlled a searching crossfield pass from Kuyt, and was brought down in the box by Nigel Reo-Coker. Gerrard smashed home the spot-kick.

Any thoughts of a Villa revival were crushed after 50 minutes when Carlos Cuellar brought down Kuyt on the edge of the box and Gerrard drilled the free-kick low to Friedel's left and into the bottom corner.

Former Reds striker Emile Heskey had a header held by Reina, but was by now being employed on the left trying to halt Arbeloa and Kuyt's flow down the flank - with Young switched to a central attacking role.

The ploy did not last long - Agbonlahor replaced Heskey after 58 minutes, with Young back on the line- but things got worse for Villa after 63 minutes when Friedel was dismissed for clashing with Torres and Gerrard drilled home the fifth past Villa's reserve keeper Brad Guzan.

Lucas, Agger and David Ngog replaced Alonso, Arbeloa and Gerrard in the closing minutes of a comprehensive victory.

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Confirmed Team Line-Up against Villa

Xabi Alonso returns to the Liverpool line-up for this afternoon’s visit of Aston Villa.

Also back in the side is fellow Spaniard Alvaro Arbeloa. The two who miss out from the team which thrased United last week are Sami Hyypia and Lucas.

Albert Riera continues on the left despite a somewhat poor performance last week, he’ll be hoping to improve today.

Ryan Babel, somewhat surprisingly, isn’t in the squad, instead two centre backs are named on the bench. The Dutchman may have an injury which hasn’t been previously reported. And Yossi Benayoun hasn’t recovered from a hamstring injury in time to make the squad.

Former Reds Emile Heskey and Brad Friedel line-up for the away side, who have John Carew alongside Heskey in attack. Gabby Agbonlahor isn’t in the starting eleven.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera Torres.
Subs: Cavalieri, Hyypia, Agger, Ngog, El Zhar, Dossena, Lucas.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Reo-Coker, Davies, Cuellar, L. Young, Milner, Petrov, Barry, A. Young, Heskey, Carew.

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Gerrard : Liverpool obsessed with winning title

The Reds skipper has only one thing on his mind, and that is breaking one of the most famous droughts in football...

Steven Gerrard has admitted he is desperate to win the Premier League and would rather claim domestic glory that pick up another Champions League title.

Liverpool have hit a hot run of form, thrashing Real Madrid and Manchester United in succession, and entertain Aston Villa today hoping for a win that would close the gap at the top of the league table.

Defeats for both United and Chelsea yesterday mean that a victory at Anfield this afternoon would see Rafael Benitez’s men move to within a point of leaders United.

And speaking to the News of the World, Gerrard has insisted that having gone 19 years without a league title the Anfield outfit can think about little else.

“There is an obsession with the league here and there always will be until we win it, but it can be a healthy one,” he explained.

"We all think about it all the time. I know it's something I'll be thinking about until we finally do it.

“That's why I’ll always put the league before the Champions League. I’m sure every Liverpool fan will say exactly the same.”

Last weekend’s 4-1 win over Sir Alex Ferguson’s side has breathed new life into the title race, and Gerrard admitted that the Merseysiders were buzzing.

“I sense everyone is really looking forward to every game between now and the end of the season. There’s a buzz around here I can’t remember for a long, long time,” he confessed.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather be in United’s position than ours, but now people aren’t expecting us to win the league it could have worked to our advantage.”

The 28-year-old also insisted that confidence was high at Anfield and the club were aiming to win all of their remaining games and pile the pressure on the leaders.

"I get the feeling there’s a confidence around Liverpool with everyone just wanting to give everything for the last nine league games,” he admitted.

“We can do no more than try to win every match. It still might not be enough, but at least we can make sure United have to work hard to win this title and keep breathing down their necks.”

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Gerrard to sign a two-year extention deal

Steven Gerrard will be offered a new £30million deal to stay at Liverpool.

And the Liverpool skipper is certain to pledge the rest of his career to his boyhood team, the News of the World says.

Having secured manager Benitez on a new five-year £20m contract, owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are determined to ensure their captain also stays.

