[lfc-news] Le Tallec: I'll come back if needed - Official Site

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Official LFC WEbsite, 26 Nov 2004
LE TALLEC: I'LL COME BACK IF NEEDED
By Paul Eaton

Anthony Le Tallec has said he will cut short his loan spell in France to
return to Anfield if Rafael Benitez wants him to help ease the club's
injury crisis.
Le Tallec agreed a one year loan deal with St Etienne at the start of the
season after Benitez told him he couldn't be guaranteed a first team place
at the club.

The Reds are chronically short of attacking players following injuries to
Djibril Cisse, Milan Baros, Luis Garcia and Vladimir Smicer, while Antonio
Nunez is yet to kick a ball for the first team after knee surgery.

There have been no suggestions that Benitez will recall Le Tallec from his
loan spell, but the youngster says he will come back to Merseyside if needed.

"Liverpool is my club," he said. "I am the one who asked to leave. But
should they need me, there is no problem.

"I would be a little bit bothered to leave Les Verts like this, but if
needed, I'm ready to go now."


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[lfc-news] Benitez: Groundshare wouldn't work - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 26 Nov 2004
BENITEZ: GROUNDSHARE WOULDN'T WORK
By Mark Platt

Rafael Benitez is of the firm belief that a shared stadium between
Liverpool and Everton is not a good idea.
On the day Anfield officials dismissed reports that they are considering
the possibility of groundsharing with their Mersey neighbours, Benitez has
fully backed the club's stance.

"Talk of two teams sharing a stadium always causes problems and in my view
it would not work," says the Reds boss.

"It would not be good for the pitch, because obviously there would be
double the amount of games played on it, and it would not be good for the
supporters of Liverpool or Everton.

"Both are teams with lots of supporters and each have their own identity.
By sharing a stadium with their rival team they would lose that.

"If the only option is to share then fair enough but it is better to have
your own stadium. I know from my time in Spain that groundsharing is not
popular.

"In Madrid you have Real and Atletico, in Valencia you have Valencia and
Levante, in Barcelona you have Barca and Espanyol, and in Sevilla you have
Sevilla and Betis. They all have their own stadiums. That is what the
supporters want.

"True, Inter and AC share a stadium in Milan, but look at their pitch? It
is not good. Also, in terms of atmosphere it is better that a team plays in
its own stadium.

"In five years time we hope to be playing good football in our own new stadium."


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[lfc-news] Gerrard: Rafa will get us back to the top - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 26 Nov 2004
Rafa will get us back to the top
Exclusive Interview by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

WITH crippling injuries and money too tight to mention, Liverpool could
have done with a home banker this weekend.

Instead, the visit of Arsenal is as desirable as Janet Street-Porter
without make-up.

At least there was one shred of comfort within the debris of defeats to
Middlesbrough and Monaco.

Steven Gerrard's comeback has offered much-needed respite for the medical
staff. Visibly working his way back to full fitness and form, he should be
firing on all cylinders for the punishing holiday schedule.

With the leaders already forging too far ahead, Gerrard is no mood to see
Liverpool's Premiership expectations crushed before anyone has noticed the
Christmas lights are switched on.

"Given our situation, I think it would be easy for me to look at our
position now and say if we finish fourth that will be a good season," says
Gerrard.

"But I'm not the kind of person who will just give in and settle for that.
You won't hear me saying that's the best we can do.

"I've said from the start we've just got to take things game by game, but
if we were to get a result against Arsenal that could make a huge
difference to our season.

"We could take more confidence from that than any other result so far and
we'd be looking at the next fixtures a lot differently.

"Then we can start being a lot more positive about what we can achieve the
rest of the year. The way I'm looking at it is this is the perfect game for
us to transform our season."

Such bravado would be misplaced if it wasn't for the fact Gerrard has happy
memories of facing the Gunners.

The 2001 FA Cup final win is the obvious highlight, but the skipper recalls
with both pride and regret a stunning victory which at the time signalled a
future of prosperity for Liverpool.

"It's frustrating to think that it was four years ago when we were beating
Arsenal 4-0 at Anfield," says Gerrard.

"I can remember the game well. I scored early and we were convincing
winners on the day.

"All of us thought then we'd be challenging Arsenal every season after
that. We were getting better and we pushed them all the way for the title
two years ago.

"Since then they've just got better and better and we've struggled.

"All I know is under Rafa Benitez and his coaches we will definitely get to
their level again. It might not be this season and I don't know how long it
will take. Every manager needs time.

"But while he is at Liverpool, it will definitely happen. We will return to
that higher level.

"You have to have sympathy for the manager at the moment. He's been really
unlucky with injuries.

"But to be fair to him he's told us not to think about them and he's
exactly the same. He's not looking for excuses."

It's not often Liverpool go into a home match as anything but favourites,
but given the Gunners have lost just one of their last 53 Premiership
games, it will be something of a shock if there is a home win this weekend.

"Over the last two seasons I think we've been underdogs whenever we've
played them, home or away, so Sunday isn't any differ-ent," says Gerrard.

"They've so much quality, they're favourites against most sides. We know
things are difficult for us at the moment, but there's no point us being
weak-minded because then it will be worse for us.

"They say fortune favours the brave, so we've got to show some courage. You
either go hiding in a situation or you show a bit of character.

