Tommo backs Rafa's Reds - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 17 Sept 2004
Tommo backs Rafa's Reds
By John Thompson, Liverpool Echo

LEAVING Liverpool Football Club in the wake of Gerard Houllier's departure
was, admits Phil Thompson, 'a hell of a wrench'.

But he says it was a totally different experience to that he endured when
he previously left the club's back-room staff, sent packing by Graeme
Souness over allegations he had been disloyal in private remarks about the
Scot's managerial abilities.

Then, in 1992, Thompson felt hurt at what he saw as malicious second hand
rumours being taken as fact.

This time, he left his assistant manager's post with warm handshakes, an
understanding of the desire for change, and giving his full backing to the
new regime.

On Wednesday, Thompson returned to Anfield to co-commentate on the game
against Monaco for Sky TV.

Thompson is already back in the Saturday afternoon media role he enjoyed
for six years with Sky - but still misses his involvement in 'a dream job'.
Said the boyhood Kopite and former European Cup-winning Liverpool captain:
"It was a big wrench to leave but this time it was much more amicable than
last and more professional.

"Last time, I felt it was personal - I have no qualms about that.

"I said to Rick Parry and to David Moores when I left this summer that I
have nothing to feel aggrieved about and I thanked them for giving me six
great years."

Going back to Liverpool as assistant to Houllier after having been out of
football for so long, Thompson described returning in 1998 as a fantastic
opportunity.

He said: "Of course, leaving a club you have supported, played for and then
been involved in running for so long hurts - but that's football".

Thompson knows the failure to bring the Premiership title was the ultimate
reason behind his and Houllier's departure.

He said: "It was up to me to help bring success to the club and I feel I
helped Gerard do that.

"We did have a couple of League Cups and we brought the FA Cup and the UEFA
Cup in the treble season, of which I have some incredible memories.

"Every Liverpool manager before and after Gerard will, though, be judged on
whether they bring the League title to Anfield.

"Gerard wanted to build a club and a team that could and would win the
title. That was always our main aim and when we finished fourth, then
third, then second, we were then all hoping and expecting.

"I guess it just wasn't to be, though. But Gerard Houllier nearly gave his
life trying to get there."

Thompson, who took the reins for six months after Houllier's collapse with
a ruptured aorta, said he had no doubt at the time of his illness that
Houllier would come back, because of his passion for the game and his love
of the club."

He said: "I am not daft and he is not daft - we know things went wayward in
the last 12 months but it wasn't for the lack of trying.

"I appreciate people saying we finished 30 points behind Arsenal last
season but they had an extraordinary season going unbeaten.

"I do, however, think people get a bit blinkered and just look at the last
12 months, when things did not go well. But I don't care what anyone says,
the club is in a better state than it was before Gerard Houllier was
appointed manager.

"The Academy, which was being planned, opened during our time and Melwood
was redeveloped into one of the finest, state-ofthe-art training complexes
to be found anywhere.

"There's also the new stadium to come and it's a shame we won't be there to
see it opened. But Liverpool will have one of the best football clubs in
the world, all told.

Added Thompson: "Gerard Houllier always wanted to leave a legacy - and he
has done that."

Tommo on: Benitez

"I HAD a meeting with Rafael Benitez before I left the club and was aware
of what he wanted.

"I said I understood and there was no problem with me leaving. I realised
he felt the need to change things and bring in his own staff.

"Actually, I found him a really nice guy, as I did his assistant, Paco
Ayesteran. Both of them were top class the way they handled the change.

"After what Rafa did in Spain he was always going to be a top candidate if
Gerard had to go.

"In the space of a few months, Benitez built a team to topple Real Madrid
and Barcelona. That's not lucky; that means you are tops at your job.

"I hope he can manage to bring to Anfield what we didn't - the Premiership
title. The fans want it so badly and they deserve it.

"We have had too much mickey-taking for too long from Manchester and
nothing would give me more pleasure than to see Rafa and his team bring it
back.

"But people must be patient - he has to stamp his style and his authority
on the team.

"Good luck to him and his staff.

"The same goes to Rick Parry and David Moores. I know how difficult it was
to make the decision they did - but big decisions must be made."

Tommo on: Leaving Liverpool
"I FOUND it difficult at first when they started pre-season training and I
was no longer part of it. It did feel strange - the club has been in my
blood all my life.

"The hardest thing is taking my kids to school in West Derby and driving
past Melwood. It was a great place to work and the people there, right down
to the girls in the restaurant, were first class.

"Obviously, I miss working with Gerard. He was always meticulous in
everything we did. I had to make sure a lot of what he wanted and demanded
was delivered.

"Sammy Lee, too, was a terrific support and colleague throughout my time at
the club, particularly during that spell as caretaker manager when Gerard
was recovering.

"I had a great relationship with Sammy - he would have been a great
assistant manager - but of course he has moved to the England set-up, where
I'm sure he will be a great asset.

"I loved everything about the job to be honest - even the opposition fans
who used to taunt me with that 'sit down Pinocchio' chant. It became a bit
of a soap opera in a way with the Kop responding back to them.

"To hear the Manchester City fans chanting; 'Where is Pinocchio?' during
Liverpool's first home game this season made me laugh."

Tommo on: Memories
"WINNING the UEFA Cup was a special experience. There were some great
places we visited during the run and some great games along the way, right
up to end with the final against Alaves.

"I'll always cherish those memories, particularly that night in Germany. It
was one of the greatest and most dramatic European finals ever.

"And we made Cardiff a second home.

"I'll never forget winning the FA Cup against the odds against Arsenal.
"No-one was bothered that day, particularly at the party we had that night.

"During the game when we were 1-0 down I well remember Marcus Babbel, who
was a really good professional, pushing himself forward to try and help get
us an equaliser.

"Then he got up against Tony Adams to challenge for a header and Michael
struck.

"A few minutes later, Michael got his second and the cup was ours.

"It was an incredible few minutes, an emotional occasion and a wonderful day."

Tommo on: The future
"I LOVE the game and maybe there will come a time when I will go back into
it in some capacity.

"But contrary to what was reported in the ECHO, I was never interviewed for
the job at Chester. I was approached by Chester but I decided not to pursue
an interest in it because I didn't feel it was right for Phil Thompson.

"That was before Ian Rush took the job and I wish Rushie well in it. I have
known he has wanted to get into the coaching side for some time and develop
himself in the game.

"For Mark Lawrenson to say what he did about Ian wasn't right. Mark had a
go at management at Oxford and no-one complained about him being given a
chance.

"If Ian feels it is right for him that is all that matters. Chester are
very lucky people to have him.

