Support for Liverpool from a very unusual source

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Liverpool will not "throw away their history" by standing aside for Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.

Manchester United head into the penultimate weekend of the campaign knowing their last realistic chance of overhauling Carlo Ancelotti's side depends on Liverpool avoiding defeat this weekend.

If Chelsea are denied maximum points, United can seize the advantage by beating Sunderland at the Stadium of Light a couple of hours later.

All this has been noted at an increasingly agitated Liverpool.

And quite apart from drawing a veil on what has been a disastrous season for the Merseyside giants, that took another downturn last night with a Europa League semi-final exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid, the sub-plot is United attempting to clinch a record 19th league championship.

That would eclipse Liverpool, a situation that seemed impossible when Ferguson came south from Aberdeen in 1986.

It has led a number of Liverpool supporters to voice their desire for their team to lose, even though it would cost them what slender chance they still have of finishing in the Champions League places.

Ferguson cannot see that eventuality and is convinced Liverpool have too much to lose by not trying.

"I am confident they will do their maximum," he said.

"Great clubs don't throw their history and traditions away for one game.

"They have been in 11 European finals. They have won 18 titles.

"That is a fantastic history. You don't throw that away. The fans know that too.

"Do you think the fans want to go home saying their players capitulated and they didn't try and thinking it wouldn't happen again?"

There is a precedent. On the last day in 1995, United headed to West Ham knowing it would take a victory at Upton Park and a Liverpool win over Blackburn at Anfield to give them the title.

Given Kenny Dalglish was the Blackburn manager, the attachment was arguably even greater.

As it turned out, Liverpool did their job, but United were unable to capitalise.

"We were depending on Liverpool producing - and they did," recalled Ferguson.

"You have to earn a right to win the title. Okay, there were a lot of English players in their team that day and they understood the history of Liverpool FC.

"But I don't think there has been such a swing that the current players do not understand the history of Liverpool."

They presumably also know they are tired, weary and unhappy given they slogged through 120 minutes last night before falling to Diego Forlan's extra-time decider.

It leaves Rafael Benitez in a similar position to the one Ferguson found himself in when United crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich.

And it also gave the United boss a chance to air his long-held view about the Premier League not giving any assistance to clubs sidetracked by European commitments.

"It is difficult to say how Liverpool's players will feel," said Ferguson. "It is Rafa's job to prepare his players.

For Full Story...

We gave it all we had in ourselves - Gerrard

Steven Gerrard today reflected on Liverpool's Europa League semi-final defeat by Atletico Madrid and admitted a failure to score the decisive goal in the first leg ultimately proved to be their downfall.

The Reds skipper felt the players gave everything they possibly could on the night after a grueling 120 minutes at Anfield and claimed defeat was tough to take.

"I am very tired and so are the rest of the boys because we put a lot of effort into the game but unfortunately we came up a bit short in the end," Gerrard told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I am sure the majority of the supporters know we all gave everything we have got. When I was at the training ground this morning lads were getting treatment, they had bruises all over them and they are tired.

"We gave every inch of blood and sweat on the pitch but unfortunately it just wasn't enough.

"I know we won the game on the night but unfortunately we lost on the away goals rule. I am very frustrated and disappointed, but looking at both games overall I think us not getting the away goal in Madrid ultimately was the key to us not reaching the final.

"I think we did enough at Anfield on the night. You can only ask to win the game and we did that. I thought we did it quite comfortably to be honest but unfortunately in Europe it's about two legs and away goals do play a big part.

"We just never had enough quality in the final third of the field in Madrid to get that important away goal.

"We are disappointed because we went out of the Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup too early and we felt the Europa League was very important because we wanted to win a trophy for the supporters."

For Full Story...

Liverpool win but crash out of Europa League

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan scored against Liverpool for the second time in a week to end the Merseysiders' dreams of a third European final in five years.

The former Manchester United forward, who hit the only goal in the first leg, stabbed home the crucial extra-time away goal which booked their place in May's Europa League final despite a 2-1 defeat at Anfield.

Alberto Aquilani's 44th-minute strike had ensured the game went into the additional 30 minutes and despite Yossi Benayoun putting his side ahead, Forlan - much derided during his time in English football - had the last word.

Twice previously in this competition Liverpool had come back from first-leg deficits - against Lille and Benfica - but on this occasion even a win was not enough.

How they missed injured striker Fernando Torres, watching his former club take on his current employers from the stands, after dominating most of the game but failing to finish off their opponents in normal time.

But it was not the lack of goals which did for them in the end, but the one they let in at the Kop end to a familiar foe.

Liverpool had needed an early boost and they almost got it after just nine seconds.

Daniel Agger's long ball picked out Benayoun in the penalty area and his low shot from a narrow angle was turned behind by goalkeeper David de Gea, who had an easier save when Aquilani shot straight at him in the 11th minute.

It was a sign of things to come as Atletico's gameplan of sitting back and counter-attacking was restricted to just the former.

But the Spanish side, driven by the knowledge an away goal would strengthen their position considerably, still posed an occasional threat and Jose Reina dived low to his right to turn Raul Garcia's long-range effort around the post midway through the half.

Still Liverpool pushed forward and Dirk Kuyt, who recovered from a calf injury to lead the line, was only inches over as he slid into the six-yard area to deflect Javier Mascherano's cross.

The game was becoming more open but when Sergio Aguero went round Reina from Jose Antonio Reyes' perfect through-ball he opted to cross rather than shoot from a narrow angle and Forlan could not make up the ground.

Liverpool thought they had scored the goal they desperately wanted when Steven Gerrard curled in a 32nd-minute free-kick and Agger headed into the bottom corner only to be flagged offside.

Gerrard was booked for a needless foul on Aguero as the half drew to a close and frustration levels began to rise at Anfield.

But a minute before the interval the breakthrough finally came with the simplest of moves and the most exact of finishes.

Stand-in right-back Mascherano's throw down the wing was picked up by Benayoun whose cross was missed by Kuyt but found Aquilani who curled a low shot just inside De Gea's left-hand post.