"It's difficult but we can't go missing. It's up to senior players like
myself, Jamie Carragher, Didi Hamann and Sami Hyypia to lead the way.

"We're the experienced ones and I know both personally and as a team we'll
be fighting our way through this."

For those still unconvinced by the skipper's optimism, Liverpool could be
helped by a mini-injury crisis at Highbury.

Thierry Henry, Jose Antonio Reyes and Robin van Persie were all declared
doubtful by the Gunners on their return from Holland.

"I wouldn't say it was a bad time to play them, Arsenal have had some
problems of their own," added Gerrard.

"Everyone is talking about it being a good time to face us, but maybe we're
playing them at a good time, too.

"They've not been playing as well in the last few games and they've had a
few draws.

"We've just to think: 'What have we got to lose?' I'm sure most people
think we're going to get beaten on Sunday.

"But if we can get about them and get the crowd behind us, we know we've
still got quality players who can cause them a lot of problems."


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[lfc-news] Nunez's return is tonic for Benitez - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 26 Nov 2004
Nunez's return is tonic for Benitez
By David Prior, Daily Post Staff

ANTONIO NUNEZ'S long wait for his Liverpool debut could yet come to an end
against champions Arsenal on Sunday after he emerged unscathed from a
reserve match last night.

Manager Rafael Benitez was hoping to save the Spaniard, who suffered a knee
injury within hours of signing for the Anfield club in August, for another
couple of weeks.

But given the dire injury situation at Anfield, together with Nunez's
impressive 61-minute performance against Leeds United last night, the
25-year-old could be handed a surprise place on the bench against Arsene
Wenger's men.

The midfielder penned a three-year deal when he moved to Merseyside as part
of the Michael Owen transfer, although Benitez was intent on signing the
player in any case.

His time at the club has so far been a nightmare, however, having suffered
a partial tear of a medial ligament during his very first training session.

Nunez's hopes of an appearance for the reserves back in September were then
thwarted with the discovery that he required further surgery, which ruled
him out for a further six weeks.

Luis Garcia's hamstring injury in Monaco this week have further limited
Benitez's options in mid-field, and he may now be forced to employ Nunez at
least on the bench.

Xabi Alonso, who started on the bench in Monaco, is likely to come back
into the starting line-up against the Gunners and yesterday he urged
Liverpool to forget about their ill-fortune with injuries and concentrate
instead on getting a result.

Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat in the Champions League Group A clash added
Djimi Traore to a treatment room already full of first-team regulars
including Garcia, Djibril Cisse, Milan Baros and Vladimir Smicer.

And while Alonso admits the injury crisis is delibiltating, he claims that
Liverpool still have enough quality players at the club.

"It's a pity we have so many injuries but the players we do have will be
ready for this game," he said.

"We can't say this is a bad time to play Arsenal. We have to be strong and
just think about the game."

As to his own chances of a start, Alonso added: "It's up the manager who
plays and I accept that. I just want to make sure I'm ready for Sunday's game."

Meanwhile Thierry Henry is doubtful for this weekend's trip to Anfield
after receiving two painful kicks on an already troublesome Achilles injury
at PSV Eindhoven

- he only recently admitted that he was playing at just 70% capacity due to
the problem.

Henry was walking gingerly as he left the ground on Wednesday night and was
scheduled to rest and undergo intensive treatment over the next couple of days.

"It's always the same. When you're in pain somewhere, you always get a
knock on it," Henry reflected..

"In the first 10 minutes, Alex kicked me on my Achilles by accident.

"I was struggling a bit with that and then there was a challenge by Andre
Ooijer around the 30th minute when he kicked me too.

"I was just trying to do my best and I just kept on trying to run."


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[lfc-news] Summit over shared stadium - Echo

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Liverpool,Echo, 26 Nov 2004
Summit over shared stadium
Exclusive by Scott McLeod, Liverpool Echo

EVERTON and Liverpool officials will meet sports minister Richard Caborn to
discuss a groundshare.

The meeting on Wednesday is part of continuing talks between the clubs.

But this is believed to be the first time the sports minister has become
involved in the controversial issue.

Everton chief executive Keith Wyness confirmed today: "It is another one in
a series of meetings related to that subject.

"We will be attending with an open mind to listen to any ideas that are put
forward."

The clubs first met to discuss the prospect of a groundshare last year,
with the promise of a £30m investment from the North West Development
Agency fuelling discussions.

But those talks failed to lead to an agreement.

Liverpool have since pressed ahead with their own plans for a new
state-of-the-art 60,000-seat home in Stanley Park, which the Anfield club
insists remains on course.

The project received planning permission in September, with building work
due to start in spring 2006. The cost has risen from an estimated £80m to
about £110m.

The rising cost has not deterred the Reds, who have continually insisted
they are not interested in a ground-share, citing a poll in which a big
majority of fans came out against it.

However, there have been further talks and the sports minister has kept a
close eye on developments.

Next Wednesday will be his first meeting with the two clubs.

Since his arrival as Everton chief executive, Wyness has insisted that the
Blues' offer to ground- share with Liverpool has remained on the table.

But, while the prospect is on the agenda, both parties agree it is unlikely
to become reality.