"I'm now back at Sky working with Rodney Marsh, Frank McLintock and Charlie
Nicholas. After six years away it did seem a bit strange going back but I
used to enjoy the media work and hopefully it will build up again."

Tommo on: Academy
"PEOPLE said we never gave young lads a chance but noone would have been
more proud of them progressing than me and Sammy Lee.

"It was a joke - people would say lads from Kirkby had a better chance of
making the reserves.

"I would get a buzz out of local lads coming through. But first team
players don't grow on trees.

"Gerard was adamant if there were youngsters who could have helped us win
more games we would take them. I don't under-stand why people think we
wouldn't.

"In the last 12 months we brought six players from the Academy to Melwood.
Look at Neil Mellor, Jon Otsemobor and John Welsh. We brought them through,
played them in cup games and sent them on loan to gain experience.

"Patrice Bergues and Sammy went to the Academy every week to meet Hughie
McCauley, Dave Shannon and Steve Heighway.

"I'm not saying everything was perfect, but we did give young lads a chance
and am aggrieved people say we didn't."

Tommo on: The media
"CONTRARY to what people said, we didn't have a problem with ex-players
working in the media saying things about us - other than for a few who
seemed to enjoy being critical and hurtful.

"There are many former players in the media and we never had a problem with
that. People like Alan Hansen, who is the best in the business, never
caused us any concern.

"John Aldridge is another one who speaks his mind but who we never had an
issue with. He was always held in high esteem.

"Really, it is how explayers go about it that matters. Saying things in the
right manner is what's important.

"I would like people to think that I am constructive in analysing the games
I talk about. But there are some people who come across as vindictive and
almost personal with what they say.

"When we reacted to people being malicious or taking the proverbial it was
because we wanted to protect the players and the club."

Reserves v Sunderland - report

Official LFC Website, 16 Sept 2004
PONGOLLE INJURED AS RESERVES WIN

An injury to French Under-21 international striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle
marred Liverpool Reserves 1-0 win over Sunderland which saw Neil Mellor
score his first goal of the season, writes Steve Hunter

An injury to French Under-21 international striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle
marred Liverpool Reserves 1-0 win over Sunderland which saw Neil Mellor
score his first goal of the season.

It was in the 72nd minute of the game that Sinama-Pongolle collapsed on the
ground in agony after seeming to twist his ankle, and after treatment he
was helped off the field and couldn't put any weight on his ankle. The
watching Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will be hoping the injury isn't
too serious.

The game itself was certainly a low key affair as a strong looking
Liverpool team struggled to produce clear cut openings. When they did
create their first meaningful chance it was perhaps inevitable Neil Mellor
was the scorer. It was something of a rarity for Mellor not to score in his
previous two reserve team outings after suffering a knee injury in
pre-season. The goal came in the 56th minute and was created by
Sinama-Pongolle intercepting a backpass and he fed Mellor who found the net.

It was the reserves first goal of the season and first victory of the season.

It was a fairly disappointing match despite Hughie McAuley fielding a
strong side featuring Chris Kirkland, Stephane Henchoz, Florent
Sinama-Pongolle, Neil Mellor and Richie Partridge. Henchoz partnered Zak
Whitbread at the heart of the Liverpool defence with Djimi Traore at left
back and Salif Diao right back. John Welsh was back in the centre of
midfield as captain andpartnered Darren Potter.

As far as Chris Kirkland is concerned he didn't have a lot to do during the
match but he made one superb save at the start of the second half and he
was composed throughout the game. Stephane Henchoz had his usual efficient
match at the centre of defence and did well.

In what was a very disappointing first half Liverpool's only chance came
from the lively Stephen Warnock who chased a loose ball, chipped it over
keeper Michael Ingham but in a packed penalty area there were plenty of
defenders around to clear the danger.

It was a frustrating first half for the strike pairing of Neil Mellor and
Florent Sinama-Pongolle who had no service whatsoever. Richie Partridge was
lively down the right wing but all too often disappointed with his final
ball. However, this was only Partridge's third game in nine months so maybe
he is still finding his feet again as his approach play is excellent.

Sunderland made a bright start to the second half and had a great chance
when Grant Leadbitter's fine strike was superbly pushed around the post by
Chris Kirkland.

Liverpool took the lead 11 minutes into the second half through Neil
Mellor's first goal of the season. A misplaced back pass was intercepted by
Florent Sinama-Pongolle whose pass found Neil Mellor who slotted into the
back of the net. It was Mellor's first goal of the season in his third game
back.

The two strikers then combined again on the hour with Mellor sending
Sinama-Pongolle awaywith a great pass. The French striker then closed in on
goal but saw his tame effort saved by Ingham. It was a disappointing effort
as Mellor had made good ground and was unmarked at the back post.

Sunderland then went close five minutes later when Richie Ryan's dipping
effort beat Kirkland but the ball hit the bar.

Liverpool went close after 70 minutes when some good approach play from
Mellor set up an opening for Partridge but the Republic of Ireland Under-21
international shot wide.

Liverpool Reserves: Kirkland, Diao, Traore, Henchoz, Whitbread, Potter,
Partridge, Welsh, Mellor, Sinama-Pongolle (Foy 72), Warnock. Subs not used:
Raven, Harrison, Mannix, O'Donnell.

Sunderland Reserves: Ingham, Christensen, Dodds, Dickman, Collins, Clark,
Kingsberry, Wanless, Teggart, Leadbitter, Ryan.

Referee: M Matadar.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the match: Stephane Henchoz. The Swiss international
might be out of favour at the moment but he showed a great attitude and had
a typical efficient match. He was encouraging young defender Zak Whitbread
who will have benefited from playing alongside Henchoz.

Garcia delight at Kenny link - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 16 Sept 2004
Garcia delight at Kenny link
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL'S new hero Luis Garcia today spoke of his pride at being compared
to Anfield's greatest ever player, Kenny Dalglish.

But the Spaniard says Barcelona legend Michael Laudrup is the player who
influenced his game the most.

Garcia shone for the second time in four days in the 2-0 Champions League
victory over Monaco and admitted his surprise at the speed at which he's
settled on Merseyside.

As the 'missing link' between midfield and attack, Garcia is already
earning rave reviews.

And the impact shows in the names being used as a reference point for
Garcia's skills.

"Obviously it makes me very happy when you hear fans making comparisons
with some great players," said Garcia, also dubbed the ' mini Litmanen ' in
some quarters.

"I've heard of Kenny Dalglish but I never saw him play. The important thing
is if people say that, it must mean I'm making the fans happy. If that
continues, even better.

"The player I used to love watching as a youngster was Michael Laudrup. The
moves and runs I make come from watching him.

