Football Focus Online - Latest Football News

Cisse does it again for Sunderland

2008-11-16T02:20:00.004Z

Djibril Cisse continues his career revival with another goal for Sunderland

Being a Liverpool fan I've always liked Djibril Cisse and am glad to see he's banging them in for Sunderland. He got the winner against Blackburn yesterday and that make it a respectable four goals in eleven games.

Djibril Cisse - leg break

Cisse has had a torrid time over the years, not least of which where two career threatening leg breaks, which severely disrupted his time at Liverpool. I've always thought all he needed was time and patience to get back to his best, and now he seems to be getting there. I think Cisse will prove to be a great player for Sunderland. He's got pace to burn, and is a great finisher!

Djibril Cisse will be one of the top scorers in the Premier League this season and will get back to his pre leg-break from. Mark my words!

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Daniel Agger: Liverpool Need more Goals

2008-11-11T10:04:00.003Z

Daniel Agger: Liverpool need more goals

Speaking to the club’s official website ahead of the win against West Brom, Daniel Agger admitted he was at a loss to explain the result at White Hart Lane. He said: “I don't think I can explain the defeat at Tottenham, but the result certainly wasn't good enough.”

Daniel Agger

Daniel Agger admitted Liverpool had created more than enough chances and only had themselves to blame for the shock loss.

Agger is clearly happy just to be back in the Liverpool side, after missing nearly a year through injury, and see first Sami Hypia and Martin Srktel play exceptionally well in his place. He has looked a bit ring rusty at times, and will have to get back to his best soon, or Skrtel will be straight back in the team when fit.

Daniel Agger only has to look at the clean sheets pre and post Skrtel to be worried! Having said that he's a class player who only needs time to settle back in. We've every confidence in Daniel Agger to help Liverpool back to those shut-outs.

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David Villa Goals: Valencia will keep on attacking

2008-11-08T04:29:00.006Z

David Villa insists goals will still be the main game for his offensive Valencia Team

David Villa

David Villa has defended Valencia's attacking mind-set despite them being taught a lesson in counter-attacking football last Saturday as they conceded four goals on the break against a cunning Racing outfit. Valencia striker David Villa openly admits their all out attacking play cost them the game at the Mestalla.

“The team showed great spirit and attitude and we went for the game right from the start, and perhaps that is why we lost,” he was quoted as saying by Marca. “Maybe if we were more balanced, they would not have caught us on the counter, but our philosophy is to always attack and take the game to our opponents,” he added.

David Villa remains certain his team will bounce back from this set-back to challenge for the Spanish title along with the big guns of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Foot Focus hopes they do! It would be great to see Valencia lift the title again, and break the big-guns monopoly. Lets hope David Villa and his goals shoots them to the title! Premier League News

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Liverpool FC News: Robbie Keane can fire Liverpool to glory

2008-10-31T21:11:00.004Z

Liverpool FC News: Robbie Keane can steer Liverpool to Title, says Benitez

Robbie Keane

Robbie Keane goes to his old Tottenham Hotspur stamping ground on Saturday with a glowing vote of confidence from his Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez. In the latest Liverpool news Benitez believes players like Robbie Keane have made Liverpool, the leaders of the Premier League, superior even to his 2005 Champions League winners.

Keane took time to settle at Anfield following his £20million summer move from White Hart Lane but Benitez has no doubts Robbie the Irishman will prosper and add to his tally of two goals. "He has experience and he knows in a top side like Liverpool you have to win, to score goals, but he is working very hard,'' Benitez said.

"People talked about the work-rate of [Dirk] Kuyt and now he is scoring goals and Robbie Keane will be the same. Desire is the key word. He has passion. He's a Liverpool fan.''

Benitez, who reiterated his view that Spurs made a mistake in sacking Juande Ramos, will decide this morning whether to start Fernando Torres, who has recovered from his hamstring problem, or continue with Robbie Keane as his central striker.

Keane can play wide but Benitez argued that his best position was "clearly as a second striker or one of the strikers with some freedom because he has good movement''. The arrival of Keane and the Spanish winger, Albert Riera, has enhanced Benitez's belief in the team.

"We won the Champions League because it was a good team,'' the Liverpool manager said. "Now this team I feel is a little bit better. We knew technically Riera is good. Physically he is a good player for the Premier League. He is a winner. He takes responsibility.''

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Cristiano Ronaldo: Playing well is what matters

2008-10-30T10:19:00.005Z

Cristiano Ronaldo: Focussing on playing well

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, after winning on Monday the FIFPro Player of the Year - an award judged by his fellow professionals - and scoring a double for Manchester Unit, insisted that talk regarding his body language is wide off the mark.

Cristiano Ronaldo said: "People are always writing things about me. It is up to them; for me it is not a problem. I will just try to play well and do my best. I am just focused on playing good football."

Still, since returning from an ankle operation lastmonth, Ronaldo admitted that he has not rediscovered the devastating form that saw him score 42 goals to help United to the Champions League and Premier League titles last term.

Ronaldo said, he was focussing on playing well: "I know last year was magnificent. It is still possible this season....my priority is not only to score goals. I don't have to do that. I just have to play well for the team. I just want to keep proving to myself that I am a good player" Cristiano Ronaldo proving he's a good player?? Whatever he says Ronaldo also has to prove he wants to stay at Manchester United.

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Football News: Owens a goner as Newcastle freefall

2008-09-21T07:19:00.002+01:00

Football News: Newcastle in freefall as Liverpool & Everton wait for Owen

Football news circulating on the internet has it that Michael Owen is wanted by Liverpool and Everton. Meanwhile Newcastles season is going into freefall, as they lost 3-1 to West Ham, with what can only be described as a hapless performance.

Reports are that Everont and Liverpool will approach Owen during the winter with a view to convincing the England hitman to complete a free transfer at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old was in and out of contract negotiations all summer long. The Toon at one point attempted to ease their cash-flow crisis by slashing 20 per cent off his wages, while later reports suggested a bumper £140,000-per-week deal was on the horizon.

The Tynesiders have been mired in turmoil ever since Kevin Keegan's dramatic resignation as manager two weeks ago: a replacement has still to be found and owner Mike Ashley, shocked by the levels of vitriol from supporters, has put the club up for sale, albeit at a prohibitive asking price of 450 million pounds (823 million dollars).

Such strife occasionally triggers a doughty defiance, but not with Newcastle. They slumped to an embarrassing home defeat to newly-promoted Hull last weekend and this performance, which leaves them second from bottom of the table, bordered on the shambolic, despite a late flurry prompted by Michael Owen's well-taken goal.

West Ham, sensing Newcastle's nerves, were in no mood for sympathy. It took them just seven minutes to break through, although even this was overdue. Etherington and Di Michele had already seen shots blocked before the latter finally cracked the Newcastle rearguard. After that the inevitable defeat followed.

Football news of this kind is only more torture for the poor Geordie fans. Their club is being dragged into the gutter by a woeful management team. Ashley, Wise and co have simply not got a clue about what it takes to run such a big and well supported club. The sooner they leave and Newcastle get some stability the better!

Manchester City News: Robinho impresses

2008-09-21T06:51:00.005+01:00

Manchester City News: Micah Richards impressed with Robinho

The latest Manchester City news lis that defender Micah Richards has heaped praise on new signing Robinho, saying he has impressed his teammates with the amount of work he gets through.

Richards said: "It is not just about his tricks. He has got a good work rate, he works for the team. He could have been a star who came here and cared about himself but he really cares about the team and wants us to do well."

Manchester City meet Portsmouth on Sunday in their latest Premier League game and Micah Richards sees a bright future at Man City. The completion of the £210million takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group is imminent and is expected to give the club Chelsea like power in the transfer market.

Richards, who graduated to the first team from the academy, said: "This is a great place to be at the moment. I've always said we are going to do something. Hopefully with the financial backing we are getting we can go out and win a trophy."

Well given the dross served up by various management teams at Manchester City in the last decade you can only wish for the supporters sake he is right! Manchester City are certainly in the news lately, and it can't be bad if they Premier League ends up with five teams battling for four places!

Arsenal Premiership: Blackburn given a lesson

2008-09-14T11:43:00.004+01:00

Arsenal Premiership: Class gap a chasm as Blackburn given the run-around

Arsenal and their Premiership ambitions were given a huge boost after this performance. Star of the show, was England man Walcott.

Walcott’s pace and vision made the opening goal for Robin van Persie and his continual pacey runs constantly showed up the immobile Blackburn defence and midfield. Arsenal confirmed that more than ever the Premiership 'big four' and the rest have a massive gulf in class.

Walcott's substitution in the second half left it to Emmanuel Adebayor, who promptly helped himself to a hat-trick. You got the thought, that this game may even have prompted Ince to even consider the possibility of switching to the basket case that is St James’ Park.

However at Blackburn, he at least has his fate in his own hands here and you don't meet Arsenal storming the Premiership every week.

Walcott apart, Arsenal went coasted through the game and passed their way past Blackburn with a minimum of physical or mental effort.

Blackburn briefly sensed they were still in contention only for Adebayor to deliver a reality check after a glorious phase of possession by Arsenal just before half-time. That made it 2-0 and there was only one outcome after that.

Arsenal really will be a Premiership force again this season, despite the higher resources of rivals. You can't help thinking that the Premiership is lucky to have a club like Arsenal to act as a counterbalance to the unseemly way some clubs are run. Arsenal are a club truly built on the values of the beautiful game!

Liverpool vs Man U: Gerrard Back?

2008-09-10T12:53:00.004+01:00

Liverpool vs Man U: Gerrard Back?

LIVERPOOL Vs MAN U: STEVEN GERRARD is set to hand Rafa Benitez a huge boost - by giving himself every chance of featuring against Manchester United on Saturday.

The Liverpool captain will return to full training in the next few days and should he come through that with no ill effects, his chances of facing Manchester United will increase dramatically.

His rehabilitation programme has gone much better than expected since then and he is now fit enough to join in with his team mates as they prepare for their biggest Premier League game of the season so far. Gerrard now stands a realistic chance of being involved in Saturday's lunchtime showdown with the reigning champions, although the final decision as to whether or not he plays will rest with manager Rafa Benitez.

Liverpool vs Man U is always a massive game and Liverpool will be praying Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres recover in time for this one! They're gonna need them!

Berbatov to Manchester United

2008-08-31T11:52:00.003+01:00

Berbatov to Manchester United - a done deal at last!

Dimitar Berbatov is expected to finally move to Manchester United, they are reportedly expect ing to force through the purchase in the next 24 hours before the transfer window closes.

Berbatov to Manchester United has been one of the sagas of the summer, and it finally looks like coming to an end, with a 25 million pound deal, plus add-on's and interestingly Frazier Campbell, Manchester United's young forward who impressed at Hull, as part of the deal.

Tottenham have also signed the Russion forward Roman Pavlyuchenko from Spartak Moscow for a transfer fee believed to be £14 million so are quickly reinforcing in anticipation of the move.

Berbatov to Man U was always a certainty, and it's a wonder there was so much column space devoted to it! Berbatov at Man U will only make the rest of the Premier League wonder who is going to stop Man U this season?

Wayne Rooney: goals will come with a partner

2008-08-31T09:29:00.006+01:00

Wayne Rooney's goals will come if he gets some forward help

Wayne Rooney goals will flow if Sir Alex fixes the errors of his ways, by buying Berbatov.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been remarkably confessional in the build-up to this season. Maybe his age is showing, but he admitted to Sir David Frost that it had been a mistake to sell Jaap Stam to Lazio in 2001 and then later, during the club's tour of South Africa, he conceded that errors had been made in his deployment of Wayne Rooney.

Pity no one asked him about his decision, two summers ago, to sell Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid. Was that a mistake too?

Ferguson may never say it was but he appears to regret letting the prolific Dutchman go. Why else would he be pursuing Dimitar Berbatov with such vigour? Upon signing him - and United are confident they can do so this week for about £25m - the Bulgarian will be expected to provide everything Van Nistelrooy once did - an outlet for the side's dynamic and willing runners, a target for those able to play a raking pass from deep, and of course goals. Despite his current lack of "focus", a record of 46 goals in two seasons proves the 27-year-old Bulgarian is more than capable of supplying those.

Oh how Wayne Rooney will be glad of a good old fashioned strike partner. He must have been willing Manchester United to buy anybody to play off this summer, rather than plough the lone furrow up-front again. Peter Crouch, Dean Ashton, Emile Heskey............alright, Emile is stretching it a bit, but I'll bet he'd have been happy with Peter Crouch!

Wayne Rooney should enjoy his football and his goals, much more this season, now it appears certain Berbatov is on his way. Footy Focus online has never been convinced that Wayne Rooney will get goals while playing upfront alone, and Man U's rivals will be sorry its about to end!

Football Transfer News

2008-08-29T12:19:00.003+01:00

Football Transfer News - Saha to Everton, and the fight for Milner begins
First up in football transfer news is that Louis Saha is on his way to Everton. The striker will join Everton for an undisclosed fee, subject to passing a medical. The 30-year-old France international will become Everton's third signing of the summer after Lars Jacobsen and Segundo Castillo. Saha, who joined United from Fulham for £12.8m in January 2004, will sign a two-year deal with an option to extend his contract by a further 12 months.

Other football transfer news also concerns Everton, whose manager David Moyes is attempting to hijack Aston Villa's bid to land James Milner after making a £10m offer to Newcastle United for the England under-21 winger last night. Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan wants to keep Milner and has demanded the midfielder be given a pay rise. The winger handed in a transfer request but he wants to stay at Newcastle if they offer him a improved contract.

Aston Villa have reportedly met Newcastle's £10m asking price and it could, therefore, be left to the player to decide which team he wants to join, subject to agreeing personal terms.

