[lfc-news] Liverpool's centre of culture

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Liverpool's centre of culture
http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,9753,1572170,00.html?gusrc=rss
The Finn at the heart of the Reds' defence tells Michael Walker about his
highs and lows at Anfield and of his expectation of more trophies under
Rafael Benítez

Saturday September 17, 2005
The Guardian

Liverpool versus Manchester United: a fixture you can smell. Sami Hyypia
sat back on his wooden chair and inhaled. "United's and our fans hate each
other," he said, "and seeing the Liverpool players who are from Liverpool,
always Man United games are the ones they look for first on the schedule.
I've seen how important it is." So tomorrow, September 18, and January 21
will have been ringed on the Anfield calendar. The squeamish can look away.

Someone like Hyypia plays with his face to the game and is always keen to
look forward. This is the 6ft 4in Finn's seventh season at Liverpool and a
new contract extension means he will be at Anfield until 2008, which, as he
noted, is the year Liverpool becomes the European city of culture. Hyypia
was more comfortable discussing the future than the past, even Liverpool's
recent, glorious past. Thus when we met just a few hours after Liverpool
touched down from Seville, where the Champions League defence proper began
with victory over Real Betis, Hyypia mentioned "a good 2-1 win" and "I'm
knackered" and left it at that. He was already thinking of tomorrow.
Eventually there would be concessions to Istanbul and other pivotal
moments, such as Juventus away in April or the League Cup final of 2001,
but Hyypia, 31, said he had been hardened by his time in England - "I've
seen that English people are very tough" - and his assimilation into
English football culture is such that, without any self-consciousness, when
referring to Gérard Houllier and Rafael Benítez, he said: "I've had two
foreign managers here."

It was Houllier who bought Hyypia, for £2.6m from Willem II in Holland in
July 1999. Under the Frenchman, Hyypia won the Uefa Cup, the FA Cup, two
League Cups, a European Super Cup and a Charity Shield, plus Liverpool
finished second in the Premiership. Put like that, Houllier's record is
impressive yet his dismissal last summer was no surprise.

In came Benítez and within a year Hyypia had added the European Cup to his
collection of achievements. It is some haul and yet the absence of a league
title nags at the Finn the way it does at Liverpool supporters. It is all
part of the Liverpool puzzle, the fact that they could win the European Cup
but finish 37 points adrift of Chelsea and below Everton, as is the notion
that it was essentially Houllier's team, just coached by Benítez. The
Spaniard and Liverpool, indeed, had an odd, great first season together.
Discuss.

"That last season was a little bit strange," Hyypia said. "We had a new
manager and new players and the manager and the players knew more about
European football. The Premiership is a different thing. The new manager
brought new tactics and maybe [in England] they did not work as well as
they should have. The away form was where we struggled, of course. Our home
form was pretty OK. But the way I see it is that the cycle has started
again with Rafael Benítez. He is a very good manager, very disciplined,
very strict. He has the tactics in his mind, how we should move when the
ball is on the left side or whatever - you do exactly what was planned.
That is a good thing, I like discipline a lot, that's a base from which a
team can play together. Tactically he is very strong."

This much we know. But at the moment when he was tested most, half-time in
Istanbul, what was Benítez like then - inspirational as well as tactical?
"He was very positive. Not many believed that we could still win, 3-0 at
half-time to AC Milan, it feels like hopeless. But he was very positive
that we could work harder and if we got one goal back . . . And for the
people who travelled from Liverpool to see the match, he said we had to
give something back to them. Then the tactical changes: Steve Finnan had
some problems so Didi Hamann came into midfield and we went three at the
back. It worked perfectly. He is a very clever man, he knows which strings
to pull in any given situation.

"I have trust in him. When we came back from summer holiday on the first
day he took me into his office and said: 'We are looking for a
centre-half.' I said: 'Fine, competition is good.' Come January, I bet
someone comes in. But I look at it positively. I feel Rafael Benítez brings
good days, a lot of trophies."

Domestically, this season has brought one goal in three games, but also
three clean sheets. After Tottenham last Saturday it also brought an
admission from Jamie Carragher that the 15-year wait for a league title may
soon be 16. "If you are realistic, it is very difficult for us to win the
title," Hyypia agreed. "Chelsea is a great team and for them to be 37
points ahead of us last season, maybe we can't get past them this season.
But we are definitely going to close the gap, and fight. I don't think
Carra meant that we will give up. Of course we have to have the reality
that it might not be possible [to win it]. But maybe Carra wanted to take
some pressure off the team. We haven't given up anything.

"It will take time for the manager to get the squad that he wants. This
season we have Zenden, Crouch, Sissoko and Reina, new faces. We will be
more ready for the task because the manager has four new players he rates
very highly. It's difficult to compare with the past - 2001 was a good
year, we won five trophies. But if you don't have the resources then you
have to improve the team play. That is one strength we had last season,
especially in Europe, all the tactics of the manager worked there. One game
was Juventus away; 2-1 at home was not too good because you know that 1-0
is enough for them. In that away game offensively we did not do much, but
we kept it compact and we worked very hard for the draw. We just had to be
ruthless. There were other games like that where we came together - the final."

Manchester United should reveal how together Liverpool are. Hyypia selected
beating Birmingham in the League Cup in 2001, his first trophy, as the
highlight of his Anfield career to date, while finishing below Everton last
season represents "the biggest disappointment so far". It was even worse,
he said, than being sent off at Old Trafford three Aprils ago four minutes
into a 4-0 defeat. "Van Nistelrooy was going through and maybe I took his
shirt a little bit. The referee thought so. I got a straight red card. They
got a penalty. It was an agony to watch the game in the dressing room. The
only red card of my career. You remember that sort of thing."

It will have to jostle for space in Hyypia's memory bank. He and Liverpool
have crammed in a lot and, as he said, he expects to bank more soon.

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[lfc-news] WE'RE SICK OF 'THE BIG 3'

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WE'RE SICK OF 'THE BIG 3'
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_objectid=16141733%26method=full%26siteid=94762%26headline=we%2dre%2dsick%2dof%2d%2dthe%2dbig%2d3%2d%2d-name_page.html
LIVERPOOL v MANCHESTER UTD: Anfield, tomorrow, kick-off 12noon Gerrard:
Liverpool are European Champions but all we ever hear is talk of United,
Arsenal & Chelsea .. it's time people spoke about us
David Maddock
LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard always feels the same whenever Manchester
United visit Anfield - sick to the stomach.