"I do particularly like playing where I've been in the last two matches,
although the main thing is to be available for the manager in whatever
position he wants me."

Garcia says the instant backing he's received from the Kop can continue to
inspire him.

"My intention was to settle as quickly as possible, but the reality is that
it usually takes a few more games," he said.

"I thought I would develop my game gradually, but I've performed well much
quicker than expected.

"To get the backing and support of the fans is also important to every
player. As time goes by I just want to keep on improving my performances
and impress them even more.

"I had some chances to score last night, but I'm not too worried I missed.
It would worry me much more if I wasn't getting chances at all.

"I've left a great club in Barcelona, but I've also joined one of the
biggest clubs in Europe. The intention is to build something special here
and we've started off on the right footing.

"Players like Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard already have a reputation
across Europe for being great, but what we really need to do is win trophies.

"I've left my family and friends behind to come here and that's down to the
faith the manager has put in me. I've confidence in him and hopefully I
will repay that faith over the next few months."

Garcia is now looking ahead to Monday's trip to Old Trafford, well equipped
to deal with the intense rivalry between Liverpool and United from his
experiences in Spain.

He added: "I know Liverpol versus United is like Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Now we've got this victory out of the way I will become more aware of the
expectancy. I'm really looking forward to that game."

Alonso brings back Molby memories - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 16 Sept 2004
Alonso brings back Molby memories
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post

THE last time Liverpool played host to a proper Champions League game, they
were comprehensively outclassed by what Michael Owen later hailed as the
best display by an away team at Anfield in his time there.

Valencia were handing out the lesson that evening, led by a certain Rafael
Benitez. Much has happened since that eye-opening 90 minutes in November
2002 - not least the Spaniard exchanging dugouts to take over from Gerard
Houllier while Owen himself ventured to pastures new - but the feeling
remains that Liverpool are mere temporary gatecrashers among Europe's
present elite.

Their defeat to Grazer AK under-lined to Benitez the scale of the work he
must undertake if common perception of Liverpool's European credentials is
to be altered in the immediate future.

Such transformation won't happen overnight, and while success in the
Premiership must take precedence over Continental conquests, the challenge
of locking horns with the cream of European football can only help
Benitez's domestic cause.

First up last night were Champions League runners-up Monaco, decimated by
summer departures and seemingly ripe for Liverpool to post an early marker
for Europe to take note.

So it proved. With Houllier watching on, it was inevitable his parting gift
Djibril Cisse would grace the evening with his first Anfield goal. But he
was outshone by Benitez's own multi-million addition to his embryonic squad.

To all but the most learned Liverpool supporters, Xabi Alonso was an
unknown quantity to file along with Benitez's other Spanish acquisitions.
But after first Josemi and on Saturday Luis Garcia had posted their
statement of intent, so it was the composed midfielder's turn to
demonstrate his wares.

They are substantial. Although lacking the explosive pace and tenacious
tackling of midfield partner Steven Gerrard, Alonso more than compensates
with a passing range unseen in these parts since the days of Jan Molby -
one ball in particular last night inside the right-hand channel for Steve
Finnan an apt illustration of his asssets. In fact, with his shock of brown
hair and languid style, Alonso comes across as a (much) slimmer version of
the stocky Dane.

This was in truth the ideal fixture for the Spaniard to begin what will
almost certainly be a long-term partnership with Gerrard, with the new-look
Monaco offering token resistance in the centre of the park.

Possession in Europe is key and with his team-mates gradually taking the
hint last night, Alonso will be an influential cog should Liverpool
progress further in the Champions League.

Reds to stick to pricing policy - Echo

Interesting article from the Echo. What it does not mention is a reduced capacity - not sure how reduced but due to the larger-sized advertising hoardings, there's a lot of seats at the front that can't be sat in...

Liverpool Echo, 16 Sept 2004
Reds to stick to pricing policy
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL have no plans to reduce ticket prices for future Champions League
games at Anfield - despite a disappointing gate of just 33,517 for last
night's opening group game against Monaco.

The Reds attracted a near full house for the qualifying round against AK
Graz, when prices were reduced.

But chief executive Rick Parry said today: "We have to declare our
ticketing structure to UEFA before the Champions League group begins and
then stick with it.

"I still think, however, it would be difficult to justify discounted prices
for the Champions League.

"It is the greatest club competition in the world and the quality on offer
is outstanding.

"I would be kicking myself if I had missed that performance last night. The
gate was disappointing, particularly in view of a full house for the Graz
game in the qualifying round.

"But while we had some great gates in the UEFA Cup last season, when a
reduced ticket price scheme proved hugely successful, it is not something
we can consider for the Champions League."

Smaller gates in the early stages of the Champions League is not a new
phenomenon at Anfield.

The visit of Boavista in 2001 - for Anfield's first Champions Cup clash
since 1985 - attracted 30,015 fans, while the following season's first
Champions League home match against Basel was watched by 37,000 fans.

Watch Liverpool's goals - free!

Came across this site today. I've no idea whether the site has the rights to provide these clips, but every goal of the season so far is available here in pretty good quality.

NB: We are in no way affiliated with this site!

KIRKLAND TO RETURN TO ACTION TONIGHT

This line-up looks very interesting - not far from a potential first-team line-up in some ways!

From the official site:

Paul Rogers 16 September 2004

Chris Kirkland makes his long-awaited return to action against Sunderland for the Reserves tonight in what is a very strong Liverpool second-string side.
Liverpool FC's Reserve team for tonight's match against Sunderland at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham (Kick-off 7pm) is as follows: 1. Chris Kirkland 2. Salif Diao 3. Djimi Traore 4. Stephane Henchoz 5. Zak Whitbread 6. Darren Potter 7. Richie Partridge 8. John Welsh 9. Neil Mellor 10. Florent Sinama-Pongolle 11. Stephen Warnock 12. David Raven 13. Paul Harrison 14. David Mannix 15. Mark Smyth 16. Robbie Foy

Milan Baros scoring an outstanding goal to give Liverpool a 2-0 lead against Monaco in the Champions League

Liverpool's number 7 Harry Kewell in action at Anfield in the Champions League

Cisse in action against Monaco.

Benitez hails Reds start

Benitez hails Reds start

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez described his side's opening Champions League victory over Monaco as a "fantastic start" to their European campaign.
"When you win you're satisfied but when you win like this and make so many chances you are very happy," he said.

"We have three points and it has been a fantastic start.

"Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard played well together in midfield but I'm looking to have a strong squad and be able to swap players as we are doing."

Benitez added: "It could have been Dietmar Hamann but this time it was Alonso and Gerrard and it worked very well.

"And I was happy too with Luis Garcia, he tried lots of things and gave us plenty of options to attack playing in the position between attack and midfield."

