[lfc-news] Fury at£750 euro tickets - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 13 May 2005
Fury at £750 euro tickets
By Tony Barrett

TICKETS for Liverpool's Champions League final clash with AC Milan are
changing hands for up to twenty times their face value.

Fans desperate for tickets are being quoted as much as £750 each - as
touts and ticketing agencies sidestep laws supposed to stop them from
cashing in on major sporting occasions.

Liverpool fans today joined forces with local politicians to call for an
inquiry into Uefa's ticketing policy, which has allowed tens of
thousands of tickets to fall into the hands of people who support
neither of the two teams in the final.

The root of the problem was the decision by Uefa to give 15,000 tickets
to members of the "Uefa family", with a further 15,000 being split
evenly between the Turkish open market and a ballot on Uefa's own website.

Liverpool and AC Milan have been given just 20,000 tickets each, despite
both having average attendances in excess of 40,000.

Upon receiving their allocation, Liverpool FC chiefs decided they could
only offer tickets to fans who have been to at least six European games
this season - meaning thousands of supporters will miss out.

Now, with the final in Istanbul less than a fortnight away, the scramble
for tickets has begun in earnest and the touts are cashing in.

The ECHO today checked out internet auction site ebay to see if tickets
were available there. We found scores of tickets - with a face value of
£36 and £64 - on sale for anything between £250 and £420 each.

In order to get round laws banning touting some vendors are offering the
tickets as part of a "package deal".

These offers include things like a blank CD plus two "free" Champions
League final tickets - giving the misleading impression a blank CD is on
sale for £560 and the "lucky" buyer will also receive a pair of cup
final tickets.

Richard Pedder, chairman of the official Liverpool Supporters Club, said
this problem was always going to rear its head as soon as both clubs
were given a ticket allocation that went nowhere near meeting the
demands of two such large fan bases.

He said: "If you look at the number of fans both Liverpool and AC Milan
have, then common sense would suggest they should have been given a
minimum of 30,000 tickets each.

"The fact that they weren't given anything like this just played into
the hands of touts, who can now demand pretty much what they like for
tickets.

"I can understand Uefa giving a certain amount of tickets to various
associations, just as the FA do for the FA Cup Final.

"But in this case, it looks like they've given far too many tickets to
people who've got nothing to do with the final and this is a major
problem that needs addressing."

Internet ticket agencies are also cashing in at the expense of genuine
fans - safe in the knowledge that any fines levied against them for
touting are likely only to scrape the surface of their profits.

Anyone found guilty of touting faces a fine of up to £5,000, meaning
Trading Standards bodies have to build up a whole batch of individual
charges against an agency falling foul of the law in order to make them
liable to receive a bigger fine.

A further trawl of the internet found a London ticket shop which is
selling tickets for £425, ticket-finders.com is offering them for
between £400 and £600 and t he most expensi ve, theonlineticketshop.com,
advertising guaranteed tickets in the Liverpool end for £725.

Riverside MP Louise Ellman said: "It seems very unfair that genuine fans
who have missed out on tickets are being forced into paying vastly
inflated sums simply to watch their team play.

"This is something that Uefa and the football authorities in general
need to look at and they should do so with utmost urgency."

Liverpool Wavertree MP Jane Kennedy agreed with her colleague, adding:
"It's a disgrace when genuine fans who go to game after game in the hope
of eventually making it to an occasion like this have to miss out.

"It's time Uefa sorted this out once and for all so that situations like
this can never arise again in the future."

A Uefa spokesman insisted the body was already aware of the problem of
tickets being sold at hugely inflated prices and had placed the matter
in the hands of its legal department.

"Our ticketing policies were established many months before the final
and would be exactly the same regardless of which clubs were in the final.

"We'd urge fans not to buy tickets from bodies and individuals not
officially recognised by Uefa, mainly because in some cases we aren't
convinced the tickets even exist.

"But whenever we spot cases like this we take action. We're aware of
tickets being offered for sale on the internet, and not only on ebay,
and the matter is now in the hands of our legal team."

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[lfc-news] Smicer: I'm off in the summer - PA

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PA Sport, 13 May 2005
SMICER: I'M OFF IN THE SUMMER

Czech international Vladimir Smicer has confirmed he will leave
Liverpool this summer.

The out-of-favour winger has admitted Reds boss Rafael Benitez has
informed him he will not be handing him a new contract when his current
deal expires this summer.

Smicer wants first-team football and after failing to hold down a
regular place in the Liverpool first team since his move from Lens in
1999, Benitez is willing to let the midfielder leave.

Asked by reporters in his homeland if he will leave the Champions League
finalists this summer Smicer replied: "Yes. I talked with the coach
recently and he told me squarely he doesn't want me to extend my contract.

"I am used to living and playing here so I will be sad. On the other
hand, after six years at one club, the change will be useful.

"The behaviour of the Liverpool management was absolutely okay. They do
not count on me but they act right.

"I do not feel such worth if I play for example only one minute in the
semi-final against Chelsea."

And he also revealed the frustration felt by countryman Milan Baros, who
has also been linked with a move away from Merseyside despite enjoying a
good season for Liverpool.

"He told me he doesn't remember a match in which he played the whole 90
minutes," Smicer said.

"He doesn't feel tired and yet Benitez takes him off. But it's up to
them, they have to clear the air. The coach has some concepts and, if
Milan doesn't fulfil them, he takes him off.

"Hopefully, he won't be on the bench against Milan (in the Champions
League final).

"Milan have rather old defenders so Baros would be useful with his speed."

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[lfc-news] Carson wins swift call-up to England squad - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 13 May 2005
Carson wins swift call-up to England squad
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

SCOTT CARSON was last night celebrating a rapid elevation into the
England squad - only five Premiership starts into his professional career.

Liverpool's teenage goalkeeper has started only three league games and
one Champions League tie for Rafael Benitez's side since his £750,000
move from Leeds in January.

But his commanding progress has been rewarded with a place in the 22-man
squad to travel to the United States at the end of this month.

Carson has been called up by Sven-Goran Eriksson to replace the injured
Paul Robinson, and takes his place alongside reinstated first choice
David James and Robert Green of Norwich.

The FA had to negotiate the 19-year-old's release with Liverpool due to
the clash of dates with the European Cup final.

England are due to travel to the United States 24 hours before Liverpool
take on AC Milan in Istanbul, a factor in the withdrawal of Steven
Gerrard and Jamie Carragher from the two-match tour.

But Carson has been granted special dispensation to fly out to America
immediately after the May 25 final - meaning he will miss Liverpool's
homecoming celebrations should they triumph over Carlo Ancelotti's side.

