[lfc-news] Baros nearing Schalke switch - PA

PA Sport, 30 July 2005
BAROS NEARS SCHALKE SWITCH

Liverpool striker Milan Baros has agreed personal terms with German club
Schalke, according to coach Ralf Rangnick.

The Bundesliga club will now turn their attention towards negotiating a
fee with the European champions for the Czech Republic international.

That could be a stumbling block to the deal going through, as the clubs
are some way apart with their valuation of the 23-year-old.

"We have agreed everything with Baros and his agent," said Rangnick.

"Early next week, we will make moves towards Liverpool."

Liverpool are reportedly seeking a fee in the region of £7million for a
player who has played no part in their Champions League qualifying
matches so far, thereby allowing him to be available for future European
games this season.

Rangnick is confident a compromise can be found, with a loan move
possible to allow Schalke, who will compete in the Champions League, to
obtain the required funds for a permanent move.

"We have plenty of time and aren't going to give in to Liverpool's
demands immediately," he said.

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[lfc-news] Rafa eyes two more signings - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 30 July 2005
RAFA EYES TWO MORE SIGNINGS
By Steve Hunter

Rafael Benitez wants to make two more new signings by the end of next
week with a right winger and a centre half his prime targets.

The Liverpool manager says he is happy with the way his squad is shaping
up but he wants to make it even stronger with more reinforcements.

Benitez said: "I am very happy with the squad, with the way they are
working in training and in matche and I am happy with the new players.
But I am still looking for a centre back and a right winger and we need
to bring these players in during the next seven days."

The Liverpool manager will not be drawn on names of who his targets are
and has yet to rule out a possible swoop for Real Madrid star Luis Figo.

Benitez said: "I always say that a player is not yours until he has
actually been signed. We have alternatives to these players and my idea
is to always be looking at all your options."

The Liverpool manager says he is happy with the pre-season so far and
believes with hard work and good football the Reds could have a good season.

Benitez said: "I am realistic. I always think about winning the next
game and nothing else. I know it will be difficult but it you start the
season winning games then it helps your confidence and your performance.

"We have a better squad than last season and we have a lot of hungry
players who want to win. If the players continue working as hard in
training as they have been doing then I can dream of the possibilities.

"We have forwards who bring different qualities and different
possibilities to the team and it is good when they score goals. But it
is also important that we get goals from the midfield and even from the
defenders, and this has been happening.

"We are scoring a lot of goals so I am not too worried about goals we
have conceded. When you look at the goals we have conceded some have
come at the start of games but most have come at the end of matches
which we have been two or three goals ahead and our players have been
looking for more goals.

"That comes down to concentration and this will improve as the players
fitness improves and they are more ready for matches."

Benitez also wanted to thank the Liverpool fans for their fantastic
support to the team as on Tuesday night more than 350 Reds fans were in
Kaunas for the Champions League qualifier.

Benitez said: "When I was manager of other teams and we played
pre-season games away from Spain we would sometimes have 10 or 20 fans
with us. But at Liverpool it is different. There are usually hundreds of
fans wherever and whenever we play.

"This is something that is very special and something that the players
and myself really appreciate. It is one of the reasons why I always say
we have the best supporters in the world."

The Reds boss also says he was flattered by favourable comments from the
chairman David Moores about him.

Benitez said: "I am flattered by what the chairman has said but I prefer
only to look at my next challenge and not to look too far ahead. But I
am really happy at the moment."

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[lfc-news] Reds face potential trip to Tirana or Sofia - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 29 July 2005
REDS FACE POTENTIAL TRIP TO TIRANA OR SOFIA
By Mark Platt

Assuming they avoid a shock defeat at home to FKB Kaunas next Tuesday
Liverpool's defence of the European Cup will continue with a tie against
KF Tirana or CSKA Sofia.

The draw for the third qualifying round of the Champions League took
place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, today and it handed the
Reds a potential trip to Albania or Bulgaria.

