[lfc-news] Charlton report - PA

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

PA Sport, 23 Oct 2004
Liverpool 2 Charlton 0

Liverpool maintained their 100 per cent home record in the Barclays
Premiership with a confident victory that moved them up to fifth in the table.

Both goals were long-range efforts from outside the box, with first John
Arne Riise and then Luis Garcia crashing home fine drives that finally
broke the resistence of a defiant Dean Kiely.

Charlton, still with only one away point all season, defended stoutly but
never got close to upsetting a Liverpool side finally beginning to play
with pace and confidence - and still with a game in hand over all the clubs
above them.

And for boss Rafael Benitez, suffering from a heavy cold after his first
taste of a north-west winter rather than the sun of Valencia, at least saw
signs of sustained improvement to warm his heart.

Steve Finnan came into the side at right-back with Josemi suspended, as
Liverpool welcomed back old boy Danny Murphy, now at the heart of a
Charlton side after his surprise summer move from Anfield.

The match also saw referee Andy D'Urso's comeback to the Premiership for
the first time since he failed to send off Barry Ferguson back in August
after showing him the yellow card twice.

And Liverpool were on the front foot from the start, Luis Garcia heading
wide before seeing a left-foot volley tipped around a post by Kiely.

That was the story of much of the first half hour as Liverpool sought to
batter a Charlton defence which had conceded more goals away from home than
any other side in the top flight.

Sami Hyypia had a header cleared off the line by Murphy following a Luis
Garcia corner as Charlton's goal led a charmed life.

Liverpool went even closer when Dietmar Hamann pushed a free-kick to
Djibril Cisse, who struck the foot of a post from 25 yards.

Milan Baros was next to go close, heading wide from six yards.

Charlton boss Alan Curbishley had started the game in the directors' box,
but by now he was on touchline with assistant Mervyn Day barking out orders
as Charlton struggled to stem the flow.

But Liverpool were wasteful. Riise scorned two openings, while Baros
arrived unmarked eight yards out to meet a Luis Garcia cross but sent a
header straight at a relieved Kiely.

To their credit, Charlton slowly worked their way into a game they could
have lost in those opening minutes.

Matt Holland and Graham Stuart started to figure in midfield while Hermann
Hreidarsson and Chris Perry came to terms more with the pace and movement
of Baros and Cisse.

But Liverpool still found chances coming and going, Cisse and Baros both
blazing over from eight yards out before Cisse made a fine 50-yard run
before hooking the ball into the box only for Luis Garcia to not quite get
there quickly enough in support.

The second period saw Cisse pushed out wide on the right, from where he
performed much better when the same move was made at Fulham last weekend.

One fine high speed run and cross from Cisse suggested he could be more
productive on the right flank.

One of his runs eventually saw a free-kick won 25 yards out, and Xabi
Alonso saw his curling effort pawed away by Kiely.

Cisse's next run won the corner that eventually saw Liverpool go ahead on
56 minutes.

Xabi Alonso saw his header blocked from Luis Garcia's flag kick and when
the ball came out of the box it was met by Riise who drove the ball past
Kiely's right hand.

Baros and Finnan both went close before Charlton introduced former Everton
striker Francis Jeffers, to predictable abuse from the Kop.

And the striker managed to get himself booked for two offences inside the
first seven minutes of his involvement in the match.

Charlton had still barely managed an effort to bother Chris Kirkland, while
Liverpool pounded away at the other end.

And they finally gave themselves some breathing space with another
spectacular goal from outside the box.

Xabi Alonso fed fellow countryman Luis Garcia, and the little forward
lashed a fine, dipping volley from 25 yards that flashed past Kiely for the
second.

Cisse was by now tormenting anyone in his line of vision as he next skinned
Parry before crossing just too far away from Kewell.

This was a hugely encouraging display by Liverpool after the midweek
frustrations of failing to score against Deportivo La Coruna in the
Champions League.

Last season Charlton won at Anfield for the first time in 50 years but
there was never the chance of them repeating that triumph. in this one.

Teams:
Liverpool: Kirkland, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Traore (Warnock 86), Luis
Garcia, Alonso, Hamann, Riise (Kewell 64), Baros (Sinama Pongolle 77), Cisse.
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Diao.
Goals: Riise 52, Luis Garcia 74.

Charlton: Kiely, Young, Perry, Fortune, Hreidarsson, Rommedahl (Jeffers
63), Stuart, Holland, Murphy, Lisbie (Hughes 78), Bartlett (Euell 71).
Subs Not Used: El Karkouri, Andersen.
Booked: Jeffers.

Att: 41,625
Ref: A D'Urso (Essex).

BENITEZ WANTS RUTHLESS STREAK

Liverpool maintained their 100% home record but new boss Rafael Benitez
proved a hard man to please after the convincing 2-0 win over Charlton.

The Spanish coach lamented the string of chances that went begging in the
first half and warned his players that they will find themselves being
punished if they continue to be so wasteful.

Benitez said: "This was very much like our goalless draw with Deportivo in
the week. We had so many opportunities and the players will need to take
far more of them in the future.

"Just as against Deportivo, we played very well for a long period and made
many chances. But if you do not take them and then someone makes a mistake
in the second half, you will pay for it."

But Benitez praised the performance of his two strikers, Milan Baros and
Djibril Cisse, who have been criticised for taking a long time to form an
effective strike partnership.

He said: "They both did very well. Cisse was moved onto the right in the
second half and he had a good game, and Baros looked sharp all game.

"You can see now that they do have the ability to form a partnership, they
both did very well and can only improve as a pair as the season continues."

Charlton boss Alan Curbishley said afterwards: "We had to work so hard to
even get the ball. We could not get going and we gave the ball away as soon
as we had it.

"That was much to do with the way Liverpool played and how the pressured
us. I have lost count of the games where we have conceded goals from
outside the box, and there were two more here.

"Our away form suggests we are going to get beaten every time. Last season
we were very good away from home, but I am becoming worried and we are just
not doing as well away this season.

"Liverpool have played very well, they look formidable at home and a few
sides will struggle at Anfield.

"We have now been beaten at Arsenal and Liverpool in successive away games
and maybe that is not too bad, but we are also losing at places like Bolton
and Manchester City and results like that have to change.

"We cannot hide behind things, this is not good enough.

"We have two home games now, and we have to win them because we are being
put under great pressure by losing away games.

"Liverpool asked us questions and we didn't have enough. That could be the
same for a lot of clubs playing at Anfield this season. But we are just not
giving ourselves a chance with our defence under pressure all the time.

"Our attitude away from home has to change. We need results and quickly. We
have got to alter the way we approach away games because it is totally
different.

"As for Liverpool, they are very good and they will be competing for
everything they are in right to the death this season. This is a very
impressive team now."


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Liverpool cruise to 2-0 victory over Charlton.

Report from the BBC Sport website.

Liverpool 2-0 Charlton

More Premiership pictures Liverpool match reaction Charlton match reaction

Liverpool climbed to fifth place in the Premiership thanks to wonderful strikes from John Arne Riise and Luis Garcia.

Riise's goal - a superb half-volley - came seven minutes after half-time.

And Luis Garcia added a second with another spectacular effort, hitting an unstoppable shot with the outside of his right foot past Dean Kiely.

Charlton had ridden their luck in the first half, Danny Murphy clearing Sami Hyypia's header off the line and Djibril Cisse hitting the woodwork.

For 52 minutes this game looked to be following a similar pattern to Liverpool's midweek goalless draw with Deportivo la Coruna in the Champions League.

Rafael Benitez's side once again dominated possession, but were unable to take advantage of that domination, partly due to Dean Kiely's good goalkeeping and some resolute Charlton defending.

Riise took his goal superbly, quickly adjusting his body shape, before guiding a swerving shot into the corner.

His goal also served to reduce Liverpool's rising levels of frustration.

Riise did not have much time to celebrate his goal as he was replaced by Harry Kewell soon after scoring.

Together with Steven Finnan, the Norwegian international had played a prominent part in a bright start for Liverpool.

