Liverpool midfielder Lucas: Suarez has been amazing

Ajax Liverpool World Cup

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has paid a glowing tribute to teammate Luis Suarez.

Lucas is currently in his homeland preparing for this summer's Copa America, a tournament that could well see him come face to face with his new teammate Luis Suarez.

"It's something we've talked about and we might be facing each other in the quarter-finals or the semis," Lucas told liverpoolfc.tv. "It would be a great occasion as Luis and I have a very good relationship but hopefully Brazil will do better."

He added: "Luis has only been at Liverpool four months but what's he done already is amazing.

"We all knew when he signed that we had got a really good striker. He had proved that at the World Cup and at Ajax where he scored a lot of goals.

"But he has settled so quickly and you can see he really feels at home.

"It's great because you can play the ball to him and he creates things for us. Luis has been really important for us and the fans already love him.

"Opponents will know him better next season and that will make it harder for him. But I'm sure he will be able to cope with that.

"Luis is only 24 and still improving. I'm sure next season he will be able to play at a really high level.

"We will all try to help him to do things and score goals. He will be a key player for us next season and he will start off with a lot of confidence because of what he's achieved in the last few months."

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Manchester United fans pull off banner stunt at Anfield

Manchester United fans shown here displayed a cheeky banner inside anfield saying “MUFC 19 TIMES” before the start of the Liverpool Spurs game.

The banner was spotted just as the kop let rip with the famous “your never walk alone”, im sure Liverpool fans will already be thinking of ways to reply for next season.

Wayne rooney also had his personal shout on twitter with his designer chest hair ( see it here) after United secured their 19th title passing the record held by Liverpool.

Well it makes next season very interesting!

Liverpool to face competition from Tottenham for Premier League keeper

Liverpool and Tottenham are ready to do battle for the signature of Aston Villa’s Brad Friedel this summer.

Friedel’s contract at Villa Park is due to expire in the coming weeks and unsurprisingly, a number of Premier League clubs are monitoring his situation.

The former American international, who turns 40 later this week, is understood to be open to a move away from Villa and with Liverpool and Tottenham among the clubs interested, it would perhaps be a surprise to see Friedel still plying his trade in the Midlands next season.

The player’s agent, Tony McGill, had this to say when asked about Friedel’s future: “I will be holding talks with Brad next week, once the season has finished and we will then go over his options.”

McGill went onto add: “I have read the newspaper speculation, but we are not going to talk about any clubs until the season has finished.”

Liverpool have been the favourites to sign Friedel for a number of weeks now and given the fact he used to play for the Merseyside club, it is hard to see past a move to Anfield this summer. However, with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp in desperate need of a world class goalkeeper, a move to White Hart Lane may appeal to Friedel more than the switch to Liverpool.

Feel free to leave your comments below.

Football clubs may not need to obtain a title loan, but perhaps you do.

Liverpool FC adidas 2011/12 Away Kit Launched in Dublin

Star players Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt traveled to Dublin, Ireland on Thursday, May 12th, 2010 for the official launch of the Liverpool adidas 2011/12 away kit.

According to the Liverpool FC website:

What greeted them was pandemonium: trailed by paparazzi, escorted by police and welcomed by hundreds of screaming fans who’d queued since 7am for a glimpse of their heroes.

Dozens of competition winners also got the chance to chat to the players and get their new kits signed – including the lucky finder a Golden Ticket which was hidden at a secret location in Dublin earlier in the day.

The event was dubbed Home Away From Home by adidas, who recreated the Shankly Gates and This is Anfield sign at the Dublin branch of Lifestyle Sports.

Our kit makers could have taken their pick of cities around the world but the club has always had an affinity with its Irish support.

The players, all of whom wear adidas boots, were more than happy to oblige, boarding a nine-seater jet after training on Thursday.

The Liverpool adidas 2011/12 away jersey is now available for purchase at World Soccer Shop.

Check out our Kits and Jerseys section for more brand new kits.

 

Liverpool FC NEW 2011/2012 1st Team Squad

With one game left in the season, Liverpool fans are now looking forward to a summer of renewed optimism thanks to Kenny Dalglish et al. We’ll have an exciting summer of transfer activity to look forward to; one in which the club no longer has to worry about debt servicing first, and players second.

The squad list below is also predicated on a few things, namely:

- We’re going for Quality over quantity, and keeping a tight squad total of 28 (i.e. two and a half teams), with my mix between Over 21′s and Under 21′s being 17/11.
- We’ll have about US$100M (£65M) gross to spend; at least a third of which will come from sales. This may sound high, but for the first time in years, we’re not in debt, so FSG should flex LFC’s financial muscle (as we flexed Chelsea’s financial muscle in Jan.).
- Realistically, we can’t get as many established “superstars” as we’d like, because we don’t have Champions League to offer, and secondly, FSG won’t be like Man. City with a half-dozen $100K per week players regularly on the bench.
- Kenny Dalglish has shown us that some of our fringe and Under 21 players are good enough to comprise our main back-up, so a few high-priced additions are what’s needed, not a dozen new players who won’t give us the continuity we’ll also need.
- We’ll be looking primarily at technically skilled and pacey players, as we have a dearth of those.
- In our recent good run under Kenny, we’ve played a variant of the 4-2-3-1 Rafa used in 08/09, but with much more fluidity and interchanging between the front-4. I expect this will guide the squad’s make-up for next season.

