[lfc-news] Fulham report - PA

PA Sport, 16 Oct 2004
Fulham 2 Liverpool 4

Ten-man Liverpool contrived a thrilling fightback as they recovered from two goals down at half-time to snatch their first Barclays Premiership away win under new manager Rafael Benitez.

The manager's Spanish compatriot Xabi Alonso, a £10million signing from Real Sociedad, did the trick with a stunning free-kick from 25 yards which took a slight deflection after the Reds had trailed sheepishly to a Luis Boa Morte double before the break.

Alonso started the match on the bench, possibly to save him for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Deportivo La Coruna.

However, it eventually dawned on Benitez that Alonso was needed sooner than that.

He also set up Liverpool's equaliser with a superb cross which enabled Milan Baros to claim a double of his own even though his first, just after half-time, would never have gone in but for Zat Knight's reluctant and probably unknowing intervention.

Fulham's misery was complete when Igor Biscan made it 4-2 with virtually the last kick of the match after arriving as another substitute. His smashing strike sailed beyond the hapless Edwin van der Sar.

Benitez's new-look team had looked good for their first away success in the league with an enterprising start in which Luis Garcia and Baros probed away at the Fulham defence and Djibril Cisse prowled with intent around the penalty area.

Boa Morte's opening goal, a simple tap-in after Salif Diao carelessly gave the ball away, might have been just a blip in the 24th minute.

Liverpool, beaten by the odd goal on their previous four trips to Chelsea, Olympiacos, Manchester United and Bolton, almost repaired the damage immediately when John Arne Riise's header from a lovely cross by Josemi just about cleared the Fulham crossbar.

But the Reds were stunned by a second Boa Morte goal in the 29th minute and left facing a considerable uphill task.

Brian McBride, who had crossed a beautiful ball for the first goal, was again involved with a clever flick.

Steed Malbranque spotted Boa Morte's run, supplying a perfect ball for the Portuguese winger to outpace Sami Hyypia and shoot low beyond the desperately advancing Chris Kirkland into the far corner.

The ubiquitous Boa Morte was lucky to escape a booking for a bad tackle but team-mate Adam Green was not so lucky a few minutes later although the free kick it produced for Luis Garcia was a tame affair and an easy collect for the towering Edwin van der Sar.

It was definitely luck, however, which sparked the Liverpool comeback in the second half.

Just three minutes after the break, with full-back Josemi having collected the first of his two cards for a foul on McBride, an attempted cross-cum-shot by Baros took a mighty deflection off Knight's backside and looped over van der Sar.

Still, Fulham looked as though they could keep the points until Baros struck again, shooting into an empty net after the goalkeeper palmed away Luis Garcia's diving header in the 71st minute.

The Londoners looked favourites again when Josemi was given his marching orders with 14 minutes to go - only for Alonso to work his magic three minutes later and Biscan to apply the gloss.

Fulham: Van der Sar, Volz, Knight, Bocanegra, Green, Malbranque, Pembridge, Diop, Boa Morte, McBride, Radzinski (John 75).
Subs Not Used: Crossley, Jensen, Rehman, McKinlay.
Booked: Green.
Goals: Boa Morte 24, 30.

Liverpool: Kirkland, Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Luis Garcia (Warnock 88), Diao (Alonso 45), Hamann, Riise, Baros (Biscan 90), Cisse.
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Sinama Pongolle.
Sent Off: Josemi (77).
Booked: Josemi, Luis Garcia, Traore.
Goals: Knight 50 og, Baros 71, Alonso 79, Biscan 90.

Att: 21,884
Ref: S Bennett (Kent).

REDS COMEBACK DOWN TO ALONSO

Rafael Benitez walked off the Craven Cottage pitch in animated discussion with Liverpool comeback hero Xabi Alonso - but he was serenity itself, explaining his team's stunning revival from 2-0 down to a 4-2 victory at Fulham.

"We had a stronger mentality and much more confidence - that was all," said the Spaniard following Liverpool's first Barclays Premiership win away from home this season.

But it was £10million signing Alonso, relegated to substitute for the first half, who was the catalyst for the dynamic recovery after the break.

He steadied a rocky ship in midfield, set up the equaliser with a superb cross and then made it 3-2 with a stunning 25-yard free-kick, just three minutes after Liverpool had been reduced to 10 men by full-back Josemi's second yellow card.

It saved Benitez more blushes after consecutive defeats on the road at Bolton, Manchester United, Olympiakos and Chelsea.

But he said: "All I told them at half-time was that if we got an early goal we still had a chance to win the game. We just had to be a bit more aggressive.

"I thought we controlled the first 20 minutes but then we lost two balls and conceded two goals. I cannot think exactly when but I've been involved in games like this a few times before.

"Xabi is a good player and made a big difference, but we have other players who can win games. I had to pick a team remembering that many of our players had travelled a lot during the week and were tired after international matches.

"We also had to consider a very important match against Deportivo in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"But winning away now is going to be very important to our season. When you play well at home - as this team does - and then you win away it tells you you can win in any stadium."

Milan Baros and a Zat Knight own goal put Liverpool back in the game after Luis Boa Morte's two brilliant first-half strikes.

Substitute Igor Biscan's stoppage-time strike made it an appropriate 4-2 scoreline, bearing in mind Fulham have not beaten Liverpool at Craven Cottage since 1966 - England's World Cup year.

