Benitez rants back at Big Sam

The war of words between Rafa Benitez and Sam Allardyce was rekindled in the aftermath of a bad tempered match at Anfield yesterday.

After goals from Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres handed Liverpool FC a 2-1 win over Blackburn to stay in the hunt for the fourth Champions League place, Allardyce and Benitez turned their attentions to each other as their simmering feud continued.

The pair have been at loggerheads ever since the Spaniard suffered his first league defeat as Liverpool manager in a bruising encounter to Allardyce’s Bolton five seasons ago.

Benitez was critical of Bolton’s physical approach and believes it is a characteristic typical of Allardyce’s teams.

That prompted Allardyce to point to Liverpool’s six yellow cards at Manchester City last week, suggesting it was ‘ironic’ given Benitez’s previous criticism of his teams’ style of play.

Blackburn picked up five bookings at Anfield yesterday after which Benitez poked fun at Allardyce whilst questioning his tactical acumen.

“I think he is a model for all the managers all around the world,” joked Benitez.

“His style of football, his behaviour, everything.

“He is the perfect role model for all the kids. I am sure parents will enjoy this model and encourage their kids to be the same.

“I also think Barcelona are trying to copy his style of football.”

The Liverpool manager’s comments are likely to attract criticism similar to last season when he was described as being disrespectful to Allardyce for a gesture he made in the Reds’ 4-0 win over Blackburn at Anfield.

However, with Allardyce saying yesterday that he has every right to respond to comments made about his teams, Benitez will say likewise.

Asked if the win was the perfect response to Allardyce’s pre-match comments, Benitez said.

“We always want to win and this game was really important because we are in the race for fourth.

“But we prefer to talk on the pitch.

“It doesn’t matter (what Allardyce says), we won.

“Of course, it is important how you play but sometimes you just have to win. We prefer to play football if we can.

“But if they (Blackburn) are pleased at how they play under this manager that is their decision.

“We prefer to win trying to play well.

“We can win on the pitch and enjoy, whereas some people have to talk before the game and after. Maybe it is more difficult for them to do a football job.”

Benitez was clearly unhappy with some of the treatment dished out to his players by Blackburn.

Torres received close attention, while Rovers midfielder Steven Nzonzi was lucky to stay on the pitch after raising his hand to shove Lucas over.

Meanwhile, Pascal Chimbonda appeared to aim his foot into Maxi Rodriguez’s stomach but escaped without being spoken to by referee Alan Wiley.

“They have a style and play in a certain way under this manager. That is their decision,” said Benitez. “The Nzonzi incident was very, very clear. He had his hand in the face of Lucas Leiva. The rules are the rules.

“Then Chimbonda on Maxi has to be a yellow card.

“We have four or five players with problems, bleeding or whatever. Maxi had studs in his abdominal area, which was interesting.”

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Gerrard & Torres secure win for Liverpool over Blackburn at Anfield

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres marked his first start since January 13 by scoring the winner in an ill-tempered 2-1 victory over Blackburn at Anfield.

The Spain international hit his 13th goal in 17 Premier League appearances just before half-time, having missed five weeks at the start of the year after a knee operation.

Liverpool had gone ahead midway through the half through Steven Gerrard only for Jamie Carragher's handball to allow Keith Andrews to equalise from the penalty spot five minutes before the interval.

With fellow top-four challengers Tottenham and Manchester City both winning this weekend, it was imperative Rafael Benitez's side maintained the pressure - and they managed to grind out a win against combative opponents.

Before the match Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce, who has never had a great relationship with Benitez, had said the Spaniard's side played like his former club Bolton. However, on this evidence - five Rovers players were booked and they could easily have had Steven Nzonzi and Pascal Chimbonda sent off - it was Rovers who lived up to Allardyce's reputation.

But it was the goalscoring return of Torres that will have put a smile on Benitez's face as Liverpool scored for the 26th successive league game at Anfield and the 33rd in all competitions.

Surprisingly, the Spain international played no part in the opening goal, which came from a swift and incisive move started by Lucas on the halfway line. The Brazilian picked out Gerrard who, after exchanging passes with Dirk Kuyt and offloading to Yossi Benayoun, continued his run into the penalty area to collect the return ball, go past Samba and clip home a left-footed shot.

That was after Chris Samba, Martin Olsson and Morten Gamst Pedersen had all had half-chances to put Blackburn ahead. Liverpool, though, were indebted to Jose Reina in the 17th minute as the goalkeeper made a good double save from Pedersen, particularly the first shot which deflected off Jamie Carragher.

On the half-hour Kuyt should have made it 2-0 from Gerrard's corner but appeared to be surprised by the pace of the ball and headed wide from three yards. In the 38th minute Liverpool were forced into a change when Fabio Aurelio limped off with what looked like a thigh injury and was replaced by Emiliano Insua.