Liverpool are making football transfer news of their own and are poised to complete the £8million signing of Albert Riera from Espanyol. Terms of the deal have been agreed between the clubs and 26-year-old Riera must only prove his fitness to seal his move to Anfield. The fee involved is thought to be around £8million, with Riera set to return to the Premier League having previously had a loan spell with Manchester City in the 2005-06 season.

There is more football transfer news here and here . Two days to go until the window closes!!

David Beckham - all over for England?

2008-08-29T12:06:00.002+01:00

David Beckham will do well to hold onto his England place

David Beckham and his glorious England career should surely now be coming to an end. Beckham's latest display surely shows why Fabio Capello must call time on Beckham.

Paul McGrath has now joined ex England manager, Bobby Robson in insisting it's time Beckham was put out to grass.

Seeing parallels with his own situation when with the Republic of Ireland, McGrath says its time Beckham gave it up. Robson sees England as needing fast, vibrant wingers, and its hard to disagree.

Beckham was never the fastest of players, but now he simply doesn't get forward any near as much as he used to. He can still do it at dead ball situations, but he was never the fastest, and now he's clearly slowing with age.

Football Focus Online has joined the chorus - David Beckham, it's time to call it a day!! More football gossip here

Cristiano Ronaldo: Buys 150,000 number plate

2008-08-25T11:50:00.007+01:00

Cristiano Ronaldo: 150,000 on CR7 number plate

Cristiano Ronaldo

Demonstrating that age old adage of footballers having more money than sense, Cristiano Ronaldo has spent a massive 150,000 on a number plate!

Ronaldo coughed up the huge sum for the registration CR7 - his initials and shirt number at Old Trafford, says The Sun.

The new number plate takes his spending with luxury car firm Liquid 45 to a whopping £490,000 in the past month. A couple of weeks ago he placed an order for a black Rolls Royce Phantom - which costs a jaw-dropping £340,000.

But the number plate won't go on the new car - it is destined for Ronaldo's runaround, a silver £140,000 Bentley convertible!

Cristiano Ronaldo is certainly one for splashing his cash about. It's an obscene amount of money, but if you've got it flaunt it and Ronaldo certainly has!

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Football Gossip

2008-08-24T12:29:00.002+01:00

Football Gossip: Pennant winging his way to Blackburn?
Football gossip has it that Blackburn have been told by Liverpool to bid six million pounds for Jermaine Pennant, or forget it.

Paul Ince obviously is looking for a replacement for David Bentley and Pennant obviously fits the bill. Footy Focus can't for the life of us understand why Pennant is not getting a game in a Liverpool team that has as much width as a credit card standing on its edge, and as much pace as Joe Royle in his TV chair.

The game against Middlesbrough was crying out for a bit of pace and invention down the flanks, yet he was nowhere to be seen. The football gossip has it that Rafa Benitez is reluctant to sell him, as it's too late to replace him. Nonsense! He's not anywhere near getting a game!

If this football gossip is right, we think Liverpool will regret selling Pennant to Blackburn. The lad is very talented, only 25 and could well at last be maturing into one hell of a player!

Sunderland Football: Tottenham floored by Sunderland

2008-08-24T11:23:00.006+01:00

Sunderland Football: Keano's proving a slippery Black Cat as Tottenham are stunned

So Sunderland football and the FA Premier League do mix! Roy Keano is beginning to show signs of not only being a fierce man motivator, but a real canny mover in the transfer market as well.

His Sunderland football side has been beefed up with proven Premiership players this year, and boy does it show, and with Anton Ferdinand another likely arrival you really can't see Sunderland and Keano boys struggling in the Premiership this year.

His signings of Malbranque, Chimbonda, El Hadj-Diouf and Cisse are already looking like masterstrokes. Footy Focus can't help thinking there's one manager with a paper thin squad, no signings in and a very red face wishing he'd have thought of moving for those four. David Moyes of Everton if you can't guess - how much better would Everton be with those on board. Cisse has always got goals, even in two injury hit seasons at Liverpool. and is lightening quick El Hadj-Diouf is a tremendous talent and one hell of a worker, while Malbranque is proven quality.

Sunderland's football was tremendous yesterday, and to win 2-1 after conceding an equaliser was superb. That Sunderland could have someone of the quality of Cisse on the bench shows the strides they are making.

Footy Focus sees Sunderland football as going to be a vast improvement on last years struggles. With Keano's motivation and the new signings, watch the Black Cats go!

Everton News

2008-08-23T04:29:00.003+01:00

Everton News: Tiago turns down Everton to leave the Toffees stuck

Everton will be left reeling from the latest news that Tiago Mendes has turned down a move to Goodison Park on a season long loan. Mendes has been a flop for Juventus and Claudio Ranieri was keen to offload the midfielder.

It's the latest unwanted Everton news, as their summer in the transfer market turns into a disaster. Their slim squad has already opened the Premier League with a defeat, and unless they can reinforce soon, last seasons fifth placed finish will become a dream.

Everton manager Moyes is now reportedly lowering his sights in the transfer market to avoid becoming the bad news story of the summer. Everton are finding a problem to other similar Premier League clubs. That is, for all the wealth of the Premier League, if your not one of the top four, and your not in the Champions League, it is difficult to attract the top players from Europe.

"It doesn't look like the quality players I wanted are going to be the ones I'll be chasing. We just need to get numbers in. It's probably out of reach to bring in the six or seven we need now. There's a possibility we might end up bringing no one in." said Moyes.

Last season Moyes targeted three stellar signings to improve on his Uefa Cup qualifiers for the past two years. The Everton manager did not discover his transfer budget until mid-summer but has had £15m, plus money from the sale of Andrew Johnson, to spend since July.

Everton news is all gloomy and Footy Focus can't help wondering if Moyes has made a massive blunder by putting all on attracting real top quality talent, without a plan B if they didn't appear. I'll bet he wishes he was in for Steed Malbranque or El-Hadij Diouf now! They are looking like masterstrokes in comparison to Moyes' efforts! Everton's news surely can't get any worse - can it...

Berbatov to Man U

2008-08-20T13:57:00.004+01:00

Berbatov to Man U: Berbatov forcing his way north

Tottenhams Berbatov is now clearly forcing his way to Man U. Reports are filtering out that he has handed in a transfer request, hence his weekend appearance on the bench.

Berbatov has been quoted as saying: "I'm now in Tottenham but no-one can disagree with me wanting to follow my dream,"

Berbatov's agent Emil Dantchev was even more direct in his comments on the player's future. "We have two more weeks until the end of the transfer window and I think this will be the most important week," he said. "I read Alex Ferguson's statement that he wants another striker and I hope that this striker is Dimitar Berbatov."

It's all coming to the inevitable conclusion and Berbatov should get his move to Man U very shortly! It's an awful lot for a 28 year old, but hey if the Premiership lands back at Man U it will be worth it! Hicks and Gillett should take note!

Liverpool vs Middlesbrough

2008-08-19T13:26:00.003+01:00

Liverpool vs Middlesbrough: Rafa seeking to maintain a good start

Liverpool vs Middlesbrough is a tricky one for Rafa, particularly in the white hot pressure of the Premier League. The expectations on Liverpool are such that Rafa Benitez is one bad result from a wave of pressure, particularly at the start of the season. Middlebrough have started well with a great win at home to Tottenham Hotspur, though many will be expecting them to shortly flop in time-honoured fashion.

Liverpool have some interesting selection posers, especially regarding Xabi Alonso. Benitez was clearly ready to sell him, and the rumours are now that he consequently wants away. All in all, the Barry, Benitez and Alonso saga has led to a miserable transfer season for all concerned at Liverpool. Alonso surely has to figure, in the continued absence of Mascherano. Benitez could even play his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation given the excellent promise of Damien Plessis. Footy focus would go for a line-up of Reina, Arbeloa, Agger, Carragher, Dosenna, Plessis, Alonso, Gerrard, Keane, Babel (if back), Torres.

Liverpool are still lacking natural width, so this formation gives them a bit more fluidity and invention than 4-4-2. Playing Benayoun and Kuyt as your wide midfielders won't land a Premier League title.

Liverpool vs Middlesbrough is in the view of Footy Focus online a banker home win. Liverpool may not be playing very well, but they should have far too much for Middlesbrough. Any side containing Gerrard, Torres, Keane, Carragher, Agger, Reina, and Alonso won't struggle for too long!

Funny Football

2008-08-18T12:28:00.003+01:00

Funny Football: Great funny football video we spotted on Youtube.
Theres loads of Funny Football videos on Youttube but this is one of the best, set to Monty Pythons 'Always look on the bright side of life"!

Theres loads of funny football videos on the internet but this is one of our favourites!

Transfer Rumours

2008-08-16T11:32:00.003+01:00

Transfer Rumours: Latest Premiership Transfer Rumours

Here's the latest from the Premier League transfer rumours:

First up is Portuguese midfielder Tiago who faces a tough decision as to whether he be at Goodison Park or St. James's Park or even in sunny Madrid. It was looking like it might be Newcastle, but it seems as though Everton have come in at the eleventh hour.

Major transfer rumour of the day is that Dimitar Berbatov is putting the finishing touches to his £28 million move to Manchester United. The Bulgarian international is having a medical in Manchester after weeks of speculation over his future.

Also Zenit St Petersburg claim they have lowered their asking price for Andrei Arshavin to clear the path for the Russia forward to move to Tottenham. Spurs were originally told the 27-year-old, who starred at Euro 2008 for his country, would cost upwards of £20million and no fee was agreed between the clubs.

Still on Tottenham other transfer rumours have it that they have not yet given up their pursuit of Croatian defender Vedran Corluka - and are even prepared to take over Manchester City’s debt to Dinamo Zagreb in order to push the deal through.

Newcastle United who have been not subject to much in the way of transfer rumours, have manager Kevin Keegan stresseng that James Milner will not be sold, after it was speculated that Aston Villa could get the talented winger as the Magpies look to balance the books. However, the 22-year-old England U-21 international is apparently a key player in Keegan’s plans and the Toon boss also revealed that club owner Mike Ashley has no plans to cash in on Milner in the transfer market.

There you have it, the latest tittle tattle from the world of the Premier League transfer rumours. As they say in the movies it's a wrap!

Football Liverpool: Alonso asks to leave

2008-08-16T07:54:00.003+01:00

Football Liverpool: Alonso asks to leave as Anfield's dirty washing goes public

In the latest development in the ongoing transfer sagas at Anfield, Xabi Alonso has asked to leave Liverpool, reportedly requesting to be sold to AC Milan or Arsenal, fearing his football will be limited if he stays at Liverpool.

The continual wrangling amongst the Liverpool management team is set to plunge their football season into turmoil before it has even begun. The Parry Benitez relationship is clearly becoming untenable, with something going to have to give sooner or later, and from the demeanour of Benitez, he clearly doesn't believe it will be him.

Xabi Alonso asking to leave Liverpool is only the latest twist to a sorry football saga that has gone on since April, and one that has left two top quality footballers at clubs they'd rather leave. Throughout it all Benitez appears a remarkably calm football manager, and ever confident he will get his man in Gareth Barry.

It has to be said though, 18 & 16 million for either footballer is too expensive. A good 3 million of the price for each would be a much more reasonable deal, and you can see how Benitez is getting exasperated with Rick Parry - refusing to pay 18 million for the player above Carrick and Hargreaves in the England midfield, and demanding a similar fee for the player the club wants Barry to replace!

Liverpool's fans will be concerned that all the boardroom wrangling that seemed to have settled, has again burst to the surface threatening to derail not just the football season, but Liverpool Football club itself.

Benitez set to leave

2008-08-15T23:15:00.004+01:00

Benitez set to leave as Rafa reopens old wounds?

Rafa Benitez could well again be on the brink of leaving Liverpool after laying the blame for the Gareth Barry/ Xabi Alonso fiasco squarely at the door of Rick Parry.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Sunderland game, a clearly Benitez exasperated Benitez stated he has had no involvement with any talks on either player since April. It was noted however that he softened his tone, saying the talks between the clubs had been 'good'.

Benitez is clearly not happy again with Rick Parry, who he has blamed in the past for scuppering a number of deals at the last minute. Whether this incurs the wrath of the American owners, after last seasons near fatal outburst remains to be seen, with the difference this time being that his target is clearly Rick Parry.

We can only hope (being Liverpool fans!), that Rafa Benitez is not set to leave Liverpool and that it all somehow settles down. It must be said however that Liverpool's season again seems set to be one of boardroom turmoil!

Berbatov to Man United

2008-08-15T12:14:00.004+01:00

Berbatov to Man United in 48 hours reports

Latest reports doing the rounds, is that Dimitar Berbatov is to move to Manchester United for 28m within 48 hours. If so its' a scary thought - Ronaldo staying and Berbatov added into the mix. Makes John Terry's recent words about Manchester United not finding another level, look more like a hope than a shrewd prediction.

Also it won't have gone unnoticed by Rafa Benitez, that Manchester United's board where willing to sanction 28m for a 28 year old Berbatov, and he's been refused 18m for 27 year old Gareth Barry.

If Ronaldo have gone, we'd have seen Berbatov as a poor mans replacement, but adding him to a squad with Ronaldo staying only make Manchester United look ever the stronger. Berbatov to Man United may be one of the most expensive transfers of the summer, but it will more than likely also prove one of the shrewdest!

Football Transfer News

2008-08-14T12:46:00.003+01:00

Football Transfer News: Arsenal to sign Johnson to replace Flamini

The latest football transfer news has it that Arsenal and Arsene Wenger may make a surprise move for Man City's Michael Johnson.

This would be a surprise transfer, as Wenger clearly needs experience, not another talented but young star. He only has 33 Premiership games to his name, so though accustomed to the Premier League, he can hardly be called experienced at that level of football. The thing that may also be attracting Arsenal, if there is substance to this, is the fact that he's English. The row between UEFA, FIFA and the EU etc is making football clubs consider English players for transfer more and more. It certainly played a part in Benitez and his thinking over Gareth Barry.

