[lfc-news] Stevie G's delight as fifth 'Benitle' enters town - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 14 Jan 2005
Stevie G's delight as fifth 'Benitle' enters town
Exclusive by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

STEVEN GERRARD wasted no time weighing up the pros and cons of Fernando
Morientes earning an instant call-up to face Manchester United tomorrow.

"I would play him. Definitely," said the Liverpool skipper, who admits
he's 'buzzing' at the news Morientes has finally arrived at Anfield.

"I was so worried about something going wrong at the last minute. I
didn't want to answer my phone yesterday morning," confessed Gerrard.

"All I wanted to hear was it was done and dusted."

Like all Liverpool fans, Gerrard hasn't disguised his wish to see more
world-class players don the red shirt.

And Morientes fits the bill perfectly as the sort of purchase he thinks
the club must attract to challenge for top honours.

"It's exactly the kind of signing we need. If you ask any of the fans
about the calibre of player they want us to be bringing to the club, he
would be it," said Gerrard. "I feel the same way.

"You know you're not taking a risk when you bring in a player like that.
I just hope after all the success he's had and trophies he's won he's as
hungry to do the same for us.

"It's good from a symbolic point of view that we've signed someone who's
so renowned as a world class player. These are the kind of signings the
fans want at Liverpool and the players want in the side alongside them."

There's more to Morientes than simply his reputation, of course.

Benitez made a target man a top priority the day he walked into Anfield,
before Michael Owen was sold and Djibril Cisse broke his leg.

Privately, the Liverpool boss has even conceded Emile Heskey may have
been released prematurely. Not because he particularly rated Heskey, but
because he offered something which no other strikers at the club can -
the ability to use his height, strength and power to hold up the ball.

Morientes will provide this as well as goals, and Gerrard believes these
characteristics should add a new dimension to Liverpool's play in the
New Year.

"We've been missing a lot of strikers because of injuries and we've been
short of firepower. He'll give us that.

"Because he plays in a different way to the other forwards, he's going
to give us an option we haven't had this season. I know a lot of people
will be talking about Morientes and Milan Baros as a pair, but I think
he'll give all the strikers a lift. I'm sure you will see all the
strikers benefiting from having him alongside them.

"I've never played against him, but I know enough about his record and
seen him on television to know he's a great player. You can see he's
going to be a handful for any defence he plays against.

"I don't think anyone can question his quality when you look at his
goalscoring record at the highest level, especially in the Champions
League last season."

Benitez will decide after training today if the 'fifth Benitle', as he's
been dubbed in Spain, is ready for the cut and thrust of a clash with
United.

Gerrard thinks players and fans could get a psychological lift from his
presence.

"It's up to the manager whether he plays against or not, but I'm sure if
you asked the fans, they would like to see him in straight away," said
Gerrard..

"If it was up to me I'd like to see him as soon as possible, but the
manager will know if he's ready.

"I'm sure Manchester United won't relish him making a debut against them
because it's the sort of occasion which is made for the top players."

Away from the sub-plot of a Morientes debut, there's the small matter of
Liverpool getting closer to the top three than they've been since August.

The gap between United and Liverpool is currently seven points. A home
win tomorrow would have the Reds breathing down the necks of their most
bitter rivals.

"As far as I'm concerned, Liverpool versus Manchester United is still
the biggest game of the season," insists Gerrard.

"We're the two most successful clubs there's ever been in this country
and when we meet there's a history which isn't there in other fixtures.

"It's the first game we look for and I'm sure the United lads feel the
same way. The city buzzes when this game comes along. "The games between
us have been a bit strange recently. We've had some great results, but
they've beaten us the last two games at Anfield.

"I think they're in a similar position to us in that they know they have
to get it together to challenge the top two.

"We've got to give the same performance as we have against all the top
clubs at Anfield this season. I thought we were excellent at home to
Arsenal, Newcastle and Chelsea. If we can play the same way, I'm
confident we can get the right result.

"We're going to have to play a lot better than we did against Watford,
that's for sure. As I said after the game the other night, with all due
respect to them, it's a lot easier for all the lads to get up against
United than it is for Watford."


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[lfc-news] Liverpool v Man Utd team news - PA

PA Sport, 14 Jan 2005
MORIENTES PRIMED TO FACE UNITED

Fernando Morientes is expected to make his Liverpool debut in the home
Barclays Premiership clash with Manchester United, while fellow La Liga
import Mauricio Pellegrino is also in line for his first taste of action
since his move from Valencia.

Pellegrino, who has been short of full match action all season, took
part in a practice game against a Crewe side on Wednesday, and scored
with a long-range free-kick with manager Rafael Benitez wanting to judge
his match fitness.

Centre-back Sami Hyypia has recovered from flu and will also return
after being sidelined for the midweek Carling Cup semi-final first leg
win over Watford.

Steve Finnan has picked up a hamstring injury and will undergo a late
fitness test.

Manchester United's Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand face late fitness tests.

Giggs has missed the last two games since limping out of the goalless
draw with Tottenham with a hamstring injury while Ferdinand has also
missed the last two matches.

Gary Neville will not be considered despite returning to training
following his recent virus so Sir Alex Ferguson's main selection
decision will centre around whether he retains Tim Howard or recalls Roy
Carroll, who has not played since his blunder against Spurs.

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

Manchester United (from): Carroll, Howard, P Neville, Silvestre,
Ferdinand, O'Shea, Heinze, Fortune, Ronaldo, Keane, Scholes, Giggs,
Djemba-Djemba, Smith, Saha, Rooney.


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[lfc-news] Morientes: "I can't wait to face United" - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 14 Jan 2005
'I can't wait to face United'
Exclusive by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

FERNANDO MORIENTES completed his first training session as a Liverpool
player today and proclaimed: "I can't wait to face Manchester United."

The £6.3m signing from Real Madrid, who has been handed the number 19
shirt, is available after receiving his international clearance last night.

After completing his three-and-a-half year Anfield deal, he declared: "I
can't wait to get started."

Speaking through an interpreter at Melwood he said: "When the offer came
in I talked it over with my family and I had always been attracted to
English football - especially to a club like Liverpool which has had so
many great players and where there is a great history.

"Rafa Benitez knows me well. When I spoke to him he impressed me with
his explanation about how the club works.

"And of course I know there are a lot of Spanish players here so it's
all come together for me.

"Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs there are."

Morientes, who says he likes to be know as 'Nando', said he was
particularly looking forward to forming a lethal strike partnership with
Milan Baros.

He added: "I can't wait to see how well we gel together. Milan is a
great player who I think will be very adaptable to my qualities.

"I'm sure we will work very well as a partnership and I am very excited
about joining him in the attack.

"He was great in Euro 2004 and I am very confident we will work well
together.