Two minutes later Rovers were gifted an equaliser when Benayoun's weak clearance was played straight back into the penalty area and, despite three Liverpool players surrounding Kalinic, Carragher catastrophically went to ground where the ball hit his hand. Andrews fired home from the spot to put his side firmly back in the game.

However, Liverpool went ahead again a minute before the break when Samba could only poke the ball off Torres into the path of Rodriguez, who crossed into the six-yard area for the Spaniard to smash home.

Early in the second half Olsson was booked for handball in the centre-circle before Nzonzi was lucky to escape with a caution, having flattened Lucas with an aggressive push to his face.

Pascal Chimbonda's first act, having come on for Olsson, was to bring down Rodriguez as he threatened to cut into the penalty area. Daniel Agger headed Gerrard's whipped-in free-kick over at the far post.

Chimbonda's second contribution was to carelessly give the ball away to Kuyt, which eventually resulted in Robinson having to tip Rodriguez's shot around the post.

Kalinic was next to go into referee Alan Wiley's book for hacking down Mascherano from behind and, after several close calls, former Liverpool forward El-Hadji Diouf was eventually booked for bringing down Mascherano.

Referee Alan Wiley and one of his linesmen somehow missed Chimbonda, who had already been booked, thrusting his boot into Rodriguez's chest as the Rovers defender rolled on the floor.

Ryan Babel replaced Benayoun for the final 10 minutes but with only a slender lead the pressure began to mount on the hosts. Torres departed to a standing ovation with his work done but in the knowledge he will have to continue to produce on a regular basis if his club are to secure Champions League football next season.

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Big Sam takes a dig at Rafa

Sam Allardyce haas reopened his war of words with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez ahead of Blackburn's visit to Anfield.

Speaking before tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash, the Rovers boss has accused his opposite number of attempting to influence referees, dating back to Allardyce's time as Bolton manager.

Former Newcastle United chief Allardyce alleges that the Spaniard sent video evidence to Keith Hackett during his time as general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Board in 2004.

He said: "I have no worries about what he thinks of me or my team. The most important thing to me is we can beat them on any given date and we know we can beat them because I did it at the Reebok.

"Because he didn't like it he found an excuse about how we played. [Arséne] Wenger did it, [José] Mourinho did it; they all do it when they get their backside smacked.

"That will get him moaning about me again but I am not bothered. He even went as far as putting a DVD together and sending it to Keith Hackett. He doesn't know I know that, but I do.

"I got on to Keith Hackett and told him I didn't want it to influence what refs do because it is all a load of rubbish. He had a bee in his bonnet for a while."

Allardyce, whose Rovers side have not won at Anfield since 1993, claimed Benitez made a disrespectful gesture towards his team following the Reds' 4-0 win over Rovers last term and has admitted his surprise at the club's failure to build on last season's second-place finish.

He added: "I won't get an explanation for that. He is his own man and he does things his own way. I didn't particularly like it. We were finished then because they got the second goal.

"They were terrific that day [last season]. Based on how well they finished last year I am very surprised they have gone through the turmoil they have in the past few months."

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Liverpool sign 15 year old England Starlet

Liverpool FC today confirmed the signing of England youth international Raheem Sterling from Championship side Queens Park Rangers. The attacking midfielder will join the club's Academy set-up in Kirkby.

Managing Director Christian Purslow said: "The success of our Academy is vital to the future progress of the club and we have made clear that we will invest in outstanding young talent.

"Raheem is a very exciting young English player whose progress was being closely monitored by many other leading clubs and I'm delighted he's joining us.

"Frank McParland and his staff have done a great job in bringing him to Liverpool."

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Rafa happy with Babel

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was delighted with Ryan Babel's goal scoring performance in their win at Unirea.

Babel admitted before the Europa League triumph he had held talks with Benitez about his role.

Benitez said: "Ryan is working hard and has been doing well in the training sessions so that is the way the players have to be if they want to play.

"They will have more options and he is doing well and can play more games."

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Liverpool through to round of 16

Liverpool avoided a potential Europa League embarrassment in Romania as they came from behind against Unirea Urziceni to book their place in the last 16.

Shaky defending from set-pieces in the first half saw them fall behind to Bruno Fernandes' header in the 19th minute and for a while they looked rattled.

However, goals from Javier Mascherano from long range and Ryan Babel from close in turned things around before the interval and Steven Gerrard's 33rd European goal wrapped things up after the break.

It was the first time since the 6-1 win over Hull in September that Liverpool had scored more than twice in a game, a run of 29 matches.

A year ago today they beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the Bernabeu on the way to a 5-0 aggregate win before their eventual Champions League quarter-final defeat by Chelsea.

But their early struggles in the Steaua Stadium showed just how far the club's fortunes have plummeted in 12 months as Unirea created a number of chances, mainly from free-kicks and corners, which the visitors almost shambolically failed to deal with.

Backed by a vociferous crowd, the Romanian champions created their first opening in only the second minute.