The reigning champions must first complete the job of defeating FKB
Kaunas but with a 3-1 first leg lead and the home leg to come on Tuesday
they are big favourites to progress.

The first leg of the third round qualifier will take place on August
9/10, with the return on August 23/24.

CSKA Sofia, who Liverpool have met in European competition on two
previous occasions, hold a 2-0 lead over Tirana ahead of the second leg
in Bulgaria next week.

The Reds beat CSKA in the European Cup quater-final 6-1 on aggregate in
1981, but saw their reign as champions end against the same opposition
twelve months later when the Bulgarian's ran out 2-1 aggregate winners.

Liverpool have never met opposition from Albania and will therefore
break new ground should Tirana manage to overturn their first leg deficit.

Champions League 3rd qualifying round draw in full

FC Basel 1893 (SUI) v Werder Bremen (GER)

FC Artmedia Bratislava (SVK) / Celtic FC (SCO) v FK Partizan (SCG) / FC
Sheriff (MDA)

FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) v FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)

Shelbourne FC (IRL) / FC Steaua Bucuresti (ROU) v Rosenborg BK (NOR)

Manchester United FC (ENG) v Debreceni VSC (HUN) /
HNK Hajduk Split (CRO)

Malmö FF (SWE) / Maccabi Haifa FC (ISR) v FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) / FC Thun
(SUI)

Everton FC (ENG) v Villarreal CF (ESP)

FBK Kaunas (LTU) / Liverpool FC (ENG, holders) v KF Tirana (ALB) / PFC
CSKA Sofia (BUL)

Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR) v Udinese Calcio (ITA)

Vålerenga IF (NOR) /FC Haka (FIN) v Club Brugge KV (BEL)

F91 Dudelange (LUX) / SK Rapid Wien (AUT) v FK Rabotnicki (MKD) / FC
Lokomotiv Moskva (RUS)

RSC Anderlecht (BEL) / PFC Neftchi (AZE) v SK Slavia Praha (CZE)

Anorthosis Famagusta FC (CYP) / Trabzonspor(TUR) v Rangers FC (SCO)

FC Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO) / Brøndby IF (DEN) v AFC Ajax (NED)

Real Betis Balompié (ESP) v AS Monaco FC (FRA)

Wisla Kraków (POL) v Panathinaikos FC (GRE)

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[lfc-news] Baros agent holds Schalke talks - PA

PA Sport, 28 July 2005
BAROS AGENT HOLDS SCHALKE TALKS

Milan Baros' agent has held talks with German club Schalke over the
Liverpool striker's future.

Baros, 23, was left out of the 3-1 Champions League win against Kaunas
in Lithuania earlier this week to avoid the Czech Republic striker
getting cup-tied and decreasing his value.

With Aston Villa understood to be ready to increase their offer for the
player, his agent Pavel Paska has claimed to have held a meeting with
Schalke manager Rudi Assauer.

Baros has also been linked with moves to Lyon and Valencia but no deal
has been agreed yet.

Paska said: "I can admit that I have had a meeting with Schalke manager
Rudi Assauer. The name Baros has been noted. Schalke are one of the
interested clubs. Nothing more."

Baros had scored twice and made one goal in the last Saturday's 4-3
friendly win over Olympiacos but did not feature in the Champions
League, meaning he would be available for Schalke's campaign in Europe's
premier club competition.

Liverpool have also confirmed they rejected a £5million offer from Villa
last week, and want £7million for the player.

Villa boss David O'Leary could now use some of the £2million he has
acquired from the sale of Darius Vassell to Manchester City to boost his
bid for Baros.

But Schalke are believed to have already contacted Liverpool, although
the suggestion of a season-long loan seems wide of the mark because
Anfield chief Rafael Benitez wants the cash now to boost his chase for a
new centre-back and right midfielder.

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[lfc-news] Benitez focus is still on Kaunas - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 28 July 2005
Benitez focus is still on Kaunas
By Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ today insisted he is not worried about who Liverpool are
paired with in tomorrow's Champions League draw.