It is nothing personal against United, although to a born-and-bred Scouser
the enemy from the other end of the East Lancs Road are never going to be
bosom buddies.

What turns Gerrard's stomach is all the talk he hears about the Big Three.

Liverpool are the champions of Europe but have their noses pressed against
the window of that exclusive Premiership club.

Chelsea are part of the Big Three. Arsenal too. And of course the hated
Manchester United. It's strictly by invitation only - and these days
Liverpool are never invited.

Gerrard has had enough. He's heartily sick of it, to be frank. And if
Liverpool aren't going to get invited, he's going to make damned well sure
they gatecrash.

Advertisement

"We have won the Champions League but at home people only ever speak about
the top three teams...and I am sick of hearing all that," Gerrard said.

"We had a great season in Europe but the Premiership was very
disappointing. We are desperate now to show people that Liverpool are
improving and we are desperate to get talked about when it comes to the
title race.

"We want to hear our name mentioned, we want to be in there with the other
three. When people talk about the title it is always those three and we are
always overlooked. The time has come for us to start getting mentioned."

Gerrard has a point. Liverpool are the reigning champions of Europe, they
have one of the biggest fan bases of any club in the world, and yet they
are routinely passed over as a credible force, despite their adventures
last season.

Look at the midweek Champions League group games. ITV made Chelsea's dull
encounter with Anderlecht their main feature, even though the more widely
supported Liverpool were beginning the defence of their trophy in a
potentially far more entertaining contest with Real Betis.

Gerrard is experienced enough to know that the only way Liverpool can
change such muddled thinking is to launch a serious title assault.

If they can cling on to Chelsea's coat-tails this season, then Liverpool
will be offered respect. And with games against United and the current
Premiership champions coming up in the next fortnight, the Mersey men have
the perfect opportunity to make their mark.

"We play United on Sunday and then we have games with Chelsea coming up so
these next few weeks will provide us with a chance to make a statement,"
said the Liverpool captain, the driving force of that memorable European
Cup Final comeback against Milan in Istanbul in May.

"It hurts when people speak about them and not us, it hurts that they go on
about them all the time and we don't rate a mention. But we can change that
only by being successful in the Premiership.

"We won the Champions League last season but the Premiership is our priority.

"We desperately want to do well in it this season, and we can show in the
next few games what we are made of.

"We all love the big games. Matches against Manchester United are so
intense because of the rivalry between the two clubs.

"And as we never took anything from our games against them last season, we
have to make sure that isn't the case this time around."

Gerrard believes that Liverpool are far better equipped this season to
break into the top three. Last term they didn't even make the top four and
finished 19 points adrift of third-placed United.

The Reds won in midweek against Betis without their skipper, who was
allowed the luxury of a rest after injury problems. Last season that would
have been unheard of, but the captain believes it is a sign of the progress
the club is making under manager Rafa Benitez.

"We won the Champions League but we didn't have depth to the squad. It was
frustrating for the manager because he didn't have the chance to rest
players and keep them fresh for the whole campaign," Gerrard explained.

"That is why he bought players in the summer. He wanted to strengthen the
squad so that he could play a strong side in every game, even if he was
resting certain players.

"Against Betis he was looking after me because I had a calf strain and
missed two or three weeks of training. I went straight back into playing
for England when I wasn't 100 per cent fit.

"The fact that he was able to give me a rest and we came up with an
important win in Europe shows that we are progressing, no question. It
shows that we have moved on from last season.

"We really want to do well in the Premiership this season, and we have had
a decent start so there is an improvement already.

"We have had three clean sheets in the league and are difficult to break
down now - that could be important as the season progresses."

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[lfc-news] Preview: Liverpool v United

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Preview: Liverpool v United
http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/s/174/174352_preview_liverpool_v_united.html
MANCHESTER United will field Kieran Richardson at left-back against
Liverpool on Sunday after Argentinian Gabriel Heinze was ruled out for most
of the season.

Heinze sustained cruciate knee ligament damage in United's Champions League
group match against Villarreal on Wednesday and his absence means Sir Alex
Ferguson will turn to Richardson, who is more familiar with an attacking role.

Already without Roy Keane (hamstring), Gary Neville (thigh), Wes Brown
(thigh), plus long-term casualties Quinton Fortune, Louis Saha and Ole
Gunnar Solskjaer, the United squad is low on numbers and Ferguson will be
forced to use teenagers on the bench.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is expected to bring captain Steven
Gerrard back into his starting line-up.

Benitez rested Gerrard, Steve Finnan, Djibril Cisse, Stephen Warnock and
Dietmar Hamann to the bench for Tuesday's Champions League win away to Real
Betis, but only Gerrard can expect to go straight back into the first team.

Benitez still has Fernando Morientes out with a hamstring injury, while
Harry Kewell and Neil Mellor are long-term injury victims.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Josemi, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Warnock,
Traore, Luis Garcia, Hamann, Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Sissoko,
Sinama-Pongolle, Crouch, Cisse, Riise, Zenden, Carson.

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Howard, O'Shea, Ferdinand,
Silvestre, Richardson, Bardsley, Pique, Scholes, Fletcher, Smith, Giggs,
Ronaldo, Miller, Van Nistelrooy, Rooney, Rossi.

Last season: Liverpool 0 United 1

Key opponent: Steven Gerrard - Liverpool's inspirational skipper will
provide Alan Smith with his toughest test yet

Prediciton: Liverpool 1 United 1

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[lfc-news] RAFA KEEN TO CLOSE THE GAP

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RAFA KEEN TO CLOSE THE GAP
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N150000050916-1253.htm
Paul Eaton 16 September 2005
Rafael Benitez today insisted his side can prove their Premiership
credentials by beating Manchester United this weekend.
The Liverpool boss is determined to cut the points gap which existed
between the Reds and the top three last season, and he says victories over
their title rivals will go a long way towards securing an improved season
in the league.

