[lfc-news] Newcastle report - PA

PA Sport, 5 Mar 2005
Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Newcastle midfielder Laurent Robert fired himself further into the
affections of manager Graeme Souness with a superb winning goal against
Liverpool.

The Frenchman beat debutant goalkeeper Scott Carson with a searing
71st-minute free-kick to clinch a fifth successive win for the Magpies,
as injuries and the mental scars of last Sunday's Carling Cup final
defeat took their toll on the Reds.

It was a win the hosts deserved after working very hard to break down a
well-organised Liverpool outfit, who had only one real effort of note on
goal - a 43rd-minute Luis Garcia shot which dropped on to the roof of
Shay Given's net.

Newcastle's remote hopes of clinching European football next season
received a boost as Souness finally had a 1-0 win to celebrate - while
the visitors' attempts to catch derby rivals Everton in the final
Champions League berth suffered another blow.

There were boos at half-time as the players left the pitch, not for the
first time this season at St James' - but on this occasion, they were
directed solely at referee Howard Webb.

He has not been a popular man on Tyneside since the day in November when
he took charge of the Magpies' Premiership clash with Fulham and made
two controversial decisions as the hosts lost 4-1.

Webb again angered the home supporters by allowing defender Mauricio
Pellegrino to get away with all but one of a series of fouls on Alan
Shearer. Then he brandished the yellow card at Amdy Faye and Robert -
while Pellegrino and his team-mate Igor Biscan escaped similar punishment.

Jean-Alain Boumsong and Titus Bramble dealt admirably with the lone
threat of Milan Baros, who appeared to have some difficulty staying on
his feet - while a Liverpool defensive trio of Sami Hyypia, Jamie
Carragher and Pellegrino allowed Shearer and strike partner Shola Ameobi
no leeway in the first half.

The visitors were content to try to smother the Magpies in the middle of
the field and attack on the counter - although they were more successful
in the former than the latter.

Newcastle needed a spark, and it came belatedly in the shape of Robert
and Kieron Dyer as they worked their way into the game from wide positions.

It was the Frenchman's 23rd-minute corner which dropped to Lee Bowyer -
and when his left-foot volley was blocked by Biscan Bramble hammered the
rebound high over.

Ameobi headed over from a Stephen Carr cross eight minutes later. But
Carson did not have a save of any note to make before the break - and
his opposite number Given was similarly under-employed.

Bramble almost ruined his afternoon's work within three minutes of the
restart when, as he tried to play his way out of defence, he gifted the
ball to Baros but immediately retrieved the situation by winning it back.

Robert continued where he had left off, whipping a swerving left-foot
shot from distance wide of Carson's right post a minute later - and Luis
Garcia did just the same at the other end on 52 minutes to maintain
Given's interest.

Dyer in particular was having a growing influence. But Newcastle were in
need of something different, and Souness tried to introduce it with 67
minutes gone when he replaced Ameobi with Dutchman Patrick Kluivert.

The answer finally came in the shape of the enigmatic Robert, after
Pellegrino had been penalised for a foul on Shearer.

The Frenchman has had to work hard to force his way into Souness' plans.
But what has never been in any doubt is his ability from a dead ball -
and his dipping, swerving free-kick sped past Carson.

Rafael Benitez withdrew Vladimir Smicer in favour of Antonio Nunez, and
Souness sent on Jermaine Jenas for Bowyer as time ran down - but the
home side were defending confidently.

Kluivert had a glorious opportunity to cement victory in the final
minute of normal time but dragged his shot just wide after mesmerising
Carragher.

But Steven Gerrard wasted an equally good chance to equalise in injury time.

Newcastle: Given, Carr, Bramble, Boumsong, Hughes, Dyer (Butt 88), Faye,
Bowyer (Jenas 77), Robert, Shearer, Ameobi (Kluivert 67)
Subs not used: Harper, Taylor
Booked: Faye, Robert
Goals: Robert 70

Liverpool: Carson, Finnan, Pellegrino (Le Tallec 82), Hyypia, Carragher,
Luis Garcia, Biscan, Smicer (Nunez 75), Gerrard, Riise, Baros (Warnock 88)
Subs not used: Dudek, Welsh
Booked: Smicer, Gerrard

Att: 52,323
Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire)

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[lfc-news] Academy: Youngsters seek elusive first win - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 4 Mar 2005
Youngsters seek elusive first win
Academy Football with Chris Wright, Daily Post

AFTER last Saturday's morale-boosting point at Everton, Liverpool
under-18s look for their first FA Premier Academy League victory of 2005
at Bolton Wanderers tomorrow (kickoff 11am).

John Owens's side are still bottom of the Group C table, but can draw
level on points with the Trotters with victory tomorrow and still have a
game in hand.

Liverpool drew 1-1 with Bolton in October at the Academy, but they will
be hoping that the derby performance can provide the platform for an
improved showing in the last eight games of the Academy League season.

Owens said: "The character the lads showed last week against Everton
shows they have the desire to do better. After the Blackburn game it was
an improved performance and no time did they drop in their efforts so
that was good to see.

"You can understand in the situation they are in if they become a bit
despondent. If they are losing games all the time it can get to them,
but they did well and need to keep playing like that."

Liverpool were delighted to see defender Adam Hitchen back at the heart
of their defence in last week's derby after his injury problems.

Owens said: "It was good to get Adam Hitchen back. He had a long injury
when he needed some knee construction. And when he had tried to get back
in, there have been niggling injuries - not the same one - that have
kept him out."

Liverpool are still without long-term injury victims Lee Peltier, Mark
Roberts and Calum Woods.

They are also waiting on the fitness of England youth international
defender Jordan Holmes, who injured his groin in the warm-up last Saturday.

Luke Coleman, a trialist striker from Kent, will get another chance to
impress the coaches after making his debut last weekend.

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Bill Shankly - Wikiquote

Came across this today - thought I'd put it on here for you to enjoy...

Bill Shankly - Wikiquote: "Bill Shankly
From Wikiquote
[edit]Bill Shankly (1913-1981)
football manager
[edit]Attributed
'Someone said 'football is more important than life and death to you' and I said 'Listen, it's more important than that'.'
Notes: On a Granada Television chat-show in 1981.
'My idea was to build Liverpool into a bastion of invincibility. Napoleon had that idea. He wanted to conquer the bloody world. I wanted Liverpool to be untouchable. My idea was to build Liverpool up and up until eventually everyone would have to submit and give in.'
'I don't think I was in a bath until I was 15 years old. I used to use a tub to wash myself. But out of poverty with a lot of people living in the same house, you get humour.'
'It's there to remind our lads who they're playing for, and to remind the opposition who they're playing against.'
Notes: on the 'This is Anfield' plaque
'I'm a people's man - only the people matter'
'My life is my work. My work is my life.'
'I know this is a sad occasion but I think that Dixie would be amazed to know that even in death he could draw a bigger crowd than Everton can on a Saturday Afternoon.'
Notes: at Dixie Dean's funeral
'The problem with you, son, is that all your brains are in your head.'
Notes: to a Liverpool trainee
'Sickness would not have kept me away from this one. If I'd been dead, I would have had them bring the casket to the ground, prop it up in the stands and cut a hole in the lid.'
Notes: after beating Everton in the '71 FA Cup semi-final
'I was the best manager in Britain because I was never devious or cheated anyone. I'd break my wife's legs if I played against her, but I'd never cheat her.'
'Liverpool, was made for me and I was made "

[lfc-news] Benitez picks up pieces - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 4 Mar 2005
Benitez picks up pieces
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ has needed to put on his bravest face while preparing
Liverpool for their latest 'must win' fixture at Newcastle tomorrow.

