RAFAEL BENITEZ believes Liverpool have sent out a warning to their rivals for a top-four place by re-igniting hopes of Champions League qualification.
Dirk Kuyt scored twice as the Anfield outfit earned a richly-deserved 2-0 home win over Tottenham Hotspur last night.
The victory moves Liverpool side to within one point of the fourth-placed Londoners on an evening Benitez had admitted was “make or break” for his team’s Premier League campaign.
And the Spaniard reckons Manchester City and Aston Villa will have also taken note of the result while convinced his players will improve in the second half of the season.
“Everybody knows Liverpool are a good team, and it was a question of time before we started winning games and showing quality,” said Benitez. “The other teams are also strong but they know the race is now four teams, and we are back in it. We can get better in the second half of the season. It’s a question of having all the players available and if not, seeing the ones working as hard as today. Normally in the last five years, we have done better in the second half of the league.”
A much-depleted Liverpool – still missing Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun, Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson – dug deep to record their fourth win in their last six league games and avenge the opening-day defeat at White Hart Lane.
“The win was important for everyone at the club, we knew that we had to win to stay in the race,” said Benitez. “The attitude was same as Stoke – real character.
“It was important for us to score first and early. Tottenham were playing well, we weren’t in control in the first half but we still had the better chances. In the second half, the difference was more clear.
“When we scored first, Tottenham had to go forward and we had some spaces at the end as they had to take more risks.”
Benitez added: “The squad is not as bad as people have been saying. We were without six players who couldn’t start tonight. They are players with quality, and it meant the rest of the squad had to show character.
“When the quality players in the squad are doing well, then it’s easier for the other players. But with them not there, the other players have stepped up and done well. Winning games always gives you confidence, but we had to win to reduce the gap to the top four. The game against Stoke was very difficult and this was no different, but we have managed to win this time.
“The players know this is the way we have to do things – working as hard as today and getting a bit of luck.”
Kuyt gave Liverpool a sixth-minute lead before sealing the victory in injury time with a twice-taken penalty.
And Benitez said: “Kuyt is working very hard, and he could have scored four today. His commitment is always 100% and we are pleased with him. For the penalty, he showed great composure, but you would always expect that from him. He has a lot of experience now, he has scored a lot of goals in Holland and here. Normally Gerrard takes the penalties, but Kuyt has shown he can take them as well.”
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admits his team missed an opportunity to open a gap in fourth place and believes the race for the final Champions League place remains in the balance. Redknapp said: “It’s open. I wouldn’t like to say. Man City, Liverpool, Villa and Tottenham, it’s a toss up. We’d been on a good run and losing one game doesn’t mean we are out of it.
“But tonight was a good chance for us. When you come here and see Liverpool are without Gerrard, Torres, Benayoun and Johnson, you think you have a better opportunity to win.
“I came here thinking we could win but I was disappointed really. To be fair, they worked very hard, they pressed us and closed us down and made it difficult. But when you have that noise before the game from these Liverpool supporters, their team has no choice but to run out and give everything.
“The atmosphere around the ground before kick-off was quite amazing. I thought their players put a real shift in. Kuyt never stopped, he put our defenders under pressure all game.”
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Liverpool FC defender Phillipp Degen hopes Spurs win will kick-start season
PHILLIPP DEGEN believes last night’s win over Tottenham can act as the spur to kick start Liverpool’s season.
The Reds have struggled to build any momentum throughout a disappointing campaign but the Liverpool defender is confident the team can now claim a Champions League spot after moving to within a point of fourth placed Tottenham.
"It was a really important result for the team and everyone involved with the club," said Degen.
"The whole team showed great togetherness and we fought for the victory for the whole 90 minutes.
"We've had a difficult time recently, but I am really pleased after this win.
"Everyone is happy and we are now just one point off fourth place. We must now make this victory over one of our rivals count and make sure we get the three points at Wolves next week."
A succession of injuries since joining Liverpool from Borussia Dortmund 18 months ago have limited Degen’s involvement for the Anfield club.
Three starts in the last week however, suggest the Swiss international has overcome his problems.
With Dirk Kuyt spearheading the attack against Tottenham, Degen did well on the right of midfield in the 2-0 win.
He says there is plenty more to come from him and is ready to fight for a permanent starting place in Rafa Benitez’s team.
He said: “I didn't play for three months but now I've played three games in seven days and feel I have done okay.
“I have waited for a chance and I must now keep fighting and try to impress.
"I think I can improve a lot. I haven't had the best of luck with injuries during my time with Liverpool and I know there is still more to come from me.
“I have only played at around 60 per cent of my potential and hope I can show much, much more."
The Reds have struggled to build any momentum throughout a disappointing campaign but the Liverpool defender is confident the team can now claim a Champions League spot after moving to within a point of fourth placed Tottenham.
"It was a really important result for the team and everyone involved with the club," said Degen.
"The whole team showed great togetherness and we fought for the victory for the whole 90 minutes.
"We've had a difficult time recently, but I am really pleased after this win.
"Everyone is happy and we are now just one point off fourth place. We must now make this victory over one of our rivals count and make sure we get the three points at Wolves next week."
A succession of injuries since joining Liverpool from Borussia Dortmund 18 months ago have limited Degen’s involvement for the Anfield club.
Three starts in the last week however, suggest the Swiss international has overcome his problems.
With Dirk Kuyt spearheading the attack against Tottenham, Degen did well on the right of midfield in the 2-0 win.
He says there is plenty more to come from him and is ready to fight for a permanent starting place in Rafa Benitez’s team.
He said: “I didn't play for three months but now I've played three games in seven days and feel I have done okay.
“I have waited for a chance and I must now keep fighting and try to impress.
"I think I can improve a lot. I haven't had the best of luck with injuries during my time with Liverpool and I know there is still more to come from me.
“I have only played at around 60 per cent of my potential and hope I can show much, much more."
It's make or break time - Liverpool FC latest
MAKE or break. Rafa Benitez had suggested Tottenham’s visit to Anfield last night would do one or the other to Liverpool’s season but instead it did both.
In taking three points off a side who have designs of nudging them out of the Champions League places, the Reds have gone some way to ensuring the remainder of the campaign will have a real purpose.
But after seeing Dirk Kuyt bookend a terrific performance with a brace of goals, the Reds have broken all theories that they are in a state of disrepair; in dumping Harry Redknapp’s men on their backside, Benitez saw his players blow open the race for fourth place.
From the moment the team coach trundled into Anfield Road it was evident that team and fans would be as one.
Crowds gathered on each side of the pavement to form a guard of honour, with huge banners fluttering in the night breeze and the words on the one nearest to the Shankly Gates said it all – ‘Scouse Solidarity’.
To further increase the siege mentality, another banner declared ‘Rafa Benitez – God’s Gift 2 Liverpool’, while effigies of the clubs many legends were omnipresent; Liverpool’s players could not have asked for any more inspiration.
It was, all told, a scene more in keeping with a Champions League semi-final rather than a middle of the season, midweek Premier League game but this was no ordinary fixture; Liverpool had to win.
Experience has shown Benitez does not ‘do’ hyperbole before a game; if anything, he eschews fanning flames at all costs so the fact he described this contest in such powerful tones showed the enormity.
Nerves, undoubtedly, were bound to jangle before kick-off and that has frequently led to an atmosphere of apprehension but, fortunately, Liverpool got the flying start Benitez, his players and supporters craved.
Pepe Reina’s skills as a footballer, just as much as goalkeeping ability, have been noted on many occasions but there was nothing remotely dexterous about the ball he lumped downfield after six minutes.
Thoughts of a goal were remote as it hung in the air but thanks to a combination of persistence, hunger and determination, Alberto Aquilani and Kuyt fashioned a chance that the Dutchman was able to sweep past Heurelho Gomes in front of The Kop.
Kuyt has endured a stamina sapping campaign which has nullified his effectiveness yet, in the absence of Fernando Torres, he is Liverpool’s most experienced front-runner – what’s more, his commitment is never in doubt.
So, in many ways, it was fitting he became the first man to put his name on the scoresheet; his was never going be a performance where Liverpool played slick, quick, triangles or they passed Tottenhamin to a stupor.
No. This was a night to run and tackle, chase and charge, to show the world that they should not be written off and, in the first 45 minutes, nobody could be accused of failing to put in the hard yards.
All over the pitch there were unlikely heroes. Maybe it was down to Jamie Carragher continually putting a flea in his ear but Philipp Degen showed more great tenacity, withstanding a battering from Tottenham’s left side.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos was another, building on his encouraging performance at the Britannia Stadium, by launching himself at anything that came his way in the air or on the ground, endearing himself to a one-time sceptical public with every challenge.
Then there was Carragher himself. If ever a game was designed for him to shine in this was it and one moment in first half injury time not only encapsulated his many qualities, it further galvanised an already pumped up crowd.
From the moment he started pursuing a loose ball on the Main Stand touchline there was a certain inevitability about what would happen, but the sight of the Reds’ skipper charging past Niko Kranjcar and Gareth Bale to win a corner was hugely inspiring.
If there was a downside to the performance in the first 45 minutes it was the failure to convert their superiority into a second goal, a theme which has proven so costly on numerous occasions this season.
Half chances came and went before Howard Webb brought things to a temporary halt but after the restart, a similar pattern was followed.
With better fortune, Albert Riera would have settled nerves long before Kuyt did but his header from Carragher’s cross was an inch too high and rattled the crossbar instead of hitting the Anfield Road end net.
He, like his team deserved better. Though there is no disputing he is inconsistent, Riera clearly has a stack of talent and this – his first start since November 9 – was as good as he has played since scoring that blockbuster in the 5-0 demolition of Aston Villa last March.
Another Albert(o), meanwhile, started to show why Benitez paid Roma such a huge fee for his services; all clever touches and sharp passes, Aquilani thoroughly deserved the standing ovation he was afforded when his night ended on 79 minutes.
Yet despite the fantastic energy and relentless running, still the buffer for which they yearned would not arrive; Riera sent a left-foot drive whistling over the bar, Kuyt missed when it was easier to score, Kyrgiakos should have done better and ditto David Ngog.
Happily, however, there was no sting in the tail with Kuyt emphatically smashing a re-taken penalty home in injury time, after substitute Ngog had been chopped down by Sebastian Bassong, to put the gloss on a great night. The key now is not to waste it.
In taking three points off a side who have designs of nudging them out of the Champions League places, the Reds have gone some way to ensuring the remainder of the campaign will have a real purpose.
But after seeing Dirk Kuyt bookend a terrific performance with a brace of goals, the Reds have broken all theories that they are in a state of disrepair; in dumping Harry Redknapp’s men on their backside, Benitez saw his players blow open the race for fourth place.
From the moment the team coach trundled into Anfield Road it was evident that team and fans would be as one.
Crowds gathered on each side of the pavement to form a guard of honour, with huge banners fluttering in the night breeze and the words on the one nearest to the Shankly Gates said it all – ‘Scouse Solidarity’.
To further increase the siege mentality, another banner declared ‘Rafa Benitez – God’s Gift 2 Liverpool’, while effigies of the clubs many legends were omnipresent; Liverpool’s players could not have asked for any more inspiration.
It was, all told, a scene more in keeping with a Champions League semi-final rather than a middle of the season, midweek Premier League game but this was no ordinary fixture; Liverpool had to win.
Experience has shown Benitez does not ‘do’ hyperbole before a game; if anything, he eschews fanning flames at all costs so the fact he described this contest in such powerful tones showed the enormity.
Nerves, undoubtedly, were bound to jangle before kick-off and that has frequently led to an atmosphere of apprehension but, fortunately, Liverpool got the flying start Benitez, his players and supporters craved.
Pepe Reina’s skills as a footballer, just as much as goalkeeping ability, have been noted on many occasions but there was nothing remotely dexterous about the ball he lumped downfield after six minutes.
Thoughts of a goal were remote as it hung in the air but thanks to a combination of persistence, hunger and determination, Alberto Aquilani and Kuyt fashioned a chance that the Dutchman was able to sweep past Heurelho Gomes in front of The Kop.
Kuyt has endured a stamina sapping campaign which has nullified his effectiveness yet, in the absence of Fernando Torres, he is Liverpool’s most experienced front-runner – what’s more, his commitment is never in doubt.
So, in many ways, it was fitting he became the first man to put his name on the scoresheet; his was never going be a performance where Liverpool played slick, quick, triangles or they passed Tottenhamin to a stupor.
No. This was a night to run and tackle, chase and charge, to show the world that they should not be written off and, in the first 45 minutes, nobody could be accused of failing to put in the hard yards.
All over the pitch there were unlikely heroes. Maybe it was down to Jamie Carragher continually putting a flea in his ear but Philipp Degen showed more great tenacity, withstanding a battering from Tottenham’s left side.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos was another, building on his encouraging performance at the Britannia Stadium, by launching himself at anything that came his way in the air or on the ground, endearing himself to a one-time sceptical public with every challenge.
Then there was Carragher himself. If ever a game was designed for him to shine in this was it and one moment in first half injury time not only encapsulated his many qualities, it further galvanised an already pumped up crowd.
From the moment he started pursuing a loose ball on the Main Stand touchline there was a certain inevitability about what would happen, but the sight of the Reds’ skipper charging past Niko Kranjcar and Gareth Bale to win a corner was hugely inspiring.
If there was a downside to the performance in the first 45 minutes it was the failure to convert their superiority into a second goal, a theme which has proven so costly on numerous occasions this season.
Half chances came and went before Howard Webb brought things to a temporary halt but after the restart, a similar pattern was followed.
With better fortune, Albert Riera would have settled nerves long before Kuyt did but his header from Carragher’s cross was an inch too high and rattled the crossbar instead of hitting the Anfield Road end net.
He, like his team deserved better. Though there is no disputing he is inconsistent, Riera clearly has a stack of talent and this – his first start since November 9 – was as good as he has played since scoring that blockbuster in the 5-0 demolition of Aston Villa last March.
Another Albert(o), meanwhile, started to show why Benitez paid Roma such a huge fee for his services; all clever touches and sharp passes, Aquilani thoroughly deserved the standing ovation he was afforded when his night ended on 79 minutes.
Yet despite the fantastic energy and relentless running, still the buffer for which they yearned would not arrive; Riera sent a left-foot drive whistling over the bar, Kuyt missed when it was easier to score, Kyrgiakos should have done better and ditto David Ngog.
Happily, however, there was no sting in the tail with Kuyt emphatically smashing a re-taken penalty home in injury time, after substitute Ngog had been chopped down by Sebastian Bassong, to put the gloss on a great night. The key now is not to waste it.
Rafa Benitez: Liverpool FC will keep on improving after vital win over Spurs
Manager Rafael Benitez has warned Liverpool’s rivals for Champions League qualification that his side will only get better in the second half of the season.
A 2-0 victory over current fourth-placed side Tottenham lifted the Reds to within one point of their opponents.
The race for the final Champions League spot looks like being between Spurs, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City but Benitez is just pleased to be back in it after a couple of difficult months.
“It was important for everyone here because we had to reduce the gap and stay in the race,” said the Spaniard.
“I am really pleased with the attitude of the players, we showed character.
“Normally the last five years we do better in the second half of the league.
“Everyone knows Liverpool are a good team and it was just a question of time to start winning games and showing our quality.
“Also now some of them (Liverpool’s opponents) know the race will be with four teams.”
Benitez praised Kuyt for scoring goals at either end of the match, firing home in the sixth minute from the edge of the area and then converting a twice-taken penalty in second-half injury time.
“Dirk works very hard, he could maybe have scored four goals today,” said the Liverpool boss.
“Always his commitment is 100% so we are really pleased for him too.
“It was important for us to score early. We were playing well but in the first half we were not in control, although we had the better chances.
“The second half was more clear. After the first goal they (Tottenham) had to go forward and left spaces, which was good for us.”
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp acknowledged his side were out-fought by Liverpool but admitted he was baffled by a decision which ruled out a goal for Peter Crouch early in the second half.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos dithered on the ball before surprising Jose Reina with a short back-pass and Jermain Defoe put pressure on the goalkeeper which led to Crouch rolling the ball into an open net.
However, referee Howard Webb’s whistle had already gone for an infringement - although no-one was quite sure whether it was for offside or a foul.
“I’ll probably sit up at home tonight reading the rule book for a couple of hours and see what the rules actually are,” said the Spurs boss.
“The referee nor the linesman seemed to know - they probably phoned a friend.
“Is he active, is it second phase; there are so many rules now. But if it was offside it was offside.
“I haven’t really looked at it too much but it makes no difference now.”
Redknapp felt his side had squandered an opportunity to put down a marker for fourth place and admitted the race was wide open.
“I came here thinking we could win tonight so I was disappointed really. We missed a chance,” he added.
“We needed to get off to a decent start to get the crowd quiet but they scored an early goal.
“To be fair to Liverpool they worked really hard and we found it hard to get our game going.
“It (the race for top four) is open. Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Tottenham - it is a toss-up.
“We’ve been on a good run but just because we’ve lost one game it doesn’t mean we’re out of it.
“It is all to play for still.”
A 2-0 victory over current fourth-placed side Tottenham lifted the Reds to within one point of their opponents.
The race for the final Champions League spot looks like being between Spurs, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City but Benitez is just pleased to be back in it after a couple of difficult months.
“It was important for everyone here because we had to reduce the gap and stay in the race,” said the Spaniard.
“I am really pleased with the attitude of the players, we showed character.
“Normally the last five years we do better in the second half of the league.
“Everyone knows Liverpool are a good team and it was just a question of time to start winning games and showing our quality.
“Also now some of them (Liverpool’s opponents) know the race will be with four teams.”
Benitez praised Kuyt for scoring goals at either end of the match, firing home in the sixth minute from the edge of the area and then converting a twice-taken penalty in second-half injury time.
“Dirk works very hard, he could maybe have scored four goals today,” said the Liverpool boss.
“Always his commitment is 100% so we are really pleased for him too.
“It was important for us to score early. We were playing well but in the first half we were not in control, although we had the better chances.
“The second half was more clear. After the first goal they (Tottenham) had to go forward and left spaces, which was good for us.”
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp acknowledged his side were out-fought by Liverpool but admitted he was baffled by a decision which ruled out a goal for Peter Crouch early in the second half.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos dithered on the ball before surprising Jose Reina with a short back-pass and Jermain Defoe put pressure on the goalkeeper which led to Crouch rolling the ball into an open net.
However, referee Howard Webb’s whistle had already gone for an infringement - although no-one was quite sure whether it was for offside or a foul.
“I’ll probably sit up at home tonight reading the rule book for a couple of hours and see what the rules actually are,” said the Spurs boss.
“The referee nor the linesman seemed to know - they probably phoned a friend.
“Is he active, is it second phase; there are so many rules now. But if it was offside it was offside.
“I haven’t really looked at it too much but it makes no difference now.”
Redknapp felt his side had squandered an opportunity to put down a marker for fourth place and admitted the race was wide open.