"Ever since I started playing I have been the target man and I am used
to putting opponents under pressure, making runs which help my
team-mates and playing with my back to goal.

"I have seen a lot of Liverpool games because of the English Premiership
getting a lot of coverage in Spain. And I know Liverpool have had a lot
of bad luck with injuries, which is why they have brought in players in
the transfer window."

Morientes also added he had spoken to Michael Owen about life at Anfield
before making the move.

He added: "The problem is Michael Owen doesn't speak Spanish and I don't
speak English.

"But he gave me good advice about what Liverpool is like and the kind of
facilities at the club.

"He told me I would have no problems settling into English football."

Meanwhile, contrary to reports, Liverpool have not given Real Madrid
first option on signing Steven Gerrard as part of the Morientes deal.

Madrid persistently asked for a written clause clearing the way for a
summer transfer but chief executive Rick Parry steadfastly refused.

The only assurance Madrid were given was to be kept informed if Gerrard
ever decides he wants to leave Anfield.

Since the Reds have no wish to sell their skipper and Gerrard has not
revealed any intention of joining Real, the so-called 'verbal agreement'
is not worth the paper it isn't printed on.

* Rafa Benitez may be forced into a defensive reshuffle due to a
hamstring injury to Steve Finnan.

Finnan was undergoing a late fitness test today.


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[lfc-news] Mancunian Mellor fired up for United clash - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 14 Jan 2005
MANCUNIAN MELLOR FIRED UP FOR UNITED CLASH
By Mark Platt

Neil Mellor would love nothing better than to score in a Liverpool
victory over Manchester United at Anfield tomorrow.
The young striker may have lived most of his life in Manchester but his
dislike for United is as strong as that of any Scouser in the Reds squad.

A boyhood Manchester City fan, Mellor harbours the same anti-Old
Trafford feelings as the majority of fans who will pack Anfield for the
eagerly anticipated visit of Alex Ferguson's team.

And while he admits that the arrival of Fernando Morientes has cast
doubts over whether he'll actually play against United, he's raring to
go if given the nod.

"Everybody wants to play in this type of game but we'll have to see what
the gaffer decides to do on Saturday," says the striker who once scored
three against the Red Devils on his debut for Liverpool under-17s.

"I don't need telling what it means to beat United. I was brought up a
City fan and I've lived in Manchester since I was five years old, so it
would be a great honour if I could play against United. I've been around
the whole United and City thing since I was really young. It would be
great to beat them."

"People around here don't need to get fired up to play United. They all
know. From the under-10s all the way up to the first team, everybody
wants to play against them and to beat them.

"The lads are all looking forward to the game. They've been talking
about it on the training ground.

"United at home is a massive game in our season. The Kop, the fans, the
players, the staff, everybody will be up for it on Saturday lunchtime.

"United are always going to be up there challenging. We know that, and
we want to beat them so we can finish above them."


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[lfc-news] AcademY: Owens refuses to look past Spurs - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 14 Jan 2005
Owens refuses to look past Spurs
Academy Football with Chris Wright, Daily Post

IF any extra incentive were needed by Liverpool's youngsters to win next
Wednesday's FA Youth Cup fourth round clash with Tottenham Hotspur it
came after the draw for the fifth round offered the chance of a
Merseyside derby.

Liverpool were drawn at home for the third round in a row and if they
can over-come Spurs at Anfield next week and Everton win at Yeovil it
will set up an Anfield derby showdown next month.

Coach John Owens said: "It is an interesting draw, and it would be great
if both teams could get through. But the problem is you don't want the
players to get too excited and look too far ahead. As ever you need to
take one game at a time."

After four weeks off for Christmas the U18s will have been without a
competitive game for almost six weeks when they face Spurs next Wednesday.

Last Saturday's cancellation of the derby match with Everton at Kirkby
due the high winds was a blow as Owens's side are inactive tomorrow as
it is their turn for a free week due the odd number of teams who make up
the north west section of the Academy League.

Owens's squad did manage to get some match practice on Wednesday.
Liverpool faced Crewe, and made six changes at the break before
eventually losing 3-0.

Owens was just glad to get some match action after the long break. He
said: "It was good practice and a good work-out. We will have a game
among ourselves on Saturday - a full 11-a-side against the under-16s and
then we will look forward to Spurs."

Meanwhile defender Jordan Holmes has been named in the John Peacock's
18-man England under-17s squad for the four-team Algarve Tournament.

England take on hosts Portugal as well as France and Norway in the
mini-tournament, which starts on January 25.


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[lfc-news] Both clubs say a final no to joint stadium - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 11 Jan 2005
Both clubs say a final no to joint stadium
Exclusive by Andy Kelly Chief Reporter

ANY lingering hopes that Liverpool and Everton football clubs will share
a stadium on Merseyside are now over.

The Daily Post can reveal that both have sent official notification that
they have rejected the idea to the Government, Liverpool council and the
North West Development Agency.

Walton MP Peter Kilfoyle, who brokered talks between the clubs and
Sports Minister Richard Caborn in December, confirmed last night a
shared stadium would not happen.

He said: "It is dead. The bottom line has always been that Everton did
not have the money to buy into a joint stadium.

"There was no mechanism to enable them to do it using public money and
it has always been a case of Everton trying to find £60-£65m.

"I don't think either of the two clubs at board level were ultimately
supportive of it either.

"One or two individuals on either side were in favour but it was not
enough because most were hostile."

It is understood that the boards of both clubs considered the matter at
the end of last week.

A spokesman for Liverpool City Council said last night: "It is
disappointing that both sides have been unable to reach agreement on a
joint stadium.

"However, the existing plan for a new Anfield is part of a major
regeneration of the Anfield and Breckfield area and we fully intend to
help deliver that because of the economic benefits it will bring to an
area which badly needs them.

"Of course we will also do everything we can to help Everton find a 21st
century stadium for the club and its fans."

Sources confirmed that rejections from both clubs had been sent to the
public sector agencies who had been trying to negotiate a shared ground
on Stanley Park.

A senior public source said: "There was a meeting just before Christmas
where the pros and cons were discussed by all parties. The boards of
both clubs met at the end of last week, Liverpool certainly with a
proper full board meeting at Anfield.

"Both clubs have now decided not to proceed and rejections have been
sent to all the agencies. The dream is dead, long live the dream."

Liverpool will now hope to proceed with the 60,000-seat stadium on
Stanley Park alone, although potential costs of up to £130m remain
prohibitive.

Everton too appeared to be looking to the future last night.

Chief executive Keith Wyness said: "If there is not to be a joint
stadium, it is good to think that in the future the city of Liverpool
would continue to represent a major centre of footballing excellence,
one that would boast two world-class facilities.

"We've said all along we had three options, a shared stadium, the
redevelopment of Goodison and a stand alone stadium of our own."