GK 1) Reina (28) 3) Gulacsi (21)
2) FRIEDEL (40) (Free)

Notable omissions: Jones (Sell), Hansen (Loan). We need an experienced backup, so while Friedel is accustomed being #1, maybe at 40, with perhaps a guarantee for all the Cup games, he’ll be interested.

D 1) Carragher (C/R) (33) 7) Kelly (R/C) (21)
2) Skrtel (C) (26) Flanagan (R) (18)
3) Agger (C/L) (26) 9) Robinson (L) (17)
4) Johnson (R/L) (26) 10) Ayala (C) (20)
5) Kyrgiakos (C) (31)
6) COENTRAO (L) (23) ($27M/£18M)

Notable omissions: Aurelio (Loan/Sell), Konchesky (Sell), Insua (Loan/Sell), Darby (Loan), Mavinga (Loan), Wilson (Loan). Of these, Wilson is still the best prospect at 19, but he needs a full season of games. Ayala has come back from Loan, and is more ready at the moment.

I know the main critique here will be the CB’s, but I gave this much thought, and for a main three, I think we’re ok. Carragher & Skrtel have been solid this year, especially after Dalglish came in, and while Agger’s injuries have been well documented, I am biased, as he’s a class above, and still only 26. So, those are my three main CB’s, with an experienced backup in Kyrgiakos and young options in Kelly & Ayala.

Coentrao is also a class above Enrique. Like Meireles, I think he’d jump at the chance to move from Portugal to Liverpool, even without Champions League football for a season.

M 1) Gerrard (CM/AM/WD) (31) 7) Coady (CM) (18)
2) Meireles (CM/AM) (28) Suso (AM/WD) (17)
3) Lucas (CM) (24) 9) Sterling (WD) (16)
4) Maxi (AM/WD) (30) (10) HAZARD (WD) (20) ($30M/£20M)
5) ALONSO ADAM (CM) (25) ($12M/£8M)
6) MATA (WD) (23) ($39M/£26M)

Notable omissions: Poulsen (Sell), Cole (Sell), Aquilani (Sell), Ince (Loan/Sell), Amoo (Loan/Sell), Shelvey (Loan), Spearing (Loan). Like Wilson, Shelvey is 19 and needs regular starts. I’ve also long wanted Spearing to show his critics that he can cut it in the Premiership, and I think he has. Over the past couple of seasons however, he hasn’t played nearly enough games, and that may also be the case next season, so a Loan with a full season of games should do wonders.

He may cost two or three times as much, but Mata is worth it over Young. Also, the kind of game we’ll be playing under Dalglish will involve high pressing, plenty possession and more taking of the game to the opposition. As such, the players we have for CM should be sufficient for that system, so I don’t think we need to spend big on a ‘Mascherano’ type player. You can see who my real first choice CM purchase would be, but from what’s realistically available, Adam will do.

Comolli & Dalglish may have to do a bit more to convince Mata & Hazard to come without Champions League football, but they’re young enough that perhaps ‘guaranteeing’ our return in 2012/13 (as potential league champions) may do the trick. This is where Comolli would have to earn his money.

F 1) Kuyt (WD/2nd. STR/TOP) (30) 4) Pacheco (2nd. STR) (20)
2) Suarez (WD/2nd STR/TOP) (24) 5) Eccleston (WD/2nd STR) (20)
3) Carroll (TOP) (22)

Notable omission: Ngog (Loan/Sell). At 22, Ngog needs to be playing more regularly. This is the only area without any additions, but I think anyone would accept a 2011 spend of 90M/£60M on the forward line – it’s just that it happened in Jan. And again, with the type of game we’ll be playing next season, we could potentially get double-figures from Gerrard, Meireles, Maxi, & Adam.

So, that’s approximately $108M/£72M Gross in the Summer on four players, and one Free Transfer if I had my way. If the club can really get a third from sales, then the Net spend will be $72M/£48M, which is not unreasonable for a club of Liverpool’s stature

I welcome all feedback, whether complimentary or critical, as this article is really about what us as fans want to happen this summer, as we go for the Title. I say the Title, not top-4, as the above squad is more than capable of that. Besides, that’s the only real thing that will make up for two seasons out of the Champions League, i.e. gong back as League Champions!

As the article’s title says, this is a fan’s wish-list and not to be taken in any way as “in the know” or as being superior to others’ choices. The names are my own preferences based on who we’ve been linked with, with the quoted costs being my own approximation based on the same links.

So, feel free to suggest alternatives, but I urge you to try to stay within the numbers, so you’ll have to replace a player from my roster, not simply add to it.

Law Firm Acts For Dalglish On New Liverpool FC Deal

Law firm Bermans acted on one of the most eagerly-anticipated football deals of the season – for new Liverpool FC manager Kenny Dalglish.

Corporate Partner Kieran Donovan and Employment Associate Ansar Ali were retained by Mr. Dalglish to handle his new contract with Liverpool Football Club.

Bermans has offices in Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow and has acted on behalf of other prominent sports stars in recent years. The firm’s head of employment, Nicky Benson, has previously advised Everton and Tranmere Rovers football clubs.

Mr. Ali said: “It was a privilege to advise Mr. Dalglish on his contract and to be involved in something which means so much to millions of fans across the world and is so important to the fabric of the city and its economy.”

Mr. Donovan said: “Being retained to act for Mr. Dalglish in respect of his new contract with Liverpool FC is a reflection of the increasingly high-profile clients and transactions we are attracting to the firm.”