The midfield star will be offered £140,000-a-week for the last two years of his current deal and then a two-year extension which will keep him at Anfield until at least 2013.

Despite interest from the rest of Europe, Gerrard has no intention of walking away from Anfield and Liverpool hope the improved terms for the 28-year-old will be signed as soon as May.

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Benitez : Gerrard and Torres the Best Attaking Pair

Rafael Benitez has hailed Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard as the best front line pairing in world football.

After playing key roles in the demolition of both Real Madrid and Manchester United during a glorious week for the Reds, Benitez admits he's struggling to identify a better striking combination anywhere in the game.

And he's hoping his deadly double act can fire Liverpool to within one point of Manchester United with victory over Aston Villa later today.

"They are both playing really well," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv. "We had an idea of how to play at United and both players did their jobs really well, along with the rest of the team, but these are players who can change games and they were fantastic.

"You can look around the world and see a lot of very good players, but these two together give you power, quality, committment and passion on the pitch. It's difficult to find two players together at this level, and that's good for us, the fans and the club.

"It's good for Steven to have Fernando playing up front because he knows Torres can beat players on his own by running or dribbling and when he has the ball he knows he will always be available."

While happy to highlight the key role played by his attacking stars during one of the most momentous weeks in the club's recent history, Benitez was also keen to praise the unsung heroes in a squad of players which rattled eight goals past two of the biggest names in world football.

"The team has been performing really well," he added. "Everyone involved in the squad has showed the quality they have.

"Against United we didn't know until just before kick off that Sami Hyypia was playing. We also had to move Jamie Carragher to right back but despite these problems the defenders were outstanding.

"Fabio scored a great free kick and showed the quality he has. We know if he can stay fit he is a great asset for us. I remember telling Stevie and Carra when we signed Fabio that he was great at set-pieces, and so it was fantastic to see him score at Old Trafford.

"When I went to Valencia and watched some videos I saw that Fabio never lost the ball. He is a quality player and is playing very well at the moment.

"It was also good to see Dossena score two goals in two games and I thought Lucas played very well against a quality midfield.

"It was a very positive game and you can talk about all of the players making a contribution. It shows the quality we have."

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Reina looking for one more record

Pepe Reina is looking to beat another club record this afternoon.

The keeper is hoping to keep his 100th clean sheet for the club against Aston Villa today. Should he be successful he will beat Ray Clemence's old record.

Clemence took 200 matches to keep 100 clean clean sheets while Reina has kept 99 in 196 games.

"Clearly the team is defending well as a team," said Rafael Benitez.

"I can remember a lot of situations when Pepe was one versus one with a striker and he has made some fantastic saves so I think that he deserves this record if he can break it because he is a very good goalkeeper.

"Hopefully it will happen this weekend because if it does it will mean that we have a better chance of winning."

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Ancelloti - Liverpool the only threat

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti talked about facing off with his former team mate Roberto Donadoni in tomorrow's match against Napoli and responded to Roberto Mancini's claim that Barcelona have been the strongest team in Europe in recent years.

Today Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti had some good news for the fans, as he announced during the pre-match press conference that Kaká has recovered from his injury and will take his place on the bench in tomorrow night's match against Napoli.

"Kaká is doing well but I don't think he will play from the start," he said to the club's official website. "He cares about playing with Milan and the national team, he has done everything to come back, he's not in the condition to play ninety minutes but he can help us in part of the match. Also Ronaldinho has worked well and he's in a good condition."

Talking about his Napoli colleague and former Milan team mate Roberto Donadoni, Ancelotti joked: "Yesterday I called Donadoni and asked him how I should how to do the trainings, with a three- or four-man defence. And he said, 'do what you want.'

"He's certainly a good friend, and now he has joined a prestigious club, but I certainly wouldn't mind making him unhappy tomorrow night. It's not an easy environment, but Napoli can use his character."

On the next transfer campaign, he said: "[Adriano] Galliani talked about a defender, and on that we agree, there won't be difficulties getting a good, young one like Thiago Silva, and [Palermo's Simon] Kjaer is a very good one too. We will also have to discuss about a striker."

