PREMATCH STUFF
So I made a new header! Told you I would, didn't I? *lol* I had to use the 9-8-7-picture. But to the news stuff.
Xabi Alonso, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio will again miss out this weekend after failing to recover from injury.
Speaking ahead of the visit of Bolton on Sunday, Rafa Benitez said: "Because of the type of injury Xabi and Daniel have - metatarsal - we have to be really careful."
Both players have been out since Pompey on September 15, though Alonso made a brief return against Arsenal at the end of last month.
Brazilian left-back Aurelio is now back in training and is expected to be available in time for the Marseille showdown on December 11.
-> WTH happened to Fabio? Did I missed something?
-----
Finally a statement from Hicks himself:
HICKS COMMITTED TO LIVERPOOL
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has today rubbished reports that he is preparing to sell his shares in the club.
The American multi-millionaire, who completed a takeover of the Reds along with George Gillett back in March, has been bemused over the recent speculation regarding his future at Liverpool and today categorically denied he is looking for a way out.
"I just want to clear up with you that I am not selling any of my shares to anybody," said Hicks.
"I have no idea why anyone would think that. It was just rubbish."
Recent events behind the scenes have resulted in the fans declaring public support for manager Rafael Benitez and Hicks admits the situation has been blown out of all proportion.
"The fans are very passionate and that's what we love about them," he continued.
"It's been a big misunderstanding blown very much out of proportion. George and I are happy to see that it has settled back down.
"We've a big game on Sunday against Bolton, a big game against Marseille and a big game with our neighbours to the east and the main thing is the team is playing better."
Hicks also responded to concerns over their lack of day-to-day involvement at the club, but insisted that Foster Gillett, George Gillett's son and an Anfield director, would be here to be their representative in England.
"I guess we are absentee owners - there's no question about it," said Hicks.
"But Foster returned to Liverpool last week. He's our day-to-day person to help facilitate communication - and we come as often as we can."
The Dallas-based millionaire admits he has been surprised at speculation over a rift between him and co-owner George Gillett and insists he is still delighted to have bought the club.
He added: "George and I have never been closer. We both were very disappointed and confused as to where that inaccurate information came from.
"Owning Liverpool has been great, we're still enjoying it."
-----
And a very cute interview with Rafa (who already has one Alonso), you can totally feel he's much better now. It looks like they got to speak at least over the phone or anything.
RAFA ON BOLTON, TORRES AND CROUCH
Rafa Benitez takes five minutes out of his pre-match preparations to chat to Liverpoolfc.tv ahead of our Premier League clash at home to Bolton Wanderers.
Rafa, Can you describe your emotions over the past seven days?
That's a difficult question. I think that you can summarise it in these words...I am really proud to be here.
Many fans were concerned about your future. Can you assure them you are 100 per cent happy at the club?
The answer is simple. I want to stay here. You know my commitment to the club is clear. My family is very happy here and I want to win trophies with the club.
There have been rumours surrounding Peter Crouch's future. What is his position at the club?
You know my idea. In a top side you need good players. They can't play every game. It is difficult and maybe it is almost impossible. But Crouch is a key player for us, so we don't want to sell Peter. The problem is that he is a good player. So if a good player is not playing every game, the other big clubs may be interested. We do not want to sell Peter because he is a player we want to keep so he can help us to win titles.
Can you understand that he may feel frustrated at not playing more regularly?
Yes. It is normal. Every player, especially in a top side, wants to play and they want to be involved. Sometimes it can be a problem if he sees the other strikers are playing and he knows he has ability to play too. Anyway, the other day he was a key player for us again and hopefully it will be the same in the future.
Does he have a long-term future at the club? His contract is up in 18 months so are you looking to agree a new deal with him?
How can you win a new contract? By working hard, playing really well and scoring a lot of goals. So he has a chance and he must try to do this. We will talk about this but for now it is a time to focus on trying to win matches and we will talk about the future later.
Fernando Torres has now scored 10 goals in 16 appearances so far this season, but he's still adapting to the Premier League. Are we still to see the best of him?