England face the United States on May 28 before concluding their season
against Columbia three days later.

And Carson's place on the tour, despite the plethora of absentees, is
another indication of his rich promise.

The Whitehaven-born stop-per made only two Premier-ship starts for Leeds
before Benitez beat Chelsea to his signature in the transfer window.

Liverpool are poised to bring Villarreal's Jose Reina to Anfield in an
£8million deal this summer, a move that will cast doubt over the
long-term futures of Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland.

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[lfc-news] Cisse aims for dream finish - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 13 May 2005
Cisse aims for dream finish
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

DJIBRIL CISSE will start against Aston Villa for the first time since
his comeback, with the gauntlet thrown down to force himself into the
Champions League Final.

But Steven Gerrard and Luis Garcia miss Sunday's Anfield send-off ahead
of the trip to Istanbul. Both will be rested to protect niggling thigh
strains.

Manager Rafa Benitez still hasn't decided who will start in attack in
Turkey, and Milan Baros' outspoken comments earlier this week have
improved Cisse's chances of getting the nod.

Baros complaints about being regularly substituted during the course of
the season have staggered members of the Reds' coaching team,
particularly since the Czech star has scored just twice since November.

Now Cisse will lead the line against David O'Leary's side knowing an
impressive display could be enough to complete a dramatic rehabilitation
from a broken leg, earning him a place against AC Milan.

"The game against Aston Villa will give a lot of players who haven't had
a lot of football an opportunity," said Benitez..

"I will be able to compare the level of players ahead of the final.

"Cisse is one of those players. The competition for places will give me
options. I want to have the best players for the final. If they play
well against Aston Villa, they could play in the final."

Fernando Morientes is still struggling with a thigh problem and is rated
doubtful.

In the absence of Gerrard, Benitez is considering handing Jamie
Carragher the captain's armband on Sunday as a reward for his tremendous
campaign.

The visitors will welcome Nolberto Solano back to their starting line-up.

The Peruvian international came on as a substitute during last weekend's
2-1 defeat by Manchester City and is set to replace Thomas Hitzlsperger
in the starting line-up.

The match will be Hitzlsperger's final one for Villa as he has already
agreed to join VfB Stuttgart this summer.

Midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba is also pushing for a starting place after
his substitute appearance against City.

Carlton Cole is set to continue on the bench in his final match before
returning to Chelsea after a season-long loan spell.

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[lfc-news] Blatter backs Liverpool - PA

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PA Sport, 12 May 2005
BLATTER BACKS LIVERPOOL

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has given added impetus to Liverpool's bid
to be allowed to defend the Champions League trophy next season if they
beat AC Milan in the final.

Blatter insisted UEFA president Lennart Johansson was "right" to have
raised the idea of Liverpool being granted a wild card into the
competition as champions.

"Johansson said he would support the idea if the Football Association
proposed it to UEFA. And I think he is right," he told the Evening Standard.

Under UEFA rules, the Champions League winners are not automatically
entitled to defend their crown and the FA's professional game board have
already ruled in favour of their four places remaining with the top four
in the Barclays Premiership.

That means Everton will join Manchester United in next season's
qualifying round, with Liverpool at best able to finish fifth in the
domestic league.

However, the FA have already formally raised the matter of Liverpool
being allowed special dispensation if they win the final.

And although UEFA have regularly insisted their rules are clear,
Johansson has still raised the possibility of Liverpool's case being
looked on favourably in two separate interviews.

While Blatter does not have any direct say in the eventual decision, his
voice in the corridors of power is certainly influential - giving
Liverpool added hope.

The FIFA president is, meanwhile, convinced that goal-line technology
will be in place for the 2006 World Cup, having seen the controversy
over the goal which sealed Liverpool's semi-final victory against
Chelsea at Anfield.

The technology involves balls containing a microchip that would send a
signal to the referee if the ball had crossed the line, ruling out the
need for TV cameras to adjudicate.

"I am convinced it will be ready for the World Cup," said Blatter. "They
had 12 cameras [at Anfield] and you still couldn't see."

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[lfc-news] We'll play Liverpool for our place in the Champions League - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 12 May 2005
We'll play Liverpool for our place in the Champions League
By Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

A TINY village football club may hold the key to Liverpool FC's
participation in next season's Champions League.

Welsh champions Total Network Solutions FC say they will consider taking
on the Reds in a winner-takes-all summer clash.

The prize awaiting the winner of this classic David and Goliath contest?
TNS's hard-won place in the first qualifying round of the premier
European club tournament.

The match would only take place in the event of Liverpool winning this
year's Champions League final, but being unable to defend their title
because no place is automatically available for the winners.

TNS play in front of an average of 258 fans in the village of
Llansantffraid - population 1,000 - near Oswestry in Shropshire, and
have sealed their place after running away with the Welsh title.

But they face the prospect of a costly trip to eastern Europe for tough
ties against the champion from a country such as Moldova, Estonia or
Azerbaijan.

A one-off match against Liverpool, in front of tens of thousands of fans
in a neutral venue like the Millennium stadium and an even bigger TV
audience, would mean the biggest payday in TNS's modest history.

Mike Harris, managing director of TNS, said his club would consider the
play-off if it did not devalue the competition or the Welsh league.

He said: "If it was done properly, I think I would be in favour of it.
It would have to be in the form of one 90-minute match, decided by
penalties if it was a draw.

"We would get the benefit of the gate, and should we be unfortunate
enough not to get through, we would want a percentage of Liverpool's
income from the competition.

"We would want it covered by a national television station, and from a
personal point of view, it would be nice to stage it at the Millennium
stadium."

The FA has decided to nominate fourth-placed Everton over Liverpool for
next season's Champions League, even if the Reds beat AC Milan in the
final later this month.

A club spokesman said: "We aren't making any comment on this issue until
after the final."

William Gaillard, director of communications at Uefa said: "It would be
very attractive to the smaller club financially, but that isn't the way
European football is played. We wouldn't want to set a precedent and
it's not part of our rules."

Liverpool FC

Honours - 18 league titles, six FA Cups, seven League Cups
Record attendance - 61,905 against Wolves, FA Cup 1951-52
Record transfer fee - £14m for Djibril Cisse
European Cup record - four times winners

TNS FC

Honours - one Welsh league title, one Welsh Cup, one League of Wales Cup
Record attendance - 1,996 at the Recreation Ground against Chelsea,
pre-season friendly
Record transfer fee - N/A
Champions League record - lost 6-2 on aggregate to FC Levadia Maardu of
Estonia, first round, 2000

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[lfc-news] Benitez blast could cost Baros - PA

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PA Sport, 11 May 2005
BENITEZ BLAST COULD COST BAROS

Milan Baros has criticised boss Rafa Benitez for continually
substituting him as the fight between the Czech star and Djibril Cisse
to lead Liverpool's attack in the Champions League final intensifies.