The Reds boss says the one thing on his mind at the moment is securing a
safe passage into round three of the qualifying stages.

With a 3-1 lead over FC Kaunas from Tuesday's first leg many observers
believe

Liverpool's progress into the next round is a foregone conclusion.

But Benitez has warned his players not to become complacent and told
them not to be distracted by the third round draw - no matter what
potential match it throws up.

He said: "All that I am thinking of is getting through against Kaunas.

"In football you must have respect for the opposition and that means
taking one game at a time.

"I am aware that the draw for the next round takes place on Friday but,
first, we have to make sure we prepare properly for the second leg
against Kaunas."

The anticipation surrounding tomorrow's draw, which takes place in Nyon,
Switzerland at 11am, has now reached fever pitch on Merseyside due to
the possibility of Liverpool being drawn against Everton.

UEFA stripped Liverpool of their country protection when they allowed
them to take part in this season's competition - meaning the chances of
an unprecedented Champions League derby clash will come down to the luck
of the draw.

Everton boss David Moyes said: "I've got clear concerns about what might
happen.

"Of course, the decision as to who is seeded or not is nothing to do
with us.

"We think that it's wrong that two clubs from the same country - the
same city, even - could be drawn against each other in European
competition at this stage.

"You qualify for the Champions League in order to play teams from
another country, not your local rivals.

"You don't usually expect to get one from your own country, let alone
your own city, but there is only one club which is exposed to the fact
that Liverpool have not been granted country protection and that's us."

Everton's country protection means they cannot be drawn against
Manchester United while Liverpool cannot be drawn against their rivals
from along the M62 either, because both teams are seeded at this stage
of the competition.

The 14 winners from this month's second qualifying round will link up
with the 18 sides entering at this stage with the resultant ties being
played over two legs on 9/10 and 23/24 August.

The fact that Liverpool are seeded means they cannot be drawn against
their fellow seeds - including Rangers, Ajax, Monaco, Villarreal, Inter
and Panathinaikos.

They could be drawn to play any one of the 16 unseeded clubs, including
FC Basel, Slavia Prague, Real Betis and Udinese.

Conversely, by being unseeded, Everton will be drawn against one of the
16 seeded teams - giving them a 15-1 chance of being paired with the Reds.

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[lfc-news] Sevilla poised to make move to sign Josemi - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 28 July 2005
Sevilla poised to make move to sign Josemi
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post

SEVILLA are hoping to take Liverpool defender Josemi back to Spain.

The La Liga outfit are weighing up a bid for the 25-year-old, who was
signed by Rafael Benitez last summer for £2million from Malaga.

Liverpool would be tempted by an offer allowing them to recoup their
investment in a player who has struggled during his time in England,
with reports in Spain suggesting Sevilla have already had contact with
Josemi's representatives.

And Benitez could use the interest as an opportunity to tempt Sevilla
into a deal for in-demand right-back Daniel Alves.

Sevilla are resigned to losing both Alves and fellow defender Sergio
Ramos to bigger clubs this summer, and have pinpointed Josemi as a
potential replacement.

The £6m-rated Alves has previously spoken of a desire to leave and said
he would be happy with a move to Liverpool.

Current Sevilla coach Juande Ramos was a former manager of Josemi at
Malaga and is a known admirer of the player.

Josemi was in the starting line-up for Tuesday's 3-1 Champions League
second qualifying round first leg win at FBK Kaunas of Lithuania. He had
an impressive beginning to his Anfield career, but after a knee injury
he struggled with form and fitness and made little impact after Christmas.

Benitez, meanwhile, yesterday suffered a blow in his attempts to bolster
his central defence when Gabriel Milito signed a new contract with Real
Zaragoza.

Liverpool tabled a £7.5m bid for the Argentine earlier this month, but
he has committed himself to Zaragoza by extending his contract until 2010.