I think so. When we talk about him, sometimes people are talking about the price. But for me it's not about how much he cost, it's his age. He's only 23-years-old, so he is a player who can learn a lot. He's settled down properly, he's happy and he wants to improve. Mentally he is really strong, so I think that he is player who can bring a lot to the side and hopefully, I will see that over the next few years.
It's not just about Torres's goals though is it? The team has scored 17 in the past four matches and the goals have been shared around the team. Is that something that you are happy to finally see?
Yes, I think it's important. You cannot talk about or rely on using a 20-goal a season striker because it will be easier for the defenders of the other team. So I think if you have three, four or five players scoring goals it will be more difficult, and for us, we will find more solutions in different games.
You've spoken of Bolton's physical approach in the past, but have you now developed a way to cope with them?
I think that their style of football is more or less similar to a lot of clubs, but I think that it depends on the game and whether you are playing at home or away. The last few times I think we won 1-0 and 4-0, but it was Christmas time then, and they were really tired. It will be different now and it will be more difficult because physically they will be fit and fresh. So we know it is difficult but we also know how to manage.
Gary Megson has made a big impact since he arrived but do you also feel that Sammy Lee laid some of the foundations for their recent improvement?
Yes I think that is clear. When you change a manager and the old manager was doing a good job, then the next one will profit from it. I think they have both done well, Sammy before and Megson now.
You talk about the physical nature of Bolton's game, but did you admire the way they beat Manchester United?
They scored an early goal and because of that they had a lot of confidence throughout the game. When United attacked they were playing against 11 lions, so it was difficult.
Do you think that their win against United shows that anyone can beat anyone in the Premier League this season?
Yes, the differences between the sides are not that big, so in one game when it is 11 against 11, anything can happen. So you must be careful, you know we have already had some bad results at home, when we have drawn, so you must try to do your best from the start until the very end.
If that's the case, you must be very proud of the fact you are still unbeaten in the league going into December?
Yes, clearly it is not easy and we would like to have won more games in a row instead of drawing some of them, but we are in a good position and if we can continue doing the right things now, we will keep on scoring goals and continue winning.
Do you think it is a more competitive league this year and that it won't just be the top four who challenge for the title?
As I have said before anyone can beat anyone so it is important to keep going until the end because maybe in the last few months when we are approaching the last 10 games we can make the difference, and if we can keep our team close to the top of the table we will have a good opportunity.
Does that put more pressure on the so-called big four, because you are not having it all your own way as was the case in previous seasons?
No, I think it is the opposite. Why? Because if you know you are much better than the rest of the teams then you know every game against United, Arsenal and Chelsea can make a massive difference because there are six points at stake. But if you know they can lose matches too, then you can focus on doing the right things because if you make a mistake, maybe they will make one too, so I don't think more pressure, I think less pressure.
Have you been pleased with Steven Gerrard's form in the past few games after he suffered the disappointment of failing to qualify for Euro 2008 with England?
He is playing really well. Against Newcastle he was a key player - fantastic. The other night against Porto we had some problems, but we played much better in the second-half and Steve was also much improved in the second period.
Have you been impressed by his partnership with Javier Mascherano in the heart of the midfield?
After watching Lucas Leiva against Newcastle, I am not thinking about Steve and Mascherano as the only option in the midfield. I think they can all play together and when Xabi Alonso is fit we will have five very good midfielders.
Danny Guthrie has been in fine form since making his loan move to Bolton at the start of the season. Have you been pleasantly surprised by the impact he has made?
We are really pleased for Danny and happy to see him playing in the Premier League because we knew it would be difficult for him to play with us. But because Frank McParland and Sammy Lee have a good eye, they said they wanted Danny and now Bolton are benefitting from having him.
Bolton also have Mikel Alonso, Xabi's brother, in their ranks. Have you spoken to him about the qualities his brother has?
I was talking with Xabi before about his brother and I have met his brother before - he is a nice boy.
But he's not a player you are interested in?
(laughs) I already have one Alonso.
Daniel Agger is still out injured. How concerned are you that it doesn't seem to be healing properly?
I was talking with him this morning and he is better. When he runs with the trainers he is okay. But he has had problems with the boots, so now they are preparing a special boot for him and hopefully he will be okay in a few days.
