Liverpool 2 Manchester City 1

Liverpool came back from a Nicholas Anelka goal scored just before half time to win the game 2-1. Milan Baros got the equaliser with captain Steven Gerrard scoring the winner. More reports to follow...

[lfc-news] Under-18s face the Eagles - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 20 Aug 2004
UNDER-18S FACE THE EAGLES
By Steve Hunter

A new look Liverpool youth side will be in action on Saturday morning when
John Owens Under-18s host Crystal Palace at the Academy.
The 2004/05 season brings a new format for Academy football as the Under-17
and Under-19 teams are replaced by just one competitive team as the Under-18s.

John Owens, who previously managed the Under-19 team for two years, is the
man in charge of the Under-18s. He is also helping out Hughie McAuley
assisting the reserves this season.

Former Under-17 manager Dave Shannon is now in charge of the Under-16 team
who play in a non-competitive league.

Explaining the new format Owens told Liverpoolfc.tv: "In the past we had
full-time sixth formers playing in a competitive league at Under-17 and
Under-19 level.

"What they have done now is change to just one Under-18 side but have
allowed three outfield Under-19 players plus a goalkeeper. It means you can
have more than three outfield Under-19 players in your squad but for
instance if you wanted to bring an Under-19 player on as a substitute, you
would have to take one of the three Under-19 players off. You can't bring
on an Under-19 for an Under-18. What it means is clubs will take on fewer
players generally as scholars.

"I think the main reason for it, and it's not the decision of coaches or
people like myself but it's the chairman. Not necessarily our chairman, but
each top flight club chairman had a meeting and agreed to reduce the number
of players coming through.

"For many clubs it's a cost cutting exercise and means they can spend more
money on first team players etc.

"From our squad this season we will have a few involved with the reserves,
so at times they will need to rest from the Saturday Academy games. But we
will be looking for all the players to do well and improve over the season.

"We should be putting out a good display each week. There are problems and
issues to work on and that is why we are here. None of them are the
finished article, so both team-wise and individually there is a lot for
them to learn other than just skills and understanding of the game."

Owens believes the appointment of Rafael Benitez as Liverpool manager has
been a boost for the Academy, after seeing graduates Stephen Warnock and
Darren Potter making their debuts in the Spaniard's first competitive game
in charge in the Champions League against AK Graz.

Owens said: "That is a great boost. It is the kind of thing we have needed
to show the lads who are still at the Academy that the route is open."

Liverpool Under-18 squad 2004/05: Under-19 players: Paul Willis (GK),
Daniel O'Donnell, James Smith, Ryan Wilkie. Under-18 players: Paul
Lancaster (GK), Callum Woods, Danny Smith, Mark Roberts, Lee Peltier, Adam
Hitchen, Danny Guthrie, John-Paul Kelly, Phil Townley, Karl Noon, Conal
Platt. Under-17 players: James Frayne, Adam Hammill, Jordan Holmes, Francis
Smith.

Kick-off for the opening match of the season against Crystal Palace at the
Academy in Kirkby is 11am.


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[lfc-news] Stephen Warnock interview - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 20 Aug 2004
LIVERPOOL V MAN CITY: STEPHEN WARNOCK INTERVIEW
By Paul Eaton

Stephen Warnock reflects on his Premiership debut last weekend and looks
forward to Saturday's Anfield opener with Manchester City.
Stephen Warnock

~ Liverpoolfc.tv: Stephen, how thrilled are you to have made your Liverpool
debut?

Stephen Warnock: It's been a long time coming. I've had a lot of injuries
and been away on loan a lot so to finally play here for the first team was
great.
I wasn't nervous at all because I've been away to America with the lads,
trained with them every day and played in big pre-season matches against
Celtic, Porto and Roma. There will probably be more nerves if I play at
Anfield this weekend but I'm confident in my ability to do well.

~ How do you feel your Premiership debut went at Spurs last week?

I think I did okay. I kept the ball well. It's hard to come on at 1-1 when
people don't really know what you can do. Maybe they weren't expecting a
lot from me because they don't know much about me. Overall though I think I
did well.

~ Were you surprised to finally be given a chance?

Yes. I thought that with there being a new manager there would be a chance
of me getting into the squad a bit more this season but to play first team
football is more than I could have expected really. It's come as a big
bonus to me. Had the previous manager stayed the situation may not have
changed for me.

~ What's your favourite position on the field?

Left back or left midfield at the moment. I'm comfortable with both. Some
players move around the field a lot and it's hard for them when they're not
used to a particular position but because I know where my best position is
I am confident I can match up to any challenge that's given to me in this
league.

~ What's the mood in the camp like ahead of the Man City game?

I think we're quietly confident. We've changed our style of play since last
season and the lads are becoming more and more confident and more
comfortable with what the manager wants from us.It's important we get off
to a good start at home this season and make Anfield a fortress again.

~ What are your personal ambitions for the rest of the season?

I'm not looking at the season as a whole at the moment. I'm just looking at
the next squad and the next game. I'm just going to keep training as hard
as I can and look forward to the next match. If I look too far ahead then I
may start asking too much of myself.


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[lfc-news] Liverpool v Man City team news - PA

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PA Sport, 20 Aug 2004
REDS DUO MAKE ANFIELD DEBUTS

New Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez makes his bow at Anfield against
Manchester City, and is likely to name an unchanged side from the one that
drew at Spurs last weekend in their Barclays Premiership opener.

Spanish full-back Josemi and French striker Djibril Cisse will both make
their Anfield debuts.

But new signing Antonio Nunez has been denied his chance to impress
following his midweek knee injury that has ruled him out for a month.

Chris Kirkland has picked up a back injury and will be out for at least a
week. Paul Harrison wil take his place on the bench.

New signings Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia will not play.

City defender Ben Thatcher believes his side have a new defensive resolve
this season.

Manager Kevin Keegan has a reputation for putting emphasis on attacking -
but his summer arrival insists the defenders are just as important.

"I have seen enough quality on the training ground on a day-to-day basis to
know that we can live with anyone," said Thatcher.

"But to do that we have to gel properly and get the defensive side right.
Going forward is not a problem - I am sure the goals will always be there -
but it is just a matter of whether we can shore up at the back and erase
silly mistakes."

Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan will be without Steve McManaman and
Paulo Wanchope for Saturday's game.

McManaman sustained an ankle injury in training this week and will be
sidelined for the next 10 days, also ruling him out of next week's matches
against Charlton and Birmingham.

Wanchope, meanwhile, has not returned from international duty with Costa
Rica, although Keegan had anticipated that would not be the case.