"I am very happy and content with my new deal. Both sides showed
willingness and negotiations were pretty swift," said Milito.

"It was what I was hoping for and fortunately we have been able to reach
an agreement."

He added: "I am pleased and I will carry on doing my best so that
Zaragoza can continue to grow as a club. The past two seasons have been
wonderful because we have won titles (Cup and Spanish Supercup) and I
know that with the prestige Zaragoza have, that I will continue to improve."

Slavia Prague have renewed their appeal to UEFA over losing their
Champions League seeding position to Liverpool ahead of tomorrow's third
qualifying round draw.

The Czech Republic outfit have already had an appeal rejected by UEFA at
the start of the month but the club have not given up their efforts to
question the decision.

"We repeat again that we have nothing against the inclusion of Liverpool
into Champions League," said Slavia's general manager Vladimir Leska.

"The only thing we want is that Slavia is not harmed by this."

Meanwhile Real Madrid winger Luis Figo has said that he will not be
joining Liverpool.

The Anfield side's move for the 32-year-old stalled in recent weeks and
Figo now seems set for a switch to Inter Milan.

Talks with Inter will continue upon Figo's return from Asia with Real
Madrid. He said: "With the English side, everything has ended but I'm
happy many other big clubs have put their eyes on me. About Inter, I
have no news. My situation is strange. I

only want to play football, possibly with Real, but it's better that I
leave."

* Carl Medjani will have talks with Liverpool manager Benitez in the
next few days to determine his Anfield future.

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[lfc-news] Benitez praise for resilient Reds - PA

PA Sport, 26 July 2005
BENITEZ PRAISE FOR RESILIENT REDS

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was satisfied with his team's
come-from-behind Champions League victory in Lithuania.

The European champions trailed but hit back to lead at the interval with
goals from Djibril Cisse and Jamie Carragher - the defender's first for
the club since January 1999.

And Steven Gerrard capped a 3-1 win with a 54th-minute penalty - awarded
after he had been fouled inside the penalty area.

The result means the Reds are in a strong position going into next
week's second qualifying round second leg at Anfield.

And Benitez said afterwards: "We conceded a goal but we had clear
chances after scoring three - we had many chances.

"It's a good result - we only made one mistake during the game.

"All the team worked hard.

"It was difficult for Peter Crouch in his first official game but I
thought he did a good job - as did all the players."

Asked if he thought Liverpool were in a good position to reach the final
qualifying stages of the competition, the Spaniard added on Sky Sports:
"I think so - but in football you don't know."

Jamie Carragher said: "It's good to get something out of these games but
we had a few scares - credit to Kaunas, they caused a few problems for
us in the first half.

"Even before they scored they had everyone behind the ball - so when
they scored we realised it would be doubly difficult because they had
something to hang on to.

"We know we are in a very strong position but the job is not done until
after the game at Anfield next week."

After ending his six-and-a-half-year goal drought, the 27-year-old
defender added: "I can promise you it won't be that long before you get
another one from me - the manager wants another three or four more this
season."

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[lfc-news] Kaunas report - PA

PA Sport, 26 July 2005
FBK Kaunas 1 Liverpool 3

Liverpool needed the shock of an early Lithuanian goal before they
stamped their class on this Champions League second qualifying round
first leg.

Giedrius Barevicius snatched a dramatic opener for Kaunas which shocked
the European champions.

But Djibril Cisse equalised, Jamie Carragher headed Liverpool ahead
before the break, before captain Steven Gerrard rammed home the third
goal from the penalty spot in the 54th minute after being fouled in the box.

Before kick-off Baros walked slowly, all alone, across the pitch and sat
on the bench set aside for the unused reserves, a solitary figure
knowing surely now that his Liverpool days are nearly over.

Aston Villa will soon intensify their interest and there may be a route
to Spain with Deportivo, with Benitez still fancying a swap for defender
Jorge Andrade.