Raising morale at a club deflated by the events in last week's Carling
Cup is arguably Benitez's grimmest task so far.

If defeat to Chelsea wasn't bad enough, the distractions of a reported
tantrum by one of his star strikers, and the mood of his distraught
skipper, means Benitez's antennae ought to be pointed in numerous
directions.

For Steven Gerrard, there are powerful words of support from the
manager, who predicts the despair of Cardiff will motivate his captain
to end the season on top form.

Milan Baros, however, must take heed of the kind of coded warning the
gaffer is making with increased regularity.

The Czech star has been told to make his statements on the pitch, and
ensure he stays in the side by producing performances which warrant
regular selection.

With the Champions League and qualification for next year's competition
still to play for, Benitez is in no mood to babysit stroppy players.

"It's true he was not happy because he was not playing, but we don't
have any problem with Milan," said Benitez.

"There's been a lot of talking but the most important thing is to work
hard. I've spoken to Milan. He knows he scored a lot of goals before his
injury problem, but since then he's needed goals.

"He needs to be focused on the game and playing well. By working hard
and showing his best, the goals will come.

"When a player doesn't play it's because another team mates is needed.
I'm sure he understands now that the most important thing is the team
because the better the side plays, the more he will score goals in future.

"As a manager you must think about the whole squad and always pick the
side to do the right job on the day. In the Champions League we will
lose a lot of players, like Morientes, for example and we need Milan to
be at his best.

"In the first half on Sunday, we did a very good job with the side we
picked. Because Milan is a quick player we thought we'd have more space
in the second half which would suit him more and cause problems for
their defence. That was our idea.

"Unfortunately, we had two injured players in Harry Kewell and Djimi
Traore, who we had to change. That was not our plan."

Benitez believes the game turned against Liverpool because they didn't
keep possession well enough in the second half.

But having gone so close to silverware with a side in the first stage of
reconstruction, Benitez is adamant a stronger Liverpool won't make the
same mistakes under his command in the future.

"We were very close to a trophy and despite our problems throughout the
season, we've been close in every game against Chelsea this season," he
said.

"If we can change just two or three details about the way we played last
week, we know we will win those kind of games in future.

"For me, it's a challenge to win trophies here and, if it's possible, I
will work even harder to make it happen after what happened last weekend.

"I could see how important it was to our supporters. They proved in
Cardiff they are the best and loudest fans and I want to bring trophies
here for them.

"They know we can do it. In six months I promise we will be a much
better side. They see the problems we've had in our first year, but in
all the games we've played against Chelsea, who are the best team in the
country at this moment, every game has been close."

Benitez hopes the Carling Cup will be a fading memory by tomorrow
evening, describing the next Premiership encounter as 'one of the most
important games of the season'.

He said: "We know how important each game is now, but tomorrow is
particularly so for two reasons. First, because we've lost an important
game and we need to get our heads up quickly. The other things is we've
a Champions League match next week and sometimes players can lose their
concentration by thinking too far ahead.

"We need to realise this is our most important match. It will be very
difficult for us at Newcastle.

"The difference to fourth is eight points, but if we keep strong we can
reduce this gap. If Everton continue to win we know it's going to be
difficult for us, but they must play at Liverpool.

"If we win our games and defeat them, the table will look better for us."

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

PA Sport, 4 Mar 2005

REDS DEPLETED FOR TYNESIDE TEST

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has to overcome another lengthy injury
list before deciding on his side to play at Newcastle in the Barclays
Premiership.

Djimi Traore (thigh) is out, while Jerzy Dudek (shin), Harry Kewell
(ankle) and Dietmar Hamann (shin) are all recovering from injuries
picked up in the Carling Cup Final. Neil Mellor (tendinitis) will be out
for the season, joining long term casualties Florent Sinama-Pongolle,
Djibril Cisse, Xabi Alonso and Chris Kirkland.

Josemi, fighting his way back from a knee injury, has had his return
held up for another fortnight after picking up another knee problem in a
midweek reserve game.

Newcastle full-back Celestine Babayaro has a slight knee problem and
will have a fitness test.

The Nigeria international is rated as doubtful, while midfielder Darren
Ambrose is out with a thigh strain.

However, Holland striker Patrick Kluivert returns following a hamstring
injury and will challenge Shola Ameobi for a place in the starting
line-up alongside Alan Shearer.

Teams

Newcastle: Given, Harper, Carr, Hughes, Taylor, Bramble, Boumsong,
O'Brien, Dyer, Robert, Faye, Butt, Jenas, Bowyer, Milner, N'Zogbia,
Shearer, Ameobi, Kluivert.

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Pellegrino, Kewell, Nunez,
Gerrard, Hamann, Luis Garcia, Riise, Morientes, Baros, Biscan, Carson,
Welsh, Warnock, Le Tallec, Smicer.

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[lfc-news] Mellor: Knee op went well - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 4 Mar 2005
MELLOR: KNEE OP WENT WELL
By Mark Platt

Neil Mellor today revealed that his double knee operation was a success
but spoke of his frustration at having his campaign curtailed prematurely.
The striker underwent surgery at a hospital in Bristol on Thursday to
cure tendonitis in both his left and right knee.

He won't play again this season but he's trying to remains as upbeat as
possible and hopes to be fully fit for when pre-season training begins
in July.

"The operation went okay and when I spoke to the surgeon afterwards he
seemed happy. I'm not in that much pain at the moment, which is
surprising, and I'm able to walk on crutches," Mellor told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I've been told to take it easy and just do nothing for the next two
weeks. After that it will just be a case of strengthening the knees
again and then building up my fitness.

"My season is definitely over though, there's no doubt about that. It's
frustrating but to be honest it's a problem that has plagued me since
the summer and I needed to have the operation.

"I'm gutted to be missing out the Champions League because with Nando
ineligible there may have been a chance for me to play. But given the
circumstances it wouldn't have been fair on the club or myself because I
wasn't fit enough.

"If I'd have waited until May for the operation then I would have
probably missed the start of next season. As it is my aim now is to push
on and get myself ready for the start of pre-season training in July."

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[lfc-news] Alonso hopeful of playing again this season - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 4 Mar 2005
ALONSO HOPEFUL OF PLAYING AGAIN THIS SEASON
By Mark Platt

Xabi Alonso is hoping to be back in first team action for Liverpool
before the end of the season.
The Spanish midfielder, who broke his ankle in the New Years Day clash
against Chelsea, has spoken of his frustration at being sidelined during
a key stage of the Reds' campaign and how is rehabilitation is coming along.

Initial fears were that his season was over but he remains optimistic
that he'll be back playing again before May.

"It is never a good time to get injured but for it to happen in my first
season here has not helped," says Alonso.

"During your first year at a club it is important to settle down and get
to know your team-mates better and have a lot of games in a row.