First Finnan crossed for Garcia, who headed wide.

Jamie Carragher's diagonal pass then found Riise bursting down the left, but the Norwegian was dispossessed by Radostin Kishishev, who did well to recover.

Not ideal but if we win by two goals and keep a clean sheet then that has to be good From Andrew Have your say on 606

Having failed with a header, Garcia tried his luck with a shot which was well saved by Kiely.

As Liverpool pressed again the Charlton goalkeeper needed help from Murphy, who cleared off the line after Hyypia's downward header.

Liverpool were getting closer and closer to opening the scoring and Cisse rattled Kiely's left-hand upright with a vicious shot from a free-kick.

The Charlton goal was living a charmed life, with Milan Baros the next Liverpool player to turn away in frustration after his header was directed straight at the Charlton keeper.

Late in the first half Murphy, returning to Anfield after his summer move to Charlton, almost let Liverpool in, giving away the ball to Cisse.

The French striker's deflected effort fell into Baros's path, but the Czech Republic striker shot wildly over the bar.

An astonishing burst of speed by Cisse ended with the Frenchman's cross reaching Garcia, whose shot was blocked by Kishishev.

When Charlton did get into the Liverpool half all too often their attacks broke down as Shaun Bartlett kept wandering into offside positions.

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley threw on Francis Jeffers, but the former Everton striker did not have a distinguished return to Merseyside, quickly picking up a booking.

Charlton were so ineffective in attack that Chris Kirkland did not have to make a single save.

And Charlton paid for their attacking ineffectiveness when on 74 minutes, Garcia capped a fine individual performance with a superbly-executed goal, scoring with a swerving right-footed shot.

---

Liverpool: Kirkland, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Traore (Warnock 86), Luis Garcia, Alonso, Hamann, Riise (Kewell 64), Baros (Sinama Pongolle 77), Cisse.
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Diao.

Goals: Riise 52, Luis Garcia 74.

Charlton: Kiely, Young, Perry, Fortune, Hreidarsson, Rommedahl (Jeffers 63), Stuart, Holland, Murphy, Lisbie (Hughes 78), Bartlett (Euell 71).
Subs Not Used: El Karkouri, Andersen.

Booked: Jeffers.

Att: 41,625.

Ref: A D'Urso (Essex).

100% home record for LFC continues

Danny Murphy had an unhappy return to Anfield as Liverpool won 2-0, with goals from Luis Garcia and John Arne Riise - both stunning goals.

More to follow...

[lfc-news] Reds to officially honour King Billy - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC WEbsite, 22 Oct 2004
REDS TO OFFICIALLY HONOUR KING BILLY
By Mark Platt

Liverpool legend Billy Liddell is to be honoured by the club with the
unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the Kop end of Anfield.
The news will be warmly welcomed by his legions of fans who have long
campaigned for his illustrious achievements in the Red shirt to be
officially recognised.

The memorial, which is the first of its kind in the club's 112-year
history, will be unveiled at 11.30am on Thursday 4 November by Billy's
widow Phyllis and the man who succeed him in the Liverpool team, Ian Callaghan.

The idea for the Liddell memorial was suggested to Liverpool chairman David
Moores and chief executive Rick Parry by local writer and broadcaster John
Keith, the author of Billy's official biography - 'The Legend Who Carried
The Kop'.

The result is a red zinc and silver plaque which will be situated in the
Kop stand, adjacent to the Anfield Museum and Visitors Centre.

"We live in an era of heritage memorials being erected to pay tribute
people from all walks of life and I felt nobody deserved one more than the
late and great Billy Liddell," says John Keith.

"I had the privilege of seeing him play and of getting to know him later in
his life. I consider it another privilege to have written his biography
with the much-appreciated assistance of Phyllis and her family.

"Billy was an inspirational man as well as being a great player. His
loyalty and dedication to his club was remarkable, so much so that during
Liverpool's wilderness years in the old Second Division the club was dubbed
'Liddellpool'.

"Although mainly a winger and then centre forward he played in every
outfield department of the team, he captained the side and in nine
consecutive seasons he was leading scorer eight times. In all, he scored
228 goals in 534 Liverpool appearances and is widely rated on a par with
his compatriot Kenny Dalglish as the club?s greatest ever player.

"He was also one of just two players - Sir Stanley Matthews was the other -
to appear in both of the only two GreatBritain teams to take to the field -
in 1947 in Glasgow and in 1955 in Belfast, both against the Rest of Europe.

"But perhaps the most amazing fact about Liddell is that throughout his
career his work as an accountant meant he was a part-time professional,
training only twice a week!"

Stephen Done, curator of the Liverpool FC Museum and Visitor Centre, adds:
"We are delighted Billy is going to be remembered in this way. The plaque
will be in a position which has a large flow through of visitors and it
will be the first at Anfield in memory of someone who was solely a player.
Our memorials to Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley mark their management feats."

Ian Callaghan, who made a record 856 Liverpool appearances and who will
jointly unveil the memorial plaque, is equally delighted with this news.

"Billy was my hero, so you can imagine what I felt like when I was selected
by Bill Shankly to take his place on my Liverpool debut in April 1960.

"It was a wonderful honour then and it's another one now to be asked to
unveil the plaque with Phyllis. Billy could play in any position and do it
brilliantly. If any one player deserves a permanent memorial it?s Billy
Liddell."

# The Billy Liddell memorial plaque has been designed in consultation with
the club by Fred O'Brien of Northern Design Unit, Colquitt Street, Liverpool.


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Rafa interview - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 22 Oct 2004
RAFA ON CL HOPES, CHARLTON AND PONGOLLE
By Steve Hunter

Rafael Benitez speaks exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv about the Reds chances
of qualifying for the next phase of the Champions League, the visit of
Charlton on Saturday and the first team chances of Florent Sinama-Pongolle.

~ Liverpoolfc.tv: First of all Rafa a frustrating night against Deportivo
but you must take great heart from a fine performance from Liverpool
against an inspired goalkeeper in Molina?

Rafael Benitez: I saw a very good team in Liverpool against Deportivo. This
is the right way to play and if we can keep playing that way it will be
easy for us to win games.

~ How many points do you feel you will need to qualify for the next stage
of the Champions League?

I am not thinking about the points and what we will need and I prefer to
think about the next game in Deportivo and in my mind we are going over
there to win the game. I am confident we will qualify for the next phase of
the competition.

~ Djibril Cisse's lack of goals so far, is that something of a concern for
you or would your message for the fans be he still needs time?

He is working hard and I am sure he will score many goals. He needs to
understand and know his team-mates better, and to know their movement. He
will score goals for sure.

~ What is the thinking behind Milan Baros taking corners?

We want to use all the possibilities of the team and the players. I use
Milan Baros on the right side and Luis Garcia to take them on the left side
but we can also use Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard. We need to use the best
of each player.

~ Your captain Steven Gerrard, is he ahead of schedule and when do you
expect him to be available again?

I talked with Steven this week and perhaps he will be back in three weeks.

~ How is Antonio Nunez and when can Liverpool fans expect to see him in action?

It will be the same time as Gerrard and I hope he will be back in three weeks.

~ Looking ahead to the visit of Charlton Athletic to Anfield on Saturday,
they did the double over Liverpool last season so does that mean there will
be an added incentive of trying to get the three points?

Perhaps it is a good thing to say to the players these things and remind
them about last season. I want us to play at the same level and if we play
like we did in the first half against Deportivo normally we will win.

~ Danny Murphy returns to Anfield with his new club Charlton, would you
have been happy for him to stay here had he chose to?

Perhaps but you cannot talk about things that happened in the past. It's
important for him and he's playing because he wants to play. I want for him
the best but only after the game!

~ At the moment Arsenal seem unbeatable in the Premiership. How important
is it for Liverpool to keep up the challenge in the Premiership and not let
them get too far ahead even at this early stage?

It's more important for us to increase our level and it's more important
for us to win the next game. If you win you have more confidence and
perhaps in the future we will see an improvement. For now we only want to
improve our level.