It is clear that fit-again Cisse is now a genuine candidate to play from
the start in the May 25 clash with AC Milan in Istanbul.

Baros and Cisse - back from a broken leg - played a half each in
Liverpool's defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, with the Frenchman figuring
prominently in a vastly-improved second-half display by the Anfield men.

Now it is likely that Cisse will start his first Premiership game on
Sunday - at home to Aston Villa - since breaking his leg at Blackburn in
October.

The match will give the Kop the chance to give their heroes a send-off
for Istanbul in their last league match of the season.

Benitez will then have to make a choice between the strikers for the
European final.

Baros - who has been substituted 22 times in 43 appearance this season -
will have done his cause no good by attacking Benitez's selection policy
in an interview with Czech newspaper Pravo.

Baros said: "It is not true that I had or have had disputes with
Benitez, but I am annoyed that when I'm fit I only warm the bench. Or
when Benitez takes me off during a game even if I haven't used up all my
energy on the pitch. I need to play. Only then will I be better than I
am now."

This is the second time this season Baros has gone into print to
criticise Benitez. It happened after the Carling Cup final when Baros
was left out of the starting line-up, coming on as a late substitute for
Fernando Morientes.

Baros was rumoured to have been furious with that decision at the team
hotel in Cardiff - something he denied - but Benitez pointedly told him
after the match to do his talking on the pitch.

The 23 year-old could well be sold in the summer but says: "I have not
said I am going to leave Liverpool. I have some offers, but this is my
agent Pavel Paska's job.

"If I leave the Reds I would like to play in a team which would be at
least at the same level as Liverpool in regard to playing in European
competitions. And I would like to play there constantly."

It is believed Valencia and Fiorentina are interested and there is even
speculation in the Czech Republic that Everton are also watching the
situation.

On that speculation, Baros says: "No comment. Speculation is good for
nothing. This question will be answered at the end of the season. Then
we will deal with it with my agent.

"Of course it would be much better to speak about offers with a
Champions League medal."

Cisse is just delighted to even be in with a chance of playing in the
biggest game of his life.

His injury was initially considered so bad that he was ruled out for the
season, and even admitted later that he feared his leg was going to be
amputated.

Now he says: "It feels fantastic just to be involved in the big games we
have at the moment. I came to Liverpool for the kind of excitement we
are experiencing.

"I just wish the season wouldn't end because I am really enjoying
myself. It was tough being in the dressing room and watching the lads
prepare for the Carling Cup final and the other big games this season
but I just had to get on with it.

"Working hard in the gym was great for getting rid of my frustrations.
My fitness is coming back slowly and I am trying to find the level I had
before."

He added: "My speed is not totally back yet either but that is natural
because I have been out for so long. It is just a matter of time, and I
wish I had a bit more of that."

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[lfc-news] Mellor hoping for pre-season return - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 11 May 2005
MELLOR HOPING FOR PRE-SEASON RETURN
By Paul Eaton

Neil Mellor is hoping to recover from a double knee operation in time
for the start of pre-season training on June 27.
The Liverpool striker has been sidelined for the past couple of months
after having an operation on tendonitis in both of his knees.

He is still a couple of weeks away from running but remains hopeful his
rehabilitation programme will bring him back to full training in time to
start preparations for the new season with the rest of the squad at
Melwood next month.

He said: "There's never a good time to get injured but this problem came
at a bad time for me because I was in the squad and showing people I
could score goals.

"But I've had problems with my knees for a while and it was painful to
get through some games. There were times when I was in so much pain that
I couldn't even run for the ball.

"In the end I had no option but to have the operation, even though I
knew it would rule me out for four months.

"Although I've scored some goals this season I've also been through a
lot of injury problems. As well as the knees I've had problems with
tonsilitis and have had my throat operated on as well.

"I just want to be back out there with the lads and I'm hoping I can
return for pre-season. That's my aim. I've never really had a proper
pre-season so I'm hoping that changes this summer."

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[lfc-news] Reds set to renew deal with Carlsberg - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 11 May 2005
Reds set to renew deal with Carlsberg
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL are about to renew their sponsorship deal with Carlsberg,
quashing fears their 13-year partnership is about to end.

Both parties are said to be 'very close' to agreeing fresh terms on a
lucrative new contract.

There were suggestions Liverpool were looking elsewhere ahead of next
season, but negotiations with Carlsberg are now in their final stages
with an announcement due shortly.

The Reds have a new away kit launch currently on hold until pen is put
to paper on the latest terms.

Carlsberg agreed a club record £15m over a three year period in 2002,
although the full amount was conditional on Champions League participation.

The Reds' failure to qualify for the elite competition in the 2003-4
season proved expensive under the terms of their deal, although this
year's progress has provided Carlsberg with the fullest possible
exposure and strengthened their relationship.

It's unclear exactly how much the Reds will be able to command this
time, but shirt sponsorship has become an increasingly profitable
revenue stream.

Both Chelsea and Manchester United have recently pushed back the limits
as to how much it's worth.

The Londoners have just agreed a £50m deal over five years with Samsung,
while Manchester United are in the middle of a four year deal with
Vodafone worth £36m.

Any investment from this source will prove invaluable to manager Rafa
Benitez as he prepares to rebuild his squad.

Meanwhile, Benitez is currently assessing the talents of Argentinian
triallist Juan Antonio at Melwood, although there's no indication so far
this may lead to a transfer. The 17-year-old striker is one of numerous
youngsters who've been on trial at Anfield this season.

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[lfc-news] UEFA plans give Liverpool hope of return - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 10 May 2005
UEFA plans give Liverpool hope of return
By Ian Dayle, Daily Post

UEFA have already drawn up plans that will allow Liverpool to take their
place in next season's Champions League should they beat AC Milan in
this month's European Cup final.

No decision on the Anfield's side European fate will be made until an
executive committee meeting in Manchester on June 18, where it will be
discussed whether Liverpool are given special dispensation to defend the
title should they lift the trophy on May 25.

But it has emerged that if UEFA hand a Champions League berth to Rafael
Benitez's team, the competition framework is already in place that would
see Liverpool go straight into the group stage as top seeds without any
knock-on effect to the other qualifiers.

The Football Association can nominate only four clubs for next season's
Champions League and last week opted to award the places to the top four
Premiership teams, irrespective of Liverpool winning the European Cup in
Turkey.