Pepe Reina ends speculation over his Liverpool future: I’m looking forward to next season under Kenny Dalglish

Pepe Reina ends speculation over his Liverpool future: I’m looking forward to next season under Kenny Dalglish

World Cup winner confirms that he is looking ahead to a positive campaign next season, but is first looking to help the club finish fifth and attain European football

By Adithya Ananth 13 May 2011 11:23:00

Teams Liverpool

Players José Reina Paez

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has ended weeks of speculation over his future by confirming he has no plans to leave the club and is looking forward to next season under the management of Kenny Dalglish.

The Reds lost out on Champions League fooball last season, and the exit of manager Rafael Benitez followed by Spain international team-mate Fernando Torres only served to intensify speculation concerning the goalkeeper’s future.

The 28-year-old had previously been coy when asked whether he intended to ply his trade on Merseyside beyond the summer, amid links with moves to Arsenal and Manchester United.

But the recent rise in Liverpool’s form, coupled with the winter arrivals of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, and Dalglish’s management have seen the Spaniard admit that he intends to remain at Anfield.

“I am looking forward to next season,” Reina told the club’s official website.

“We have had excellent news on Kenny’s contract [being made permanent, first-team coach] Steve Clarke’s and all of the technical staff. We are heading in the right direction and we are optimistic.

“I have always said [I am looking forward to next season]. Of course there was a bit of doubt back in December and January because we were not even close to where we are now.

“I think by making the right steps and taking them, we can all see the difference between now and then. That’s why we are now optimistic about the future and are looking forward.”

Dalglish was appointed as a caretaker until the end of the season after Roy Hodgson’s reign on Merseyside came to an end earlier on in the campaign. And since then, the Reds have been galvanised as they have displayed the best form in the Premier League, barring Chelsea.

The Scot was widely expected to be handed the job on a permanent basis, and the club have since revealed that he has signed a three-year contract and will remain at the helm next season.

“We all have smiles on our faces now and hopefully it will be for long,” said Reina. “Of course, we have to be calm because we know how hard it is to compete with the big teams out there.”

Liverpool are currently in fifth place, two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in sixth. And the two teams lock horns on Sunday in a direct battle for the fifth spot, which points towards a run in the Europa League next season.

“Fifth position is not the one that belongs to Liverpool – we aim higher and hopefully next season we can finish higher,” said the World Cup winner.

Reina added: “We are all looking forward to next season, but we have to finish the job on Sunday.

“By winning we will mathematically be sure of fifth and that is our target – to beat Tottenham, make sure we get into Europe for next season and then get some rest, which I think we deserve as well.”

Is Lucas, Hidden Star of Monday Night's Show, Now Better (for us) than Mascherano?

I'm stating the obvious to say Suarez and Maxi were eye-catching at ths sharp end of things on Monday.

What's less apparent is that their fine work obscured the real star of the show: Lucas.

Look again at the tape, Reds fans - you owe watching that game again to yourself anyway, after suffering through half a season of Hodgson's Tripe (TM).

What you'll see on replay is FOUR - count 'em - defence splitters from our number 21.

First, he made the critical incisive pass for the first goal, cutting out Hughes and sending Suarez off the races to set up the first goal.

Next, he played a ball from the the halfway line over the top for Johnson, who then picked out Maxi at the back post.

Next, he picked out Flanagan from halfway, who if he hadn't had a crisis of confidence you forgive a 18 year old for, was one on one with Schwarzer, with support looming to his right at the back post.

Finally, he picked out Meireles with a chipped ball over the top, who also had a one on one with Schwarzer but fluffed his lines.

How's that for four peaches of passes in 31 minutes!

If a big name "creative" midfielder, like Gerrard, Fabregas, Scholes or Wilshire had played four passes like that in a game, we wouldn't hear the end of it for weeks.

But this has come from a notionally 'defensive' player. But to compare Lucas to counterparts in his position, you won't see four passes like that a season from a Mikel, Ramirez, De Jong, Fletcher or Song.

Nor, to look at the recent exemplars of his position, would you have seen four a season from Macherano, Keane, Vieira or Makelele. And there's the rub.

Because Lucas didn't arrive in England as a defensive midfielder. He came here a slighter, more creative force.

He's had to build his body and understanding to adapt to the demands of a new position in a new country. And now we are seeing the results of his hard work and application.

This season (and to a lesser extent, last) Lucas has started to garner the respect he deserves for doing the basics of football in central midfield very, very well on a consistent basis.

He now ticks all the right boxes of a well-rounded defensive midfielder; the essentials to keeping a side ticking over nicely in central midfield.

He circulates the short, simpler ball cleanly and quickly; he energetically supports the ball, consitently offering short simple options; he now has excellent defensive positioning; and he shows the judgment to always commit to necessary challenges, while not often overcommitting to unnecessary challenges.

The last two points are perhaps where he has improved most.

In fitting the bill, Lucas has gone a very long way to making himself an essential feature of our side.

If he starts to more regularly meld the central midfield basics he now has down pat, with the passing we saw at Craven Cottage, we have some player on our hands.

After all, the lad's just 24. We might yet see goals from him to boot!

Mind, he probably ought ot have got one the other night, if Shelvey hadn't gone himself late on.

Let's put the Lucas question in more practical terms: would you swap him for Mascherano now? I wouldn't.

I reckon Macherano can still do the defensive side better than Lucas can, and can nullify attackers playing "in the hole" better than Lucas can.

Those skills are particularly valuable in the big games of the latter stages of the Champions League, so Mascherano is at the right club.