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[lfc-news] Reserves v Leeds: report - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 26 Nov 2004
NUNEZ STARS AS RESERVES DRAW
Steve Hunter at Wakefield

Antonio Nunez handed Rafael Benitez a much-needed boost on Thursday night
when he made a very impressive first start in a Liverpool shirt as the
reserves drew 1-1 with Leeds United.
Playing on the right side of midfield Nunez made a good impression,
delivering some telling crosses into the box and almost scoring on one
occasion.

Despite lacking match practice the former Real Madrid player looked sharp
and, given the injury crisis that is currently engulfing the club, he could
well have played himself into contention for a place in the first team
squad to face Arsenal on Sunday.

He looks a bright player who can certainly cross a ball and he likes to get
them into the box early. He is quick and looks to have an eye for a pass as
well.

As for the match itself, goalkeeper Paul Harrison was the Reds hero as
Robbie Foy struck a late equaliser to force a 1-1 draw for Hughie McAuley's
side.

The match was played at the Atlantic Stadium, home of Wakefield Trinity
Wildcats and many Liverpool fans were out in force to see the return of
Nunez who was making his first appearance in a red shirt since signing from
Real Madrid as part of the deal that took Michael Owen to Spain.

Liverpool's young goalkeeper Paul Harrison deserves a mention because he
produced a fantastic goalkeeping display to keep out Leeds time and time again.

Robbie Foy scored Liverpool's equaliser after 83 minutes and Leeds felt it
was a contentious decision but the correct one under the rules of the game.
Liverpool had a goal wrongly disallowed at Middlesbrough last Saturday
through Luis Garcia in very similar circumstances, and despite the home
crowd and Leeds players' fury it was a correct goal under the rules of the
game.

Liverpool deserved an equaliser for their efforts and when it came it was
appropriate goalkeeper Harrison created it. He spotted Robbie Foy in a good
position and from his kick theball was deflected into the striker's path
via the boot of a Leeds player. Running clean through the Scotland Under-21
international's finish was superb. The linesman had his flag up straight
away for off-side but it was over-ruled by referee Mr Matadar. It was a
good decision because the ball had gone into Foy's path via the
outstretched boot of a Leeds defender.

Leeds were furious with the decision and were reduced to 10 men after
defender Matthew Kilgallon was sent-off for taking his protests too far.

Also included in Hughie McAuley's team were captain John Welsh alongside
Darren Potter in the centre of midfield while Robbie Foy and Mark Smyth led
the attack. Welsh and Potter played well while David Raven was at right
back while James Smith started at left back. Paul Harrison was preferred to
the out of favour Patrice Luzi in goal.

Partridge created a good chance in the opening two minutes of the match
when he set off on a great run that took him from inside his own half to
the edge of the Leeds penalty area, when he was eventually crowded out.

Leeds then had a great chance after eight minutes when Jamie McMaster got
in behind the Reds defence down the right and produced a teasing low cross
which flew across the face of the goal, but fortunately for Liverpool there
was no player in a white shirt around to score.

Nunez made a bright start for the Reds. His trickery created an opening for
Mark Smyth after 12 minutes but after turning well he couldn't keep his
shot down as it cleared the bar.

Two minutes later Nunez almost made a scoring debut with a first time shot
that brought a good save out of Scott Carson.

Robbie Foy then had a great chance for Liverpool after 15 minutes when he
pulled his shot wide from a good position, then a minute later some great
work from Nunez almost created a goal. His superb pass sent Richie
Partridge clear down the left and his teasing cross was well saved by the
diving Carson.

Crossing a ball is clearly a main part of Nunez's game and he would
certainly give Benitez possibilities on the right flank. One good cross
almost produced a goal but Darren Potter fired a shot wide.

Potter is a highly rated player at Liverpool and he has vision. One
fantastic pass put Mark Smyth away but from a tight angle the England
Under-20 international hit a first time shot that went just over. It was a
great effort from Smyth and unlucky not to open the scoring.

Nunez was full of running and looking to take on defenders and probe for an
opening all the time but he was coming in for some rough treatment and the
Leeds defence often resorted to stopping him by foul means.

Smyth went close again after 29 minutes when he saw his close range header
well saved by Carson after an excellent free-kick delivery from the right
by Robbie Foy.

Liverpool goalkeeper Paul Harrison had nothing to do for a long period in
the game but he showed his alertness with a great stop after 36 minutes.
The pace of Leeds front man Simon Johnson troubled the Liverpool defence
and his pinpoint cross found the head of Andrew Keogh who sent it towards
goal, but the diving Harrison pulled off a superb save.

Two minutes later another surging run from Johnson set up Aaron Lennon who
curled a shot just wide.

One pleasing aspect of the first half was the way that Nunez and Potter
linked. One such move almost created a goal when Potter shot just wide
after a neat one-two with Nunez around the edge of the Leeds penalty area.

Harrison was having a great match in goal for Liverpool and produced some
heroic stops not least one fine save to keep out an effort from McMaster at
point blank range.

Leeds went close after the hour mark when substitute Harpal Singh fired a
powerful shot just over the bar although Harrison had it covered.

Hughie McAuley made his first change of the night on the hour mark when the
impressive Nunez was replaced by Ryan Wilkie.

There was a turning point in the match around the 64th minute of the match.
Liverpool might have scored when a solo run from Smyth ended with him
shooting just wide, then a minute later Leeds took the lead after a great
run and finish by the pacy Simon Johnson.