~ Florent Sinama-Pongolle hasn't featured much so far this season but
looked lively when he came on against Deportivo. Is he a player that could
come into your thoughts for a first team place?

If he plays at the same level he did against Deportivo, sure. He played
very well in the 10 minutes at the end of the game. When you change a
player during the game you want to see something different and
Sinama-Pongolle played very well. He is quick and can dribble and does
different things.

~ Stephane Henchoz hasn't featured much this season. Is it fair to assume
that he isn't part of your future plans for this club or could there still
be a chance for him?

I'm not sure about Stephane Henchoz's future at this moment. We have two
months until the January transfer window and then we will see. He could
play some games but at this moment it is very difficult for him because
Carragher and Hyypia are playing very well together."

~ We know that Pako Ayesteran is your assistant, what about Paco Herrera.
Can you tell the fans a little more about him and his role working with you?

Paco is a Spanish coach and he was a chief scout in Spain also. Here at
Liverpool he is the chief scout and coach. His job is something you
wouldn't normally see (read about) in the newspapers but he is very
important for us for the future.

~ And finally, I know you don't like talking about future matches but it's
Millwall in the Carling Cup next Tuesday. How high would you say does that
competition rate amongst your priorities this season?

Our priority is to win the Premiership title, to be better than fourth.
After that it's to win the Champions League and the Carling Cup is a
possibility, but we are not thinking about this competition as a priority.


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Liverpool v Charlton: team news - PA

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar.
Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

PA Sport, 22 Oct 2004
JOSEMI BAN FORCES RESHUFFLE

Liverpool will be without Spanish defender Josemi for Saturday's
Premiership game with Charlton.

Josemi is suspended following his dismissal at Fulham last week and could
be replaced at full-back by Steve Finnan.

Manager Rafael Benitez also has the option of moving Jamie Carragher into
that position with Djimi Traore slotting in alongside Sami Hyypia and John
Arne Riise moving to left-back.

Charlton have no fresh injury concerns ahead Saturday's Barclays
Premiership trip, but Bulgarian international Radostin Kishishev remains
doubtful.

The versatile Kishishev, who can play in either defence or midfield, picked
up a groin problem on World Cup qualifying duty recently, which forced him
out of the Addicks' last match against Newcastle and is rated only "50-50"
by boss Alan Curbishley to feature at Liverpool.

Defender Mark Fish (knee) is another likely absentee, but striker Francis
Jeffers is in contention for a return to the starting XI and captain Matt
Holland looks set to start again in central midfield alongside Danny
Murphy, who returns to Anfield for the first time since his summer switch
to The Valley.

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

Charlton (from): Kiely, Andersen, Young, Perry, Fortune, Hreidarsson,
Murphy, El Karkouri, Rommedahl, Stuart, Holland, Euell, Johansson, Jeffers,
Lisbie, Hughes, Bartlett, Kishishev, Fish.


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Academy: Development of players is priority - Post

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Daily Post, 22 Oct 2004
Development of players is priority
Academy football with Chris Wright, Daily Post

IT IS a familiar position Liverpool under-18s find themselves in this week.

They need to bounce back after a defeat when they take on Manchester City
at the Kirkby Academy tomorrow (kick-off 11am).

And with a reserve match last night at Manchester United, which featured
several of John Owens's squad, it is likely those players involved will be
used sparingly tomorrow.

It has been a tough start with six defeats and just three victories in
their opening nine fixtures. But as long as the individual members of the
team are developing - and the amount of reserve-team action they are
getting would suggest they are - the Liverpool coaches are happy.

Owens said: "We felt that this would be a tough season. We knew that at the
start and it not particularly a surprise.

"The result is paramount for the first team, whereas not so for us. But
when players play in a game they want to win."

With just one team at Academy level now, Liverpool's squad is smaller than
in the past and several of them are playing twice a week, if they are
selected for Hugh McAuley's second string. And Owens has to gear his side
around each individual's development.

Owens added: "The reserves are usually thought of as being for players who
are not in the first team squad, but it is not working out that way. It is
good that it gives a chance for my U18 team to step up. If they play on a
Thursday like this week, you have to take a player out of the U18s like
Danny O'Donnell recently.

"You have to look at what is best for the individual player. If you were to
ask, 'what is best for the U18 team', it would be for these players to play
all the time. But that's not what it's about. It's about those lads pushing
on and doing their best in the reserve game."


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Murphy: Weird wanting Reds to lose - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 22 Oct 2004
Weird wanting Reds to lose - Murphy
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

THE leaving of Liverpool grieved Danny Murphy and he admits it will feel
"weird" walking out at Anfield in anything but a red shirt tomorrow.

The Charlton midfielder says he is still adjusting to life away from
Merseyside but insists it was a decision he had to take.

Murphy can expect a fantastic reception as the Kop gets a chance to give a
fitting farewell to a player who contributed some of the most celebrated
moments in the club's recent history.

To score one winner at Old Trafford may be considered fortunate, two
legendary, but three ensured mythical status for the cup treble winner.

As a Liverpool fan, Murphy has an uneasy feeling about the possibility of
contributing to a negative home result.

"My feelings will be mixed," he admits. "If I score I'll be happy for
myself and my club but at the same time it will give me no extra pleasure
to beat Liverpool.

"I'm not someone who wants Liverpool to be mid-table. I want to see the
club challenging for the title.

"I'll always be a Liverpool fan. I was before I joined the club and will be
for the rest of my life.

"I've got to do a professional job for Charlton and do everything I can to
win the game, but I'm not going there feeling bitterness towards Liverpool.
I was treated fairly and honestly by Rafael Benitez.

"I'll always be coming to terms with the fact I've left Liverpool. I spent
the best days of my career so far at the club.

"All my friends are there. I can't wait to see so many of my buddies, and
I'm not just talking about play-ers. I have friends everywhere at the club.

"It will be very emotional for me to go back but weird to be doing my best
to make sure Liverpool lose.

"It took longer to get over the fact I'd left than I'd anticipated. It was
a big wrench. In an ideal world I'd have spent the rest of my career at
Liverpool.

"No-one was more shocked than me that Friday afternoon when Benitez told me
I could go. I didn't expect it, but I was grateful he told me when he did.
By Saturday I was already planning to sign for Charlton. It happened so quick."

It's not gone unnoticed that had Murphy stayed at Anfield, he would have
figured in most fixtures so far this season due to the injuries suffered
following his departure.

But the 27-year-old says the role of understudy would not have satisfied
him having been considered a mainstay of the side for so long.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say part of me thought I'd probably have been
involved in most of the games because of the injury problems involving
(Antonio) Nunez and Stevie (Gerrard)," he says..

"But even if I had been in the side, I know it would only be as a stop-gap
until everyone was fit again. That's not something I wanted.

"I know Alan Curbishley is 100 per cent behind me which is why I was
attracted to join Charlton. Here I'm considered an important member of the
team. I've responsibilities which I wouldn't have had at Liverpool.

"At Liverpool, the pressure on me was always part of the collective, if you
like, and everyone would look at players like Stevie to lead the team and
drive us on.

"Now I feel the onus is on me to make things happen. That's a challenge I
was drawn to."

You would imagine it would come as a relief to Murphy that the prospect of
a crunching 50-50 with close pal Gerrard has been avoided due to the
skipper's injury. Not so.

"Everyone asks me how would we have approached that situation but I'd loved
to have played against Stevie," says Murphy..

"It's funny because we were talking over the summer about how strange it
would be. That was when I was worried about Stevie leaving Liverpool.

"It would have been interesting to test myself against the best player at
the club. It's not to be this time, which is good news for us, but I hope
I'll get the chance against him at The Valley."

If for 90 minutes Murphy can expect to be treated the same as any other
opponent, before and after he will be far from it as Anfield grants a
traditional warm welcome to a loyal servant.

"The three goals against Manchester United will always be with me, but my
personal favourite was my goal against Everton in the Merseyside derby a
few years ago," he says.