News of the final nail going into the joint stadium coffin will come as
some relief to fans of both clubs, who have generally been against such
a move.

Les Lawson, secretary of the Official LFC Supporters' Club,, said: "This
was never going to be feasible.

"Both clubs are quite happy with their separate identities and prefer to
stay that way. "There were too many imponderables."

It was a similar reaction on the Blue half of Merseyside.

Mike Crofton, head of the Birkenhead branch of the Everton Supporters'
Club,, said: "This news will be welcomed without a doubt.

"I think nearly all the people in our branch were against it, just as I
think most Liverpool fans were. We understand why the idea was raised
but the fans want their own identity."


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[lfc-news] Reds won't rush for cover - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 11 Jan 2005
Reds won't rush for cover
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL will not be rushing to sign a goalkeeper as cover for Jerzy
Dudek, the Reds confirmed today.

Rafael Benitez sends his only fit and experienced goalkeeper out at
Anfield tonight for the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against
Watford, with local youngster Paul Harrison on the bench.

But, with Harrison yet to start a senior game and Chris Kirkland ruled
out for at least three months after back surgery, the Reds' boss insists
there is no urgency to bring in a new keeper.

Benitez, who will select Dudek for his sixth successive appearance
tonight since losing his place to Kirkland earlier in the season, said:
"We are not in a hurry to sign a new goalkeeper."

"We need to wait and see the market and see the options available to us."

Youngster Paul Harrison has been on the bench for the last five games
and Benitez is happy to continue with him as back-up.

Should Dudek get injured it is likely Liverpool would then make a move
to get on-loan cover, as they did last season with Paul Jones, who is
tonight back at Anfield with Watford.

Real Madrid veteran Cesar has made a public plea to join Liverpool, but
the Reds are unlikely to react to his 'come and get me' message.

Despite reports, they have made no offer to sign him. His name was
mentioned in initial talks regarding striker Fernando Morientes, but was
quickly dismissed as a potential makeweight.

The Reds were in talks with Madrid again today and were optimistic a
deal could be reached for Morientes. Boss Benitez wants a decision quickly.

"If we can do it in a few days we will, if not we will look for another
player," he declared.

"But I am always an optimist and hopefully in a few days, maybe even a
few hours, we will know things."

Benitez refused to be drawn on alternatives should the Morientes move
collapse.

Milan Baros and Neil Mellor are expected to start up front tonight, with
Benitez naming a strong starting line-up for the visit of the
Championship side (kick-off 8pm). Sami Hyypia, though is out with a flu
virus.

* Liverpool and Everton will decide upon the dates for their FA Cup
fourth round ties, should Liverpool beat Burnley next week, after
television have selected their matches for coverage.

If neither Everton v Sunderland nor the potential Liverpool v
Bournemouth clash are selected for screening, both clubs would be due to
play on Saturday, January 29.

The police would insist that one club switches to the Sunday.


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[lfc-news] Blues and Reds battle for Carson - PA

PA Sport, 12 Jan 2005
BLUES AND REDS BATTLE FOR CARSON

Premiership heavyweights Chelsea and Liverpool are to slug it out for
the services of Leeds goalkeeper Scott Carson.

Officials from both clubs are to meet with Leeds over the next 48 hours
to discuss the prospect of signing the England Under-21 international,
who is likely to leave Elland Road for a fee of around £1million.

The 19-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, was left bitterly
disappointed by the offer from Leeds of a new two-and-a-half-year deal
last month, believing the club had every intention of selling him.

That was immediately rejected and Leeds now look certain to cash in on
one of their few remaining assets, with a conclusion likely to be
reached by the end of the week.

The Championship club recently turned down a bid of £250,000 from
Liverpool who are keen to sign Carson, with manager Rafael Benitez a
known admirer, particularly with Chris Kirkland out for the rest of the
season after undergoing back surgery last week.

The question is how much the Reds have left in their kitty following the
capture of defender Mauricio Pellegrino from Valencia last week and with
Benitez poised to sign Fernando Morientes from Real Madrid.

Carson is understood to prefer a move to Anfield as it is closer to his
family home in Cumbria but he may find it difficult to resist the
financial lure of Chelsea, who finally entered the bidding on Tuesday.

It is understood Jose Mourinho is prepared to offload Carlo Cudicini,
either during the current transfer window or in the summer, allowing
Carson to become understudy to Petr Cech.

Either move would represent a remarkable one for Carson, who only has
two first-team appearances under his belt, albeit distinguishing himself
against Manchester United and Chelsea last season.

But the money is crucial to Leeds' survival as the threat of
administration hangs over the club before the end of this season if they
are unable to find a new buyer, although it is hoped talks with
Sebastien Sainsbury will progress over the next few days.


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[lfc-news] Fernando such a fast starter - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 13 Jan 2005
Fernando such a fast starter

FERNANDO MORIENTES has a habit of making an instant impression.

In his first season at Real Madrid he hit 12 league goals and four in
Europe to help Real lift the Champions League. On his debut for Spain he
netted twice in the first five minutes against Sweden.

Morientes was snapped up by Madrid from Real Zaragoza after scoring 28
goals in 66 league matches.

A technically gifted striker, who turns 29 in April, he began his career
with Albacete in 1993. After two seasons Zaragoza came calling and
Morientes was on his way to becoming one of Spain's top goal scorers.

A haul of 23 strikes in 36 appearances at international level backs up
his credentials.

Morientes won a total of three Champions League winners medals with
Madrid, plus a brace of La Liga titles and Spanish Super Cup honours.

Fierce competition for places at the Bernabeu from the likes of Ronaldo
and Raul saw him loaned out to Monaco last term.

Again he wasted no time winning over the fans. He was top scorer in the
Champions League last season, powering the French club to the final and
reinforcing claims he is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe.

However, this season at Madrid has been a struggle. Michael Owen's
arrival saw him slip down the pecking order and Morientes netted just
once in 18 appearances.

A new challenge awaits.


Fernando Morientes factfile

1976: Born April 5, Caceres, Spain

1993: Debut for Albacete

1995: Moved to Real Zaragoza, where he scored 30 goals in two seasons

1997: Transferred to Real Madrid March

1998: Scores twice in the first five minutes of his senior international
debut against Sweden

May 20: Plays in 1-0 Champions League final victory over Juventus in
Amsterdam.

