Kewell and Baros join the debut-goal-scorer Cisse in celebrating the opener in the first game "after Owen".

[lfc-news] Tottenham report - PA

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PA Sport, 14 Aug 2004
Tottenham 1 Liverpool 1

Jermain Defoe underlined his growing claims for a prominent role in
England's future as he ensured new Tottenham coach Jacques Santini some
early-season breathing space at White Hart Lane.

Santini's new-look Tottenham side, featuring five new signings and one
17-year-old on his senior debut, were largely outplayed by Liverpool in
their Premiership opener.

Indeed, little more than an hour had passed after Michael Owen was unveiled
in Madrid, wearing Real's number 11 shirt, than his effective replacement,
Djibril Cisse, struck against Spurs in north London.

However, despite Liverpool dominating large swathes of the game, led by the
indefatigable Steven Gerrard, who was denied an early penalty, Defoe made
them pay with 20 minutes left.

Amid suspicions of handball, the emerging young striker burst onto a
flick-on from Frederic Kanoute and buried his shot with aplomb past Jerzy
Dudek.

Having just failed to make it into England's Euro 2004 squad from a standby
role, he now offers Sven-Goran Eriksson a potential alternative to the
injured Wayne Rooney in next week's friendly against Ukraine.

And so Santini is able to continue his rebuilding job at White Hart Lane,
having been forced to field something of a makeshift side in this opening
fixture.

While Noureddine Naybet fitted comfortably into the centre of defence, it
was otherwise a rather flat-footed home midfield which was over-run by the
likes of Gerrard early on.

And for all the understandable fuss over Owen's departure - particularly
for just £8million cash - it is Gerrard upon whom Liverpool's hopes will
stand or fall this season.

Having almost single-handedly carried them into fourth place last season,
he was again their main driving force at White Hart Lane.

Gerrard could have been awarded a 17th-minute penalty when debutant
right-back Paul Ifil appeared to pull back his shirt after being turned
inside and out.

But although Naybet managed to block a goalbound shot from Milan Baros,
there was a certain inevitability about Liverpool seizing the lead eight
minutes from the break.

While Harry Kewell had previously failed to capitalise on the huge space
offered by Ifil and Jamie Redknapp, who was playing out of position on the
right flank, this time he forced Naybet to clip a clearance just over his
own bar.

From the ensuing corner, Kanoute's headed clearance fell at the feet of
Steve Finnan, who returned the ball with interest as Jamie Carragher
flicked it into the path of Cisse.

The irony, of course, is that it was former boss Gerard Houllier who worked
so tirelessly to bring the French international to Anfield, but it is
Benitez who will reap the benefits.

Cisse, who was standing on the edge of the six-yard box, made no mistake
from close range as Tottenham's defence remained rooted to the spot.

While Gerrard also powered a right-footed volley just inches over the top,
Tottenham's only attacking threat of the entire first-half came when John
Arne Riise cleared a shot off the line from Johnnie Jackson.

Spurs were at least more adventurous after the break, with Defoe bursting
past two markers only to flick his shot just over the top.

While Liverpool threatened on the break through Kewell, Benitez rather
conceded the advantage back to the home side by withdrawing Cisse with 26
minutes left.

Shortly after Florent Sinama-Pongolle had been brought on, Spurs introduced
their own two substitutes - Gary Doherty and Thimothee Atouba - and,
bizarrely, were almost immediately level.

Liverpool were left appealing in vain for handball as Defoe challenged
Carragher for a knock-down from Kanoute before swivelling to bury his shot
past Dudek.

Defoe threatened again in the closing stages but shot just wide.

For England as much as Liverpool, however, both he and Cisse had proved
there may yet be life possible without Owen.

Tottenham: Robinson, Ifil, Naybet (Doherty 70), King, Edman, Jackson
(Atouba 70), Redknapp (Brown 82), Davis, Mendes, Kanoute,
Defoe
Subs not used: Keller, Sousa
Booked: Redknapp, Kanoute, Defoe
Goals: Defoe 71

Liverpool: Dudek, Josemi, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Finnan, Gerrard, Hamann
(Biscan 83), Kewell, Cisse (Sinama Pongolle 64), Baros (Warnock 79)
Subs not used: Kirkland, Henchoz
Booked: Sinama Pongolle
Goals: Cisse 38

Att: 35,105
Referee; D Gallagher

GERRARD BACKS CISSE TO KEEP SCORING

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes Michael Owen's departure for Real
Madrid will give Djibril Cisse the chance to become an Anfield hero.

The £14million signing from Auxerre scored the first Premiership goal of
the new season, but Liverpool were held 1-1 by Tottenham at White Hart Lane
after Jermain Defoe equalised in the second half.

Gerrard told Sky Sports: "We were all shocked about Michael leaving. It
looked like he would be staying - then Real Madrid called, and everyone
knows how difficult that is to turn down.

"No one can blame Michael for going. He has been such a good servant.

"Players make their own decisions. He has gone, and we have to get on
without him. It is a good chance for Cisse to get the goals now Michael
isn't here."

Gerrard conceded the second-half performance by Liverpool was not good enough.

"We shaded the first half, and they came back into it in the second. Last
year we got nothing here, so maybe a point is a bonus. The manager will be
disappointed at the way we took the foot off the pedal in the second half."

Spurs striker Defoe said: "We came back into it in the second half and kept
it going. It's always nice to get a goal and it's even better when the
England manager is watching you, but it's the team that counts."

New Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was disappointed with his side's
performance in the second half.

The Spaniard said: "I am happy with the first half. We controlled the game,
kept the ball and there were a lot of short passes.

"In the second half they were tired. We didn't control the ball, there were
a lot of long passes and second balls were difficult for us.

"But it is the end of the first match and it is always difficult when a new
manager arrives."

Benitez claimed replacing Owen will not be his immediate priority.

He said: "We will try to balance the team first and then see if we need to
bring in another striker."


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[lfc-news] Benítez blasts agent over Owen's leaving of Liverpool - Guardian

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The Guardian, 14 Aug 2004
Benítez blasts agent over Owen's leaving of Liverpool
England's prime striker to be unveiled as an £8m capture at the Bernabéu
next week but Madrid's allure is resisted as Highbury's captain stays after
a last-minute about-turn
By Dominic Fifield

Rafael Benítez last night denied that Michael Owen was forced to leave
Anfield while suggesting that the England striker's agent had engineered
the move to Real Madrid behind Liverpool's back.

Owen passed a medical in Madrid last night before completing the
formalities of his transfer to Real, with Liverpool receiving a fee of £8m
and the right-sided midfielder Antonio Núñez in return. The 24-year-old is
to be unveiled at the Bernabéu at a press conference today, though the role
played by his agent Tony Stephens has left Liverpool's new manager
smouldering back on Merseyside.

"To suggest that we didn't want Michael and he was not happy here is
untrue," said Benítez, who will take charge of his first Premiership match
at Tottenham this lunchtime. "Michael was very happy when I spoke with him
last week and we wanted him to stay, but the club had been waiting for a
year already when I arrived for him to sign a new contract. Two months
later he still had not signed.

"The problem is Real were aware of that too and talked with his agent and
the player, and then everything changed. I'm sure the club talked about the
contract and tried to sign him up, but sometimes you can't control it.

"It's down to the agents. In football now, the agent controls many
situations. I knew Michael was a wonderful player and I have no doubts he
still is, but the situation changed as soon as Real came in. Then the
situation was difficult to control, and bad for us."

Asked whether he thought Stephens, of SFX, had been negotiating with Real
behind Liverpool's back, the Spaniard responded pointedly: "You'll have to
ask the agent that."

Stephens returned to work after a protracted sabbatical only in spring, by
which time Liverpool's offer of a new deal for the England striker had
effectively been on the table for eight months. Talks failed to reach
agreement, with Owen happy to move on once Real's interest surfaced.

The loss of England's premier striker represents a worrying start to the
Benítez era, though the Spaniard intends to use the £8m fee to strengthen
his squad. Barcelona's Luis García is expected to move to Anfield for £6m
but Benítez will face competition, ironically from Madrid, for Real
Sociedad's Xabi Alonso after the collapse of Patrick Vieira's move to the
Bernabéu. The Madrid president Florentino Pérez contacted the Basque club
yesterday to re-register their interest in the midfielder, though their £6m
bid falls short of Real Sociedad's £10m valuation.