Kaunas started like a team who had been playing solidly for four months
in their domestic league, sharp and organised and with pace up front.

After a day of thunderstorms and pounding rain, the pitch was slippery
as well as being bumpy, and Liverpool needed to stamp their class on the
contest early.

In the 11th minute Xabi Alonso's long, angled ball sent Djibril Cisse
away and the Frenchman's stabbed pass aimed at Crouch was touched from
the big striker's feet by the dive of Eduardas Kurskis.

Five minutes later Gerrard, Darren Potter and Cisse combined to set up
Crouch again, but the high ball into the box was difficult to control
and the shot sailed high over.

Kaunas needed to be given no encouragement, but they got it on 21
minutes when the ball was fired in from the right by Artusas Rimkevicius
and Giedrius Barevicius appeared at the near post to bundle the ball
past Jose Reina - to the delight of the majority of the 8,300 crowd.

But that joy was short-lived as Liverpool sparked into life with two
goals in four minutes.

The first came on 27 minutes when Zenden's cross was knocked down by
Crouch in the box for Cisse to hook home.

Liverpool were ahead four minutes later with Jamie Carragher's first
goal in seven years. The ball swirled in from a left-wing corner and
Carragher met it firmly to bullet a header past Kurskis.

Zenden got himself booked two minutes later for a nasty tackle on
Mindaugas Pacevicius, Liverpool now clearly up a couple of gears and
concentrating on the job in hand.

The Reds almost grabbed a third when Cisse skipped clear, but Kurskis
took sufficient sting off the shot to allow one of his team-mates to
scamper back and clear the ball off the goalline.

Kaunas had replaced Pacevicius with Vadim Petrenko at the break.

Cisse saw another hooked effort scuttle a foot wide from Gerrard's
determined run and cross, and another goal for Liverpool was vital to
combat nerves and lively opposition.

And it was Gerrard's driving run which produced that third after 53
minutes. His surge into the box was ended by Mindaugas Baguzis's
outstretched leg and Danish referee Knud Fisker pointed to the spot.

Up stepped Gerrard, who after his miss at Tottenham last season hinted
he would not take another again, and this time the skipper drilled home
the third.

Petrenko was booked for a 57th-minute foul on Alonso, and two minutes
later Benitez obviously felt he could withdraw Gerrard from the fray two
minutes later and send on Mohamed Sissoko for his competitive debut for
Liverpool.

Luis Garcia was next into the action in place of Potter.

Kaunas had not got near to Reina's goal for some considerable time, but
Liverpool were still unable to really finish the job with a fourth.

The awkward Crouch continued to give the Lithuanians plenty of trouble,
but the ball was not being delivered into the box accurately enough for
him to make his dominance in the air pay off.

And when Luis Garcia cut away down the left to find Zenden unmarked on
the far side of the box, the Dutchman skied a shot well wide.

Fernando Morientes took over from Crouch in the 72nd minute, with Zenden
hacking another chance well wide for wasteful Liverpool soon after.

Then Zenden's cross was controlled by Luis Garcia, but the Spanish
international put his shot over the far angle.

It got worse when Cisse was put clear in the box with eight minutes left
- but the striker lifted his effort wide.

Liverpool were trying to construct the perfect goal - Xabi Alonso's chip
failing to confuse Kurskis - when a clinical finish was needed.

But at the final whistle they will be satisfied with a two-goal
advantage to take into next Tuesday's second leg at Anfield.