Teams

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

Manchester City (from): James, Thatcher, Distin, Reyna, Fowler, Sibierski,
Macken, Jihai, Mills, Dunne, Barton, Bosvelt, Sinclair, Wright-Phillips,
Anelka, Jordan, Flood, Ellegaard.


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[lfc-news] Reds sign Alonso and Garcia - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 20 Aug 2004
REDS SIGN ALONSO AND GARCIA
By Paul Eaton

Liverpool have announced the signings of Spanish duo Xabi Alonso from Real
Sociedad and Luis Garcia from Barcelona.
Both players signed in at Anfield today after successfully completing
medicals. They have each signed a five year contract.

Neither player will be involved against Manchester City tomorrow or against
AK Graz on Tuesday.

Benitez said about Garcia: "He is a skilful player with a lot of talent and
an attacking mentality."

"He can play on the right or left side or just off the striker. Last season
he scored seven goals for Barcelona and he has always scored goals wherever
he has been.

"He played for me at Tenerife on the left wing and scored 16 goals. He
comes here as a player the manager knows very well.

"He will give us more possibilities in attack and it's important to have
that kind of player at Liverpool. He is a different player to what we have
at the moment.

"Barcelona didn't want him to come here but we paid the money needed for
his buy-out clause and when that happens the club cannot say no if the
player says yes."


Garcia has been allocated squad number 10 at Anfield while Alonso will wear
the number 14 shirt.


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Liverpool's oldest ever signing?

Liverpool Complete Garcia Swoop

Yahoo%21 Sport - Liverpool Complete Garcia Swoop

Seems Liverpool are buying half of Spain. Another one on his way? Also today, reports on the official sites that Xabi Alonso is having a medical prior to signing for the Reds.

Here's the Garcia story...

Barcelona claim they have sold forward Luis Garcia to Liverpool for £6million, subject to a medical.

Advertisement
Barca's sporting director Txiki Begiristain expects the deal will be completed on Friday.

"I am happy for him because he is on the verge of signing for a big club," Begiristain told www.fcbarcelona.com.

Should the fine details of the move be resolved, Luis Garcia will join compatriots Josemi and Antonio Nunez at the Merseyside club, with Xabi Alonso also expected to join from Real Sociedad.

Begiristain continued: "The agreement between the two clubs is practically done. Liverpool will pay the buy-out clause of nine million euros.

"We didn't know if Luis Garcia was going to perform the same way this season as he did last time, but I congratulate him (on the move)."

Xabi Alonso's move to Anfield is not yet complete, but that did not stop the player revealing his desire to work with Reds boss Rafael Benitez, who led Valencia to the Primera Liga title and UEFA Cup glory last season.

"This is a new opportunity and experience for me and I am delighted to be going into a club with a lot of history and a great present," Alonso said.

"It is difficult to leave La Liga and Real Sociedad but it was Rafael Benitez who helped me decide to join Liverpool. I am happy about him being at the club. That helped me to go there."

DIOUF RULED OUT OF REDS REUNION

A common-sense ruling from the FA. This should go without saying really! From the official site:

DIOUF RULED OUT OF REDS REUNION: "DIOUF RULED OUT OF REDS REUNION

Paul Eaton 20 August 2004

El Hadji Diouf won't be able to play for Bolton Wanderers against Liverpool next weekend.

The Senegal star has completed a loan move to the Reebok Stadium but a new directive from the FA will prevent him facing his former team-mates when Bolton meet the Reds a week on Sunday. Bolton boss Sam Allardyce explained, "There's a new ruling that any player loaned in the Premiership cannot play against the club from which they've arrived. It's not a club decision anymore. It's a Premier League ruling."

[lfc-news] Rafa: We may sign another player - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 19 Aug 2004
RAFA: WE MAY SIGN ANOTHER PLAYER
By Paul Eaton

Rafael Benitez hasn't ruled out the possibility of bringing another new
face to Anfield before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
The Liverpool manager, who expects to complete the signing of Xabi Alonso
before the end of the week, insists he's happy with the depth in his squad
at present but that doesn't mean he won't be interested if the right player
becomes available.

He said: "Perhaps we can find another player, but it depends on our team
and whether I think they are good for us.

"I am happy with the team and the squad now, but if it is possible to sign
good players then I am interested. The top clubs are always interested in
good players. But I don't have any special area in the team that I think
needs strengthening."

With only Djibril Cisse, Milan Baros and Florent Sinama Pongolle to choose
from in his forward line at Anfield, the question on all Liverpool fans'
minds is whether the boss is keen to bring in a new striker to replace
Michael Owen.

"Bringing in new strikers is always difficult because they are always
expensive," said the boss. "We have three forwards and it will depend on
how they do.

"Sometimes you might think you need a new forward and then the ones you
have score two or three goals and you think 'I'll wait'."


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[lfc-news] Nunez out for a month - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 19 Aug 2004
NUNEZ OUT FOR A MONTH
By Paul Eaton

Liverpool will be without Antonio Nunez for up to four weeks after a scan
showed he has sustained medial ligament damage to his left knee.
Nunez picked up the injury in training yesterday just hours after being
officially unveiled as a Liverpool player.

An x-ray immediately ruled out a fracture to the knee, but Nunez underwent
a scan today which showed he has partially torn his medial ligament.

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said: "We expect the player will be out of
action for four weeks."


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[lfc-news] Alonso flies in for Reds medical - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 19 Aug 2004
Alonso flies in for Reds medical
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

XABI ALONSO was heading to Merseyside today to undergo a medical ahead of
his £10.7m move from Real Sociedad.

Liverpool face a race against time to complete the deal in time for the
midfielder to be eligible to face Manchester City. Alonso will have to
complete his medical, and sign and receive international clearance before
noon tomorrow to make his debut at Anfield.

That's unlikely and the trip to Bolton is now a more realistic target, but
Rafael Benitez will be delighted to secure the services of one of Spain's
hottest properties.

Alonso will be hoping for better luck than his compatriot Antonio Nunez
whose first day's training ended in agony yesterday.

A light practice session hours before his planned debut for Liverpool
reserves was brought to an abrupt end when he twisted his knee.

An immediate x-ray revealed there's been no fracture on the knee. But a
further scan today will reveal the extent of ligament damage.

Benitez is hoping Nunez will be out weeks rather than months.

"It's desperately disappointing for Antonio," a club spokesman said today.

"Naturally, the player is gutted. He would have made his debut for the
reserves last night and was in contention to play some part in this
weekend's Premiership game against Manchester City. We will know more about
the extent of his injury later today."

The saga of El-Hadji Diouf's move to Bolton was expected to be resolved
today. He is likely to sign a year's loan at the Reebok.