June: Scores two goals for Spain in the World Cup in France

May 2000: Scores the opening goal as Real win the Champions League again
with a 3-0 victory over Valencia in Paris, but left out of Spain's Euro
2000 squad

2001: Wins first Primera Liga title with Real

May 2002: Plays in the Champions League final 2-1 victory over Bayer
Leverkusen

June: Scores four times for Spain in the World Cup in Japan and Korea

June 2003: Wins second Primera Liga title with Real

August 31: Agrees season-long loan with Monaco

May 2004: Loses Champions League final 3-0 to Porto but finishes the
competition's leading scorer with nine goals

June: Scores in the 1-1 draw with eventual Euro 2004 winners Greece -
one of only two goals managed by Spain before their early exit from the
European Championships in Portugal

January 12, 2005: Madrid accept £6.3million offer from Liverpool for
Morientes.


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[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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[lfc-news] Raven's earning rave reviews - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 10 Jan 2005
Raven's earning rave reviews
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

FLORENT SINAMA PONGOLLE'S winning penalty was responsible for taking
Liverpool into tomorrow's Carling Cup semi-final. But, for many, the
most enduring image of the last round came much sooner.

With the tie poised at 0-0, Tottenham's Jermain Defoe raced beyond
Liverpool's back four and had only Jerzy Dudek to beat.

As the prolific striker was about to pull the trigger, the ball was
nudged away from him with the kind of impeccably timed sliding challenge
Mark Lawrenson would have been proud of.

The fact that Liverpool's David Raven had caught one of the fastest
forwards in the Premiership was impressive enough, but the composure he
showed when he got there suggested the Academy has unearthed another gem.

Raven's performance at White Hart Lane was the most impressive debut by
an Anfield right back since Rob Jones burst onto the scene in the early
1990s.

The teenager has waited patiently for his second game for Liverpool
since then, and was cruelly denied another opportunity at Burnley on
Friday. But the visit of Watford could give Anfield regulars their first
chance to see Raven in action.

"It was a disappointment for all of us the game was called off on
Friday," said the 19-year-old.

"We were already in the dressing room and prepared for the match. Maybe
there are mixed feelings for a lot of us because if we had played and
been tired afterwards, there's a chance we wouldn't be considered for
the Watford game.

"But there's no guarantee we'll be playing just because the Burnley
match was postponed. I'm not sure what the gaffer is going to do on
Tuesday yet.

"He could be thinking the home leg is a good chance for us to secure the
tie and so he may play all the senior players. We have to respect
whatever decision he makes, but obviously we all want to play in such a
big game, especially at Anfield.

"In the back of our minds we are all thinking about the possibility of
going to Cardiff, but we're all realistic about it, too. If we were to
get through to the final, we'll be playing either Chelsea or Manchester
United, and it would be very surprising if the manager didn't use the
first team in that situation.

"We just hope the better we play when we get our chance, the more
opportunities we'll get.

"The manager has shown throughout the season he's prepared to use the
young players. Stephen Warnock and Neil Mellor have shown that."

Benitez faces a choice between romanticism and realism as his side is
one convincing win away from Cardiff.

But even if he does elect to use his big guns, such as Sami Hyypia,
Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, there are those who believe Raven
isn't far away from establishing himself as a regular in such company,
anyway.

With Josemi injured and struggling to settle to the demands of English
football, it's taken a rich vein of form from Steve Finnan to keep Raven
on the sidelines.

Raven has represented England since he was 14, captaining his country at
Under-20 level as recently as last November.

A new two-and-a-half year contract was the strong-est indication of all
Benitez sees potential in the Wirral teenager, who admits he was unsure
of his future before the Spanish coach arrived.

"I started my career at Tranmere and was there until I was 14," says
Raven. "But then Liverpool ' s scouts approached me and told me the club
was interested and it was an opportunity I couldn't turn down.

"I've been here for five years now. Most of the time I played
centre-half, but as I've got older I've settled as a right back.

"Hugh McAuley and the manager spoke to me earlier in the season and told
me that's where they see my future.

"Before the gaffer arrived I wasn't sure what was going to happen
because my contract was up at the end of this season, but after a few
weeks he told me he would be keeping me.

"He's been really encouraging, not just to me, but to all the young lads
here.

"I'm not just going to go through the motions while I'm here and settle
for playing in the reserves. I want to force myself into the first team
on a regular basis and, like any player, I've got confidence in my
ability to do that."

Despite being named Liverpool's man of the match in the last round,
Raven modestly described his performance at Spurs as 'steady'.

"To be honest, I didn't think I did anything outstanding," he said. "I
just wanted to go in there and keep it as simple as possible and play my
normal game.

"I like to get tackles in, make sure I don't give the ball away and get
up and down the line as much as possible, and that's what I did on the
night.

"I remember the tackle on Defoe, but when I was making it I didn't
realise it was him. I was just trying to catch a player and I didn't
think I was going to get there.

"Then I heard the big cheer from our fans so I knew I had won the ball."

Thirty minutes later, the youngsters were celebrating in front of those
same fans, with Raven earning more plaudits than any from neutrals who
had never heard of, let alone seen, many of the players selected on the
night.

A chance to repeat the performance beckons tomorrow, although the
19-year-old hopes it's a more fulfilling experience than his last
Anfield outing.

"I've only ever played at Anfield in the FA Youth Cup," he recalled.
"Last time, we lost to Barnsley. Hopefully, it will be different on
Tuesday."


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[lfc-news] Morientes: Anfield here I come - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 12 Jan 2005
Anfield here I come - Morientes
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

FERNANDO MORIENTES was flying into Liverpool today to sign for the Reds
- facing a race against time to be given a weekend debut against
Manchester United.

Liverpool and Real Madrid both confirmed today they had finally reached
a transfer agreement.

The 28-year-old Real Madrid strikerwas boarding a plane in Spain today
to prepare for a medical before putting pen to paper on the £6.3m
Anfield move.

That will probably take place tomorrow, giving the Reds less than 24
hours to register him with the FA and allow him to feature in
Liverpool's lunchtime clash on Saturday.

Madrid said in a statement today: "Real Madrid and Liverpool have
reached an agreement for the transfer of Fernando Morientes for a total
price of 9million euros (£6.3million).

"This afternoon the player will travel to Liverpool to undergo a medical
that he will have to take tomorrow morning.

"The club has also confirmed today that Fernando Morientes, accompanied
by (vice-president) Emilio Butragueno and (sporting director) Arrigo
Sacchi will hold a press conference to announce his departure to the
Premier League."

Morientes' agent Gines Carvajal said: "The player has signed a four and
a half year contract and he is delighted to be joining as great a club
as Liverpool."

Liverpool confirmed: "A fee has been agreed with Real Madrid for the
transfer of striker.

"Personal terms must now be agreed and a medical arranged before the
deal is completed."

At a press conference today at Real's Las Rozas training ground,
Morientes spoke of his delight, and admitted he would relish the chance
to make his debut for the Reds against United.

"Going to Liverpool was a decision my family and I thought about a lot,"
said Morientes.

"I had several offers but the best for me and my family was Liverpool's.
"Now all I can do is hope that the medical goes well and I am registered
in time to play on Saturday.

