[lfc-news] Benitez unconcerned by Milan taunts - PA

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PA Sport, 21 May 2005
BENITEZ UNCONCERNED BY MILAN TAUNTS

Rafael Benitez has told his Liverpool stars to close their ears to
criticism coming out of the AC Milan camp.

The Italian giants have been quick this week to decry Liverpool as
boring and defensive.

But the Anfield chief insists he is not listening, and he wants the same
reaction from his players as they prepare for Wednesday's Champions
League final in Istanbul.

He said: "I am not interested in what people say about us, certainly not
before the game. Afterwards, maybe. I am only concerned with preparation
and winning, and it is not important what people say, and I don't need
any more motivation.

"You should not lose your concentration talking or worrying about things
that are said. It is 90 minutes against a good team, they have weak
points, we have weak points, we need to be strong and to profit from
their weak points."

Liverpool's fifth-place finish in the Barclays Premiership has also been
cause for insults from Milan.

But Benitez insists he is not surprised his team are in the European
final, and claims they are better in cups than league matches.

He said: "I am frustrated with the Premier League form but happy with
the Champions League. I have great confidence in my staff and when you
see how the players train then you have great confidence that we can win
many games.

"That is why I am not so surprised that we have got to this stage in
Europe, but I am surprised that we have lost 11 away games in the league."

And Benitez has also warned his players not to take much notice of
Milan's problems in beating PSV Eindhoven in the semi-finals.

Benitez said: "I am not worried about how Milan played in their
semi-final, or the fact that people say they struggled against PSV. But
I know that they still won because they have good quality players, and
sometimes if the team does not play well it is down to the best players
as individuals to make sure that the team does win.

"They did not play too well but they still won and are in the final,
that is really all you need to know."

As for the difference between Liverpool's league and European form,
Benitez added: "We have played better in the Champions League than in
the Premiership. It is another style of football.

"It is different, you are not playing for three points, it is a cup tie
and in the group stages even if you lose a game or two you can still
qualify.

"After that in the knockout it is again different. Some teams play
better over nine months and some play better in cups, and I hope we will
do the same in the final."

Benitez is acutely aware of the might and massive experience Milan will
bring to the final.

But he said: "To have experience is always important, even more so in
these type of games. But for us we have nothing to lose and a lot of
things that can help us win.

"Yes, look at Milan, look at Maldini with seven finals. Okay, it is the
first time for us and we want to play seven more finals as well. This is
our first one, and we want to win it very badly.

"This is the mentality we need for the final, we cannot think of what
happens if we lose. We are there, it may be a surprise for a lot of
people but we intend to only do our job right and not to think about
anything else."

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[lfc-news] Reds to tour Japan - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 20 May 2005
Reds to tour Japan
EXCLUSIVE by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL have announced plans to tour Japan as part of this summer's
pre-season preparations.

The Reds are heading to the Far East for a five-day tour on July 25
before playing two fixtures against J- League opponents.

It's the club's first visit to Japan since their two World Club
Championship fixtures in Tokyo in 1983 and 1984.

Rafa Benitez's side will face Shimizu S-Pulse on July 27 in the
Nihondaira Stadium, Hamamatzu.

One the strongest teams in the J-League, Shimizu used to be managed by
Ossie Ardiles.

What is sure to be a new look squad will then face Kashima Antlers at
the Kashima Stadium on July 30, before returning to England a day later.

Kashima is 100km north of Tokyo. Other pre-season dates are still to be
confirmed, although the Reds won't be involved in the Amsterdam
tournament this season.

Benitez is planning a two week stay at a training camp in Switzerland
shortly after his players return on June 27.

Meanwhile, Liverpool's reported interest in Southampton's Peter Crouch
hinges on how successful they are in luring their number one target,
Dirk Kuyt to Anfield.

The 24-year-old who's scored 46 goals in 67 appearances for Feyenoord,
including two against Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven last weekend.

Benitez wants the classy Dutchman to join the Reds, although the fee is
currently the sticking point in his plans.

If Liverpool are priced out of the move, they may turn their attention
to Crouch, who's shown impressive form despite Southampton's relegation.

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[lfc-news] Benitez looks to the past for Liverpool's future - Telegraph

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Daily Telegraph, 20 May 2005
Benitez looks to the past for Liverpool's future
By Tim Rich

Perhaps Rafael Benitez's only fault when he first came to Anfield was
that he had no interest in Liverpool's past. And where Merseyside's
glorious history was concerned, it was just something to be polished
like an old keepsake.

Whereas his predecessor, Gerard Houllier, was acutely conscious of
judging himself against what had gone before, Benitez appeared to have
no time for it until his wife, Monse, began reading an account of Bill
Shankly's time at Anfield.

Yesterday, as Liverpool prepared for their fifth European Cup final,
Benitez dipped his toe into the warm, deep waters of the past.

"To be mentioned in the same way as Bill Shankly or Bob Paisley would be
great because those managers built great teams at Liverpool," he said.
"I believe that we can bring great days back to this club."

Shankly never took Liverpool to a European Cup final - his best was a
semi-final against Inter Milan in 1965 - while Paisley won it three
times, an achievement Benitez will do well to match.

However, although Benitez recently talked about managing Liverpool for
20 years, as much in jest as anything else, should he win the European
Cup on Wednesday, he would be given all the time he could possibly want.
Liverpool are a club famed for their patience with failing managers, let
alone those who bring back the grail.

Nevertheless, he admits that reaching what is the ultimate test for a
club manager outstrips any of his considerable achievements in Spain
that include two championships and a UEFA Cup with Valencia.

"This is the most important game for me as a coach. Winning the UEFA Cup
and the league are very different feelings but to get to a final of the
Champions League in your first season as a coach in a foreign country is
very important. Some of these players will never get the chance again
and they must make the most of it."

Benitez relishes the fact that, unlike at Valencia, he has control of
the club from top to bottom. "Here, I am the manager not the coach," he
said.

"I am allowed to make decisions and, if they are the wrong ones, then
the fault is mine. The job is harder here because you have a lot more
responsibility but I don't mind that because I prefer to make the
decisions myself. In Spain the chairman and the sporting director can
take decisions and you can be sacked if they are the wrong ones."

Last year Benitez was preparing Valencia for a UEFA Cup final against
Marseilles, in which they were slight favourites to win. Few give
Liverpool much of a chance in Istanbul, although Milan's juddering
semi-final display against PSV Eindhoven and their limp finish to the
Italian season are weaknesses Benitez is keen to exploit.