But the UEFA Champions League 2005-06 access list - an official document
stating how many clubs from each country can qualify and at what stage
they enter the competition - states the title holders as a separate
entity among the list of 16 clubs who move directly to the group stage.

It means England could have three teams automatically through to the
group stage with Chelsea and Arsenal's places both assured, and also
opens up the chance of the eighth-placed Premiership team being given
Liverpool's possible vacant UEFA Cup place.

A UEFA spokesperson confirmed yesterday: "If Liverpool win the Champions
League and are allowed to defend, it will not make any difference to any
of the other qualifiers. The qualification criteria that is in place
would not have to change."

However, should Milan lift the European Cup, as the Italians have
already qualified for next season's Champions League, the champions from
the highest-placed country on the next qualification tier would go
straight to the group stage.

In that case, it would be Turkey's league winners who profit. With
Galatasaray - who play at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium that will host the
European Cup final - still in with a chance of lifting the championship,
it could leading to the intriguing prospect of home supporters cheering
for a Liverpool defeat in Istanbul.

Meanwhile UEFA president Lennart Johansson has repeated his views of a
couple of weeks ago when he stated yesterday that a way could be found
for Liverpool to be allowed back into next season's tournament as
holders, despite not qualifying through the Barclays Premiership.

Johansson made that statement initially before the semi-final second leg
with Chelsea, which saw Liverpool qualify for the May 25 final against
AC Milan.

But further comments from UEFA's director of communications William
Gaillard threw doubt over the prospect.

But Johansson has advised the English FA to put an appeal in writing and
it will be favourably received.

He said: "Let's deal with it when we know the facts after the final of
the Champions League.

"And then see to it that we are crystal-clear that the champion must
always be given the opportunity to defend the title."

UEFA have confirmed they will discuss the situation at their next
meeting in Manchester in June, but are considering making a ruling to
stop the confusion which has reigned this season happening in future.

It is believed that pressure has been brought on UEFA from sponsors and
TV companies not to allow a situation in which a club as big worldwide
as Liverpool are excluded next season.

It's a view supported by former Kop hero John Toshack, who said:
"Liverpool will be disappointed themselves about this failure to get
into the Champions League through the league.

"Maybe this is a time for UEFA to make a decision. The winners should
always be able to defend their title.

"If you start saying at the beginning of the season that the top four go
in, then that's what you must do. But I still believe the champions
should be allowed to defend the trophy."

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[lfc-news] Ian Rush column - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 10 May 2005
Why Euro rival got Order of My Boot!
By Ian Rush, Liverpool Echo

I'VE an admission to make before Liverpool's Champions League final with
AC Milan.

I seem to have had a positive influence on two of the players who will
be trying to ruin our chances of lifting the European Cup for the fifth
time.

When Andriy Shevchenko was 13, he starred in the annual summer
tournament I organise in Aberystwyth. As one of the best players from
Dynamo Kiev's youth teams, I presented him with a pair of my boots.

I must admit my recollection of the occasion is sketchy, but I was
reminded of this recently and it gives me a lot of pride to think this
was such a memorable moment for a great player.

Shevchenko has spoken publicly about how much it meant to him and it's
very humbling for me to see how he's gone on to become one of the best
strikers in the world.

I also know his team-mate, Jon-Dahl Tomasson, very well.

I was at Newcastle with the Danish striker when his confidence was
shattered by some very unfair criticism.

Kenny Dalglish took him to St James' Park and he asked me to work with
the striker in the reserves. I could tell he was a class player with the
potential to score goals in the Premiership, but unfortunately, he had a
bad start and the Geordie fans never gave him any support or patience.

He's gone on to prove how good he is and you don't sign for AC Milan
unless you're one of the best strikers around.

I'm delighted to see both have established themselves as top players,
but naturally hope they're not smiling on May 25.

Forget what you might have read about Milan not being as good as people
think. This is going to be as tough a test as Liverpool have had in the
competition.

I think it will be easier for Rafa Benitez to prepare his side to play
Milan than it would have been PSV Eindhoven.

For a start, Liverpool are underdogs again, and it has suited them
throughout the tournament.

Secondly, while Milan tend to play the same system, similar to Juventus,
the Dutch employed more variety in their tactics. They would have been
an unknown quantity.

I expect Benitez will approach the game exactly the same way he did
against Juventus. If things go to plan, it will be another tight game
with one goal proving decisive. I can even see potential for penalties
in Istanbul.

With the race for fourth over, there's now an incentive for several
players to force their way into the starting line-up.

Djibril Cisse and Harry Kewell will probably start against Aston Villa.
Benitez needs to get this duo as fit and sharp as possible.

I would also play Milan Baros next week. He's enduring a terrible run,
but he's going to be needed in Turkey.

There's no point destroying his confidence even more.

You were fan-tastic

IN years to come, the youngsters who attended Liverpool's victory over
Chelsea will tell their children: "I was there."

That's how spectacular the night was last Tuesday.

Anfield has built its reputation on games such as that, but for too long
such moments were limited to the past.

Showing a new generation of fans what it can be like should inspire them
to make it an even more regular event.

The Kop does make a difference at Anfield. The supporters can give
themselves a pat on the back for playing a major part in victories over
Chelsea and Juventus.

Gunners' jibe at Reds out of order

ARSENAL are a great side, but they could do with checking their facts
before they accuse Liverpool of being 'lucky' to get to the Champions
League final.

Only one team has remained unbeaten in the knockout stages of Europe.
Even Milan have lost twice on their way to Istanbul.

As for Arsene Wenger comparing Liverpool's success to that of Millwall
in last year's FA Cup, I didn't notice any First, Second or Third
Division teams in the Champions League this season.

If Liverpool win it, they'll have had to beat the champions of Italy and
England to do so. Luck has nothing to do with it.

Besides, it was clubs such as Arsenal who lobbied UEFA so hard to extend
the competition, while England is determined to extend the number of
entrants from the Premier-ship to five.

Yes, it was harder to win years ago, simply because it was so tough to
qualify in the first place. But, having changed the rules, there's no
point complaining if a club takes advantage.

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[lfc-news] Hamann: No decision yet - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 10 May 2005
Hamann: No decision yet
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

DIDI HAMANN insists there will be no decision on his Anfield future
until after the Champions League final, despite an offer from Bolton
Wanderers.

Hamann is out of contract in June and Sam Allardyce has put the classy
midfielder top of his summer wish-list.

The popular German knows he has numerous options, but insists all
negotiations are on hold until after the Champions League Final on May 25.

"I've not agreed or signed any contracts," said Hamann today.

"We've got two more important games and I'm not going to think about my
future until after we've played the final.

This game is too important for me to start thinking about anything else
before then."