"We were at a key point of the season with so many games coming up but
now I cannot help them.

"It is difficult to say at this moment when I will be able to play
again. Everything is going well and I am staying optimistic.

"Thankfully there was no ligament damage as well. The bone had broken
and I had some slight cartilage damage and that is why it is taking a
little more time to heal.

"I am able to walk more or less without crutches. I still have to use
them for some things but I feel more comfortable now.

"I don't know when I can start running again, I will have to speak to
the doctor about that.

"Things are going well and day by day I am improving and getting
stronger. The ankle is feeling much better. Hopefully it will be before
the end of the season."

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[lfc-news] Dudek to recover for Toon clash - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 3 Mar 2005
Dudek to recover for Toon clash
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

JERZY DUDEK is expected to be fit to take his place at Newcastle this
weekend, despite a seriously gashed shin.

The Polish keeper had 10 stitches during the Carling Cup final and
rookie Scott Carson was withdrawn from reserve action earlier this week
as a precaution.

However, manager Rafa Benitez wants to keep Carson out of the firing
line as Liverpool pursue Champions League football.

Benitez thinks it's too early to thrust the Under-21 international into
the fray and is banking on Dudek to play through the pain barrier as he
did so impressively during the later stages at Cardiff.

The Spanish coach wants to protect his inexperienced signing from Leeds
for as long as possible, and thinks the pressure Liverpool are under to
finish in the top four makes it an unsuitable time for Carson to be
handed his debut.

Unless Dudek's condition gets worse, or he picks up another injury, the
Pole is guaranteed his place for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Harry Kewell could make a surprise recovery from an ankle
injury in time to face Newcastle this weekend.

The Aussie midfielder asked to be substituted during the defeat to
Chelsea last weekend, but returned to training with the rest of the
squad yesterday.

Liverpool are monitoring the winger's fitness ahead of the trip North
East, but he still hasn't been ruled out.

Manager Rafa Benitez is known to be frustrated by the catalogue of
injury complaints from the midfielder.

He's unlikely to be impressed if the knock which ended his match at
Cardiff wasn't too serious.

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

Official LFC Website, 1 Mar 2005
JOSEMI INJURED AS RESERVES LOSE
Steve Hunter, at Wrexham

Liverpool suffered yet another injury blow when Spanish right back Josemi limped out of Liverpool Reserves 1-0 defeat by Manchester United five minutes before half-time at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground.

Josemi had previously played 45 minutes for the reserves and Liverpool will be hoping that he has picked up just a minor knock during the first half and his subsitution was just a precaution.

Liverpool Reserve manager Hughie McAuley fielded a largely young team with Paul Harrison back in goal after completing a one month loan spell at Leeds United. Harrison was back up to Leeds keeper Neil Sullivan but only featured on the bench twice at Elland Road before manager Kevin Blackwell brought in experienced keeper Kevin Pressman.

Harrison was Liverpool's best player and kept the score down to 1-0 making several outstanding saves but Richie Partridge was unlucky not to equalise on two occasions benied denied by two fine saves from Ricardo.

In the absence of Neil Mellor Anthony Le Tallec played up front with Darren Potter supporting him. John Welsh captained the side and played central midfield with David Mannix. Jon Otsemobor started on the right side of midfield with Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Richie Partridge on the left wing.

Manchester United fielded a young side as well with their most experienced players being Spanish international goalkeeper Ricardo, striker David Bellion and Republic of Ireland international Liam Miller who scored the only goal of the game.

Liverpool had the first chance after 10 minutes when a surging run from David Mannix took him into the United penalty area but after attempting a one-two with Anthony LeTallec unfortunately the Frenchman was crowed out. A minute later Darren Potter had a good chance but fired straight at Ricardo from the edge of the box.

At the other end United went close when Colin Heath broke down the right and from his cross Giuseppi Rossi somehow fired over the bar.

Liverpool keeper Paul Harrison was called into action after 30 minutes when he produced a superb reflex save to keep out an effort from Colin Heath.

United came so close to breaking the deadlock three minutes before half-time when a run from David Bellion took him past two Reds defenders before he crashed a shot against the bar.

Two minutes into the second half a slip from Zak Whitbread let in David Jones who seemed certain to score but for another superb save from Paul Harrison, then straight from the corner the keeper again did brilliantly to spread himself and deny Lee Martin.

Then at the other end Liverpool put a great move together when Otsemobor beat two defenders down the right and put in a great cross that was met first time by Richie Partridge who saw his effort superbly kept out by Ricardo.

United went close after 54 minutes when Heath set up a great chance for Jones whose shot was brilliantly cleared off the line by the outstanding James Smith.

United took the lead after 57 minutes with a fine strike by Liam Miller which gave Harrison no chance following a corner.

Harrison then made another superb save to deny United a second goal with a fine save from Martin.

Then came the goal-line clearance of the season from Liverpool defender James Smith. Giuseppi Rossi sent an audacious chip over Harrison and it looked to be going in before Smith somehow stretched to keep it out. This is a big time for Smith who is hoping to earn a contract and he is
certainly going about it in the right way as he has given man of the match style performances in his last five or so games.

Liverpool Reserves: Harrison, Josemi (O'Donnell 44), Raven, J Smith (Wilkie 80), Whitbread, Mannix, Otsemobor, Welsh, Le Tallec, Potter, Partridge. Subs not used: Luzi, Guthrie, Hammill.

Manchester United Reserves: Ricardo, Picken, Eckersley, Pique, Spector, Miller, Heath, Jones, Bellion (Timm 89), Rossi, Martin.

Referee: R L Lewis.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Paul Harrison. Kept the score down and had a brilliant match making three or four fine saves. James Smith ran Harrison close and had another excellent match.

[lfc-news] Hyypia staying focused on the challenges ahead - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 3 Mar 2005
Hyypia staying focused on the challenges ahead
By Laurence Francis, Daily Post

THE feeling of disappointment may still be acute inside the Liverpool
dressing room but Sami Hyypia insists the Reds are ready to tackle the
enormous challenge ahead of them.

Though still bitterly upset by the Carling Cup final defeat against
Chelsea last Sunday, Hyypia is well aware of the need to bounce back as
quickly as possible as the race for the fourth Champions League place
intensifies.

With Everton extending their lead in the table to eight points over
Rafael Benitez's men last weekend, Liverpool have no margin for error in
the remaining 11 games of the campaign if they are to bridge the gap,
starting against Newcastle on Saturday.

There is no doubt that the idiosyncrasies in Liverpool's play have cost
them dearly this season. But, as Hyypia points out, the prospect of
missing out on a ticket to next year's Champions League is something the
players will not even contemplate.

"We have to know that fourth place is very important to the future,"
said Hyypia. "I think we have been a bit inconsistent. But if we can
change it and find the reason why we are doing it then we will stop
being inconsistent in the future."

There will be nobody working harder in the remaining weeks than Anfield
manager Benitez to find the magic formula that will help his
underachieving side finish the campaign with a flourish.

Whether it is poring over videos in his office at Liverpool's Melwood
training retreat or bellowing instructions from the technical area, the
assiduous Benitez will leave no stone unturned in the final push.