But the gap between their defensive skills is not so large now. And Lucas offers a better balance for a team that's primary focus is getting back INTO the Champions League and trying to work towards winning the Premier League.

Too many home draws cost us a title two years ago. A different balance in central midfield for some of those games might have got us over the line.

Not that I particularly blame Rafa for that.

Perhaps if Rafa had got the Barry he preferred, rather than the Keane he saw as a luxury, we'd have got there.

Following upon, Lucas also demonstrates Rafa is a much underappreciated developmental manager.

We wouldn't have the Lucas of today without the steadfast faith of the man who brought him here and trusted his qualities despite the naysayers in the stands and online.

Looking among many other examples - Torres, the central defender he made of Carragher, the advanced attacker he made of Gerrard, plus the restructuring of the Academy - you can only hope the owners and Comolli give him his due reward and return him to the manager's seat once Kenny gets his own due reward.

Reds players praise Kenny deal

Liverpool duo Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard have praised the permanent appointment of Kenny Dalglish as Reds manager.

Dalglish was appointed caretaker boss in January following the sacking of Roy Hodgson and he has turned the club's fortunes around, guiding them on a run of 10 wins from their last 14 games.

They now look set to secure Europa League football after leapfrogging Spurs into fifth place last weekend and Liverpool owner John Henry reacted by flying to the UK this week to offer Dalglish a three-year deal.

Speaking about the appointment to the Liverpool Echo Carragher said: "Kenny is a legend here and he has given everyone a boost since he has been back in charge. With the new owners coming in as well everyone is optimistic about the future.

"We are in decent form, everyone is enjoying being part of it and we want to keep this run going."

Liverpool skipper Gerrard, who is out for the rest of the season following groin surgery, added: "It is fantastic news and the news everyone connected with the club has been waiting for.

"Kenny has lifted the place, the supporters, the players and everyone connected with the club and now we can all look forward to a bright future.

"He is very popular with the players and I think he is a popular guy in general. Everyone knows about his knowledge, his experience and what he has done in the game.

"With Kenny signing and a few more signings, I am sure expectations will go through the roof but we just need to continue what we have been doing over the last six months."

Reina wants to stay at Liverpool now Kenny's got the job

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has been convinced he still has a future at the club by the turnaround effected by Kenny Dalglish, who yesterday signed a three-year contract to become permanent manager.

When Dalglish was brought in on an initial temporary basis on January 8 to replace the sacked Roy Hodgson the situation at Anfield looked bleak.

The team were 12th in the Barclays Premier League, four points off the relegation zone having already spent time in the bottom three, with disaffection stretching from the team to the terraces.

Unhappy star striker Fernando Torres was angling for a move - which he eventually got with his £50million transfer to Chelsea - and it appeared Spain team-mate Reina would be next out of the door

But in just over four months the 28-year-old goalkeeper has been persuaded purely by results on the pitch and a change in atmosphere he can still fulfil his ambitions at Anfield.

"I am looking forward to next season. I have always said [that] - of course there was a bit of doubt back in December and January because we were not even close to where we are now," said Reina.

"We have had excellent news on Kenny's contract, Steve Clarke's (who also signed a three-year deal) and all of the technical staff.

"We are heading in the right direction and we are optimistic.

"I think by making the right steps and taking them, we can all see the difference between now and then.

"That's why we are now optimistic about the future and are looking forward."

Liverpool are now fifth in the table and victory over Tottenham on Sunday at Anfield will secure Europa League football.

Their current five-match unbeaten run has seen them pick up 13 points and go on a goalscoring spree with 17 for and only three against.

It is form which has prompted premature talk of Liverpool being able to mount a title challenge next season - a scenario which would have been met with ridicule at the turn of the year.

Reina is confident they will improve but will not get carried away.

"We have to be calm because we know how hard it is to compete with the big teams out there," he added.

"Fifth position is not the one that belongs to Liverpool, we aim higher and hopefully next season we can finish higher.

"We are all looking forward to next season, but we have to finish the job on Sunday.

"By winning we will mathematically be sure of fifth and that is our target - to be beat Tottenham, make sure we get into Europe for next season and then get some rest, which I think we deserve as well."

Although Dalglish and Clarke have had a major influence in the turnaround, a key player in recent months has been Luis Suarez, a £22.8million January signing from Ajax.

The Uruguay international, scorer of four goals in 11 matches but architect of many more, praised the approach of the Reds boss since he took over.

"He has worked very hard with us and our relationship with him is great," said the 24-year-old.

"It has been great over the last couple of months. Kenny has given me all my confidence, he trusts me.

"I think all the team feels like this, they all have this confidence because Kenny is the kind of manager that does that.

"We like him very much and hopefully we can keep doing what we're doing."

Liverpool aim to beat Everton for Motherwell flyer Humphrey

The Daily Star says Humphrey has caught the eye of a host of sides south of the border after a string of dazzling displays for the Scottish Cup finalists.

Now Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is considering a shock summer move for the lightning fast wideman.

Dalglish is scouring the market for wingers to supply his £35m striker Andy Carroll.

Liverpool are expected to run the rule over him again at the Scottish Cup Final against Celtic at Hampden a week tomorrow – but they won’t be the only ones.

Bitter rivals Everton, who were keen on Humphrey when he left Shrewsbury in 2009, will again check out the £1m-rated starlet whose contract runs out next summer.