Liverpool stalled on renewing the 31-year-old's terms earlier in the
season, which has prompted Bolton to register their own interest.

The Lancashire side aren't the only club ready to pounce, although their
proximity to Merseyside would make them an attractive alternative to a
player who is settled in the area.

However, Rafa Benitez will hold further talks with Hamann at the end of
the campaign and could yet convince him to pen a short-term deal.

Hamann would naturally prefer to remain at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Hamann insists Sunday's visit of Aston Villa is a vital
practice match for the forthcoming trip to Istanbul.

"We've all got places to play for so this is still an important game,"
he said..

"We want to go into the final on the back of a victory so this a chance
to build up our confidence. Whenever you play in front of your own crowd
you want to put on a show and we don't want to slip further down the
Premiership table.

"We were all disappointed after the Arsenal match, but you've also got
to recognise their first half performance was as good as anyone's played
against us this season.

"We responded well in the second half, but sometimes you have to
acknowledge how well the opposition played.

"Fourth spot wasn't lost on Sunday, it was earlier in the season. Six
weeks ago we felt really confident of catching Everton, but when you
lose 11 games away from home, it's clear where the problem is.

"Our home form has been as good as I can remember since I joined the
club, but we lost too many matches away and that's cost us."

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[lfc-news] Cl Final ticket news - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 9 May 2005
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: TICKET SELLING INFO
By Mark Platt

Liverpool Football Club today confirmed selling arrangements for the
20,031 tickets allocated to the club by UEFA for the Champions League
Final in Istanbul on May 25, 2005.
Following procedures put in place last season, the Club has again
recognised those fans who attended games earlier in the competition.

Tickets will be available to season ticket holders and Fan Card holders
who purchased tickets for a minimum of six games from the 14 Liverpool
have played in the Champions League this campaign. The six games can be
a combination of both home and away matches in the tournament, but must
be stored on the Fan Card.

To minimise inconvenience to supporters, the club have also decided to
stagger the sale of tickets, with Tuesday May 10th designated as the
first day of sale for Season Ticket holders who have supplied details of
their Fan Card to prove they have purchased tickets for a minimum of
eight Champions League games.

Wednesday May 11th will see tickets available to Fan Card holders who
have supplied details of their Fan Card to prove they have purchased
tickets for a minimum of eight Champions League games.

The schedule for the rest of the week is as follows:

Thursday May 12th Season Ticket holders - seven games.

Friday May 13th Fan Card holders - seven games.

Saturday May 14th Season Ticket holders - six games.

Sunday May 15th Fan Card holders - six games.

All sales are 1 ticket per eligible Fancard

This will obviously be a very busy period and we appreciate the patience
and co-operation of all our supporters.

Full selling arrangements are as follows...

UEFA Champions League Final

Liverpool FC v AC Milan

To be played at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium

On Wednesday 25th May 2005 Kick Off 21:45hrs.

We have received an allocation of 20031 tickets which are priced at 106
GBP, 78 GBP, 71 GBP, 64 GBP, 36 GBP and 15 GBP. Approximately 40% of the
allocation is priced at 36 GBP, 18% priced at 78 GBP, 14% priced at 64
GBP, 12% priced at 71 GBP and 8% each on the tickets priced at 106 GBP
and 15 GBP.

Shareholders

The allocation and selling arrangements for ALL Shareholders are as follows;

Onholding:1-9 shares
1 ticket at 106 GBP, 78 GBP, 71 GBP & 64 GBP As Available

10-49 shares
2 tickets at 106 GBP, 78 GBP, 71 GBP & 64 GBP As Available

50 shares and over
3 tickets at 106 GBP, 78 GBP, 71 GBP & 64 GBP As Available

The ticket allocation to shareholders will apply to their registered
shareholdings on 4th April 2005. Any transfer of shares lodged for
registration after this date will not qualify.

Shareholders can purchase their ticket(s) from the ticket office or on
the Credit Card line, telephone number 0870 220 2151 from Tuesday 10th
May 2005 until Wednesday 11th May 2005. The following information will
be required:

- name and address
- details of shareholding

Shareholders with shares registered under a nominee company, must give
details of the nominee company and the account number must be supplied.

Shareholders applying by post should make immediate application to the
ticket office detailing the ticket price in order of preference. Cheques
should be made payable to Liverpool Football Club and endorsed not to
exceed the maximum value of the highest priced ticket allowed under the
allocation. The cheque will be completed by the Club to the actual value
of the tickets available. Every effort will be made to supply the
ticket(s) to the value requested but this can not be guaranteed. Please
also see note regarding postal applications.

Corporate Members

The Corporate Sales Department will be writing to all Members to advise
them on their ticket allocation.

Season ticket holders and Fan card holders

One ticket priced at 78 GBP, 71 GBP, 64 GBP, 36 GBP & 15 GBP AS
AVAILABLE. Season ticket holders and Fan card holders who have supplied
their fan card details to the ticket office to prove they have purchased
tickets for a minimum of six home matches or six away matches or a
combination of home and away tickets totalling six matches for this
season's UEFA Champions League.Tickets will be available on the days
detailed below for personal application at the ticket office or on the
credit card line telephone number 0870 220 0034 as follows: -

Tuesday 10th May 2005 to Season ticket holders who have supplied details
of their Fancard to the ticket office and have purchased a ticket for a
minimum of EIGHT UEFA Champions League matches this season.

Wednesday 11th May 2005 to Fancard holders who have supplied details of
their fan card to the ticket office and have purchased a ticket for a
minimum of EIGHT UEFA Champions League matches this season.

Thursday 12th May 2005 to Season ticket holders who have supplied their
Fancard details to the ticket office and have purchased a ticket for a
minimum of SEVEN UEFA Champions League matches this season.

Friday 13th May 2005 to Fancard holders who have supplied details of
their fan card to the ticket office and have purchased a ticket for a
minimum of SEVEN UEFA Champions League matches this season.

Saturday 14th May 2005 to Season ticket holders who have supplied their
Fancard details to the ticket office and have purchased a ticket for a
minimum of SIX UEFA Champions League matches this season.

Sunday 15th May 2005 to Fancard holders who have supplied details of
their fan card to the ticket office and have purchased a ticket for a
minimum of SIX UEFA Champions League matches this season.

Season ticket holders and Fan card holders who meet the above criteria
can make application by post. This should be done immediately giving
details of name and address and fan card number together with details of
the ticket price in order of preference. Cheques should be made payable
to Liverpool Football Club and endorsed not to exceed the maximum value
of the highest priced ticket allowed under the allocation. The cheque
will be completed by the Club to the actual value ofthe tickets
available. Every effort will bemade to supply the ticket(s) to the value
requested but this can not beguaranteed. Please also see note regarding
postal applications.