The transfer out of Flamini and Hleb will be a huge burden for Arsenal, but if anyone can get round this it's Wenger. Johnson is an undoubted talent, and will surely play for a big four club one day, but this transfer would be one of the surprise moves of the summer.

The Footy Focus team reckons this football transfer news is more speculation than anything of substance. Arsenal certainly need reinforcing, but is Johnson really what they are after. We think not!

Football Rumours

2008-08-14T12:20:00.004+01:00

Football Rumours: Alonso to AC Milan

Latest football rumours to hit the streets are that Xabi Alonso is a target for AC Milan, who are poised to offer 15 million for his services. Having said that we are not actually sure this rumour is worth repeating - we picked it up on FansFC which has a decidedly dodgy reputation on mywot.com.

Anyway we think it's a long shot to say the least. Alonso's immediate value has gone down, now he's played in the Champions League. Seems to us Benitez is resigned to biding his time until January. Barry will be 30+ by the time he arrives!

Also we note the rumour of Joe Cole to Liverpool has disappeared as quick as it arrived. The clubs mouthpiece the Liverpool Echo has neither denied or confirmed the transfer rumour, so there maybe something in it yet, but we think not.

Football rumours are swirling bigtime at this time of year, but these two latest football rumours we would bet our house on as not going to happen.

Football Rumours: Robinho not going to Chelsea

2008-08-13T12:07:00.003+01:00

Football Rumours: Robinho not going to Chelsea

In a blow to the ego of Chelsea fans, Robinho is according to the latest football rumours going to snub Chelsea and stay at Real Madrid, providing they double his annual salary! Well, Well, money talks doesn't it, and not Chelsea's way all the time.

Given, this latest of football rumours may be one for the silly season, but it could also have a grain of truth in the crazy world of football, and it's sky-high salaries.

Madrid daily AS claims Robinho feels undervalued at the Bernabeu, where his contract does not compare with top earners like Raul, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Fabio Cannavaro.

Robinho would certainly earn more at Stamford Bridge, where he could expect wages of up to £100,000 a week. But the AS report also claims the Brazilian’s overwhelming preference is to remain at Madrid - with an improved contract.

The paper says Robinho has no enthusiasm for English football and has admitted his dislike for the British climate. And, if true, that would seem to fuel suspicions Robinho is simply using Chelsea’s interest to engineer a bigger contract from Madrid.

Well it's certainly the time of year for football rumours, though this one does seem to have a grain of truth about it, and Chelsea seem set to be foiled in their attempt to get their man. Seems Chelsea and Peter Kenyon have abandoned the break even in three years plan!

Latest Football: Terry sees Man U Downturn

2008-08-13T11:22:00.003+01:00

Latest Football: Terry sees a Man U downturn coming

In the latest football pre-Premier League mind games, John Terry of Chelsea has in an unoriginal reply predicted the downfall of Man U, repeating essentially what Sir Alex said of Chelsea a few days ago.

Echoing Sir Alex Ferguson in the latest football mind-game attempt, he says Manchester United don't have another level to go to, forgetting the fact that they don't have to, Chelsea and all the others do. Harsh fact of life Mr Terry is that if Manchester United repeat last years form and results, it ain't gonna be Chelsea who are Champions.

"Rio Ferdinand has been awesome for the last two years and Cristiano Ronaldo was unbelievable - I don't think you'll see that again," Terry said.

Personally, we at Footy Focus think we will and we are Liverpool fans! Ferdinand is at last maturing on and off the pitch, and it has to be said he is a truly outstanding defender. As for Ronaldo, maybe he won't get 40 goals again, but if United get another striker as they are trying for, he won't have to. Wayne Rooney is also likely to chip in with more goals, as Ferguson has recognised they sacrificed him for the team last year. Also Nani and Anderson et al now have a years experience in the Premier League. Latest Football wisdom to us Mr Terry is that you'll be more than likely trailing in their wake again!

Football Liverpool: Cole to Liverpool

2008-08-13T11:09:00.003+01:00

Football Liverpool: Cole to Liverpool - fact or fiction??

Rumours are circulating in the football press that Liverpool are to mount a swoop for Chelsea's Joe Cole. We can't work this one out - is it the football press putting two & two together to come up with the latest headline or is there more to it??

Given Rafa Benitez's latest remarks about an Englishman who can play on the left he certainly fits the bill, though the long pursued Gareth Barry does also. It would be a remarkable first move in English Football by big Felipe Scholari if he is sold to Liverpool. Selling someone of Cole's quality to one of your biggest football rivals certainly takes some nerve.

It's interesting that the local Liverpool press and reknowned mouthpiece of the football club, the Liverpool Echo, is yet to run with this one. Given that, we at Footy Focus tend to think it's not a goer. Though as soon as we see it there, we're down the bookies to get a bet on!

Football News: Benayoun going nowhere

2008-08-07T12:30:00.003+01:00

Football News: The Yossi's not for turning

Latest FOOTBALL NEWS has it that Yossi Benayoun has been told he will not be sold - despite constant speculation linking him with a move away from Anfield.

In todays football news from the tabloids the Israeli midfielder was again linked with a move to Roma, the Italian club seeing him as one of their main transfer targets for this summer. However Benayoun has been assured by Rafa Benitez he will not be sold and the player himself is not looking to leave anyway so any such move would be highly unlikely.

The 28-year-old has impressed during pre-season, scoring three goals in seven games and playing a key role in Liverpool’s unbeaten run. Benayoun’s ability to play in a number of positions makes him a key member of Benitez’s first team squad and the Reds boss has made it clear to him that his future lies with Liverpool.

Furthermore, other news has it that contrary to previous news stories, there is no need whatsoever for Benayoun to be sold to finance the proposed signing of Gareth Barry as the funding for that possible deal is entirely separate. So the football news rumbles on, but this particular piece of news is likely not to happen!

Football Rumours

2008-08-06T12:16:00.003+01:00

Football Rumours: Aston Villa after Arsenal's Hoyte & Chelsea's Paulo Ferreira

Football rumours continue to abound in the transfer window silly season. Latest ones are that Villa boss Martin O'Neill is reported to be after Justin Hoyte & Chelsea's Paulo Ferreira. Given that Ferreira cost Chelsea 17.5m and he has just signed a new five year deal the report he is wanted as back-up can be taken with a very large pinch of salt.

Gunners star Justin Hoyte has been the subject of football rumours in the past linking him to Villa but has been quoted as saying that he wants to stay at the Emirates Stadium and fight for his first-team place.

Seems to us that these football rumours are exactly that, with Martin O'Neill about to be the subject of a lot of rumour and transfer speculation as he tries desperately to reinforce his small squad, which is about to get a bit smaller still. The longest and most boring football rumour of the season appears to be ending, with Gareth Barry moving to Liverpool at long last.

Football Transfers Latest News

2008-08-03T11:31:00.003+01:00

Football Transfers: The Toffee's sticky time in the transfer market continues

Football Transfers are becoming ten a penny as the transfer window closure starts to rush towards us. It's the 4th of August tomorrow and the 31st will be upon us before we know it and all football transfers have to be done by then, or be consigned to the chip wrapper.

Latest one to catch the eye is Everton's cashing in on Andy Johnson. Fulham have agreed a fee with Everton for Johnson, although they are renegotiating the terms of payment due to an old knee injury.

Fulham Manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed talks remain ongoing, but he has not spoken with Fulham officials to ascertain the latest situation.

"I think the situation is still ongoing. The transfer negotiations are still going on as far as I know," Hodgson told Sky Sports News. I haven't spoken to the chief executive today (Saturday) so I can't tell you more than that. He's the one negotiating with Everton."

Johnson has won eight caps for England and Hodgson believes the striker will bring undoubted quality to Craven Cottage. "Andy Johnson is a player with great quality. Wherever he's been he's done very, very well," Hodgson added.

Well at least some Football transfers are coming to fruition. Andy Johnson is a good player, and we are slightly surprised Everton are cashing in on him now. Everton have been totally inactive in the transfer market to date, and two weeks out their small squad is about to get smaller still. Seems they have cash to spend but can't attract the players they want. Could be all the rumours of Moutino becoming one of their biggest football transfers turn to dust!

Gareth Barry to Liverpool

2008-07-31T12:04:00.002+01:00

Reports coming in of a deal done for Gareth Barry to move to Liverpool

At long, long, last it appears the Gareth Barry move to Liverpool has happened. Reports are surfacing of Villa recieving 17.5 million plus Steve Finnan for Barry.

Rafael Benitez and all Liverpool fans will be pleased the longest running transfer saga of the summer will now be over. It certainly looks like a combination of Alonso, Pennant, and Voronin have played their last game in the red shirt of Liverpool. Personally I am disappointed in Pennant and that he must go. The guy has simply never fulfilled his promise, though he is still only 24.

Benitez I think is looking at Barry for his versatility and intelligence, plus he is better as a holding midfielder than Alonso, given the absence of Mascherano for a month. Given the price of Barry, Keane and Doessena, Liverpool's indispensables each week are starting to look like: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Doessena, Barry, Mascherano, Gerrard, Keane, and Torres. That leaves the likes of Skrtel, Babel, Benayoun, and Kuyt all fighting over one spot. Liverpool are certainly going to be very strong this year, but maybe just not quite!

Gareth Barry to Liverpool has proved to be the long yawn of the summer, and it's instructive how Liverpool have struggled to raise the fee. A sign of the credit crunch and Liverpool's parlous finances perhaps? Martin O'Neill will be glad Barry has finally moved to Liverpool, and he can get on with Villa's season!

Pennant to Blackburn

2008-07-24T12:06:00.003+01:00

Jermaine Pennant is wanted by Blackburn & Paul Ince

Paul Ince is set to target the Anfield winger Jermaine Pennant as a replacement for the about to depart David Bentley, who is on the verge of joining Tottenham.

Blackburn officials have sounded out their Premier League rivals with a view to making a £6million offer for Pennant, although reports are saying Liverpool want a similar fee to the £6.7million they paid Birmingham for Pennant two years ago.

Pennant has struggled for first-team football on Merseyside, so may find the prospect of regular action at Ewood more appealing and his sale would free up more cash for Rafa Benitez to spend on his own targets.

Paul Ince will fancy his chances of getting the best out of Pennant at Blackburn and who can blame him. Pennant is reaching the age where it's make or break, as at 24 he has to start delivering on his potential.

Pennant to Blackburn would be a good move for the player given his lack of action at Anfield, though personally I think he's an excellent player who could thrive given one more chance by Liverpool. Also the present Liverpool system suits him down to the ground, as he's a lot more than just an out and out winger.

Football News: Robbie Keane to Liverpool the Priority

2008-07-22T12:51:00.004+01:00

Football News: Benitez now making Robbie Keane to Liverpool his main game

Rafa Benitez is, almost unbelievably, after the yet to be resolved Gareth Barry saga, making Robbie Keane's move to Liverpool his top transfer priority.

Given Liverpool's limited funds, the wealth of midfield options he has, he is now concentrating on bringing Irish striker Keane to Liverpool. All this begs the question on the Barry saga, what was all that about? If Keane has always been the priority, why wait until now to make him as such. Poor old Gareth Barry must be getting a bit worried if he will be playing any football this season, or will he be left to rot in the stands by Aston Villa, with Liverpool unwilling to meet the asking price.

We reckon Robbie Keane to Liverpool is a done deal and we can see why. Keane just behind Torres is a quality partnership, and a great improvement on Crouch, Kuyt and Voronin et al. Liverpool will look a whole lot better if Keane does move from Tottenham. As for the Barry to Liverpool saga - well we reckon Rafa Benitez is playing a game of brinkmanship, and trying to slowly, slowly grind Aston Villa down to a price he can afford to pay. The brinkmanship is if Barry gets nervous, and tells his agent he would go to Highbury as well as Anfield. Villa know the longer it goes on, the lower his value becomes as he has clearly played his last game for the club.

Overall we reckon they are two done deals, eventually! A suitor for Alonso will emerge from Spain, Villa will cave in, and Robbie Keane will be hightailing it north in a move to Liverpool. Boy do these transfers drag on!!

Football News: Keane to Liverpool delay

2008-07-21T11:20:00.003+01:00

Football News: Robbie Keane's move to Liverpool maybe delayed as Levy postures

Latest football news has it that Robbie Keanes move to Liverpool maybe delayed as an 'outraged' Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, has complained to the FA about Liverpool and Manchester United's conduct in their pursuit of Robbie Keane and Berbatov.

Liverpool suspect Robbie Keanes club are trying to soften up Spurs fans to the impending departure of both players. Also they further suspect Levy is more angry with Sir Alex Ferguson for his public comment that 'its only a matter of time' before Berbatov moves.

As for Liverpool tapping up Keane - well Mr Levy thats part and parcel of football I'm afraid. It's why Owen and McManaman left Liverpool and why Ronaldo is on his way too. Also Mr Levy seems to have forgotten his part in the tapping up of their present coach Ramos, while Martin Jol was still the manager!

Its well known Robbie Keane is a boyhood Liverpool fan - one of the few who can genuinely say it, even as Jamie Carragher famously said 'they all say that don't they'! Football Focus thinks there was zero tapping up required for Robbie Keane to want to move to Liverpool, and they wouldn't have needed to make the interest known via the media. It's not like they couldn't let him know via a discreet third party is it? Football Focus thinks Levy's words over Keanes move to Liverpool is pure posturing.

Robbie Keane to Liverpool should be a great move for all parties. Spurs get a fat amount of cash to balance the books, Liverpool get a great partner for Torres and Keane gets that move to Livepool he never thought was coming!

