Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benitez insists he isn’t feeling any more pressure following Champions League exit

FERNANDO TORRES has given his full backing to beleaguered Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez as he called for a show of unity from everyone at the club.

Benitez has come under increasing pressure following a disappointing season that reached a new low in midweek with elimination from the Champions League before the group stage has even finished.

Liverpool’s managing director Christian Purslow was swift to dismiss the notion the Spaniard’s job was in danger despite the club struggling to meet expectations in the Premier League, standing five points off a top four place.

And now Torres, who is hopeful of returning to fitness in time for Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Everton, reckons Liverpool should “stick together” and get behind Benitez.

“Benitez has shown that he is the right man to take Liverpool forward,” Torres said. “When the club has needed to be strong it always has been.

“Now is the time for everybody to stick together, from the manager right down to lowliest member of staff, because above all else we want to make our wonderful fans happy with our performances and results.

“We must be united to finish as high as possible in the Premier League. I am convinced that we will end up in the top four. We also have high hopes for the FA Cup and the Europa League. At this time, this tournament has become a goal for the club.”

Of Liverpool’s Champions League exit, Torres added: “Nobody expected it because this team has shown itself over recent seasons to be very reliable.

“This is a competition that we won in 2005 and on another occasion (2007) we got to the final. Since I have been with the club we have got to a semi-final and a quarter-final.”

Meanwhile, Benitez insists his side are “better than their results” and claims he does not feel any added pressure following their Champions League exit.

He said: “We have not been able to go through to the last 16 of the Champions League, so we must make sure we double our efforts in the league and always do our very best in future matches.

“Then the confidence of the team will be much better, we will be able to approach league matches in a better frame of mind.”

Chief executive Christian Purslow again backed Benitez to improve the club’s fortunes this week – they have won just two of their last 11 games to fall well behind in the Premier League title race – and the former Valencia chief is adamant he does not fear the sack.

He added: “I do not feel under any greater pressure, Liverpool are under pressure in every single game, anyway, whatever the competition. This is nothing new for me.

“My aim is just to help the players, working and preparing the team.

“The players know we are better than our results suggest, they can see that we could have won in every game even if not playing well.
“We have played better than many of our opponents in this run, we have had plenty of opportunities to score. They know the situation.

“We have ideas, we have solutions to problems, and plans for matches. The players know we have been a lot better than people are saying.”

He continued: “We need a winning mentality to return, but we have not planned any differently for matches, just the same organisation.

“Things are still positive, we have players coming back from injuries. We have been positive in recent league games against Birmingham and Manchester City, things have been improving.”

Benitez’s hand has been severely weakened by injuries to star duo Torres and Steven Gerrard as well as a number of other first XI regulars.

Gerrard is now back, along with Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio and Yossi Benayoun, but Torres is unlikely to be ready for the short trip across Stanley Park.

“Steven Gerrard has started to play 90 minutes again, so there are a lot of things that give us confidence that we are improving,” said Benitez.

“Some players are fitter now. So we can manage the team and matches in a different way.

“If you do not have a strong bench, it is difficult to change games.

“Now with more options it can be easier for us in such circumstances.”

Meanwhile, Dean Bouzanis yesterday joined Accrington Stanley on loan until the New Year.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper has agreed a deal that will run until January 2. Bouzanis arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2007 from the New South Wales Institute of Sport and has figured for John McMahon’s reserves this season.

Steven Gerrard issues Liverpool FC derby match rallying cry

STEVEN GERRARD today issued a pre-derby rallying cry and insisted Liverpool’s squad will stay united to turn their season around.

Few people have felt the frustration of the Reds early exit from the Champions League more than Gerrard, who is acutely aware certain critics perceive them as a club in crisis.

The captain, however, has made it emphatically clear nothing could be further from the truth and says the group Rafa Benitez will take to Goodison Park on Sunday are all pulling in the same direction.

What’s more, Gerrard believes the experiences of the last two months have only served to make Liverpool stronger and he is hoping there will be an emphatic response to recent disappointments when they tackle Everton.

“We’re all aware the season isn’t going the way we would want it to and we’re really disappointed to have gone out of the Champions League,” said Gerrard.

“We’re far from happy with our form in the Premier League as well but the only way to turn things around is by sticking together.

“We’ve shown in the past what we can achieve when we do that and if there’s one positive about the difficult time we’ve been having, it’s that we’ve all pulled together.

“The manager, the staff and the players are all working as hard as we can to try and get the improvement we’ve been looking for.“It won’t be easy, as we’ve given ourselves plenty to do, but we still have the confidence and belief that we can finish in the top four.”

Having spent most of the autumn battling a groin problem, Gerrard is in better shape after games against Manchester City and Debrecen and Liverpool will give Fernando Torres every chance of joining him in the starting line-up at Goodison.

Once Torres is back to full fitness, Liverpool will be a different side but whoever Benitez selects for duty this weekend, Gerrard says they are indebted to give a five-star display.

“Getting some of our injured players back playing regularly will make a big difference and give everyone a boost – the key now is to keep working together,” Gerrard said

“We owe it to the club, ourselves and most importantly to our fans, as their support has been magnificent at time when things haven’t gone as well as we’d all like.”

Benitez, meanwhile, thinks the 1-0 victory in Budapest on Tuesday could be just the result required to kick their campaign back into life.

“All the players know that we can do better in the Premier League but so far the table does not show a good situation.

“We have got to change the position and it was important on Tuesday we remembered what it was like to win again. It was good for our confidence but we need to continue.”

Gary McAllister's praise for his friend and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard

THE scene was familiar: two men, stood on the touchline before an important Liverpool game, speaking animatedly about what the night might hold in store.

On one side, was the master, passing on his wisdom, offering reassurance and giving pointers whenever possible; on the other was the apprentice, listening intently and hanging off every word.

Gary McAllister and Steven Gerrard may have ceased to be team-mates in the summer of 2002 but, to see them interacting in Budapest’s Ferenc Puskas Stadium, it was just like old times on Tuesday evening.

Gerrard has never made any secret of the esteem in which he holds McAllister, a man whose class, guile and goalscoring ability made him an Anfield legend, and during the early part of his career, would frequently pick the Scot’s brains.

On away trips, the only seat Gerrard wanted on the team coach was the one next to McAllister and such habits clearly die hard, judging by the way the skipper made a beeline for his great friend before the Champions League clash with Debrecen.

Respect in this relationship, however, is mutual; McAllister has charted Gerrard’s progress from promising novice to midfield thoroughbred with great pride but had to do a double take when one statistic was put to him this week.

When he strides out at Goodison Park on Sunday, Gerrard will represent Liverpool for the 499th time, an achievement which – in a day and age when players swap clubs at a dizzying pace – his mentor stresses should not be taken lightly.

“It’s a great testament to him,” said McAllister. “When I look at players like Stevie and Carra, as well as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes at Manchester United, you can’t help but have the greatest respect.

“When you play for Liverpool, every game you are expected to produce your very best in must win games and the pressure is always on you. So it’s a fantastic achievement to get to that record, particularly with him and Carra both being local lads.

“It was clear to see he had talent from word go. I’ve watched him develop and he just keeps getting better; his decision making is getting better and he is still improving.