Postal applications from Shareholders, Season ticket holders and Fan
card holders should be made to: -

LFC Ticket Office
P.O.Box 204
Liverpool
L69 4PQ

All tickets are issued and sold under UEFA Champions League Final 2005

Ticketing Terms and Conditions.

The terms and conditions are available on www.liverpoolfc.tv or at the
Ticket Office on request.

Tickets are STRICTLY non-transferable. Liverpool FC has to furnish
details to UEFA on all tickets purchased i.e. names and addresses of
applicants corresponding to the seat details on the ticket issued to the
applicant. UEFA have indicated that random checks may be carried out at
the stadium.

Under no circumstances will UEFA arrange duplicate tickets.

Liverpool FC will not take any responsibility for any financial losses
due to lost, destroyed, or damaged tickets. Nor will Liverpool take
responsibility for any financial losses due to tickets that are delayed
or lost by the Post Office.

Fan Cards that have been purchased after 3rd May 2005 will not qualify
for a ticket.

Postal Applications

In view of the above it is recommended to supporters making a postal
application to include with their application a self addressed recorded
Post Office envelope with the correct postage for the return of their
ticket.

For clarification purposes both the home and away games against AK Graz
will count towards qualification.

Subject to agreement from UEFA Liverpool FC are working with Lonsdale
Travel.

Shareholders and supporters who meet all the above criteria and wish to
travel with Lonsdale should telephone 0870 128 1133 for further details.

The Ticket Office will open on Tuesday to Friday at 8:15 am and close at
5:30 pm. Saturdaythe Ticket Officewill open at 9:15 am and close at 4:00
pm and Sunday at 9:15 am until Kick Off.

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[lfc-news] All-red strip for final - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 9 May 2005
All-red strip for final
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL will wear their famous all-red strip when they face AC Milan
in the European Cup Final on May 25.

Officials from the two finalists met in Istanbul last week to iron out
arrangements for the showpiece occasion.

Anfield chief executive Rick Parry was determined Liverpool would be
allowed to wear their home jersey despite the colour clash with AC Milan.

And his request was granted when Milan chiefs agreed to play in
all-white - due to the fact they wore their away strip in their 2003
Champions League final victory over Juventus.

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[lfc-news] Benitez trains sights on Istanbul reprieve - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 9 May 2005
Benitez trains sights on Istanbul reprieve
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ admitted the Champions League final could define
Liverpool's season after one route back into Europe's premier
competition closed on the Anfield club yesterday.

Liverpool's faint hopes of beating Everton to fourth place were
extinguished when they slumped to their 11th away defeat of the season
at Arsenal.

Benitez's men now must beat AC Milan on May 25 to remain in the
Champions League next season as holders.

And though he accepts Istanbul offers the final chance of a tangible
reward for Liverpool this season, the Anfield manager believes the club
are making progress regardless of the outcome.

"We will try to win the Champions League. We need to win the game, it is
our last opportunity to do a good season," admitted Benitez.

"Whatever happens though, this season has not been a failure. How many
times can you play in the final of the Champions League? How many times
can you have a Champions League final and a Carling Cup final during a
manager's first season?

"We will remain positive. Real Madrid finished fifth one season and won
the Champions League, the next season they won the league.

"Maybe we can close the gap next season, I am confident we will, but we
cannot start thinking of the future now. The players have to think about
the next league game and then the final. That is a massive game."

Liverpool again suffered from post-European fatigue as they failed to
repeat the resilience that kept Chelsea at bay.

Benitez explained: "There is a big difference between Tuesday night and
today, Chelsea and Arsenal are different teams with different styles.

"But in 14 games this season after the Champions League we have won only
two. We will analyse those statistics. We haven't played well away from
home all season.

"That has been very disappointing. Last season the team drew a lot of
games away. This season we have lost them. It is a big difference when
you are dropping two points with each game."

Benitez continued: "We have not played well away from Anfield and that
is the difference between us and Arsenal at the moment."

Robert Pires and Jose Antonio Reyes gave Arsenal a comfortable
first-half lead before Steven Gerrard's 51st-minute free-kick sparked a
belated recovery from Liverpool only for Francesc Fabregas to claim a
third in stoppage time.

Benitez said: "We started well.

"In the first 15 minutes we had a few opportunities but lost control
with the final pass.

"Then when we conceded the first goal we played with our heads down for
30 minutes.

"We knew we needed three goals in the second half and we tried until the
very end with a high tempo.

"We scored one and we could have scored more."

The Liverpool manager refused to be drawn on pre-match criticism from
Arsene Wenger, who claimed Benitez's side were "lucky" to be in the
European Cup final.

"We have played really well in the Champions League games.

"I have some videos he can look at if he likes!" added Benitez.

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[lfc-news] Gerrard and Carra to miss USA tour - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 9 May 2005
Gerrard and Carra to miss USA tour
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL duo Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are set to the be the
latest stars to pull out of England's summer tour of America following
their Champions League success.

Sven-Goran Eriksson will lead his squad on the controversial trip to the
USA on May 26, a day after the Reds' fifth European Cup final with AC
Milan in Istanbul.

Carragher and Gerrard would obviously be unable to leave the country
with the rest of the squad.

However, it's understood Eriksson would like the pair to fly to the USA
after the final in order to play in England's second game of the tour
against Columbia on May 31.

However, if Liverpool were to win, the club is sure to organise a
traditional homecoming tour of the city on Sunday, May 29, where
Carragher and Gerrard would be central figures. To join the England
party, the pair would have to sacrifice this potentially
once-in-a-lifetime experience.

It would seem churlish of the national coach to deny Liverpool's players
this opportunity, simply to select them for a mean-ingless friendly
across the Atlantic.

The Swedish coach has yet to finalise his travelling party, but there is
already a danger of it turning into a farce with players from the top
clubs dropping out on a weekly basis.

Frank Lampard and John Terry pulled out last week after revealing they
would be undergoing surgery in the close season.

The Real Madrid contingent of Michael Owen and David Beckham won't be in
squad, while both Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson have publicly
criticised the timing of the tour.

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[lfc-news] Arsenal report - PA

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PA Sport 8 May 2005
Arsenal 3 Liverpool 1

Arsenal ended Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for next season's
Champions League thanks largely to first-half goals from Robert Pires
and Jose Antonio Reyes at Highbury.

The Londoners survived a second-half fightback to virtually assure
themselves of the runners-up spot in the Barclays Premiership and rule
out any hope of the Reds snatching the fourth and final Champions League
berth from near-neighbours Everton.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard gave the visitors some hope after the
break when he scored with a long-range shot in the 51st minute but Cesc
Fabregas put the game beyond doubt with a well-worked third in added time.