"If we win, it will be fantastic for everyone," said Benitez. "We know how
difficult it is but if we do our best and win, when the time comes for us
to face Arsenal and Chelsea, who can say how close we will be? They know
it's always going to be difficult for them when they come to Anfield.

"When you beat the big teams, nothing seems impossible for the rest of the
season.

"When people talk about the gap of 19 points to United or 37 points to
Chelsea, there is an immediate way to cut this.

"You can reduce the gap by six points in just one game. If we win, it's
three points more to us compared to last year and three less for them. That
gap can be reduced.

"If we had won against United home and away last season, for example,
you're taking about a difference of 12 points, six for us, six less for them,

"That's why it's so important when two big clubs face each other and why
there is always a rivalry. We know we are competing with each other for
trophies."

Benitez tasted defeats in both league games with United last season but he
insists his staff and squad are better equipped to come out on top this
time around.

"I have bad memories of playing Manchester United last year," he said. "We
conceded two goals from setpieces at Old Trafford early in the season when
we had some new players and we lost at Anfield because of a mistake.

"I thought we did a good job for 30 minutes at home last season, but not
after that. They kept the ball well and I think you could argue they were
the best team to play at Anfield against us. They were definitely one of
the best.

"I remember it was tough, but I think we have a better side now. I think we
are more familiar with each other and our system now, and our coaching
staff know more about how United play. We had some players like Morientes
and Pellegrino making their debut against them last time, so it wasn't easy.

"This time we are going into the match with a lot of confidence. We have
three clean sheets and two points away from home. That's not bad, but we
know we need to start scoring goals. We've done that in midweek, so that
shows that's not going to be a problem."

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[lfc-news] Athletic in Orbaiz admission

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Athletic in Orbaiz admission
by Francisco Acedo & Mark Kendall - Created on 16 Sep 2005
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=308274&CPID=23&CLID=&lid=2&title=Athletic+in+Orbaiz+admission&channel=football_home
Pablo Orbáiz
Athletic Bilbao insist they have received no official contact from
Liverpool regarding midfielder Pablo Orbaiz, but have hinted the player is
for sale at the right price.

Orbaiz, a full Spanish international, is a midfielder who can operate both
in the middle and on the right and has really caught the eye for the Basque
outfit over the past couple of seasons.

A dead ball specialist, he joined Athletic from Osasuna in the summer of
2000 and had gained full international recognition by August 2002.

Last term he was a virtual ever-present for Athletic making 35 appearances
in La Liga and netting three goals.

Benitez is known to be looking for a right-sided midfielder and it is
understood he is plotting a move for Orbaiz when the transfer window
re-opens in January.

Bilbao insist they are not looking to sell the 26-year-old, but admit, just
like Asier del Horno, that he has his price.

His buy-out clause stands at some €24 million (£16 million), but an offer
in the region of €15 million (£10 million) would almost certainly persuade
Athletic to do business.

"We have only heard the rumours," stated Athletic president Fernando
Lamikiz. "But the situation is very clear.

"Just as was the case for Del Horno, the player is not for sale, but if a
club is prepared to pay what we consider his market price we will be
obliged to study their offer.

"The key to any transfer is the size of the fee because our manager would
need a good player to replace him."

Orbaiz himself admitted he was flattered to be linked with a move to
Anfield, but insisted he would not take the speculation seriously until
Liverpool's interest was confirmed.

"Liverpool is a great club and it would be a dream, but right now I want to
deal in reality," he declared.

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[lfc-news] Sinama can be right man for Reds

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Sinama can be right man for Reds - Benitez Sep 15 2005
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

FLORENT SINAMAPONGOLLE hopes his midweek Champions League performance has
provided Liverpool with an answer to their right sided problems.

The French youngster's claims to the role have the backing of manager Rafa
Benitez following his goal-scoring return against Real Betis.

Sinama struck his first European goal since the famous victory over
Olympiakos in last season's competition, and Benitez says the 20-year-old
can expect to feature in the role more in the months to come.

"We've been looking for different solutions on the right hand side because
we wanted to use Luis Garcia between midfield and attack, where I feel he
played very well on Tuesday," said Benitez.

"Flo has the pace and intelligence to play there. He gives us a good
option. I remember he played in the position very well against Arsenal last
season. He played really well that day, as well as in the first half on
Tuesday.

"There is an opportunity for him to learn the position."

For Sinama, Tuesday's goal was particularly special as it was his first
senior start and goal since recovering from cruciate knee surgery.

"It's the first time I've started a game in the Champions League during my
career so I was very happy to score," said Sinama.

"The manager told me he needed someone to play wide and I've told him this
is a job I want to learn if it means I'll be in the team.

"I'm comfortable there because you get a chance to go one against one with
the defender and I feel I can do well. I can cross and get opportunities to
score.

"Maybe I'm the solution for the right side, but that's for the manager to
decide.

"My last goal in the Champions League was against Olympiakos, so after such
a long injury it means a lot for me to play and score."

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[lfc-news] Liverpool Res 1, Wolves Res 0

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Liverpool Res 1, Wolves Res 0 Sep 15 2005

Daily Post

ANTONIO BARRAGAN'S first-half strike gave Liverpool Reserves all three
points against Wolves in the Barclays FA Premier Reserve League North at
the Racecourse Ground last night.

Barragan struck on the half-hour mark with Liverpool's first real attack of
note. The impressive Darren Potter exchanged passes in midfield with David
Mannix before sliding a ball into the path of Barragan, who beat Stefan
Postma at his near post with a tidy finish. It was the Spanish youth
international's second goal of the season.

Besian Idrizaj and Ramon Calliste both shot over after direct runs at the
heart of the Wolves defence, but aside from the goal Postma was untroubled
in the first half.

Liverpool keeper Paul Willis wasn't exactly over-worked either, as the
closest the Midlanders came to testing him was a low shot from Gobern which
went a foot wide.

Liverpool made a much better start to the second half, and almost doubled
their lead within two minutes of the restart. Zak Whit-bread played in
Calliste and the striker outpaced his marker and struck a ferocious shot
from a tight angle which Postma did well to parry away for a corner.