“That comes from playing important games in the Champions League and Premier League and being a leading player for England. Gerard Houllier started him off on the right so he could learn his trade away from the hurly-burly in the middle.

“But it was pretty clear his best position was always going to be in the centre. Of course he could still be effective on the right as he is in his position behind Torres but, first and foremost, he’s just an outstanding midfielder.”
Thanks in no small part to McAllister. Though he may play down the influence he had on Gerrard, there is no disputing his words and actions left an indelible mark on the England international.

“Steven just used to talk about football,” he recalled. “There were never any heart-to-hearts or think tanks, it was all just general stuff really. From my point of view, it was just as interesting listening to him talk about the players he rated and admired.

“He liked to tackle and that was with him from when he was a young boy. He trained the way he played, which was totally committed. Yes, there were a few risky tackles but it wasn’t anything malicious, it was just general competitiveness.

“But he did a make a decision that he could not keep getting involved in them. Apart from anything else, he didn’t want to be in a position where he might have hurt himself and that’s come with experience.”

Which brings us neatly back to McAllister. Experience is something Houllier wanted in the summer of 2000 but few could have predicted his Bosman signing from Leeds United would have turned out to be such a huge success.

Playing a key role as Liverpool chased a Cup treble the following spring, McAllister’s goals were crucial in wins at Bradford, Coventry and in the UEFA Cup semi-final against Barcelona, while he was named Man-of-the-Match in the Dortmund final against Alaves.

Yet ask any Liverpudlian for their best McAllister memory and, inevitably, every answer will be the same – a 40-yard free-kick, injury-time winner against Everton in April 2001, which breathed fresh life into the 2000/01 campaign, is unsurpassable.

McAllister, not surprisingly, smiles warmly at the memory and he hopes the feelings which that strike invoked will be similar on Sunday, as Rafa Benitez’s side look to put their Champions League misery behind them in style.

It has been an exceptionally difficult autumn, one that has tested the patience of even the most fair-minded supporter, but McAllister is convinced a win on enemy territory, coupled with the return of key personnel, will see normal service resume.

“I used to watch derby matches from afar and when I signed, it was the first game I immediately looked for, as I’d heard so much about it,” said McAllister. “It was special to be involved and that game at Goodison (on Easter Monday 2001) was quite interesting!

“I scored a couple of goals at the end of that season but purely because of the stature of the fixture, that was the most special. I’ll never forget running to the supporters and seeing the looks of almost disbelief on their faces. It was the same when I turned to the bench.

“It was some feeling. It’s going to be a tough game but it’s probably the perfect one to have after the disappointment on Tuesday. Rafa won’t have to motivate the lads, they know how important it is.

“They’re a long way behind Chelsea but, at the minute, all they can do is look to peg back the teams immediately ahead of them. There’s a long way to go. Liverpool have got a very good team when everyone is fit and I’m sure they will be fine.”

Christian Purslow dismisses talk of Anfield manager being sacked - Liverpool FC latest

CHRISTIAN PURSLOW has dismissed any notion Rafael Benitez’s job as Liverpool manager is in danger despite his team’s Champions League exit last night.

A 1-0 win in Hungary against Debrecen wasn’t enough as Fiorentina’s victory over Lyon by the same scoreline means Liverpool cannot now qualify from Group E.

The Anfield outfit will instead drop down to the Europa League for the first time under Benitez’s reign, the latest setback of a disappointing campaign with Liverpool already out of the Carling Cup and five points off the top four.

But Liverpool managing director Purslow said: “The fact we are out has no bearing on Rafa whatsoever.

“He signed A new five-year deal four months ago and in those terms he is four months into a five-year journey and you don’t deviate from long-term plans and the way to take the club to the next level because of two late goals against Lyon, and that’s what it boils down to.”

Purslow also allayed fears the elimination will have a major impact on the club’s finances.

Liverpool budget for progress to the first knockout stage of the Champions League, and the anticipated shortfall of £2.4million, would be covered by a run in the Europa League.
“We budget for a level of performance that maybe fans would not like to be at, it’s prudent,” said Purslow. “If we have three home games in the Europa League, we are equivalent to what we budget for in the Champions League.

“We’re very disappointed we are out, but we could have played one home leg, one away leg and been out.

“I like to think we’ll be taking 40 or 50,000 to Hamburg in May and if we get halfway to doing that we will make more money than we would do from one round in the Champions League.

“It’s a missed opportunity financially but it has no effect on budgeted performance, and that’s the key thing. If you budget prudently then you don’t get negative surprises if football doesn’t go the right way.”

Yossi Benayoun praises radical doctor as Liverpool FC look for miracle cure to European qualification problem

LIVERPOOL will seek a miracle cure for their Champions League campaign this evening – as Yossi Benayoun praised the radical doctor that has given him the chance of helping the Anfield cause.

Rafael Benitez’s side take on Hungarian champions Debrecen in the 69,000-capacity Ferenc Puskas Stadium with their European challenge on a knife edge.

Liverpool must beat the Group E whipping boys and pray Lyon do them a favour in Italy against Fiorentina.

While Glen Johnson is expected to be available after missing the weekend draw with Manchester City because of a calf problem, Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel and Albert Riera are all absent.

But Benayoun was among the party that yesterday flew to Budapest after a remarkable recovery from the hamstring tear he suffered against Birmingham City earlier this month.

The Israeli was expected to be sidelined for up to five weeks but was fit enough to score Liverpool’s equaliser as a substitute on Saturday after visiting radical therapist Mariana Kovacevic.

And the midfielder has revealed the Belgrade doctor – who also treated Johnson, Riera and Fabio Aurelio last week – used the placenta of a woman and not a horse to help cure his ailment.

“I have seen so many stories about the treatment on my hamstring, but, for me, there were never any worries,” said Benayoun.

“There were no animal parts used and no injections.

“The doctor has treated a lot of players and seems to be held in very high regard.

“She explained everything to me beforehand and told me she would be using fluid from a placenta that had come from a woman.

“Nothing went into the muscle itself. It was just a case of massaging the liquid on to the skin around the affected area and letting it get to work.

“It meant I was able to play again and help the team within a fortnight of suffering the injury.

“When I felt the hamstring go, against Birmingham, and signalled to the bench that I couldn’t carry on, I never envisaged being back on the pitch so soon. I have to be happy with that, and it shows what can be done with this treatment.”
Benayoun will now compete with Aurelio for a starting role this evening as Liverpool aim to conjure another Champions League escape act.

“It was clear I was not ready to start against Manchester City, and it was unfortunate I had to go on so early, after those injuries to Daniel Agger and Ryan Babel,” said Benayoun, a 19th-minute substitute at the weekend.

“If I can play a part in Hungary, great. It is always a good feeling when your coach wants you in the team, and I desperately want to

contribute anything I can to try and help us qualify from the group. But I can’t see myself playing the full 90 minutes. I don’t believe that is a realistic aim after missing so much training. Everyone in the squad knows my condition and how I’m still trying to get my fitness back, but I will do the best I can.

“This is an important phase for the team and, of course, the manager. We have had one or two disappointments since the start of the season, but he has proved his worth many times over the years, and I don’t believe he is about to leave.

