Rafa backs Alonso to star - PA

PA Sport, 2 Oct 2004
RAFA BACKS ALONSO TO STAR

Xabi Alonso has won warm praise from Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez on the
eve of the Anfield outfit's latest demanding away trip.

Sunday's match against unbeaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge promises to be
the biggest test for Alonso and his Liverpool team-mates since the team's
summer overhaul.

The trip to Manchester United in mid September offered its own challenge,
but Chelsea have made such a strong start to their Premiership title bid
that the Stamford Bridge trip looks the most arduous yet.

Alonso is sure to be a central figure in the match, and Liverpool will be
looking for him to continue showing fine form for his new club.

His best performances have come at Anfield, to date, and if Liverpool are
to shock Chelsea - or come away with even a point - then Alonso will be
required to get on top in the midfield battle against Claude Makelele and
Frank Lampard.

Chelsea underlined their pedigree when beating European champions Porto in
midweek, and Alonso will again be denied the comradeship of the injured
Steven Gerrard in midfield.

That puts the onus on Alonso to be the catalyst, and boss Benitez has no
doubt about the former Real Sociedad man's desire and quality.

"Alonso has shown himself to be very clever. He has shown a very
professional mentality and he is always thinking and asking about what he
can do to improve his level of performance," said Benitez.

"That is very important, he always tries to do better each time he plays,
the fans are seeing this now."

The £10.7million summer arrival could not prevent a midweek Champions
League defeat at Olympiacos, however, a result which emphasised Liverpool's
problems on their travels.

He had starred in the 3-0 mauling of promoted Norwich last weekend but was
over-shadowed by the competitive Greeks in Athens, as were most of his
colleagues.

But Benitez continues to rave about Alonso, adding: "He always wants to
learn things, every day and every game. That is what I like about his style
of play."

Liverpool will be looking to put a halt to a run of three successive away
defeats, with Barclays Premiership setbacks at the hands of Bolton and
Manchester United preceding the Olympiacos loss.

Under Gerard Houllier, Liverpool won at both Old Trafford and Stamford
Bridge last season.

"It is clear that results home and away are obviously very different," said
Alonso, "and we know that we have to improve many things when we are
playing away.

"We have to breed confidence and when we do finally achieve our first away
league victory of the season then you will see things will change.

"We will have to play better when we go to Chelsea, that is for sure. But
we are confident that we can bounce back there, certainly.

"We know that we have to change many things but each game is different. We
can improve there.

"It is a big game, which is good for us and we will then see what happens."

Gerrard: No regrets at staying at Anfield - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 1 Oct 2004
GERRARD - NO REGRETS AT STAYING AT ANFIELD
By Mark Platt

Steven Gerrard insists he has no regrets about turning his back on a
multi-million pound move to Chelsea in the summer.
Had things turned out differently Gerrard could well have been lining up
against Liverpool this weekend.

But as the Reds prepare for Sunday's Premiership clash at Stamford Bridge
the skipper has revealed his only regret is that a broken metatarsal will
keep him out of the game.

Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv at the club's Melwood training
headquarters, Gerrard said: "I've no regrets, not one at all. The only
regret I do have at the moment is that I'm injured. I wish I could be
playing for Liverpool against Chelsea at the weekend. But it's not to be.

"I decided to stay at Liverpool in the summer because I love the club and I
want to play in a red shirt, it's as simple as that. I did contemplate
moving, as I've said before, but I'm happy here and that's the way it is."

Despite his obvious disappointment at being out of action, Gerrard is
backing his team-mates to end a poor run of away form against the
high-flying Blues.

"We can go to places like Chelsea and get a result," he adds defiantly. "We
proved that last year. We are the underdogs again because Chelsea are doing
so well but the boys will definitely be up for it. I'll be watching and
cheering them on, and hopefully we'll get the right result.

Almost a fortnight after limping off the Old Trafford pitch, Gerrard admits
he's bored and itching to play again. He's due to undergo a scan on his
injured left foot on Monday and he's hopeful of being back in contention
for a return to the team within the original timescale of eight weeks.

"It's a nightmare but injuries are part and parcel of the game. I've just
got to get on with it and stay positive. I'd be a liar though if I said I
wasn't bored and fed up. There's nothing really I can do because I'm still
on crutches.

"I'm looking at maybe sometime around the middle of November to make a
comeback but it's an injury you can't rush in case you do it again."

Benitez interview - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 2 Oct 2004
RAFA TALKS TO .TV
By Steve Hunter

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez speaks exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv about
Sunday's match with Chelsea, the away form and why he feels the Reds will
still qualify for the next phase of the Champions League.
~ Liverpoolfc.tv: What did you learn from the defeat at Olympiacos on
Tuesday night?

Rafael Benitez: Always when you lose it's important to see the video to see
the things you can do better. The most important thing is we need to keep
the ball better and control the game. We need to be more aggressive.

~ Are you still confident you'll qualify from Group A and progress to the
knock-out stages?

Sure because we played well at home against Monaco. We have seen the level
of the teams and we can do it.

~ How much of a concern is your current record away from Anfield?

I remember when I started as manager of Valencia some journalists wrote
something about my record away from home. We won only one point at the
start but by the end of the season we won more points than all the other
teams and won the league.

~ You have said that the players need to change their mentality away from
home. How can you help them do that?

The only thing we can do is train and then talk talk with all the players
one by one. It is the best way to explain my ideas to them.

~ Is it good that you have such a big game to look forward to at Chelsea
after what happened in Greece?

For us all the games will be important. If we can go to London and win
against an important team like Chelsea it will be better for sure.

~ What have you made of Chelsea this season?

I think they are a good team and are playing better each week. They have
good players and with good players you play better.

~ Who are the key players in their team who you will most need to watch on
the day?

Perhaps Drogba is a threat for us. He is a good centre forward and is
strong and good in the air.

~ Have you ever met Jose Mourinho? What do you think of him as a manager?

He is a good manager because he has achieved good results and titles. He
has a good philosophy and normally he obtains titles.

~ How much of a boost would it be if you could go to Chelsea and get three
points?

Always I say it is important against big clubs and good teams, and for us
it is most important.

~ It's been an up and down season so far in terms of results, but what's
the mood like among the players?

The atmosphere in the dressing room is very good. I think we lack
confidence but we are working properly and need to win this game at
Chelsea, then perhaps we can start winning more games.

~ What was your thinking behind the decision to allow Jon Otsemobor to
leave on loan for Crewe this week?

It is important for the young players to play and it is good for their
experience.

~ With Chris Kirkland now fully fit after injury, is Jerzy Dudek's place in
goal under pressure and are you considering a change?

For all the players it is good to have competition competing against them.
To have two good goalkeepers is good for us.

