BENITEZ WELCOMES IMPROVEMENT

Rafael Benitez hailed his new-look Liverpool after they finally
kick-started their season with a quality performance.

The 3-0 win over West Brom sends Liverpool into their Champions League game
with Monaco on Wednesday in good heart after previous displays this season
had lacked the guile and imagination that the new Anfield chief requires.

Benitez said: "We played much better, there was more movement in attack
which gave us more possibilities and opportunities.

"After the break we were able to counter-attack and the result was a good
one for Liverpool.

"But it is just a little step forward, we win 3-0 and it is OK, but there
are a lot more steps to come from us. I liked a lot of the team play but we
still gave the opposition too many opportunities."

Benitez insisted there were no injury problems involving Steven Gerrard,
who scored the first goal and produced another match-winning performance.

The Spaniard said: "Steven came off because he was a little tired and it is
good when you are winning well to bring on others."

And Benitez insisted Gerrard can still improve as a player. "He is still
able to get better and he will with better players around him," he said.

"You can always learn when you have good people like Xabi Alonso and
Dietmar Hamann around you and he is learning to control his running and
playing with more intelligence and thought."

Albion boss Gary Megson brushed aside talk of the Albion board meeting to
discuss his future.

"I have read a lot, but none of it is emanating from me. All I can do is my
job," he said.

"I don't know what my future is, I do not have a crystal ball, nobody does.
Nothing has been said to me about my future."

On the match, Megson said: "We have to learn lessons and we must not give
teams so much respect in this division.

"We also have to realise that this division is not just about passing the
ball, it is about what you do when you do have possession.

"Even though they scored first I felt we could get back into it but the
second just before the break took the wind out of our sails."

Megson was pleased with the substitute appearance of £3.5million new
striker Robert Earnshaw.

He said: "We decided not to throw him straight in. He had been away with
Wales for 10 days, arrived at our place on Thursday and travelled the day
after.

"It was a bit unfair to then throw him straight in against Liverpool at
Anfield but when he did get on their were glimpses of what we want from him.

"One diagonal run behind Sami Hyypia was very unlucky and he deserved to
score from his effort."

Liverpool 3 West Brom 0

PA Sport, 11 Sept 2004
Liverpool 3 West Brom 0

Liverpool fans have lost a glut of heroes this summer but now have a new
star to idolise in Luis Garcia.

Michael Owen may have gone to Spain but, coming the other way, Liverpool
have acquired a clever, mobile creative force from Barcelona who stole the
show with an outstanding display.

He flits from attack to midfield, finding space with ease, and produced a
display which had the Kop purring their approval.

He had been denied a perfectly legitimate goal at Bolton on his debut a
fortnight ago by a wrongly-raised linesman's flag.

This time he capped an excellent first appearance in front of the Kop with
Liverpool's third, having been a nightmare in blurred red for Albion all
afternoon.

Albion, with 10 new signings since their promotion and only six of last
season's side on the pitch at the start, found the gap in class is still as
vast as it was the last time they were in the top flight for just one
season two years ago.

Liverpool needed this performance to send them into the Champions League on
Wednesday full of confidence but boss Rafael Benitez will be just as
pleased with the intelligent, adaptable display of his side.

Benitez sprung a surprise after successive defeats in Europe and a
fortnight ago at Bolton.

New Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso was left on the bench, as was Milan Baros
while Steve Finnan made a return in a midfield.

Luis Garcia will be employed as a support striker behind Djibril Cisse and
the ex-Barcelona man's Anfield debut was a cracker.

He led Albion a merry dance with his clever runs and the way he found space
almost everywhere he appeared.

This was not the sort of creative player Albion had encountered in the
first division before last season's promotion.

Albion had £3.5million new boy Robert Earnshaw on the bench along with
another new face, former Atletico Madrid defender Cosmin Contra.

Benitez had asked for adaptability and movement from his side and Djibril
Cisse, Garcia and Harry Kewell produced the goods.

Baros had been the lone striker in this system at Bolton last time out but
this time it was Cisse's turn and he showed more imagination and thought
about his movement.

He had two efforts before Garcia almost forced Martin Albrechtsen into an
own goal as he stuck out a foot to deflect the ball to Russell Hoult, who
had to dive to his left to keep the ball out.

Finnan and Cisse had further shots blocked before Liverpool's increased
tempo earned them the lead on 16 minutes.

Luis Garcia found space to take a Finnan pass and then laid it into
Gerrard's path. The England man initially lost control but Albion were slow
to react and the midfielder ran on to lash it left footed past Hoult.

Albion struggled to contain Liverpool and Jonathan Greening almost headed
into his own net before Sami Hyypia's powerful header from a corner went
straight at a relieved Hoult.

Garcia delighted the home fans with his vision and pace and should should
have scored with a header when he was unmarked on the far post.

The second goal finally arrived three minutes from the break. John Arne
Riise sent a searching crossfield ball towards Finnan's run on the right
and the Irishman got the better of Paul Robinson in a tussle for the ball
before cutting onto his left foot and drilling the ball inside Hoult's near
post.

