[lfc-news] Cup tie washed out - PA

PA Sport, 7 Jan 2005
BURNLEY CUP CLASH WASHED OUT

Referee Mark Clattenberg called off Burnley's FA Cup third round tie
against Liverpool on Friday night because he was concerned for the
safety of the players.

The third-round game at Turf Moor was postponed 45 minutes before
kick-off following torrential rain.

Burnley had taken the covers off and then used the water rollers to try
to clear the playing area but a five-yard strip on the touchline proved
too difficult to sort out.

Clattenburg said: "Burnley have done very well to get the pitch in this
state. When they removed the covers, the pitch was 98% playable.

"They used the water machines but they reached saturation point and a
five-yard area on the touchline was waterlogged.

"They put a lot of sand on it which became like quicksand. It would have
been very difficult for the players to run or turn on.

"I felt that if they turned on that surface there was a danger of injury.

"I was looking at the safety aspect of the players, plus the fact that
more rain was forecast."

Explaining the late decision, Clattenburg said: "I didn't want to be
hasty. I wanted to give them as much time as I could.

"If I started, I wanted to make sure the pitch was fit to finish.

"I was very positive when the water machines were on but then they got
to saturation point and the situation changed."

Burnley manager Steve Cotterill backed the referee's decision, as he was
mindful of the players' welfare.

He said: "At the end of the day, the referee has made a decision and
he's made it in the best interests of all of the players and their safety.

"You can't argue with that. It's a major disappointment and a major blow
to us."

"We've been looking forward to this game for such a long time. It's a
great night for us and it's a great night that we've missed out on,
playing against a great club in front of the cameras."

Cotterill admitted he had not been on the pitch to look at the problem
area, although he had spoken to Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez about a
way around the problem.

He said: "I've just had a drink with Rafa and we said we should have
played nine v nine, just narrowed the pitch a bit.

"We had a bit of a giggle and we (Burnley) would have been alright nine
v nine. If the pitch was a little bit bigger we might have a problem.

"I've got a new pair of shoes on so I didn't go out to take a look. I
wasn't going to get any mud on them.

"But we're in the fourth round anyway so we're delighted with that."

Friday's cup tie was the second match Burnley match postponed within a
week after their New Year's Day home fixture was abandoned after 19
minutes because of heavy rain.

The cup tie has been rearranged for Tuesday, January 18.


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BURNLEY DEVASTATED BY MATCH POSTPONEMENT

From www.liverpoolfc.tv

Paul Rogers and Mark Platt 07 January 2005

Liverpool's Third Round FA Cup tie against Burnley at Turf Moor was called off after a late inspection on a water-logged pitch. The decision angered the home club who believed the tie should have been played.
Dave Edmundson, Chief Executive of Burnley Football Club, told liverpoolfc.tv on Friday night: "We are extremely disappointed with this decision but it is one we have to respect and abide with.

"In my view the pitch is 95% fit to play on. Only five per cent is unplayable and that has cost us a cup tie here tonight. The staff have worked very hard here during the week and we couldn't have done more to get this game on.

"The conditions were not ideal but the pitch had recovered magnificently since the abandoned game on new years day. This postponement has cost Burnley football club £150,000 and is the worst case scenario for us."

Burnley had their game against Leicester cut short because of water on the pitch on New year's Day and there were fears all week that heavy rain in the north west would stop this game going ahead.

Tonight's pitch inspection confirmed those fears despite Burnley's groundsmen working around the clock to save the fixture.

[lfc-news] Rafa sets one week deadline - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 7 Jan 2005
Rafa sets one week deadline
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL have set a one week deadline to complete the transfer of Fernando Morientes.

Rafa Benitez will pull the plug on the £5m bid if a deal isn't agreed by next weekend.

If Real Madrid continue to block the transfer, Benitez will turn his attentions elsewhere, with Nicolas Anelka topping the list of alternatives.

While Anelka is highly rated at Anfield, Benitez hasn't given up hope on his prime target, Morientes, just yet.

There's been no official move for Anelka and there's not likely to be until the Morientes deal is dead.

Benitez diplomatically suggested the latest delay was due to the Spanish holidays, but talks have been ongoing on a daily basis and Madrid's indecision, as well as the role of Morientes' agent Gines Carvaja, is the stumbling block.

While the player has always declared his intention is to move to Anfield, his agent has been trying to entice other clubs into an auction.

A deal worth around £5m was close on a number of occasions since Liverpool made their move, only for the Spanish club to change its mind again.

Should the Morientes negotiations collapse, Benitez will still need more convincing Anelka is the solution.

Although the French striker was a hit during his loan stint at Anfield, the Liverpool boss thinks it would represent a gamble to bring him back.

Benitez has favoured Morientes over the ex-Arsenal star from the outset, which is why he's remained so patient in the face of Madrid stubborness.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will travel to Burnley tonight with Steven Gerrard, Sami Hyypia, Steven Finnan and Luis Garcia all rested.

Ground staff at Turf Moor have worked non-stop for 24 hours to ensure the fixture goes ahead and the club was 'optimistic' about prospects this morning.

Benitez's young guns will return, with the manager insisting the FA Cup is being taken seriously despite his selection policy.

"I will be using David Raven, Zak Whitbread, Darren Potter, Mark Smyth, John Welsh and Neil Mellor," confirmed Benitez. "Jamie Carragher will probably be in the side, but Steven Gerrard will be rested. We are thinking the same way as we were when we began the Carling Cup.

"It's important to work with the young players so they are ready for these kinds of games. If we can't win this match by using the whole squad, that means we don't have the players to compete at a high level in four competitions.

"We are going to win, but it's impossible to do well in four competitions with exactly the same players. We have reached the semi-final of the Carling Cup and have another two games in five days before we play Manchester United next weekend. That's an important game against a side in the top four which we need to consider.

"After tonight's match, I will decide if the young players are too tired to play against Watford, too.

"Mauricio Pellegrino won't be involved for this game because the papers didn't arrive in time."

