[lfc-news] Olympiacos report - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 23 July 2005
REDS SMASH FOUR PAST GREEK CHAMPIONS
By Paul Rogers

Liverpool 4 Olympiacos 3

New signing Peter Crouch did more than enough to impress both his new
manager and his team-mates during a action-packed first 45 minutes of
his Liverpool career in Liechtenstein on Saturday night.

The latest addition to Rafael Benitez's rapidly expanding squad looked
sharp throughout and, despite only joining up with the rest of the
playing staff at their pre-season training camp in Switzerland on
Thursday, immediately seemed to strike up a promising strike partnership
with both Djibril Cisse and Luis Garcia, the latter of whom he set up to
score the opening goal of the game after 31 minutes.

When Cisse and Crouch combined with just two minutes on the clock, the
former Southampton striker might have grabbed his first goal in a red
shirt but for a good save from the Olympiacos goalkeeper Erwin Lemmens.
It was Cisse's burst of pace on the right wing which created the opening
and when he crossed the ball for the new No.15, the handful of fans
behind the Greek goal thought they might be about to witness history in
the making. It wasn't to be though as Crouch, despite a well-timed run
into the box, just failed to make contact with the ball.

Two minutes later the pair again linked up to create an identical
opening but once again Lemmens proved first to the ball.

Eager to prove that he's more than simply a target man for long balls
and high crosses, Crouch demonstrated he's just as dangerous outside the
box as he is in it when he connected with a Darren Potter cross to hit a
half-volley just wide of the post with 10 minutes on the clock.

Olympiacos, crowned Greek champions in May, weren't about to let one man
dominate proceedings however and twice went close through the
ever-dangerous Michalis Konstantinou, the second effort drawing a great
low save from Scott Carson.

With the game flowing from end to end, a goal never seemed far away and
in the 31st minute it finally arrived. Luis Garcia might have slotted
the ball beyond Lemmens but it was the run from Crouch into the box that
created the opening. Whether Crouch could actually claim an assist is
debateable as the ball seemed to ricochet off more than one player
before finding the Spaniard but Rafa won't be too worried about that.

Liverpool's lead would only last nine minutes however with Rivaldo
proving he's lost none of his class with an instinctive left-footed
finish beyond Carson with just five minutes of the first-half remaining.

If Crouch's arrival on Merseyside was supposed to spell the end of the
Anfield dream for Milan Baros, someone must have forgotten to tell the
Czech international.

While Crouch was the undisputed star of the first-half there was no
doubting Baros was the liveliest player on the pitch after the interval.

The Liverpool No.5, linked by the media with a move away from Anfield
all summer, entered the pitch after half-time with the scores level
after Rivaldo had cancelled out Garcia's opening goal on 40 minutes, and
then set about single-handedly taking the game to the Greeks.

Within minutes of being on the pitch, Baros had set Fernando Morientes
up to slot home Liverpool's second and then he got in on the act, twice
rounding the 'keeper to double our lead during the space of six
electrifying second-half minutes.

Liverpool's lead could have been extended further still when Baros again
found Morientes with a cross from the right only for Erwin Lemmens to
dive low to block the Spaniard's shot.

We've always known Milan Baros was capable of putting the ball in the
back of the net but tonight he demonstrated that maybe, just maybe, he's
now started to use his head a bit more and find his team-mates in space
rather than trying to beat the world on his own.

With both Djibril Cisse and Luis Garcia linking well with Crouch in the
first-half and Sissoko and Xabi Alonso impressing during the second
period, Liverpool are starting to look like they finally have a decent
squad to choose from with options in almost every position.

A penalty from Predrag Djordjevic on 76 minutes after Zak Whitbread was
adjudged to have brought down Yiannis Okkas and another well-taken goal
from the No.11 seven minutes later when he rounded Scott Carson might
have taken the shine off the night for Rafael Benitez but it's still
five wins out of five for the Reds this summer.

Scoring goals might have been a problem last season but after smashing
17 goals in five games, Rafa will no doubt be turning his attention away
from his strikers and onto his defence. Milan Baros, for one, will be
happy about that.

Rafael Benitez said he was pleased with his side's fitness and style of
play and declared himself highly satisfied with debutant Peter Crouch.

Benitez said: "Peter played well. He did very well for the first goal
and he is a clever player. He has a good touch and can bring other
players into the game. He knows what we want from him and he gives us
lots of options."

The Liverpool manager believes he has a better squad than the one he had
last season and said he is trying hard to bring in some more players in
the very near future.