Recently former Inter coach Roberto Mancini said that Barcelona have been the strongest team in Europe over the last few years.

Replying to that, Ancelotti said: "I think Milan have been the best, but there is another team that's getting close, which is Liverpool, who have the chance to make it to a third final in a few years' time."

Milan and Liverpool faced off in the 2005 and 2007 finals, the Rossoneri winning the latter while the Reds triumphed two years earlier on penalties after a legendary 3-3 draw.

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Ex-Liverpool player puts ball behind the united goal

Fulham smashed the Barclays Premier League title race wide open with a sensational 2-0 victory against nine-man Manchester United at Craven Cottage.

Danny Murphy put Fulham ahead in the 17th minute when he converted from the penalty spot after Paul Scholes was sent off for handling a header from Bobby Zamora.

Substitute Zoltan Gera then completed a fabulous afternoon for the Cottagers when he hooked home a cross by Andrew Johnson three minutes from time.

United were then reduced to nine men when substitute Wayne Rooney was dismissed for a second bookable offence seconds later.

It was United's second successive defeat following their 4-1 home mauling by Liverpool last weekend and the first time the champions and league leaders had suffered back-to-back losses in the league since April 2005.

Fulham served notice of their intentions when Clint Dempsey fired just wide with an angled drive in the second minute.

Moments later though United almost stole the lead when Dimitar Berbatov headed just over from a cross by Patrice Evra.

Zamora was allowed to run on freely after collecting the ball midway in the United half. Unfortunately for the Fulham striker he could not take advantage of his freedom and sent a 20-yard drive beyond Edwin van der Sar's right-hand post.

It was all Fulham with United looking decidedly shaky. Their pressure paid off in dramatic fashion in the 17th minute when Scholes was sent off for handball.

The corner from Simon Davies was headed goalwards by Brede Hangeland and after Zamora's first flick-on was saved by Van der Sar, his second attempt was kept out by the hands of Scholes.

Captain Murphy stepped up to send Van der Sar the wrong way from the spot to give Fulham the lead.

United were clearly having a confidence crisis and the goal was just reward for Fulham's bullish opening.

The Cottagers were humbled 4-0 in the FA Cup at Craven Cottage by United earlier in the month but Sir Alex Ferguson's side now faced a struggle to get back into the game after being reduced to 10 men.

Fulham continued to dominate and only a brilliant save from Van der Sar prevented Zamora from making it two in the 21st minute.

Fulham wasted two more chances to go further ahead with Van der Sar saving brilliantly from Zamora again in the 27th minute and then two minutes later Dempsey sent a right-foot drive flashing wide from 20 yards.

In the 32nd minute a cross from Dempsey was met by the head of Dickson Etuhu but the Fulham midfielder's header was collected safely by Van der Sar.

Moments later the Dutchman had to be alert once more as he dived to his right to catch a ferocious long-range drive from Zamora.

It was an uncharacteristic performance from United with Ryan Giggs guilty of some dreadful passing.

But Fulham had stung the league leaders with an all-action display to outplay their opponents from the start.

United full-back Evra was booked in first-half stoppage time for diving as Fulham were given a standing ovation on the whistle.

Ferguson decided Rooney would provide more firepower in attack as he replaced the ineffective Berbatov for the second half.

In the 52nd minute a cross from Darren Fletcher saw Cristiano Ronaldo climb high to send a header just over the Fulham crossbar.

Ronaldo was becoming more and more frustrated at Phil Dowd's reluctance to award a free-kick every time the Portugal international was tackled.

The United winger was so incensed that he produced a lunge at Murphy which was punished by a yellow card.

Ronaldo was saved by the fact his reckless challenge did not connect with Murphy, but his antics found little favour with the home crowd who booed him at every opportunity.

But United were beginning to get back into the game and Fletcher brought a save from Mark Schwarzer in the 59th minute when he let loose with a low drive from 20 yards.