Jamie Carragher's header from Iulian Apostol's free-kick only reached the edge of the penalty area and Sorin Frunza lashed a dipping volley onto the top of Jose Reina's net.

Less than 60 seconds later, Lucas Leiva picked out Gerrard with a through-ball but the Liverpool captain's fierce low drive was parried into the air by goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis.

Liverpool were retaining possession for long periods without really hurting their opponents but it was to cost them as, in the 19th minute, Unirea levelled the tie on aggregate.

Daniel Agger's last-ditch tackle on Marius Onofras gave the hosts a corner from the left and Razvan Paduretu's inviting delivery was perfect for centre-back Fernandes to power home a header virtually unchallenged.

George Galamaz's foul on Martin Skrtel resulted in the Unirea captain coming off worst and, despite trying to run off his injury, he was replaced by Ersin Mehmedovic in the 28th minute.

Two minutes later Liverpool seized control of the tie from the most unlikely of sources.

Yossi Benayoun and David Ngog combined to allow Carragher to cross and, although Babel mis-controlled Gerrard's far post header with only the goalkeeper to the beat, the ball broke to Mascherano outside the penalty area to lash a shot past Arlauskis.

But they almost handed the initiative back to Unirea in the 36th minute when Paduretu's inswinging corner caused chaos in the six-yard area, hitting Agger but bouncing inches wide.

The Romanian midfielder's low 25-yard shot then had Reina diving to his right to tip around the post.

However, Liverpool gave themselves the cushion they so desperately needed five minutes before half-time.

Gerrard swung in a free-kick from the right and Babel took one touch before swivelling to fire home from close range.

Early in the second half Gerrard fired wide of Arlauskis' right-hand post and also forced him into a low save on the same side, as Liverpool started to play with slightly more freedom.

If there was any doubt about Unirea staging an unlikely comeback it was snuffed out by Gerrard in the 57th minute.

Babel broke down the left, moving the ball to Lucas and he picked out Benayoun, whose mazy dribble into the area was only half-stopped to allow the Liverpool captain to run onto the loose ball and blast a low shot under Arlauskis.

That strike was his 33rd in Europe, taking him past Alan Shearer, who scored 30 for Newcastle and two for Blackburn.

That prompted the introduction of youngster Martin Kelly for Carragher at right-back and, almost immediately, Sotirios Kyrgiakos after Unirea substitute Antonio Semedo caught Skrtel in a challenge.

With thoughts turning to Blackburn on Sunday in the Barclays Premier League, manager Rafael Benitez replaced Benayoun with Fabio Aurelio for the final 15 minutes.

Emiliano Insua's late intervention poked the ball off the toe of Paduretu just as he was about to pull the trigger in the six-yard area but otherwise there were no other scares.

But their first-half defensive lapses will not have gone unnoticed by Rovers boss Sam Allardyce ahead of his side's visit to Anfield.

Much greater challenges lie ahead for Benitez and his Liverpool team.

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Lee praises Torres for his efforts

Lee has been impressed with the way Torres put the hours in at Melwood to get himself fit once again.

"It was nice to see him on the bench against Man City," said the assistant manager.

"It gave us a lift, gave all of the supporters a lift and I know for a fact it certainly took Man City by surprise.

"His recovery has been excellent and it's down to him and the medical staff. He's been working very hard.

"He's worked tirelessly coming in very early in the morning and staying very, very long hours. He has had good people working with him.

"It's a credit to him and his professional attitude that he has worked so hard in his rehabilitation to get back into the team."

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Johnson very close to return but won't be rushed insists Rafa

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has admitted Glen Johnson is close to a return, but he will not be rushed back

The Reds defender has been sidelined since suffering medial knee ligament damage in December, missing his side's poor run of form this year.

The England international was a mainstay in the Liverpool team before his injury suffered against Aston Villa, making 17 appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring twice.

And like returning striker Fernando Torres,Benitez says he will be eased back into contention.

"Johnson is very close," he said. "I think next week he will be training with the team, or maybe at the end of the week, but it will be the same situation we have with Torres.

"He will need time and we will introduce him little by little."

The Reds travel to Romania on Thursday to face Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League.

Taking a lead into the away leg after a 1-0 win at Anfield, Liverpool will be favourites to progress, and Benitez hopes there will be more opportunities to attack.

"We have to believe that the away leg will be different because they will have to attack and that will leave more spaces, and maybe we can create more clear chances," he added.

"If they have to attack, they have to be higher (up the field) and the game will be totally different.

"The main thing now is that we know them. It will not be a surprise the next game and we have to be ready. We have to think about attack.

"If you play in the Champions League or Europa League - in a knockout competition - you can see a clean sheet is very important and not to concede away is the main thing because then you can manage at home."

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Rafa plays down Torres fears

Rafa Benitez believes his close association with Spain coach Vicente del Bosque will ensure the country do not overuse Fernando Torres and risk another injury setback for the Liverpool striker.

