King Kenny reveals Carra's first step in Management

Kenny Dalglish today revealed how Jamie Carragher will take his first steps into management at the Hillsborough memorial match next month.

Legends from the illustrious history of the club will take on an All Stars team at Anfield on May 14 to help raise funds for the Marina Dalglish Appeal's bid to build a new Radiotherapy Unit at University Hospital in Aintree.

Carragher will take up a coaching role with the All Stars side, alongside Phil Thompson and Ricky Tomlinson, while Dalglish will be accompanied by two fellow Anfield greats in taking charge of the Legends.

"I'll be in charge of one team and there will be a former 'international manager' in charge of the other," Dalglish told a press conference at Anfield.

"Alongside myself will be Roy Evans and hopefully Ronnie Moran. On the other bench will be Phil Thompson and Jamie Carragher, who will be given an introduction to a managerial career.

"A former England international manager will be in charge of their team in the shape of Mike Bassett (Ricky Tomlinson), who has assured me he will play 4-4-2."

Dalglish confirmed some of the star names fans can expect to see take to the hallowed turf on May 14.

"There are a lot of players coming from various places," said the legendary number seven.

"We've got some of the older lads from 1989. Not just the Liverpool lads, but also Everton and Nottingham Forest players as well. I don't think they'll last too long though, so we've got some younger lads to come in behind them and also some celebrities have agreed to take part.

"We've got John Aldridge, Ian Rush, Peter Beardsley, Ronnie Whelan, Gary Gillespie, Jan Molby, Gary Ablett and Steve Staunton for the older players.

"The likes of Robbie Fowler, Jamie Redknapp, Steve McManaman, Gary McAllister and Don Hutchison are going to play too. They'll hopefully be more energetic and replace the older lads.

"We're also going to have Paul Harrison in goal, who lost his Dad and uncle at Hillsborough. Paul was a professional at Liverpool a few years ago and it means a lot to him to be involved."

"It's not been difficult to get the players to play," continued Dalglish. "They've all been really accommodating. They know all about Marina's charity and what we hope to achieve.

"Maybe I've pushed the boat out a little bit and abused the privileges of our friendships by asking them to attend things, but they know it's for a very good cause.

"It's a real opportunity for them to put their boots on once again and enjoy themselves.

"We've got a good number of players and also a fair few people who are supporting us financially so it's great for the city."

Former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen admits he is looking forward to the event, but isn't exactly relishing the prospect of putting on his boots once again.

'Jockey' said: "I'm certainly not looking forward to playing!

"I think the last time I played was the rematch of the 86 Cup final and I lasted about 22 minutes - I'm not going to beat that.

"It'll probably be only two minutes this time, but I am looking forward to meeting up with all of the guys again.

"The 20th anniversary of Hillsborough was very poignant and the way it was covered in the press was superb.

"You have to sit back and admire what Kenny and Marina have done. The hard work they've put in is just unbelievable.

"It's going to be a great night for everyone - the charity, the fans and hopefully the families."

Doctor Lee Martin, a surgeon from Fazakerley hospital, believes the funds raised will help build a 'world class' facility on Merseyside.

He said: "Marina has been intricately involved in cancer research on Merseyside. The chemotherapy unit has been open for two years now and she's helped make a big difference to so many people.

"Without their input, this type of thing would never happen on this side of the water. It will revolutionise cancer treatment in the Merseyside area.

"We're grateful not only for the money, but also Kenny and Marina's personal contribution.

"This will be a world class facility for a world class city."

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Villa and Silva to be sold in summer

Top European clubs are on alert after Spanish club Valencia declared that two of their star players, David Villa and David Silva, may have to be sold in the summer transfer window.

Valencia sporting director Fernando Gomez has admitted the club, who have substantial debts, may have to finally sell their two top Spanish Internationals in order to balance the books.

Both Villa and Silva have been under constant speculation about their futures at the club, with a range of top European sides eager to seal their transfers.

27-year old David Villa, has been a long-term target for both Arsenal and cash-rich Manchester City, who refused point-blank Valencia’s astonishingly high valuation of £90million in January.

However, it is believed that the Euro 2008 winner is open for a move to the Premier League in the summer, although there is interest from some top Spanish sides.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old David Silva has been a long-term target for three Premiership sides, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea all in a three-way battle to land the talented attacking midfielder in the summer, but Silva has already stated that he would prefer to remain in Spain, but he may be persuaded by a big offer.

On Thursday, Valencia’s sporting director Fernando Gomez, who himself spent 15 years at The Mestalla, has vowed to battle to keep the Spanish duo at the club, but admitted that they may have no option but to sell them.

“The fans know that we will do all we can to keep them here,” said Fernando. “But we cannot rule anything out because of our financial situation. We have to put the future of Valencia first.”

Valencia are currently in 4th place in La Liga, which would mean qualification for the Champions League next season, but are by no means sure of that, and it is a real worry for Los Che, but something he thinks the club could cope with.

“It would be difficult but not impossible,” he finished.


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Gerrard all set for toon day

The news that Liverpool skipper 'Stevie G' is fit for the weekend may not go down well on Tyneside.

Liverpool's talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard, who has been an influential figure all season for the Reds, whether occupying a position from deep or supporting silky Spanish striker Fernando Torres, will be fit for selection at the weekend, according to club boss Rafael Benitez.

The England international has made a full recovery from the groin injury that has kept him sidelined recently and he has already returned to training.

Gerrard's presence could be of crucial importance for the title run-in, especially as Manchester United compete prior to Liverpool's Sunday showdown with troubled Newcastle United. The Reds, therefore, need to keep on winning.

This news, though, will strike a sense of trepidation into Magpies fans, who know that if they keep on failing to collect maximum points then their Premier League status could eventually be torn up.

Benitez is quoted by The Daily Mail as saying, "Steven is doing well and is training with the rest of the team. I think he will be fit and available for Sunday.

"It is good news for the team and for him because he can be a key player for us over the remaining games. Without Steven the squad has been playing well and scoring goals, so that is positive."

He added that his thoughts remain predominantly pre-occupied with the club's title charge and not with Xabi Alonso's press-speculated move to the Old Lady of Serie A, Juventus.

"I was reading the press and they are talking about different players. I can guarantee today that we are not thinking about selling anyone. All we are thinking about is to do our job and to try and win the Premier League title, if possible.

"After that you never know what can happen in the market. Clearly, at this moment, we are just preparing for winning games."


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Alonso on Juventus Radar again

Italian giants Juventus may make another move this summer to sign Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, after missing out on the Spaniard last summer.

Alonso was close to a £15million move to Serie A last summer after it looked likely that Rafa Benitez would bring in Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry to replace him. But after helping his country to win the European Championships, Alonso has proved to be one of the Reds’ most important players in the 2008/09 campaign.

Italian football agent, Ernesto Bronzetti, has hinted that the Alonso to Juventus transfer saga may take place yet again at the end of the this season. He said, “I would try to bring in Alonso. There was a long chase last summer for his signature, of course, so it is a road we know.

“Pairing him with Sissoko would be a title-winning midfield.

“The problem is that it would be very hard and expensive to take such an important player away from Liverpool.”

Reds boss Benitez has recently announced his desire to keep Alonso at Anfield this summer.

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Babel not ready to give up

Liverpool winger Ryan Babel hopes to show next season that he is ready to fulfil his potential.

He has shown glimpses of his ability but has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot and realises it is now time to deliver.

The 22-year-old accepts that he can no longer hide behind his youth and he is determined to establish himself as a key player with the Reds.

"You are a talent until you are 23," Babel told the Dutch Football Association's official website.

"At that moment you can't say 'Sorry I am just a young player'. At that moment you have gained enough experience to play a major role.

"Coaches say 'You are still young, you have time'. But they won't say that about Lionel Messi. He is young and he is good, so he will play."

Babel's future has been the subject of speculation but he maintains that he is happy at the club.

"I am very proud to be a part of this team," he explained.