Milan Baros is back in training but not considered for tonight's clash.

Benitez added: "Burnley have a good record at home, winning their last four league games without conceding a goal, and always when a big club plays against a team from a lower division you know they will run hard and make it very hard."

[lfc-news] Clarets confident cup tie will go ahead - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 6 Jan 2005
CLARETS CONFIDENT CUP TIE WILL GO AHEAD
By Mark Platt

Officials at Burnley Football Club are confident Friday night's third
round FA Cup tie will go ahead as planned, despite heavy rain falling on
the Turf Moor pitch over the holiday period.
The Clarets' home fixture against Leicester on New Years Day was
abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch but ground staff are working hard
to prepare it for the eagerly anticipated visit of Liverpool.

Contrary to some reports, no official pitch inspection is planned at the
moment and the Coca Cola Championship club do not foresee any problems.

A Clarets spokesman told Liverpoolfc.tv today: "The pitch is being
'sponged' and spiked today. The covers will go over it later and stay on
overnight until tomorrow. We are definitely confident that the game will
go ahead."


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[lfc-news] Blunder officials handed Turf Moor tie - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 6 Jan 2005
Blunder officials handed Turf Moor tie
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

JERZY DUDEK has no reason to fear dropping the ball three feet behind
his own goalline at Burnley on Friday - as blundering officials Mark
Clattenburg and Rob Lewis are in charge of Liverpool's FA Cup tie.

Clattenburg, and his assistant Lewis, were yesterday put in charge of
the third round clash at Turf Moor just 24 hours after causing outrage
at Old Trafford.

The pair failed to spot Manchester United keeper Roy Carroll dropping a
speculative 55-yard effort from Tottenham's Pedro Mendes over his line
as Sir Alex Ferguson's side gained a fortunate point and calls
intensified for TV replays to be introduced to aid match officials.

Ferguson was quick to sympathise with the official's predicament on
Tuesday night.

But their appointment for Friday's FA Cup tie means Liverpool, incensed
by Mike Riley's performance against Chelsea last weekend, must continue
to share the spotlight with controversial referees.


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[lfc-news] Morientes snag as defender signs in - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 6 Jan 2005
Morientes snag as defender signs in
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL completed the signing of Valencia defender Mauricio Pellegrino
last night as Real Madrid threw another obstacle in the way of Fernando
Morientes's move to Anfield.

Argentinian Pellegrino has signed a six-month contract with the option
of another year after Rafael Benitez turned to the 33-year-old for
defensive cover, as revealed in the Daily Post last Wednesday.

Pellegrino, who won two Primera Liga titles and the UEFA Cup under
Benitez before falling out of favour with Claudio Ranieri, said: "At my
age it's a great satisfaction that this opportunity comes along. I have
always wanted to play in English football."

And his agent, Filippo Cavadini, confirmed: "He has passed his medical
and is very happy he is going to Liverpool - a great club.

"He has already spoken to Rafael Benitez and is looking forward to
playing with Liverpool.

"Mauricio will now be going to Valencia for two or three days to
organise his personal situation before returning to Liverpool."

Pellegrino is expected to provide back-up for Jamie Carragher and Sami
Hyypia with Stephane Henchoz set to leave Anfield in the transfer
window. The Swiss international has turned down a move to Glasgow
Rangers to stay in the Premiership, which has increased Bolton's
prospects of signing the 30-year-old on a free transfer.

New Madrid coach Wanderley Luxemburgo, meanwhile, has insisted he does
not want to sell Morientes to "an enemy" like Liverpool. But Anfield
officials remain confident of eventually striking a £5million deal for
the striker.

Luxemburgo, however, insisted: "I don't like reinforcing the rivals. If
Morientes was going away to Liverpool then we would be helping an enemy.

"I want to speak to Morientes to know what he is thinking. Then I will
meet the club and we will decide the best thing for everyone."

* LIVERPOOL'S reserve clash with Blackburn Rovers last night was called
off because of a water-logged pitch.


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[lfc-news] Pellegrino ready for Anfield - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 5 Jan 2005
Pellegrino ready for Anfield
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

VALENCIA defender Mauricio Pellegrino expects to become a Liverpool
player once he ends his contract with the defending Spanish champions.

With Stephane Henchoz due to leave Anfield in the transfer window Rafael
Benitez has turned to the Argentinian to provide experienced cover for
Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia.

Pellegrino has been told he can leave Valencia on a free transfer after
making only one appearance under Claudio Ranieri since returning from
injury and, despite interest from former coach Hector Cuper at Real
Mallorca, has made Anfield his preferred destination.

Pellegrino's agent, Filippo Cavadini, met Valencia officials yesterday
and confirmed: "Liverpool's proposal arrived on Monday but we still have
to bring to an end the player's contract at Valencia before we can start
negotiating with Liverpool.

"It is a very good contract for a 33-year-old player and Pellegrino is
ready to go to Liverpool." Pellegrino joined Valencia before the
1999-2000 campaign and was at the heart of the Valencia defence in the
teams which finished runners-up in the Champions League in 2000 and 2001.

He has won two Primera Liga titles, as well as the UEFA Cup last season
and a Super Cup.

"Thanks to a bad situation, now a good situation can come from it,"
Pellegrino said in the Las Provincias newspaper in Valencia.

"It's an option that I like very much. I feel very satisfied as it's a
personal choice made by Benitez, who was the one to tell me of this
possibility. I think it could be a question of hours.

"At my age, it's a great satisfaction that this opportunity comes along.
I have always wanted to play in English football."




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REDS AGREE PELLEGRINO DEAL

liverpoolfc.tv - Paul Eaton



Liverpool have today agreed a deal to bring Mauricio Pellegrino to Anfield on a free transfer.

The Argentinian star completed a medical on Merseyside this afternoon and has signed until the end of the season with the option of extending his contract for a further year.

However, the player is not eligible to play for the Reds until the remaining formalities of the deal are finalised.