Monaco boss Didier Deschamps was bitterly disappointed with his side's display.

He said: "We could not get into the game and lost out in all areas of the pitch.

"The result went against us and we got what we deserved. We lacked aggression and were too slow to the ball, Liverpool were a yard quicker than us everywhere."


Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3655312.stm

Published: 2004/09/15 21:41:29 GMT

© BBC MMIV

Monaco report - PA

PA Sport, 15 Sept 2004
Liverpool 2 Monaco 0

Liverpool lived on their nerves but in the end deservedly grabbed a
confidence-boosting group A victory on their return to the Champions League.

Monaco, last season's runners-up, were outplayed for long spells but - for
all Liverpool's clever, inventive football - were not finished off until
six minutes from time.

Djibril Cisse put Liverpool ahead as their slick movement and passing
threatened to over-run Didier Deschamps' side.

But it was not until substitute Milan Baros broke away to grab a second
goal with six minutes left that boss Rafael Benitez was able to breathe easier.

Former boss Gerard Houllier was watching in the directors' box - and he saw
his successor leave out Dietmar Hamann to allow £11million Spaniard Xabi
Alonso to take over a central midfield role.

Otherwise it was the same team which beat West Brom on Saturday in the
Barclays Premiership, with Chris Kirkland over his back problem and
returning to the bench alongside Hamann and Baros.

Injuries and suspensions hit Monaco - with Javier Saviola banned and
Ernesto Chevanton and Shabani Nonda injured it meant Mohamed Kallon was up
front.

Monaco had only five of the side which played against Porto in last
season's final in their starting line-up.

But even though they looked defensive, with three centre-backs, they broke
quickly and had pace and awareness up front - particularly Kallon.

The former Inter Milan man, only just back from a UEFA ban for failing a
drugs test, almost caught out Jerzy Dudek in the opening minutes when he
spotted the Pole off his line - and tried a 40-yard effort which did not
miss the target by much.

But Liverpool started to grow in confidence with some crisp passing and
neat and tidy movement, particularly on the right, where Steve Finnan had
held his place.

Alonso's ability to switch play with long, raking passes kept a good supply
coming Finnan's way with Josemi up in support and the lively Luis Garcia
linking well.

There had been barely a chance until what looked a lazy Monaco build-up
ended with a neat ball from Kallon to Pontus Farnerud, but the Swede wasted
the opportunity with a shot pulled wide of the far post.

That sparked Liverpool, and the growing menace of Garcia cost Andreas Zikos
a booking when he cut down the quick-thinking midfielder.

But Garcia continued to find plenty of space to work in and almost scored
with a dipping 25-yard effort just over the far angle.

Liverpool's breakthrough came in the 22nd minute, following a foul on Garcia.

Alonso's free-kick was moved sweetly to Steven Gerrard, who played a
one-two with Garcia before playing the ball into the path of Cisse.

The striker cruised into space in the box before lashing a 12-yard effort
past Flavio Roma for his first Anfield goal.

Liverpool continued to improve with Alonso having an increasing input,
while Finnan was a constant menace - timing his runs into space on the
right to collect a string of excellent cross-field passes.

But Garcia caused Monaco most problems and when Harry Kewell put him clear
on the left only Roma's legs prevented a second goal.

Garcia could have scored twice more before the break with headers, with
Monaco looking an increasingly worried outfit.

The typically-busy Gerrard was booked in the 51st minute for a foul on
Sebastien Squillaci - before Liverpool got wasteful.

Cisse was put clear by Garcia but saw Roma block his shot while both Kewell
and Gerrard saw efforts clear the bar.

Monaco found a second wind and started to put moves of their own together,
with Dudek saving an unchallenged Adebayor header at the foot of a post,
before Jamie Carragher headed clear when the goalkeeper failed to come for
a cross.

Baros came on to replace Cisse but Monaco could now sense their chance and
were pinning Liverpool back.

Benitez moved to restore some substance to Liverpool's defending by taking
off Kewell and bringing on young midfielder Stephen Warnock.

But still Monaco came forward and what had been a comfortable performance
was becoming a nervy display.

Dudek again failed to challenge for a right wing cross - but the ball
evaded Carragher and, more significantly for the Anfield faithful, Adebayor.

Roma needed to be smart to save at Garcia's feet, but it did not swing the
game back Liverpool's way.

However, for all his invention and clever play, Garcia is prone to panic in
front of goal - and he wasted a glorious chance to settle things in the
81st minute when he blasted wide from 10 yards after Finnan's nod-down had
left him in the clear.

But the clincher arrived three minutes later after Josemi lifted a high
clearance straight down the middle.

Baros gained possession just outside the penalty box, moved into the area
and slipped round Julien Rodriguez before firing past Roma from an acute angle.

Liverpool: Dudek, Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Finnan, Gerrard,
Alonso, Kewell (Warnock 76), Luis Garcia (Biscan 87), Cisse (Baros 69).
Subs Not Used: Kirkland, Diao, Hamann, Traore.
Booked: Gerrard.
Goals: Cisse 22, Baros 84.

Monaco: Roma, Givet (El Fakiri 80), Squillaci, Rodriguez, Anjreas Zikos,
Maicon, Perez (Juan 89), Farnerud, Evra (Camara 45), Kallon, Adebayor.
Subs Not Used: Audard, Modesto, Lacombe, Lescure.
Booked: Anjreas Zikos, Givet.

Att: 33,517
Ref: Terje Hauge (Norway).

BENITEZ HAPPY WITH MONACO WIN

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez declared himself satisfied after his first
Champions League match in charge at Anfield ended in a 2-0 victory over Monaco.

Lone striker Djibril Cisse gave the home side a first-half lead and despite
missing a few chances after the break Cisse's replacement Milan Baros
secured the result with a coolly-taken goal late on.

"We have done a good game. We concentrated and we perhaps we could have
scored a lot more goals," he said.

"We need to know these game are difficult. This is a good team (Monaco) who
played with five at the back and we had to be patient.

"The two forwards scored, which is good for the team."

The Spanish coach admitted he had some worrying moments in the second half
as Monaco looked as though they were going to make Liverpool pay for
squandering chances.

"At 1-0 if you don't score and have a lot of mistakes you normally think
one mistake in defence you concede a goal but we managed to relax," he added.

"It is important to keep a clean sheet, it gives the whole team more
confidence.

"This is the second home victory [of the season], and it is important for
the team, supporters and the club.

"If you win many times you have more confidence."

Captain Steven Gerrard said: "We're happy with how it went - we've played
well, kept a clean sheet and scored two goals - and we could have had more.