One player already at the club who is hoping to enjoy an injury free run
in the team is Xabi Alonso. The Spanish midfield maestro played the
second half and displayed some of his trademark defence splitting passes
and Benitez said he is a very important player.

Benitez said: "I think we are strong in midfield. We have Steve, Xabi,
Didi, Momo Sissoko and we have lots of options. It means I can rest
players when they need to be and bring others in who will do a very good
job.

"Xabi is a very good player. He links the play and he opens up defences
with his passing and he is looking very sharp.

"I thought this was a good game for the supporters, seven goals and lots
of chances. There was two teams playing at a high level and we are in a
good physical condition and getting better. I thought we played some
good football and we are scoring goals which is good.

"We are trying to bring in some more players and this season we will
have a stronger and better squad than the last one."

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[lfc-news] Zaragoza rule out Milito sale - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 22 July 2005
Zaragoza rule out Milito sale
By Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ has stepped up his search for defensive reinforcements as
Real Zaragoza appeared to close the door on a move for long-term target
Gabriel Milito.

The Reds manager has been pursuing Milito all summer but Zaragoza have
fought tooth and nail to hang on to their prize asset, even rebuffing a
£7.5m offer for the Argentinian international.

Milito has intimated he would like to move to Anfield but Zaragoza's
chief executive today insisted any such transfer would be "practically
impossible".

Jeronimo Suarez added. "Our interest is to keep him and for that reason
he has a very good offer from the club to extend and improve his contract."

The Spanish club has now offered to treble Milito's salary in an effort
to ward off Liverpool's interest and Benitez is now weighing up his
options as he looks for central defensive back-up for Jamie Carragher
and Sami Hyypia.

One player who has caught the attentions of the Liverpool manager is
Deportivo La Coruna's Jorge Andrade.

Coruna are believed to be preparing a formal approach for the Reds'
Milan Baros and it is thought Benitez may be ready to consider a
straight swap involving Andrade, a Portuguese international.

But Coruna have fought to hang onto Andrade all summer despite interest
from Manchester United and Newcastle United and a swap deal could hinge
on their desire to sign Baros.

If Benitez is unable to prize Andrade, 27, away from the Riazor he is
likely to continue trawling La Liga for a top class centre back.

Reports in Spain are linking Liverpool with a £7m move for Sevilla's
utility defender Daniel Alves and having already raided the Southern
Spanish club this summer for teenage right back Antonio Barragan,
Benitez is well aware of the qualities of the playing staff there.

Meanwhile, Baros is to hold showdown talks with the Reds boss in an
effort to convince him that he deserves to stay at Anfield.

Last year's top scorer has found himself out of favour during pre-season
and it is unlikely there is any way for him to find his way back into
Benitez's plans.

Speaking of his current situation, Baros said: "It is not pleasant, but
I am still a Liverpool player. I am working hard and I am trying to
persuade the coach that I deserve my place in the team.

"We will sit together with the coach and talk about his intentions for
me. If he says he does not need me, then we will start solving the
problem but nothing is happening now and I am not letting it play on my
mind."

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[lfc-news] Crouch interview - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 21 July 2005
PETER CROUCH: THE FIRST INTERVIEW
Steve Hunter

Read what Peter Crouch has to say about his new career with Liverpool in
his first interview since signing a four year deal with the Reds.

~ Liverpoolfc.tv: Welcome to Liverpool Peter, it must be a great thrill
for you to be here.

Peter Crouch: I'm really thrilled. It was up in the air where I was
going to be this season but to join a club like this is something special.

~ Speculation has been going on for many weeks, but were you always
hopeful it would come to fruition for you?

As soon as I knew about the interest from Liverpool a few months ago I
was eager to come, just like anyone would. It's a club with a great
tradition and with the success last year it is a challenge that I'm
really relishing. I'm pleased it has come off.

~ So when did you first hear that Rafael Benitez wanted to bring you here?

I think they made an official bid a month ago for a certain amount and I
knew they were interested so I was always keen. When Liverpool are
interested it's difficult to think about any other team. I know there
were a few other teams interested but I had my heart set on coming here.

~ So what are your first impressions of Anfield and the training ground?

Superb. Straight away when you walk in and you see the facilities in
place. I knew what a big club this was but until you get here you don't
quite realise how big. I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

~ You've met Rafael Benitez briefly on Wednesday morning, what did he
have to say to you?

He was just really pleased that we've wrapped it all up and I can just
get on and concentrate on pre-season here at Liverpool. We've got big
games coming up already which is what both of us wanted. We will speak
more over the rest of the week as the team were rushing off to get a
flight back to Switzerland when I saw him. He said he wanted to have a
chat with me out there. I am looking forward to hearing his thoughts and
playing in a few games.