Cottagers boss Chris Coleman said: "We need to wake up and smell the coffee and we have to learn to be at the races.

"Sure, Liverpool got two lucky goals to put them back in the match - but you can't make that an excuse. We never seem to get lucky goals, only difficult ones.

"I'm very disappointed. You shouldn't lose any match if you are 2-0 up at half-time. But signs of panic set in after they got their first off Zat's backside.

"We were still in it at 2-2 when Josemi was sent off. It is not good enough to say we were unlucky. Our heads went down, and that's a shame because largely they are all good honest pros.

"I'm still convinced our system is right and I am going to stick with it. I won't make excuses about suspensions or injuries."

Report - Fulham 2 Liverpool 4

From the BBC Sport site.

Fulham 2-4 Liverpool

Liverpool roared back from two goals down to earn a dramatic win at Fulham.

Luis Boa Morte put Fulham in command, first sliding in Brian McBride's cross and then running clear to slot in a second from the American's pass.

Milan Baros' shot deflected off Zat Knight for an own goal to cut the lead before Baros levelled from close range.

After Josemi had been sent off for a second booking, substitute Xavi Alonso curled in a free-kick and Igor Biscan rounded off the win in injury time.

Zat Knight breathed an early sigh of relief when he allowed Luis Garcia's aimless cross to drift over his head, only to find John Arne Riise popping up at the far post, but the bounce beat the Norwegian to Knight's relief.

Edwin van der Sar then sprinted from his line to claim to prevent Djibrill Cisse latching on to Garcia's through pass.

Fulham were on the back foot in the early stages and Carlos Bocanegra had to intervene twice in quick succession, first checking Baros with a tackle and then recovering quickly to block the Czech Republic striker's shot.

Boa Morte's two goals put Fulham in command

Fulham then won a free-kick 25 yards out which was tapped sideways for Mark Pembridge to drive a raking shot inches wide of Chris Kirkland's left-hand post.

The home side took advantage of their good spell by taking the lead with a finely-constructed goal on 24 minutes.

Steed Malbranque's cute reverse pass found McBride's run and the American's cross was converted by Boa Morte.

Liverpool came close to equalising on 28 minutes when Riise again got forward to plant a header inches wide from Josemi's cross.

But within seconds Fulham had doubled their lead as the Liverpool defence parted in front of McBride, allowing him to feed Boa Morte who ran clear to finish emphatically past Kirkland.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez replaced Salif Diao with Alonso at the start of the second half and they got back into the match within three minutes of the restart.

Baros' shot appeared to be going wide until it struck Knight and looped over the stranded van der Sar.

Liverpool were boosted by the goal and it needed three defenders to halt Cisse's thrust at the heart of the Fulham defence.

Cisse then met Baros' corner at the near post and his flicked effort went into the side-netting but Liverpool would not be denied and levelled on 67 minutes.

Xavi Alonso inspired Liverpool's second-half fightback

Van der Sar performed miracles to keep out Garcia's close-range header, but Baros reacted first to slam home the loose ball.

After clawing their way back into the game Liverpool were reduced to 10 men when Josemi's foul on Boa Morte earned him a second yellow card.

But Liverpool made light of it as Alonso completed their comeback with the third on 70 minutes, with a free-kick that deflected off Diop to lift over van der Sar.

Liverpool made the game safe when substitute Igor Biscan rammed home a fourth in injury-time.

---

Fulham: Van der Sar, Volz, Knight, Bocanegra, Green, Malbranque, Pembridge, Diop, Boa Morte, McBride, Radzinski (John 75).
Subs Not Used: Crossley, Jensen, Rehman, McKinlay.

Booked: Green.

Goals: Boa Morte 24, 30.

Liverpool: Kirkland, Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Luis Garcia (Warnock 88), Diao (Alonso 45), Hamann, Riise, Baros (Biscan 90), Cisse.
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Sinama Pongolle.

Sent Off: Josemi (77).

Booked: Josemi, Luis Garcia, Traore.

Goals: Knight 50 og, Baros 71, Alonso 79, Biscan 90.

Att: 21,884

Ref: S Bennett (Kent).

Unbelievable comeback sees Reds win 4-2 at Fulham

With the half time score 2-0 to Fulham, it looked like the same old story for Liverpool. They won the game though, getting four goals in a second half that also saw them lose Josemi through his second yellow.

More reports to follow...

Morientes announces he'd like to join reds in New Year

From the BBC Sport website.

Morientes targets Liverpool move

Morientes seems to be frustrated at Real Madrid

Fernando Morientes has put Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez on red alert by saying he would consider a move to Anfield in the January transfer window.

Benitez is believed to have wanted Real Madrid's Morientes as part of the deal which saw Michael Owen move to Spain.

"The return to form of Owen can be excellent for Real, but it is also a new problem for me," said 28-year-old Spanish international Morientes.

He added: "Liverpool could be a great option for January."

Morientes appears to be growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of first team opportunities at Real where he seems to be behind Raul, Ronaldo and Owen in the pecking order.

"My situation at Real is not pleasant," he said. "If things continue like this I will have to think about leaving. I am tired of sitting on the bench.

"Liverpool is a club where any player would be happy to play. It is a club with a history of having great supporters, a good coach and now Spanish players."

Benitez has been encouraged by the comments of Morientes.

He said: "It was good to hear, because when a good player talks about a good club, it is good for us."