Torres made his long-awaited return to first-team action when appearing as a substitute against Manchester City at the weekend and sources in Spain claim he is likely to be included in the country's squad for their friendly against France on March 3.

Only recently, Del Bosque was reported to have said, "the fewer games Fernando plays for his club, the better it will be for us" and Liverpool's top scorer has suffered fitness problems on international duty in the past.

But Benitez knows Del Bosque well from his time at Real Madrid and is confident that both club and country will work in harmony as they seek to get the best out of a striker who has scored 50 goals in 73 league appearances for the Reds.

"Fernando is our player, working with our physios, but we have a good relationship with Fernando Hierro [Spain's technical director], Del Bosque and Javier Minano [the fitness coach]," said Benítez in the Guardian. "When people try to create a mess between Spain and us, remember that Del Bosque was the academy director at Real when I was an academy coach and I was his assistant for the first team. We have a really good relationship.

"His fitness coach was my fitness coach in the Under-18s and the second team. He is my friend. Hierro was in the first team when I was assistant at Real and we had a very good relationship. If I defend my players, it is because I have to, but we have very good communication with Spain."

Torres had not played since the FA Cup defeat to Reading on January 1 due to a knee injury but played 15 minutes of the 0-0 draw at Eastlands. Yossi Benayoun also made his first appearance since the Reading tie and Benitez is pleased to have both players back at his disposal.

"Fernando and Yossi have been important in the past and hopefully both will be important in the future," Benitez said. "Fernando needs to improve his fitness and Yossi has to do the same but at least we have better competition. But Yossi is coming back, Torres is coming back, and hopefully Glen Johnson will come back in the next week."

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Torres and Johnson closing in on return

Fernando Torres is edging closer to a return at Liverpool.

Torres and full-back Glen Johnson continue to make good progress with their comebacks from knee injuries.

"Torres and Johnson are progressing and working with the fitness coach," said Benitez.

"They are very close but not available yet."

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Gerrard fires Liverpool warning to rivals

Steven Gerrard has warned that Liverpool are ready to right the wrongs of what has been a desperately poor season when their Europa League campaign gets underway against Unirea Urziceni on Thursday night.

Liverpool have struggled on all fronts under Rafael Benitez this season and, having been eliminated from both domestic cups and the Champions League, the consolation prize of the Europa League is their only realistic chance of silverware given they are 14 points behind Chelsea in the Premier League.

In Unirea they face another side downgraded from the Champions League and Gerrard is adamant that Liverpool will be fully motivated to salvage their season with a strong finish in Europe.

"It's very dangerous to bet against Liverpool, especially when our backs are to the wall," Gerrard told the club's official website. "This season has been inconsistent and hasn't gone to plan. But, for me as captain and for the team, we've got one more trophy to lift, so we'll be giving everything.

"Anyone who underestimates the Europa League is not for me because I've lifted the UEFA Cup before. It's a special trophy, and was a superb final. Hopefully we can experience the same feeling this season.

"I've always found in Europe that Liverpool have more problems against less well-known teams because of the surprise factor. To play Liverpool is a big game for Unirea and they'll be looking for a big upset and will be very dangerous. But Rafa will make sure that the team is prepared."

Benitez has found himself under substantial pressure this season but is keen to portray the Europa League as a strong competition that boasts a number of top European clubs. Liverpool won the UEFA Cup in 2001 and Benitez is keen to repeat that feat.

"To be fair, if you analyse the teams that are in the competition there are some very strong teams," said Benitez. "It will be a difficult competition, the only one we can win now, so we will try to do our best from the beginning.

"We have to progress, we have to win the first round and go forward because we might have Juventus, Valencia or Atletico Madrid. Any club in the Europa League which reaches the semi-final will be good enough to be in the Champions League too.

"To win a European competition against top sides is important and if you cannot be in the Champions League you have to do your best here and try to bring something for the fans. The response of the players to being knocked out of the Champions League was fantastic and we have to keep doing the same."

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Liverpool out of Top 4 though City drop points

Liverpool are out of the top four champions league spot after Manchester City draw against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.

Liverpool will be back in to the top four if Liverpool beat City on their home turf.
Liverpool are currently 5th with City at 4th one point ahead and a game in hand.

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Rafa sets his sights on Europa League

Rafa Benitez has vowed to give the Europa League his best shot ahead of Thursday's clash with Unirea Urziceni.

Liverpool would prefer to be preparing for a UEFA Champions League knockout tie but could only finish third in their group before Christmas and consequently dropped into Europe's secondary competition.

They begin their campaign against Romanian outfit Unirea at Anfield and Benitez is looking forward to the challenge.

The Spanish tactician will have to balance his continental ambitions with trying to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League but he believes competing on two fronts could work in the Reds' favour.

"It is always difficult but when you have been a manager for a while, with different teams, sometimes you were only playing once a week, trying to avoid relegation," Benitez said.