~ The reserves turned in an excellent performance on Thursday night with
Neil Mellor on the scoresheet yet again. Is he a player who might get a
first team chance this season?

Perhaps. We have a lot of games and he is playing well now. He scores goals
and I'm sure there will be a possibility for him.

~ And finally, we saw you with your two girls at Anfield on Saturday, did
they enjoy the experience?

Yes, it was wonderful for my family to see the atmosphere at Anfield. My
daughters had the Liverpool shirt on and they were very happy."

Chelsea v Liverpool team news - PA

PA Sport, 2 Oct 2004
BRIDGE COULD LAND RECALL

Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge could be restored to left-back for the
Barclays Premiership clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

Bridge has trained since Monday after picking up a knock against Tottenham
and may be given a start at Stamford Bridge after missing out on Wednesday
night's Champions League match against Porto.

Injured trio Adrian Mutu, Celestine Babayaro and Arjen Robben are still
sidelined and will not feature against Liverpool.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez faces difficult decisions as his side try to avoid
a fourth successive away defeat.

Benitez left Harry Kewell on the bench until half-time in the Champions
League defeat away to Olympiacos in midweek, initially opting for
impressive youngster Stephen Warnock down the left.

And the Spanish coach also decided on Milan Baros ahead of Djibril Cisse
for the solo striking role in that match.

He is unlikely to change his away-day style by playing more than one
striker at Chelsea, so the choice will again be from two front men who have
shown inconsistent form and certainly struggle to form a front line
partnership when they have been played together this term.

Youngster Chris Kirkland and Florent Sinama-Pongolle both played the full
90 minutes of a 4-1 reserve win over West Brom at Wrexham on Thursday, but
neither are likely to be risked at Stamford Bridge.

Teams:
Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Pidgeley, Ferreira, Johnson, Carvalho,
Terry, Gallas, Huth, Bridge, Tiago, Makelele, Lampard, Smertin, Geremi,
Parker, Cole, Duff, Drogba, Gudjohnsen, Kezman.

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

LFC Academy News: Owens calls for more of same - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 1 Oct 2004
Owens calls for more of same
Chris Wright, Daily Post

CONSISTENCY will the key for Liverpool under-18s this weekend.

John Owens's side travel to Blackburn Rovers tomorrow (kick-off 11am) fresh
from their second victory of the season at Nottingham Forest last Saturday.

But unlike their first victory they will be hoping to start a decent run of
form and results as their season finally seems to be taking off.

Three straight defeats at the beginning of the FA Premier Academy League
campaign were put to an end with victory over Middlesbrough. But defeat to
Newcastle a week later appeared to put Liverpool back to square one.

So after last week's win the Reds youngsters will be keen to go on an
unbeaten run and provide the consistent performances Owens and the rest of
the Academy coaches know they are capable of.

Owens said: "It has been an up and down season in many ways. We have been
looking for a good performance and last week we got it, particularly in the
second half.

"We want to try and put some good performances together and get the
results. Of course it is not always the result that indicates the
performance, but if you play well you have got a good chance of getting the
result.

Even when we have lost some games we haven't played poorly for the 90 minutes.

"We have put together some good football, but to win a game is the main
indicator you are doing well. We just need to get that consistency during
the match and from game to game," he added..

With a reserve game last night and a European fixture for the first team
earlier in the week, Owens won't finalise his side until he has assessed
the fitness of all his squad, especially those who feature in Hugh
McAuley's second string.

Defender Francis Smith should return to training next week, but the other
two long-term casualties - Jordan Holmes and Adam Hitchen - will be out for
a couple more months at least.

Kirkland close to Reds recall - Echo

Liverpol Echo, 1 Oct 2004
Kirkland close to Reds recall
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFAEL BENITEZ is considering leaving Jerzy Dudek out of this weekend's
Chelsea clash and recalling Chris Kirkland.

Kirkland continued his comeback in last night's 4-1 reserve win over West
Brom. It's under-stood a solid performance from the 22-year-old has put him
on the brink of a return to the first team.

Dudek has been under increasing pressure for his place following a series
of under-par performances.

Benitez backed the Pole by declaring him number one at the start of the
season, a position confirmed when Kirkland injured his back a week into the
campaign.

But Kirkland has responded with a series of impressive displays for the
second string since regaining his fitness.

Dudek's problems in Athens on Tuesday are believed to have forced Benitez
to wrestle with the possibility of giving Kirkland a first competitive
start under his managership.

He'll be mulling over the choice in training today and tomorrow.

The Spanish coach insists on keeping his team selections secret, even from
his players, until just before kick-off.

However, it's clear Kirkland is now edging closer to another run in the
first team.

Benitez was far from happy following the Champions League defeat to
Olympiakos but his options are limited if he wants to wield the axe.

He has told his players to be mentally tougher on their travels following
three successive away defeats.

"The problem is not the system - the problem is mentality," he said..

"We have to have more confidence in ourselves. We have talked about this,
but the players need to be more receptive."

Chelsea v Liverpool - pre-match trivia

Liverpool play Chelsea this weekend, kick-off is Sunday at 4:05pm (UK Time). Some trivia follows, from the BBC Sport site.

BIG-MATCH FACTS

# CHELSEA against Liverpool pits two of England's Champions League representatives, who experienced differing fortunes midweek. The Londoners impressively defeated holders Porto 3-1 at Stamford Bridge and are defending an unbeaten Premiership start, while Liverpool, losers in Greece for the first time in their club history (1-0 by Olympiakos) are attempting to win a League game on the road for the first time in this campaign.

# The Blues boast the Premiership's tightest defence. They've kept three clean sheets on the bounce, and James Beattie's 12 second goal for Southampton at the Bridge is the only top flight strike they have shipped under Jose Mourinho. But, a goal a game return, is only the 14th best strike rate in the top flight.

# Before their first ever home loss to Liverpool in the Premiership in January, Chelsea had recorded seven successive victories at the Bridge over the Merseysiders - the last four being 2-0, 3-0, 4-0 and 2-1 victories. They then broke their Premiership duck at Anfield with a 1-2 victory in August last year, but were unable to complete the 'double'.

# LIVERPOOL head for west London in search of back to back victories there, following their first ever Premiership victory at Stamford Bridge in 11 attempts in this corresponding fixture last January.

# The Reds have managed just one point from a possible nine on their travels, and have lost their last three away from Anfield in all competitions.

# Bruno Cheyrou struck his first Premiership goal to secure all three points for the Merseysiders in that fixture at the Bridge in January. It was a desperately disappointing night for Chelsea. Adrian Mutu thumped a header against the crossbar late on for them, and Liverpool's El Hadji Diouf was harshly red-carded for an apparent accidental late collision with Mutu.