"Milan have more experience but we are hungrier than them," he said. "We
know it will be difficult, but we have more time to prepare. They are
still playing in Serie A but we are able to focus just on the final and
we have all the team fit."

His opposite number, Carlo Ancelotti, cannot make the same claims and
Milan do not seem quite the peerless side who snuffed out Manchester
United and then, in the quarter-finals, brushed aside Inter, whose fans
were left to pelt the pitch at the San Siro with flares in a display of
impotent rage. "But I think it is normal that you consider them
favourites," Benitez said. "You look at their names and you think it is
correct that we should be underdogs."

Liverpool have been gaining steadily in assurance as the competition has
progressed. Milan's worst display was their last one in Eindhoven while
you would have go back to Benitez's autumn fixtures away to Monaco and
Olympiakos to find performances Liverpool would prefer to forget.

"I think people are believing in us more," he said. "After the game
against Bayer Leverkusen, when I saw the team come back with a stronger
mentality, I began to think that we had a chance."

As they prepare to fly to Turkey, Liverpool have more than a chance and
the past seems so close Benitez could almost stretch out and grasp it

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[lfc-news] Riise: We'll work like lions and fight like tigers - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 19 May 2005
We'll work like lions and fight like tigers
By Paul Walker, Daily Post Correspondent

JOHN ARNE RIISE has warned Champions League favourites AC Milan that
Liverpool will "work like lions and fight like tigers" in next week's
final in Istanbul.

The Norwegian international has been one of Liverpool's stand-out
performers in a dramatic season which has seen them knock out Italian
champions-elect Juventus and Premiership champions Chelsea. It will
climax with the sixth European Cup final in their history at the Ataturk
Stadium.

Riise claims that he and the Anfield players are determined to write
their names in that history of the club.

"You always want to be able to write history at the club you are playing
for, and the whole team is now just one game away from doing that here
at Liverpool," said the 24--year-old left-side player.

"To have the chance to put myself with some of the big names that have
represented this club is beyond my wildest dreams.

"I have always wanted to be in the final of the Champions League and win
it with Liverpool, because that is where this club belongs."

Riise, talking in the club's LFC magazine, added: "It will be a dream
come true for every single player here.

"We know it will be a hard game but we cannot stop thinking that if we
do win the cup it will go down in history.

"Without doubt this is the pinnacle of my career.

"I won the league in France with Monaco and finished second in my first
season with Liverpool.

"But the Champions League trophy is the biggest thing you can win in
club football.

"Just to walk out in the stadium and take part in the final will be the
biggest moment of my career.

"To have such a game on your CV is great for any player, and to have
done it with the biggest club ever in England is even better."

Despite his appetite for the occasion, Riise is aware that Liverpool
cannot hope to have it all their own way in Turkey.

However he has warned Milan just how hard Liverpool will fight for the
crown.

"We are going to work like lions and fight like tigers," he vowed.

"It is the last game of the season for us and the biggest in everyone's
career so we are going to give it our all, that's for sure."

Riise hopes that the side will know before next week's final whether
they will be allowed back into the competition next season as holders.

The Norwegian said: "Hopefully we will know before we play what the
outcome will be should we win. Just winning the Champions League alone
is enough incentive for us, but it would give us that extra boost if we
knew about next season."

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[lfc-news] World record - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 19 May 2005
World record
By Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL'S Champions League Cup final against AC Milan will be watched
by a world record 150m people.

The figure is the highest for a Champions League match, beating the
previous record of 135m when AC Milan took on Juventus in the 2003 final.

Uefa have sold the rights to the match to a record 233 countries -
allowing Liverpool fans across the globe to see the game.

A Uefa spokesman said: "The Champions League is becoming increasingly
popular every year.

"We are delighted to confirm that the number of people who will see this
year's final will exceed previous records, as will the number of
countries where the match will be shown."

Countries which have bought the rights include Afghanistan, Chad,
Swaziland, Belize, the Cayman Islands and Mongolia.

A total of 53 countries will screen the game in Africa, 58 in the
Americas, 55 in Europe, 32 in Asia, 13 in the Middle East and 22 in Oceania.

Fans' parties have been organised in a number of places, with one of the
biggest to be held in Malaysia.

There are an estimated 100,000 Liverpool supporters in Malaysia and the
capital Kuala Lumpur is expected to become a sea of red when the match
kicks off at 2.45am local time.

Kuala Lumpur-based Liverpool fan Mark Lee is organising an event in the
capital on behalf of Liverpool's club sponsors Carlsberg and he is
looking forward to a great night.

He said: "We are planning to have this event in Sri Hartamas, which is
one of the most popular entertainment outlets in Kuala Lumpur.

"There is an official Liverpool supporters club here and there are also
a number of unofficial Liverpool pubs, where Reds fans normally cheer
their team on.

"The passion is amazing in some of these pubs. Fans weep openly when we
lose."

Ex-pats living down under will also be able to see the final with bars
in most Australian cities from Brisbane to Sydney putting on special
screenings in the small hours.

Michael O'Dowd emigrated to Sydney from Kirkdale 15 years ago. Unable to
get his hands on a precious ticket for the final in Istanbul, he will be
joining hundreds of other Reds at Cheers bar in George Street, Sydney.

He said: "We all watched the semi-final against Chelsea in Cheers and
the atmosphere was electric. It seemed like the whole place had been
taken over by Scousers.

"Seeing as we won that one, we'll all be heading back there again
because it could be a lucky omen."

Meanwhile, Liverpool fans serving with the British Army in Iraq will
also be able to see the final thanks to a specially set-up satellite
link-up.

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[lfc-news] Night our fans turned Rome into Anfield - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 19 May 2005
Night our fans turned Rome into Anfield
By Chris Wright, Daily Post

ROME is where many a Liverpool supporter's heart is. The Eternal City
has provided the setting for two of the club's greatest nights, and
another memorable one in more recent times.

But it was undoubtedly the night exactly 28 years to the day of this
season's European Cup final when the love affair with the Italian
capital first started.

Liverpool's first of their four European Cup victories will always
remain the sweetest because it started the club's domination in Europe
and set the standard for what followed.

And for the man who got the ball rolling in Rome with the first goal in
a 3-1 victory over German champions Borussia Moenchengladbach, the
evening is etched in his memory.

Terry McDermott, born and bred in Kirkby, was one of several Liverpool
supporters out on the pitch.

Having had his share of final heartache with defeats in two FA Cup
finals, the first ironically against Liverpool in 1974, the triumph in
Rome was particularly satisfying.