Heroics from Harrison prevented Leeds scoring again and in front of the
watching Liverpool goalkeeping coach Jose Ochotorena he must have been
impressed with the young Scouser.

Liverpool deserved an equaliser for their efforts and Robbie Foy finished
superbly for the equaliser.

Leeds had further chances to win the game but could not beat Harrison while
Partridge went close at the other end with a curled effort over the bar.

Leeds United Reserves: Carson, Richardson, McDaid, Winter (Keegan 50),
Edwards, Kilgallon, Lennon, Spring, Johnson, McMaster, Keogh (Sing 45).

Liverpool Reserves: Harrison, Raven, J Smith, Whitbread, O?Donnell, Potter,
Nunez (Wilkie 61), Welsh, Foy, Smyth, Partridge. Unused subs: Willis (GK),
Guthrie, Noon, Woods.

Referee: M Matadar.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Paul Harrison. Outstanding display from
Paul Harrison in goal and he made some brilliant saves. Antonio Nunez had a
good match on his debut and probably deserves the award, but Harrison
showed what a good goalkeeper he is.


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[lfc-news] Benitez's injury worries worsen - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 25 Nov 2004
Benitez's injury worries worsen
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL'S Champions League injury toll rose even higher last night as
Claus Bo Larson added insult to defeat in Monaco by insisting he was right
to allow Javier Saviola's winner to stand.

Luis Garcia and Josemi compounded Rafael Benitez's injury problems on
Tuesday night when they were stretchered off at the Stade Louis II.

But now Djimi Traore has heightened Liverpool's fitness troubles by
suffering a knee injury in the 1-0 defeat.

The in-form defender will miss Sunday's Premiership visit of Arsenal, the
Carling Cup quarter-final at Tottenham and the trip to Aston Villa after
sustaining a medial ligament injury that will keep him out for a minimum of
10 days.

Traore's loss is another damaging setback for Benitez who could be without
Garcia until Boxing Day after scans yesterday confirmed a slight tear to
his left hamstring.

The Spanish midfielder pulled up after only two minutes in Monaco and, like
Milan Baros before him, has been told his recovery will take a month.

Josemi is suspended for the Arsenal game after picking up a fifth booking
of the season at Middlesbrough but is doubtful for next Wednesday's trip to
White Hart Lane after receiving 20 stitches in a head wound.

Antonio Nunez, however, will offer a rare piece of good injury news for
Liverpool when he makes his first appearance in a red shirt tonight.

The Spanish winger, who joined Liverpool as part of the deal which took
Michael Owen to Real Madrid, suffered a knee injury in his very first
training session at the club and aggravated it ahead of his first scheduled
comeback. But he is now considered fit enough to play some part in the
reserve match away to Leeds.

Nunez has already had one false start in his rehabilitation and Benitez
will not take any short cuts with his compatriot's fitness.

"It is a danger to do that, it will be his first game for us in the
reserves, and he needs two more weeks' work to be fit enough for the first
team," the Liverpool manager insisted.

Danish referee Larsen, meanwhile, insists he has a clear conscience over
the goal that condemned Liverpool to a 1-0 defeat to Monaco on Tuesday evening.

Larsen told Sami Hyypia he had seen the handball by Saviola in the build-up
to his 55th-minute winner but did not believe it was a deliberate offence.

The referee yesterday revealed: "I for one have a good conscience about the
decision. In my opinion,

it was the ball that went to the hand, and not the hand that went to the ball.

"And 20 minutes after the goal, the ball hit a Liverpool player on the hand
in the box. I didn't penalize that either because I didn't think it was a
deliberate act."


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[lfc-news] Anfield passion can help secure Euro qualification - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 25 Nov 2004
Anfield passion can help secure Euro qualification
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

IN the absence of an established striker it now falls on Anfield to provide
the inspiration to overcome Olympiakos in next month's crucial Champions
League decider.

Rafael Benitez, Steven Gerrard and Sami Hyypia have all appealed to the Kop
to inspire a reprisal of Liverpool's great European nights when the Group A
leaders arrive on December 8.

Manager and captains past and present believe a passionate crowd can help
expose Olympiakos's travelling weaknesses and propel Liverpool to the
victory that is imperative if they are to reach a knock-out stage worth
£5million.

Benitez has seen his squad ripped apart by injuries, and he will have to
dig ever deeper into the club's resources to find the firepower to defeat
Rivaldo and co.

The 1-0 defeat in Monaco, where the winning goal from Javier Saviola was
preceded by a hand-ball by the Argentinian, has left Liverpool's chances of
reaching the last 16 in the balance.

The equation now dictates that Liverpool must win by 1-0 or by two clear
goals to finish in the top two and avoid dropping into the UEFA Cup.

But despite his fury and events in Monaco and mounting injury crisis
Benitez insists: "It will be difficult but we can do it.

"At Anfield we will have our supporters behind us and the team have played
very well at home. We can achieve anything. We do not seem to be getting
much luck at the moment but we must look forward and find a solution."

And Gerrard backed up his manager, stating: "We can do it at Anfield, with
the fans behind us. It was a bitter blow to lose the way we did in Monaco,
but we can turn that around on our own ground."

Defender Sami Hyypia knows from experience how the intensity of an
all-or-nothing European occasion can bring the best out of Liverpool at
Anfield.

