liverpool fc thread

[~CaRoLyN~]

new thread for the best team in the world!!

[~CaRoLyN~]

NEWS STORY
FOWLER TO SIGN NEW ONE YEAR DEAL
Paul Eaton 05 May 2006 
  Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has today confirmed Robbie Fowler will sign a new one year contract at Anfield. 
Fowler will put pen to paper on the deal next week after impressing since his arrival from Manchester City in January.
 
Benitez said: "This is fantastic news. Robbie has done really well and he deserves this.
 
"He has scored some vital goals for us and he has worked really hard. I am delighted to have him with us for next season. He is an important member of our squad."
 

[Amy]

GERRARD HAILS PREMIERSHIP IMPROVEMENT
Mark Platt 06 May 2006 
  Whether or not Liverpool succeed in their battle to snatch second spot in the Premiership this weekend Steven Gerrard believes the 2005/06 league campaign can be spoken about in glowing terms at Anfield. 
The Reds wind up their programme with a long trek to Portsmouth on Sunday in the knowledge that victory, coupled with Manchester United failing to beat Charlton, will see them pip the Red Devils to runners-up spot.
 
But win, lose or draw against Pompey, Gerrard insists Liverpool can look back with pride on their much-improved league form this season.
 
With 79 points in the bag already ? the same number that was enough to win the title back in 1989/90 - the FA Cup finalists are just one point away from equalling the club's highest-ever Premiership total.
 
"I think we can safely say now, before our game against Portsmouth, that our league campaign this season has been one of vast improvement," says Gerrard in an exclusive interview with Liverpoolfc.tv.
 
"Our points total is really good. We've more than halved the gap between ourselves and Chelsea, and if we keep moving forward like we have been then we'll be involved in the title race next season, definitely."
 
Gerrard admits the following week's FA Cup Final against West Ham will probably loom large in the minds of the Liverpool players when they take to the field at Fratton Park this weekend. But he's assured the club's fans that the men in Red will be giving nothing less than 100 per cent as they aim to end the league season on a high.
 
"I suppose in a way it is a little bit hard to be fully focussed on the Portsmouth game knowing we'll be playing in the FA Cup Final the following week but while there's still a chance of nicking second place we've got to be 100 per cent focused. We've only got one intention and that is to win the game," adds Gerrard.
 
"It still can happen (finishing second). With Rooney out injured I don't think Manchester United are as strong and Charlton are always a difficult side to play against. We've just got to concentrate on our job though and that is to beat Portsmouth.
 
"We've got a strong squad now. The manager can rest players and we'll still be capable of getting the right result against Portsmouth.
 
"When there is an FA Cup Final a week away it's always going to be in the back of your mind to make sure that you'll be fit and ready for it. But we get paid to do a job in every game we play so there's no way we could disrespect Portsmouth by going into the game with our minds on the FA Cup Final.
 
"We've got to try our best to get it out of our system for that afternoon, but, of course, it's going to be difficult. That's only natural." 

[Lucky*7*]

RAFA ON ROBBIE AND THE RACE FOR SECOND
Steve Hunter 06 May 2006 
 
In his regular weekly interview with the club website, Rafael Benitez speaks exclusively about Robbie Fowler's new deal, the race for second place and why Steven Gerrard can still get 25 goals this season. 

 
Liverpoolfc.tv: You have awarded Robbie Fowler with a new contract, your thoughts on that please Rafa?
 
Rafael Benitez: I said always it was an easy decision for me to make and in this case we have an agreement with Robbie and he will sign the contract early next week. We are really happy, all the staff, his team-mates, the club and the supporters.
 
He has scored some vital goals since you brought him back to the club hasn't he?
 
He has scored some important goals and we would like to see him scoring a lot of them and maybe to become the third all-time record goalscorer in the history of the club.
 
He's also a good lad to have around the dressing room...
 
Yeah he's a fantastic team-mate and he's a good worker. He's really focused on the future and his commitment to this club is really good.
 
How pleased are you that second place is still up for grabs on the final day of the season?
 
It has been really difficult but also really important for us. Nobody was thinking that we could fight for the second place position but the team has worked really hard until the end.
 
Are you surprised that Manchester United have dropped points and allowed you back into it?
 
With the Premiership you always know it's difficult to win every game. Okay, we were surprised but really happy.
 
Do you feel United are still the side under pressure this weekend with most to lose?
 
Yeah. Normally I think they must win but they will be under pressure and we will try to do our job.
 
How important is it that your side do their job this weekend and not come off the field having lost and then hearing United have also been beaten?
 
It would be the worst situation. We know how important the game is and we will be really focused and we will try to win.
 
Because there's so much still to play for in the Premiership, has it been easy to ensure the players stay focused and not let their minds wander towards the Cup final?
 
I think they know the importance of this game and also the FA Cup Final. In this case I think they are really focused and I could see in training they are thinking about this game.
 