With honours even Liverpool's approach play was more patient and measured as the second half began.

But the optimism around Anfield which was tangible before the break had been replaced by a growing sense of anxiety and the players could feel it, with Benayoun shooting well over from 25 yards.

Urged on by the Kop, Liverpool found an extra gear and when left-back Glen Johnson cut in and whipped in a right-footed shot De Gea could only parry it over the crossbar, but the goalkeeper was able to claim Gerrard's corner unchallenged.

The last 10 minutes saw Atletico have probably their best spell of the game but Forlan crucially mis-controlled the last chance of regulation time having sprung the offside trap.

Five minutes into the added period Liverpool went ahead for the first time.

A Gerrard free-kick was only half-cleared and Lucas lobbed the ball over the inside-left channel where Benayoun, played onside by Antonio Lopez, drilled home left-footed with De Gea getting a hand to the shot but failing to keep it out.

Substitute Jose Manuel Jurado's 20-yard effort inches wide of the post was a warning Liverpool failed to heed as in the 102nd minute Atletico scored a the vital away goal when Reyes beat Johnson to cross for the unmarked Forlan to stab home.

The second period was notable only for Simao Sabrosa firing just over as Liverpool's European dreams - and their hopes of a successful conclusion to their season - were extinguished.

For Full Story...

Benitez unsure over his future as Liverpool remain silent

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has voiced concerns about the lack of reassurances over his future at the club and hit out at press "rumours" of an impending departure and discussions of potential candidates for his job.

Benitez has been linked with a switch to Juventus for months now while a raft of managers have been mentioned as possible replacements for the Liverpool hotseat should Benitez leave - or be pushed.

Liverpool's so-far disappointing season could get worse on Thursday if they fail to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit in their Europa League semi-final return meeting with Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

Benitez's side crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage and look like falling short of qualification for that tournament through the Premier League, despite the Spanish manager's infamous "guarantee" Liverpool would finish fourth.

Benitez insisted his focus is solely on the next match and not on his future, although he felt compelled to mention the lack of public support coming out of the Liverpool hierarchy in the wake of press speculation about possible future Liverpool managers.

"I don't like the (Juventus) rumours," Benitez said ahead of the Europa League tie. "I would like to see news in the press about trophies or goals or fantastic performances by players, but you cannot control everything.

"My future is (playing against) Athletico Madrid. We have to concentrate on this game and try to win because it's the best for the club.

"I have spent a year listening to names like Martin O'Neill, Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klinsmann and Frank Rijkaard (being linked with his job), but I've just kept doing my job.

"All my focus is on the next game, that's the future for me, but no one from the club has spoken to me about mine. For me the next game is always the most important and playing in a European final again would be massive for any club.''

For Full Story...

Liverpool sign promising youngster who wants to be the next Steven Gerrard

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has paid an initial £1.7million for Charlton's 18-year-old midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, promising more signings of a similar nature.

Benitez said: 'We have been working on Jonjo for a year. He will be ready for a place in the first-team squad next season.'

'I've mirrored my game on Steven Gerrard - I love him to bits, everything about him, from the way he walks to the way he plays,' says Shelvey. 'I want to have played with him and against him by the time I've finished my career. That's my dream.'



For Full Story...

Rafa's agent denies Juve talks

The agent of Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has moved quickly to rubbish reports in the Italian press that the Spaniard has agreed a four year deal with Serie A giants Juventus, starting this summer.

Manuel Quillon Garcia said the Reds manager has not even spoken to any other clubs, with Real Madrid also said to be interested in aquiring his services.

Garcia announced, “There is no agreement with anyone.”

Benitez currently has three years left on his current deal at Anfield after signing a new four year deal this time last season. But after a bad season on the pitch for the club, his position has come under increasing pressure.

Recently Benitez signalled his wish to stay at the club for the remainder of his contract, whilst newly appointed chairman Martin Broughton confirmed his support for the former Valencia coach.

For Full Story...

Charlton youngster on verge of joining Liverppol

Charlton Athletic have revealed they have given midfielder Jonjo Shelvey permission to talk to Liverpool about a possible move to Anfield.

Shelvey, 18, has been tipped as one of the hottest prospects outside of the Premier League but may now have a chance to display his talents in the top flight after Charlton confirmed that he has been allowed to travel to Merseyside to discuss personal terms.

Liverpool will pay an initial £1.7 million for the England youth international, with further potential payments depending on domestic and international appearances.

Shelvey is thought to have undergone a medical and included in the terms of the move is a commitment for the two clubs to discuss a strategic partnership involving the development of players in both directions.

Shelvey made his first-team debut aged just 16 years and 59 days - becoming the club's youngest ever player, and he has scored four goals from midfield this season.

For Full Story...

Chinese Consortium takes a complete U-turn

A Chinese businessman reportedly planning to lead a summer takeover of Liverpool has issued a statement denying any interest in the club.

Kenneth Huang was understood to be heading a consortium who were in advanced negotations to end George Gillett and Tom Hicks' tumultuous three-year spell at Anfield.

Less than a fortnight ago the Americans officially put the club on the market and Huang had claimed that he expected a takeover to be completed by June.

However a statement released by the former Wall Street stockbroker has distanced himself from the quotes, claiming that he would not comment on any bid to seize control of the club, inkeeping with Reds chairman Martin Broughton's plan to conduct any deals out of the media spotlight.

"Mr Huang would like to clarify that he did not speak with the newspaper and did not make the statements attributed to him," said the statement.

"Mr Huang would not make any comment in relation to Liverpool FC."

For Full Story...

Gerrard admits Loss of Torres has hit like a rock

The Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, has admitted the recent absence of Fernando Torres damaged belief within the squad but says the team have overcome that obstacle in recent weeks, inspired by the prospect of a Europa League final.