Fulham had Schwarzer to thank again in the 61st minute when he saved superbly to keep out a powerful header from Ronaldo.

In the 64th minute, the Australian produced an incredible double save at point-blank range to deny Park Ji-Sung and Rooney and then dived full length to keep out a Ronaldo drive.

Fulham were now reeling for the first time in the game and Murphy was forced off through injury to be replaced by Olivier Dacourt in the 67th minute.

United responded a minute later by removing John O'Shea and replacing him with Carlos Tevez.

But Fulham made the game safe three minutes from time when substitute Gera struck their second from Johnson's assist and Rooney saw red for a second bookable offence as the frustration of defeat proved too much to bear.

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Chelsea title hopes fading

Chelsea missed a golden opportunity to cut the gap at the top of the Barclays Premier League as Luka Modric's solitary strike helped Tottenham inflict Guus Hiddink's first defeat since arriving in England.

A suspect vehicle near White Hart Lane delayed kick-off, meaning the visitors kicked off knowing leaders Manchester United were struggling at Fulham, but they failed to take advantage.

Victory would have taken them within a point of United but Hiddink's men were frustrated by a Tottenham side who have been transformed since Harry Redknapp's arrival five months ago, with Modric striking the winner just after the interval.

Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes also played a huge part in the victory, saving from John Terry late on when the away fans thought they were on level terms. Alex also hit the crossbar in stoppage time as Spurs held on.

Redknapp's men were relegation candidates when he took over in October but they are unbeaten in six league games and could be in with a shout for Europe.

On a personal level, Redknapp had not beaten Chelsea in a league game since 1999. More importantly, he feels his side could challenge the traditional top four in their next campaign.

The visitors, however, have still not recorded a win over one of their London rivals this season and their task was not made easier by Ricardo Carvalho picking up an ankle injury this week, meaning Alex deputised at centre-back.

Deco's hamstring problem meant Juliano Belletti came in on the right side of a midfield squeezed for space, especially when Spurs skipper Robbie Keane dropped back to help his team-mates.

Hiddink's men were predictably limited to long shots and Michael Essien, back from a serious injury, forced Gomes into a save which he gathered at the second attempt early on.

At the other end, Jermaine Jenas just cleared the angle of crossbar and near post with a fizzing drive.

The hosts got closer in the 18th minute after Alex failed to deal with a long punt forward, with Petr Cech required to beat away Keane's powerful volley.

Cech stopped Keane again after Vedran Corluka had raced down the right and pulled the ball back, although this effort was much closer to the Chelsea goalkeeper.

The visitors were being denied space on the ball, with Nicolas Anelka often dropping into midfield to get involved. That was how the France striker started the move that ended with the ball breaking to him on the edge of the area and Gomes saving at the near post.

Encouraged by Chelsea's limited chances, Spurs attempted to break forward. Cech claimed the ball when Keane cut in and had a shot blocked by Alex and the Chelsea goalkeeper also plucked the ball from under his crossbar from Ledley King's looping header.

King clattered Didier Drogba with his thigh while winning a header and the Chelsea striker looked dazed while receiving treatment and heading down the tunnel, the visitors seeing out the first half with 10 men.

Drogba was fit to start the second half but Chelsea were behind within five minutes of the restart.

Aaron Lennon received the ball on the right, feigned to go down the flank but instead he crossed early, between Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard.

Keane could have struck but Modric took control of the situation, crisply finishing from the edge of the area into the bottom corner for his fourth goal of the season.

He almost repeated the trick when he got on the end of another Lennon cross, but this time his effort lacked power.

Hiddink's response was to bring on Ricardo Quaresma for Belletti, moments before Lampard struck the frame of the goal with a header at the far post.

Gomes saved from Drogba at the near post and from Quaresma's long-range effort as Chelsea searched for the equaliser.

Drogba sliced another shot wide, with Hiddink's next move to bring on Florent Malouda for Essien.

Terry forced Gomes into his stunning full-stretch save, then King's block on Anelka was equally important. Alex hit the bar deep in injury-time with a header from a corner but Spurs held on.