The deal reunites Pellegrino with Rafa Benitez, with whom he enjoyed so much success in Spain with Valencia.

With Stephane Henchoz looking likely to leave the club, the signing of 33 year old Pellegrino will ensure Hyypia and Carragher have genuine competition for their places in the heart of the Reds defence.

Pellegrino joined Valencia in 1999 and played a major role in the teams which finished Champions League runners-up in 2000 and 2001.

He has won two La Liga titles as well as the UEFA Cup under Benitez last season.

"I feel very satisfied," said Pellegrino. "At my age it's a great satisfaction that this opportunity comes along. I have always wanted to play in English football."

[lfc-news] Defender escapes censure from FA - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 5 Jan 2005
Defender escapes censure from FA
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

JAMIE CARRAGHER will not face any disciplinary action from the Football Association in the wake of his criticism of controversial referee Mike Riley.

The Liverpool defender was incensed by Riley's failure to award Liverpool a penalty for a blatant hand-ball by Tiago in last Saturday's home defeat by Chelsea.

The same official was also responsible for the controversial penalty awarded to Manchester United against Arsenal at Old Trafford in October.

Carragher said: "If referees perform well, they should get the big games.

"But the fact is that he influenced the out-come of another game by bad decisions.

"What has happened here and at Old Trafford could prove the difference between Arsenal winning and losing the league. Referees must be held more accountable."

The FA closely studied Carragher's comments but have concluded that, despite his stinging assessment, the defender had not questioned Riley's integrity.

The incidents nevertheless prompted Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson to call for video technology to be used to help referees during games while Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez yesterday defended his player's reaction.

"What is wrong with what he said?" insisted Benitez; "Carragher is not only a good professional but a very clever player and I don't think he has said anything wrong.

"The question for me is how to resolve the problems, not worry about what has been said later."

Referees' supremo Keith Hackett said: "I've had one discussion with Mike. We'll be looking at things like positioning and viewing angles to see how he made the judgment that it was ball to hand."

[lfc-news] Southampton v Liverpool ticket news - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 5 Jan 2005
SOUTHAMPTON V LFC TICKET NEWS
By Paul Eaton

Liverpool have announced ticket details and selling arrangements for the Premiership clash at Southampton on January 22, kick-off 12.30pm.
Liverpool Football Club have received an allocation of 3090 stand tickets for this ALL ticket fixture priced as follows;-

Adult £32
Child £24 (Under 16)
Child £16 (Under 12)
Over 65's £24

Ticket Allocation

Tickets will be available to Season Ticket holders based on attendance at Premier League away fixtures during Season 2003-2004 on the following days,

Attendance at 7 or more games: Thur 6 Jan 8.15am-4.45pm and Fri 7 Jan 9.15am-4.45pm

Attendance at 6 or more games: Mon 10 Jan 9.15am-4.45pm

Attendance at 5 or more games: Tues 11 Jan 9.15am-4.45pm

Attendance at 4 or more games: Wed 12 Jan 9.15am-4.45pm

The allocation of tickets will be subject to availability and while stocks last.

Tickets will be available for personal application at the Ticket Office, by postal application and credit card bookings on Telephone Number 0870 787 2000. The Fan Card must be presented when applying at the Ticket Office and in the case of postal applications or telephone applications the number must be quoted, telephone bookings will require the applicants address to be confirmed and are subject to a booking fee.

Please do not apply if you do not meet the required criteria, any queries regarding the Fan Card please telephone 0870 220 2345.

We would emphasise to all eligible applicants that no guarantee can be given that tickets will be available to all who apply.

Executive Box holders, Centenary, Premier and Executive members should contact the Corporate Sales Department.

Only on the first day of sale will the Ticket Office be open from 8.15am to 4.45pm.

The Ticket Office will then revert to normal office hours from Friday 7 January 2005, which are Monday - Friday 9.15am - 4.45pm.

The Ticket Office will be closed on Saturday 8 January, Sunday 9 January and Sunday 16 January 2005.

[lfc-news] Alonso and Kirkland out for three months - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 5 Jan 2005
Alonso and Kirkland out for three months
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL will be without influential midfielder Xabi Alonso for three months.

The Spanish play-maker needs an operation on the broken ankle he suffered in Saturday's defeat to Chelsea.

And Rafa Benitez was handed more bad news after it was confirmed Chris Kirkland will also be sidelined for three months.

The keeper will undergo surgery to cure a persistent back problem.

Liverpool had initially hoped Alonso would only be missing for six weeks, but a specialist yesterday confirmed he needs a screw inserting into the fracture in his left ankle. He will undergo the operation tomorrow and will need three months to recover.

Kirkland will have keyhole surgery on Friday to repair a disc in his back.

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said: "Both players require operations and will be out for three months."

Meanwhile, Benitez is considering turning to his young guns for the tricky FA Cup tie at Burnley on Friday.

Benitez has shown how much faith he has in his Academy graduates by promoting the youngsters during Carling Cup ties.

Stephen Warnock, David Raven and John Welsh were all included in the squad at Norwich, and they're set to be joined by Zak Whitbread in the party which heads to Turf Moor.

Benitez's priority remains securing a Champions League spot in the Premiership and he'll have no hesitation using more inexperienced players in the cups.

Using the January transfer window to strengthen the forward line remains his first task, although patience is starting to wear thin with Fernando Morientes' agent, Gines Carvaja, who spent yesterday in talks with Lyon.

The longer Benitez waits for the deal to bring the striker to Merseyside to be struck, the greater Nicolas Anelka's chances of returning to Anfield are.

* Benitez has told Igor Biscan to make his mind up about his future, having given the Croatian permission to talk to other clubs.

The manager is prepared to keep Biscan until the end of the season, but only if he believes the player wants to stay.

[lfc-news] Henchoz 'no' to Gers - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 5 Jan 2005
Henchoz 'no' to Gers

RANGERS are set to miss out on signing Stephane Henchoz after the Liverpool defender insisted he wants to stay in the Barclays Premiership.

