Liverpool F.c.

[Sunderland]

Liverpool comprehensively outplayed Newcastle today and how it only finished 3-0 is a mystery. Despite the scoreline, Sunderland had far more of the ball and better chances against Everton than Newcastle had against the Scousers. A bit shellshocked to lose 7-1 but that will teach us to take the piss out of the Mags before our match had even kicked off.

Well played Liverpool.

[kopite]

Rafa was wearing a trackie today. First time ever.

Making a point about the bosses.

Rafa is a leg end

i like rafa the scally

not sure why havent come across you before on here KhaoNiaw

come on red men...make us dream

[scousemouse]

Rafa was wearing a trackie today. First time ever.

Making a point about the bosses.

Rafa is a leg end

i like rafa the scally

not sure why havent come across you before on here KhaoNiaw

come on red men...make us dream

There's no dreaming ... only doing kopite mate ( for now ).

And were not doing to bad at the moment ( fingers crossed , touch wood , salute the magpies and all that ).

[scousemouse]

Ive just finished watching a repeat of last nights game and really we should have won 7 or 8-0 .

Torres just had one of those day's , hopefully his last one of the season .

Our next 2 games before we play the mancs at Anfield are Bolton at home and Reading away. If we can ( and we should ) pick up 6 points from those games and beat the mancs then I'll believe that our title challenge is for real .

I just hope Rafa doesn't do too much tinkering with the team because of the champions league games that are sandwiched in between , the league comes first Rafa .

Wednesday, 28 November 2007 Liverpool v FC Porto

Sunday, 02 December 2007 Liverpool v Bolton

Saturday, 08 December 2007 Reading v Liverpool

Tuesday, 11 December 2007 Marseille v Liverpool

Sunday, 16 December 2007 Liverpool v Man Utd

[scousemouse]

I wouldn't be too happy if this happened :

<H1 align=center>Mad keen on Alonso</H1>

XABI ALONSO is a £15million target for Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid.

Alonso, 26 today, is contracted to Liverpool until 2012 but has been picked out by Atletico coach Javier Aguirre, who wants him in place for next season.

Aguirre has ordered his sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch to work on the deal.

Valuable

The midfielder has not played since aggravating a foot injury against Arsenal in October — and there are fears he will not return until the New Year.

But Aguirre said: "Alonso is a big player and very important to any team because he helps defenders and also links with the attack.

"Today this type of player is almost unique and very valuable for a club."

Alonso admitted: "I have heard about the rumours involving Atletico and maybe Barcelona too but, formally, I know nothing.

"My objective is to be 100 per cent fit for the decisive moments to come in both the Premier League and Champions League.

"I also want to play for Spain at Euro 2008 so want to get the necessary minutes on the field."

[scousemouse]

So pigs can fly . I seriously doubt the yanks would have the balls to give Rafa the chop , but you never know ....... :

<H1 align=center>Rafa will be axed</H1>

Mourinho tops Kop list

RAFA BENITEZ will be sacked following his latest tirade against Liverpool owner Tom Hicks.

And former Kop hate-figure Jose Mourinho is the shock front runner to replace him.

Liverpool's American owners were already preparing to ditch the Spanish boss (left) after tiring of the constant behind-the-scenes bickering but this week's developments have sealed his fate.

It's now a matter of when not if the Spanish boss leaves Anfield and that's expected to be sooner rather than later.

Despite his epic Anfield bust-ups while at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho tops a wanted list already being assembled by the owners.

An approach will be made once Benitez's departure is confirmed.

The Portuguese boss may have his enemies on Merseyside, but he's recognised as one of the best and most sought after coaches in Europe.

Benitez showed no sign of ducking a fight with his hierarchy following yesterday's 3-0 win over Newcastle, despite knowing his job was on the line.

"It's clear Mr Hicks wants the best for the club. So do I," he said.

"We have been here for a long time and we know what the passion of football means and what the transfer market in Europe means.

"It's not a draft system. We have free players available now. I'm not talking about players that cost money.

"We need to talk to the agents now, if not we will lose targets. In the summer, the players will be more expensive. I have not been talking about spending but doing the opposite. We have brought money back. We brought in £26m this year and you can see the value of the squad.

"We had a meeting on the day of the Arsenal game which was really positive. After this, something changed."

They told me to be focused on coaching and training because Rick Parry will be looking after signing players."

Swing

Benitez won't walk away, adding: "I have passion for this club. The fans who were with me in Istanbul know what it means to me."

With no resignation on the horizon, Hicks (left) and Gillett are now ready to swing their axe regardless of Liverpool's league placing or Champions League progress.

[scousemouse]

Dear oh dear , I was hoping this wouldn't get any more media coverage :

Benitez renews attack on owners

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has again risked the wrath of the club's American owners by openly questioning their transfer policy.

The Spaniard was told by club co-owner Tom Hicks to "quit talking about new players" after suggesting they were holding up his transfer plans.

But Benitez ignored that plea, saying: "They don't understand what the transfer window means in Europe.

"They need to understand how difficult it is to sign players."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/p...m=1&nbram=1

The rift between Benitez and Liverpool's American owners is now considered to be so deep that a report in Sunday's News of the World suggests the Spaniard will be sacked imminently, with Jose Mourinho in line to replace him.

Benitez himself admitted that the relationship had soured since a meeting after the draw with Arsenal on 28 October.

"We had a meeting which was really positive. After this something changed," he said.

"They told me to be focused on coaching and training because Rick Parry will be looking after signing players."

In a bizarre press conference ahead of Saturday's win over Newcastle, Benitez answered a series of questions with the words: "I am focused on training and coaching my team."

He even went as far as suggesting he could be a candidate for the England post.

That led Hicks to tell the Liverpool Echo: "We told him to concentrate on the games coming up. I guess he didn't like it.

"We will come over in December. That is the time to talk about other issues."

But Benitez insists December will be too late to discuss plans for the January transfer window.