Wolves responded well and Willis had to produce a great save to deny
Stewart, and a minute later Ganea planted a free header straight at the
Liverpool keeper from close range.

Calliste then shot straight at Postma when he should have played in
Barragan, and the striker was foiled by the keeper once more when trying to
latch onto Danny Guthrie's clever pass.

Willis was almost embarrassed late on when his attempted clearance was
charged down by Ganea, but luckily for the keeper the ball popped up
straight into his arms and the reds held on to record their second win of
the season.

LIVERPOOL: Willis, Raven (Antwi 67), Whitbread, Roque, O'Donnell, Peltier,
Barragan, Mannix, Calliste, Idrizaj (Hobbs 70), Potter (Guthrie 58).

WOLVES: Postma, Little, Jones, Flynn (Bennett 83), Riley, Craddock, Gobern,
Davies, Ganea, O'Connor, Stewart (Rafferty 80).

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[lfc-news] CROUCH: CLUB NOT COUNTRY IS MY TOP PRIORITY

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CROUCH: CLUB NOT COUNTRY IS MY TOP PRIORITY
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N149985050915-0929.htm
Mark Platt 15 September 2005
After another impressive performance for the Reds on Tuesday night Peter
Crouch has responded to renewed talk about his international credentials by
admitting the World Cup is not his number one priority.
Calls for the Liverpool striker to be recalled to the England fold have
increased following the 2-1 Champions League win in Spain but Crouch
insists his main focus is on his club form.

He says: "I'll have my own targets but I'll keep them to myself. I
obviously want to establish myself as playing regularly at a great club
like this. And maybe other ambitions will fall into place then.

"I'm not going to lie and say the finals are not something I've thought
about and the result in Northern Ireland the other night might help my
chances of getting to the World Cup this summer, but it's not my top priority.

"You don't get international recognition without doing the job at club
level so, if I do make it back into the England set-up, I'll have to have
done the business here at Liverpool."

Crouch won his one and only England cap against Columbia in the summer and
he adds: "I think the manager (Eriksson) has said he wants a bigger man up
front, there's a void to be filled there and I think I did reasonably well
out in America. I think if you're playing well at a club like Liverpool
you'll get a chance.

"The manager seemed to be positive in America, but obviously the club form
is the key. I'd like to think I'd be the player that comes through over the
next season. Obviously there are a lot of good strikers in the England side
and I'd like to get in among them. Mr Eriksson was complimentary while I
was away and so if all goes well hope-fully I'll be okay."

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[lfc-news] CARRA HAILS MAGNIFICENT MOMO

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CARRA HAILS MAGNIFICENT MOMO
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N149981050915-0852.htm
Paul Eaton 15 September 2005
Jamie Carragher reflected on Momo Sissoko's early season form at Anfield
and declared: "He's making it impossible for the manager to leave him out."
Sissoko has been a highly impressive performer since his summer move from
Valencia and was again one of the best players on the field as Liverpool
secured a precious 2-1 victory in Seville on Tuesday night.

Carragher reckons the Reds have a gem of a player on their hands and, at
just 20 years of age, he is confident there is still much more to come from
the Mali international.

He said: "Momo's been superb. If he can continue to turn in the kind of
performances he has been so far then I think we have a real player on our
hands.

"People have compared him to Patrick Vieira and I can see that. I normally
don't like to compare players because you can end up with egg on your face
but he is very similar to Vieira.

"The way he runs is the same, and the way he gets tackles in with his long
legs when he looks like he can't get to the ball is similar to Vieira as
well. He's good with the ball, he plays with great pace running through
midfield and he's always closing players down trying to win the ball. I
think, though, that people should talk about how good Sissoko is rather
than comparing him to anyone else.

"I think he's one of the first names on the team-sheet at the moment. Our
four central midfielders are as strong as any club in Europe now so the
manager has a lot of options, but the way Sissoko is playing he's making it
virtually impossible for the manager to leave him out."

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[lfc-news] Real Betis Away PA Report

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Liverpool produced attacking excellence and then sheer
defensive defiance to claim what could be a priceless
2-1 Champions League victory at Real Betis.

Two goals in the first 14 minutes from Florent
Sinama-Pongolle and Luis Garcia gave the holders a
foothold on the match they should not have conceded.

But after dominating the first period they found
themselves under siege from the Spanish side making
their debut in the competition.

Arzu pulled one back early in the second period and
from then on it was a backs against the wall display
which proved enough to give Liverpool the critical
start they needed as they began the defence of their
title in earnest.

The visitors performed like champions at times with
slick passing and clever attacking movement, while
showing steel in the shape of Mohamed Sissoko.

Manager Rafael Benitez sent out a team full of shocks
for the opening Group G game with Steven Gerrard left
on the bench.

It is understood he was not suffering from an injury,
instead Benitez choosing a team based on his local
knowledge of La Liga's fourth best club.

Crucially in the intense heat, Liverpool started with
several players who knew all about the conditions;
Djimi Traore and Josemi were the full backs, Mohamed
Sissoko - at Valencia last term - took Gerrard's
midfield role and Xabi Alonso returned while French
youngster Florent Sinama-Pongolle played alongside
Peter Crouch up front.

Betis had Sanchez Joaquin recovered from a knee
problem but were without Luis Fernandez with a knee
injury.

The Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera was rocking with
noise but the home fans were stunned within 90 seconds
when Liverpool took the lead.

Carragher's long ball up Crouch and Sinama-Pongolle
sparked instant fear in the Betis defence and
Sinama-Pongolle took the ball out of the air with
excellent skill.

It clipped Crouch inadvertently, and fell for
Sinama-Pongolle to curl a delightful chip over a
stranded Antonio Doblas.

Liverpool struck again on 14 minutes, and Crouch -
being watched by England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson -
played a major part.

He controlled and kept possession on the left, and
searched for a telling target, eventually pushing the
ball cleverly into Bolo Zenden's path.

The Dutchman's instant low cross was met by Luis
Garcia arriving unmarked in the box and he clinically
slipped the ball into the corner of the net past
Doblas' despairing right arm.