The new recruits will have to impress quickly if Benítez is to make the
desired impact, though there was defiance yesterday from the manager in the
face of a difficult start at the club. "When a big club like Liverpool
changes manager it is because something isn't right," said Benítez, who was
forced to sell his midfielder Gaizka Mendieta to Lazio on taking up the
reins at Valencia in 2001. "It is because things need to change.

"You never enjoy seeing good players leave, but my job is to make decisions
like that. People should judge me at the end of the season.

"I'm not afraid. All teams around the world lose important players. You
have to look to the future. We have the opportunity to try and balance the
team. The supporters should know we have done the best for the club.
There'll hopefully be good news for them next week. We can be a stronger team."

Núñez will provide balance and bite on the right side of midfield, an area
weakened by the sale of Danny Murphy to Charlton, with the Spaniard, 25,
expected on Merseyside on Monday to undergo a medical. Though Liverpool's
first choice as a makeweight in the Owen deal would have been the teenager
Juanfran, Benítez is confident Núñez can flourish here and was quick to
reject suggestions that David Beckham - or any of the galácticos - had been
offered by Madrid.

"Right midfield was our priority," added Benítez. "Juanfran would have been
difficult to sign, but Núñez was one of our first choices. He can run with
the ball down that side, get to the line and he's good in the air. He'll be
a good signing.

Núñez himself said: 'I'm still stunned, even though I knew about
Liverpool's interest last week. I'm going there to be a first-team regular
and to win important trophies."

Of Owen, Benítez said: "I think José Antonio Camacho will be happy with
Michael and the strikers he has now. Which one to pick is a good problem to
have. It will be difficult for Michael to get into the starting line-up.
It's always difficult when you change your country, language, team. But he
has an advantage because he is a good player. He can talk on the field."


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Owen's replacement.

Owen goes for his medical.

[lfc-news] Sami Hyypia interview - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 13 Aug 2004
SPURS V LIVERPOOL: SAMI HYYPIA INTERVIEW
By Paul Eaton 13 August 2004

Finnish star Sami Hyypia talks to us about pre-season, the new manager, our
opening match at Spurs and his thoughts on the forthcoming campaign.

~ Liverpoolfc.tv: How has pre-season gone?

Sami Hyypia: As always, it has been very hard. We've done a lot of work
with the ball which has been enjoyable, but at the same time the training
has been very tough and demanding.
The new manager has shown he has a vision for the club and he is passing on
his ideas to us on what he wants us to do. We are working hard to take on
board what he is saying to ensure we operate as a unit on the pitch. He's
brought a lot of new ideas with him and we are learning every day.

~ Looking back over the summer, was it a big shock when Gerard Houllier left?

He brought me to the club so of course it came as a shock. It's not nice
when anyone leaves a club. From last season the feeling was that something
had to change and the club decided on a particular course of action.
He's not the first manager to leave a club and he won't be the last. It's
never a good thing when it happens but life goes on and we have to move
forward.

~ Now there's a new manager, are the expectations back at Anfield?

There should always be expectations at Liverpool. They're always there and
you can't hide from them. If there weren't high expectations before the
start of a new season then there would be something wrong. It's our job as
players at Liverpool to make sure we do everything we can to bring success
here.

~ What are your early impressions of new signing Djibril Cisse?

It's still early days for him here but already we can see he has a lot of
quality. He's definitely very quick and he certainly has ability. It's
going to take time for us to get used to his style of play. The longer we
play together then the more we'll know what sort of service he likes. He's
made a good start to his career with us because he was sharp in the
pre-season games. Hopefully that's a sign of things to come.

~ And what about Josemi?

He's settled in well, we just need to teach him some English! When there
were rumours he was coming here someone said to me he's a Spanish Jamie
Carragher. He's a very good defender and a good tackler. I remember our
pre-season match against Roma when he went in with a crunching challenge on
one of their players. I think he's certainly got the quality to do well here.

~ Do you think the style of play is going to change under the new manager?

I don't know. People are saying they hope we'll be more attacking but you
don't win titles by simply attacking. You have to have a good base in the
defence as well. The balance has to be right. If you go forward all the
time then you'll be exposed at the back and give the opposition chances to
score goals. The balance of the team is the thing we are working on because
that is so important.

~ Your first game is at Tottenham. What are your pre-match thoughts?

It's never an easy game at White Hart Lane and I remember we lost there
last season. They have a new manager as well so there'll be a new feeling
in their club, just like there is in ours. Every team wants to do well on
the first day of the season and we'll definitely be going there to win.
Obviously you'd prefer a home game to start the season, but we have the
ability to go down there and get a good result.

~ What would be a good season for Liverpool this year?

I think we have to set our sights high but the important thing is to make
progress. Last season wasn't as good as we hoped it would be and it's vital
we do a lot better this time. The fans are expecting us to improve and we
demand that from ourselves. All I can say to them is that we're all
optimistic about what we can achieve over the coming months and we'll
certainly be doing our best in every game we play.


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[lfc-news] Tottenham v Liverpool team news - PA

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PA Sport, 13 Aug 2004
PREMIERSHIP BOWS FOR REDS DUO

Michael Owen's transfer to Real Madrid gives new Liverpool coach Rafael
Benitez the chance to open the Premiership campaign at Tottenham with
Djibril Cisse and Milan Baros up front.

New signing Josemi is also likely to figure.

The only likely addition to the squad that played in Austria against AK
Graz in midweek will be the inclusion of midfielder Igor Biscan, who was
suspended from the Champions League match after being sent off against
Marseille last season.

New Spurs boss Jacques Santini will be forced to make do without a host of
big names.

Striker Robbie Keane is a long-term absentee with an ankle ligament
problem, while Simon Davies is also ruled out despite being on the road to
recovery following a shin operation.

Defenders Dean Richards, Anthony Gardner, Stephen Kelly and Mbulelo
Mabizela all miss out with various knocks - while Timothee Atouba,
Nourredine Naybet and triallist Edson Da Silva are included in a squad of
16 but awaiting international clearance.

Teams

Tottenham (from): Keller, Robinson, Naybet, King, Doherty, Bunjevcevic,
Edman, Brown, Redknapp, Mendes, Davis, Atouba, Defoe, Kanoute, Da Silva, Ifil.

Liverpool (from): Dudek, Josemi, Carragher, Henchoz, Hyypia, Riise, Finnan,
Gerrard, Diao, Biscan, Hamann, Kewell, Cisse, Baros, Sinama-Pongolle,
Kirkland, Warnock, Potter, Whitbread, Welsh, Traore


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[lfc-news] End of an era for Anfield - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 13 Aug 2004
End of an era for Anfield
By Rob Brady and Mike Hornby, Liverpool Echo

HE wanted to be a football player from an early age.

But not just any football player. Michael Owen wanted to be a Liverpool player.

Owen signed terms with Liverpool at the age of 11 despite Alex Ferguson
trying to get him to sign for Manchester United.

By the age of 18, he'd become one of the most well-known sporting names
around the world.

And now, just five years on, he is a true soccer idol, having broken
goal-scoring records for club and country at all levels.

He may stand a modest 5ft 9in tall but he strikes fear into defences around
the world with his potent combination of sheer pace and ruthless efficiency
in front of goal.

Michael Owen is also a role model for millions of children, comes from a
close-knit family and has largely avoided the attentions of the
scandal-seeking tabloids.

He grew up in Hawarden, just across the Welsh border, with his four
brothers and sisters.

Even as a young lad he was used to being the centre of attention. Playing
in the Deeside Primary Schools league he started playing for an Under-11s
side when he was just seven.

Although his father Terry played for Everton, Michael headed for Anfield
and in 1996 signed professional forms before helping Liverpool win the FA
Youth Cup. It was only going to be a matter of time before he made his full
England debut.

But for all his maturity and confidence on the pitch those who know him
well will say he is still just a quiet, modest young man from Deeside.

Former headteacher Chris Harvey, who taught Michael at Hawarden high
school, said: "I remember a bright, shiny young lad who was always keen and
eager - just like the Persil advert.

"He had a real determination when it came to sport.

"After the World Cup in 1998 he came back to the school and although he had
achieved world-wide fame, he did not allow it to go to his head."

He may be modest, but Owen is a global brand. His legs are insured for
£60m, and he has one of the most valuable faces in football.

Advertising endorsements and careful investments in the property market
have helped him amass an estimated £12m fortune, making him one of the
wealthiest men in the game.