Referee:
Phil Dowd (Stoke-on-Trent)

SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

CHELSEA
Club stats
Fixtures
Going into the weekend: 2nd 17 points

# Yet to lose in any competition this season.
# Undefeated in nine League and Cup games (seven wins, two draws).
# Beaten Manchester United (1-0 h), Birmingham (0-1 a), Crystal Palace (0-2 a) and Southampton (2-1 h), drawn 0-0 away to Aston Villa and 0-0 home to Tottenham, and won 0-1 at Middlesbrough so far in the Premiership.
# Unbeaten in 10 Premiership games.
# Won seven and drawn three since losing 2-1, away to Newcastle, on 25 April.
# Kept more clean sheets than any other club in the Premiership this term.
# Kept the opposition at bay in six of the seven League games so far. (Managed 32 block-outs last season in all competitions, 21 in the Premiership).
# Hold the tightest defence in the top division - just one goal conceded in ten and a half hours of Premiership football (excluding stoppage time).
# James Beattie's goal for Southampton at Stamford Bridge on 28 August, is the only score Chelsea have conceded this League season.
# In Beattie's strike, the Londoners have conceded the quickest goal in the Premiership this season (after just 12 seconds).
# Scored just one goal in 319 minutes (five hours 19 minutes) of Premiership football.
# Not conceded in 359 minutes (five hours 59 minutes) of top flight soccer.
# Gone ten League matches since conceding more than a single goal (2-1 loss at Newcastle on 25 April).
# Completed 27 Premiership clashes since losing by more than a single goal (4-2, away to Charlton on Boxing Day 2003).
# Undefeated in nine home League games.
# Won six and drawn three at the Bridge, since losing 1-2 to Arsenal on 21 February.
# Even 17 points from seven games does not match last season's start, when Chelsea accrued 19 points from the first seven and 20 points from the first eight.

LIVERPOOL
Club stats
Fixtures
Going into the weekend: 8th 10 points

# Won three of the last five in all competitions.
# Ten points from six games is Liverpool's worst start since 1999 when they had gained only nine points by this stage, and ten points after the first seven.
# Shipped more than a single goal only once in the Premiership this term (2-1 defeat away to Manchester United on 20 September).
# Conceded in excess of a solitary goal in one of the last 12 Premiership outings, and in two of the last 17.
# Not scored nor conceded in the first and last quarter hours of top flight matches this season.
# Yet to collect a League maximum on the road this term (one draw, two defeats, two goals scored and four shipped).

KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES

CHELSEA
Squad profiles

# If on the field at kick off, Claude MAKELELE will be making his 50th start for Chelsea.

LIVERPOOL
Squad profiles

# If he plays, Harry KEWELL will be making his 300th appearance for an English club (Leeds and Liverpool).

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME:
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool
7 January 2004 - Ref: Steve Dunn
Liverpool scorer: Cheyrou 33
Sent Off: Diouf (Liverpool) 87

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
League: Chelsea 39 wins, Liverpool 57, Draws 26
Prem: Chelsea 9 wins, Liverpool 10, Draws 5

HEAD TO HEAD at Chelsea
League: Chelsea 33 wins, Liverpool 15, Draws 13
Prem: Chelsea 8 wins, Liverpool 1, Draws 3

Liverpool Reserves 4 West Brom Reserves 1 - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 30 Sept 2004
MELLOR VAN BASTEN LEADS REDS TO VICTORY

A Marco Van Basten style volleyed goal from Neil Mellor was the highlight
of Liverpool Reserves 4-1 win over West Bromwich Albion in what was an
outstanding display from Hughie McAuley's side, writes Steve Hunter.

Mellor's stunning goal came 10 minutes from time when he met Robbie Foy's
corner at the back post first time and struck an unstoppable volley into
the back of the net. After the match the Liverpool players were calling
Mellor Van Basten, in reference to the Dutch legend magnificent volleyed
goal in the 1992 European Championship final against the USSR.

The only disappointment was there were not many fans present at Wrexham's
Racecourse Ground to see it.

Mellor scored two goals and was sharp all night as he took his tally to
four goals in three appearances this season, and was unlucky not to get a
hat-trick. Darren Potter capped a superb personal display to score a great
goal and Robbie Foy, enjoying his best game in a red shirt to date on the
left wing, scored a superb individual goal.

Florent Sinama-Pongolle, Stephane Henchoz and Chris Kirkland all played the
90 minutes with the goalkeeper having a superb match.

Liverpool had to come behind from a goal down to win the game against a
West Brom side who fielded right back Cosmin Contra, the man who had a
great match for Alaves against Liverpool in the 2001 UEFA Cup Final. Contra
had a mixed match, almost scored what would have been a great goal and was
also booked.

Eight players in the Liverpool starting line-up were products of the
Academy and they all did very well.

Captain John Welsh and Darren Potter controlled the midfield and worked so
hard all night. Their quick and decisive passing was a real highlight in
the match with Potter's range of passing superb.

Liverpool came close to opening the scoring in the ninth minute when a
great pass from Welsh released the lively Richie Partridge down the right
wing. His cross found Robbie Foy whose dipping drive just cleared the bar.

An experienced Albion side also had their chances and Chris Kirkland made a
superb point blank save to keep out Artim Sakiri in the 10th minute.

Mellor had his first sight of goal five minutes later when he turned
two defenders with a nice piece of skill only to see his left footed strike
well saved by Tomasz Kuszczak.

The Liverpool number nine was a real handful when crosses came into the
Albion penalty area and three times he went close from headers, one
drifting just wide.

Scott Dobie had a goal disallowed for the away side after 22 minutes before
Sakiri saw Kirkland pull off another excellent save to keep out his long
range low drive.

The Baggies started the second half the strongest and after Kirkland made
another excellent save to deny former Manchester United defender Ronnie
Wallwork, they took the lead after 58 minutes. A sloppy pass from Danny
O'Donnell gave the ball straight to Dobie and after the striker played in
Rob Evans the left winger finished well with an angled finish beyond the
reach of Kirkland into the net. It was a shame the error came from
O'Donnell as the Academy defender had a very good match making some good
interceptions. He is a good shouter too.

Conceding the goal sprung Liverpool into action and inspired by Potter and
Welsh got back into the match. Sinama-Pongolle was denied by a smart save
by Kuszczak from close range although the striker should have scored,
before the keeper made an even better save from a superb dipping effort
from Welsh.

Foy was then denied a goal after excellent link play between him and
Mellor, before Darren Potter equalised with a great strike after 65
minutes. After a good move Sinama-Pongolle did well down the right and
found Potter who smashed an unstoppable shot into the net for 1-1.

Cosmin Contra then went close for the Baggies with a shot that just cleared
the bar and also had a penalty appeal turned down. Then Sakiri curled a
free-kick just wide and Kirkland saved well at close range from Dobie.