Cisse was heavily involved in a couple more openings as Liverpool fought
for their third before Albion almost hit back when Jerzy Dudek needed to
save well from a Riccardo Scimeca header.

Earnshaw finally got his first taste of Premiership football when he came
on for Horsfield but it was Luis Garcia who surely finished off Albion on
the hour. He carried the ball from his own half, exchanged passes with
Gerrard and then Cisse before cruising into space on the left.

He shaped to cross and then cracked a low, angled shot which Hoult pushed
away but only as far as the 26 year-old who slammed the ball home from six
yards.

Liverpool brought on Alonso, Baros and then Djimi Traore for Gerrard,
Kewell and Luis Garcia - the later receiving a standing ovation as he left
the pitch.

Dudek needed to be at his best to turn away a 25-yarder from Koumas but
Liverpool were in cruise control and Cisse almost scored with a clever,
deft flick from an acute angle that skimmed the far post.

Earnshaw, after 100-plus goals for Cardiff and eight in 15 for Wales,
barely got a kick as Albion were forced back, leaving him isolated between
Hyypia and Jamie Carragher, but he was unlucky to be given offside as he
ghosted into the box to clip a shot wide.

Liverpool: Dudek, Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Finnan, Hamann, Gerrard
(Alonso 65), Kewell (Baros 68), Cisse, Garcia (Traore 74)
Subs not used: Luzi Bernardi, Diao
Booked: none
Goals: Gerrard 16, Finnan 42, Garcia 60

West Brom: Hoult, Scimeca, Purse, Albrechtsen, Robinson, Haas (Gera 66),
Koumas, Clement, Greening, Horsfield (Earnshaw 53), Kanu
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Dobie, Contra
Booked: none

Att: 42,947
Referee: S Dunn

Back to the real thing!

After a break for international matches, we're back to the real thing now with domestic football. Liverpool play West Brom today and should be hoping to start picking up some decent points.

Care must be taken though - under numerous managers in the last 15 years, Liverpool have managed to drop points at home to unlikely teams. Respect is needed.

With due respect Liverpool will be able to get the ball rolling - confidence comes from victory, and today's game could be an extremely key game in governing what happens in the future to the reds.

[lfc-news] New date for Liverpool v Pompey - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 10 Sept 2004
NEW DATE FOR LIVERPOOL V POMPEY
By Paul Eaton

Liverpool have announced that their Premiership fixture with Portsmouth at
Anfield will take place on Tuesday December 14 2004, kick-off 8pm.
The original fixture was postponed due to Liverpool's participation in the
qualifying rounds of the Champions League.

The game will kick off at 8pm.


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[lfc-news] Benitez backing for beleaguered keeper Kirkland - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 10 Sept 2004
Benitez backing for beleaguered keeper Kirkland
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ has delivered a timely vote of confidence in Chris Kirkland
as the Liverpool keeper targets a Champions League comeback next week.

Kirkland has suffered two further setbacks in his bid to become Anfield's
number one this season, with Jerzy Dudek selected ahead of him at the start
of the campaign and then a back strain keeping him on the sidelines for the
past fortnight.

In that time Coventry City had a cheeky attempt to take the 23-year-old
(left) back to Highfield Road on loan rejected by the new Liverpool manager.

And now Benitez has confirmed Kirkland figures in his long-term plans by
insisting the £9million stopper can become first choice for both Liverpool
and England.

"I'm sure he will be England's number one because he's a very good
goalkeeper," said Benitez. "We have two good goalkeepers and it is good for
the team that they fight for the position.

"It is good for England that he stays here at Liverpool because he will
improve. He works very, very hard. I am sure that in the future he will be
the number one in the international team."

Kirkland will not return ahead of tomorrow's home game with West Bromwich
Albion as Paul Harrison continues to deputise for Dudek.

But he expects to mount a serious challenge to the struggling Polish
international in next week's Champions League opener against Monaco.

Kirkland said: "I was gutted not to be chosen for the first match of the
season but he's the manager.

"I respect his decision and what he says goes."

Kirkland continued: "But I can't wait to get back playing and hopefully
I'll be involved next Wednesday."

Harry Kewell is available for the visit of Gary Megson's team after
recovering from the calf strain that forced him out of the defeat at Bolton.

New signing Antonio Nunez has now stepped up his rehabilitation from the
knee ligament injury suffered in his first training session with Liverpool.

The former Real Madrid midfielder has started light training and could make
his Liverpool bow in next week's reserve game against Sunderland.


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[lfc-news] Academy: Liverpool teens keen to triumph - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 10 Sept 2004
Liverpool teens keen to triumph
Academy Football With Chris Wright, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL under-18s go in search of their first victory at Middlesbrough
tomorrow (kick-off 11am) after a disappointing start to the season.

John Owens's side have lost all three of their opening FA Premier Academy
League fixtures this season and are desperate to register that first victory.

Liverpool had performed with credit in defeat against Crystal Palace and
Charlton, but last week's 3-0 loss to Leeds was certainly a step back.