"You can't ask for more than a debut against Manchester United."

Morientes revealed he had turned down a late offer from French champions
Lyon to move to the Barclays Premiership.

Boss Rafa Benitez indicated last night that he wanted Morientes to play
against United.

"I am not sure how the registration works in England," he said "but we
are hopeful that he can be ready for the weekend. We will use the player
as soon as possible."

Transfers cannot be concluded subject to medical any longer, so
Liverpool will have to complete the medical examination of the player
before the deal is finalised.


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[lfc-news] TEAM: Liverpool

---------------------- Tsunami Earthquake Appeal -----------------------
Donate online at http://www.dec.org.uk/ or call 0870 60 60 900
You can help - Every penny counts!
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Results and fixtures

Date Comp Opposition Result Attend
----------------------------------------------------------------------
14/08/04 PREM Tottenham Hotspur Away D 1-1 35,105

21/08/04 PREM Manchester City Home W 2-1 42,831

29/08/04 PREM Bolton Wanderers Away L 0-1 27,880

11/09/04 PREM West Bromwich Albion Home W 3-0 42,947

20/09/04 PREM Manchester United Away L 1-2 67,857

25/09/04 PREM Norwich City Home W 3-0 43,152

03/10/04 PREM Chelsea Away L 0-1 42,028

16/10/04 PREM Fulham Away W 4-2 21,884

23/10/04 PREM Charlton Athletic Home W 2-0 41,625

26/10/04 LC Millwall Away W 3-0 17,655

30/10/04 PREM Blackburn Rovers Away D 2-2 26,314

06/11/04 PREM Birmingham City Home L 0-1 42,669

10/11/04 LC Middlesbrough Home W 2-0 28,176

13/11/04 PREM Crystal Palace Home W 3-2 42,862

20/11/04 PREM Middlesbrough Away L 0-2 34,751

28/11/04 PREM Arsenal Home W 2-1 43,730

01/12/04 LC Tottenham Hotspur Away W 1-1 36,100
(AET, FT: 0-0, PEN: Won 4-3)

04/12/04 PREM Aston Villa Away D 1-1 42,593

11/12/04 PREM Everton Away L 0-1 40,552

14/12/04 PREM Portsmouth Home D 1-1 35,064

19/12/04 PREM Newcastle United Home W 3-1 43,856

26/12/04 PREM West Bromwich Albion Away W 5-0 27,533

28/12/04 PREM Southampton Home W 1-0 42,382

01/01/05 PREM Chelsea Home L 0-1 43,886

03/01/05 PREM Norwich City Away W 2-1 24,503

11/01/05 LC Watford Home W 1-0 35,739

NEXT PREM Manchester United Home




Results summary as at Tuesday 11th January 2005

__________________ __________________ __________________
| Home | Away | Total |
_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Played | 13 | 13 | 26 |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Won | 10 (77%) | 5 (38%) | 15 (58%) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Drawn | 1 (8%) | 3 (23%) | 4 (15%) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Lost | 2 (15%) | 5 (38%) | 7 (27%) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| For | 23 (1.8/game) | 20 (1.5/game) | 43 (1.7/game) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Against | 8 (0.6/game) | 15 (1.2/game) | 23 (0.9/game) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|


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[lfc-news] Carling Cup report - PA

PA Sport, 11 Jan 2005
Liverpool 1 Watford 0

Liverpool gave themselves an edge to take into the second leg of their
Carling Cup semi-final against Watford with a narrow 1-0 win at Anfield.

Only a Steven Gerrard effort separated the two sides and Watford will
fancy their chances of producing an upset themselves in a fortnight.

They have already beaten Southampton and Portsmouth in this competition
so far, and Liverpool must know they face a real examination of their
desire when the two sides meet for a second time.

Watford were by far the better side in the first half, severely
embarrassing their Premiership opponents, and after a spell in the
second period that looked like Liverpool were getting on top, Ray
Lewington's men staged a battling comeback that almost produced an
equaliser.

Benitez was true to his word by fielding a strong side, although he was
without Sami Hyypia with flu which saw Djimi Traore switched to centre back.

But Liverpool had enough quality on show to have produced a better
performance than they did, particularly in a first half of errors when
they were largely outplayed by the Championship outfit.

Watford made just one change from the side that held Fulham in the FA
Cup on Saturday, with Welsh veteran 'keeper Paul Jones replacing fellow
old hand Alec Chamberlain.

A year ago to the day Jones made his Liverpool debut while on loan from
Wolves for the club he supported as a boy. His welcome from the Kop was
warm.

Watford's near-6,000 contingent turned the night into a carnival with
constant noise and hundreds of yellow balloons cascading onto the pitch,
where they were left to swirl around in the gale-force conditions.

And Watford gave no indication of being blown away by their Premiership
hosts with a dogged five-man midfield working to limit space for
Liverpool's more lightweight players like Luis Garcia, Florent
Sinama-Pongolle and Antonio Nunez.

Luis Garcia's 20 yard volley, held comfortably by Jones, was the only
attempt to trouble Watford early on, although Nunez's run and cross
created a first time chance that Sinama-Pongolle volleyed wide on the run.

Watford were quicker to the ball, organised and committed with skipper
Gavin Mahon and midfield colleague Brynjar Gunnarsson bossing the game.

And they created two fine chances in the space of 60 seconds when first
Hameur Bouazza and then Gunnarsson both saw fierce headers go close.
Bouazza then had a shot charged down following a run and cross from Paul
Devlin, who had provided the ammunition for the earlier efforts.

Watford's industry made Liverpool look pedestrian and they were hounded
into far too many mistakes and misplaced passes. Confronted by muscle
and energy, some of Liverpool's players seemed timid and unprepared for
the physical challenge.

The need for pace, penetration and sheer desire must surely have been
drummed into Liverpool at the break and they showed more urgency
instantly in the second period with Gerrard seeing a curling effort just
clear the bar while Sinama-Pongolle, at least, seemed prepared to attack
defenders.

And Sinama-Pongolle and Gerrard helped create Liverpool's first serious
chance with Mellor being played into the box only for Jones to save his
shot well with his legs.

Benitez had clearly seen enough and two minutes later Baros was
introduced with Mellor being hauled off.

And on 56 minutes Liverpool stole into the lead when Baros found space
on the left and crossed the ball which eventually fell to Gerrard. This
time his shot was goal-bound and on target but Neil Cox's headed attempt
to clear the danger only sent the ball high into his own net.

Watford were forced to commit more men forward now and that left gaps
for Baros and Sinama-Pongolle to exploit. But the Hornets had no
intention of caving in and the grafting of Helguson kept them in it.

Baros flashed a shot wide and Gerrard was given space to run at the
defence before unleashing a drive that Jones saved at the second attempt.