~ So what qualities do you think you will bring to this team?

I am different and my height is obviously an advantage. Last season I
scored a few goals and I would like to think I will bring goals to this
team and I think there is more to my game than my height. You can play
the ball into me and I'd like to think I can bring other players into
play and create goals from there as well.

~ In the second half of last season you hit a real purple patch in front
of goal so are you confident you can repeat that sort of scoring form at
Liverpool?

Without a doubt. I'm as confident as I've ever been and joining up with
England was a great boost for me as well. That was great and I didn't
feel out of place at all and I really enjoyed it. I think coming to
Liverpool is a natural progression and I'm really looking forward to it.

~ You've walked into a squad where there is going to be a tremendous
amount of competition for places as well.

Of course. You don't expect to come to a club like this and expect not
to have to compete with other players. I think there are a lot of good
players here and I'm not going to make any bones about it, it will be
difficult to break into the side. I am confident that I will do and that
when I do I will stay there.

~ You are also joining the European champions, did you watch the road to
Istanbul last year and follow the team's progress?

Yes, it was amazing to win the tournament. I always felt they were
capable of it and after getting over the hurdle of Chelsea I think it
seemed to be their tournament. I'm pleased we won it and hopefully we
can emulate something along those lines this year.

~ Did you watch the final?

Yes, I was away with England and I was with a few of the Chelsea boys as
well who were looking on enviously! Obviously they would have loved to
have been part of it. For Liverpool to win it was a great achievement
and we've got to build on that now. The manager is bringing in his sort
of players and starting to form his own team and I'm sure he will be
even more successful in the years to come.

~ I know you don't know him too well yet but are you impressed with Rafa
Benitez and the success he has had in the game?

I think he has brought in good players and in his time in Spain he was
very successful. He got off to a flier here and won the Champions
League. The club has won that now and we will have to build on that in
the future.

~ Do you know any of the Liverpool players or any members of the squad?

I speak to Jamie Redknapp quite regularly and I know him well. He had
great things to say about the club and he told me I am joining the best
club in the world. From the short time I have been here it looks a great
set-up and there's Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher here from the
England squad. I'm just looking forward to getting out there and meeting
the rest of the lads.

~ So how much did you speak to Jamie Redknapp about this place?

I have spoken to him a lot as I knew Jamie from our time with
Southampton. He is great and I know his dad is manager at Southampton
but he knew what was best for me. I had a long chat with Jamie and he
told me what a great club it was, not that I didn't know that anyway.

~ How did he sell the club to you?

He just said he spent a long time here and how he enjoyed living here
and he said the Liverpool fans are the best in the country. He told me
that when they are on your side you can't fail to hear them. Obviously I
know that from the games I watched last year in the Champions League.
Jamie just sold the club full stop really for me.

~ What is your experience of playing at Anfield so far in your career?

I haven't had too many experiences of playing here but I've been up here
as a fan quite a bit. I was injured when Southampton played here last
season and I've got a few friends up here who are season ticket holders
so no doubt they will be pestering me!

~ What's your target then this season, how can you improve as a player
and how much more is there to come from you?

I think there's a lot more. Although I finished last season well
hopefully I'll get a run from the start this time that I didn't have
last year. I think I'll do well and I think I'll definitely bring
another option to the team and hopefully it can be as successful as last
year.

~ People always say about you that you are good in the air because of
your height but also a good touch as well?

I'd like to think so. I'm just desperate to play games and show everyone
what I can do. When people do see me play they are often surprised I can
play on the floor as well and I'd like to think I can bring that to the
team and also be a different option.

~ Are you looking forward to the prospect of playing Champions League
football as well?

Of course yes, what a big draw it is that the team are in the Champions
League. I'm really looking forward to it and am looking forward to
improving our Premiership position from last year. I think we will do that.

~ You come here to be successful, so how confident are you that you can
win trophies with Liverpool?

Very confident. Liverpool built their reputation on winning trophies and
are the most successful club in Britain and we need to keep it that way.
I'm sure we can do.

~ Are you glad that the speculation is over and you can get on with your
career with Liverpool now?

Yes of course, it's frustrating not knowing where you are going to be
but this is a club I would like to stay at for as long as possible.

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[lfc-news] Crouch to miss start of season - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 21 July 2005
Crouch to miss start of season
By Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

NEW signing Peter Crouch will miss the start of Liverpool's Premiership
campaign through suspension after being sent-off for Southampton at the
end of last season.