And with Middlesbrough having virtually all their FA Youth Cup-winning team
together in the U18s another hard match is in prospect. But coach Owens is
looking for a positive reaction from his players.

Owens said: "It was a poor performance and we need to improve."

Converting chances has been a major problem for the side, with no
recognised out-and-out goalscorer. But Owens wants improvement all around.

He said: "We have a problem scoring, but defensively as well we need to be
better. If we stop conceding goals at least we can have a chance of staying
in the games.

"But converting chances is a problem. We will work on it, but obviously if
you do have people who are talented in that area (goalscoring) it helps. We
had (Steven) Gillespie last year and when the chance was there he put it away.

"It's a bit like a few years ago in the first team with Robbie Fowler.
Certain players have a finishing ability. You can work on it and we do, but
for some players there is a certain mentality or bit of magic - they know
where the goal is. Ian Rush had it. All teams, right through up to the top
level, are keen to have that type of player."

Strikers Karl Noon (ankle) and Conal Platt (groin) are hoping to return,
while midfielder Danny Guthrie will be back in time to play after linking
up with England's youth set-up for a training camp this week.

John-Paul Kelly played for the Republic of Ireland U19s last night against
England in Cork and is unlikely to be able to play tomorrow.

Long-term casualties Adam Hitchen, Jordan Holmes and Francis Smith are
still unavailable.

Dave Shannon's U16s also travel to Middlesbrough for their second
developmental fixture of the season (KO 11am).


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[lfc-news] Weather leaves Cisse stranded in Faroes - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 10 Sept 2004
Weather leaves Cisse stranded in Faroes
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

DJIBRIL CISSE is struggling to face West Brom after getting stranded in the
Faroe Islands - as Jamie Carragher also fights to be fit for the Anfield
fixture.

Liverpool's record striker was still in the Faroes this morning because
foggy weather conditions prevented him flying back to Paris for his
connecting flight to Liverpool on Thursday.

Cisse was due back on Merseyside with the rest of the international players
for an afternoon training session.

Instead, he was one of eight stars having to spend an extra night in the
Faroes and was still there 36 hours after helping France to a 2-0 win on
Wednesday.

Cisse scored in the World Cup qualifier, but Reds boss Rafael Benitez now
faces a dilemma whether to recall him since he will not have trained with
the squad before the game.

The striker was dropped against Bolton a fortnight ago, but it was expected
Benitez would return to a more familiar 4-4-2 formation against Gary
Megson's side.

After leaving the Faroes first thing this morning, Cisse was reporting to
the training ground for a training session which will determine his
availability.

Other French Premiership players were lucky enough to leave the Faroes
immediately after the game. The Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United
players were back at their clubs yesterday having used a private jet to get
home.

Meanwhile, Carragher was Benitez's main injury following the international
contingent's return.

The defender needed treatment on a foot injury and did not train yesterday.

He will have a fitness test today.

Harry Kewell returns to the squad after recovering from a calf injury.

The visitors welcome back defender Thomas Gaardsoe is back from ankle
ligament damage, and striker Geoff Horsfield has recovered from hamstring
and back niggles in time to make the squad.

Midfielder Jason Koumas is also in line for a recall having completed a
four-match ban, while new recruits Robert Earnshaw, Junichi Inamoto and
on-loan Atletico Madrid defender Cosmin Contra could make their debuts.

Midfielder Andy Johnson is struggling to recover from a hamstring problem
while defender Darren Moore (knee), Rob Hulse (stomach strain) and Larus
Sigurdsson (knee) are all sidelined.

Liverpool (from): Dudek, Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Garcia, Gerrard,
Hamann, Alonso, Baros, Cisse, Kewell, Harrison, Diao, Traore, Biscan,
Finnan, Pongolle, Warnock.

West Brom (from): Hoult, Scimeca, Purse, Albrechtsen, Robinson, Haas, A
Chambers, Koumas, Greening, Kanu, Earnshaw, Contra, Gaardsoe, Clement,
Sakiri, O'Connor, Gregan, Gera, Inamoto, Horsfield, Dobie, Kuszczak.


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my football news - headlines and football news for your favourite UK teams and players

my football news - headlines and football news for your favourite UK teams and players

[lfc-news] Twin injury tonic for Benitez - Echo

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Liverpol Echo, 9 Sept 2004
Twin injury tonic for Benitez
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFAEL BENITEZ received a double injury boost today as Harry Kewell was
declared fit and Antonio Nunez stepped up his comeback.

New signing Nunez endured a nightmare start to his Anfield career when he
damaged knee ligaments during his first training session.

Although he's not yet in full training, he's running again and has been
pencilled in for a possible return to action in a reserve game with
Sunderland next week.

Failing that, his Reds bow will be at Birmingham reserves on September 23.

Aussie midfielder Kewell missed the defeat to Bolton with a calf problem,
but he's been training normally all week and is available for
selection-against West Brom this Saturday.

Benitez has endured a frustrating fortnight as the majority of his squad
has been on international duty.

The Spanish coach has organised a late training session today as the likes
of Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Djibril Cisse, Milan Baros, Xabi Alonso
and Sami Hyypia returned to Melwood.

