[lfc-news] Liverpool vs Blackburn (Spoiler)

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Cisse's sweet shot proves bitter pill for Rovers

Ian Whittell at Anfield
Sunday October 16, 2005
The Observer

Unconvincing it may have been and owing almost all to Blackburn playing
with 10 men for an hour, but Liverpool and Djibril Cisse will take any
victory and any goal at the moment.
After admitting he endured a 'nightmare' playing for France against Cyprus
in midweek, Cisse appeared to be duplicating that performance until he
struck the 75th- minute winner.

Robbie Savage conceded a free-kick for a foul on Bolo Zenden and Xabi
Alonso passed the ball a short distance to his right where Cisse connected
with a sweet and unstoppable 22-yard shot that flew past former Liverpool
goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

Cisse's sweet shot proves bitter pill for Rovers

Ian Whittell at Anfield
Sunday October 16, 2005
The Observer

Unconvincing it may have been and owing almost all to Blackburn playing
with 10 men for an hour, but Liverpool and Djibril Cisse will take any
victory and any goal at the moment.
After admitting he endured a 'nightmare' playing for France against Cyprus
in midweek, Cisse appeared to be duplicating that performance until he
struck the 75th- minute winner.

Robbie Savage conceded a free-kick for a foul on Bolo Zenden and Xabi
Alonso passed the ball a short distance to his right where Cisse connected
with a sweet and unstoppable 22-yard shot that flew past former Liverpool
goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

Yet the euphoria of Istanbul in May has quickly dispersed from around
Anfield. You may fool Merseyside football fans some of the time, especially
when you offer them the European Cup to mask domestic shortcomings, but the
realisation that Rafael Benitez has assembled a wholly ordinary Premiership
squad has long since dawned.
A couple of early Savage free-kicks caused mild consternation in the home
defence, as did a towering header from Blackburn's big centre-forward
Shefki Kuqi, which flew over the crossbar.

The conceding of such set-pieces demonstrated Liverpool's edginess, as did
errant passes which constantly handed a confident Blackburn side possession.

In contrast, Liverpool created little to trouble Friedel at the other end.
Momo Sissoko showed neat footwork on the edge of the area but fell over as
he aimed to shoot, Cisse connected with thin air as he attempted a
ridiculous bicycle kick from Alonso's corner and another Alonso flag kick
was headed down, and over, by Jamie Carragher.

Still, the 32nd minute brought the home side a lucky break which promised
to prove decisive as Cisse chased Zenden's through ball and was brought
down on the edge of the penalty area by Zurab Khizanishvili. It looked
highly debatable as to whether the defender was 'last man' and Liverpool
appealed vehemently to referee Mark Halsey that the infringement was inside
the area.

But, the upshot was a red card for the Rovers man and a free-kick on the
edge of the area which Zenden thundered against the bar.

The crowd, muted until then, now took encouragement from Blackburn's
troubles. Carragher appeared at the far post and steered another Alonso
set-piece at the keeper and Cisse twice headed over as Liverpool pressed
for the opening goal.

Yet the promised second half domination failed to materialise, immediately
at least, as Rovers altered their shape and coped admirably. In fact, for
all Liverpool's possession, it was Morten Gamst Pedersen's inswinging
corner that almost drew first blood, Jose Reina punching it clear from
under his bar after 49 minutes.

But, as the pressure built, Cisse twice came close before his winner and
substitute Fernando Morientes missed a sitter in the closing stages.

Man of the match: Djibril Cisse - but only because of the goal.

FA Premiership
Saturday October 15, 2005
FT Liverpool 1-0 Blackburn
33' Khizanishvili
75' Cisse 1-0
77' Bentley
77' Neill
81' Savage
Liverpool
Jose Manuel Reina, Jamie Carragher, Steve Finnan, Jose Miguel Josemi
(Javier Sanz Luis Garcia), Djimi Traore, Xabi Alonso, Mohamed Sissoko,
Stephen Warnock (John Arne Riise), Boudewijn Zenden, Djibril Cisse, Peter
Crouch (Fernando Morientes)

Blackburn
Brad Friedel, Michael Gray, Zurab Khizanishvili, Lucas Neill, Ryan Nelsen,
David Bentley, Morten Gamst Pedersen (Brett Emerton), Robbie Savage,
Kerimoglu Tugay (Aaron Mokoena), Paul Dickov (Andy Todd), Shefki Kuqi

Referee: Halsey, M

Venue: Anfield

Attendance: 44,697

Corners:
Liverpool 9
Blackburn 2

Goal Attempts:
Liverpool 19
Blackburn 5

On Target:
Liverpool 5
Blackburn 1

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] TEAM: Liverpool

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

---------- Keep Stat-mail free - Please support our sponsors! ----------
Planning a meeting, conference, wedding, birthday, anniversary?
WHAT DO you WANT TO eSearch TODAY? http://www.esearch4rooms.co.uk/
The UK�s Premier Search Engine for Function Rooms
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Results and fixtures

Date Comp Opposition Result Attend
----------------------------------------------------------------------
13/08/05 PREM Middlesbrough Away D 0-0 31,908