“We just need a bit of luck, with injuries off the field and the bounce of the ball on it, and everything will change for us.”

TONIGHT’S officials are from Holland, with Bjorn Kuipers the referee.

Champions League progress now would be up with past heroics, insists Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benitez

RAFAEL BENITEZ admits Liverpool will equal any of their previous Champions League group heroics if they pull off another great escape this season.

The Anfield outfit take on Hungarian champions Debrecen this evening aiming to avoid failing to reach the knockout stages of the competition for the first time under the Spaniard.

Liverpool must win in Budapest and hope an already-qualified Lyon gain a result in Italy against Fiorentina in Group E’s other fixture.

Benitez’s side won their last three games in 2007-08 to progress while they beat Olympiakos by two clear goals in their decider in 2004-05 before going on to win the trophy.

And with Liverpool five points behind second-placed Fiorentina, Benitez accepts it will take something special for his team to extend their Champions League campaign.

“It will be difficult to get through,” said the Anfield manager. “I have said before that it will be a miracle if we do, but it depends on the other teams and if we do our job. We have to win and see what happens in the other games.

“If we can play against Fiorentina with a chance to get through then it would be fantastic.

“The last time we qualified in this manner was amazing so if we can do it now it will also be amazing. It will be at the same level.”

If Liverpool and Lyon draw, then Benitez’s side must beat Fiorentina by three clear goals at home in a fortnight to progress.

Should both Liverpool and Lyon both win, a victory of any sort against Fiorentina would be enough, while any other combination of results would see the Anfield outfit eliminated.

Benitez has dismissed fears of any French conspiracy, and added: “I think Lyon have an incentive to finish top. If you can be qualified first maybe it can be and advantage but it can also help the confidence of the team. Fiorentina are strong at home but Lyon have quality and play well on the counter-attack, so we will see. I’m sure Lyon will try to win, they will be professional. The coach will try to win, because it will give him and the team confidence.
And Jamie Carragher said: “The hardest thing is our destiny isn’t in our own hands. When we have been in situations like this before, we have been able to sort it out ourselves.

“We have the belief we can do special things. We have done it with this team and manager over the last four or five years but it has been part of club for a long time. We have left ourselves a little bit of a hole and hopefully we can get out of it.”

The Anfield budget anticipates qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League, and it is expected elimination would mean a £2.4million shortfall that could be recouped with progress in the Europa League.

A draw tonight would at least secure a berth in Europe’s secondary competition, and although Liverpool have kept only one clean sheet in 10 away games this season, Debrecen have leaked more goals – 12 – than anyone else in the group stage.

“It won’t be easy,” said Benitez. “They will try to impress and do well and try to win. There are no easy games in Europe, we will have to concentrate on our game. We know they can score goals, but they have conceded a lot too.

“We feel we can do well in defence but we know we have to score goals if we want to win. For us, how we approach the game is the same as all the other games. We are just think about winning. It’s simple for us. We have to go for the win and not think about anything else.”

Outspoken Ryan Babel opens up Liverpool FC exit after interview

RYAN BABEL is edging closer to the Anfield exit after launching an astonishing attack on manager Rafa Benitez and his team-mates.

The Dutchman, who misses tonight’s Champions League clash with Debrecen due to injury, insists Benitez is partly to blame for his failure to make the grade in the Premier League.

And the 22-year-old claims his progress has been hampered by the “selfish” attitude of some Reds stars.

Babel’s comments look set to be the final nail in his Liverpool career with Benitez likely to offload the under-achieving winger during the January transfer window.

“I have tried to talk to the manager but it isn't of any use,” Babel said.

“I couldn't really do anything with the feedback Benitez gave me.

“His philosophy is simple – try your hardest in training and then your chance will come. But sometimes I wonder how long I can sustain it.

“Many players can play lots of bad matches and still keep their credits – I can't.

“Benitez is not a man who will give you his trust straightaway. Benitez is a manager who in certain situations can do exactly the opposite of what you expect several times.

“Every time me or my agent (Willie Haatrecht) have a chat with him he stresses I can't leave and he believes in me.

“We have to trust he is telling the truth. Saying it is different to showing it. We have agreed to look at my situation during the winter break. If there's no improvement then, I have to be honest, I want to play somewhere else.
“I still want to stay at Liverpool. I just have the feeling, for many people, I still have to prove myself.

“I think that is unjustified and a pity. I have shown I can do it plenty of times. I know I could be further in my career but if nobody helps you, if they don't make it easier for you then it is difficult.

“In 2½ years with Liverpool I have never started three matches in a row.”

Babel, who has come off the bench 58 times out of his 105 Liverpool appearances, was also critical of his Anfield team-mates.

“All the forwards, they always live for their own success. It is hard for someone who isn't selfish by nature to act selfish,” he said.

“I don't know if my team-mates were shocked by my new character but I do notice once in a while they get confused.

“Normally I would pass the ball – now I take the shot myself more often. I see how they look at me with a face that says; 'Hey I am free!'

“But I'm not going to explain it any further because they don't give me any explanation when I ask for the ball.

“We have a lot of different cultures and on the pitch we are a tight group. But outside the pitch everyone goes their own way.

“The Spanish-speaking guys are very close. The youths hang out together. And I get along with Benayoun and Lucas.

“Dirk Kuyt? I don't really hang out with him. Dirk got accepted in the group of the Spanish-speaking players. He is very friendly with them and it looks as if he understands their jokes.”

Babel signed for £11.5million from Ajax in the summer of 2007 but after a promising first season, when he was voted Liverpool's Young Player of the Year, he has regularly failed to impress.

REDS LINE UP MOVE FOR VAN NISTELROOY

Ruud Van Nistelrooy is being lined up for a New Year move to Liverpool.
The Dutch striker is surplus to requirements at Real Madrid as he recovers from the latest of a series of injuries that have limited him to four appearances this season.

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez is looking at the possibility of taking the former Manchester United striker on loan until the end of the season as he aims to add firepower to his team.

Van Nistelrooy, 33, is also attracting interest from Tottenham and Manchester City as he nears fitness following a thigh problem.

But he would prefer a move to Anfield because he believes Liverpool will still be fighting for the Barclays Premier League title at the end of the season – and that would help him secure a place in Holland's World Cup squad.

media watchIt's a move that would send shock waves all the way to Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson believed he landed a huge psychological blow on Benitez when he persuaded former Liverpool striker Michael Owen to join United in the summer. Recruiting Van Nistelrooy would give the Merseysiders a big New Year lift as they look to get back into the title race.

Van Nistelrooy scored 95 goals in 150 appearances for United before moving to Spain three years ago in a £18million deal after falling out with Ferguson.

Real signed Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema last summer, while Van Nistelrooy is also behind Bernabeu golden boy Raul in the pecking order.

Benitez will be given a limited budget for signings in January – and a loan move for Van Nistelrooy is a big attraction.

Van Nistelrooy's goal-scoring pedigree is impressive. In three seasons he has been the Champions League's top marksman. He is currently the Champions League's second highest scorer – only Raul has more.

As well as having World Cup aspirations Van Nistelrooy also needs to secure a long-term contract. His current agreement with Real expires next summer.

The other big attraction for Benitez is that Van Nistelrooy can operate as a solo striker in the way he currently deploys Fernando Torres.