Disgusting comments made by Tory front-bencher.

I'm quite surprised that in this day and age a Tory is so blinkered as to say what he did in the article below. Using Hillsborough to sell his wares is a disgrace. The following is from the BBC News site. The article and more comment is available from BBC Liverpool site.

Bigley article angers Liverpool

The column has been labelled 'Tory propaganda'

Tory MP Boris Johnson has been attacked after his magazine used the death of Ken Bigley to claim Liverpudlians "wallow" in their "victim status".

An editorial in The Spectator magazine, which he edits, said the city's outpouring of grief for the murdered hostage was "disproportionate".

A Tory spokesman said the article did not reflect the party's view.

The publication was "a matter for the Spectator," he said, but Mr Johnson's frontbench job was not under threat.

The Hillsborough Family Support Group described the article as "typical Tory propaganda".

The article said fans at the Hillsborough disaster, when 96 people died, were at fault rather than the police.

We're a friendly city and we stand by each other Phil Hammond, Hillsborough Family Support Group Have your say on the article

Phil Hammond, vice chairman of the group said: "Boris Johnson, he knows nothing about this.

"He doesn't even know how many people died at Hillsborough.

"I doubt whether he has ever been to Liverpool.

"We don't see ourselves as victims. We're a friendly city and we stand by each other when one of us gets hurt or killed.

"He wants to come to Liverpool and see how friendly we are," he said.

'Tribal grievance'

The article, in the issue dated 16 October, says people in Liverpool "cannot accept that they might have made any contribution to their misfortunes, but seek rather to blame someone else for it, thereby deepening their sense of shared tribal grievance about the rest of society".

It says Liverpudlians "wallow" in their "victim status", adding it is part of the "deeply unattractive psyche" of many in the city.

The article goes on to say Ken Bigley's brother Paul was wrong to say the Prime Minister has "blood on his hands".

It says Mr Bigley took a risk by working in Iraq against the advice of the Foreign Office, and that "his motives and misjudgements... should, without lessening sympathy for him and his family, temper the outpouring of sentimentality in which many have engaged for him".

A spokeswoman at the Spectator confirmed that Mr Johnson "directed the article to be written" and that he saw it ahead of publication.

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

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PA Sport, 15 Oct 2004
JENSEN GETS BENCH ROLE

Denmark international Claus Jensen will feature on the bench for Fulham's
Barclays Premiership clash with Liverpool after recovering from a back problem.

Striker Andy Cole and defender Ian Pearce are unavailable through
suspension but midfield enforcer Papa Bouba Diop is back after completing
his three-game ban.

Sylvain Legwinski (ankle), Lee Clark (calf), Alain Goma (calf) and Jerome
Bonnissel (groin) are in the treatment room and unavailable for selection.

Steve Finnan is a major doubt for Liverpool. The Republic of Ireland
international is suffering from a stomach upset and manager Rafael Benitez
does not rate his chances of playing against his former club too highly.

"Steve has a stomach problem and I will have to speak with the doctor about
him. At the moment though it does not look like he will be able to play,"
says Benitez.

Harry Kewell has recovered from the groin injury that forced him to miss
the first leg of Australia's Confederations Cup play-off last weekend but
the boss is worried that his number seven will be tired after the long
journey back from Oz.

"He (Kewell) has only just returned from international duty. He may be a
little tired and we will have to see how he is."

Liverpool, bidding to end a run of four successive away defeats, are
without Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Antonio Nunez - the latter is
out for at least another month with a knee injury.

Teams

Fulham (from): Van der Sar, Crossley, Volz, Knight, Green, Malbranque,
Pembridge, Boa Morte, Diop, Radzinski, McBride, Jensen, John, Crossley,
Rehman, Buari, McKinlay, Rosenior, Timlin.

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


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[lfc-news] Rafa builds from the bottom - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 14 Oct 2004
Rafa builds from the bottom
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

It is often said turning a football club around resembles a marathon rather
than a sprint.

For Rafael Benitez, transforming Liverpool into title contenders will be
more of a steeplechase.

The Spanish coach (pictured) has several hurdles to overcome before his
vision for the club is realised.

The squad isn't as strong as the top three's and it's still unclear how
much the manager will have to spend on recruitment in January.

"It will take time," may be a familiar observation, but it's the most
honest one.

What changes have been made so far are subtle. Walk into the manager's
office at Melwood today and the different approach is already evident.

The pictures with which Gerard Houllier once adorned the walls have been
replaced by hundreds of videos of Liverpool's future opponents.

The Spanish coach has made no promises for this year, only that his
preparation will be meticulous and the squad will improve tactically and
technically during the course of the season.

And, just as significantly, Benitez says he's already put plans in place to
ensure the scouting network, which failed to produce recruits of the
necessary standard in recent years, won't fail again.

Expect more thorough scrutiny of potential signings in future - attitude as
much as talent - as well as a more cordial relationship between the
Liverpool manager and The Academy.

"I've been talking to Steve Heighway this week about how we will move
forward in the future," said Benitez. "We know we need to change things.
One of those areas is in the scouting department and we will be talking
more with Steve and The Academy.

"We want to connect The Academy with Melwood far more. We're preparing to
watch every player in The Academy very closely. We want to see if they have
the high level for the first team.

"My assistant Paco Herrera is working alongside our scouting co-ordinator
Frank McParland and the Academy's head of recruitment, Barry Whitbread.
They will be scouting players for and from The Academy and for the first team.