Portsmouth have also reignited their interest in Salif Diao. The Senegal
midfielder is available for transfer, although Pompey may also seek a loan deal.


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FOWLER'S ANFIELD HIGHS AND LOWS

This article appeared on the official Liverpool FC site today. Quite interesting...

Mark Platt 19 August 2004
Almost three years after his leaving of Liverpool, Robbie Fowler remains one of Anfield's favourite sons. With him due back at his spiritual home this Saturday he talks to .tv about the highs and lows of his career with the Reds.
Five goals v Fulham

To score five goals at any level is always an achievement but to do so in only my second game at Anfield, in a full scale Liverpool game was unbelievable. The first one, Rob Jones had a shot. It came back off the keeper and I pounced from about seven yards. The second one was from a free-kick that Neil Ruddock played to me at the back post and I just tapped it in. The third goal was again down to Rob Jones who crossed from the right wing and I knocked it in from close-range. I can't really remember the fourth and the fifth, I think, was a header.

Four minute hat-trick

Arsenal had one of the best defences in Europe around that time and for a young lad playing against such experienced players as Seaman, Adams, Keown, Dixon and Winterburn I did quite well that day. After scoring the first the other two followed real quick. I suppose it was a great achievement and a memory that will live with me forever.





The Cream Suits Cup Final

A lot has been made about the cream suits but if we had won that game they would have been the best things ever. It was not one specific player who chose them, it was a collective thing but it was obviously a mistake and we should have just wore a normal black suit. It's easy saying that in hindsight though. As for the game itself I don't remember much about it to be honest. Everyone just remembers it for those suits.

Supporting the Dockers

The Dockers were getting a lot of stick for what they were doing and what they believed in. One of Stevie Mac's uncles was having a bad time because of the strike and Macca brought two t-shirts in for us to put under out kit to show our support. The plan was to show off these t-shirts at the end of the game when we exchanged tops. But obviously I scored and decided to lift my top up then. The amount of publicity it receivedwas great for the Dockers. We believed in what they were trying to do and showed our support for them. I got fined the equivalent of £900 at the time but it got the point across.

The Cup treble

The most memorable moment for me was the tour around the city when we won the treble. I don't think you can describe it, it was incredible and it will live with me forever. The amount of people that came out to see us was, frightening.

The leaving of Liverpool

If I was honest, it was probably on and off for two years. I was hearing so many rumours that I was going to leave and that the club didn't want me. But it was not until other clubs started showing interest in me that things got serious. I wasn't playing and there was no point in me sitting on the bench. I was there under false pretences. Picking up wages for doing nothing. I felt I needed to get away start a fresh somewhere else. I'd maybe gone a little bit stale towards the end at Liverpool but I was gutted when it happened. People thought I wanted to go. I'd been at Liverpool since I was eleven and when the time came to go it was upsetting. Obviously I didn't cry because I tend not to show people my emotions but I felt like crying because a big part of me had been taken away. I wanted to go so that I could play first team football but deep down I didn't want to go and it was a massive wrench. But I've left now and it's pointless dwelling on it.





Regrets?

If I could change anything it would be my last game for Liverpool. I got brought off at half against Sunderland and we were winning 1-0. We had had a man sent-off and for me there are no words I can describe it. I more or less knew I would be leaving and it was horrible not being able to say good-bye to the fans, and if there was one thing I could change it would be that more than anything else. It was even worse than losing the FA Cup to Man U, being left out of the starting line-up for cup finals and the cream suits!

Favourite goals

1. Brann Bergen, the first leg in Norway,
2. Alaves in the UEFA Cup Final
3. Overhead kick against Charlton
4. Diving header v Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final
5. The free-kick against Man U at Anfield
6. The one against Schmeichel in Cantona's comeback at Old Trafford
7. And I loved scoring against Everton too!

[lfc-news] Reserves v Middlesbrough report - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 18 Aug 2004
RESERVES CRASH TO DEFEAT
There was disappointment for Liverpool Reserves who went down to their
second straight defeat of the season as a spectacular injury time winner
gave Middlesbrough a deserved 1-0 victory at Central Park, home of
Billingham and Synthonia FC, writes Steve Hunter.

The goal was scored by James Morrison who produced a superb 20-yard curled
drive beyond the reach of Paul Harrison into the net. For their second half
display the home side deserved the three points but it was a disappointing
night for Hughie McAuley's side.

The kick-off was delayed by 20 minutes due to a severe thunder and
lightning storm in the Teeside area and despite a bright start from
Liverpool showing good movement they found it difficult to create any clear
cut chances.

Liverpool's best player was midfielder Stephen Warnock who worked hard on
the left side of midfield and played the final 25 minutes up front to
support the lone striker Mark Smyth.

Marshalled at the back by the experienced Colin Cooper Liverpool found it
difficult to get balls in behind the Boro defence and how Hughie McAuley'
side missed the goal threat of the injured Neil Mellor. Mark Smyth is more
of a support striker and he battled hard for little reward.

In the centre of midfield Igor Biscan partnered captain John Welsh but
despite a bright opening to the match the pair failed to impose any
meaningful authority on the game.

On the bright side midfielder David Mannix started the game and played for
62 minutes and he will be hoping it' a new start for him after being
plagued by a bad knee injury for the past two years.

Middlesbrough won the FA Youth Cup last season and fielded some of the team
in their line-up.

Liverpool did start the match brightly and after five minutes John Welsh
saw a low drive well handled by Boro keeper David Knight.

Liverpool goalkeeper Paul Harrison showed his qualities after 14 minutes
when he made an excellent point blank save to keepout an effort from Jason
Kennedy.

Igor Biscan went close for the Reds after 19 minutes when he set off on a
mazy run which saw him nutmeg a defender then saw an effort well saved by
Knight.

Middlesbrough' former Manchester United midfielder Mark Wilson went close
on a couple of occasions for the home side with one rasping drive inches wide.

The second half was a largely disappointing affair although Jon Otsemobor
almost scored what would have been a sensational goal. Setting off on a
mazy run from inside his own half the right back waltzed his way to the
edge of the box but instead of shooting tried to pass the ball to Warnock
who was blocked out.

John Welsh had a good first half for the Reds when he made good tackles,
sprayed some good passes around the park and was an inspirational figure.
Unfortunately the second half was something of a non event for Liverpool
and but for Reds keeper Harrison the score could have been more than 1-0.

Middlesbrough Reserves: Knight, McMahon, Taylor, Wilson, Cooper, Bates,
Morrison, Cattermole, Graham, Kennedy (Craddock 72), Johnson.