UEFA 2008: Torres and Spain sink Germany

2008-06-30T12:11:00.003+01:00

Fernando Torres sinks Germany as Spain take UEFA 2008

Fernando Torres struck his second goal of the tournament to down Germany and take Spain to the 2008 UEFA Championship.

Spain have at last fulfilled their potential at a major tournament, and with the squad they have at present, it's about time too! With players like Alonso, Reina and Fabgregas in reserve, and Silva, Torres, Xavi, and Villa as first choice they simply proved too much for their rivals.

There's times when countries come of age in a footballing sense, and you can see it's Spain's time now. They really have some of the worlds best players throughout their squad. From Villa, Torres, Inesta, Xavi, Castillas, and Fabgregas etc they possess players of superb ability. And we must be thankful that a team that plays such fluid, nimble football, and is not packed with brawn won the trophy. Spain have one of the smallest midfields in the tournament, but brain won out over brawn!

Torres and Spain came to the fore this tournament, with superb displays of passing, fluid, and great to watch football. Germany and the others never had a chance!

Football News: Ronaldo to Real Madrid

2008-06-23T12:07:00.001+01:00

Ronaldo to Real Madrid: Unstoppable momentum grows

Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid is gathering inevitable momentum with increasing reports in the media fuelling the circus around his move.

Latest reports have Scolari and Calderon urging him to 'be strong' and that Manchester United 'can't hurt him'! All silly season stuff really, and what's all been seen before as countless others have done what Ronaldo is now doing ie dig his heels in and force Manchester United to sell him to Real Madrid.

It's the sad but inevitable route many transfers take in modern football, and the Ronaldo to Real Madrid saga is no different. Just the money involved is bigger than ever before! Eighty million really is nuts!

Bernd Schuster has come out and said Real Madrid will do 'whatever it takes' to get Ronaldo from United. That appears to be an eight million transfer fee, and 182 grand a week! The interesting part will be if the Glasers become as relentless as Real Madrid and leave him in the stands. There was an interesting article in the Times the other day, where an employment lawyer basically said that a deal will get done as Real Madrid, Ronaldo and Manchester United will all realise that lawyers will be the only winners if it goes to court.

We at Footy Focus reckon it's a done deal. Ronaldo will move to Real Madrid, and Manchester United will get a stash of cash to replace the forty goals a season! It's a well worn path and Manchester United have time and again been in Real Madrids place. Thats life Fergie!

Football News: Ronaldo to force his way to Madrid?

2008-06-17T11:42:00.002+01:00

Ronaldo to do 'all in his power' to move to Madrid

In a depressingly familiar tale of player power, reports are emerging that Cristiano Ronaldo is to do 'all in his power' to get his move from Manchester United to Real Madrid.

'Sources' also briefed in the media that Ronaldo considers Real Madrid a bigger club than Manchester United, and that he has never been enthused with life in Manchester.

Given Ronaldo signed a new, improved deal a little over 12 months ago, it all has the familiar depressing ring of contracts not being worth a carrot, as player power rules.

Manchester United will be further enraged that FIFA have cleared Real Madrid of any wrongdoing in their conduct and relentless pursuit of Ronaldo.

It seems the saga is beginning to play out to its inevitable end, and that Ronaldo will move to Madrid after the European Championships, much to the dismay of Manchester United and it's supporters. There is a slim chance the Glazers might do what they say, and stop Ronaldo's Madrid move, and let him 'rot in the stands'. Now that would be fascinating to see!!

Football News: Fernando Torres to Chelsea a dream

2008-06-17T11:29:00.010+01:00

Fernando Torres to Chelsea officially a dream as he commits to Liverpool

Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres moved again to quash any speculation of a move to Chelsea. Speaking after Spain's game against Sweden he said;

“I want to say very clearly that I’m not on the market and that it’s my desire to continue at Liverpool, I’m very happy there and I want to carry on. I came to the club to win trophies. I have many years left on my contract and I expect to win some silverware there. I have gone through things I have never experienced before, like playing in a Champions League semi-final.And now that I have come within touching distance of glory I want it all.”

Well speaking as a Liverpool fan, you really can't get much clearer than that. I get the feeling with Fernando Torres that he is going to be at Liverpool for a while. Call it gut instinct, whatever, but you just can't see Torres moving on. It's destiny!

Speculation had increased after the appointment of Scolari, with fantastic rumours of a 65 million pound double bid for Fernando Torres and David Villa. Such talk has quickly proved to be newspaper drivel, with Torres quickly moving to ridicule the speculation and Villa stating he's rather move anywhere but Chelsea, with Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid his preferred destinations.

I'm just glad these Fernando Torres to Chelsea rumours are now likely to go away and I can watch Liverpool's dealings to bring players in not out!

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Football News: Real want Ronaldo to strike

2008-06-07T08:08:00.002+01:00

End-game becomes a farce as Real Madrid urge Ronaldo to go on strike

The Sun and Tribal Football are reporting that Real Madrid are urging Ronaldo to go on strike, to force Manchester United's hand over Ronaldo's proposed transfer.

Real Madrid president, Calderon is being quoted via second hand 'sources' that they want Ronaldo to go on strike at Manchester United until the transfer window closes on 31st August.

It's all becoming very nasty, sad and disappointing really. A lot is just newspapers filling the column inches, but there can be little doubt Real Madrid have turned Ronaldo's head, and both are now trying to engineer a move.

As we've said before, wouldn't it be great if just for once a club stood up to a player and let him either stick to his contract or as Ferguson put it, 'rot in the stands'. It would be fascinating if the Glazers and Manchester United really did refuse to buckle to Real Madrid and Ronaldo.

Whether Ronaldo moves to Real Madrid or not, its once again showing the money driven, dark side of football. We can only hope Manchester United back up their words with action. More power to their elbow we say!!

Football News: Liverpool turn to Bentley

2008-06-07T00:09:00.003+01:00

Liverpool turning to Bentley as Dosenna signs in
Rafa Benitez is reportedly turning to David Bentley as the solution to Liverpool's right wing problems. His chances of securing Bentley have increased due to Mark Hughes leaving, and Blackburns inability to secure European football next season.

Bentley reportedly sees Champions League football or UEFA Cup football at least, as vital to his ambition to cement his place on the right wing for England, as David Beckhams long term replacement.

Liverpool are involved in a major reshuffle, with Riise, Alonso, Kewell, Crouch, Finnan, Pennant, Carson, and Itandje all going or gone. Benitez is reportedly keen to up his quota of English players given the possibility of the 6+5 foreigners rule.

Bentley to Liverpool would be a great signing for Benitez, and give Liverpool some real balance to the side. He'll be expensive but worth it. Kuyt or Bentley on the right - duh!

Ronaldo: Ferguson not welcome here

2008-06-06T23:54:00.003+01:00

Ronaldo's position becoming untenable as he tells Ferguson to stay away

Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid seemingly took a step closer yesterday, as he made it known he did not wish to see Alex Ferguson at the Portuguese training camp, to discuss the matter.

Given Ronaldo has now also come out and said he would like to move to Madrid, via a Brazilian website, it all stacks up to the player slowly building pressure on Manchester United, in a bid to engineer his move.

What would be really interesting is if the Glazers and Manchester United stick to their guns and let Ronaldo 'rot in the stands' as Ferguson said this week. Personally I would be ecstatic if they did. How good would it be if just for once, a player was made to stick to their contract. Given Ronaldo only signed his latest four year deal last year, United have every right to feel aggrieved.

However I think its a bit rich for them to complain about Real Madrids tactics. I suspect Sir Alex Ferguson is a past master at such tactics and has been using them for years, in order to get his transfer targets from other clubs!

Depressingly for Manchester United fans, it seems that Cristiano Ronaldo is determined to move to Real Madrid, and it is now turning into the story of the summer. The really fascinating part will be how far the Glazers and Manchester United are prepared to go in standing up to Real Madrid and the modern player power being displayed by Cristiano Ronaldo. Let battle commence!

Ronaldo to Madrid: Looking a shoe-in

2008-06-06T23:40:00.003+01:00

The mother of all moves edging closer as Ronaldo admits to wanting move to Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted yesterday (albeit on a Brazilian website), that he would like to move to Real Madrid. There was no word from Sir Alex Ferguson, though Manchester United's Chief Executive David Gill stated that "Our position on Ronaldo remains as set out last week," referring to Ferguson's insistence that the club would rather let the player rot in the reserves than do business with a club who, in their eyes, have brazenly flouted transfer rules and etiquette.

It all seems like its building up to be the mother of all transfer stoushes, probably ending in the mother of all transfers, with a world record fee of 78 million pounds securing Ronaldo's move to Madrid.

Manchester United and it's supporters will be hugely disappointed with Ronaldo, who it appears is determined to engineer the move to Madrid after only two outstanding seasons. However given his recent comments it can come as no surprise.

Overall the Premier League will be very interesting next season, and potentially there will not be a better time for a club to break into the top three or four. Arsenal have lost Flamini and Hleb, Chelsea look likely to lose Drogba and possibly Lampard, while Manchester United certainly look like losing 40 goals a season in Ronaldo.

Football News: Torres to Chelsea

2008-05-26T11:31:00.009+01:00

Torres to Chelsea reports of a 50 million pound bid

Fernando Torres

According to reports Chelsea are set to launch an astonishing 50 million pound bid for Fernando Torres. Torres is allegedly one of the players identified by Avram Grant before his departure, and Chelsea are set to pursue Torres despite being managerless.

Giving it the 'insiders' line, the papers are saying Liverpool may sell to fund the squad rebuilding, and to allow Hicks to take complete control. Safe to say there would be one hell of a public order problem on Merseyside if the club agreed to this. There'd be meeeerrrrddder!

Footy Focus really can't see this as anything other than fantasy. No one in their right mind would sell Fernando Torres to Chelsea. Even Hicks whose financial model depends on success on the pitch, wouldn't countenance such a deal. Would he....?

Fernando Torres to Chelsea, not a chance!

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Football News: Liverpool given Bentley Hope

2008-05-25T11:43:00.003+01:00

Bentley to Liverpool hint, transfer may just be on

David Bentley has given his strongest hint yet he may be prepared to leave Blackburn to further his career.

Speaking in the News of the World he stated that while he may have had a good season at Blackburn, he considers himself to have achieved nothing yet. Displaying fierce ambition, he openly stated his desire to replace David Beckham in England's midfield, and to play at the very top in Champions League games.

Given that the Champions League qualifiers are known before the start of each season ie Liverpool, Arsenal, Man U and Chelsea, it all points to one thing. Also given that the club linked most heavily with him is Liverpool, it seems the path towards Anfield has started.

Expect to now see more 'sources' stories linking the player with Anfield. From Blackburns point of view, a wad of cash plus Jermaine Pennant wouldn't be a bad deal at all.

Personally I'd love to see him at Anfield. Pennant has the talent, but not the mental toughness or maybe iron-willed desire to succeed at the top. Bentley to Liverpool would do very nicely!

Football News: Chelsea's Lampard to Inter Milan mystery

2008-05-20T13:54:00.002+01:00

Chelsea's Frank Lampard is linked with Inter Milan on Champions League eve
Chelsea's Frank Lampard was at the centre of an astonishing row with Chelsea last night, as Inter Milan claimed they had lined up a transfer for after the UEFA Champions League final. Inter Milan even went to the effort of quoting the contract they have lined up for the Chelsea midfield star.

Reports from Italy now cite Lampard's move from Chelsea to Inter Milan as a 'when' not 'if', and it all adds to the weight of Jose Mourinho being the next Inter Milan manager.

Peter Kenyon was incensed when he heard, and rang Abramovich to ensure no deal had been going ahead without his knowledge.

Seems to Footy focus there is no smoke without fire. Chelsea had better prepare themselves for the inevitable, Lampard is transferring to Inter Milan!

Football News: Liverpool Malouda link

2008-05-15T14:09:00.002+01:00

Football News: Liverpool linked with 10 million move for Malouda
Liverpool have today been linked with a 10 million pound move for Chelsea's out of sorts Florent Malouda. Some sites even report that talks have begun with his agent, which seems to be jumping the gun a bit to us.

Interesting this one. Malouda is quality, but clearly struggled in the Premier League.... a bit like Ryan Babel but without the excuse of youth. If it meant Liverpool could play Babel somewhere he looks a bit more comfortable, then great he'd be worth getting, especially if it doesn't get too expensive.

Whether he's the missing link in Liverpool's title bid I don't know, but one things for sure, Malouda surely can only be more creative than what Liverpool have got now. Pennant, Babel and Benayoun are better than before but still collectively not good enough.

Florent Malouda to Liverpool will be big news in football if it comes off and may well turn out to be a really smart move!

Liverpool: Fernando Torres to get better?

2008-05-12T12:55:00.003+01:00

Liverpool's Fernando Torres could be even better in his second season

Been a keen watcher of Fernando Torres this season. He is truly the best centre forward Liverpool have had since Ian Rush. As faster as Owen, as good a finisher as Fowler, and as strong as Collymore he's the nearest thing to a complete centre forward Liverpool have had in decades.

Question is though, will Torres be as good next year? Defenders will have worked him out a bit (though you can't work out sheer pace!), teams will plan tactics on stopping him, and he's yet to get a bad injury.

We at Footy Focus think Fernando Torres will be better than ever. He'll have a year under his belt and will feel a lot more settled and confident. He's proved he can handle the physical aspect of the league, and if Rafa gets it right in the transfer market, Torres will be playing in a more balanced team, with one or two better players.

The key for Liverpool is to buy at least one player of the same class as Fernando Torres and Stephen Gerrard, and hope that Ryan Babel comes through after his debut season. Too often Liverpool's attacking threat consisted of Torres and Gerrard only, with poor support from the likes of Babel, Pennant, Kuyt, Voronin and Kewell.