"In the reserve team which played on Tuesday, there were five youngsters
from The Academy. It's important for us to know what we have. After that,
we can decide which direction to go.

"If we have three Owens or Gerrards coming through, okay, we can wait for
them. If we don't, we'll need to work harder with the scouts to prepare the
future.

"We will be meeting all of our scouts over the next month. After that, we
will start deciding which players we want to think about."

It's inevitable Benitez will be linked with numerous players before now and
January, but the manager is understandably cautious about making statements
about potential arrivals. He wants to motivate the players he's got, not
deflate their confidence by publicly demanding replacements.

"At this moment, we don't want to think about new players," insists Benitez.

"The players I have are training very well. I'm very happy with their attitude.

"You also have to understand my view that if I ever want to look at a
player, I don't want to say it to a journalist.

"If you say to the Press you want to sign a player, he immediately becomes
more expensive. You usually find it's the agents who want to talk more
about the players."

That said, the manager is well aware of the limitations of his squad and
will begin an ongoing search for fresh blood until his side is well
equipped to challenge the top three.

Exactly how long that takes will depend on how much is available and how soon,

"Arsenal and Manchester United have had time to put their squad together,"
observed Benitez.

"People have said to me 'You're in the same position as Chelsea, because
they have a new manager and new players'. But I say 'no' to this. They have
put together an expensive team with some players the manager knew very well
from Portugal.

"Carvalho and Ferreira played for the manager at Porto and when I spoke to
him he told me how important they will be because they understand the way
he works.

"We lost our last two away games in the league, but we know Manchester
United and Chelsea are very good teams with top players. They are at a high
level. I'm sure we will get better results against other teams. Now, we
need to get the confidence which comes from results.

"In the ten weeks since the start of the season we've had a lot of
international breaks which haven't helped us.

"I don't know if we have suffered more than all the other teams because of
the international break, but this week, on one day I trained with just five
first team players.

"When you have a new manager there are a lot of new things to learn but we
haven't had a lot of time to train.

"Now is a time for my players to under-stand what I want and practice. I
can't just tell them to do things the way I want without giving them time
to train.

"We've also lost players like Smicer and Nunez who would have helped the
balance of the squad, then we lost Steven Gerrard. When you arrive with a
new team and you need time, it doesn't help to have these problems."

The mood at Melwood, where there is a noticeable change in atmosphere, is
far from downbeat, however.

Benitez is merely in the warm-up when it comes to preparing his Liverpool.
His first task is to make Liverpool the equal of the top three, and then he
can think more realistically about approaching the starting line with a
view to outright victory.

"I'm sure this team will improve and we will win many games this season,"
he insists.

"If we can put together a few wins, we'll go up the table. We also have a
game more to play than the rest. If we had three points more, you'd see
where we are in the table and I know the supporters would feel happier."


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[lfc-news] Cisse interview - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 14 Oct 2004
Be patient... I'll show how good I really am
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

DJIBRIL CISSE has pleaded for patience from Liverpool fans and insisted he
will vindicate the club's decision to pay £14million for his services.

The Liverpool striker (right) has scored three times this season but has
been dropped twice by Rafael Benitez as he struggles to find the form that
convinced Anfield officials to make him their record signing this summer.

Cisse admits he is yet to justify the two-year pursuit to bring him to
Anfield from Auxerre by former manager Gerard Houllier.

But the French international insists his confidence remains high and that
he will fulfil pre-season expectations once he adjusts to a new way of life
and a new style of football in England.

"I would ask the fans to be patient because my best form is coming," said
the striker. "I am having to learn a new style of football in this country,
the game is much faster and more physical than I am used to and I am being
singled out for close marking.

"The pressure and the expectation is something I am aware of but I have
broad shoulders and I will prove to everyone how much I am worth and how
good a player I am. People should not rush to a judgement on me now,
because we have only played 11 games.

"I have a young daughter over in France and I am not getting to see her
very often, certainly not as often as I would like, so all of these things
have made it quite a hard time for me since I came in July.

"If I get the time to integrate properly, and to learn the game of my
friends and team-mates then I will make my mark at Liverpool. I might not
be scoring as often as I would like so far but at least I am still scoring.

That's good for the confidence."

Cisse believes his impact at Anfield will improve once he develops a better
understanding with fellow strikers Milan Baros and Luis Garcia.

But the centre-forward denied suggestions Benitez has deployed a lone
striker away from home this season, with Garcia in support, because he and
Baros cannot form a productive partnership.

Cisse added: "I am having to learn how Milan plays and how we can help each
other in attack.

"The same is true of Luis Garcia and since I am not a magician I will need
patience before that happens.

"I don't think we are similar players at all. Milan likes to have the

ball at his feet and the goal in front of him so he can run at players and
commit them, getting in behind them and shooting. I like the ball in space
so I have time to assess my options. Milan plays the game quicker than me
but I think we can blend together well and become a good partnership."

Harry Kewell, meanwhile, believes he will be fit to face Fulham on Saturday
despite limping out of Australia's Confederations Cup win over the Solomon
Islands on Tuesday.

"I'm a bit sore but I should be okay," said Kewell, who suffered a slight
ankle injury in the 11-1 aggregate victory.


