Category — Liverpool
Liverpool confirmed selling Alonso to Real
Liverpool have agreed a fee with Real Madrid for the transfer of midfielder Xabi Alonso.
The deal is now subject to Alonso passing a medical on Wednesday.
A statement on Liverpool’s website added: “The terms of the deal will remain confidential and undisclosed.”
Real Madrid have been courting Alonso for much of the summer, and he is set to join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema at the Bernabeu.
Manager Rafael Benitez was keen to keep hold of the Spain international, who he signed from Real Sociedad in 2004.
Alonso has formed an impressive central midfield partnership with Javier Mascherano and was one of the club’s most consistent performers last season.
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August 5, 2009 No Comments
Benitez : Newcastle is no threat
Liverpool are clinging onto Manchester United’s coat-tails at the top of the Barclays Premier League while Newcastle are in the relegation zone, three points adrift of fourth-from-bottom Hull City.
The Merseysiders turned in one of their best performances of the season against the Magpies in December when they won 5-1 at St James’ Park.
However Benitez knows they are likely to face a much tougher test at Anfield on Sunday in a match vital to both clubs.
“We were really good that day,” said Benitez. “We were in control, we had a lot of chances and their goalkeeper (Shay Given) was man of the match. It was nearly a perfect game for us.”
Steven Gerrard, who has missed the last four matches with a groin injury, is set to return to face Alan Shearer’s side, but Manchester United could be six points clear of Liverpool at the top if they win at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
But whatever United’s result, Benitez knows his side simply have to win if they want to hold onto any hope of landing the title – and he insists a display similar to the one which blew Newcastle away last time the sides met is the requirement again.
“It will be different this time because they have a different manager and are in a different situation,” he added.
“And clearly they need to win, so I don’t think they will be waiting and waiting for a draw. They have quality players in attack.
“We just need to keep doing our job and we have the confidence to keep winning games. If Manchester United make a mistake then we have to be ready, so we must take three points from each game and then see what happens. We will not give up until the end.” – EPL
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May 1, 2009 No Comments
Torres put Liverpool back to top of league
Fernando Torres sent Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League as Rafael Benitez’s men plunged Blackburn deeper into trouble at the other end of the table with a 4-0 win at Anfield.
The Spanish striker ensured the contest was over by half-time, following up a fifth-minute volley with a header after 33 minutes to take his goal tally for the season to 14.
A long-range strike from Danish centreback Daniel Agger, seven minutes from the end, and a last-minute goal for young striker David Ngog completed a win that will have revived Liverpool’s spirits after their Champions League defeat by Chelsea on the same pitch in midweek.
The win lifted Liverpool two points clear of Manchester United ahead of the champions’ match at Sunderland later on Saturday.
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April 11, 2009 No Comments
Gerrard for PFA Player of the Year
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes that Steven Gerrard should be named PFA player of the year.
Manchester United stars Nemanja Vidic and Ryan Giggs are believed to be the favourites for the award, but Benitez is talking up the claims of Gerrard.
The midfielder is in the form of his life and has scored 21 goals this season to play a major part in the revival of Liverpool’s title ambitions.
Benitez said: “He would be my vote. If he can continue playing at this level, then why not?
“For me Stevie is one of the best players in the world. To say one is the best above anyone else is difficult because there are a lot of quality players about, but he is one of the best. That is clear.
“He is more mature, he is still learning and tactically he is improving. He can still play better because he has the potential.”
Gerrard is currently with the England squad for the forthcoming games with Slovakia and Ukraine, and Benitez added: “He has quality and always tries to improve in every training session.
“That is very positive. You know when he is on the pitch you have more options to win.”
Gerrard has claimed this week he would like to play for England in the ’second striker’ role he has at Liverpool.
And Benitez believes his new role playing just behind Fernando Torres has seen Gerrard’s game rise to even greater heights.
The Spaniard continued: “Changing his position and seeing him play in a different role has improved a lot. He scored 23 goals one year and now he has 21 and can score more before the end of this season, so that is very positive for the team and also for him.
“When Gerrard and Torres are together for us, the rest of the team has more confidence. It is good for the rest of the players as they get a lot of confidence when we have those two together on the pitch.” – ESPN
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March 26, 2009 No Comments
Benitez finally extends contract with Liverpool
Rafael Benitez has signed a new deal with Liverpool to keep him at Anfield until 2014.The former Valencia manager, who led the Reds to Champions League glory in 2005, has been in contract talks with the club for much of the season.
He told the club’s official website: “My heart is with Liverpool Football Club, so I’m delighted to sign this new deal.
“I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club like this and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying.
“I always made clear I wanted to be here for a long time and when I complete my new contract it will mean I have spent over a decade in Liverpool.”
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March 19, 2009 No Comments