"I remember at the time they were above us in the league and it was a
massive game for us. I scored at a crucial time and that goal means as much
to me as any I scored.

"Then there is the treble season, which I feel I contributed to.

"I had a lot of good times as a Liverpool player and I'd like to think the
fans recognise I always gave my best."


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Bernabeu block on striker transfer - Post

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Daily Post, 22 Oct 2004
Bernabeu block on striker transfer
By David Prior Daily Post Staff

REAL MADRID last night stepped up their bid to keep Liverpool target
Fernando Morientes at the Bernabeu by declaring that the striker was "not
for sale".

The Spanish giants placed a statement on their official website in an
attempt to dampen speculation linking the frustrated front-man with a move
in the January transfer window.

"Certain press speculation suggests the possibility of Fernando Morientes
leaving Real Madrid," the statement read.

"The club would like to say that the player is not for sale."

Morientes (left) has already made his disenchantment with life at Madrid
clear, however, having fallen to fourth-choice striker behind Raul, Ronaldo
and Michael Owen.

The player's agent, Gines Carvajal, was at Anfield on Tuesday night for
Liverpool's Champions League draw with Deportivo La Coruna.

Morientes himself told a French newspaper this week his preferred
destination would be Monaco, the club he was loaned out to last season.

Despite Real's statement, Liverpool will continue to monitor the situation
in Madrid.

Meanwhile, Rafael Benitez has assured Florent Sinama-Pongolle of first-team
football - if he maintains the level he showed during his cameo appearance
against Deportivo on Tuesday night.

The French youngster, who has barely figured this season, claimed he had
demanded a transfer request earlier this week, saying: "I am not playing
and have asked to leave. All I want to do is play."

His outburst drew immediate dividends, with Benitez throwing him on as an
83rd-minute replacement for Luis Garcia in an attempt to break down the
resolute Deportivo defence.

The brief appearance impressed Benitez, who has now challenged
Sinama-Pongolle to produce that level more often.

"If he plays at the same level he did against Deportivo then he will get a
chance," said the manager,, who is confident injured duo Steven Gerrard and
Antonio Nunez will both be available in three weeks' time.

"He played very well in the 10 minutes at the end of the game. When you
change a player during the game you want to see something different and
Sinama-Pongolle played very well. He is quick and can dribble and does
different things."

One player whose place is not in doubt is Jamie Carragher, accorrding to
defensive colleague Sami Hyypia.

Carragher has excelled in a centre-back pairing with the Finn so far this
season, and Hyypia is clear about his contribution to the team.

"I rate Carra very highly," said Hyypia. "In all the five years I have been
here he has been very consistent in his game and is one of the first names
on the team sheet.

"I think our partnership is going pretty well so far. Carra has been so
consistent this season and he has played very well. It has been great to
play with him because he is a bit different style of defender to me.

"He is very aggressive and he goes for every loose ball with 120% so it has
been very good to play with him."


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Reserves v Man Utd report - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar.
Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 21 Oct 2004
MELLOR SCORES TWICE BUT RESERVES LOSE
Steve Hunter at Moss Lane

The prolific Neil Mellor took his tally to five goals in seven for the
reserves this season but it was the only positive in a poor Reds display as
Liverpool were hammered 5-2 by Manchester United.
Mellor was the only shining light in a really poor display as Manchester
United took Liverpool apart at Altrincham FC's Moss Lane. He scored twice
and was unlucky not to net a hat-trick with a diving header that went
inches wide. By all accounts he has a good chance of featuring for the
first team in next Tuesday's Carling Cup match at Millwall.

Hughie McAuley was disappointed with his team after the match and felt they
were not at the races defensively and goalkeeper Patrice Luzi had a very
poor match. The fifth goal summed the night up for Liverpool when Luzi let
in a tame 25-yard effort from United substitute Colin Heath that went
straight through his hands and into the net.

McAuley told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It was a disappointing night for us and
defensively it wasn't good enough. Patrice Luzi will not be happy with
himself and the fifth goal."

Both teams had young line-ups with Scottish international Darren Fletcher
the best known in the United line-up.

Hughie McAuley welcomed back captain John Welsh after injury but Richie
Partridge was still missing after a reacurrence of a knee problem.

Liverpool had the first chance of the night after two minutes when Mellor
found space just outside the United penalty area and curled a shot wide.

United then missed a great chance after nine minutes when the unmarked
Italian national Giuseppe Rossi headed over the bar, however the pressure
finally told with their opening goal in the 19th minute.

It was certainly a goal to savour as far as United are concerned when
Kieran Richardson scored a sensational solo goal. Zak Whitbread gave the
ball away cheaply and when the ball came to Richardson on the left flank
the winger cut inside and unleashed a superb drive that flew into the top
corner of the net.

Two minutes later it was 2-0. With the Liverpool defence suspect again
right back Phil Picken stormed past Whitbread down the right and from his
low cross Sylvan Ebanks-Blake chested home on the goal line.

Mellor pulled a goal back for Liverpool after 25 minutes when a deflected
effort fell to him and he made no mistake with a cool finish.

The problem was for Liverpool every time they entered the Reds half they
looked like scoring. Rossi shot inches wide before Richardson made it 3-1
with his second goal of the evening after 29 minutes. With the Liverpool
defence at sixes and sevens, they backed off and backed off and the ball
was played into Richardson's path who finished superbly with a low drive
into the corner of the net.

It could have been 5-1 or 6-1 before half time when Blake fired just wide
and Fletcher saw a speculative long range drive go just over the bar.

Liverpool's passing at times was poor and Mellor was left isolated up front
with no support, but it was to his credit that he worked hard and his hold
up play was good. Mark Smyth also worked hard but like Mellor received no
service.

The second half started exactly as the first half had ended with United
scoring again. A reckless challenge from Academy defender Danny O'Donnell
gave away a free-kick and Chris Eagles found the net from 30-yards out with
a magnificent effort for 4-1.

Richardson went close to a hat-trick just past the hour when he shot into
the side netting before Liverpool got another goal thanks to Mellor in the
72nd minute. The striker had already gone close with an effort that cleared
the bar before he won a penalty. He was alert to get on the end of a loose
ball and went around goalkeeper Tom Heaton who brought him down and a
penalty was given. The keeper received a yellow card and Mellor took the
kick himself sending Heaton the wrong way to make it 4-2. It's now five
goals in seven reserve games for the striker and that isn't bad when
youconsider he suffered a setback when he was injured pre-season and out
for six weeks.

Five minutes later Mellor came so close to a deserved hat-trick when his
diving header landed just wide after a great cross from John Welsh.

In the final minute Colin Heath made it 5-2 after a terrible error from
Patrice Luzi when he allowed a weak shot to slip through his hands and into
the net.

In stoppage time Liverpool could have scored again when Mellor did superbly
down the right and produced a low cross which went across the face of the
goal with Smyth unable to get a touch.

Overall it was a disappointing night and defensively Liverpool were way
below the level of what is expected.

Manchester United Reserves: Heaton, Picken, Lawrence, Pique, Spector,
Fletcher, Eagles (Heath 79), Jones, Ebanks-Blake, Rossi, Richardson (Poole 79).

Liverpool Reserves: Luzi, Peltier (James Smith 66), Whitbread, Raven,
O'Donnell, Potter, Mannix (Wilkie 68), Welsh, Mellor, Smyth, Foy. Subs
unused: Harrison, Guthrie, Danny Smith.

Referee: P Bramley.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Neil Mellor. Didn't deserve to be on the
losing side, worked his socks off and scored two goals, and unlucky not to
get a hat-trick.


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Morientes frustration keeps Anfield on alert - Post

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool daily Post, 21 Oct 2004
Morientes frustration keeps Anfield on alert
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

FERNANDO MORIENTES revealed his Real Madrid frustration last night as the
striker's agent increased the possibility of a move to Liverpool.

Morientes's representative, Gines Carvajal, was at Anfield on Tuesday night
for Liverpool's Champions League draw with Deportivo La Coruna.