Before the Carling Cup final, John Arne Riise spoke of how Benitez has
made such a difference to his game since the coach arrived from Valencia
and Hyypia appreciates where the Norwegian is coming from.

The Finland international has certainly recovered some of his old
sparkle this year and he credits that to Benitez's innovative ways.

"I have been here a bit longer than John but of course the new manager
has brought new things to our game and for some people it has changed a
lot," Hyypia observed. "For others, it doesn't. But it has been a good
time to work with Rafael Benitez.

"Hopefully, he can make us an even better team and it's up to us to find
that consistency. His record with Valencia was very good and I'd like to
think he'd be able to do the same stuff here.

"He tells me that I have to be more aggressive! I have tried to do that
but it is very difficult to do that right away. I think that's the main
thing that he wants me to do. And tactically, the game has changed from
Gerard Houllier's time.

"Rafa gives a lot of technical advice and if we do something wrong in
the game, we watch a video and he tells us what to do when we are in a
certain situation next time. If there are not many goals, then the
defenders are doing their job properly."

There is, however, still plenty of room for improvement. The defence
that Benitez is looking to shore up has not kept a clean sheet in the
Premiership since December 28 and Newcastle's strikers will give them a
searching examination.

Liverpool have not won on Tyneside since September 2001 and that is a
statistic that will need to be remedied immediately if they are to keep
tabs on Everton.

And even though 31-year-old Hyypia warns that Liverpool are still very
much a team in transition, trying desperately to adapt to Benitez's
methods, he knows the time has come to find that elusive consistency.

"It takes time to adapt," Hyypia said. "Of course it does. But we still
need to learn a bit more. I think we have still got to find that
consistency, especially in defensive situations."

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[lfc-news] Mellor is ruled out for the season - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 3 Mar 2005
Mellor is ruled out for the season
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

NEIL MELLOR will have an operation on his troublesome knee problems
today - and become the fifth Liverpool player to have his season ended
prematurely in the process.

The Anfield striker (right) has been forced to undergo surgery on both
knees after being afflicted by tendonitis for several months.

Liverpool had hoped to avoid such drastic action with a period of rest.
But a six-week lay-off failed to ease the problem and now Mellor has
been ruled out of action for the rest of the season.

It is a devastating setback for the 22-year-old, who finally looked to
have made a first team breakthrough this season. Mellor has scored five
goals in 16 appearances for Rafael Benitez's side, including crucial
contributions against Arsenal and Olympiakos.

His last appearance, however, came in the FA Cup exit at Burnley on
January 18 and today's operation will consign Mellor to the growing list
of players whose season is already over.

Djibril Cisse and Florent Sinama-Pongolle are out with respective broken
leg and cruciate injuries while Xabi Alonso (ankle) and Chris Kirkland
(back) have only an outside chance of playing again this term.

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Mirror.co.uk - MIND YOUR MANNERS, JOSE! YOU'LL BE A LEGEND

Mirror.co.uk - MIND YOUR MANNERS, JOSE! YOU'LL BE A LEGEND: "MIND YOUR MANNERS, JOSE! YOU'LL BE A LEGEND

Sir Bobby Robson with a few home truths for his Barcelona and Porto protege

By Darren Lewis


SIR BOBBY ROBSON last night spoke for English football when he warned that Jose Mourinho will never become a great manager until he learns to be humble."

Shay Given: We can beat Liverpool

Anfield Road.com
Thursday, 03 March 2005

Shay Given is looking forward to the visit to St James' Park by Liverpool at the weekend.

Whereas Liverpool lost out to Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final, Newcastle are still buoyed by the win over Chelsea in the FA Cup.

Given said, 'We've got a lot of big games coming up and we've got to give the crowd something to shout about. It's up to the players to do that and I feel we are getting better every week. They're getting behind the team, especially against Chelsea. It was probably the best atmosphere all season.'

Read more...

[lfc-news] Academy: Owens worried about firepower - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 1 Mar 2005
Owens worried about firepower
Academy Football with Chris Wright, Daily Post

SUBSTITUTE Phil Townley helped Liverpool under-18s to a point in
Saturday's derby match after his ball into the box was turned into his
own net by Everton defender Patrick Boyle in a 1-1 draw at Netherton.

With John Owens's side trailing at the break, the introduction of three
attacking players in Townley, Karl Noon and Adam Hammill enabled
Liverpool to gain a share of the spoils in Saturday's FA Premier Academy
League Group C clash.

Liverpool still await their first league victory of 2005 and are bottom
of the Group C table, but the point at title-chasing Everton could
provide the boost for the remainder of the campaign.

Neil Dewsnip's Everton side took the lead in the first half through
defender Sean Wright, but Liverpool came back after the break. Owens's
substitutions paid dividends as they got the vital equaliser. Townley's
run and cross forced Boyle to try to clear, but as his goal-keeper came
to do the same, the defender sliced into his own net.

Owens said: "We were disappointed to be 1-0 down, but in the second half
we got a goal back through an own goal. I felt it was deserved, but
again with it being an own goal it means we haven't got someone who can
find the net.

"It was a creditable draw. In the past we have had some games were we
deserved a bit better than we have got. Obviously you don't always get
that in this game, but we were pleased in the end that we had not lost.

"I was very disappointed in previous weeks with the performance, so
certainly it was better. We needed to play better than the Blackburn
game the previous week, and we did."

There were some fine individual performances, especially in defence,
including Adam Hitchen back after a combination of injuries. Owens said:
"I thought Adam Hitchen had a good game at centre-back. James Smith and
Danny O'Donnell as well in the back four, did particularly well. It was
good to see Adam back after his problems."

Liverpool gave trialist Luke Coleman, who has been playing local
football in the Kent area, some action, but he was replaced at the break
by striker Noon and will be given another chance to impress next week.

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Willis, Hitchen, D Smith, J Smith, O'Donnell,
Guthrie, Wilkie (Hammill 60), F Smith, Coleman (Noon 45), Platt (Townley
60), Barratt.

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[lfc-news] Benitez: Cup pain will not derail our season - Post

Cup pain will not derail our season
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ last night insisted he would not allow a Carling Cup
hangover to derail Liverpool's twin assault on the Champions League.

Liverpool were mentally and physically shattered after Sunday's
agonising extra-time defeat to Chelsea at the Millennium Stadium.

But rather than send their season into freefall Benitez hopes to witness
an immediate response to the setback as they attempt to claim fourth
place from Everton and reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Liverpool face a testing trip to in-form Newcastle on Saturday before
taking their 3-1 advantage over Bayer Leverkusen to Germany next week.
And Benitez said: "I don't think the Carling Cup result should be a big
problem for the rest of our season.

"We must recover quickly from the final, that is the most important
thing. If we can do that it won't be a problem.

"Once we get over the final and start to concentrate on the Newcastle
game it will be different for the players. We still have a lot to work
for and, as I told the players after Sunday's game, they have a lot to
be proud of," he added.

The Liverpool manager, however, was not enamoured with Harry Kewell's
latest injury, which forced the Austrialian off in the 57th minute in
Cardiff and added to the bitter debate over his fitness.

"Harry said he needed to come off," said Benitez. "I told him to give it
five more minutes but after that he said he still felt sore and so we
had to change. I don't know exactly what the injury is."