“I came here thinking we could win tonight so I was disappointed really. We missed a chance,” he added.
“We needed to get off to a decent start to get the crowd quiet but they scored an early goal.
“To be fair to Liverpool they worked really hard and we found it hard to get our game going.
“It (the race for top four) is open. Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Tottenham - it is a toss-up.
“We’ve been on a good run but just because we’ve lost one game it doesn’t mean we’re out of it.
“It is all to play for still.”
Liverpool FC 2, Tottenham Hotspur 0: Dirk Kuyt double boosts Reds Champions League hopes
Dirk Kuyt’s double strike injected new life into Liverpool’s stuttering Barclays Premier League campaign as it secured a 2-0 victory over Tottenham.
The Holland international fired home in the sixth minute from the edge of the area and then converted a twice-taken penalty in second-half injury time.
Victory lifted the Reds to within one point of fourth-placed Spurs and eased the pressure on manager Rafael Benitez after early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup.
The importance of the match to Liverpool’s top-four aspirations had been outlined by Benitez yesterday and his players responded in fine style.
It was a match the Reds could not afford to lose, having dropped two points thanks to Stoke’s late equaliser on Saturday, and they did not disappoint an appreciative Anfield crowd.
There was a brief early scare when Jose Reina spilled a Gareth Bale cross under pressure from former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch, but he reclaimed the ball bravely from the challenge of Jermain Defoe.
Reina picked himself up to hoist a long kick downfield which Kuyt knocked back to Aquilani, playing in the hole behind the striker.
The Italian’s close control took him past Michael Dawson, who brought down the playmaker, but the ball rolled to Kuyt on the edge of the penalty area and he fired low past Heurelho Gomes’ right-hand to give his side the lead.
Jermaine Jenas was booked in the 27th minute for bringing down Philipp Degen as he raced over the halfway line but Liverpool failed to make the free-kick count.
And moments later Defoe was lucky to escape with just a talking to from referee Howard Webb after diving in and standing on Degen’s foot.
The Swiss international was on the end of yet more rough treatment in the 34th minute when Bale clashed heads with the makeshift midfielder, which led to the Wales defender being cautioned.
Javier Mascherano became the first Liverpool player to be booked when he lost possession and then slid in on Crouch.
In first-half injury time Kuyt’s header from Albert Riera’s inswinging corner was stopped by Bale yards from the line and Martin Skrtel blazed the rebound over.
Moments later Luka Modric’s shot was saved well low to his left by Reina.
Liverpool have made a season of failing to hang on to leads and they almost gifted Spurs an equaliser straight after the restart.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos dithered on the ball before surprising Reina with a short back-pass which immediately put the goalkeeper under pressure from Defoe.
Fortunately for the Spaniard the Tottenham striker was adjudged to have fouled him seconds before Crouch rolled the ball into an unguarded net.
Wilson Palacios was next to go into Webb’s notebook for pulling down Lucas as he attempted to run through the Spurs defence on the halfway line.
Riera almost doubled Liverpool’s lead in the 52nd minute when his header from Jamie Carragher’s cross beat Gomes but crashed back off the crossbar.
Considering their recent habit of conceding in the last minute the hosts desperately needed a second goal to give them a cushion but the longer the game went on without one the more confident Spurs became.
The danger was highlighted when Jenas’ first-time shot from 25 yards had Reina going the wrong way before he stuck out a hand to deflect it behind.
Having sent on Alan Hutton for Vedran Corluka, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp then replaced Niko Kranjcar with ex-Reds striker Robbie Keane.
Liverpool should have made it easier for themselves in the 66th minute when Kuyt robbed Dawson on halfway to race clear but he opted to play in Degen to his right instead of shooting and over-hit his pass.
Liverpool continued to press and Kuyt volleyed over at the far post after Degen had flicked on Aquilani’s free-kick while Riera was just wide with a 25-yard swerving left-foot shot.
Spurs, however, continued to threaten and Hutton’s spectacular volley curled around the outside of Reina’s right-hand post.
Substitute David Ngog almost secured victory within minutes of coming on when he turned fellow substitute Sebastien Bassong but curled a shot across the face of goal.
However, he won a crucial penalty in the first of five minutes of injury time when Bassong brought him down.
Kuyt scored the first effort only to be ordered to re-take by Webb, but the Dutchman held his nerve to send Gomes the wrong way and Liverpool heading in the right direction up the table.
The Holland international fired home in the sixth minute from the edge of the area and then converted a twice-taken penalty in second-half injury time.
Victory lifted the Reds to within one point of fourth-placed Spurs and eased the pressure on manager Rafael Benitez after early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup.
The importance of the match to Liverpool’s top-four aspirations had been outlined by Benitez yesterday and his players responded in fine style.
It was a match the Reds could not afford to lose, having dropped two points thanks to Stoke’s late equaliser on Saturday, and they did not disappoint an appreciative Anfield crowd.
There was a brief early scare when Jose Reina spilled a Gareth Bale cross under pressure from former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch, but he reclaimed the ball bravely from the challenge of Jermain Defoe.
Reina picked himself up to hoist a long kick downfield which Kuyt knocked back to Aquilani, playing in the hole behind the striker.
The Italian’s close control took him past Michael Dawson, who brought down the playmaker, but the ball rolled to Kuyt on the edge of the penalty area and he fired low past Heurelho Gomes’ right-hand to give his side the lead.
Jermaine Jenas was booked in the 27th minute for bringing down Philipp Degen as he raced over the halfway line but Liverpool failed to make the free-kick count.
And moments later Defoe was lucky to escape with just a talking to from referee Howard Webb after diving in and standing on Degen’s foot.
The Swiss international was on the end of yet more rough treatment in the 34th minute when Bale clashed heads with the makeshift midfielder, which led to the Wales defender being cautioned.
Javier Mascherano became the first Liverpool player to be booked when he lost possession and then slid in on Crouch.
In first-half injury time Kuyt’s header from Albert Riera’s inswinging corner was stopped by Bale yards from the line and Martin Skrtel blazed the rebound over.
Moments later Luka Modric’s shot was saved well low to his left by Reina.
Liverpool have made a season of failing to hang on to leads and they almost gifted Spurs an equaliser straight after the restart.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos dithered on the ball before surprising Reina with a short back-pass which immediately put the goalkeeper under pressure from Defoe.
Fortunately for the Spaniard the Tottenham striker was adjudged to have fouled him seconds before Crouch rolled the ball into an unguarded net.
Wilson Palacios was next to go into Webb’s notebook for pulling down Lucas as he attempted to run through the Spurs defence on the halfway line.
Riera almost doubled Liverpool’s lead in the 52nd minute when his header from Jamie Carragher’s cross beat Gomes but crashed back off the crossbar.
Considering their recent habit of conceding in the last minute the hosts desperately needed a second goal to give them a cushion but the longer the game went on without one the more confident Spurs became.
The danger was highlighted when Jenas’ first-time shot from 25 yards had Reina going the wrong way before he stuck out a hand to deflect it behind.
Having sent on Alan Hutton for Vedran Corluka, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp then replaced Niko Kranjcar with ex-Reds striker Robbie Keane.
Liverpool should have made it easier for themselves in the 66th minute when Kuyt robbed Dawson on halfway to race clear but he opted to play in Degen to his right instead of shooting and over-hit his pass.
Liverpool continued to press and Kuyt volleyed over at the far post after Degen had flicked on Aquilani’s free-kick while Riera was just wide with a 25-yard swerving left-foot shot.
Spurs, however, continued to threaten and Hutton’s spectacular volley curled around the outside of Reina’s right-hand post.
Substitute David Ngog almost secured victory within minutes of coming on when he turned fellow substitute Sebastien Bassong but curled a shot across the face of goal.
However, he won a crucial penalty in the first of five minutes of injury time when Bassong brought him down.
Kuyt scored the first effort only to be ordered to re-take by Webb, but the Dutchman held his nerve to send Gomes the wrong way and Liverpool heading in the right direction up the table.
Liverpool FC co-owner George Gillett backs Rafa Benitez to get through 'blip'
LIVERPOOL co-owner George Gillett believes Rafael Benitez is one of the top five managers in the world and that this season’s disappointing results are just a “blip”.
The club have endured a difficult campaign so far and have fallen off the pace in the Barclays Premier League, compounded by early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup.
Benitez has been unmoved in his belief that he will turn things around and now he has received the backing of Gillett.
“We believe if you were to put a list together of the top five coaches, managers in the world, he would definitely be on that list for us,” said Gillett, who was united in his agreement with Hicks to give Benitez an improved five-year contract towards the end of last season.
“And we think he’s been tossed a curve ball by circumstance, injuries and so forth.
“I think that’s been a real challenge to the coach. He’s had to really make some innovations and play some players out of position and so forth.
“And notwithstanding that, they’ve generally played with a lot of passion. I really believes it’s a blip.”
Injuries have certainly compounded Liverpool’s problems with striker Fernando Torres, captain Steven Gerrard, right-back Glen Johnson and midfielder Yossi Benayoun all currently sidelined.
But they have also been unlucky in other areas, such as when a beach ball on the pitch at Sunderland back in October contributed to the only goal of the game for the Black Cats.
“That was a real low blow,” Gillett told Canadian radio station Prime Time Sports.
“He (Benitez) has had a struggle getting the morale of the boys back up but we’ve got a great group of young men.”
The club have endured a difficult campaign so far and have fallen off the pace in the Barclays Premier League, compounded by early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup.
Benitez has been unmoved in his belief that he will turn things around and now he has received the backing of Gillett.
“We believe if you were to put a list together of the top five coaches, managers in the world, he would definitely be on that list for us,” said Gillett, who was united in his agreement with Hicks to give Benitez an improved five-year contract towards the end of last season.
“And we think he’s been tossed a curve ball by circumstance, injuries and so forth.
“I think that’s been a real challenge to the coach. He’s had to really make some innovations and play some players out of position and so forth.
“And notwithstanding that, they’ve generally played with a lot of passion. I really believes it’s a blip.”
Injuries have certainly compounded Liverpool’s problems with striker Fernando Torres, captain Steven Gerrard, right-back Glen Johnson and midfielder Yossi Benayoun all currently sidelined.
But they have also been unlucky in other areas, such as when a beach ball on the pitch at Sunderland back in October contributed to the only goal of the game for the Black Cats.
“That was a real low blow,” Gillett told Canadian radio station Prime Time Sports.
“He (Benitez) has had a struggle getting the morale of the boys back up but we’ve got a great group of young men.”
Liverpool FC ace Steven Gerrard rubbishes dressing room bust-up claims
STEVEN GERRARD today rubbished claims he was involved in a dressing room fracas during the FA Cup replay against Reading – as he reaffirmed his commitment to the club.
Stories have been sweeping Merseyside ever since Liverpool were dumped out of the FA Cup that Gerrard was allegedly involved in aspat with coaching staff at half-time during that game.
Aside from those tales – all of which he says have brought a smile to his face – Gerrard was also at the centre of several weekend reports in national newspapers linking him with a move from Anfield.
Gerrard, however, has categorically rebuffed all such stories and, ahead of tonight’s crucial showdown with Tottenham Hotspur, he is anxious to set the record straight.
“I’ve heard about a dozen versions of the same rumour and they’re all as daft as each other,” said Gerrard, who is currently recovering from a minor hamstring problem.
“I’d love to know who comes up with this kind of stuff because they must have an unbelievable imagination.
“Nothing happened, that’s an absolute fact.
"But if anyone thinks this nonsense unsettles either me or the club then they’re mistaken.
"If anything it’s brought everyone even closer together because we’ve all had a good laugh about it.
“In the time since he’s been here, I’ve never had a problem with the manager or his staff, and certainly not at half time in the Reading game when I was actually receiving treatment for the injury I’d picked up during the first half.
“The important thing for me now is trying to get myself fit as soon as possible so I can get back to working with the manager and the team to try and improve our situation.”
Some tabloids have reported that Real Madrid, Inter Milan and even Manchester City are lining up bids for Gerrard this summer but the 29-year-old has made it emphatically clear nothing could be further from the truth.
“All the stories about me leaving are unfounded,” he declared.
“The fans can be assured I’m doing all I can to get back to top form and help Liverpool finish the season on a high.”
Stories have been sweeping Merseyside ever since Liverpool were dumped out of the FA Cup that Gerrard was allegedly involved in aspat with coaching staff at half-time during that game.
Aside from those tales – all of which he says have brought a smile to his face – Gerrard was also at the centre of several weekend reports in national newspapers linking him with a move from Anfield.
Gerrard, however, has categorically rebuffed all such stories and, ahead of tonight’s crucial showdown with Tottenham Hotspur, he is anxious to set the record straight.
“I’ve heard about a dozen versions of the same rumour and they’re all as daft as each other,” said Gerrard, who is currently recovering from a minor hamstring problem.
“I’d love to know who comes up with this kind of stuff because they must have an unbelievable imagination.
“Nothing happened, that’s an absolute fact.
"But if anyone thinks this nonsense unsettles either me or the club then they’re mistaken.
"If anything it’s brought everyone even closer together because we’ve all had a good laugh about it.
“In the time since he’s been here, I’ve never had a problem with the manager or his staff, and certainly not at half time in the Reading game when I was actually receiving treatment for the injury I’d picked up during the first half.
“The important thing for me now is trying to get myself fit as soon as possible so I can get back to working with the manager and the team to try and improve our situation.”
Some tabloids have reported that Real Madrid, Inter Milan and even Manchester City are lining up bids for Gerrard this summer but the 29-year-old has made it emphatically clear nothing could be further from the truth.
“All the stories about me leaving are unfounded,” he declared.
“The fans can be assured I’m doing all I can to get back to top form and help Liverpool finish the season on a high.”
Liverpool FC fans must roar us to victory, says Rafa Benitez
RAFA BENITEZ today called for Liverpool’s supporters to pump up the volume as his side bid to make a Champions League statement.
Though the Reds have been off-colour for most of the season, a victory over Tottenham at Anfield would enable them to creep within a point of the top four.
If they are to do that, however, another show of strength will be required, as Benitez again finds himself deprived of star men Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun due to injury.
But Liverpool were able to make light of those absences at Stoke thanks to the constant, noisy backing they received and Benitez hopes it will be a similar case tonight.
Anfield’s inspirational qualities are well known but there have been times this season when the weight of expectancy has been suffocating, which is why Benitez has urged his players to give those fans something to shout about.
“You can understand why the ground has been quiet at times,” said Benitez, whose side have only won two of their last five home Premier League fixtures. “We have not been playing at the level we were before, the expectations have been high and the fans have been waiting for something.
“We cannot blame the fans if they don’t push from the first minute if we have not been giving (good football) to them. But we will try to do our best. Our fans know we will be working hard but it has to be players and fans together. It can be no other way.
“It’s a crucial game and it’s important for us to show everyone we are desperate to improve. I’m sure they will be behind us, they were fantastic at Stoke.
“We have been talking about this – myself, Sammy (Lee) and (Mauricio) Pellegrino. It’s important to show the fans how hungry we are to win. The players have to show the character that the fans appreciate.”
Having described this contest as potentially being “make or break” for Liverpool’s ambitions of getting back into the top four, Benitez must decide whether to attack from the first whistle or be a little more conservative.
He is considering giving Maxi Rodriguez a first start, while he also has the option of restoring the fit again Albert Riera and Alberto Aquilani to his midfield.
Whatever he decides, the manager – who revealed Ryan Babel has apologised for his latest rant – is desperate to see Liverpool claim three points to really put some momentum into their season.
“I’m very pleased because the players have been showing a good mentality,” he said. “I’m pleased we showed good character and the main thing now is to get more confidence by winning games.”
“We know we didn’t play fantastic at Stoke and we are trying all the time. Everyone here knows that (the fate of the season) depends on us. If we can beat Tottenham, we will be a little bit happier and the race for fourth place will maybe be a little easier.”
Though the Reds have been off-colour for most of the season, a victory over Tottenham at Anfield would enable them to creep within a point of the top four.
If they are to do that, however, another show of strength will be required, as Benitez again finds himself deprived of star men Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun due to injury.
But Liverpool were able to make light of those absences at Stoke thanks to the constant, noisy backing they received and Benitez hopes it will be a similar case tonight.
Anfield’s inspirational qualities are well known but there have been times this season when the weight of expectancy has been suffocating, which is why Benitez has urged his players to give those fans something to shout about.
“You can understand why the ground has been quiet at times,” said Benitez, whose side have only won two of their last five home Premier League fixtures. “We have not been playing at the level we were before, the expectations have been high and the fans have been waiting for something.
“We cannot blame the fans if they don’t push from the first minute if we have not been giving (good football) to them. But we will try to do our best. Our fans know we will be working hard but it has to be players and fans together. It can be no other way.
“It’s a crucial game and it’s important for us to show everyone we are desperate to improve. I’m sure they will be behind us, they were fantastic at Stoke.
“We have been talking about this – myself, Sammy (Lee) and (Mauricio) Pellegrino. It’s important to show the fans how hungry we are to win. The players have to show the character that the fans appreciate.”
Having described this contest as potentially being “make or break” for Liverpool’s ambitions of getting back into the top four, Benitez must decide whether to attack from the first whistle or be a little more conservative.
He is considering giving Maxi Rodriguez a first start, while he also has the option of restoring the fit again Albert Riera and Alberto Aquilani to his midfield.
Whatever he decides, the manager – who revealed Ryan Babel has apologised for his latest rant – is desperate to see Liverpool claim three points to really put some momentum into their season.
“I’m very pleased because the players have been showing a good mentality,” he said. “I’m pleased we showed good character and the main thing now is to get more confidence by winning games.”
“We know we didn’t play fantastic at Stoke and we are trying all the time. Everyone here knows that (the fate of the season) depends on us. If we can beat Tottenham, we will be a little bit happier and the race for fourth place will maybe be a little easier.”
Hard work is key for Liverpool FC, says Fabio Aurelio
DOWN on their luck, high on commitment – Fabio Aurelio believes relentless hard work and fierce determination hold the key to transforming Liverpool’s season.
Not even the Reds’ biggest supporter would try to mount an argument that Rafa Benitez’s side passed and moved with grace at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday – but there was an aspect to that performance which, in some ways, was even more pleasing.
It all started when Jamie Carragher called a huddle before kick-off; he and Pepe Reina, with the aid of some carefully chosen words, did their best to try and instil passion and belief into a team which has taken a number of hefty knocks this winter.
Whatever was said in those seconds before Lee Mason got the game under way will remain in the sanctity of the dressing room; but, clearly, the rousing rhetoric had an effect, as Liverpool looked united once again.
If decisions went against them, men clad in black and gold were not afraid to ask Mason difficult questions, remonstrating every time the match official erred; nobody shirked a tackle nor did anyone think twice about putting their bodies on the line.