Both Carvajal and Morientes have admitted the Liverpool target may leave
the Bernabeu after falling behind Raul, Ronaldo and Michael Owen in the
Real Madrid pecking order.

Liverpool will have several obstacles to overcome to land the Spanish
international in January, namely his price-tag and FIFA's insistence that a
player cannot register with more than two different national associations
within two transfer windows.

Morientes was loaned to Monaco last season and yesterday declared they
would be his preferred destination if he was to quit the Bernabeu, albeit
in an interview with French football newspaper L'Equipe.

But that will not deter Liverpool's interest as they continue to monitor
developments in Madrid.

"Morientes is unhappy because he does not play," said Carvajal. "If I were
the coach, I would start him in some games. It is easier to give chances to
people who come from outside rather than people who are home-bred. These
are the consequences of playing in Madrid."

And Morientes revealed: "If the possibility of me leaving Real Madrid came
up then returning to Monaco would always be first choice. I felt that with
Didier Deschamps good things would happen, that there was a little magic.

"I know that the door is always open for me at Monaco and maybe one day I
will go back."

He added: "I stayed here in the summer because Camacho had faith in me. He
is a coach that I know from the Spanish national team."

Morientes continued: "I spoke to him and I knew that there were three
forwards fighting for two places, but I believed I would play 80 or 90
minutes. But with the arrival of another striker everything became more
difficult."

Rafael Benitez has also been linked with a January move for promising young
Ipswich striker Dean Bowditch.

But the 18-year-old yesterday declared he is not prepared for a big-money
Premiership move just yet.

Bowditch said: "I really can't see me leaving here and if I do go it will
be a few years yet. I like it here and enjoy it here. More than anything, I
want to be here.

"I am just like every other player. I want to play at the highest level and
if I do it with Ipswich, so much the better."


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Benitez confident he can handle high expectations - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 21 Oct 2004
Benitez confident he can handle high expectations
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ'S triumph at Valencia was to win the Spanish title twice with
a limited budget.

While Real Madrid and Barcelona dealt in record-breaking transfers, Benitez
was working with Spain's version of a shoestring.

Indeed, his frustration at a lack of boardroom backing was one of the
reasons he answered Liverpool's SOS.

Benitez knows he'll never have to engage in the same kind of power
struggles at Anfield which he endured at the Mestella.

But when it comes to creating the next great Liverpool side, it could be a
case of deja vu in the transfer market.

The Liverpool boss admits he has no idea what budget he'll be working with
when the January transfer window opens.

Yet he's sure no matter how much he spends, he's capable of using the
resources he has to transform the club's fortunes.

"It's true I had problems with the board at Valencia. In the first year we
spent some money and won the title. That was when I bought Mista and Curro
Torres from Tenerife," Benitez explained..

"In the second year I said we needed more players and they said we had no
money. We played all season with just one player on loan.

"In the third season I wanted a left back, right back and centre forward
but I was told there was nothing.

"I remember the chairman telling the fans we will sign who you want. When I
said 'come on then' he said 'we have no money'.

"When they told me the players they were signing I said 'they are not good
players'.

"They then paid for players I didn't want. I just worked with the team and
the players I had.

"I'm sure it's possible I can improve the team here by working with the
players I have. I prefer not to think about what money I may have to spend,
I just want to concentrate on the team I have. That's better.

"So far we have sold Michael Owen and Danny Murphy, and with the money we
signed Josemi, Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia and Nunez.

"All the money has been paid for Nunez and Josemi and we've made the first
year of payments for Alonso and Garcia. We have made good signings here
already without spending a lot of money.

"My job now is to get to know the market for the players we can sign. We
will always want good players who aren't expensive, if possible. If we have
money, okay, then you can sign ten players.

"But if you don't you work with the players you have and prepare the team
the best you can. Then you work with young players and prepare for the future.

"After Tuesday night, I'm happy with my team. The movement, passing and
ideas were good. We defended well, and gave their forwards no chances. I
thought we played more like the team I want in the future."

The similarities with Valencia may exist from a financial point of view,
but in terms of expectation Benitez has already noted a huge difference
between his early days at the Mestalla and those at Anfield.

"When I signed for Valencia they'd reached the Champions League final for
the past two years. They talked about being a big club but they had won
nothing," he said..

"When I arrived as a new manager without a big reputation the fans thought
'who is this?'.

"The board told them I was a good worker, nothing more. After six months
we'd progressed as a team and in the second part of the season we played
very well. We won the first title for Valencia in 31 years in the first year.

"Here it is different. Valencia in Spain is not like Liverpool in England.
Liverpool is a bigger name. There's more history, more tradition and more
titles have been won. The supporters know their history and they know the
club needs to be at the top. But they've also seen the last years here and
know where we are. They know we need to change a lot of things."

The reaction to Benitez so far has been enthusiastic, and even though his
side didn't win in midweek, he's already ensured at least one goal for the
season has been achieved.

Supporters are excited about watching football at Anfield again.

He said: "I think they are happy with what we've done so far. Alex Miller
told me about how the team played at home last season. The supporters
didn't see enough chances or opportunities. Now when they come to Anfield,
they always think we can win. They see we will be creative."


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Henchoz future uncertain says Rafa - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar.
Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 20 Oct 2004
HENCHOZ FUTURE UNCERTAIN SAYS RAFA
By Steve Hunter

Rafael Benitez has given his clearest indication yet that Stephane
Henchoz's future may lie away from Anfield after admitting his first choice
centre back pairing is Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher.
Benitez said it will be difficult for Henchoz to force his way into his
plans unless there is a number of injuries, and added his future could be
away from Anfield when the transfer window reopens in January.

Benitez said: "I'm not sure about Stephane Henchoz's future at this moment.
We have two months until the January transfer window and then we will see.

"He could play some games but at this moment it is very difficult for him
because Carragher and Hyypia are playing very well together."


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Baros rues missed chances - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 20 Oct 2004
Baros rues missed chances
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

MILAN BAROS today cursed the chances which got away as Liverpool gave
themselves an uphill battle to qualify from their tight Champions League group.

Baros admitted to frustration after last night's 0-0 draw with Deportivo La
Coruna - a result which means the Reds must get positive scorelines in
their forthcoming away games in Spain and Monaco.

Baros, Djibril Cisse and Luis Garcia had golden opportunities to break the
deadlock on what proved a tough night at Anfield.

"I thought we played well.

We had chances but just couldn't get the goal," said Baros.

"It was a frustrating game for us, but that's football.

"I think this game was all about the first goal. Had we managed that they
would have come out of defence far more.

"It was frustrating for me because I always want to score. I think I had
one good chance and another shot which went close in the first half.

"To be fair to them, I thought they played well at the back."

Xabi Alonso admitted Liverpool will have to be more clinical in front of
goal if they're to reach the last 16.

"Football is all about scoring. We arrived in the box many times but just
couldn't get the goal," said the midfielder.

"We had more chances, especially in the first half, and we controlled the
game so it was a frustrating night.

"We knew they'd be good in defence but we still created the chances to
score. But I'm still confident we can qualify."

Didi Hamann also believes the Reds will head to La Coruna in confident mood
in a fortnight's time.

"We know we need to get a good result away from home now, but I think that
would have been the case even had we won last night," said Hamann.

"I thought we did well and did everything except score the goal. That's how
it goes in football. One week you can score four goals in a half like we
did last Saturday but this time we couldn't get one.

"It would be good to get to the last game with a chance, but I'm not
looking beyond the next match at the moment."


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Fwd: Great performance but frustrating result

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: rafael.benitez@liverpoolfc.tv
Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2004 09:35:39 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Great performance but frustrating result
To: Liverpool FC Fan List


Dear Liverpool supporter,

I am very pleased with our performance against Deportivo La Coruna. It
was just a shame we couldn't get the three points we so much deserved.

If we play like this away from home then we can win away and qualify
for the next stage.

I'm not happy with the result but we played very well. I was happy
with the way we played and we had chances with Cisse, Baros and Luis
Garcia but the keeper Molina played very well. The result was
disappointing but we deserved to win the game in my opinion.