"We played some nice football and worked hard and limited them to very few
attempts on goal - which was pleasing.

"I thought we passed the ball really well at times tonight, which was
pleasing to see.

"They had a bit of joy in the middle of the second half and we needed a
second goal to kill them off because it's always dangerous at 1-0 against
quality sides."

He continued: "This is where we want to be - we want to do well in the
Champions League.

"It's always important to win your home games in the group situation and
we're very pleased with how it's gone.

"It's something to build on for the game at Manchester United (on Monday in
the Barclays Premiership)."

However, the influential midfielder was disappointed with his booking for a
51st-minute foul on Sebastien Squillaci, with the Monaco player's
team-mates reacting vocally to the challenge.

The England man continued on Sky Sports: "I tried to explain to the referee
that I slipped and didn't mean to foul him.

"I wouldn't like to say their players got me booked but I was disappointed
with how they reacted - I was trying to explain to them as well.

"But it's gone now and I'm sure it won't be rescinded."

Liverpool win their opening Champions League fixture - click the picture for a report from the BBC.

[lfc-news] Alonso: We can surprise Europe - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 15 Sept 2004
ALONSO: WE CAN SURPRISE EUROPE
By Paul Eaton

Spanish star Xabi Alonso has predicted Liverpool will emerge as a surprise
package in this season's Champions League.
The £10 million midfielder believes Rafael Benitez's knowledge of European
football is sure to benefit the Reds as they embark on their new European
adventure against Monaco at Anfield tonight.

Alonso, who will be hoping to return to the starting line-up after missing
out against West Brom on Saturday, is confident the Reds will qualify from
their group before re-establishing the club as a force in European football.

"I firmly believe Liverpool have the team, the tactics and the belief to do
something very important in the Champions League," he said. "There is no
reason why we can't be the surprise team in this year's competition.

"Monaco have sold many of the players who helped them reach last season's
final, so maybe they won't be as strong this season. But we won't be
relying on that because in football you can't trust things like that.

"Monaco are lucky to have a great coach in Didier Deschamps and I'm sure he
will have his team well prepared for this match. He will make them
dangerous opponents for sure.

"Rafa Benitez has proved in Spain he is one of the best coaches around and
now he has a great chance to do something even more special by bringing
trophies to Anfield, either English prizes or European ones.

"He did it with Valencia and I'm confident he'll do it with Liverpool as
soon as he can. His tactics and beliefs are ideally suited to winning
European games. You saw that last season when he won the UEFA Cup with
Valencia.

"I am too young to remember Liverpool winning the European Cups in the
seventies and eighties, but my father has told me all about their great
European history. I am under no illusions that wearing this red shirt is
something very special and I meant it when I said it was a dream come true
to sign for Liverpool.

"I imagine it will be amazing to hear the Champions League anthem at
Anfield before we play Monaco. For me, this is the most important
competition. The team are feeling good ahead of this match and with the
support of our fans I'm sure we'll beat Monaco.

"I don't think we have been given an easy group because all the teams are
good, but we have a lot of belief that we will go through to the next stage."


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[lfc-news] Success in Europe can silence Gerrard talk - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 15 Sept 2004
Success in Europe can silence Gerrard talk
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ has admitted Liverpool need a good Champions League campaign
to silence speculation over Steven Gerrard's future once and for all.

Liverpool return to Europe's premier club competition against Monaco
tonight with Gerrard looking to maintain the superb form that has yielded
four goals so far this season.

The midfielder's influence at Anfield has been unaffected by the summer
offer from Chelsea or reports of a January move to Real Madrid. And though
Benitez sought out Madrid to allay fears of a £22million bid in the
transfer window, he admits Liverpool can banish doubts themselves by
reaching the Champions League knockout stages next year.

"For Gerrard and all the players it is important we go far in the Champions
League," said the Liverpool manager. "I am sure it is very important for
them but it is also very important for the whole club because of its
history and the money we can make and spend on the team if we go far.

"But it isn't necessary to be thinking about the future. It is far better
to do our job properly now and then it will be easier to keep and sign good
players in the future.

"Steven is a fantastic player and will get even better in the future. If he
has lost concentration because of all the speculation then I hope he stays
like that because he is playing very well and scoring lots of goals!"

Benitez also sees Champions League progress with Liverpool as the way to
erase his own painful memories of the competition with Valencia.

The Anfield coach rates the 2003 quarter-final against Inter Milan as the
biggest regret of his time at the Mestalla Stadium when the Spaniards were
knocked out on the away goals rule.

Benitez continued: "Losing on away goals in the quarter-finals with
Valencia two years ago was perhaps the most disappointing moment of my time
there. It was an unbelievable game at home, we had 35 shots on the Inter
goal but their keeper was inspired and the goal we needed just wouldn't come.

"I see the Champions League as a big challenge for me but then so is the
Premier League. I want to win every game we play, it doesn't matter what
the competition is.

"Supporters might be split 50-50 on which they would prefer to win but in
my mind it is just another game and I want to see us produce what we have
been working on in train-ing."

Benitez is considering changes to the side that comprehensively beat West
Bromwich Albion, with £10.7m midfielder Xabi Alonso in line to return after
starting Saturday's game on the bench.

"We have trained very well, we have seen that everyone wants to play and
that is very important," said Benitez..

"They have trained hard because they want to play. But yes, I may change
some of the personnel in the team."

Chris Kirkland is available again after being sidelined for the past
fortnight with a back injury but is unlikely to start due to a lack of
match practice.

"He will be on the squad list but he's had no games for the past 15 days,"
the Liverpool manager added.


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[lfc-news] Benitez wants Liverpool to change their mindset - Telegraph

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Daily Telegraph, 15 Sept 2004
Benitez wants Liverpool to change their mindset
By William Johnson

Rafael Benitez will begin to discover at Anfield tonight the wisdom of
abandoning a solid set-up in Valencia to embark on a considerable
rebuilding operation at Liverpool.

The Spanish manager, who left Valencia with two prestigious trophies – La
Liga and the UEFA Cup – in their cabinet, is hoping he can make just as big
an impact on Merseyside as he did at the Mestalla.

The team he has reshaped from the one left behind by his predecessor Gerard
Houllier take on Monaco, last season's runners-up, in their opening match
back in the Champions League with qualification for the knockout stages
virtually a must.

Liverpool, unlike Spanish champions Valencia, squeezed into the Champions
League by finishing a distant fourth in the Premiership and suffered a
qualifying round home defeat by the unheralded Austrians of AK Graz before
taking their place against Europe's elite by virtue of a 2-1 aggregate
score. Benitez is only looking to the future, however. "If we want to
arrive [as a major force], this one game is not that important – all the
games [in the group] are important,'' he said. "We are now starting to
build a new team here and we have to change certain things."