The Ibrox club made an offer to the Switzerland international but the 30-year-old does not want to leave England.

Henchoz said: "Rangers have made me an offer, but I would like to stay in the Premier League.

"My girlfriend and I are expecting our first baby, so this is a very bad time for moving.

"Rangers' offer is not the only one and I will consider each of them before finally making a decision."

[lfc-news] Benitez defends Carra after Riley outburst - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 4 Jan 2005
Benitez defends Carra after Riley outburst
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ today urged the FA not to take action against Jamie Carragher for his criticism of referee Mike Riley.

Liverpool have been informed the FA are analysing Carragher's comments made following the Reds' controversial defeat to Chelsea last weekend.

But Benitez says he's bemused by the suggestion there was anything wrong in his defender's observation.

And he's 100 per cent behind his player for what he describes as an 'honest' assessment of Riley's performance.

"What is wrong with what he said? In my opinion, everyone has seen the penalty claim. When a player has worked hard for 90 minutes and sees this, he is disappointed," said Benitez.

"Carragher is not only a good professional but a very clever player and I don't think he has said anything wrong.

"All the people who watched television can see it was a penalty. Okay, it was a mistake, but in an important game it's difficult to accept when you see these mistakes, especially for a player who's been running so hard for 90 minutes.

"He's been honest and the question for me is how to resolve the problems, not worry about what's been said later. Then the players won't have to say anything."

[lfc-news] Rangers keen to sign Stephane - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 4 Jan 2005
RANGERS KEEN TO SIGN STEPHANE
By Paul Eaton

Glasgow Rangers have joined the race to sign out-of-favour Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz.

Henchoz, who is free to leave Anfield during this month's transfer window, has opened negotiations with the Ibrox club and could be set to follow former Anfield team-mate Gregory Vignal to Ibrox.

Premiership outfit Manchester City are also reported to be interested in the Swiss star who is looking for a new club after failing to establish himself in Rafael Benitez's Anfield plans.

His representative Jorg Vonmatt said: "Rangers is a real option for Stephane and he was very impressed with what Alex McLeish had to say to him about the club.

"Stephane also liked McLeish's ideas on football and he has also spoken with Gregory Vignal about what he could expect if he signed for Rangers.

"Gregory has assured him that the prestige of playing at Liverpool is matched by Rangers and Stephane is very interested in coming to Scotland.

[lfc-news] Benitez tactics have started to pay off - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 4 Jan 2005
Benitez tactics have started to pay off
By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post

LOOKING at Liverpool's half-term report, I'd say that is a positive one too - although not as good as Everton's.

Given the situation and squad he inherited in the summer, Rafael Benitez has had to earn his money so far and at times he has struggled to impose his desired tactics on the team, especially away from home early on.

As the season has progressed however, they have looked better and better, even with the injury problems they have had.

Playing either 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1, which I believe is the Spaniard's favourite formation - they now look capable of giving anybody a game and I believe they will push on for the fourth Champions League position.

My reason for saying this is the way he has got the team playing - aggressively and positively, with the emphasis on pressurising the opposition, with and without the ball.

Liverpool fans will tell you they have grown up watching that kind of style, but under Gerard Houllier, they stopped doing that and Anfield did not like it. Just seeing the players go after their opposite numbers lifts every supporter, especially when Liverpool continue in the same vein when they have the ball, moving it intelligently and purposefully.

One of the reasons they have been able to increase the tempo of their game has been Xabi Alonso, who can't come back quickly enough. The Spaniard looks a class player.

There haven't been as many players performing to their maximum as at Goodison Park, but the ones who have have been nothing short of brilliant.

Obviously one of them is Mr Liverpool - Steven Gerrard - who looks better and better in every game. Jamie Carragher has come into his own at centre back and Milan Baros also looks better than he has before, despite his injuries.

I would also add Benitez himself to the list of stand out performers. Given all the knocks he has had to withstand this season, with Michael Owen leaving, the injuries, the poor decisions, he has kept his focus on what he can control - motivating the players and getting the team to play how he wants.

He will now be turning that focus on to bringing in the players he wants, with Fernando Morientes top of the list. Don't believe any of that nonsense about the new manager in Madrid keeping the striker. It is the chairman who buys and sells players, they're just trying to up the price.

That won't work on Benitez, who projects an air of calm, efficient achievement which I think has transmitted itself to the players already. You only have to look at them to see they believe in what he is doing and where the club is going.

To me, that destination is fourth place in the Premiership and in the Champions League, who knows? As long as no-one under-estimates Leverkusen, then the stage could be set to go on to the final rounds.

[lfc-news] Benitez: Riise has striking future - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 4 Jan 2005
Benitez: Riise has striking future
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA Benitez believes John Arne Riise's long-term future may be as a goalscoring midfielder following his latest crucial strike for Liverpool.

Riise was the matchwinner at Norwich with his third goal over the festive period.

And Benitez revealed he'd urged the Norwegian to improve his strike tally after watching his goalscoring exploits on videos of Liverpool's games of the last two years.

"When I came to Liverpool I watched the videos and read the statistics and saw how Riise scored seven goals in a season by playing as a winger" said Benitez..

"He's strong and powerful and I couldn't see why he didn't score even more goals.

"I told him to hit the target more and try, try, try for more goals. Now he's improving all the time and starting to score more goals. I think he can go and score even more."

Liverpool scrapped their way to a 2-1 win despite a below par performance.

Benitez thinks it was understandable given their workload over Christmas.

"It was difficult in the first half. We played Chelsea in a high tempo game, so it wasn't easy to play again in 48 hours," he said..

"It's true we didn't play well in the first half, but it was better in the second.

"We scored two goals and only at the end of the match did we have a problem.

"It was nervous in the last ten minutes and that's why it's important to keep the ball.

"What's important is we are winning away now and we're nearer the top four. I'm sure we will improve even more. All that matters when you read the papers today is we won and are higher up the table."