Hyypia was part of the side that defeated Roma 2-0 on the night Gerard
Houllier returned from illness to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions
League in 2002.

Jari Litmanen and Emile Heskey scored the goals that carried Liverpool
through on a wave of emotion and despite lacking such attacking strength
Hyypia is confident of staging a repeat.

"That was an unbelievable night," recalled the Finnish international; "Now
it is up to us to give the fans enjoyment and the result they want again.

"We could have to win by two clear goals and we know it's going to be
difficult. But I remember the Roma game a couple of years ago.

"We were in a similar position then, needing to win by two goals, and came
through that. I am confident we will do it again.

"That was an unforgettable night, one of the best I have ever had as a
Liverpool player. We scored early on and that will be the key against
Olympiakos. We need to get at them quickly and impose ourselves on the match.

"It was an emotional night for everyone against Roma, with Gerard Houllier
coming back after his illness. I remember the atmosphere was incredible.

"When Emile scored, I was close by as he put the ball in the net, and the
stadium just erupted. The crowd definitely helped us and we need to get
them behind us again this time."

However, Hyypia does admit that the lack of attacking options available to
Benitez in the absence of Djibril Cisse, Milan Baros and now Luis Garcia is
a concern.

He added: "At Liverpool, you have to show character. That's what we need to
do again now. Of course the injury situation is unfortunate but we just
have to cope.

"It is a chance for other people to show what they can do. It is an
opportunity for them now.

"It is a worry where the goals are going to come from. We have lost Djibril
Cisse and Milan Baros, and they are our main strikers. If you were to take
any Premiership team and take away their two main goalscorers, then they
would struggle.

"But we need to stick together. It was not a good performance in Monaco,
but there is a big game coming up on Sunday against Arsenal and we have to
learn from this."

Neil Mellor, meanwhile, insists he can solve Liverpool's striking problem
provided he is handed an extended run to adapt to life in the top flight.

The 22-year-old was a surprise inclusion against Monaco on Tuesday and
endured a disappointing night as an isolated lone striker.

He said: "It was frustrating being up front on my own, a hard night's work.
It was unfortunate that it was a handball that decided the game.

"We were holding them, it was comfortable and then the referee does not see
the incident or give us the decision. It changed the game, they win and now
qualification for us is a lot more difficult.

"A point would have been a good result in the circumstances going into the
last match with Olympiakos, and we are very disappointed with the way it
happened. But we are at home now and Anfield can be crucial for us.

"I was delighted that the manager gave me my chance, I would have liked to
see a bit more of the ball and been able to keep it in their half a bit longer.

"It's difficult playing in the Champions League but it was good experience
for me."


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[lfc-news] Garcia injury confirmed: Traore also out - Official Site

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GARCIA INJURY CONFIRMED - TRAORE ALSO OUT
Paul Eaton 24 November 2004

Liverpool today confirmed they will be without the services of Luis Garcia
for up to a month and Djimi Traore for ten days after both players picked
up injuries in Monaco last night.

Garcia has a hamstring injury after pulling up just two minutes into the
1-0 Champions League defeat while Traore has sustained a minor knock to his
knee.

Liverpool FC Head of Press Ian Cotton told us: "Both players underwent
scans this afternoon which showed that Djimi has a medial ligament sprain
to his right knee that is likely to keep him out for ten days.

"Luis Garcia has suffered a tear to his left hamstring and will be
sidelined for between three and four weeks."

Spanish defender Josemi needed 20 stitches in a head wound following the game.

* Dietmar Hamann is suspended for the clash with Olympiacos on December 8
after picking up his second yellow card in the Champions League last night.


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[lfc-news] Thais still keen on Liverpool - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 24 Nov 2004
Thais still keen on Liverpool
By Tony McDonough, Daily Post

A BID by a Thai businessman to buy a stake in Liverpool Football Club is
still very much alive, he told a news conference.

However, it is likely to be less than the 30% stake originally suggested
and dependent upon gaining merchandising rights.

Speaking in Thailand, Paiboon Damrongchaitham, chairman of entertainment
group GMM Grammy, said he was seeking a merchandising agreement with the
club's sponsors Reebok.

At present the sportswear group has the sole rights to produce Liverpool FC
products in Asia. Mr Damrongchaitham first came forward with his £60m bid
for a stake in June.

He flew into London to meet Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry and a
representative of chairman David Moores and said the bid would be financed
out of his own personal fortune along with other investors.

This week, Mr Damrongchaitham said he had submitted a proposal to Reebok
last Friday about obtaining merchandising rights for Liverpool FC products
in Asia.

He added he expected to reach an agreement with the company in around six
weeks but declined to give further details.

GMM Grammy is a multi-million pound entertainment group which is seeing
rapid growth in revenues in its core businesses which include the
management of several Thai entertainment stars and the collection music
copyright fees from radio stations.

In August Merseyside born property tycoon Steve Morgan saw his bid to make
a £70m investment in the club collapse.

Liverpool FC last night declined to comment and no one was available at Reebok.


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[lfc-news] Academy: Under-18s left in a fit of Pique - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 23 Nov 2004
Under-18s left in a fit of Pique
Academy football with Chris Wright, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL under-18s lost 2-1 to Manchester United at the Kirkby Academy on
Saturday.

John Owens's side couldn't manage to add to their two draws in the last two
weeks as they fell to their eighth defeat of the season.