"When you have experience, you know all about the different feelings.

"Clearly I would prefer to be fighting for the title or for the Champions League but you must accept the situation.

"You have to be positive and turn things in your favour. Now we have another opportunity (of playing in Europe) and we must try to keep playing better.

"We have got to keep progressing in the Europa League and aim to finish as high as we can in the Premier League."

Liverpool are among the favourites to lift the Europa League trophy in Hamburg on 12th May but Benitez does not expect it to be easy.

"There are still big clubs involved," he stated. "If we can get through a couple of rounds, though, I'm sure the atmosphere will be really good because the fans want to see us winning trophies."

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Masch back to his Best

Benitez is pleased with Mascherano's return to form and says the midfielder is setting a fine example to his team mates.

"Javier is showing on the pitch why he is the captain of Argentina. He is someone who has a very good character, he is very positive and can inspire those around him," said the boss.

"He is setting an example to the rest of the team. I am really pleased with the way all of them are playing at the minute but Javier Mascherano is a player who is doing really well for us.

"Look at the derby. He played in a different position (right-back) but he still managed to have a massive impact and everyone can see there is a big difference in what he is doing now."

He added: "At the beginning of the season it was very difficult for him. But now things have settled down and he is working very hard for the team.

"He is back to the Javier Mascherano that we signed. His commitment to the club is 100 per cent."

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Torres could make his return against City

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres hopes to be back for their clash with Manchester City.

Torres has stepped up his fight for fitness and started running again in an attempt to make a shock return to Liverpool's line-up against fourth-placed rivals Manchester City, says the Daily Mail.

Liverpool's £21million record signing was expected to be out until the beginning of next month but has set his sights on the crucial Eastlands showdown with City a week on Sunday after a significant breakthrough in his recovery programme.

Manager Rafa Benitez has repeatedly refused to put a date on Torres' likely return but has been hugely encouraged by signs the Spain striker is finally ready to start working his way back to match fitness.

Torres was given the all-clear to begin running on Tuesday and was seen lapping the pitches at their Melwood training headquarters without any ill-effects.

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Liverpool defeated at the Emirates

Arsenal breathed new life into their diminishing Premier League title hopes with a narrow win over Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.

Abou Diaby finally got the breakthrough on 72 minutes, when he headed in Tomas Rosicky's cross as the Gunners bounced back from successive defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea.

Liverpool, who are just ahead of Manchester City in fourth place, almost grabbed a late equaliser when substitute Ryan Babel saw his shot tipped onto the bar.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger made changes from the side beaten by Chelsea at the weekend, which left them some nine points off the leaders, However, the Blues' subsequent defeat by Everton tonight means that deficit was quickly reduced.

Theo Walcott dropped to the bench, as Nicklas Bendtner, who had been out following groin surgery, made a welcome first start since October.

While Arsenal had been faltering, Liverpool slowly moved themselves back up into the top four.

The Gunners' frailty at the back was exposed again on five minutes when a free-kick bobbled alarmingly around the six-yard box before Manuel Almunia gathered.

At the other end, William Gallas - yet to confirm whether he will be staying with Arsenal - headed over.

Liverpool remained patient, although David Ngog snatched at his shot after working some space at the edge of the Arsenal area.

Much like at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the Gunners had plenty of possession, but without looking dangerous in the final third.

Samir Nasri's low ball in from the right was cut out by Martin Skrtel, as Bendtner arrived behind him through the six-yard box.

The Dane was then played in by Andrey Arshavin, but shot over.

Arsenal were finally having a decent spell, with Nasri's shot charged down by Emiliano Insua. The Argentina defender then saw his goal-bound effort deflect off Thomas Vermaelen.

On 34 minutes, Nasri, who earlier appeared to take a blow to the side of his face, was replaced by Tomas Rosicky.

Neither side were able to make the most of some promising build-up play as the first half drew to a close.

Arsenal, though, had more urgency following the restart, as Arshavin drilled the ball into the side-netting.

At the other end, Lucas Leiva drilled his angled shot over after being played into the right side of the Arsenal penalty area by Dirk Kuyt.

Steven Gerrard's determination released Ngog down the middle, but Gallas recovered to make a brilliant saving tackle just inside the 18-yard box.

Rosicky's touch was then too heavy after the Czech Republic winger was put clear down the left channel by Arshavin.

Arsenal were in the ascendancy now.

Bendtner's deft chip almost crept over the line after Jose Reina could only make a partial save, but Daniel Agger cleared.

However, on 63 minutes, referee Howard Webb showed Bendtner a yellow card for diving under a challenge by Agger, although replays suggested there may have been minimum contact.

Arshavin missed his kick when arriving at pace in the penalty area to meet Gael Clichy's cross, with Rosicky blasting the loose ball over.

Arsenal made the breakthrough after 72 minutes, when Diaby arrived on cue at the far post to head in Rosicky's right-wing cross.