But Liverpool's search for the cushion of a second goal was abandoned in
the final minutes as they were forced to defend desperately to stop
Watford drawing level. Cox almost managed it with a long range free-kick
and only a tremendous saving tackle by Traore on Helguson, who had
forced his way clear, kept Liverpool in front.

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Traore, Riise, Nunez, Gerrard,
Hamann (Biscan 71), Luis Garcia, Mellor (Baros 53), Sinama Pongolle
(Warnock 78).
Subs Not Used: Potter, Harrison.
Booked: none
Goals: Gerrard 56.

Watford: Jones, Chambers, Cox, Demerit, Darlington, Devlin, Gunnarsson,
Ardley (Blizzard 81), Mahon, Bouazza, Helguson.
Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Dyer, Webber, Doyley.
Booked: Chambers.

Att: 35,739
Ref: S Dunn (Gloucestershire).

LEWINGTON BUOYED BY ANFIELD SHOW

Watford boss Ray Lewington has promised Liverpool a torrid time in the
second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.

The Hornets lost 1-0 in the first leg at Anfield, with Steven Gerrard
netting the only goal of the game in the second half.

Watford were unfortunate not to take at least a share of the spoils back
to Vicarage Road, and Lewington said: "A draw would not have flattered
us, we certainly deserved that.

"We had the better chances in the first half and it was about even in
the second. Now we have an outstanding chance because our place is not
an easy ground for visitors.

"It is not as good a pitch and we will go for them from the start, they
will find it very tough in the second game.

"Before the game we would have been happy to accept a 1-0 defeat, but
after watching that I felt we deserved a draw at least.

"We may not be able to get as big a crowd into Vicarage Road as they had
at Anfield, but our fans can create a very hostile atmosphere. I
certainly believe we still have a great chance of reaching the final."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was just grateful that his side clung onto
their 1-0 lead, given to them by their inspirational skipper.

"We knew it would be difficult," said Benitez. "I have discovered that
you do not win games comfortably in England and we warned the lads about
how good Watford were.

"We did not compete in the first half, but in the second we were better
and there was a spell when we were on top. But near the end they came
back at us and played really well.

"I do not believe there was any complacency about us, it was more that
they played well rather than us playing badly.

"We certainly did not relax and think we could win it easily.

"But we go to the second match with an advantage and we are confident
that we can complete the victory and reach the final."


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[lfc-news] Benitez to select strong side v Watford - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 10 Jan 2005
BENITEZ TO SELECT STRONG SIDE V WATFORD
By Steve Hunter

Rafael Benitez confirmed that he will be playing a strong team against
Watford in Tuesday's Carling Cup semi-final first leg tie with captain
Steven Gerrard and Milan Baros likely to start.
Czech Republic international Baros is back in the squad after hamstring
injury for the Watford game and is set to lead the Reds attack against
the side from the Championship.

Benitez also said that Academy graduates Neil Mellor, Darren Potter and
Stephen Warnock could start with 20-year-old local goalkeeper Paul
Harrison again deputising for Jerzy Dudek on the bench.

The likes of David Raven, John Welsh, Zak Whitbread and Mark Smyth will
not be involved against Watford and new signing Mauricio Pellegrino will
not be involved either due to lack of fitness. Republic of Ireland
Under-21 international winger Richie Partridge is also missing as he is
out for six weeks after knee surgery.

Benitez said: "We will play a strong side against Watford. It is
important to win all the games we play and this is a semi-final and we
are at home. With this match on the Tuesday the players will also get a
chance to rest before Saturday."


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[lfc-news] Academy: Derby cancelled after gales strike - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 11 Jan 2005
Derby cancelled after gales strike
Academy Football with Chris Wright, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL under-18s FA Premier Academy League match with Everton
under-18s was postponed on Saturday due to high winds.

Gales up to force eight swept around the Kirkby Academy and Liverpool's
Academy operations director Frank Skelly had little choice but to call
off the match.

The winds had already caused some problems at the Academy when the
portable dug-outs the club uses was blown over and damaged.

U18s coach John Owens said: "The pitch was okay, but with the high winds
the safety of people was the main thing. But also it would have poor
quality football the way the wind was."

It was due to be the first Academy League Group C match after the
four-week Christmas break, but Liverpool now don't have another fixture
for two weeks.

This Saturday is the club's week to be inactive due to the odd number of
teams in the north west section. But with John Owens' U18s' next
competitive match now the FA Youth Cup fourth round tie with Tottenham
Hotspur at Anfield on Wednesday, January 19, the club have arranged a
friendly fixture for Wednesday evening with Crewe Alexandra (kickoff 7pm).

The match will be at Kirkby and Liverpool will use it as a means to get
some match practice for as many of the squad as possible. Owens said:
"With a view to the Spurs game in the Youth Cup it would have been good
preparation. Not all the same players would have been playing, there are
a few different players in the Saturday team, but it would have been
most of them. Saturday's game would have closed off the Christmas break
and got us ready for Spurs.

"But now we have invited Crewe to come along on Wednesday night with an
U18s team. We will get a game, but it will be to give everyone 45
minutes really to blow away the cobwebs, having not played for a while.

"I will use it like the way (England coach) Sven Goran Eriksson puts a
different team out in the second half of friendlies, I will make at
least seven changes at half-time. It won't be a 90-minute workout but at
least it will give them some action."

Both striker Conal Platt and central defender Adam Hitchen, who were ill
last week and would have missed the derby match, will return against
Crewe and be ready for the Youth Cup game with Spurs. Owens added:
"There was a positive in not playing in that there were no injuries but
if you worry about getting injuries all the time you would never play.

"We really could have done with the work-out ahead of Spurs."


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BBC SPORT - Morientes to cast off Ronaldo shadow

Have Liverpool brought a player in to step into the shoes of Michael Owen? Have Liverpool just brought in a new third-choice striker? An article from the BBC:
BBC SPORT - Morientes to cast off Ronaldo shadow

Morientes agrees Liverpool deal

From the BBC - Morientes agrees Liverpool deal



Real Madrid have confirmed they have agreed a £6.3m deal with Liverpool for their striker Fernando Morientes.

Morientes, 28, has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract and will sign subject to a medical on Thursday.

The Spain international could then complete his move in time to make his Reds debut at home to Manchester United in Saturday's Premiership game.

Liverpool will pay £5.5m initially but the fee will rise to the full asking price depending on certain clauses.

Those clauses are believed to be linked to the striker making a certain number of appearances for Liverpool.

Morientes' agent Gines Carvajal said: "The player has agreed afour-and-a-half year contract and he is delighted to be joining as great a clubas Liverpool."

A Real Madrid released to www.realmadrid.com on Wednesday said: "Real Madrid and Liverpool have reached an agreement for the transfer of Fernando Morientes to the English club for a total price of £6.3m.

