[lfc-news] Rafa blocks Traore move - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 28 Oct 2004
Rafa blocks Traore move
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ has dashed Everton's lingering hopes of signing Djimi Traore
in January by insisting he wants the defender to stay at Anfield.

Traore was set to join the Blues during the summer until an 11th hour
summit with Benitez forced a change of heart.

Everton boss Moyes is expected to reignite his interest when the transfer
window opens.

But now the 23-year-old has forced his way back into Liverpool's first
team, Benitez hopes the youngster has been convinced to stay at Anfield.

The Spanish coach has been impressed by the manner Traore has responded to
the call-up and has no intention of letting him go.

"I want to keep Djimi here," said Benitez today.

"I said when I came that if we trained properly we would increase the level
of the players.

"Traore is playing well because he has more confidence. Before the transfer
window closed we had to make some decisions on players.

"Djimi was one of those who was worried he would not play a lot. I told him
he would play, but I didn't know how many games. I assured him he was an
important member of the squad. I wanted to have all the players here so I
could fight for every title.

"In August, a lot of clubs spoke to him and his agent but I told him he
would play and I wanted him to stay. I want him here for the whole season."

The Liverpool team trained at Melwood yesterday morning despite a difficult
return to Merseyside from Millwall on Tuesday night.

The team coach didn't leave The New Den until 11.15pm, a full hour and 45
minutes after the final whistle.

This was because the police wouldn't allow the Liverpool coach near the
stadium because of fears it would be attacked by Millwall fans.

The fact the players were left waiting at the ground for so long was
unsettling, a point overlooked during yesterday's media campaign by
Millwall chairman Theo Paphitis who claimed the home fans were innocent of
any provocative acts.

Liverpool have also been studying videos of the match and are considering
whether to call on the FA to review numerous tackles by Kevin Muscat.

Meanwhile, Benitez says right winger Antonio Nunez could start training
next week as he steps up his rehabilitation from knee surgery.


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