[lfc-news] Rafa: Morientes up for United - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 13 Jan 2005
Morientes up for United - Rafa
By David Prentice and Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ today declared he will have no worries giving Fernando
Morientes a baptism of fire against Manchester United on Saturday.

Benitez is ready to thrust his new £6.3m signing straight into the side
having completed the formalities of his transfer from Real Madrid this
morning.

Morientes and his family were flown out of Madrid by a private jet
chartered by Liverpool last night.

The 28-year-old arrived at Melwood training ground early this morning
for a medical, before putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.

Benitez is thrilled to have finally secured the services of the striker
he's pursued since Michael Owen's departure last summer.

And he predicted a potentially explosive attacking partnership of
Morientes and Milan Baros.

"He is important to us," Benitez told the ECHO. "He is good in the air,
he is a good finisher and can shoot with both feet."

"He also has the mentality to go straight into a game like Saturday's if
necessary."

Baros believes he and Morientes can strike up a prolific partnership
this season.

"The deal is great news for Liverpool," the Czech striker said.
"Fern-ando is world class and I'm delighted he is coming to Anfield.

"I'm looking forward to establishing our partnership on the pitch.
Fernando is terrific in the air, just like Jan Koller.

"Jan and I have been superb for the Czechs and I believe Fernando and I
can prove just as successful in English football. He is so strong and so
talented that I'm certain he will help us climb towards the very top of
the Premiership.

"Obviously, the timing of the deal is very important too. Djibril Cisse
is out with a long-term injury and I've had injuries as well."

Morientes is desperate to be involved at the weekend.

"I am hoping to make my debut on Saturday," he said. "You can't ask for
more than a debut against Manchester United. It would be a great debut
for me, and even better if the team wins."

Meanwhile, Real Madrid failed to agree first option to sign Steven
Gerrard, should the Liverpool skipper be available in the future.

Madrid wanted a clause written into the agreement to sell Morientes, but
Liverpool refused.

The best the Spanish club could get was a verbal assurance they'd be
kept informed if the skipper's position changes.

Following Morientes arrival, Sheffield United have reignited their
interest in Neil Mellor.


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