Liverpool then went 2-1 up after 81 minutes through a fantastic goal from
Mellor, volleying home an unstoppable shot from Robbie Foy's left wing corner.

Mellor then tried his luck with another stinging drive that went wide
before Robbie Foy made it 3-1 with a superb goal. A superb pass from Potter
released Partridge down the right whose cross found Foy at the back post.
The Scotland Under-21 international then cut inside a couple of defenders
before curling the ball into the net.

Three minutes from time it was 4-1 with another goal from Mellor. Welsh did
superbly to win the ball in midfield and after Foy's through ball Mellor
ran past the defender Sekou Berthe and finished superbly.

Mellor could have had a hat-trick but was denied by a fine stop from Kuszczak.

It was a really good game of football and Liverpool Reserves best display
of the season without a doubt.

Liverpool Reserves: Kirkland, Raven, Whitbread, Henchoz, O'Donnell, Potter,
Partridge, Welsh (Mannix 87), Mellor, Sinama-Pongolle, Foy. Subs unused:
Harrison (GK), Smyth, Wilkie, Peltier.

West Bromwich Albion: Kuszczak, Contra, Dyer, O'Connor, Berthe, Wallwork,
Midworth, Inamoto, Dobie, Sakiri, Evins.

Referee: R L Lewis.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the match: Darren Potter. It was a close call between
Potter and John Welsh but the Republic of Ireland international shades it
because of his goal and some outstanding passing. Mellor also played well
and scored a magnificent goal.

Pako calls for faster football - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 30 Sept 2004
PAKO CALLS FOR FASTER FOOTBALL
By Paul Eaton

Assistant manager Pako Ayesteran has revealed Liverpool are working on speeding up their game in a bid to make an impression on this season's Premiership race.

Rafael Benitez's number two is a keen analyst of match data and, despite only being at the club a short time, he's already identified areas in which the Reds need to improve.

He said: "The game here in England is more direct than in Spain and perhaps less technical.

"In Spain and across the rest of Europe the clubs who are playing at the top level will pass the ball between 250 and 300 times to each other in each half.

"From the data we have from our games so far this season we are passing the ball between 220 and 240 times in each half. A big difference between the Premiership and European football is the speed of the passing and our objective here is to play at a faster pace."

Ayesteran is confident Liverpool will improve as the season continues, but he's reluctant to make any predictions on what the Reds can ultimately achieve this year.

He said: "We'd like just to transfer what we had in Valencia to here but that isn't possible straightaway. We're not where we want to be at this moment but we have to deal in reality.

"Our first reference point has to be last year and the fact that we finished 30 points behind Arsenal. Our first target is to decrease that gap and get nearer to them.

"You can't suddenly jump five steps forward at the same time. You need to take things step by step and that is what we are trying to do."

Henchoz close to leaving Anfield - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 30 Sept 2004
Henchoz close to leaving Anfield
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

STEPHANE HENCHOZ'S Anfield career is drawing to a close after being omitted from Rafael Benitez's plans for the Champions League defeat by Olympiakos.

The Swiss international has been largely overlooked by Benitez since the former Valencia coach replaced Gerard Houllier in the summer.

And his name has been circulated to other Premiership clubs, including Merseyside rivals Everton, in a further sign Liverpool do not plan to extend his contract when it expires next summer.

Henchoz has not appeared in a Liverpool game since starting in the Champions League qualifying defeat by Grazer on August 24. But his Liverpool prospects deteriorated markedly this week when he was not even included in the travelling squad to Athens.

The 30-year-old, a key figure in Liverpool's early success under Houllier after a £3.5million arrival from Blackburn in 1999, is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club from January 1.

And Liverpool's recent defensive problems are unlikely to offer a way back under Benitez as the
Anfield manager searches for new recruits after losing out on Jonathan Woodgate in the summer.

Benitez, meanwhile, admits Liverpool's mentality must change to accept his new-style tactics.

The new Anfield coach changed formations and tactics regularly at Valencia, favouring the 4-4-1-1 system away from home that has delivered little success so far with Liverpool.

Milan Baros and Luis Garcia were the latest partnership to struggle with Benitez's instructions in Tuesday's Champions League defeat against Olympiakos.

But Benitez insisted: "The problem is not the system, the problem is perhaps their mentality.

"We have to change our mentality to have more confidence in ourselves and to understand that the away games are more difficult because then we do not have all of our supporters behind us.

"Then you have to concentrate more and be more aggressive. I have played this system many times, with one forward up front and with one player in behind.

"My teams win a lot of away games, now we need to find the system to suit the players.

"But as I say, it's not a problem with the system it is a problem of being receptive and in the confidence of the players."

He added: "We had seen three videos beforehand and I talked to my players about their qualities as a team and the atmosphere inside the stadium, and they did cause us problems.

"It is worrying that our away performances are so different from the games at Anfield and we have to work hard to change that."

Despite the disappointing result and display in Athens Benitez remains confident Liverpool will reach the knock-out stages courtesy of their fine form at Anfield.

"I am still very confident we can qualify, now all the teams in the group have opportunities to get through," he said.. "Now we must win our home games and next time we will be different.

"In the first half in Greece we did not create many opportunities but after the break we did produce more dangerous situations around their box.

"But it was difficult to find space against a very aggressive team who were one ahead.

"But we did become more dangerous as the game went on. And my definition of being aggressive is that they were fighting for every ball.

"But for me now the home games are very important, whoever wins them will have a great chance of qualifying."

Otsemobor off to Crewe for a month - BBC

From the BBC Sport site

Crewe sign Otsemobor

Otsemobor's career statistics

Crewe boss Dario Gradi has swooped to sign Liverpool defender Jon Otsemobor on a month's loan.

Gradi moved for the right-back after losing defenders Adie Moses, Stephen Foster, Anthony Tonkin and Chris McCready to injury.

Liverpool-born Otsemobor, 21, has previously had loan spells at Hull City and Bolton Wanderers.

However, he has not figured in new Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's plans so far this season.

The England under-20 international enjoyed a run of five first-team starts under Gerard Houllier at Anfield last season before joining Bolton, for whom he only played one game.

Benitez pins European hopes on Anfield form - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 29 Sept 2004
Benitez pins European hopes on Anfield form
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ admitted Liverpool will have to maintain their 100% record
at Anfield to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League after
Olympiakos condemned them to defeat in Athens last night.

A first-half header by Ieroklis Stoltidis saw the Greeks leapfrog Liverpool
into pole position in Group A as Benitez's side produced another poor away
display.

The group has been thrown wide open after the second round matches with
Monaco recovering from their Anfield upset to beat Deportivo La Coruna at
Stade Louis II.

And after a third successive away defeat Benitez, (pictured), who also
questioned his players' commitment in Athens, admitted he can only count on
Liverpool's home form to carry them into the knockout rounds.