20/08/05 PREM Sunderland Home W 1-0 44,913

10/09/05 PREM Tottenham Hotspur Away D 0-0 36,148

18/09/05 PREM Manchester United Home D 0-0 44,917

24/09/05 PREM Birmingham City Away D 2-2 27,733

02/10/05 PREM Chelsea Home L 1-4 44,235

15/10/05 PREM Blackburn Rovers Home W 1-0 44,697

NEXT PREM Fulham Away

Results summary as at Saturday 15th October 2005

__________________ __________________ __________________
| Home | Away | Total |
_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Played | 4 | 3 | 7 |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Won | 2 (50%) | 0 (0%) | 2 (29%) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Drawn | 1 (25%) | 3 (100%) | 4 (57%) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Lost | 1 (25%) | 0 (0%) | 1 (14%) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| For | 3 (0.8/game) | 2 (0.7/game) | 5 (0.7/game) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|
| | | | |
| Against | 4 (1.0/game) | 2 (0.7/game) | 6 (0.9/game) |
|_____________|__________________|__________________|__________________|

You received this e-mail via a third party mailing list
The administrators of the mailing list have requested this service

________________________________________________________________________

THANK YOU FOR USING STAT-MAIL! >> www.statmail.co.uk <<

- The fastest and most popular free e-mail statistics system -
- Delivering the latest facts and figures to your virtual doorstep -

Support - support@statmail.co.uk
General information - info@statmail.co.uk
Advertising information - adinfo@statmail.co.uk
________________________________________________________________________

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Liverpool v Blackburn

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool v Blackburn
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4322112.stm
Anfield
Saturday, 15 October
Kick-off: 1500 BST
BBC Radio Five Live

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Liverpool team news to follow later.

Blackburn could recall Robbie Savage after suspension in place of Republic
of Ireland midfielder Steven Reid.

Finnish striker Shefki Kuqi, who hit both goals in the 2-0 win against the
Baggies last time out, could come in for Craig Bellamy (knee).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blackburn (from): Friedel, Neill, Khizanishvili, Nelsen, Gray, Bentley,
Emerton, Tugay, Mokoena, Pedersen, Dickov, Reid, Savage, Kuqi, Jansen,
Gresko, Todd, Enckelman.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes:
"Nobody expect as to get anything form Old trafford but we went there with
the right attitude and need to do the same at Anfield.
"It's another sporting arena that asks questions of you and a place where
you have to stand up and be counted.

"This year we are in better shape so we can go there with a bit more
confidence and more of a cutting edge."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BIG-MATCH FACTS

LIVERPOOL take to the field for the first time since losing their unbeaten
Premiership record in the humbling 1-4 loss to champions Chelsea - their
heaviest home defeat in 36 years. The Reds have failed to win five of their
six League matches this season, and in Blackburn face a side in form having
dismissed Manchester United away and West Brom at home in their last two
engagements.

The Reds, who visit Anderlecht in the Champions League next Wednesday, have
already played 15 League and Cup matches this term. They have become the
Premiership's draw specialists with four of their six top table clashes
ending all square. Defeat would mean their worst ever start to a
Premiership season, and could see the European champions below Sunderland
in the table should the Wearsiders pull off a shock victory at Manchester
United.

The Merseysiders are undefeated in nine in all competitions against
Blackburn, and in 13 Premiership meetings. Last season's no score draw in
this fixture was the third time these clubs had finished goalless in
Premiership contests at Anfield. A frustrated Reds outfit were unable to
break down a defiant Rovers side in March to record a second Premiership
draw against them last season. They shared four goals at Anfield last
October, when Liverpool's Djibril Cisse was sadly stretchered off with a
broken leg.

BLACKBURN ROVERS are four points better off than Liverpool, even though
they've failed to score in four of the last six Premiership matches. They
go to Anfield in search of a fourth successive victory, having preceded the
two League wins with a Carling Cup triumph over Huddersfield. Mark Hughes
will hope the international break has not been detrimental to his side.
Rovers fans will want to see some swallow dives from the Flying Finn Shefki
Kuqi at Ewood Park, after he celebrated his two late goals at the Hawthorns
last time out in that unique manner.

Rovers have not registered more than two victories on the spin in the top
League, since claiming 12 points out of 12 in the season before last when
Fulham (a), Leicester (h), Everton (a) and Manchester United (h) all fell
foul to them between 12 April and 1 May 2004.

Rovers last beat Liverpool in the Premiership on 2 November 1996 - a 3-0
victory at Ewood Park. Their last League maximum at Anfield was 12 years
ago, a 0-1 triumph on 12 September 1993.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Referee:

Mark Halsey (Lancashire)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

LIVERPOOL

Club stats
Fixtures
13th 7 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 12th
Lowest could fall: 15th

Failed to score in three of their six top division encounters, and kept
clean sheets in four of them.
Picked up more points than any other club in the top division when failing
to score (three).
On the longest current sequence in the Premiership of 18 matches since
winning by more than a single goal (3-1, home to Fulham on 5 February).
One of the Premiership clubs to avoid as far as goals return is concerned.
Their six games have produced just 10 goals (four for, six against).
Everton's matches have also produced 10 goals (one for, nine against), but
from seven starts.

Lost only two of 17 matches in all competitions at Anfield.
Recorded a win, a draw and a defeat in home Premiership matches so far this
season.
BLACKBURN ROVERS

Club stats
Fixtures
11th 11 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 4th
Lowest could fall: 12th

Failed to score four times in the Premiership this season. Only Everton
(six) and Newcastle (five) have recorded more blanks.
Gone 11 top flight matches since a score draw (1-1 at West Brom on 26 April).