Liverpool felt they had a strong penalty claim when Gerrard went down under a mass of red shirts, appearing to be blocked by Diaby, but the referee waved play on.

The visitors almost snatched an equaliser with four minutes left, but Almunia tipped a dipping drive from substitute Babel onto the crossbar.

In stoppage time, there was more controversy when a dubious free-kick from Gerrard appeared to strike Cesc Fabregas on the hand, but referee Webb was not interested.

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Milan heading to Liverpool claims his agent

Serbian international Milan Jovanovic has agreed to join Liverpool this summer, according to his agent.

A number of clubs across Europe have been chasing Jovanovic, who is available on a free transfer when his contract with Standard Liege expires at the end of the season.
Valencia, AC Milan and Juventus were all thought to be keen on acquiring the attacking midfielder, but Jovanovic’s representative, Zoran Stojadinovic, has revealed the 28-year-old has been convinced to move to Anfield by Reds boss Rafa Benitez.
“We have spoken with Rafa Benitez and he convinced us about his project for the club,” Stojadinovic told the Daily Mirror.
“Milan speaks the language and adaptation will not be a problem for him when he moves to England.”
Jovanovic is set to sign a three-year deal at Anfield and the news is a boost for Benitez after seemingly missing out on another free agent Marouane Chamakh.

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Gerrard warns gunners,Liverpool ready for third-place grab

Liverpool FC skipper Steven Gerrard has told Arsenal ahead of Wednesday’s clash at the Emirates Stadium: "Defeat will cost the Gunners third place."

Arsenal have taken just one point from their last three Barclays Premier League matches and, having been dumped out of the FA Cup by Stoke, have not won in four games.

Liverpool FC, by contrast, have put together a league run of five wins and two draws and have kept six clean sheets.

A win for Rafa Benitez’s side would put them within two points of their third-placed opponents and Gerrard believes that is all the encouragement they need.

"I’m sure Arsenal will be a bit of a wounded animal on Wednesday," he said.

"It’s a massive game for us and the target is to try to get a result where we can push on and try to get third place.

"We’re just taking each game as it comes. Obviously at the end of the season our target is a top-four finish but if Arsenal give us any sniff of catching them then we want to grab it and hopefully that will be on Wednesday night."

Arsenal’s 10-match unbeaten league run was ended by back-to-back defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea, and Gerrard hopes to make it three in a row.

"We’ve certainly got to do what Manchester United and Chelsea have done to them, which is try to give them very little space and hit them on the counter-attack," he said.

"Everyone knows that if you give Arsenal time and space they will absolutely crucify you.

"We’re not playing terrifically well to be honest. The last few performances have been more about being solid defensively and nicking important goals.

"We can certainly play better."

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Liverpool on Indian Radar

Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani sets sights on buying Liverpool from Hicks and Gillett.

Liverpool emerged as a takeover target for the seventh-richest man in the world last night as the pressure mounted on Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr to cut a deal to sell Anfield.

Mukesh Ambani, the wealthiest man in India, is one of two tycoons from the sub-continent competing to buy a stake in the Merseyside club.

The Sahara Group’s chairman, Subrata Roy, and Ambani’s Reliance Industries have each tendered similar bids to pay off Liverpool’s £237 million debt in return for a 51 per cent stake in the club.

Last night Christian Purslow, the Liverpool chief executive, denied any knowledge of either bid, but The Times understands that approaches began as early as November and that some preliminary talks have taken place.

Each deal requires that the present owners make a commitment to take no dividends or expenses out of Anfield for three years to allow the club to resume a secure financial basis. One of the potential owners has also indicated a willingness to allow supporters to take a 10 per cent stake in Liverpool.

A source close to Hicks and Gillett said that the duo would reject on principle any bid that left them with less than 50 per cent of the club’s shares unless it involved either of them selling out entirely. A sale of more than half of the total stake would mean they would lose control of the club.

It is understood that Liverpool’s banker, the state-backed Royal Bank of Scotland, is pressing Hicks and Gillett to cut their asking price.

The bank declined to comment last night, but a source close to RBS said that there has been plenty of interest in Liverpool from investors. However, the source added, the owners are blocking all deals on the table because they refuse to budge on price.

The source said the bank’s stipulation that the pair must pay off £100 million of the debt and inject tens of millions of pounds into the club was intended to push them into an agreement with a new investor that would permanently stabilise Liverpool’s finances.

A number of other potential bidders include a Saudi Arabian consortium and a United States-based buyer, who is prepared to pay the £100 million required by the lenders in exchange for 40 per cent of the club.

Roy, whose interest appears more serious, has been linked with ownership of one of the next IPL franchises, possibly to be based in the north Indian city of Lucknow, where the Sahara Group, of which he is chairman, is based.