How impressed have you been with the job Harry Redknapp has done this season?
 
Yeah, it's always difficult to win a lot of points but it's more difficult to win a lot of points when your team is at the bottom of the table. It was a surprise and you must say congratulations. They changed a lot of players in January and they were at the bottom of the table. He has done a good job.
 
Because they are now safe, is this an ideal final day fixture for you because they have little to play for?
 
I think it's better for us because three weeks ago we were talking about how difficult it would be because maybe they would be playing to stay in the Premiership. In this case now I think we will see a good game and they will try to enjoy it and maybe it can be a little bit easier for us. It would never be easy but a little bit easier.
 
Will there be much squad rotation this weekend with more changes to your team?
 
I'm not sure because it's very difficult for me to decide now but I like to have this problem.
 
21 goals for Steven Gerrard so far ? how impressive is that total for a midfield player?
 
It's fantastic. He was injured for two or three games and maybe he could have scored a few more goals, but 21 is a very good number and maybe he can score more goals in the next games. For a midfielder it's a fantastic figure and I think that shows how good he is.
 
He has revealed you set him a target of 25 goals so you must have always been confident he'd get somewhere near that figure?
 
Yes I was thinking about 25 because he is playing well and we will see in the next two games if he can do that because it would be fantastic for us. He likes to shoot for goal and he is also very good at assists. He is a player who gives to us a lot of things.
 
With all the talk this week about Wayne Rooney's injuries and the potential problems for England in the World Cup, do you think Peter Crouch could be the man to provide the goals for his country in Germany?
 
I think so. He is really focused and it working very well in every training session trying to improve. He has the mentality for scoring goals and playing well for England. 

[Lucky*7*]

FOWLER: I'M SO BE PLEASED TO BE STAYING
Paul Eaton 05 May 2006  
  Robbie Fowler today spoke of his delight after the Reds offered him a new one year deal at Anfield.  
Manager Rafael Benitez today confirmed Fowler will put pen to paper on his contract next week after impressing since his arrival from Manchester City in January.
  
Fowler has netted four goals in 15 games since his return to the club and he's now hoping to further extend his brilliant Anfield scoring record over the next twelve months.
  
Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv at Melwood, Fowler said: "It's not signed yet but you can imagine how happy I was when the manager offered me another year. I can't put my feelings into words, this is something I have wanted for a long time.
  
"When I signed for six months in January the manager told me he would look at the situation at the end of the season. He's had a look at what I've done and thankfully I've been given the best possible answer.
  
"I feel as though I've done alright and the manager has been pleased with me as well. I'm looking forward to next season now. I was buzzing when I got a six month deal so you can imagine how happy I am to have been given another year. I am absolutely over the moon.
  
"We've got two games to go and then a break before pre-season. I can't wait for next season now. I just want to get going again. I'm gutted I have to miss next week's Cup final but I wish the lads all the best and I know we can win it."
  
Fowler has been delighted with the reception he's had from Liverpool fans since his return to the club and he's now keen to make further inroads up the all-time Anfield scoring charts.
  
"Ian Rush's record for the club is frightening and if I can get a bit closer to it that'll be great," he added.
  
"I had been treating every game as though it could be my last for Liverpool but now I've got the added incentive of knowing I'll get more chances to wear the red shirt next season.
  
"This club is going places. If you look at the table this season compared to last season there's been a big improvement. Hopefully we can take it a little bit further next season. I would love to be part of a Liverpool side that wins the league championship and I am sure the manager is on the right lines towards achieving it.
  
"Ever since I started at Liverpool as a kid the fans have taken to me and any player will tell you when the supporters of your club are behind you then that helps an awful lot. I just can't thank them enough. They've given me so much support over the years and I'm grateful for that. Now I can't wait to score more goals for them and the club over the next year."  

[stevies*sweetie]

hiya guys. I'm new here and i'm a massive Steven Gerrard and Liverpool fan  just thought i would say hi   

[Amy]

hello welcome
my names amy 
im also a liverpool fan
luis garcia

[stevies*sweetie]

My name is Amy too! 
Lil luis is lovely too but it's all about steven gerrard for me 

[Lucky*7*]

BENITEZ SURPRISED BY RACE FOR SECOND
Rafael Benitez admits he is surprised Liverpool still have a chance of snatching the runners-up spot in the Barclays Premiership from Manchester United approaching the final day of the season.

The Reds are just one point behind the Red Devils, who will still be favourites to claim the second slot and automatic entry into the Champions League when they host Charlton at Old Trafford on Sunday.

However, Liverpool can take advantage of any slips by Sir Alex Ferguson's men if they can claim three points at Portsmouth with Robbie Fowler set to feature after being handed a one-year contract for his efforts since returning to the club in January.

The 31-year-old, however, is cup-tied for the FA Cup final the following week against West Ham and clearly aims to end his personal season on a high at Fratton Park.