Conal Platt was denied by the United keeper in a one-on-one just before a
stunning 25-yard strike after 20 minutes gave the visitors the lead.

United doubled their lead after Liverpool failed to clear a free-kick.
England youth international midfielder Danny Guthrie reduced the arrears
with a 20-yard free-kick. But it proved little more than a consolation
coming late in the match.

Owens said: "It was a good game, in the first half particularly both sides
played some good football.

"They had a player, Gerard Pique, in midfield, who they paid Barcelona
£1million for, and that can make a difference at youth level.

"Arsenal and Man United have different policies and they are going
worldwide for players. If it works great, but if not it is gamble they can
afford to take."

Midfielder David Mannix, who has been dogged by injuries for the past 18
months, had to come off three minutes from the end with a foot injury to be
replaced by under-16s player Stephen Behan.

One plus point was the return of defender Adam Hitchen to the squad after
injury. Although he was an unused substitute he is likely to play in a
practice match this weekend.

Liverpool have no game on Saturday as there is an in-service training
weekend at all Academy clubs. Their next League match is scheduled for
Saturday, December 4 at Stoke City.

Meanwhile Liverpool have been handed a home draw against non-League
opposition in the third round of the FA Youth Cup. Owens's side will face
either Farnborough Town or Wealdstone at Anfield. The two clubs play their
second round tie tomorrow and no date will be confirmed until the
opposition is known.

Liverpool, though, are hoping to play the match on Saturday, December 4,
which would mean the cancellation of their match at Stoke.

The club will be hoping for better luck than in previous seasons. For the
last three years Liverpool have been knocked out at the first hurdle.

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Willis; J Smith, O'Donnell, C Woods, D Smith; Hammill,
Guthrie, Mannix (Behan 87), Barratt; C Platt (Townley, 65), Noon (Frayne,
65). Subs: Lancaster, Hitchen.


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[lfc-news] Fuming Rafa slams poor refereeing decision - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 23 Nov 2004
FUMING RAFA SLAMS POOR REFEREEING DECISION
By Mark Platt

A fuming Rafael Benitez blamed a poor refereeing decision for Liverpool's
1-0 Champions League defeat in Monaco on Tuesday night.
The Reds boss was furious after seeing his side lose to a hotly disputed
second half strike by Javier Saviola.

The Argentina striker clearly handled the ball before firing past Chris
Kirkland and Benitez revealed that the referee admitted to him afterwards
that he saw it.

"All the people in the world saw the handball," blasted Rafa. "The linesman
saw it and when I spoke to the referee afterwards he told me he saw it as well.

"What I couldn't understand was why he was smiling at me when he was
talking. He said the hand was close to the body but I don't agree. It was a
bad game and a bad pitch and to lose to a decision like that was very
disappointing."

A deeply disappointed Benitez admitted his team did not play well on the
night and added: "It was very physical game for us. We prepared for the
game to play with one striker and wingers and in the first two minutes we
lost one of our wingers.

"If you can't play properly or do the thing you want to do it is very
tough. When you concede a goal like that it is even more disappointing.

"We didn't play well today but we are playing well at home and our idea now
will be to beat Olympiacos 2-0."

Benitez also confirmed that Luis Garcia suffered a hamstring injury and
will be out of action for at least three to four weeks.


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[lfc-news] Monaco report - PA

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PA Sport, 23 Nov 2004
Monaco 1 Liverpool 0

Liverpool had two players carried off and suffered a cruel defeat in the
Stade Louis II, beaten by a goal scored after what looked a clear handball
by Javier Saviola.

Liverpool lost Spanish imports Luis Garcia and then Josemi - both taken off
on stretchers - as they slumped to a frustrating Champions League Group A
defeat.

The manner of Monaco's winner, Saviola scoring after apparently handling
the ball in the box, left Liverpool furious.

Steven Gerrard returned to Liverpool's starting line-up as boss Rafael
Benitez made sweeping changes to his line-up, leaving out Josemi, Harry
Kewell and Xabi Alonso.

The Spanish coach gave 22-year-old striker Neil Mellor - recently the
subject of an enquiry from Sheffield United - his first ever European match
up front.

Steve Finnan came in at right-back for Josemi, while Igor Biscan started in
midfield alongside England midfielder Gerrard.

Anfield chief Benitez picked a tough-looking side in a bid to achieve the
win which would take Liverpool into the second stage of the tournament -
and assure another £5million in prize money for the Anfield coffers.

For Monaco this was a crucial game in their struggle to turn around a
disappointing season.

They have gone eight league matches without a win and have incurred the
wrath of president Michel Pastor who has twice in recent days arrived at
training to voice his disgust at current form.

None of his words are proving any help to coach Didier Deschamps, but at
least he knows that of their three wins in 12 games, two have been in the
Champions League.

Their priorities are therefore obvious, as are those of Liverpool who dare
not fail to qualify for next season's tournament.

Liverpool lost out financially to the tune of £14million when that happened
two seasons ago, a repeat of which would be hard to stomach at Anfield.

And as if Liverpool did not have enough injury problems, after just two
minutes of this contest Luis Garcia went down clutching the back of his
thigh, an apparent hamstring injury, and he was carried off to be replaced
by Josemi.

The Spaniard slotted in at right-back, Finnan moving forward into Garcia's
role.