And it was the sight of the fans he used to stand alongside on the Kop
turning the Olympic Stadium into Anfield for the evening that was one of
his abiding memories.

He recalled: "It was my first European final. We had won the UEFA Cup
the year earlier but I was on the bench and was not used. I think I got
a medal but 1977 was the first one that I was really involved in. And it
couldn't have gone any better.

"The biggest thing I remember is walking out of the tunnel into the
stadium and seeing a sea of red and white chequered flags. I have never
seen anything like it, three-quarters of the stadium were filled with
Kopites and it was just unbelievable."

Bob Paisley's side had already claimed the league title - their 10th -
with a goalless draw against West Ham United at Anfield earlier that
month, but their treble dream was left in tatters by Manchester United's
2-1 Wembley win in the FA Cup just days before they travelled to Rome.

McDermott said: "We had come off a bad defeat in the FA Cup final four
days earlier against Manchester United and we were naturally down. A lot
of teams would have folded, but we were determined. We had already won
the league, which probably softened the blow. But we were playing
Borussia Moenchengladbach, who were a very good team. They were one the
best teams in Europe around that time and we had to be at our best. But
the performance we put up was just that and to play as we did in the
biggest games of our lives was superb."

He added: "Being a Scouser and Liverpool fan it was even better. For
many Liverpool supporters of a certain age, certainly all those who were
there, probably 99% would say it is their fondest memory.

"I remember seeing all the pictures of the fans going to the game any
way they could. They were sleeping on the luggage racks on the trains.
They just wanted to be there and it felt like there were 40,000 of them
there. It was without a shadow of a doubt the best match of my life.

"IN ONLY three years since I joined from Newcastle, I had scored in a
European Cup final and we had won. As I Liverpool supporter it is was
what I had always dreamed of, although you never thought you would play
for Liverpool, let alone score in a final as well."

That goal was a typical finish after the England midfielder had latched
on to Steve Heighway's pass to lift the ball over Kneib in the Borussia
goal after 28 minutes.

McDermott recalled: "Supposedly that was my trademark, making the run
into the box from deep and getting on the end of things.

"Steve Heighway picked up the ball and saw a gap between two defenders.
He just threaded it through them and I made the run on the blindside of
them.

"Kevin Keegan had taken Berti Vogts to the far side of the area so I was
in a lot of space and then I saw their goalkeeper coming at me. He was
6ft 9ins, or so it seemed! He was massive and I just thought there is no
way I am going to get clattered by him, so I just hit it and it was an
amazing feeling when it went in to the far corner."

But despite dominating the game, Liverpool were pegged back through
Allan Simonsen's equaliser on 55 minutes. But McDermott and his
team-mates never let the setback get to them.

He said: "We were always confident we would win, but obviously they
equalised and had a little spell when they put us under pressure and got
on top of us. But once Tommy Smith put that header in, we were never
going to lose.

"But the way we won the trophy was in real style, but it also showed the
great spirit and determination we had in that side. There was a lot of
great players and we had the belief that we were the best."

ONCE Phil Neal had added the third from the penalty spot with six
minutes left, and the final whistle had been blown to signal wild
celebrations, McDermott and many more made the most of a momentous victory.

He recalled: "Afterwards was just unbelievable. It was just total enjoyment.

"When we got back to the hotel, there were hundreds of fans in there. We
had a banquet and it was just packed with the supporters and was just a
brilliant night. It went on until four in the morning and than started
again when we got up. We were plastered.

"We were the same on the tour of the city, which was also incredible.
When we went out onto the balcony of St George's there was just another
sea of red and white. Emlyn Hughes sang a song which maybe he shouldn't
have, but it was just a spur of the moment thing.

"We had just won the European Cup and we were high on emotion and
adrenaline."

He still feels that emotion now.

He added: "I still get the video out now and again when I am a bit down
and watch it and obviously it cheers me up.

"I realise now the enormity of what we had done.

"But at the time we were such a good team and we expected to win everything.

"Once we had won it once, it gave us the confidence to do it again."

McDermott won't be at Liverpool's return to the final in Istanbul this
time, but he will be cheering Rafael Benitez's side on. And he sees no
reason why the 2005 players can't create their own piece of history with
another night of celebration.

He said: "I will get a few beers in and hopefully watch Liverpool winning.

"If they can put in a performance like they did against Chelsea and
Juventus they have got a great chance of winning it. They have shown
they can match some of the best sides in Europe. They have had teething
problems in the league with the new manager, but they have done well
away from home in Europe.

"This game, though, is at a neutral venue, and I'm sure there will again
be 30,000-40,000 Scousers there. If it is anything like what we
witnessed in Rome it will be something those players will remember for
the rest of their lives."

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[lfc-news] Reds won't practice pens - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 19 May 2005
Reds won't practice pens
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ claims Liverpool won't practise penalties ahead of next
week's Champions League final.

The Anfield boss believes it's a waste of time organising spot-kick
takers before the trip to Istanbul as nothing can prepare a player for
such an ordeal.

Liverpool won their last European Cup on a penalty shoot-out against
Roma in 1984, after the senior squad famously missed all their attempts
in practise the previous afternoon.

Benitez says courage rather than skill determines who'll step up if
necessary.

"I don't believe in practising penalties. In my opinion, the most
important factor is how you feel on the day, not if you look good taking
a penalty in training," said Benitez.

"You can look the best in practise, but then when you're in front of all
the people inside the stadium, you may get afraid.

"I don't go into a game like this thinking it's going to go to
penalties. I only think about winning the match. Maybe if we get to
extra time, then I'll consider who takes penalties."

The Reds fly to Turkey on Monday, but Benitez is determined to make the
build-up as orthodox as usual.

However, this afternoon Liverpool's players took the unusual step of
returning to the hallowed Anfield turf for a final time this season to
host a training session open to media from across the world.

"We're training as normal. The only difference is there are more
journalists around," said Benitez.

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[lfc-news] Profitable season for Merseyside duo - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 19 May 2005
Profitable season for Merseyside duo
By David Prior, Daily Post

MERSEYSIDE'S lucrative season of football was confirmed last night when
it was revealed that both Liverpool and Everton had recorded almost 50%
leaps in their earnings.

Liverpool and Everton were two of only 10 Premiership clubs not to
experience a year-on-year fall in the table of earnings from TV cash and
prize money over the season just finished.

The Anfield club's exploits in the Champions League this year have
helped increase their income - not including gate receipts or
merchandise income - by 48% to £47.4million, leapfrogging them into
third place above Manchester United.