Having had to contend with stories that the squad was in a state of disarray, here was evidence to the contrary; from the injured skipper Steven Gerrard offering support in the stands to those who ran themselves to a standstill, this was Liverpool putting up a united front.
True, their efforts were not sufficiently rewarded; that Robert Huth was able to pilfer an equaliser in the final minute was a source of huge frustration for Rafa Benitez and company but it was impossible to escape the feeling this was a significant performance.
Benitez, for one, was thrilled with the attitude and commitment and Aurelio was quick to offer similar sentiments; though they were left to rue that equaliser, they have a chance to make amends when Tottenham visit tonight.
Though it would be wrong to bill this re-arranged fixture as being make-or-break for Liverpool’s Champions League hopes, it is impossible to say how much confidence could be gained should the Reds take maximum points this evening.
Desperate to avenge their opening day 2-1 defeat at White Hart Lane, Liverpool have a prime opportunity to move on to the shoulders of Spurs, Aston Villa and Manchester City with a victory that could be the catalyst for a winning run.
“What happened at Stoke is typical of our fortune right now,” the Brazilian defender said.
“When things don’t go well, everything seems to be against you. We have got to manage this (situation) at the moment. We have got to approach all our games like we did the one on Saturday. We had the right attitude. If we keep that up, we can start changing things.
"We have got to be grateful for the support we got at Stoke. The fans were superb. They are always very helpful for us when they are behind us like that. It will be our first home game since we got beat by Reading, so we want to give them something back.
"We are going to be up against one of our direct opponents for fourth place. It’s a very important game and we will give it everything that we have got. Games against teams like this won’t specifically decide who finishes fourth but beating that type of opponent can give you more confidence, which is what we need now.
"We are going to be playing against a good team that is ahead of us in the table right now. They beat us on the first day of the season. But if we can win, it can gives us a boost for the rest of the season and help us push harder in the coming games. Before Stoke, we had won two league games and we are starting to build up a bit of momentum.”
If Benitez was looking for any good omens ahead of tonight’s match, one comes from the fact Spurs have not won at Anfield since 1993 – and that 2-1 success was their last against any of the ‘big four’ away from White Hart Lane, a run of 66 matches.
Another quirk is that Liverpool have never been beaten at home by both Arsenal and Tottenham in the same season; but it will, of course, take more than favourable statistics to see them get home in front here. As Aurelio counters, fight and endeavour will be the minimum requirement to quell Harry Redknapp’s men but he has promised Liverpool, as was the case in the Potteries, are in the mood for another scrap.
Aurelio said: “In terms of our football, we haven’t played at our best. But compared to the Reading game, our attitude was much better. When the team is in this situation and things aren’t going in your favour, the first thing you have to show is character.
“We know as a team we can still get out of this situation, as long as we keep on fighting. Look at Sotirios (Kyrgiakos). He was the right type of player for that game. He is good in the air and he fought hard, as Stoke were playing a lot of long balls.”
Aurelio’s words should provide solace for both fans and manager and, as Benitez points out, it was around this time last season when such an attitude helped Liverpool get out of a sticky spot – four consecutive draws – to finish the campaign with a flourish.
He said: “Last year when we had some problems, everyone was on board. That was good. Now we have a bad moment, we need to see everyone – players that we can count on and people around the club – pushing.
“What can you do? All you can do is your best.”
Not even the Reds’ biggest supporter would try to mount an argument that Rafa Benitez’s side passed and moved with grace at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday – but there was an aspect to that performance which, in some ways, was even more pleasing.
It all started when Jamie Carragher called a huddle before kick-off; he and Pepe Reina, with the aid of some carefully chosen words, did their best to try and instil passion and belief into a team which has taken a number of hefty knocks this winter.
Whatever was said in those seconds before Lee Mason got the game under way will remain in the sanctity of the dressing room; but, clearly, the rousing rhetoric had an effect, as Liverpool looked united once again.
If decisions went against them, men clad in black and gold were not afraid to ask Mason difficult questions, remonstrating every time the match official erred; nobody shirked a tackle nor did anyone think twice about putting their bodies on the line.
Having had to contend with stories that the squad was in a state of disarray, here was evidence to the contrary; from the injured skipper Steven Gerrard offering support in the stands to those who ran themselves to a standstill, this was Liverpool putting up a united front.
True, their efforts were not sufficiently rewarded; that Robert Huth was able to pilfer an equaliser in the final minute was a source of huge frustration for Rafa Benitez and company but it was impossible to escape the feeling this was a significant performance.
Benitez, for one, was thrilled with the attitude and commitment and Aurelio was quick to offer similar sentiments; though they were left to rue that equaliser, they have a chance to make amends when Tottenham visit tonight.
Though it would be wrong to bill this re-arranged fixture as being make-or-break for Liverpool’s Champions League hopes, it is impossible to say how much confidence could be gained should the Reds take maximum points this evening.
Desperate to avenge their opening day 2-1 defeat at White Hart Lane, Liverpool have a prime opportunity to move on to the shoulders of Spurs, Aston Villa and Manchester City with a victory that could be the catalyst for a winning run.
“What happened at Stoke is typical of our fortune right now,” the Brazilian defender said.
“When things don’t go well, everything seems to be against you. We have got to manage this (situation) at the moment. We have got to approach all our games like we did the one on Saturday. We had the right attitude. If we keep that up, we can start changing things.
"We have got to be grateful for the support we got at Stoke. The fans were superb. They are always very helpful for us when they are behind us like that. It will be our first home game since we got beat by Reading, so we want to give them something back.
"We are going to be up against one of our direct opponents for fourth place. It’s a very important game and we will give it everything that we have got. Games against teams like this won’t specifically decide who finishes fourth but beating that type of opponent can give you more confidence, which is what we need now.
"We are going to be playing against a good team that is ahead of us in the table right now. They beat us on the first day of the season. But if we can win, it can gives us a boost for the rest of the season and help us push harder in the coming games. Before Stoke, we had won two league games and we are starting to build up a bit of momentum.”
If Benitez was looking for any good omens ahead of tonight’s match, one comes from the fact Spurs have not won at Anfield since 1993 – and that 2-1 success was their last against any of the ‘big four’ away from White Hart Lane, a run of 66 matches.
Another quirk is that Liverpool have never been beaten at home by both Arsenal and Tottenham in the same season; but it will, of course, take more than favourable statistics to see them get home in front here. As Aurelio counters, fight and endeavour will be the minimum requirement to quell Harry Redknapp’s men but he has promised Liverpool, as was the case in the Potteries, are in the mood for another scrap.
Aurelio said: “In terms of our football, we haven’t played at our best. But compared to the Reading game, our attitude was much better. When the team is in this situation and things aren’t going in your favour, the first thing you have to show is character.
“We know as a team we can still get out of this situation, as long as we keep on fighting. Look at Sotirios (Kyrgiakos). He was the right type of player for that game. He is good in the air and he fought hard, as Stoke were playing a lot of long balls.”
Aurelio’s words should provide solace for both fans and manager and, as Benitez points out, it was around this time last season when such an attitude helped Liverpool get out of a sticky spot – four consecutive draws – to finish the campaign with a flourish.
He said: “Last year when we had some problems, everyone was on board. That was good. Now we have a bad moment, we need to see everyone – players that we can count on and people around the club – pushing.
“What can you do? All you can do is your best.”
Tommy Smith: Liverpool FC must catch Tottenham cold
EVERY game from now on in is a huge one for Liverpool.
But I doubt there’ll be any bigger in so many ways than the one at Anfield tonight.
In previous decades the visit of Spurs invariably meant three points for Liverpool. But now it’s not quite so straightforward and there’s no doubt this one provides a tough test for us.
Of course the injuries to Gerrard, Torres, Benayoun and Johnson will give Harry Redknapp’s men alift. But in a way that might just work in our favour.
Tottenham may have no real idea of just who they will face and how the Reds will line up. And if Maxi Rodriguez is given his full debut, his presence might just be something of a surprise to them and work in our advantage.
We have to hope that’s the case because we desperately need things to start going for us after all the incidents of cruel luck – not to mention plenty of self destruction – this season.
It wasn’t pretty at Stoke on Saturday but at least the lads put everything they had into every challenge and took Stoke on at their own game.
Everyone wants to see better football than that – especially from a Liverpool side.
But when a team is struggling like we have been, you go back to basics and claw your way out of it all by scrapping. The fluent football can come later.
Tonight, no doubt with the fans doing all they can to help, the players must show the same spirit and workrate to deny Spurs time and space. And then let’s see what happens.
If we can manage a win, it will provide a big confidence boost and for all the comment and controversy surrounding the club, put us right back in the hunt for fourth place.
We’ve got a battle on tonight. But at least at Stoke we saw the players up for a fight.
But I doubt there’ll be any bigger in so many ways than the one at Anfield tonight.
In previous decades the visit of Spurs invariably meant three points for Liverpool. But now it’s not quite so straightforward and there’s no doubt this one provides a tough test for us.
Of course the injuries to Gerrard, Torres, Benayoun and Johnson will give Harry Redknapp’s men alift. But in a way that might just work in our favour.
Tottenham may have no real idea of just who they will face and how the Reds will line up. And if Maxi Rodriguez is given his full debut, his presence might just be something of a surprise to them and work in our advantage.
We have to hope that’s the case because we desperately need things to start going for us after all the incidents of cruel luck – not to mention plenty of self destruction – this season.
It wasn’t pretty at Stoke on Saturday but at least the lads put everything they had into every challenge and took Stoke on at their own game.
Everyone wants to see better football than that – especially from a Liverpool side.
But when a team is struggling like we have been, you go back to basics and claw your way out of it all by scrapping. The fluent football can come later.
Tonight, no doubt with the fans doing all they can to help, the players must show the same spirit and workrate to deny Spurs time and space. And then let’s see what happens.
If we can manage a win, it will provide a big confidence boost and for all the comment and controversy surrounding the club, put us right back in the hunt for fourth place.
We’ve got a battle on tonight. But at least at Stoke we saw the players up for a fight.
Sunderland put block on Liverpool FC's move for Kenwyne Jones
LIVERPOOL’S hopes of signing Kenwyne Jones were effectively dead today after Sunderland refused any attempt to do business.
As was reported in later editions of last night’s ECHO, the Reds spent the weekend trying to thrash out a deal to bring the Trinidad & Tobago international to Anfield on loan until the end of the season and were hopeful of doing so.
With Fernando Torres facing a spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury, boss Rafa Benitez wanted to bring Jones to Anfield to give his strike force a physical presence and increase competition for places.
Yet despite the player wanting to switch Wearside for Merseyside, Sunderland would not entertain any thoughts of a loan and insisted the only way the Jones would leave the Stadium of Light during this window was in a cash deal.
The Reds, of course, are not flush with cash at present and had no intentions of meeting Sunderland’s asking price of well in excess of £10m for Jones, who has scored 25 times in 85 appearances for the Black Cats.
Benitez, who is also in the race to sign Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, is unlikely to give up his search to bring another forward in before the window closes and has vowed to keep “working hard” to find the right man.
“We will see if we can do something more in this window,” he added. “If we cannot we will stick together for the next challenge. We have a good team, a good squad and are not as bad as people think.”
A more immediate priority, though, is tomorrow night’s Anfield showdown with Tottenham Hotspur and the Reds’ boss wants to see his team show the same attitude and resilience as they did at Stoke on Saturday.
But, more importantly, he has urged them to develop a ruthless streak in order to prevent more precious points slipping away.
“We are in a position where we have to kill off games,” he said today. “Even in the last two games when we haven’t played well, we could still have won them.
“If we can do what we did against Wolves and Aston Villa, the confidence will be there. We might not have been doing well but still we can be close to where we want to be.
“That has to be the message to the players. We are still in there. We have to approach every game thinking that we need to get three points.
“The main thing is to be strong, be solid and if we can score, let’s try to kill the games. We haven’t been doing this enough. Against Reading, we started the second half really well but couldn't get the last pass right or find the player.
“Had we done that, we’d be talking about a totally different situation. We know that we have to improve but we have a game soon to do that.”
As was reported in later editions of last night’s ECHO, the Reds spent the weekend trying to thrash out a deal to bring the Trinidad & Tobago international to Anfield on loan until the end of the season and were hopeful of doing so.
With Fernando Torres facing a spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury, boss Rafa Benitez wanted to bring Jones to Anfield to give his strike force a physical presence and increase competition for places.
Yet despite the player wanting to switch Wearside for Merseyside, Sunderland would not entertain any thoughts of a loan and insisted the only way the Jones would leave the Stadium of Light during this window was in a cash deal.
The Reds, of course, are not flush with cash at present and had no intentions of meeting Sunderland’s asking price of well in excess of £10m for Jones, who has scored 25 times in 85 appearances for the Black Cats.
Benitez, who is also in the race to sign Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, is unlikely to give up his search to bring another forward in before the window closes and has vowed to keep “working hard” to find the right man.
“We will see if we can do something more in this window,” he added. “If we cannot we will stick together for the next challenge. We have a good team, a good squad and are not as bad as people think.”
A more immediate priority, though, is tomorrow night’s Anfield showdown with Tottenham Hotspur and the Reds’ boss wants to see his team show the same attitude and resilience as they did at Stoke on Saturday.
But, more importantly, he has urged them to develop a ruthless streak in order to prevent more precious points slipping away.
“We are in a position where we have to kill off games,” he said today. “Even in the last two games when we haven’t played well, we could still have won them.
“If we can do what we did against Wolves and Aston Villa, the confidence will be there. We might not have been doing well but still we can be close to where we want to be.
“That has to be the message to the players. We are still in there. We have to approach every game thinking that we need to get three points.
“The main thing is to be strong, be solid and if we can score, let’s try to kill the games. We haven’t been doing this enough. Against Reading, we started the second half really well but couldn't get the last pass right or find the player.
“Had we done that, we’d be talking about a totally different situation. We know that we have to improve but we have a game soon to do that.”
Maxi Rodriguez to spark Liverpool FC goalrush hopes Rafa Benitez
LIVERPOOL have found goals hard to come by in recent months but Rafa Benitez believes Maxi Rodriguez can provide an answer to their problems.
Having started the campaign with a flurry, putting six past Hull City as well as hitting Stoke City and Burnley both for four in the opening weeks, the Reds’ play has lacked a killer instinct during a winter when their ambitions have come off the rails.
Given they were the sharpest shooters in the Premier League last season – their tally of 77 dwarfed the final totals of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal – their inability to convert chances into goals has, not surprisingly, given Benitez a headache.
Not since September 26 have Liverpool scored more than two in a game and if they are going to resurrect their push for a place in the top four, Benitez is well aware possession must be turned into something tangible.
That’s why he hopes Rodriguez – in the absence of leading scorers Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun – can take over the mantle, starting in tomorrow’s crucial Anfield showdown with Tottenham Hotspur.
Rodriguez, of course, is no stranger to scoring in front of The Kop – he rifled in Atletico Madrid’s goal in a 1-1 Champions League draw in November 2008 – and a glance through his career statistics show he has a healthy goals to games ratio.
So with Liverpool in need of a boost, Benitez wants to see a player he expects to prove himself a fans’ favourite take the first step towards that prediction by doing what he does best against a Tottenham side intent on causing problems.
“We were working hard (in the transfer market), looking for solutions in some areas and we were also looking for someone to give us a lift and that’s why we went for Maxi,” Benitez explained.
“Maxi knows Javier (Mascherano) and Fernando (Torres) and the big positive from that point was they have a very good opinion of him. He is a player who knows about the game.
“He is not really, really quick like some wingers who go on runs and beat players.
“But he is someone who is very clever, technically very good and can keep the ball.
“He also uses the ball well and can finish – he has scored a lot of goals in his career, has a very good record and now we want him to do the same for us.”
Reds’ supporters got their first glimpse of Rodriguez during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Stoke and while he never had much chance to make an impact, there were brief glimpses of the quality which has helped him win 35 caps for Argentina.
There might not be much of him in turns of stature – he is only marginally taller than former Liverpool hero Luis Garcia – but Benitez is quick to stress Rodriguez is a completely different type of player.
“Maxi is very strong,” his new manager pointed out.
“Normally if you can keep the ball, he will be there but he likes to get into the box and has a record of up to 15 goals every year.
“We have had some players playing too many games and we needed to give these players a rest; if we can choose Maxi, then give someone a rest, it will be really good for the team.”
Torres, for one, wasted no time in extolling Rodriguez’s virtues but it is going to be six weeks at least before the pair get the chance to recreate the fireworks they produced for Atletico, as Liverpool’s number nine is currently recovering from knee surgery.
His absence, however, will provide a chance for someone to make a name for themselves during the course of the next month – aside from Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal are on the horizon – and Benitez is intrigued to see who will grasp it.
“Fernando didn’t say anything about the tackle (he suffered in the FA Cup replay against Reading), he just said he felt it twist,” said Benitez.
“We know some players have had injury problems from the beginning of the season.
“They had been in with their national team and they came back injured. But they have been so important for us that we have had to play them.
“But they cannot be here now. Others have got to come in and take their place and you never know.
“It could be a chance for somebody to really make a name. It’s difficult to replace a player of Torres’ quality but now we will see if they have the character.”
One man hoping to profit from Torres’ absence is the willing front runner David Ngog.
The young striker endured a difficult afternoon at Stoke but, with six goals to his name already, he is determined to help Benitez as much as he can between now and the end of the season.
“I hope I can keep improving,” said Ngog. “ It is all to do with confidence
“It is good for me to be here in Liverpool and I have been playing a little bit more this season but nothing changes; you have to keep working hard.
“I’m enjoying my football and believe that I can score goals for Liverpool.
“My dream was always to play for one of the best clubs in the world.
“It’s fantastic to play in the Premier League but I just have to keep taking a step after a step.”
Having started the campaign with a flurry, putting six past Hull City as well as hitting Stoke City and Burnley both for four in the opening weeks, the Reds’ play has lacked a killer instinct during a winter when their ambitions have come off the rails.
Given they were the sharpest shooters in the Premier League last season – their tally of 77 dwarfed the final totals of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal – their inability to convert chances into goals has, not surprisingly, given Benitez a headache.
Not since September 26 have Liverpool scored more than two in a game and if they are going to resurrect their push for a place in the top four, Benitez is well aware possession must be turned into something tangible.
That’s why he hopes Rodriguez – in the absence of leading scorers Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun – can take over the mantle, starting in tomorrow’s crucial Anfield showdown with Tottenham Hotspur.
Rodriguez, of course, is no stranger to scoring in front of The Kop – he rifled in Atletico Madrid’s goal in a 1-1 Champions League draw in November 2008 – and a glance through his career statistics show he has a healthy goals to games ratio.
So with Liverpool in need of a boost, Benitez wants to see a player he expects to prove himself a fans’ favourite take the first step towards that prediction by doing what he does best against a Tottenham side intent on causing problems.
“We were working hard (in the transfer market), looking for solutions in some areas and we were also looking for someone to give us a lift and that’s why we went for Maxi,” Benitez explained.