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[lfc-news] Benitez: Door not closed on Diarra - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 14 Oct 2004
Benitez: Door not closed on Diarra
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFAEL BENITEZ says French international midfielder Alou Diarra can force
his way back into Liverpool's plans if his current progress continues.

Diarra (right) was a shock inclusion in France's squad for this week's
World Cup qualifiers.

He made substitute appearances in both Saturday's 0-0 draw with the
Republic of Ireland and last night's 2-0 win in Cyprus.

Diarra, currently on a year's loan at Lens, has made a big impact across
the Channel, unlike other players Liverpool have sent back to the country
such as Anthony Le Tallec and Bruno Cheyrou, neither of whom have been
regulars for either St Etienne or Auxerre.

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder's success has taken many by surprise.

He was signed on a free transfer from Bayern Munich two years ago but has
never played a senior game at Anfield.

He was loaned to Le Havre last season and returned to France again on loan
this summer.

Since then, he's earned his international call-up as Patrick Vieira's
understudy.

Benitez says watching Diarra play regularly for Lens is the best way of
assessing his ability since he was unlikely to figure much at Anfield this
year.

"We are watching all the players we have out on loan and checking the level
they're playing," said Benitez..

"Our scouts are making sure we get reports on how they're doing.

"After that, we can decide on what we will do in the future. Alou Diarra
was here in the summer but we thought that at this moment we have enough
players who can play in his position, central midfield, which is why he's
on loan.

"But he's shown he's not a bad player. He is doing very well. It's good for
him and good for us he is playing well as we look to the future"

Benitez has no plans to cut Diarra's loan spell short in January, but is
urging the youngster to maintain his improvement ahead of next year.

He added: "I think it's still early days for him, but it's good news for us
to see a young player doing so well. If he continues to play well for his
club and is in the national team, we will be reminding everyone he is our
player."

* Tickets for Liverpool's Champions League game at Anfield against
Deportivo la Coruna next Tuesday are currently on general sale.


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[lfc-news] Kewell's setback sounds Red alert - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 13 Oct 2004
Kewell's setback sounds Red alert
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

HARRY KEWELL gave Liverpool an unwanted injury scare last night when he
limped out of Australia's convincing defeat of the Soloman Islands.

Kewell helped secure his country's place in next year's Confederations Cup
by scoring his first goal of the season in the 5-1 second-leg rout, a
result that gave Frank Farina's side an 11-1 aggregate win over the tiny
Pacific nation.

But the former Leeds star failed to reappear for the second half in Sydney
after suffering an ankle knock shortly before the break.

Manager Farina insisted the substitution was purely a precautionary
measure. But with Kewell plagued by ankle problems last season, Liverpool
are anxious for their own diagnosis ahead of Saturday's trip to Fulham.

Farina said: "Just before half-time Harry had gone around someone on the
middle of the park and he copped a knock on the foot or the ankle.

"The doc's had a look at half-time and we were decided to make a sub. Those
things are just not worth the risk."

Rafael Benitez, meanwhile, will have been alerted by reports in Spain
yesterday that former club Valencia have been unable to agree a new
contract with leading striker Mista.

The Liverpool manager will be in the market for a new forward in January
with Real Madrid's Fernando Morientes on his wish-list.

But with Mista, who scored 19 goals for Benitez's title-winning Valencia
last season, out of contract next summer after rejecting a five-year deal
worth £1.2m a season, the 26-year-old may present a cheaper alternative if
the Spaniards decide to cash in during the transfer window.

Richie Partridge is unlikely to accept the offer of a three-month loan deal
at Rotherham, according to the reserve midfielder's agent.

The Dubliner has just returned to full fitness after a cruciate ligament
injury and is on the look-out for a new club. But the struggling Coca-Cola
Championship side are not among the front-runners.

Partridge's agent Neil Sang said: "Rotherham are a progressive club under a
good manager but Richie has nothing to prove at that level after doing so
well at Coventry two seasons ago.

"Perhaps a team like West Ham might be better for Richie, simply because of
Rotherham's current plight.

I've also heard Nottingham Forest are also interested and I would expect
Liverpool will be fine with whatever he decides."


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

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Official LFC Website, 12 Oct 2004
DISAPPOINTING NIGHT FOR REDS

There was disappointment for Liverpool Reserves who went down to a 1-0
defeat at the hands of Mersey rivals Everton in the mini derby at Wrexham's
Racecourse Ground, writes Steve Hunter.

This was Everton's first reserve win of the season and Liverpool found it
hard at times to compose themselves in front of the watching Rafael Benitez.

Stephen Warnock worked hard on the left side of midfield and Darren Potter
captained the team, but Hughie McAuley was without the injured John Welsh
and Richie Partridge. Robbie Foy and Florent Sinama-Pongolle are on
international duty for Scotland Under-21s and France Under-21s respectively.

David Raven, Mark Smyth and David Mannix were included in the team despite
all three playing for England Under-20s when they beat Holland 1-0 on
Sunday. Lee Peltier made his first start for the reserves at right back and
did very well. His best position is central midfield but Peltier deserves
credit for a good display.

Conditions were damp and players from both sides found it difficult to keep
their balance on the surface at times.

Neil Mellor was lively in attack and with a little more luck might have
scored a couple of goals, but in fairness the service he got wasn't great.

The only goal of the game came after 64 minutes when Australian
international Eddie Bosnar rifled in a free-kick from 25-yards out with a
low drive that went through the wall and into the net past Patrice Luzi.