Benitez said: "I am surprised that Manchester United, who were playing well, winning games and scoring goals, have not done that in the last couple of games.

"That was the surprise, but we can now still achieve what we want. We do not have to worry about how many goals we need, that was always my fear.

"But that has gone now, all we need to think about is to win. That is easier for me. We have been concerned about the goal difference and how many goals we needed. It is easier now."

If Liverpool beat Pompey and United fail to beat Charlton, Liverpool are second without any worries of goal difference.

Benitez is also looking ahead to the Millennium Stadium showdown with West Ham, saying: "I do not know now, at this moment, what is my strongest team. I will analyse how they are and work on different things.

"I need to pick the best side to play Portsmouth and then to concentrate on the best side to play West Ham. I have not made that decision yet.

"It is not easy to decide my strongest team. We made eight changes at West Ham and won, then changed six against Aston Villa and kept winning and scoring.

"For the final I do not know my best team, but I have a whole week before the game to make those decisions.

The Spaniard has been impressed by Pompey's escape act, saying: "They have done a fantastic job to get the points they have to avoid relegation, so maybe we will see a good game now with no pressure on anyone."

[Lucky*7*]

CROUCH PINPOINTS ROAD TO SUCCESS

When Liverpool were 10 places behind Manchester United in the Premiership table, few would have expected them to be going into the last day of the campaign still fighting for the runners-up spot.

But if Liverpool win at Portsmouth on Sunday and Manchester United fail to beat Charlton at Old Trafford, the Anfield club will clinch second spot.

For Peter Crouch, facing one of his old clubs at Fratton Park, there is strong believe that Liverpool can pull off a shock and avoid the qualifying stage of the Champions League next season.

Crouch said: "Second place is still possible, even if it did appear to be slipping away from us.

"We know Manchester United will have to slip up but we will fight right to the end."

If Liverpool do win it will set a club record of 11 successive victories, eclipsing a 10-match winning streak set in 1990, the last time they won the title.

And it has not been lost on the Anfield public that the 79 points already amassed by Rafael Benitez's side is exactly the same as the total that lifted that title.

But the bar has been raised so much by Chelsea's money that 90 points, minimum is needed to win the title now.

Benitez will no doubt be thinking in those terms for next term. Meanwhile, two more goals will make it 100 for the season in all competitions and a 34th clean sheet will equal the club record.

It would also mean 23 league clean sheets, which would equal the second highest in the club's history - the record is 28 in 1978-79.

Crouch added: "We have put a good run together and want to finish the season strongly.

"And whatever happens, we will be looking to take this form into next season. When you are at a club like this you have to keep improving.

"And we have improved this season, our league position and points tally underlines that."

Crouch takes his cue from boss Benitez, who could well rest several players with the FA Cup final a week away and Pompey already safe.

Crouch said: "The manager said last season that although we won the Champions League he was disappointed with the league position and form.

"We are third at the moment, aiming for second, but intent on going even higher next season."

[Amy]

My name is Amy too! 
Lil luis is lovely too but it's all about steven gerrard for me 

[~CaRoLyN~]

hi stevies*sweetie welcome 2 da forum. nice 2 see sum more liverpool fans here

[~CaRoLyN~]

FOUR REDS NAMED IN SPAIN SQUAD
Mark Platt 05 May 2006 
  Jose Reina, Luis Garcia, Fernando Morientes and Xabi Alonso have all been named in Spain's provisional 27-man squad for the World Cup. 
The Reds quartet, however, are not expected to attend the planned get-together in Madrid on May 8 due to Liverpool's preparations for the FA Cup Final.
 
Spain have been drawn alongside Ukraine, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia in Group H at the World Cup which begins in Germany on 9 June.
 
They have arranged warm-up friendlies against Russia in Albacete on 27 May, Egypt in Elche on 3 June and Croatia in Geneva on 7 June.
 
The full 27-man provisional squad is as follows...
 
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Santiago Canizares (Valencia)
 
Defenders: Antonio Lopez (Atletico Madrid), Pablo Ibanez (Atletico Madrid), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Juanito (Real Betis), Asier del Horno (Chelsea), Joan Capdevila (Deportivo Coruna), Michel Salgado (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Javi Venta (Villarreal)
 
Midfielders: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Jose Antonio Reyes (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Joaquin (Real Betis), Luis Garcia (Liverpool), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), David Albelda (Valencia), Ruben Baraja (Valencia), Marcos Senna (Villarreal)
 
Forwards: Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Morientes (Liverpool), Raul (Real Madrid), David Villa (Valencia) 

[Lucky*7*]

Im so happy Mori got called up. I expected the other 3 Liverpool players but i wasnt sure about him because he hasnt scored that many.

Liverpool have more players representing Spain than most spanish teams do!

[stevies*sweetie]

liverpol are very spanish arent they? im not complaining because they are all amazing

Thanks carolyn.. xx