"Before I made the transfer to Liverpool, of course I knew the club and the Beatles but apart from that not a lot about the city.

"It has completely changed. If you are there, you appreciate Liverpool. Then you can see how big this club is."

Babel accepts that he found it difficult to adjust to the training methods used at Liverpool when he first joined the club.

He said: "At Ajax there was time to do some individual exercises at the end of the training. I really enjoyed that.

"Nowadays it isn't possible, unfortunately. At Liverpool we had to leave the pitch to move on inside.

"The next game could not be far away. They won't take any risks that you will get injured.

"In the first season I had problems with that as I didn't play a lot. I am now used to it. To take some moments of rest are important."

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Liverpool to swoop Hyppia for Hangeland

The Liverpool midfielder Sami Hyppia has refused to sign an agreement with Liverpool this summer as he wants to continue his playing career, and with Daniel Agger also looking for a move away, it seems that Rafael Benitez will be urgently looking for a defender during the transfer season.

It has been reported today that his first target is Raul Albiol from Valencia, but he is also very interested in Brede Hangeland from Fulham, who earned the London club’s Player of the Year award with his performances this season but has indicated that it is time for him to move on to bigger and better things.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has admitted that he has offerered Hangeland a new contract but it will be hard to hold on such a good player.

He said: “We’re showing our respect by offering him a new contract. We’re doing everything we can to show how much we appreciate him and how much we want him to stay. It takes a brave man to say no-one is going to touch my players. But the fact is, he’s our player and will remain so. We’ll fight tooth and nail to keep him.”

Hangeland admitted that he would be flattered if a big club approached him. He said: “Of course, everyone wants to win trophies. If a big club wanted me to join as one of their three centre-backs, I would consider it, as and when they approached me.”

So if Benitez went to Hodgson with a good offer, and Hyppia was to arrive in the other direction to get first-team football, everyone would be happy. And Hodgson would expect to have an increased transfer kitty at the end of the day.

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Benitez needs to sell first for Barry and Downing

Rafa Benitez admits he will have to sell in order to buy the players he wants.

The Liverpool boss’s targets include Gareth Barry and Stewart Downing but his £25million transfer kitty will not be enough to secure all his reinforcements — putting question marks against the likes of Daniel Agger and Ryan Babel.

Benitez said: “More or less I have an idea of how much we will have to spend. I think we’d have to sell players to increase the money we’ll need, but at the moment we’re not talking about names and money. We are working on targets and we will try to do things as quickly and cheaply as possible.
“Every year it is important to sign good players, the right players. We know we have better players than before and it will be difficult to find better players than we have now. But we are working very hard during the season, looking for and watching players. We will be ready.”

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Gerrard wants Dalglish at Anfield

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has given a ringing endorsement to the club’s plans to recruit Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish.

The former Reds manager is reportedly being lined up for a return to Anfield in an advisory role with an announcement in the pipeline for next week.

Dalglish admitted he was keen to help out in any capacity and Gerrard has given his backing to the move which will see the former forward divide his time between the club’s academy and first-team training ground at Melwood.

Gerrard said in the Sunday Mirror: "My first response to the news was, 'Great, get him in now' because the man is a legend.

"It's a great idea to get Kenny in because it would give the club a massive lift.

"Put it this way, if I was a young player again and a number of clubs wanted to sign me, if Kenny Dalglish came to me and asked me to sign for Liverpool then there is only one place I would go."

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Liverpool on Indian Radar??

Liverpool are reported to have held talks with Indian billionaire Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao over a potential £500m takeover at Anfield.

Representatives of Rao's GMR Group were guests at the Merseyside club earlier this week and witnessed the 4-4 draw with Arsenal.

Rao, who has a fortuned estimated at over £4bn and owns Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket team Delhi Daredevils, is understood to be a Liverpool fan and is reportedly keen to invest in other sports, particularly English football.

The News of the World report that Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks opened negotiations with Rao initially with a view to arranging a sponsorship deal, but the Indian businessman who made his fortune in the airport and construction industries is thought to be considering a major investment in the club which could lead to an eventual takeover.

A source told the News of the World: "The GMR group were invited by Hicks and their representative watched the Arsenal match in the directors' box with Hicks' son Tommy. It was quite clear the representative was a fan".

Hicks and his co-owner George Gillett could be forced to sell Liverpool in July unless they can refinance £350m of loans the duo took out in order to takeover the club.

The two US sports investors have endured a fractious relationship since joining forces at Liverpool, arguing over the governance and direction of the club, but recently have presented a united front as they strive to attract new finance.

Both Hicks and Gillett were present at Anfield for the Arsenal match and met with Rao's representative.

Liverpool are also understood to have held talks with a Kuwaiti investment group, led by Naffer Al Kharafi.

Liverpool went top of the Premier League on Saturday after beating Hull City 3-1, but their lead over title rivals Manchester United was short-lived as the Red Devils reclaimed the lead a few hours later with a stunning 5-2 comeback win over Tottenham Hotspur.

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Gerrard set to miss trip to Hull

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of Saturday's trip to Hull City with a groin injury.

The skipper has yet to recover from an adductor injury sustained against Chelsea on April 8 - though he is expected back for next weekend's home game with Newcastle.
Rafa Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "He is not fit and won't be available. I think he will be available next week because he's improving, but this game is too soon.
"The rest of the team is available - we have a full squad."
A win for Liverpool would see them draw level with league leaders Manchester United, who host Tottenham Hotspur at tea-time; but the Reds have won only two of their six league games without their skipper, who has missed the last few games, including the incredible 4-4 draw with Arsenal.

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Aguero on his way to Anfield

Liverpool Football Club could be set to break Atletico Madrid hearts for a second time.

In the summer of 2007 the Reds paid over £20million to take Vicente Calderon idol Fernando Torres to Anfield, in what has been a hugely successful move.

Argentine forward Sergio Aguero has since taking over the Spanish international’s mantle for Atletico, but reports in Spain suggest he is also a target for Rafael Benitez.

The 20-year-old cost €20million when he was signed from Independiente, and if Atletico decide to cash in, they would be looking for a figure in the region of €30million.

If the Merseyside club feel this is a valuation they can meet, they are likely to face fierce competition for the youngster, with Manchester City prepared to top any salary offer.

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Milan Boss hails Liverpool Captain Outstanding

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed his admiration for Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard, but has also quashed any hope of his club signing the midfield star.

Ancelotti, who himself is regularly linked with a move to Chelsea, told Hungarian sports daily Nemzeti: “I think Steven Gerrard is an outstanding player but I doubt that he'd leave Liverpool.”
Kaka recently implored Milan to buy the England player so to reignite Milan’s ageing squad, however the Italian remained coy on who he might like to sign for the Italian giants.
“We're eyeing many players but it would be too soon to mention any names before the end of the season.”

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Reina wants more tight Defence

Pepe Reina has urged his defensive team-mates to cut out the mistakes that have seen them concede 11 goals in their last four games, or risk handing the title to Manchester United.

Liverpool have certainly found it easier at the offensive end of the pitch in recent weeks, breaching their opponents’ rearguard on 27 occasions in their last eight matches – something that Reina is pleased about, but what he really wants is a clean sheet.

Following The Reds' 4-4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield on Tuesday, which some are calling the best game in Premier League history, Reina has spoken out.

He told Liverpool’s official website: “We have never had a run like this - conceding 11 goals in four games. We are scoring a lot of goals but we have to try and improve in defence.

“For me and our defenders it was tough because we made a lot of mistakes and conceded four goals. It’s always difficult when this happens.”

The Spain international now accepts that the title is looking less likely but insists that the Merseyside outfit will continue to work hard until the end, just like they did against The Gunners.

He said: “We showed great spirit until the end and never gave up. We knew it would be difficult for United to drop points in two games, and now it’s even harder because they have to lose those games. But we have to believe and keep going until the end.”

If Liverpool fail to win the league then their recent defensive lapses could be to blame, but Reina still thinks it has been a memorable season.

“This club has been many, many years without being in this position going into the last five games. To be involved at this stage is beautiful.”