SKRTEL REFLECTS ON BITTERSWEET DAY

Martin Skrtel admits the frustration of being held to a 2-2 draw by Manchester City at Anfield tempered the joy felt at scoring his debut goal for Liverpool on Saturday.
The commanding centre-back put the Reds into a deserved 50th minute lead against Mark Hughes' side when he edged in front of Emmanuel Adebayor to prod Steven Gerrard's free-kick beyond Shay Given.

It was Skrtel's first for Liverpool in 65 appearances, but the final outcome of the contest ensured it was a bittersweet afternoon for the Slovakian.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I was very happy to score my first goal for Liverpool. I have been waiting a long time for it, so it was a good moment for me.

"I am in my third season here and hadn't managed to score until today, but I hope this is the first of many more.

"But we are frustrated to have drawn again because we wanted to win. We couldn't in the end, and we are not happy because of this.

"There is nothing we can do about the result now and we have to look forward to the next game and try to win."

After Skrtel had opened the scoring, Liverpool were left stunned by City's quick-fire double as Adebayor and Stephen Ireland put the visitors into the lead before Yossi Benayoun salvaged a point for the Reds.

"I think we played well as a team and had a lot of possession in the first half," added Skrtel.

"After we scored our first goal, we tried to sit back and play on the counter-attack, but we conceded two goals quickly and couldn't believe it."

With Liverpool now set to travel to Budapest for the crucial Champions League encounter with Debrecen on Tuesday evening, Skrtel insists the Reds cannot afford to dwell on their City stalemate.

The 24-year-old said: "We now have a big game coming up on Tuesday, and as I said, we have to forget about today and start thinking about Debrecen because it is a game we have to win.

"I am looking forward to the game and if I am selected I will give my all to try and help us get a good result."

RAFA'S RESPONSE TO CITY DRAW

Rafa Benitez backed Liverpool to hold off the threat of Manchester City and establish themselves back in the top four over the coming months after his side salvaged a point in difficult circumstances at Anfield.
Martin Skrtel's first goal in English football gave the Reds a 1-0 lead just after the break but strikes from Stephen Ireland and Emmanuel Adebayor turned the game on its head.

The hosts were right to feel hard done by after replays showed Ireland was offside for his effort but within a minute Yossi Benayoun levelled at the Anfield Road End.

Liverpool were without Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson for the clash and were dealt early blows with injuries to Ryan Babel (twisted ankle) and Daniel Agger (five stitches after a clash of heads with Kolo Toure).

Benitez said: "It was a bad start because we tested some players early this morning and Johnson wasn't confident and couldn't start, so we had to move Carra to the right.

"Then we got everything right and had another problem and another. We had to move some players and we knew some players were not fully fit because they were not training for a long time.

"It was difficult from the beginning but when we scored the goal I thought maybe we could do it but City were dangerous from counter attacks.

"After conceding two goals the team's comeback was fantastic. We showed great character. We scored our goal and could have got two at the end. With all the problems we had we were still pushing.

"You cannot be happy when you draw at home but when you have a gameplan and you lose Johnson in the morning, then Agger, then Babel. We had to manage but the reaction of the players was fantastic.

"With the problems we had today, you cannot ask for more from the players."

Asked what a second consecutive 2-2 at Anfield meant for Liverpool's top four chances, Benitez added: "City have quality but if we can improve and play at our level we'll be in the top four.

"We won six games in a row and I am sure when we have players back we'll start winning games in a row."

Benitez is hopeful of the treatment room clearing ahead of the midweek clash against Debrecen in Hungary.

He said: "We have to see how Babel and Agger progress for the next game on Tuesday but the positives are that Benayoun played, Riera was available on the bench and Fabio Aurelio came on and played - that's very good news.

"Hopefully we'll have Johnson back for Tuesday."

Quizzed on why Benayoun was substituted late in the game after himself coming on for the injured Babel, Benitez said: "Gerrard had some cramps in his calf. It was between Gerrard and Yossi but Gerrard in a big game scores goals and Yossi was a little bit more tired because he was 10 days without training with the team."

Liverpool FC 2 Manchester City 2: Final whistle report from Anfield

IT was the ultimate game of two halves as Liverpool shared the spoils with Manchester City at Anfield today.

With the opening 45 minutes a tepid affair, the game exploded into life with four goals after the break as Liverpool took the lead before coming back to salvage a point.

Martin Skrtel grabbed his first for the club to put the Reds ahead in the 50th minute before Emmanuel Adebayor levelled matters.

City then went ahead through Stephen Ireland in the 75th minute. The lead was short-lived, however, as Yossi Benayoun made it two-a-piece just a minute later.

There was a hint of offside about City’s second but questions were raised once again of Liverpool’s zonal marking system as Adebayor was left totally unmarked to head the visitors back into the game.

Having drawn all of their previous five league matches, it was no great surprise for the travelling support to leave Anfield discussing a solitary point again.

For Liverpool though, this will be seen as two more dropped in a run that now extends to just one win in 10 games.

The Reds were boosted by the sight of Steven Gerrard making a first start for a month since limping out of the 2-1 Champions League defeat here to Lyon.

Following the much publicised placenta treatment in Serbia during the international break, Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera were both on bench with Fabio Aurelio, but Glen Johnson failed a late fitness test, leaving Jamie Carragher to continue at right-back.

The Reds’ injury woes continued however when Daniel Agger was stretchered off following a clash of heads with Kolo Toure, and then Ryan Babel was withdrawn after a strong challenge from Nigel De Jong.

Agger was replaced by Sotirios Kyrgiakos while Benayoun came on for Babel, only for the Israeli to later be replaced by Aurelio with signs he may have suffered a recurrence of the hamstring injury sustained against Birmingham a fortnight ago.

With Pepe Reina having only one notable save to make before the break, Liverpool displayed the better invention and created the best chance of the first half after just four minutes when Skrtel forced an instinctive save from Shay Given from Gerrard’s corner.
Gerrard then flashed a volley over the bar at the second attempt midway through the half before Dirk Kuyt saw a shot from the edge of the area ricochet off Wayne Bridge for a corner.

From the resultant kick, Skrtel again proved Liverpool’s most likely goal threat as he headed wide but, still, it remained goalless at halftime.

Liverpool started the second half as they had the first, only this time the attacking intent was rewarded when Martin Skrtel put the Reds ahead.

The defender managed what he had erstwhile prevented Adebayor from doing at the other end, timing his run to perfection to get in front of the Togo man to convert Gerrard’s freekick past Given at the front post.

That saw Carlos Tevez emerge from the dugout for the first time, the Argentinian replacing Barry on the hour as City looked for a response.

Tevez’s introduction had the desired effect as City livened immediately.

It took a last-ditch challenge from Benayoun to prevent Zabaleta squaring to Adebayor in the 66th minute, as City pressed for the eqauliser.

That proved a warning for Liverpool who then appeared to stand and watch as Adebayor was afforded far too much space to head Mark Hughes’ side back into it on 69 minutes.

Just seven minutes later, City were ahead.

Trickery from Shaun Wright-Phillips on the edge of the area found Stephen Ireland on the edge of the six-yard box to convert past Reina.