Meanwhile, Benitez may target stars from his former club during the January
transfer window, having now settled his dispute with the Spanish champions.

Benitez has been assured the £2m he was owed in bonuses for winning the
Spanish title and UEFA Cup following a judgement by the Spanish Football
Federation.

Benitez felt unable to conduct any business with his old club while the
dispute was ongoing.

Now it's been resolved, he may reignite his interest in the likes of Mista
and Ayala, who were the mainstays of his all-conquering Valencia side.


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[lfc-news] Morgan close to pulling out of Liverpool deal - Telegraph

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Daily Telegraph, 8 Sept 2004
Morgan close to pulling out of Liverpool deal
By Mihir Bose

Steve Morgan, the man who has coveted Liverpool for so long, is losing
interest in buying the Anfield club after taking a close look at their
accounts.

Morgan has been waging a battle for control of the club with current
chairman David Moores and three weeks ago it seemed the pair had struck a deal.

Indeed at the beginning of the season it was noticeable that Moores kept
away from Liverpool matches including the tour of America and the season's
opener, while Morgan was very visible around the club.

Local businessman Morgan, who has made his fortune from the building
industry, was prepared to pay £73 million for a 29.9 per cent share of the
club after Moores failed to complete a deal with the Thai Prime Minister.

However, it seems Morgan has discovered that cost of building the club's
proposed new stadium is £40 million more than the £80 million he thought.

The club had been hoping for a grant of £15 million from the European Union
and that the Northwest Development Agency would provide the rest, but their
chief executive has made it clear the money will only come if Liverpool
groundshare with Everton.

Rick Parry, Liverpool's chief executive, rejects such a suggestion. "We
philosophically feel it should be a single-use stadium," he said. "Our
supporters are among the strongest in opposition to ground sharing."

This new stadium problem may explain why Liverpool are again looking east
for money.

The Thai media tycoon Paiboon Damrongchaitham says he will meet Liverpool
later this month to try to finalise a deal.

Paiboon, chairman of Thailand's top music and entertainment company, GMM
Grammy has set up a holding company, Liverpool Thai Holding Co, to buy a
29.9 per cent stake and took over negotiations after Thai Prime Minister
Thaksin Shinawatra was forced to back out of his deal.


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International Stars - past and present

Poland V England finished 1-2 tonight. Former Red Michael Owen may have scored the winner - but it may be ruled an own goal.

Former Red David James was dropped by England as goalkeeper for the match after his mistake at the weekend. Current Liverpool goaly Jerzy Dudek made some good saves for Poland. Other current Liverpool keeper Chris Kirkland missed out due to injury.

Steven Gerrard played for England in midfield, with Jamie Carragher making a good appearance at right back as substitute.

Former Liverpool player and coach Sammy Lee was amongst the England coaching staff, along with another former Liverpool keeper, Ray Clemence.

Other Reds players involved elsewhere on international duty. This includes Cisse who scored a goal for France.

Man United (a) ticket details - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 8 Sept 2004
MAN UNITED V LIVERPOOL TICKET DETAILS
By Paul Eaton

Liverpool have announced ticket details and selling arrangements for their
Premiership clash at Old Trafford later this month.
Barclays Premiership
Manchester United v Liverpool
To be played at Old Trafford. Manchester
On Monday 20 September 2004, kick off 8.00pm

Liverpool Football Club have received an allocation of 3037 stand tickets
for this ALL ticket fixture priced as follows;-

South Stand
Adult: £34
Child: £17 (under 16)
Over 65's: £17

East Stand
Adult: £30
Child: £15 (under 16)
Over 65's: £15

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 11 or more games: Thursday 9 Sept (8.15am-4.45pm) and Friday
10 Sept (9.15am-4.45pm)
Attendance at 10 or more games: Saturday 11 Sept (9.15am-4.45pm)
Attendance at 9 or more games: Monday 13 Sept (9.15am-4.45pm)
Attendance at 8 or more games: Tuesday 14 Sept (9.15am-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 Friday 10
September which are Monday - Friday 9.15am-4.45pm

The Ticket Office will be closed on Sunday 12 September, Saturday 18
September and Sunday 19 September 2004.

McAuley pleased with Partridge - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 8 Sept 2004
MCAULEY PLEASED WITH PARTRIDGE
By Steve Hunter

Liverpool Reserve manager Hughie McAuley praised Richie Partridge for his
performance during the second string's 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers on
Tuesday night.
Playing only his second game in nine months after a serious knee injury the
Republic of Ireland Under-21 international scored the equaliser to give the
Reds a 2-2 draw and played the full 90 minutes.

McAuley told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Richie Partridge is looking sharper and
looking more like his old self. He has been out for nine months injured but
he was sharp out there and crossing good balls, and scored a good goal.

"That will give him the confidence and maybe he can press for a first team
chance or maybe somewhere else, we don't know. We will have to wait and see
but Richie Partridge will be just pleased he is playing football again.