Despite worldwide acclaim and near super-hero status among Reds fans, Owen
has kept his feet firmly on the ground.

Not for Owen and fiancée Louise Bonsall the celebrity party circuit beloved
of the Beckhams.

Although he owns a luxury villa next to the Quinta do Lago golf course in
Portugal, he is still a firm fixture at the Hawarden golf club, where he
and Terry enjoy a few rounds of golf.

Owen's Grade II listed mansion, Lower Saughton Hall, where he and Louise
are raising their daughter Gemma Rose, is close to both sets of parents.

A star from the moment he first kicked a football

EVEN before Michael Owen burst on to the scene as a slender 17-year-old, he
was already being tipped for stardom.

Those who had watched him in youth and reserve team football had no doubt
he was something special. After all, anyone who beats Ian Rush's goals
record at school level has got to be one to watch.

A superbly-taken strike on his Premier League debut against Wimbledon on
May 6 1997 merely confirmed the fact to the rest of the nation.

That 2-1 defeat to the Dons killed off the Reds' title ambitions that
season, but the fans took solace in Owen's dynamic performance. They had
seen the future.

Every season since 1998 Owen has topped the Anfield scoring charts. A PFA
Young Player of the Year title was followed by the European Footballer of
the Year crown.

He scored on his European debut against Celtic in 1997 and went on to
overtake Rush as the club's most potent hitman in European competitions.

At the age of 18 years and 59 days he became the youngest player in the
20th century to wear an England shirt. Three months later he became his
country's youngest scorer. He has scored more goals for England than any
other Liverpool player, beating the record held by Anfield legend Roger Hunt.

He scored his 100th goal in all competitions against West Ham at Upton Park
in 2001 and notched up his Premiership century in style with a hat-trick at
West Brom in 2003.

For Owen and Liverpool FC alike, 2001 was a milestone year as the Reds
roared to a cup treble --powered by his goals. Two matches in particular
showcased his value.

There was his stunning two-goal display that saw off Roma in the Uefa Cup,
followed by the late brace that defeated Arsenal in the FA Cup final.

Owen has always been able to reproduce his club form at international level.

He has hit 26 goals from 50 starts. He made his debut against Chile in
February 1998, but had to wait three more matches for his first goal which
came in Morocco.

Two particular performances on the international stage stand out. His
stunning solo strike against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup turned him
into a global superstar.

Then came his hat-trick in the famous 5-1 demolition of Germany in their
own backyard in 2001.

Still only 24, Bobby Charlton's England scoring record of 49 goals is still
well within his grasp.


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[lfc-news] Owen accepts pay cut to seal £8m move - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 13 Aug 2004
Owen accepts pay cut to seal £8m move
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFAEL Benitez has confirmed Michael Owen's £8m transfer to real Madrid,
with midfielder Antonio Nunez heading to Liverpool.

Benitez said: "We must wait until the contracts are finished but Michael
will go for a medical and we will do the same with Nunez. Next week,
Michael will be with Madrid and Nunez here.

"The problem is he is one year from the end of his contract. Real know that
and they spoke to his agent.

"I spoke to Michael in private last week and he was happy. The problem is a
big club has come in and we had no control of the situation."

Now Benitez is desperately trying to push through the signing of Xabi
Alonso, especially since Patrick Vieira's move to Madrid has collapsed.

The Spanish giants have a long-term interest in Alonso and are preparing to
switch their interest back to the Real Sociedad midfielder.

Liverpool have agreed a £10.5m deal in principle to sign the 22-year-old
and will be hoping Madrid don't force him into a u-turn.

Under the terms of Owen's contract being rubber-stamped this afternoon,
he's been offered less than the Reds were prepared to offer in the deal
they tabled to the striker's representatives.

Madrid have agreed to pay Owen 80,000 euros a week, which translates to
around £56,000.

Had Owen stayed at Anfield, a two-year extension to his current terms would
have seen his salary extend beyond the £70,000 a week mark.

In addition, Madrid will take control of Owen's image rights which offer
lucrative profits in regions such as Asia.

These aspects of the deal confirm Owen's motivation for leaving is solely
for footballing rather than financial reasons.

The Owen saga has overshadowed preparations for the Premiership kickoff at
Spurs tomorrow.

Benitez's squads heads to London tonight, with Igor Biscan welcomed back to
the fold after his midweek suspension.


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Official Confirmation

The Official confirmation.

It seems (from Rafa's comments) that Owen engineered the move himself through his agents.

I think Michael will find it hard if he ever comes back to play at Anfield should this story turn out to be true.

Mike is on his bike.

He's off then. As expected.

He's always had his own mind on what he wants to do, he's always wanted to go abroad.

The frustration is that if he was as much of a lover of Liverpool as he always claimed, he'd have at least signed a 12-month extension to his current deal as soon as Benitez joined.

All kinds of stories are being spread around now, but however you look at it there's no denying that it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of a Liverpool fan.

Thanks for all you've done Michael, but I'm really disappointed you didn't feel you could join Stevie's lead and be loyal to the club for at least long enough to try and see whether Benitez was able to bring you the success you've craved.

Good luck.

[lfc-news] Cisse: Owen situation will not affect targets - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 12 Aug 2004
Owen situation will not affect targets
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

WHERE Steven Gerrard leads, others follow. And after being hauled in the
direction of the Champions League by his captivating captain in Austria
Djibril Cisse admits Liverpool cannot be derailed by the Michael Owen affair.

Two of the attractions that lured the £14million striker to Liverpool
turned into passing ships this week, European's elite competition homing
into view as the man with whom he'd hoped to form the most prolific
partnership in the Premiership looked set to disappear to Real Madrid.

Such is the extent of Owen's star quality that his non-appearance in the
third round qualifying victory over Grazer AK completely overshadowed
Rafael Benitez's first competitive game in charge, one worth £17m to
Liverpool and that could shape the course of their immediate future.

That result lifted Liverpool's spirits at a crucial stage of the summer,
although Cisse admits the squad are all still in the dark over the outcome
of Madrid's pursuit of Owen and the reasons why he was left seated at the
Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium on Tuesday.

"You can't be shocked by anything in football and I don't think I was,"
said Cisse. "I don't really know about other people's problems at the club.
All I can do is try and do my best when I'm given the chance.

"It's difficult for me to comment really - I've only just arrived at this
club, I'm still finding my feet and trying to make an impression, to make
my own place in the team, so I'm not really aware of the politics involved.

"I don't know why Michael didn't play, but I think Milan and I worked well
together.

"It's just a matter of us trying to do our best for the team whatever
happens but, as a partner-ship, we played well against Grazer so that is
encouraging.

"We gave our maximum, as I would whoever I played alongside.

"People may have thought when I signed that it was certain that the
front-line would be me and Michael but when you sign for a club,
particularly one like Liverpool, you cannot be sure of anything."

New on Merseyside and free of political intrigue Cisse may well be, but he
knows Owen will leave a huge void should he depart for Spain and that his
importance to the club cannot be underestimated. Afterall, it was one of
the reasons why he chose Liverpool himself.

Cisse added: "Of course Michael is a huge figure at this club. He is
synonymous with Liverpool and, of course, when I signed I knew he was here
and I was looking forward to playing with him.

"I haven't spoken to him about what's happening. We've heard the rumours
about his future but we don't know anything for certain. All we can do is
concentrate on doing our best for the team and for the club.

"We want to do as well as we can in the Premiership and to get as far as
possible in the Champions League. Who knows what we might achieve?"

Thanks to Gerrard's double in Austria Liverpool can at least begin dreaming
of Champions League adventures once again.

And aside from the obvious distractions surrounding his own competitive
debut for the club Cisse believes it was a faultless start.

"As my first match I thought it went well," he said.. "That was a big game
for us, a match we could not afford to lose, so to come home with a 2-0
away win under our belts is a great achievement. It's a good start.

"I suppose it couldn't have gone much better. Reaching the group stage is
so important for us and, though the job's not totally done, the win in
Austria could prove quite decisive. Now, if we get a good result at
Anfield, we will be there."

Like Benitez being left to handle all the questions over Owen's future,
Cisse finds himself in the awkward position of launching his Liverpool
career at the same time as a manager who didn't sanction his
record-breaking transfer.

But he admits: "The manager is quite a serious man, someone who knows what
he wants and how he wants it done. He has his ideas and he works tirelessly
to get us to put them into practice.