With City hoping to press their claims for a Champions League place here this afternoon, Liverpool could ill-afford to lose this game.

And so Benayoun’s leveller just a minute later dispelled some of the angst inside Anfield.

The relief will be tempered by frustration however.

With this season’s Champions League campaign floundering, there is now more onus on Liverpool to start picking up maximum points in the Premier League if they are to hold on to a prized top four place and make it in to next year’s competition.

Alberto Aquilani still isn't ready to start a game for Liverpool.

The Italian international won't be rushed back into action after a long injury lay-off. Rafael Benitez will continue to use his £20m signing as a subsitute until he is fully match fit.

"Alberto wants to play for us and he is so desperate to be involved as quickly as he can but he understands the reasons he cannot start yet," said Benitez.

"He wants to keep improving his condition and now it is just a matter of him keeping calm as it won't be long before he is there. He is pushing us all the time.

"He is very positive and wants to help the team now but you must remember that we have a responsibility to him and we will not take any risks at this stage.

"We have got to keep analysing the situation and watching him in every training session but we know that the right time is nearly here. He has a very good mentality."

Pepe Reina is saving Liverpool FC’s seasons, says Alan Hansen

PEPE REINA is the “tower of strength” that has already prevented Liverpool’s season from heading into oblivion.

That’s the verdict of Alan Hansen, who believes the Spain international is now challenging Ray Clemence for the title of the club’s greatest-ever goalkeeper.

Liverpool entertain Manchester City on Saturday having suffered a run of just one win in nine games to slip to seventh in the Premier League standings.

Another defeat at the weekend would further compromise their hopes of a top-four finish, with their ambitions downscaled following a poor start to the campaign.

And Hansen – who played more than 600 games for Liverpool and gained 23 winners’ medals in a 14-year Anfield career – reckons it would have been even worse but for the presence of Reina.

“Pepe has been invaluable again this season, and, for me, should now be considered as one of the greatest goalkeepers Liverpool have had,” said Hansen.

“He’s right up there with Ray Clemence and it’s probably just as well because if we didn’t have a keeper as good as Reina, we could have been in serious trouble this season.

“Liverpool’s back four have struggled at times this season, but if you have a back four that’s struggling, with a dodgy keeper behind them, then it’s the end of the story.

“Our defence have struggled but Pepe has been a tower of strength. He’s been a model of consistency. Keepers like him are worth their weight in gold as they give the back four confidence.

“He has always been a good goalkeeper but if he had a weakness when he first came to Liverpool, it was when the ball was in the air, coming across him quickly.

“Initially he had one or two problems with those type of crosses but he has sorted it out and his judgement is now a lot better.

“In terms of every other quality you need to have as a keeper, Reina is right at the top of the tree. He is reliable, dependable and makes great saves.”
Liverpool are a point behind City having played a game more, and are three adrift of Tottenham Hotspur, who currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification place.

Benitez’s side have played five of the six teams above them this season in all competitions and beaten only champions Manchester United, losing to Arsenal in the Carling Cup and Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston VIlla in the Premier League.

And Hansen believes the visit of Mark Hughes’s Eastlands outfit is a must-win for Liverpool to get their season back on track.

“The City game is massive because if you take our current Premier League position into account and the fact qualification for the Champions League knockout stages is out of our hands, it becomes absolutely imperative Liverpool win,” said the Scot. “We want to qualify for the Champions League next season by finishing in the top four and a win would keep the spirits of everyone connected with Liverpool up after such a bad run.

“The sooner we get out of that, the better for the manager, players and supporters. What Liverpool must do is ensure that it isn’t them who are in danger of slipping out of the top four if City do come good.

“But if Liverpool get everybody fit, I’m confident Rafa Benitez’s team are capable of showing what they’re all about.”

FOR Alan Hansen’s regular column, read this week’s official LFC Magazine.

Liverpool FC latest: Glen Johnson is one of the best right-backs in Europe, says Rafael Benitez

GLEN JOHNSON has returned from revolutionary treatment in Belgrade with Rafael Benitez confident the Liverpool defender can prove himself one of the best right-backs in Europe.

Johnson made a flying visit this week to radical therapist Mariana Kovacevic in an attempt to rectify the hamstring injury that caused him to miss England’s friendly against Brazil in Doha last weekend.

The full-back travelled to Belgrade along with team-mate Fabio Aurelio to see Kovacevic, who has become famous for treating sportsmen with the liquid from horse placenta, after the fitness of both Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera improved noticeably after visiting the specialist earlier in the week.

And Johnson, also recently troubled by groin and calf problems, is now expected to be available for tomorrow’s crunch Premier League visit of Manchester City.

The 25-year-old has had a promising start to his Anfield career following a £17million summer move from Portsmouth, despite criticism of his defending while on international duty.

But while Benitez admits Johnson can improve, he is convinced the right-back is already among Europe’s finest in his position.

“I am surprised that everybody is still asking about Glen,” said the Liverpool manager. “I think he is a very good player, he is keen to learn so he knows he can improve in defence, but if you analyse the balance between his attack and defence then he is a very good player.

“He is a threat for the other team all the time. He has to improve in defence but if he continues attacking then he will be more difficult for the opponent.

“How do we improve him? The first thing is to understand the game and the problems and then afterwards he will improve. But he is keen to learn so we will see how he progresses in this time.

“He is one of the best in Europe, 100%. When you analyse the strengths and weaknesses in his game he is really good.”
Benitez added: “The problems he has are not as bad as people think. Going forward he is a threat and we have to develop his defence. He needs to improve on a little bit of everything, it is not just defence or possession but it is a bit of everything.

“In defence it is a question of mentality. There are a few things we can put together.

“When you talk with him about something, he knows and tries to do it. Sometimes though you need time, you can’t change everything in one second so he will improve, 100%.

“To have a player of this quality makes a big difference.”

Aurelio, Benayoun and Riera all have an outside chance of appearing against City tomorrow, although Fernando Torres will not be considered as he continues his rehabilitation after a groin complaint.

Johnson is one of several Liverpool players who will use the remainder of the season to improve their prospects of a place in next summer’s World Cup after the final qualifiers were determined on Wednesday night.

And that number could include David Ngog, who has been approached by Cameroon to play in the forthcoming World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations despite having played for France at Under-21 level.

Ngog, who has played for France fromUnder-16 level through to Under-21, qualifies for Cameroon through his father, with Indomitable Lions coach Paul Le Guen keen for Ngog to change his allegiance.

That, though, would leave Liverpool with problems in attack as Cameroon are involved in the African Cup of Nations in Angola in January.

“I have had contact with the Cameroonian federation,” said Ngog. “Now I need some time to think about things. I’m very flattered.”

Liverpool have confirmed their FA Youth Cup third round tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield will be played on Monday, November 30 with a 7pm kick-off.

Emiliano Insua wants Liverpool to get back to winning ways against Man City on Saturday.

With their newfound wealth, Man City have been tipped by many pundits to qualify for next season's Champions League, possibly at the expense of Liverpool. Insua believes therefore that Saturday's game is an ideal opportunity for the Reds to send out a statement.

"We are training well and everyone is focused and ready to show what we are capable of against Manchester City," said the Argentinian left-back.