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Barry to decide at the end of the season

Martin O'Neill is content for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry to wait until the end of the season to decide upon his future.

But the Villa boss is not expecting a repeat of the long drawn-out saga of last summer when Barry looked set to move to Liverpool before the deal collapsed.

Barry has just over one year left of his current deal and there is growing speculation that he will look to leave Villa should they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

O'Neill said: "The speculation regarding Gareth is inevitable. It will happen, it's not a problem. I have discussed it numerous times with the player.

"He is very happy to wait until the end of the season to see how things develop. That's the way we have left it.

"But this is not like last year. This is a situation which I realised would come around and that's the way it is. It's not an issue.

"I'm not bothered (by last summer). From the experience of last year I don't think that will materialise.

"I really have not got an issue with any of this here come the end of the season."

O'Neill has been delighted with the way Barry has responded after failing to land his move to Anfield after the Reds failed to meet Villa's £18million asking price.

He said: "Gareth has played very, very well indeed. He gets a freedom to play that might not be afforded in other places.

"But at the end of it all I'm delighted with him and Stiliyan Petrov in the heart of the midfield, I've been delighted with the other boys as well.

"We can play different systems which we have proved during the course of the season. It's great to have learnt these things because next season they will probably have to come into play."

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Gerrard : Arsenal Point could prove valuable

LIVERPOOL skipper Steven Gerrard believes last night’s stunning 4-4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield could have yielded a "big point" in the Premier League title race.

Andrey Arshavin’s four goals appeared to have all but ended the Reds’ title hopes despite strikes from Fernando Torres (two) and Benayoun, but the Israeli struck again deep into injury-time to at least put the Reds on top for 24 hours.

Liverpool are now level with Manchester United, albeit having played two games more.

Gerrard said: "Manchester United have a fantastic team and you look at their run-in, look to see where they are going to drop points – it would have been very difficult if we’d lost the game.

"I think that point could be big."

Gerrard, who did not play due to injury, added: "It’s not like us to concede that many goals like we have tonight. We’re normally sound defensively, especially at home."

"We’ll have to wait and see how big that point could be for us.

"Performance-wise, at times we were very good. Torres and Benayoun were frightening going forward.

"Now we need United to get beaten which is difficult to do because they’re a good team. But there are still twists and turns left."

Arshavin admitted he had never scored four goals in a match before and said: "I liked the game, but of course it's not good for the team. It was almost like basketball out there.''

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Liverpool hope to bring United ace to Anfield

Rafael Benítez is preparing to antagonise Sir Alex Ferguson once more with an audacious bid to sign Carlos Tévez.

The Argentina forward is increasingly resigned to leaving Manchester United at the end of the season, with Real Madrid his most likely destination. Benítez has signalled Liverpool’s willingness to join Chelsea, Manchester City and Inter Milan in the mêlée for his signature.

Ferguson has not yet given up hope of retaining Tévez’s services after his complicated two-year lease arrangement expires at the end of the season, but the forward’s growing discontent means that he will consider a move away from Old Trafford — even if United manage to reach an agreement with the companies that hold his economic rights.

Tévez, who joined United in a controversial move from West Ham United in August 2007, would be likely to cost any other club more than the £22 million that United have to pay at the end of the season to turn the player’s loan into a permanent deal. Benítez, though, is determined to test the water.

The Spaniard knows that United have no control over Tévez if and when he leaves Old Trafford and that the Barclays Premier League leaders would not receive any money, with the transfer fee instead going to the companies, headed by Kia Joorabchian, that own the player’s economic rights.

Tévez, 25, is frustrated at his loss of favour since Dimitar Berbatov’s arrival at Old Trafford from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, having not started any of United’s four matches in the Champions League knockout phase.

Madrid are favourites to sign Tévez should he end his two-year stint at United, with Florentino Pérez, who is expected to be elected Real’s new president next month, confident of delivering the forward as part of a wide-reaching rebuilding operation that is expected to include a world-record bid for Cristiano Ronaldo, the United forward. But Liverpool have registered their interest in signing Tévez if he wishes to stay in England — and if the price is right.

Tévez declared in an interview with an Argentine radio station this week that “in my situation, an exit [from United] will be the best solution” and that “there are other options for next season”, citing interest from Real and Inter as well as other clubs, of which there are now three in England monitoring the situation.

Ferguson, the United manager, would bristle at the idea of the forward joining just about any of the interested clubs. He blocked Gabriel Heinze’s proposed move to Liverpool in August 2007 and said of Real this season that he “wouldn’t sell that mob a virus”.

As revealed in The Times a week ago, Tévez concluded that his future lay away from United after being dropped for the 1-0 victory away to Porto in the Champions League quarter-final, second leg.

His sense of injustice is shared by some of his team-mates and certainly by the club’s supporters, who cheered his name loudly when the substitutes were announced before the 2-0 Premier League victory over Portsmouth on Wednesday — in contrast to Berbatov, whose name was booed by an audible minority.

These are issues that Ferguson could do without, having shown several signs of tetchiness in recent weeks even as his team continue their defence of the Premier League and Champions League titles.

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Rafa sticks it to Fergie again

Liverpool's Rafa Benitez has fired the latest broadside in his war of words with Sir Alex Ferguson by claiming he is the only boss to stand up to the Manchester United manager.

The Anfield chief has been involved in a tit-for-tat battle with his Old Trafford rival since the turn of the year as the pair scrap for the Premier League title.

Benitez, provoked by a prod from Ferguson regarding an ability to handle pressure, sparked the mind games skirmish in January following his infamously astonishing assessment of his counterpart's alleged influence over referees and the fixture list.

On Monday, Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee claimed the club were not interested in exchanging words with United, and Benitez insists he is not involved in a verbal conflict with Ferguson.

But the Spaniard has again spoken of his top-flight foe, telling Madrid-based paper ABC: "I'm not having a battle of words with Alex Ferguson.

"But I believe that he can see that we are the better side, and that we are very close to United.

"He has been accustomed to playing these types of mind games for many years.

"Nobody has ever said anything against him, or stood up to him. It seems like he has a licence to do these sorts of things.

"I try not to talk too much. But all I do when I speak is to defend my own team.

"I did not say that he seems frightened. I said that he looks nervous, as he can see that we are very close to his team."

Benitez, who saw his side drop points in Tuesday's 4-4 draw with Arsenal, is also adamant his side will not throw in the towel in their bid to secure a first league title in 19 years, despite trailing United by three points having played a game more.

He added: "It is essential for us to try to keep the pressure on United. We must not slacken off, and if we keep going that will make them feel under pressure.

"They have an advantage and if they don't slip up there is nothing we can do. But we must stay as close to them as possible in case they slip up.

"In any case, we will go after the title as long as it is still a possibility for us."

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Babel frustrated over lack of opportunities

RYAN BABEL admits he is facing a make-or-break season at Liverpool – provided he survives Rafael Benitez’s summer squad cull.

Babel has struggled to realise the potential that prompted the Anfield manager to splash out £11.5m to bring him from Ajax almost two years ago.

Only two players had cost more in the club’s history at the time, but the Holland international has failed to reproduce the form that saw him so highly rated during the formative stages of his career.

Babel has made only 21 Premier League starts in two seasons and seen Albert Riera arrive in September and become first choice on the left flank.

The Dutchman, who carved his reputation as a centre forward, has previously expressed displeasure at his treatment by Benitez.

The manager may opt to offload the underachieving 22-year-old during his expected summer squad reshuffle.

Babel still has three years remaining on his contract but accepts he

can no longer have any excuses for failing to deliver.

"In December I’ll be 23 and when you’ve reached that age, then in my eyes you aren’t a potential talent anymore," said the forward.

"Next season age isn’t an excuse any more and that’s something trainers use too often, saying ‘you’re young and you have the time’.

"My goal this season was to progress to a higher level and be in the starting line-up. But they brought in another left forward in the summer and he’s been playing regularly.