-----
Oh and for all the crazy Nando fangirls, you should check out this thread at RAWK!
Xabi Alonso, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio will again miss out this weekend after failing to recover from injury.
Speaking ahead of the visit of Bolton on Sunday, Rafa Benitez said: "Because of the type of injury Xabi and Daniel have - metatarsal - we have to be really careful."
Both players have been out since Pompey on September 15, though Alonso made a brief return against Arsenal at the end of last month.
Brazilian left-back Aurelio is now back in training and is expected to be available in time for the Marseille showdown on December 11.
-> WTH happened to Fabio? Did I missed something?
-----
Finally a statement from Hicks himself:
HICKS COMMITTED TO LIVERPOOL
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has today rubbished reports that he is preparing to sell his shares in the club.
The American multi-millionaire, who completed a takeover of the Reds along with George Gillett back in March, has been bemused over the recent speculation regarding his future at Liverpool and today categorically denied he is looking for a way out.
"I just want to clear up with you that I am not selling any of my shares to anybody," said Hicks.
"I have no idea why anyone would think that. It was just rubbish."
Recent events behind the scenes have resulted in the fans declaring public support for manager Rafael Benitez and Hicks admits the situation has been blown out of all proportion.
"The fans are very passionate and that's what we love about them," he continued.
"It's been a big misunderstanding blown very much out of proportion. George and I are happy to see that it has settled back down.
"We've a big game on Sunday against Bolton, a big game against Marseille and a big game with our neighbours to the east and the main thing is the team is playing better."
Hicks also responded to concerns over their lack of day-to-day involvement at the club, but insisted that Foster Gillett, George Gillett's son and an Anfield director, would be here to be their representative in England.
"I guess we are absentee owners - there's no question about it," said Hicks.
"But Foster returned to Liverpool last week. He's our day-to-day person to help facilitate communication - and we come as often as we can."
The Dallas-based millionaire admits he has been surprised at speculation over a rift between him and co-owner George Gillett and insists he is still delighted to have bought the club.
He added: "George and I have never been closer. We both were very disappointed and confused as to where that inaccurate information came from.
"Owning Liverpool has been great, we're still enjoying it."
-----
And a very cute interview with Rafa (who already has one Alonso), you can totally feel he's much better now. It looks like they got to speak at least over the phone or anything.
RAFA ON BOLTON, TORRES AND CROUCH
Rafa Benitez takes five minutes out of his pre-match preparations to chat to Liverpoolfc.tv ahead of our Premier League clash at home to Bolton Wanderers.
Rafa, Can you describe your emotions over the past seven days?
That's a difficult question. I think that you can summarise it in these words...I am really proud to be here.
Many fans were concerned about your future. Can you assure them you are 100 per cent happy at the club?
The answer is simple. I want to stay here. You know my commitment to the club is clear. My family is very happy here and I want to win trophies with the club.
There have been rumours surrounding Peter Crouch's future. What is his position at the club?
You know my idea. In a top side you need good players. They can't play every game. It is difficult and maybe it is almost impossible. But Crouch is a key player for us, so we don't want to sell Peter. The problem is that he is a good player. So if a good player is not playing every game, the other big clubs may be interested. We do not want to sell Peter because he is a player we want to keep so he can help us to win titles.
Can you understand that he may feel frustrated at not playing more regularly?
Yes. It is normal. Every player, especially in a top side, wants to play and they want to be involved. Sometimes it can be a problem if he sees the other strikers are playing and he knows he has ability to play too. Anyway, the other day he was a key player for us again and hopefully it will be the same in the future.
Does he have a long-term future at the club? His contract is up in 18 months so are you looking to agree a new deal with him?
How can you win a new contract? By working hard, playing really well and scoring a lot of goals. So he has a chance and he must try to do this. We will talk about this but for now it is a time to focus on trying to win matches and we will talk about the future later.
Fernando Torres has now scored 10 goals in 16 appearances so far this season, but he's still adapting to the Premier League. Are we still to see the best of him?
I think so. When we talk about him, sometimes people are talking about the price. But for me it's not about how much he cost, it's his age. He's only 23-years-old, so he is a player who can learn a lot. He's settled down properly, he's happy and he wants to improve. Mentally he is really strong, so I think that he is player who can bring a lot to the side and hopefully, I will see that over the next few years.