The ban means Liverpool fans are unlikely to see the £7m signing in
Premiership action until the second week in September.

Crouch was sent off in Southampton's penultimate game of the season at
Crystal Palace and picked up a three-match ban.

He missed the final game of the last campaign against Manchester United
but must serve the final two matches of his ban at the start of the
coming season.

It means Crouch won't be available for the opening day fixture against
Middlesbrough or Liverpool's first home game of the season against
Sunderland.

With the Reds' next game at Charlton set to be called off if they
progress to the third qualifying round of the Champions League, and with
the home game against Arsenal already postponed because of the Super Cup
final, Crouch is likely to have to wait until September 10 to make his
league debut for his new club in the away game at Tottenham.

Crouch will, however, be eligible for the Champions League clash against
FKB Kaunas in Lithuania next week as long as Liverpool register his
signing with UEFA before midnight tonight.

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[lfc-news] Crouch here to help banish away-day blues - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 20 July 2005
Crouch here to help banish away-day blues
By David Prior, Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ last night admitted Liverpool's damaging away form was
the main reason behind his pursuit of £7million capture Peter Crouch.

The 6ft 7in striker will join up with his new team-mates at their Swiss
training camp later today should he complete a medical on Merseyside
this morning.

A four-year deal was agreed yesterday for the Southampton striker,
completing an extraordinary turnaround for a player loaned out to
Norwich from Aston Villa only two years ago. And Benitez, after watching
his side seal a 6-0 aggregate win over battling TNS in their Champions
League first round second leg, pinpointed his side's fragility on the
road last season as the thinking behind 24-year-old Crouch's arrival.

The Spaniard said: "He is very good in the air, he can keep the ball and
he always knows what to do with the ball.

"When a team loses 11 games away from home in the Premier-ship, you need
to change things. With Crouch we will have another option and in some
games, that may mean we score the kind of goals we did not score last
season."

Crouch travelled up to Merseyside last night having been withdrawn from
Southampton's friendly squad at near neighbours Eastleigh without
manager Harry Redknapp's knowledge.

The two clubs were finally able to agree on a fee of around £7m, with
the south coast club having originally knocked back Liverpool's opening
£6m offer.

And Benitez added: "Now we have Le Tallec, Garcia, Baros, Cisse,
Morientes and Crouch, so we have more options.

"We must select from those players so they must work hard. So that is
good for me this early in the season, the competitiveness will be good
for us."

After his hat-trick in the first leg, substitute Steven Gerrard was
again the standout player for the Merseysiders, claiming two late goals
to put some gloss on an otherwise underwhelming display at Wrexham's
Racecourse Ground.

Djibril Cisse had claimed a first-half opener, but Ken McKenna's League
of Wales champions were just as doughty as they had been at Anfield
almost snatching an equaliser through sub Marc Lloyd-Williams's
disallowed strike.

"We played really well in the first half at Anfield and today we
controlled the first half also," said Benitez. "But it is difficult to
stay at a high tempo when you are winning 4-0, it's not easy to stay
focused on the game.

"I brought Steven on because he can change the game and after three in
the first round I thought he could get another. I hope he can get more
this season because with Xabi (Alonso) and Momo (Sissoko) around him he
will be able to get forward more."

Benitez would not comment on reports claiming Luis Figo was finally on
the verge of sealing his move from Real Madrid, insisting: "We don't
have any news."

He also denied that Liverpool had been in contact with another Bernabeu
star, Michael Owen, over a possible move back to Anfield, but hinted he
would be prepared to let fellow striker Milan Baros - left out of last
night's squad - go at the right price.

"I am working with my team and if we receive some offers, it may be that
they (players) can go but it depends on the offers."

Meanwhile, Liverpool are bracing themselves for a storm of criticism
from Australia over their medical treatment of Harry Kewell as the
Anfield star undergoes his second operation of the summer.

Kewell last kicked a ball for Liverpool in the Champions League final in
Istanbul, and had to be replaced by Vladimir Smicer before the break.

A shattered Kewell had an operation soon after the final to repair an
adductor muscle tear.

Now, with the season just a few weeks away, Kewell entered hospital
again yesterday for a hernia operation.

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[lfc-news] West Ham confirm Baros interest - Offiical Site

Official LFC Website, 20 July 2005
WEST HAM CONFIRM BAROS INTEREST
By Paul Eaton

West Ham boss Alan Pardew has confirmed he would be interested in taking
Milan Baros to Upton Park.

Baros' Anfield future continues to be the subject of much speculation,
especially following his exclusion from last night's Liverpool squad to
face TNS.