Only notched more than a single score in two of the last 22 top flight
engagements on the road.
The 1-2 victory at Manchester United on 24 September was only their second
win in 11 on their travels, and in 11 away Premiership games.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES

LIVERPOOL

Squad profiles

If selected in the 11, Sanz LUIS GARCIA will be making his 50th start for
Liverpool.
BLACKBURN ROVERS

Squad profiles

If they participate, Brad FRIEDEL, Dominic MATTEO and David THOMPSON will
be facing their former club - the latter pair began their professional
careers at Anfield.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME:
Liverpool 0-0 Blackburn Rovers
16 March 2005 - Ref: Barry Knight

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
League: Liverpool 46 wins, Blackburn 33, Draws 35
Prem: Liverpool 9 wins, Blackburn 5, Draws 8

HEAD TO HEAD at Liverpool
League: Liverpool 33 wins, Blackburn 9, Draws 15
Prem: Liverpool 6 wins, Blackburn 1, Draws 4

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] DIDI: WE'RE ALL WILLING CROUCH TO SCORE

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

DIDI: WE'RE ALL WILLING CROUCH TO SCORE
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N150263051014-1251.htm
Paul Eaton 14 October 2005
Dietmar Hamann today insisted the entire Liverpool squad is hoping Peter
Crouch can open his goalscoring account for the Reds tomorrow.
Crouch is likely to lead the line against Blackburn as the Reds go in
search of a victory to banish the memories of their last fixture against
Chelsea two weeks ago.

Despite impressive performances in his short Anfield career so far, Crouch
is yet to net a goal for the Reds and Hamann has revealed everyone at the
club is willing that to change tomorrow.

He said: "I'm not surprised Crouch has done so well because when you pay so
much money for a striker then he must be good. He has been terrific for us
so far and his performances have been of a high level.

"He leads the line well, he links the play and brings others into the game
and I know he now wants to score goals for the club. Everyone here is
desperate for him to score. I'm sure it's just a matter of time.

"He has not looked out of place since the moment he walked into our
training ground and in all the games he's played so far, including England,
he's played very well."

Hamann also defended Crouch after a section of fans jeered his introduction
to the action as a second half substitute for England in midweek.

"Peter is a confident lad and he won't let it affect him. I can't
understand where the people criticising him are coming from. It's totally
undeserved," he added.

"He's suffering because he doesn't look the most fashionable type of
player, but it's all about what you do on the pitch that matters, and we've
seen his quality already.

"If you ask any Liverpool or England player, or either manager, they will
say the same thing. We're not all wrong. Maybe there are some people who
just believe what they read instead of what they see."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Reds line up Riki move

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Reds line up Riki move
By Mark Kendall - Created on 14 Oct 2005
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?HLID=316285&CPID=23&title=Reds+line+up+Riki+move&lid=2&channel=Football_Home&f=rss
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is being tipped to add to his Spanish
contingent by swooping for Getafe striker Riki when the transfer window
reopens.

The 25-year-old striker has been a key figure in his side's fantastic start
to the season which sees the Madrid-based minnows currently topping La
Primera.

He has bagged four goals in six starts this campaign, a return that has
caught the attention of Benitez.

The Reds boss was looking to bring in another striker before the transfer
window closed at the end of August but was ultimately priced out of
bringing Michael Owen back to Anfield.

It appears certain he will look to strengthen in January and the continuing
speculation surrounding the future of Djibril Cisse has only added to
rumours a new striker will arrive.

Riki came through the youth ranks at Real Madrid and joined Getafe at the
start of last season.

His first full campaign in La Primera yielded only two goals in 21
appearances, but the quality of his displays alerted Deportivo La Coruna
who saw a €3 million (£2 million) bid for him rejected in the summer.

A powerful and quick striker, his game would seem ideally suited to the
English game and his qualities seem to have convinced Benitez.

He is under contract at Getafe until 2007 and his release clause stands at
just €6 million (£4 million), however, The Reds are not keen on paying the
entirety of that figure.

Spanish sources claim Benitez could well look to push a deal through in
January if Cisse does end up moving on with a compromise figure of around
£2.5 million likely to convince Getafe to play ball.

However, if Riki maintains his impressive early season form then the
reigning European champions could well face competition for the hit-man's
signature.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Liverpool v Blackburn

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool v Blackburn 14/10/05
http://www.soccer365.com/EUROPEAN_NEWS/Match_Previews/page_127_107077.shtml
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has put into perspective the severe
problems created by trying to chase Barclays Premiership champions Chelsea.

It is five months since the euphoria of Istanbul when Benitez guided his
side to Champions League glory, but their domestic campaign has started
with just seven points from six games.

The European Cup sits, permanently now, in Liverpool's trophy cabinet but
the Premiership crown they want above all others is still far away.

Two games in five days on the domestic and Champions League front could
well define Liverpool's season as they return to action against Blackburn
at Anfield.

They then face a vital European trip to Brussels on Wednesday and a Group G
clash with Anderlecht.

Both will have to be played without injured skipper Steven Gerrard -
recovering from a shin muscle injury while on England duty - and both
surely have to be won to lift the Anfield gloom following the mauling
Chelsea gave them a fortnight ago.

But Benitez remains defiantly upbeat, although he is honest enough to
accept that just one win all season in the league is not good enough for
Liverpool.

"Nobody in England before has had to play against a side which spends
£100million every year on players," he said. "But I'm not afraid of them.
I know we can achieve everything we want at Liverpool.

"I know we need to reduce the gap, but we played well against
Middlesbrough, Tottenham and Manchester United and could have won those
games. I feel we are at the same level as Manchester United now.