Liverpool Reserves: Harrison, Otsemobor, Whitbread, Raven, Biscan,
O?Donnell, Guthrie, Welsh, Smyth, Mannix (Butler 62), Warnock. Subs unused:
Luzi, Wilkie, Noon, James Smith.

Referee: J Moss

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Stephen Warnock. He worked his socks off
all night and tried to inspire his team mates but had little support in attack.


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Nunez greets the press

On the day he was officially unveiled as a Liverpool player, Antonio Nunez suffered an injury in training.

[lfc-news] Nunez rocked by injury blow - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 18 Aug 2004
NUNEZ ROCKED BY INJURY BLOW
By Paul Eaton

Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow today with news that new midfielder
Antonio Nunez has picked up a knee injury in training.
On the day he was officially unveiled as a Liverpool player, the former
Real Madrid star was forced to leave training early after twisting his left
knee. No other player was involved in the incident.

As a precaution, Nunez was accompanied by the club doctor for an x-ray
which, thankfully, showed he had not sustained a fracture.

The club suspect Nunez may have suffered ligament damage but they won't
know for sure until he undergoes a scan tomorrow afternoon. Until the
results of the scan are known, it is impossible to predict how long the
player will be out of action.

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said: "We are all desperately disappointed
for Antonio because this injury has come at such a bad time for him and he
is understandably gutted. We will know more about his injury on Thursday
afternoon."

Nunez is definitely ruled out of tonight's reserve match at Middlesbrough
and also this weekend's clash with Manchester City at Anfield.


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[lfc-news] Nunez rocked by injury blow - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 18 Aug 2004
NUNEZ ROCKED BY INJURY BLOW
By Paul Eaton

Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow today with news that new midfielder
Antonio Nunez has picked up a knee injury in training.
On the day he was officially unveiled as a Liverpool player, the former
Real Madrid star was forced to leave training early after twisting his left
knee. No other player was involved in the incident.

As a precaution, Nunez was accompanied by the club doctor for an x-ray
which, thankfully, showed he had not sustained a fracture.

The club suspect Nunez may have suffered ligament damage but they won't
know for sure until he undergoes a scan tomorrow afternoon. Until the
results of the scan are known, it is impossible to predict how long the
player will be out of action.

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said: "We are all desperately disappointed
for Antonio because this injury has come at such a bad time for him and he
is understandably gutted. We will know more about his injury on Thursday
afternoon."

Nunez is definitely ruled out of tonight's reserve match at Middlesbrough
and also this weekend's clash with Manchester City at Anfield.


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[lfc-news] Mark Lawrenson column - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 17 Aug 2004
Time for Baros to prove his worth for Liverpool
By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post

WHEN you are out of the spotlight, it is easy to talk and talk about all
the things you would do if you were in it.

But when the glare of attention swings on to you, it is a different thing
entirely to back up your words with action.

That is the reason why I will be watching Milan Baros's performances with
interest in the coming few weeks.

Until Michael Owen left for Madrid, Baros - despite his excellent showing
in Euro 2004 - was only going to be first reserve behind the Englishman and
Djibril Cisse.

That was despite all his inter-views in Portugal and since his return in
which he has spoken about how he wants to be a first choice to score goals
for Liverpool.

However now Owen is on his way, Baros has got exactly what he wished for
and suddenly finds himself under a massive amount of pressure.

For all Baros's time at the club, Owen has been the spearhead for
Liverpool, but now he is cast in that role and people will be looking to
him to fill Michael's footsteps - with help from Cisse,, who looks a class
act so far.

It is a daunting task, because Owen, and before him Robbie Fowler, John
Aldridge and Ian Rush, have all been fantastic goal-scorers for Liverpool.

Cisse has already shown enough in his few games to suggest he will be among
the goals and it is up to Baros to match his partner and form a partnership
that can take Liverpool forward.

Either individually or as a pair, they have to replace a Liverpool legend
in Owen and score the same level of goals - game-breaking goals - that the
number 10 used to on a regular basis.

How they handle that responsibility will say a lot about them as
footballers and people. In my opinion, it is a fantastic opportunity for
two players who must be hungry to succeed, and if they can perform then the
attacker I believe Rafael Benitez is certain to bring in in the near future
will be to augment them and not replace one of them as first choice.

A firing front pair will mean Benitez's job as manager will be a lot easier.

Certainly he has come out of the Owen situation well and while I haven't
seen anything of Antonio Nunez, I am willing to trust Benitez's judgement
on the player.

Obviously Juanfran was his first choice, but after that became impossible,
he chose Nunez from Real Madrid's squad, so that must be a good sign.

Benitez's influence was apparent at Tottenham on Saturday, with Cisse
taking his goal well and the rest of the team working hard and looking
solid - up to a point.

In a way it was a bit of a flashback to last season in that Liverpool held
a lead but could not keep it. It reminded me also of England in Euro 2004
when they were unable to keep teams at arm's length.

Having said that, it was the first game of the season and I couldn't blame
Benitez for being a bit cautious.

However if it is three months down the line and Liverpool play Tottenham
again, I would look to them to build on their first goal and go on to win
by two or three.

The best teams like Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are capable of
taking games away from their opponents. To join that elite, Liverpool must
be capable of doing the same and I know Benitez understands that.

That is why I expect a much more positive performance against Manchester
City this week. Hey, it's Manchester City, and one thing about them is that
if you put them under pressure they will crack.

By the same token you don't want to invite Robbie Fowler, Nicolas Anelka or
Shaun Wright-Phillips on to you, so Benitez must get his team pressing all
the time to earn the victory.

IF THE reports are true, then I am delighted to see Steve Morgan expanding
his stake in Liverpool.

Above all else, Morgan is a supporter through and through and you know he
will not be selling his shares six months down the line for a quick profit.

I just hope he will be able to settle his differences with David Moores and
that they can work together to take the club forward.

It is a new era at Anfield now, so the time is right to settle old scores
and try to make the club better.

With Rafael Benitez in place, there is a blank canvas in place which they
would do well to use to its fullest extent.