Footy focus is a huge fan of Fernando Torres and can't wait for his second season, but Liverpool oh so desperately need another of his calibre!

Football Transfer Time!: Liverpool News

2008-05-12T12:04:00.004+01:00

Football Transfer time as Liverpool aim for early news

Rafael Benitez is aiming to get off to a flyer now its football transfer time. The early movers have long been touted in the papers, but where it really gets interesting is beyond that.

Kewell, Crouch, Riise, Pennant, Alonso and Carson are all gone or very likely to be going. Football's worst kept secret of the much touted transfer to Liverpool of Gareth Barry is likely soon to come to it's inevitable conclusion. The transfer of Swiss right-back Phillip Sendgren is also a done deal.

After that it becomes a bit murky on who Benitez is after. David Bentley seems a certain transfer target, though as he's English he won't come cheap. Another mentioned in dispatches, that won't be the glamour winger the Liverpool fans are seeking, is Wigans Ecuadorian Valencia.

Other football big names for transfer that have been mentioned are Joaquin, from Spain, Daniel Alves (again!), and David Villa. Also now Newcastle's James Milner, and as usual Michael Owen are being mentioned as potention transfer targets.

Seems to us it all depends on how the Board room battle goes. Benitez has obviously been given a big enough kitty to his liking, despite the Board room wars. Also he's got some decent football players to sell, with the above mentioned likely to raise in the region of 35 million plus in transfer fees. That plus a 20 mill kitty gives him a cool 55 million to spend! That should easy get him Barry (10 mill), David Villa (25 mill), and Bentley (15 mill)!

Football transfer time is always an interesting time of year. Lets hope Rafa pulls another Torres out of the hat this year!

Liverpool vs Chelsea Champions League

2008-04-22T23:55:00.000+01:00

Liverpool deal themselves a Champions League hammer blow
Liverpool gave themselves a bit of a mountain to climb against Chelsea in this Champions League tie. Leading 1-0 and looking relatively comfortable, John Arne Riise headed into his own net with the last touch of the game.

After an absorbing game, particularly the second half, Liverpool had just about done enough to deserve the lead going into the second leg, but Chelsea got a Champions League get out of jail card.

Chelsea started this Champions League semi-final the better of the two teams, but as against Arsenal, Liverpool eventually got into the game and began to stretch their opponents. For 30 minutes either side of half time Chelsea were on the rack a bit, as Liverpool started to create chances.

Dirk Kuyt got a deserved opener, after dispossessing Lampard and running onto Mascherano's speculative chip over Terry and Carvalho, to calmly slot the ball past Cech. For large parts of the second half Liverpool were dominant, but it must be said Chelsea also had some great chances, with Cole in the first half, and Malouda in the second, wasting when well placed.

That Chelsea are still in the tie is due in no small part to Petr Cech. He made three outstanding saves, two at close range from Torres, and one from a Gerrard volley that he tipped over the bar.

Chelsea were also fortunate to have a lenient referee, with some brutal treatment handed out to Liverpool's Fernando Torres. Their back line constantly led with the elbow when jumping for the ball, or simply went through the back of him. Not until the 90th minute did a Chelsea player get booked, much to the sarcastic cheers of disgruntled Liverpool fans.

So it's to Stamford Bridge, with a fortunate advantage to Chelsea in this Champions League duel with Liverpool. Liverpool must now score at Chelsea or they are out. Simple as that!

Arsenal News

2008-04-21T13:11:00.006+01:00

Arsenal News: Wenger and the boys getting lampooned big time!

Quality bit of Arsenal lampoonery. Seen this on a Liverpool forum - its absolutely quality!! No idea what it is but I think its great! Seen it here Hopefully Arsenal fans will laugh at it too in amongst all the bad news surrounding their team!

Not quite Arsenal news in the true sense but a good laugh all the same

Liverpool vs Chelsea Champions League

2008-04-21T12:05:00.003+01:00

Its the Anfield hothouse for Liverpool vs Chelsea in the Champions League

Liverpool vs Chelsea in the Champions League will have Anfield packed to the rafters, for what the Liverpool fans hope will be another special Champions League night. Chelsea meanwhile will be hoping to come away with a clean sheet, or moreover, a priceless away goal to swing the tie their way come the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Champions League specialists Liverpool, have a major worry over captain Steven Gerrard, who has a minor neck injury, and remains a 50/50 doubt for the game. Otherwise, the ever absent Harry Kewell, and long term injury victim Daniel Agger apart, Liverpool will be at full strength. The loss of Gerrard for the first leg would be a major blow, given the recent form and partnership he has formed with Fernando Torres. Interestingly Gerrard, Carragher and Aurelio are all on yellow cards going into this game, so another means they sit out the second leg.

For Chelsea, Frank Lampard is available after missing games due to his mothers illness, which has given them a major boost ahead of this third Champions League semi-final against Liverpool. However Michael Essien is suspended for this game. Otherwise Avram Grant has a full squad to choose from.

Tactically expect Liverpool to come out of the blocks racing, hoping a high tempo and their fans will quickly kill off this first leg in their favour. Chelsea meanwhile, will hope to survive an early onslaught, and not to be unnerved by the Kop as they were in 2005 and arguably 2006. If they can get to half-time with a clean sheet and a foothold in the game they will be very pleased.

The absence of Essien is a big blow to Chelsea, particularly for the first leg, when big hearts will be required. Liverpool have coped admirably without Daniel Agger, with Skrtel, Hyppia and Carragher all showing outstanding for throughout the season. Expect Liverpool to have a physical back line of Carragher, Skrtel, Hyppia and Aurelio for both legs.

Liverpool vs Chelsea in the Champions league - they don't get much bigger. Footy focus just can't call it! It really could go either way!

Cristiano Ronaldo the best ever

2008-04-21T05:38:00.002+01:00

Rooney sees Ronaldo as the best ever player in the Premiership

Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney has hailed teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as the Premiership's greatest ever player.

"He has not just been the best player of the last two seasons, he's the best player the Premier League has ever seen - and that's including Thierry Henry, Gianfranco Zola, Eric Cantona, Dennis Bergkamp and Alan Shearer.

"Cristiano is rightly talked about as the best player in the world. I was surprised he didn't get the world player award last season. He's got to get it this time."

It's hard to disagree with Wayne Rooney. Ronaldo is certainly above the players mentioned, with the possible exception of Thierry Henry, and it is most likely he will eclipse his achievements in the Premier League given time.

Footy Focus thinks Cristiano Ronaldo will eventually be looked back on in the same manner as George Best, that is a phenomenon if his time.

Liverpool & Peter Crouch - time to split?

2008-04-20T13:22:00.003+01:00

Peter Crouch can't stop scoring but can't get into the team

Is there an unluckier player around than Peter Crouch? He scored again yesterday, for the second succesive game, and is likely to be on the bench come Tuesday against Chelsea.

Of all Benitez's signings that don't get a regular game eg Pennant, Benayoun, Voronin etc, Crouch is surely the most puzzling admission. Before he discovered his present system, Benitez was laughably at times playing Kuyt and Voronin together upfront, giving Livepool the most imobile and one-paced front line they'd had in years! Plus you can count the goals they've scored on the fingers of one hand! Crouch's scoring record is generally pretty good.

Whenever he plays, he generally gets goals. He might not be a thirty goal a season man, but he is easily capable of 20, with the same number of assists. Liverpool would clearly be in a better position, if they'd used Crouch more this season - just five more goals from 12 more starts could well have put us 10 more points better off. Not quite title challenging stuff, given Manchester Uniteds form, but we'd have been in the race post Christmas at least!

It now seems certain Peter Crouch will leave Liverpool this summer, as all the media briefings etc are pointing that way. If Crouch does go it will be a shame, and someone else's real gain. Unless we are spending another 20 million on a striker he's worth keeping - there's not many around in the Premiership who can get 20 a season.

Come on Rafa Benitez, see sense, keep Peter Crouch at Liverpool!!

Ronaldo - Manchester United right for me

2008-04-19T10:17:00.001+01:00

Ronaldo insists Manchester United is the place to be
With rumours that Real Madrid are prepared to obliterate the world record for him refusing to go away, Ronaldo's latest pledge of devotion will serve to ease some of the concerns of United fans the world over.

“At the moment I feel very good and feel I am at the right club,” he told the Friday Football Show. “I love these people, I love the football and at the moment I think it is the best football in the world.

“The stadium is full every game, and for me it has been fantastic. The fans have been fantastic too, and not just this year, but every year. They sing my song and I see it in their faces that they like to see me on the pitch and they like to see my tricks and passes.

“For me I feel comfortable here at the club.”

Ronaldo, who is reportedly in line for a new contract worth £150,000 a week, then had some words of appreciation for George Best, whose highest goal haul from a United winger he surpassed last month.

“I got the opportunity to see a few tapes of him last month,” Ronaldo added. “He was an unbelievable player – a great player, and to be compared to him is very good. I feel very proud of that.

“This has given me more motivation to work more.”

Liverpool Lucky - I don't think so!

2008-04-19T08:30:00.004+01:00

Jibes about Liverpool being lucky against Arsenal and Inter Milan just don't ring true

As a Liverpool fan I really do take exception to the myopic jibes that say we were lucky to get through against Inter Milan and Chelsea. Critics cite that against Milan, the tie went our way due to the Matterazi sending off and the injury to .

Against Arsenal, they also cite the injury to Flamini as a defining moment, together with the two penalty decisions that went our way.

Well this all may well be true enough but as they say, this all evens out in the end. Liverpool has had equally many things go against them in big games to more than equal out the decisions and events against Arsenal and Milan.

What you ask. Well for a start who remembers Xabi Alono's joke of a yellow card after Eidur Gudjohnsen went down like a sack of spuds in the Champions League of 2005? That kept Alonso out of the second leg. Moreover that came shortly after comeback after three months out, due to a horrendous Frank Lampard tackle on New Years day that broke his ankle. Being deprived of a keep midfielder for three months and for the second leg of a Champions League semi-final? Lucky Liverpool.

What about the penalty this season at Anfield, that was given to Chelsea to enable them to snatch a ill-deserved draw. After being outplayed for most of the game and trailing to a wonderful first goal from Torres, Chelsea were awarded penalty, when Rob Styles was fooled by Malouda's dive. Lucky, lucky Liverpool!

Another piece of luck for Liverpool, was the four month lay-off for Momo Sissoko due to a dislocated shoulder. At the time he was best holding midfielder in the Premier League, but one bad fall at Birmingham in the Carling Cup and Liverpool had to do without a key midfielder for four months. This was repeated when he almost lost an eye against Benfica again depriving Liverpool of his talents for a number of months. We at Footy Focus are glad to see he's won over the Juventus fans, and is now displaying the talent he showed in his first season at Liverpool, before the dreadful injuries he suffered knocked him off course.

More on the bad luck front, has seen Liverpool without Daniel Agger for most of the season, with a broken Metatarsal. Alonso as well has been out for a number of months with this injury.

I'd like to see Arsenal without Gallas, and or Fabregas/ Flamini for most of the season and see where they end up in the Premier League. At least Chelsea are still in the race despite being without Carvalho and Terry for chunks of the season.

I've just thought of another - what about the diabolical free-kick given against Liverpool last season away to Bolton. Pepe Reina came racing out the box, never hand-balled in a million years, yet Bolton were given a free-kick and promptly scored.

Arsene Wenger winds me up when he calls Liverpool lucky!!! Yes maybe we got luck in not conceding a penalty when Kuyt was pulled down, but the other one was a 50/50 call - as much given as not. As for the injury to Flamini, give me break! Thats football Arsene!

Lucky Liverpool - no more than anyone else!!!

David Beckham booked by Police

2008-04-14T13:07:00.002+01:00

Beckham gets a ticket to add to his week of woe

David Beckham has had a week of woe in LA. Not only did LA Galaxy lose at home on Saturday, earlier in the week the LA Galaxy soccer star was been booked after police pulled him for doing an illegal right hand turn.

The star was given an on-the-spot fine after taking an illegal right turn on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. The star also received a point on his license following the incident, which took place as he drove his flashy people-carrier down the famous LA street.

Beckham's luck can only get better after the double whammy of getting booked by the police, and experiencing defeat with LA Galaxy!

Beckham down after LA Galaxy Toronto Defeat

2008-04-14T13:00:00.002+01:00

Beckham struggles to put a brave face on LA Galaxy Defeat

David Beckham was clearly disappointed after LA Galaxy crashed 3-2 at home to Toronto FC on Sunday. Beckham played all 90 minutes but could not prevent LA Galaxy sliding to defeat at home to the previously winless Canadian side.

'We are disappointed,' he said. Three games into the season we can't panic too much but it is obviously not the result we wanted.'

Danny Dichio put Toronto ahead on 42 minutes, with Landon Donovan equalising for the Galaxy a minute later. Jarrod Smith got Toronto back into the lead after 53 minutes before Beckham helped to win a penalty for his team when Carl Robinson handled his attempted cross inside the area.

Donovan converted the spot-kick but Galaxy's hopes were dashed when Jeff Cunningham scored a breakaway goal with three minutes to go, leaving the hosts to rue a series of missed chances.

'As long as I can create chances at some point we are going to score,' he said. 'Hopefully that will start soon.'

The Galaxy play defending MLS Cup champions Houston Dynamo at the Home Depot Center on April 19.

Manchester United vs Arsenal: Ronaldo scores again

2008-04-14T12:39:00.004+01:00

Ronaldo ice-cool as Arsenal wilt in the heat of Premier League battle

Manchester United stormed to a six point lead in the Premier League, as they defeated Arsenal 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Arsenal again showed themselves as not having the mettle to withstand the heat of battle, as they again failed to hold onto a winning position in a crucial game. After gaining the lead through Adebayor, somewhat controversially as he appeared to use his hand, they again conceded a penalty. This time Gallas was at fault, handling inside the area, to give Ronaldo the chance to level the scores. Despite having to take the penalty twice, Ronaldo remained ice-cool to slot home with some aplomb.