"I know we have a good team and a good squad, but I also know that we must
improve and that's what we're continuing to work towards. I believe we
should look to the future with confidence.

"The Chelsea game is gone now. When you can't change anything, all you can
do is forget about it, analyse why it happened and make the necessary
changes to ensure it doesn't happen again in the future."

Liverpool will have Mohamed Sissoko to slot into midfield as a replacement
for Gerrard, with Xabi Alonso likely to be given an advanced-midfield role
against Blackburn.

Blackburn midfielder David Bentley knows discipline is the key to his side
scoring a second away win in succession against one of their more
illustrious north-west neighbours.

Mark Hughes' side travel to Anfield with back-to-back Premiership victories
to their credit, the first of which came against Manchester United at Old
Trafford thanks to a brace from Morten Gamst Pedersen.

Many were surprised that day as Rovers - who have earned a reputation as a
physical and difficult-to-beat outfit - played expansively, opting for two
up front and a midfield featuring the attacking capabilities of Pedersen,
Bentley and Tugay.

Rovers are likely to be without Craig Bellamy from that winning line-up
because of a knee injury, but 21-year-old Bentley believes there is nothing
to be fearful of.

"Blackburn is a big club. We go to places and we think that with the
players we've got in the team we are going to win," he said. "We are going
to work hard and hopefully we have the ability to win games.

"Liverpool will be hard to break down and it is a matter of going there and
attacking them. But we won't go gung-ho, it's away from home, we have to be
disciplined."

Robbie Savage returns to the squad after serving a one-match ban, while
Shefki Kuqi, who scored both goals in the victory over West Brom, may start
if Hughes opts to play with two up front at Anfield.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Lay off Pete

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Lay of Peter Oct 14 2005
EXCLUSIVE by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0500liverpoolfc/0100news/tm_objectid=16249157%26method=full%26siteid=50061%26page=2%26headline=lay%2dof%2dpeter-name_page.html
RAFA BENITEZ says he's willing to stake his managerial reputation on Peter
Crouch proving a success for Liverpool and England.

The Anfield boss is shocked by the negative reaction Crouch received while
on international duty, and claimed the abuse the striker received will win
him even more support at his new club.

Crouch was booed by a small section of the Old Trafford crowd when he
appeared as a sub on Wednesday.

That's provoked a passionate defence of the player from Benitez, who is
ready to ease the pressure on his £7m striker by putting it on himself.

"He is a player for my club and for as long as he works hard, he can be
sure everyone at the club and our fans will be with him," said Benitez.

"If he doesn't play well, okay, it's my decision and it's my
responsibility, not his. For as long as he's on the pitch wearing a
Liverpool shirt, and he's trying to do the things I ask of him, I accept
all responsibility. And if we don't play to his needs, we must find the
solutions."

It's clear Benitez has no respect for the opinion of those England fans who
jeered Crouch against Poland.

"I was surprised by what happened and it's a pity. Those responsible don't
know a lot about football or understand the game," Benitez added.

"If you've watched the games he's played, and listened to the managers,
noone can say anything other than he's a good player.

"As a manager, I'm convinced he's a good player. I don't feel I need to
repeat this all the time because if you've watched our games, you can see this.

"The fact he's in the national team shows a lot of people have the same
opinion. All the managers who've worked with him talk well about him.

"Maybe there are better players in England or the rest of the world, but
he's still a very, very good player and he will do an excellent job for his
club and his country.

"If he is a good player for us, he will stay in the national team."

Benitez admits he'll be discussing the events of the last fortnight with
his striker to ensure his confidence hasn't been unduly affected.

He said: "I will talk to him, but I know he has a strong mentality. The
most important thing he needs to know is he has my support."

Liverpool's international contingent returned to Melwood for a late
training session last night.

Steven Gerrard misses tomorrow's visit of Blackburn with a calf strain, but
so far no other injuries are reported.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's ECHO, Gerrard is one of 30
players nominated for the FIFA world player of the Year award.

Fellow England internationals Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Frank Lampard
are also on the shortlist - which features 10 players from the Premiership.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Zenden vows to come good

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Zenden vows to come good
By Peter ORourke - Created on 14 Oct 2005
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?HLID=316235&CPID=8&title=Zenden+vows+to+come+good&lid=2&channel=Football_Home&f=rss
Boudewijn Zenden has conceded he has not been at his best since joining
Liverpool.

The Dutchman joined the European champions in the summer on a free transfer
after leaving Middlesbrough.

Zenden has failed to shine or establish himself at Anfield since the move,
but he insists the best is still to come from him.

"Over the last couple of years I've played in nearly every game and so
being in and out of the side is a new experience," said Zenden

"It can be hard for a player who hasn't been used to it to come to terms
with squad rotation but the manager has explained himself and told us how
he wants to deal with the fact that we're competing in four competitions.

"It's up to me to adapt, to stay focused and to convince the manager that
I'm capable of being a regular in the side.

"I've been pleased with my performances when I have played but I would say
there is definitely a lot more to come from me.

"The fans haven't seen the best of me in a Liverpool shirt yet. I can give
much more than I've done so far. "

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Reds asked about Berbatov

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Reds asked about Berbatov
By Thomas Zeh - Created on 13 Oct 2005
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?HLID=315840&CPID=22&title=Reds+asked+about+Berbatov&lid=2&channel=Football_Home&f=rss
Bayer Leverkusen have revealed that Liverpool made a summer enquiry for
Dimitar Berbatov.