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[lfc-news] Bolton (a) ticket details - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 17 Aug 2004
BOLTON V LIVERPOOL TICKET DETAILS
By Paul Eaton

Liverpool have announced ticket details and selling arrangements for our
clash at Bolton Wanderers on August 29.
Liverpool Football Club have received an allocation of 2710 stand tickets
(South Stand) for this ALL ticket fixture priced as follows:

Lower Tier

Adult: £30
Child: £16 (under 16)
Over 65's: £23

Upper Tier

Adult: £38
Child: £21 (under 16)
Over 65's: £27

Ticket Allocation

Tickets will be available to Season Ticket holders based on attendance at
Premier League away fixtures during Season 2003-2004 on the following days,

Attendance at 10 or more games: Wednesday 18 August between 8.15am and
4.45pm and Thursday 19 August between 9.00am and 4.45pm

Attendance at 9 or more games: Friday 20 August between 9.00am and 4.45pm

Attendance at 8 or more games: Monday 23 August between 9.00am and 4.45pm

Attendance at 7 or more games: Tuesday 24 August between 9.00am and 4.45pm

The allocation of tickets will be subject to availability and while stocks
last.

Tickets will be available for personal application at the Ticket Office, by
postal application and credit card bookings on Telephone Number 0870 787
2000. The Fan Card must be presented when applying at the Ticket Office and
in the case of postal applications or telephone applications the number
must be quoted, telephone bookings will require the applicants address to
be confirmed and are subject to a booking fee.

Please do not apply if you do not meet the required criteria, any queries
regarding the Fan Card please telephone 0870 220 2345.

We would emphasise to all eligible applicants that no guarantee can be
given that tickets will be available to all who apply.

Executive Box holders, Centenary, Premier and Executive members should
contact the Corporate Sales Department.

Only on the first day of sale will the Ticket Office be open from 8.15am to
4.45pm.

The Ticket Office will then revert to normal office hours from Thursday 19
August, which are Monday - Friday 9.15am-4.45pm

The Ticket Office will be closed on Sunday 22 August and Saturday 28 August
2004.


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[lfc-news] Ian Rush column - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 17 Aug 2004
Ripped-off Owen? didn't cost us a penny
By Ian Rush, Liverpool Echo

IT would be an understatement to say I am disappointed Michael Owen has
left Liverpool.

The speed with which the move to Real Madrid happened took me and everyone
else by surprise - even Michael.

Having spoken to Michael since he left, it is clear he felt now was the
right time to move on and test himself abroad.

The opportunity which presented itself came out of the blue. I think Madrid
saw an opportunity to buy Michael before the August deadline and he
realised what a great opportunity it was for him to play for a fantastic club.

Having moved abroad myself when I joined Juventus, I can understand why he
has made that decision.

As a Liverpool fan, I wish it hadn't happened now, but we'll move on. Great
players have left Anfield before and will do so again, but Liverpool always
replace their stars with new heroes.

I am sure Djibril Cisse can fill the void. He has certainly made a good
start with a goal on his debut.

The biggest talking point with regards Michael seems to be the transfer fee.

I have heard a lot of comments saying £8m and Antonio Nunez was not enough.

Considering Michael only had a year of his contract left, I think Liverpool
have done well to get that much from Real.

What a lot of people seem to forget is Michael did not cost Liverpool a
penny when he decided to join the club as an 11-year-old.

He could have joined Everton or Manchester United or any other club, but
instead he decided to move to Anfield and from that moment on, Liverpool
knew they had a valuable asset.

From that point of view, to get £8m for a player you did not buy is good
business.

Obviously if Michael had longer left on his contract, his value would have
been greater, but that's just football reality nowadays.

You cannot blame Liverpool for not being able to command as much now as
they would 12 months ago. After August 31, they could have lost him for
nothing because by the time the transfer window reopened, he would be free
to sign a pre-contract agreement and leave on a Bosman.

After what happened with Steve McManaman, the club acted wisely.

Now Michael is gone, the club can focus on the future without him.

I doubt Rafael Benitez's immediate priority will be a new striker.

Cisse looks a top striker and Milan Baros was the forward everyone wanted
in Euro 2004. With Florent Sinama-Pongolle - who I really like - waiting in
the wings, we are still well off.

I imagine all three will be given this season to prove their worth and the
first reinforcements will be for other areas of the team.


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[lfc-news] Spurs in market for £2m Finnan - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 17 Aug 2004
Spurs in market for £2m Finnan
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

STEVE FINNAN could be the next departure from Liverpool with Tottenham keen
to take the Republic of Ireland international to White Hart Lane.

Michael Owen, Danny Murphy and El-Hadji Diouf have all left Anfield in the
past seven days as Rafael Benitez looks to finance moves for £10.7million
Xabi Alonso plus £6m-rated Luis Garcia.

And Finnan could also be on his way after new Tottenham coach Jacques
Santini registered an interest in the 28-year-old.

The defender was signed from Fulham for £3.6m only last summer but his
Anfield future was put in doubt by Benitez's first signing as Liverpool
manager, £2m fullback Josemi.

And with Antonio Nunez arriving at Anfield this week as part of the Michael
Owen deal with Real Madrid, plus Benitez's desire to land another player
for the right flank, Finnan's days as a makeshift midfielder - which saw
him start the Champions League qualifier against Grazer AK and Saturday's
Premiership opener at Spurs - are shortlived..

Liverpool will listen to offers for the former Fulham favourite but are
only interested in straight cash deals of around £2m.

Blackburn Rovers enquired about Finnan last month but were only interested
in a season-long loan deal and having offloaded Bruno Cheyrou and Diouf on
a temporary basis to Marseille and Bolton respectively, Liverpool now want
permanent exits.

New Spurs coach Santini is desperate for a new right-back having lost
Stephen Carr to Newcastle and his understudy Stephen Kelly to a long-term
injury.

Spanish international Alonso is expected to complete his move to Liverpool
on Thursday providing Real Madrid do not make any last-ditch bids for the
Real Sociedad playmaker.

Alonso's agent Inaki Ibanez confirmed a deal had effectively been sealed
with Anfield officials over the weekend.

And the 22-year-old should sign a five-year contract at Liverpool after
Spain's friendly against Venezuela tomorrow.

"The crossing of Xabi Alonso to Liverpool practically is done," said Ibanez.

"On the part of the player everything is closed and now there are only
small details between clubs to be done."

Sociedad president Jose Luis Astiazaran has also confirmed the move,
revealing Liverpool's offer was the most concrete.

"The most serious offer from all the teams has been from Liverpool, who
have been interested in our player," said Astiazaran..

Harry Kewell, meanwhile, has reiterated his desire to play in the
Confederations Cup qualifiers against the Solomon Islands in October.

Kewell has been criticised back home for not making himself available for
national team duty but insists he is always available when it counts.

"I have always said I will be there for Australia when it matters - and I
have been," said the Liverpool midfielder. "That of course applies for the
Solomons matches (on October 9 and 13).

"It amazes me when people knock nations like the Solomon Islands when
lately at every World Cup or European Championship we see supposedly weak
countries beat the world's best.