The Liverpool manager said: "As far as the group goes, now every team has a
chance of qualifying so the home games will be very important for us now
and I think we have to win them both.

"In the first half we did not create many opportunities but after the break
we did produce more dangerous situations around their box.

"But it was difficult to find space against a very aggressive team who were
one ahead. But we did become more dangerous as the game went on.

"My definition of being aggressive is that they were fighting for every
ball and sometimes we did not. But for me now the home games are very
important, whoever wins them will have a great chance of qualifying."

Liverpool made a slugglish start at the intimidating Georgios Karaiskakis
Stadium and despite a second-half improvement Olympiakos goalkeeper
Antonios Nikopolidis did not have a save to make all night.

Benitez admitted: "When you lose like that it is always very disappointing.

"We gave away a lot of possession, we had plenty but did not keep it. In
the second half we were a lot better, we were more aggressive and created
more possibilities.

"Until they scored they had not created anything, but after their goal the
game changed.

"They were confident, they had more opportunities.

"The goal was unfortunate, the cross when it came over clipped a player and
changed direction, making it very difficult for Sami Hyypia to clear."

He added: "Their fans were very supportive, but we to have that level of
support at Liverpool where our fans give us fantastic support just as those
of Olympiakos did and they will count at Anfield."

Olympiakos coach Dusan Bajevic said: "My players did exactly what they were
told to do, they were very disciplined and we were able to beat a great
team like Liverpool.

"But I must thank our fans for their help, their extreme support over those
final minutes when we were down to 10 men helped us to achieve our victory.

"This win is so important to us as far as qualifying is concerned. We are
close now but the job is not over yet.

"This was our best performance of the season, and we felt we should have
had things sewn up earlier.

"The fact that we could not get the second goal put us under a lot of
pressure in those final minutes but in the end we coped."

Meanwhile Monaco beat Deportivo 2-0 with goals from Mohamed Kallon and
Javier Saviola.

Carra: Time to get tough - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 29 Sept 2004
Carra: Time to get tough
By Chris Bascombe In Athens, Liverpool Echo

JAMIE CARRAGHER admits Liverpool will only cure their travel sickness by
showing more character away from home.

The Reds suffered their third consecutive away defeat last night,
performing poorly in the 1-0 loss to Olympiakos.

Carragher, (pictured), one of few players to emerge with any credit from
the match, said the players must be braver and restore some of the
qualities which made the Reds so tough to beat in Europe.

"Under Gerard Houllier our problem was our form at home. It's reversed at
the moment," said Carragher.

"No-one can really put their finger on why. We couldn't work out our
problems at home over the last few years, and now it's the same away.

"We need to sort it out quickly because we've two away games coming up in
the Premiership.

"We had a good record away under the last manager because we were solid.

"Maybe we we're tougher in certain areas but now we're better on the eye at
home.

"It's all about finding the right balance. We haven't quite got it. We
never had it under the last manager at home. That isn't a problem now, it's
away where we've got to get it right."

Carragher pointed to specific qualities which you need to show far more on
your travels.

He added: "You've got to be more of a team away from home because you're
under the cosh and decisions will go against you.

"They have the crowd with them too, but I don't think that should matter. I
don't see why you should play any differently.

"It's eleven versus eleven, the same sized pitch and the same ball. We've
got to be men. You've just got to show more character. You've got to have
people wanting the ball and making more challenges.

"You see the real characters in the team when you're away.

"We didn't perform. Olympiakos were fighting for the ball a lot better than
us, showing more character and aggression. It's disappointing that's how
the game went. Everyone has to take greater responsibility, including myself."

Despite the loss, the defender believes Liverpool are still in a good
position to reach the last 16.

"It's still early days in the group. I'm still confident we'll get
through," he said.

"It's only one defeat out of the six games so far. Whatever the result,
we're still in it. We play everyone twice so we've got to look to beat
Olympiakos at Anfield now.

"If we beat every team in the group once, we've still got a great chance.

"We've three points on the board, so if we can get another four from our
next two games, we'd be delighted.

"But if we play like that against Chelsea or anyone else, they'll punish us
even more. I'm confident in the manager and the players and we'll put up a
much a better performance than last night on Sunday."

Fwd: Disappointing night in Greece (an email from the manager)

We received the following email today from Liverpool FC's manager Mr Benitez. This is part of the "E-Season" package on the official site...

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: rafael benitez
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 2004 16:17:15 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Disappointing night in Greece
To: Liverpool FC Fan List < >

Dear Liverpool supporter,

When you lose like we did last night it is always very disappointing.
We gave away a lot of possession, we had plenty but did not keep it.

In the first half we did not create many opportunities but after the
break we did produce more dangerous situations around their box.

It was difficult to fnd space against a very aggressive team who were
one ahead. We did become more dangerous as the game went on. In the
second half we were a lot better; we were more aggressive and created
more possibilities.

Until Olympiacos scored they had not created anything, but after their
goal the game changed. They were confident and had more opportunities.

Their fans were very supportive, but we too have that level of support
at Liverpool where our fans give us fantastic support just as those of
Olymiacos did.

As far as the group goes, now every team has a chance of qualifying -
so the home games for everybody will be important now. Whoever wins
them will have a great chance of qualifying.

Regards,

Rafael Benitez
Liverpool Manager

Rafa: We needed to play much better - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 28 Sept 2004
RAFA: WE NEEDED TO PLAY MUCH BETTER
By Paul Eaton

Rafael Benitez has conceded his Liverpool side were second best as they
went down to defeat in Greece.
The Reds lost the lead when Stoltidis netted after 17 minutes with a
looping header, and then never did enough to suggest they were capable of
finding a way back into the match.

Benitez said: "It was a very difficult game for us. We tried to get back
into it in the second half when we had more possibilities but at the end it
wasn't possible for us.

"Olympiacos scored after 17 minutes and then kept the score in their
favour. We have to play better. If we can't play better then we need to be
more aggressive."

Sami Hyypia has accepted responsibility for the goal. He admits that he
should have done more to prevent Stoltidis heading home the only goal of
the game in the first half.

He said: "Olympiacos played well and made it very difficult for us. It was
particularly disappointing the way we lost. I lost a header in the box and
that shouldn't have happened.

"These things happen. Sometimes things work for you and at other times they
don't. We have to analyse what went wrong in this game and make sure we are
ready for our next match on Sunday.

"We need more time before we reach our proper level. Every day is a
learning day for us and hopefully we will learn from our mistakes. We have
to keep working hard and keep concentrating during games."

Olympiakos report - PA

PA Sport, 28 Sept 2004
Olympiakos 1 Liverpool 0

Liverpool's Champions League future was put in serious doubt by an
embarrassing defeat to Olympiakos.

The hosts finished in deep defence, down to 10 men and defiantly
withstanding a late, dramatic surge by Liverpool.