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Old Trafford defeat and rafa's rant still biting Fergie , so he rants Liverpool this time!!!

Sir Alex Ferguson has re-opened hostilities with Rafa Benitez by disputing the Liverpool manager's claim that he has spent more on transfers than the Spaniard.

Benitez suggested last week that Ferguson had spent £100million more he had, but the Manchester United boss retaliated by ordering his staff to tot up each manager's spending since the Liverpool boss took over at Anfield five years ago.

By United's calculations, Benitez has spent £24million more and Ferguson is expecting him to splash the cash again this summer.

Ferguson said: "I was amazed at that one. I got some of the people in the sports technology department to check that out.

"He's well ahead of us in spending in the last five years.

"He said our spending power is more than theirs but he has spent £24million more than we have.

"I think you will see Rafa producing an absolute spending spree, I think that's an absolute certainty now he has signed a new contract.

"There's talk about a recession but I don't think there will be one at Liverpool this year.''

In terms of net spending -- taking into account income from sales -- the clubs are much the same. Liverpool's net spending over five years on players is £82.5million and United's has been £85.5million. Meanwhile, Chelsea spent £154.8million net on players during that time and Arsenal just £3.4million.

Ferguson claimed his philosophy included developing young players as well as signing stars, while Benitez was more focused on bringing in established players.

He added: "There's a balance -- we have signed 18 players in the last five years and eight of those have been young players. There's a balance, it's about doing the thing correctly.

"We like to try to develop young players and we will always do that. That's the nature of the club.

"Other clubs are maybe different and obviously Rafa has a different philosophy of the game from mine.

"But that's the great thing about football -- everyone has a different way of doing things.

"The most amazing fact was that they have used 60 players in reserves matches and have 50 players in their reserves squad."

Ferguson believes United's owners will continue to support any requests for transfer funds that he makes, and that the club must always remained focus on dealing with challenges.

"It's always been that if I wanted a player the club would try to find the money and I think that's still the case. They have always delivered in the past,'' said Ferguson.

"Whatever the challenge, whether it comes from Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal, you have to address it.

"It's the same as Chelsea [with Roman Abramovich]. At the time we were saying what's going to happen here, and they were terrific and they got a really good squad of experienced players they could rely on.

"We had to address that and work to get back as the number one.''

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Liverpool play Chelsea again and avoid Hillsborough date

Liverpool will continue their annual European rivalry with Chelsea after Friday's Champions League quarter-final draw at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, pitted the Premier League duo against each other yet again.

The draw means Rafa Benitez's 2005 champions will face last season's beaten finalists Chelsea for the fifth time in five seasons - four times in the knock-out stages and once in the group stage of the competition.
Liverpool have won two and the Blues one of the clubs' recent Champions League battles, but Chelsea won the last clash 4-3 on aggregate in last year's semi-final.
Benitez's side won the 2004/05 semi-final, before the teams locked horns in the 2005/06 group stage. Liverpool then won the 2006/07 semi-final against Chelsea, who turned the tables under manager Avram Grant last term.
However, Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry believes the past meetings will have little impact on the latest clash.
"It's not about historical form, it's about form at this stage of the season," Parry said. "Obviously at the moment we're coming in to form so fingers crossed we are peaking nicely and if we can keep everybody fit we're optimistic.''
"We know what we've got to do over the two legs. We know what we're capable of doing so we will get on with it now," he told Sky Sports.
Parry also confirmed the game will not take place on the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, Wednesday April 15 and will atke place on the other quarter-final date scheduled by UEFA.
"'I'm literally just getting news that we will be playing on the 14th. It is a huge relief and a good outcome," Parry told Setanta Sports.
Chelsea secretary David Barnard admitted the two sides knew each other very well from their previous meetings.
"We probably know the inside leg measurements of Rafa's trousers. It's something that's completely extraordinary they should play so many times,'' he said.
Barnard believes having the second leg at home, as it was last year, could give the Blues the advantage.
"In theory it should help us being away first,'' he added. "We were successful last year in the semi-final whereas in the previous semi-finals we were hampered with the second leg (which was at Anfield).
"On all three occasions in the semi the team away first got through.''