"I won't lie. Sometimes when you lose your top striker, it can damage belief and affect your confidence," said Gerrard. "But this was much better," he said, following Liverpool's 4-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League. "It was important we scored a few goals against Burnley and won convincingly." Gerrard scored twice in a match for the first time this season as Liverpool condemned Burnley to relegation. He then looked forward to the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Atlético Madrid at Anfield. The Spanish take a one-goal advantage into the match.

"We are now going to pile everything into Thursday's game, which can't come quickly enough," said Gerrard. "The players are up for it and we have to leave every bit of sweat and blood out on that pitch on Thursday. Let's hope we don't have to score a lot of goals and we can win it with two. But if they score we have to score three; we'll have to adapt during the game and do whatever it takes to win.

"There have been many occasions when we've had our backs to the wall and people have doubted us but we go into every game believing we can win and do anything possible to win on the night. But we have done it before and we hope to do it again."

Gerrard has struck up a good understanding with the January signing Maxi Rodríguez in recent weeks but the Argentinian will be ineligible for Thursday's match, having played for Atlético earlier in the season. The Liverpool captain believes it is another big loss for them.

"Maxi has been terrific for the last five or six weeks," said Gerrard. "It would have been great to have him on Thursday because he's an intelligent player who can unlock defences. He is on the same wavelength and, as a footballer, it is a pleasure to play with good players and that is what Maxi is, a fantastic player."

Gerrard also had one eye on wrenching fourth place in the Premier League from the other three contenders for the final Champions League place, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

"We've got a couple of games left and the idea is to take maximum points to sneak into fourth via the back door," said the England midfielder. "We know it is going to be difficult but, who knows, the clubs above us might slip up.

"We won't give up but it would be stupid of me to say this or that is going to happen. It's important to be realistic. We are underdogs to sneak this fourth position but our fans know that we have also got Everton breathing down our necks and we certainly don't want them finishing above us."

For Full Story...

Potential buyer wants Rafa to stay put

Chinese businessman Kenneth Huang has confirmed he is in buyout talks with Liverpool.

Huang, a former Wall Street broker who has a huge portfolio of investment interests in Hong Kong and the United States, is at the head of a consortium interested in ending the ownership deadlock at Anfield.

He has claimed he has been granted access to the club’s accounts by Tom Hicks and George Gillett and that he expects a deal to be in place within the next two months.

Huang, who is working alongside business partner Adrian Cheng on the deal, said: “Negotiations have taken place over the last few months and we are at a crucial stage.

“I really hope it turns out to be a successful bid. Right now my audit team is examining the books and my legal team is in close contact with theirs. We have a fierce competitor in the Middle East, but it could be finalised in June.”

He added: “I was first approached (to buy Liverpool) in 2008 when I was in Singapore attending a Formula One Grand Prix, but the asking price was 1billion US dollars.

“It was totally unreasonable so I turned it down. The asking price has dropped significantly and we are talking again."

For Full Story...

Liverpool score four past Burnley to relegate them

Two goals from captain Steven Gerrard, a first Liverpool strike for Maxi Rodriguez and a late effort from Ryan Babel relegated Burnley from the Premier League and kept alive the Merseysiders' distant hopes of finishing fourth.

With two matches to play the Clarets cannot now catch 17th-placed West Ham and return to the Championship after just one season in the top flight.

Gerrard's first goal in the 51st minute was deflected off Burnley centre-back Leon Cort but his 25-yard strike seven minutes later was inch-perfect and Rodriguez and Babel wrapped things up.

The win, Liverpool's first in eight away league matches this year, kept Rafael Benitez's side in the hunt for next season's Champions League but only just.

Tottenham are two points ahead on 64, with a match in hand, and Liverpool must win their remaining two games and hope neither Spurs, Manchester City nor Aston Villa amass more than 68 points - and even then it could come down to goal difference.

Burnley, however, must now face up to a return to the second tier of English football, which has been on the cards ever since the departure of former manager Owen Coyle to Bolton in January.

By that time they were already on the slide but the loss of the inspirational Scot was a major blow and the decision to bring in Brian Laws failed to turn things around.

Whether anyone would have been able to save the Clarets on the shoestring budget and limited squad available is questionable.

But opting to employ Laws just a month after he had left Sheffield Wednesday having taken them to the brink of relegation from the Championship now seems, at best, a mis-judgment.

Laws has lost 14 of his 17 games in charge and the Clarets have won just seven games all season and not kept a clean sheet since Halloween.

At least the frugal nature of the sensible financial planning at Turf Moor means Burnley do not have the money worries of Hull, who are also doomed to relegation because of their dreadful goal difference.

The first half summed up exactly why they were heading back to the Championship as, having weathered the early pressure, they missed two gilt-edged headers which should have put them 2-0 up at the break.

Steven Fletcher out-jumped Jamie Carragher in the 27th-minute but planted Martin Paterson's right-wing cross over while on-loan Chelsea midfielder Jack Cork's seven-yard effort from Tyrone Mears' centre was straight at goalkeeper Jose Reina.

Prior to that the closest Liverpool had come to scoring was when Gerrard's deflected volley hit referee Phil Dowd before the Liverpool captain's shot on the turn from 12 yards was easily saved by goalkeeper Brian Jensen.

The break appeared not to have dampened Burnley's enthusiasm and Fletcher almost capitalised on confusion between Reina, Daniel Ayala - the teenaged centre-back a surprise inclusion - and Daniel Agger when Cork swung in a left-wing cross seconds after the restart.

Liverpool's problems up front worsened when Dirk Kuyt was forced off with a calf injury, meaning Babel was pushed into the lone striker role to allow Yossi Benayoun to come on and play on the left.

The Israeli had a hand in the opening goal but luck played a greater part in the 51st minute.

Benayoun and Alberto Aquilani combined in the centre of the pitch to give Gerrard the ball in the inside-left position.

With Graham Alexander backing away he switched the ball on to his right foot before unleashing a 20-yard shot which deflected off Cort and inside Jensen's right post.