The European champions spent much of pre-season scouring for a new striker
before eventually settling on England new boy Peter Crouch.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez sifted through a lengthy list of possible targets
before signing Crouch from Southampton, and Berbatov's name was under
consideration.

The Bulgaria international is a regular scorer for the Bundesliga side and
Leverkusen's director of sport Rudi Voller confirmed the interest from Anfield.

“There was an enquiry from Liverpool over the summer, although we haven’t
heard from them ever since," Voller told Kicker.

Reports in the German media now suggest that Liverpool have been joined by
rivals Arsenal in the bid to lure Berbatov to England.

Though the hit-man is tied to the BayArena until 2009, it is widely
believed that, after failing to generate income from their Uefa Cup
campaign following their embarrassing first round exit against CSKA Sofia,
Leverkusen are not prepared to turn down a serious offer in the region of
€12 million (£8.2 million) for the talented 24-year-old.

Club owners and main sponsors Bayer plc. have recently told the club that
they will have to reduce their budget over the next few years and selling
the lanky forward might therefore prove the easiest opportunity to balance
the books.

German giants Bayern Munich and Schalke are also believed to be keen on
Berbatov’s services but Leverkusen would prefer to sell to a foreign club
rather than strengthening a Bundesliga

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Where has our cash gone?

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Where has our cash gone? Oct 13 2005
EXCLUSIVE by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0500liverpoolfc/0100news/tm_objectid=16244300%26method=full%26siteid=50061%26headline=where%2dhas%2dour%2dcash%2dgone%2d-name_page.html

LIVERPOOL have appointed a pioneering Belgian lawyer to monitor the French
probe into the £14m club record transfer of Djibril Cisse.

Jean-Louis Dupont, the man who forced the radical overhaul of football
transfers by winning the Bosman case, is now working on Liverpool's behalf.

The Reds are determined to ensure every penny they've spent so far on the
Cisse deal is accounted for.

"We have been alerted to the fact there is an investigation and we want to
become a party to it so we have access to whatever information is
available," chief executive Rick Parry told the ECHO today.

"We are not suggesting anything untoward has taken place, but the fact
there is an investigation means it is prudent for us to know exactly what's
happening.

"We want to ensure our position is protected and be kept informed if we
have been victims here. If there has been any wrongdoing, we want to know
about it."

French judicial investigators raided eight French clubs last week,
including Auxerre, as part of an investigation into alleged corruption
within their transfer system.

The Cisse deal is the most high profile at the centre of the probe,
prompting the deep concerns at Anfield.

Like most deals, the £14m is paid in instalments and Liverpool will want to
be satisfied their next payment - not due to be paid until next summer - is
certain to find its way to the right source.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by anyone at Liverpool, hence the
Reds' appointment of Dupont to monitor the investigations

The investigation into possible embezzlement in the French transfer system
between 1998-2003 has mushroomed since beginning at Paris St Germain last
March.

The homes of players and agents were raided, including those of Pape Diouf,
Willie McKay, Richard Bettoni and Ranko Stojic. Bettoni and Stojic have
often been cited as representatives of Cisse.

Investigators have also been analysing Swiss and Monaco bank accounts in
order to follow the money trail.

Last week, their concern with deals in which Bettoni and Stojic acted as
intermediary led them to Auxerre, or more specifically, the transfer of Cisse.

Liverpool pay their fees directly into Auxerre's bank account and are
alarmed by any suggestion any agents who the club never dealt with could
have profited.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] IN DEPTH WITH RAFA BENITEZ

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

IN DEPTH WITH RAFA BENITEZ
http://www.leaguemanagers.com/news/news-5131.html?LMAS=af7e9297175a679598d914a0bafef522
Rafael Benitez was born in Spain, one month before the Champion Clubs’ Cup
Final on 1960, when Real Madrid CF beat Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3 to win
their fifth consecutive European title. Years later, Rafa played for Real’s
youth team before becoming a coach at the club as a developer of young
talents. From 1993 to 1995 he managed the Real Madrid B team, and then went
‘solo’ at Real Valladolid CF, although this didn’t not last long. After a
short stay at CA Osasuna, he gained promotion from the second division with
CF Extremadura and went on to coach successfully at CD Tenerife before
settling at Valencia CF, the, club where he became internationally
recognised by winning the Spanish League and the UEFA Cup.

In 2004, Rafa moved to Liverpool and in his first season captured the UEFA
Champions League to become one of the few coaches to win the UEFA Cup and
UEFA Champions League with different clubs. (Jose Mourinho, of course, won
both cups with the same club FC Porto – UEFA Cup in 2003 and UEFA Champions
League in 2004.) At the beginning of this season, Rafa won the UEFA Super
Cup to add another trophy to his CV. Today the Liverpool boss is the
undisputed champion of Europe and an outstanding representative of the
Spanish School of Coaching.

What were the key steps which you took to become a top-level coach?
Even as a teenager I was interested in football teams and I took notes and
made assessments. Later, I studied physical education and over a three year
period went through the three levels of the Spanish FA coaching programme.
For ten years I trained youth teams and the reserves at Real Madrid
although I was not on the full-time staff. As the assistant of the second
team, I found myself training two different teams, one in the morning and
one in the afternoon, and working every day as a coach, writing reports or
watching matches. After three months of this I decided it was time to be a
professional coach and the President offered me a contract. When you are at
Real Madrid you are protected from many pressures, but when you go to
another club as the coach you are on your own, and you find yourself
dealing with many other problems like business, money, agents, etc. My
first two experiences as a head coach, at Real Valladolid CF and CA
Osasuna, did not work out and both clubs sacked me. I changed my agent and
continued to develop my football knowledge by visiting Italy, Brazil and
England. I watched Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello at work and spoke to
many managers about their methods. Then I returned to the front line with
CF Extremadura, had success there in the second division, and went on to
become head coach at CD Tenerife and then, in 2001, joined Valencia CF.