Roy, 62, founded the company, which deals in property, media and tourism, in 1978. Its four-year sponsorship deal with the India cricket team, worth £55 million, expires this year and Roy could be looking for a new project. Sahara was linked with shirt sponsorship of Manchester United last February, a deal that fell through.

Ambani, 52, is said to be worth $19.5 billion (about £12.5 billion) — more than the combined worth of Sheikh Mansour and Roman Abramovich — from his investment in Reliance Industries, a petrochemicals giant, according to Forbes business magazine.

His father, Dhirubhai, turned a small textiles company into one of Asia’s largest conglomerates, but after Ambani Sr’s death in 2002, Mukesh and his younger brother, Anil, had a bitter feud over the company’s direction, eventually splitting the assets.

Mukesh Ambani is already a big player in sport. In 2008 he created the Mumbai Indians, one of the eight teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having paid £70 million to buy the franchise. Anil Ambani has been linked with a bid for one of two new franchises in the IPL that will be put up for auction at the end of the month, with a starting price of £140 million.

Gillett and Hicks took over at Anfield three years ago in a leveraged buyout costing nearly £300 million, including £70 million for a stadium that remains unbuilt. Despite promises to the contrary, they loaded the debt on to the club via a £350 million loan with RBS and have struggled to service the debt since the credit crunch began 18 months ago.

Before the economic climate changed for the worse, the American duo turned down an offer from Dubai worth almost £500 million — a deal that would have allowed each of the owners to walk away with a clear profit in the region of £125 million.

The Americans are unpopular with the supporters and the hostility at Anfield has increased as it has become clear that there is no money available to strengthen the team.

Purslow, whose background is in private equity, joined the club last summer with a brief to bring in investment but, despite repeated briefings that an influx of cash in close at hand, there has been little to suggest investors are keen to take a minority stake in the club.

While these latest offers will almost certainly be rejected, it marks the beginning of a period of jockeying for position in the ownership battle. It is a battle that, ultimately, RBS may have to resolve.

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Gerrard warns Liverpool cannot have any more slip-ups

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has warned his team-mates they cannot afford any more mistakes if they are to secure Champions League football next season.

After seven defeats - five more than in the whole of the previous Barclays Premier League campaign - the Reds' hopes of a top-four place appeared to be slipping away even seven weeks ago.
However, since losing at Portsmouth on December 19, Rafael Benitez's side have put together a seven-match run of five wins and two draws to move back up to fourth.
On Wednesday they go to Arsenal, where they have not won in the league for a decade, and victory at the Emirates Stadium would put Liverpool just two points behind the third-placed Gunners with a trip to Manchester City next on the fixture list.
But having come unstuck at places like Tottenham, Sunderland, Fulham and Fratton Park this season Gerrard said the team had to build on the weekend's victory over Everton in the 213th Merseyside derby.
'Everybody is still on a high and now we have got to take that high into the next game,' he said.
'It's a tough one, Arsenal away always is, but we have used beating Everton as a platform in the past and we've got to do it again.
'We want to extend our run and go on to better things as we can't afford any slip-ups because there is pressure coming from Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa.'
Gerrard added in the Liverpool Echo: 'We showed fantastic togetherness (against Everton), we fought for each other and that's why I am really proud of this team.
'It's performances like this that will get you in there (the top four).
'There are a couple of very tough games coming up but if we can show what we have done in the last seven games, I don't see why we can't maintain it.'

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Ten man Liverpool win a nasty thriller

Liverpool survived most the match with ten men after Sotirios Kyrgiakos’ early dismissal to win the Merseyside derby courtesy of Dirk Kuyt’s second half goal.

Kuyt’s 50th goal for the club arrived from a corner, heading home from close range on 55 minutes.

It was a blood and thunder derby day, with plenty of physical challenges, six yellow cards and two red. Steven Pienaar received a red following his second yellow late on.

Kyrgiakos’ dismissal though was very controversial, with Everton’s Maraoune Fellaini somehow not following him after both lunged in with two feet and Fellaini stamping on the Greek defender. Referee Martin Atkinson though failed to even book Fellaini.

It was another cleansheet for the Reds, despite the early dismissal of a player who has added a physical presence at the back in recent weeks. Jamie Carragher moved back into the centre with Javier Mascherano deputising at right back.

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Stevie has faith in Aquilani to deliver in the derby

Steven Gerrard believes Alberto Aquilani will have no problems in handling the derby-day atmosphere as he prepares for his first meeting with Everton at Anfield tomorrow.

The Italian international has started the last four home games for the Reds and is again in contention for a place in Rafael Benitez's midfield for the 213th Merseyside derby.

Despite a frustrating start to his Anfield career as he battled to overcome an ankle injury, Gerrard insists Aquilani is coming to terms with English football and will be helped tomorrow by his experience of derby clashes in Italy.

"Whether he starts or plays as a sub, Alberto knows what derbies are all about," said Gerrard. "I'm sure he will handle the occasion no problem.