Pardew is looking for a new striker ahead of the start of the new league
season and he says Baros would fit the bill perfectly.

"I'm not going to talk directly about Milan because he's still under
contract," Pardew said.

"But we are after a striker and if someone of his quality is available I
am going to go for him."

When asked if Baros was available for transfer, Liverpool boss Rafa
Benitez said: "He is a player that is important for us - but we know the
market sometimes changes."

* Wigan Athletic are hoping to sign former Liverpool favourite Stephane
Henchoz as they begin life in the Premiership next month.

Henchoz left Celtic and is training with Wigan and their manager, former
Liverpool striker Paul Jewell is keen to sign him providing the Swiss
international proves his fitness.

Henchoz said: "Stephane brings a wealth of Premiership and international
experience and would be a great signing for us.

"He's training with us for the rest of this week and then hopefully
something will happen when we get back home to England.

"He doesn't have to prove anything in terms of quality; all he has to
prove is his fitness. He's been training on his own all summer, but from
what I've seen so far he's kept himself in pretty good shape."

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[lfc-news] Reds complete Crouch deal - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 20 July 2005
REDS COMPLETE CROUCH DEAL
By Paul Eaton

Liverpool have today completed the signing of Peter Crouch from
Southampton on a four year deal.

The 24 year old striker successfully completed his medical today before
signing his Anfield contract. Crouch will wear the 15 shirt that was
previously worn by Senegal international Salif Diao.

Crouch will now join up with his new Liverpool team-mates in Switzerland
and is in line to make his debut for the Reds against Olympiacos on
Saturday night.

The former Southampton man becomes Rafael Benitez's sixth signing of the
summer as the manager looks to build a squad capable of challenging for
honours once again this season.

"I'm delighted we have signed Crouch," said Benitez today. "He is a good
player with a lot of good qualities and his arrival will give me more
options up front.

"I think he will be ready for the game against Olympiacos on Saturday
night. It depends on his physical condition but he has been training
with Southampton so he should be okay."

A delighted Crouch said: "I am thrilled to be joining a club as
prestigious and successful as Liverpool. Once I heard of their interest
in me it was hard not to think about what it would be like to pull on
the famous red shirt and play in front of the Kop, but I was also very
aware of my responsibilities towards Southampton.

"After a lot of thought I requested the permission of the Chairman and
Board of Directors of the club to talk to Liverpool. Southampton bought
me from Aston Villa and allowed me to play regularly in the Premiership,
resulting in an appearance for England in the summer. This helped my
career tremendously and has now given me the opportunity to move to
Liverpool and play on an even bigger stage, something that no-one could
realistically expect me to turn down.

"Under almost any other circumstances I would have committed myself to
helping Southampton regain their Premiership status. There is a great
group of players at the club and I am sure they will be successful in
the coming seasons.

"I am also very grateful to Harry Redknapp for everything he has done in
my career to date, he made it clear he would not stand in my way over
this transfer move. The Chairman hasalso handled the negotiations with
both me and the other clubs professionally and fairly and I would like
to thank both of them for the way they have conducted themselves during
these discussions.

"I would also like to thank all the Southampton fans for their support
and wish everyone at the club a successful season."

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[lfc-news] TNS report - PA

PA Sport, 19 July 2005
TNS 0 Liverpool 3 (Agg: 0-6)

Liverpool had to call on skipper Steven Gerrard as they struggled to
break down a brave TNS side in the second leg of their Champions League
first qualifier second leg.

For long spells the Welsh side had performed heroics to leave Liverpool
with faces as red as their shirts.

With Peter Crouch waiting in the wings, Liverpool were humbled and never
able to produce the goal feast boss Rafael Benitez had demanded.

Gerrard came off the bench to score twice in the dying minutes to add to
his hat-trick from the first leg after Djibril Cisse's opener, but even
then it could not take away the glory from the Welsh champions who
played their hearts out and even hit a post, seeing another effort ruled
marginally offside with Liverpool rocking.

Once again TNS' hero was goalkeeper Gerard Doherty, who produced another
string of fine saves to cap his display last week at Anfield. TNS took a
well-deserved lap of honour at the end of a night they will never forget.

Liverpool had left Gerrard and Fernando Morientes on the bench and were
made to toil for long periods by another spirited display by the defiant
Welsh club.

In came Cisse up front, Dietmar Hamann in midfield and Boudewijn Zenden
on the left as Liverpool secured a trip to Kaunas for the second
qualifier next Tuesday after the Lithuanian champions' convincing 8-2
aggregate victory earlier in the day against Faroe Islanders Torshaven.