Liverpool will now try to finally complete deals for Fernando Morientes, Mauricio Pellegrino and Scott Carson this week.

Benitez is confident reinforcements will arrive soon.

He said: "We have two or three days to work on bringing in new players. We need more experience and more players for different positions.

"We have names and I want to sign good professionals and the best players for us. We are closer, but only when they're signed can I say more.

BENITEZ: WE'RE CLOSE TO A NEW SIGNING

Paul Eaton 4 January 2005
liverpoolfc.tv

Rafael Benitez has revealed he is 'very close' to signing his first new player of 2005.

The Reds' boss is refusing to confirm which player he hopes to bring to Anfield during this month's transfer window, with Fernando Morientes, Nicolas Anelka and Mauricio Pellegrino all being heavily linked with moves to Merseyside.

But the Reds are hoping to make at least one signing to bolster a squad which has been ravaged by injuries since the start of the season.

He said: "We are hopeful of making a signing and we are very close. But it's important that we get the right players as it's not always about signing the best players, but the players you need.

"I don't want to talk about names because it is always easy to talk. I prefer to sign the player and then talk about it afterwards.

"We would like to strengthen and we are working very hard to do so. We are improving all the time and hopefully we can keep moving in that direction.

New news page

Just a quick note to point out we've added a new news (and rumours) page to the anfieldroad.com site.

The links are at the top of this page, or click here to go straight there.

The headlines you see may in some cases be no more than rumours - it's up to you to decide what's true and what's not - here's some of the headlines on there at the moment...

# Hard-fought victory sees Liverpool climb table
The Scotsman Jan 4 2005 2:54PM GMT
# Morientes: I will go to Liverpool
Manchester Online Jan 4 2005 1:17PM GMT
# Pellegrino On His Way Out Of Valencia To Anfield
Football365.com Jan 4 2005 1:16PM GMT
# Liverpool close to signing
SublimeFootball.com Jan 4 2005 1:06PM GMT
# Rangers open talks with Liverpool defender
fansfc.com Jan 4 2005 1:06PM GMT
# Rangers a 'real option' for Liverpool defender
SublimeFootball.com Jan 4 2005 1:06PM GMT
# Pellegrino set for Liverpool move
fansfc.com Jan 4 2005 1:06PM GMT
# Liverpool target free to leave
SublimeFootball.com Jan 4 2005 1:06PM GMT
# Liverpool offer 'very good contract' to Pellegrino
SublimeFootball.com Jan 4 2005 12:59PM GMT
# Hard-fought victory sees Liverpool climb table
Edinburgh Evening News Jan 4 2005 12:49PM GMT
# Valencia chief confirms Liverpool push for Pellegrino
Tribal Football Jan 4 2005 12:43PM GMT
# Agent reveals Rangers talks for Liverpool's Henchoz
Tribal Football Jan 4 2005 12:43PM GMT
# Four horse race for Liverpool Football Club star?
fansfc.com Jan 4 2005 11:55AM GMT
# Pellegrino set for Liverpool move
BBC Jan 4 2005 11:52AM GMT
# Liverpool V Watford Ticket Update
Liverpoolfc.tv Jan 4 2005 11:51AM GMT
# Liverpool V Fulham Ticket News
Liverpoolfc.tv Jan 4 2005 11:51AM GMT
# Pellegrino Set For Liverpool Talks
Goal.com Jan 4 2005 11:29AM GMT
# Pellegrino Set For Liverpool Move
Sporting Life Jan 4 2005 11:17AM GMT
# Liverpool close in on Pellegrino
Guardian Unlimited Jan 4 2005 11:08AM GMT
# Liverpool defender in Glasgow Rangers talks
fansfc.com Jan 4 2005 11:04AM GMT
# Liverpool star accepts Lampard apology
fansfc.com Jan 4 2005 10:59AM GMT
# Pellegrino free for Liverpool
The World Game Jan 4 2005 10:22AM GMT
# Pellegrino To Liverpool?
Football365.com Jan 4 2005 9:44AM GMT
# Pellegrino Linked With Liverpool
Sporting Life Jan 4 2005 8:53AM GMT
# Liverpool defeats Norwich
SLAM! Sports Jan 4 2005 6:33AM GMT
# Liverpool forced to wait for Morientes
Tribal Football Jan 4 2005 4:52AM GMT
# Liverpool down Canaries to keep eye on a Champions League berth
Cape Times Jan 4 2005 4:32AM GMT
# Resurgent Liverpool nail colours to the mast
Sunday Times Jan 4 2005 1:16AM GMT
# Liverpool beats Norwich 2-1; struggling Blackburn and Palace win
SLAM! Sports Jan 4 2005 1:05AM GMT
# Liverpool clip Canaries' wings
Servihoo.com Jan 4 2005 12:54AM GMT

[lfc-news] Norwich report - PA

PA Sport, 3 Jan 2005
Norwich 1 Liverpool 2

Liverpool got their Champions League drive off and running again with a
2-1 win at struggling Norwich.

The Reds needed to bounce straight back from their disappointing 1-0
home defeat by Chelsea on New Year's Day and there was never any real
danger of Rafael Benitez's men losing further ground on the top four
this afternoon.

And after an indifferent first half they found the net twice inside six
minutes after the break with Luis Garcia and John Arne Riise the men on
target.

While Liverpool will now be looking towards the transfer window for the
likes of Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes to spearhead their hopes
of European football, Norwich boss Nigel Worthington will need little
reminding he must strengthen his squad - both at the back and in attack
- if the Canaries are to avoid the drop, despite a late consolation goal
from promising youngster Ryan Jarvis.

Liverpool had been gifted an early opening when home goalkeeper Robert
Green miskicked his clearance up field but Neil Mellor - one of four
changes to the starting line-up - could only fire the ball well wide
from the right, before Riise then had a shot from the edge of the box
charged down.

Norwich again played with just Leon McKenzie in attack but the former
Peterborough marksman was being well marshalled by Sami Hyypia.