"Benitez isn’t rotating as much as he did before and he’s selecting a settled team. But I have patience, I work hard for myself and I have to show him I’ve earned the right to be picked."

Babel has started in just six of his 24 Premier League appearances this season and three of 10 in the Champions League, netting three goals in that time.

But he insists there are no regrets over moving to Liverpool, and added: "What I have learned in a year-and-a-half at Liverpool would have probably taken four at Ajax.

"Of course there are times when it isn’t going as well as I anticipated, but I see that as a personal test for myself, and it can only make me stronger.

"It’s hard when you haven’t played for three or four games, you only reach your level by playing weekly.

"It’s a bit frustrating when I hear commentators saying ‘Babel had a chance and didn’t take it,’ but on the other hand I went abroad a year earlier than planned so I’m still ahead in my schedule."

Despite not always seeing eye-to-eye with Benitez, Babel is also happy the Spaniard recently committed his long-term future to the club.

"I’m pleased he’s staying in spite of my current role, as there is always a chance that a new trainer says on the first day that he doesn’t believe in you," said the Dutchman.

"Under Benitez I know where I stand and that gives me a certain security. In the period when I felt a bit unsure I spoke to him. He was open and told me what parts of my game that I had to improve. Since then I have known what I have to do."

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Liverpool to bid for £20million Blackburn Ace

Liverpool Football Club could be ready to enter the race for Roque Santa Cruz.

The Paraguayan international has revealed he intends to leave Blackburn Rovers at the end of the season, even if the Ewood Park club manage to retain their Premier League status.

It is no secret that Mark Hughes wants the player at Manchester City, who bid £20million for his signature in January, whilst Tottenham Hotspur have also been heavily linked.

However, The Mirror claims Rafael Benitez is keen to take Santa Cruz to Anfield, and he could use part of his reported £30million kitty to link the former Bayern Munich ace up with Fernando Torres next season.

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DIC again in for Takeover??

Amanda Staveley was in the Anfield director's box for last night's 4-4 draw between Liverpool and Arsenal.

The Telegraph says Liverpool's American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett sat together at Anfield.

Also in the directors' box was Amanda Staveley, who was the chief negotiator for last year's failed takeover bid by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Staveley negotiated the Abu Dhabi United Group's buyout of Manchester City in September.

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Kuyt : Only a Miracle can turn the Table around

Liverpool need "a miracle" if they are to end their 19-year wait for a League championship, according to striker Dirk Kuyt.

Prior to the dramatic 4-4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield on Tuesday, the message emanating from Merseyside was that, whatever Manchester United achieved in the title run-in, Liverpool had to be perfect to stand any chance of dethroning the champions.
Andrei Arshavin's four-goal intervention, though, coupled with some kamikaze defending, ended that ambition.

With just five games left, Liverpool know their chances are running out and, while Kuyt insists that they will not stop believing until United are mathematically out of their reach, he admits they will fight on more in hope than expectation.
He said: "It is harder after the Arsenal match, because we knew before the match that we needed to win to keep the pressure on. But at least we got a point, rather than losing, and now we have to keep on fighting until the very end.
"We have to hope for a miracle now as it has become more difficult than it already was, but against Arsenal we proved we are a team that has not given up and we will never give up. So let's hope a miracle can happen.
"It will be hard but as long we win our remaining games then maybe they will struggle. It may be that they must lose twice for us to catch them, but that can happen. It is important that we took a point, because otherwise maybe that would have been impossible."
Should Liverpool fail to overhaul United, they are likely to be joined in their campaign to win a first title since 1990 by the man who last delivered the crown to Anfield after Kenny Dalglish admitted he would be "more than happy" to help the club "in any capacity."
Benitez is believed to want to bring his predecessor back to Liverpool in an advisory capacity, acting as a link between board and boot room and helping to oversee youth development. It is a role Dalglish yesterday made clear he would be delighted to accept.
He said: "If I can help Liverpool football club in any way, shape or form, then I'm in. If the manager or the people running the club think there's a role for me, then I'll fill it happily."

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King Kenny Gunning for Liverpool Job

The Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has been talking about the speculation that Liverpool want him to rejoin them in an advisory role alongside Rafael Benitez.

Dalglish admits that he knew nothing about any offer, but would not refuse any offer at all from his old club. He also admitted that he would stay out of the picture, if that is what Liverpool wanted.

Dalglish said: “I was as far removed from the weekend’s speculation about me returning to a role at Liverpool Football Club as it was possible to be, relaxing with the family at Loch Lomond in Scotland. That’s not to say that the Sunday paper stories and TV debate escaped me.

“All I can say at the moment is what I’ve said many times in this column; if I can help Liverpool Football Club in any way, shape or form then I’m in. That’s not a new revelation.

“If I can be of help to the club I love in any capacity then I’m more than happy to play any part that I can. If the manager or the people running the club think there’s a role for me then I’ll fill it happily.

“Similarly, if the club think the best thing for the club is for me to stay out of the way then I’m not going to take offence at that either.

“At the moment, there’s not much more that I can say other than that if and when there’s anything to say to the supporters - the people who keep this club alive - then they will be the first to know.”

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Roy Keane the New Ipswich Boss

Roy Keane has been confirmed as the new manager of Ipswich Town, replacing Jim Magilton who was sacked on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old returns to management after resigning from his job as manager of Premier League Sunderland in December.

Ipswich Town are eager to return to the top flight and see the former Manchester United midfielder as the man to realise that dream.

Keane worked wonders at the Stadium of Light after arriving at the club at the start of the 2006/07 season, transforming them from relegation fodder to Championship champions in just a matter of months.

He will take over at Portman Road with the club in a far healthier position but it was the club's failure to mount a serious play-off challenge this term which cost Magilton his job. After being just outside the top six in 2007/08, they are now 12 points adrift in ninth.

Keane can expect a healthy transfer war chest from the club's owner, hospitality entrepreneur Marcus Evans. He has already ploughed around £12m into the team since completing his takeover late in 2007.

Keane told the club's official website: "I truly believe that I am joining a club that has the potential, ambition and infrastructure to once again be a Premier League side.

"The club's owner (Marcus Evans) and chief executive (Simon Clegg) impressed upon me their total focus on achieving this quest at the earliest opportunity and I can't wait to get started.''

Evans said: "I am delighted that Roy has agreed to join us and we are completely aligned in our ambitions for Ipswich Town.

"He has extensive contacts in the game and is a proven winner who encourages his team to play the attractive football that Ipswich Town fans have come to expect.

"I believe he is the right man to take this club where we want to be - the Premier League.''

Clegg, the former chief executive of the British Olympic Association, added: "The appointment of Roy Keane further demonstrates our commitment to help Ipswich Town Football Club achieve our aim of returning to the Premier League at the earliest possible opportunity.

"Roy has experienced promotion as Championship winners as a manager and, importantly, then kept his side in English football's top flight, and I am looking forward to working with him.''

The Suffolk club have confirmed Keane will be unveiled at a press conference at Portman Road at 4pm today.

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Hiddink admits Defeat in League Title

Guus Hiddink is ready to concentrate on a cup double after conceding Chelsea are realistically out of the race for the Premier League title.

Hiddink insisted that it was now time to focus on the Champions League and the FA Cup after their goalless stalemate against Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea face Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, first leg at the Nou Camp next Tuesday and Hiddink is considering giving some of his players a rest against West Ham on Saturday.

He is already without centre-half Ricardo Carvalho for the trip to Spain, the Portuguese having suffered a recurrence of his hamstring problem.

But in a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup final at the end of May, Chelsea and Everton served up an entertaining draw that was dominated by goalkeepers.

Chelsea's Petr Cech and Everton's Tim Howard produced fine solo performances to preserve the deadlock which, coupled with Manchester United's 2-0 victory over Portsmouth, put an end to any remaining title ambitions for Hiddink's side.

The Blues are six points adrift of leaders United who have a game in hand and Hiddink knows the title is no longer a realistic ambition.