But TNS were only thinking about their pride and making every last
second of their week in the spotlight one to remember.

They started with confidence, composure and enthusiasm for the ball.
John Toner, a former Anfield trainee, produced movement and pace up
front and Steven Beck - a former Everton youth team-mate of Wayne Rooney
but a die-hard Liverpool fan - found space and time for some neat passing.

Only a crunching Jamie Carragher tackle stopped Toner in the box after a
Martin Naylor pass, but TNS' intent on more attacking than they showed
at Anfield left the gaps. Twice Doherty stopped Cisse in the opening
minutes, needing to dive at the Frenchman's feet after his searing pace
had taken him clear onto passes from John Arne Riise and Anthony Le Tallec.

But TNS were intent on giving Liverpool something to think about. Jamie
Wood got past Steve Finnan and wasted the angle for a shot, and Martin
Naylor raced to the line seconds later to see his cross charged down by
Riise. Liverpool knew they were in a game by now.

Liverpool were being made to work harder than they would have liked,
they lost possession too easily and had Benitez on the line demanding
more urgency.

But after 26 minutes a mistake by Chris King allowed Cisse to send
Liverpool ahead. Zenden's cross eluded King and reached Cisse in the
box, Steve King missed his tackle and the big striker lashed the ball
past Doherty.

T.N.S.: Doherty, Naylor, King, Baker, Evans (Jackson 78), Holmes,
Ruscoe, Beck (Ward 68), Toner, Hogan, Wood (Lloyd-Williams 58).
Subs Not Used: Acton, Wilde, Lawless, Leah.
Booked: none

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Riise, Cisse, Le Tallec (Luis Garcia
58), Alonso (Gerrard 67), Hamann, Carragher (Whitbread 53), Zenden, Potter.
Subs Not Used: Carson, Josemi, Warnock, Morientes.
Booked: none
Goals: Cisse 26, Gerrard 85, 86.

Att: 8,009
Ref: Carlo Bertolini (Switzerland).

BENITEZ HAPPY AS REDS PROGRESS

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was full of praise for TNS goalkeeper
Ged Doherty after his side were restricted to a 3-0 victory in their
Champions League first qualifier second leg.

The Reds won 6-0 on aggregate after recording the same scoreline at
Anfield last week, Djibril Cisse and a late Steven Gerrard brace sparing
Liverpool's blushes at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground tonight.

"We tried and at the end it was a better tempo, the goalkeeper saved a
lot and for us to score at the end was good," Benitez told ITV2.

"Maybe we could have scored some more goals but I am happy with my
strikers, with the work we have done.

"Sometimes you can score, sometimes the goalkeeper makes good saves but
for me the goalkeeper was the best player in the games."

For long spells the Welsh side performed heroics to leave Liverpool with
faces as red as their shirts.

With Peter Crouch waiting in the wings, Liverpool were humbled and never
able to produce the goal feast boss Rafael Benitez had demanded.

Gerrard came off the bench to score twice in the dying minutes to add to
his hat-trick from the first leg after Djibril Cisse's opener, but even
then it could not take away the glory from the Welsh champions who
played their hearts out and even hit a post, seeing another effort ruled
marginally offside with Liverpool rocking.

Once again TNS' hero was goalkeeper Gerard Doherty, who produced another
string of fine saves to cap his display last week at Anfield and even
saved a Dietmar Hamman penalty.

Gerard Doherty admitted the 3-0 scoreline was disappointing after such a
resilient performance.

"I think it was a bit tough, 1-0 or 2-0 would have been a proper
scoreline. They had enough chances but Gerrard came on and stuck them
away for them," the goalkeeper told ITV2."

The penalty stop was the finest of his saves and he said: "Being a
keeper it's never down to a poor penalty, it is always a great save! I
just stood up as long as I could and did well to get down."

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[lfc-news] Crouch set for£7m Liverpool switch - PA

PA Sport, 19 July 2005
CROUCH SET FOR £7m LIVERPOOL SWITCH

Liverpool have agreed terms with Southampton for the transfer of striker
Peter Crouch, according to Saints boss Harry Redknapp.

The Reds are believed to have agreed a fee of £7m for the former Aston
Villa forward and he is expected to undergo a medical tomorrow.

Redknapp told Sky Sports News: "I just got a message a while ago that
they (the Southampton board) had agreed terms with Liverpool so that is
where he (Crouch) is now."