It took Liverpool a long time to settle. Their distribution from the back
was poor, while they struggled to contain the pace and movement of Shabani
Nonda and Saviola.

Mellor, fighting a lone battle against four defenders, was getting little
change from the Monaco backline and was warned for one late lunge at
goalkeeper Flavio Roma.

For all his willing effort, Mellor was looking out of his depth.

Always a prolific goalscorer at youth and reserve level, his lack of pace
was nevertheless showing through and France internationals Patrice Evra and
skipper Gael Givet were making life difficult for the youngster.

Liverpool were surviving due to the usual excellence of Jamie Carragher,
with Dietmar Hamann in front of him fighting to plug the gaps.

And it was hardly a surprise after eight weeks out that Gerrard looked
short of his usual strength and power.

Liverpool had barely created a chance, but just after the half-hour mark
there was a glimpse of goal for John Arne Riise who broke into the box
after a pass by Biscan, but Roma was quick to scoop the ball from the
Norwegian's toes.

Liverpool were looking for chances to break with the ball, but they were
under almost constant pressure and losing midfield.

There remained hope, though. Following a Finnan long throw, Riise caused
trouble with his challenge in the penalty area and Biscan saw a 12-yard
shot drift wide of the far post.

Djimi Traore was booked after 40 minutes for a foul on Douglas Maicon, the
young French defender having until that point coped rather well with
Saviola as well as getting forward to support Riise.

There was a real scare after 43 minutes for the visitors when they failed
to deal with a right-wing corner, and the ball broke to Saviola on the left
whose cross-shot went wide of the far post.

Next into the book was Hamann, for another foul on Maicon, and that means
the German misses the next match.

The opening of the second period saw much of the same with Monaco instantly
on the attack.

Saviola found space on the edge of the box before firing a shot wide,
before Chris Kirkland plucked a dangerous Maicon cross off the head of
Saviola in the 52nd minute.

And Benitez's side suffered a cruel blow in the 55th minute when Saviola
scored after clearly handling the ball.

Liverpool failed to clear after Nonda and Saviola had worked the ball into
the box - but when the ball broke from a Traore tackle, Saviola clearly
controlled it with his hand before firing home.

The visitors were furious but their complaints to referee Bo Claus Larsen
fell on deaf ears.

Liverpool replaced Traore with Kewell after an hour, with Riise moving to
left-back.

More torment was to follow for Liverpool when Josemi and Evra clashed heads
in midfield.

Josemi was carried away with blood pouring from a wound, and it took
Liverpool four minutes to get substitute Stephen Warnock into the game.

Gerrard stormed forward in the 62nd minute to test Roma with a low drive,
but Liverpool lacked the strength to mount any sustained attacks.

Monaco took off Ernesto Chevanton after 68 minutes and sent on Diego Perez.

Warnock was now on the left, Kewell patrolling the right, but it was still
Monaco who continued to come forward.

Kirkland saved superbly from Pontus Farnerud before Monaco sent on Emmanuel
Adebayor for Saviola in the 74th minute. Francois Modesto took over from
Evra five minutes later.

Warnock was booked for a fierce challenge on Andreas Zikos on 81 minutes
when it looked like he had clearly got the ball, but the Danish referee had
to calm down angry players from both sides before waving the yellow card.

With five minutes to go, Roma produced a flying save at the foot of a post
to keep out a header from Hyypia, and that was as close as Liverpool came
to a leveller.

Monaco: Roma, Evra, Plasil, Maicon, Zikos, Nonda, Squillaci, Farnerud
(Modesto 79), Givet, Chevanton (Perez 67), Saviola (Adebayor 73).
Subs Not Used: Audard, Kallon, Oshadogan, El Fakiri.
Booked: none.
Goals: Saviola 54.

Liverpool: Kirkland, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore (Kewell 58),
Gerrard, Hamann, Biscan, Riise, Luis Garcia (Josemi 4, Warnock 64), Mellor,
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Alonso, Diao, Sinama Pongolle.
Booked: Traore, Hamann, Warnock.

Att: 15,000
Ref: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark).

GERRARD STILL OPTIMISTIC
Steven Gerrard remains optimistic Liverpool can qualify for the second
round of the Champions League despite Tuesday nighht's 1-0 loss to Monaco.

Rafael Benitez's team must beat Olympiakos by two clear goals to make sure
of further progress in this season's competition.

And the England midfielder, who tonight played his first full game since
breaking his foot in a defeat at Manchester United in September, said: "It
will be a big night at Anfield but we had to beat Roma a couple of years
ago and we managed to win it."

Liverpool lost Luis Garcia and Josemi to injury, and with strikers Milan
Baros and Djibril Cisse sidelined by injury, Benitez's squad is being tested.

Gerrard added on ITV2: "We're having bad luck on the injury front but we'll
stick together - and we've got other options.

"It was a difficult match tonight - but I'm gutted by the result.

"I don't think we played good enough to get a result - but it was difficult
to play good football out there."

* In the other Group A game Olympiakos beat Deportivo 1-0. The standings
after five games are: Olympiakos 10 pts, Monaco 9 pts, Liverpool 7pts,
Deportivo 2 pts.