Should Liverpool win next week's Champions League final against AC Milan
in Istanbul, they will net an additional £2m bonus and overtake Arsenal
into second place in the table, assuming the Gunners do not themselves
claim a £1m prize for overcoming United in Saturday's FA Cup final.

Liverpool's total earnings, up from £32.1m in the 2003-04 campaign, were
made up of £28.9m from the Premiership and £18.2m - so far - from the
Champions League, with just £300,000 earned from their journey to the
final of the Carling Cup.

Everton's excellent season was also reflected by the earnings table,
with their total also having jumped by 48% from £19.1m to £28.3m.
Finishing fourth in the Premership, and so qualifying them for a share
of next season's Champions League cake, earned David Moyes's side £27.7m
while their limited exploits in the FA and Carling Cups added £600,000.

Chief executive Keith Wyness last night welcomed the figures but warned
against any suggestion Everton's qualification for Europe's elite cup
competition would automatically ensure further progress next season.

He said: "Obviously we've enjoyed healthy growth over the last year and
our challenge is now to susain it and show we're moving forward. The
Champions League is nothing more than an opportunity for us and it's
important to sound a note of caution before we get carried away."

As well as Liverpool, Chelsea (£50.8m) and Arsenal (£48.7m) all earned
more than United (£44.4m) who have paid the price for a poor season in
the Champions League and finishing third in the Premiership for the
second year running.

American tycoon Malcolm Glazer, who has now assumed full control of
United, will be concerned to see that the club earned £6m less than
Chelsea and perhaps more importantly almost £13m less (25% down) than in
the 2003-04 season.

United's Champions League earnings of £10.06m are their worst for six
years due to a combination of finishing third in the domestic league in
the 2003/4 season, which affects their slice of Champions League TV
money, and failing to reach the quarter-finals.

Under UEFA's formula, the domestic champions get 40% of the 'market
pool' of TV money, the runners-up 30% and third and fourth places 15% each.

Although the difference in TV and prize money income between the
champions Chelsea (£30.3m) and the bottom club Southampton is huge, even
the lowest earners in the Premiership earn vast sums compared to the
leading clubs in the Football League.

All sides in the Championship receive a £700,000 central payment from
the Football League from TV and sponsorship income plus £60,000 for a
live home televised game (£10,000 televised away game).

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[lfc-news] Vlad: Why I want to face Reds - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 18 May 2005
Vlad: Why I want to face Reds
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

VLADIMIR SMICER hopes to get the chance to deliver a proper farewell to
Liverpool - by returning to Anfield as a Premiership opponent.

The Czech midfielder wants to remain in England next season and is
currently weighing up several offers from Premiership clubs.

Smicer missed an opportunity to play in front of The Kop for the last
time on Sunday, although he's still harbouring hopes of being on the
bench against AC Milan next Wednesday.

The 31-year-old will leave the club admitting his Liverpool career was
frustratingly inconsistent.

"It's sad for me to be leaving because when you spend six years of your
life at a club, it will always be in your heart," said Smicer..

"Liverpool is one of the biggest and best clubs in the world so I'm
sorry to be leaving. I was sad I didn't get the chance to play for the
final time at Anfield, but perhaps I will be back next season with a
different club. I would like to stay here because, for me, the
Premiership is the best league in the world.

"The Spanish league is more technical and Italy has always been strong,
but the atmosphere in Serie A is not the same as here. The standard of
football in this country is getting better and better, which is shown by
Chelsea and Arsenal and the fact Liverpool can get into the Champions
League Final."

Smicer admits his injury problems were disruptive in a stop-start stay
on Merseyside.

"The highest point was obviously winning five winners' medals in 2001,"
he said.

"That was a great season for us. My biggest regret is my injuries. I had
a difficult start and it seemed every time I was finding some form I was
injured.

"I know not everyone liked me as a player, but I had a lot of supporters
and good friends here and I just wish I hadn't suffered so many injuries
because then I could have shown more consistency.

"I feel my best games came when I played in a more central position
where I could get involved more. I was never a winger."

There is one final assignment for the likeable Czech before his
departure. The small matter of a trip to Istanbul, although he accepts
he faces a challenge to secure a place on the substitutes bench.

"I hope I can be involved," he said. "There would be no better way to
end a career at Liverpool than playing a role in the Champions League
Final. When I was injured, I dreamed Liverpool would play and beat AC
Milan in the San Siro.

"I hope this comes true. I played a small part against Bayer Leverkusen
and Juventus earlier in the competition but all I can do is wait and see
what happens next week.

"Now I'd just like to say goodbye to everyone at Liverpool and say how
proud I am to have been at the club. A victory next week will be the
best way to go."

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[lfc-news] Ancelotti: Title should be defended, but Liverpool won't win it - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 18 May 2005
Title should be defended, but Liverpool won't win it
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

CARLO ANCELOTTI believes Liverpool should have the right to defend the
Champions League title if they triumph next Wednesday.

But the AC Milan coach intends to make UEFA's dilemma irrelevant by
leading the Rossoneri to a seventh European Cup in Istanbul.

Ancelotti is surprised that Rafael Benitez's outfit could be denied a
place among the European elite next season even if they emerge
triumphant from the Ataturk Stadium.

Liverpool missed the cut to qualify for next season's Champions League
after finishing fifth with their second lowest points total in the
Premiership.

"I think that a team that wins the Champions League final should have
the right to defend it," declared Ancelotti yesterday..

"But I think we may just do the English federation a favour and solve
this problem," he beamed..

The former Juventus coach and AC Milan defender was full of praise for
opposite number Benitez at yesterday's Champions League final press
conference, admitting the Liverpool manager has worked wonders to guide
his team to Turkey during a difficult debut season in England.

"Liverpool are a team that I like," added Ancelotti.

"They are organised and they have ideas whether they play in defence or
attack.

"Liverpool have had problems in their own competition, they've had many
players out injured and they haven't been able to combine both competitions.

"But just like Milan, they are very happy to have reached the European
final."

Ancelotti admits he faces a stern challenge in succeeding where Fabio
Capello and Jose Mourinho failed - and beating Benitez in the tactical
stakes next week.

"Benitez has done a very good job with Liverpool," he said.. "In his
first year with the club he has taken them to the Champions League final.

"He has won the tactical battle against Chelsea and Juventus so I have a
lot of respect for him."

With two of the strongest defences in this season's Champions League on
show in Istanbul Ancelotti believes the title could well be decided by a
penalty shoot-out.