"It's clear Mr Hicks wants the best for the club. So do I," he said.

"It's not a draft system. We have free players available now. I'm not talking about players that cost money.

"We need to talk to the agents now, if not we will lose targets.

"In the summer, the players will be more expensive. I have not been talking about spending but doing the opposite.

"We have brought money back. We brought in £26m this year and you can see the value of the squad."

Benitez made a similar plea to the owners after the Champions League final in May.

The owners responded by spending close to £45m on the likes of Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun.

Benitez is now keen to tie up a £17m permanent deal for Javier Mascherano. But his position could be further weakened if Liverpool fail to beat Porto on Wednesday - a result which would see them almost certainly eliminated from the Champions League.

[scousemouse]

I hope the Rafa situation is sorted soon .

Time for some positive news methinks :

Dirk Kuyt delighted to erase bad memories

DIRK KUYT admits his goal at Newcastle United on Saturday has helped wipe out the bitter memories of his previous appearance for Liverpool.

The Holland international netted the second for Rafael Benitez’s side in their 3-0 win at St James’ Park.

Kuyt forced the ball over the line with his knee in the 46th minute after Sami Hyypia had flicked on Steven Gerrard’s corner.

It was stark contrast to the striker’s last outing, when he missed a host of chances in the goalless draw at Blackburn Rovers and was subsequently an unused substitute against Besiktas and omitted from the squad altogether against Fulham.

But, reunited with Fernando Torres in attack for the first time since the win at Wigan Athletic almost two months ago, Kuyt responded with his sixth goal of the season.

“I know that I scored, but Sami Hyypia touched the ball and the only thing I could touch it with was my knee so it was a bit lucky,” he said. “I tried for that, but it was important to get the goal because that made it 2-0. I haven’t scored too many goals in the Premier League this season, and in my last game at Blackburn I missed three really good chances.

“I wasn’t happy with that, and I know that I have to do better and start taking more of my chances. I was looking to score, and hopefully that can give me more confidence going into the next game.

“We know that if we want to compete for four trophies, we’ll need more than just two strikers. That makes it hard to play up front, but we know the way it works.”

Of the game, Kuyt added: “It was unbelievable the amount of chances we created. The only thing is that we have to score more goals from those chances, but when you win 3-0 away from home at Newcastle then that’s always a very good result.”

Gerrard set Liverpool on their way with a blistering 25-yard shot in the 28th minute before having a hand in Kuyt’s goal and a third from Ryan Babel.

The Anfield skipper was booed throughout by the home crowd for his part in England’s Euro 2008 defeat to Croatia in midweek, but Kuyt said: “It’s a bit disappointing that Steven was booed because he is not only a really important player for Liverpool but also a really important player for England.

“I can understand why the fans are disappointed England aren’t going to the European Championships, but you have to respect players like Steven Gerrard because of he is important for Liverpool and will continue to be important for England in the future. Steven and Peter Crouch were really disappointed after last Wednesday. They were really down on Thursday and Friday but they know how important the game at Newcastle was, and they were focused on it.

“You saw the quality of Steven Gerrard. He scored a really great goal that set us on our way.”

[scousemouse]

Some calming words from Gerrard :

Steven Gerrard’s warning for team-mates

STEVEN GERRARD today ordered his Liverpool team-mates not to be distracted by the ongoing crisis at Anfield.

The Liverpool captain is acutely aware of the dangers of players losing their focus – particularly with tomorrow night’s crunch Champions League meeting with Porto coming at a time when manager Rafa Benitez and the club’s American owners are at loggerheads.

Anfield chief executive Rick Parry held two hours of talks with Benitez last night and those talks were described as “amicable” by club insiders – but the rift between the manager and Tom Hicks and George Gillett is still to be healed.

Despite the ongoing speculation, Gerrard is confident Liverpool will retain their professionalism on the pitch and believes they can continue their good form against the Portuguese champions.

He said: “It’s important that the players keep their focus.

“We realise that there is stuff going on behind the scenes but as a player you have just got to blank that out.

“As players we get judged on results so it's vital that we don't get distracted from what is going on on the pitch and keep on winning.

“The match against Porto is crucial so we have to take our form into it and make sure we perform on the night.”

Gerrard admits the Liverpool players were shocked when Benitez wore a tracksuit rather than one of his trademark suits for the Newcastle game at the weekend – but joked that he would like to see him wear one more often if it helps get results like the 3-0 win at St James Park.

He said: “The manager is usually in a suit, it’s not like him.

“But he can keep wearing a tracksuit for away games if we keep getting results like the one at Newcastle.”

Gerrard delivered one of his best performances of the season so far against Newcastle, scoring one fantastic goal and playing a key supporting role in the other two, but was happy to play down his own contribution and hail that of Brazilian youngster Lucas.

He said: “The manager has got a lot of faith in Lucas and so have his team-mates. He has got fantastic talent and he has just got to keep his feet on the ground.

“He had great players around him at Newcastle, the likes of Harry Kewell, Fernando Torres and Carra and Sami Hyypia behind him, helping him and talking him through the game.

“But he did really well and now he just needs to take the confidence from that performance and build on it.”

[mrbojangles]

STEVEN GERRARD today ordered his Liverpool team-mates not to be distracted by the ongoing crisis at Anfield

The Liverpool captain is acutely aware of the dangers of players losing their focus

Keep your calm now boys, don't lose focus

. But go to Rat sh1t, 4 weeks on Saturday

[scousemouse]

Hicks rules out selling Liverpool

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks says claims he could sell his shares in the club are "absolute rubbish".

Hicks and co-owner George Gillett clashed with manager Rafa Benitez over his January transfer budget, but Hicks said he had no intention of selling up.

"I am not selling any of my shares to anybody. I've no idea why anyone would think that. It was rubbish," he said.

"It's a big misunderstanding blown very out of proportion. George and I are happy to see it's settled back down."