"They have signed a lot of good players and they are a good team but we have a good squad as well.

"They want to be in the top four but there are a lot of teams fighting for this. We have to push hard and start winning games.

"There is long way to go in the season and a lot of games left in the Premier League for us to put things right, starting with Manchester City.

"Maybe we are making some mistakes in defence and conceding goals from set pieces but we have worked hard on this in training and are confident we can put things right.

"City will come to Anfield to try and win and I think it will be a very open game. We have to be strong in defence and we have an advantage because we are playing at home.

"It's always really good for us to play at Anfield because the supporters are always behind us and pushing us on to victory.

"We always know when we play at home we have one more player than the opposition because of our supporters.

"We know we have to start winning games and this is a big game, but it's still too early to be looking at the league table. Maybe we can look at it again in February/March and then see where we are."

Liverpool FC legend and former Republic of Ireland player John Aldridge on cheating Thierry Henry

JOHN ALDRIGE today demanded FIFA to take drastic action against Thierry Henry following the handball that shattered the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dreams.

Not surprisingly, the Liverpool legend – who represented Ireland at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups – was incensed by the manner of the goal France scored to secure a scarcely deserved 1-1 draw which booked their place in South Africa next summer.

Henry clearly handled the ball before squaring for William Gallas to cancel out Robbie Keane’s opener at the Stade de France to leave Aldridge and a nation enraged by the injustice.
What dismayed Aldridge most of all, though, was the fact the ‘crime’ was committed by Henry, who is looked upon as a true sportsman and a role model for so many.

"Should they (FIFA and UEFA) ban him? Definitely," he told the Liverpool Echo today.

"Something should happen but the sadly it won’t," said Aldridge, who scored 19 times in his 69 appearances for Ireland.

"UEFA is run by a Frenchman (Michel Platini) with FIFA is run by Sepp Blatter. They make the rules as they go along.

"It is just unbelievable. For a footballer who has the highest respect to do something like that and stoop to such a level shows the desperate measures France had to take.
"It’s pretty galling, to put it mildly. It’s all very well him apologising and saying that he told the referee he had handled it but just look at the way he celebrated.

"He raced off as if he had scored himself and when that happens, there is absolutely no way a referee is going to change his mind.

"It’s the biggest talking point in the World Cup since Diego Maradona (handled against England) in 1986. And to think he makes adverts with Tiger Woods and Roger Federer – they (Gillette) would have every right if they decided to sack him."

What hurt Aldridge most of all was the fact Ireland’s outstanding display did not get rewarded and he said: "It’s one of the best performances I’ve seen from an Irish side. If only we had taken our chances in normal time."

Liverpool FC won’t jeopardise Fernando Torres’ recovery by rushing him back

LIVERPOOL will not jeopardise Fernando Torres recovery from his persistent groin injury by rushing him into action ahead of time.

There was some speculation last night Torres had followed team-mates Yossi Benayoun, Albert Riera, Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio to Belgrade to see radical therapist Mariana Kovacevic.

That was not true, as Torres has spent all week at Melwood receiving treatment on his groin and has taken part in a couple of solo training sessions – although he has done some ball work, it has been away from the rest of the first team.

He is making pleasing progress and will continue to be monitored by boss Rafa Benitez and the club’s medical staff ahead of tomorrow’s crucial fixture with Manchester City at Anfield.

It is highly unlikely, however, that he will be involved in the squad, as the Reds intend to heed the advice they were given when Torres flew to Valencia earlier this month for a second opinion on his injury off renowned specialist Ramon Cugat.

He told Liverpool that Torres needed a three-week break from football and so far, it is 17 days since his last appearance during the 1-1 draw with Lyon in the Champions League.

Provided all goes according to plan, the Spanish striker – who was forced to miss the 2-2 draw with Birmingham and his country’s 2-1 win over Argentina last Saturday – should be back in contention for the trip to Goodison Park.

Benitez will at least have skipper Steven Gerrard fit to start a Premier League game for the first time since October 4 tomorrow, while late checks will be made on Benayoun and Riera, who were expected to be out for a month after tearing their hamstrings.

They, though, have responded positively to having the injury treated with liquid from a horse’s placenta, as has Johnson, who should start at right-back now he has recovered from his own hamstring problem.

Benitez: Aquilani must bide his time

Rafa Benitez has urged Alberto Aquilani to bide his time as he looks to make an impact in English football after returning to full training.

The Italy international has yet to start for Liverpool since his summer move from Roma thanks to an ankle injury sustained last March. With two cameo appearances under his belt, Aquilani is getting nearer to being part of Benitez's starting XI - but the gaffer intends to proceed with caution. "Alberto wants to play for us and he is so desperate to be involved as quickly as he can but he understands the reasons he cannot start yet," said Benitez. "He wants to keep improving his condition and now it is just a matter of him keeping calm as it won't be long before he is there. He is pushing us all the time. "He is very positive and wants to help the team now but you must remember that we have a responsibility to him and we will not take any risks at this stage. "We have got to keep analysing the situation and watching him in every training session but we know that the right time is nearly here. He has a very good mentality." Two substitute appearances have illustrated Aquilani's undoubted ability - and Benitez is delighted with what he is witnessing in training. "You can see in everything he does that he has got quality," said Benitez. "He knows when to pass at the right time and to the right players, he makes good decisions on the pitch. "Alberto is training really well and he is doing extra work to make sure he is in the best possible condition. I spoke with him in the gym yesterday and he is very positive, his spirits are good. "We have meetings every day with our medical staff to see how much we can keep pushing him and when the time is right to increase the levels of his work. "He is a player who can pass the ball and we have seen that in the games he has played so far, even though he has not had too much time."

Players in for radical treatment

GLEN JOHNSON and Fabio Aurelio have become the latest Liverpool players to visit radical therapist Mariana Kovacevic in an attempt to end their injury problems.

Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun flew to Belgrade earlier this week to see Kovacevic, who has become famous for treating sportsmen with the liquid from horse placenta.

They have responded so well to treatment that there is a chance the pair could figure against Manchester City on Saturday and now Johnson and Aurelio have followed suit.

That pair were forced to miss England’s friendly against Brazil in Qatar last Saturday with respective hamstring and calf problems.

But after seeing Kovacevic, Johnson is now set to take his place on the right side of Liverpool’s defence when City visit, while Aurelio is making good progress too.

Similar sentiments apply to Fernando Torres, who has done his first couple of training sessions since being ordered to rest his damaged groin for three weeks.

Liverpool’s star striker, however, has not been involved with the rest of the first team squad and the club’s medical staff will continue to monitor his progress.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have paid an undisclosed fee for Luton youngster Dave Moli.

Fourteen-year-old forward Moli had been part of the Hatters’ under-15 side but will now move with his family to Merseyside, where he will continue his schooling and train at the Reds’ academy.

Luton reported another Premier League club to the Football Association for making an illegal approach for the player, but Liverpool’s approach through the Blue Square Premier club has been accepted.

Luton’s youth development officer Gregg Broughton said: “We never like to lose talented players, but it is important that we do not stand in the way of young players’ development.”

Liverpool have intensified their search for young players following a restructuring of the reserve and academy set-up, and manager Rafael Benitez is impressed by the changes that have been made.