"Look how well Croatia, Senegal and Greece have done over the last 10
years. In football you don't take anything for granted."


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[lfc-news] Owen: Why Madrid is the place for me now - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 17 Aug 2004
Owen: Why Madrid is the place for me now
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post Staff

MICHAEL OWEN has spoken for the first time about the reasons behind his
shock transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old completed an £8million deal to the Bernabeu at the weekend
in a move which saw Real midfielder Antonio Nunez move to Anfield.

And Owen admits he has moved to Madrid in the hope of improving himself
both on and off the pitch after ending an 13-year association with Liverpool.

"It was obviously hard to leave Liverpool and I certainly couldn't have
seen myself joining another English club from Liverpool, but to move to
Real Madrid is obviously a dream come true," said the England international.

"I'm going to be mixing it with some of the very best players in the world.
But I'm ready for that challenge."

He added: "I expect to be the main goalscorer in any team that I play in.
That is what I am in the team for, but I think this move will help me
develop as both a player and a person."

The speed of the departure surprised many and Owen has revealed he did not
have time to wish his former team-mates good luck before leaving for Spain.

"I haven't really had a chance to say my proper goodbyes to everyone at
Liverpool yet," said Owen to the FA's website, www.thefa.com.

"I sent them a fax before the Spurs game but it's been good speaking with
Carra, Stevie and Chris Kirkland to find out everything that's been happening."

The whirlwind events of the past week have yet to sink in with Owen,
although he remains convinced he has made the correct decision.

"It's the little things, like seeing my name on an England squad with Real
Madrid as the club beside my name," he said.. "I'm sure that kind of thing
won't wear off for a while.

"That's why I'm happy that I've taken this step. I've broken out to find a
new way, and I'm sure it will be the right way."

At least Owen won't be the only Englishman at Real.

"David Beckham called me when he heard what was happening," said Owen. "But
now everything's sorted, I'll be pestering him even more to find out about
everything I need to know!"

Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Jose Antonio Camacho has dismissed rumours he
was unhappy with the signing of Owen.

"Nobody should make mistakes about my wishes: Owen will make Madrid more
complete and any play-ers of that quality are welcome here," he said.

"Owen will mean there is more competition to win a place and keep the other
strikers on their toes.

"Maybe some days they will not be called into the squad. For example
Ronaldo travels so much we don't know how he is always going to be."

Roberto Carlos has backed Owen to flourish at the Bernabeu.

"He is a very important player and he will be very important for Real
Madrid this season," said the Brazilian.

"He is a world-class player who I think will be a very big player for us.

"He will score a lot of goals for Real Madrid this season."


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[lfc-news] Nunez was always on way to Reds - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 17 Aug 2004
Nunez was always on way to Reds
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

ANTONIO NUNEZ would have become a Liverpool player even if Michael Owen
hadn't moved to Real Madrid.

That was the claim from the 25-year-old winger today, as the Reds tied up
the loose ends of a £10.7m swoop for Xabi Alonso.

Nunez will arrive at Anfield later this week as part of the deal which took
Owen to Spain.

But he said: "Even if Owen hadn't signed for Madrid, I already had an offer
from Liverpool and I knew that the manager was keen to sign me, which is
something to be proud of."

He added: "Last season, I found out how hard it would be to play at Real
and I know Liverpool will be the same, but I hope to get some more minutes
on the pitch.

"It is never going to be satisfactory leaving the best team in the world,
but playing for Liverpool is a dream come true for any player.

"The deal is almost done, it is only a question of tying up a few details
which should be no problem, although Real will retain an option to buy me
back in the future.

"I've always made a point of following the English league games because it
is the sort of football that I like to play. I hope to adjust to it as
quickly as possible."

Alonso, meanwhile, is on international duty this week and is expected to
fly to England on Thursday.

His agent, Inaki Ibanez, confirmed a deal had effectively been done.

"The crossing of Xabi Alonso to Liverpool practically is done," he said..
"There are only small details between clubs to be done."

The Reds have also been linked with £6m rated Barcelona winger Luis Garcia, but

Barca sporting director Txiki Begiristain said: "No representatives from
Liverpool have contacted the player and he's not come and talked money with us.

"However, we want our players here to be happy and to want to play for
Barca. If any of them don't feel right here, then we'll try and sort it out."


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Reuters: Liverpool agree deal for Xabi Alonso.

Now and then! Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp challenges current midfielder Steven Gerrard.

[lfc-news] Morgan bids for ITV Reds shares - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 16 Aug 2004
Morgan bids for ITV Reds shares

STEVE Morgan is close to putting together a deal to buy a 10% stake in
Liverpool FC from ITV.

Property tycoon Morgan is already involved in talks to snap up a
controlling interest in the club from David Moores.

But reports today indicate he is in negotations to buy up ITV's shares.
ITV's stake in Liverpool stems from the mid 1990s when Granada took a 10%
stake in the club.

Mr Morgan already owns a 5% stake, if his bid for the ITV shares is
successful it will consolidate his position as the club' s third biggest
shareholder.


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[lfc-news] Alonso eyes up City - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 16 Aug 2004
Alonso eyes up City
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL hope Xabi Alonso will make his debut against Manchester City this
weekend as the £10.5m transfer nears conclusion today.

Alonso's agent held further talks with the Reds over the weekend, and in
the absence of a late bid from Real Madrid, the 22-year-old is clear to
complete his move to Merseyside.

Alonso's agent Inaki Ibanez said: "Alonso to Liverpool is practically done.
There are now only small details between the clubs."

Real Sociedad boss Jose Amorrortu has accepted Alonso's departure.

"I have believed since last Wednesday he will not be with us and I'm
thinking about alternatives," he said.

The youngster has been Rafael Benitez's number one target since his
appointment as Liverpool manager.

Described as a midfielder in the Steven Gerrard mould, Alonso has been
earmarked to form a formidable partnership with the skipper.

Benitez would prefer Alonso to undergo a medical and sign before joining
the Spanish squad for this week's friendly with Venezuela, but it is more
likely he will have to wait until Thursday to unveil the player.

So far, Madrid have made no attempt to hijack the transfer but until Alonso
puts pen to paper, there are under-standable fears Real will re-ignite
their interest.

Liverpool are not prepared to get embroiled in a bidding war having had
their offer accepted by Real Sociedad.

Alonso's arrival will raise further questions about Didi Hamann's future.
Hamann has just 11 months left on his current contract and Liverpool would
listen to offers for the German.

A further round of wheeling and dealing in the transfer market is
anticipated this week.

Speculation about David Moores' future as chairman is likely to continue too.