Bolton, Birmingham, Newcastle, Swansea and Rangers are also interested and due to assess Humphrey, who was born in Kingston, Jamaica.

Liverpool FC investor signs multi-million dollar deal in Rome

An American consortium led by businessman Thomas Di Benedetto and made up of a number of investors, including Italian bank UniCredit, has completed a takeover of Serie A club Roma.

The US$101 million deal, which sees the consortium acquire a 67 per cent share in the club, marks the first major Italian soccer team to have foreign ownership and ends Sensi family's 18-year reign.

"The deal is done," said Di Benedetto, who is a partner in Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the company which owns English Premier League club Liverpool and MLB team Boston Red Sox.

"The business aspect has been very important but I love Rome and I want to do something big for this city. There have been complicated points, but i never felt like giving up.

"I am proud of my Italian origins and for this reason I will do big things. I didn't expect so much attention. "I knew of the great passion from the Romans and this has been one of the reasons for doing this. Our hope and our objective is to be as successful in Rome as Mr Berlusconi was with his team in Milan.”

Announcing his intentions for the club Di Benedetto revealed his ambition to have more local involvement in the team. “If you look around professional soccer today, there are a number of players who grew up in greater Rome. It's our goal to have more of them playing for AS Roma. I think we will put in place the people who will make it attractive for these young men to sign with us.”

• Liverpool investor’s purchase of AS Roma raises Champions League worries

In late March, prior to Di Benedetto's takeover, British newspaper The Guardian raised worries about both Liverpool and Roma competing in the Uefa Champions League next season.

Under Uefa regulations 'No individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in a Uefa club competition'. Inability to comply would see the lower-ranked club barred entry from the competition.

Depending on Di Benedetto's stake in FSG, specifically whether he is deemed to be 'able to exercise by any means a decisive influence in the decision making' at both Liverpool and Roma, there exists the possibility for the rule to be applicable in the future.

Dalglish proud of Liverpool’s Spearing

Kenny Dalglish Liverpool

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish says he is extremely proud of young midfielder Jay Spearing after he penned a new deal with the club.

The 22-year old former Reds youth team captain has signed a contract extension at Anfield, making club legend Dalglish a very proud manager.

“It is great news for us and great for him and everyone concerned," said the Scot.

"It is just reward for the performances he has put in and he deserves what he has got.

"He is a great asset to have. I suppose this is an extension of the work which has been put in by Jay not only to get a game but to get a new contract.

"Jay has started the last few games for us, which is progress in itself," he added.

"He was never in the starting XI unless there were injuries or suspensions but he is in there now and is there on merit.

"He has reached a higher level than he has before. I don't know if he knows what level is expected of him but we are delighted with what he has done."

Liverpool FC Injury news: Gerrard, Kelly, Shelvey and Aurelio update

Steve Clarke has today revealed that four players out injured could all return to full training within the next week.

Stevie Gerrard, Martin Kelly, Fabio Aurelio and Jonjo Shelvey have all been missing recently with injuries, however Clarke had some good news on the quartet: "They're all improving.

"Fingers crossed, we will have Martin Kelly and Steven Gerrard back training by the middle of next week. We hope the same for Jonjo Shelvey, who has been out for a long time.

"Fabio Aurelio is also making good progress. They're our four longer-term injuries, the ones that have been causing us a bit of concern recently, but hopefully they'll all join in training next week."

Clarke was confident that they could all return to face former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson's West Bromwich Albion side on April 2nd: "We'll have to look at the situation when we get them back and see what shape they're in,"

"If they're in contention it's a bonus for us, but if they're not we've got other difficult matches coming up next month and if they're ready for them then it will be good for the football club."

The ideal transfer plans for Liverpool FC

A lot has been made about the need for a massive squad overhaul at Liverpool this summer. Some have even reported that there could be as many as 20 comings and goings over the close season as the Reds start to mould a team capable of competing for major trophies once again. Inevitably then, there have been a vast amount of Transfer Rumour »”>transfer rumours spreading across newspapers and the internet as to who will be coming in, and who will be departing the club.

One of the most interesting aspects has been the significant split in reports that the Reds are either targeting mainly foreign based players or exclusively British talent. Only a few days ago, it was reported in the Daily Mail that Kenny Dalglish was focusing on bringing in exclusively British talent with Gary Cahill , Phil Jones , Connor Wickham , Charlie Adam , Ashley Young and Stewart Downing all being tipped as potential targets.

In the same measure, in other reports, the Reds have been linked with a vast array of players from France especially. Inevitably this has something to do with having a French Director of Football in Damien Comolli , but it can’t be a coincidence as both Dalglish and Comolli have been spotted at matches in France over the past few months. Sylvain Marveaux, Eden Hazard , Yann M’Vila, Blaise Matuidi , Mamadou Sakho and Hugo Lloris are just some of the names from France that have been linked with the Reds. In addition players such as Diego Perotti, Iker Muniain and Alvario Negredo from Spain, and Ezequiel Lavezzi and Juan Manuel Vargas from Italy have also been rumoured targets.

This is of course usual for rumours to start flying around as we head into the final stages of the season, but what is most interesting is there seems to be complete confusion in the rumour mill about whether Damien Comolli or Kenny Dalglish will be the one having the greatest influence on transfers. In one instance you will read, Kenny Dalglish ’s name linked with a British player, while it will always be exclusively reported that Damien Comolli is interested in a foreign player.