"He is a coach you have to respect. I've only really been used to Guy Roux
before so this is very different for me. But each coach has his own methods
and his own opinions. It is different, but it is good as well."


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[lfc-news] Reds confirm squad numbers - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 12 Aug 2004
REDS CONFIRM SQUAD NUMBERS
By Paul Eaton

Liverpool have confirmed their full squad list for the new Premiership
season which kicks off at Spurs this weekend.
The squad in full is:

1, Jerzy Dudek
2, Stephane Henchoz
3, Steve Finnan
4, Sami Hyypia
5, Milan Baros
6, John Arne Riise
7, Harry Kewell
8, Steven Gerrard
9, Djibril Cisse
10, Michael Owen
11, Vladimir Smicer
15, Salif Diao
16, Dietmar Hamann
17, Josemi
19, El Hadji Diouf
21, Djimi Traore
22, Chris Kirkland
23, Jamie Carragher
24, Florent Sinama Pongolle
25, Igor Biscan
26, Richie Partridge
28, Stephen Warnock
29, Patrice Luzi
32, John Welsh
33, Neil Mellor
34, Darren Potter
36, Jon Otsemobor
37, Zak Whitbread
40, Paul Harrison


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[lfc-news] Coventry still want Warnock - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 12 Aug 2004
COVENTRY STILL WANT WARNOCK
By Steve Hunter

Coventry City say they still want to try and sign Liverpool midfielder
Stephen Warnock, despite the Academy product being given a new lease of
life at Anfield under Rafael Benitez.
Sky Blues assistant manager Adrian Heath says his club have been in
constant contact with Liverpool to see if they would consider letting
Warnock go on loan again.

Warnock spent the entire last season on loan at Coventry City and was
awarded the supporters player of the year title.

However he returned to Anfield and promptly signed a new year deal and he
has been very much in Rafael Benitez's plans. Warnock made his Liverpool
debut as a substitute in the Champions League qualifying win over Grazer AK.

Heath said: "A lot of people will have seen Stephen go on for Liverpool on
Tuesday night so that's been a little bit of a blow to us.

"We were hoping to do something on that front, so maybe he's forced his way
into the plans at Liverpool. We have spoken to Liverpool on almost a daily
basis and I think Rick Parry is probably fed up of hearing the manager's voice."


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[lfc-news] Madrid coach says Owen decision already made - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 12 Aug 2004
Madrid coach says Owen decision already made
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

MICHAEL OWEN is expected to become a Real Madrid player in the next 48
hours - but the switch is likely to be a cash-only deal.

Asked about Owen following last night's Champions League victory in Poland,
Real coach Jose Antonio Camacho said: "I've heard that the decisions have
been made."

Sources in Spain say Liverpool demanded £18m for the striker but they may
have to settle for closer to £10m.

Reported makeweights Fernando Morientes and Samuel Eto'o both effectively
ruled themselves out of a switch to Anfield last night.

Morientes came off the bench to score twice against Wisla Krakow - and is
now cup-tied for the remainder of the Champions League programme.

And Camacho confirmed: "There are no plans relating to Morientes leaving
the club." African Player of the Year Eto'o, meanwhile, is convinced he is
heading to Barcelona.

In a letter published in the "Sport" newspaper yesterday, Eto'o said:
"Today I feel like a Barcelona player.

"For reasons that have nothing to do with me the deal has been delayed for
a few days, but don't worry because joining Barca is still my overwhelming
desire."

The Reds, meanwhile, are furious by reports and pictures claiming Owen had
been banished to train with the reserves yesterday.

An Anfield official said today: "It is rubbish to suggest he is some kind
of outcast.

"Everybody started yesterday's session at the same time, but the players
who played in Austria obviously finished a lot earlier than those who didn't.

" Because Michael didn't play in Graz, he carried on with the other players
who weren't involved which is when the pictures were taken over the Melwood
training ground wall.

"There was nothing sinister about it at all."

Owen's impending departure will finance a swoop for Real Sociedad
midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The 23-year-old was left out of last night's friendly against Basque rivals
Osasuna, fuelling speculation that the deal could be close to completion.

There was still no comment from Anfield on Steve Morgan's reported takeover
bid of the club.

Any such deal, however, would take five or six weeks to see through and
would have to be accepted at an EGM.


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[lfc-news] Gerrard interview - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 12 Aug 2004
Stevie says: I must do better!
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

STEVEN GERRARD showed once again on Tuesday night he is the inspirational
driving force behind Liverpool's trophy ambitions.

The Reds' skipper kicked off the new season exactly where he left off the
last with a stirring, match-winning performance.

But while the skipper's two-goal performance in Austria reminded supporters
of just how he carried the side throughout last season, he has set an
ambitious target for the new campaign.

He wants to play even better.

And he believes new boss Rafael Benitez can help him achieve that.

The Spaniard says he can improve aspects of Gerrard's game, but rather than
take offence, the player described by Sir Alex Ferguson as the best in his
position in Europe simply agreed.

"I spoke to the manager about my game and also about the team and he has
expressed to me that he would like me to improve my game in certain areas,"
said Gerrard.

"But that's expected from the manager. I think he has sat down with every
player and spoken to them individually.

"For a manager to come in and say my game is perfect and I have nothing to
learn would be totally wrong.

"I'm still 24 years of age, I have a lot of things to learn and I'm
confident I can still get better and have a better season than last year.

"I'm sure getting forward more will be part of that, but he has also told
me he wants me to be more tactically aware and to burst forward at the
right opportunities - not all the time.

"I think he just wants me to do my best for the team and I can guarantee
him that will happen.

"My main aim is to have a better season than last. Whether I'm a different
person after what went on in the summer, I don't know. We'll have to wait
and see!

"What I can assure is that I'm one hundred per cent focused on doing my job
for the team."

Benitez is still bedding in at Anfield, but the changes he has introduced
have already been noticeable.

Gerrard explained: "He wants to win football matches and he wants to be
successful very quickly. He hasn't put a timescale on things but he's
ambitious.

"He wants the players to have the right mentality and that's the one thing
I noticed straight away about him. He doesn't want individuals.

"He wants a bunch of boys who are all fighting for the same thing and that
means eating together and mixing together well off the pitch.

"I'm sure that will show on the pitch that we do have a good team spirit."

That spirit was fostered during a gruelling 10-day tour to the United States.

The Reds faced European champions Porto, Scottish champions Celtic and
Italian giants AS Roma in a three-centre trek which took in Connecticut,
Toronto and New York.

But Gerrard believes the travelling and the time away worked as a positive
force.

"It was a long tour to the States so it was a good chance for the new
manager and his coaches to get to know the players - and vice versa," he said..

"The training's gone really well. It's been tough, but the new staff have
settled in and we're really looking forward to the start of the season.

"It's not a hundred per cent different, but the manager has different ideas
from the staff who were here before and we're looking forward to putting
some of his tactics into use.

"We had 10 days to impress the manager in the States, there's a few more
days to go before the first game and I'm sure he's starting to get a few
ideas about what his strongest XI is going to be."

There is no doubt Gerrard will be the first name on that team-sheet, but
that might not have been the case but for a mid-summer change of heart.

Gerrard admits he was swayed by overtures from Chelsea during the summer -
and only a heart-to-heart with his closest family convinced him to stay.
"I'm more settled in my mind now," he explained.

"Obviously I was very confused in the summer and I seriously considered
moving on. But I'm glad with the decision I've made.

"Obviously time will tell whether that is the right decision. I want to win
trophies and hopefully I can do it here with Liverpool Football Club.

"The last three years haven't been very good so we need to put things right
straight away.

"This football club is about winning trophies and the sooner we win some
more, the better for me, but we don't really want to set targets for this
season.

"The manager has asked us to concentrate on the next game and not to set
targets."

Gerrard certainly hasn't set any personal targets, but he already finds
himself in the unusual position of leading the club's scoring charts ahead
of Saturday's Premiership opener at Spurs.

Even if traditional top scorer Michael Owen quits the club, though, the
presence of Euro 2004's Golden Boot winner, joined by £14m Djibril Cisse,
means that is likely to be short-lived.

Gerrard agrees: "The manager said recently that we had the best
strike-force in the Premiership and I'd go along with that.

"We have Michael Owen, Milan Baros, Djibril Cisse and Florent Sinama
Pongolle, who is a youngster who is looking very sharp in training and has
a very bright future.