Moores was not on the team coach which travelled to and from White Hart
Lane on Saturday, an unheard of development since he took over at Anfield.

Talks regarding the appointment of Steve Morgan to the Liverpool board are
ongoing.


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[lfc-news] Benitez steps up the transfer hype - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 16 Aug 2004
Benitez steps up the transfer hype
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFAEL BENITEZ has started another busy week in the transfer market by
offloading El-Hadji Diouf to Bolton.

The Senegal forward has moved to the Reebok on a season's loan.

Benitez is now working over-time to ensure his squad is strengthened before
the transfer window is closed on August 31.

Saturday's 1-1 draw with Spurs revealed the lack of strength in depth the
Spanish coach has inherited.

Although it's presumed Benitez will try to sign a striker to replace
Michael Owen, he's confirmed he'll be improving other parts of the side
before turning his attention to the forward line.

Contrary to popular belief, the Spanish coach doesn't have much money to
work with.

Part of the £10m he'll earn by qualifying for the Champions' League group
stage has already been accounted for due to the capture of Djibril Cisse.

When the Reds concluded the Cisse deal for £14m in July, they were banking
on getting through their two- legged qualifier.

The £6m sale of Emile Heskey to Birmingham, £2.5 transfer of Danny Murphy
and £8m received for Michael Owen has given Benitez some funds.

He's hoping £10.5m will capture Xabi Alonso this week. Benitez also wants
another midfielder as well as Antonio Nunez, who joined as part of the Owen
deal.

Barcelona's Luiz Garcia has been a target for several weeks and is quoted
at £6m.

Shaun Wright-Phillips, who would have been a more popular acquisition with
the fans, ended hopes of a switch to Anfield by signing a new deal at
Manchester City on Saturday.

Benitez was content with a point from his first Premiership encounter at
White Hart Lane.

He said: "The first half was good. We had lots of opportunities and I was
very happy.

"The second half was more difficult because they played more forward balls.
When teams play long balls it means you have to go backwards to recover
possession and we got a bit tired doing that.

"That's why I took our two strikers off during the second half.

"I wanted us to press their defenders more and I thought Cisse and Baros
were getting tired."

Benitez is hoping Cisse's debut goal will inspire him to score 20 goals for
Liverpool this season.

"I hope he can do that," said the boss.

"He's a good player with a lot of potential and hopefully we'll see a lot
of good things from him."


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FW: My first taste of life in the Premiership

-----Original Message-----
From: manager@liverpoolfc.tv [mailto:manager@liverpoolfc.tv]
Sent: 16 August 2004 09:28
To: Liverpool FC Fan List
Subject: My first taste of life in the Premiership

Dear Liverpool supporter,

Saturday's match at Tottenham was my first experience of life in the
Premiership and, although I'd have obviously preferred us to hold on for the
win, I must say it was a satisfactory afternoon overall.

The first half was good. We had lots of opportunities and I was very happy.

The second half was more difficult for us because they played more forward
balls and we got tired. When teams play long balls it means you have to go
backwards to recover possession and we got a bit tired doing that.

That's why I took our two strikers off during the second half. I wanted us
to press their defenders more and I thought Cisse and Baros were getting
tired. They will maybe disagree, but my opinion was they were tired.

I thought Cisse did very well on his Premiership debut. He's a good player
with a lot of potential. Hopefully we'll see a lot of good things from him
over the coming weeks and I hope he can score lots of goals.

Regards,

Rafael Benitez
Liverpool Manager

[lfc-news] The folly of Owen's going - Observer

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The Observer, 15 Aug 2004
The folly of Owen's going
By Ian Ridley

Winning is not everything, Bill Shankly once said; it's the only thing.
Thus will Real Madrid, for whom above all or anyone else victory is
paramount, be unhappy about winning one and losing one. Shankly's Liverpool
used to be in that league.

Michael Owen prepares for life at the Bernabéu, the leaving of Liverpool
having become inevitable. Patrick Vieira, somewhat surprisingly, remains at
Arsenal. Next time the topic of loyalty in the game crops up, let us not
have the lazy generalisation that overseas players do not show the same
commitment to clubs as the home-grown.

Liverpool's victory in Graz in midweek showed, on the surface, that there
is life without Owen. If the club think that all is well, however, Steven
Gerrard having signed a new deal and scored twice to confirm himself their
prime asset, then they are kidding themselves. One Liver bird does not make
a season.

In fact, the Owen sale tells of turbulence within the club, of transition
at best but turmoil at worst. The new manager, Rafael Benítez, was hired to
take them that next step towards winning the championship. They might just
be dropping further away.

Owen, it is believed, did not take to Benítez and had at least a couple of
disagreements with him, indeed. Benítez in turn apparently did not consider
Owen worth the £100,000 a week he was reported to be asking. That is £10m
for two seasons. Now Liverpool are about to find out the cost of replacing
him, in fees as well as wages. And merchandise.

The willingness to sell Owen makes no sense at all, either in footballing
or business terms, certainly not at the cut-price £8m fee (when Didier
Drogba goes for more than £20 million?), plus a makeweight. He has had
injuries and, yes, he had only a year left on his contract. But they had a
guarantee of goals that any replacement is not sure to provide as he
settles in.

Liverpool also had the public-relations element: a native son, symbol of
the club, a totem for fans. Better, surely, to do a deal for a few more
years at the end of which his value and the market might be more buoyant.
Owen, in theory, should still be a few years from his prime, after all.

Had Gérard Houllier stayed, that would probably have been the scenario.
Owen has always talked, even recently, about wanting to remain at the club.
Benítez, however, is clearly intent on establishing his own regime at the
Melwood training ground, one that Owen could not have been happy with. The
Spaniard is clearly a talented coach, given the wonders he worked at
Valencia, but this is a key early moment for his management.

One wonders what the club's potential new chairman, Steve Morgan, thinks of
it all. The current captain David Moores, seasick in the choppy waters of
late, is said to be ready to accept the Morgan money that the club
apparently need to bridge the gap between them, Arsenal, Chelsea and
Manchester United. It could all leave the chief executive, Rick Parry,
eyeing the FA's equivalent position.

Towards the end of last season, Morgan was critical of the Anfield regime,
citing a lack of passion for the red jersey. The home-grown players of the
1960s, '70s and '80s possessed it in abundance, he said, unlike the current
crop.

Now Benítez has lost two local lads in Danny Murphy and Owen. Murphy,
indeed, said that he chose Charlton, rather than Tottenham, because he did
not wish to work again under a foreign-style coaching set-up and preferred
the Englishness at the Valley, where Alan Curbishley is building up a
quietly impressive portfolio.