Benitez is keen to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window as Liverpool continue their quest for success in both domestic and European competition.

But having publicly stated his concerns, Hicks and Gillett issued a statement telling him to concentrate on trying to win with the players he already had at his disposal.

Fans made a point of demonstrating their support for Benitez at Wednesday's Champions League win over Porto, and afterwards the 47-year-old made it clear he wanted reconciliation with the club's owners.

"My relationship with them was good before and now we need to talk about what the problem was," he said.

"I don't have any personal problems with the owners. I'm sure we will talk and they will understand and I will understand their ideas.

"It's not my ego, it's my responsibility. I need to take care of my team, my squad and club because I need to do it."

One of Benitez's concerns is thought to be that the Americans are not based in the UK.

They are due to visit Britain during December and Hicks said Gillett's son Foster was acting as their representative in the country.

"I guess we are absentee owners - there's no question about it," said Hicks.

"But Foster returned to Liverpool last week. He's our day-to-day person to help facilitate communication, and we come as often as we can."

He was also keen to deny reports of a falling-out with Gillett.

"George and I have never been closer. We both were very disappointed and confused as to where that inaccurate information came from," he said. "Owning Liverpool has been great, we're still enjoying it."

[scousemouse]

To me Torres looks like he is going to rank ( as long as he stays fit ) as one of the best ever Liverpool strikers :

‘Fernando Torres still needs to improve’ - Rafa

RAFA BENITEZ today spoke of his delight at the way Fernando Torres has settled in at Anfield – but insisted the Spanish striker still needs to improve.

Torres has scored 10 goals in just 12 starts for Liverpool since joining the club in a record breaking £20m deal in the summer.

With Liverpool’s scouting department having compiled a detailed dossier on Torres prior to his move from Atletico Madrid, Benitez is not at all surprised at the way he has adjusted to life in the Premiership.

But the Reds boss says Torres will only be able to fulfil his huge potential if he continues to work hard on the training pitch.

He said: “It is clear that he must improve.

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“He has given a lot to us but he must improve and he knows this. But the main thing for me is his mentality is really good, it is really positive and I know he will try to improve.

“He needs to train on specific things, change two or three details and also work on his strengths.

“We are not really surprised at the way Fernando has settled in because we were talking before we decided to sign him and we were talking about his pace, his physical strength and mentally.

“We knew that he had a very good character – so we were aware of all that. He wants to be successful here. He is really happy with the city and the supporters and everything so I think that the key is that we knew the player before.

“We had a list of strikers and we were looking for one with the right mentality for England, it’s not just about quality.

“Also, the fact that Fernando is just 23 means that in terms of business and performance we have signed the right player.”

Pepe Reina is in no doubt that Torres will continue to impress in a red shirt.

“Fernando is a great player,” he said.

“All of us know that because we see it in training every day, so it is no surprise for us.

“I said when we signed Fernando that he can score 20-25 goals for us this season and I have seen nothing since to make me change my mind.”

[scousemouse]

It's good to hear this lad will be back soon

Daniel Agger set for return

DANIEL AGGER could make his long-awaited return for Liverpool next week – thanks to a special pair of football boots.

The Denmark international has not played since the goalless draw at Portsmouth on September 15 after breaking a metatarsal in his right foot.

Agger was thought close to a comeback earlier this month only to complain of further discomfort in the same area.

However, the 22-year-old will train next week in a specially-commissioned pair of boots designed to protect the metatarsal.

And if Agger comes through training with no problems, he could be considered for next Saturday’s Premier League visit to Reading.

[scousemouse]

Team news ahead of tonights MUST WIN game :

Liverpool v Bolton

Anfield

Sunday, 2 December

Kick-off: 1500 GMT

BBC coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has named an unchanged squad for Bolton's visit.

Benitez is still without Xabi Alonso and Jermaine Pennant, both long-term injuries and selects from the men that beat Porto in the Champions League.

Bolton manager Gary Megson is forced into making three changes to his line-up for the trip to Anfield.

Kevin Nolan and Nicky Hunt are banned, and Liverpool loanee Danny Guthrie cannot play but Gavin McCann should be ok despite a head wound against Aris.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/p...wm=1&nbwm=1

Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Kewell, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Sissoko, Aurelio, Benayoun, Babel, Voronin, Crouch, Torres, Kuyt, Itandje.

Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, A O'Brien, Meite, Cid, Gardner, Campo, Giannakopoulos, McCann, Alonso, Speed, Teymourian, Wilhelmsson, Davies, Anelka, Diouf, Samuel, Al Habsi, Michalik, Braaten.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez:

"Last season we won 3-0 just after Christmas time when they were tired but it will be difficult this time because physically they will be fit and fresh.

"They scored early against Manchester United so they had confidence and United were fighting against 11 lions.

"The difference is not so big between the teams in the Premier League and in one game, 11 against 11, anything can happen. You have to be careful from beginning to end."

<LI>Bolton boss Gary Megson:

"These are games we look forward to, great games, big crowds all the players are desperate to do well.

"Going to Liverpool has always been a tough task and that's not changed and the form they are in is exceptional.

"It's one of the best grounds that anybody can play at. Liverpool have a great team and everything going for them but you go in a positive frame of mind, looking to win."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Bolton go to Anfield looking to follow last Saturday's shock victory over Manchester United with another against Liverpool, and thus end the Reds' unbeaten league record.

The Trotters are looking to complete back-to-back wins for the first time in 20 Premier League outings, which would also take their all-time total of wins in this league to 100.

Liverpool have won seven league games; Bolton have lost seven.

Both clubs were successful in Europe midweek, but both need victories from their final group matches to qualify to the knock out stages of their respective competitions.

The Merseysiders have not lost a league game in nearly seven months, and boast the tightest defence in the highest league.

Liverpool are protecting an unbeaten home Premier League record against Bolton, of seven wins and one draw.