Benitez emphasised the need to adapt to the differing demands of the
European stage. ``You must change your mindset and also control the
pressure that European games bring,'' he said. ``That's the only way that
players can do better at the highest level."

Benitez was accompanied at yesterday's media briefing by Steve Finnan, the
Republic of Ireland full-back who has been utilised lately as a wide
midfielder. Finnan, who responded to his more advanced role by scoring his
first goal for the club against West Bromwich on Saturday, was unsure
whether it would be enough to keep him in the starting line-up. ``I prefer
the full-back position, but I don't mind where I play as long as I'm
picked," Finnan said, mindful that Xabi Alonso, one of four Spanish
signings made by Benitez, is likely to be recalled after being rested at
the weekend.

Finnan expressed a feeling of "great relief" that Liverpool had clinched
their Champions League place. "We may be underdogs when you look at who is
capable of winning this competition, but Monaco and Porto proved last
season that anything can happen if you get on a good run.

"But we'll need to play better than we did against Graz. That was a wake-up
call and we must heed that warning.''

Monaco's line-up has altered considerably since their 3-0 defeat by Porto
in Gelsenkirchen last May. Coach Didier Dechamps has allowed nine of his
squad to depart during the summer, including Fernando Morientes who
returned to Real Madrid after a season's loan. His replacement Javier
Saviola, signed from Barcelona, is suspended.


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Will Gerard spill the beans?

Gerard Houllier's official biography is released on 20th September. After all that's happened to him in his time at Anfield, it's set to be a good read.

Click here to pre-order it - Gerard Houllier: The Biography

Personally I'm hoping it reveals what happened with the Anelka saga and other such things. Why did he really make decisions that he did - such as Fowler being allowed to leave?

Did Owen spill the beans?

I've not personally read Owen's autobiography yet, but I did read a quote from it where he was claiming that Houllier had rushed him back from injury.

Click here to buy the book from Amazon - Michael Owen: Off the Record - last time I checked there was 40% off through this link.

Mine's on order and I'll hopefully get some time to read it before it's out of date!

Bored? Go and have a mooch around the shop for some LFC stuff!

Search for Liverpool FC Stuff!

Go on - treat yourself!

Liverpool v Monaco - trivia

Some trivia ahead of Liverpool's Champions League game against Monaco tomorrow night at Anfield, from the BBC News web site.

Head-to-head

• This match marks the first time Liverpool and AS Monaco meet in European Cup competitions.
• Liverpool have had 12 previous European Cup encounters with French opposition winning six, drawing one and losing five.
• However, Liverpool are yet to be defeated at Anfield by a French opponent having recorded five wins and one draw.
• That sole draw came in the 4th round of last year's Uefa Cup, when Olympique Marseille returned home from Anfield with a 1-1 draw.
• AS Monaco have a positive record against English sides having recorded four wins, three draws and one defeat in eight encounters.
• Moreover, AS Monaco are still unbeaten in away matches against English sides with two wins and two draws so far.
• AS Monaco have eliminated English teams in their last three two-legged encounters: Chelsea in the 2003/2004 CL semi-finals, Manchester United in the 1997/1998 CL quarter-finals and Newcastle United in the 1996/1997 Uefa Cup quarter-finals.
  

European history

• Liverpool have won four Champions Cups (in 1977, 1978, 1981 and 1984). However, their best result in the Champions League was a quarter-final berth in their first ever CL season in 2001/2002.
• This season marks Liverpool's third CL participation after finishing third in the group phase in 2002/2003.
• AS Monaco are yet to win their first European trophy. Their best seasons so far were 1991/1992 when they finished runners-up in the Cup Winners' Cup, losing 2-0 to Werder Bremen, and last season when they were losing finalists in the Champions League (3-0 vs FC Porto).
• Current European form
• Liverpool lost their last match, a 1-0 home defeat by Grazer AK. However, they progressed to this stage having won the first match 2-0.
• AS Monaco scored nine goals in knocking out HIT Gorica in qualification.
  

Player and disciplinary info

• Monaco's Javier Saviola is suspended for this match because of a red card received playing for Barcelona against Celtic in last season's Uefa Cup.
  
• The current Liverpool squad includes three former Monaco players: John Arne Riise (1998-2001), Patrice Luzi (may 2000-2002) and Salif Diao (1997-2000).
  
• Vladimir Smicer (three goals) and Sami Hyypiä (two goals) are the only Liverpool players in the current squad to have scored more than once in the Champions League.
  
• Javier Saviola (11 goals) and Shabani Nonda (four) are the only Monaco players to have netted at least twice in the CL.
  

Other miscellaneous facts

• Liverpool trainer Rafael Benitez won the Uefa Cup last season with Valencia.
  
• Monaco trainer Didier Deschamps won the first Champions League, in 1992/1993, with Olympique Marseille.
  
• Liverpool are currently eighth in the Premiership having won twice, drawn once and lost one match.
  
• AS Monaco have also suffered one defeat in the French Ligue 1 and are now placed fifth after five matches.

Ian Rush column - Liverpool Echo

Liverpool Echo, 14 Sept 2004
Garcia could be missing 'link' Reds have craved
By Ian Rush, Liverpool Echo

THERE'S only one name on every Liverpool fan's lips since Saturday - Luis
Garcia.

It's a long time since a signing made such a positive impact on his home
debut. I think the reaction to his display shows how desperate the fans
have been for this kind of creative player.

Finding a 'link' man who connects the midfield and strikeforce is a problem
for a lot of teams. Players such as Dennis Bergkamp or Eric Cantona don't
come around every year.

Liverpool have struggled to find someone like this for ages. Hopefully
Garcia will be the answer.

I was very lucky at Liverpool because for most of my career I had the
perfect creative striker in Kenny Dalglish.

Kenny wanted to create goals as much as score them, and as a goalscorer you
couldn't have dreamed for a better partner.

It's funny how interpretations of the game have developed over the years.
I've heard one or two suggest Liverpool are playing one upfront, with
Garcia 'in behind' Djibril Cisse.

Having played in such a system for many years in a highly successful
Liverpool team, it's not like being a lone striker at all.

Kenny and I were two strikers in a 4-4-2. Garcia and Cisse were the same
against West Brom.

The difference is one of the forwards, in this case Garcia, has the ability
to come off the back four, find gaps and make different types of runs than
his partner.

I'll bet Cisse really enjoyed himself playing alongside the Spaniard
against West Brom and felt he could be on the right end of a
defence-splitting pass during each attack.

Cisse had an excellent match and was really unlucky not to score.

He made some fantastic runs, led the line well and showed a good attitude.
If he continues to work as hard as that the goals are sure to come.