The hosts did have a chance, though, when the ball dropped to Gary
Doherty at the far post from a corner after eight minutes but the
centre-back shot wide.

The match was then held up to allow Mattias Jonson treatment to a nasty
gash following a clash of heads with Riise and Norwich were temporarily
down to 10 men while the Sweden winger - just back fit after suffering
concussion - went off down the tunnel to be patched up.

After 20 minutes Steve Finnan checked Darren Huckerby a yard outside the
left edge of the area and the resulting free-kick found Doherty at the
back post but he headed over.

In the 25th minute Steven Gerrard cut inside and flashed a 25-yard drive
only just wide of Green's left-hand post.

As the half-hour approached Norwich failed to clear their lines
following Stephen Warnock's flick into the box and Craig Fleming was a
relieved man when his tame header fell to Riise but was fired wide from
six yards by the Norwegian.

Francis then went into the book for a late, sliding challenge on Hyypia
after he had lost possession in the centre-circle during a promising move.

The Liverpool defender then left Jonson in a heap on the floor after
clattering him from behind, but escaped without punishment from Howard Webb.

Neither side made any changes at half-time and it was Norwich who
started brightly.

In the 52nd minute, Steve Finnan went into the book after tackling
Huckerby to the ground on the left flank. McKenzie got up well to meet
the resulting free-kick into the six-yard box but failed to produce any
power on his header to trouble Jerzy Dudek.

Huckerby then got clear again and his cutback from the byline appeared
to strike Carragher's arm but at such point-blank range a penalty would
have been somewhat harsh.

Then out of nothing, Norwich found themselves behind in the 57th minute
after they lost possession on the edge of the Liverpool area.

Riise's long, cross-field pass over the Norwich defence picked out Luis
Garcia who coolly dispatched a lob over Green and into the net from just
inside the box.

Liverpool then made a change just after the hour, bringing on Florent
Sinama-Pongolle for Mellor, and the switch was to have an instant impact
as it was soon 2-0.

Fleming's clearance from the edge of the box cannoned into the Frenchman
and his shot was well stopped one-handed by Green but the goalkeeper
could do little as Riise followed up to smash the ball in at the far post.

With 12 minutes remaining Worthington threw England Under-19 striker
Jarvis into the action for Francis and he produced a neat finish in the
88th minute, collecting Jonson's flick on to cut inside substitute Djimi
Traore and fire an angled drive past Dudek from 15 yards.

It was nothing more than a consolation for the home side, who will need
to find a cutting edge in the final third if they are to play Liverpool
in the league again next season.

Norwich: Green, Helveg, Doherty, Fleming, Charlton, Jonson, Bentley,
Mulryne (Brennan 67), Francis (Jarvis 78), Huckerby, McKenzie (Crow 67)
Subs not used: Gallacher, Drury
Booked: Bentley, Francis
Goals: Jarvis 88

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise (Traore 82), Nunez
(Hamann 77), Diao, Gerrard, Warnock, Luis Garcia, Mellor (Sinama
Pongolle 61)
Subs not used: Harrison, Raven
Booked: Finnan Hyypia, Warnock
Goals: Luis Garcia 58, Riise 64

Att: 24,503
Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire)

CARRAGHER RELIEF AS REDS TRIUMPH

Jamie Carragher was delighted to leave Carrow Road with all three points
after a 2-1 win over Norwich.

Luis Garcia and John Arne Riise put the visitors in charge before Ryan
Jarvis ensured a nervous finish with a fine late goal.

"It was a tough game, Norwich put us under pressure," admitted
Carragher. "We were disappointed to concede the goal at the end to put
us under pressure.

"It was very important to get the three points."

Carragher hailed Garcia's superb finish for the opening goal and
admitted Liverpool's foreign contingent were feeling the strain of the
busy Christmas and new year period.

"At the time the game could have gone either way and fortunately a bit
of class from Luis has decided it for us," Carragher added on Sky Sports.

"Foreign players can't believe we play four games in nine days so the
important thing was the result not the performance.

"It's the Champions League spot we are after and it was good to get a
result because it puts a bit of pressure on them (teams above us).

"Our performance was very good against Chelsea, one of the best teams in
Europe, and gave us a lot of confidence. We were unfortunate not to get
a result."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez claimed his team were "a little nervous"
in the last 15 minutes when Norwich scored their goal.

He said: "In the first half they played well but we controlled things in
the second half. The game was very tough but we had better possession
and got the two goals. It was a little nervous in the last 10 to 15
minutes."

Benitez claimed he "did not understand" why teams in England play so
many matches over Christmas and New Year.

"We try to use different players but I don't understand why (there are
so many fixtures).

"It is not just me, all the professionals say the same. We have had a
good Christmas though. We are winning more games away, we are more
consistent and we have more confidence," he told Sky Sports Premiership
Plus.

Asked if the club were trying to sign Fernando Morientes from Real
Madrid, Benitez said: "It is a possibility. He says he wants to come here."

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

PA Sport, 2 Jan 2005
SPANISH ACE JOINS REDS INJURED LIST

Xabi Alonso has joined Liverpool's growing injury list and is set for
two months out with a broken ankle.

He misses the trip to Norwich on Monday and it is increasingly unlikely
that striker Milan Baros will be risked at Carrow Road as he battles to
overcome his hamstring problems.

Manager Rafael Benitez is also without Chris Kirkland, Josemi, Vladimir
Smicer, Djibril Cisse and Harry Kewell long term which leaves him with
very few alternatives. Neil Mellor and Antonio Nunez could both come
into the starting line-up.

Norwich manager Nigel Worthington will wait on a late fitness test on
Thomas Helveg, who has been suffering from concussion, before naming his
side.

Marc Edworthy, sent off after just four minutes in the Canaries' last
outing at Portsmouth, is now suspended.

Damien Francis is expected to continue in the side after making a
goalscoring return at Fratton Park after more than a month on the
sidelines with a fractured cheekbone.