But it would have been harsh had the Greeks not secured only their
second-ever European victory over an English side - the first coming 31
years ago.

Liverpool were a bitter disappointment, lacking passion and fire and
reliant on deep defence with the aim to hit on the break and Olympiakos
deserved the win which Ieroklis Stoltidis' goal gave them.

Stephen Warnock kept his place in midfield with Harry Kewell on the bench
while Milan Baros was the lone striker rather than £14million signing
Djibril Cisse. Luis Garcia was asked to play as a support striker in Rafael
Benitez's favoured 4-4-1-1 formation.

Twice in the opening minutes Baros and Garcia got behind the Greek defence
with their pace, but it was Olympiakos who almost scored on five minutes
and maintained a grip on the opening half to the point that Benitez could
not have got his men off the pitch quickly enough at the break.

The danger signs were there when Ioannis Okkas, the Cypriot winger, got to
the byline on the right, pulled the ball a yard back and hit a stinging
right-foot shot that flicked off Jerzy Dudek's hands and crashed into the
near post.

Liverpool conceded a string of free-kicks and Rivaldo, the former FIFA
World Player of the Year, was quick to punish the visitors.

His 30-yard delivery from the right was met by Stoltidis, who rose above
Sami Hyypia to head down and past Dudek to send the crowd even wilder.

Giovanni then found compatriot Rivaldo in space, and the former Barcelona
star unleashed a tremendous drive from easily 35 yards which flashed past
Dudek's left-hand post with the goalkeeper looking well beaten.

Dudek then almost added to Liverpool's woes with a sliced kick inside his
own box which soared straight up into the air for Grigorios Georgatos to
hook into the six-yard box where the ball bounced off a startled Okkas to
drop a foot wide of the post.

Pantelis Kafes rose to send a headed just over the crossbar as Liverpool
threatened to concede again and Italian referee Pierluigi Collina's whistle
at the break was welcome relief for Liverpool.

Benitez sent on Kewell at the break for Warnock, maybe to protect the
youngster after his early yellow card but also to add much-needed attacking
support to Baros.

Liverpool became more adventurous, Steve Finnan getting away down the right
and only a sharp challenge by Anastasios Pantos stopped the cross coming in
to the unmarked Garcia, and then John Arne Riise saw a 25-yard shot soar
wide from a tapped free-kick.

But even though Rivaldo does not have his pace of old, he was still a
danger and brought the crowd to their feet with a superb nutmeg on Hyypia
that left the Finn flatfooted on the halfway line.

Georgatos fired another long-range effort over the top, while at the other
end veteran Antonios Nikopolidis - hero of Greece's Euro 2004 triumph -
still had not had a genuine shot to save.

The Greeks put on Georgios Georgiadis and Stylianos Venetidis for Giovanni
and Dimitrios Mavrogenidis on 71 minutes, but a more significant change
came with the introduction of Cisse for full-back Josemi two minutes later,
Finnan dropping back.

It at last gave Baros some support, but within a minute Okkas had hit the
Liverpool crossbar with a fine header, the Merseysiders living dangerously now.

Salif Diao came on for a labouring Dietmar Hamann with nine minutes left
and a minute later Olympiakos were reduced to 10 men when Pantos was sent
off for a second yellow card, this time for tugging away at Xabi Alonso's
shirt.

The Greeks sent on Spyridon Vallas for Georgatos with six minutes left,
Olympiakos now forced back by the loss of their full-back. But they were
still quick to break and almost embarrassed Liverpool when Georgiadis got
clear and somehow pulled his shot wide of the far post.

Liverpool threw everything forward in the final pulsating minutes, Finnan
was booked for a foul as was Gabriel Schurrer, but the Greeks hung on for a
famous victory.

Olympiakos: Nikopolidis, Mavrogenidis (Georgiadis 71), Anatolakis,
Schurrer, Pantos, Rivaldo, Stoltidis, Kafes, Georgatos (Vallas 84),
Giovanni (Venetidis 71), Okkas.
Subs Not Used: Giannou, Castillo, Maric, Kostoulas.
Sent Off: Pantos (82).
Booked: Anatolakis, Pantos, Mavrogenidis, Schurrer.
Goals: Stoltidis 17.

Liverpool: Dudek, Josemi (Cisse 73), Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Finnan,
Alonso, Hamann (Diao 82), Warnock (Kewell 46), Luis Garcia, Baros.
Subs Not Used: Kirkland, Traore, Sinama Pongolle, Biscan.
Booked: Warnock, Finnan.

Att: 33,000
Ref: Pierluigi Collina (Italy).

Olympiakos 1 Liverpool 0 - final score

BBC Report on the match.

Go and have a read of the report. When you feel like you can...

Benitez alive to Rivaldo threat - Telegraph

Daily Telegraph, 28 Sept 2004
Benitez alive to Rivaldo threat
By Sam Wallace in Athens

It was in late April that English football last saw Rivaldo, wrapped up in
a leather jacket and cap outside Manchester's Lowry hotel, wondering, no
doubt, how cold Bolton would be come Christmas.

Despite Sam Allardyce's best efforts, the 32-year-old Brazilian was the one
senior citizen of world football who got away from Bolton Wanderers,
although there were serious suggestions that he treated his two days in
Manchester as a means of stirring up interest from elsewhere. The interest
never materialised, which is why the World Cup winner will grace the modest
Olympiakos line-up against Liverpool tonight.

He might be the only serious threat in an Olympiakos team who have never
got past the Champions League group stage, but it is a threat that
Liverpool's Spanish manager, Rafael Benitez, knows well from the
Brazilian's time at Barcelona.

Benitez will also know that, as his predecessor Gerard Houllier's reign
spun out of control last winter, Liverpool examined the possibility of
signing Rivaldo although, like Bolton, they were deterred by the enormity
of his financial demands and the vagueness of his intentions. Released by
AC Milan last summer, where he was reputed to be earning about £90,000 a
week, he had mistakenly expected the Premiership to come begging.

Instead, his reputation has frayed during a short stint at his original
club side, Cruzeiro in Sao Paulo, as well as a brief spell in the Qatar
domestic league. The decline in his career has coincided with a divorce
from the mother of his two children.

On a salary of £1.2 million a year, comfortably a record in Greek domestic
football, Rivaldo will be Olympiakos's key threat tonight although Benitez
was polite enough to mention a few others yesterday.

"Rivaldo is a very good player but the problem he had last season was that
he is very expensive to keep and a lot of teams couldn't afford him,"
Benitez said. "His age and the position he plays also makes it difficult
for him to find a club.

"He is not the same player that he was five years ago. But that happens to
every player. When you get to 30-32, your level drops."