"It is difficult but we now have to focus on only two other roads - the Champions League and, later on in May, Everton again in the FA Cup final,'' admitted Hiddink.

"Everyone is disappointed. We knew it was difficult to go for the title so when you drop two points there is disappointment of course. But this team is able to cope with that and focus ourselves on the difficult game against Barcelona next week.''

Cech starred in the opening half when he twice denied Everton striker Jo and then midfielder Tim Cahill.

In the second period it was the turn of Howard to keep Chelsea at bay as he prevented Lampard and Kalou from scoring with fine saves.

Ivorian hitman Didier Drogba almost won it for Chelsea when his volley crashed against the crossbar in stoppage time but Steven Pienaar and Cahill also squandered late chances to win it for the Toffees.

The result kept Everton in sixth place, a point behind Aston Villa, but boss David Moyes determined to overhaul them.

"It means a lot to me to finish fifth,'' said Moyes. "If we do it this year it will be four top-six finishes out of five. So what we've done is a decent effort and Everton are becoming a side that is competing at a top level.''

Moyes paid tribute to his players who produced another hardworking performance after their gruelling victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final at the weekend.

"It was a good point under the circumstances after playing 120 minutes on Sunday,'' said Moyes. "We didn't have a massive amount of recovery before coming here to play a team who are in good form. So I think a point was a good result for us.

"The players have been playing great all season and I have to say well done to them. This was another terrific effort from them.

"We had some good chances but I thought Joseph Yobo and Joleon Lescott were terrific at the back.''

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Kaka wants to play along side Gerrard

Kaka has urged AC Milan to try to sign Steven Gerrard despite the England midfielder recently agreeing a new contract with Liverpool.

"A cycle is ending. The time has arrived to re-energise a group which has many players at the end of their contracts," the Brazil playmaker told Italy's Sky television on Wednesday.

"If it was up to me, I would take someone like Gerrard, who for me is a complete player and can play anywhere. I could see him fitting in really well at Milan," added Kaka, who almost joined Manchester City for a world record fee in January.


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Drogba applauds Liverpool spirit

Chelsea forward Didier Drogba has lavished praise on vanquished rivals Liverpool following Tuesday’s epic Champions League encounter at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues were given an almighty fright before progressing to the semi-finals of the Champions League, 7-5 on aggregate.

Drogba hauled his side back into the tie with a goal shortly after the break and he feels it was a pivotal moment with Liverpool in the driving seat.

“I think my goal was really important,” he told Setanta Sports News. “After that they were playing more long balls and were not so confident like they were in the first half. We could see this so we pushed and scored another goal.

“Liverpool are a fantastic team and play with no fear. They did everything to try and go through.

”It takes two teams to make big games like this and we saw two great teams.”

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Liverpool the Most Exciting & Adventurous team in Europe???

Boring. Defensive. One-dimensional. All adjectives used to describe Liverpool this and the past few seasons.

Yet they are the Premier League's top scorers with 59 (four more than Chelsea and five more than both Manchester United and Arsenal) and have netted 23 times in their past seven games.

Last night's 4-4 thriller at Chelsea was the fourth time in seven matches that Liverpool have scored four or more. And that includes encounters with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Aston Villa.

So that's the goals argument tidily tucked away. But what about their penchant for serving up sheer excitement on the European stage?

Under Rafael Benitez we have witnessed the comeback against Olympiakos (2-0 down on aggregate in the second half of the second leg, 2-1 down with nine minutes to go, 2-2 but trailing to the away goal with four minutes left and then Gerrrrrraaaaaard ... ), the Champions League final to end all finals with AC Milan (3-0 down at half-time, three goals in five minutes, extra time then victory on penalties) and now the Stamford Bridge sensation.

Manchester United are renowned for their attacking flamboyance, Arsenal for their purist football and Barcelona for their superstars. But isn't it time to recognise Liverpool for what they really are: the most exciting team in Europe?

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Gerrard nominated for PFA Player of the Year along with five United players

LIVERPOOL skipper Steven Gerrard is the only non-Manchester United player on the list of nominees for the PFA player of the year award.

As voting took place before United’s recent dip in form, it is perhaps no surprise the Old Trafford outfit provide five contenders – including Wales legend Ryan Giggs, who has never won the prestigious award despite boasting a record 10 league titles.
However, it could look a little strange if Liverpool or Chelsea, who have no one in the list for either the senior or young player prize, go on to win the Premier League.
Gerrard could benefit from a split vote for United players as David Ginola did during the 1999 treble-winning season, a fact which still irritates Sir Alex Ferguson.
Aside from Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Edwin van der Sar – who kept a record 14 consecutive clean sheets earlier in the season – are also nominated, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, who could become the first player to win three times in succession.

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Liverpool loose eight goal thriller

Chelsea denied Liverpool the glory of another sensational European comeback to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 7-5 aggregate win.

Liverpool, trailing 3-1 from the first leg at Anfield, stunned the Blues with two first-half goals from Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso, who scored a penalty.

Chelsea's defensive frailties, exposed so clinically by Bolton in the Premier League at the weekend, looked like costing them a place in the last four as Liverpool, without their talismanic midfielder Steven Gerrard, threatened to pull off another miracle.

But the Blues looked home and dry after producing a sensational comeback of their own - scoring three times in the second half to lead 6-3 on aggregate at one stage.

Yet this incredible contest took another twist when Liverpool scored twice in as many minutes through Lucas and Dirk Kuyt to leave them just one goal adrift of an incredible victory.

However, Frank Lampard's second in the 89th minute secured a 4-4 draw on the night and a date with Barcelona.

The home side had been outplayed in the opening 45 minutes and had barely threatened to get on the scoresheet despite coach Guus Hiddink's pre-match assertion that Chelsea would go for more goals.

They had to wait until six minutes after the break for the goal which eased the growing pressure on their ambitions of reaching the final in Rome.

Didier Drogba's effort was deflected into the back of the net by Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina and a stunning 25-yard free-kick from Brazilian defender Alex then looked to have eased any remaining worries.

When Lampard added a third in the 76th minute the tie seemed to be effectively all over, but Liverpool had other ideas.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez had always maintained the first goal would be the most important but when Kuyt collected a pass from Yossi Benayoun and fired over in the 13th minute, he could have been forgiven for thinking that perhaps the task ahead was indeed far too great.

But six minutes later Liverpool were in dreamland when they punished Lampard's push on Kuyt in spectacular fashion.

With everyone expecting the free-kick from the right of goal to be pumped high into the centre of the penalty area, Aurelio stunned everyone, including the flat-footed Petr Cech, by firing his 30-yard effort straight into the bottom near corner of the net.

Referee Luis Cantalejo then rightly awarded Liverpool a penalty when Chelsea's first-leg goal hero Branislav Ivanovic clearly held back Alonso.

The Liverpool midfielder stepped up to beat Cech and suddenly the impossible seemed possible.

Chelsea had Cech to thank for keeping them on level terms on aggregate when he tipped away a header from Kuyt in the final minute of the opening half.

Hiddink's side needed a goal to take the sting out of Liverpool's motivation and it arrived somewhat fortunately in the 51st minute.

Nicolas Anelka, a 35th-minute replacement for the poor Salomon Kalou, crossed low from the right and Drogba got a touch on the ball, with Reina only able to turn it over the line.

Chelsea made it 2-2 on the night when Jamie Carragher's foul on Drogba was punished by a fierce 25-yard free-kick by Alex.

With 14 minutes remaining Liverpool's dreams looked finished when Drogba crossed for Lampard to apply the finish.

But a long-range effort from Lucas was deflected off Michael Essien and beyond Cech in the 81st minute and, somewhat astonishingly, Kuyt put Liverpool 4-3 ahead on the night with a six-yard header two minutes later.

But with Liverpool needing one more goal for a glorious victory in this emotional week on Merseyside, 20 years on from the Hillsborough disaster, Lampard ended a stunning contest with his second of the night in the last minute.

Chelsea will face Barcelona in the last four but only after Liverpool had pushed them all the way in a pulsating contest that was a marvellous showcase for English and European football.