"We scored two goals and really on chances we should have won the game. We
had good chances to finish the game off but we didn't take those, and Neil
Mellor was unlucky not to score a couple of goals.

"I thought Mellor worked hard in only his second game back. He has missed
all pre-season and this to be honest is his pre-season working on his
fitness and playing reserve games. The only way he will regain his match
fitness is by continuing to work hard.

"Having missed all the chances we could have lost the game as there was
some poor defending by us at times and careless mistakes."

Mersey Docks and Harbour Co gives up on dream of shared soccer stadium - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 8 Sept 2004
MDHC gives up on dream of shared soccer stadium
By Tony Mcdonough, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL'S Central Docks looks certain to be redeveloped as a residential
site after owner Mersey Docks and Harbour Company said yesterday it had all
but given up hope of it being used for a joint football stadium.

MDHC and English Partnerships, joint owners of the property, are putting
together a master plan for the 90 acres of land which it will submit to the
city council by the end of the year.

Mersey Docks chief executive Peter Jones told the Daily Post that now
Liverpool Football Club's application for a stadium on Stanley Park had
been approved, the joint stadium plan was effectively dead.

He added: "The outline consent for Central Docks has always been
predominantly residential with a bit of retail and a bit of commercial.
Liverpool now has its consent for Stanley Park, so I think a shared stadium
is no longer an issue.

"The only circumstances in which it would become an issue again is if the
Stanley Park scheme is called in by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister."

Kirkland: "Money not important" - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 8 Sept 2004
'Money not important, I just want an injury free run'
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

CHRIS KIRKLAND would play for Liverpool for nothing, if he could guarantee
a long run free from injury.

The Reds keeper has targeted next week's Champions League match against
Monaco for his latest comeback.

But while that match comes in Europe's richest club competition, the young
keeper admits money is the furthest thing from his mind at present.

And he says he would give up everything just to be able to pull on a
Liverpool shirt regularly.

"I can't express how frustrating it is," he said. "People say to me 'What
would you do to be able to play, injury free? If somebody could promise you
a long run in the side, what would you do?'

"I tell them I would do anything. And when they say would you give up your
wages to play? I say 'Yes, I would.' And I genuinely mean that.

"If somebody could promise me I would be injury free and just able to play
football I would do that.

"Everybody knows footballers are paid extremely handsomely, but I can
honestly say it's not about money for me. "It's about playing. The buzz of
playing. My dad's got a picture of me in his wallet when I was about eight
years old in a Liverpool kit and if you love something that much you would
do anything for it, and I would.

"I just want people to know how much it hurts and frustrates me because
people do come up to me sometimes and say 'you're injured all the time and
you don't care.'

"But I'm doing everything I can and there is nobody more upset and
frustrated than me. I have been downa lot and I can't understand why it
keeps happening. I must have done something in a previous life!"

The back strain which has sidelined Kirkland for the past fortnight is a
minor one, compared to the traumatic knee injury and the less serious wrist
problem he has been forced to endure in the past 18 months.

It has been a harsh learning curve for the youngster to deal with, but he
has found friends and allies both inside and outside Anfield.

"When I was at Coventry I never had problems," he said. "Where I think it's
come from is I've had a big growth spurt and my body is taking time to adjust.

"Steven Gerrard had similar problems when he was younger and he has had
some really helpful chats with me.

"He's been a good friend and has told me everything I'm feeling, he has
been through.

"I also got a letter out of the blue from Alan Shearer when I had my knee
injury, and he told me he had had 14 operations.

"That was a massive boost. It really spurred me on."

Ironically, Kirkland was fit and available for the start of the new
Premiership campaign and it took many observers by surprise when new coach
Rafael Benitez opted to go for Jerzy Dudek.

Not least, Chris Kirkland. "A lot of nice stuff has been written about my
potential, but I have to do it," he said.

"I was gutted not to be chosen for the first match of the season, but he's
the manager, I respect his decision and what he says goes.

"I just can't wait to get back playing. You miss it so much when you have
to watch the lads train.

"I don't go to games any more because I've watched more games than I've
played in and it's so frustrating knowing you could be out there. So I'm
staying away and hopefully next Wednesday I'll be involved."

The next obstacle then is dislodging Dudek, but Kirkland remains focused
and refreshingly sanguine.

"I just have to keep sight of the fact that I will be back, I will be fit
and I will geta long, injury-free run," he said.

By the law of averages alone, he deserves one.