He said: “It is much better now. The players can see the difference and I am sure it will be easier for them to progress.

“It is always important to develop your own players.”

Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham

Steven Gerrard’s hotly-disputed second-half penalty rescued a point for Liverpool but did little to lift the pressure on boss Rafael Benitez.

It is just one win now in nine matches for the Reds and they must be grateful for the two-week international break which will allow the dust to settle on their faltering season.

It had started so well for the hosts with youngster David Ngog firing them into an early lead.
But Ecuadorian Christian Benitez’s nodded equaliser and Cameron Jerome’s thunderous 30-yarder had Birmingham ahead at the break.

And only a hotly-contested spot-kick - which TV replays showed should not have been awarded as Lee Carsley made no contact with Ngog with his attempted tackle - gave Liverpool their lifeline, Gerrard sliding it home.

Fernando Torres did not even get a substitutes’ role, the Spain striker now clearly being given a lengthy rest to recover from his groin problem.
Gerrard, with a similar if less severe injury, was named on the bench along with Alberto Aquilani.

Glen Johnson, Albert Riera and Martin Skrtel all returned from injury, with Jamie Carragher suspended.

Birmingham had Joe Hart back in goal while they were without Barry Ferguson, also suspended, so Teemu Tainio came into the side.
Liverpool went with the 20-year-old Ngog up front and Dirk Kuyt, captain for the night, in a central supporting role.

Of all Liverpool’s young imports, Ngog has looked the most likely to make the breakthrough this season, and his balance and clever control were soon in evidence.

Hart saved one Ngog effort before the France Under-21 striker gave Liverpool a 13th-minute lead. Johnson surged down the right, cutting between two defenders before crossing for Ngog who saw his first effort blocked by Hart.

The ball flew to Kuyt only for Hart to again get his legs in the way, but when the rebound dropped for Ngog he made no mistake with a fierce a close-range volley into the roof of the net.

Tainio limped of two minutes later, former Everton midfielder Carsley coming on in his place.

Liverpool had been cruising up till now, but Birmingham struck back with an impressive set-piece, and once again Liverpool’s susceptibility in the air was evident.

James McFadden fired a free-kick into the area and Roger Johnson headed back across goal where Scott Dann nodded on for Benitez to head past Jose Reina from close range.

Hart touched over a Javier Mascherano drive, and Daniel Agger saw a low shot following a corner kicked off the line by Carsley as Liverpool tried to hit back.

A minute from the break Riera, who had appeared to be on a solo bid to score from outside the box at almost every opportunity, suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury, and Gerrard was brought into the fray as a substitute.

His arrival was met with huge cheers from the Kop, but the home crowd was silenced within seconds as Birmingham took the lead.
Jerome shook off the attentions of Mascherano to lash a swerving 30-yard effort into the top corner.

The confidence Liverpool had shown in the first half hour evaporated and, with the crowd’s anxiety growing, errors in possession increased.
Gerrard saw a low header hit Hart’s left-hand post from Johnson’s cross from the right as Liverpool at last produced some sustained pressure.

McFadden was booked for a foul on Johnson, the Scot being substituted soon after to be replaced by former Red Gregory Vignal.

Liverpool were then awarded the highly-contentious 71st-minute penalty.

Ngog did well to get to the byline and went sprawling to the turf as Carsley came in with a sliding challenge, even though the Birmingham man’s leg did not touch the Liverpool youngster.

Carsley and Ngog exchanged views and pushes, and referee Peter Walton booked both before Gerrard stepped up to drill home the spot kick.
Liverpool then lost Benayoun with a hamstring complaint, Ryan Babel coming on.

Gerrard fired over a cross for Ngog to hit wide at the near post before sending an 18-yarder just wide.

With nine minutes left Aquilani finally made his Anfield debut as a substitute for Lucas.

The visitors were forced to defend desperately in the final minutes and hung on valiantly for a point.

Liverpool Draw with Lyon in Europe

STADIUM announcers are not renowned for making statements of great resonance but the man whose duty it was warm the crowd up here last night did just that

“The UEFA Champions League gives us the opportunity to see the best teams in Europe,” he proclaimed, shortly before the teams from Lyon and Liverpool marched out on to Stade de Gerland.

Though there was nothing revelatory about those words, they should strike a chord with those Liverpudlians who are trying to search for positives after this tumultuous campaign took another dramatic twist.

We should have been chronicling on these pages today how ironic it was that in the city which is home to the headquarters of Interpol, Liverpool launched the first part of what they hoped would culminate in another great escape.

Instead their presence in the Champions League is in the gravest danger after another Lyon late show left them on the brink of elimination.

Should Fiorentina beat Lyon on match-day five, nothing Liverpool do in Budapest against Debrecen will be good enough to save them and that, gallingly, will consign them to the Europa League in the New Year.

It just goes to show progress in this prestigious, lucrative tournament can never be taken for granted; some may have become blasé about playing the likes of Real Madrid and Inter but this impending calamity will jolt them into life.

But it should have been so different. Having taken a gamble on Fernando Torres’ fitness, Rafa Benitez deserved better than to see his patched-up, diligent squad get floored in such dramatic circumstances.

From the first whistle it was clear to see Torres was severely restricted, every sudden sprint or move left him rubbing his side, while there were occasions when it was palpably obvious that even trying to control the ball was a huge effort.

Yet the problem – if you can call it that – of having Torres in your squad is you simply want him to play whenever and wherever; few possess his sumptuous ability and even with one leg, he offers a threat which many strikers can only dream.

Typical, then, Liverpool’s first clear opportunity fell to him, a shot from 12 yards that had Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris on red alert; it was the kind of chance a fully fit Torres might well have snaffled.

No matter. It might not have provided the goal every Red craved but the shot did at least spark some belief and, from that point in proceedings, Liverpool bossed the first half, both in terms of opportunities and possession.

Dirk Kuyt’s improvisation caused a moment of great anxiety for Lloris, his lob had the Frenchman scurrying backwards to prevent Liverpool taking the lead, while Andriy Voronin squandered a golden opening following good work by Lucas.

Mind you, that was no surprise. Voronin, after all, is not what you would describe as prolific and his biggest critics would argue that even if this hirsute Ukrainian threw his comb at the floor he would still miss.

Other than the odd breakaway, Lyon were causing Liverpool no trouble at all but that, bizarrely, actually made this situation all the more perplexing – in top form and at full strength, Benitez would surely have seen his men cruise past their Gallic hosts.

A statement borne of bias? No. Cast your mind back to the first meeting between the sides at Anfield last month and you will remember that for 75 minutes, it was a question of how many a spirited Liverpool would win by.

In control after Yossi Benayoun’s strike, Fabio Aurelio, Kuyt and David Ngog were all presented with the opportunities to get the European campaign back on track but all fluffed their lines.

Only when anxiety and tiredness took over did Lyon start to exert themselves; it was Liverpool’s bad fortune that the one-time perennial Ligue 1 champions had the wherewithal to take maximum advantage.

Some will say that is excuse making and that is there prerogative but recent history shows Liverpool have flattened sides with far greater quality than Lyon; if they don’t make it out of Group E, they will know how good a chance has been missed.