Crouch would become the European champions' sixth summer signing and
would almost certainly take their spending past the £20 million mark.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez has been chasing the player throughout the
summer and it appears the club's third bid has proved acceptable to
Saints, though Liverpool are yet to officially confirm the news.

Crouch caught Benitez's eye with a good display in his side's 2-0 win
over Liverpool at St Mary's back in January, where he scored
Southampton's second goal.

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[lfc-news] Mark Lawrenson column - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 19 July 2005
We laugh, but this beanpole can be a Liverpool fairytale
By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post

ON the day after Liverpool won the Champions League, if anyone would
have suggested Peter Crouch was on Rafael Benitez's wish list, they'd
have been laughed out of Istanbul.

Just a few weeks on though and it looks like the Southampton beanpole is
on his way to Anfield - and I have to say I think it is a good signing.

I know people have yet to be convinced, but I believe Crouch would be a
signing purely with the Premiership in mind. Liverpool would buy him
purely to help them breach the top three clubs, and at domestic level,
you can't deny that he is a handful.

Playing for a relegated team, he scored 16 goals last season so there's
no reason to believe he wouldn't be able to do that for Liverpool in a
team that creates more chances and has more possession.

I'd bet that Benitez has looked at last season when, lest we forget,
Liverpool lost 14 games in the league and thought I know how to play in
Europe, but I need to change my style domestically.

Of course his options were limited at time last season with Djibril
Cisse's injury, Fernando Morientes still settling in and Milan Baros
misfiring at times. Now that those three are fit, someone like Crouch
gives him another option of a traditional target man.

I always thought Morientes would fulfill that role, but I believe he is
more comfortable playing off another striker, as is Cisse. At times,
Baros gives the impression he wouldn't notice if Lord Lucan and Father
Christmas were his strike partners, but he always does well alongside
Jan Koller for the Czech Republic.

Crouch offers more of an aerial threat than Liverpool's other strikers,
and in a season when I can see Benitez trying several formations, that
is a priceless attribute.

As to whether we will see Crouch linking up with Michael Owen this
season, I have my doubts. Obviously if Michael is available, any club
would be interested because he virtually guarentees 20 goals a season.
He also has a very strong link with Liverpool, meaning any move back
would be a comfortable, familiar option.

The first problem though is that Real Madrid have not signed anyone to
replace him yet, despite all the talk about Robinho. Secondly they also
appear to want a big fee for him, which Liverpool may not have.

Finally, one of the oldest adages in football is that you should never
go back. Of course, every rule has an exception - just ask Ian Rush -
and you can never say never.

Speaking as a former player, I was delighted to welcome Rushie back and
I'd bet Liverpool's current players would say the same about Michael.

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[lfc-news] Sami: I'll fight to keep shirt - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 19 July 2005
I'll fight to keep shirt - Sami
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

SAMI HYYPIA today issued a defiant message to any centre-halves seeking
to take his Liverpool place: "Bring it on."

Hyypia is still in talks on extending his Anfield contract amid reports
Newcastle are sniffing around the Finn.

However, the defender made it clear he sees his future at Liverpool and
is relishing the chance to fight for his position.

Rafa Benitez has made it known he's seeking defensive reinforcements
having bid for Real Zaragoza's Gabriel Milito, but Hyypia said: "On the
first day back in training the gaffer told me a new centre-half would be
coming. I just said 'bring it on'.

"Whoever joins this club has to earn his place in the team as much as
everyone else.

"The competition keeps everyone on their toes. I feel fine and I think
it will make me play even better.

"With regards the new deal, nothing is done yet but we're in talks.

"It's good for me the manager has shown his faith in me. I've always
said I'd like to stay so we'll see what happens over the next few weeks."

Hyypia and his team-mates play the second leg of their Champions League
qualifier with TNS tonight, with the defender insisting the tie isn't
finished.

He said: "The game is not over and we have to have a good attitude and
treat TNS with respect. I thought they did well at Anfield. We had more
chances to score but they made it difficult for us.

"The game was only nine days after the start of training, which was a
strange time for us to play. But UEFA made the decision and we had to be
ready.

"It's been hard because we're not in the best position physically, but
we're working towards where we want to be.

"There are always high expectations at Liverpool Football Club and I
don't think we should lower them. We should aim to be as successful as
possible.

"We have a stronger squad now and I hope we don't have so many injuries.
Everything looks good and we're very confident.

"Last season the Champions League saved our season but we know we must
be more consistent in the Premiership."

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[lfc-news] Alonso: 'Gerrard the best in the world' - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 19 July 2005
'Gerrard the best in the world'
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL midfielder Xabi Alonso today hailed Steven Gerrard as the best
player in the world, as he revelled in the prospect of forming the
Premiership's top midfield partnership with him next season.