Liverpool Reserves - Partridge scores equaliser as Reds draw 2-2 away to Blackburn

PARTRIDGE EARNS REDS A DRAW
Official Liverpool FC Website Reporter
07 September 2004
Liverpool Reserves ended their scoring drought as they fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Morecambe FC's Christie Park, writes Steve Hunter
Richie Partridge had a really good game for Liverpool and scored the equaliser in the 56th minute when he finished well after a superb pass from Neil Mellor. Mark Smyth had given the Reds the lead in the first half with a superb individual goal before two mistakes from keeper Patrice Luzi saw Blackburn go 2-1 up. One of the goals was an own goal from Luzi, but the fourth choice keeper at Anfield went on to have an erratic night which saw him save a penalty and then nearly gave a comical goal away. Neil Mellor almost won the game in stoppage time for Liverpool but saw his effort cleared off the line. Before this match Liverpool hadn't managed a goal in their opening three matches, losing 1-0 to Manchester City and Middlesbrough respectively followed by a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest. Liverpool were without John Welsh and Darren Potter, both away on international duty with England Under-21s and the Republic of Ireland Under-21s and Robbie Foy with Scotland Under-21s, but manager Hughie McAuley still fielded a strong side. Neil Mellor played his second game since returning from knee trouble as did Richie Partridge, and they were joined in the side by captain Djimi Traore, Igor Biscan, Stephen Warnock, Jon Otsemobor and Zak Whitbread. Traore played left back with Whitbread partnering David Ravenat centre half. Blackburn's new caretaker manager Tony Parkes is also in charge of their reserve side and his star name on view was striker Matt Jansen. Alex Bruce, son of Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce, was at centre half while former Liverpool Academy striker Ralph Welch was on the bench for Rovers. Blackburn created the first chance of the game after four minutes when Jonathon Douglas put a free header straight at Patrice Luzi. It was a great opportunity but two minutes later Liverpool had the lead with a brilliant goal from Mark Smyth. Richie Partridge provided the pass and Smyth cut inside from the right, past a couple of defenders and finished superbly. It was a superb individual goal from Smyth. Igor Biscan then tried his luck with an audacious shot from the halfway line which brought a save out of the Blackburn keeper David Yelldell. Liverpool went close after 15 minutes through Stephen Warnock. A flowing move down the right saw Otsemobor and Partridge link superbly. Otsemobor then pulled the ball back to Warnock who shot wide. The Reds second string were playing some good football and Warnock saw an effort saved by Yelldell and a solo run from Partridge ended with a curled effort wide of the goal. Blackburn then went close after 27 minutes when Douglas curled a shot that beat Luzi but came back off the bar. A silly foul given away by Biscan just outside his penalty area resulted in a Blackburn free-kick and the equaliser. Forgotten man at Ewood Park Matt Jansen's effort should really have been saved by Luzi but the Frenchman?s half hearted effort to keep it out saw the ball come off the goalkeeper and into the net. The second half was only four minutes old when Blackburn went 2-1 up but it was a bad mistake from Reds fourth choice keeper Patrice Luzi. Jemal Johnson's effort was blocked by Zak Whitbread who then turned the ball back to Luzi. However the Reds keeper somehow contrived to turn the ball into his own net to give the home side the lead. Johnson went close for Blackburn after 55 minutes when he cut past Traore with ease and fired just wide. Then a minute later Liverpool were level. Neil Mellor the provider with an excellent pass and Richie Partridge firing a superb low drive past Yelldell into the net for 2-2. On 61 minutes Liverpool went close when Mellor burst into the area and saw his effort superbly saved by Yelldell, then the loose ball fell for Biscan who blazed over the bar. It was a bad miss by Biscan but Mellor will be disappointed he didn't put away the first effort. Blackburn had a great chance to regain the lead after 65 minutes when Zak Whitbread sent Johnson tumbling in the area and a penalty was awarded. However Luzi went some way to redeeming himself with a superb save to deny Johnson. With 11 minutes remaining Luzi was fortunate not to concede another goal when he came racing out of his area, headed the ball straight to Matt Jansen who shot just wide. Then with five minutes to go Liverpool came so close when Zak Whitbread headed just wide after a superb cross from Warnock. Blackburn Rovers Reserves: Yelldell, Peers, Morgan, Douglas, Jones, Bruce, Danns, Harkins, Jansen, Johnson (Derbyshire 80), Byrom (Hodge 60). Liverpool Reserves: Luzi, Otsemobor, Traore, Raven, Biscan, Whitbread, Partridge, Mannix, Mellor, Smyth, Warnock. Subs not used: O'Donnell, Harrison, Peltier, Wilkie, Townley. Referee: M Short Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match:Richie Partridge. In only his second game in nine months the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international was a lively figure down the right wing for Liverpool.

[lfc-news] Alonso: Spanish stars can lift Reds - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 7 Sept 2004
Spanish stars can lift Reds - Alonso
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

XABI ALONSO has preached the virtues of a new Anglo-Spanish relationship at
Anfield.

The £10.7m signing from Real Sociedad is one of four Spanish stars to
follow coach Rafael Benitez to the club this summer - and he believes the
newcomers can join the established players to revive Liverpool.

"Benitez has told us to mix in with the other players and to learn
English," he said. "I do not believe that it is detrimental to have a
number of Spaniards at the club.

"This is a new project, with a new manager and new players. It is necessary
to get to know each other and, if we obtain the ideas that the manager
wants, I believe that we are going to be a good team."

Alonso already feels assimilated at Anfield, after just one match in a red
shirt.

"I have noticed all the younger fans wear the shirt in the street and in
Anfield there is a special atmosphere," he added.

"What hit me even more was that before making my debut or being presented
as a Liverpool player, I saw people walking around with my name on the back
of their shirts.