Reputation, you see, counts for so much in football and while there is no disputing Liverpool have played poorly frequently since the middle of August, they still cause opposition teams to think twice?

How else do you explain Lyon, normally a side that plays with such verve on home soil and score freely, being so inhibited last night, relying primarily on counterattacks rather than trying to impose themselves.

Lyon improved marginally after the break yet Liverpool still looked the more likely of the two to break the deadlock and that should have been the case when Lucas found himself with only Lloris to beat from eight yards.

Fortunately it was not a moment Lucas – the star performer in this disciplined display – lived to regret as Babel produced the moment of outrageous quality of which his biggest fans have always insisted he is capable.

Nothing seemed on when he picked up possession 25 yards from goal but a shuffle and a shimmy later, Babel had worked some space for himself and smashed an unstoppable drive past Lloris. In fitting with the way things are going, though, the giddy high was followed by a heartbreaking low as Lisandro took advantage of a mix-up in Liverpool’s penalty area to snatch victory away from them.

Even at the best of times, conceding such a late equaliser would have been hard to stomach but in these demanding circumstances, it was almost impossible to stomach, a point confirmed by the expressions Benitez and his players sported at the final whistle.

Only time will tell whether this proves to be a fatal blow to ambitions and many will be quick to write them off now that fate is out of their hands; but while there is time, there is still hope – and Benitez, for one, will not be throwing in the towel just yet.

LYON (4-1-4-1): Lloris; Reveillere (Gassama 18), Toulalan, Cris, Cissokho; Makoun; Bastos, Pjanic (Ederson 40), Kallstrom, Lisandro; Gomis (Govou 73).

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Reina; Carragher, Agger, Kyrgiakos, Insua; Lucas, Mascherano; Kuyt, Voronin (Babel 68), Benayoun; Torres (Ngog 87).

Goals – Babel (83), Lisandro (90)

Bookings – Agger (33), Lisandro (34)

Referee – Franck De Berserk (Belgium)

Attendance – 39,180

Fulham 3-1 Liverpool

HOW fitting. On the day when strange things traditionally occur, it was perhaps to be expected that Liverpool’s nightmare season would take another desperate twist.

But as he sifts through the ruins of this latest, self-inflicted setback – not even Fulham’s most blinkered supporter would suggest their 3-1 win was achieved without help – the thought of what lurks around the corner will frighten Rafa Benitez more than anything.

This, without question, has been the most traumatic five-week period Benitez has endured during his time as Liverpool manager and a sequence of six defeats in seven games is testing the patience of this amiable soul, not to mention players and supporters.

He has, of course, been in tight corners before but, when the pressure has been at its most intense and the stakes have been at their highest, Benitez has found ways of escaping impending calamities that would have made Harry Houdini proud.

With that in mind, it would be foolish to say losing on the banks of the River Thames means Liverpool are incapable of salvaging the remainder of this campaign, as Benitez is a man who knows the art of escapology inside out.

Trouble is, though, on this occasion he finds himself having to extricate Liverpool from a increasingly deepening hole without the props he requires most of all; no wonder, then, he sported a haunted look as he left Craven Cottage on Saturday evening.

Had Benitez been facing a clear week, with just a Premier League fixture next Saturday to prepare for, he would, possibly, have been in brighter spirits. Time, as everyone knows, is the greatest healer.

Five uninterrupted days would have given the medical room at Melwood – which is currently bursting at the seams – a chance to clear and provided Benitez with solace that the next team he sent out would, in all likelihood, be infused with important, senior names.

Yet time is something Benitez does not have; tomorrow morning Liverpool fly out to Lyon for a Champions League encounter they dare not lose but, at this juncture, few people – if any – will give them a chance of winning.

It is not hard to see why. Based purely on the shambolic 45 minutes they served up in the second half against Fulham, you would question what Liverpool were doing in Europe’s most prestigious competition in the first place.

Minus so many important performers – Liverpool were without a complete starting line-up here – they looked woefully limited, desperately lacking in class, naïve in their decision making and heavily reliant on a striker who was clearly not fit.

While Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher tried to coax and cajole from the back, and Javier Mascherano buzzed and scampered around all afternoon, the Reds simply did not have the quality to turn their overwhelming possession into clear cut chances.

Had they done so, this contest would have been over inside 20 minutes; passing the ball, easily and pleasingly, they kept getting into good positions around Fulham’s penalty area but failed to give Fernando Torres the openings he craved.

Such a frustration. It was evident from the first exchanges that Torres was not at a physical peak, his movement was limited and prevented him showing the blistering change of pace that terrifies defenders and electrifies Liverpool’s supporters.

Even operating at a level way below his best, however, Torres’ mere presence on the pitch still had Aaron Hughes and Brede Hangeland quivering, petrified he would snaffle even the slightest opening.

Their fears proved well founded. Torres had no right to score when a high ball bounced off Andriy Voronin’s head into his path on the edge of the area but the manner in which he thrashed home his 10th goal of the season took the breath away.

So why, if he was causing such problems, did Benitez take him off? Why, when this tussle was delicately poised, did the manager give Fulham an unexpected lift by taking the man who, more than anyone, was going to win it for Liverpool?

Benitez has often been criticised with having a pre-occupation with future events and there have been occasions when gambles with personnel have backfired spectacularly but the truth, in this instance, is that he had no option.

Allowing Torres to stay on the field for an extra 30 minutes, you see, would have led to one of two things happening – either he would have done significant damage to his already tender adductor muscle or he would have been flattened by a Fulham defender.

Four times in the first half he was the victim of crude challenges, each one leaving onlookers wincing, four times referee Lee Mason did nothing; if anything, it was a surprise Benitez actually allowed Torres to get as far as the hour mark.

If that decision means he can play in Lyon on Wednesday, Benitez will be vindicated as without Torres, and without Steven Gerrard, Liverpool have all the threat and bite of a bulldog minus its teeth.

Should Torres be consigned to the stands in Stade Gerland and if Liverpool can’t score any goals, they won’t make the knockout stages. It’s that simple and alarming.

Liverpool had enough possession to win three or four matches, never mind this one, but just weren’t up to the task; pressing the self-destruct button to let Bobby Zamora and Erik Nevland pilfer breakaway goals and losing Philipp Degen and Carragher to harsh red cards, Clint Dempsey eventually putting this wounded animal out of its misery.

It was a dreadful way to end a chaotic afternoon, but the fear gripping everyone of a Red faith now is that this bleak situation is poised to become even worse, with Lyon waiting to move in for the kill.

To avoid that doomsday scenario unfolding, Benitez needs to perform his most daring escape to date and hope some of those walking wounded will climb off their sickbeds. If they don’t and he doesn’t, this nightmare will become much worse.

FULHAM (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Baird, Dempsey, Greening (Etuhu 86), Duff (Gera 46); Kamara (Nevland 46), Zamora.

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Reina; Degen, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Insua; Lucas, Mascherano; Kuyt (Ayala 85), Voronin, Benayoun (Ecclestone 78); Torres (Babel 63).

GOALS: Zamora (24), Torres (42), Nevland (73), Dempsey (87).

BOOKINGS: Baird (54).

SENT-OFF: Degen (79), Carragher (82).

ATTENDANCE: 25,700.

REFEREE: Lee Mason.