Betis were stunned but slowly regained their composure
and Brazilian danger man Ricardo Oliveira gave Sami
Hyypia the slip before surging into into the box to
force an excellent block from Jose Reina.

Reina was Liverpool's saviour again when a corner
dropped into the six yard box and Oliveira stabbed at
it, but the Spanish international fell on the ball
right on the line, and he saved well again when he
blocked an angled drive from Fernando.

Betis took off defender Gutierrez Juanito at the break
and sent on wide man Munoz Xisco in an attempt to
stretch Liverpool's defence.

Carragher was booked for a foul on the nippy Dani, and
Betis' heavy early pressure in the second half
produced a goal on 51 minutes.

Dani's ball evaded Hyypia and Arzu was clean through
the middle of Liverpool's defence to easily beat an
exposed Reina.

Liverpool brought on Djibril Cisse for Crouch, then
John Arne Riise for Zenden before Gerrard took over
from Sinama-Pongolle, but the relentless pressure
continued from the Spanish side.

Reina - who was booked in the final seconds for
kicking the ball away from a corner kick - again came
to Liverpool's rescue when he plucked down a curling
Marcos Assuncao free-kick after a foul by Traore on
the edge of the box.

Line-ups
Reina
Josemi
Carragher
Hyypia
Traore
Garcia
Alonso
Sissoko
Zenden
Crouch
Sinama

Substitutions.
Dani for F Fernando (36)
M Xisco for J Juanito (45)
D Cisse for P Crouch (59)
J Riise for B Zenden (66)
J Capi for G Arzu (72)
S Gerrard for F Sinama-Pongolle (74)

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[lfc-news] Reina hails Carragher

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Reina hails Carragher
by Peter ORourke - Created on 14 Sep 2005
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=307817&cpid=8&CLID=14&lid=&title=Reina+hails+Carragher&channel=skysports_home_page
Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has hailed Jamie Carragher as one of the
best defenders in the world.

Reina has been impressed by the impact of Carragher since moving to Anfield.

Reina has kept three clean sheets in The Premiership so far this term and
he believes Carragher has played a major part in their defensive success,
including the Champions League win over Real Betis on Tuesday.

"For me, Carra is one of the best defenders in the world. He is a very
important player for us," said Reina.

"He was very good again last night, particularly in the second half when
they put us under a lot of pressure.

"The only problem is I don't understand a lot of what Carra is saying. It's
not so difficult with Sami (Hyypia), but I still need to improve my
communication overall with the defenders.

"We have only been together a few months and we've done a lot of work on
talking to each other.

"I'm trying to learn to speak good English as soon as possible, so we're
still going to improve."

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[lfc-news] Tottenham Away PA Report

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Tottenham 0-0 Liverpool PA

If England head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson had come to
White Hart Lane to find a replacement for Wayne Rooney
against Austria, he will have left with his search
still wide open after Tottenham's Jermain Defoe and
Liverpool's Peter Crouch failed to break the deadlock.

But while both England strikers had 'goals' ruled out
- a fate which curiously also befell Poland
international Grzegorz Rasiak - it was midfielder
Michael Carrick who should have really caught the
England boss' eye.

Carrick, partnered in central midfield by new signing
Jermaine Jenas, outperformed Steven Gerrard throughout
this goalless stalemate and should be a strong
contender for a call-up against Austria next month.

Whether Eriksson is persuaded of such a change remains
to be seen, with his greatest concern remaining
Rooney's replacement as the striker is suspended
against Austria.

Indeed, the England head coach can only have concluded
that he has rather more strength in central defence -
where Jamie Carragher and Ledley King were both
outstanding - than in attack.

However, it is Carrick's form which demands further
inspection in the next few weeks, with England crying
out for a holding midfielder, with Gerrard and Frank
Lampard out of form and David Beckham not cut out for
the task.

With Spurs including £11million worth of deadline-day
signings, Jenas was handed a central role alongside
Carrick, while Lee Young-Pyo provided width outside
Edgar Davids and Rasiak offered height up front.

Liverpool, meanwhile, gave Crouch his first start of
the season after injury, but rather than opting for a
cautious five-man midfield, boss Rafael Benitez
included Djibril Cisse up front as well.

It was a relatively open game, but with few early
chances as Cisse's snapshot flew wide and Defoe's
drive sped over the bar.

Defoe came even closer with his next effort after
indecision in the Liverpool defence, while Jose Reina
failed to deal with a cross by the former West Ham
striker, but Jenas just failed to take advantage.

Spurs had two half-hearted penalty appeals turned
down, while Lee made a handful of penetrating runs
down the left flank, King had a shot blocked and
Defoe's 'goal' was ruled out for a clear offside
decision.

Not that the home side could rest on their laurels,
however, as Liverpool threatened intermittently.

Stephen Warnock launched a deep cross and, when the
Spurs defence's attention was distracted by Crouch,
Luis Garcia was allowed to sneak in at the far post,
only to volley into the side netting.

Crouch also rose to meet Gerrard's free-kick, only to
head the ball two feet over the bar, but the clearest
chance of the first half fell to Rasiak just before
the interval.

Reina could only parry Davids' powerful free-kick and
the Poland international looped his follow-up header
against the crossbar.

At the interval Benitez replaced Dietmar Hamann, who
had received a painful blow at a free-kick, with
Mohamed Sissoko and he was greeted by pouring rain
with the storm clouds having broken.

As the game came to life, Liverpool were now on top,
with Cisse letting fly with a thunderous half-volley
from Crouch's knockdown, with Paul Robinson just
managing to parry the ball.

The England goalkeeper also dived full-length to grasp
John Arne Riise's long-range effort, while the
Norwegian then let fly with a superb volley which
struck the underside of the bar and bounced to safety
off the goal-line.

Tottenham tried to make the most of that reprieve,
with Reina doing well to block Carrick's long-range
drive. While Defoe skied his follow-up over the bar,
his blushes were saved by the offside flag.

Rasiak looked to have put the home side ahead, but
Carrick's corner was adjudged to have curled out of
play before the Polish international headed home and a
goal-kick was duly awarded.

Rasiak's next header was also ruled out for a push,
although that had been directed well over the bar,
while Liverpool made an enforced change with 22
minutes left as Xabi Alonso replaced Warnock.