For me this is the best Liverpool have played this season against a
very good team. We kept the ball well, pressed well and had many
opportunities.

It is going to be difficult to qualify for the knockout stage but if
we continue to play as we did tonight I am sure we can win our away
games and get through.

I am happy with a lot of things about this performance but we should have won.

If we keep this level going I am sure we can win our last three games
and qualify from the group.

Regards,

Rafael Benitez
Liverpool Manager



--
http://www.sideiron.com

[lfc-news] Ian Rush column - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar.
Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 19 Oct 2004
Fightback shows strong mentality
By Ian Rush, Liverpool Echo

I COULDN'T believe the statistic about Liverpool's record coming from
behind away from home.

I'm informed it's 13 years since the club was losing at half-time on the
road and still won. It was so long ago, I was still playing for Liverpool.

I can't say I remember too much about the game against Notts County in 1991
when it last happened. But I'd never have guessed it was so long before it
was repeated.

Teams who have a record of winning having conceded the first goal are
usually the ones with the most character.

When I was playing, we seemed to respond even better to going behind. The
fact Liverpool have now won a few games already this season having trailed
has to be seen as a positive sign for the future.

Having lost a goal, you can do one of two things. Either let your head go
down and accept it's not going to be your day or roll-up your sleeves and
fight your way back into it.

From what I saw on Saturday, Liverpool took up the second option.

It's a sign of a good mentality. You need to show how strong you are
mentally, especially away from home when it's always tough.

I heard Chris Coleman's comments about Liverpool scoring lucky goals and I
thought 'so what?'

In the course of a season, goals come in all ways and you take what comes
your way. I'm sure enough deflections will go against Liverpool in future
matches, just as they'll go Fulham's way.

The real issue is did Liverpool deserve to win, and on the balance of play
in the second half they clearly did. Whatever luck they had they earned.

When a game changes so dramatically, you also have to credit the manager
for changing tactics.

Wales fans suffered last week when Poland's manager turned the game against
us with substitutions.

Rafa Benitez repeated the trick at Fulham when he made a number of alterations.

The most obvious was bringing on Xabi Alonso.

But the manager also switched Djibril Cisse to the right flank and in the
short term I think that could be his best position.

I like Cisse when he's facing his marker and running at pace at defenders.
Playing as a target man doesn't really suit him as much, but the way he was
able to run inside or outside his man in the second half caused a lot of
problems for Fulham.

We saw that for the fourth goal when it was Cisse's running on the break
which opened the way for Igor Biscan. That was reminiscent of Arsenal away
from home.

I suspect Benitez will employ a similar tactic in the next few games.
Thierry Henry started on the wing until he became aware of what was needed
to be a striker. Cisse could follow the same route.

Xabi proves he's worthy of selection

IT WAS a surprise to see Xabi Alonso rested for the trip to Fulham, but you
can understand Rafa Benitez wanting to assess everyone in his squad.

He said at the start of the season everyone will get a chance and he's been
true to his word.

But having seen the difference between Liverpool with and without Alonso,
I'd be even more surprised if the manager took the same decision again.

Teams like Arsenal and Chelsea can afford to rotate players because they
have so much strength in depth.

Liverpool don't have that luxury. For the time-being, it's wiser to pick
the best players you've got to get results until you can strengthen with
new signings.

Close battle expected in Euro race

AFTER the first few weeks of the season, I don't think anyone can look
beyond Arsenal for the title.

They're a level ahead of everyone else.

But I wouldn't rule anyone out of the race for a Champions League place.
There isn't a great deal between all the teams, other than Arsenal.

I certainly wouldn't rule out Everton's chances of staying near the top end
of the table for the whole season because, apart from when they go to
Highbury, they've no need to fear any side they play.

From a Liverpool point of view, even in a year of transition the Reds have
got the quality to comfortably finish in the top four.


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Academy: Under-18s slump against Wolves - Post

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpoll Daily Post, 19 Oct 2004
Under-18s slump against Wolves
Academy football with Chris Wright, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL under-18s inconsistent season in the FA Premier Academy League
continued as they lost 2-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

But the catalyst to the defeat came when Liverpool were down to 10 men with
the scores level at 0-0.

John Owens's side has started well and had just shaded an even match when
James Smith was forced off after a bad tackle. While the 18-year-old
defender was off the pitch receiving treatment the home side took the lead
with a header after a right-wing free-kick.

To make matters worse Smith was forced off, but fears he had broken his
foot were allayed on Saturday evening when X-rays showed nothing more than
bad bruising of the shin.

Liverpool had missed some decent chances before they went behind with
forward Phil Townley and left-back Danny Smith, who was playing in
mid-field, both unable to make the breakthrough.

And in the second half Wolves added a second as Owens's side failed to find
any momentum in their search for an equaliser after they had to reshuffle
due to Smith's injury with striker James Frayne coming on.

Phil Townley also had to go off injured to be replaced by schoolboy
Mitchell Bailey with 20 minutes to go

Liverpool stay bottom of the north west Group C table and coach Owens said:
"It was going pretty well until 35 minutes. We had played the better of the
two teams, although it was pretty close.

"We had some good opportunities, which we didn't take.

"It was a bad tackle on James Smith, it caught him on his shin, and while
he was off with the doctor looking at him, we conceded a goal.

"In the second half we didn't really get back into it. They put the effort
in, but we looked disjointed because of the changes."

He added: "For the first 35 minutes James Smith had a great game at
right-back. We like to play them in different positions, so they have a
chance of being flexible and when the reserves have a space they can slot
in. He had a tremendous game. He is known as a strong defender.

"And Lee Peltier and Danny O'Donnell were also tremendous. Lee can play at
right-back, but he has the ability to play in the centre.

"Danny Guthrie in the centre of midfield has another good game. And it is
no surprise that those four players are the ones who are playing with the
reserves regularly."

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Lancaster; J Smith (Frayne 38), Peltier, O'Donnell, C
Woods; Wilkie, Barrett, Guthrie, D Smith; Noon, Townley (Bailey 70). Subs:
Willis, F Smith.


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Mark Lawrenson column - Post

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar.
Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Daily Post, 19 Oct 2004
The decisions canny Benitez has to make
By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post

LAST season whenever Liverpool had a good result, Gerard Houllier would say
they had turned a corner.

As time went on though, his frequent corner-turning revealed a manager and
team who had lost their way and were unable to build a consistent run of
form when it mattered.

Saturday's victory at Fulham would no doubt have been hailed as a right
angle successfully navigated by the former manager, but Rafael Benitez is
too canny to fall into that trap.

From the start of the season the Spaniard has been giving every player a
chance in the first team to see what they can do, even those who he must
have had an idea about already.

The point to that exercise is to see who he can rely on and build a team
around and to decide who cannot play a major role in his new Liverpool,
with each game helping him compile a list of checks and balances against
each player's name.

He hinted at where that process of elimination is after the Fulham victory
when he said the team played at 60% of their potential.

Leaving the goalkeeper aside, that's four outfield players he will be
chasing to make the team up to what he wants.

I read in the Daily Post that one of those could be Fernando Morientes,
which I think would be a tremendous acquisition.

So far, Milan Baros and Djibril Cisse have not meshed as a pair, but the
Real Madrid striker is a classic frontman, who can hold up the ball and is
strong in the air. He also gets his fair share of goals and would add
something different for Benitez to work with.

However that will have to wait until January and the transfer window.
Between now and then, he will continue to work with what he has got.

For the players and the manager it will have been important to register
their first away victory.

If you look at Liverpool's record though, it has not been that bad.

They drew at Tottenham in the first game of the season, lost at Bolton in a
game they should have drawn thanks to Luis Garcia's disallowed goal, and
then suffered narrow defeats at Manchester United and Chelsea, where not
many teams will get anything.

The manner of the victory in London will have left Benitez more puzzled
than any of the previous away games though.

Looking at the team, I thought by picking John Arne Riise, Salif Diao and
Dietmar Hamann in midfield, he set out his stall to be strong defensively,
thereby letting Garcia and the strikers win the game.