The fears that Liverpool might have held about facing the rest of the group
stages without Steven Gerrard have been allayed by the performance of Xabi
Alonso against Norwich, and the Spaniard will continue his midfield
partnership with Dietmar Hamann. Benitez has to decide whether he will
accommodate Steve Finnan or Luis Garcia on the right side of midfield and
whether Harry Kewell is fit enough to play on the left

It would take more, you suspect, than a little enforced tinkering with the
midfield to faze Benitez who, at the very least, has that accomplished 2-0
win over Monaco in the first group game to reassure him. The Liverpool
coach has proved mysteriously devoid of nerves or temper so far and he has
even been prepared to tackle the European legacy of his new club, a subject
that was always guaranteed to raise the ire of Houllier.

"I am aware of the tradition here because, when you talk about English
clubs in Spain, normally people think of Liverpool from the Seventies and
Eighties," he said. "However, we can't play with those same players. We
have a good squad here with some good experience in Europe, but we can
always do with more experience and playing in the Champions League will
help them."

Olympiakos (Probable): Nikopolidis; Pantos, Schurrer, Anatolakis,
Venetidis; Rivaldo, Stoltidis, Kafes, Georgatos; Giovanni, Okkas.

Liverpool (Probable): Dudek; Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise; Garcia,
Hamann, Alonso, Kewell; Cisse, Baros.

Referee: P Collina (Italy).

Trivia - Olympiakos V Liverpool

(from BBC Sport)

Head-to-head

• Liverpool and Olympiakos have met before in the 2000/2001 Champions League when Olympiakos recorded a 2-2 home draw only to lose the return match at Anfield 2-0.
• The Greeks have only recorded one home win in five matches against English opposition. This sole victory came against Tottenham Hotspur in the 1972/1973 Uefa Cup: 1-0.
• Liverpool have visited Greek sides on three occasions, winning twice and drawing once.
• These two away wins came against AEK Athens in the 1972/1973 Uefa Cup (3-1) and against Panathinaikos in the 1984/1985 Champions Cup (1-0).
• Overall Liverpool have an unbeaten record against Greek sides in European competitions with five wins and one draw.
• The Greeks have a negative overall record against English sides, including one win, two draws and seven defeats.
• Moreover the Greek side have lost their last five matches against clubs from England.

European history

• Olympiakos' best ever European result was reaching the quarter-finals on two occasions.
• The first time they reached this stage was in the 1992/1993 Cup Winners' Cup when Olympiakos were eliminated by Atlético Madrid. In 1998/1999 they reached the last eight of the CL only to be eliminated by Juventus.
• 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.
• Liverpool qualified for the 2004/2005 CL by beating Grazer AK in a two-legged encounter (2-1 on agg).

Current European form

• Olympiakos returned home from their trip to La Coruna with a 0-0 draw.
• Although they have never won a CL away match, Olympiakos have only lost three of their 22 CL home matches.
• These two CL home defeats both came at the hands of Manchester United. In 2001/2002 United won 2-0 and in 2002/2003 the Red Devils beat Olympiakos for a second time: 3-2.
• Olympiakos have won 12 and drawn seven of their remaining 19 CL home matches.
• Liverpool qualified for the CL main tournament beating Grazer AK 2-1 on aggregate.
• The Reds started off the 2004/2005 CL season with a 2-0 home win over AS Monaco, goals scored by Milan Baros and Djibril Cissé.
• Liverpool have only recorded two defeats in their 10 away matches in the Champions League: a 4-2 beating by Bayer Leverkusen in the 2001/2002 quarter-finals and a 2-0 defeat by Valencia in the 2002/2003 group stage.
• Whereas Piraeus have scored at least once in each of their last eight European home matches, Liverpool have netted at least once in each of their last 10 away matches in European competitions.

Player and disciplinary info

• Liverpool's Steven Gerrard will be suspended upon receiving another booking but he is injured for this match.
• Vladimir Smicer (three goals) Sami Hyypiä (two goals) and Milan Baros (two goals) are the only Liverpool players in the current squad to have scored more than once in the Champions League.
• Stylianos Venetidis, Pantelis Kafes, Giorgos Georgiadis and new acquisition Antonis Nikopolidis form the contingent of Piraeus players that were part of the Greek squad that won Euro 2004.
• Olympiakos' Rivaldo needs one goal to overhaul Mário Jardel as Brazil's leading goalscorer in the competition.

Other miscellaneous facts

• Liverpool trainer Rafael Benitez won the Uefa Cup last season with Valencia.
• Trainer Dusan Bajevic returned to Olympiakos at the beginning of this season after five-and-a-half years of absence, during which he coached Greek sides PAOK and AEK Athens.
• Liverpool are currently seventh in the Premiership, following a 3-0 home win against Norwich City last Saturday.
• Olympiakos recorded a 1-0 away win at Aris Saloniki on the second matchday of the Etniki Katigoria season.

Go-ahead for new Anfield - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 27 Sept 2004
Anfield go-ahead
By Neil Hodgson, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL'S new £80m football stadium was given the green light today.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott will not call the massive scheme in for
scrutiny - meaning work can begin.

Council chiefs approved Liverpool Football Club's plans at the end of July,
and if Mr Prescott's department had decided to examine the scheme it would
have led to costly delays.

The Deputy Prime Minister's announcement today was the news councillors,
Liverpool Football Club and fans had been praying for.

Liverpool council leader Mike Storey said: "This is brilliant news for the
city of Liverpool and is about more than a football stadium."

He said it will mean new jobs, homes and investment.

Local councillor Jeremy Chowings added: "This is the news that the people
of Anfield have been waiting for."

A massive public consultation exercise two years ago found that more than
80% of residents were in favour of Liverpool's plans to move their ground
from their current Anfield Road site to the car park end of nearby Stanley
Park.

The site of the club's existing stadium will be redeveloped to improve the
Anfield community.

Alan Blundell, of Walton Breck Road Residents' Association, presented a
1,700-name petition in favour of the development this year.

He said people had to realise that if Liverpool, the area's biggest
employer, was forced to look elsewhere for a new ground, the effect could
be devastating.

"It's not just the stadium, it's what it brings to the area as well. If
Liverpool moved out of the area it would be a disaster for Anfield," he said..

Opponents, led by former Lib Dem Anfield councillor Joe Kenny, argued that
Liverpool's plans would devastate the historic park. He was unavailable for
comment today.

Highs and lows for Reds loan stars - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 27 Sept 2004
HIGHS AND LOWS FOR REDS LOAN STARS
By Chahine Benabadji

It has certainly been a case of highs and lows so far for Liverpool players
like Anthony Le Tallec, Bruno Cheyrou, Alou Diarra and Carl Medjani loaned
out to French league clubs this season.
Anthony Le Tallec, on loan with Saint Etienne, is currently out for up to
three months after injuring his ankle during a training session.