Fortune also contributed to Gerrard's second seven minutes later when Glen Johnson and Rodriguez progressed a move down the right to Aquilani who slipped as he tried to turn inside.

However, the ball ran to Gerrard, whose 25-yard strike owed nothing to luck and everything to talent as he curled a shot perfectly through the gap between Jensen's outstretched fingers and the left post.

Fletcher almost pulled one back in the 72nd minute when his left-footed shot cannoned back off the post, although justice was probably done as the striker appeared to control the ball with his hand.

Two minutes later Burnley's fate was sealed as Aquilani played in Rodriguez on the right of the penalty area and he clipped home his long-awaited first goal since signing from Atletico Madrid in January.

In the third minute of added time Babel sprang the offside trap to race clear and fire in a fourth before Turf Moor rose to acclaim their departing heroes.

For Full Story...

Benitez assures Torres is happy and not for sale

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has claimed star striker Fernando Torres is happy at Anfield, despite rumours of a £60 million move.

Manchester City had been rumoured to be readying the summer move, with City boss Roberto Mancini admitting on Thursday that every club in Europe would want the 26-year-old Spaniard.

"Torres is happy," insisted Benitez.

"The thing he's thinking about now is being ready as soon as possible and that's it.

"From the beginning he's said he's been very happy at Anfield."

Mancini's comments provoked a scathing response from Benitez, who added: "We have said repeatedly that Fernando is not for sale and he still has three years of his contract remaining.

"So how can they sign a player who does not wish to leave? Fernando is happy at Liverpool so I don't see a problem."

With Torres injured David Ngog started up front in the Europa League defeat by Atletico Madrid - but Liverpool failed to have a single shot on target.

He added: "On this occasion it's true both teams had opportunities to score, and Atletico had opportunities to get a second goal.

"I would love to have had more strikers, but I didn't have Torres this time."

For Full Story...

Is Fernando Torres planning to quit Liverpool?

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is fearful that he will sustain long-term injuries if he keeps playing in the Premier League.

The Spanish international has endured an injury-ridden season and his status for the World Cup this summer could be in doubt as he needs surgery to assure that he is fit for South Africa.

Torres has scored 18 goals in 22 Premier League games this season but injuries have prematurely ended his season and he is worried that he will suffer frequent injuries if he keeps playing in England.

"The Premier League is such a tough competition and I have always admired this championship and the players who are here,” Torres told The News of the World.

"This is my third season and I'm still amazed to see Gerrard, Rooney and Lampard, players who have been here a long time, still playing at such a high level and with such impressive rhythm because the English league really wears down a player.

"I just can't imagine what state I'll be in within five or six years if I continue to play here - it could easily give me problems when I stop playing. The physical level is superior to all other countries."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been linked with a move to Juventus in the summer, but Torres insists that his fellow Spaniard is the reason why he came to Anfield.

"The difference between him and my other managers is that when I was at Atletico [Madrid] I was always over-protected.

"Here, Rafa demands a lot and I have to live up to expectations. Some players need to be spoilt and other players like me need to always be pushed, and to have more asked of us.

"If Rafa had not been here I would never have come. He has taught me a lot and he has helped me go beyond my limits and to be the player I am today."

For Full Story...

Liverpool go one down at the Calderon

Liverpool failed to gain any reward for their valiant efforts in making the long-haul trip to Madrid as a familiar foe gave Atletico a 1-0 victory in their Europa League semi-final first leg.

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan hit a scrappy winner in only the ninth minute but the tie is far from over and even without an away goal Rafael Benitez's side will be optimistic of overturning the result at Anfield next week.

The Reds missed their injured striker Fernando Torres almost as much as the former darling of the Vicente Calderon missed the chance to face his old club, having also been denied that opportunity in the Champions League last season because of more fitness problems.

Benitez had insisted the 1,200-mile journey by coach, train and eventually plane - after UEFA's insistence the match go ahead despite the volcanic ash cloud which grounded flights across Europe - had brought his squad closer together.

If only his defence had been tighter-knit in the ninth minute then they may not have conceded.

No one will ever really know whether their exertions in getting to the Spanish capital had an effect but it was a sloppy piece of marking which cost them.

Forlan became something of a cult hero among United fans with both goals in a 2-1 victory at Anfield in 2002, albeit assisted, it has to be said, by Reds goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.

And it was he who returned to haunt the Merseysiders when Jose Manuel Jurado's cross from the left dropped over Jamie Carragher and picked him out on the edge of the six-yard area.

His first attempt at a header was reminiscent of those early United days when he earned the nickname "Diego Forlorn'' because of his difficulty in scoring.

However, the Uruguayan is a better, more experienced - and even luckier - player now and as ball from his duffed header dropped right at his feet he poked it home off goalkeeper Jose Reina.

Had Yossi Benayoun enjoyed a similar slice of good fortune a minute later from Dirk Kuyt's cross his header would have nestled in the net instead of flying wide of the far post.

The Israeli beat Atletico goalkeeper David de Dea eight minutes later but again the luck was against him, this time by virtue of a wrong offside decision.

Kuyt's mis-hit shot bobbled into the penalty area where Benayoun slotted the ball home only to be denied by an erroneous flag, as television replays proved.

Still Liverpool came forward and Steven Gerrard should have done better moments later when Lucas Leiva put him through only for the captain to shoot left-footed into the side-netting when he should have least hit the target.

But Atletico's threat had not diminished and their neat triangles in the final third of the pitch often cut open the visitors' defence.

Even right-back Tomas Ujfalusi got in on the act, weaving into the penalty area before shooting into the side-netting five minutes before half-time.

Forlan fluffed another a good chance soon after the break when he was put through on the edge of the penalty area but it was Reina's brilliance in producing a one-handed save which denied one-time Liverpool target Simao from Ujfalusi's cross.

The goalkeeper came to his side's rescue again as he beat away Ujfalusi's long-range strike and Carragher cleared as Atletico regained the initiative.