Steven Gerrard, meanwhile, wants to ease the misery of his crucial own
goal by meeting and beating Chelsea in the Champions League this season.

The Liverpool captain has called on his team-mates to bounce back
instantly from what he described as "the worst day of my life" to keep
their Champions League prospects alive.

It was Gerrard's unfortunate 80th-minute header that allowed Chelsea
back into Sunday's final but he has already envisaged a fitting response
against his Stamford Bridge admirers.

"It is going to be tough for us to win anything this season now," said
Gerrard. "But we will give it our best shot in the Champions League. Our
hopes are still alive.

"If we get through and Chelsea get through I would like to meet them
again because I would fancy our chances."

He added: "I've never scored an own goal in my life and I can't believe
it happened in a final. It was a freak goal that turned the game their way.

"I really felt we were going to hold on to the win. I am gutted for the
lads and the supporters but we have to stay focused on qualifying for
the Champions League. If we come fourth it will feel like we have won a
cup final now because Everton have a big lead over us.

"This has made me more determined than ever to help us get into the top
four. And I haven't given up my dream of lifting a trophy as Liverpool
captain."

* LIVERPOOL'S Premiership game with Blackburn, originally scheduled for
last Saturday, will now be played at Anfield on Wednesday, March 16 -
four days before the Merseyside derby.

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[lfc-news] Baros denies Reds exit talk - PA

PA Sport, 2 Mar 2005
BAROS DENIES REDS EXIT TALK

Liverpool striker Milan Baros has denied he threatened to walk out of
the team hotel after learning he was only a substitute for the Carling
Cup final last weekend and has stressed he is not considering leaving
the club.

Reports had suggested the Czech Republic forward was unhappy at being
overlooked for selection in favour of Harry Kewell at the Millennium
Stadium.

However, Baros said such suggestions were untrue.

"I was disappointed on Sunday because I play football so I can take part
in great matches like this," he said.

"But I didn't argue with anybody. That is nonsense and it is a complete
fabrication that I wanted to leave the Millennium Stadium. I would be
going against myself if I came to such a decision.

"I was only disappointed and that is all. There is nothing more to say.
The whole occasion is finished for me now."

Baros also rejected claims he was planning to quit Anfield.

"I am not thinking about leaving Liverpool right now. Everything is
possible but that is not in my mind at the moment," he told Czech paper
Daily Sport.

"There are still a lot of matches in the season and I have to
concentrate on the games that are ahead of us."

Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans has told Baros to fight his way back
into the first team rather than moan about being left out at Cardiff.

"I wouldn't want any of my players to be happy if they were left out of
a cup final, for sure. Milan is no different," Evans told Sky Sports.

"He has been playing well this season, sometimes on his own up front and
sometimes with Fernando Morientes.

"For Rafa (Benitez) to pick Kewell ahead of him is something of a kick
in the teeth but that is the ups and downs of football. I feel Milan
should get his head down and get himself back into the team."

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[lfc-news] Injury worries for Rafa ahead of Toon clash - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 2 Mar 2005
Injury worries for Rafa ahead of Toon clash
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL returned to training today for the first time since their
Carling Cup disappointment, with Rafa Benitez sweating on the fitness of
several players.

Djimi Traore, Jerzy Dudek and Harry Kewell picked up knocks in the 3-2
defeat to Chelsea.

Defender Josemi, who made his comeback for the reserves last night, will
also undergo a scan after twisting his knee in the second string's 1-0
loss to Manchester United.

Traore has a thigh injury, Kewell took a kick on the ankle, while Jerzy
Dudek had 10 stitches due to a gashed shin.

Benitez faces the daunting prospect of picking up his players for a
crucial trip to Newcastle.

Should the eight point gap with Everton increase prior to the derby, the
prospect of qualifying for the Champions League will be remote.

Even UEFA Cup qualification is uncertain with Middlesbrough, Bolton and
Spurs realistic contenders for one of the two Euro spots.

Liverpool's defeat in Cardiff means an extra UEFA place goes to the
Premiership, with fifth and sixth rewarded. It's the more lucrative
prize of fourth which is essential.

Any chance of keeping Steven Gerrard rests on Champions League
qualification, although Chelsea may have scuppered their chances of
luring him following their antics on Sunday.

The events in Cardiff helped every other major club in Europe if the
captain moves on.

Meanwhile, the lukewarm possibility of a return for Michael Owen this
summer could also increase with the lure of the Champions League.

Rafa Benitez needs to be convinced to bring Owen back, but if he has
more finances at his disposal it may persuade him.

* Every member of Liverpool's squad wore red wristbands on Sunday in
support of the Hillsborough Justice Campain.

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[lfc-news] Official: Reds fans loudest in the world - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 28 Feb 2005
OFFICIAL: REDS FANS LOUDEST IN THE WORLD
By Paul Rogers

Liverpool supporters earned some small consolation for their Carling Cup
defeat after setting a new record for the world's loudest fans.

Cardiff Council officials measured the noise levels at both ends of the
ground for the final and the Merseysiders roared ahead with a maximum
reading of 130.7 decibels, four decibels higher than Chelsea and two
higher than the current world record for the 'Loudest Stadium Roar' held
by the Denver Broncos (128.74 decibels, set in October 2000).

The loudest point came when John Arne Riise put Liverpool ahead in the
first minute with Chelsea only able to reach a high of 126.5 decibels.

Liverpool's average volume level was also higher at 93.5 decibels
compared with Chelsea's 92.2 decibels.

Steven Gerrard's name recorded a decibel count four higher than any
other player as the team line-ups were announced.

Sam Ward, Carling Cup Sponsorship Manager, said: "The Carling Cup is all
about the fans and what a performance from both sets of supporters. This
year's competition has attracted more fans than any before and smashing
the world record is a great way to top it off."

We might have lost the 2005 Carling Cup final on the pitch but when it
came to the supporters off it, the Liverpool fans were in a different
league to their southern rivals and not just in terms of noise.

As was the case when Liverpool played Arsenal and Manchester United in
the same Cardiff stadium in recent years, the Liverpool supporters not
only made the most noise but also provided the most colour.

A handful of flags with the St Georges Cross on the them in the Chelsea
end was no match for the colour, wit and originality of the hundreds of
banners and flags on display in the Liverpool end.

Amongst all of the flags and chants, it was a scene in Westgate Street
before the match that really summed up the unique nature of Liverpool
fans. As the street bristled with anticipation with kick-off less than
an hour away, a sea of Liverpool fans opened up to allow three men
through with a massiveframed portrait of Rafael Benitez. The street went
mad as this giant Rafa portrait made it's way down the street. It was
the sort of scene you see on the news in the Middle East not outside a
football stadium in Wales but it looked pure class and again highlighted
that off the pitch at least, we're a class above every team in Europe.

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[lfc-news] Mark Lawrenson column - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 1 Mar 2005
Dearth of class was as key as lack of luck
By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post

IN THE build-up to the Carling Cup final I talked about luck, and how
Liverpool's was changing for the better. It turns out that in football,
as in life, you make your own luck, and that was something that
Liverpool failed to do.

Being 1-0 up thanks to a fantastic goal, the stage is set to go on and
kill off the game. If you can't do that then plan B is to keep the ball
and prevent the opposition from building up any momentum.