CLUB FORM

LIVERPOOL

Club stats Fixtures (all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)

1. Won the last four and undefeated in seven in all competitions; won five and drawn two since losing 2-1, away to Besiktas in the Champions League on 24 October.

2. Unbeaten in 14 league matches; won seven and drawn seven since losing 1-0, away to Fulham on 5 May.

3. One of two remaining unbeaten clubs in the Premier League; the other is Arsenal, and one of six Premier League clubs still holding an unbeaten home record.

4. Conceded an unequalled six Premier League goals this season, at one every 195 minutes (three hours 15 minutes) on average.

5. Drawn six Premier League games; only Fulham have finished level more often - seven times.

6. Dropped 12 Premier League points; only Arsenal have dropped fewer - six.

7. Conceded the opening goal in only one Premier League match this season - fewer than any other club; the 1-2 victory at Everton on 20 October.

8. Picked up just 17 cards in Premier League competition this term - all yellow. Only Everton have been shown fewer; 14 (two red, 12 yellow).

9. Kept eight clean sheets in this Premier League season; as have Manchester United and Chelsea - no club has kept more. Also, been involved in three goalless draws in the highest league; only Portsmouth can match that.

10. Away to Reading after this. The other two pre-Christmas league fixtures are home to Manchester United and Portsmouth.

BOLTON WANDERERS

Club stats Fixtures (all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)

1. Unbeaten in four Premier League matches; won one and drawn three since losing 2-0, away to Arsenal on 20 October.

2. The 1-0 victory over Manchester United last Saturday ended a nine-match winless run.

3. Not achieved successive Premier League victories in 20 outings since beating Sheffield United (h) and Wigan (a) on 31 March and 7 April respectively.

4. Drawn five of seven league and cup games under Gary Megson; won one of four Premier League fixtures under the new manager.

5. The current tally of 11 points after 14 outings is their worst return since eight points were accrued to the equivalent stage in their first season in this league in 1995-96 which resulted in bottom place and immediate relegation.

6. One of seven clubs without an away win in the Premier League.

7. Won one of the last 12 on the road in all competitions; the 1-2 victory at Fulham in the third round of the Carling Cup on 26 September.

8. Without an away league victory in nine; drawn three and lost six since beating Wigan 1-3 on 7 April - their only maximum in 12 league games away from the Reebok.

9. Home league fixtures against Wigan and Birmingham, and a visit to Manchester City in between, are to be played before Christmas.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

LIVERPOOL

Fernando TORRES is Liverpool's top scorer with 10 goals, and top Premier League marksman, with five.

Goalkeeper Jose REINA is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season.

REINA leads the race for the Barclays Golden Glove, with eight clean sheets.

Steven GERRARD is a double away from 50 top flight league goals - all for Liverpool.

GERRARD has scored four goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances against Bolton.

BOLTON WANDERERS

Nicolas ANELKA is Bolton's leading scorer with eight goals, including seven of the clubs 12 in the Premier League.

Kevin DAVIES is a hat-trick shy of 100 club career goals (Chesterfield, Southampton, Blackburn, Millwall and Bolton).

Jussi JAASKALAINEN is the only player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Bolton's Premier League matches this season.

Gary SPEED, the only player to have netted in every Premier League season, is a double shy of 100 career league goals (Leeds, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton).

If selected:-

SPEED will be extending his record breaking number of Premier League appearances to 534.

Gavin McCANN will be making his 250th career league appearance (Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Bolton).

ANELKA will be playing against a club he was on loan to between December 2001 and May 2002. The 28 year old France international made 22 appearances (20 in the league) and scored five goals (four league) for the Reds.

El-Hadji DIOUF will be facing a former club. The 26 year old Senegal international made 80 appearances (55 in the league) and scored six goals (three league) for Liverpool between June 2002 and his move to the Reebok three years later.

Suspended:-

Nicky HUNT (one match)

Kevin NOLAN (one match)

HEAD TO HEAD

Liverpool have conceded just one goal in notching five successive home Premier League victories over Bolton.

The Trotters have picked up just one Premier League point from a possible 24 at Anfield and have not enjoyed a league victory there since their 1-2 top-flight triumph on 2 January 1954. Since then Wanderers have drawn two and lost 10 of their 12 league visits.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Liverpool 44 wins, Bolton 35, Draws 29

Prem: Liverpool 9 wins, Bolton 3, Draws 4

at Liverpool only

League (inc PL): Liverpool 28 wins, Bolton 10, Draws 16

Prem: Liverpool 7 wins, Bolton 0, Draws 1

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME Liverpool 3-0 Bolton Wanderers

1 January 2007 - Ref: Graham Poll

Liverpool scorers: Crouch 61, Gerrard 63, Kuyt 83

[scousemouse]

So all this has blown over ( fingers crossed ). Rafa chooses his words carefully in this interview :

<H1 align=center>I'LL NEVER WALK ALONE</H1><H2 align=center> </H2>

RAFA BENITEZ believes that his midweek show of support has cemented an unbreakable bond between himself and The Kop.

The mass rally ahead of Liverpool's Champions League win over Porto delivered a clear message to Anfield's owners: "Sack Rafa and you'll lose the fans."

Benitez must tread carefully when discussing the backing he received, careful not to appear as though he is encouraging protests. He knows that would risk antagonising Tom Hicks and George Gillett further.

But it is evident he was touched by the reaction of the fans. No matter what the long-term brings, he won't forget the events of the past seven days which have undoubtedly taken the Americans' by surprise.

"Where have you ever heard in your life, anywhere in football, this kind of support for a manager?" asked Benitez, who hopes to protect an unbeaten league run at home to Bolton today.

"Both before the game, on the internet and during the game it was the same. Why? I am not Bill Shankly. I'm sure he was a fantastic motivator.

"I have just tried to be a good professional. What happened the other day was different class.

"Am I surprised? From the very beginning the fans have been good to me. I have enjoyed every day here.