"I am very contented in Liverpool. I have not been here long, but
everything has gone very well. They have treated me phenomenally well.

"It is a change and a new experience but I am prepared to adapt fast."
Alonso is on international duty tomorrow for Spain in Bosnia-Herzegovina,
before preparing for his home debut on Saturday against West Brom.


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Liverpool Champions League Squad

Liverpool have announced their Champions League Squad. From the Official Site.
Liverpool have submitted a list of 35 players in their squad to UEFA to be involved for the Reds in the Champions League this season.

Besides the first team squad youth players like David Raven and Robbie Foy have been given squad numbers for the 2004/05 Champions League campaign.

In the list sent to UEFA there is an A and B list. The B list is for players born on or after January 1st, 1983, and have been at the club at least two year's continuously since their 13th birthday.

The Liverpool squad in full registered for the Champions League this season is:

Goalkeepers
1 Jerzy Dudek
22 Chris Kirkland
40 Paul Harrison
29 Patrice Luzi

Defenders
4 Sami Hyypia
2 Stephane Henchoz
3 Steve Finnan
23 Jamie Carragher
6 John Arne Riise
17 Josemi
21 Djimi Traore
36 Jon Otsemobor
31 David Raven
37 Zak Whitbread

Midfield
8 Steven Gerrard
16 Dietmar Hamann
7 Harry Kewell
14 Xabi Alonso
10 Luis Garcia
18 Antonio Nunez
28 Stephen Warnock
11 Vladimir Smicer
25 Igor Biscan
15 Salif Diao
32 John Welsh
34 Darren Potter
26 Richie Partridge
41 Mark Smyth
42 Robbie Foy
38 David Mannix
39 Ryan Wilkie

Strikers
5 Milan Baros
9 Djibril Cisse
24 Florent Sinama-Pongolle
33 Neil Mellor

Click the pic for more on the Souness story.

Souness to Newcastle!

According to a story just breaking now on BBC News 24, the former Liverpool player and manager Graham Souness has quit his role as manager of Blackburn Rovers and is set to join Newcastle United as manager.

Souness was loved as a player at Anfield but poor performances as manager along with an ill-judged decision to sell his story to the Sun meant he has no longer well-liked by a majority of Liverpool fans.

[lfc-news] Dudek: we're much happier under Rafa - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 5 Sept 2004
DUDEK: WE'RE MUCH HAPPIER UNDER RAFA
By Paul Eaton

Jerzy Dudek has revealed there is a completely different atmosphere at
Anfield this season following the arrival of Rafael Benitez.
The Polish goalkeeper, who will face England in Katowice on Wednesday
night, says everyone at the club is refreshed and raring to improve on last
season's fourth placed Premiership finish.

He said: "Last year was quite depressing. When the team is not doing well
it is difficult for everyone, not just the coaches.

"When the team is doing well the atmosphere is immediately different. That
helps to get results. Now we have much more freshness in the training. The
coach wants us up for it, to play quicker and to have some kind of idea of
what we're doing.

"Everything takes time, to learn new things, but I think it is getting
better and better. Everyone is trying to make an impression on the new
coach and maybe that is why everyone is so positive.

"The new manager is more relaxed. I think everyone is enjoying it more. A
goalkeeper needs to be relaxed to make great saves in games and in
training, to have a clear mind about his position. It is not good going
into a match thinking: 'If I make a mistake what will happen?' That doesn't
help me or Chris (Kirkland).

"That's how I felt last season - but that time is gone. We have a new coach
and new things to learn. I am more happy now."

Meanwhile, Dudek reckons he is 'hated' by England fans for keeping Chris
Kirkland out of the Liverpool team.

Dudek believes Kirkland would play for his country if he was playing more
regularly for Liverpool - but he insists there can be no room for sentiment
in football.

He said: "It is a tough competition with Chris and I know the fans would
prefer to see him in goal at Liverpool because of his position with England.

"They probably hate me for that - but I like to play as well, so I'm sorry.
We are good friends but only one of us can play.

"That competition is good and if I play badly, it is up to coach Rafael
Benitez to make a decision."


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[lfc-news] Under-18s lose again - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 4 Sept 2004
UNDER-18S LOSE AGAIN
By Steve Hunter at the Academy

Liverpool Under-18s crashed to their third straight defeat of the season
when they lost 3-0 at home to Leeds United who could have scored a lot more
goals.
John Owens team were simply not at the races and if the scoreline had
finished 6-0 nobody would have had any complaints. Leeds created chance
after chance and the gulf in quality would have been quite alarming to the
Reds Academy staff.

So far this season Liverpool have lost 3-1 to Crystal Palace, lost 2-1 to
10 man Charlton Athletic and now 3-0 to Leeds.

The bright spark for Liverpool would have been the peformance of trialist
striker Robert Dalley who played well and showed glimpses of quality.
Dalley is a dead ringer for Emile Heskey and will hope to earn a contract
with Liverpool. A decision will be made shortly.