In what was a fairly low key game Liverpool created a good opening after 10
minutes when Mellor turned a couple of defenders but shot straight at
Richard Wright. Mellor was unlucky in the first half, firstly heading just
off target following a good cross from the right by Danny Guthrie.

Then in first half stoppage time a move started off by Mellor almost
produced a goal. Lee Peltier's cross from the right found the Liverpool
number nine's head but his effort was brilliantly saved right on the line
by Wright.

Everton were always dangerous from wide positions with Chris Sergeant
causing left back Zak Whitbread all sorts of problems down the right flank.
Hopkins went close for the Blues in the first half when he shot wide from a
good position after a good three man move.

Liverpool started the second half quite brightly and Potter shot straight
at Wright after a good charge through midfield.

The Reds had a glorious chance after the hour mark when a superb through
ball from Mellor sent Mark Smyth clean through on goal. Unfortunately the
Liverpool striker took too long and Bosnar got back quickly to make an
excellent tackle.

Bosnar then put Everton 1-0 up after 64 minutes from a direct free-kick
before Liverpool had a great chance four minutes later to equalise.
Potter's through ball sent Mellor away and he did well to barge through
Bosnar despite the defender trying to foul him. The referee played the
advantage and with Wright miles off his line Mellor tried a lob which
drifted just past the post. It was a great chance and Mellor was furious
with himself he didn't score after the match, although in fairness it was a
far from easy finish.

Smyth was unlucky 11 minutes from time when he hit an audacious shot from
the left wing which flew just wide when it seemed destined for the top corner.

All in all it was a disappointing night for Liverpool against an Everton
side low on confidence after a recent heavy defeat when they conceded eight
goals in one match. This was Liverpool's fourth reserve defeat of the
season and they hope for better fortunes when they take on Manchester
United next Thursday at Altrincham FC.

Liverpool team: Luzi, Peltier, Whitbread, Raven, O'Donnell, Potter, Guthrie
(Wilkie 61), Mannix, Mellor,Smyth, Warnock.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: David Raven. The captain of the England
Under-20 team had a good match at centre half and fellow defender Danny
O'Donnell also did well. Credit too to the young players Danny Guthrie and
Lee Peltier.


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[lfc-news] Academy: Platt continues under-18s' rise - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 12 Oct 2004
Platt continues under-18s' rise
Academy football with Chris Wright, Daily Post

CONAL PLATT scored the only goal of the game to give Liverpool under-18s a
welcome victory over Bolton Wanderers at the Kirkby Academy on Saturday.

It was only the third victory for John Owens's side in the FA Premier
Academy League, although they have all come in their last five matches.
Liverpool stay bottom of Group C on goal difference, but after some false
starts recently they will hope to rise up the league table.

In a game of few chances due to the windy conditions, the only goal came in
the second half on 65 minutes, when Liverpool were playing into the strong
breeze. Platt finished off Scottish youth international winger Ryan
Wilkie's low cross from close range for his second goal of the season.

The three points were assured thanks to an excellent penalty save by
goalkeeper Paul Lancaster. It looked as if Liverpool would have to settle
for a point after referee pointed to the spot with 20minutes left when
Danny Smith brought down Bolton's Robert Sissons in the area.

Smith was given a red card as he was adjudged to have denied a clear
scoring opportunity. But Bolton couldn't take advantage, missing the kick
and being unable to break the 10 men down in the closing stages.

Owens said: "We had the wind first half and we wasted the opportunity to
get some shots in. Our passed were too long, so I was disappointed at
half-time that we hadn't played to the conditions. Although they hadn't
posed much of a threat.

"We got ahead from a well-worked goal by Conal Platt, but we dropped deep
instead of pushing on for a second.

"Then we conceded a penalty, but Paul Lancaster made an excellent save. It
was good to get a home win because we have not done so well there. We
didn't play as well as we had done in the last two games, but you come away
from the game with certain positives and obviously the score was one of them."

Some of Owens's squad will feature in tonight's reserve team mini-derby
with Everton at Wrexham, while the rest of the players will play a friendly
match on Wednesday afternoon (kick-off 2pm) against a team from Shanghai at
the Academy.

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Lancaster, Peltier, D Smith, J Smith, O'Donnell,
Barrett, Wilkie, Guthrie, C Platt (M Roberts 80), Noon (Townley 85),
Hammill. Subs: F Smith, Willis, Frayne.


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[lfc-news] Take it away, lads! - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 12 Oct 2004
Take it away, lads!
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFAEL BENITEZ today backed his Spanish imports to prove they are no soft touch away from home.

The Liverpool manager recognised his stars such as Luis Garcia have shone more at Anfield than on their travels. But he insists it's just a matter of time until they take their form on the road.

Garcia arrived at Anfield following a £6m move from Barcelona while Xabi Alonso was signed from Real Sociedad for £10.7m in the summer.

Benitez said: "I was talking to a Spanish coach on the phone this morning and he was asking me why Luis Garcia played well at home and not away.

"I said to him, 'You have to understand how difficult it is.'

"Luis and Xabi are getting used to a different style of football.

"If you play at home with more of the ball and better possession it is easier for good players to play well.

"But when you play away it is always a different kind of game.

"You need to play a lot more on the counter attack and it is a lot harder for players such as Luis Garcia to be involved in the game as much as he would be at home.