"Some people have said to me because I was fighting for the club on different issues the people of Liverpool like this. The people here like fighters. Maybe that's an area where there is a connection between us.

"The power of our supporters is strong. We always play with 12 men at home and sometimes the same away."

The Reds boss referred to the career of Manuel Benitez when reviewing a turbulent week. His compatriot was a famous bullfighter during the 1960s, also referred to as El Cordobes.

In the political battle between Benitez and his co-chairman, it's hard to work out who represents the bull and the red rag. The Kop boss has certainly had to display the skills of a matador to swerve a lethal blow from a Texan bullock. It's not the first time the Liverpool boss has antagonised his club hierarchy, with his management career littered with examples.

His reign at Valencia ended in acrimony when he fell out with director Manuel Lorente.

But he insisted: "It's not the same here as in Spain. Tell me how many managers in Spain last more than three years? It was almost impossible to stay long at a club in Spain. I left Valencia because I had problems as some people did not give me enough support.

"The supporters were behind me and other people were behind me, but one person was not.

"It was different because in Valencia we were talking about someone who was not the owner. Here the club is structured differently with two owners and a chief executive."

Setback

For now, Benitez must preserve his Anfield ties on a game-to-game basis as he remains one major setback or misplaced word away from an exit.

He said: "The problem I have is I can't say too many things but I will continue to keep trying to win games.

"I have the same idea now as always, to be here a long time. I still want to be here for another 10 years. I have confidence I will stay. After three years when we've won trophies, the way we've been doing things has been good.

"The squad is better than before and I know when we play well we can win against anyone. Even when we play bad, we can win because there is more quality in the squad.

"Maybe some of the players have been brought closer together from the past week, but the atmosphere was so good on Wednesday it was easy for them to concentrate.

"It's easy for me to say they played for me, but I wouldn't say this.

"Against Newcastle it was not the same atmosphere but the players' commitment was the same. The players do not need to say anything, they just need to show their commitment on the pitch."

[scousemouse]

So we had a nice game in the park and beat bolton 4-0 .

We are looking good , could this be the year .

[mrtoad]

So we had a nice game in the park and beat bolton 4-0 .

We are looking good , could this be the year .

NO

[scousemouse]

Liverpool 4-0 Bolton

Liverpool climbed to third after beating struggling Bolton at Anfield.

Steven Gerrard created both first-half goals, first sending over a free-kick that was headed in by Sami Hyypia.

After Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka missed an open goal, Gerrard rolled a pass into the path of Fernando Torres who chipped keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. The Liverpool captain added a third with a second-half penalty after Abdoulaye Meite fouled Peter Crouch, and Ryan Babel tapped in the fourth.

How Anelka failed to equalise when Bolton were trailing by a single goal, only the Frenchman will know.

The ball landed at Anelka's feet after Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher collided in trying to clear a Kevin Davies pass, but with the goal at his mercy the former Liverpool striker shot wide.

Had Anelka scored the course of this game might have been different, but Torres' goal a minute before half-time made Bolton's task of taking any points almost impossible.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez partnered Torres and Crouch in attack for the first time in the Premier League.

The two have played in the Carling Cup as well as the Champions League, but on the evidence of this game their attacking partnership remains very much a work in progress.

Torres, who received a huge ovation when he was taken off in the second half, completely overshadowed Crouch.

As well as winning the penalty, Crouch did go close in one of Liverpool's early attacks when his goal-bound shot was blocked on the line by Lubomir Michalik, but this was not one of his most effective games.

While Anelka endeared himself to his old club's fans with that awful miss, El-Hadji Diouf earned the opprobrium of the Anfield crowd with a horrendous tackle on Alvaro Arbeloa.

Diouf complained long and hard over the yellow card, but given the way he raked his studs down Arbeloa's leg the Senegalese player was lucky not to be sent off.

It was from a free-kick that Liverpool took the lead, Gerrard whipping over the ball and Hyypia getting the faintest of glances to beat Jaaskelainen with a header.

A minute before the interval Gerrard and Torres combined to punish Anelka's profligacy.

If Gerrard's curling pass to release Torres was exquisite, the Spaniard's finish probably bettered it.

Torres gently lifted the ball over the advancing Jaaskelainen, in a finish reminiscent of Kenny Dalglish's winning goal against Bruges in the European Cup final of 1978.

The second half proved a formality for Liverpool, with Crouch's emphatically taken penalty further extending their lead.

Just before being substituted Torres zigzagged his way past a succession of Bolton defenders, only to then send his shot over the bar.

Dirk Kuyt replaced Torres and the Dutchman played a key role in Liverpool's fourth goal.

Jaaskelainen was unable to hold Kuyt's shot and Babel had the simplest of jobs to roll the ball into the empty net.

Soon after Babel might have had a second goal, but Meite did well to head off the line.

Liverpool are still unbeaten in the Premier League, but their title credentials are likely to be given a more rigorous assessment in a fortnight when Manchester United travel to Anfield.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez:

"The team had confidence and you can see that in the number of chances we are creating.

"We're trying to keep the momentum, but we're in a good position, much better than last season.

"The second goal was important as it gave us more space and they had to change their shape."

<LI>Bolton manager Gary Megson:

"It was a poor day for us, but we will pick up ourselves up.

"There will be no knee-jerk reaction. Given Nicolas Anelka's status it was a poor miss, but there were many other things that didn't go for us.

"I'm most disappointed about the first goal as we didn't get our best headers on it. You learn from adversity and we'll see how we react to this."

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Carragher (Hobbs 51), Riise, Benayoun, Gerrard, Lucas, Kewell (Babel 67), Torres (Kuyt 76), Crouch.

Subs Not Used: Itandje, Mascherano. Goals: Hyypia 17, Torres 45, Gerrard 56 pen, Babel 86.

[scousemouse]

Liverpool 4, Bolton 0 (Echo)

THERE was a time, not so long ago, when Rafa Benitez looked upon fixtures with Bolton Wanderers as the litmus test of Liverpool’s Premiership credentials.