Within a minute, Liverpool also thought they had gone
ahead, only for Crouch's header to be ruled out for
exactly the same reason as Rasiak's, with the corner
having gone out of play before the converter made
contact.

And that effectively was that. For Eriksson, it was a
familiar sight - yet another game which raised more
questions than it solved.

• Jol hails Carrick

Tottenham boss Martin Jol claimed midfielder Michael
Carrick deserved an England call-up ahead of the key
World Cup qualifier against Austria next month.

Jol declared: 'Michael Carrick mastered the whole
midfield, he was outstanding. I think he deserves it
[a place in the England side]. He's doing very well
for us and has always been appreciated as a big
talent.

'Maybe it's better to keep his feet on the ground,
rather than praising him all the time, but he always
plays a big part.'

Jol, who was pleased with the full debuts made by
Rasiak, Lee Young-Pyo, Aaron Lennon and Jermaine
Jenas, added: 'Rasiak had played two internationals in
four days but said he felt good. If he gets crosses
in, he will score goals.'

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admitted: 'We have three
clean sheets and we are better than last season in
terms of defence but we need to improve in terms of
attack.'

But he insisted the club would not live to regret
failing to re-sign Michael Owen. 'If we score three
goals next week, then everything will change,' he
insisted.

'In football, it's easy to talk but it's better to
wait. Everything can change. At this moment, I'm very
happy with the players I have.'

As for Gerrard's form, he added: 'He's okay. He knew
what to do during the game, he changed his position
twice and he did a good job.

'The more games he plays, the better he will get. He
was injured for 10 days and then played two games
without training. Now he has played another game
without training and in a few weeks, he will be
better.'

Benitez believes Dietmar Hamann, who was substituted
at half time due to a blow to his head, should have
recovered in time for next week's opening Champions
League group tie against Real Betis.

'I think he will be okay but he got a blow on the head
and was a bit dazed,' he revealed.

Substitutions
M Brown for A Lennon (82)

M Sissoko for D Hamann (45)

R Keane for G Rasiak (82)
X Alonso for S Warnock (69)
D Traore for P Crouch (77)

Yellow Cards
Edgar Davids (77)
Sami Hyypia (60)

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[lfc-news] Real Betis spoiler #1

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GOOD START PLEASES RAFA
by Rob Lancaster - created on 13 Sep 2005
http://skysports.planetfootball.com/Article.asp?id=307575:
LiverpoolLiverpool boss Rafa Benitez felt his side's first-half display
against Real Betis was enough for them to take all three points in Spain.

Goal from Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Luis Garcia put The Reds 2-0 up
inside the first 14 minutes of the European tie as they caught the hosts
out twice on the counter-attack.

Although the La Liga outfit did manage to pull a goal back at the start of
the second half, the visitors managed to hold on for an impressive away win
as they bid to retain the trophy they won in May.

"We started really well, we controlled the game and were good on the
counter attack and scored two goals," stated Benitez to ITV2.

"Afterwards we tried to keep it tight but it was difficult, but we created
some good positions and had some opportunities as well.

"But at the end the most important thing, I think, is to start with a win."

The Spaniard was also quick to praise the performance of Peter Crouch on
his UEFA Champions League debut.

The former Southampton striker proved a handful for the Betis defence and
had a hand in Liverpool's second goal of the night.

Benitez added: "We know that Peter can keep the ball and give time to the
others for going forward, we tried to do that in the first half and it worked."

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[lfc-news] Real Betis spoiler #2

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Aggression pays for Liverpool

Pongolle and Garcia clinch victory in Spain

Kevin McCarra at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera
Wednesday September 14, 2005
The Guardian

Liverpool have become the masters of the European victory that is as
addictive to watch as it is virtually unbearable. In their first genuine
game in the tournament since beating Milan in last season's final there
were fluctuations before they could take a precious victory from opponents
who dream of splitting them and Chelsea in Group G.
The visitors initially thrived through audacity. Without the likes of John
Arne Riise and Steven Gerrard, who would come on as substitutes eventually,
they played with a ruthless verve to go 2-0 in front. Thereafter the
Anfield side were reduced to scraping survival out of sheer resolve as all
the panache was transferred to Real Betis. Even so, this was only the
Spaniards' second home defeat in 14 European matches and, with a late free
kick by Marcos Assuncao, clutched by the goalkeeper Jose Reina, an
unorthodox approach prevailed by a fraction.

Any prophet worth his salt will put the believers to the test now and
again. Rafael Benítez, after the sublime mysteries of Istanbul, has banked
a lot of trust with the Liverpool support and drew heavily on it here as
soon as the team selection was announced. There was a brief daze over his
decisions that soon gave way to a longer amazement over their impact.
Tactics do not always entail drab studiousness in midfield and, knowing
Real Betis's impressive home record, Benítez had decided to startle them
with flowing, aggressive play. Few visitors come here in this frame of
mind. With Florent Sinama-Pongolle, a natural attacker, roving from a base
in right midfield, Lorenzo Serra Ferrer's team let their jaws and their
defences drop.

With 87 seconds gone, Jamie Carragher hit a long ball that the Betis
centre-backs, nervous of Peter Crouch, could not clear properly.
Sinama-Pongolle gathered and, with the goalkeeper Antonio Doblas off his
line, floated a chip into the net. Any disbelief that Gerrard, scorer of
seven goals this season, could be consigned to the substitutes' bench was
overwhelmed by appreciation of the unexpected participants. By common
consent Luis García and Boudewijn Zenden have, until now, done no more than
get on spectatators' nerves this season, but here they were at ease in the
most significant fixture Liverpool have had so far.

Together they doubled the lead. Crouch rolled the ball to Zenden on the
left after 14 minutes and his low cross was fired into the perfect area for
García to lunge and put a first-time left-footer beyond Doblas. The
euphoria of Champions League glory clings to a club, but this was the first
indication that Benítez can improve the general quality of Liverpool.

Unkind as it may seem in view of Jerzy Dudek's shoot-out exploits against
Milan in May, the manager has reinforced the defence with a new goalkeeper.
There was a flexible movement to Betis' attacks that demanded a series of
excellent saves from José Reina, although his defence had often done enough
to ensure that attempts were made from unforgiving angles.