But Liverpool's experience and proud history, this match seeing them become the first English club to play in 16 European semi-finals, ensured they made a fight of it and, more importantly, did not concede again.

Of those 16 last-four encounters they have lost only four overall and their record when playing semi-final second legs at home is seven victories and one draw.

That statistic alone shows the power of Anfield on European nights.

Time will only tell how much Liverpool's long-distance travails on train, coach and plane cost them.

But, with fourth place in the Barclays Premier League looking beyond them, anything other than victory next week is likely to bring their season to a premature end.

For Full Story...

Mancini sets his sights on Torres

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is hoping that his side's bid to clinch Champions League football will be enough to tempt Fernando Torres away from Liverpool this summer.

A highly disappointing season has left Tottenham Hotspur and the free-spending Citizens as the front-runners for the final qualifying place, with continuing over the Spain international's future following claims he may consider options away from Anfield without European football.

Assurances from new Reds chairman Martin Broughton that players will not be sold against their will has done very little to ease the fear amongst Kopites that the 26-year-old will seek options elsewhere due to the club's financial woes restricting manager Rafael Benitez spending power.

Despite a tense run-in for his side, Mancini has one eye firmly on the summer transfer window and admitted that he would be very interested to add Torres to his ranks as he aims to deliver a first Premier League title to the ambitious Eastlands outfit next season.

He said: "Fernando Torres is a fantastic striker. But all the teams in Europe are interested in him.

"We must get the rest of the matches out of the way first, then we will decide about other players."

"All the top players want to play in the Champions League.

"Next year we want to be a team who wins the Premier League. To do that we need top players."

For Full Story...

Gerrard admits to four quality signings required

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says that the club must sign three or four players in order to have any chance of challenging next season.

The Reds have endured a difficult season and are unlikely to qualify for the Champions League having finished second in the Premier League last season.

The Liverpool skipper said, "There are teams that have grown significantly in recent times, like Chelsea. In addition, Manchester United have been too strong [for us] for many years.

"Last year we came close to beating them but it is very difficult to overcome such a powerful team."

Looking ahead though, Gerrard echoed the comments of Anfield team-mates such as Fernando Torres and called for the signings of quality players over the summer.

Gerrard continued, "Everyone knows that we must learn from this season. Some players have said we need a stronger squad and the key is to have better players and improve.

"I do not believe in profound changes or a revolution. Three or four quality players should be enough but more quality than quantity.

"The Premier League is the food of this club. We haven't won it for such a long time and the crowd demand it.

"They want us to win this more than any other competition. We must continue to fight for this, hopefully finishing fourth this season and having a real go next season."

Gerrard's Liverpool future has been questioned unless the club shows ambition. But with the club up for sale and Rafa Benitez reportedly considering taking over at Juventus, the future appears far from certain.

For Full Story...

Hicks looking towards profit on sale

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hick claims he expects to make four times the money he invested when the club is sold.

He and co-owner George Gillett officially announced LFC is for sale yesterday, appointing Martin Broughton as chairman to oversee the sale.

In an interview with Wall Street Journal the Texan said “I should make four times my money.”

Staggeringly, he claims he expects the Club to be sold for between £600m to £800m, saying “Liverpool will be the most profitable investment I’ve ever made.”

Hicks and Gillett bought the Club in February 2007, promising not to place debt onto the club – which they subsequently did (£243m at present) – promising to build a new stadium and “have a spade in the ground within 60 days” – something they haven’t delivered over 3 years later. Add in the broken promises of star signings like ’snoogy doogy’, their infighting, public spats, approaching Klinsmann and a net transfer spend of approximately £2m over the last 4 transfer windows and it’s not hard to see why fans are unhappy with their “custodians”.

Yet Hicks still can’t see it, “When you feel fans turn against you it’s very frustrating” he said.

For Full Story...

Fernando could be out for a long term, could even miss world cup

Liverpool ace Fernando Torres is set to miss the World Cup with Spain.

Torres’s knee injury could keep him out for the rest of the season.

The Anfield striker has been unable to travel to Barcelona to see his knee specialist because of the British ban on flying.

But the medical staff at Anfield believe Torres’s current problem may be cured only by going under the surgeon’s knife.

That would keep him out of the rest of Liverpool’s Premier League and Europa League games – and possibly the World Cup.

For Full Story...

New Chairman admits Liverpool won't be forced to sell star players

Liverpool's new chairman Martin Broughton insists there will be no pressure on the club to sell star players Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard this summer.

Broughton, the British Airways chairman, has been brought in to oversee the sale of Liverpool after American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett decided to bring an end to their controversial spell at Anfield.

Broughton said there will be cash available for transfers in the summer and that new owners could be in place before the start of next season.

The burden of Liverpool's £237million debt has led to fears that Torres and Gerrard will be sold in the summer, but Broughton insists that is not the case.

He said: 'I can't see any reason for any forced sales. I think everybody concerned, fans, players and the manager, can all look forward to a very bright future. There will be money available for transfers, but I am not going into how much.'
Broughton said any new owner would have to prove they had the funds to take the club forward and would be 'crazy' not to include building the new stadium in their plans.

'What's best for the club is somebody or bodies to come in and build the new stadium, make sure that the club is properly financed and that there is enough money available to take the club forward,' he said.

'I have looked at the stadium project and frankly there is an overwhelming financial logic to any buyer to proceed with the stadium. Any buyer would be crazy not to do so. We wouldn't get to be the winning bid with that commitment.'
Broughton would not be drawn on how much the club will cost. Hicks and Gillett spent around £220m on buying Liverpool in 2007 and have set an asking price of £500m, though it now looks as though they will have to lower that. The new chairman said merely that the Americans were seeking a 'reasonable price'.

Broughton admitted the uncertainty over the ownership had been 'hanging over the club'. He added: 'This will make a difference, this will clarify the ownership position. What's been hanging over the club is the ownership, the debts etc; so this will be a very good thing for Liverpool.'
Broughton also made it clear that he wanted manager Rafael Benitez to stay - the Spaniard has been linked with Juventus in recent weeks.