Defending European champions Manchester United drew Portuguese title holders FC Porto and the match brings back memories of 2004, when then Porto boss Jose Mourinho charged up the Old Trafford touchline in delight after a 90th-minute Costinha goal took them through at the expense of the English team.
Manchester United manager Sir alex Ferguson is certainly not taking anything for granted and although he admitted his club were happy with the draw he insisted it was not an easy tie.
"This is a good draw for us, we've met Porto before and obviously we respect any Portuguese team," Ferguson said. "We have had a huge Portuguese influence in the club firstly with Carlos Queiroz but now with Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Nani so we understand Portuguese football."
United will play the second leg in Porto but Ferguson insists that should not be a problem.
He said: "You sometimes wonder if being at home first is a good or a bad thing but I think in this modern-day competition there is no indication of what is better, the only thing you hope is that you don't lose a goal in the home tie.
"We are happy with the draw and we are looking forward to the next round."
Arsenal will play their first leg away to Villarreal in a repeat of the semi-final of 2006, although the Gunners played the first match at home on that occasion and went through 1-0 on aggregate after success at Highbury.
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said he expects another tough tie against the Spanish side but expects the Gunners to go through.
"We think we can get a result but when we played them in 2006 we only just squeaked by 1-0 on aggregate and I think it's going to be a difficult test," Gazidis said.
"This journey is a challenge for us. Every team is here on merit and there is a reason why every team is here. So Villarreal are going to be a big challenge. We're laser focused on the next round."
"We've got a superb group of young players and we still believe there is potential for a really great season for Arsenal this year."
Barcelona, winners in 2006 drew Bayern Munich, champions in 2001 and the German giants have never lost to the La Liga leaders in Europe.
The quarter-finals will take place on April 7-8, with the return legs the following week. The draw for the semi-finals was also made in Switzerland.
The winners of Liverpool's match against Chelsea will face the winners of Barcelona's match against Bayern for a place in the final.
United will take on Arsenal for a place in the Rome showdown - assuming both Premier League teams win their quarter-final ties.
The first leg of the semis is due to take place on April 28-29, with the return matches going ahead the following week.

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Rafa to be given £30m transfer kitty

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has been handed a £30m war chest along with his new five-year contract, according to reports in the UK press.

Reds co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have promised to hand Benitez £20m on top of the £12m recouped by selling Anfield flop Robbie Keane back to Tottenham Hotspur and he is free to spend it all on transfers this summer.

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is once again top of the Spaniard's wanted list, Liverpool having failed to land the England international last summer, and Spurs winger Aaron Lennon is also a target.

After securing his own future, Benitez will now turn his attention to negotiating new contracts for Anfield stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres ahead of his summer spending spree.

"My priority now is to do the deals for my staff and for the players who will be important for this club in the future," Benitez said.

Top earner Gerrard can expect a small increase in his £100,000-a-week salary to keep him at Anfield into his thirties, while Torres will also be handed a revised package after returning to top form in recent games.

The £21m former Atletico Madrid striker, who arrived on a six-year deal worth £70,000 a week in 2007, is on course for a 12-month extension and weekly pay rise to £90,000.

Jamie Carragher, Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger and Alvaro Arbeloa are also in line for contract renewals.

Liverpool are also in the market for a new chief executive after parting company with Benitez's nemesis Rick Parry and Hicks, who claims to have settled his differences with co-owner Gillett, will only settle for the best possible option.

"We are focused on finding the very best CEO in the world to take the club forward," he said.

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Lennon commits to Tottenham

Reports suggesting Liverpool are tracking Tottenham's Aaron Lennon may dissipate somewhat with the news that winger has put pen to paper on a contract extension to keep him at White Hart Lane until June 2014.

Delighted Spurs boss Harry Redknapp told Sky Sports News: "He's just signed a new contract extension, so he's here for the next 5 years anyway.

"It's good news for the club. He wants to stay, we want to keep him. We've had no enquiries anyway, to be honest.