Teams

Norwich (from): Green, Drury, Helveg, Jonson, Fleming, Charlton,
McVeigh, Francis, Doherty, Svensson, Mulryne, Huckerby, Bentley,
McKenzie, Brennan, Jarvis, Crow, Gallacher.

Liverpool (from): Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Riise,
Gerrard, Luis Garcia, Hamann, Nunez, Mellor, Sinama-Pongolle, Diao,
Warnock, Biscan, Harrison, Whitbread, Welsh.


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[lfc-news] Benitez bids for rebuilding boost - PA

PA Sport, 2 Jan 2005
BENITEZ BIDS FOR REBUILDING BOOST

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has called on the club's board to free up the money which will allow him to strengthen the squad and increase competition as they make the push to reach the Barclays Premiership top four.

The Spaniard's priority is to secure qualification for next season's Champions League, which will bring in critical revenue to help him rebuild.

Liverpool have been linked with a number of players ahead of the transfer window with Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes top of the list.

However, Benitez may yet have to revise upwards his number of targets after losing Xabi Alonso to a broken ankle in yesterday's undeserved 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

The Anfield injury list is becoming an ever-growing nightmare with Djibril Cisse out for the season, Harry Kewell six weeks and now Xabi Alonso set for two months enforced absence.

Already this season Benitez has seen Antonio Nunez, Chris Kirkland, Vladimir Smicer, Steven Gerrard, Luis Garcia, Neil Mellor and Milan Baros also sidelined for long spells.

As a result he has spelt out the need for new signings.

"If we have new faces all the players think we need to work harder because they want to play," he said.

"If we do that we have a better possibility of being in the top four. That means more money and more possibilities to be successful. It's like a chain.

"We need to know the finances [are there] and try to do the best for the team and club but for us it is important to be in the top four.

"We need to do some things and I am sure the board and chairman have the same idea."

A trip to struggling Norwich would normally have been viewed as a match Liverpool would be expected to win comfortably but an injury-ravaged squad means a trip to Carrow Road suddenly appears more difficult.

The top three in the Premiership are seemingly about to disappear into the distance, which would leave Liverpool fighting it out with local rivals Everton and Middlesbrough for the final fourth Champions League place.

And although the Reds' season is turning into one, long hard luck story they cannot let themselves be affected by it.

They did not deserve to lose against Chelsea and Joe Cole's late deflected winner was a bitter pill to swallow after referee Mike Riley had someone failed to see two blatant penalties in the first half.

That was after the loss of Xabi Alonso to a Frank Lampard tackle which earned him a yellow card.

But in an effort to breathe new life into the side Benitez will look to Spain for re-inforcements and, besides Morientes, Valencia defender Mauricio Pellegrino and Real Zaragoza's David Villa appear to be possible targets.

On Morientes the former Valencia coach said: "The only thing I can say is that we are very happy that a player from Real Madrid says he wants to come to play for us.

"It means we are doing the right things and we are an important club. And an important player wants to come here. That is good also for us.

"Losing Alonso will not change my thinking in the transfer window. We have a lot of midfield players to cover but I must discover who is fit.

"We will be looking for new players now because it is important we have a competitive squad. Our priority is Norwich, but after that we must find the players we need.

"Norwich will be a tough task. We must recover our confidence because we have played well and still lost.

"But after seeing the team play as well as that, I know and they know that we can beat any team in the division.

"We will win more games playing as well as this."

Benitez hoped to have Baros back from his hamstring injury for the trip to Norwich but that now appears to be doubtful.

[lfc-news] Chelsea report - PA

PA Sport, 1 Jan 2005
Liverpool 0 Chelsea 1

Chelsea celebrated in front of their fans at Anfield as if they had already won the championship. It may be a few months away yet but after their fourth straight league victory they will take some stopping now.

Joe Cole, who came on to score a crucial goal in the victory at Portsmouth on Tuesday, did so again today with a blistering drive from the edge of the box with 10 minutes left.

Liverpool gave everything, none more so than the tireless Steven Gerrard, and they could have had two first-half penalties when Tiago handled and Claude Makelele fouled Florent Sinama-Pongolle.

Their woes got even worse with the news that Xabi Alonso had broken an ankle following a foul by Frank Lampard that cost the Chelsea man a yellow card.

But the difference was that threadbare Liverpool, hampered by injuries, had nothing on the bench to change the game while Chelsea were able to bring on a trio of internationals to turn the game their way.

Liverpool, without Milan Baros and Harry Kewell, opted to leave the youngsters on the bench and play the senior men against the Barclays Premiership leaders.

Out went Stephen Warnock and Neil Mellor to allow Dietmar Hamann and Djimi Traore back into the side, with just Florent Sinama-Pongolle up front and Steven Gerrard playing an advanced role.

Chelsea, having spent £200million plus in two seasons, found little sympathy around Anfield following boss Jose Mourinho's complaints that he only has 17 fit players for this showdown. The former Porto chief was still able to replace Didier Drogba with Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Sinama-Pongolle's pace troubled William Gallas while Gerrard found Claude Makelele detailed to police him. And it was very much cat and mouse early on with Chelsea defending with composure and strength.

But Liverpool should have gone ahead when Traore exchanged first time passes with Sinama-Pongolle, the Frenchman arriving in the box to drill a low shot from 12 yards that Petr Cech had to block with his legs.

Chelsea response was high quality. Tiago's ball into space allowed Arjen Robben to spring the offside trap and drive into the box before shifting the ball to his left foot and giving Jerzy Dudek the opportunity to turn away the effort for a corner.

Chelsea showed they could dish out the tough stuff and Glen Johnson got away with a warning from referee Mike Riley for a foul on John Arne Riise early on but when Frank Lampard clattered into Alonso, he was cautioned.

The after effects of Lampard's challenge on Alonso meant that the Spanish midfielder was forced to hobble off on 27 minutes with what was soon diagnosed as a broken ankle.

Antonio Nunez took over but that caused a Liverpool reshuffle with Gerrard dropping back into midfield and Luis Garcia moving forward to support Sinama-Pongolle.