Dalley was partnered up front by 15-year-old James Frayne, nephew of David
James, and the Welsh striker worked very hard for little reward as the
service he got was non existent.

Leeds took the lead after 21 minutes with a superb curled free-kick from
Gavin Rotheray, and three minutes later the scoreline got worse as a
sweeping move down the right wing saw Kevin Smith put away a superb low
cross from Chris Jones.

Leeds were rampant and Reds keeper Paul Lancaster made a superb point blank
save to deny Justin Bowler.

Another major difference between the two sides was the width Leeds used and
the quality of crossing was far superior to that of Liverpool. With several
players with reserve team experience playing in this Liverpool side the
quality of crossing you would have expected to be a lot better.

Lancaster made another great save to keep the Reds in with a chance and
just before half time Robert Dalley was unlucky to see his shot come off
the bar after a superb pass from John-Paul Kelly.

Leeds carried on in the same vein in the second half and it was 3-0 after
52 minutes when Damien Reeves converted another superb flowing move.

Leeds could have added further goals when Smith twice went close with shots
into the side netting and there was almost a bizarre own goal when Danny
O'Donnell's clearance was cleared off his own line by Robbie Threlfall.

Liverpool did create opportunities in the second half and Danny Guthrie was
unlucky with a well struck free-kick that brought a fine save out of Mark
Wilberforce. Then Phil Townley went close for the Reds when he burst his
way into the Leeds area only to see his low drive well saved by Wilberforce.

Liverpool's day was summed up by a great chance falling at the back post to
Ryan Wilkie whose goal bound header was blocked by his own player Frayne.

It's a disappointing start to the season for the new look Liverpool
Under-18 team and it appears as though manager John Owens has a tough job
on his hands.

Liverpool Under-18 team: Paul Lancaster, Calum Woods, Danny Smith (Paul
Barrett 66), James Smith (Robbie Threlfall 45), Danny O'Donnell, Lee
Peltier, John-Paul Kelly, Danny Guthrie, James Frayne, Robert Dalley (Phil
Townley 66), Ryan Wilkie. Unused subs: Paul Willis, Adam Hammill.


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[lfc-news] Riise: Don't jump to conclusions - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 5 Sept 2004
RIISE: DON'T JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS
By Paul Eaton

John Arne Riise has told Liverpool fans not to jump to early conclusions
following the Reds' patchy start to the new Premiership season.
Despite collecting only four points from the first nine available Riise
maintains the club are in good shape to improve on last season's
Premiership performance - even though he insists the first aim has to be
closing the massive gap which opened up between the Reds and Arsenal last year.

He said: "There's no point everyone jumping to conclusions about this
season so early. We have a new manager and new players so it's going to
take time.

"Last Sunday we had two players making their debut and that's never easy.
It's hard enough for a team if only one player is new, so for two players
to come in, especially at a place like Bolton which is always a very
difficult match, was going to be tough.

"We all know we still have good qualities and a strong squad. We said at
the start of the season we didn't want to look too far ahead and we're
sticking by that.

"We play a game, move on and just look forward to the next game. The first
ambition has always been to get closer to Arsenal and see what happens
beyond that. It hasn't changed."

Ha also believes the arrival of Benitez to Anfield has improved his game
and says he is much better defensively than he was before.
Riise says he feels good about his game this season and is full of confidence.

Riise said: "I didn't think I had my best game at Bolton last week but
since the start of the season I have felt I have been playing much better,
particularly defensively.

"I'm feeling very confident about my game again and I've already learnt a
lot from Rafael Benitez. He's spent a lot of time working with me,
particularly on the defensive aspects of my game.

"He's told me to be more patient when I'm trying to stop someone getting
past me. I have to stop diving into tackles and use my strength, power and
speed to my advantage far more.

"If someone tries to beat me I should be able to stop them because of my
strength and pace. In the past I think I've been guilty of committing
myself into a tackle too soon. I'm happy so far and just have to keep it going."


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[lfc-news] Gerrard disappointed after draw - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 5 Sept 2004
GERRARD DISAPPOINTED AFTER DRAW
By Paul Eaton

Steven Gerrard reflected on England's 2-2 draw in Austria and admitted: "We
threw it away."
England were well on their way to three vital World Cup qualifying points
after goals from Frank Lampard and a beauty from Gerrard gave Sven Goran
Eriksson's men a 2-0 lead. But a late rally from the Austrians - aided by
some woeful goalkeeping from David James - saw the home side come storming
back to grab a point.

Gerrard said: "We couldn't believe it. We threw two points away tonight.
For 70 minutes there wasn't a problem and we were in complete control of
the match, but for the last 20 minutes we were all over the place and I
don't know what happened.

"It's a disappointing result considering we were 2-0 up and in so much
control, but we can make amends now by winning in Poland on Wednesday night."

Gerrard was thrilled to get on the scoresheet as he bent a vicious shot
over Austrian goalkeeper Alex Manninger to net England's second goal in Vienna.

He added: "I caught the shot lovely. As soon as I hit it I knew it was
going to work the 'keeper and it was great to see the ball hit the back of
the net."


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