“Maxi knows Javier (Mascherano) and Fernando (Torres) and the big positive from that point was they have a very good opinion of him. He is a player who knows about the game.
“He is not really, really quick like some wingers who go on runs and beat players.
“But he is someone who is very clever, technically very good and can keep the ball.
“He also uses the ball well and can finish – he has scored a lot of goals in his career, has a very good record and now we want him to do the same for us.”
Reds’ supporters got their first glimpse of Rodriguez during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Stoke and while he never had much chance to make an impact, there were brief glimpses of the quality which has helped him win 35 caps for Argentina.
There might not be much of him in turns of stature – he is only marginally taller than former Liverpool hero Luis Garcia – but Benitez is quick to stress Rodriguez is a completely different type of player.
“Maxi is very strong,” his new manager pointed out.
“Normally if you can keep the ball, he will be there but he likes to get into the box and has a record of up to 15 goals every year.
“We have had some players playing too many games and we needed to give these players a rest; if we can choose Maxi, then give someone a rest, it will be really good for the team.”
Torres, for one, wasted no time in extolling Rodriguez’s virtues but it is going to be six weeks at least before the pair get the chance to recreate the fireworks they produced for Atletico, as Liverpool’s number nine is currently recovering from knee surgery.
His absence, however, will provide a chance for someone to make a name for themselves during the course of the next month – aside from Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal are on the horizon – and Benitez is intrigued to see who will grasp it.
“Fernando didn’t say anything about the tackle (he suffered in the FA Cup replay against Reading), he just said he felt it twist,” said Benitez.
“We know some players have had injury problems from the beginning of the season.
“They had been in with their national team and they came back injured. But they have been so important for us that we have had to play them.
“But they cannot be here now. Others have got to come in and take their place and you never know.
“It could be a chance for somebody to really make a name. It’s difficult to replace a player of Torres’ quality but now we will see if they have the character.”
One man hoping to profit from Torres’ absence is the willing front runner David Ngog.
The young striker endured a difficult afternoon at Stoke but, with six goals to his name already, he is determined to help Benitez as much as he can between now and the end of the season.
“I hope I can keep improving,” said Ngog. “ It is all to do with confidence
“It is good for me to be here in Liverpool and I have been playing a little bit more this season but nothing changes; you have to keep working hard.
“I’m enjoying my football and believe that I can score goals for Liverpool.
“My dream was always to play for one of the best clubs in the world.
“It’s fantastic to play in the Premier League but I just have to keep taking a step after a step.”
IAN RUSH: Liverpool FC can make Champions League rivals pay a heavy price
ANOTHER two points dropped, another late goal conceded and another raft of unfavourable headlines – Liverpool must finally be out of the race for the Champions League.
Funny to think, then, that after the latest round of Premier League matches, Liverpool’s prospects of clambering back into the top four have actually improved ever so slightly, as their rivals all squandered points.
Though Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have taken maximum advantage of the Reds’ travails this season, the same cannot be said of Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.
When Liverpool left the Britannia Stadium on Saturday afternoon, having failed to turn a battling performance into three points, I’m sure the players would have been fearing the worst when they looked at the fixture list.
Those who like to do a coupon would have made Tottenham certainties to beat Hull and Villa to see off West Ham United, while many would have fancied City to get a result of some sort against Everton, given their excellent form.
For all three to fail, however, shows they are going to be vulnerable in the remainder of the season and when the pressure is on them, they might end up slipping on many more occasions.
If that allows Liverpool to profit, they can have only themselves to blame and I’m still absolutely convinced the Reds will turn the situation around by leapfrogging them all between now and May 9.
It hasn’t been a great season, to put it mildly, but there is just a suggestion now that things are starting to turn and the attitude and commitment of the side that played at Stoke was excellent; their effort and desire could not be faulted.
What’s more, it’s not a disaster ‘only’ taking a point home from the Britannia – that is one of the most intimidating grounds in the Premier League and plenty of teams have done – and will do – leave empty-handed.
So it’s important to put things into context and that draw will look even better if we can beat Tottenham.
They will arrive here looking to cause us real problems and it’s not a game we can afford to lose but I don’t think we will; after all, Liverpool are still right in the race.
Why a move for Kenwyne Jones makes perfect sense
IT is of no surprise that Kenwyne Jones is high on Liverpool’s wanted list as he’s a player of real quality.
Some people might have been a little bit surprised when they heard Rafa Benitez wanted to sign the Trinidad & Tobago striker but it would of been a shrewd piece of business.
Rafa needs a quick fix, given Fernando Torres is injured, he needs someone who knows the Premier League and, above all, he requires a big presence.
Jones has ticks in all those boxes and, given that money is tight, a loan move until the end of the season would of fit the bill for the Reds.
David Ngog is not quite ready yet for the Premier League, while Dirk Kuyt has other duties, so Jones would of been a welcome addition.
Liverpool FC must cash in on Ryan Babel
IT is has been another bad week for Ryan Babel and I can’t really see how he can turn his Liverpool career around now.
He has done himself no favours in falling out with Rafa Benitez; you can’t breach dressing room trust by telling the world 24 hours before a game that he had been axed from the squad.
Once a player is out of sorts and starts bemoaning life at a club, it is very difficult to turn the situation around, even if they have rich talent.
Babel can clearly play football but his heart is not in it for Liverpool and a move away looks best for all parties.
Carragher shows his true class
A lot has been said about last week’s hugely disappointing exit from the FA Cup and there is no point in re-opening old wounds.
It was as bad as Liverpool have played this season, even though they still had enough chances to win the tie and to miss out on a trip to Wembley is so frustrating.
But, at the same time, it would be wrong to overlook how well Reading played in both games and they deserve their place in the fourth round against Burnley this weekend.
When you play for Liverpool, it is imperative that you be a good loser as well as a good winner, so it was really good to see Jamie Carragher show a touch of class and pay tribute to Reading.
He will have been hurting badly so to come out and give them credit spoke volumes for him.
Funny to think, then, that after the latest round of Premier League matches, Liverpool’s prospects of clambering back into the top four have actually improved ever so slightly, as their rivals all squandered points.
Though Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have taken maximum advantage of the Reds’ travails this season, the same cannot be said of Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.
When Liverpool left the Britannia Stadium on Saturday afternoon, having failed to turn a battling performance into three points, I’m sure the players would have been fearing the worst when they looked at the fixture list.
Those who like to do a coupon would have made Tottenham certainties to beat Hull and Villa to see off West Ham United, while many would have fancied City to get a result of some sort against Everton, given their excellent form.
For all three to fail, however, shows they are going to be vulnerable in the remainder of the season and when the pressure is on them, they might end up slipping on many more occasions.
If that allows Liverpool to profit, they can have only themselves to blame and I’m still absolutely convinced the Reds will turn the situation around by leapfrogging them all between now and May 9.
It hasn’t been a great season, to put it mildly, but there is just a suggestion now that things are starting to turn and the attitude and commitment of the side that played at Stoke was excellent; their effort and desire could not be faulted.
What’s more, it’s not a disaster ‘only’ taking a point home from the Britannia – that is one of the most intimidating grounds in the Premier League and plenty of teams have done – and will do – leave empty-handed.
So it’s important to put things into context and that draw will look even better if we can beat Tottenham.
They will arrive here looking to cause us real problems and it’s not a game we can afford to lose but I don’t think we will; after all, Liverpool are still right in the race.
Why a move for Kenwyne Jones makes perfect sense
IT is of no surprise that Kenwyne Jones is high on Liverpool’s wanted list as he’s a player of real quality.
Some people might have been a little bit surprised when they heard Rafa Benitez wanted to sign the Trinidad & Tobago striker but it would of been a shrewd piece of business.
Rafa needs a quick fix, given Fernando Torres is injured, he needs someone who knows the Premier League and, above all, he requires a big presence.
Jones has ticks in all those boxes and, given that money is tight, a loan move until the end of the season would of fit the bill for the Reds.
David Ngog is not quite ready yet for the Premier League, while Dirk Kuyt has other duties, so Jones would of been a welcome addition.
Liverpool FC must cash in on Ryan Babel
IT is has been another bad week for Ryan Babel and I can’t really see how he can turn his Liverpool career around now.
He has done himself no favours in falling out with Rafa Benitez; you can’t breach dressing room trust by telling the world 24 hours before a game that he had been axed from the squad.
Once a player is out of sorts and starts bemoaning life at a club, it is very difficult to turn the situation around, even if they have rich talent.
Babel can clearly play football but his heart is not in it for Liverpool and a move away looks best for all parties.
Carragher shows his true class
A lot has been said about last week’s hugely disappointing exit from the FA Cup and there is no point in re-opening old wounds.
It was as bad as Liverpool have played this season, even though they still had enough chances to win the tie and to miss out on a trip to Wembley is so frustrating.
But, at the same time, it would be wrong to overlook how well Reading played in both games and they deserve their place in the fourth round against Burnley this weekend.
When you play for Liverpool, it is imperative that you be a good loser as well as a good winner, so it was really good to see Jamie Carragher show a touch of class and pay tribute to Reading.
He will have been hurting badly so to come out and give them credit spoke volumes for him.
Liverpool FC close in on Kenwyne Jones loan deal
LIVERPOOL were today closing in on a deal to bring Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones to Anfield on loan until the end of the season.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez has been determined to add a physical presence to his forward line and has been scouring the market for options.
With Fernando Torres facing six weeks out after undergoing successful knee surgery in Barcelona on Saturday, Benitez wants to move quickly and is hoping that a deal will be wrapped up within the next 24 hours.
Talks have been on going with Sunderland over the weekend and Liverpool are keeping their fingers crossed that there will be no late glitches to scupper the move for a player, who has scored six times for the Black Cats in the Premier League this season.
Benitez, typically, is keeping his cards close to his chest and all he would say today when asked about Liverpool’s pursuit of Jones is that the club “are working hard and looking for different options.”
It is understood, though, that Jones is Liverpool’s number one target and the odds are increasing that he will arrive on Merseyside in the near future.
Jones’ future has been the subject of much speculation during the transfer window and only last week, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce declared that any club wishing to sign the Trinidad & Tobago international could start the bidding “at £40m”.
The 25-year-old’s stock has grown considerably during his time on Wearside and he has scored 25 times in 85 appearances since joining Sunderland for £6m in 2007 from Southampton.
There had been talk over the weekend that Jones would move to Anfield with Ryan Babel going in the opposite direction but that is not the case.
Babel has been fined two weeks’ wages for revealing on the social networking website ‘Twitter’ that he had been axed from the squad that faced Stoke on Saturday and was involved in a heated row with Benitez at the club’s Melwood training ground yesterday.
Benitez, not surprisingly, was furious that Babel had gone public on a private matter 24 hours before an important game and hauled Babel into his office before the squad had a warm down to demand an explanation.
The Holland international was subsequently told to concentrate on playing well enough for the first team, rather than worrying about a move away, but he stormed home in a fit of pique.
He returned half an hour later after receiving a phone call from a club official but it will be a huge surprise if he does enough in the next two days to warrant a recall to the squad that will face a crucial test against Tottenham at Anfield on Wednesday night.
A move away from Anfield before the window shuts now looks inevitable and both Besiktas and Galatasary have been linked with Babel, as Liverpool look to cut their losses.
Torres, meanwhile, underwent a successful operation to trim the meniscus in his knee in Barcelona on Saturday.
He was operated on by Dr Ramon Cugat, who consulted him earlier in the season when the Spaniard was nursing a groin problem.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez has been determined to add a physical presence to his forward line and has been scouring the market for options.
With Fernando Torres facing six weeks out after undergoing successful knee surgery in Barcelona on Saturday, Benitez wants to move quickly and is hoping that a deal will be wrapped up within the next 24 hours.
Talks have been on going with Sunderland over the weekend and Liverpool are keeping their fingers crossed that there will be no late glitches to scupper the move for a player, who has scored six times for the Black Cats in the Premier League this season.
Benitez, typically, is keeping his cards close to his chest and all he would say today when asked about Liverpool’s pursuit of Jones is that the club “are working hard and looking for different options.”
It is understood, though, that Jones is Liverpool’s number one target and the odds are increasing that he will arrive on Merseyside in the near future.
Jones’ future has been the subject of much speculation during the transfer window and only last week, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce declared that any club wishing to sign the Trinidad & Tobago international could start the bidding “at £40m”.
The 25-year-old’s stock has grown considerably during his time on Wearside and he has scored 25 times in 85 appearances since joining Sunderland for £6m in 2007 from Southampton.
There had been talk over the weekend that Jones would move to Anfield with Ryan Babel going in the opposite direction but that is not the case.
Babel has been fined two weeks’ wages for revealing on the social networking website ‘Twitter’ that he had been axed from the squad that faced Stoke on Saturday and was involved in a heated row with Benitez at the club’s Melwood training ground yesterday.
Benitez, not surprisingly, was furious that Babel had gone public on a private matter 24 hours before an important game and hauled Babel into his office before the squad had a warm down to demand an explanation.
The Holland international was subsequently told to concentrate on playing well enough for the first team, rather than worrying about a move away, but he stormed home in a fit of pique.
He returned half an hour later after receiving a phone call from a club official but it will be a huge surprise if he does enough in the next two days to warrant a recall to the squad that will face a crucial test against Tottenham at Anfield on Wednesday night.
A move away from Anfield before the window shuts now looks inevitable and both Besiktas and Galatasary have been linked with Babel, as Liverpool look to cut their losses.
Torres, meanwhile, underwent a successful operation to trim the meniscus in his knee in Barcelona on Saturday.
He was operated on by Dr Ramon Cugat, who consulted him earlier in the season when the Spaniard was nursing a groin problem.
Fabio Aurelio calls for Liverpool FC to stop conceding late goals
FABIO AURELIO today admitted Liverpool must eradicate the tendency of shooting themselves in the foot to save their Champions League dreams.
Though they never engaged top gear, the Reds looked poised to collect three crucial points at Stoke on Saturday before conceding another 90th-minute goal. This season has been crammed with last-gasp calamities, from meetings with Lyon in the Champions League to Reading in the FA Cup, and Aurelio says it has taken a mental toll.
The Brazilian ace was desperately frustrated the Reds could not build on Sotirios Kyrgiakos first goal for the club, but is hoping for better fortune on Wednesday.
Tottenham are up next and Aurelio insists taking three points off them will help make up for the frustration felt leaving Britannia Stadium.
“We deserved more,” he said “It’s always a difficult game at Stoke. They are a very physical team who play a lot of long balls and they try to win a lot of second balls.
“Conceding these late goals takes a lot out of you as a player.
“We came here knowing that we could win and we were practically there.
“Suddenly one ball, one corner and it’s 1-1. It didn’t leave us much time to recover. This was an opportunity to start winning again but we’ve missed it.
“We are so disappointed. Even after they equalised, we had a chance to win. We were unlucky when Dirk (Kuyt) hit the post and even then Lucas should have had a penalty.”
Aurelio’s compatriot was bundled over as Kuyt attempted to win the game in the dying seconds, but that claim was nowhere as strong as the one he was denied in the first half.
Lucas, though, ended up being booked by referee Lee Mason for diving after tangling with Danny Higginbotham and Aurelio believes those incidents are indicative of Liverpool’s luck.
“There were a lot of decisions that the referee just didn’t see,” he said.
“Last season, that header would have hit the post and gone in but this season it is going the other way.
“The attitude of the team was very good, as we know things have been going against us. We know we have to step up our game and fight – then the football comes after that.
“We mentioned before the game we just had to let the referee do his job and not speak to him because he has not been very good for us in the past.
“In the end we had to push him on things because we could see a lot of decisions should have been in our favour.”
Liverpool’s side was patched up, given the absence of Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun, but Aurelio says the team has to show they can cope. “We can take confidence from the performance,” he said. “We are missing a lot of quality players, who do important things for us but our players will take responsibility.”
Torres, meanwhile, underwent a successful operation to trim the meniscus in his knee in Barcelona on Saturday.
He was operated on by Dr Ramon Cugat, who consulted him earlier in the season when the Spaniard was nursing a groin problem.
Though they never engaged top gear, the Reds looked poised to collect three crucial points at Stoke on Saturday before conceding another 90th-minute goal. This season has been crammed with last-gasp calamities, from meetings with Lyon in the Champions League to Reading in the FA Cup, and Aurelio says it has taken a mental toll.
The Brazilian ace was desperately frustrated the Reds could not build on Sotirios Kyrgiakos first goal for the club, but is hoping for better fortune on Wednesday.
Tottenham are up next and Aurelio insists taking three points off them will help make up for the frustration felt leaving Britannia Stadium.
“We deserved more,” he said “It’s always a difficult game at Stoke. They are a very physical team who play a lot of long balls and they try to win a lot of second balls.
“Conceding these late goals takes a lot out of you as a player.
“We came here knowing that we could win and we were practically there.
“Suddenly one ball, one corner and it’s 1-1. It didn’t leave us much time to recover. This was an opportunity to start winning again but we’ve missed it.
“We are so disappointed. Even after they equalised, we had a chance to win. We were unlucky when Dirk (Kuyt) hit the post and even then Lucas should have had a penalty.”
Aurelio’s compatriot was bundled over as Kuyt attempted to win the game in the dying seconds, but that claim was nowhere as strong as the one he was denied in the first half.
Lucas, though, ended up being booked by referee Lee Mason for diving after tangling with Danny Higginbotham and Aurelio believes those incidents are indicative of Liverpool’s luck.
“There were a lot of decisions that the referee just didn’t see,” he said.
“Last season, that header would have hit the post and gone in but this season it is going the other way.
“The attitude of the team was very good, as we know things have been going against us. We know we have to step up our game and fight – then the football comes after that.
“We mentioned before the game we just had to let the referee do his job and not speak to him because he has not been very good for us in the past.
“In the end we had to push him on things because we could see a lot of decisions should have been in our favour.”
Liverpool’s side was patched up, given the absence of Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun, but Aurelio says the team has to show they can cope. “We can take confidence from the performance,” he said. “We are missing a lot of quality players, who do important things for us but our players will take responsibility.”
Torres, meanwhile, underwent a successful operation to trim the meniscus in his knee in Barcelona on Saturday.
He was operated on by Dr Ramon Cugat, who consulted him earlier in the season when the Spaniard was nursing a groin problem.
Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez praises his team’s spirit after 1-1 draw at Stoke City
RAFA BENITEZ suffered one of the most disappointing results of his Anfield career when losing to Reading last Wednesday – but admitted drawing at Stoke City felt worse.
The Reds looked poised to notch their third consecutive Premier League win on Saturday lunchtime when Sotirios Kyrgiakos bundled home from close range following a goalmouth melee, which was sparked by Fabio Aurelio’s free-kick.
Much to Benitez’s great frustration, though, Liverpool could not hang on to get the confidence-boosting victory they desperately needed, as Stoke’s late pressure paid dividends when Robert Huth prodded home in the last minute.