Chelsea had also swapped their wingers, with Robben on the left flank and Damien Duff on the right. The cause of Alonso's departure was not lost on the Kop and they roundly abused Lampard from then on.

On 38 minutes, Liverpool were convinced they were denied a penalty. It looked as if Tiago's hand had knocked away a Gerrard cross but referee Riley ignored immediate appeals and then had to calm collective Liverpool fury at the next stoppage of play.

Sinama-Pongolle went down under a challenge from Makelele amid more appeals for a penalty. Referee Riley actually awarded a free-kick to Chelsea although TV replays later showed it should have been a Liverpool penalty.

Luis Garcia was booked two minutes into the second period for a foul on Makelele, and two minutes later Duff got away from Carragher on the left before firing over a low cross that Gudjohnsen just failed to connect with in front of an open goal.

But the loss of Alonso had taken the creative spark from Liverpool and Chelsea were slowly taking over with some neat inter-passing as the second period wore on.

But Gerrard was still leading by example and he caught Johnson in possession and cut into the box to set up Luis Garcia but the little midfielder drove over from 16 yards.

Drogba took over from Gudjohnsen on 61 minutes and was flattened by Gerrard within seconds, referee Riley having to calm a mass of jostling players in the wake of the incident.

Joe Cole replaced Duff on 76 minutes and Chelsea were getting far greater possession as Liverpool tired and started to give the ball away too often for comfort.

When Robben fired over an 80th minute corner, Johnson nodded it back and Cole - unmarked on the edge of the box - fired in a low drive that looked to clip Carragher before flashing into the net.

On 83 minutes, Robben was replaced by Mateja Kezman, the third top-class substitute Chelsea had been able to introduce in the second period - the obvious difference between the sides.

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Traore, Luis Garcia,
Gerrard, Hamann, Alonso (Nunez 27), Riise, Sinama Pongolle (Mellor 86)
Subs not used: Harrison, Warnock, Diao
Booked: Luis Garcia, Hamann

Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Terry, Gallas, Johnson, Tiago, Lampard,
Makalele, Duff (Cole 76), Robben (Kezman 83), Gudjohnsen (Drogba 61)
Subs not used: Cudicini, Geremi
Booked: Johnson, Lampard
Goals: Cole 80

Att: 43,886
Referee: M Riley (W Yorkshire)

MOURINHO SALUTES MEAN BLUES DEFENCE

Jose Mourinho claimed his Chelsea had "the luck of champions" as his Barclays Premiership leaders escaped from Anfield with a 1-0 victory the Stamford Bridge chief accepted they did not deserve.

And the former Porto manager entered 2005 taunting Arsenal and Manchester United that they will have to "play very, very well to catch us now".

But, while Chelsea had every piece of luck going, Liverpool had none. They were denied two decent penalty appeals and then their woe was compounded by a broken right ankle for Xabi Alonso which will rule him out for six weeks.

With Djibril Cisse out for the season, Milan Baros now unlikely to play at Norwich on Monday and Harry Kewell sidelined for a month, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was right when he bemoaned the club's luck.

He claimed: "We are losing an important player now seemingly every week. Maybe we need 30 players in our squad to cope."

Chelsea had been forced back in the first half and Liverpool should have scored when Djimi Traore was played clear in the box by Florent Sinama-Pongolle.

But the loss of playmaker Xabi Alonso to what looked a nasty challenge that earned Frank Lampard a deserved booking, was the turning point.

Alonso's departure destroyed Liverpool's system, forced Steven Gerrard - who outplayed Lampard all game - back deep into midfield and left the Anfield side with a weakened front line.

It got worse though for Benitez's team. Somehow referee Mike Riley missed a clear handball by Tiago in the box and also failed to punish a push on Sinama-Pongolle by Claude Makelele.

Liverpool were furious and once the second period started they had lost their momentum.

Their anger continued into the tunnel at half-time when Jamie Carragher confronted the official, clearly heard on a TV microphone.

Liverpool still threatened after the break, through Gerrard and twice from Luis Garcia but Chelsea, superbly marshalled by John Terry, weathered the storm.

The Blues were able to introduce top internationals from the bench and then scamper to victory thanks to a 20-yard deflected drive from Joe Cole which broke Liverpool's collective will.

Mourinho was honest at the end to say: "We were very fortunate, my players had to fight to earn the luck we had.

"There were fantastic individual defensive performances.

"But Liverpool were as good, they had the same spirit and fight as us and they did not have any of the luck we had.

"If I was Rafael Benitez I would be very disappointed not to have got a draw from the game, that would have been a fair result.

"For a period in the first half we were forced back and we lost the emotional control with such a fantastic crowd behind them.

"I feel sorry for Liverpool and their players - we have not had a harder match than this in the league this season.

"But sometimes you have the luck of champions, and that is what we had in this game.

"What we have shown is that Arsenal and Manchester United will have to fight very well and play well to catch us now, it will be difficult for them."

Benitez fumed at the end: "The result was unfair - we played very well in the first half and controlled the game.

"Two things changed the game, first the injury to Xabi Alonso and then the decision not to award us a penalty for the handball by Tiago.

"I have not talked to the referee, I do not like to do that. But after seeing the TV replays there is no doubt in my mind.

"Losing Alonso meant we had to change several players' positions, from then on their goalkeeper was the best player. Only near the end did they have clear opportunities.

"We have lost Xabi for five or six weeks. It seems that we lose an important player every week, it is very difficult.

"I have not seen the tackle yet, I will want to see it on video.

"But you all know better than me how you play in England, you need to understand and to learn from it."

Benitez was clearly unwilling to point the finger at Lampard, but the Kop had no reservations and abused him for the rest of the game.

Liverpool are now 18 points behind Chelsea and intent on grabbing a top-four spot as their only possible spoils from the season.

It means he will have to shop well in the transfer window and any chances of Igor Biscan being allowed to leave this month have evaporated now with Xabi Alonso out.