AC Milan beat Juventus on penalties in the Champions League final at Old
Trafford two years ago and their coach is expecting a similarly cagey
affair this time.

"I think the game against Liverpool will be more or less in the same
line as that against Juve," admitted Ancelotti.

"It wouldn't surprise me if we had to go to the penalty shoot-out. And
for this there is little you can do in terms of preparation even though
we do practise penalties during training.

"But in a game it all has to be down to psychology so it's by no means
easy."

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[lfc-news] Jinx strikes Reds target - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 18 May 2005
Jinx strikes Reds target
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL's injury jinx has struck again, forcing Rafa Benitez into a
major dilemma with one of his prime summer targets.

Benitez was on the verge of capturing Albacete winger Mark Gonzalez
until the Chilean damaged cruciate ligaments last week.

He's been ruled out for six months. The Reds had reached an advanced
stage in negotiations for the pacey 20-year-old, but are now considering
whether to press ahead with the signing.

A further complication surrounds Liverpool's chances of being granted a
work permit for the South American.

If he signed while injured, he wouldn't be able to fulfil the required
criteria needed to satisfy the department of education and employment.

Chile's position as one of football's minnows - they're rated outside
the world's top 70 nations - would also be a factor in any application.

However, Benitez still hasn't completely ruled out the possibility of
sanctioning the deal, although he may now have no choice but to delay it
until January.

Gonzalez suffered the blow against Levante in a La Liga match on May 10,
wrecking his immediate hopes of a dream move and frustrating Benitez.

Benitez has an extensive list of targets, but much of his recruitment
depends on sales.

Real Zaragoza's £6mrated Argentinian centre-half Gabriel Milito, 24, and
Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt also top Benitez's priority list,
demonstrating the manager's view a centre-half and more forward power is
required.

Kuyt, also 24, was the alternative target to Fernando Morientes last
January, but at £10m is currently beyond Liverpool's valuation.

Goalkeeper Jose Reina will sign from Villarreal for £6m this summer.

Benitez wants two wingers and another centre-midfielder when an
extensive rebuilding programme gets underway, regardless of the outcome
of the Champions League Final.

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[lfc-news] CL ticket news update - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 17 May 2005
Champions League ticket news
Liverpool Echo

THERE are a limited amount of tickets remaining for the Liverpool v AC
Milan UEFA Champions League final, priced at £78, £71, £64. They are
available as follows:

Season ticket holders: One ticket as available and while stocks last to
Season ticket holders who have supplied their fan card details to the
ticket office to prove they have purchased tickets for a minimum of FIVE
home matches or FIVE away matches, or a combination of home and away
tickets, totalling FIVE matches for this season's UEFA Champions League.

Tickets will be available as below to personal applicants or on the
credit card phone line 0870 220 0034 from Wednesday, May 18 to season
ticket holders who have supplied their fan card details to the ticket
office and have purchased a ticket for a minimum of FIVE UEFA Champions
League matches this season.

All tickets are issued and sold under UEFA Champions League Final 2005
ticketing. 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 indicate 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 financial losses due to lost,
destroyed, or damaged tickets. Nor will Liverpool take responsibility
for financial losses due to tickets delayed or lost by the Post Office.

Fan Cards purchased after May 3, 2005 will not qualify for a ticket.

Liverpool FC is unable to guarantee all applicants will be successful.
Both the home and away games against AK Graz will count towards
qualification.

* Liverpool FC are working with Lonsdale Travel. 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 Wednesday at 8.15am and close at 5.30pm.

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[lfc-news] Ian Rush column - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 17 May 2005
Relaxation is key to victory in Istanbul
By Ian Rush, Liverpool Echo

THE next eight days will seem like an eternity to the Liverpool players
as they wait for the biggest game of their lives.

Preparing for a match of such magnitude can be a problem. My advice is
to spend the next few days trying not to think about it. Relaxation is
essential.

In 1984, Joe Fagan took us to Israel for a mini-break before we
travelled to Rome. His view was we all knew what was expected from us
and too much training was counter-productive.

There's a danger you can worry about a game too much, and it can also be
very boring for players to have to listen to the same advice for ten
days in the build-up to a match.

I know Rafa Benitez won't be taking his players abroad, but I'm sure he
and his staff will have their own ideas for keeping the squad relaxed.

Liverpool organise a lot of away days now, where the players organise
events such as go-karting. The trendy name for it is 'team bonding', but
it's more about allowing everyone to let their hair down.

Obviously times have changed since 1984. What went on then wouldn't be
accepted these days, but the basic principles are the same.

There's a time and place for working hard, but giving the players
freedom to wind down a bit is just as important.

I'm often asked how we prepared to face Roma in '84. We never watched
any videos of our opponents.

Joe and his staff did all that for us, and their advice before a match
was always the same.

"Let them worry about us," he'd say.

Because we were the best in Europe, and we knew it, there wasn't a team
capable of making us change our approach. We forced our style onto a
match and usually won.

It's going to be a lot different for Liverpool this time.

On paper, everyone can see AC Milan are the strongest of the two teams.
The players will have to be properly drilled and the tactical side of
the game will be far more important to the current side than it was for us.

Obviously, it's the 90 minutes on May 25 which will decide the outcome,
but I can assure you what happens off it between now and then will be
just as significant.

A relaxed Liverpool team has a far better chance than a side drained by
nervous energy.

No sulking allowed for Baros

DJIBRIL CISSE couldn't have done much more against Aston Villa to push
his claims for a starting place against AC Milan.

I just hope that whatever Rafa Benitez's decision, Milan Baros responds
in the right way.

There's no point sulking if he's on the bench.

Most players would give everything to be involved in a Champions League
Final, even if it's only as substitute.

Such an opportunity may never come again. If you get on the pitch and
you don't give 100 per cent, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.

It looks inevitable Baros will be playing his last Liverpool match in
Istanbul. Even if he's disappointed for the second successive final, I
hope he approaches it in the right way, both for his club's sake and his
own.

Chance of a Fry-up!

I WAS delighted to be approached by Barry Fry of Peterborough to discuss
the vacancy at his club last week.

It remains to be seen if I'm about to make a swift return to football
management, but the invitation to discuss the position led to positive
talks.

I've been considering a number of options since I left Chester, but no
decision on my future has been taken yet.

For the moment, it's a case of watch this space...

Why I'm delighted for Robson

FORGET his Manchester United connections, I'm absolutely thrilled for
Bryan Robson after he guided West Brom to safety.