Benitez must have wished Gerrard had been fit enough to play as his contribution may well have been the telling one, on a night when the Reds almost managed to achieve the unthinkable.

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Gerrard to return all guns blazing

Rafael Benitez expects to be able to set about Liverpool's monumental Champions League challenge at Chelsea tomorrow night with Steven Gerrard playing from the start.

Benitez will need to use his captain sparingly during the run-in, a factor which adds to the tension on Merseyside as Liverpool continue to outperform Manchester United, but his gamble on leaving him on the bench for Saturday's league encounter with Blackburn Rovers has paid off, with Gerrard (right) not needed. "The risk was there but he has got more chances [of playing Chelsea] now," Benitez said of Gerrard, who has slightly strained an adductor muscle in his groin. "The physio will work with him, so hopefully he'll be there." The seven-day break between the Stamford Bridge second leg and Arsenal's arrival at Anfield in the league provides the recuperation Gerrard would need from a major contribution to what will need to be one of their greatest comebacks to progress to another semi-final.

Gerrard seems to have returned from England duty with the strain, the latest in a string of groin problems to have affected him this season. Benitez had been prepared to use him if necessary on Saturday, with the prospect of overturning Chelsea's 3-1 first leg lead seemingly more remote than catching United, who regained the title ascendancy in unconvincing fashion with their 2-1 win at Sunderland.

Fernando Torres, whose two goals against Rovers took his tally to 11 in 19 league starts, said the manner of Liverpool's victory had lifted hopes that they can score the three they need in west London. "We have kept our confidence after the Champions League game," Torres said. "I think Chelsea will play for a win. If they score one or two it is over, so they will not just defend."

Michael Essien, whose command of Gerrard was crucial in the first leg, will be fit for tomorrow, having been rested on Saturday. Hiddink is almost certain to start him against Liverpool, having seen the difference without him on Saturday.

Torres, anonymous and looking tired after scoring Liverpool's opener at Anfield last Wednesday, has admitted that his preparations for next season must be better than this. "I will try and get enough rest. It is just four or five games [left]," he said. "But we have to talk at Liverpool about the next pre-season and try and do the right things."

Benitez can only wait and hope his two main assets make it through and believes the Premier League may have had a different complexion had Torres been fitter throughout. "We have had some games this season that ended in draws that, had Fernando been playing, it could have made a massive difference," he said.

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Agger wants to stay but unsure

Daniel Agger has admitted his Liverpool future is up in the air - but insists his "heart" is at Anfield. He has urged Rafael Benitez to prove that he should stay at Anfield.

The Danish defender, who will be out of contract at the end of next season, has endured two frustratings season dogged by injury and has failed to hold down a starting spot.
The 24-year-old, who scored in Liverpool's 4-0 win over Blackburn on Saturday, is in talks with the club over a new deal but admits the outcome is uncertain.

"I am at the stage of my career where I need to play - and want to play - but that situation has nothing to do with the contract talks," he said.

"It is nice to hear the manager wants to keep me, but the most important thing is what he tells me when I look him in the eyes.

"It's not what he says in the papers, it is what he says behind closed doors. I keep talks with the club confidential, so I cannot tell you what has been said.

"I don't know when things will be decided. I don't have a clue. In my heart, I hope I will be here next season. But, really, I don't know.

"I know there have been some reports in Denmark that my agent has spoken to clubs in Italy, but they were wrong."

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Gerrard setback for Liverpool

Rafael Benitez looks set to risk Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes on a less than 100 per cent fit Steven Gerrard before leaving him out of the Champions League quarter-final second-leg with Chelsea.

The Anfield captain has been diagnosed with a tear to an adductor muscle in his groin, though Benitez may gamble on playing him against Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.

Gerrard is then likely to be rested when Liverpool head to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, signalling that at 3-1 down from the first-leg Benitez is now focused on winning a first league title since 1990.

Benitez said that Gerrard was "clearly not as mobile as normal" during Liverpool's 3-1 first-leg defeat by Chelsea on Wednesday evening and the tear apparently sustained during the game provides some explanation.

Fernando Torres was also "less than 100%" on Wednesday, according to Benitez, but Liverpool have a seven-day break after the Chelsea game to get players fit before a crunch league meeting with Arsenal.


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Chelsea beat Liverpool convincingly

Liverpool were hammered in their own back-yard in the Champions League as Chelsea took a huge step on the road to a possible Champions League final in Rome with a 3-1 win.

Chelsea produced a performance of great quality and strength to leave Liverpool's dreams in tatters after this quarter-final first leg.

Next Tuesday's second leg at Stamford Bridge may not be a mere formality just yet, but Liverpool will need an exceptional performance to stay in the competition.

It all started so well for Liverpool when Fernando Torres scored in the sixth minute. But Chelsea gradually took over, and two headed goals from Branislav Ivanovic - both poorly-defended set-pieces - and a close-range Didier Drogba strike stunned the Reds.

Steven Gerrard appeared to be struggling for full fitness - and with their captain's powers compromised, Liverpool saw a 14-month and 32-match unbeaten home record destroyed.

The side that has of late battered Real Madrid and Manchester United into submission was nowhere to be seen as Chelsea reigned supreme.

Liverpool had Albert Riera and Fabio Aurelio back after being rested on Saturday at Fulham, while Lucas was in for the suspended Javier Mascherano.

Chelsea had Drogba back up front, and Ivanovic continued as the injured Jose Bosingwa's replacement.

For the 23rd meeting between these bitter rivals in five years - nine in the Champions League - the atmosphere was electric, the noise deafening and the stakes so high.

Liverpool could not have got off to a better start.

Dirk Kuyt had already seen a shot deflected inches wide, before he produced a clever backheel on the edge of the box to set up Alvaro Arbeloa for a laid-back cross which was clinically driven past Petr Cech by Torres from 12 yards.

Yet that just served to galvanise Chelsea into sustained possession and pressure and a performance of growing assertiveness.

The alarm bells should have been ringing within two minutes of their goal for Liverpool when Salomon Kalou pounced on an Aurelio error to send Drogba clear - only for Jose Reina to make a fine, blocking save.

Michael Ballack and Michael Essien slowly but surely took over in midfield, and Liverpool were forced back. Florent Malouda flashed one effort wide of the far post, before Drogba blasted over from close range.

Liverpool were rattled, Torres isolated and Gerrard denied time and space.

Drogba, all menace and muscle, gave Martin Skrtel a hard time - while Kalou was equally dangerous on the right against Aurelio.

Torres curled one effort wide, and Arbeloa missed with a left-footer. But they were rare breaks from Liverpool, Chelsea already moving relentlessly towards an equaliser.

It came after 38 minutes when Malouda's right-wing corner was met with a firm header by Ivanovic, having evaded three defenders in the box as he darted and twisted into space to beat Reina from six yards.

Chelsea went for the throat straight after the break, and only Jamie Carragher's plunging clearance off the line from Drogba's angled effort stopped them going ahead after 51 minutes.

The game had taken a nasty turn by now.

Torres took a painful crack on the ankle from Alex seconds after firing over, and Essien looked to be caught by Skrtel's shoulder in one shuddering aerial collision - before John Terry clattered into Reina in mid air and was booked.

That yellow card will put Terry out of next week's second leg, but Chelsea annoyance was soon replaced by more elation.

A 62nd-minute corner from Frank Lampard was again met by Ivanovic, again unmarked, as he powered another header past Reina to put the Blues ahead.

It soon got even better for Chelsea, and horribly worse for Liverpool.

Five minutes after their second, Drogba arrived in the six-yard box to finish off a low cross from Malouda on the left.

Liverpool's fans fell silent, and the replacement of Riera with Yossi Benayoun before the re-start seemed of little consequence.

Liverpool sent on Ryan Babel for Lucas and Andrea Dossena for an out-of-touch Aurelio, who had just been booked. Drogba went off to a great ovation from the travelling support, allowing Nicolas Anelka into the fray.