Liverpool went into the game needing to win their two remaining games
and hope that rivals Everton would slip-up as they both chased the
coveted fourth place.

Rafael Benitez's side, already assured of a place in this year's final
against AC Milan in Istanbul on May 25, will not be allowed to defend
the crown as things stand should they defeat the Italians.

Liverpool were the first to seek an opening in the sunshine of north
London but Milan Baros' control let him down when Luis Garcia put him in
the clear with a delightful chipped pass inside the opening three minutes.

Arsenal had a goal ruled out in the 11th minute when Sami Hyypia gave
the balla way to Fabregas. Robin van Persie's shot was pushed into the
path of Reyes by Jerzy Dudek but the Arsenal striker was adjudged offside.

At the opposite end, John Arne Riise was prevented from opening the
scoring by Jens Lehmann while Baros was booked for handball after
knocking it past Philippe Senderos and firing into the net through the
legs of the Arsenal goalkeeper.

In the 20th minute Liverpool defender Djimi Traore unleashed a crisp,
low drive that Lehmann momentarily fumbled before claiming correctly at
the second time of asking.

Liverpool escaped again in the 22nd minute when a cross from Pires was
met at the far post by Lauren but Dudek pushed his side-footed volley
onto the crossbar. Seconds later Pires went close with a drive from 20
yards.

Arsenal went ahead in the 24th minute with a stunning free-kick from
Pires. The Frenchman's goal was just reward for Arsenal after Dietmar
Hamann had been yellow-carded for bringing down skipper Patrick Vieira
on the edge of the penalty area.

Arsenal were now in rampant mood and Liverpool's dream of clinching
fourth appeared to have evaporated when Reyes fired a second a goal in
the 29th minute.

The Arsenal striker took control of a pass from Fabregas and burst into
the penalty area as the Liverpool defence backed off.

Reyes then completed a fine run with a low left-footed drive into the
bottom corner of the net to put the Gunners in total control.

Arsenal's youngsters were now enjoying plenty of freedom, especially in
attack, and van Persie brought another fine save from Dudek as
Liverpool's defence failed to cope with the fluidity of the home side's
football.

Gerrard was guilty of giving the ball away to Vieira in the 44th minute
but he was rescued by Traore who stopped the Arsenal player in his
tracks with a fine tackle.

Benitez made two changes during the interval with Baros replaced by
Djibril Cisse and Harry Kewell on in place of Riise.

The changes had an immediate impact and Reyes gave away a needless
free-kick with a push in the back of Kewell on the edge of the penalty
area in the 51st minute.

It brought Liverpool back into the game when Hamann laid the ball off to
Gerrard and the England midfielder's shot cannoned off Fabregas and into
the corner of the net. The Londoners were clearly stung by Liverpool's
goal and began to increase their own tempo. In the 57th minute
Liverpool's Xabi Alonso complained he was body-checked by Vieira but
referee Graham Poll took no action.

Five minutes later a sublime ball from Gerrard put Luis Garcia clear on
goal but Ashley Cole got back to block the Liverpool player's effort.

In the 88th minute, a Gerrard free-kick was met by the towering frame of
Hyypia but the Liverpool defender's header went wide of the target.

At the other end, Gilberto squandered a clear chance to put the game
beyond Liverpool's reach when he latched on to Dennis Bergkamp's pass
but blazed his effort over the bar from an acute angle.

Fabregas made it three in added time when he finished off a fine move.
Lauren cut in from the right and squared the ball to Bergkamp who
produced a sublime first-time lay-off to the 18-year-old Spaniard, who
poked a shot past Dudek.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Lauren, Toure, Senderos, Cole, Fabregas, Vieira,
Silva, Pires (Bergkamp 68), Van Persie (Edu 68), Reyes (Aliadiere 86)
Subs not used: Campbell, Almunia
Booked: none
Goals: Pires 25, Reyes 29, Fabregas 90

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Hamann (Smicer 68),
Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Alonso, Riise (Kewell 45), Baros (Cisse 45)
Subs not used: Carson, Biscan
Booked: Hamann, Baros
Goals: Gerrard 51

Att: 38,119
Referee: G Poll (Hertfordshire)

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[lfc-news] TEAM: Liverpool

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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-3 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-4 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-QF 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-SF Watford Home W 1-0 35,739

15/01/05 PREM Manchester United Home L 0-1 44,183

18/01/05 FAC-3 Burnley Away L 0-1 19,033

22/01/05 PREM Southampton Away L 0-2 32,017

25/01/05 LC-SF Watford Away W 1-0 19,797

01/02/05 PREM Charlton Athletic Away W 2-1 27,102

05/02/05 PREM Fulham Home W 3-1 43,534

12/02/05 PREM Birmingham City Away L 0-2 29,318

27/02/05 LC-F Chelsea Home L 2-3 78,000
(AET, FT: 1-1)

05/03/05 PREM Newcastle United Away L 0-1 52,323

16/03/05 PREM Blackburn Rovers Home D 0-0 37,763

20/03/05 PREM Everton Home W 2-1 44,224

02/04/05 PREM Bolton Wanderers Home W 1-0 43,755

09/04/05 PREM Manchester City Away L 0-1 47,203

16/04/05 PREM Tottenham Hotspur Home D 2-2 44,029

20/04/05 PREM Portsmouth Away W 2-1 20,205

23/04/05 PREM Crystal Palace Away L 0-1 26,034

30/04/05 PREM Middlesbrough Home D 1-1 43,250

08/05/05 PREM Arsenal Away L 1-3 38,119

NEXT PREM Aston Villa Home

Results summary as at Sunday 8th May 2005

__________________ __________________ __________________
| Home | Away | Total |
_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Played | 21 | 23 | 44 |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Won | 13 (62%) | 8 (35%) | 21 (48%) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Drawn | 4 (19%) | 3 (13%) | 7 (16%) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Lost | 4 (19%) | 12 (52%) | 16 (36%) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| For | 34 (1.6/game) | 26 (1.1/game) | 60 (1.4/game) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Against | 17 (0.8/game) | 28 (1.2/game) | 45 (1.0/game) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|

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[lfc-news] Kings of Europe - Observer

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The Observer, 8 May 2005
Kings of Europe
By Paul Wilson

Surprise, Surprise, as Cilla Black used to say. Liverpool are in their
sixth European Cup final while the wait goes on for a London club, any
London club, to break the capital's duck.