Who were your biggest influences on your coaching career?
The best team that I saw when I was developing as a young coach was
Sacchi’s great side at Milan. But it is impossible to repeat what others
have done – you can be influenced, but you must try to do something
yourself. Yes, Arrigo Sacchi, the coach was a big influence.

What have been the main differences between coaching in Spain and in England?
Language is of course the first difference and that is difficult to deal
with. In Spain, you have more pressure from the board, and the journalists
are different because they are constantly present, constantly reporting
every detail. In England, media attention is concentrated around the games.

How would you describe your coaching philosophy?
When I think of myself as a coach, the first thing I would say is that I am
a worker. I have a very good staff and every day we ask: Why this? Why
that? We are always questioning, always looking for new solutions, new ways
to proceed. We pay attention to all the details. Regarding football
philosophy; in Spain there are two considerations: Firstly, the short
passing game or the long passing style? Secondly, to win or to perform
well? I think you can play both styles of play, short and long. Our
approach is to play well and win. It is important to have control over the
situations in the game. If a team plays deep against you, you may need to
circulate the ball; when you are being pressurised, sometimes the long ball
is the answer. To know what to do in each situation is the key. I am very
pragmatic in my coaching work.

What do you emphasise in training?
The first priority is to improve defensive tactical play because this is
less complicated than the attacking side and is important for success. The
most important thing for me is to be organised. I work a lot on patterns of
play and, of course, as the statistics prove, counter-attacks and set-plays
are very important. When we talk about set-plays, I agree with Sir Alex
Ferguson that delivery is everything.

Do you do the coaching yourself or do you delegate it to other members of
staff?
This is another difference between Spain and England when we talk about
coaching. In Spain, you must do your job on the pitch, coaching the players
in tactical work or working with your physical trainer and other members of
staff. You must be there every day on the field. In England, you can give
responsibility to your people because you may have to deal with agents, the
board or a player. You need to have confidence in your staff to carry out
the general work, but I am always there to deal with the tactical training.
Some members of my staff have been with me for eight or nine years and they
know my philosophy and the way I work. But I also have an assistant, Alex
Miller, who was at Liverpool before me and he knows the mentality of the
players and the philosophy of the club.

What were the important features of your Valencia team which won the UEFA Cup?
It was a team that worked very hard and had been together for three years.
We were therefore able to talk about where, how and when to do the
pressing. They know what to do and we could change tactics quickly. We used
a lot of players by rotating the squad and this proved successful because
we won the League and the UEFA Cup. This was a team which understood our
style and what we were trying to do.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Le Tallec's uneasy feeling

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Le Tallec's uneasy feeling
By Patrick Haond - Created on 11 Oct 2005
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?HLID=315212&CPID=8&title=Le+Tallec
Anthony Le Tallec admits he is finding it frustrating on loan at
Sunderland, after conceding he does not see his future at Liverpool.

The France Under-21 international is spending the campaign on loan with The
Black Cats in order to build up his experience.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez expects Le Tallec to return to Anfield and
fight for a first team place next season.

But the striker has contrasting thoughts and has hinted that he will head
back to France, with his preferred option a move to Paris Saint Germain.

In the mean time, Le Tallec is focusing on the task of trying to keep
Sunderland in The Premiership following their promotion last season.

He has scored two goals for the club but claims he is feeding off scraps
and spending far too much time defending.

"Since I was 17-years-old, people have been expecting a lot from me," Le
Tallec told But!. "But today I know how it works.

"It is obvious, I won't make the same mistakes again. That way, I will get
respect.

"When the Liverpool officials bought Peter Crouch last summer, they told me
I had to leave for Sunderland to get more experience.

"They also told me they rely on me for the future but I don't know if I
want to stay. I need a club where I feel at ease.

"It is not easy every day at Sunderland but I tell myself that I am just
here for one year.

"Sometimes it is a little boring to be a forward because I spend my whole
time defending.

"At Liverpool, we always had some chances. Here, you don't have a lot.

"I am fed up of being trialled at every club, I don't want to be loaned
again. People think I don't care but I want to invest myself in a club. In
France, why not?"

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Gonzalez will be big success'

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

'Gonzalez will be big success' Oct 11 2005
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0500liverpoolfc/0100news/tm_objectid=16235042%26method=full%26siteid=50061%26page=2%26headline=%2dgonzalez%2dwill%2dbe%2dbig%2dsuccess%2d-name_page.html
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL coach Paco Herrera today tipped Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez to
force his way straight into the senior side when he finally moves to Anfield.

Gonzalez has nearly recovered from a cruciate knee operation, but he faces
an anxious wait before realising his dream to sign for the Reds in January.

An initial work permit application was rejected, although Liverpool are
hoping a fresh approach to the department of employment will be successful.

If not, Gonzalez will still sign from Albacete next summer when he becomes
a European citizen.

Joint reserve team boss and chief scout Herrera is the man who urged
manager Rafa Benitez to sign the 21-year-winger.

"I worked at Albacete a year before Mark Gonzalez signed, but I know the
player very well," said Herrera.