"This afternoon the player will travel to Liverpool to undergo a medical thathe will have to take tomorrow morning.

"The club also has also confirmed that Fernando Morientes, accompaniedby (vice-president) Emilio Butragueno and (sporting director) Arrigo Sacchi willhold a press conference to announce his departure to the Premier League."

Morientes is highly-prized in French football after his goals, while on loan from Real, steered Monaco to the final of the Champions League last season.

England captain David Beckham, a team-mate of Morientes at Madrid, had pleaded with the striker to stay.

"I think Morientes is a star player and he is very important for the fans," Beckham said.

"He was at Monaco last year and now he is back here. I think he should stay here, but that's not up to me or the players. He's a good person and an excellent player."

Morientes was the top scorer for Monaco last season on their Champions League run, and was recalled to Real when new manager Jose Camacho took over in July 2004.

But Camacho lasted only until September, when he was replaced by Mariano Garcia Remon, who in turn was ousted in favour of Wanderley Luxemburgo in December.

Throughout the changes, however, Morientes has remained fourth-choice at the Bernabeu behind Ronaldo, Raul and Michael Owen, who left Liverpool for Spain in the summer.

Morientes has to pass the formality of a medical and Benitez said: "We have spoken about him for two weeks now and the player wants to join Liverpool which is a good thing.

"I'm not sure how player registration works in England but we are hopeful that he could be ready for the weekend.

"We will use the player as soon as possible. The important thing is he wants to come to Liverpool and play for us."

Morientes, who has previously outlined his admiration for Benitez, will become the fifth Spaniard to be signed for Liverpool by their compatriot manager, after Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso, Josemi and Antonio Nunez.
Argentine defender Mauricio Pellegrino has also joined from Benitez's old club Valencia.

Sky - Reds edge ahead

by Paul Higham - created on 11 Jan 2005

Liverpool hold just a slender advantage in their Carling Cup semi-final with Watford after grinding out a 1-0 win at Anfield.

Rafa Benitez's side struggled in the first half, but put in a much improved display at the start of the second period, and Steven Gerrard's 56th minute strike eventually proved the difference between the sides.

Ray Lewington's side finished the match strongly and with just one goal in it, the Championship side will fancy their chances in what promises to be an intriguing second leg at Vicarage Road in a fortnight.

Liverpool started the game brightly at a blustery Anfield, with Florent Sinama-Pongolle volleying over from close range after a good cross from Antonio Nunez.

The home side's early flourish soon burnt away and Watford visibly grew in confidence, as Hameur Bouazza stole into the box unmarked but rushed his effort, slicing the ball wide.

It did not go out of play, however, and Brynjar Gunnarsson arrived in the box with a powerful header from the resulting cross from the right, but he planted it straight at Jerzy Dudek.

Didi Hamann's cross was inviting for Neil Mellor, but he could only muster a weak effort that was easily picked up by Paul Jones.

Watford were showing more desire in the tackle and a largely disjointed and deliberate Liverpool struggled to make any inroads.

The hosts' best spell of the half came in the dying minutes, when Nunez whipped in a great ball which Neil Cox shinned over the bar with Mellor lurking behind him.

Benitez had words at half time, and they took immediate effect as Liverpool came out a much brighter side in the second period.

Mellor was slipped in by Gerrard but miss-hit his finish under pressure from Jermaine Darlington, and it was gathered by Jones.

Milan Baros was introduced for Mellor on 54 minutes, and he played a part in Liverpool taking the lead two minutes later.

Baros raced onto Pongolle's through ball down the left and his cutback was only half cleared by a combination of Cox and Jones, and Gerrard's rebound came off Cox's head on its way into the net.

Watford had lost their first half confidence and Liverpool started to dominate, but The Hornets showed they were not about to lay down and die, as Bouazza blazed over from six yards after great work from Heidar Helguson.

Baros had made a big difference to Liverpool, and he wriggled free on the edge of the box on 75 minutes, before drilling a low shot just wide.

Watford finished the match strongly and nearly wiped out Liverpool's slender advantage when Helguson raced clear two minutes from time, but Djimi Traore's superb late interception denied him a shot at goal.

The Reds held out for a 1-0 win to take into the second leg, although it is sure to be a tough match down at Vicarage Road.

Sky - Moro may make United debut

by Mark Buckingham - created on 12 Jan 2005

Rafa Benitez is hoping Fernando Morientes can make his Liverpool debut in Saturday's clash with arch-rivals Manchester United.

Liverpool have concurred on a £6 million deal with Real Madrid to bring the Spain international to Anfield.

Morientes has been Benitez's prime transfer window target as he looks to strengthen an attack which lost Michael Owen and Emile Heskey last summer and Djibril Cisse to a season-ending injury.

The Reds have been haggling over a fee with Real for several weeks and it now appears a figure of £6 million has been agreed.

Benitez admitted earlier this week that he was becoming frustrated at Liverpool's failure to reach an accord with Real and was ready to shift targets.

But, speaking after Liverpool's 1-0 win over Watford on Tuesday night, Benitez confirmed a deal with Morientes is almost complete.

Morientes is thought to have accepted a four-and-a-half year contract, with Benitez aiming to have the paperwork signed and sealed to enable the forward to make his Reds bow at Anfield against United this weekend.

"At this very moment in time, I can not say that Morientes is a Liverpool player but I believe we are very close to a deal and it could happen in a couple of hours' time," Benitez told the club's official website.

"We have spoken about him for two weeks now and the player wants to join Liverpool which is a good thing.

"We are ready for his arrival as soon as a deal can be completed.

"I'm not sure how player registration works in England but we are hopeful that he could be ready for the weekend.

"We will use the player as soon as possible.

"The important thing is he wants to come to Liverpool and play for us."

Lyon had been late suitors for Morientes, who spent last season on loan at Monaco, but it seems Liverpool have finally snared their man.

Final Score - Liverpool 1 Watford 0

Liverpool win the first leg Carling Cup semi-final against Watford thanks to a goal from Steven Gerrard. Some debate initially as to whether it was a Neil Cox own-goal, but replays have clearly shown that the ball was already on its way in.

Reports to follow.

Latest score - Liverpool 1 Watford 0

Carling Cup Semi-Final First Leg.

Liverpool go ahead after 55 minutes through a Steven Gerrard goal.