It was a moment indicative of the way Liverpool’s campaign has gone but Benitez refused to dwell on the matter and preferred to concentrate on the positives – namely the spirit and attitude they showed in the 1-1 draw.
“We tried to do our job and we showed here that the team is full of character,” he said.
“The effort of players was fantastic. We were so close to winning that you have to be disappointed but the performance was good against a team that is very physical. Every ball was in the air and followed by a challenge and a challenge and a challenge. With five or six players out injured I thought we did well. Normally in these situations you would see a goal but at this moment, OK, it is bad luck.
“But we still should have had two penalties that could have changed everything. The first penalty (appeal) Lucas went down early but it was a foul and a penalty anyway and the second one (on Lucas in injury time) was also a clear penalty.”
That the referee who failed to award those two decisions was Lee Mason served to irk Benitez further; he has clashed with that official twice this season – at Fulham and Portsmouth – and Liverpool’s manager hopes some action will be taken.
“They have people in charge of referees who analyse these things and they know,” he said. “We have to try to be positive after this game. It is important we stay positive and we have to be disappointed with the decisions. They were not the best.
“I don’t think you can change too many things even if you do say anything. The question is, they have people who are in charge and they have to decide when they have seen the performance of the referee on the pitch and then decide.
“It’s like me dealing with a player – if a player makes a mistake then you put the player on the bench.”
Though Liverpool were short of fit bodies, they showed great character throughout and the feeling of unity was only enhanced further by the fact injured skipper Steven Gerrard made the trip to the Britannia Stadium, even though he was suffering with a hamstring tweak. “He wanted to show his commitment,” Benitez said.
“He was in the dressing room with me, Sammy, Pellegrino and the rest of the players and staff. There is no problem. He is very disappointed that we have not won these games like everyone else. But he was here to help. He is the captain and he was here supporting the team. People were asking me about rumours of a disagreement but it is 100% not true. He knows it is important to be with the team.”
Meanwhile, Stoke boss Tony Pulis dismissed Benitez’s complaints saying: “You can look at all sorts of decisions. I did not think it was a free-kick before they scored and probably Sorensen will have to take the blame for conceding a poor goal.
“But we got up a fair momentum in the end and I felt we deserved the draw.
“I certainly did not think that there was anything wrong with Liverpool’s performance. Their commitment and attitude was spot-on, they had a real go.”
The Reds looked poised to notch their third consecutive Premier League win on Saturday lunchtime when Sotirios Kyrgiakos bundled home from close range following a goalmouth melee, which was sparked by Fabio Aurelio’s free-kick.
Much to Benitez’s great frustration, though, Liverpool could not hang on to get the confidence-boosting victory they desperately needed, as Stoke’s late pressure paid dividends when Robert Huth prodded home in the last minute.
It was a moment indicative of the way Liverpool’s campaign has gone but Benitez refused to dwell on the matter and preferred to concentrate on the positives – namely the spirit and attitude they showed in the 1-1 draw.
“We tried to do our job and we showed here that the team is full of character,” he said.
“The effort of players was fantastic. We were so close to winning that you have to be disappointed but the performance was good against a team that is very physical. Every ball was in the air and followed by a challenge and a challenge and a challenge. With five or six players out injured I thought we did well. Normally in these situations you would see a goal but at this moment, OK, it is bad luck.
“But we still should have had two penalties that could have changed everything. The first penalty (appeal) Lucas went down early but it was a foul and a penalty anyway and the second one (on Lucas in injury time) was also a clear penalty.”
That the referee who failed to award those two decisions was Lee Mason served to irk Benitez further; he has clashed with that official twice this season – at Fulham and Portsmouth – and Liverpool’s manager hopes some action will be taken.
“They have people in charge of referees who analyse these things and they know,” he said. “We have to try to be positive after this game. It is important we stay positive and we have to be disappointed with the decisions. They were not the best.
“I don’t think you can change too many things even if you do say anything. The question is, they have people who are in charge and they have to decide when they have seen the performance of the referee on the pitch and then decide.
“It’s like me dealing with a player – if a player makes a mistake then you put the player on the bench.”
Though Liverpool were short of fit bodies, they showed great character throughout and the feeling of unity was only enhanced further by the fact injured skipper Steven Gerrard made the trip to the Britannia Stadium, even though he was suffering with a hamstring tweak. “He wanted to show his commitment,” Benitez said.
“He was in the dressing room with me, Sammy, Pellegrino and the rest of the players and staff. There is no problem. He is very disappointed that we have not won these games like everyone else. But he was here to help. He is the captain and he was here supporting the team. People were asking me about rumours of a disagreement but it is 100% not true. He knows it is important to be with the team.”
Meanwhile, Stoke boss Tony Pulis dismissed Benitez’s complaints saying: “You can look at all sorts of decisions. I did not think it was a free-kick before they scored and probably Sorensen will have to take the blame for conceding a poor goal.
“But we got up a fair momentum in the end and I felt we deserved the draw.
“I certainly did not think that there was anything wrong with Liverpool’s performance. Their commitment and attitude was spot-on, they had a real go.”
Their reward came just before the hour when, following a foul on David Ngog, Fabio Aurelio fizzed in a free-kick that Sorensen flapped at under pressu
PETER BEARDSLEY believes Liverpool should stick by under-pressure manager Rafa Benitez.
And he insists the Spanish boss, who has signed more than 100 players in his five years on Merseyside, is the best man for the job even if Liverpool do not finish in the top four at the end of the season.
Beardsley puts most of Liverpool’s woes this season down to injuries to their most influential players, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.
Beardsley said: “He’s (Benitez) signed a lot of players but look at most teams in the world. If they lost their stars then they would struggle. If you lost Rooney out of Manchester United’s team they would struggle.
“The criticism is a bit over the top. I would definitely stick with him. What have they got to lose? It’s only going to be the same players I would imagine for whoever takes over anyway. I would give him to the summer definitely and beyond then because he has done a brilliant job at Liverpool.
“They were really close last season to winning the league. When you look at the Premier League as a whole this season most of the top teams have lost three, four or five games which is unusual.
“He has got the respect of the players. In the main, most of the fans want him to stay.”
If the board decide Benitez, whose side drew at Stoke on Saturday after exiting the FA Cup against Reading in midweek, should lose his job, however, Beardsley believes Kop legend Kenny Dalglish would be the perfect man to take over.
Dalglish currently is working with the academy and Beardsley, speaking on Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme, said: “If they were to make a change that would be the perfect change. He (Dalglish) knows the club inside out. He and Sammy Lee get on like a house on fire so there wouldn’t need to be wholesale changes. But at the moment I wouldn’t do anything.”
Beardsley also believes there is no chance Gerrard, who was on the brink of joining Chelsea in 2005, will leave his hometown club.
He said: “When he turned down the Chelsea thing I think he committed himself to Liverpool for life and I genuinely believe he’ll be there for life.”
And he insists the Spanish boss, who has signed more than 100 players in his five years on Merseyside, is the best man for the job even if Liverpool do not finish in the top four at the end of the season.
Beardsley puts most of Liverpool’s woes this season down to injuries to their most influential players, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.
Beardsley said: “He’s (Benitez) signed a lot of players but look at most teams in the world. If they lost their stars then they would struggle. If you lost Rooney out of Manchester United’s team they would struggle.
“The criticism is a bit over the top. I would definitely stick with him. What have they got to lose? It’s only going to be the same players I would imagine for whoever takes over anyway. I would give him to the summer definitely and beyond then because he has done a brilliant job at Liverpool.
“They were really close last season to winning the league. When you look at the Premier League as a whole this season most of the top teams have lost three, four or five games which is unusual.
“He has got the respect of the players. In the main, most of the fans want him to stay.”
If the board decide Benitez, whose side drew at Stoke on Saturday after exiting the FA Cup against Reading in midweek, should lose his job, however, Beardsley believes Kop legend Kenny Dalglish would be the perfect man to take over.
Dalglish currently is working with the academy and Beardsley, speaking on Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme, said: “If they were to make a change that would be the perfect change. He (Dalglish) knows the club inside out. He and Sammy Lee get on like a house on fire so there wouldn’t need to be wholesale changes. But at the moment I wouldn’t do anything.”
Beardsley also believes there is no chance Gerrard, who was on the brink of joining Chelsea in 2005, will leave his hometown club.
He said: “When he turned down the Chelsea thing I think he committed himself to Liverpool for life and I genuinely believe he’ll be there for life.”
Stoke CIty 1 Liverpool 1
LIVERPOOL were cruelly denied a confidence-boosting win this afternoon as Robert Huth snatched a last-gasp equaliser for Stoke.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos looked as if he was going to be the Reds’ unlikely hero when bundling in his first goal for the club on 57 minutes, a moment that looked set to ease the pressure on Rafa Benitez.
But this campaign has been littered with crushing moments caused by goals in the shadows of time and Liverpool suffered another in the 90th minute when Huth was left unmarked to grab a share of the spoils for the home side.
Despite fielding a patched-up side with several players being deployed in unfamiliar roles, Liverpool made an encouraging start to the contest and with better decision making, might have created the opening they need to give their confidence a lift.
The closest they came to troubling Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen was when Lucas got a clear sight of goal on the edge of the area but his powerful shot was charged down on 19 minutes following a sequence of quick passes.
Lucas, as has been the case for much of the season, was a figure of great industry and he should have seen a charging run into the box rewarded with a penalty shortly after when he was crudely stopped in his tracks.
For some reason, however, Lee Mason – a referee who has irked Benitez several times this season – refrained from pointing to the spot and, to make matters worse, booked the Brazilian for diving; television replays confirmed he was wrong on both counts.
That was the only taking point of a relatively humdrum first 45 minutes but Benitez could only have taken heart from the way his team were prepared to knuckle down and fight in a raucous atmosphere.
It takes more than just solid defending and hard work in a first half to win a game and Liverpool, clearly, haven’t always been able to build from such bases during this dispiriting campaign but they were intent on changing that here.
Their reward came just before the hour when, following a foul on David Ngog, Fabio Aurelio fizzed in a free-kick that Sorensen flapped at under pressure and Kyrgiakos was able to force the ball across the line from a yard out.
While Kyrgiakos was simply intent on getting back to do his job in the back four, the visiting supporters celebrated as if Liverpool had returned to the top of the league but it was hardly a surprise; it was a goal of huge significance.
With Stoke fashioning few, if any, clear chances, it was there for Liverpool to ram home their advantage but – not for the first time this year – they gave the impression they were never more vulnerable than after taking the lead.
Turning up the pressure with an aerial bombardment, Stoke tried their hardest to fashion an equaliser but Pepe Reina did his best to ease any nerves by punching and grabbing any ball that came into his area.
Unfortunately, however, he was powerless to prevent the home side pilfering an equaliser in the last minute, Huth prodding in from two yards after Danny Higginbotham had knocked down Matt Etherington’s corner.
There was still time for one late twist and Dirk Kuyt thought he had come to the rescue but his diving header from Aurelio’s fabulous left wing cross hit the post and bounced to safety. It was a moment that, in truth, summed up Liverpool’s season – so near yet so far.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos looked as if he was going to be the Reds’ unlikely hero when bundling in his first goal for the club on 57 minutes, a moment that looked set to ease the pressure on Rafa Benitez.
But this campaign has been littered with crushing moments caused by goals in the shadows of time and Liverpool suffered another in the 90th minute when Huth was left unmarked to grab a share of the spoils for the home side.
Despite fielding a patched-up side with several players being deployed in unfamiliar roles, Liverpool made an encouraging start to the contest and with better decision making, might have created the opening they need to give their confidence a lift.
The closest they came to troubling Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen was when Lucas got a clear sight of goal on the edge of the area but his powerful shot was charged down on 19 minutes following a sequence of quick passes.
Lucas, as has been the case for much of the season, was a figure of great industry and he should have seen a charging run into the box rewarded with a penalty shortly after when he was crudely stopped in his tracks.
For some reason, however, Lee Mason – a referee who has irked Benitez several times this season – refrained from pointing to the spot and, to make matters worse, booked the Brazilian for diving; television replays confirmed he was wrong on both counts.
That was the only taking point of a relatively humdrum first 45 minutes but Benitez could only have taken heart from the way his team were prepared to knuckle down and fight in a raucous atmosphere.
It takes more than just solid defending and hard work in a first half to win a game and Liverpool, clearly, haven’t always been able to build from such bases during this dispiriting campaign but they were intent on changing that here.
Their reward came just before the hour when, following a foul on David Ngog, Fabio Aurelio fizzed in a free-kick that Sorensen flapped at under pressure and Kyrgiakos was able to force the ball across the line from a yard out.
While Kyrgiakos was simply intent on getting back to do his job in the back four, the visiting supporters celebrated as if Liverpool had returned to the top of the league but it was hardly a surprise; it was a goal of huge significance.
With Stoke fashioning few, if any, clear chances, it was there for Liverpool to ram home their advantage but – not for the first time this year – they gave the impression they were never more vulnerable than after taking the lead.
Turning up the pressure with an aerial bombardment, Stoke tried their hardest to fashion an equaliser but Pepe Reina did his best to ease any nerves by punching and grabbing any ball that came into his area.
Unfortunately, however, he was powerless to prevent the home side pilfering an equaliser in the last minute, Huth prodding in from two yards after Danny Higginbotham had knocked down Matt Etherington’s corner.
There was still time for one late twist and Dirk Kuyt thought he had come to the rescue but his diving header from Aurelio’s fabulous left wing cross hit the post and bounced to safety. It was a moment that, in truth, summed up Liverpool’s season – so near yet so far.
Cryptic note from Guus Hiddink over Liverpool FC manager’s job
LOST in translation, part two. Guus Hiddink said this on Wednesday: “I have to speak to the federation president before making any decision on my future, but it is true that I would like to coach in England again.”
One question – how does that then convert to the headline, as was published in one paper yesterday, “Hiddink closes in on Liverpool job”? Answers on a postcard.
One question – how does that then convert to the headline, as was published in one paper yesterday, “Hiddink closes in on Liverpool job”? Answers on a postcard.
John Aldridge: Fernando Torres was right to warn owners about Liverpool’s need for new signings
I’M GLAD Fernando Torres has come out and warned the owners they need to stump up cash to strengthen the squad.
Normally, you wouldn’t want one of your players to speak out like that but this needed to be said.
I just hope Torres voicing his frustration finally scares Hicks and Gillett into putting their hand in their pocket and backing the manager.
Torres only said what we’ve all known for a long time. From the moment we started to get injuries this season, it was painfully clear that the squad wasn’t strong enough.
Rafa Benitez has just moved out two players who clearly weren’t up to it and there are a couple more we could do with off-loading.
It’s clear from what Torres said that the top players realise there simply isn’t enough quality at the club. That probably explains why there appears to be such a lack of belief.
When you go out on to the pitch knowing you haven’t got good enough players around you then it’s easy to lose a bit of heart.
I was pleased to read Christian Purslow’s comments in the ECHO earlier this week about getting new investment in the club in the near future and the promise that star players won’t be sold.
I really hope it all comes to fruition but we can’t afford to wait until the summer to bring players in, we have to do it now. If we don’t strengthen it’s going to be extremely difficult to get fourth spot. Just look at our striking options now that Torres is out for six weeks. We’ve only got Ngog and Kuyt.
We have to get another striker in and if money is tight Benitez might have to be canny.
Someone like Kevin Davies from Bolton would do a job. He’s strong, can hold the ball up and put himself about a bit. We might have to sell Babel to strengthen but that wouldn’t be a bad thing.
The performance against Reading in the FA Cup in midweek was shambolic. They created more chances, defended better and deserved to go through, but we have to move forward now.
I was very disappointed to see a so called interview with myself this week in a magazine I’ve never read – never mind ever done an article with – claiming I said Rafa should be sacked.
It was a disgrace and caused me some embarrassment, but it’s something that my lawyers have dealt it.
My view is that Rafa has to stay and be given the chance to turn things around.
This isn’t the time to press the panic button like other clubs would and change the manager. We have to get behind him.
Normally, you wouldn’t want one of your players to speak out like that but this needed to be said.
I just hope Torres voicing his frustration finally scares Hicks and Gillett into putting their hand in their pocket and backing the manager.
Torres only said what we’ve all known for a long time. From the moment we started to get injuries this season, it was painfully clear that the squad wasn’t strong enough.
Rafa Benitez has just moved out two players who clearly weren’t up to it and there are a couple more we could do with off-loading.
It’s clear from what Torres said that the top players realise there simply isn’t enough quality at the club. That probably explains why there appears to be such a lack of belief.
When you go out on to the pitch knowing you haven’t got good enough players around you then it’s easy to lose a bit of heart.
I was pleased to read Christian Purslow’s comments in the ECHO earlier this week about getting new investment in the club in the near future and the promise that star players won’t be sold.
I really hope it all comes to fruition but we can’t afford to wait until the summer to bring players in, we have to do it now. If we don’t strengthen it’s going to be extremely difficult to get fourth spot. Just look at our striking options now that Torres is out for six weeks. We’ve only got Ngog and Kuyt.
We have to get another striker in and if money is tight Benitez might have to be canny.
Someone like Kevin Davies from Bolton would do a job. He’s strong, can hold the ball up and put himself about a bit. We might have to sell Babel to strengthen but that wouldn’t be a bad thing.
The performance against Reading in the FA Cup in midweek was shambolic. They created more chances, defended better and deserved to go through, but we have to move forward now.
I was very disappointed to see a so called interview with myself this week in a magazine I’ve never read – never mind ever done an article with – claiming I said Rafa should be sacked.
It was a disgrace and caused me some embarrassment, but it’s something that my lawyers have dealt it.
My view is that Rafa has to stay and be given the chance to turn things around.
This isn’t the time to press the panic button like other clubs would and change the manager. We have to get behind him.
John Aldridge: Stoke clash is real test of Liverpool’s character
STOKE is one of the hardest places to go at the best of times so to face them without three of our best players makes it very tough.
With Torres, Gerrard or Benayoun all out, we’ve lost our most creative players.
It’s difficult to see where our goals are going to come from so we’ve got to defend really well.
Tony Pulis has done a great job at Stoke and they play to their strengths. They will really test us from set-pieces and it’s going to be a major test of our character.
To help deal with that aerial threat, Carragher has to play as well as Skrtel and Agger, while Aurelio coming in at left-back would strengthen us.
Mascherano’s return is a boost and that will release Aquilani to play further forward.
We need to show some fight and hopefully Rodriguez will enjoy a debut to remember.
With Torres, Gerrard or Benayoun all out, we’ve lost our most creative players.
It’s difficult to see where our goals are going to come from so we’ve got to defend really well.
Tony Pulis has done a great job at Stoke and they play to their strengths. They will really test us from set-pieces and it’s going to be a major test of our character.
To help deal with that aerial threat, Carragher has to play as well as Skrtel and Agger, while Aurelio coming in at left-back would strengthen us.