As it was Fulham strolled through with two simple goals and Diao and Hamann
where nowhere to be seen.

It wasn't until Xabi Alonso came on that Liverpool looked like a team,
mainly because of his superb range of passing.

Alonso always looks to go forward when he is in possession of the ball,
while he has the ability to play the ball where the person receiving the
pass wants it, and where the defender marking them cannot get it.

Iknow from playing in the same teams as Graeme Souness, Jan Molby and Liam
Brady just how much of a difference that makes.

As for the man he replaced, I think Diao will be on his way before too long
because he just doesn't offer enough at this level. By contrast Hamann has
been an excellent servant for Liverpool as the guardian of the back four.

Despite that his contract is being allowed to run down, which suggests to
me that Liverpool have a replacement for the German lined up.

Will that be another January transfer move? We will wait and see with interest.


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Deportivo report - PA

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar.
Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

PA Sport, 19 Oct 2004
Liverpool 0 Deportivo La Coruna 0

Liverpool's Champions League hopes were suffocated under a blanket of blue
and white shirts as Deportivo ground out the point they came for.

The Spanish side rarely ventured forward, being content to cover, block and
destroy as Liverpool fought for the breakthrough which would have given
them a clear advantage in this group.

But now, with Monaco beating Olympiacos, it is anyone's guess who will
eventually go through to the next stage, with all four clubs having a chance.

In the end Liverpool were punished for not taking some excellent first-half
chances as Deportivo's grip on the game and their point tightened with
every passing moment.

Liverpool made one change from the side which fought back so amazingly to
beat Fulham 4-2 on Saturday, and not surprisingly it was the return to the
starting line-up of Spanish star Xabi Alonso, who masterminded the comeback
as a half-time substitute at Craven Cottage.

The elegant midfielder got a wonderful reception from the Kop and all three
of Liverpool's Spanish imports - Luis Garcia and Josemi the others - were
instantly at the hub of the game.

Alonso, in midfield, was a danger with neat and clever passes while Garcia
was an immediate thorn in Depor's left flank, prompted by full-back Josemi
at every opportunity.

It was pretty clear how much this clash with their countrymen meant to
Liverpool's new boys and Alonso prompted from the off.

Sami Hyypia rose to flick an Alonso free-kick well wide, while Djibril
Cisse was soon to see a similar flicked header from the same source flash
across goal and wide.

Deportivo started quietly, defending deep and pulling Liverpool onto them.
Juan Valeron, surprisingly dropped by Spain last week, found plenty of
space from which to thread passes through to Walter Pandiani and Alberto Luque.

From one, Luque thought he had held off Jamie Carragher but when the throw
did not go his way he hurled the ball away and was booked by Swedish
referee Anders Frisk.

Then a poor header by Josemi gave Deportivo their first chance and they
almost took it after 15 minutes.

Luque's corner curled into the box to be met by Cesar, whose header was
cleared off the line by John Arne Riise.

Liverpool's response was a 20-yard shot from Alonso which went wide, and
then after a fortunate bounce had put Cisse in the clear, a fine saving
tackle from Manuel Pablo stopped the Frenchman 10 yards out. Cisse's
attempt to take one touch too many cost him dearly when he should have shot
instantly from a great position.

Liverpool went close again when Milan Baros found space for an instant low
cross in from the right and Cisse's first-time effort low to Jose Molina's
left was palmed away by the veteran keeper.

Next it was Baros' turn to see a great opportunity disappear. Dietmar
Hamann's through-ball put Baros clear and adjudged onside. He took the ball
round Molina outside the box but as he turned towards goal he was caught by
another outstanding saving tackle, this time from Manuel Pablo.

Liverpool grew in confidence with some decent passing moves, obviously with
Alonso at the centre, and it was the tall Spaniard who created another
chance when his 30-yard strike crashed into Cesar and dropped for Garcia,
who appeared to be offside, just 12 yards out. His attempted clip over
Molina produced a fine tip over from the keeper.

Alonso's quick free-kick then set up Baros, who cut across two defenders to
fire a low drive inches wide from the edge of the box and the Czech's
energy continued to give Deportivo problems, with the Spanish side still
happy to sit deep and wait for Liverpool to make mistakes or just run out
of steam.

But it was Depor who wasted the chance they had been waiting all game for.
Victor's cross from the right dropped invitingly for Valeron, in yards of
space, but the 29 year-old completely missed his connection.

Kewell took over on the left from Riise but Liverpool's efforts were taking
their toll as mistakes increased.

The Australian, though, fired in a cross which reached Cisse and produced a
fine save from Molina when the striker's shot powered in.

Alonso, from his own half, then hit a massive lob that would have
embarrassed Molina had it been on target but as the game wore on to its
inevitable conclusion Liverpool ran out of ideas, even if they never
stopped pushing forward.

Alonso was suffocated by a growing army of midfielders and defenders thrown
on by Javier Irureta as the bookings and free-kicks mounted.

Hamann and substitute Harry Kewell both went close from long-range
free-kicks but the wall of blue and white emerged in the end with what they
came for.

Liverpool: Kirkland, Josemi, Hyypia, Carragher, Traore, Luis Garcia (Sinama
Pongolle 84), Alonso, Hamann, Riise (Kewell 66), Baros, Cisse (Finnan 76).
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Diao, Biscan, Warnock.
Booked: Hamann, Baros.

D Coruna: Molina, Manuel Pablo, Cesar, Andrade, Capdevila, Victor, Mauro
Silva (Scaloni 58), Duscher, Luque, Valeron (Fran 86), Pandiani (Romero 82).
Subs Not Used: Munua, Tristan, Munitis, Pablo Amo.
Booked: Luque, Andrade, Duscher, Victor.

Att: 40,236
Ref: Anders Frisk (Sweden).

BENITEZ DISAPPOINTED AFTER DRAW

Rafael Benitez insisted Liverpool could still qualify from the Champions
League group stage after a bitterly frustrating night at Anfield.

The Spanish coach watched his fellow countrymen from Deportivo mount a
defiant rearguard action to squeeze the life from Liverpool's constant
attacks in a 0-0 stalemate.

Monaco now top the group with six points with Olympiakos and Liverpool on
four and Deportivo bottom with two.

But with three games to go each all four teams can still qualify.

Liverpool now face two of their last three matches away from home but
Benitez said: "That was the best I have seen Liverpool play this season and
if we maintain that level we can win games at home or away.

"It does not frighten me that we must face two of our last three games away.

"I am not happy with the result but I am happy with the way we played with
effort, commitment and so many chances.

"Depor tried very little to get forward and only had one half chance which
Juan Valeron missed. Although I would have expected him to connect with his
shot, that did worry me.

"But we dominated much of the game. It was only bad luck for the strikers
Milan Baros and Djibril Cisse that stopped us, and the fact that Depor
dropped deeper and deeper as the game went on to frustrate us."

Deportivo coach Javier Irureta said: "It was about a fair result, it was a
good game with both sides vibrant and intense.

"Liverpool had chances in the first half and I felt the turning point was
when Baros was through and Molina made a fine save in the first half.

"I also felt that had Valeron scored with his one second half chance, we
would have gone on to win the game.

"As for our chances of qualifying, we have two home games left and the
group is very tight. Monaco are top but they have played two home games so
far so the situation is a little unbalanced.

"If we now take advantage of our home games and are resolute and firm in
our play, we can sneak into the next stage."


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Liverpool dominate but lack cutting edge

From the BBC
Liverpool 0-0 Deportivo

Liverpool completely dominated this Champions League Group A game but lacked a final cutting edge.

After John Arne Riise had cleared Cesar Martin's header off the line, Liverpool created a stream of good chances.

But Manuel Pablo made a couple of superb tackles to steal the ball from Djibril Cisse and Milan Baros.

And goalkeeper Jose Molina also made three vital stops, foiling Cisse twice and also denying Luis Garcia when the Liverpool striker was in the clear.