"We have four very exciting forwards, all very quick who can all score
goals so I think we do have one of the best strike partnerships around in
the Premiership.

"Hopefully that will be proved this season.

"I've never kicked off a new season at quarter-to-one before. It will be
unusual but the boys are just steaming to get the season underway.

"Luckily enough we've had a competitive game before then so hopefully we'll
be a little bit sharper than Tottenham.

"We all have to improve on last season's performance individually and as a
team. Our position in the table will improve if we do that.

"The boys have a lot of digging to do to try and find that extra five or 10
per cent on last season and hopefully that will do the job.

"The fans always have expectations at Liverpool Football Club and so have
the players.

"We expect, at the start of every new season, for the fans to be up for it
and to look forward to good things hopefully we can deliver for them."


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[lfc-news] Bolton confirm Diouf interest - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 11 Aug 2004
BOLTON CONFIRM DIOUF INTEREST
By Paul Eaton

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has today confirmed he is hoping to take
out-of-favour Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf to the Reebok Stadium.
Diouf is free to look for another club after being told by Rafael Benitez
he won't be featuring in his plans this season, and Allardyce is hoping a
deal can be struck to secure the services of the Senegal star.

"We are talking to Liverpool about him," confirmed Allardyce. "The chairman
is doing that on our behalf, and I'll be talking to him at some stage to
see what the situation is.

"A change of club would benefit him because his future appears to be no
longer with Liverpool.

"Not getting a squad number means every intention has been shown by them
that he is no longer wanted. So to go and resurrect your career at 23 is a
very important thing to do, and it's very important to pick the right club.

"A club like ours can provide him with the opportunity and the service to
show his talents more than at Liverpool.

"There's genuine pace with Diouf. In any game in the Premiership, and in
particular in the front line, you have to have that. We've quick players,
but if you can find quicker players then so much the better."


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[lfc-news] Morgan poised to swoop - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 11 July 2004
Morgan poised to swoop
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

STEVE MORGAN may be poised to mount a new bid for control of Liverpool
after his offers to invest in the club earlier this summer were rebuffed.

The building magnate and lifelong fan was reportedly close to completing a
£75m takeover with chairman David Moores today.

But if Morgan has had a bid accepted it could be rubber-stamped at next
week's scheduled board meeting.

Any full takeover of Moores's shares, however, would have to be ratified at
an extraordinary general meeting.

A takeover would mean Moores standing down as chairman and Morgan creating
his own board.

The building tycoon tried to invest £73m into the club earlier this summer,
at the same time as the Thai government was planning to invest. But his
offer was thrown out for "undervaluing the club".


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[lfc-news] Murphy: Reds have lost all camaraderie - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 11 Aug 2004
Reds have lost all camaraderie - Murphy

DANNY MURPHY says he left Liverpool for Charlton because there is no longer
any "camaraderie" at cosmopolitan Anfield.

After signing for Charlton on the day the Addicks also bought ex-Everton
forward Francis Jeffers from Arsenal for £2.6million, 27-year-old Murphy
(left) claimed he was convinced Liverpool's decision to let their
home-grown stars depart Merseyside will severely threaten his old club's
long-term success.

Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman have both been allowed to go in recent
years, while Michael Owen may follow Murphy out of the Anfield revolving door.

Murphy, who won nine England caps during his time on Merseyside and made
249 appearances - scoring 44 goals - admits he sealed a £2.5million move to
Charlton because he wanted to play for an English manager again.

"If you are working at a club that has stability it gives you peace of
mind, and that is the case here," said Murphy..

"Liverpool has lost some camaraderie with more English players leaving. How
do you replace Fowler and (Neil) Ruddock? You can't.

"I wanted to come to a club that was not perhaps so cosmopolitan.

"I wanted to work under an English manager who I could have a crystal clear
relationship with. Alan Curbishley has the things I look for in a manager.

"As soon as I met the chairman and manager I could see they had a good
relationship, which is not all that common."

Murphy is adamant Charlton - who offloaded veteran Paolo di Canio on a free
transfer to Lazio on a hectic day yesterday - possess sufficient firepower
this season to challenge for a UEFA Cup spot.

"I know it is a step down from Liverpool but I wanted a different challenge
and I think it is achievable for us to get into Europe this year," he admitted..


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FW: I am very happy to start my Liverpool career with a win

-----Original Message-----
From: manager@liverpoolfc.tv [mailto:manager@liverpoolfc.tv]
Sent: 11 August 2004 14:37
To: Liverpool FC Fan List
Subject: I am very happy to start my Liverpool career with a win

Dear Liverpool supporter,

I am pleased with how we played against Graz. It was a difficult game and
the opening goal was so crucial. It settled things for us and it was very
important.

I am happy, I am always happy when my sides win. It was our first match and
they had already played four league games and are known as a strong,
pressing side. But we maintained good concentration which makes me very,
very happy.

Steven scored two fine goals and his first opened the game up for us. He
produced a very impressive performance. I am very happy to start my career
as Liverpool manager like that. We play to win every game and this was such
an important game for us.

Regards,

Rafael Benitez
Liverpool Manager

On his way?

Owen sitting out the Champions League Qualifier first leg last night

All the sports headlines are today dominated by speculation over Michael Owen's situation.

There are lots of rumours now that it's definately true his advisors are in talks with Real, but there are more rumours that he's not.

As with Gerrard earlier this mad summer, we'll know at some point.

[lfc-news] Owen out in the cold as Benitez eyes Morientes - Independent

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The Independent, 11 Aug 2004
Owen out in the cold as Benitez eyes Morientes
By Jason Burt

Never has a teamsheet been scoured so eagerly. Michael Owen was last night
omitted from the starting line-up for Liverpool's Champions' League
qualifier against AK Graz ­ which they won 2-0 with impressive ease ­ as
the end of his 13-year association with the Anfield club drew closer.

Asked about his decision not to select Owen or to bring him off the bench
in Austria, the Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez, said: "When I decide the
XI to start, it is because I have confidence in the players. We have four
good forwards, and I picked two of them."

When it was suggested to him that Liverpool fans would now expect Owen to
leave the club he responded: "We'll see." Asked specifically whether he
would like Owen to stay, he said cryptically: "I like always the best, the
good players."

Negotiations are under way for Owen to move to Real Madrid which could
involve either a straight £20m cash bid or, as is more likely, £10m plus a
player. Benitez is understood to be keen to sign the Real striker Fernando
Morientes who he tried to secure when he was Valencia coach.

Steven Gerrard, who scored twice to ease Liverpool's path to the group
stages last night, was as vague as his manager about Owen's future. "I'm
not sure what's going to happen with Michael," he said. "No one has said
anything to me, so as far as I'm concerned, he's still a Liverpool player."

The decision not to use Owen amounted to a calculated risk by Benitez, who
knew that if he fielded the 24-year-old at any stage he would be cup-tied
and any deal to sell him would fall through. However, if Liverpool's 2-0
lead is overturned it would cost them £16m in lost revenue ­ far more
damaging than losing the transfer cash for Owen. Benitez chose to use Salif
Diao, Darren Potter and Stephen Warnock as his three replacements instead.
Leaving Owen on the bench was also a typically defiant gesture by Benitez.

Barcelona have also expressed an interest in Owen although it is understood
he would prefer to move to Real ­ even though they have two "undroppable"
strikers in Raul and Ronaldo and the coach Jose Antonio Camacho has said he
does not want any more strikers.

If Morientes, who has been in good pre-season form, is omitted from Real's
squad for their match against Wisla Krakow tonight it would indicate that
he is also likely to move. Camacho had stated that he intended to use
Morientes who, while on loan last season, led Monaco to the European Cup final.

It is possible that there is still a certain amount of brinksmanship over
Owen's future and even though he was left out last night a highly-placed
Anfield source said that he still believed he might stay. Owen and his
advisers, SFX, have prevaricated over an extension to his contract and, it
is understood, Benitez has grown weary of the negotiations.

Last weekend Liverpool gave Owen an ultimatum and this has reactivated
interest from other clubs. Owen has 10 months left on his deal and has
already refused to sign a new four-year contract although Liverpool quickly
offered to compromise with a two-year extension, with a substantial
increase to his £60,000-a-week salary.

The club has painted itself into a corner by allowing Owen to run down his
contract and although he has maintained he will not leave on a free
transfer next summer, he remains in a strong bargaining position if the
interest from Real is real. Owen's father, Terry, did not travel to Austria
on Monday ­ he usually attends Liverpool's away games in Europe ­ and is
understood to have flown to Spain instead with his son's agent Tony
Stephens and other representatives from SFX.