FBK Kaunas: Kurskis, Manchkava, Kancelskis, Pacevicius (Vadim Petrenko
45), Zelmikas, Baguzis, Klimek, Rimkevicius, Barevicius (Papeckys 71),
Poderis, Tamosauskas (Maciulis 87)
Subs not used: Beniusis, Kijanskas, Kilijonas, Kunevicius
Booked: Vadim Petrenko
Goals: Barevicius 21

Liverpool: Reina, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Josemi, Zenden, Alonso,
Gerrard (Sissoko 60), Potter (Luis Garcia 63), Cisse, Crouch (Morientes 74)
Subs not used: Dudek, Hamann, Medjani, Warnock
Booked: Zenden
Goals: Cisse 27, Carragher 30, Gerrard pen 54

Att: 8,300
Referee: Knud Erik Fisher (Denmark)

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[lfc-news] Benitez wary amid strange terrain - Telegraph

Daily Telegraph, 26 July 2005
Benitez wary amid strange terrain
By Henry Winter in Kaunas

If Liverpool's European Cup triumph nine weeks ago was a tale of the
unexpected, their defence of the trophy tonight becomes a journey into
the unknown. Here in a Baltic state more obsessed with basketball, where
the local delicacy is smoked pig's ear washed down with fire-water
touching 75 per cent proof, Liverpool tackle the champions of Lithuania
on a pitch pockmarked by javelins.

As the hurdles used for the European junior athletics championships were
yesterday being removed from the St Dariaus and St Gireno Stadium (named
after two Lithuanian pilots who perished in a bi-plane attempting to fly
from New York to Kaunas in the 1930s), a surreal feel continued to
surround Liverpool's summer exertions.

Their coach, Rafa Benitez, attempts to prepare a side physically,
tactically and mentally for the Premiership rigours looming next month
while ensuring his players are sharp enough to negotiate this Champions
League pre-qualifying tour of footballing backwaters.

Adding to the strange atmosphere is the need for Benitez to play the
transfer market while playing games. Benitez, who could give England's
cricketers a master-class in the dead-bat arts, refused to be drawn
yesterday on speculation linking Anfield with Luis Figo, Real Madrid's
unsettled winger who is also coveted by Inter Milan. "No news," smiled
Benitez.

And Milan Baros' possible switch to Aston Villa? Had the clubs come
closer to an agreement (Villa have offered £5 million while Liverpool
value Baros at £7 million). "I am thinking only of playing Kaunas,"
responded Benitez. "Baros is one of the possibilities for the game.
Baros is happy. Look at him in training."

The Czech Republic international was indeed an enthusiastic contributor
in last night's training, but it will be a surprise if he features this
evening. Baros' transfer value would decrease through becoming cup-tied.
Peter Crouch is expected to lead the line, with Luis Garcia working off
the lanky newcomer. Bolo Zenden may be drafted in on the left, with
Josemi likely to step in at right-back if Steve Finnan fails to recover
from a bout of sickness.

Darren Potter could be given another chance at some point in right
midfield, a reminder that home-grown talent has its place in Benitez's
thoughts.

"The manager can bring in players from Barcelona and Real Madrid, but he
has shown that it doesn't matter where you are from, if you do your
best, he will have a look at you," said Potter yesterday.

"I have played in the [first pre-qualifying round] games against TNS and
I hope I have given the manager some food for thought.

"I am more comfortable in the middle than on the right, but you know
that Steven Gerrard, the best player in Europe, Xabi Alonso and Didi
Hamann are competing for those places, so it is not going to be easy
playing there. But as far as I am concerned, I'd give an arm and a leg
just to get a shirt in any position."

A former captain of Liverpool Schoolboys, Potter was initially at
Everton with Wayne Rooney. "We played together for five years and even
as young lads you could see how special he was," added Potter.

"Everyone knew he was going to make it. Some of the things he would do
in matches were unbelievable."

Talking of Merseysiders, the 600 Liverpool supporters travelling to
Kaunas can expect a warm welcome, according to David Sink, chairman of
London-based amateurs Weirside Rangers, who have just played a tour
match in the St Dariaus and St Gireno Stadium. "It's a bad pitch but the
Lithuanians are lovely people, really hospitable," said Sink yesterday.

"The beer is really cheap in Kaunas, and the food is fantastic but watch
out for some of the local delicacies, like smoked pig's ear. You won't
miss it - it looks exactly as it sounds. They also do some deep-fried
bread you would struggle to hammer nails in. Apart from that, we were
really well looked after!"