With a European pedigree like Liverpool's the stage is set for the
biggest surprise of all in Istanbul later this month, even if Rafael
Benítez's team have spent the domestic season floundering in Everton's
shadow and losing at places such as Birmingham and Crystal Palace. It
will not have gone unnoticed in Milan that in the last two Champions
League rounds, Liverpool eliminated the English champions and the joint
leaders of Serie A, and in those four matches they conceded one goal.
That earns respect in Italy and it is doubtful whether Milan will be
relieved at having to face the four-times winners rather than Chelsea.

For all their dominance of English football, Chelsea are still novices
in the Champions League and the unhappy truth for Roman Abramovich is
that his expensively assembled side have gone out in consecutive
semi-finals to perceived underdogs. That will be a tough obstacle for
José Mourinho to overcome, even if Abramovich ploughs in more money. The
Chelsea coach's European record is excellent and he defended it
vigorously on Tuesday night when asked if he still regarded himself as
the 'special one', but he had an element of surprise on his side when
leading unfancied Porto to their two trophies. It is an entirely
different matter producing results in big games when you are the
favourites and are expected to win as Benítez and his team might
discover next season.

For now though, in honour of Liverpool's first European Cup final
appearance for 20 years, here are 15 other implications of their
unexpected success - one for every Champions League game this season.

1 Plaudits for the Premiership. How can anyone sneer at English football
if a team more than 30 points off the Premiership pace can progress to
the top table of European football? The current equivalent in Italy
would be Messina or Cagliari, in Spain it would be Real Zaragoza or
Athletic Bilbao. If Uefa softened their stance on a maximum of four
teams per country, a Liverpool victory in Istanbul could lead to five
Premiership teams in the Champions League next season, and who could say
that would be undeserved?

2 Fergie's reputation suffers. It is six years since Manchester United
were in a Champions League final and two years since they won the
League. Sir Alex Ferguson will be furious. United have spent massively
over that period, with the board believing they have the wisest, most
experienced and most successful manager around, yet one foreign coach
has just won the title and another has taken Liverpool to the European
Cup final - both in their first season in England.

3 So does Gérard Houllier's. The former Liverpool manager can take
credit for having signed eight of the starting XI against Chelsea, but
if he is as clever as we all think he is he will not be shouting it from
the rooftops. Benítez has been the extra ingredient that has propelled
Liverpool to the final. Before his arrival Liverpool were a collection
of individuals - now they are a team, and one to be reckoned with. The
importance of choosing the right coach, and the ability of one man to
change the way a team performs, has not been so starkly demonstrated
since David Moyes took over across the road (although, whatever the
Premiership table may say, Everton are still a long way from a European
Cup final).

4 Birmingham, kings of Europe. They did the double over Liverpool and
that makes Birmingham City the team that beat the team... and therefore
up with the best in Europe. No one thought much of a 2-0 win at St
Andrew's and a single-goal victory at Anfield at the time, but if
Liverpool become European champions Steve Bruce can put himself forward
for Sven-Göran Eriksson's job.

5 Burnley's Cup pedigree. The team that finished in the bottom half of
the Championship can also take a bow. Burnley beat the European Cup
finalists in the FA Cup in January, and even if it was against the
reserves they can boast of being the only team in Europe capable of
preventing Liverpool reaching a final this season.

6 England's finest. There were five English players on the pitch at the
start of the Anfield semi-final, a typical and fairly damning proportion
for an all-Premiership encounter. But, and here's the good news for
English football, four of those five were credible candidates for player
of the year. Even Joe Cole, the odd man out, has had an excellent
season. At the heart of Chelsea's success this year have been Frank
Lampard and John Terry, while Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have
been equally monumental for Liverpool. While there are too many foreign
players in the English game, at least homegrown quality is still around.
When was the last time the leading four candidates for individual
honours were all English?

7 Benítez is best - it's not official. The Spaniard has to take the
'unofficial' title because no one can ever agree on what constitutes the
greatest achievement - winning a title, avoiding relegation, spending
wisely, or getting the most from players who cost peanuts. The list of
contenders included Mourinho, Moyes, Iain Dowie, Mick McCarthy, Mike
Newell and Peter Taylor - putting that lot into an order of merit would
give anyone a headache. So thank goodness someone made a late run with a
truly astonishing feat. Step forward Rafael Benítez. Reached the
European Cup final with Igor Biscan, Djimi Traoré and Harry Kewell. Wow.

8 It's grim down south. Sorry Arsène, but this shift in the balance of
power from north to south really is taking its time. A slight shift to
the west, perhaps, both in London and along the East Lancashire Road.
Talking of which, Ferguson might not be completely washed up after all.
He did at least predict that Chelsea would come a cropper in the north.

9 Capital gains. The good news for Wenger is that Abramovich's millions
cannot buy everything, well not all at once, and Arsenal still have a
chance to become the first London team to reach a European Cup final.
Then again, so do Spurs or Crystal Palace.

10 Owen's rightful home... Michael Owen left Liverpool in search of
Europe's top honours, but it could be worse. It could be Wayne Rooney
contemplating Everton in a Champions League final. At least Liverpool
might be in a position to buy Owen back. Real Madrid might even make a
profit.

11 And then there were four. Liverpool, with some Champions League
wealth, should increase the competitiveness at the top of the
Premiership, and at least one team will not be running scared of Chelsea
next year.

12 How much? Chelsea showed that they can get it wrong, too. While
Liverpool's Djibril Cissé looked over-priced, at least he could claim he
was short of fitness. Didier Drogba, who missed a clear chance to steal
victory at the end, and Mateja Kezman had no such excuses. Drogba and
Kezman must have struck even a spendthrift like Abramovich as poor
value. Don't forget Chelsea still have Hernán Crespo parked in Italy.
Abramovich will have to keep an eye on Mourinho if he moves for a new
striker this summer, or, more important, keep an eye on the price.
Chelsea are not the only club he is currently keeping afloat.

13 On the cards. Champions League referees are not always superior to
the domestic version. All that happens is that with two bookings leading
to a ban in Europe, against five at home, players are better behaved. An
English referee would not have given Luis García's goal, but he would
have dismissed Petr Cech and awarded a penalty.

14 To err is human. All the goalline technology in the world is no
substitute for a good talking point. Those who would change the game
would do so at their peril.

15 Let's hear it for the fans. Liverpool supporters will find it hard to
be as impressive in the Atatürk Stadium, though they will not find it
difficult to outsing Italian rivals. It will be a long time before
anyone in an all-seat stadium in England betters last Tuesday's show of
support, so noisy and emotional it is still a hot subject on internet
football chatrooms all over Europe. Benítez had 20 friends over for the
match and they could talk of nothing else afterwards.

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