"He's a young player with a great future.

"He's been fantastic since I've been here so we're delighted to have secured him long-term.

"He's got all the ability, he's so quick. He's learning the game still. He's not the finished article. He has to keep listening and taking everything on board: take the good advice he gets given.

"He's a great little lad. If he keeps listening and he wants to learn, he could go on to be a fantastic player."

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Man United V FC Porto

Sir Alex Ferguson declared himself pleased with the UEFA Champions League draw for the quarter-finals after his side were pitted against Porto.

Should the reigning European champions overcome their Portuguese opponents a potential semi-final with Arsenal awaits, with the Gunners facing Villarreal in their last eight clash.

Despite their relatively poor record against Porto down the years, just two wins from six games, the 67-year-old will go into the tie confident his side will progress.

The Scot also pointed out that having Portuguese national team boss Carlos Queiroz as his assistant for the last four seasons would help in his side's preparations.

"This is a good draw for us, we've met Porto before and obviously we respect any Portuguese team," he said.

"We have had a huge Portuguese influence in the club firstly with Carlos Queiroz but now with Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Nani so we understand Portuguese football."

The only negative from the draw was the fact that United will play the first leg of the tie at home and should they qualify for the last four they will again be away for the second leg, but Ferguson insists this shouldn't be a problem.

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Villareal V Arsenal

Arsenal's tie with Villarreal is a rematch of their 2006 semi-final, which the Gunners won 1-0 on aggregate.

"It is maybe a good opportunity to play the first game away from home, but at that level it is very difficult to be creative in your statement," said Gunners boss Wenger. "It will depend on the quality of your performance and the players available as well.
"We have learned that to knock any Spanish team out is very difficult. There are many big clubs in Europe who are not in the quarter-finals. We are one of the five clubs who have for 10 consecutive years qualified for the Champions League, so to go to the end of it is our immense desire."
The match also sees Villarreal winger Robert Pires line up against his former club, and the Frenchman said: "Of course it will be a special match. Returning there makes me very happy but today, as a Villarreal player, I want to win to continue in the competition with my team."

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Barcelona V Bayern Munich

The English clubs managed to avoid Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final draw though either Chelsea or Liverpool are set to meet the German giants in the semi-final. That’s of course if Bayern manage to overcome many critic’s favourites Barcelona in their quarter-final.

Jurgen Klinsmann’s return to Bavaria has not gone quite as swimmingly as the former German national coach may have hoped. Having adopted a side that were already Bundesliga champions, Klinsmann has had problems instilling his liberal attacking approach at the Allianz Arena, with the early season, in particular, highlighting some teething problems between the coach’s preferred system and his new charges. However, an eleven match unbeaten run leading up to the winter break left Bayern level on points with surprise leaders Hoffenheim, and 2009 has seen mixed form from Bayern, leaving them currently lying in second place, four points behind incumbent leaders Hertha Berlin.

A growing trend at Bayern in recent times has been the increasing dependency on French winger Franck Ribery. The dynamic wide man was the principle reason behind Bayern’s autumnal upturn in form, and he grabbed a brace in FCB’s 5-0 first-leg victory over Sporting Lisbon in the last 16. In defence, the impressive Lucio is partnered by Argentine Martin Demichelis. Converted from a deep lying midfield role, Demichelis can look uncomfortable in his new role and is often found susceptible to positional problems.

Their 12-1 aggregate success over Sporting Lisbon is most certainly paper over the cracks, but their individual quality in the attacking third often gets them out of trouble. For that reason, the Bavarians will always be a threat. They will however, be missing talismanic forward Miroslav Klose in the quarter-finals after the German international picked up an ankle injury.

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Real reason why rafa choose to stay

Rafael Benitez says passionate demonstrations of support from Liverpool fans convinced him to remain at Anfield.