The fact Liverpool couldn't do either showed the basic flaw in their
make-up, which is a lack of class in several players and positions.

As far as the second goal went, Dietmar Hamann had a good chance and
Steven Gerrard was unlucky with his miss. Keeping the ball was another
matter altogether, with possession being surrendered much too easily
throughout the match.

I know as a footballer that if you can make the opposition work to get
the ball, they will struggle to break you down. It is a fact that you
feel more tired when you are running back towards your own goal than
when you are going forward to score one.

While Chelsea's cutting edge was dulled by the excellent defensive work
of Jerzy Dudek, Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia, Steve Finnan and Djimi
Traore, ahead of them the creative players just couldn't hold onto the
ball for long enough, or do enough with it to force Chelsea back.

That in turn meant that Fernando Morientes - although dangerous when he
had the ball - was a peripheral figure as a lone striker, and also freed
Chelsea's defenders to come forward.

In those situations where attack follows attack, it is inevitable that
something will go against you and the dam will burst. So it was for
Gerrard's own goal.

Looking at the game now, Chelsea obviously have a stronger squad than
Liverpool, but Rafa Benitez will have seen again just where he needs to
strengthen.

However one area he does not need to look at is the left side of the
team, which is very strong at the moment. Traore particularly has
impressed me after his Burnley howler. Instead of retreating into the
reserves, the defender has turned in some excellent displays, playing to
his strengths of solid tackling and good recovery.

He could still stand to improve his distribution, but that apart he has
been forceful at left-back.

That has meant John Arne Riise is free to bomb on from left midfield,
where he gives the team real impetus and always looks capable of getting
you a goal, as we saw on Sunday. He has really flourished under Benitez
and has been back to his best.

The manager will need a few more players to play up to their reputations
in the next few weeks if they are to catch Everton, starting against
Newcastle.

Graeme Souness appears to have turned it around up in the North East and
the trip is a tough one by anyone's standards. It is up to the Spaniard
to pick up his players and explain they were beaten by probably the best
team in the country, and it is still in their hands to bounce back.

However with just 11 games left and Everton eight points ahead,
Liverpool need to have a five or six-game unbeaten run to put pressure
on the Blues, or else they will hold onto fourth at a canter.

Everyone is talking about the derby game, but that could almost be
irrelevant if Liverpool do not start closing the gap soon.

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BBC SPORT- Finnan issues support for Gerrard

BBC SPORT | Football | League Cup | Finnan issues support for Gerrard: "Finnan issues support for Gerrard
By Mandeep Sanghera

Steve Finnan has backed Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard to bounce back from his Carling Cup nightmare.

Gerrard missed a great chance with the Reds 1-0 up against Chelsea before he gifted them an equaliser through an own goal with only 11 minutes left.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Gerrard and their fans ironically chanted his name but Finnan said: 'It can happen to anyone.

'He'll bounce back. He is a quality player. I'm sure it won't affect him.'

Finnan added: 'He was trying to clear the ball and it could have gone anywhere but it has just gone in off the post.'

Gerrard cut a forlorn figure at the end of the game as he watched Chelsea celebrate their win from a dejected Liverpool camp.

His goal cancelled out John Arne Riise's stunning volley for the Reds and took the tie into extra time, with Chelsea eventually overpowering their badly-tiring opponents.

'There is no-one to blame out there,' said Republic of Ireland international Finnan.

'It is just a bit frustrating but after a good first half we probably didn't play as well in the second half.

'And with the set-pieces maybe we could have done better.' "

[lfc-news] Ian Rush column - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 1 Mar 2005
Reds have to put cup heartache to one side
By Ian Rush, Liverpool Echo

THERE is no point Liverpool feeling sorry for themselves. They can't
afford to.

Losing the Carling Cup final was a massive disappointment, but the Reds
have two other big games coming up.

They have to think positively. They are still in the Champions League
and are competing for fourth spot in the Premiership.

They are scoring goals regularly and the right results against Newcastle
on Saturday and Bayer Leverkusen next week will really lift them.

The players have to believe they will be successful. Everton are not
untouchable and a Champions League quarter-final is not beyond Rafa's men.

Although it was a great goal from Riise, they probably scored too early
at Cardiff. It took Chelsea some time to get going, but when they did
they kept coming at the Reds. To hold on for 20 minutes is one thing,
but to try and do it for 90 minutes is much harder.

If Gerrard had made it 2-0 in the second half that would have killed the
game off and Milan Baros had half a chance near the end.

No doubt Baros will have been disappointed to start on the bench, as any
player would. However, cup finals are tiring games and a manager can't
just rely on his starting eleven. He needs fresh legs to call on and
Baros looked lively when he replaced Morientes.

Jerzy Dudek has had his critics recently, but he kept Liverpool in the
game with some good saves. You have to keep faith with him.

* JAMIE CARRAGHER was my man of the match at Cardiff. He was different
class.

It baffles me that he is not involved more in the England team. No one
knows his best position because he is so good wherever he plays.

He is a great utility man and would be an important member of any side.
He is also a great lad to have in the dressing room.

Jose still has a lot to learn

ALTHOUGH I was at the final, I must admit I didn't see Jose Mourinho's
antics on the touchline.

If he really was gesturing to the Liverpool fans then he deserves all he
gets.

If, like he claims, he was aiming it at those in the press box who have
been on his back recently then that's a bit different.

He should realise, though, that any manager will get criticism. You just
have to take the rough with the smooth.

Mourinho is a great manager. Speaking to the Chelsea players after the
game they all love him.

But he still has things to learn about the English game.

More City frustration

IT was a bad weekend all round for me.

Like Rafael Benitez, I'm left to lift my players after a 5-0 defeat to
Shrewsbury.

We have no money available to strengthen the side, so we can only work
with the players we have.

We will have a team meeting to get the thoughts of the lads. I have
always thought it important to let players have their say. It brings
everyone closer and managers can learn things from it.

Like Liverpool we can't afford to feel sorry for ourselves after a
defeat like that. We just have to work hard in order to improve things.

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[lfc-news] File - faq.txt

******************************************
Liverpool [lfc] Football Club News-List FAQ
Last Updated: January 2004
*Please read and keep for future reference.*
******************************************

- ----------
CONTENTS
- ----------
1. What is the Liverpool FC News List?
2. What are the List Rules?
3. How do I subscribe and unsubscribe?
4. Digest or Single emails?
5. How do I send a message to the list?
6. How can I read previous topics?
7. Problems and complaints?
8. What other mailing lists are available?

1. What is the Liverpool FC News List?
=====================================================
The LFC-NEWS list is a low volume list for news, articles and match reports
only - not discussion.

2. Mailing List Rules
=====================================================
Basic netiquette should suffice.

3. How do I subscribe and unsubscribe?
=====================================================
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[lfc-news] Carling Cup Final report- PA

PA Sport, 27 Feb 2005
Liverpool 2 Chelsea 3 (aet, 90mins 1-1)

No wonder Jose Mourinho values trophies above popularity contests.

As Didier Drogba and Mateja Kezman bundled home Chelsea's Carling Cup
final winners amid a dramatic extra-time finale, their manager was not
even there to watch.