Rather than Antonio Nuñez, Benítez now needs to make a significant signing,
someone like Pablo Aimar from his previous club Valencia, a creative player
capable of exciting the Liverpool public and getting them on his side. The
mood, particularly with the departure of Owen, is one of scepticism if not
suspicion.

Naturally, good results will soften that mood. Houllier, in common with
Arsène Wenger when he first arrived, sought to retain an English core to
the team but it seems a policy that has had its day. Only Sir Alex Ferguson
and Sir Bobby Robson continue to retain that belief at the top of the
Premiership.

With the demise of his old guard, Wenger now introduces few Englishmen,
though he will point out that Vieira's length of service at the club makes
him as Arsenal as any domestic player coming through the ranks. The
breakdown of the move to Real may have had more to do with a disagreement
over personal terms, but the feeling remains that Vieira will still give
his all, despite any disappointment, as long as freedom from injury permits.

And so the Premiership loses another English player it can ill afford to.
On Wednesday, we will see a half-empty St James' Park when a young England
side take on Ukraine in a friendly. Excessive prices have something to do
with it, as does an over-familiarity with the international game after Euro
2004, but it is also the arrival of the league of nations competition that
is the Premiership that will hurt the attendance.

Why watch works in progress when you can have the exotic finished article?
And why have Liverpool thrown the baby, in Michael Owen, out with the
bathwater when it was the underachievers and undercommitted they were
supposed to be shedding?

Not quite last call for Zizou

Some players, some moments, transcend partisanship. Zinedine Zidane is one
of those, his added-time free-kick for France against England this summer
earning admiration despite breaking a nation's heart. Now he has called
time on his international career, after 10 years and 93 appearances.

'Zizou' began in similar fashion to the England game near his ending.
Following France's failure to qualify for the World Cup of 1994, he got his
chance as a substitute that late summer against Czechoslovakia. The French
were 2-0 down before Zidane rescued a draw with a fierce long-range shot
and a bullet header and was dubbed Zorro by the French press the next day.
My palate for the game was a little jaded but, watching on television on
holiday in France, I could not help but be reinvigorated.

Since then he has been the outstanding European talent of his generation.
Quite apart from the instant control, the tricks, the passing range, the
shooting and the powerful heading, he has always possessed a fierce work
ethic and a respect for the team that marks out the great.

The consolation for audiences is that by terminating his international
career, Zidane has probably extended his time at the top level of the club
game by at least a season. It should also be good news for Michael Owen.


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[lfc-news] Cisse strikes on debut to usher in new Liverpool era - Telegraph

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Sunday Telegraph, 15 Aug 2004
Cisse strikes on debut to usher in new Liverpool era
By Patrick Barclay

The banner hanging from the upper tier of the visiting supporters' section
- "Merci, Gerard" - would have pleased the deposed Liverpool manager
Houllier, here in his new role as analyst for French television. As would
the contribution of one of his many parting gifts to the club: Djibril
Cisse's goal made it a memorable Premiership debut for the striker in whose
£14 million transfer from Auxerre this summer Houllier invested so much effort.

Cisse scored from close range in the businesslike manner often associated
with Michael Owen, whose move to Real Madrid went though yesterday, as if
to emphasise that one passage in Anfield history was over and another
beginning. The supporters, upon hearing an early inquiry as to where Owen
had gone, chanted the name of Houllier's successor, Rafa Benitez.
Afterwards Benitez was asked if Cisse could score more than 20 Premiership
goals in a season - a habit Owen had lost - and replied: "I think he has
the capacity. He will have to work hard, like he did today. If he does, I
am sure he will score a lot of goals."

Cisse was taken off in the 63rd minute - his partner up front, Milan Baros,
lasted 78 minutes - because Benitez, concerned by the ease with which
Tottenham were playing long balls from the back, wanted fresh legs to harry
Jacques Santini's defenders. So it was not Cisse's fault that Liverpool
were denied victory by an even more impressive demonstration than his of
the striker's craft from the ice-cool, low-slung and devilishly sinuous
Jermain Defoe, England's answer to Romario (except, we gather with relief,
in the nightclubs).

Cisse is a different sort of player from Defoe, happy to drop off and take
part in the build-up as well as take responsibility for being in at the
kill. Who can say yet what he will seem when summer turns to autumn and the
time for adjustment to the unique rhythm of the English game has expired?
But so far, so good; he and Baros, who underlined his prowess with a
splendid European Championship, have every chance of working successfully
together, if that is Benitez's intention.

Not that life without Owen is something with which Liverpool are wholly
unfamiliar. Indeed, his fitness record is one of the reasons negotiations
kept stalling; Liverpool wanted to keep him, but not at any price. Last
season he missed nine Premiership matches - nearly a quarter of the
programme - and that was not a bad return by the standards of the previous
four. Over the past five seasons, on average, he has failed to start 12
matches and while some of these absences may be classified as rests, it is
fair to say that comparisons with the likes of Thierry Henry, Ruud van
Nistelrooy and Alan Shearer had become increasingly unflattering. Now all
Owen has to do is outshine Ronaldo.

Cisse and Baros, meanwhile, have the not inconsiderable task - for all that
has just been said - of replacing Owen and Emile Heskey. They began
gingerly, being unable to obtain encouragement either from opponents -
Noureddine Naybet made sure his central defensive partnership with Ledley
King gelled swiftly - or a Liverpool midfield relying heavily on Steven
Gerrard for creative ideas. Defiantly, Cisse flexed his muscles. First he
shot from 40 yards and although the sweetly struck ball was still rising
when it encountered Paul Robinson, the goalkeeper fielded with ease. Then
Cisse employed his pace in reaching the byline, only for the crafty Naybet
to air the story of the tortoise and the hare in sliding across to take
possession.

The striker's game, though, is often one of patience - like that of the
riverside angler - and Cisse, when the opportunity came to demonstrate his
qualities in this respect, showed he had been concentrating. Jamie
Carragher went to nod the ball into the penalty area and Cisse made for the
spot he wanted it to land. It obliged - and was stroked past Robinson.
Excellent. You could see what Benitez meant: as long as Cisse keeps
working, ignoring the frustration of repeated runs in vain, he should
thrive as in France.

Shortly before being summoned to the bench, Cisse came short and spread the
ball wide for Harry Kewell, whose shot flashed across goal. Cisse may have
felt himself unlucky to give way to Florent Sinama-Pongolle but looked
tired more than anything else, surprisingly so for one who could not join
Santini's squad in Portugal because of suspension. Perhaps it was the heat.
At any rate he used up two shirts. One presented to Santini, the other to
Houllier.


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