'Rafa is a good manager, we want him to stay and he's under contract to stay,' he said. The announcement of the sale comes after banks RBS and Wachovia agreed to extend their loans until the end of the year.

For Full Story...

UAE businessman in advance talks for takeover

Syrian businessman Yahya Kirdi claims he is in advanced talks about buying Liverpool.

Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are reported to be finally willing to sell their stake in the club after hiring Barclays Capital to find new owners.

A number of potential investors have been linked with a move for the Anfield outfit and now former Syria international Kirdi is ready to end Hicks and Gillett's time on Merseyside.

Former Celtic player Andy Lynch has been brought in by Kirdi to act as a go-between in the deal and he is hopeful a takeover could be completed soon.

"Talks are on-going with Tom Hicks and George Gillett and are at an advanced stage," Lynch told the Daily Mirror.

"The planned buy-out will have massive implications for Liverpool. Liverpool aren't the force they were so this is just what they need.

"I've been to Anfield on business recently and I'm acting as the go-between in the whole deal.

"Hopefully it's not too much longer before it's all done and dusted."

For Full Story...

Finally some good news for Liverpool

Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have confirmed that they are looking to sell the club after appointing British Airways chief Martin Broughton as chairman on Friday.

Hicks and Gillett have been at the club since their 2007 takeover but have come under plenty of scrutiny throughout that time, notably from fans disappointed by their apparent reluctance to invest heavily in the squad. They also promised to move the club into a brand new ground in Stanley Park as part of their purchase three years ago, but a lack of funding meant the building work never began.

With Rafael Benitez's side unlikely to qualify for the Champions League next season, Hicks and Gillett have decided to officially put the club up for sale, though the loss of potential revenue from not participating in Europe's premier club competition could make the club a less attractive proposition to potential buyers.

A statement on Liverpool's official website from Gillett and Hicks read: "Owning Liverpool Football Club over these past three years has been a rewarding and exciting experience for us and our families.

"Having grown the Club this far we have now decided together to look to sell the Club to owners committed to take the Club through its next level of growth and development.

"We are delighted that Martin Broughton has agreed to take the position of Chairman, working alongside the club's excellent senior management team.

"Martin is a distinguished business leader of excellent judgment and with a great reputation. He is a genuine football supporter and will seek to oversee the sales process in the best interests of the Club and its supporters."

Barclays Capital have been engaged by Liverpool to advise on the sale process and Broughton, who is currently chairman of British Airways PLC, will oversee the club's operation as the new chairman, alongside existing managing director Christian Purslow.

"I am excited and honoured to be taking up this position. Liverpool is a great club with a fantastic history," Broughton said. "I will run this sale process in the right way, for the benefit of the Club and its fans.

"Liverpool is one of the world's greatest clubs and my aim is to try and ensure that we find new owners who are able to build on the Club's recent improved financial performance in order to help deliver sporting success."

Prospective buyers of the club - reported to be valued at around £500 million by Hicks and Gillett - are expected to wait until the end of the season to begin negotiations and it is thought that any new owners will continue with plans to move to a new stadium.

For Full Story...

Masch wants to be a Red for a long term

Javier Mascherano has said he would be happy to commit his future to Liverpool for seven years as he prepares for new contract talks.

Mascherano, 25, had said earlier this week that he was happy at the club but would like to return to his homeland with River Plate in the next three or four years.

However, he is reported to be close to agreeing a new £90,000-a-week contract at Anfield and has indicated that he would be happy to commit until his early 30s.

"I will be really proud if I can spend the next six or seven years here," he said in the Sun. "There aren't too many clubs in the world with the history and fans that Liverpool have."

Recent speculation had suggested Mascherano could join Rafael Benitez at Juventus this summer.

For Full Story...

£50 million summer transfer budget for Liverpool

The imminent appointment of Martin Broughton, the chairman of British Airways, as chairman of English soccer club Liverpool FC and an extended deadline from the club's banks are expected to pave the way for the sale of the Anfield team.

Tom Hicks and George Gillett, Liverpool's American owners, are standing down as co-chairmen of the club, while Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia are believed to have offered Hicks and Gillett a six-month extension on loans of around US$365 million.

'Confirmation of the sale process and the boardroom reshuffle will mark the beginning of the end of the Americans' tenure, though the sale of the club is unlikely to be swift,' reports the Daily Telegraph. 'Prospective buyers are expected to wait to begin negotiations until the end of the season, when Liverpool's participation in Europe and the fate of manager Rafael Benítez, who has again been linked with Juventus, is clearer.'

For Full Story...

Torres to be back at Vincente Calderon

According to the surgeon treating Fernando Torres, the Liverpool striker could recover from his latest knee problem in as little as a week, calming fears he could miss the remainder of the season for his club and Spain's World Cup campaign.

Torres was unable to play in Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Fulham at the weekend and has travelled to Barcelona for treatment, but Dr Ramon Cugat has delivered a positive update on the fitness of Liverpool's top scorer.

"The problem is not serious but he needs to stop and rest to avoid more risk because it's the same knee on which he had surgery in January," Dr Cugat was quoted as saying in the Liverpool Echo.

"But in normal circumstances, he could be ready to play next week, depending on how it settles down. The decision is now up to Liverpool's medical staff and the manager."



For Full Story...

Gerrard admits to mission impossible

Liverpool have a difficult battle to qualify for the Champions League admits Steven Gerrard.

The Reds are underdogs in the race for the final Champions League qualifying spot after Sunday's draw with Birmingham admitted the skipper.

"It will be difficult. We have the experience and we are hoping that will be vital in the end. But I think it will go down to the wire," said Gerrard.

"To give ourselves a better chance, we had to take maximum points against Birmingham.

"It's going to be really hard now. But I think what you notice is the race for fourth place seems to change from week to week.

"You have to look at the teams above us but they are the favourites and we are the underdogs at the moment.

"But we will keep fighting all the way to the end.