Mascherano’s return is a boost and that will release Aquilani to play further forward.
We need to show some fight and hopefully Rodriguez will enjoy a debut to remember.
Fernando Torres urges Liverpool's owners to give Rafael Benitez cash: Liverpool FC latest
FERNANDO TORRES has urged Liverpool’s owners to show their faith in Rafa Benitez by giving him the cash to help revive the club’s flagging fortunes.
The Liverpool striker was yesterday told he requires surgery to rectify the knee problem which forced him off during Wednesday’s demoralising FA Cup defeat against Reading.
It was the last thing he, Benitez or Reds’ supporters wanted to hear but one thing that did make for easy listening was Torres’ challenge to Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
Torres is the first player to break ranks and speak out on Liverpool’s boardroom problems and it is hugely significant he has aired his concerns.
Having grown frustrated at seeing Chelsea, Manchester United and several top clubs in Europe compete at the top end of the market, Torres wants to see Liverpool do the same.
“It’s now the owners’ turn,” Torres, who faces a six-week lay-off, declared. “They have to sign players so that this does not happen again.
If we want to compete with United and Chelsea we need a much, much more complete squad. We need more genuinely first class players and can’t let our best players leave.”
Torres is unlikely to be back in action before the end of February but hopes by the time he returns, Liverpool will be in the last 16 of the Europa League – a competition he feels they must win to make amends for a wretched campaign.
“We didn’t want to win the Europa League at the start of the season but it’s a reality now,” said Liverpool‘s leading scorer.
“Now we have to win it. Anything less than winning the tournament would be terrible.
“If we do not win it then we have to say it’s been a very, very, very bad season in Europe.
“We need to improve, we need to take responsibility and we need to get into the top four and win something. We need to make the best of this situation.”
Aside from missing Torres, Liverpool will also be without Steven Gerrard (hamstring) and Yossi Benayoun (fractured ribs) as they bid to bounce back to life against Stoke City tomorrow.
Under-fire boss Rafa Benitez knows options are limited but he is hoping to unleash new signing Maxi Rodriguez, who will be involved if his international clearance comes through.
Benitez will also be able to call upon Javier Mascherano, who has served a four-match suspension following his red card at Portsmouth on December 19 and has recovered from damaging his medial ligaments.
“Javier has been training well and will be involved,” said Benitez, who knows nothing other than a victory at the Britannia Stadium will do.
“It will be good to have him back and he will give us options.”
The Liverpool striker was yesterday told he requires surgery to rectify the knee problem which forced him off during Wednesday’s demoralising FA Cup defeat against Reading.
It was the last thing he, Benitez or Reds’ supporters wanted to hear but one thing that did make for easy listening was Torres’ challenge to Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
Torres is the first player to break ranks and speak out on Liverpool’s boardroom problems and it is hugely significant he has aired his concerns.
Having grown frustrated at seeing Chelsea, Manchester United and several top clubs in Europe compete at the top end of the market, Torres wants to see Liverpool do the same.
“It’s now the owners’ turn,” Torres, who faces a six-week lay-off, declared. “They have to sign players so that this does not happen again.
If we want to compete with United and Chelsea we need a much, much more complete squad. We need more genuinely first class players and can’t let our best players leave.”
Torres is unlikely to be back in action before the end of February but hopes by the time he returns, Liverpool will be in the last 16 of the Europa League – a competition he feels they must win to make amends for a wretched campaign.
“We didn’t want to win the Europa League at the start of the season but it’s a reality now,” said Liverpool‘s leading scorer.
“Now we have to win it. Anything less than winning the tournament would be terrible.
“If we do not win it then we have to say it’s been a very, very, very bad season in Europe.
“We need to improve, we need to take responsibility and we need to get into the top four and win something. We need to make the best of this situation.”
Aside from missing Torres, Liverpool will also be without Steven Gerrard (hamstring) and Yossi Benayoun (fractured ribs) as they bid to bounce back to life against Stoke City tomorrow.
Under-fire boss Rafa Benitez knows options are limited but he is hoping to unleash new signing Maxi Rodriguez, who will be involved if his international clearance comes through.
Benitez will also be able to call upon Javier Mascherano, who has served a four-match suspension following his red card at Portsmouth on December 19 and has recovered from damaging his medial ligaments.
“Javier has been training well and will be involved,” said Benitez, who knows nothing other than a victory at the Britannia Stadium will do.
“It will be good to have him back and he will give us options.”
More woes for Liverpool FC as Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun all face injury lay-offs
LIVERPOOL have been dealt a shattering triple blow with Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun all facing spells on the sidelines.
Torres needs surgery on his knee and is expected to be out for six weeks, while Gerrard will be missing for a fortnight with a hamstring strain.
Benayoun has a fractured rib which is likely to keep him out for a month.
The trio were all injured in Wednesday night’s humiliating FA Cup defeat at the hands of Reading.
Torres, who had only recently regained full fitness following a groin injury, was hurt early on against the Royals when he was clattered by Matthew Mills.
The Reds’ 12-goal hitman battled on but finally limped off just before the half hour mark.
With Torres set to be sidelined until the end of February he will miss key league matches against the likes of Spurs, Everton, Arsenal and Manchester City as well as the Europa League tie against Romanian outfit Unirea.
Skipper Gerrard damaged his hamstring in the first half against Reading and didn’t emerge for the second half.
He is now expected to sit out the league matches against Stoke, Spurs, Wolves and Bolton.
The midfielder will face a race against time to be fit for the Merseyside derby at Anfield on February 6.
Benayoun, who spurned a golden late chance to take the tie to penalties, damaged his ribs in the closing stages of extra time.
It is the second time this season the Israeli has been sidelined as back in November he had placenta treatment to help cure a hamstring injury.
A club spokesman said: “Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres both underwent scans earlier today after coming off in the FA Cup tie against Reading.
“Steven has a hamstring strain and will be out for a fortnight, while Fernando has torn a cartilage in his right knee. The injury will require surgery and he is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.
“Yossi Benayoun also suffered a fractured rib in the game and will be unavailable for between three and four weeks.”
Losing the Reds’ most creative three players is a major setback for underfire manager Rafa Benitez, who must now attempt to lift spirits for Saturday’s testing Premier League trip to Stoke City.
Torres needs surgery on his knee and is expected to be out for six weeks, while Gerrard will be missing for a fortnight with a hamstring strain.
Benayoun has a fractured rib which is likely to keep him out for a month.
The trio were all injured in Wednesday night’s humiliating FA Cup defeat at the hands of Reading.
Torres, who had only recently regained full fitness following a groin injury, was hurt early on against the Royals when he was clattered by Matthew Mills.
The Reds’ 12-goal hitman battled on but finally limped off just before the half hour mark.
With Torres set to be sidelined until the end of February he will miss key league matches against the likes of Spurs, Everton, Arsenal and Manchester City as well as the Europa League tie against Romanian outfit Unirea.
Skipper Gerrard damaged his hamstring in the first half against Reading and didn’t emerge for the second half.
He is now expected to sit out the league matches against Stoke, Spurs, Wolves and Bolton.
The midfielder will face a race against time to be fit for the Merseyside derby at Anfield on February 6.
Benayoun, who spurned a golden late chance to take the tie to penalties, damaged his ribs in the closing stages of extra time.
It is the second time this season the Israeli has been sidelined as back in November he had placenta treatment to help cure a hamstring injury.
A club spokesman said: “Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres both underwent scans earlier today after coming off in the FA Cup tie against Reading.
“Steven has a hamstring strain and will be out for a fortnight, while Fernando has torn a cartilage in his right knee. The injury will require surgery and he is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.
“Yossi Benayoun also suffered a fractured rib in the game and will be unavailable for between three and four weeks.”
Losing the Reds’ most creative three players is a major setback for underfire manager Rafa Benitez, who must now attempt to lift spirits for Saturday’s testing Premier League trip to Stoke City.
Jamie Carragher apologises to Liverpool FC fans after FA Cup humiliation
JAMIE CARRAGHER today apologised to Liverpool’s supporters for the wretched performance that sent their season hurtling to a new low.
The Reds crashed out of the FA Cup last night, losing their third round replay against Championship side Reading 2-1 at Anfield, to increase the pressure on boss Rafa Benitez.
It was as bad as Liverpool have played during this dispiriting campaign and Carragher refused to make any excuses for why they failed to take a golden opportunity – they led 1-0 in injury time – insisting it was “unacceptable”.
Liverpool now face two crucial Premier League games against Stoke and Tottenham that will go a long way to shaping how the rest of the season maps out and Carragher knows they owe their fans an emphatic response.
“It was a very bad night for Liverpool and we can’t disguise that – we had to do more against a side from a lower league,” said Carragher, one of only a couple of players who emerged with credit.
“We have to apologise for the way we performed. We have to give credit to Reading, hold our hands up. We all like to win but when you don’t, you have to be a good loser.
“We have to accept they deserved it. But, at the same time, we have got to look at ourselves and the way we performed was not acceptable.
“We’ve got a massive game coming up against Stoke now. It will be very tough, as we played extra time and we have got to show enormous character to come back.
“But that’s what we have got to do. We have got to move on but, at the same time, we have to say sorry to the fans who came to Anfield and all those watching on TV.”
Having tumbled out of the Champions League in the group stages and had their Premier League aspirations destroyed before the end of November, some will wonder whether Liverpool possess the fight to recover from such a body blow.
Given this result also came against the backdrop of Thomas Hicks Jr resigning from the board over an email storm, it shows how far Liverpool have fallen from grace but Carragher insists the squad will not give up the fight.
“We have got to do better and we have got to recover,” said the Reds’ vice-captain. “There are still four months left of the season; it’s been tough and this result has made it a little bit tougher for us.
“But we are Liverpool. We can’t be where we are and we have got to improve. Liverpool Football Club demands certain standards. At the moment we are not reaching them and we know that but we have all got to come as one and stick together.
“The stuff that goes on off the field has got nothing to do with it. I don’t think so anyway. If you say it has, you are only making excuses. Whatever goes on behind the scenes, we have got to do our own job.”
The Reds crashed out of the FA Cup last night, losing their third round replay against Championship side Reading 2-1 at Anfield, to increase the pressure on boss Rafa Benitez.
It was as bad as Liverpool have played during this dispiriting campaign and Carragher refused to make any excuses for why they failed to take a golden opportunity – they led 1-0 in injury time – insisting it was “unacceptable”.
Liverpool now face two crucial Premier League games against Stoke and Tottenham that will go a long way to shaping how the rest of the season maps out and Carragher knows they owe their fans an emphatic response.
“It was a very bad night for Liverpool and we can’t disguise that – we had to do more against a side from a lower league,” said Carragher, one of only a couple of players who emerged with credit.
“We have to apologise for the way we performed. We have to give credit to Reading, hold our hands up. We all like to win but when you don’t, you have to be a good loser.
“We have to accept they deserved it. But, at the same time, we have got to look at ourselves and the way we performed was not acceptable.
“We’ve got a massive game coming up against Stoke now. It will be very tough, as we played extra time and we have got to show enormous character to come back.
“But that’s what we have got to do. We have got to move on but, at the same time, we have to say sorry to the fans who came to Anfield and all those watching on TV.”
Having tumbled out of the Champions League in the group stages and had their Premier League aspirations destroyed before the end of November, some will wonder whether Liverpool possess the fight to recover from such a body blow.
Given this result also came against the backdrop of Thomas Hicks Jr resigning from the board over an email storm, it shows how far Liverpool have fallen from grace but Carragher insists the squad will not give up the fight.
“We have got to do better and we have got to recover,” said the Reds’ vice-captain. “There are still four months left of the season; it’s been tough and this result has made it a little bit tougher for us.
“But we are Liverpool. We can’t be where we are and we have got to improve. Liverpool Football Club demands certain standards. At the moment we are not reaching them and we know that but we have all got to come as one and stick together.
“The stuff that goes on off the field has got nothing to do with it. I don’t think so anyway. If you say it has, you are only making excuses. Whatever goes on behind the scenes, we have got to do our own job.”
Liverpool FC 1, Reading 2 (aet): Reds' nightmare season just gets worse
AFTER a weekend of high drama, football returned to the top of Liverpool’s priority list last night.
With so much chatter nowadays about ownership and takeovers, debts and finances, the new stadium and internal politics, it is easy to forget a football club still exists at Anfield, one that used to be the pre-eminent force in Europe.
Those days, of course, have long since gone but one thing that will never change on the Red half of Merseyside is a desire to talk about events on the field; about passing and movement, goals, great players and ambitions.
It’s a form of escapism or, more accurately, it used to be; Liverpudlians, you see, are caught in a terrifying nightmare, one where the farcical affairs in the boardroom are mirrored by the team’s desperate lack of quality – it is heartbreaking to watch.
Just when you thought things could not get any worse, Anfield witnessed the most gutless performance of Rafa Benitez’s five-and-a-half year reign, a display which deservedly sent them crashing out of another competition.
Disgrace is a word that does get used lightly even in this era of extreme hyperbole but, frankly, what else can you say about the situation now that Reading – 21st in the Championship, remember – have sent them tumbling out of the FA Cup?
Make no mistake, Liverpool, once a bastion of invincibility, is all but on its knees today; lacking leadership, devoid of direction, a calamity like the one 31,063 witnessed has been waiting to happen all season since the alarm bell ringing friendly in Espanyol.
There can be no excuses, no spin that the second half of the campaign will see them embark on the road to redemption; should this malaise continue, Liverpool will be lucky to finish in the top eight – the ramifications do not bare thinking about.
Having received rightful criticism for their poor second half display at the Madejski Stadium, it was not wrong to expect a positive response here from Liverpool but, incredibly, their start screamed lethargy.
Unable to string a sequence of meaningful passes together and failing to make the most of their superior talent, a sign of things to come arrived in the first minute when Fernando Torres was flattened by a crude challenge that effectively ended his night.
He laboured on for half an hour with a twisted knee but never gave the impression he was moving without pain and it made sense for Benitez to call an early halt to his evening before any further damage was done.
Even on one good leg, though, Torres still looked more of a threat and possessed greater interest than some of his team-mates, who gave the impression they would rather be anywhere but scrapping on a freezing cold evening.
Had you walked into the stadium to watch a match for the first time and had no idea about the background of both clubs, it would have been almost impossible to differentiate which team came from which division.
Quite simply, Liverpool’s efforts were so wretched in the first 45 minutes it frightened and raised the prospect that another horrible night in a competition that used to conjure up so much romance lay in store.
With the atmosphere flat and anxiety hanging heavily in the air, the mind immediately raced back to Barnsley’s visit in 2008 and, for an older generation, those excruciating games against Bristol City, Bolton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Apprehension increased in the stands when, first, Gregorz Rasiak squandered a gilt-edged opportunity following a misjudgement by Jamie Carragher and then Simon Church failed to connect with a glorious cross from Jobi McAnuff.
Would Liverpool have been booed off had the scoreline remained goal-less at half-time? More than likely. Supporters were becoming increasingly agitated with each passing second, howling out the fears and frustrations.
The only time they had remotely looked like having something to cheer about came when Philipp Degen surged in field and teed up Yossi Benayoun, whose shot arced just beyond the upright of Reading keeper Adam Federici.
Then, almost from nowhere, Liverpool took the lead; totally against the run of play, totally unexpected but totally needed, Steven Gerrard’s drive and determination inside the penalty area led to the unfortunate Ryan Bertrand putting through his own goal. And, as if by magic, the atmosphere changed; relief swept down from the Kop, the Centenary Stand, the Main Stand and the sparsely-populated Anfield Road that, possibly, the labouring was over.
Gerrard’s reaction, however, told its own story; shoulders slunk, head bowed and almost reluctant to shake hands in celebration, the skipper – who expects impeccably high standards – knew this was way below par.
Yet almost as quickly as Liverpool were given a lift, the feel good factor was taken away; Gerrard’s failure to return for the second 45 minutes owing to a hamstring problem was as worrying as this slipshod performance.
In taking off Gerrard and Torres so early, Benitez understandably erred on the side of caution but he – like everyone else – will be praying they do not suffer reactions which would preclude their involvement against Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Heaven knows what lies in store in those two games now; collapsing like a cheap deck of cards once Yossi Benayoun had tripped substitute Shane Long to concede an injury time penalty, it was like watching a car crash in slow motion.
Long’s header in the first period of extra time brought Liverpool’s world tumbling down and it is hard to see how they will recover from this ignominy; at present, they are in danger of becoming the laughing stock of world football.
Something, somewhere has to change.
Too many hearts have been broken, too many dreams have been shattered, too much faith has been lost. If not, this could be the end of Liverpool Football Club as you once knew it.
With so much chatter nowadays about ownership and takeovers, debts and finances, the new stadium and internal politics, it is easy to forget a football club still exists at Anfield, one that used to be the pre-eminent force in Europe.
Those days, of course, have long since gone but one thing that will never change on the Red half of Merseyside is a desire to talk about events on the field; about passing and movement, goals, great players and ambitions.
It’s a form of escapism or, more accurately, it used to be; Liverpudlians, you see, are caught in a terrifying nightmare, one where the farcical affairs in the boardroom are mirrored by the team’s desperate lack of quality – it is heartbreaking to watch.
Just when you thought things could not get any worse, Anfield witnessed the most gutless performance of Rafa Benitez’s five-and-a-half year reign, a display which deservedly sent them crashing out of another competition.
Disgrace is a word that does get used lightly even in this era of extreme hyperbole but, frankly, what else can you say about the situation now that Reading – 21st in the Championship, remember – have sent them tumbling out of the FA Cup?
Make no mistake, Liverpool, once a bastion of invincibility, is all but on its knees today; lacking leadership, devoid of direction, a calamity like the one 31,063 witnessed has been waiting to happen all season since the alarm bell ringing friendly in Espanyol.
There can be no excuses, no spin that the second half of the campaign will see them embark on the road to redemption; should this malaise continue, Liverpool will be lucky to finish in the top eight – the ramifications do not bare thinking about.
Having received rightful criticism for their poor second half display at the Madejski Stadium, it was not wrong to expect a positive response here from Liverpool but, incredibly, their start screamed lethargy.
Unable to string a sequence of meaningful passes together and failing to make the most of their superior talent, a sign of things to come arrived in the first minute when Fernando Torres was flattened by a crude challenge that effectively ended his night.
He laboured on for half an hour with a twisted knee but never gave the impression he was moving without pain and it made sense for Benitez to call an early halt to his evening before any further damage was done.
Even on one good leg, though, Torres still looked more of a threat and possessed greater interest than some of his team-mates, who gave the impression they would rather be anywhere but scrapping on a freezing cold evening.
Had you walked into the stadium to watch a match for the first time and had no idea about the background of both clubs, it would have been almost impossible to differentiate which team came from which division.
Quite simply, Liverpool’s efforts were so wretched in the first 45 minutes it frightened and raised the prospect that another horrible night in a competition that used to conjure up so much romance lay in store.