"A lot of people have told me to remember how other players did in their first year. I have analysed the situation and I know that everyone just needs time.

"It is the same for managers and it is the same for players.

"I saw the report in the ECHO comparing the first 11 games of Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Bill Shankly. I noticed it was the same for them.

"Each player is different but I am very happy with Luis and Xabi because they have already played to a very high level in some games.

"In Spain Luis Garcia played very well both at home and away and I have no doubt it will be the same for Liverpool."

Meanwhile, Benitez is not planning a fresh move for Real Madrid's Fernando Morientes. The Reds boss is still finalising plans ahead of the opening of the transfer window in January.

Liverpool Reserves are in action the mini-derby against Everton at Wrexham tonight (7pm). Steven Warnock should feature.

[lfc-news] Benitez to make move for Morientes - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 12 Oct 2004
Benitez to make move for Morientes
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ is planning a renewed bid for Fernando Morientes as he looks
to strengthen his struggling strikeforce during the January transfer window.

The Liverpool manager tried to sign the Real Madrid star this summer but
was thwarted when the striker pledged to support Jose Camacho in his first
season at the Bernabeu.

But Camacho's abrupt departure as Madrid coach has cast doubt on
Morientes's long-term future and Liverpool are ready to test whether his
resolve has been weakened by the managerial upheaval.

Michael Owen has been repeatedly linked with a return to Anfield in the
transfer window even though FIFA rules prevent such a move until next summer.

Benitez, however, remains anxious to improve his weakened attack and sees
the experienced Spanish international as an ideal addition with Djibril
Cisse and Milan Baros struggling and only Florent Sinama-Pongolle in support.

Speaking last month the Liverpool manager, who also wanted to bring
Jonathan Woodgate to Anfield, revealed: "I wanted Morientes as part of the
Owen deal but he had given his word to Camacho to stay and he kept it."

But with Camacho now out of the way and Morientes hurt by Madrid's decision
to loan him to Monaco last season Benitez will test that commitment in two
months' time.

El Hadji Diouf, meanwhile, has been kicked out of the Senegal squad for
going clubbing the night before their game with Liberia on Sunday.

The unwanted Liverpool striker, currently on loan at Bolton, had only just
returned to international duty following suspension but was axed by Senegal
coach Guy Stephan for breaking disciplinary rules.

Diouf's off-field antics hindered Liverpool's attempts to offload the
£10million flop in the summer and this latest episode will not help their
prospects of finding a permanent buyer next year.

Senegal coach Stephan, who resisted pleas from Diouf's teammates not to
drop the striker, said: "He's a pro and should know the team rules, which
demand rigour, discipline and punctuality."

Liverpool's Irish winger Ritchie Partridge has been offered the chance of
regular first-team football by Coca-Cola League Championship side Rotherham.

"We spoke to Liverpool about Ritchie Partridge but his agent has not been
back to us yet," confirmed Millmoor manager Ronnie Moore.


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[lfc-news] Morgan 'bid' baffles Reds - Post

Liverpool Echo, 11 Oct 2004
Morgan 'bid' baffles Reds
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL are 'baffled' by weekend reports claiming building tycoon Steve Morgan is ready to make a new £100m investment in the club.

Detailed reports published over the weekend claimed that multi-millionaire Morgan was in advanced talks to underwite a rights issue at the club.

But both Morgan and Reds chief executive Rick Parry have discounted the claims and say they are unaware of any fresh offer.

Morgan is known to be perplexed by the claims that a deal is to be struck this week.

Parry added today: "Our relationship with Steve is very cordial and obviously we are in contact, but we are as baffled as he is by this story."

Morgan failed in a £70m offer last summer and saw a follow-up offer rejected.

His interest in investing remains, though, and few are discounting the possibility of some sort of deal one day.

For the time being, however, Liverpool have received no approaches.

Parry confirmed there is continuing dialogue with Thai-based media company Grammy - but it is more likely to form a commercial tie-up, while American-based entertainment executives Mike Jefferies and Stuart Ford have come up with no proposals.

Harry Kewell, meanwhile, hopes his injury irritations have been wiped away - by a week in Australia's spring sunshine.

The Reds' star missed Liverpool's recent home victory over Norwich City with a groin strain, was left out of the starting line-up for the next game in Olympiakos, then aggravated the problem at Stamford Bridge eight days ago.

Liverpool were prepared to accept a FIFA ban for keeping Kewell at Anfield instead of letting him fly to Sydney.

He made the trip, though, after privately hiring a physiotherapist and hopes to play in tomorrow's Confederations Cup qualifying second leg against the Solomon Islands in Sydney.

"I don't want to get my hopes up but I feel good today," said Kewell, after intensive treatment and fitness tests at an empty stadium near Bondi Beach.

Kewell sat out the 5-1 first leg victory, but added: "I feel very good but if you get your hopes up too much, something can always happen."

Kewell hopes the experience can act as a springboard for his faltering Liverpool form.

But despite his in-and-out performances, the Aussie winger has been impressed by new coach Rafael Benitez.

"Rafael Benitez is very good. He knows what he wants," he said. "The differences from last season are massive."

Former Reds coach Christian Damiano has been appointed as assistant coach to Steve Wigley at Southampton.

Damiano was Gerard Houllier's assistant at Anfield.

Deportivo La Coruna right-winger Victor, meanwhile, is reported to be the latest player attracting the attention of Benitez.