West Brom looked doomed when he took over.

I also believe his success is a smack on the nose for all those who've
allowed fickleness to affect their judge-ment in the modern game.

Robson hadn't been in the job for five minutes before his credentials
were doubted. Now he's proved what a fine manager he is.

He's also a great guy whose reputation took an unfair battering when he
left Middlesbrough.

As far as I'm concerned, Robson and David Moyes deserve all the
accolades for their efforts this season. And you can add Rafa Benitez's
name to the list of candidates who were unlucky to lose out as manager
of the year if he leads Liverpool to the European Cup.

Jose Mourinho won the Barclays Premiership boss of the year award, but
all achievements must be put into perspective.

He's done a great job at Chelsea, but is their success a surprise? Has
he overcome the odds to do what he's done?

Moyes, Robson and Benitez have defied expectations.

They've inspired their players to play above themselves.

They've proved they are superb man-managers and deserve all their accolades.

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[lfc-news] Reds fans in fez warning - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 17 May 2005
Reds fans in fez warning
By Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL supporters planning to wear a fez in Istanbul were today urged
to be sensitive to Turkish customs.

Wearing a fez is seen as insulting by many Turks, and concerns were
raised that Liverpool fans could cause offence.

One Turkish police officer visiting Liverpool in advance of the
Champions League final said: "It would offend me if I saw hundreds of
Englishmen wearing a fez, and it would also upset a lot of other people.

"But not everyone would be offended by it. It depends on your point of
view."

The fez has been a controversial issue ever since wearing them was
banned by the founder of modern Turkey, Kamal Ataturk, in 1925.

In the years immediately after the ban, those people who chose to defy
Ataturk's edict were subjected to harsh treatment by the Turkish police
and military.

Since then, Turks have been divided between those who view the fez as
harmless headwear and those who view it as an affront to their revered
former leader.

With many fezzes spotted during recent Liverpool games, it is thought
the hats have been adopted by many Reds fans prior to their visit to
Istanbul next week.

A spokesman for Merseyside police said: "We would advise all Liverpool
fans travelling to Istanbul to take notice of any advice given to them
by the local police and authorities in Turkey.

"I'm sure the Liverpool fans are looking forward to the match and their
trip to Istanbul and are hoping to enjoy a good spectacle of football as
well as the local sights in Turkey."

The move to modernise

* The fez was introduced by Mahmud II, the head of the Ottoman Empire,
in 1826 to replace the turban

* Ataturk's moves to westernise included a ban on the fez which he saw
as too closely associated with the Islamic world

* For 20 years some Turks wore fezzes in protest. Many were sent to
labour camps and some were executed

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[lfc-news] Mark Lawrenson column - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 17 May 2005
Rafael has gained precious knowledge on his players - but it has come at
a price
By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post

ANY season where you reach the Champions League final has to be a great
one, but even without that, I'd still say this has been a good year for
Rafael Benitez and Liverpool.

That goes even with an injury list that seemed to specifically target
his best players and 11 away defeats, and the reason is that the
Spaniard now knows exactly who he can rely on and where he needs to
strengthen.

To put it another way, he's got the supporting acts, but now he needs
the star turns.

Of course, that knowledge has come at a price and over the season we
have seen just where he has had to pay - usually away from Anfield.

However he has shown in the way he sets the team up that he is committed
to playing the 'old' Liverpool way - hunting for the ball in packs by
pressing and pressure with a high tempo.

When Benitez has had his first choice team out it has worked to terrific
effect. However when he has been missing a few players - which has been
two-thirds of the time - he has struggled to replicate it to the same
effect.

He has had a positive impact on several players though, which is always
the sign of a good coach, and he will look to build on that from now on.

With player of the season, there is really only one candidate - Jamie
Carragher. From minute one of Benitez's reign, he has seemed to grow in
stature and ability and finally found his role after years of fitting in
when needed.

I would also make a few honourable mentions. Xabi Alonso has been top
quality whenever he has played, while John Arne Riise has also been back
to his best on the left and Steve Finnan rock solid on the right. After
a shaky first half of the season, Luis Garcia has also come good. I was
wrong about him, and I am delighted he proved me wrong.

Alonso also makes an appearance in my next big thing category, for
players likely to make an impact next season. Of course he has been
brilliant this time, but his injury kept him out for so long. Djibril
Cisse is in the same boat, and Fernando Morientes should also benefit
from a proper pre-season and more time to acclimatise.

For the high point of the season, of course it may be yet to come given
what is happening in just over a week's time.

So far though, I would pick Stevie Gerrard's goal against Olympiakos and
the support against Chelsea in the second leg of the Champions League
semi-final. I know a few Chelsea fans and they said they've never been
at a game with an atmosphere like that. It was amazing.

As for the low point, sadly there are quite a few options to choose
from. I would pick the Burnley game in the FA Cup. Benitez's mistakes
have been few, but this match was a whopper.

As for the summer to come, I'd guess that Benitez has two transfer plans
in place, depending on whether a certain midfielder stays or not.
Without getting into that, a few other people will be on their way

Certainly at least one out of Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland will
probably go, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Dietmar Hamann and Igor
Biscan go too, as Benitez looks to raise some funds to bring in the
players he wants.

There is also the great enigma - Harry Kewell.. Will he ever shake off
his injuries long enough to be the player everyone hoped he would be?

If I had to pick one likely arrival, then I think Ruben Baraja would be
the one - a top-class midfielder who would make a difference to any team.

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[lfc-news] Carson: I'll sacrifice Reds party for England - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 17 May 2005
I'll sacrifice Reds party for England - Carson
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL keeper Scott Carson admits he's sacrificing his chance to join
the biggest Anfield party in 21 years in order to kick-off his
international career.

Carson will join Sven Goran Eriksson's side in the USA immediately after
Liverpool's Champions League final in Turkey.

While the rest of the players return to Merseyside for a potentially
triumphant homecoming, Carson could be a lonesome figure heading across
the Atlantic.

But the 19-year-old says the unlikely possibility of a first England cap
was too good an opportunity to ignore.

"Obviously, it means me joining the squad straight from Istanbul, but
you don't turn opportunities like that down," said the teenager.

"Just to have my name mentioned was unbelievable, never mind get a
chance to be in the squad.

"The phone call came the day before the squad was announced, asking me
if I wanted to go. I was shocked when I was told. I knew it meant going
a day after the final, but there's no way I could miss the chance.