However, the young gem, who is expected to return to Liverpool at the end
of the season, had a very good start to the season, being involved in five
games and even scoring once - Saint Etienne's first goal of the season. Les
Verts, who have only managed only one victory in Ligue 1 so far, are 17th
in the table.

Meanwhile there hasn't been much joy for Bruno Cheyrou who has been forced
to sit on the bench for Liverpool's UEFA Cup conqueror's last season
Olympique de Marseille.

Marseille are sixth in the French league and only four points behind
leaders Monaco. Cheyrou has missed the last two games after picking a
tendon injury, but it is not known how long he will be out for. Returning
to France has been something of a nightmare so far for the midfielder. He
came on as a substitute for the first four games of the season and started
one game out of position on the left side of midfield. Things can only get
better for Bruno.

Meanwhile there is good news coming from the North of France where Alou
Diarra has already established himself as a regular player for Lens.

Diarra, loaned out by Liverpool for the third consecutive season, has only
missed one game this season, due to a minor knock. The solid central
midfielder and France Under-21 international found the net four times with
his previous club Bastia last season, and was called up for international
duty last month when France played Bosnia in a friendly.

Centre half Carl Medjani is on a season long loan with Lorient but has yet
to play for the League Two side.

Meanwhile Gregory Vignal is enjoying regular football in Scotland during
his year long loan with Rangers, and El-Hadji Diouf has started the last
three games for Bolton Wanderers but has yet to find his first goal.

Riise: Reds got a bargain signing Alonso - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 27 Sept 2004
Reds got a bargain signing Alonso - Riise
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

XABI ALONSO was declared a "£10m bargain" following his inspirational
performance against Norwich.

The Spanish international gave a midfield masterclass in the Reds' 3-0 home
win.

And as he and his team mates headed to Greece today for the Champions
League clash with Olympiakos, John Arne Riise led the tributes to the
22-year-old. "I've never seen anyone pass the ball as well as Xabi," said
Riise.

"It's like watching another version of Stevie Gerrard. He is a great, great
player. It's amazing he's only 22-years-old. He may have cost £10m but he
looks worth every penny of that. He had a magnificent match.

" I'd played against Xabi before he joined Liverpool when Spain played
Norway in the Euro 2004 play-offs. I hadn't noticed how good he was then,
but since he's joined us everyone can see it.

"He deserved his standing ovation when he was taken off. It wasn't just the
crowd applauding. I was clapping as well. When a player performs that well,
I think it's right he gets that kind of response because he deserves it.

"I think it was probably our best performance of the season so far. When
you start well it gives you the momentum to carry it on for the whole game.

"I thought Steve Warnock played really well too. I think we've linked
together. He knows when to stay back to allow me to get forward and
vice-versa."

Rafa Benitez's squad left early this morning for Athens, seeking the win
which would give Liverpool a huge advantage in their bid to qualify for the
last 16.

An away victory would put Liverpool five points ahead of the Greeks after
just two games.

"It could be a great match and we'll be going there to win," said Riise..

"We've got to try and play the same style away from Anfield as we have at
home. I don't know why we've not done so yet.

"Maybe it's a mental thing, or maybe it's just the way we've been starting
games. When you get a good start the confidence grows and everyone is
really enjoying themselves.

"I know some of the lads played in Greece in 2001 and the crowd is very
noisy there. I'm looking forward to it."

No fresh injuries were reported before the trip. Harry Kewell travelled
with the squad.

Italian referee Pierluigi Collina will referee tomorrow's clash.

Warnock pressing for European role - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 27 Sept 2004
Warnock pressing for European role
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ admitted Stephen Warnock has handed him a welcome selection
problem ahead of tomorrow's Champions League encounter against Olympiakos.

Warnock was an impressive performer on his full Anfield debut on Saturday
as Liverpool brushed aside Norwich City 3-0.

Milan Baros put the home side on their way on 23 minutes before Luis Garcia
netted a deflected second three minutes later and Djibril Cisse notched his
first home Premiership goal on 64 minutes.

But it was the display of Warnock which left manager Benitez most pleased
after the youngster stepped in on the left wing for the injured Harry Kewell.

The Australian is expected to be available for tomorrow's Group A match in
Greece but Benitez has hinted he may not automatically return to the
starting line-up following Warnock's fine performance.

"Stephen has a good temperament and showed that on Saturday," said the
Spaniard.. "He was not bothered by the atmosphere.

"In my opinion it is important that he understands that if he has a bad
game, then it's my problem. If he plays well, then there isn't a problem.
There isn't any pressure on him.

"We have a squad here and we will play many games this season, so he will
have more chances to play in the first team.

"Sometimes with younger players you see they don't have the confidence
early on, and you think that maybe they need a little more time. But with
Stephen I don't think that is a problem. As long as he plays well, everyone
will be happy."

Benitez, who expects Xabi Alonso to be fit after the midfielder was
substituted as a precaution on Saturday after complaining of tightness in
his leg muscles, added: "It is important that young players come through
because it shows to the local players that the only thing they have to do
is play well and they will get their chance.

"I watched Stephen closely during pre-season and we decided we wanted him
to stay because he trained well and played well in the pre-season."

Warnock revealed he was "living the dream" after starting a home game for
the first time on Saturday.

The 22-year-old admitted he thought his time at Liverpool was over when he
was sent on loan to Coventry City last season.

But after returning with a clutch of Player of the Year awards from
supporters at Highfield Road, Warnock has impressed new manager Benitez
sufficiently enough to be given first-team opportunities this season.

"When it was clear Harry was injured I knew I had a chance and that I had
to take it," said the midfielder.. "I thought I played better than I have
in my previous games.

"To be honest, I thought I would have to stay at Coventry, but when the
chance has come to play for the first team, I knew that I had to take it.

"Just to even get a chance at Liverpool means I am living the dream.

"Coventry was do or die for me. I had to prove myself there or forget about
a future at Liverpool, but I did well there and I knew if I did that, then
I would be able to come back here and have a chance.

"At one point, it did not look as though I would come back here. Liverpool
had planned to talk to me later on after the season had finished but I was
not aware of that at the time.

"It was Gerard Houllier who offered me a new contract to stay. I went away
on holiday having not signed the contract and to have a think about it when
he was then sacked.

"However, the new manager then came in and said he wanted to keep me, which
was a bonus."

Warnock's progress was halted by two broken legs when he was at the
Academy. The first came while he was playing for the under-17s, with the
second break happening on his first game back for the U19s.

"I have to pinch myself when I think of where I am," he added. "When I
broke my leg the second time, I thought about packing it all in. But the
people at the Academy and my friends and family kept egging me on and they
helped me a lot during my recovery.

"It took two years to get back into the game properly and I was not fit
enough to make an impact here last season.

"It drives you on when you get an injury like that. It was all about
proving I could do it and proving I could come back from it."