The draw means Liverpool are likely to have pick up points from a couple of tricky away games against Deportivo and Monaco if Rafael Benitez's side are to progress to the knockout stages.

If the result was disappointing given Liverpool's dominance, the peformance provided some encouraging signs of Benitez's evolving side.

Xabi Alonso was superb in midfield, while Milan Baros also worked tirelessly for little reward.

The much derided Djimi Traore also played impressively at left-back.

After Riise had to rescue Liverpool on 15 minutes when he cleared Martin's header off the line after a Deportivo corner, the visitors barely threatened the Liverpool goal as Alonso took control in midfield

The Deportivo full-back Pablo had to be just as conscientious as Riise in his defensive duties when he rushed across to block a Cisse effort, the first of those succession of Liverpool chances.

After more good work by the industrious Baros down the right, Cisse did manage to get his shot away when his half-volley drew a reaction save from Molina.

And Pablo had to make another superb defensive intervention when he raced back to steal the ball off Baros' toes after the Czech Republic striker rounded Molina.

It was then the turn of Molina to rescue his side when he tipped over the bar Luis Garcia's rising shot after Alonso's vicious effort richocheted into the former Barcelona striker's path.

Alonso's quick thinking and vision allowed him to create yet another Liverpool chance just before the interval when he picked out Baros from a free-kick.

The Liverpool striker span away from a posse of Deportivo defenders and arrowed a shot narrowly wide.

On the hour Chris Kirkland's indecision almost allowed Juan Carlos Valeron to pick up Victor Sanchez's cross, but the Deportivo forward was unable to get the ball under control quickly enough.

Rafael Benitez introduced Harry Kewell and the Australian's mmediately produced a cross that found Cisse, who again tested Molina with a low shot.

And Kewell almost snatched the win in stoppage time when his free-kick whistled past the post.

---

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

D Coruna: Molina, Manuel Pablo, Cesar, Andrade, Capdevila, Victor, Mauro Silva, Duscher, Luque, Valeron, Pandiani.
Subs: Munua, Romero, Tristan, Fran, Munitis, Scaloni, Pablo Amo.

Referee: Anders Frisk (Sweden).

Final score from Anfield - Liverpool 0 Deportivo 0

Match reports to follow.

Also tonight - Owen gets his first goal for Real Madrid after 35 minutes of their 1-0 victory at home to Dynamo Kiev

[lfc-news] Reds duo recover - PA

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar.
Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

PA Sport, 18 Oct 2004
REDS DUO RECOVER

Rafael Benitez will have both Harry Kewell and Steve Finnan available for
Liverpool's Champions League clash with Deportivo La Coruna at Anfield.

Kewell did not even make the bench at Fulham after returning from his trip
to Australia suffering from tiredness and an ankle problem. Finnan acquired
a stomach problem while away with the Republic of Ireland and also failed
to make the trip to the capital.

But both are back in the squad against the Spanish club as Liverpool bid
for the three points that will edge them to the brink of qualification for
the next stage.

Benitez is demanding that his players transfer the fighting spirit they
showed at Fulham into the clash at Anfield.

On Saturday the Spanish coach must have been in the depths of despair at
half time, 2-0 down against the Londoners and facing another nightmare away
defeat. But 45 minutes later, all that misery had been swept away by a Xabi
Alonso-fightback to win 4-2.

Fast forward to Anfield this week and a crucial Champions League group A
clash with Deportivo, foes Benitez knows only too well from his time in the
upper echelons of La Liga.

Victory will boost Liverpool's ambitions of qualifying for the knock-out
stage and leave Deportivo with a solitary point after three games.

Defeat, though, will send Liverpool back to square one as the former
Valencia boss tries to return the Merseysiders to the peak of European
football.

Such hopes have been kept close to his chest in England, but in a Spanish
interview this week, Benitez - who won the UEFA Cup with Valencia last
season - reveals some of his innermost feelings with regard the task ahead
of him.

He was quoted as saying: "If you see all the history that is true, we need
to be better in the future and increase our own level. We must win at home
and get good results away, and I hope to see a good Liverpool against Depor."

He certainly has all the ammunition of knowledge about Deportivo, regular
and tough opponents in La Liga, even though their form has been patchy this
season.

However, a fortnight ago Depor won for the first time in 49 years at the
Bernabeu against Real Madrid, and then Saturday's victory over newly
promoted Getafe pushed them higher in the table towards Barcelona and
Benitez's old club.

"We have seen a stronger mentality and spirit," said Benitez.

"In the first half at Fulham we were without confidence, but after the
break we played much better and the spirit was there," he said.

"I have seen Deportivo's last game, we know they are a big team and play
almost from memory. But we have confidence now in ourselves.

"They have had trouble recently because Mauro Silva and Aldo Duscher have
been injured but they are back now and things are starting to change.

"They have not been playing that well because they have had two very good
central midfielders out injured. But they are both back now, so that makes
them more dangerous. But if we win they will probably not have many more
chances to qualify."

The Reds boss continued: "If we want to win we must be aggressive and play
a physical game. We must keep the ball because if they have it, with the
likes of Valeron playing behind the strikers and with two good wingers,
Luque and Victor, they will always be dangerous.

"Their side all know each other very well, they play from memory because
they have been together for several years and with the same coach.

"The fact that they have only scored once in the Champions League this
season is not the fault of the strikers. When you are without such fine
midfield players as Duscher and Silva, it is much more difficult to do well.

"The strikers need good service, which means Silva, Duscher and Valeron are
very important for them.

"So we must use our brains, we must show intensity and control. And to
think more."

Deportivo coach Javier Irureta welcomes midfielder Mauro Silva back into
his 20-man squad after the Brazilian injured his knee on the opening day of
the season against Espanyol.

His return, however, is offset by the absence of Sergio Gonzalez through
suspension.

Team (from): Kirkland, Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Diao, Hamann,
Alonso, Garcia, Warnock, Kewell, Finnan, Baros, Biscan, Cisse, Pongolle,
Dudek, Welsh, Whitbread.


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Pongolle's plea: I just want to play - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar.
Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 18 Oct 2004
Pongolle's plea: I just want to play
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle says he has asked for a transfer
because of a lack of first-team chances.

But Rafael Benitez has denied the request because he is already short of
striking options.

Pongolle was injured at the start of the campaign and has been limited to
two substitute appearances so far.

But he is reportedly unhappy at being overlooked for Milan Baros and
Djibril Cisse.

"I'm not playing and I have asked to leave," Pongolle is quoted as saying.

"All I want to do is play. The coach doesn't want me to go so I don't know
what will happen.

"The fact he won't let me leave means he must have confidence in me.

That is fine but I hope I will get a chance. All I can do is keep on working."

Saturday's hero Xabi Alonso admits he was surprised at being left out of
the starting line-up for the trip to Fulham, but had no complaints about
Benitez's decision.

The Spanish midfielder was rested ahead of tomorrow's Champions League
clash with Deportivo La Coruna.

"I didn't expect to be on the bench," admitted Alonso.

"I always expect to play but the manager made his decision and it was my
turn to be on the bench - no problem. I didn't play for Spain in midweek
but there were the flights back and we have another important game on
Tuesday so I have to respect the manager's decision.

"It was an incredible result for us. We started the game well but made two
mistakes and they cost us two goals.

"We carried on playing the same way in the second half, scored a quick goal
and that proved very important for us. We got a bit of fortune but in the
end we scored many goals.

"Hopefully that first goal, the deflection, can change the whole atmosphere
at the club. It was also very important for me to score my first goal for
the club and it came at a good time for us. "We had come back to 2-2 but we
were just down to ten men so it was a wonderful moment for the players on
the pitch and the supporters.

"We know we have a game in hand so to get three points away can be
significant. But we know we have to keep playing like we did in the second
half.

"It's a very important result for us because it is the first time we have
won away. I hope it will give us a lot of confidence but now we have to
forget this win and think about Tuesday's game against Deportivo.

"I have spoken to a number of Deportivo players and they are very motivated
because it is almost a last chance for them. I hope we can get the right
result but it is going to be very difficult."


Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/