Not because Bolton were ever going to challenge for the title, or because they were particularly good.

It was because they presented Benitez with a uniquely English challenge which would examine his own acclimatisation to football in this country.

From Kevin Davies elbows, sharpened on many a centre-backs nose, to the route one bombardment provided by a back four and midfield who looked more like nightclub bouncers than sportsmen, this was football – but not as he knew it.

The theory was that until and unless Benitez found a way of coping with and taming Bolton, any dreams of the Spaniard conquering England and delivering that much longed for league title would fade and die.

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Yesterday, Liverpool didn’t just cope with Bolton and their Luftwaffe football, they annihilated them.

They scored four without reply but they could have won by an even greater margin. The win means Liverpool remain unbeaten almost four months into the season.

They now lie third in the table, a won or drawn game in hand away from second place.

Only Arsenal have scored more goals and no-one has conceded fewer.

Oh, and in Fernando Torres they have a match-winning centre forward who is showing the kind of form which suggests he is at least the equal of any of the centre forwards currently plying their trade with the other members of the big four.

All of a sudden, talk of a genuine Liverpool title challenge doesn’t seem as fanciful as it did little more than a month ago when a goalless draw at Blackburn was enough for some to condemn the Reds to another season of failure.

Since then, they have scored 21 goals and conceded just one – the kind of record which only ever occurs when attack and defence are working in perfect harmony.

The goals against column in this period should have been doubled yesterday but, fortunately, Nicolas Anelka failed to display the kind of finishing skills which mean many Liverpool fans still regard him as one of Anfield’s great lost talents.

Had that chance been taken, Liverpool would have been pegged back to 1-1, having earlier taken the lead through Sami Hyypia’s soaring header from a pinpoint Steven Gerrard free-kick.

For the captain’s next trick, he came up with a wonderful slide rule through ball for Torres which was bettered only by El Nino’s deft finish over the advancing Jaaskelainen, which brought back vivid memories of a European Cup winning goal by Kenny Dalglish against Bruges at Wembley almost 30 years ago.

Comparisons between the two are made facile by the fact that they are two totally different players in contrasting eras of football, but it is safe to say that if Torres continues to perform in this manner then it won’t be too long before he has carved his own name in Anfield legend.

Gerrard has already done that, of course, and yesterday he showed once again why this is the case.

For the second league game in succession he was involved in every single Liverpool goal.

He may have had better spells as an individual but it is unlikely that Gerrard has ever played better as part of an overall team effort.

Under Gerard Houllier, there were times when Liverpool came close to being a one-man team, at least in an attacking sense, with Gerrard carrying the fight almost single handedly on far too many occasions.

Now, he has a world class co-star in the shape of Torres and a talented supporting cast which brings out the best in him, and he is all the better for it.

Eight goals in his last nine games tells its own story. The half dozen or so assists he has provided tells another.

Here is a player who is at the very top of his game, but also a player who is totally in tune with the rest of his team.

Liverpool’s third goal showed evidence of both as Crouch looked set to benefit from another pinpoint Gerrard cross until he was crudely upended by Abdoulaye Meite.

Gerrard did what was expected of him from the resultant spot-kick and Liverpool’s dominance over their lowly opponents was given a more accurate reflection in the emphatic scoreline.

With the match well and truly won, Benitez took the opportunity to give Torres a bit of a breather, but there was to be no rest for the beleaguered Bolton rearguard which was retreating deeper and deeper as the onslaught continued.

Liverpool’s fourth goal duly arrived when Gerrard – who else? – slipped Kuyt in on goal and the Dutchman’s effort was parried by Jaaskelainen into the path of Ryan Babel, who made no mistake from close range.

The fact that this was Liverpool’s 15th goal of the season in the last ten minutes of games will not have been lost on Benitez who is endeavouring to create a team which carries a threat from the first minute to the last.

Nor will the fact that another substitute, in this case Babel, got his name on the scoresheet.

This has happened five times in the last five games – a telling indication of the strength of the squad the Liverpool manager has put together and also the desire of his players to make an impression when given the opportunity to do so.

Liverpool have passed the Bolton test, the next question they have to answer is can they keep their imperious form going long enough to still be in the hunt for the Premiership after the hectic Christmas period?

If that happens then that hitherto elusive genuine title challenge might just be on.

[mrtoad]

Still a big firm NO

Wait till the 16th

I can taste the cider.

[scousemouse]

Still a big firm NO

Wait till the 16th

I can taste the cider.

Banter Banter , bring it on toadie .

I can't wait mate , it's been a long time since I've been able to take the p#ss out of a real Man U fan after a Liverpool victory .

[mrtoad]

Still a big firm NO

Wait till the 16th

I can taste the cider.

Banter Banter , bring it on toadie .

I can't wait mate , it's been a long time since I've been able to take the p#ss out of a real Man U fan after a Liverpool victory .

We should have our own thread.

Toad versus Scouse.

It would almost be like the Alien versus Predator concept.

I have this funny feeling that on that night I am going to be in the minority.

[scousemouse]

Still a big firm NO

Wait till the 16th

I can taste the cider.

Banter Banter , bring it on toadie .

I can't wait mate , it's been a long time since I've been able to take the p#ss out of a real Man U fan after a Liverpool victory .

We should have our own thread.

Toad versus Scouse.

It would almost be like the Alien versus Predator concept.

I have this funny feeling that on that night I am going to be in the minority.

An intresting one

Scouse versus Toad thread

Stallaone v Schwarzenegger

Though I reckon I'll be in the minority , there seem to be a lot more mancs than Liverpool fans knocking about LOS , never mind though , I work better on my own .

[scousemouse]

Benitez: Team is showing title quality

CONFIDENT Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool are better placed than at any time during his Anfield reign to challenge for the championship.