For the Chelsea boss's halo, if one ever existed, had slipped another
notch after he was sent from the touchline in disgrace following another
unseemly brush with officialdom.

Chelsea fans will not care a jot. After all, in his first season,
Mourinho had just brought the club their first trophy in five years and
only the 10th major success in their entire history.

However, just days after refusing to speak publicly after his defeat to
Barcelona, amid complaints at Anders Frisk's conduct in the Nou Camp, he
again courted controversy in the Millennium Stadium.

This time around, Mourinho, who was earlier warned for berating
Liverpool players, was censured for seemingly inciting their fans by
putting a finger to his lips after their late equaliser.

That came 12 minutes from time when Steven Gerrard, the one player
Mourinho had failed to sign last summer, inadvertently headed the Blues
back into contention with an own goal to equalise John Arne Riise's
early strike.

Mourinho was immediately sent off and let himself and his club down in
the process. What is more, he missed a fantastic finale.

For with Drogba and Kezman on target from close range, Chelsea completed
a remarkable recovery and not even a late goal by Antonio Nunez was
enough to halt them.

The 'blip', following consecutive defeats by Newcastle and Barcelona had
been laid to rest, even if a whole new can of worms over Mourinho's
behaviour had been opened.

Then again, he had shown one side of character before kick-off when
Carlo Cudicini, who was denied a promised start by suspension, was
allowed to lead the Chelsea team out.

However, his first-choice goalkeeper, Petr Cech, found himself picking
the ball out of the back of his net with just 45 seconds gone inside the
Millennium Stadium.

Chelsea's defence may have been the cornerstone of their progress this
season but they remained uncharacteristically rooted to the spot as
Fernando Morientes arced over a searching deep cross.

Riise was unmarked at the far post, although the Norwegian still needed
to produce a thunderous first-time volley to leave Cech rooted to the spot.

Gerrard responded by setting the example in winning his first
full-blooded 50-50 tackle with Frank Lampard.

And with Luis Garcia in behind Morientes, Liverpool were able to
pressurise Chelsea's three-man central midfield, with Lampard's
influence curtailed.

It was left to Joe Cole to provide Chelsea's impetus but there was
precious little of that as Jerzy Dudek did well to divert Drogba's shot
around the post from the midfielder's through-ball.

Jamie Carragher was otherwise in commanding form, even if central
defensive colleague Sami Hyypia came close to being sent off just after
the break.

Hyypia, who had already been booked, brought down Cole and referee Steve
Bennett looked set to issue another yellow card before realising what
this would entail.

Hyypia instead escaped and Mourinho started to lose his temper as he
berated both Luis Garcia and Carragher from the touchline as the match
grew in intensity.

The Chelsea boss had nevertheless already influenced the outcome with
his introduction of Eidur Gudjohnsen at half-time, replacing the
ineffective Jiri Jarosik.

Gudjohnsen re-energised his team as Chelsea laid siege to the Liverpool
goal, even if Steve Finnan denied Drogba and Dudek conjured up a
fantastic double save from first Gudjohnsen and then William Gallas.

Liverpool were sitting deep and defending hard, although Cech still
needed to foil Dietmar Hamann on a rare counter-attack.

Benitez increased the pressure by bringing on Milan Baros and, just
moments later, Gerrard came agonisingly close to putting his side 2-0 up
only to divert Nunez's cross inches wide.

Terry also just denied Baros, but it was Chelsea who broke away next
and, after Hamann had brought down Lampard in full flight, the Blues
duly equalised.

Gerrard jumped highest to meet Paulo Ferreira's flighted delivery but
succeeded only in diverting the ball past Dudek.

Mourinho could not contain his celebrations and was dismissed from the
touchline. Still Chelsea pressed, however, and Dudek needed to performed
further miracles to keep Duff at bay.

The Poland international was injured in the process and, with his side's
three substitutes already on, it was a nervous wait for Benitez before
he carried on.

Lampard shot wide, but so too did Baros, as the match was taken into
extra-time.

Both sides continued to trade blows thereafter, with Drogba striking the
post with a header, while Biscan nodded an effort just over the top.

Just a minute into the second period of extra-time, Hyypia failed to cut
out substitute Glen Johnson's long throw and Drogba bundled the ball
over the goal-line from close range.

Tensions threatened to boil over as Hamann and Claude Makelele were
warned after a shoving match, but Chelsea struck again.

Dudek failed to hold Gudjohnsen's fierce cross and Kezman succeeded in
prodding the ball just over the line before the keeper could react in time.

Liverpool rallied immediately, with Nunez just beating Cech to a header
as he flicked the ball into the net.

However, Chelsea held out - and Mourinho was guaranteed a hero's
reception from the Chelsea fans when he finally reappeared after the
final whistle.

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore (Biscan 67), Luis
Garcia, Gerrard, Hamann, Riise, Kewell (Nunez 56), Morientes (Baros 74).
Subs Not Used: Pellegrino, Carson.
Booked: Hyypia, Traore, Hamann, Carragher.
Goals: Riise 1, Nunez 113.

Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho, Terry, Gallas (Kezman
74), Jarosik (Gudjohnsen 45), Lampard, Makelele, Cole (Johnson 81),
Drogba, Duff.
Subs Not Used: Pidgeley, Tiago.
Booked: Lampard, Kezman, Drogba, Duff.
Goals: Gerrard 79 og, Drogba 107, Kezman 112. After Extra Time

Att: 78,000
Ref: S Bennett (Kent).

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[lfc-news] Thommo's thoughts on Final line-up - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 26 Feb 2005
THOMMO'S THOUGHTS ON FINAL LINE-UP
By Paul Eaton

Former Liverpool assistant manager Phil Thompson has cast his eyes over
the Reds' likely line-up for this weekend's clash with Chelsea and given
his verdict on each area of Rafa's team.

Thommo on the goalkeeper:

Jerzy Dudek has had a difficult time. He's coming into the game after a
bad mistake in the 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in midweek. But the one
thing about Jerzy is he does have confidence in himself. You also have
to remember that a couple of years ago he had a nightmare game against
Manchester United at Anfield and then a week later he picked up the man
of the match award against them in the Carling Cup final in Cardiff. His
main weakness is his concentration, but if he is up for it he can be the
best goalkeeper in the world.

Thommo on the defence:

They have been good defensively this season on the whole. Their best
moments have been with Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia together in the
centre. I expect them to be at the heart of defence on Sunday. Maybe
they could have expected a bit more from the likes of Josemi and Steve
Finnan at right-back. Djimi Traore has done OK at left-back. Overall
things have been OK. But the longer you play with the same players the
better you are at the back and the lack of a settled four hasn't helped
the team. Maybe that has played a part with the keeper problems too.

Thommo on the midfield:

Probably the strongest department at the club. Stevie Gerarrd and Xabi
Alonso, it just sounds like a great partnership. Injuries have disrupted
them though and they have often had to play without each other. Didi
Hamann has come in and done a great job as anchorman but it's a shame
the pair haven't played more games. A big bonus has been the form of
John-Arne Riise. He's back to being a threat. You've then got Luis
Garcia who, like Josemi, got off to a great start but trailed off. He
can cause problems and I expect him to play on the right on Sunday.
Stevie Gerrard is the key man though. If he performs Liverpool stand a
very, very good chance of winning.