"It's been an unbelievable season for me. I've played more games than I
would have expected at Liverpool and I think I've been fortunate to get
a chance for England due to the injury to Paul Robinson.

"It will be a great experience for me and I'm hoping to enjoy myself out
there.

"I'm sure Norwich's Robert Green is bound to play because he's not been
given a cap yet. If I just get 10 or 20 minutes, I'll be over the moon.

"I was thinking to myself the other night how I've gone from sitting on
the bench in the Championship to the Champions League final and England
squad. Everything's happened so quickly. "

With Rafa Benitez set to strengthen his goal-keeping options with the
£6m signing of Villareal stopper Jose Reina, competition for places will
be even tougher next season.

Carson is confident he has shown plenty of potential to stake a claim as
the next number one.

"The first time I played at Anfield I felt nervous but I've been feeling
more confident ever since," he said..

"I'm only 19, so I'm not setting any targets to make myself number one.
Obviously, the sooner, the better, so far as I'm concerned.

"We're disappointed with our away form this year but if we win the
Champions League it will be a great season. Next season, with some
consistency, we should challenge for the title."

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[lfc-news] A farewell that's much more final for some - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 16 May 2005
A farewell that's much more final for some
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post

THEY came to give their men a raucous send-off before their Istanbul
date with destiny. But Anfield knew it was probably also waving one
final farewell to a generation of Liverpool players.

Rafael Benitez has largely resisted the temptation to rip up his squad
and start again during a first season that has frustrated and confounded
expectations in equal measure.

But this summer will see Anfield's revolving door spinning like a top as
the Spaniard, feet firmly nestled underneath the manager's table, begins
in earnest the lengthy process of moulding the team into his desired shape.

A shake-up is needed. As the European Cup has taken priority in recent
weeks, so it has become abundantly clear - if it wasn't already - that
this Liverpool squad lacks the strength in depth to compete on more than
one front.

It's why they were unable to place Everton under sufficient pressure for
the fourth Champions League qualification berth and it's why reaching
this year's final against AC Milan has been such an astonishing achievement.

The May 25 date will be the pinnacle of many of the players' careers but
it is in the more humdrum surrounds of domestic battle that Liverpool
sides - and managers - have historically been judged.

Benitez has now had his settling-in period. He knows what to expect next
season in the Premiership, and he will formulate a transfer policy
accordingly, irrespective of whether a fifth European Cup is lifted or not.

And the work has already begun. Villarreal goalkeeper Jose Reina is
likely to arrive, and with Scott Carson previously purchased it would be
no surprise to see one of Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland at pastures new
next season.

Vladimir Smicer is a definite departure, the unfathomable Mauricio
Pellegrino will surely follow while Igor Biscan and Dietmar Hamann are
still mulling over an exit.

Others may be left no choice in the matter. Benitez buys Josemi and
Antonio Nunez have failed to shine but could be given another chance,
while the under-achieving Harry Kewell cannot have any complaints if he
is urged to pack his bags.

As for Steven Gerrard - well, who knows?

With goalkeepers accounted for, Benitez's priority will be to further
strengthen the spine of the team - a quick centre-back, a strong central
midfielder and a goalscoring striker are a must. Add a creative, genuine
wide player and Liverpool can expect better things in league combat next
season.

With one eye on Istanbul, Benitez made eight changes yesterday against
Aston Villa - Gerrard,, Luis Garcia and Djimi Traore not even on the
bench - and self--preservation was clearly the order of the day, players
understandably keen to avoid the injury that could ruin their chances of
participation on the club's biggest night in 20 years.

Those challenging for a starting role largely underwhelmed - with one
notable exception.

Djibril Cisse's mere presence on a football pitch this season is
testament to his strength of character and determination following his
horrendous double fracture of the leg at Blackburn Rovers in October.

But the fact that he began yesterday's game up front in an attempt to
prove his Istanbul credentials said as much about the poor form of Milan
Baros than anything else.

Nevertheless, Cisse grasped his opportunity with both hands, winning and
scoring a penalty and then clinically converting from inside the area
after a slaloming run down the right flank by the lesser-spotted Josemi,
making his first appearance since December 14.

In those seven first-half minutes, Cisse scored as many goals as Baros
has in the last five months. A sobering thought.

But will it be enough to earn the Frenchman the nod in Turkey? It's too
early to tell, but Benitez now has a genuine alternative to the sulking
Baros, who hardly endeared himself to his manager with his midweek grump
at being substituted so often.

The Czech, too, may find himself surplus to requirements as his Euro
2004 escapades become but a distant memory. Kewell was also given a
run-out and though he worked hard, the response of the Anfield crowd to
a number of his less-than-committed challenges suggests he has a long
way to go if he is to ever win over the home support.

Two-up, Liverpool eased off even further, allowing Gareth Barry to grab
a goal back. Further embarrassment was spared to ensure an instantly
forgettable Premiership season at least ended on a winning note.

It was then time for the Liverpool squad to take the applause from the
expectant home crowd and swiftly turn their attentions to attempting to
lift the club's fifth European Cup.

How many of those players return for pre-season, though, is very much
open to question.

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[lfc-news] Two-goal Cisse moves into final reckoning - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 16 May 2005
Two-goal Cisse moves into final reckoning
By David Prior, Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ admitted Djibril Cisse's double in the win over Aston
Villa yesterday had given the Frenchman a serious chance of starting in
Istanbul next week.

Cisse claimed two goals inside seven first-half minutes in his first
full 90 minutes for the senior side since breaking his leg at Blackburn
in October.

His performance confirmed Cisse is close to full fitness and must mean
he is a genuine alternative to Milan Baros for a start in the Champions
League final against AC Milan on May 25.

Benitez, who used Baros for the last half-hour, said: "We now have two
options knowing Cisse is fit and can complete 90 minutes.

"We can play with just one striker or we can adapt and play with two, it
gives me possibilities, choices for the final.

"For us it is good to have that choice. We have seen Cisse training
really hard, the problem was to play 90 minutes after so long out.

"It was a good game for him, he worked really hard and Baros was lively
when he came on.

"Both can run, shoot and dribble, now we have two options - it gives me
the chance to change things during a match."

Cisse scored his first from the spot and then nine minutes later
clinically blasted home the second goal after Josemi's drag-back. Gareth
Barry pulled one back in the second period but Villa's late charge could
not salvage a point for David O'Leary's team.

Liverpool finish fifth, three points adrift of fourth-placed neighbours
Everton.

Benitez added: "Cisse took the penalty properly and scored a fine goal
from open play.