It's not just about Torres's goals though is it? The team has scored 17 in the past four matches and the goals have been shared around the team. Is that something that you are happy to finally see?
Yes, I think it's important. You cannot talk about or rely on using a 20-goal a season striker because it will be easier for the defenders of the other team. So I think if you have three, four or five players scoring goals it will be more difficult, and for us, we will find more solutions in different games.
You've spoken of Bolton's physical approach in the past, but have you now developed a way to cope with them?
I think that their style of football is more or less similar to a lot of clubs, but I think that it depends on the game and whether you are playing at home or away. The last few times I think we won 1-0 and 4-0, but it was Christmas time then, and they were really tired. It will be different now and it will be more difficult because physically they will be fit and fresh. So we know it is difficult but we also know how to manage.
Gary Megson has made a big impact since he arrived but do you also feel that Sammy Lee laid some of the foundations for their recent improvement?
Yes I think that is clear. When you change a manager and the old manager was doing a good job, then the next one will profit from it. I think they have both done well, Sammy before and Megson now.
You talk about the physical nature of Bolton's game, but did you admire the way they beat Manchester United?
They scored an early goal and because of that they had a lot of confidence throughout the game. When United attacked they were playing against 11 lions, so it was difficult.
Do you think that their win against United shows that anyone can beat anyone in the Premier League this season?
Yes, the differences between the sides are not that big, so in one game when it is 11 against 11, anything can happen. So you must be careful, you know we have already had some bad results at home, when we have drawn, so you must try to do your best from the start until the very end.
If that's the case, you must be very proud of the fact you are still unbeaten in the league going into December?
Yes, clearly it is not easy and we would like to have won more games in a row instead of drawing some of them, but we are in a good position and if we can continue doing the right things now, we will keep on scoring goals and continue winning.
Do you think it is a more competitive league this year and that it won't just be the top four who challenge for the title?
As I have said before anyone can beat anyone so it is important to keep going until the end because maybe in the last few months when we are approaching the last 10 games we can make the difference, and if we can keep our team close to the top of the table we will have a good opportunity.
Does that put more pressure on the so-called big four, because you are not having it all your own way as was the case in previous seasons?
No, I think it is the opposite. Why? Because if you know you are much better than the rest of the teams then you know every game against United, Arsenal and Chelsea can make a massive difference because there are six points at stake. But if you know they can lose matches too, then you can focus on doing the right things because if you make a mistake, maybe they will make one too, so I don't think more pressure, I think less pressure.
Have you been pleased with Steven Gerrard's form in the past few games after he suffered the disappointment of failing to qualify for Euro 2008 with England?
He is playing really well. Against Newcastle he was a key player - fantastic. The other night against Porto we had some problems, but we played much better in the second-half and Steve was also much improved in the second period.
Have you been impressed by his partnership with Javier Mascherano in the heart of the midfield?
After watching Lucas Leiva against Newcastle, I am not thinking about Steve and Mascherano as the only option in the midfield. I think they can all play together and when Xabi Alonso is fit we will have five very good midfielders.
Danny Guthrie has been in fine form since making his loan move to Bolton at the start of the season. Have you been pleasantly surprised by the impact he has made?
We are really pleased for Danny and happy to see him playing in the Premier League because we knew it would be difficult for him to play with us. But because Frank McParland and Sammy Lee have a good eye, they said they wanted Danny and now Bolton are benefitting from having him.
Bolton also have Mikel Alonso, Xabi's brother, in their ranks. Have you spoken to him about the qualities his brother has?
I was talking with Xabi before about his brother and I have met his brother before - he is a nice boy.
But he's not a player you are interested in?
(laughs) I already have one Alonso.
Daniel Agger is still out injured. How concerned are you that it doesn't seem to be healing properly?
I was talking with him this morning and he is better. When he runs with the trainers he is okay. But he has had problems with the boots, so now they are preparing a special boot for him and hopefully he will be okay in a few days.
-----
Oh and for all the crazy Nando fangirls, you should check out this thread at RAWK!