Thommo on the forward line:

Chelsea have the best defence in the country but Liverpool have Fernando
Morientes in the team. And it must be remembered that as a Monaco player
he scored both home and away against Chelsea last year. He's a big game
player and the final will hold few fears for him. He'll love it in fact.
On his day, Milan Baros terrorises defences but will it be his day? As a
pair, they've still got a bit to do to become a double act, but with
Harry Kewell on the bench and Stevie Gerrard breaking from midfield,
Liverpool do have a real goal threat.

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[lfc-news] Rafa proud despite Cup defeat - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 27 Feb 2005
RAFA PROUD DESPITE CUP DEFEAT
By Paul Eaton

Rafael Benitez feels his Liverpool side should have emerged triumphant
from Sunday's Carling Cup final.
The Reds crashed to a 3-2 defeat, despite holding the lead for 79
minutes until Steven Gerrard's unfortunate own goal gave the Londoners
the impetus to go on and secure victory in extra time.

But Benitez feels his players had enough chances when the score was only
1-0 to kill the contest.

He said: "The result is a pity but I have told the players they must be
proud of their performance.

"When you are 1-0 up and have one or two clear chances to score another
goal then you must take it. If we'd scored from one of our chances then
I think we would have won the game.

"It was difficult for us to control the game early on but once we
reorganised the team I thought we did much better and matched them.

"Our defence worked hard and the goalkeeper played well. It was just a
pity we let them back into the game in the manner we did. We were
unlucky today.

"We have to analyse the game and look at things but I say again that the
players must be proud of their performance. They had a good game."

Steven Gerrard has insisted his Liverpool team-mates must pick
themselves up from their Cup Final disappointment and 'stay strong' for
the rest of the season.

Gerrard admitted he was devastated after scoring the own goal ten
minutes from time.

But he says the Reds must now forget about their Cardiff frustrations
and ensure they have something to celebrate at the end of the season.

He said: "We just have to pick ourselves up now and play for other
things. It's a tough day for us but we have to get over it.

"We scored early, maybe too early, and then tried to run the clock down.
We were ten minutes away from winning the Cup ourselves but credit to
Chelsea, they played well.

"It's obviously very painful for me to score the own goal. It's been a
bad day for me and the team but we have to pick ourselves up now and
stay strong."

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AnfieldRoad.com - Final Score - Liverpool lose

AnfieldRoad.com - Final Score - Liverpool lose: "A brave performance from Liverpool proved not to enough to prevent a defeat in the Carling Cup Final. The final score, 3-2, perhaps made the game sound like it was full of chances, but it was far from it. Jose Mourhino was sent off, there were a good few bookings, but in the end Chelsea got the silverware their Russian owner wanted so badly. This leaves Chelsea on course for a treble and Liverpool to concentrate on their two Champions League campaigns - one to win the trophy this season, and one to be in next year's competition.

Certainly Chelsea were lucky today, but Steven Gerrard seemed to lose his ability to turn a game after receiving a heavy knock in the second half.

Riise's goal had been the fastest in League Cup history - 43 seconds, but Steven Gerrard scored an own goal to bring Chelsea back into it. Gerrard was crying at the end.

Two goal-mouth scrambles saw Chelsea get the score to 3-1 in extra time. A late goal from Nunez wasn't enough for a tired Liverpool."

AnfieldRoad.com - Half-time - Chelsea 0 Liverpool 1

AnfieldRoad.com - Half-time - Chelsea 0 Liverpool 1: "John Arne Riise put Liverpool ahead after just 43 seconds, with a goal that TV coverage put at travelling at 79.5 miles per hour. Over the next 46 minutes Chelsea weren't able to trouble Liverpool too much, although there were a couple of worrying moments. Hyypia and Traore both picked up bookings, and Liverpool were also denied what looked to be a clear penalty when Gerrard was dragged down in the box.

Concentration will be key now for both teams in the second half - Liverpool have, perhaps sensibly, played quite a safety-first game since going ahead, and what is said in the dressing room could be key to the destiny of this year's Carling Cup."

AnfieldRoad.com - Half-time - Chelsea 0 Liverpool 1

AnfieldRoad.com - Half-time - Chelsea 0 Liverpool 1: "John Arne Riise put Liverpool ahead after just 43 seconds, with a goal that TV coverage put at travelling at 79.5 miles per hour. Over the next 46 minutes Chelsea weren't able to trouble Liverpool too much, although there were a couple of worrying moments. Hyypia and Traore both picked up bookings, and Liverpool were also denied what looked to be a clear penalty when Gerrard was dragged down in the box.

Concentration will be key now for both teams in the second half - Liverpool have, perhaps sensibly, played quite a safety-first game since going ahead, and what is said in the dressing room could be key to the destiny of this year's Carling Cup."

AnfieldRoad.com - Teams for Carling Cup Final

AnfieldRoad.com - Teams for Carling Cup Final

Chelsea:
Cech
Ferreira
Carvalho
Terry
Gallas
Lampard
Makalele
Jarosik
J Cole
Drogba
Duff
Subs:
Johnson
Kezman
Gudjohnsen
Tiago
Pidgeley

Liverpool:
Dudek
Finnan
Hyypia
Carragher
Traore
Luis Garcia
Gerrard
Hammann
Riise
Kewell
Morientes
Subs:
Baros
Pellegrino
Nunez
Carson
Biscan

AnfieldRoad.com - North v South

AnfieldRoad.com - North v South

Sunday, 27 February 2005
Today's Carling Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool has put so many comparisons up for scrutiny between the two teams.

Mourinho v Benitez - perhaps the two most successful continental coaches of the last few years face each other in a tactical battle.

Abramovich v Moores - the Russian with the cash to buy most of the Premiership if rules would allow him to, against David Moores, part of the family that used to own the Littlewoods empire, but no longer, and now certainly has less cash to throw around than his opposite number.

Lampard v Gerrard - two English midfielders face each other in the centre of the park, probably the best two English midfielders, and their partnership for England is going to be repeated at club level if you believe all the hype. Which we'd advise you not to. Lampard is at least spared having to face another of Liverpool's players - Alonso won't be playing due to the broken bones he got from a tackle by Lampard earlier in the season.

Terry v Carragher - two English centre-backs, who aren't first choice for their country. It seems that the England manager will pick Campbell and Ferdinand first whenever they're available, with John Terry there for cover should one be unavailable. Carragher meanwhile has been transformed from a good defensive full-back, perhaps lacking a little in the attacking aspects of his game, into Liverpool's most reliable player. Due to the quality of defenders he may never be established as more than a fringe player at international level.

Kewell v Duff - two left-sided midfielders that were strongly linked with moves to Liverpool from their clubs a few years back. Duff has been perhaps more effective than Kewell after his move, but neither have matched the expectations built up for them.

Then we have the Czech v Czech. Or Cech v Baros to be more precise. Liverpool's Baros has become a first-choice striker at Anfield after the departure of Michael Owen, but his excellent performance in Euro 2004 maybe would have done that anyway. His goalkeeper in that competition faces him today, and hopes to continue his successful run of conceding very few goals in English football.
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