To complicate matters further, and if Morientes is not released, Liverpool
would be interested in taking Samuel Eto'o in part-exchange for Owen. The
Cameroon striker, who plays for Real Mallorca, is partly owned by Real
Madrid. Barcelona have agreed terms with Eto'o, and were yesterday trying
to push that deal through, but Real Madrid are keen for him not to play for
another Spanish club. A move to Liverpool would suit them.

The links between the two clubs go further still. Just as Liverpool were
finalising the £2.5m sale of Danny Murphy to Charlton Athletic, they had a
near £11m bid for the Real Sociedad midfielder Xabi Alonso rejected. Alonso
has also been a target for Real Madrid, who have also had a bid rejected,
and he would prefer to stay in Spain. Alonso is seen as an alternative to
Patrick Vieira if, unexpectedly, that deal does not go through. But Vieira
is expected to sign when Real return from Poland tomorrow.

In refusing Liverpool's bid, Sociedad confirmed that Alonso was for sale.
"Liverpool representatives have been in San Sebastian where they met Real
Sociedad executives," the club said. "Liverpool showed their interest in
signing the player and the Spanish club expressed an interest in selling."

Liverpool's offer for Alonso is not thought to fall too far short of the
Spanish club's valuation.


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[lfc-news] Gerrard quiet over Owen - PA

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PA Sport, 10 Aug 2004
GERRARD QUIET OVER OWEN

Steven Gerrard had all the answers on the pitch but none off it when
quizzed after Liverpool's Champions League win at AK Graz on Tuesday about
his club and international team-mate Michael Owen's Anfield future.

England striker Owen's selection for bench duties only in the 2-0 final
qualifying round first-leg win in Austria increased speculation that he may
be on the verge of a big-money move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona.

A role as a non-playing substitute means Owen would not be cup-tied in
European competition should a high-flying continental club want to buy him
before the end of this month.

Rumours are therefore rife that Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez
deliberately kept his star striker out of the action in order to protect
his market value.

But neither the coach nor Gerrard - who scored both the Reds' goals - was
willing or able to shed any fresh light on the situation.

"No-one has said anything to me about Michael. We will have to wait and
see," Gerrard said.

Benitez was marginally less forthcoming on the subject, but both he and
Gerrard were able to reflect more openly on a victory which puts Liverpool
on course to reach the forthcoming group stage of the Champions League.

"It was a perfect result, but I would not say it was a perfect
performance," Gerrard conceded.

"We have to win these two legs, and this was an important game. But we used
it to get fit too. We have had a good run-out and kept a clean sheet, so we
are very happy."

Gerrard predicts much better to come, starting against Tottenham in the
first round of Barclays Premiership fixtures on Saturday, as Benitez gets
to know his new team.

"The manager asked us to play a bit deeper tonight because we did not know
much about their team," said the midfielder.

"I would not say we fired on all cylinders - but we will be raring to go
against Tottenham this weekend now."


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[lfc-news] Graz report - PA

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PA Sport, 10 Aug 2004
Graz AK 0 Liverpool 2

Two fine goals from Steven Gerrard sent Liverpool to the brink of the
Champions League group stages with a convincing third qualifying round
first leg victory in Austria.

With their chief goalscorer Michael Owen on the bench to avoid being
cup-tied with transfer fever in the air, up stepped Gerrard to grab two and
be denied a hat-trick when another shot was disallowed for a colleague's
infringement.

Liverpool should be able to complete the job at Anfield in a fortnight, but
whether Owen is still around by then is anyone's guess.

A stunning goal from Steven Gerrard put Liverpool ahead in the Arnold
Schwarzenegger stadium as the Anfield men sought to reach the group stages
of the Champions League.

Without Michael Owen - on the bench and therefore not cup-tied should a
transfer come his way - Gerrard led by example with a dominant midfield
display and a goal to match with a 30-yard shot.

Rafael Benitez gave £2million new boy Josemi his debut at right-back, with
Milan Baros partnering another new signing Djibril Cisse up front in place
of Owen.

Steve Finnan was asked to play on the right of midfield while Jamie
Carragher plays at centre-back and John Arne Riise at left-back.

The speculation over Owen, the sale of Danny Murphy and the loss of a dozen
players this summer from Liverpool's squad has given Benitez a crisis in
his very first game as manager.

And they face a side who have just won the Austrian double, are top of
their league again four games into the season, and believing they can catch
Liverpool when their match fitness and concentration are suspect.

And AK coach Walter Schachner was able to field his strongest team with
Roland Kollmann, the 27-goal top scorer from last term.

With Benitez urging and instructing from the edge of his technical area
from the first seconds, Liverpool pressed forward with confidence and
possession with Josemi and Cisse instantly into the action.

Liverpool won a string of free-kicks for somewhat wild challenges and from
a third minute set piece, they almost took the lead.

Finnan curled the ball into the box and Sami Hyypia rose highest to send a
towering header goalwards that Andreas Schranz spectacularly tipped over
the bar.

On 13 minutes Liverpool should have taken the lead when a fine piece of
inter-play ended with Steven Gerrard's instant through ball that sent Baros
clear.

Defenders were closing but the Czech hitman - who made such a habit of
scoring from positions like this in Euro 2004 - saw his low shot saved by
Schranz's legs.

That was a break in what was becoming increasing possession for the
Austrians, as they sought to get the ball into space for Kollmann, who was
being marshalled by Carragher.

Diving and free-kicks were plentiful, with both Josemi and Harry Kewell
harshly penalised, but it sought to give Graz more of the play and
dangerous set piece positions.

And there was another echo of Portugal on 19 minutes when a poor back pass
from Gerrard almost let in Kollmann, who was ushered far enough to his left
for the final shot to slice wide of the post.

But on 23 minutes Liverpool did take the lead with a sensational goal from
Gerrard. Kewell had worked a position out on the left and laid the ball
back across the area into the captain's stride 30 yards out.

Gerrard hit the ball perfectly, and it crashed high into the top corner
with Schranz beaten.

Four minutes later it could have been two. Finnan's ball put Baros into a
dangerous position on the right, he spun away from his marker and drilled a
low ball to the far post where Cisse was fractionally late arriving, and
the ball skidded away to safety.

Dietmar Hamann saw a shot deflected wide from Cisse's lay-off with
Liverpool looking to take a significant lead.

And Baros was next to almost find the net, arriving on the far post from a
Finnan corner to head over from Cisse's flick.

Such was the obvious lack of involvement for Owen, that on 36 minutes when
Baros went down with a back injury, it was Florent Sinama-Pongolle who was
summoned from the subs' bench to warm up.

Baros made a recovery and was involved instantly with Kewell on the left to
set up Cisse with another low ball, but again the Frenchman could not get
there in time.

Graz had Mario Tokic cautioned for dissent after some tame pushing and
shoving at a free-kick, and Hamann was soon into the book too for a foul on
Rene Aufhauser.

Cisse wasted another good opening when he ran clear to drive a low shot
into the diving body of Schranz.

Liverpool were spinning the ball around with growing confidence, while Graz
had barely had a shot to test Jerzy Dudek.

But another goal was vital if the Reds were to be sure they would not live
to regret wastefulness in front of goal.

That danger was clear when Kollmann rose to send a left wing cross looping
over, and Benitez's frustration at poor final passes and lack of quick
thinking by his front men meant more wasted opportunities.

Baros, from another good Finnan corner, forced Schranz into a flying save
as Liverpool continued to drive home their obvious advantage.

Gerrard's far post header from Carragher's long ball fitted into the
constant pattern of missed chances.

On 67 minutes they thought they had got a second, another cracker from
Gerrard from outside the box.

But French referee Alain Sars penalised Cisse in the build-up as he tried a
bicycle kick that missed ball and man, but it appeared that the decision
may actually have been for offside rather than dangerous play.

What was clear was that Cisse and Baros, for all their pace, were not
clicking and the final ball into the Frenchman was not accurate enough.

And Baros was withdrawn to send on another midfielder, Salif Diao, after 72
minutes.

The Austrians had already sent on Mario Bazina and Gernot Sick to try to
liven things up.

Finally Liverpool did get their second on 80 minutes.

Gerrard broke swiftly from defence and this time the ball for Cisse was
perfect as he surged away down the left.