[lfc-news] FA Cup draw

10 Jan 2005
FA Cup 4th Round Draw

Derby County v Watford/Fulham
Manchester United/Exeter v Middlesbrough
Cardiff/Blackburn v Colchester
Chelsea v Birmingham
West Ham v Sheffield United
Oldham v Bolton
Arsenal v Wolves
Everton v Sunderland
Nottingham Forest v Peterborough
Brentford v Hartlepool/Boston
Reading/Swansea v Leicester/Blackpool
Burnley/LIVERPOOL v Bournemouth
Southampton v Portsmouth
West Brom v Tottenham
Newcastle v Coventry
Charlton v Yeovil

Ties to be played 28/29/30 January

[lfc-news] Rafa on his first six months at Anfield - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 9 Jan 2005
RAFA ON HIS FIRST SIX MONTHS AT ANFIELD
By Paul Rogers

Rafael Benitez speaks exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv about his first six months at Anfield, his hopes for the future and potential signings during the January transfer window.

~ Liverpoolfc.tv: You've been at Liverpool for six months, how would you assess that time at the club so far?

Rafael Benitez: I say many times we are very happy, the staff and family, and I think that we are working properly and in my opinion we have a good future in front of us.

~ Has anything surprised you about English football since arriving here?

For me the most impressive thing is the supporters, our supporters especially. All the supporters in England are always with the team and it's very interesting.

~ Is the speed and tactics used different to what you see in Spain?

In Spain it's different and the football is different. Here it is more physical and as I say the supporters, the stadiums are different. It's another style and I like it.

~ Has the level of the team improved in the way that you would have hoped as the season has gone on?

Yes. I think that we are improving each day, each week because we have a new manager and new ideas. I think that we playing better, we are winning now at home and away and I think that we are improving the level.

~ Do you have a favourite memory or a game from your six months at Liverpool so far, is there one that sticks in the mind more than the other?

I think all the supporters think about the Arsenal game and the Olympiacos game, those were the best.

~ But every win is a good day for you?

Yes when you win it is always good but if you win playing well and with intensity at the end all the supporters enjoy it and me too.

~ Are you happy with the league position of fifth at the moment as we stand in the Premiership?

I would like to be first but in this moment it's okay. We are moreconsistent now, we are winning more games and we are nearer the top four. For the second part of the league season I am very optimistic.

~ You've had a lot of injuries to contend with, how much have they disrupted your plans since you arrived here?

Always it is difficult to work losing players each time, each week but we have a good squad. I like to see the reserve team also and we will try to use the young players if it is possible.

~ Xabi Alonso is the latest player to be lost to injury. How big a blow to you is having him out for the next three months?

I think that he is a very important player for us and for him it's important we are with him and he can come back as soon as possible. We have lost the player for three months but he has a strong mentality and he will work hard after the operation.

~ Chris Kirkland is also out for three months, does that affect your plans for the transfer window?

We need to see more options. We know it's important to have good goalkeepers and if possible have some more experience. We are working in the scout department now and we will see.

~ The transfer window opened and you brought in Mauricio Pellegrino, what can you tell us about him as a player?

He's a winner. He has a very good mentality, during the game, after the game and before the game. He's a good player in terms of tactical work and I think with his experience it will be good for us because he can give a rest to Sami Hyypia and Carragher.

~ How confident are you that he will be able to fit into the Premiership quite quickly?

If you know the player he is always thinking football and I am sure that he will start quickly talking about English football with Carragher, Gerrard and all the players with experience. I am sure that in a few weeks we will see the best because he is not playing now. He needs to improve his physical level but in terms of mentality it is the best.

~ Not a day goes by without a further twist in the newspapers about the Morientes transfer. Is there anything more you can add about a player you would like to see here?

Now at this moment we cannot say anything else because it is a holiday in Spain and we need to wait two or three days to know more about the situation with Morientes.

~ You've talked about players coming into the club, is there any chance players could be leaving during this January transfer window?

Normally if you sign new players you need some players to go. The question is we need to talk and see if it's better for them and for us to go.

~ What are your plans for the remainder of this season?

We need to see the transfer market but we know that we can improve our level. We will think about the next game and then after that we can arrive.

~ Three wins out of four over Christmas must have given your players a lot of confidence. Do you think we will see that over the next forthcoming games?

It's important for us to have this confidence and we can win these games in the FA Cup, Carling Cup and the Premiership. It will be better for the Champions League also and we are improving.

~ In six months time when we are both sitting down here again what would you have liked Liverpool to achieve this season?

Now at this moment the idea is to be in the top four, if it's possible to win the Carling Cup as we are in the semi-final, and to do well in the Champions League and the FA Cup. I don't want to say we will do this and that, I look to the next game and then after we will see.

[lfc-news] Parry's sympathy for travelling Reds - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 8 Jan 2005
PARRY'S SYMPATHY FOR TRAVELLING REDS
By Mark Platt

Liverpool Chief Executive has sympathised with the fans who made their
way to Burnley for Friday night's FA Cup tie, only for the game to be
postponed 40 minutes before kick-off.

Parry has no complaints about the fact that the match was called off but
he's blasted the late decision by referee Mark Clattenburg.

"Why does no-one ever think of the fans in this situation?" he fumed.
"I've no criticism of Burnley, who made a tremendous effort to get the
game on, but I can't understand why the referee waited so long before he
called it off.

"It's not as if we didn't anticipate these conditions. A match was
abandoned on the same pitch a week ago and the weather has been even
worse since then.

"Yet again, the supporters are allowed to come all the way here before
it's called off. Okay, Burnley may not be as far to travel to as
Plymouth, but it's still an inconvenience for a lot of fans.

"I would ask why the referee wasn't here from midday to inspect the
pitch? I hear he arrived two and a half hours before kick-off. It seemed
obvious to everyone this morning there could be a problem with this
fixture, and yet it's taken until the last minute to call it off.

"It's very frustrating for the supporters and players. We arrived geared
up for a game but it was pretty obvious as soon as we got there it
wouldn't get the go-ahead. The needs of the spectators aren't considered
enough in these situations."

Clattenburg has explained his reasons for the postponement by insisting
the Turf Moor pitch was not safe to play on.

He angered Clarets Chief Executive Dave Edmundson by calling the game
off just 40 minutes before the scheduled 7.45 pm kick-off.

But after inspecting the surface for well over 20 minutes he admits the
safety of the players was paramount and for this reason there was no way
the tie could have taken place.

"When I arrived two and a half hours earlier, I felt it had a 90 per
cent chance of going ahead," he says.

"There was a major problem in front of the stand though and we had to
clear the water off the far side of the pitch with the machines.

"The machine was plugged though and couldn't collect any more water and
that meant that there was a problem in that area.

"I have to think of the players' safety first and they wouldn't have
been safe on that side."

* Liverpool have been dealt more bad news on the injury front after
Richie Partridge was ruled out of action for six weeks.
Partridge underwent keyhole surgery to cure a minor knee injury on Thursday.

The 24-year old Irish winger has endured a torrid time with injuries of
late and this is a further blow to his hopes of establishing himself in
the first team picture under Rafael Benitez.


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