"It was difficult after the injury problem to say he'd be playing again
this season, but he's worked hard with the physios. Ninety minutes may
have been difficult for him, but now he has eight more days."

On Liverpool's final position in the league, the Spaniard said: "It's
disappointing but I cannot change it now. So you need to think about the
future and how to change things."

Meanwhile, Liverpool's European Cup final opponents Milan yesterday
suffered another setback in their attempt to win the Serie A title.
Their 2-2 draw with Lecce, coupled with Juventus's 2-0 home win over
Parma, means Milan are now five points behind the Turin club with just
two matches to play.

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[lfc-news] Villa report - PA

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PA Sport, 15 May 2005
Liverpool 2 Aston Villa 1

Liverpool found themselves hanging for a victory that had looked a
foregone conclusion after an hour.

Djibril Cisse, with a penalty and a classy finish in a nine-minute
first-half spell had put Liverpool on cruise control against a Villa
side who looked feeble and disinterested.

But after Gareth Barry had pulled one back, the midlanders found their
spirit and heart and could easily have ruined Liverpool's party
atmosphere as they head next for the European Cup Final.

Benitez rested a host of stars with the Champions League final just 10
days away.

Steven Gerrard and Luis Garcia are nursing minor muscle strains while
Jerzy Dudek, Sami Hyypia, Steve Finnan, Milan Baros and Dietmar Hamann
were all on the bench with Djimi Traore also rested.

It meant that new England call-up Scott Carson played in goal and Josemi
had his first match since December after knee problems.

Stephen Warnock played in defence and Cisse also started his first game
since October with a chance to win a place in the starting line-up in
Istanbul.

Villa recalled Nolberto Solano for Thomas Hitzlsperger, who is joining
Stuttgart in the summer, while Eric Djemba-Djemba was also back in the
starting line-up.

Liverpool gave Jamie Carragher the rare chance of captaining the side,
an honour fully appreciated by his fans on the Kop. But he was the only
regular left in the back line.

A level of uncertainty filled the Liverpool ranks and Villa came forward
with spirit and pace, particularly down the right where Solano and
Steven Davis were effective.

In the second minute Davis had a hand in creating a decent chance for
Lee Hendrie. A clever back heel in the corner allowed Hendrie to get
into the box, and his cross-shot was turned away by Carson at full stretch.

Liverpool had been patchy in their build-up, which no doubt prompted
Carragher to surge forward from inside his own half, going past three
players and then cruising into the box to slam a shot into the side netting.

That inspired Liverpool and with their next attack they were ahead.
Harry Kewell's 25-yard shot was palmed out by Thomas Sorensen, resulting
in Cisse chasing after it towards the corner flag where Mark Delaney's
rash challenge brought him down.

Referee Barrie Knight pointed to the spot and Cisse took responsibility
by firing low into the bottom corner, his fourth goal of the season and
first since September at home to Norwich.

Antonio Nunez then fired across goal and a couple of minutes later
following a corner, Mauricio Pellegrino's clever back heel was superbly
saved at close range by Sorensen.

Villa were showing the brittleness that has been too evident recently,
and were two down on 27 minutes.

This time the Spanish contingent conjured a fine chance that Cisse
clinically cracked home from 12 yards. Xabi Alonso found Nunez on the
right, the winger's flick sent Josemi tearing down the line where he
left Gareth Barry for dead with a dummy before laying the ball back for
Cisse to slam past Sorensen.

Villa were looking as poor in defence as they were at Spurs, not
clearing properly and not concentrating. When Cisse took a free-kick on
the edge of his own box on 40 minutes he looked up to see Kewell in
yards of space 50 yards away and dropped the ball into the Aussie's
path. Kewell surged away but managed to fire over the bar from 15 yards.

Villa replaced Darius Vassell, one of their many indifferent performers,
at the break with Luke Moore taking over. Two minutes into the second
half, a limping Hendrie went off with Jlloyd Samuel coming on.

Sorensen was soon into action again, parrying a fierce Nunez drive on 50
minutes, and Pellegrino headed wide from a John Arne Riise cross.

Moore looked more than interested. Pellegrino was slow to clear on 52
minutes and the young striker cracked in a low shot that Carson saved
instinctively with his left leg.

On the hour Baros came on for Kewell, while Villa took off the
non-existent Juan Pablo Angel four minutes later, sending on Carlton Cole.

Villa were now looking far more involved. As Liverpool tried to hold
what they had rather than exerting themselves further, it gave the
Midlanders the incentive to attack.

And they pulled one back on 67 minutes when Barry cracked home from six
yards after Samuel's cross was headed on by Solano.

Hamann came on for Igor Biscan on 70 minutes.

Villa were dangerous every time they came forward, but Riise almost got
Liverpool a third on 78 minutes with a fierce 20-yard shot that rattled
the bar.

Finnan took over from Nunez on 79 minutes, taking up a right-sided
midfield role, Liverpool now looking to hang onto points they had looked
certain to claim for the first hour.

And when Moore's header from 12 yards on 84 minutes hit the bar, Villa
were almost level.

Riise and Cisse both had half-chances as Liverpool broke from defence,
but they were totally occupied with halting the waves of Villa attacks.

Liverpool were by now a bag of nerves at the back and Davies was
presented with the ball 18 yards out to send in a shot that flashed wide
of a post.

Liverpool: Carson, Pellegrino, Josemi, Carragher, Nunez (Finnan 79),
Riise, Biscan (Hamann 70), Alonso, Kewell (Baros 60), Warnock, Cisse
Subs not used: Dudek, Hyypia
Booked: none
Goals: Cisse 20 pen, 27

Aston Villa: Sorensen, Laursen, Delaney, Barry, de la Cruz, Solano,
Djemba-Djemba, Davis, Hendrie (Samuel 47, Vassell (Moore 45), Angel
(Cole 63)
Subs not used: McCann, Henderson
Booked: none
Goals: Barry 67

Att: 43,406
Referee: B Knight

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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

Results summary as at Sunday 15th May 2005

__________________ __________________ __________________
| Home | Away | Total |
_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Played | 22 | 23 | 45 |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Won | 14 (64%) | 8 (35%) | 22 (49%) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Drawn | 4 (18%) | 3 (13%) | 7 (16%) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Lost | 4 (18%) | 12 (52%) | 16 (36%) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| For | 36 (1.6/game) | 26 (1.1/game) | 62 (1.4/game) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Against | 18 (0.8/game) | 28 (1.2/game) | 46 (1.0/game) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|

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