The game, though, was already well won by the Blues and up for the Reds

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Alonso Thankful to Liverpool Fans for their Support

THERE were times last summer when Xabi Alonso thought he had pulled on a Liverpool shirt for the final time.

As Rafa Benitez chased the £18m capture of Gareth Barry, the Spanish playmaker’s days at Anfield appeared numbered.

Juventus and Arsenal were linked with the midfielder but the refusal of owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to sanction a deal for Barry meant Alonso stayed put. If the 27-year-old was left feeling unwanted, the backing he received from Reds fans helped restore his spirits.
The saga made him vow to prove his manager wrong and Alonso has looked like a man on a mission this season.
Breaking up attacks and picking out the perfect pass, he has been instrumental in Liverpool’s push for glory at home and abroad. Alonso is in the form of his life and relishing the prospect of playing in another famous European night at Anfield.
“When I was going through those moments of uncertainty a lot of fans supported me,” he said.
“They would say ‘we want you to stay, but at the end of the day, if you don’t, we wish you all the best and we are happy that you have been here’. I am very grateful for that. I am here now and very happy to be here. There is no other club like Liverpool.
“To feel Anfield on your back, the noise, it’s such a huge feeling, especially on the big nights.
“You’re automatically filled with that passionate energy and you always feel much better.
“It’s something Anfield provides more than any other stadium in the world.”

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One more Rafa Nightmare for Fergie

Rafael Benitez yesterday threw himself into the latest round of mind games with Sir Alex Ferguson by claiming the Manchester United manager was running "scared" of Liverpool and that the champions were playing badly.

On the eve of tonight's Champions League quarter-final with Chelsea, the Liverpool manager dismissed Ferguson's claims that the winner of the tie would be United's key challengers in the title race.

In what looked like another rehearsed argument — Part II of the "Rafattack" — Benitez responded with relish to Ferguson's point on Sunday night that the team that came through the Liverpool-Chelsea tie would be the leading challenger.

The Liverpool manager said the beaten team from Liverpool and Chelsea would be all the more fresh for not having to compete in the Champions League. As for Ferguson, he was just about as scornful as ever. "We have to concentrate on our team but he [Ferguson] likes to talk too much about other teams," Benitez said. "It is not mind games, he is a little bit scared.

"Clearly one of us, Chelsea or Liverpool will be focused on the league [having been eliminated]. They [United] will have a problem with that, it will be worse for them. He [Ferguson] will be supporting Liverpool [against Chelsea] because we are the biggest threat now [in the league]. If we continue in the competition we may be tired, but if we are not in it he knows we will be a threat.

"If Chelsea are not in the competition, they will be a threat [in the league]. So he will lose anyway. One thing is the momentum if you stay in the Champions League, but you also have to prepare the team for every single game.

“So clearly he will be supporting us. I'd like to be worried about both [competitions, Premier League and Champions League]. That means we will be continuing in the competition."

Later on, when pushed on how he viewed Ferguson's current state of mind, the Liverpool manager was scathing about United's current form.

"I don't know [what Ferguson is up to] but you know my idea is to concentrate on my games," he said. "We have important games coming, but clearly you can see they [United] are not playing well so they feel the pressure."

In his programme notes for last Sunday's Aston Villa game, Ferguson was still trying to frame an unconvincing argument that United had been the better team in their 4-1 drubbing from Liverpool at Old Trafford. Asked straight out if he thought Ferguson was now worried about him, Benitez simply answered, "yes". He was more restrained than January's famous "this is a fact" rant at Ferguson, but there is clearly no love lost between the pair.

Benitez said the feud with Ferguson, like the one he had with Jose Mourinho, had begun once Liverpool had become a threat. "Before, I had a very good relationship with him [Ferguson]," he said.

"I was with him in Switzerland for a coaches' meeting and we travelled on the same plane and spoke on the way. Everything was okay, but something changed.

"Maybe it was because we started winning. He wrote to me after Istanbul and was very polite, saying well done and talking about the tactics. He was very good. I think I wrote to him after Moscow. Normally we write to say congratulations and I think I did."

There is a decision to be made in midfield by Benitez, who must replace the suspended Javier Mascherano in the holding position alongside Xabi Alonso. Benitez is expected to opt for Lucas Leiva, who is yet to start consecutive games this season, and he downplayed the prospect of any surprises.

Yet, no sooner had he finished with Ferguson than he was on to Mourinho and his behaviour at Chelsea. The pair fell out at the end of the 2005-06 season around the time Mourinho made his second play to sign Steven Gerrard. Benitez would accuse Mourinho of having used Roman Abramovich's great wealth to buy their success, Mourinho would respond by saying he would have been sacked if he had won as little as Benitez.

The issue of the "ghost goal" — Mourinho's description of Luis Garcia's 2005 Champions League semi-final winner — always rankled.

Yesterday, Benitez lavished praise on Guus Hiddink and his predecessors Luiz Felipe Scolari and Avram Grant while pointedly ignoring Mourinho. When he was pushed on this omission, he said: "These four managers are good managers but the other three [Hiddink, Scolari and Grant] are doing really well and I prefer this style."

He added: "Mourinho is a good manager but each one decides how to approach the games and competitions so I like the style of Grant, Scolari or Hiddink.

“It's right for the game."

There was plenty in Benitez's mood to suggest he is bullish and confident, especially when he brushed aside fears that co-owner Tom Hicks' American sports group defaulting on a £355m loan might suggest future problems for Liverpool.


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Torres wants to win Champions League & stay for long with Liverpool

LIVERPOOL may be embroiled in a race with Manchester United for the Premier League title – but star striker Fernando Torres has his eyes firmly fixed on winning the Champions League.


Rafael Benitez’s side take on Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at Anfield tomorrow, and Torres says his part in Spain’s victorious Euro 2008 campaign has given him the taste for more Euro success.

Torres said: “Domestic titles are very important but to win the Champions League you are saying we are the best team in Europe.

"This club has a great record in the European Cup but now I want to be a part of that history.

“Winning the European Championship was a great thing for me and I understood what it was to win a major trophy and what I had been missing.

“On the way home from the European Championship I made a promise that I wanted

more of this success with Liverpool and it does not come any bigger than the European Cup.”

Meanwhile, Torres hailed the decision of Steven Gerrard to sign a new contract, saying the Liverpool skipper is one of the best players in the game.

“Stevie has been getting a lot of praise from some of the best players in the world,” added Torres. “That is quite right because I think he is the best in the world. He is a great team player but he can also win a game on his own when maybe we are not playing so well.

“I would love to see him have a lot more success. I cannot think of a player I would rather be playing with. We know it is not going to be easy against Chelsea on Wednesday but both Stevie and I are happy with our form.”

The Spanish striker also reiterated his own desire to stay at the club for the long term.

He said: “I have said many times the only club I would leave Atletico Madrid for was Liverpool, and nothing has changed there.

“They are the only two clubs that are in my heart.

“I have supported Liverpool since I was a boy and I intend on staying here a very long time.”

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Torres cant imagine him or Ronaldo joining Real Madrid

As Real Madrid’s Florentino Perez revolution begins to really pick up steam, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has all but ruled himself out of joining the new Galactico dynasty to save any hassle of having to shoot down nagging rumors in the future.

The Spanish international also believes that Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo will not swap Old Trafford for the Santiago Bernabeu, but he did invite Barcelona ’s Lionel Messi to the Premier League.
“For me, Real Madrid are just like any other club, like Barcelona , Milan , Bayern Munich or Inter. Just another big club,” he said in an interview with weekly Spanish magazine Don Balon.
“I just do not see myself playing for Madrid . They do not attract me, especially because of my past with Atletico. And even if I were to return to Spain , I will certainly be going back to Atleti.
“But before that, I would like to try my luck at Serie A to complete my résumé of having played in Europe ’s big three leagues. I would also consider the Bundesliga as they have a very attractive club in Bayern Munich,” he elaborated.
Torres was then asked to compare the two best players in the world today: Ronaldo and Messi.
“Leo would fit perfectly into English football and he would become an even better player,” he offered.
“He can still play the way he does now, but because he won’t be able to pause so much, he would have to take a more vertical line because the style of the game would force him to.
“Ronaldo is different from Messi. He is very impressive down the wings. Certainly in Spain , the games will be much slower and he would be able to show more of his individual qualities.
“But personally, I do not see him playing outside of the Premier League anytime soon, especially since Manchester United are doing so phenomenally well.
“Besides, nowadays, any player would fit in better at Barcelona because of their style of football. But as we all know, this changes from one season to another.”
Having already tamed United recently, Torres and Liverpool will have a chance to square off against Barca in the semi-finals of the Champions League if both teams can successfully negotiate their quarter-final opponents.