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[lfc-news] Gerrard cheer for Benitez - Telegraph

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Daily Telegraph, 22 Nov 2004
Gerrard cheer for Benitez
By Sam Wallace in Monaco

As he tried to put his injury crisis into perspective, Rafael Benitez
recalled the time when he went to Pamplona with a Valencia side who were
missing 13 first-team players. But nothing was as reassuring for the
Liverpool coach as the sight of Steven Gerrard, the raging bull of their
midfield, boarding the plane for France.

Gerrard, who broke a metatarsal bone 62 days ago, is certain to start
tonight in a match against Monaco that could decide Liverpool's future in
the Champions League. If Benitez can coax victory from his depleted squad
against last year's finalists, who have plenty of problems of their own, he
will earn a place in the next round that will vouchsafe the money he needs
so much in the January transfer window.

Even the cautious Benitez could barely conceal his relief at the return of
Gerrard, who came on in the second half of the 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough
at the weekend. "Steven is not only a good player on the field, but he is
important to us as a captain and the way he affects the mentality of the
team," Benitez said.

Didier Deschamps, the Monaco coach, made the point a little more bluntly:
"Liverpool are not the same without Gerrard."

Deschamps is not easily impressed, but the World Cup-winning captain of
France did not hold back in his assessment of Gerrard. "He's someone who
encapsulates the team's energy in his style and he sets the tempo of the
match," Deschamps said. "I am serious when I say that he has the potential
to be one of the best players in the world."

This weekend's result revealed, as if Benitez needed reminding, that his
side were hopelessly short of an in-form striker after Milan Baros's
hamstring injury playing for the Czech Republic last week. It means that
Gerrard is more likely to return to a midfield of five behind a lone
striker; that will be one way at least of masking the problems Liverpool
have in attack.

"If you cry, you won't achieve anything," Benitez said. "What you can do is
analyse the squad and work with what you have and you need to be calm. Look
at the starts that other coaches made at their clubs. They needed time and
it's the same for me. You work for a week to try to win, and then go back
to work again after the game."

This is not a manager who requested any sympathy as he first lost Emile
Heskey, then Michael Owen as the transfer window shut, before Djibril Cisse
and Baros succumbed to injury. As they did so adeptly against Deportivo La
Coruna three weeks ago, Liverpool will attempt to close the door on Monaco
rather more firmly than they managed against Middlesbrough. Benitez still
proffers genuine bewilderment when he is linked to new players, but
Malaga's defender Juanito is the latest on the list that already includes
David Villa, the Spain Under-21 striker at Real Zaragoza.

When Liverpool beat Monaco in September, they did not have to deal with the
former Barcelona striker Javier Saviola, who is back in Deschamps' side
with Mohammad Kallon. But, a season after they beat Chelsea in the
semi-finals, the principality is not quite so enamoured of its brave little
team. For the 3-1 defeat to Sochaux on Friday night, only 2,000 spectators
bothered turning up at the Stade Louis II.

Deschamps does, at least, have five fit first-choice strikers, which is
four more than Liverpool.

Team details
Monaco (probable, 4-4-2): Roma; Maicon, Squillaci, Givet, Evra; Saviola,
Zikos, Plasil, Kallon; Chevanton, Nonda.

Liverpool (probable, 4-5-1): Kirkland; Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore;
Finnan, Alonso, Gerrard, Hamann, Riise; Kewell.

Referee: C Larsen (Denmark).


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[lfc-news] Gerrard set to answer Reds SOS - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 22 Nov 2004
Gerrard set to answer Reds SOS
By David Prentice, Daily Post

STEVEN GERRARD is ready to make a Champions League return tomorrow night -
and help try to solve the striking crisis which has hindered Liverpool in
recent weeks.

The Reds' skipper was top scorer before he sustained a broken foot in
September, including the two goals in Austria which propelled the Reds into
the Champions League group stage.

After a 35-minute run-out at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, he is set
to return in Monaco tomorrow.

"Steven is a possibility because he has played two games now of about 45
minutes each and he could play if needed," said boss Rafael Benitez.

"I am happy with his fitness.

"Steven is very important to us, not only as a player and as a captain, but
also in the mentality and team spirit he brings.

"If he plays the opposition thinks 'be careful, Gerrard is playing.'"

Gerrard's return is likely to be the only change for the Reds, although
Benitez has no fresh injury worries to plague him.

"We have four options up front and they will all travel in an 18- man
squad," added Benitez.

"It's true that Harry (Kewell) and Luis (Garcia) are not out and out
forwards, but for me both played well against Middlesbrough.

"If the team as a whole doesn't play well, then the strikers have a more
difficult time. I will watch all the players in training then decide who is
the best to play against Monaco's defenders."

Neil Mellor's chances of starting, however, seem remote.

"You don't necessarily need a greater physical presence," explained the
Reds' boss. "If you see Barcelona they don't have a physical foward line.
If you move the ball quickly, physique doesn't matter.

"We know if we win then we qualify, so it's a very important game for us.
When you lose, you need to recover quickly - and because we have a game on
Tuesday we don't have a lot of time to cry.

"We want to win in Monte Carlo because if we do, we can prepare for the
next game with a different mentality."

Monaco's form has slumped since they were comprehensively beaten at Anfield
in September, but Benitez urged caution.

"It is true they are not playing the best football, but sometimes players
play worse because they are thinking about the Champions League." he said.
"I am sure it will be a difficult game."


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