There were, none the less, some moments of fear. Fernando, prior to his
substitution, was twice in a position to score, but was either distracted
or made an inadquate connection that left Reina the winner of the duel. The
Betis side as a whole was still struggling with the audacity of Liverpool,
who were aggressive in all areas and had Mohamed Sissoko to maintain a
tough purposefulness in midfield.

Betis, all the same, were too good for Liverpool's joy to last without
trial. The interval, as it so often does, turned out to be a dividing line
in the action and soon there was enough inspiration in Ferrer's team to
rouse the crowd and prove belatedly why this stadium is famed for its
intimidating atmosphere.

The introduction of Dani, a tricky dribbler, in the first half had shown
how Betis wished to test the skills and poise of Liverpool's defenders.
They scored before Liverpool had rediscovered any new ways of shackling
them, Dani splitting the defence and Arzu slipped the ball past the
advancing Reina.

It was time for Liverpool actually to adopt the stubborn traits for which
they are occasionally caricatured. Djibril Cissé was brought on in the hope
not so much that he would score as that his pace would pin back defenders.
The same logic was at work in the introduction of John Arne Riise, with his
phenomenal lung power, and Gerrard. Benítez was, in the process,
sacrificing the overt threat that had made Liverpool so exciting at the
outset. It was time to search for powers of endurance.

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[lfc-news] Double act that could be dynamic

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Double act that could be dynamic Sep 13 2005
By Ian Rush, Liverpool Echo

MOST pundits were surprised when Rafa Benitez chose to pair Peter Crouch
and Djibril Cisse up front on Saturday.

But once Rafa had declared he intended to start with Crouch, I think he had
to select Cisse as well.

After everything that has gone on with Cisse over the last month, leaving
him out on Saturday may have damaged his confidence irreparably.

There were signs, especially in the second half, that the two could forge
an effective partnership.

But now I'd like to see Rafa persevere with the partnership and give them
the chance to prove they can be a dynamic double act.

Rafa was almost saying to Cisse on Saturday: 'Right, you've asked for the
chance to play up front off a target man, here you are. Let's see what you
can do.'

Once or twice in the first half he didn't read Crouch's flicks, but when he
did in the second half Liverpool almost scored.

When you are trying to forge a striking partnership, it doesn't come
overnight. You have to work at it, not just in matches, but in training
sessions, five-a-side games . . . every chance you get.

People talk about my part-nership with Kenny Dalglish being telepathic at
times, but while it might have looked like second nature, we worked very,
very hard at it.

It could be more than 10 games in succession before Crouch and Cisse gel
properly, but it won't happen at all unless they are given the chance to
work together.

The alternative is to go 4-5-1, maybe using Cisse wide on the right, but
that would see him looking to supply Crouch with crosses rather than
working alongside him trying to feed off knock-downs and flick-ons.

I thought Crouch enjoyed a solid debut at Spurs on Saturday. To all intents
and purposes he did score - it won't be very often this season that a
player will have a 'goal' disallowed because the ball has swung out of play
and back in again . . . yet we witnessed it twice at White Hart Lane!

It would have been a wonderful confidence boost for him to have celebrated
a goal on his league debut.

As it was, there was still plenty to admire. I just hope he gets the
opportunity to show off his talents alongside Djibril Cisse

Crunch month is key to Reds' prospects

I HAVEN'T heard much about Real Betis in recent years - but the very fact
that they finished fourth in La Liga indicates they will be very stern
opposition tonight.

Whenever you draw any team from Spain, Italy or Germany, you know you are
in for a tough game - as Everton discovered in their Champions League qualifier

This could be a big match tonight. It's important we get off to a good
start in the group, because the last thing we want is to have to go to
Stamford Bridge on December 6 needing a result to qualify.

The next month could be crucial to Liverpool's prospects for the season.

The draws at Middlesbrough and Tottenham are undeniably good results - as
long as we win our home games.

After Real Betis tonight we then have Manchester United, Chelsea and
Chelsea again at Anfield - all sandwiched around a trip to Birmingham.

They are all very tough matches, but I believe we are better equipped this
season to deal with the top three sides.

The visits of Manchester United and Chelsea to Anfield last season were
major disappointments - in the Premiership at any rate! - but better
results this time round could point towards real progress being made.

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[lfc-news] They're all out to beat us now

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They're all out to beat us now Sep 13 2005
By Chris Bascombe in Seville, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ will warn his players against the perils of being the biggest
scalp in European football before they begin the sternest defence of their
title so far against Real Betis.

After three qualifying rounds where the Reds made comfortable progress,
tonight represents the true beginning of Liverpool's bid to retain the
trophy they won so thrillingly in Istanbul.

The Reds trained in Betis' Manuel Luis De Lopera stadium last night, where
Benitez faced a grilling on his side's attempts to match last season's
staggering achievement.

"It's true teams may fight harder against us because we're European
Champions," admitted the Liverpool boss.

"I know it's going to be very difficult for us, but we ' ve shown in the
competition last season we can play well in these situations. We know we
must be careful."

For Benitez, a visit to Real Betis is by no means a trip into the unknown.

A long period of his coaching apprentice-ship was spent watching the
Seville club, so he knows exactly what is in store for his side.

Benitez explained: "When I was starting as a coach I was an assistant for a
reserve team in the Spanish second division. I had to scout all the teams
who played against us the week before the fixture.

"Because of the schedule, every side I scouted was playing against Betis.
There was one season, where every week I was watching Betis. I know a lot
about the club, although they were in the second division at that time.

"Their supporters are fantastic and Seville is like a party town with two
clubs with a strong rivalry. Half for Seville, half for Betis. I know what
it will be like for this game."

The Liverpool boss is expected to reshuffle his side this evening, with the
Spanish contingent appearing on familiar territory.

Xabi Alonso is tipped to join Steven Gerrard and Momo Sissoko in a five man
midfield behind Peter Crouch, who will want to impress the watching Sven
Goran Eriksson.

Josemi could also be in line for a surprise recall, allowing Steve Finnan
to push into midfield.