He cut in, and pushed a pass to Kewell who spun to find Gerrard now
unmarked on the right having run fully 80 yards to reach a position to
drill a low shot into the bottom corner.

Benitez could relax and put on Stephen Warnock for Gerrard, with Liverpool
now firmly in control.

Another youngster, Darren Potter, then replaced Finnan with five minutes to go.

Graz AK: Scheuer, Tokic, Ehmann, Ramusch, Standfest, Muratovic (Pirker 81),
Skoro (Bazina 62), Amerhauser, Pogatetz, Aufhauser (Sick 72), Kollmann
Subs not used: Almer, D, Majstorovic, Plassnegger
Booked: Tokic, Sick

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan (Potter 85), Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Kewell,
Gerrard (Warnock 80), Hamann, Josemi, Cisse, Baros (Diao 73)
Subs not used: Kirkland, Henchoz, Owen, Sinama Pongolle
Booked: Hamann
Goals: Gerrard 23, 79

Att: 15,000
Referee: Alain Sars (France)


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[lfc-news] Murphy signs for Charlton - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 10 Aug 2004
MURPHY COMPLETES CHARLTON SWITCH
Steve Hunter in Graz

Danny Murphy has completed his £2.5 million move to fellow Premiership club
Charlton Athletic ending a seven year association with Liverpool.
Murphy becomes the second player to leave Anfield permanently this summer
after Markus Babbel's departure to Germany.

Murphy was signed for Liverpool by Roy Evans from Crewe Alexandra for 2.5
million in 1997 and after 249 appearances for the Reds scoring 44 goals
departs for pasteurs new with Charlton.

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley, speaking on the Addicks official website
said: "Danny is a player we have been tracking for some time, but he only
became available last week.

"We moved in straight away and, although he was publicly linked with other
clubs, we were always confident we would sign Danny. The fact he has chosen
to come here over a number of other Premiership clubs is an endorsement of
what we are trying to achieve at Charlton.

"I also believe the fact that Charlton have signed an England international
from one of this country's biggest clubs shows our tactics in the transfer
market are paying off.

"We have remained patient and stayed focused on bringing in the type and
quality of player we have always felt we needed."

Danny Murphy fact-file

1977: Danny Murphy is born in Chester on March 18th 1977.

December 1993: Murphy progresses through Dario Gradi's famous Crewe
Alexandra youth system to make his league debut, as a substitute against
Colchester, at the tender age of 16.

January 1994: The following month he makes his full league debut against
Scarborough. Murphy had previously netted his first goal for Crewe as a
substitute in the 4-3 win over Preston.

January 1996: Murphy marks his 100th game for the Railwaymen with a goal
against Shrewsbury Town.

May 1997: Murphy's Crewe are promoted to the First Division via the
play-offs with a 1-0 Wembley victory over Brentford.

June 1997: Murphy stars alongside his soon-to-be team-mates Michael Owen
and Jamie Carragher in the World Youth Championships in Malaysia. Murphy
hits the headlines with a superb hat-trick against UAE.

July 1997: Liverpool complete the signing of Murphy from Crewe for £2m.

August 1997: Murphy makes his debut for Liverpool in a 1-1 draw against
Wimbledon at Selhurst Park.

September 1997: Murphy makes his England under-21 debut against Moldova in
a 1-0 victory at Wycombe.

April 1998: Injury-hit Liverpool travel to title chasing Manchester United
with Murphy thrust in to the spotlight alongside Michael Owen in attack.
Following Owen's first half dismissal, Murphy is forced to lead the line
and turns in a man of the match display as the Reds hold on for a 1-1 draw

February 1999: Murphy's Anfield career looks to be on the rocks as Gerard
Houllier sends the youngster back to Crewe on loan. After making just one
appearance all season for the Reds he knuckles down at Crewe, playing 16
games and an important role in helping Alex avoid relegation.

July 1999: Murphy returns to Anfield with renewed motivation and purpose
and scores in the Reds' first pre-season fixture against a German select XI.

November 1999: Murphy's determination and hard work is rewarded with his
first Premiership start of the season against Sunderland.

February 2000: Murphy comes off the bench to seal a 3-1 win over Leeds at
Anfield with a fantastic 25-yard drive.

December 2000: Murphy scores with a beautiful curling free-kick to give
Liverpool their first win at Old Trafford in ten years.

January 2001: Murphy suffers a twisted knee, which forces him off in the FA
Cup 4th Round victory over Leeds.

March 2001: Injury forces Murphy to unfortunately miss the Worthington Cup
final against Birmingham at the Millennium stadium.

March 2001: After the glory of scoring the winner at Old Trafford, Murphy
is sent-off for two bookable offences in the return fixture at Anfield but
the Reds still run out 2-0 winners.

May 2001: After playing in the FA Cup and UEFA Cup final triumphs, Murphy
nets a crucial second goal at the Valley as Liverpool earn Champions League
qualification with a 4-0 win over Charlton.

September 2001: Murphy receives a call-up to the full England squad for the
World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Albania.

November 2001: Murphy makes his England debut as a second-half substitute
in the game against Sweden at Old Trafford

January 2002: Following a poor personal and team display against
Southampton at Anfield, the Anfield crowd vent their frustration on Murphy
who is jeered when substituted.

January 2002: Amazingly, Murphy repeats his feat of the previous season by
scoring the winner at Old Trafford again, defying his critics. With just 6
minutes remaining on the clock a magnificent through ball from Steven
Gerrard picks out Murphy's darting run, who lifts the ball over Fabien
Barthez. Liverpool hold on to win 1-0.

April 2002: Murphy scores his first goal for England in the 4-0 friendly
win over Paraguay at Anfield.

May 2002: Murphy is named as a stand-by for the England 2002 World Cup
squad. An injury to club-mate Steven Gerrard sees Murphy promoted to the
full squad, but he is then forced to withdraw after breaking a bone in his
foot.

December 2002: Murphy scores a dramatic late winner in the 4-3 Worthington
Cup victory against Aston Villa at Villa Park. With the match poised for
extra-time, Murphy slams home Steven Gerrard's pullback to put the Reds
through.

April 2003: Murphy scores Liverpool's goal of the season, a beautiful
curling effort from 30 yards – the winner in the Merseyside derby at
Goodison Park.

May 2003: Visitors to Liverpoolfc.tv vote Danny Murphy the club's player of
the season.

April 2004: Murphy, unbelievably, scores the winning goal for Liverpool
against Manchester United at Old Trafford for a third time, netting from
the penalty spot in a crucial 1-0 win.

August 2004: After figuring in every game of the club's pre-season tour of
North America Murphy is told by new boss Rafael Benitez that he's surplus
to requirements at Anfield and after a possible move to Tottenham broke
down he finally completes a switch to Charlton Athletic.

Liverpoolfc.tv would like to wish Danny all the very best for the future at
Charlton. The goals against Manchester United and Everton will not be forgotten.


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Liverpool bid for Xabi Alonso (update)

Real Sociedad have actually only confirmed that they have received a bid from Liverpool for Xabi Alonso (above).

Liverpool bid for Xabi Alonso

Real Sociedad have confirmed that they have accepted a bid from Liverpool for Xabi Alonso.

More (including correct spellings) as we get it.

Murphy joins Charlton.

Danny Murphy has joined Charlton Athletic on a four-year contract for a fee reported to be £2.5million.

More news as we get it.

[lfc-news] Reserves lose to City - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 9 Aug 2004
RESERVES LOSE TO CITY
By Steve Hunter in Graz

Liverpool Reserves crashed to defeat in their opening match of the season
when they went down 1-0 to Manchester City at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground.
Igor Biscan was the star name on show in the Liverpool side and can be
pleased with another decent display in the centre of midfield alongside
captain John Welsh.

Hughie McAuley's side had their moments in the game but lacked the final
ball to open up the City defence who had Casper Schmeichel, son of Danish
legend Peter, in goal.

Reds reserve boss Hughie McAuley said: "We had a young team out and I
thought we did okay without really hurting City.

"We passed the ball well at times and Igor and John Welsh worked ever so
hard in midfield but unfortunately we let ourselves down at times in the
final third of the field.

"I thought James Smith and Danny O'Donell from the Academy did well as a
centre half pairing and Igor Biscan once again had a good game.

"John Welsh worked hard and gave an energetic display and showed a good
attitude. His time will come again if he keeps working hard and showing the
desire that is needed."