"That's what we said with six games to go. It's all right saying we will be fine if we go and win our last five games - but we have to go on the pitch and win them rather than talk about it."

For Full Story...

Liverpool to sign another lucrative deal

Liverpool FC, the English Premier League soccer club which has seen its finances the subject of much scrutiny in recent months, is set to secure a cash boost of more than US$225 million.

According to reports, the club's kit manufacturer, Adidas, is keen to enter negotiations over a new contract that would see it continue to make Liverpool's famous red shirts for the next 12 years. The German company is believed to be willing to pay US$22.7 million per season over a ten-year contract, despite having two years left on the current deal.

According to British tabloid the News of the World and other sources, Adidas' commitment underlines its confidence that Liverpool's star players, Steven Gerrrard and Fernando Torres, will not leave Anfield this summer, even if Liverpool fail to secure qualification to the Uefa Champions League.

If the reports of a new deal with Adidas are true, it would be just the latest piece of good business done by Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow. Purslow and his team have secured a number of commercial coups for the club, most notably a record-breaking shirt sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered that will begin this summer and is worth more than US$30 million per year.

For Full Story...

Torres backing Arsenal to win the League

Fernando Torres has revealed he is eager to see Arsenal take the Premier League title this season.

Liverpool had been expected to be among the challengers this year but, following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Birmingham, they now look likely to miss out on a place in the top four.

There is also the threat that Manchester United could clinch a record 19th league title this season - moving clear of Liverpool's 18 - but Torres feels Arsene Wenger can end his five-year wait for silverware this season.

"I want Arsenal to be the champions," he told Canal+. "They have the best fixtures of the three. Wenger deserves to win the title and to be imitated for his work he has done in his time there."

Chelsea are currently a point clear and face games against top-half opposition in the shape of Tottenham, Stoke and Liverpool while United have to take on Manchester City, Tottenham and Stoke.

Arsenal's only remaining games against top-half sides come against Tottenham and City, but Chelsea have three home games remaining while United and Arsenal have just two.

For Full Story...

Rafa defends Torres substitution

Rafa Benitez has defended his decision to substitute “exhausted” striker Fernando Torres in yesterday’s 1-1 draw against Birmingham City.

The stalemate at St Andrew’s delivered a major blow to Liverpool’s hopes of claiming the final Champions League place.

And the club’s 20-goal top scorer was left to watch the final 25 minutes from the bench after being replaced by David Ngog.

The French rookie missed three glorious chances to grab a winner late on but Benitez insisted he had no regrets about taking Torres off.

“Fernando was exhausted,” Benitez said.

“He was really tired and he had some ice to protect his knee. You have to manage these things.

“I thought Ngog came on and did a really good job.

“All the players want to be out there on the pitch to make a difference and Fernando knew we needed to win.

“But it was clear that we needed fresh legs. You could see that Ngog’s fresh legs with Ryan Babel made a big difference in the last few minutes.”

It was the sixth successive draw in meetings between the two clubs and extended Liverpool’s wait for a first away win of 2010.

The point leaves them sixth in the Premier League, four points behind fourth placed Manchester City having played a game more.

However, with five matches to play, Benitez is refusing to throw in the towel in the race for Champions League qualification.

“We have to keep going and there are still a lot of points to play for,” he added.

“We were talking before about maybe needing to win six games in a row. We knew that maybe we could afford one draw.

“Now we have less margin for error and we have to win five in a row.

“We have to believe we can win our games and we have to have confidence that the other teams will lose.

“Our challenge now is to win every game.”

Steven Gerrard’s curling shot broke the deadlock early in the second half but just nine minutes later some woeful defending allowed Liam Ridgewell to equalise.

Liverpool dominated the closing stages and Benitez was left to rue a stack of missed opportunities.

Benitez said: “Birmingham are a good side who are doing a very good job but I felt we deserved to win the game.

“They were working really hard but we played well.

“We had a very good chance in the first half and then had a lot of good chances in the second half.

“It is a pity. We knew it was tough as this is a difficult place to come but we deserved three points.

“Whenever you concede a goal you are disappointed but the way we conceded today was really disappointing. It was poor defending – very bad.”

For Full Story...

Liverpool loose more ground at Birmingham

Liverpool's hopes of securing a Champions League spot are hanging by a slender thread after Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell earned his side a share of the spoils at St. Andrew's.

Reds skipper Steven Gerrard put his side ahead a minute into the second half but Ridgewell levelled matters nine minutes later.

It means Rafael Benitez's side are four points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City and have played a game more.

And the Spaniard is still searching for a first Premier League victory over Blues in eight attempts spanning his six seasons at Anfield.

Birmingham again showed the resilience which has been their trademark in preserving a seven-month unbeaten home record.

And the share of the spoils with Liverpool means they have drawn at St. Andrews with every one of the current top six this season.

Benitez made three changes from the side beaten at Benfica in the Europa League on Thursday with Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Yossi Benayoun and Maxi Rodriguez replacing Daniel Agger, Javier Mascherano and Ryan Babel respectively.

Blues boss Alex McLeish fielded an unchanged side as he kept faith with the players who had held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw.

The first half-chance fell to the in-form Fernando Torres after he was picked out by a pass from Maxi Rodriguez but his first touch was surprisingly poor and took him away from goal.

Gerrard was operating mainly in a deeper role but he ventured forward to find the overlapping Rodriguez in space only for his shot to be blocked by Roger Johnson.

Torres tried his luck from 30 yards out but his curler was high and wide of Hart's goal.

Then after 35 minutes Joe Hart produced a superb reflex save to prevent Rodriguez from giving the Reds the lead.

Torres was the creator with a menacing dipping cross and Rodriguez's powerful first-time shot from 10 yards out was tipped onto the crossbar by the on-loan Manchester City keeper.

The game started to come to life and Jose Reina beat out a shot from Cameron Jerome at the expense of a corner, although the striker appeared to be offside.

Then Reina failed to deal with a deep centre from James McFadden and Johnson's header at the far post was only just off target.