Arsenal's season finally collapsed after 72 minutes, when Michael Carrick stepped up to curl a superb free-kick into the top right hand corner of Lehmann's net.

Manchester United vs Arsenal had started with Arsenal showing no signs of a hangover from the midweek defeat to Liverpool, however by the end it was again all too much for the North London side, as Manchester United overpowered their rivals and won all too comfortably. Back to the drawing board for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger!

Liverpool: Parry, Hicks and Gillett battle it out

2008-04-13T05:46:00.002+01:00

Liverpool's Parry & the boardroom battle are media fodder once more

At the end of a week in which Liverpool reached their third Champions League semi-final in four years, after not reaching it for the previous twenty (a fact lost on Rafa Benitez's critics), Liverpool’s unseemly boardroom battle plunged new depths in the national media.

Tom Hicks letter to Rick Parry, demanding his resignation, and which was splashed all over the media, was sent in the in full knowledge that he couldn’t force Parry's resignation. Moreover he was unlikely to get it given the support Parry has from the rest of the board (Hicks and his son aside).

Parry himself remained dignified, commenting only on the need for unity and focus as Liverpool chase fourth place in the Premier League, and more glory in the Champions League. Rafa Benitez too, chose his words carefully, particularly as his criticism of Parry’s transfer dealings were part of the reasons given for demanding Parry’s resignation.

David Moores has been quoted as saying he’s ‘heartbroken’ at the present situation Liverpool find themselves in, and that he’s determined to put it right. What he can do is clearly limited but at least he’s in there battling for Liverpool’s future. You can’t help feeling sorry for Moores. He’s done what he believed was in the best interests of the club, only to see his beloved Liverpool become engulfed in all his worst nightmares rolled into one.

Sources in the press say DIC’s pursuit of Liverpool is ‘remorseless’, and the caveat that gives one of the partners veto on the sale of the other’s share runs out in a month. Then events should pick up, with DIC waiting in the wings to do a deal with Gillett, and then force Hicks out.

Liverpool is clearly a valuable commodity, given the amount of battling that is going on to take control of the club. It really is unclear how this is going to end. For someone supposedly looking for an exit Tom Hicks is doing a good impression of a man determined to remain in control, come what may. You would have to think that somethings got to give in the end; the question is whether it will be Hicks, or the opposite camp of Parry, Gillett and DIC.

The Footy Focus team is praying it’s Hicks! This Parry resignation row really is plumbing new depths, and is as Moores says making Liverpool a laughing stock!

Liverpool vs Arsenal Champions League

2008-04-07T13:12:00.002+01:00

Liverpool vs Arsenal the trilogy concludes in the Champions League

Liverpool entertain Arsenal in the champions league in the final game of the mother of all Battle of Britain ,Super Sunday trilogies, or whatever Sky want to call it!

Rafa Benitez is again expected to tinker with his side, with Peter Crouch fully expecting to be on the bench, despite an outstanding performance and goal against Arsenal at the weekend. Benitez's lack of use of Crouch really does beggar belief! He is a 20 goal a season man, who teams can find unplayable, and is technically very skilful. How Kuyt and Voronin have so often been preferred is really unbelievable, and has cost Liverpool vital ground, whatever Benitez says.

Back to the Arsenal game and Liverpool are likely to bring back Torres, Mascherano, Kuyt, and Gerrard at the expense of Crouch, Pliesse, Benayoun, and Pennant. Arsenal meanwhile are likely to start with Hleb and Adebayor as they seek to snatch the required away goal to at least take the tie to penalties. If they score, they would probably be confident of getting the second to snatch the tie.

This Liverpool and Arsenal battle really does hinge on the first goal. If Liverpool get it, Arsenal are as good as out, as they won't get three. While an Arsenal opener really does put them right back in it and will really rattle Liverpool.

Footy Focus prediction: Liverpool to just edge Arsenal out of the Champions League!

Liverpool Crouch hints at Exit

2008-04-07T12:36:00.004+01:00

Peter Crouch hints at Liverpool exit and doesn't expect to start against Arsenal

Peter Crouch gave the clearest hint yet that he is likely to leave Liverpool in the summer. Talking ahead of the Liverpool vs Arsenal Champions League tie, he admitted that the lack of football this season has led him to consider his future, despite their being an offer on the table from Liverpool.

Crouch said:"It's pretty clear I probably won't start," he said.

"Obviously if the manager plays one up front, he is more than likely to go with Fernando - and rightly so, he's been fantastic this season.

"Before when he was rotating at least I was getting a game here and there. But the manager's obviously stuck with a formation now that seems to be working, and credit to the players that have been playing in that system

"We have certainly been playing well and I think we have got a great chance of going through to the semi-finals now in Europe.

"But for me, I will just have to obviously keep working hard and try and change his mind."

Crouch revealed: "It can be disheartening, but you have to keep going.

"I am one of those players that will keep going, I keep working hard in training, and, if called upon then hopefully I'll do what I did at Arsenal.
"At a big club there is always that pressure. Even if you start every game, if you don't perform, you know you are going to be out.

"But maybe me more so, with the fact that I haven't played that much this season, so, when I do, I have to make sure that I do well and do the business to try and stay in."

We at Footy Focus are at a loss why Crouch has not played more this season. Persisting with the immobile and ineffective Kuyt and Voronin, when Torres was injured or rested beggared belief and cost Liverpool vital points. It would be madness to let Crouch go! He's a 20 goal a season man!!

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Part 2 Premier League

2008-04-05T03:03:00.004+01:00

Its Arsenal vs Liverpool Part 2, in the Premier League

Back to the Emirates we go for Arsenal vs Liverpool, this time in the Premier League. Liverpool find themselves not for the first time, in a game they can afford to lose as they chase European glory and fourth spot in the Premier League.

I find this really frustrating as a Liverpool fan. Oh to be in Arsenals position, fighting for the title and European glory. Yes it's tougher but it's what it's all about - it says it all that this is a bigger game for Arsenal than Liverpool.

Adebayor is likely to feature for the Arsenal despite having an ankle knock. Meanwhile Rafa Benitez is for the first time in a number of games, set to rotate his Liverpool side. Kuyt, Torres, Gerrard and maybe Hyppia are all set to be rested, with the likes of Finnan, Pennant, and Benayoun all pressing for a start. Maybe even Peter Crouch, Liverpool's forgotten man may get a game!

My preferred line-up, given Tuesdays game coming up would be: Reina, Finnan, Skrtel, Hyppia, Riise, Aurelio, Benayoun, Alonso, Lucas, Pennant, Crouch. Benayoun could play the link between midfield and attack, with Aurelio and Pennant the wingers. Radical - yes but a much more balanced teams than what Rafa often serves up.

Footy Focus prediction: I'd love Liverpool to surprise everyone by going out performing well, and winning, but I can't see past Arsenal. Arsenal need it that much more. This is a Saturday lunchtime game. with Arsenal and Liverpool being broadcast around the globe by SKY.

Arsenal v Liverpool Champions League

2008-04-03T00:19:00.000+01:00

Champions League frustration for Arsenal vs Liverpool

Arsenal vs Liverpool turned out to be as expected, with a tight
Champions League encounter ending in a 1-1 draw. Arsenal enjoyed the
majority of possession apart from a 20 minute spell in the latter half
of the first half, but just could not break down a typically resolute
Liverpool.

Arsenal took the lead through an Adebayor header after 23 minutes, when
some slack Liverpool defending from an Arsenal corner gave the Arsenal
man a free header, which he powered home. Liverpool's zonal defending
came unstuck big time, as neither central defender picked up the big
Arsenal striker and he was given all the time in the world on the edge
of the six yard box.

Arsenal's lead didn't last long though, as Liverpool hit back in
the 26th minutes with a Dirk Kuyt goal, after he was set-up by some
great Stephen Gerrard play. That signalled the start of a purple patch
for Champions League specialists Liverpool, who looked likely at times
to go on and get a second.

Fernado Torres was being well shackled by William Gallas, as Arsenal
were clearly determined not to concede further ground in this Champions
League tie. He and Gerrard struggled to get near each other to provide
an attacking edge to Liverpool's play, and typical of Liverpool's
season, Kuyt and Babel again just didn't cut it as an attacking force
and the half ended at 1-1.

In the second half Arsenal came out fighting and played the game at a
tremendous pace but two incidents apart never really rattled Liverpool.

For the first incident, they were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty
when Dirk Kuyt pulled back Alexander Hleb in full view of the referee.
Secondly, in slapstick fashion their substitute stopped a Fabregas shot
on the Liverpool goal line to prevent Arsenal taking the lead.

After that Liverpool defended stoutly, and brought on Benayoun for the
disappointing Babel to ensure they kept possession more often than they
were. The Brazilian Lucas was also pitched into the fray as Liverpool
sought to slow the tempo of the game, and keep the ball.

In the end it was enough, as Arsenal just couldn't get that vital
second goal, and it's Liverpool who now go into the second leg with a
treasured away goal. Arsenal vs Liverpool is always a big game, but this
Champions League tie was one of the biggest, and it's finely poised as
we go to Anfield for the second leg!

DIC Liverpool takeover crawling on

2008-03-31T10:36:00.004+01:00

DIC reportedly to meet Hicks & Gillett to discuss Liverpool takeover

DIC, Tom Hicks and George Gillett are reportedly all to meet at the Emirates on Wednesday night to discuss the ownership of Liverpool, and DIC's proposed takeover.

George Gillett has now indicated he won't sell to his partner, and it is anticipated the credit crunch will soon force Tom Hicks hand, as he won't be able to raise the finance to buy out his partner. In addition Gillett clearly favours a sale to DIC, describing them as responsible owners.

Liverpool chief executive Ricky Parry has also come out urging a swift solution, in a further sign the tortourous saga is entering an end phase. He said "My plea is that something happens this week," he said. "There is a need for a degree of urgency but it is urgent to get it right, not urgent to come up with the wrong solution.

"I think George was pretty clear in stating the relationship between the two of them had broken down and, as a result of that, an alternative solution needs to be found.

"There is no question that to succeed you need unity at the top. I think it brings it to a head. All things are possible at the moment. Someone has to sell, that is clear if they are not able to co-exist."

The reports of DIC, Hicks and Gillett meeting at the Emirates on Wednesday to discuss the Liverpool takeover should be taken with a pinch of salt, what is clear however is that the DIC end-game is gradually edging forward and we think a DIC takeover will be complete by the season's end.

Football News; Liverpool 1-0 Everton

2008-03-31T00:06:00.003+01:00

Liverpool 1-0 Everton: Liverpool tighten their grip on fourth place

Liverpool ultimately edged past Everton, thanks to Fernando Torres, in a Merseyside Derby that perfectly encapsulated why these teams lie fourth and fifth.

Liverpool with aspirations of the title, showed why their title challenge petered out long ago. A bright opening, some excellent football and a great goal petered out, into what was at times a nervy finish, as for the umpteenth time this season they failed to finish off opponents they had dominated.

Everton meanwhile, after being overrun for the first half, hung in there, and clawed their way back into the game. In the second half they at least held their own with Liverpool, and arguably looked the better side, without looking likely to score.

Torres, and Gerrard were again prominent for Liverpool, with Torres scoring the opening goal after only six minutes. Alonso dispossessed Everton's Yakubu at the second attempt in the 18 yard box, Kuyt helped the ball on, and Torres took two touches to dispatch it past Tim Howards right hand post, to put Everton behind. Goal number 28 for him, and Liverpool again can only be grateful their much maligned owners funded Torres purchase.

Ryan Babel also caught the eye, but too often failed to deliver when in good positions. More than once his final ball was wanting and he is fast becoming a frustration. Liverpool are hoping he can be a modern day John Barnes in his pomp, all power and pace, but his crosses and choice of pass/ shot at the crucial moment are woeful at times. That said he seems to be one goal, and a lot of confidence away from exploding into life.

For Everton, their main attacking threat came from Yakubu (more Lenny Henry, than Theirry Henry as one wag has put it) and Arteta. Missing Cahill, and with Anichebe on the bench, Everton struggled to really unsettle Liverpool's backline.

Overall, Liverpool vs Everton was a good but not great game. Liverpool deserved their win, but showed why they are still way off the pace in the Premier League title race. Everton, showed last season was no fluke, and can be satisfied with their progression this year. Liverpool now look odds on to gain that coveted Premier League fourth position again and maybe Rafa Benitez can continue his reign!

Premier League: Man United 4-0 Aston Villa, Ronaldo again

2008-03-30T11:36:00.004+01:00

Manchester United cruising to the Premier League as Ronaldo the difference again

Cristiano Ronaldo was again the difference as Manchester United continued to cruise to the retaining of their Premier League title.

Ronaldo is also astonishingly now within striking distance of scoring over 40 goals in season, with his total now reaching 35. Only Denis Law and Ruud Van Nistelrooy have scored more in a season for Manchester United. Even Sir Alex Ferguson's best ever hall of 45 in a season is now in sight.

Ronaldo was on fire in this game, scoring one and creating three others as Aston Villa were brushed aside with consumate ease. Ronaldo's goal was simply astonishing, outstanding and very, very cheeky!

As Ryan Giggs’ corner rebounded off Wilfred Bouma to Ronaldo, the winger had the cheek to attempt a backheeled flick through Martin Laursen’s legs. Being Ronaldo, it worked! After that he turned provider, setting up Rooney (twice) and Tevez, as Villa folded.

Victory assured, Ferguson could afford to give Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick half an hour off. As United prepare for their Champions League clash with Roma on Tuesday, they sent a message to their title challengers. Over to you, Chelsea.