Hopefully playing against Monaco, a team he's sure to know a lot about,
will give him the platform to knock a few in.

News from the Academy: High Noon ends barren sequence

Liverpool Daily Post, 14 Sept 2004
High Noon ends barren sequence
Academy Football with Chris Wright, Daily Post

KARL NOON scored on his return from injury to give Liverpool under-18s
their first win of the season at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Liverpool had lost all three of their opening FA Premier Academy League
matches and faced a strong Middlesbrough side, many of whom were part of
their triumphant march to FA Youth Cup glory in May.

But John Owens's side produced their best performance of the season to pick
up their first points.

Huyton striker Noon, who celebrates his 18th birthday tomorrow, had two
chances to open the scoring in the first half, but was denied by the keeper.

He made amends early in the second half by scoring the only goal of the
match after latching on to captain Daniel O'Donnell's high ball out of
defence before finishing well.

After impressing in recent matches, midfielder Paul Barrett was again in
good form - alongside Danny Guthrie - on his first match since officially
signing for Liverpool after leaving Manchester City.

A delighted coach Owens said: "It was a very windy day and we were
concerned about the level of football that would be played. But both sides
did extremely well.

"A lot of that, on our part, was down to the midfielders Danny Guthrie and
Paul Barrett, keeping the passes simple and combining well with the forwards.

"What we planned was to keep things tight, because we had let in three
goals the week before, but still having an eye on the counter attack. In
the end we had much more possession than Middlesbrough.

"It was very much a team performance, whereas in previous games we had had
too many not near their best performance.

"On Saturday most players were probably playing their best game of the season.

"When that happens the team performance is raised greatly - and we got the
reward for that against Middlesbrough."

Dave Shannon's U16s won their first match of new season, 2-1 against
Middlesbrough.

Goals from Lee Woodward and Ray Putterill gave the schoolboy side a winning
start to the campaign.

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Willis, Peltier, D Smith, Threlfall, O'Donnell,
Barrett, Guthrie, Townley (Frayne 85), Noon (J Smith 85), Hammill (Kelly
85), Wilkie.

Benitez: Madrid won't sign Gerrard in January - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 14 Sept 2004
Benitez: Madrid won't sign Gerrard in January
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ insists he has been assured Real Madrid will not try to sign
Steven Gerrard in January after inevitable speculation over the Liverpool
skipper's future flared up again.

Reports on Sunday claimed Madrid president Florentino Perez would make a
£22million move for Gerrard (pictured) in the transfer window after
stating: "He is the type of player who would suit the famous shirt of Real
Madrid."

But Benitez revealed he spoke to contacts at Madrid and his star midfielder
when the story first surfaced two weeks ago - and was assured it was false.

"I read about Real Madrid and Steven but I am sure it is not true," said
the Liverpool manager. "I have spoken to the player and to people in Madrid
and they told me it was not true. Maybe someone just needed some news!

"We will have plenty of time to enjoy Steven Gerrard at Liverpool. I hope
he will be here with us for years."

Liverpool's Champions League ambitions, meanwhile, have been improved by
the news Monaco will be without star striker Javier Saviola in tomorrow's
Group A opener at Anfield.

Saviola, who scored for Monaco in Saturday's 3-1 win over Strasbourg, will
miss the game through suspension after being sent off playing for Barcelona
in Europe last season.

Benitez admits Monaco will present a much different test to his new regime
than West Brom did on Saturday, although Didier Deschamps's side have lost
half the players who reached last season's final.

Fernando Morientes and Dado Prso have gone to Real Madrid and Rangers
respectively, while Ludovic Giuly (Barcelona), Hugo Ibarra (Porto), Tony
Sylva (Lille), Edouard Cisse and Jerome Rothen (both Paris St Germain) have
also departed.

Benitez said: "This is another examination of me and how the players are
reacting to the new life here. Playing Monaco will be a test for us, but I
am looking for my team to show strength - mentally and physically. I am
still building."

Monaco are currently fifth in the French League and Benitez added:
"Obviously I know them and we have followed their progress. They have
extremely good players and are well organised."

Benitez's selection poser for Monaco showdown - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 14 Sept 2004
Benitez's selection poser for Monaco showdown
By Paul Walker, Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ is facing a selection poser for Liverpool's Champions League
return of how to get £11million Spanish star Xabi Alonso into the side to
face last season's runners-up Monaco at Anfield this week.

The Liverpool manager (left) fielded a midfield five on Saturday, which
seems to be his favoured tactic, which included outstanding displays from
Luis Garcia and Steven Gerrard.

Dietmar Hamann, Steve Finnan - in an unfamiliar right-sided role - and
Harry Kewell also contributed to the 3-0 success over West Brom. And Alonso
started the game on the bench before replacing goalscorer Garcia with 25
minutes left.

If Benitez plays an extra striker in Milan Baros against the French side,
it reduces his options of fitting the Spaniard into his starting line-up
tomorrow.

The former Valencia chief explained Alonso's omission against West Brom,
having been fielded in a central role in the defeat at Bolton a fortnight
previously.

Benitez said: "I need a balance in midfield. With Gerrard and Hamann we had
control of midfield.

"For this game we did not need three central midfielders, which is why
Alonso started on the bench."

Benitez's selection thoughts have been complicated by the excellent display
of Finnan in a wide right role he occupies for the Republic of Ireland on
occasions.

Finnan scored his first goal for the club and provided solid defensive
support for Josemi down the right flank.

Benitez said: "The team are working like a team.

"In the end if you do that you win more games because you help each other
and if you are a big club with that attitude you win far more.

"I was happy because I could see the attitude of the players and if you
have a good mentality then you win. You then improve the level of
performance and win more.

"The team played more as a team, they were good in possession, fast around
the pitch and it was probably our best because of the three goals and the
overall performance of the team in defence and attack.

"But I still look to see better games."

Benitez admitted before Saturday's game that he would not be afraid to
leave out star names in search of a better team balance.

There were concerns that his tactical plan did not work properly at Bolton,
where both Alonso and Garcia played.

He said: "My idea was to use the best players, but sometimes the best
players do not always make the best team. You need to find a balance, it
depends sometimes on your opponents but you always need to adapt."

That balance was helped by the inclusion of Finnan and with Hamann and
Gerrard playing as a central partnership.

Finnan could well have been sold before the transfer window, but has now
staked his claim for a place in Benitez's thoughts.

The former Fulham player said: "People have different opinions on whether I
should be playing or not.

"I am not worried too much about speculation. There has been a lot of talk
about a number of players leaving, but I am now glad the window is closed
because no-one will leave until January.