No one can really know what the summer will hold for LFC. If King Kenny does get the job full time, he will surely have a final say on transfer targets but the collegial strategy which FSG are going for in regards to transfer decisions means that Damien Comolli will surely have some say too. At the moment it looks as if Kenny is favouring players proven in the Premier League, while Comolli is doing his job by scouring Europe for young talent. Hopefully it means that we get the best of both worlds. While we get some good players from England, perhaps such as Ashley Young and Phil Jones , we will also be hopefully looking at the likes of Eden Hazard and Yann M’Vila .

When John Aldridge named his transfer targets of Young, Adam, Cahill a couple of weeks ago, there was some concern among Liverpool supporters that these players might not be good enough to improve the team. In Charlie Adam ’s case especially, I would be very concerned if we opted to buy the player for a sizeable fee, if it was at the expense of a younger, more promising talent from abroad. Of course, only time will tell what sort of strategy the Reds will employ. If we go for player’s purely based on ability, rather than any preconceived notion about home-grown talent, I will be happy.

Liverpool FC latest team to consider naming rights deal - LFC a ‘global football brand’

Liverpool FC managing director Ian Ayre has confirmed that the Premiership club is “actively seeking” a naming rights partner for a potential move to a new stadium.

However, it would not, he stressed, consider renaming the team’s spiritual home of Anfield.

Iconic home of LFC

Liverpool is the latest club in the league to consider a multi-million naming rights contract for its stadium, following on from the £100m deal Arsenal penned with Emirates in 2006 and Manchester City’s current hopes for a (reported) £150m partnership.

Club owner Fenway Sports is seeking ways to increase the capacity for home games, but is said to be unsure of whether to redevelop the existing site or build a new venue.

The latter option could open up a lucrative new revenue stream, as confirmed by Ayre in an interview with the BBC.

He noted: "We are actively seeking a naming partner if we move to a new stadium but will definitely not consider renaming Anfield."

Ayre said that “there are good times ahead" for the Reds, adding that LFC is “a global football brand, which makes it slightly different from other clubs.”

Manchester United, City, Arsenal, Chelsea fans etc etc... your thoughts on that last statement below please.

Kop Legend Hyypiä Announces Retirement

Former Liverpool defender and captain Sami Hyypiä has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37.

Hyppiä, who is fondly remembered at Anfield, played for the club for a total of ten years and was integral in our treble-winning side of 2001 and also featured in the historic Champions League Final victory in 2005.

Since leaving the Reds, the ex-Finnish international has plied his trade in Germany playing for Bayer Leverkusen where his performances were said to be extremely impressive as he managed to be named defender of year in the Bundesliga at the end of last season.

It was widely reported in August 2010 that former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson had attempted to bring the towering defender back to Merseyside, but alas his contract with Leverkusen couldn’t be bought out.

“The decision to retire grew during the season,” said Hyypia, who will now take up a coaching role at Leverkusen.

“I had no interest any more to go elsewhere to play.

“There are no regrets. Thanks to all those who have helped during the course of my career and to my relatives a big thank you, without family and friends it would not have been possible.”

Additionally, Hyypiä also wishes to help coach his national team, where he earned 105 caps throughout his international career.

“It will be an interesting year,” Hyypia added. “I must get a coaching licence and then I get the experience of Leverkusen and the national team coaching.

“I’m really happy about this. All who know me know I put myself fully into it. It is 100% or nothing.”

Sami was something of a fan favourite during his time on Merseyside and it’s safe to say that any Liverpool fan would welcome him back to the club in a coaching capacity.

Until then, all of us here on Kopsource wish him the best of luck in his retirement from a career that he can look back on and be proud of.

Dirk Kuyt delighted to commit future to Liverpool: Liverpool FC news

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Dirk Kuyt delighted to commit future to Liverpool: Liverpool FC news

Dirk Kuyt has expressed his delight on signing a new contract with his current club that will keep him at Anfield until 2013. The Dutchman’s last contract was to expire in the summer of 2012 and a new deal was in the pipeline.

The winger was linked to Inter Milan last summer with former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez willing to sign him. But Kuyt chose to stay and commit his future to the club despite a dismal season with the Reds.

The former Feyenoord striker insisted that he was always committed to the club and shrugged off speculation that he was set to leave this summer. Kuyt said that he and the club had been in talks for a new deal and the intention was always positive. Leaving the club had never been the option for him.

“I am very happy. We have been working on something, but always with the intention to reaching an agreement. The club had this approach too, so I must say that all conversations were conducted in a friendly atmosphere,” he was quoted as saying.

The Dutch international was all praise for the club and the fans and revealed that it has been a special feeling playing for the club. He thanked the Kop for all the support and admitted he will always give his best for the club.

“It fits perfectly with the feeling here at the club. From the very first day I walked in, I felt welcome. That feeling has never left,” Kuyt concluded.

Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, also expressed his satisfaction on Kuyt’s stay and praised the winger as a very important part of his plans. He said that the Dutchman is the kind of player who never gives up and performs when the team really needs him.

Dirk Kuyt joined Liverpool in 2006 from Feyenoord in a six million-pound move. He excelled under Rafael Benitez and became an integral part of the Liverpool side. The Dutchman has scored 62 goals in a total of 235 appearances for the Merseysiders in five seasons so far.

Andy Carroll fitness latest

Kenny Dalglish has confirmed he will check on the fitness of Andy Carroll before deciding whether the striker can face his former club, Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.

Liverpool FC fans looking for a business to buy a variety of goods

Thousands of people are very interested in football and generally have a favorite team. Liverpool team is one of the most popular teams in the world. In fact, many fans are so dedicated to Liverpool FC that they find a shop to buy goods.