"He will also get help from myself and Jamie (Carragher) to let him know what this game is about in the dressing room. Merseyside derbies are very quick and frantic in the first 15-20 minutes and the tempo and intensity is very high.

"It will be a great game for him to notch his first goal, too. He is improving the more he is playing and training.

"There were always going to be high expectations because of his big price tag. It takes time to get used to the speed and pace of the English game when you come from abroad, but he certainly has the talent."

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Agent denies Jovanovic deal

The agent of Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic has denied that his client has already signed a pre-contract agreement with Liverpool after reports in the British press hinted that Rafael Benitez would snap up the Standard Liege player on a free in the summer.

The Reds are thought to be on the lookout for further attacking recruits having sold Robbie Keane twelve months ago and having offloaded Ukrainian Andrey Voronin during the recent January transfer window. Deemed overly reliant on the goal scoring of Fernando Torres but with a limited budget, it appeared that Jovanovic was the perfect recruit for the Anfield outfit.

With plenty of suitors across Europe, it now looks as though Liverpool have work to do if they are to beat off competition from the likes of AC Milan and Valencia.
"There are many possibilities," Jovanovic's agent Zoran Stojadinovic told Superdeporte.

"The situation will be resolved soon, but he has not signed for any club as yet.
"There is plenty of interest from Spain," added Stojadinovic.
"But there are also a number of clubs from across Europe that remain keen."
Liverpool will be hoping that the likes of David Ngog and Ryan Babel will come to the fore in the final third of the season as the Reds battle to save their Champions League credentials. Already knocked out of this year’s competition, the Merseyside team have stiff competition from the likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur for the fourth place position in the Premier League.

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Reds to sign pre-deal with Standard Liege ace

Liverpool are close to agreeing a pre-contract deal with Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic.

The Reds, along with AC Milan and Premier League rivals Birmingham, have long been linked with the 28-year-old and now seem to be on the verge of getting their man.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has stepped up his efforts to capture Jovanovic, who is out of contract with Liege in the summer, after failing in a pursuit of Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones.
Serbia international Jovanovic is reported to be on the verge of signing terms that would guarantee he moves to Anfield after participating in this summer's World Cup to offer an alternative to injury-prone Fernando Torres.
It has been suggested that Jovanovic was only prepared to sign for Liverpool if the club offered guarantees that Juventus target Benitez would stay on Merseyside beyond the end of this season.

But it appears that an agreement over a three-year deal with an option for an additional 12 months is close.

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Purslow assures that Gerrard and Torres will not be sold

Liverpool chief executive Christian Purslow has pledged the club will not sell their star players despite the financial restrictions at Anfield.

Manager Rafael Benitez had little money to spend in the winter transfer window to bolster a squad which has had a poor first half of the season.
It is unlikely co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett will be able to provide substantial funds in the summer but, says Purslow, the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard will not be sold.
‘We are not a selling club, absolutely not,’ he declared.
‘Liverpool is one of the big four clubs in the world. We pay salaries and transfers at the level of the top four in this league and that is the sporting level I hope to maintain. Our problem is that we do not have two first XIs, as other clubs do. We do not have that financial capacity.’
Neither, insists Purslow, will the Reds allow Benitez to leave despite the continued interest in the Spaniard from Juventus.
‘It is normal that big clubs are interested in Rafa,’ he added.
‘There are many things I want in this life, but that does not mean that I can have them. We have not considered, nor are we going to consider, a future without Benitez.’

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Liverpool name squad for Europa League

Liverpool have submitted their squad for the knockout stages of the Europa League, which begins with the visit of Romanian side Unirea on February 18th.

Sole January signing Maxi Rodriguez couldn’t be named in the squad, having played for Atletico Madrid in UEFA competition already this season.

Bizarrely, young forward Nathan Eccelston, who has just signed a loan deal with Huddersfield for the rest of the season, is included.

Reserve team regulars Robbie Threlfall, Alex Kacaniklic, Steven Irwin, Gerardo Bruna and David Amoo are all included.

1 Diego Cavalieri
2 Glen Johnson
4 Alberto Aquilani
5 Daniel Agger
8 Steven Gerrard
9 Fernando Torres
11 Albert Riera
12 Fabio Aurelio
15 Yossi Benayoun
16 Sotirios Kyrgiakos
18 Dirk Kuyt
19 Ryan Babel
20 Javier Mascherano
21 Lucas
22 Emiliano Insua
23 Jamie Carragher
24 David Ngog
25 Pepe Reina
26 Jay Spearing
27 Philipp Degen
28 Damien Plessis
31 Nabil El Zhar
32 Stephen Darby
34 Martin Kelly
36 Steven Irwin
37 Martin Skrtel
38 Robbie Threlfall
39 Nathan Eccleston
40 Daniel Ayala
41 Martin Hansen
44 David Martin
45 Alex Kacaniklic
46 David Amoo
47 Daniel Pacheco
48 Gerardo Bruna

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