Champions League: Arsenal vs Liverpool

2008-03-30T10:47:00.006+01:00

It's Beauty & the Beast as Arsenal take on Liverpool in the Champions League

Wednesday is the first of three Arsenal vs Liverpool games, with the two-legged Champions League tie, being sandwiched by a Premier League game at the Emirates.

Both teams are in mixed form, though it has to be said, Liverpool are playing better than Arsenal at the moment, and of course they are the Champions League specialists. Liverpool will be relieved Javier Mascherano is available to play, and he will even be rested, after being suspended for the game against Everton.

Liverpool will go for the same team they've been playing in the last ten games or so, with Benitez following his pattern of tinkering with the team early in the season, until his rivals are out of sight, then stumbling on a winning formula for a late charge and some glory nights in Europe! They could have achieved so much more!

Arsenal meanwhile, are in a bit of a crisis. Make no mistake, they were lucky to get the win at Bolton, and were woeful for the first hour. Adebayor has stopped scoring, Fabregas has gone missing as has Hleb, while Van Persie may have returned, he is not firing on all cylinders after a long time out.

Liverpool will take on Arsenal with the hope of keeping it tight, and play on the counter attack, with the likes of Torres, Babel and Gerrard, expected to do the damage and swing this Champions League tie their way. Arsenal, meanwhile will be happy as long as they don't concede at home.

Wenger believes that in the Champions League, teams that don't score away, find themselves under huge pressure in the home leg. However he does concede that the support for Liverpool at Anfield does have an impact, particularly in the Champions League.

Arsenal vs Liverpool in the Champions League is soooooooo difficult to call, but overall we think Liverpool will edge Arsenal out, and take the semi-final place.

Liverpool vs Everton

2008-03-29T02:30:00.003Z

It's the big one on Merseyside as Liverpool take on old foes Everton

Rafael Benitez takes his side into the latest big game, as Liverpool battle to reach the semi-final of the Champions League, and to finish in the coveted fourth place in the Premier League.

Liverpool vs Everton is always one of the big games on the Premier League calender, but this year it has extra special spice, as the Merseyside rivals are battling it out for fourth place, and a place in the Champions League.

Liverpool go into the game against Everton looking to consolidate their position, sitting on 59 points, two ahead of rivals Everton. Everton meanwhile, know this is a must win, or more to the point, must not lose game for them. Allowing Liverpool to go five points ahead, with six games to go will be a hammer blow for Everton.

Latest team news is that Liverpool are without Javier Mascherano, who is suspended after last weekends rumpus at Manchester United. The young brazilian Lucas is expected to deputise. However Fernando Torres has announced himself fit to face Everton, and Rafa Benitez will be hoping Liverpool's star man gets more protection against Everton, than last week at Old Trafford. Also Riise and Benayoun are pushing for a starting role, while Finnan is close to a return to fitness.

Everton's main doubt is Andy Johnson, but Pienaar and Anichebe should be fit to play.

Both teams are in great form, and the lost of Mascherano is a big blow to Liverpool, however Footy Focus thinks Liverpool will have just too much for Everton and sneak a vital Derby win!

Mourinho next manager of Inter Milan?

2008-03-29T02:22:00.002Z

Jose Mourinho in talks with Inter Milan as the Special one seeks a special job

Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea manager, is in talks with Inter Milan with a view to taking over at the San Siro next season, according to reports from Portuguese media.

Mourinho left Lisbon on Friday for Milan to negotiate a contract with Inter president Massimo Moratti, according to Antena 1 radio, a fact later confirmed by the Lusa news agency, quoting a source close to the Portuguese coach.

The 44-year-old Mourinho is one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe after quitting Chelsea, who he led to two Premier League titles, in September last year.

Current Inter coach Roberto Mancini, who has been in charge since 2004 and has a deal until 2012, said after his team’s Champions League exit at the hands of Liverpool last month, that he would step down at the end of the season.

However, the following day, Moratti said that Mancini had had a change of heart.

George Gillett - relationship with Tom Hicks 'untenable'

2008-03-28T21:34:00.004Z

Gillett claims death threats and relationship with Hick untenable

George Gillett speaking on a radio station in Canada, has claimed he has been recieving death threats from Liverpool fans. He also claimed his partnership with Tom Hicks has completely broken down.

He said: “We get as many as 2,000 emails a week. I would say 95% of them have been directed at some of the comments made by my partner and 5% aimed at both of us, ’Go home Americans’." He added: “The fans don’t want him to have even one share of my stake in the club, based on what they are sending to me. As a result of that we have received many phone calls in the middle of the night threatening our lives - death threats.”

Given that both Benitez and Houllier have recieved equally distasteful remarks, painted at the clubs training ground, due to results floundering, we are not surprised the Americans are getting nasty phonecalls. The whole episode is a mess really and can't come to a conclusion quick enough for either the Americans, the fans and staff of Liverpool FC.

Barcelona want Liverpool's Benitez

2008-03-26T11:07:00.004Z

Barca making eyes at Rafa as Rijkaard is eased to the door?

Reports are surfacing in the media of Barcelona wanting Rafa Benitez to replace Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona. Apparently the board is split, some wanting Jose Mourinho, while an increasing number would like Liverpool's Rafa Benitez.

It all seems a bit fanciful, and is tabloid column filler, on the back of the takeover uncertainty at Liverpool. If Rafa is to leave Liverpool in the summer, it seems more likely he will be pushed, and given his mixed record, its unlikely someone like Barcelona will be in for him.

Like Liverpool and Mourinho, his future is far from clear, but the destination of Barcelona to us seems unlikley. Watch out for it on the Liverpool Echo or Post website - if it's on there then the story has legs!

John Arne Riise payslip

2008-03-26T09:44:00.005Z

Riise's payslip on the 'net!

Talking of John Arne Riise (see previous post), just in case you didn't see it, here's his supposed payslip.

120,000 pounds per month! Look a the tax - ouch! Fifty thousand plus in tax!

Riise ready to quit Liverpool

2008-03-26T09:36:00.004Z

Riise frustrated at time on the bench, warns he may move on

John Arne Riise has warned Liverpool he is growing increasingly frustrated at warming the Anfield bench.

In a statement that will add to the growing speculation that he will move on in the summer, he stated "I am not happy with the situation. I am used to playing in 80 per cent of all the games, but if I don't get to play as much as I want to I have to make a choice this summer as to whether I should stay or not. Maybe he [Benitez] will offer me a new contract, maybe not. It's frustrating not knowing if you are going to play the next game or not."

Riise has long been the subject of speculation that he will be moved on, but this time it appears to be for real. With no contract offer on the table, and an increasing amount of time on the bench, it appears his Liverpool career maybe drawing to a close.

Footy Focus thinks he should bide his time - Aurelio is never more than a game away from another injury, and Steve Finnan is becoming injury prone with age! He should stick around a bit longer!!

DIC Liverpool takeover back on

2008-03-26T09:22:00.005Z

Credit Crunch opens the door, with DIC confident of a deal for Liverpool within the month

Long-time pursuers of Liverpool, Dubai International Capital are reportedly set to be within three or four weeks of making a bid for complete control of Anfield.

DIC is set to offer £400million for Liverpool FC, and would also bring in a minority investor. DIC, who lost out to Gillett and Hicks in the race for Liverpool last year, are said to be confident that Hicks will sell now, despite Hicks recently being adament he won't sell at all.

Although DIC, which is the private equity investment arm of the Dubai government, realises it is paying a high price for Liverpool – Gillett and Hicks bought the club for £219m 13 months ago – it believes it will be a price worth paying.

A source is quoted as saying: "It's not a cheap deal and Hicks is holding out but there is confidence that it will now finally happen."

DIC, whose chief executive Sameer Al-Ansari is a life-long fan of the club and who will join the board, has ambitious plans which could include involving some of its other investment vehicles in an attempt to raise its profile.

The hotel group Jumeirah could be used as part of the development of a new stadium. A wide-ranging review of the club, and its revenue streams, will be conducted.

DIC's confidence appears to stem from claims that some of the loans Hicks used to buy Liverpool are due to be refinanced again soon with the American money markets now less welcoming to big loans as a result of the credit crunch.

Everton 1-1 West Ham

2008-03-23T03:28:00.004Z

Toffees coming unstuck as West Ham take a point at Goodison

The travails of the season seem to be taking their toll on Everton's relatively small squad. Following on from their narrow exclusion form the UEFA cup at the hands of Fiorentina, and the defeat away to Fulham, comes a dropped home point to West Ham. Moreover on the basis of the performance, the point was one gained, not one dropped. West Ham fully deserved their point, and only luck prevented them taking the points as they hit the post late on.

Everton now seem to be demonstrating the difference in resources, between them and their illustrious neighbours across the park. Yakubou (who some wag labelled 'more Lenny Henry than Thierry Henry'). With defeats for their rivals Aston Villa and Portsmouth, and Liverpool visiting Old Trafford, this was the perfect stage for them to push on for that coveted fourth place in the Premier League.

Instead they turned in a performance that if repeated much more, will hand Liverpool fourth place on a plate. Yakoubou and Anichebe gave a physical presence to Evertons attack, and they indeed got an early lead through Yakoubou. However, 15 minutes in Everton had a second disallowed, and after that West Ham roused themselves to make a game of it.

Before the interval Ashton was denied by the leg of Howard, but Everton didn't heed the warning, and he outjumped Jagielka to make it 1-1 after 68 minutes. As the game wore on Everton offered less and less, with the lively West Ham pushing on for victory.

Ultimately Everton survived, but despite Liverpools tough run of games, they are looking the more likely to get fourth place in the Premier League.

Manchester United vs Liverpool - can you call it?

2008-03-22T09:20:00.004Z

Manchester United & Liverpool to face-off in the mother of Easter Sunday clashes

This one is really hard to call. For every reason I think Liverpool can get a result, there's plenty why not coming from the Manchester United team sheet.

Both sides are bang in form, and Manchester United are looking particularly assured in their pursuit of the Premier League title. And who can blame them. It's 'squeaky bum time' as the wily old fox Fergie calls it, and it's not Manchester bums that are squeaking. Arsenal have drawn game after game recently, while Chelsea stumbled to a 4-4 draw after leading 3-1, in a game they really had to win.

Liverpool have bounced back from their FA Cup debacle against Barnsley with seven straight wins, and are looking the best they have since September, when title talk was all the rage. However for me, they still don't quite convince as an attacking force.

Torres and Gerrard apart, Babel is improving but still not convincing. It's clear he only needs a goal to give him a big confidence lift, but he is not in the same league as Ronaldo, Tevez or Rooney. As for Pennant, Benayoun, Kuyt, Kewell and Voronin, need I go on? Kewell has come back from injury looking like the show-pony of old. Someone playing for his future, let alone the badge, wouldn't have been so jolly after the defeat at West Ham. His laughing and overall demanour was a disgrace, given the situation. Of the others, surely only Benayoun should be retained. He's neat and consistent but is not totally top class.

here's not many meaner defences than these two, though United are the freer scoring of the two teams. If Liverpool can hold United in the way they did at Anfield, they may well nick a goal through Torres or Gerrard, to gain something from the game. United looked totally at ease earlier in the season at Anfield, but Liverpool are now a very different beast. They are mean, scoring goals and full of confidence. Moreover Benitez has at last got his three best midfielders on the park all at once. Alonso, Mascherano and Gerrard have not played together anywhere near enough, partly due to Benitez's tinkering (that has killed Liverpool's title challenge), and due to Alonso's injuries.

Footy Focus prediction - it's a gut feeling Liverpool will get something from this, but we just can't call it beyond that!

Beckham in England squad for 100th cap

2008-03-20T22:15:00.004Z

Beckham likely to get his 100th cap as Capello names him in squad

David Beckham has been recalled to the England squad for next week's friendly against France in Paris, giving the midfielder the possibility of winning his 100th cap.

Fabio Capello, the England Manager said "I always said that when David Beckham was fit he could be in the squad, I have had good reports on him from Franco Baldini, who watched him on Saturday night, and also from his club. I know a lot about David Beckham and what he can offer the team."

Beckham was watched by Capello's assistant Franco Baldini in a friendly for his club, LA Galaxy, in Dallas at the weekend and obviously did enough to convince the Italians that he is fit enough to win his 100th cap against France.

Capello, who managed Beckham at Real Madrid, left the 32-year-old midfielder out of his squad to face Switzerland but made it clear at the time that he was willing to extend his international career.

FootyFocus thinks it will be a very well deserved accolade for someone who has been a great English servant!

Chelsea vs Arsenal

2008-03-20T06:30:00.006Z

Make or break for Grant and Wenger in a Stamford Bridge six-pointer

It's the mother of all weekends in the Premier League as the top four face-off in the battle for the Premier League title.

At Stamford Bridge its a true six-pointer for the stumbling title-chasers Chelsea and Arsenal. Chelsea shared an astonishing 4-4 draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane, despite being 3-1 ahead. Avram Grants team again folded in a high pressure situation. In games against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United they've failed to win. Also in the League Cup final against Spurs and again last night in a must win game, if they had Premier League aspirations, they also failed.

Grant made substitutions which instead of turning the game their way, turned it away from them at crucial times. Leading 3-2, after winning 3-1, he tried to close the game out by bringing on Costa as a sweeper. Instead, Chelsea lost their shape and Tottenham equalised. Again leading 4-3 after Joe Cole scored a superb goal, he brought on Ballack, Chelsea got caught cold, and that was it at 4-4. It said it all that Berbatov, who was excellent throughout, almost grabbed all three points at the death. As Rafa Benitez says, its all in the details.

Arsenal meanwhile, are on a run of draws, and the AC Milan game apart, have struggled for form and their goalscoring touch of late. Wenger knows this must be rapidly put right as the business end of the season is not the time to fade away. Now of all time Arsenal must find the free-flowing football which has earned them so many admirers this season.