Assuming they arrive at the stadium safely, and even the official
Lithuanian guidebook describes Kaunas drivers as "having one foot on the
accelerator and the other in the grave", Liverpool should have too much
class for their hosts.

Yet Liverpool's centre-halves, Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia, must
beware the movement and finishing threat of strikers Andrius Velicka and
Arturas Rimkevicius, who filled their boots during FBK's 8-2 aggregate
hammering of the Faroese minnows, HB, in the last round. "We are
favourites," agreed Benitez, "but we need to demonstrate that on the pitch."

FBK Kaunas (probable; 4-4-2): Kurskis; Machvetia, Kancelskis, Zelmikas,
Baguzis; Barevicius, Poderis, Tamosauskas, Petrenko; Velicka, Rimkevicius.

Liverpool (probable; 4-4-1-1): Reina; Josemi, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise;
Potter, Xabi Alonso, Gerrard, Zenden; Garcia; Crouch.
Referee: K E Fisker (Denmark).

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[lfc-news] Baros in squad for Kaunas tie - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 25 July 2005
BAROS IN SQUAD FOR KAUNAS TIE
By Paul Eaton, in Lithuania

Rafael Benitez has refused to be drawn into speculation regarding Milan
Baros' Liverpool future.

The Czech star hasn't been involved in either of Liverpool's first two
Champions League games this season, with many people suggesting the Reds
don't want their player cup-tied ahead of a possible move from Anfield.

Aston Villa continue to be linked with a swoop for the 23-year-old, but
for now Benitez is concentrating solely on tomorrow night's game with
FBK Kaunas as the Reds look to book their place in the third qualifying
round of the competition.

The Liverpool manager insists he is more than happy with Baros
contribution to the pre-season campaign so far.

Speaking at a press conference in Kaunas Benitez said: "Milan is a good
player, he is working well and scoring goals in pre-season. I am happy
with him.

"At the moment I'm thinking about tomorrow's game and not about offers
for our players. Whether he plays tomorrow or not it doesn't matter, he
is still our player. He is here with us, he is in the squad and gives us
another possibility."

Benitez also refused to comment on stories coming out of Spain that the
Reds are closing in on a deal for Real Madrid star Luis Figo.

Benitez said: "I have no news. I have been flying this afternoon. All I
can say is he is a good player."

* Steven Gerrard this evening limped out of training at the S Darius & S
Girenas Stadium in Lithuania but Liverpoolfc.tv can allay fears that the
injury is serious.

The Reds skipper was being put through his paces alongside the rest of
the squad ahead of the Champions League second round qualifier against
FBK Kaunas when he suffered a knock on the ankle that forced him to
leave the session prematurely.

He was immediately treated with packs of ice and the club officials are
confident that he'll be available for selection as Liverpool continue
their defence of the trophy against the Lithuanian champions.

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[lfc-news] Crouch in goal pledge - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 25 July 2005
Crouch in goal pledge
By Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

PETER CROUCH today spoke of his pride at pulling on a Liverpool shirt
for the first time - and pledged to score the goals to take his new club
to yet more glory.

The Reds' new £7m signing enjoyed a promising debut in Liverpool's 4- 3
win over Olympiakos on Saturday, setting up the first goal for Luis
Garcia and proving a constant menace to the Greek defence.

Crouch, who is eligible to play in tomorrow night's Champions League
qualifier against FC Kaunas, said: "To be honest, I was just glad to be
able to wear that famous red jersey for the first time.

"That was a dream come true for me and now I'm just looking forward to
doing it again.

"I would have loved to have scored but that wasn't to be, although I've
been told the goal I had ruled out for offside was actually okay.

"I might have missed out against Olympiakos but hopefully it'll come
against Kaunas if I'm selected."

Crouch admits many still view him simply as a target man but says his
ability with the ball at his feet will come to the fore.