Lucas became the first player to be booked after 38 minutes for a shirt pull at McFadden.

Gerrard needed only a minute of the second half to break the deadlock although there was an element of fortune about the goal.

Glen Johnson's attempted shot was well off target but dropped nicely into the path of Gerrard on the left side of the Birmingham box.

The England player had time to cut inside before unleashing a fierce cross-shot which flew into the corner of the net.

Keith Fahey became the first Birmingham player to be yellow-carded after 51 minutes for a challenge on Lucas but Gerrard's free-kick flew well wide.

Birmingham responded in positive fashion to going behind, with full-backs Stephen Carr and Liam Ridgewell getting forward at every opportunity.

And after 56 minutes Ridgewell brought the home side back on level terms.

Former Everton player McFadden was the creator with some neat trickery on the right flank before floating over a teasing cross which left Ridgewell with the simplest of tasks from close range.

Benitez made his first change after 65 minutes with David N'Gog replacing Torres, who looked far from happy at being taken off.

N'Gog was greeted with a crescendo of boos from the Blues fans after winning a controversial penalty in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier in the season.

N'Gog had a great chance to restore Liverpool's lead but he headed wide when well placed from Johnson's cross.

Then Lee Bowyer was guilty of an even more glaring miss. Ridgewell's cross found him unmarked six yards out but he poked the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.

N'Gog squandered another golden chance, drilling his shot wide from 12 yards after Dirk Kuyt had dispossessed Bowyer to set up the opportunity.

Substitute Alberto Aquilani inadvertently blocked a close-range shot from Rodriguez as the visitors searched for a late winner.

For Full Story...

Jovanovic confirms deal still on

Standard Liege star Milan Jovanovic insists he still expects to join Liverpool for next season, despite reports the summer move was in doubt.

Reports emerged last week that Liverpool's Bosman move for Jovanovic was in doubt because of fears over Rafa Benitez's long-term future at Anfield.

However, the player has refuted the suggestions and says he is only waiting for a work permit to make the move to Merseyside.

"For me, it's sorted," Jovanovic said. "The only thing is that my work permit is not yet in order.

"But I have until June to get it. I'm at ease. Next season I will play at Liverpool."

For Full Story...

Ryan Babel sending off made the difference at Lisbon

Ten-man Liverpool were undone by two harsh penalty decisions and an at-times shambolic refereeing display as they lost 2-1 to Benfica in a hostile Europa League quarter-final first leg in Lisbon.

Daniel Agger gave his side the perfect start in the ninth minute but things took a turn for the worse when Ryan Babel was dismissed on the half-hour for thrusting a hand in Luisao's face.

Oscar Cardozo wasted numerous chances before converting two spot-kicks but with an away goal Rafael Benitez's side still have hope for the return leg.

Benitez had said before the game he did not expect the Portuguese league leaders to target striker Fernando Torres - but he was wrong.

The Spain international was on the receiving end of some hefty challenges which Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson seemed content to leave unpunished.

It was no surprise to see Torres withdrawn before the end, firstly to avoid injury and secondly to prevent him getting a booking which would rule him out of the second leg at Anfield.

Playing against a backdrop of a cacophony of noise and, in the second half, a stream of fireworks aimed at Jose Reina's goal, Liverpool had the ideal start.

Maxi Pereira's ninth-minute foul on Steven Gerrard gave the Liverpool captain a chance to whip in a dangerous free-kick from just left of the penalty area.

However, with the hosts massed around the six-yard area the midfielder fooled everyone by rolling a low pass in towards the penalty spot where Agger produced a classy backheel into the corner of the net.

It was reminiscent of a similar move which saw the Denmark defender score in the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea in May 2007, although that one was hit with more power.

Fortunately for Liverpool, Benfica's European top scorer this season, Cardozo, could not show the same composure as he squandered three good chances in quick succession.

The profligacy was contagious as Pablo Aimar's usually reliable first touch let him down as he looked to beat Reina, making his 250th appearance for the club.

Ramires was next to head over at the far post from a cross by Di Maria, whose shot from 25 yards fizzed just over Reina's crossbar in the 28th minute as the pressure built.

The highly-charged atmosphere exploded on the half-hour when referee Eriksson appeared to completely lose control.

Centre-back Luisao took exception to a tackle by Babel and subsequently hacked right through the back of Torres, who had already been on the end of some severe punishment.

A melee ensued in which Luisao continued his protest at Babel and the Dutchman responded by pushing the Brazilian in the face.

The Swedish official showed the Benfica defender a yellow card and then flashed a red at Liverpool's Holland international - sparking a sustained but fruitless protest by Liverpool's entire team.

David Luiz was next to go into the book for clattering Torres in the 37th minute and the Spain striker thought he had exacted the perfect revenge when he volleyed home Julio Cesar's weak punch from Gerrard's free-kick - only to be denied by an offside flag.

Emiliano Insua was booked for pulling back Di Maria just before the break, ruling him out of the second leg.

Within four minutes of the restart Cardozo planted one header straight at Reina and the other over from five yards and you sensed just maybe it was going to be Liverpool's night.

But, after a stray firework landed close to the fourth official next to Reina's goal, their luck changed.

Cardozo's 59th-minute free-kick rattled back off the right-hand post and when Aimar went down under Insua's tackle chasing the rebound Eriksson pointed to the penalty spot.

This time Cardozo finally hit the target to beat Reina.

In the 76th minute Torres had a glorious chance to put his side back in front - and score his first Liverpool goal on foreign soil since March 11 2008 - but with only Cesar to beat he dragged his shot wide from Kuyt's pass.

It was to prove costly as two minutes later Di Maria's cross hit Carragher as he slid in to tackle and the fourth official signalled a penalty for handball.

The defender was booked and Cardozo scored his second spot-kick of the night.

With more fireworks raining down behind Liverpool's goal towards the end Benitez's side were fortunate to leave Lisbon with just a one-goal deficit.

For Full Story...