With the atmosphere flat and anxiety hanging heavily in the air, the mind immediately raced back to Barnsley’s visit in 2008 and, for an older generation, those excruciating games against Bristol City, Bolton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Apprehension increased in the stands when, first, Gregorz Rasiak squandered a gilt-edged opportunity following a misjudgement by Jamie Carragher and then Simon Church failed to connect with a glorious cross from Jobi McAnuff.
Would Liverpool have been booed off had the scoreline remained goal-less at half-time? More than likely. Supporters were becoming increasingly agitated with each passing second, howling out the fears and frustrations.
The only time they had remotely looked like having something to cheer about came when Philipp Degen surged in field and teed up Yossi Benayoun, whose shot arced just beyond the upright of Reading keeper Adam Federici.
Then, almost from nowhere, Liverpool took the lead; totally against the run of play, totally unexpected but totally needed, Steven Gerrard’s drive and determination inside the penalty area led to the unfortunate Ryan Bertrand putting through his own goal. And, as if by magic, the atmosphere changed; relief swept down from the Kop, the Centenary Stand, the Main Stand and the sparsely-populated Anfield Road that, possibly, the labouring was over.
Gerrard’s reaction, however, told its own story; shoulders slunk, head bowed and almost reluctant to shake hands in celebration, the skipper – who expects impeccably high standards – knew this was way below par.
Yet almost as quickly as Liverpool were given a lift, the feel good factor was taken away; Gerrard’s failure to return for the second 45 minutes owing to a hamstring problem was as worrying as this slipshod performance.
In taking off Gerrard and Torres so early, Benitez understandably erred on the side of caution but he – like everyone else – will be praying they do not suffer reactions which would preclude their involvement against Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Heaven knows what lies in store in those two games now; collapsing like a cheap deck of cards once Yossi Benayoun had tripped substitute Shane Long to concede an injury time penalty, it was like watching a car crash in slow motion.
Long’s header in the first period of extra time brought Liverpool’s world tumbling down and it is hard to see how they will recover from this ignominy; at present, they are in danger of becoming the laughing stock of world football.
Something, somewhere has to change.
Too many hearts have been broken, too many dreams have been shattered, too much faith has been lost. If not, this could be the end of Liverpool Football Club as you once knew it.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Liverpool FC confident of sealing Maxi Rodriguez deal as Napoli fly in to try and sign Andrea Dossena
LIVERPOOL remain confident they can complete a loan move for Maxi Rodriguez by the end of the week – as Andrea Dossena agreed a deal to leave Anfield.
Atletico Madrid are keen to offload Rodriguez this month with the player, who is out of contract in the summer, having refused to sign a new deal at the La Liga side.
Liverpool are favourites ahead of Boca Juniors to land the Argentina international on loan until the end of the season.
Atletico are reluctant to allow Rodriguez walk away for nothing and are more inclined to do business with the Anfield outfit as they, unlike Boca, are willing to pay a loan fee for the right-winger.
Newell’s Old Boys, where Rodriguez started his career in Argentina, have also expressed an interest, while Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan have both made tentative enquiries about the 29-year-old.
Rodriguez currently earns £85,000 a week, prompting fears the move could be scuppered by Liverpool being unable to match his demands.
But Liverpool are confident they can wrap up the loan switch in the coming days and anticipate no problem with the player’s wages, although they are yet to discuss personal terms.
Rodriguez, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, was left out of the Atletico squad for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Sevilla because of a “fever” and has almost certainly played his last game for the club.
Rafael Benitez has earmarked the right flank as an area for reinforcement this month, but is aware he must balance the books given the financial climate at Anfield.
And that will start with the departure of Dossena, with reports in Italy last night claiming the player had agreed a £4million move back to his homeland with Napoli.
Napoli sporting director Riccardo Bigon arrived in Merseyside yesterday in attempt to thrash out a deal for the Italy international, who has endured a difficult time since his £7m arrival from Udinese 18 months ago and made just five appearances this season.
Dossena came close to moving to Napoli last summer, but talks broke down after the two parties were unable to agree terms.
But now the Serie A side claim to have negotiated a transfer for the left-back, who is desperate for more regular first-team football to improve his chances of forcing his way into Italy’s World Cup squad.
Andriy Voronin and Philipp Degen are among several other players that Benitez will also allow to leave as he looks to generate further funds, with a striker also high on his list of priorities.
LIVERPOOL’S FA Cup third round replay at home to Reading on Wednesday, January 13 will now kick-off at 7.45pm after being chosen to be screened live on ITV1.
Atletico Madrid are keen to offload Rodriguez this month with the player, who is out of contract in the summer, having refused to sign a new deal at the La Liga side.
Liverpool are favourites ahead of Boca Juniors to land the Argentina international on loan until the end of the season.
Atletico are reluctant to allow Rodriguez walk away for nothing and are more inclined to do business with the Anfield outfit as they, unlike Boca, are willing to pay a loan fee for the right-winger.
Newell’s Old Boys, where Rodriguez started his career in Argentina, have also expressed an interest, while Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan have both made tentative enquiries about the 29-year-old.
Rodriguez currently earns £85,000 a week, prompting fears the move could be scuppered by Liverpool being unable to match his demands.
But Liverpool are confident they can wrap up the loan switch in the coming days and anticipate no problem with the player’s wages, although they are yet to discuss personal terms.
Rodriguez, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, was left out of the Atletico squad for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Sevilla because of a “fever” and has almost certainly played his last game for the club.
Rafael Benitez has earmarked the right flank as an area for reinforcement this month, but is aware he must balance the books given the financial climate at Anfield.
And that will start with the departure of Dossena, with reports in Italy last night claiming the player had agreed a £4million move back to his homeland with Napoli.
Napoli sporting director Riccardo Bigon arrived in Merseyside yesterday in attempt to thrash out a deal for the Italy international, who has endured a difficult time since his £7m arrival from Udinese 18 months ago and made just five appearances this season.
Dossena came close to moving to Napoli last summer, but talks broke down after the two parties were unable to agree terms.
But now the Serie A side claim to have negotiated a transfer for the left-back, who is desperate for more regular first-team football to improve his chances of forcing his way into Italy’s World Cup squad.
Andriy Voronin and Philipp Degen are among several other players that Benitez will also allow to leave as he looks to generate further funds, with a striker also high on his list of priorities.
LIVERPOOL’S FA Cup third round replay at home to Reading on Wednesday, January 13 will now kick-off at 7.45pm after being chosen to be screened live on ITV1.
It’s more difficult for Stephen Darby than it was for me, says Liverpool FC graduate Jamie Carragher
JAMIE CARRAGHER has praised the character of Stephen Darby for bouncing back from his bittersweet debut – but believes the influx of foreign youngsters into the Premier League makes it more difficult than ever for homegrown talent to break through.
Darby was man-of-the-match on only his second senior start for Liverpool in their 1-1 FA Cup third round draw at Reading at the weekend.
The 21-year-old made his full debut last month in the Champions League dead rubber with Fiorentina at Anfield, after three previous substitute appearances.
However, an encouraging display against the Italians ended on a low note with a mistake that let in Alberto Gilardino to net an injury-time winner for the visitors.
But Carragher believes right-back Darby made the most of his opportunity after being given another first-team chance on Saturday.
“I thought Stephen was outstanding, not just in terms of his performance but his character too,” said the 31-year-old. “He got a little bit of criticism in his last game against Fiorentina, he made a mistake at the very end but he had played very well.
“It’s not just about playing the game, it’s also about showing character when you play for Liverpool. And the character he showed on Saturday was superb and I’m made up for the lad. He’s a great professional, a good lad and the type of lad you want to do well.
“I’m pleased he got another chance. I didn’t want him to not get another game after what happened against Fiorentina, but I told him that if he took what happened at the end away, then he was one of our best players on the night. He didn’t have a bad game, he made a bad mistake, and there is a difference there.
“He showed real character to come out and do well in a tough game where as a team we didn’t play particularly well.”
Like Darby, Carragher is a product of Liverpool’s youth system, but reckons the global pull of the Premier League and the demands of instant success in the first team are considerable obstacles for local hopefuls to overcome.
“I think it’s more difficult to come through the ranks now than when I was a youngster,” said the centre-back. “There are a lot more foreign players at the club, and now with the level the team is at, basically if they want to come through then they have to be ready to play Champions League football. That shows how difficult it is.”
Darby, the current reserve team captain who won the FA Youth Cup in 2006 and 2007 and the national reserves league trophy in 2008, admits his mistake against Fiorentina played on his mind in the days after the game.
But he says the support of Carragher and the rest of the Liverpool squad has helped him relaunch his career.
“It was a big confidence booster to be selected for the game and it shows the manager has faith in me,” said Maghull-born Darby. “I tried to repay that faith by putting in a good performance.
“It hurt for a couple of days after the Fiorentina game, but that’s where you’ve got to be mentally tough and overcome it in training sessions. The lads got behind me and gave me great advice and encouragement.
“Hopefully there will be a couple of more chances in the next couple of weeks. You’ve got to be level-headed and realise the hard work is only just beginning.
“It gives you a lift to hear the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher saying good things about you, but at the same time you have to remain level headed and keep your feet on the ground. It’s important to realise the hard work has only just begun.”
Darby was man-of-the-match on only his second senior start for Liverpool in their 1-1 FA Cup third round draw at Reading at the weekend.
The 21-year-old made his full debut last month in the Champions League dead rubber with Fiorentina at Anfield, after three previous substitute appearances.
However, an encouraging display against the Italians ended on a low note with a mistake that let in Alberto Gilardino to net an injury-time winner for the visitors.
But Carragher believes right-back Darby made the most of his opportunity after being given another first-team chance on Saturday.
“I thought Stephen was outstanding, not just in terms of his performance but his character too,” said the 31-year-old. “He got a little bit of criticism in his last game against Fiorentina, he made a mistake at the very end but he had played very well.
“It’s not just about playing the game, it’s also about showing character when you play for Liverpool. And the character he showed on Saturday was superb and I’m made up for the lad. He’s a great professional, a good lad and the type of lad you want to do well.
“I’m pleased he got another chance. I didn’t want him to not get another game after what happened against Fiorentina, but I told him that if he took what happened at the end away, then he was one of our best players on the night. He didn’t have a bad game, he made a bad mistake, and there is a difference there.
“He showed real character to come out and do well in a tough game where as a team we didn’t play particularly well.”
Like Darby, Carragher is a product of Liverpool’s youth system, but reckons the global pull of the Premier League and the demands of instant success in the first team are considerable obstacles for local hopefuls to overcome.
“I think it’s more difficult to come through the ranks now than when I was a youngster,” said the centre-back. “There are a lot more foreign players at the club, and now with the level the team is at, basically if they want to come through then they have to be ready to play Champions League football. That shows how difficult it is.”
Darby, the current reserve team captain who won the FA Youth Cup in 2006 and 2007 and the national reserves league trophy in 2008, admits his mistake against Fiorentina played on his mind in the days after the game.
But he says the support of Carragher and the rest of the Liverpool squad has helped him relaunch his career.
“It was a big confidence booster to be selected for the game and it shows the manager has faith in me,” said Maghull-born Darby. “I tried to repay that faith by putting in a good performance.
“It hurt for a couple of days after the Fiorentina game, but that’s where you’ve got to be mentally tough and overcome it in training sessions. The lads got behind me and gave me great advice and encouragement.
“Hopefully there will be a couple of more chances in the next couple of weeks. You’ve got to be level-headed and realise the hard work is only just beginning.
“It gives you a lift to hear the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher saying good things about you, but at the same time you have to remain level headed and keep your feet on the ground. It’s important to realise the hard work has only just begun.”
Mark Lawrenson: Rafael Benitez’s reliance on star pair Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard is still straining Liverpool FC
NEW year, same old story. It’s Fernando Torres who conjures up the late finish to beat Aston Villa and it’s Steven Gerrard who rescues Liverpool from potential FA Cup embarrassment at Reading.
But one year does make a big difference. This time 12 months ago, Liverpool’s two main match-winners were about to embark on a second half of the season in which they – and as a result the team – were unstoppable.
This time round I fear things could be very different.
There’s no doubting Torres and Gerrard are world class when on top of their games and fully fit – but the problem is, I don’t think either player is at the moment.
Both seem to me to still be playing with the niggling injuries that have already limited their impact this season and it presents Rafael Benitez with a real quandary as he faces the second half of the season.
Short term, he can’t afford to be without his deadly duo if he is going to deliver on his ‘guarantee’ to finish fourth. He simply hasn’t got the strength in depth to cope with them being out of the side for any length of time.
But look at the case of Torres. If he had gone in for his operation than he would be clear now. With a hernia, it’s not going to go away and I can’t help thinking that he is in some discomfort every time he goes out on the field.
Going under the knife would have taken that away – but it would also have taken him out of the Liverpool side for an unthinkable amount of time.
I’m not saying I know what is the right thing to do in these situations, and maybe Benitez doesn’t either. But sometimes it’s the not knowing that leaves you sitting on a ticking time bomb.
Do you take Torres and Gerrard out for, say, a month, get them right and then bank on them inspiring a flying end to the campaign similar to last year?
Or do you just carry on and hope they get through unscathed? It’s a big risk either way.
The problem with the latter option is, these players will be looking at the World Cup. The season finishes, then it’s on to friendlies, training camps and – if they get to the final (which is extremely realistic in Torres’ case a least) – you’re talking seven games in a month.
Then almost straight away back to the clubs for pre-season without a break.
Something has got to give at some point and when that point comes it could give Benitez a real long-term headache during 2010.
A headache I don’t really see easing with the signing of Maxi Rodriguez.
If they get the player from the 2006 World Cup then fine, he will be a useful addition to the attacking line-up.
But I have concerns about the fact that there isn’t a queue of clubs desperate to snap him up.
When I saw him play earlier this season for Atletico he looked like someone who had scaled the heights and was coming down the other side of the mountain.
And if his legs aren’t what they were, then that’s absolutely no good for adapting to the Premier League.
I hate to be negative about a guy who hasn’t even arrived yet and I hope I’m wrong, but January singings always tend to be ones you approach with caution.
So in the meantime, its soldiering on with that old over-reliance on Torres and Gerrard to sort things out.
Meaning, as we look ahead to the new year, it’s not just the niggling injuries we can’t shake off – but the niggling doubts about Liverpool’s future as well.
Mark Lawrenson was talking to NICK SMITH
But one year does make a big difference. This time 12 months ago, Liverpool’s two main match-winners were about to embark on a second half of the season in which they – and as a result the team – were unstoppable.
This time round I fear things could be very different.
There’s no doubting Torres and Gerrard are world class when on top of their games and fully fit – but the problem is, I don’t think either player is at the moment.
Both seem to me to still be playing with the niggling injuries that have already limited their impact this season and it presents Rafael Benitez with a real quandary as he faces the second half of the season.
Short term, he can’t afford to be without his deadly duo if he is going to deliver on his ‘guarantee’ to finish fourth. He simply hasn’t got the strength in depth to cope with them being out of the side for any length of time.
But look at the case of Torres. If he had gone in for his operation than he would be clear now. With a hernia, it’s not going to go away and I can’t help thinking that he is in some discomfort every time he goes out on the field.
Going under the knife would have taken that away – but it would also have taken him out of the Liverpool side for an unthinkable amount of time.
I’m not saying I know what is the right thing to do in these situations, and maybe Benitez doesn’t either. But sometimes it’s the not knowing that leaves you sitting on a ticking time bomb.
Do you take Torres and Gerrard out for, say, a month, get them right and then bank on them inspiring a flying end to the campaign similar to last year?
Or do you just carry on and hope they get through unscathed? It’s a big risk either way.
The problem with the latter option is, these players will be looking at the World Cup. The season finishes, then it’s on to friendlies, training camps and – if they get to the final (which is extremely realistic in Torres’ case a least) – you’re talking seven games in a month.
Then almost straight away back to the clubs for pre-season without a break.
Something has got to give at some point and when that point comes it could give Benitez a real long-term headache during 2010.
A headache I don’t really see easing with the signing of Maxi Rodriguez.
If they get the player from the 2006 World Cup then fine, he will be a useful addition to the attacking line-up.
But I have concerns about the fact that there isn’t a queue of clubs desperate to snap him up.
When I saw him play earlier this season for Atletico he looked like someone who had scaled the heights and was coming down the other side of the mountain.
And if his legs aren’t what they were, then that’s absolutely no good for adapting to the Premier League.
I hate to be negative about a guy who hasn’t even arrived yet and I hope I’m wrong, but January singings always tend to be ones you approach with caution.
So in the meantime, its soldiering on with that old over-reliance on Torres and Gerrard to sort things out.
Meaning, as we look ahead to the new year, it’s not just the niggling injuries we can’t shake off – but the niggling doubts about Liverpool’s future as well.
Mark Lawrenson was talking to NICK SMITH
Jamie Carragher desperate to find Wembley way in the FA Cup: Liverpool FC latest
JAMIE CARRAGHER has revealed he is “desperate” to make his first-ever Wembley appearance for Liverpool and ensure a difficult season ends with a silver lining.
Carragher admits the Anfield outfit were relieved to earn a replay after being held to a 1-1 draw at Reading in Saturday’s third round tie.
The Coca-Cola Championship strugglers threatened a surprise when Simon Church put them into a 24th-minute lead only for Steven Gerrard to equalise for the visitors 12 minutes later.
With Liverpool already out of the Carling Cup, the Champions League and the race for the Premier League title, manager Rafael Benitez selected an unusually strong line-up for the game.
And while determined to make his club bow at Wembley, Carragher accepts that will only be possible if Liverpool improve on their performance at the weekend.
“The FA Cup has always been massive for me,” said the centre-back. “I’ve been around a long time but I’ve never played at Wembley for Liverpool, I’ve played there for England, but I haven’t even played in a semi-final there with Liverpool.
“I know I don’t have long left so I’m desperate to get to Wembley this year. It’s massive for Liverpool and rightly so.
“I’ve been to Cardiff a few times of course! But I’d love to get to Wembley, I’d love to be able to take my son to watch Liverpool at Wembley.
“I went as a kid to watch games at Wembley, and while Cardiff was great but I’d sooner the fans were going down to Wembley on the coach and going down Wembley way. But if we want to do that, we’ll have to improve on how we played against Reading.”
Carragher believes either lifting the FA Cup or the Europa League in May can help atone for Liverpool’s disappointing first half to the campaign.
“At the start of the season you have four trophies to go for and we are out of two of them,” he said. “We have two left to go for and the top four to aim for, so for me there’s no priority. But winning a trophy to me is the most important thing.
“It would be a different season if we won the FA Cup. We’ve had a lot of criticism this season and it was the same in 2005 and we won the Champions League, so everyone forgets about what else happened then.
“If we win the FA Cup or Europa League everyone will remember the 09-10 season as one where Liverpool won a trophy, so I’m determined we leave our mark on the season.”