The Spaniard’s team moved ahead of Manchester United into third place in the Premier League with a comprehensive 4-0 home win over Bolton Wanderers yesterday. First-half goals from Sami Hyypia and Fernando Torres, a Steven Gerrard penalty and a late Ryan Babel strike kept Benitez’s men within six points of leaders Arsenal.

It was Liverpool’s fifth successive victory and extended their unbeaten league start to the season to 14 games.

And Benitez is convinced his squad are now primed to launch a concerted effort to end a title drought that stretches back to 1990.

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“The last three years we have been too far away from the top but this year we are closer and we have a better squad,” said the Anfield manager.

“I have confidence in the team, but we should only talk about this at the end of January and see the situation then. We need to keep going and see if the other teams make some mistakes.

“We will play a lot of games in December and January now. We have had some problems – Jack Hobbs needed to play today – and it is important that the whole squad are focused and committed.

“But I have a lot of confidence that in the second part of the league we can be closer to the top. If we don’t make any mistakes then we can be closer. I’m sure that we can improve. There are players that are playing well but there are five players injured right now, Steve Finnan, Jermaine Pennant, Xabi Alonso, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio, who when they are fit can help us play better because they give us more options.”

Liverpool have now scored 21 goals in their last five games, club record signing Torres taking his tally to 11 in 17 for the club while Gerrard has now scored eight in his last nine outings.

Benitez added: “The team is playing well. Today it wasn’t a fantastic performance but it was a good game for us, especially as we are creating a lot of chances.

“We scored four and could have had more, although we could have conceded a goal. It is important that the goals are coming from throughout the team. I have always said that if you have a striker that scores 20 goals a season then it is easier for the opposition to just stop him.

“But if you have players from elsewhere in the team that can score 15 goals a season and you have that 20-goal-a-season striker as well, then it is better.”

Jamie Carragher was forced off six minutes after half-time after earlier injuring his ribs in a collision with Pepe Reina, an incident which gifted Nicolas Anelka a glorious chance to equalise that the Bolton striker spurned horribly. Carragher’s injury handed 19-year-old centre-back Jack Hobbs a Premier League debut as substitute.

But Benitez revealed the damage is not a recurrence of the rib problem suffered at Sunderland in August, and said: “Carra took a knock in the ribs when he collided with Pepe but I do not think it was that serious. I’d expect him to be fit for next weekend at Reading.”

Finnan was absent yesterday after taking a knock to the calf in training, but is also expected to be fit for Saturday.

Meanwhile Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has re-iterated his assertion that there is no rift with manager Benitez. As reported in Saturday’s Daily Post, the American has no intention of selling his stake in the club while insisting the owners can still work with the Spaniard.

He said: “George Gillet and I will be in the UK between December 13 and 17 and plan to meet with the manager then. We get along fine with Rafa. A small difference was escalated into a huge issue, which was unfair to Rafa. He has the team playing very well now.”

[scousemouse]

Reina hails back four who are leaving him out in the cold

PEPE REINA today paid tribute to the Liverpool defence for making his life easy.

The Reds keeper was a virtual spectator for the majority of yesterday’s 4-0 romp over Bolton at Anfield and admits he is currently being so well protected by the men in front of him that his biggest problem at the moment is keeping warm.

He said: “It is easier than ever for me at the moment with the way the team is playing.

“I had to keep warm just in case I was needed but it was difficult because it was cold, wet and windy but the result did keep me warm.

“Hopefully every game can be like this one and like the last five because we have done really well.

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“From my own point of view, it is always really important to keep a clean sheet because that brings confidence, trust and hope.

“And the fact that we are scoring plenty of goals and taking more chances is also good.

“The whole team is in good form and we have to keep going in that way.”

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were again outstanding as Liverpool ran up their fifth win on the run, but Reina chose to pick out the unsung heroes in defence.

The Spanish keeper was particularly impressed with Sami Hyypia and league debutant Jack Hobbs.

He said: “I have said many times how good Sami is and I’m sure the people who were at Anfield yesterday won’t need me to tell them that he was brilliant once again.

“He has been like that all season and it is great for me to play behind players like Sami, Carra, Arbeloa and Riise. And Jack came on and did a good job so he can be proud also.”

Reina clocked up his 12th clean sheet of the season in the resounding win but he should have been forced into picking the ball out of the net when Nicolas Anelka missed an open goal after a collision between the keeper and Jamie Carragher.

And Reina admits he couldn’t believe it when Anelka missed the target.

He said: “I was expecting it to be 1-1 but things like this sometimes happen even to the best strikers. Anelka is a good player and he was just unlucky and we were quite fortunate.”

Carragher suffered bruised ribs in the collision but is expected to be fit for the trip to Reading on Saturday.

It is the second time this season that Carragher has picked up a rib injury after colliding with his keeper.

Reina said: “It’s because we both go for every ball and we are both aggressive and I try to do the same as him – to do my best for the team – and sometimes things like this happen.”

[scousemouse]

Any win against the blue sh#te is worth reporting :

Liverpool Res 3, Everton Res 0

LIVERPOOL Reserves recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory over their Everton counterparts in a one-sided Premier Reserve League Northern Section match at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium last night.

Two goals from Krizstian Nemeth and an own goal from Everton defender Patrick Boyle gave Gary Ablett victory over his old club, but the margin of victory could have been greater.

Everton included Andy van der Meyde and James Vaughan, but both left the field injured in the second half.

Boyle put through his own net after just 11 minutes when attempting to clear a Ronald Huth shot.

Nabil El Zhar, Nemeth and Jordy Brouwer all went close to increasing Liverpool's lead, but Everton were within a whisker of an equaliser just before half-time when Ryan Harpur’s shot hit the outside of the post.

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The second half was all Liverpool, and Nemeth scored his first after 56 minutes when he turned away from two defenders and struck a low shot into the corner of John Ruddy’s net.

His second was a more simple finish after Ronald Huth had flicked on Sebastian Leto’s corner.