Liverpool store merchandise is in high demand and the fans do not necessarily selective. Many fans are for goods that are looking for members of the Liverpool team, or maybe terms of them has been signed, used. This may jerseys, goalkeeper gloves, programs, pictures and many others. Objects that are used to personal belongings of members of Liverpool very popular and are of inestimable value for fans. The value is not only in monetary terms, but also emotional connection to an object once used by a popular Liverpool player.

Memories of the team are not the only ones offered by a store Liverpool. Shops can sell a variety of products with some other type of connection Liverpool. Hats are often a popular buy for the fans, especially the participation in a game in Liverpool. These hats are different styles, but the most popular are the caps. These hats are decorated with some kind of connection or Liverpool Anfield. Examples include the number and names of players, a comb or Liverpool "Anfield" must be mentioned.

Other popular choices are Liverpool SC sweaters and sweatshirts. A store can sell may include a variety of sweaters and hoodies the Anfield Liverpool SC logos or L-4 prints of birds. Although many stores have a good choice for customers to choose from, it may be possible for either a sweat-shirt shop or search for a particular item.

An online business that sells goods LC Liverpool can make a big or small shop online. to market for fans looking for a business buy Liverpool, it is best to open a shop that sells various types of related items. We want a business that is a selection of clothing for adults, teenagers, children and infants offers. Other fans can look for books or DVDs on Liverpool FC. Also, other accessories can request a cell phone. Find a business that will be a wide selection of merchandise Liverpool fans find exactly what they want to offer.

Alisha Weiss is the managing partner of boutique Anfield Road. There is a small shop near Seattle, Washington. After years of buying and collecting goods above Liverpool, they are absolutely thrilled to offer products on our official LFC other fans start their business. All products are brand new and in stock. Each order is on the same day it is shipped attached.

Liverpool FC Revival under Kenny Dalglish

The smile is back at Liverpool FC! Winning a comfortable 2-0 away win Sunderland strengthened the Reds to 45 points and only four points behind fifth place Tottenham. Liverpool found their rhythm and groove and it looks like a nice cruise to the end of the season for Kenny Dalglish men.

Fire piston

Liverpool played with good intensity against Sunderland today - very impressed. A look at their stats from this season do not tell the story of the post-Dalglish Liverpool. You have 9 losses in 15 away games - 6 in 10 of these under Roy Hodgson - Boot an important parameter that has seen the red slide on the table and Hodgson. During the 5 EPL games away from Dalglish - Liverpool have won 3 and lost 2 - including the victory over Sunderland. Finally, the Reds are an eyelash away from over.500 looks at home and the rest of the way of the form they show promise.

Liverpool held and hunger - with players like Jay Spearing energetic and Luis Suarez, the leader of the load. The first goal was a penalty from Dirk Kuyt. Mensah, hovered around the line of attack on Spearing dubious penalty. The referee gave the penalty and is a sign that Liverpool had the luck turned. You need some of these decisions 50-50, go your way sometimes. But I think you make your own luck. Spearing pounced on a loose ball and barrel to the target and characterize the kind of motivation and passion that Liverpool need to see more of his players. The second goal was a dazzling piece of individual skill by Suarez - guests in the vicinity of the base line. Andy Carroll made his debut EPL and worked hard without reward. I think the impact will come if not this season, but next time he is full of summer camp with the team. This is a transitional period for the talented striker in England and I'm not distribute sheet music for now.

IMPACT OF CONTENTS

Liverpool consolidated their influence to sixth place - which extends to beat a five-point cushion after Bolton Bolton United yesterday. They are only four points behind Tottenham. I think all that trauma, where the period when Hodgson Liverpool have flirted with relegation - Sixth would be an acceptable result - to cement and a chance to really build for 2012. Liverpool are on the rise - from the, what I can see. The mood, energy, joy, and the reader are back - thanks to Kenny Dalglish - and I see nothing but good for the Reds next season. The spirit is back. It is a team that will finish in the first six - and I am convinced that everything seems a modest goal - it is a step on the way to Dalglish and club proud once - on the road again.

THE LAST WORD

As dramatic as expensive as two signatures on Carroll and Suarez were - I think one of the best hits for the Reds is the development of outstanding young players Jay Spearing. It is a short, thick and Bulldog as a player with an impressive presence and two-way game and I see good things for him from here. He has played for England at the age level and I see a lot of Peter Reid in it. Everton won two titles with Reid, who continue to play for England at the World Cup. There are no Steven Gerrard, but he has a chance to get a first-class players.

Liverpool Football Club

What is wrong with Liverpool?

Liverpool FC is not just a football team. Since the day Bill Shankly to the legendary reign at Anfield, Liverpool FC was different from all other teams in the world. Fans have become accustomed to playing for success throughout the year Shankly, football as it should be played and the winner's trophy after trophy at home and abroad. Even after his retirement Shankly this tradition - often called the "Liverpool way -. On by the success of Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan and Kenny Dalglish Although the post brought Dalglish trophies at Anfield, including an unprecedented fifth European Cup is twenty years since the Kopit saw their team lift the Championship. So what happened?