The Spaniard has finally signed a four-year contract extension worth around £20 million that will keep him at the club until 2014.
At times this season, Benitez has appeared unlikely to remain at Liverpool beyond the summer, with the contract redrafted at least eight times.
However, Benitez says he can now look forward to bringing more success to Liverpool’s fans – who have backed him throughout his turbulent rows with the club’s board.
“I am really pleased for me, for my family and hopefully for the fans,” said Benitez. “It was a very easy decision for me to take because I only ever wanted to stay at this football club.”
Splits in the club’s hierarchy have widened over the last 18 months or so, with 'dirty linen' being increasingly aired in public.
But Benitez says meeting with one supporter in particular confirmed why his future lay at Anfield.
“Last week I met with a supporter who carries a flag to every game,” said Benitez. “The flag has a picture of me on it and the Spanish phrase ‘siempre es possible’ and it is flown at all our home games.
“I saw it at the Bernabeu also when we played Real Madrid and I met the supporter who owns the flag at Melwood last week.
“He was telling me ‘you must sign’ and saying ‘I hope it is for 10 years' but then he was changing his mind ‘no, no 20 years’.
“It was really funny but it also showed the incredible passion of the Liverpool fans and the support that they give to their manager. I also remember the Porto game last season when the fans demonstrated for me. That is something I will never forget.”
Looking back over the contract negotiations, which at one time caused bookmakers to suspend betting on Benitez’s departure, he added: “Because of the uncertainty it was a difficult time. The conversations went on for a long time and because of that I was a bit worried.
“But I never thought of leaving and in the end it has all been sorted out thanks to the hard work of everyone involved.
“From the very beginning everyone knew that I wanted to stay here. But it took a bit longer for everything to be concluded because there were certain issues that we needed to be clarified.”

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Liverpool's Possible Summer Sales and Buys

After Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez ended speculation over his future in signing a four-year contract extension worth around £20 million that will keep him at Anfield until 2014 Telegraph Sport looks at five possible transfer targets and players on the way out.

Sales:

Jermaine Pennant (Free)

The former Arsenal and Birmingham winger, currently on loan at Portsmouth, will not have his contract renewed after falling out with Benitez, with the manager concerned by his attitude in training.

Andriy Voronin (£2-3 million)

A flop in the Premier League, the Ukrainian has been in sparkling form since joining Hertha Berlin on loan. The Bundesliga remains his most likely destination, and Hertha his preferred move, should the Germans be able to find the cash.

Andrea Dossena (£4 million)

After early struggles at Anfield, Dossena’s two goals in two games suggest he is starting to find his feet, albeit as a left-winger and not a left-back. Benitez may be tempted to cash in, though, if a suitable offer from Italy arrives, with Juventus and Roma interested.

Philipp Degen (£1 million)

The Swiss full-back has featured just twice since his move from Borussia Dortmund after a succession of injuries. Benitez will surely move him on if he can find a buyer willing to take the risk.

Buys

Glen Johnson (Portsmouth, £8 million)

Liverpool’s most obvious weakness is at right back, where there is no natural cover for Alvaro Arbeloa. Johnson, an England international, would provide a more attacking alternative and is likely to be available as Portsmouth look to ease their financial concerns.

David Wheater (Middlesbrough, £5 million)

Should the ever-reliable Sami Hyypia leave, Benitez is likely to look at the Middlesbrough man as a young, English replacement. The Spaniard knows he has to boost his English contingent to meet UEFA regulations and, should Boro be relegated, Wheater would be an economic option.

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham, £10 million)

Benitez tried to include the wide man as part of the Robbie Keane deal but Harry Redknapp was unwilling to budge. There are suggestions that Liverpool may go back in the summer as Benitez tries to add natural width to a team which struggles to break down compact opponents.

Michael Mancienne (Chelsea, £4 million)

The England under-21 international has struggled to break in to Chelsea’s side and Benitez, on the lookout for English players, would be tempted to bring in a defender equally comfortable at centre back or full back.

Gareth Barry (Aston Villa, £15 million)

If Aston Villa fail to reach the Champions League, Barry may decide that he has to make the move he was dissuaded from last season. Benitez may choose to go back for the man who, ultimately, cost Rick Parry his job and is still keen on his dynamism and versatility.

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