El Zhar almost made it 4-0, before Everton produced a late rally that saw John Irving head against the bar and John-Paul Kissock and Kieran Agard both denied by Liverpool’s debutant keeper Dean Bouzanis.

LIVERPOOL RESERVES: Bouzanis, Kelly (Darby 60), Insua, San Jose, Huth, Plessis, El Zhar, Spearing (Duran 76),Brouwer (Pacheco 65), Nemeth, Leto.

EVERTON RESERVES: Ruddy, Densmore, Boyle, Irving, Rodwell,Harper, Kissock, Vidarsson, Jutkiewicz (Morrison 78),Vaughan (Agard 59), van der Meyde (O'Kane 68).

[scousemouse]

Lucas relishes playing alongside star duo

LIVERPOOL’S young Brazilian star Lucas Leiva is relishing the chance to play alongside two colleagues he rates among the best in the world.

Lucas has been drafted into Liverpool’s midfield in recent games alongside skipper Steven Gerrard, and with record signing Fernando Torres in front of him.

The 20-year-old, who signed in the summer for £6million from Gremio, is rated in South America as the best Brazilian of his age group and he has adapted to the English game remarkably quickly.

And having Gerrard and Torres around to help him has been a key factor, he claims.

Lucas said: "It is fantastic playing alongside Steven Gerrard, he is among the best in the world. And to have Fernando up front - he too is one of the best in the game - as well is a dream for me."

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Lucas has impressed while starting Liverpool’s last two Premier League games against Newcastle and Bolton.

He said: "Stevie and I are obviously different players. I am younger and I am still learning and he is helping me a lot.

"When I play in midfield with him I have to play more of a holding role because he can go forward, create chances and score goals himself.

"Hopefully, when I have played more games and got more confidence I can go forward more myself.

"But I am happy just to be playing because I can learn from players like Steven.

"It is fantastic to play alongside him because he is one of the best players in the world.

"Hopefully, one day, I will be as good as he is but that is a long way away."

And Lucas is revelling in the fact that Torres, with 11 goals in 17 games, is proving already to be a success at Anfield.

Lucas added: "Fernando is a fantastic player and he can score a lot of goals. He is a very good striker and he can be the best striker in the world."

Lucas had proved to be a more than adequate understudy for Javier Mascherano, and has recently been given the chance to shine. And the Brazilian said: "We are scoring a lot of goals at the moment and we have to keep that going.

"It is hard to say why it is happening at this time but the team is playing really well and we are creating plenty of chances. We have played really well in the last five or six games and the confidence is much better because we are scoring goals and winning but now we have to look forward to the next game."

[scousemouse]

HOBBS HOPING FOR FIRST LEAGUE START

Jack Hobbs is hoping his impressive second half display against Bolton last weekend will earn him a starting role at Reading on Saturday. With Jamie Carragher facing a race against time to be fit after bruising his ribs against Gary Megson's men, Hobbs could be in line for a first Premier League start when the Reds go in search of their sixth away victory of the season at the Madjeski Stadium.

To further increase Hobbs' chances of being involved, Carragher is one yellow card away from a suspension - meaning if he was to pick up a booking on Saturday then he would be ruled out of the clash with Manchester United the following weekend.

Whatever manager Rafael Benitez decides for the trip to Reading, Hobbs believes he's ready to stake his claim for a first team place.

"Carra has a week to recover to the Reading game, but if I can fill in and help out I will do," said Hobbs. "I'd look forward to it and feel I am ready. I was a little bit nervous when the manager told me to strip off on Sunday. When he called me over I didn't know that Carra was injured, but when I got told I was on I was excited and nervous. I just wanted to get out there and do it.

"It's another step in my career. It's a bit more experience for me and it will make the time easier. I'm glad to have come through it without any mistakes.

"Fingers crossed I can get another chance at Reading. Steve Finnan's injury isn't that bad but I'll keep training this week and see what happens. It depends on injuries how often I play this season, but I will keep training hard and see what happens and if I get a chance, I know I must take it."

He added: "I'm relieved and quite pleased to have finally made my Premier League debut. I'm just glad to have got a run out, really happy.

"I've been on the bench a few times but haven't been part of it in the league, but I was glad to just get out and do my bit for the team.

"Sami Hyypia was alongside side me talking all the time and really helping me out, although I think Bolton only had one chance during the time I was on. It's good to have someone with that experience alongside you. It was a little worrying coming on against Nicolas Anelka, who is such a good striker, but I was pleased to get out there no matter who it was up against."

[scousemouse]

True words from Rafa :

RAFA HAPPY BUT NOT SATISFIED

Rafael Benitez today reflected on Liverpool's impressive recent run which has yielded 21 goals in just five games and declared: "There's lots of room for improvement." java script:;

The Reds head to Reading this weekend searching for a sixth straight victory as they look to keep pace with the leaders at the top of the Premier League table.

Benitez admits he's delighted with the form of his side at present, but he insists the challenge now is to keep the winning streak going over the testing festive period.

"I'm really pleased at the moment because we are creating chances, scoring goals, not conceding and we're winning games. There are lots of positives for me to look at right now," said the boss.

"When you've scored 21 goals in five games and only conceded one then it would be easy to say that's enough, but as a manager you always want to improve.

"We have a lot of players still to come back like Fabio Aurelio, Xabi Alonso, Jermaine Pennant, Daniel Agger and Steve Finnan and so when they're all fit and available we can be better still.

"We've a big period coming up and we know that in football one result can change everything. Our confidence is high at the moment but we have to keep going and keep winning. There are lots of big games to look forward to - starting this weekend at Reading - and we have to show the right mentality in each of them."

[scousemouse]

Let the boys watch the boxing Rafa !!~!!

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has ordered his players not to stay up late to watch the Ricky Hatton fight in the early hours of Sunday morning because he wants them fresh for Tuesday's decisive Champions League game in Marseille. (Various)