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[lfc-news] ALONSO: WE MUSTN'T UNDERESTIMATE BETIS

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ALONSO: WE MUSTN'T UNDERESTIMATE BETIS
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N149960050913-1143.htm
Paul Rogers in Seville 13 September 2005
Xabi Alonso returned to his native country on Monday and insisted
Liverpool can't afford to fantasise about retaining their Champions League
title in Paris next May if they want to progress in the competition.
Liverpool travelled to Seville on Monday morning to begin their defence of
the trophy they won in such dramatic circumstances in Istanbul but Alonso,
a second-half substitute for against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on
Saturday, believes that the Reds simply can't afford to underestimate
Champions League newcomers Real Betis if they want to progress from the
so-called 'Group of Death'.

"Last season we saw that you never know what's going to happen in
football," claimed the midfielder, "but this is the first game on a long
road to the final. It's a long way to Paris and if we want to get there
again, we must only think about this match on Tuesday night. If we think
only of retaining our title, we can come unstuck."

Liverpool's opponents will be making their Champions League debut on
Tuesday night after finishing fourth in La Liga last season but Alonso
claims that whatever they may lack in European experience, they more than
make up for in quality throughout the side.

"The fact that this will be the first ever Champions League game for Betis
and it's against the current European Champions will maybe lift the Betis
players but we will be careful and we've prepared as well as we possibly
can for this match. We know they are very quick in attack, we know they
have great wingers and we know they are a strong team at home. The fact
that the manager and some of the players know a lot about Betis is helpful
for us.

"For me personally, it is great to come back to Spain but I'm here for a
football match and we want all three points."

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[lfc-news] Real Betis v Liverpool

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Real Betis v Liverpool 12/09/05
http://www.soccer365.com/EUROPEAN_NEWS/Match_Previews/page_127_104958.shtml
Liverpool's Spanish stars are united in their warning that Real Betis
present a very serious threat in the Anfield club's Champions League Group
stage opener.

Full-back Josemi claims Betis is "one of the toughest places to play in
Spain" while midfielder Xabi Alonso said "no one should under-estimate how
hard it will be".

But the pair, along with Spain goalkeeper Jose Reina believe Liverpool can
claim a vital first away win in the group.

"We all know a lot about Betis. They are an excellent team and they will
make it hard for us. But everyone we face now will be even more determined
to beat us," said Josemi.

"We are the European champions, we are a big target. We know that and we
will be ready to match anyone we face.

"Betis is not an easy place to go and play football.

"They are excellent going forward. In Joaquin they have one of the most
dangerous attackers in the whole of Spain. He has lots of speed and is very
direct, and he provides great service for the other forwards and is one of
the players we will have to watch closely.

"They have lots of options in attack but I do think they are vulnerable at
the back and I see no reason why we cannot get our campaign off to the best
possible start."

Reina is confident of success, adding: "To play my first Champions League
game back home in Spain is very special for me.

"We know how Betis play and I am sure we can do well against them. We must
forget we are European champions and think only of each game without the
trophy weighing us down."

And Alonso believes striker Peter Crouch can be a major threat. He said:
"Crouch is not only a big target man he also has good quality on the ball.

"He can head the ball, keep possession and give the team time to get
forward. And he is intelligent as a player.

"He will make it difficult for the Betis defenders, their central defenders
are all under 6ft tall. It will be difficult for them against him."

Betis have been hit by the injury to experienced defender Luis Fernandez,
who ruptured a muscle in his left leg in the weekend win over Osasuna and
he is definitely out of the match.

Highly-rated winger Joaquin damaged a knee in the same match and is also a
doubt.

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[lfc-news] RAFA: WE HAVE A BETTER SQUAD THAN LAST SEASON

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RAFA: WE HAVE A BETTER SQUAD THAN LAST SEASON
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N149958050912-1842.htm
Paul Eaton in Seville 12 September 2005
As Liverpool prepare to begin the defence of their Champions League
trophy in Seville on Tuesday night boss Rafael Benitez has declared his
current squad of players is better than the one which secured European
glory in Istanbul last season.
Although the Liverpool manager isn't yet looking ahead to the prospect of
defending their title in Paris next May he admits he's happy with the
players at his disposal for this new European campaign.

Speaking at a press conference in Seville on Monday night Benitez said: "In
my opinion we have a better team and a better squad. We still have some
problems in some areas but we have to manage the situation until January.

"I don't want to think about winning the Champions League again or the
pressure that comes with being champions. All I want to do is concentrate
on the next game against Real Betis. We know it is going to be a difficult
game, they have good players and even though they have some injury problems
they have a good enough squad that other players can come in and do a job.

"We did a good job against Tottenham at the weekend and I'm looking for the
same kind of performance against Betis, but with some goals this time."

Asked by a local journalist whether Liverpool are playing for only second
place in the group with Chelsea the favourites to progress at the top of
the table, Benitez replied: "In football you never know what can happen. We
beat Chelsea in the Champions League last season so we have to be confident
but for now all our attention is on Betis."

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[lfc-news] Rafa chasing cutting edge

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Rafa chasing cutting edge
by Mark Kendall - created on 10 Sep 2005
http://skysports.planetfootball.com/list.asp?hlid=306284&lid=2&cpid=8&title=Rafa+chasing+cutting+edge&channel=football_home
LiverpoolLiverpool boss Rafa Benitez admitted his side needed to find more
cutting edge after their goalless draw at Tottenham.

Both sides saw goals disallowed, with Peter Crouch and Grzegorz Rasiak the
men left disappointed, but Benitez conceded his side looked somewhat
toothless in the final third.

"We have three clean sheets and we are better than last season in terms of
defence but we need to improve in terms of attack," he stated.

However, he was adamant that the failure to bring in Michael Owen would not
prove costly.

"If we score three goals next week, then everything will change," he
continued.

"In football, it's easy to talk but it's better to wait.

"Everything can change. At this moment, I'm very happy with the players I
have."

German midfielder Dietmar Hamann was forced off at half time in the game
after taking a blow to the head, but Benitez is hopeful he will be ready
for the midweek UEFA Champions League clash with Real Betis.

"I think he will be okay but he got a blow on the head and was a bit
dazed," Benitez added.

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