"I've never felt worried about it, and I didn't speak to other clubs. But
if Liverpool had agreed to sell me there would be nothing I could do about
it - if you are told to go, you go."

Rafa: Gerrard can take his game to another level - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 13 Sept 2004
Rafa: Gerrard can take his game to another level
By Stuart Rayner, Liverpool Echo

RAFAEL BENITEZ has assured Liverpool fans that their captain, Steven
Gerrard, will be ready to kick-off the Reds' Champions League campaign on
Wednesday.

Gerrard opened the scoring in Saturday's 3-0 win at home to West Brom, but
appeared to be moving uncomfortably towards the end of the first half.

That prompted fears that the inspirational midfielder had suffered a
recurrence of the groin problems that have blighted his career and could be
forced to miss this week's Champions League clash at home to Monaco.

Manager Benitez appeared to give credence to those fears when he withdrew
Gerrard shortly after Luis Garcia confirmed victory with his first
Liverpool goal, the third of the game.

But afterwards Benitez insisted he had simply been looking at the bigger
picture.

"Sometimes when a player plays well it is good that the supporters clap
him," the Spaniard explained. "For the team it is good that all the players
play and we won more time to prepare him for Wednesday."

Benitez explained that the problem lay with Harry Kewell, who was withdrawn
two minutes later, and that this was the groin injury substitute Milan
Baros was communicating to the bench as he warmed up.

And although Gerrard appears to be taking his game to new levels with every
appearance - as highlighted by the fact that Saturday's strike was already
the midfielder's fifth of the season for club and country - Benitez is
convinced he can get more out of his captain.

"I think Gerrard will improve because we are working with all the team to
think about all the things that happen in a game," he said. "He is
intelligent and wants to improve his level (of performance).

"I think he understood the idea and tried to play with more intelligence.

"He understands the game well and with good players around like Dietmar
Hamann and Xabi Alonso you always improve."

But the most impressive performance of the day came from Garcia.

Having been denied a first Liverpool goal by a linesman's flag at the
Reebok Stadium two weeks earlier, he was able to break his duck on his
Anfield debut.

It capped an impressive display from the Spaniard, who had earlier played
the one-two which laid on Gerrard's goal and was one half of what was
arguably the first real partnership the Reds have had up front this season.

"It is important for the team that he scored," Benitez said of his new
signing. "He played well as a second centre-forward."

After back-to-back defeats in Liverpool's last two games, Benitez declared
himself pleased with what he called "a little step forward," adding: "We
still have a lot of steps to make. But you can say nothing (negative) if
you win 3-0.

"We played with very good movement in attack and we had lots of
opportunities. It was a good game for Liverpool."

Finnan is keen to stay Red - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 13 Sept 2004
Finnan is keen to stay Red
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

STEVE FINNAN says he's relieved the transfer window is closed - because he
knows he has until January to prolong his Liverpool career.

Finnan scored his first goal for the club in the comfortable 3-0 win over
West Brom.

His selection came as a surprise, especially since the Irishman was
regularly tipped with a transfer away from Anfield just a few weeks ago.

But the signs are Finnan is determined to make the most of the second
chance he's been given by manager Rafa Benitez.

"People have different opinions on whether I should be playing or not.
That's up to them. I've not worried too much about the speculation," said
Finnan.

"There's been a lot of talk about a number of players leaving. I'm just
glad the transfer window is closed now because no-one will leave until January.

"I've never felt that worried about it, to be honest. I didn't speak to
other clubs, but if Liverpool had agreed to sell me there would be nothing
I could do about it. In football, if you're told to go, you go.

"There are always going to be 10 or 11 players who aren't playing every
week, and they won't be happy.

"Apart from two or three, I don't think anyone will be playing every game.
You've just got to get your head down and hope you'll get your fair share
of matches during the season, especially the big ones."

Finnan's left foot strike virtually settled the game at Anfield just before
half-time and now he's hoping to keep his place for the visit of Monaco.

He added: "To score my first goal, especially at Anfield, is a great
feeling. I'm enjoying playing right midfield. First and foremost I'm a
full-back and that's where I'd like to play. But as long as I'm playing I'm
happy.

"It was a good performance. It was exactly what we needed after a couple of
defeats."

Liverpool are now preparing for their return to Champions League action as
Monaco visit on Wednesday.

Monaco coach Didier Deschamps says the Anfield atmosphere could prove a
deciding factor in the tie.

"Everybody has a lot of respect for Liverpool. They are a legend and so is
their Anfield stadium," said Deschamps.

"They have a trump card in Anfield. I know that playing at home will
increase their strength tenfold, and knowing how strong they can by
physically, it will be difficult."


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Monaco

Next up for Liverpool is Wednesday's Champions League match against Monaco.

John Arne Riise was signed from Monaco and must be looking forward to the game. Liverpool must win the game really to build on the confidence-boosting win over WBA at Anfield on Saturday.

Rafael Benitez will no doubt be looking forward to the game after his success in Europe as manager of Valencia.

Parry against foreign quotas - Telegraph

Sunday Telegraph, 12 Sept 2004
Parry against foreign quotas
By Andrew Warshaw and Ian Lamont

Liverpool's chief executive Rick Parry has spoken out against UEFA's plans
to limit the numbers of foreign players used by top-division teams
throughout Europe.

UEFA want to drastically change the structure of club squads by the end of
next season, imposing quotas for home-grown players and limiting squad
sizes to 25 but, at a meeting in Nyon on Friday, Parry said: "We are all
investing a fortune in young players so statements saying there is a lack
of investment in youth development just don't stack up," he said.

Parry added that UEFA's assertion that the restrictions would stop a
cluster of teams hoarding all the best talent and create a more level
playing field was nonsense. "The danger is that this would actually lower
standards," he said. "You can't fetter a coach in this way. The more you
impose artificial restrictions, the more you are making life more difficult."

Fans of AFC Wimbledon will today attempt to assert their right to the
history of Wimbledon by reliving their greatest footballing memory - the
surprise 1988 FA Cup Final victory over Liverpool.

The event is being staged as a fundraiser to help AFC Wimbledon pay the
mortgage on their Kingsmeadow ground, the venue for today's game, along
with aiding Liverpool's Hillsborough fund. The match will feature about
half the original cast from both sides.

Although MK Dons hold the replica 1988 FA Cup, match organiser Niall Couper
said: "For Wimbledon fans, the game is a chance to reclaim our history.
After the pain of May 2002 - when the FA gave permission for Wimbledon to
move to Milton Keynes - they more than deserve it."

John Scales, who played for Wimbledon for seven years before moving to
Anfield, said: "We'll be celebrating what was a massive part of not just
Wimbledon's history but football."