McAuley also revealed that Republic of Ireland Under-21 international
winger Richie Partridge is close to fitness after his serious injury and
could play a part in the reserves away match at Middlesbrough which has
been switched to next Wednesday night. Striker Neil Mellor is also
recovering well from his knee problem and should be ready for a match again
in around two week's time.

Liverpool Reserves v Manchester Citz: Luzi, Otsemobor, Butler (Lee
Peltier), James Smith, Biscan, O'Donnell, Guthrie, Welsh, Smyth, Platt
(Wilkie), Foy. Subs: Harrison, Danny Smith.


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[lfc-news] Murphy Tottenham talks break down - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 9 Aug 2004
MURPHY TOTTENHAM TALKS BREAK DOWN
By Mark Platt

Danny Murphy's proposed move to Tottenham Hotspur has collapsed after the
White Hart Lane club confirmed they could not guarantee the Liverpool
midfielder first team football.
A statement on the Spurs official website says: "We have now withdrawn from
these negotiations following a meeting with the player.

"We acknowledge that a guaranteed first team place was a deciding factor in
his decision and wish him well."


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[lfc-news] Complacency will be our downfall, warns Benitez - Telegraph

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Daily Telegraph, 10 Aug 2004
Complacency will be our downfall, warns Benitez
By William Johnson in Graz

Liverpool will be on their guard against rustiness and complacency here
tonight when they enter the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium with their hopes
of taking a share of Champions League riches in the balance.

The Merseysiders would have preferred at least one competitive domestic
fixture before taking on Austrian double winners AK Graz in the final
qualifying round of Europe's premier competition.

Mindful of Newcastle United's costly failure to overcome Partizan Belgrade
at the corresponding stage a year ago - Sir Bobby Robson's team were
consigned to the UEFA Cup after a penalty shoot-out - the team now managed
by Spaniard Rafael Benitez intend to be totally focused on ensuring that
they return to Anfield in a fortnight with the two-legged tie in their grasp.

Steven Gerrard, Liverpool's inspirational captain who is hoping to shrug
off a nagging thigh injury to lead the team tonight, summed up the mood in
the squad who arrived in Austria yesterday afternoon.

"The most important thing is that we go into the game with a lot of respect
and don't underestimate them," said the England midfielder, who sustained
his injury on the recent tour of the United States.

"There's a big lesson for us to learn from what happened to Newcastle last
season. I'm sure they went into their games expecting to come through and
maybe underestimated the opposition. I can assure you that won't happen to us."

Gerrard regarded it as "a bit strange" to be starting the new season with a
European engagement but said: "The manager has done his homework about them
and says they're not a team that can be taken lightly following the season
they had last year."

Benitez, who expressed confidence that Gerrard would prove his fitness this
morning, went as far as to describe Graz, who are the early leaders of the
Austrian League after winning three of their opening four matches, as
"dangerous" opponents.

"I have seen two videos and talked with our scouts about them," said
Benitez, fresh from his exploits at Valencia, where he won the Spanish
League twice in three years and the UEFA Cup last season.

"They have 10 internationals and they won the double. For me, they are a
danger team. They are strong in the air, good defensively and they win a
lot of games.

"My other concern as we face what will be aggressive opponents is that we
don't have the pace of competitive football as yet."

Benitez believes that being drawn against Liverpool with a Champions League
group place at stake will motivate Graz more than his own team. "If we
don't concentrate we will be in trouble."

He chose not to select Danny Murphy in his travelling squad after accepting
a bid in the region of £3 million for the England midfielder but he decided
that Michael Owen would travel despite suggestions that the striker is in
discussions regarding a transfer to Real Madrid.

"Michael is a player I can use if I want to for this game," said Benitez,
aware that Owen would be cup-tied for the rest of the European season if he
plays tonight. If the manager chooses to maximise the £10 million-plus fee
he could command for Owen, Milan Baros is the likely partner up front for
new, £14 million signing Djibril Cisse.

Regarding Murphy, whose availability has brought opposition to Spurs for
his signature, Benitez said: "It's not a risk to leave him behind.

"I have a team in my mind for this qualifying game. I know I don't have a
lot of players at my disposal now, but we have enough players in the key
areas. We have the players I need in each position, and that's important."

Benitez admits to being enthralled at the dawning of a new chapter in his
impressive career. Looking forward to his first competitive match as Gerard
Houllier's successor, he enthused: "It's exciting, but if I'm too excited I
can't see straight.

"I need to keep my mind clear and control what's going on. I enjoy my days
and my work here with Liverpool."

AK Graz (probable): Schranz; Standfest, Tokic, Ehmann, Pogatez; Ramusch,
Muratovic, Aufhauser, Amerhauser; Skoro, Kollmann.

Liverpool (possible): Dudek; Josemi, Henchoz, Hyypia, Carragher; Finnan,
Gerrard, Hamann, Kewell; Cisse, Owen or Baros.

Referee: A Sars (France).


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Murphy not going to Spurs.

According to various sources, the Tottenham website one of them, Danny Murphy is now not going to join Spurs. The Spurs website says it's because he's demanded a guaranteed first-team place.

From what we've heard elsewhere, he doesn't fancy a move to London, which also rules out Charlton, and isn't keen on Everton (who is?).

It now remains to be seen whether any other clubs come in for him at this late stage. His valuation of (reportedly) 2.5 million is quite reasonable for an England international. It's a question of whether any clubs now have funds ready. Don't rule out a move to Celtic for him, and Blackburn's boss Sounness is an admirer.

NEW MYSTERY OVER OWEN FUTURE

NEW MYSTERY OVER OWEN FUTURE: Sporting Life - Football | Premiership, Championship, Scottish & European News, Scores, Results

Although the above link is to Sporting Life, it is now all over the news. Owen is allegedly wanted by Barcelona and Real Madrid.

In fact in the last 15 minutes it seems it's now only Real that are interested. The sticking point seems to be that LFC want him to sign before the game tomorrow in the Champions League, as if he plays tomorrow he is cup-tied.

I'm sure one day a book will come out telling us what's really going on, but we'll see.

[lfc-news] Sacrificial Dan's untimely closure - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 9 Aug 2004
Sacrificial Dan's untimely closure
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

WITH the kind of cruel timing so common in football, Danny Murphy spoke at
Liverpool's media day last Thursday about his hopes for his Anfield future.

Just 24 hours later, Rafael Benitez told him he didn't have one.

It was a ruthlessly expedient decision, and one which will be seen by the
supporters as a sacrifice.

A player's player - in other words someone prepared to graft as well as
craft - he was more than capable of delighting the fans with matchwinners
at the grounds where Liverpool fans celebrate away-goals most wildly . . .
Goodison Park and Old Trafford.

Strangely, his Anfield career had just seemed to be on an upturn again.

After being left out by Gerard Houllier for long periods of last season, it
seems an appeal by some of his influential team-mates helped restore him to
the starting line-up. Results instantly improved.

This summer he was one of the first names singled out by Rafael Benitez at
the press conference to announce his appointment as manager, then picked
out for praise again in the pre-season friendly at Wrexham.

It seems Benitez's craving for the capture of Real Sociedad midfielder Xabi
Alonso has forced him into a necessary sacrifice.

Murphy was widely regarded as the club's most consistent player during the
2002/03 season - when he scored 12 goals.

Signed by Roy Evans from Crewe Alexandra for £2m in 1997, he was loaned
back to Gresty Road at the end of the 1998/99 campaign.

His response was admirable - and in November 2001 he became an England
international when he figured against Sweden at Old Trafford.

Predictably there are no shortage of suitors for his talents now he is
available.

Jamie Redknapp is trying to convince him to join Spurs, Charlton would like
him to join their upwardly mobile march - while Everton boss David Moyes
would love to take him across Stanley Park, but appears unlikely to be able
to finance the deal.

Ultimately, Murphy's words last Thursday will read like an Anfield epitaph.

"By the time I get to the end of the season I'll probably know whether the
manager fancies me and whether they're going to offer me a new contract or
not," he said.

"You've got to perform to keep your contract going and to stay at
Liverpool, which is definitely where I want to be.

"For me and the rest of the players, you're just working hard to stay here
because you want to be a part of Liverpool Football Club.

"No disrespect to any other clubs, but, if you're going to move, it's going
to be to a lesser club, which means that your chances of winning silverware
diminish.

You fight tooth and nail to stay here."

Sadly for Murphy, the decision has been taken out of his hands.


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