[lfc-news] Baros eager to prove his worth at Anfield - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 11 Oct 2004
Baros eager to prove his worth at Anfield
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post Staff

MILAN BAROS has revealed his frustration at failing to secure a regular starting place at Liverpool this season.

Despite having appeared in every game this season, the striker has been restricted to a role as substitute in recent weeks as Rafael Benitez juggles his attacking options.

A strike partnership with new signing Djibril Cisse has been slow to materialise and the Frenchman was selected in preference to Baros as a lone striker in the defeats at Olympiakos and Chelsea.

But Baros is convinced he can replicate the form which saw him finish top scorer at Euro 2004 in the summer with the Czech Republic.

"I have started the last few games from the bench and after being top scorer at Euro 2004 that is a surprise," said the 22-year-old, who last week reiterated his dream of a move to Barcelona.

"I don't think I'm a better or worse player than I was three months ago.

"I am using thoughts of that tournament to help me and I'm not afraid of the challenge.

"I believe in my abilities more and I just want to get the chance to show it. When I go on to the pitch I say to myself: 'this is the time for me, this will be good'.

"Euro 2004 was amazing for me but I don't think about it all the time. I just try to do my job at Liverpool, I only remember the games and the goals if I see them on TV."

Baros also believes Liverpool are on the verge of a marked improvement under Benitez's tutelage.

"As a team, we feel things are coming together," he added.. "We have new players in the team who are starting to fit in and with every training session we are getting better.

"Under Benitez we are working more on tactics and learning how to play a more pressing game. We are on the right track and we all trust the coach. Now I aim to start more games and I can only do that by continuing to work hard."

Meanwhile, Liverpool and Czech team-mate Vladimir Smicer has insisted he has not given up hope of a first-team return in the New Year.

The schemer underwent knee surgery in the summer which was expected to sideline him for six months.

Smicer was informed there was only a 75% chance of the operation being a success, but subsequent trouble-free rehabilitation has proven encouraging.

"My operation was 10 weeks ago and I've been off crutches for the last two weeks," said the 31-year-old.

"I now need to build up the muscle before I can start running."

Smicer continued: "If all goes well I'll be running at the start of December and then playing again in January.

"It was a big operation and there was a possibility it wouldn't work out, but the medical people are all confident I'll be okay and be able to come back on schedule."

Smicer is in the final year of his current contract, and he added: "I know I'm in a difficult situation with my contract but all I can do is get into the team and prove to people I deserve a new deal.

"I've been injured a lot lately so I don't know if I will be offered a new contract. If I could choose to stay then I would, without a doubt.

"But we'll have to wait and see what happens."

Kewell returns to Australia side

Good news for reds down under. And hopefully for Liverpool, if this game brings back the self-confidence he seems to have been lacking. From the BBC Sport site.

Kewell returns to Australia side

Australia ease to victory

Liverpool winger Harry Kewell will make his first home appearance for Australia since 2001 on Tuesday.

Kewell missed the Confederations Cup first-leg qualifier against the Solomon Islands with a groin injury but is in the side for the return leg.

The Socceroos will take a four-goal cushion into the match in Sydney after routing the Solomons 5-1 in Honiara.

Victory for Australia will see them qualify for the 2005 Confederations Cup in Germany.

---

Australia: Mark Schwarzer (captain), Tony Vidmar, Kevin Muscat, Tony Popovic, Lucas Neill, Simon Colosimo, Luke Wilkshire, Josip Skoko, Harry Kewell, Brett Emerton, Ante Milicic.

Owen excited by captaincy

On a personal note, I must say I find the following story is very pleasing. Although I'm not particularly bothered about England, I am glad to see Owen happy again.

From the BBC Sport site

Michael Owen is relishing taking the England captain's armband from David Beckham in Azerbaijan on Wednesday.

Beckham suffered a fractured rib in a clash with Ben Thatcher after scoring in England's 2-0 win against Wales.

He would also have been suspended after picking up a yellow card, leaving Owen to take over the captaincy in Baku.

Owen said: "The last time I captained the team I think I scored two goals, so hopefully that's a good omen - we're in great heart, despite David's injury."

He added: "If I am captain it will be a great honour, although obviously I would prefer it if we had David Beckham in the team, especially after he proved his quality with the great goal."

Real Madrid striker Owen left the misery of his stuttering start at The Bernabeu behind him to play a key role in England's win, although his hopes of claiming the first goal from Frank Lampard have been dashed by Fifa.

He deflected Lampard's shot past Paul Jones but Owen was more concerned with England clinching a vital three points.

Owen said: "It's been great to be with England this week, a real breath of fresh air.

"I haven't had many minutes on the pitch in Madrid and if you aren't playing then you can't score goals, so to get 90 minutes was great.

England defender Gary Neville, meanwhile, believes the convincing performance answered the critics, who lambasted the team after the opening draw in Austria.

He said: "This was a very professional performance. We couldn't take a battering ram to Wales, we had to keep the ball and dismantle them piece by piece. I felt we did that well.

"We were supposed to be in ruins after the Austria game but now the same people will be saying we should run away with the group.

"This was a good win and proved we are a good side against a Wales team with some very good players.

"It was tough marking Ryan Giggs because we have played together so long at Manchester United. I know better than anyone how good he is and how he can make life difficult for any defender.

"But we kept the ball for long periods, which meant he didn't have it - and that obviously helped us."