Reading currently languish in 20th place in the Championship table and are without a manager after the sacking of Brendan Rogers last month, with former chief scout Brian McDermott in temporary charge of first-team affairs.
And of Saturday’s match, Carragher said: “It was a very tough game. Credit to Reading. We’ve had some tough games where over the last few years.
“The FA Cup is always a massive game, they aren’t doing too well in the league so it was a massive game for them in particular and all the praise should go to them.
“Towards the end I was just made up we didn’t lose it. They had a few set-pieces and we are glad to get them back to Anfield.
“They had a lot of corners and free-kicks, and really I thought we did quite well against them because they seemed to have so many during the game.
“We didn’t play well, the pitch wasn’t great. We were pleased to go in at half-time 1-1 and we thought we might go on to win it, but it wasn’t to be. It was Reading’s day.”
The replay will take place at Anfield on Wednesday, January 13, 8pm kick-off.
Carragher admits the Anfield outfit were relieved to earn a replay after being held to a 1-1 draw at Reading in Saturday’s third round tie.
The Coca-Cola Championship strugglers threatened a surprise when Simon Church put them into a 24th-minute lead only for Steven Gerrard to equalise for the visitors 12 minutes later.
With Liverpool already out of the Carling Cup, the Champions League and the race for the Premier League title, manager Rafael Benitez selected an unusually strong line-up for the game.
And while determined to make his club bow at Wembley, Carragher accepts that will only be possible if Liverpool improve on their performance at the weekend.
“The FA Cup has always been massive for me,” said the centre-back. “I’ve been around a long time but I’ve never played at Wembley for Liverpool, I’ve played there for England, but I haven’t even played in a semi-final there with Liverpool.
“I know I don’t have long left so I’m desperate to get to Wembley this year. It’s massive for Liverpool and rightly so.
“I’ve been to Cardiff a few times of course! But I’d love to get to Wembley, I’d love to be able to take my son to watch Liverpool at Wembley.
“I went as a kid to watch games at Wembley, and while Cardiff was great but I’d sooner the fans were going down to Wembley on the coach and going down Wembley way. But if we want to do that, we’ll have to improve on how we played against Reading.”
Carragher believes either lifting the FA Cup or the Europa League in May can help atone for Liverpool’s disappointing first half to the campaign.
“At the start of the season you have four trophies to go for and we are out of two of them,” he said. “We have two left to go for and the top four to aim for, so for me there’s no priority. But winning a trophy to me is the most important thing.
“It would be a different season if we won the FA Cup. We’ve had a lot of criticism this season and it was the same in 2005 and we won the Champions League, so everyone forgets about what else happened then.
“If we win the FA Cup or Europa League everyone will remember the 09-10 season as one where Liverpool won a trophy, so I’m determined we leave our mark on the season.”
Reading currently languish in 20th place in the Championship table and are without a manager after the sacking of Brendan Rogers last month, with former chief scout Brian McDermott in temporary charge of first-team affairs.
And of Saturday’s match, Carragher said: “It was a very tough game. Credit to Reading. We’ve had some tough games where over the last few years.
“The FA Cup is always a massive game, they aren’t doing too well in the league so it was a massive game for them in particular and all the praise should go to them.
“Towards the end I was just made up we didn’t lose it. They had a few set-pieces and we are glad to get them back to Anfield.
“They had a lot of corners and free-kicks, and really I thought we did quite well against them because they seemed to have so many during the game.
“We didn’t play well, the pitch wasn’t great. We were pleased to go in at half-time 1-1 and we thought we might go on to win it, but it wasn’t to be. It was Reading’s day.”
The replay will take place at Anfield on Wednesday, January 13, 8pm kick-off.
Rafa Benitez still optimistic after Reading FA Cup draw
RAFAEL BENITEZ remains optimistic for the New Year despite seeing Liverpool held to an FA Cup draw at Reading.
The Spaniard's side must replay their third round tie at Anfield on Wednesday week after a 1-1 draw on Saturday at the Coca-Cola Championship strugglers.
Simon Church gave Reading a 24th-minute lead only for Steven Gerrard to equalise 12 minutes later.
But with Liverpool having won their previous two Premier League games, Benitez is confident his team are showing signs of improvement after a disappointing first half to the campaign.
“If you see the training sessions they are training really well, they are very positive,
their commitment in every training situation is very good,” said the Anfield manager.
“We have been improving in the last three or four weeks and against Aston Villa we were in control. Reading had one or two chances at set-pieces but we had control of the game and then hopefully it will be the same in the next games. I remain optimistic for 2010, yes.”
Benitez admits Liverpool are still attempting to coax Gerrard back to full fitness while asking the skipper to play.
Gerrard has responded with two goals in his last three games, and Benitez said: “I'm not surprised Steven has the desire to win every game.
“He was injured before but we were trying to give him some match fitness so he has to play games and you know that Gerrard, Torres, they can make the difference. We are trying just to take care of him and if he has to play, he has to play.
“But I will talk about all of the players, I don’t like to talk just about one. You could my players were working very hard against a team that was tough and difficult to beat, so Steven was doing well, especially in the has been amazing the last two or three games.
“The style of football is different in the FA Cup, you can see the passion of everyone, the fans and the players, so it is more competitive and I think it is a nice competition to win.”
Benitez sidestepped another tiresome debate over zonal marking after Liverpool conceded another goal from a set-piece at the weekend.
“It was very difficult to defend,” said the Anfield manager. “It was a long ball and then the ball goes to the back post.
“It is always difficult to defend in these situations because I think the players think the ball is going out then you are having to be surprised.
“Every single week I can see a lot of highlights and you see man-to-man marking and then conceding goals.
“The last four or five games we didn’t concede so I think we are much better now and we have also to keep working high at set-pieces, but I felt that we are not worse than other teams.”
“We have been talking about zonal marking in the past and everybody knows that it is the best way for us to defend. Watch the highlights and you will see I think about 50% of the goals every week are conceded at set-pieces.
“So that is England.”
Before the replay, Liverpool entertain Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday knowing victory could move them to within two points of the fourth-placed Londoners.
And Benitez added: “Every game will be very, very important and difficult for us and Tottenham will be one of these games because they are in a good position in the table, and we know that we have to try our best and beat them. More or less every game for us has to be a must-win game.”
The Spaniard's side must replay their third round tie at Anfield on Wednesday week after a 1-1 draw on Saturday at the Coca-Cola Championship strugglers.
Simon Church gave Reading a 24th-minute lead only for Steven Gerrard to equalise 12 minutes later.
But with Liverpool having won their previous two Premier League games, Benitez is confident his team are showing signs of improvement after a disappointing first half to the campaign.
“If you see the training sessions they are training really well, they are very positive,
their commitment in every training situation is very good,” said the Anfield manager.
“We have been improving in the last three or four weeks and against Aston Villa we were in control. Reading had one or two chances at set-pieces but we had control of the game and then hopefully it will be the same in the next games. I remain optimistic for 2010, yes.”
Benitez admits Liverpool are still attempting to coax Gerrard back to full fitness while asking the skipper to play.
Gerrard has responded with two goals in his last three games, and Benitez said: “I'm not surprised Steven has the desire to win every game.
“He was injured before but we were trying to give him some match fitness so he has to play games and you know that Gerrard, Torres, they can make the difference. We are trying just to take care of him and if he has to play, he has to play.
“But I will talk about all of the players, I don’t like to talk just about one. You could my players were working very hard against a team that was tough and difficult to beat, so Steven was doing well, especially in the has been amazing the last two or three games.
“The style of football is different in the FA Cup, you can see the passion of everyone, the fans and the players, so it is more competitive and I think it is a nice competition to win.”
Benitez sidestepped another tiresome debate over zonal marking after Liverpool conceded another goal from a set-piece at the weekend.
“It was very difficult to defend,” said the Anfield manager. “It was a long ball and then the ball goes to the back post.
“It is always difficult to defend in these situations because I think the players think the ball is going out then you are having to be surprised.
“Every single week I can see a lot of highlights and you see man-to-man marking and then conceding goals.
“The last four or five games we didn’t concede so I think we are much better now and we have also to keep working high at set-pieces, but I felt that we are not worse than other teams.”
“We have been talking about zonal marking in the past and everybody knows that it is the best way for us to defend. Watch the highlights and you will see I think about 50% of the goals every week are conceded at set-pieces.
“So that is England.”
Before the replay, Liverpool entertain Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday knowing victory could move them to within two points of the fourth-placed Londoners.
And Benitez added: “Every game will be very, very important and difficult for us and Tottenham will be one of these games because they are in a good position in the table, and we know that we have to try our best and beat them. More or less every game for us has to be a must-win game.”
Reading 1, Liverpool FC 1: Yet another Royal appointment awaits for Reds
IT was a moment of dark humour on a day when there was once again precious little to smile about for Liverpool.
As the media gathered in the aftermath of their frantic FA Cup third encounter with Reading, talk gravitated around the Coca-Cola Championship side having earned a lucrative replay.
“Hang on,” countered one wag. “Surely it should be the other way around? Let’s face it, Liverpool could do with the money.”
Rarely has a truer word been said in jest.
But while the Anfield coffers will no doubt be swelled by the rematch on Wednesday week, it comes at the cost of checking the growing momentum of Benitez’s side.
Having ended 2009 on the positive note of last-gasp victory at Aston Villa, Liverpool began the new year with a reminder there remains plenty of work to be done to salvage what has been a tortuous campaign.
It was typical of the FA Cup. Save the thrilling and ultimately successful run in 2006, the most famous and most cherished of the world’s club knockout competitions has proven somewhat troublesome for Benitez.
From embarrassment at Burnley, humiliation at home to Barnsley and the trifling matter of derby defeat to Everton last season, not to mention narrow squeaks against Luton Town – twice – and plucky Havant and Waterlooville, the magic of the competition has usually been at the expense of the Spaniard.
So it was no surprise to see Liverpool struggle their way to a draw against a Reading side without a manager and hovering precariously above the Championship relegation zone after just five wins in 24 league games.
What was eyebrow-raising, however, was the strength of the team Benitez sent out at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.
In truth, he had no option. Out of the Champions League and with hopes of a Premier League title long since disappeared, the FA Cup represents, along with the Europa League, a chance to gain some much-needed silverware.
Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard both started in a team that, with the exception of right-back Stephen Darby – making only his second-ever start – boasted a wealth of experience.
Perhaps inevitably, it was Gerrard whose 36th-minute equaliser ensured Liverpool returned to Merseyside with their Cup hopes intact after Reading had exposed their soft-centre at set-pieces with Simon Church’s opener.
Visits to the Madejski have previously played a significant role during Benitez’s tenure. It was here in 2007 that Fernando Torres truly announced his arrival in England with a Carling Cup hat-trick, and it was here that mere months later a 3-1 league defeat pushed the manager to the brink of the sack.
With Liverpool now clear favourites to finish the job at Anfield on Wednesday week, Saturday’s encounter is unlikely to have similar resonance.
But it did nothing to placate the growing band of self-important critics who seem to have decided Benitez’s time is up and are intent on driving the manager back to Spain.
After the encouragement of back-to-back wins and clean sheets against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, results that have resuscitated Champions League qualification aspirations, this was a step backwards, a frustrating and at times strangely listless performance on an admittedly poor playing surface.
Not that Liverpool were ever hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Reading ran themselves into the ground and constantly sought to pressurise the visiting defence, but their obvious lack of quality meant Pepe Reina had barely a save to make.
That said, Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici and his second-half replacement Ben Hamer were hardly over-worked themselves as Liverpool struggled to find any consistency in their play.
It underlined the need for Benitez to freshen up his squad during this month’s transfer window. But with the manager once again compelled to sell before he can buy – and clubs are not exactly falling over themselves to purchase those being allowed to leave Anfield – any new arrivals are likely to be bargain basement or temporary.
The main positive from Saturday was the performance of Darby. The 21-year-old has been patient waiting for a senior breakthrough, and here he built substantially on an encouraging first start against Fiorentina last month.
Composed in possession and surprisingly strong in the tackle, the reserve skipper grew in confidence the longer the game progressed. And with Glen Johnson sidelined, Philipp Degen surplus to requirements and Martin Kelly injured, Darby will surely have opportunity to further stake his claim in the coming weeks.
The cosmopolitan nature of modern-day Premier League clubs makes it more difficult than ever for homegrown players to progress through the ranks, and Darby can convince Benitez he need not shell out on right-back cover during the transfer window.
There was no such joy for Emiliano Insua, however. There must be something about the journey down the A34 that doesn’t agree with the Argentine as, after two fine performances last week, this was a display akin to his troubles at Portsmouth.
Tormented throughout by an inspired Jobi McAnuff, it was a foul on the flying winger that earned Insua a booking and gave Reading the free-kick from which they gained a 24th-minute lead, Grzegorz Rasiak hooking Ryan Bertrand’s deep delivery back into the six-yard box where Church bundled home.
That goal prompted a previously dormant Liverpool into life, Torres sending a header wide before Gerrard levelled nine minutes from the break, his ball into the box missed by the onside Dirk Kuyt but curled enough to deceive Federici and nestle into the bottom corner.
Torres and Aurelio came close to giving Liverpool a half-time advantage as Reading swayed from the blow of the equaliser, but the home side cleared their heads and came forward again in the second period, although only Gylfi Sigurdsson’s ambitious 25-yard shot seriously tested Reina.
With Alberto Aquilani back on the bench, David Ngog partnered Torres up front for the first time. The Frenchman’s stock will have again risen with a hard-working display and growing ability to hold up possession, but questions remain over his stamina after he faded badly during the second half.
Torres himself almost snatched victory during injury time when heading over substitute Yossi Benayoun’s left-wing cross, but that would have been harsh on Reading and an undeserved reward for Liverpool’s curiously subdued performance. Another in the replay, however, would be no laughing matter for Benitez.
As the media gathered in the aftermath of their frantic FA Cup third encounter with Reading, talk gravitated around the Coca-Cola Championship side having earned a lucrative replay.
“Hang on,” countered one wag. “Surely it should be the other way around? Let’s face it, Liverpool could do with the money.”
Rarely has a truer word been said in jest.
But while the Anfield coffers will no doubt be swelled by the rematch on Wednesday week, it comes at the cost of checking the growing momentum of Benitez’s side.
Having ended 2009 on the positive note of last-gasp victory at Aston Villa, Liverpool began the new year with a reminder there remains plenty of work to be done to salvage what has been a tortuous campaign.
It was typical of the FA Cup. Save the thrilling and ultimately successful run in 2006, the most famous and most cherished of the world’s club knockout competitions has proven somewhat troublesome for Benitez.
From embarrassment at Burnley, humiliation at home to Barnsley and the trifling matter of derby defeat to Everton last season, not to mention narrow squeaks against Luton Town – twice – and plucky Havant and Waterlooville, the magic of the competition has usually been at the expense of the Spaniard.
So it was no surprise to see Liverpool struggle their way to a draw against a Reading side without a manager and hovering precariously above the Championship relegation zone after just five wins in 24 league games.
What was eyebrow-raising, however, was the strength of the team Benitez sent out at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.
In truth, he had no option. Out of the Champions League and with hopes of a Premier League title long since disappeared, the FA Cup represents, along with the Europa League, a chance to gain some much-needed silverware.
Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard both started in a team that, with the exception of right-back Stephen Darby – making only his second-ever start – boasted a wealth of experience.
Perhaps inevitably, it was Gerrard whose 36th-minute equaliser ensured Liverpool returned to Merseyside with their Cup hopes intact after Reading had exposed their soft-centre at set-pieces with Simon Church’s opener.
Visits to the Madejski have previously played a significant role during Benitez’s tenure. It was here in 2007 that Fernando Torres truly announced his arrival in England with a Carling Cup hat-trick, and it was here that mere months later a 3-1 league defeat pushed the manager to the brink of the sack.
With Liverpool now clear favourites to finish the job at Anfield on Wednesday week, Saturday’s encounter is unlikely to have similar resonance.
But it did nothing to placate the growing band of self-important critics who seem to have decided Benitez’s time is up and are intent on driving the manager back to Spain.
After the encouragement of back-to-back wins and clean sheets against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, results that have resuscitated Champions League qualification aspirations, this was a step backwards, a frustrating and at times strangely listless performance on an admittedly poor playing surface.
Not that Liverpool were ever hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Reading ran themselves into the ground and constantly sought to pressurise the visiting defence, but their obvious lack of quality meant Pepe Reina had barely a save to make.
That said, Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici and his second-half replacement Ben Hamer were hardly over-worked themselves as Liverpool struggled to find any consistency in their play.
It underlined the need for Benitez to freshen up his squad during this month’s transfer window. But with the manager once again compelled to sell before he can buy – and clubs are not exactly falling over themselves to purchase those being allowed to leave Anfield – any new arrivals are likely to be bargain basement or temporary.
The main positive from Saturday was the performance of Darby. The 21-year-old has been patient waiting for a senior breakthrough, and here he built substantially on an encouraging first start against Fiorentina last month.
Composed in possession and surprisingly strong in the tackle, the reserve skipper grew in confidence the longer the game progressed. And with Glen Johnson sidelined, Philipp Degen surplus to requirements and Martin Kelly injured, Darby will surely have opportunity to further stake his claim in the coming weeks.
The cosmopolitan nature of modern-day Premier League clubs makes it more difficult than ever for homegrown players to progress through the ranks, and Darby can convince Benitez he need not shell out on right-back cover during the transfer window.
There was no such joy for Emiliano Insua, however. There must be something about the journey down the A34 that doesn’t agree with the Argentine as, after two fine performances last week, this was a display akin to his troubles at Portsmouth.
Tormented throughout by an inspired Jobi McAnuff, it was a foul on the flying winger that earned Insua a booking and gave Reading the free-kick from which they gained a 24th-minute lead, Grzegorz Rasiak hooking Ryan Bertrand’s deep delivery back into the six-yard box where Church bundled home.
That goal prompted a previously dormant Liverpool into life, Torres sending a header wide before Gerrard levelled nine minutes from the break, his ball into the box missed by the onside Dirk Kuyt but curled enough to deceive Federici and nestle into the bottom corner.
Torres and Aurelio came close to giving Liverpool a half-time advantage as Reading swayed from the blow of the equaliser, but the home side cleared their heads and came forward again in the second period, although only Gylfi Sigurdsson’s ambitious 25-yard shot seriously tested Reina.
With Alberto Aquilani back on the bench, David Ngog partnered Torres up front for the first time. The Frenchman’s stock will have again risen with a hard-working display and growing ability to hold up possession, but questions remain over his stamina after he faded badly during the second half.
Torres himself almost snatched victory during injury time when heading over substitute Yossi Benayoun’s left-wing cross, but that would have been harsh on Reading and an undeserved reward for Liverpool’s curiously subdued performance. Another in the replay, however, would be no laughing matter for Benitez.
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