"There were a lot of recommendations made to me about him and I've watched
the player many times. He has a lot of speed and has great strength of
character and heart.

"Everyone who's seen him says he is a rough diamond who needs to be
polished and I think he is good enough to go straight into the first team."

Gonzalez's application was turned down because Chile aren't ranked in the
world's top 70. They drew 1-1 with Columbia at the weekend, but won't have
moved up significantly before January.

However, Benitez hopes the scouting recommendations, and the fact Gonzalez
is only six months away from receiving a European passport, will help his case.
Meanwhile, Premier League chiefs are to reconsider their demand for
Liverpool to pay Sunderland compensation for the postponement of their
Premier-ship clash in December.

Sunderland want the £260,000 they would have received from television
revenue after Liverpool's involvement in the World Club Championships led
to the cancellation of the fixture.

Both UEFA and FIFA say Liverpool's involvement in Japan is compulsory.
However, the Premier League say Liverpool need their permission to participate.

"Liverpool have asked the Premier League to reconsider their request asking
to compensate Sunderland for the postponement of the fixture," said a
Premier League spokesman.

"The board will do so at their next scheduled meeting at the end of October."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Paco plots a bright future

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Paco plots a bright future Oct 11 2005
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0500liverpoolfc/0100news/tm_objectid=16235050%26method=full%26siteid=50061%26page=3%26headline=paco%2dplots%2da%2dbright%2dfuture-name_page.html
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

IF THE brains behind Liverpool's coaching team are found in the manager's
office, Paco Herrera was once described in Spain as 'the eyes of Rafa Benitez'.

Herrera is one of Benitez's most trusted lieutenants, but his low public
profile belies his importance to a future Anfield resurgence.

Initially employed for his scouting expertise, the former Merida, Albacete
and Numancia manager has seen his portfolio expand since the start of this
season.

Benitez was unimpressed with the performance of his reserves last season
and appointed Herrera as co-manager of the second string, alongside Hugh
McAuley.

In doing so, he also gave Herrera a mandate to sign his own youth players
and effectively create a second under-18 squad at Melwood, independent from
the one performing in the Academy League.

Six teenagers have arrived this season, and more are likely to follow as
part of a policy Herrera describes as a 'necessary risk' to ensure
Liverpool aren't found wanting when it comes to attracting the best
youngsters from around the world.

A cynic may suggest these steps reflect on an ongoing suspicion the Academy
isn't producing enough quality considering an estimated £25m has been
invested in Kirkby since 1999.

The diplomatic view emphasised by Herrera, however, is his work is
assisting rather than undermining the existing youth recruitment structure.

"On my business card it says 'scouting and coaching', but at the moment I
manage the reserves with Hugh McAuley and share the role of chief scout
with Frank McParland. It's a 50-50 split," explains Herrera, who first met
Benitez 20 years ago.

"Half of last season Rafa employed me as a first team coach, but for the
second half of the season he wanted me in the scouting department.

"Now he wants me involved in the reserves. I look at players from countries
around the world, and want to expand the department so we have a database
of youngsters, particularly in England.

"We're putting an emphasis on recruiting the most talented youngsters in
this country. We're doing well already, I feel.

"In terms of this youth policy, you can see evidence of what we're trying
to do by the age of our reserve team.

"It must be the youngest Liverpool has had for many years, and probably the
youngest in the league.

"We are trying to complement the work of the Academy. They concentrate on
the ages below 16, whereas we are looking at those aged 16, 17 and 18.

"The Academy concentrates on the area around Liverpool while we are trying
to find talented youngsters from the rest of the United Kingdom. I can
understand there may be some confusion, but we fully respect the system
which is in place.

"The most important thing for us is to find a solution to work within the
existing system the best way we can.

"It's a difficult task to get the best players, particularly in England. We
did very well to sign Jack Hobbs from Lincoln City.

"We've also had a lot of players on trial and we'd like to get three or
four teenagers a year. The key is to get them very early because once other
clubs like Chelsea get involved and start throwing their money around it
makes it financially difficult for us.

"To say what we're doing is a 'necessary risk' is a good description. It
can be a risk to sign a lot of youngsters, but as things stand I think we
are doing well. The youngsters we've brought in have a good chance of
getting into the first team. That's my number one objective."

As well as the highly-rated Hobbs, Antonio Barragan, Miki Roque, Godwin
Antwi, Ramon Calliste and Austrian winger Besian Idrizaj joined Liverpool
over the summer following Herrera and McParland's recommendation to Benitez.

The reserve results so far suggest a radical improvement on last year's
poor campaign, and five of the six new recruits will also be eligible for
the FA Youth Cup, as the Reds try to win the competition for the first time
since 1996.

"We have a good scouting system in place in England, where we have 10
scouts strategically placed to find youngsters," says Herrera..

"Our aim is to employ even more. We have people in Spain, Portugal, Italy
and France, for example. There is a certain expertise in spotting a young
player.

"We quantify the individual attributes of every player. We require players
of good character and heart as much as ability.

"If a player is spotted, they'll be watched three times by a different
scout, who will then give us his report. If all the reports are positive,
Frank or I will go along to watch him next
"The final decision on whether to proceed is obviously down to Rafa and
Rick Parry, who must take into consideration other factors, including how
much the player will cost.
"This is the process which has brought the six players we've signed so far."

JACK HOBBS, English, aged 17, signed from Lincoln City. Centre-back.
"Jack is a centre-half, but we want him to spend a full season playing as a
central, holding midfielder," explains Herrera.
"In a year he will be a fantastic centre-half and we are preparing him for
the future by playing him in a role which will test his speed, ball control
and coordination much more at this stage of his development."