The lanky figure of Peter Crouch makes his presence felt during his
Liverpool debut against Olympiakos

"Because I'm tall people tend to think that I'm only good with my head
but they will see that I can play with my feet as well.

"I like to get the ball down and use it and this should stand me in good
stead at Anfield because I know that's the Liverpool way.

"The run I had for the first goal is as much what I'm about as winning
head-ers. I went on a bit of a mazy one and, to be honest, I wanted to
get a shot away myself but the ball broke to Luis Garcia and he tucked
it away really well."

He added "I have set myself a target for scoring goals like I do every
year but I'll be keeping that to myself.

"But I know that if I score goals and perform well it will help the team."

Rafael Benitez said: "Peter 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."

Xabi Alonso insisted Crouch's arrival has lifted the squad.

He said: "Last season we were guilty of giving the ball away too often
and maybe Crouch can help us keep possession further up the pitch.

"When a good player joins, it gives everyone a lift and the more good
players you have, the better you have to play to earn a place in the
team. That's got to be a good thing."

* Jerzy Dudek today vowed to fight for his Liverpool career. Dudek has
found himself down the pecking order since the arrival of Pepe Reina.

"All I am doing is focusing on working hard in training and hoping to be
part of the squad," he said. "But I do not know what will happen."

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[lfc-news]£7m price tag on Baros - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 25 July 2005
£7m price tag on Baros
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post Staff

ASTON VILLA have been told they must pay £7million if they are to prise
Milan Baros away from Liverpool.

The Midlands club made a £5m offer for the Czech striker last week as
they finally made an official move for their long-time transfer target.

But Anfield officials rejected the approach, with Liverpool seeking to
recoup the money spent in signing Peter Crouch from Southampton.

Baros, who scored twice for Liverpool in Saturday's 4-3 friendly win
against Olympiakos in Liechtenstein, has been told by manager Rafael
Benitez that he can leave the club.

Doubts were raised over the striker's future after he was an unused
substitute in the first leg of the Champions League first qualifying
match against TNS Llansantffraid and then failed to make the squad
altogether for the second leg.

That enabled Baros to remain eligible for European competition, making
him a more attractive proposition to potential suitors. And despite the
insistence of the player that he will fight for his place, the
subsequent arrival of £7m signing Crouch has effectively signalled the
end of his Anfield career.

Both Lyon and Valencia were linked with Baros in the close season, while
West Ham have recently declared an interest and Deportivo La Coruna are
mulling over a move.

Villa manager David O'Leary, who tried to sign Baros last summer only to
be rebuffed, remains confident he can persuade the 23-year-old to move
to Villa Park but must find another £2m before Liverpool consider
allowing the striker to depart.

Benitez's attempts to bring Luis Figo to Anfield have taken another
twist with the player indicating he is prepared to play out the final
year of his contract at Real Madrid.

Liverpool had agreed personal terms with the Portuguese international
and were poised to complete his signing when Real reneged on an
agreement to allow Figo to depart on a free transfer.

That prompted Inter Milan to declare their interest in Figo, only for
the player's wage demands to prove prohibitive.

Real are now willing to let Figo leave for free, providing the
32-year-old does not ask to be paid up on the final year of his contract.

But that has prompted the midfielder to contemplate reconsidering his
plan to leave and hint he would happy to stay and fight for his place at
Real.

"It's difficult for a player," said Figo.

"I know I'm not first or second choice, but I want to see out my contract.

"I will do all I can for my club."

Meanwhile, Celta Vigo have claimed they are close to completing a deal
for Liverpool winger Antonio Nunez. The 26-year-old, who arrived from
Real Madrid last summer as part of the deal that saw Michael Owen move
to the Bernabeu, has been given permission to leave.

And the Spanish club's president Horacio Gomez said: "We are close to
sealing the signing.

"We want to make our team competitive and for that reason we are
carrying out important changes for the present and the future."

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