Dalglish - Continued

Kenny Dalglish is a unique case in modern football. A man made, the transition from star player, the player / manager conveniently, by the side and to the Title. Life immediately after Dalglish was difficult for Liverpool fans, but Liverpool still the defending champion in the time and locked in a title race with Arsenal. Despite an aging team, it was still boast a page like John Barnes, Peter Beardsley, Jan Mølby, Ronnie Whelan and Ian Rush - more than capable of printing on the title next year. With Ronnie Moran at the helm until the end of the season Liverpool finished second behind Arsenal in this year, but to protect those who "seek to Liverpool way, another passionate Scot was lined up to lead the side.

Souness

Graeme Souness was an icon in Liverpool. He returned to the club he was captain of so much glory of a successful transition as head of the Rangers and seemed a natural choice to succeed Dalglish. What seems natural, but as it was degraded rapidly, which actually win a championship side. Mølby, Whelan, Beardsley, Nicol, Staunton and Houghton were all the day to barley than 30 years. In came Dean Saunders, Don Hutchinson, Mike Marsh et al, all the good players in their own right, but not won the title caliber of those they replaced. Liverpool finished eighth Year that the fans and many to this reform suddenly one of the strongest leagues teams as a turning point in the history of Liverpool FC. In one year, Liverpool had gone from title challengers Wed on one side of the table. The only positive point is the emergence of Steve and Jamie Redknapp Macmanaman.

Back to Basics

Roy Evans - Despite winning the FA Cup in '92, the fans and the board quickly lost patience with Souness and after a severe heart attack, he was replaced by one of the famous Boot Room. In Evans, Liverpool has been expansive for its flair and style known attacks. Pass and move, "was the philosophy and play a 3-5-2 formation looked divine presented as a defense terrorized young Robbie Fowler. The Reds, however, was for its soft core and a number of signatures, the defense had no influence known. People like Phil Babb, John Scales, Rob Jones, Stig Inge Bjørnebye and Bjorn Kvarme all starts well made, but made little difference to defensive weaknesses of Liverpool. About four first places and performances in the UEFA Cup has given up hope short side, but never really Evan for a resumption of Manchester United moved. In 1998 the board decided to put up former France manager Gerrard Houllier beside Evans as co-manager to work. " The idea was that from the outset doomed to failure and Evans had disappeared before the end of the season.

The French Revolution

Houllier has begun what he described as a five-year program for the team from 1999 again. This summer, were sold out Paul Ince, David James, Jason McAteer, Rob Jones, Tony Warner and Steve Harkness, while Steve McManaman left for Real Madrid on a free. At the same time, seven new players, Sami Hyypia, Dietmar Hamann, Stephane Henchoz, Vladimir Smicer, Sander Westerveld, Eric Meijer and Djimi Traore were all signed. In addition, the training at Melwood in Liverpool have become obsolete.

Rebuilding began the next year with the signing of Markus Babbel, Nicky Barmby, Pegguy Arphexad, Gregory Vignal, Emile Heskey, Gary McAllister, Christian Ziege and Igor Biscan, but the departures of David Thompson, Phil Babb, Dominic Matteo, Steve Staunton ( second), Brad Friedel and Stig Inge Bjørnebye.

The efforts have led to a result in the successful 2000-01 season, when Liverpool won a hat-trick of Cup League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup and finished third in the Premier League. Liverpool won the FA Community Shield against Manchester United and UEFA Super Cup against Bayern Munich. But Liverpool still not readily the top of the Premier League season 00/01 and was as good as it has for Houllier.

In the 2002-2003 season ready to qualify Liverpool in the Premier League fifth, or otherwise for the next season in the Champions League. Critics accused the signatures Houllier was unsuccessful in 2002: El Hadji Diouf (Lens, £ 10,000,000), Salif Diao (Sedan, £ 5,000,000) and Bruno Cheyrou (Lille, £ 4,000,000) and his inability to move Nicolas Anelka permanent loans for the signing of Diouf ineffective. Liverpool had an overhead kick, leaving Houllier May 2004 by mutual agreement.

Viva the Rafa-lution

Rafa Benitez arrived on Merseyside with a very good reputation. He had led his team Valencia in the Primera Liga title, breaking the monopoly of Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​and if the Reds had taken Valencia in Europe, they played outside and beaten.

The 5-year plan under Gerrard Houllier was torn apart and rewritten with another team rebuilding. However, Liverpool fans have followed the launch of this site Valencia Benitez at Anfield very disappointed. Benitez has signed a number of average players in La Liga have with only Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres a real impact.

Despite a shock win in the Champions League in 2005, finishing FA Cup and Premier League in the second a lot of time at Anfield has Benitez by poor transfer policy and team selection marked negative. has signed of the 37 most important players in Benitez's first team since arriving at Anfield 21 are no longer at the club. Players such as Craig Bellamy and Peter Crouch was dropped, while Robbie Keane £ 20m dream move to Spurs from the start was doomed to failure.

So what really happened?

Change. Too much, too soon. From the moment Graeme Souness revised a title winning team in each Liverpool manager had a major job rebuilding their hands, but every time we finished object will be reconstructed never what it be, you should leave the next manager, a team rebuilt by his predecessor rebuild.

Since acquiring Graeme Souness, have Liverpool € 355m spent on the transfer and recover £ 179m and yet, after all, money managers and 4, it looks like another rebuilding requires job that Liverpool currently sit in 7th place in the Premier League when writing with 7 games lost so far. With the American owners still promising a new stadium, but provides no money to fund new players, is a change of managers not even an option this time that Benitez has just released a new 5-year contract signed in the summer, the club simply can not afford to part with the Spaniards.

You can not help but wonder if things will get worse before it gets better.