RAMON CALLISTE, Welsh, aged 19, signed from Manchester United. Striker.
"He is a very quick player and someone we believe has a chance of going all
the way," says Herrera.
"The area he needs to work on most is his decision making on the field. We
spend ten minutes at the end of each training session working on each
players' individual attributes which most need improvement."

ANTONIO BARRAGAN, Spanish, aged 18, signed from Seville. Defender/midfielder.
"Antonio can play right midfield or right back. We are playing him in
midfield at the moment because we are forward planning given the needs of
the first team," said Herrera.
"Antonio has already had a chance in the first team because he was used as
a substitute in our Champions League qualifier."

GODWIN ANTWI, Ghanaian, aged 17, signed from Real Zaragoza. Defender.
"Godwin is way ahead of the rest physically. He even beats some of the
first team players in this area," says Herrera.
"He needs to work on the tactical and technical side of his game. We feel
he has already made good progress."

BESIAN IDRAZEJ, Austrian, aged 17, signed from LASK Linz. Winger.
Says Herrera: "He is a very intelligent player, but we need to do a lot
more work with him.
"He has come to us from a league which is less competitive than England.=
"He is going through the process of adapting to a quicker game, but has all
the qualities you need as a forward."

MIKI ROQUE, Spanish, aged 17, signed from Llieda. Defender.
"Miki has progressed very quickly. He is very quick and good in the air and
I think his qualities will be well suited to the English game," says
Herrera enthusiastically.
"He is a responsible lad but needs more maturity as a player."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Rafa eyes new signings

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Rafa eyes new signings
By Peter ORourke - Created on 10 Oct 2005
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?HLID=314919&CPID=8&title=Rafa+eyes+new+signings&lid=2&channel=Football_Home&f=rss
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has admitted he needs to bring in new players
in January.

The Spaniard was frustrated in his attempts to strengthen his squad on
transfer window deadline day seeing a move for Benfica's Simao Sabrosa fall
through at the last minute.

Liverpool are expected to make a renewed bid for Simao in January when the
transfer window reopens and Benitez is hoping to add some new faces in the
New Year.

"January is always more difficult to bring in the players you want, but we
have some ideas we are working on," said Benitez.

"Of course, it's better to say nothing about it now because when you talk
about players, their price goes up.

"I know we have a good team and a good squad, but I also know that we must
improve and that's what we're continuing to work towards. I believe we
should look to the future with confidence.

"I know we need to reduce the gap, but we played well against
Middlesbrough, Spurs and Manchester United and could have won those games.

"I feel we are at the same level as Manchester United now."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Gerrard boost for Liverpool

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Gerrard boost for Liverpool
10/10/2005 - 15:11:58
http://www.breakingnews.ie/2005/10/10/story224745.html
Steven Gerrard believes he will be back in action for Liverpool in 12 days
after dismissing claims he could be out for more than three weeks and miss
up to six matches.

The midfielder misses England's final World Cup group six qualifier on
Wednesday against Poland at Old Trafford with a shin-muscle strain
sustained in the weekend victory over Austria.

Gerrard has had a scan and treatment at Liverpool's Melwood training
complex and now confidently predicts: "The injury is not as bad as people
are saying."

He will be out for Liverpool's Barclays Premiership home game with
Blackburn on Saturday and their Champions League trip to Brussels where
they play Anderlecht next week.

But Gerrard has already pencilled in the trip to Fulham on October 22 for
his comeback.

He returned home to Merseyside from England's headquarters on Sunday to see
a gloomy prediction that he could be out for at least three weeks and miss
as many as six games, including the Anfield return against Anderlecht on
November 1 and even the following league game on November 5 at Aston Villa.

But he said: "I heard it said on television that I will be out for three
weeks, but I think I will be okay for the Fulham game. I had a scan
straight after the England match and went to Melwood for treatment yesterday.

"The Liverpool medical staff are confident I'll be back after the next two
games, so that is what I am aiming for.

"I picked up the knock during the England game and it was a bit of a worry
at first, but it is not that serious."

Gerrard was hurt during the first half of England's win over Austria, but
played on as Sven-Goran Eriksson's side struggled with 10 men following the
dismissal of David Beckham.

Now Liverpool are paying the price, with the loss of their influential
skipper for games that could shape their faltering season.

After the home mauling by Chelsea in the league, Rafael Benitez's side
desperately need a convincing victory to steady their nerves. And against
Mark Hughes' tough Blackburn, who drew at Anfield last term, that will not
be easy.

And Liverpool must also get something from the trip to Brussels after
forcing a draw from their last Champions League game with Chelsea.

But although the loss of Gerrard is a major blow, Benitez has Mali
international midfielder Mohamed Sissoko fit again to play in midfield in
place of the Anfield skipper.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] REDS DEALT GERRARD INJURY BLOW

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

REDS DEALT GERRARD INJURY BLOW
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N150220051009-1224.htm
Mark Platt 09 October 2005
Liverpool have today been dealt a fresh injury blow with the news that
Steven Gerrard will be sidelined for two to three weeks.
A scan has has revealed that the Reds captain suffered a strain in a muscle
attached to the shin in his left leg during England's World Cup qualifying
game against Austria at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The player has already returned to Melwood for treatment and a club
spokesman has confirmed that he's likely to be out of action for two to
three weeks.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/