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Mascherano plays down Real link

Javier Mascherano has told Real Madrid he has no intention of leaving Liverpool for the Spanish giants.

The Argentina midfielder is reported to be in the sights of Florentino Perez, who hopes to return as president at the Bernabeu in the summer.

Former West Ham player Mascherano, 24, is seen as the perfect holding midfielder to build a solid foundation alongside Lassana Diarra as Madrid look to remodel the rest of their side around a raft of new attacking players.

Mascherano appears unmoved by the project and his mentor Kia Joorabchian says that the Argentina captain is going nowhere, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

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Kuwaitis to Buy Liverpool from the Yanks

LIVERPOOL are edging closer to a £450 million Middle East take-over which would give manager Rafa Benitez more spending power in the transfer market.

Sunday Express Sport can reveal that negotiations between American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to sell all richest families are at an advanced stage.

It’s understood that despite denials, Nasser Al Kharafi, the 49th richest man in the world worth £9 billion is closing in on a deal to become the new owner of the club.

His nephew Rafed Al Kharafi, who has attended recent Liverpool games as a guest of the club, is confident of striking a deal in the coming weeks.

What has not been finalised is what percentage of the club the Kuwaitis will end up with.

While Gillett has given an indication that he will sell all of his holding for the right price, Hicks would like to still be involved and could end up with 25 per cent of the club.

The two Americans, who are facing a July deadline to refinance a £350million loan which secured their ownership of th club, now value Liverpool at £500m.

They know that without a huge cash injection the planned new stadium would have to remain on the back burner and manager Benitez would be restricted in the transfer market.

Looking on is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a member of the Dubai ruling family who has been keen on purchasing Liverpool in the past.

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Liverpool Leave It late At Cottage And Go Top Of The Table

Liverpool reclaimed leadership of The Premier League thanks to a goal from substitute Yossi Benayoun two minutes into time added on at the end of the game in a 1-0 win at Fulham.

A 4-1 rout at Old Trafford and a 5-0 romp over Aston Villa had re-engendered belief that a first title since 1990 was possible, but after a first half where the visitors struck the woodwork four times, their conviction appeared to waver.

That was until deep into stoppage and until Benayoun had dispatched a shot high into the top corner past a flailing Mark Schwarzer.

Liverpool’s coaching staff swarmed the pitch to celebrate the goal that sees The Reds overhaul Manchester United ahead of the champions' match against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Such dramatics seemed unlikely during a first half bossed by The Reds.

There was a sedate start to the match but as the shadows lengthened on the Craven Cottage pitch, Liverpool imposed themselves more forcibly.

Andrea Dossena, a surprising starter wide on the left, forced a save from Mark Schwarzer after Fernando Torres had befuddled John Pantsil. From the subsequent corner, Martin Skrtel’s shot flicked off the Italian’s head and hit the bar.

Torres called Schwarzer into more pressing action in the 23rd minute. Picking up a pass from Gerrard, the Spaniard espied the far corner of the Australian’s goal but was thwarted by the left hand of Schwarzer and a subsequent clearance from Konchesky.

Alonso then rapped the crossbar with a dipping first-time shot from the edge of the area.

Liverpool’s flirtation with the woodwork continued agonisingly when Torres sped away after Gerrard’s slide-rule pass. Taking the ball wide, possibly too wide of his intended target, the Spaniard’s shot trickled past Schwarzer but struck the base of the post.

Agony was bordering on astonishment when Liverpool struck the frame of the goal for the fourth time in 37 minutes.

Alonso’s crossfield pass was bettered by Steven Gerrard’s whipped ball in and Dossena was perfectly placed but put his header against the bar.

If Fulham’s goal was a coconut shy, then Pepe Reina’s box came to resemble the fairground attraction that no-one had come to see.

Roy Hodgson’s side had barely ventured into the opposition’s box let alone forced a save from Liverpool's goalkeeper.

Hodgson has made fewer alterations than any other Premier League manager but familiarity occasionally breeds contempt.

His team began the second half with more purpose and a little more composure on the ball but the visitors still possessed a more obvious threat.

Emiliano Insua’s pitched cross was perfect for the head of Torres, but the Spaniard’s normally reliable radar was found wanting and the ball was in the grasp of Schwarzer.

That effort aside, a fragmented start to the second half saw Liverpool lose their direction and Rafa Benitez called for the runaway train of Ryan Babel with 64 minutes played.

Gerrard’s passing, purposeful and unerring in the first half, found a white shirt with increasing, frustrating regularity but the England international led the breakaway 20 minutes from time and gave Babel room to accelerate. The rapidly retreating John Pantsil was the man on the line to block the cross-shot.

Another cross from Gerrard narrowly eluded the blond head of Torres shortly before Benitez made his second change of the game, introducing the sublety of Benayoun for the graft of Dirk Kuyt.

Benayoun’s heel almost diverted Gerrard’s cross inside the far post after Babel ran into traffic when a shooting opportunity presented itself to the Dutchman.

Usually it is Gerrard Liverpool turn to in the dying stages, but Benayoun was to be Liverpool’s saviour on this occasion.

The Israeli had already sent a shot from a tight angle into the side netting when he picked up a pass from Gerrard and sent a shot arrowing.

Cue an exhale of breath from the away supporters amassed in the Putney Stand and a scene of jubilation transmitted immediately to Liverpool's normally reserved coaching staff.


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Carra Loves the Rants between Rafa and Fegie

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has brushed aside suggestions that Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson is a hated figure on Merseyside - but he does find his disagreements with Reds boss Rafael Benitez amusing.

He told The Independent that the media mind-games between ‘Fergie’ and ‘Rafa’ are an essential source of entertainment.

"To be honest, I love it," he chortled.

"I think it's brilliant. I think most Liverpool fans would respect [Alex Ferguson] - you don't have to like him but you have to respect him.

"As for the stuff between the managers, I think it's hilarious and I do watch it and I do read it and I try to put myself in their position and think, 'What would I say back if they said that?' It's great entertainment. Maybe it does have an effect, who knows?"

Benitez has today attempted to put aside personality politics as the season enters its run-in - something that Carragher is eager to do himself.

"It's hard dealing with your mindset because you don't want to get too excited but you think about it a lot," he said as the Anfield squad close the gap on United.

"You think about it yourself and you realise the impact on the people around you.

"That's why me and Stevie [Steven Gerrard] ... we're not just doing it for ourselves. All these people in the city want the title so badly but they, well, they can't do that much about it. So you want to do it for other people.

“How can I explain? It's like this: you want your kids to have more than you, better than you. You'd give everything for them, and that's the way it feels sometimes with the fans and the league title. It's not really for you, you just want to give them something. You are desperate because you know how much people want to win.

"If it happens it happens. I speak to Stevie about it and probably we talk about it too much and that brings pressure and a bit of anxiety. We are local lads and we will still be around here when we have finished playing."

Nonetheless, silverware isn't everything.

"If we don't win it we will still have had decent careers that we can look back on. Look at the players who haven't won the Champions League. Ronaldo – and I mean the Brazilian Ronaldo – he was, he is, a fabulous player," continued the England international.

"If it doesn't happen we just have to accept it. We have a few more years to do it but it is something we would love to tick off. I am trying to get myself round to thinking like that so it will soften the blow [if Liverpool don't win the title]."


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