The classy Spaniard said Liverpool conducted the best piece of business
in the transfer market when Gerrard decided to stay a fortnight ago and
penned a new four year deal at Anfield.

Skipper Gerrard has been in scintillating pre-season form, scoring a
hat-trick against TNS at Anfield last week and leading the 3-0
demolition of Bayer Leverkusen in a friendly at the weekend.

Alonso, voted Liverpool's Young Player of the Season, said ahead of
tonight's return Champions League return qualifier in Wrexham against
TNS: "It feels like we have signed the best player available on the
transfer market this summer.

Steven Gerrard is congratulated by team-mates after his goals against TNS

"I now believe that Liverpool's prospects are even better this season,
especially when it comes to the Premiership.

"Steven Gerrard's quality and football vision are very important for
this Liverpool team.

"It is especially pleasing to have him here as we try to defend our
Champions League title and win the Premiership.

"He is so important to our chances of achieving those aims and the fact
that he's staying has also boosted team morale at the perfect time ahead
of the new season.

"My own partnership with Stevie will improve this year. We already have
a good rapport, and proved last year that we can play well together.

"I don't know if we're already the best central midfield partnership in
the Premiership, but we want to be this season."

Added Alonso: "The new players Rafa Benitez has signed are all very
good, which is another reason for my confidence.

"We now have a balanced squad with a lot of quality in depth and those
alternatives will help us win more titles. I don't think we should
prioritise between the Premiership and Europe this year as both
competitions are important.

"It will be very hard to win either of them, but I trust in our team
greatly and in the technical staff who guide us.

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[lfc-news] Rafa names 18-man squad for TNS tie - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 18 July 2005
RAFA NAMES 18-MAN SQUAD FOR TNS TIE
By Paul Rogers

Rafael Benitez has named a very strong 18-man squad to face TNS in the
return leg of their Champions League first round qualifier on Tuesday night.

Although Liverpool already hold a 3-nil lead from the first leg at
Anfield, Benitez is looking for a solid display and lots of goals from
his side as fitness levels build for the start of the Premiership season
next month.

The full squad for the game at the Racecourse Ground is as follows:

Jose Reina
Scott Carson

Steve Finnan
Sami Hyypia
Jamie Carragher
Stephen Warnock
Zak Whitbread
Josemi
John Arne Riise

Steven Gerrard
Darren Potter
Bolo Zenden
Luis Garcia
Dietmar Hamann
Xabi Alonso

Djibril Cisse
Fernando Morientes
Anthony Le Tallec

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[lfc-news] Benitez lays down challenge to strikers - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 18 July 2005
Benitez lays down challenge to strikers
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ today laid down the gauntlet to his strikers and demanded a
higher goal ratio in the season ahead.

After watching Djibril Cisse fire a double against Bayer Leverkusen in
Saturday's 3-0 win in Austria, Benitez admitted he was unhappy with the
goalscoring contribution of his forwards last season.

Milan Baros topped the charts with just 13 goals, only nine of which
came in the league.

Cisse, of course, saw his season wrecked with injury. But Benitez, who
hopes the signing of Peter Crouch will help remedy the problem,
anticipates a much higher return this year.

"It's true we are looking for more goals from our strikers," said Benitez.

"Always the strikers need to score more. You want more than 13 goals
from the top scorer. If we have better possession of the ball and we
play better football, we will create more chances."

Cisse did his cause no harm with his two goals in Austria, as Benitez
revealed how training ground strategy was implemented to perfection on
Saturday night.

"We've been working in training on Cisse's movement because he is so
quick," said Benitez..

"The moves were very similar to those which led to the goals. We've
prepared well and it worked in the game.

"I feel as though we are 're-signing' some players like Cisse because
they've been injured for a long time. I hope this season it will be
different. If everyone is fit, it gives us more options.

"We did a good job against Leverkusen. In pre-season it's always harder,
but we controlled the game and I thought we played well.

"I thought Sissoko was a little nervous, but he worked hard and I'm sure
in the future he will play a lot better."

The Liverpool squad returns from Switzerland tonight ahead of tomorrow's
clash with TNS.

A strong team is expected to line-up against the Welsh champions.

"I will see how the players feel before I decide the team. Steve Warnock
would have played against TNS, but now he's injured," said Benitez.

"We will play a strong team. We don't want any surprises and we must
approach the game professionally."

Warnock's injury was not as bad as first feared and he could return to
training next week.

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