Footy Focus can't help thinking rotation man, Rafa Benitez has a point but not the squad to do it! Liverpool are looking in fine fettle as the season comes to an end, while Chelsea and Arsenal are stumbling to the finish line!

Champions League Draw Fix - More Intrigue

2008-03-19T09:54:00.006Z

More mystery as a post turns up on Yahoo answers predicting the draw

The Champions League draw fix mystery took a further turn last night, with the forum where the prediction was orginally made, pointing out that on Yahoo answers someone claimed to have been told that the English clubs would avoid each other except one of them would get Liverpool. Read the post here: Yahoo answers Champions League draw

The original post that started the mystery can be found here at: Liverpool Echo forum

It's strange that the FA, and the clubs themselves have been silent on the affair. Even UEFA have only made one comment from a fairly low ranking individual. They obviously don't want to give the story any currency by making comment. But the lack of comments equally raises questions, especially as it's more a wall of silence than anything else!

It all sounds so incredulous, yet the evidence is actually quite compelling. Also given that the fixing of matches is hardly unknown, it is not beyond the realms of fantasy that it was fixed. Given the huge amounts of money involved, the Asian betting syndicates, the Russian mafia, and the preponderance of brown envelopes undoubtedly still being passed between sheepskin jacket clad men, it's no wonder people are suspicous!

Footy Focus view - it stinks!!

Manchester United vs Liverpool - let battle commence!

2008-03-19T03:12:00.003Z

Old Trafford and wily old Fergie await a rejuvenated Liverpool

Rafael Benitez sends his rejuvenated Liverpool team into battle on Sunday out of the title race, but about to become embroiled in a seven game streak that will define their season, and which Benitez argues, represents the toughest test of his career so far at Anfield.

Liverpool have Manchester United next, Chelsea, bitter rivals and neighbours Everton and would you believe it three games against Arsenal, in the Premier League and Champions League.

Liverpool's season is following a familiar frustrating pattern for Benitez and Liverpool's fans. Benitez tinkers with the team on a daily basis until he hits on a winning formula, which he then sticks to. Problem is, by then in the Premier League the opposition are usually out of sight. In 2005/06 it took Benitez 9 games to get it right and from then on in he largely stuck with the same lineup, Liverpool went on a superb run, but after winning only 3 of the first 8, they were too far behind to make a meaningful challenge.

Now, as then he has found his line-up far far too late. Liverpool have all season defended superbly and are now scoring goals too, but they are so far off the pace, they are in a scrap for fourth not first. Moreover Torres and Gerrard may convince as an attacking force, but Kuyt is clearly not upto scratch, while Babel improving as he maybe, is still not showing the true class hoped for.

Manchester United meanwhile are now starting to emerge as the decisive Premier League leaders. A win against Bolton tonight will give them a clear lead, with only eight games to go. Arsenal are starting to stutter, having drawn a string of games, and just maybe are starting to fade (maybe tinkerman Benitez has a point!). If Manchester United come out of Easter with two wins against Bolton and Liverpool, they will start to feel the title is in reach.

Footy Focus prediction - we have a gut feel Liverpool will get something from Old Trafford though we're not sure what!

Champions League Draw - Fixed or freak coincidence?

2008-03-15T08:29:00.008Z

Claims the Champions League draw was fixed as it appears on the internet over an hour before

UEFA was having to fend off potentially sensational claims that the Champions League draw was fixed yesterday. The draw was made at 12.oopm in Nyon, Switzerland, however it had already appeared on a Liverpool website at 10.28am that morning.

A football forum for the Liverpool Echo (the local tabloid for Liverpool) and owned by Trinity Newspapers, recieved a post at 10.28am from someone called 'confused', which claimed to have heard a rumour on what the draw would be, accurately predicted the English clubs ties, and claimed bookmakers had stopped taking bets on the draw.

UEFA spokesman William Gallard said: "He must have supernatural powers. I know the people who did the draw and I am 150% certain it is completely honest. You might be able to fool a computer but everyone can see the teams are picked out fairly this way."

The odds of predicting the ties like this are apparently 191/1, so all in all it is a really, really freaky coincidence, or one for the conspiracy theorists to dine out on for years to come. Really we don't think there's anything in it, I mean you'll be telling us Diana was bumped off by the House of Windsor next!

Champions League Draw

2008-03-15T07:29:00.004Z

Draw of death for the English clubs as Arsenal take on Liverpool

The quarter-final draw for the Champions League is:

Arsenal v Liverpool
Roma v Man United

Schalke v Barcelona

Fenerbahce v Chelsea

Arsenal and Liverpool have arguably got the hardest draw, having to face each other. Also what makes it worse for the Premier League teams is that the winners face the victors of Fenerbahce and Chelsea. All in all, not a good draw for the Premier League boys.

Manchester United go to Roma for the first leg, and will be quietly confident of seeing them of over the two legs, while Chelsea will consider Fenerbahce eminently beatable over two legs.

Liverpool and Arsenal now face three massive games in a week against each other, with a Premier League game at the Emirates stadium being sandwiched by the Champions League games on 22 and 29th of April. It will be the mother of all battle of Britains!!!

Foot focus prediction - Liverpool to sneak the Champions League tie, but Arsenal to beat them in the Premier League!

Beckham to quit LA

2008-03-13T09:52:00.004Z

Gossip columns fill up the inches with speculation Beckham is to quit LA

More silly season stuff as speculation is trotted out that David Beckham and his wife Victoria are to quit LA less than a year after moving.

The Beckhams are reportedly 'disillusioned' with life in LA and are homesick for life in London, close to family and friends. The alleged disappointment for the Beckhams comes after a poor debut season for Becks, who is finding age is catching up with him as his season was wrecked by injury.

The claims tie in with reports on the weekend that Posh is keen on snapping up a pad in Chelsea, London so she can promote her fashion range DVB jeans further in Europe.

We really can't see Beckham calling it a day in LA any time soon. Whatever you may think about Beckham he is not one to shirk a footballing challenge, and staying playing with LA Galaxy is his best chance of getting that 100th England cap he craves.

Madrid to try for Ronaldo?

2008-03-13T09:32:00.003Z

Silly season starts early as speculation links Real Madrid with a 50 million bid

Reports are surfacing of Real Madrid's board discussing how to make a major bid for Manchester United's jewell Cristiano Ronaldo.

AS says Ronaldo remains on Real president Ramon Calderon's shopping list, despite the recent public denials made by sports director Pedja Mijatovic.

To raise the cash for a £50 million-plus deal to buy Ronaldo they are considering selling the likes of Mahamadou Diarra and Julio Baptista. Liverpool have been linked with Diarra as a replacement for the much speculated about Xabi Alonso, while Baptista was also linked with Anfield.

Diarra is a quality player, however Baptista struggled at Arsenal so would likely command a much lower fee.

Tom Hicks pulls plug on DIC purchase

2008-03-11T01:38:00.003Z

Hicks aiming to hold all the power as he pulls the plug on DIC

Tom Hicks has ended negotiations with DIC over their proposed purchase of 49% of Liverpool Football Club. Citing DIC's requirement to run the club by 'committee', he has ended the delicate negotiations that were going on in Dubai.

Hicks today said: "Based on a meeting held earlier today in Dubai between my representatives and officials of Dubai International Capital LLC, as well as other recent contacts between us and them, I have decided to terminate any further discussions with DIC regarding their possible purchase of a minority stake in Kop and, in turn, in the Club.DIC made it clear that if they invested in the Club, they would want it to be managed by committee."

"Based on my thirteen years of successful experience as an owner of professional sports teams, and based in particular on the situation at Liverpool Football Club over the past year, it is clear to me that such a committee approach would not be in the best interest of Kop, of the Club or of the Club's loyal and passionate supporters.Accordingly, I have decided to exercise my right under the Kop Football (Holdings) Limited partnership agreement to veto any sale of any portion of Kop and the Club to DIC. I and my colleagues and representatives will continue to explore a number of other options with regard to the ownership of Kop and the Club aimed at achieving an appropriate ownership, financial and organisational structure for Kop and the Club over the long term."

It is now unclear exactly what will happen next after this surprise move. Is it a prelude to a Hicks total sell-off, a mere tactic as the negotiations unfold or has Hicks really walked away to seek other options? George Gillett clearly wants to sell, DIC want to buy, but it seems the sticking point has been the issue of who will have the major say in running Liverpool. Minority shareholder rights are obviously significantly more limited than the majority holders, and it appears an impasse has been reached due to DIC wanting to mitigate this.

Hicks is clearly in trouble attempting to raise finances to own Liverpool outright, he cannot go on working with Gillett, so he has to resolve the situation somehow, but how this will end up is anyones guess. DIC seem very determined to get Liverpool in the long run, but they are dealing with an equally determined man in Tom Hicks.

Meanwhile Liverpool are in Milan preparing for their second leg game against Inter Milan, after winning the first leg 2-0. Missing are Xabi Alonso and Steve Finnan, but Javier Mascherano is back in the squad after pulling a hamstring in the 4-0 win against West Ham.

DIC clinch deal for 49% of Liverpool FC

2008-03-10T01:51:00.003Z

Marriage made in hell? Hicks & DIC now the owners of Liverpool, as Gillett walks away

DIC have agreed a deal to purchase 49% of Liverpool FC from George Gillett. Gillett will also sell 1% of his holding to his partner, Tom Hicks, giving him technical majority control with a 51% holding.

The deal worth upto $170m was agreed late Friday, and Amanda Stavely, leading negotiations for DIC said "The legal documents have yet to be signed, but we're really pleased," said Staveley. "Of course we want to own Liverpool outright but this large stake is a great start."

DIC clearly have a long term goal to own Liverpool outright, and it is unlikely that they would be going down this avenue, unless they thought they could do so. However in the short term DIC need to agree on a partnership with Gillett's co-chairman and fellow American, Tom Hicks, who has made it clear he has no intention of giving up his control of Anfield.

It is understood that despite Hicks' angry media attack on Staveley on Saturday, he has not ruled out the possibility of a key meeting with DIC executives in Dubai today.

Beckham: I'm fit for my 100th England Cap

2008-03-07T21:07:00.004Z

Becks is fit and raring to go for that special 100th Cap for England

David Beckham has insisted he is fit and ready to return to the England side for the friendly on March 26th. Speaking after LA Galaxy's 3-0 defeat of Shanghai on Wednesday he said "Fitness-wise, I'll be perfect," he said. "But it's about performing and hopefully I'll do that." Beckham also feels he can go beyond the 100 cap mark and extend his international career well beyond the game against France.

"That's what he (Capello) said to me. I knew that from the conversation I had with him," he said. "He said that once I'm back playing and if I'm fit, and I'm playing well enough, then he'll pick me. With the first game after he took charge, I hadn't played any games and he explained that to me. I've played three games so far now and got through them all.

"I believe I can play for my country for a good few more years yet, that's just me being honest. I believe that I can still play at that level."

Injury doubts about Beckham surfaced after he was substituted during LA Galaxy's win in Shanghai on Wednesday after he suffered a minor thigh injury. Despite this, Beckham insisted he would be fit for the side's third game of a three-match Asian Tour in Hong Kong and that would be ready for any call from England.

Critcs have suggested he may well get fit, but that he is now playing against significantly inferior opposition, while in response Beckham speaks highly of the American game.

"The standard is slightly different in the US but it's not as low as everybody thinks. We've got some very good teams and very good players and we play some really good football so we'll just have to wait and see."

If he gets that extra special 100th cap Beckham is set to join Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Billy Wright as only the fifth player to pass the century mark for England.

"Reaching 100 games and reaching 100 caps is very special," he added.

We really can't see why Beckham recieves criticism. He has only ever given his all for club and country, and despite courting fame throughout his career, he has never let his fame and celebrity disrupt his football. Footy Focus, we salute you Mr Beckham!

FA Cup: Manchester United vs Portsmouth

2008-03-07T20:35:00.005Z

Fergies not going yet as he refuses to give a retirement date

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to put a date on his retirement. Speaking ahead of Manchester United's sixth round FA Cup clash with Portsmouth, he was suitably vague about when he would finally be retiring after 22 years in charge of Manchester United.

Speaking on UK Sky News he said: "It's something I've said for quite a bit - If your health is good and you're enjoying your job it could be two, three years, who knows? It could be four years who knows? It could be tomorrow if I read some bad press from your mob [journalists] - trying to get rid of me," Ferguson joked. "I've not put a time limit on it - that's for sure."

We think Sir Alex is acutely aware of what happened last time he set a date for retirement - Manchester United's season petered out as the media, fans and players all became obsessed with his imminent departure. As it was, he just couldn't bring himself to leave anyway, and he's still there with Manchester United as strong as ever, and Premier League title holders.

United entertain Portsmouth in the FA Cup quarter finals on Saturday, and few would bet against them reaching the last four by Saturday evening. Ferguson has a near full-strength squad to choose from, and with the Premier League and UEFA Champions League rigours to come he may choose to rest some of his more senior stars.

Ferguson also revealed that he is happy with the progress of long-term injury victims Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre and is confident the England international will shortly be returning to first-team action.

We at Footy Focus can't see past a Manchester United Saturday stroll in this one!

DIC to buy Gillett Liverpool share

2008-03-07T00:35:00.002Z

DIC in for the kill as Gillett ready to sell and Hicks stands aside

George Gillett and DIC are moving ever closer to a deal for DIC to purchase his 50% stake in Liverpool. In dramatic developments, Tom Hicks has contacted DIC to inform them he will not stand in the way of the deal and has committed to undertake further discussions with DIC on the future of the club.

DIC are now increasingly confident that a deal will be done that will allow them full control of Liverpool in the near future, and events do now seem to be gathering rapid momentum towards a full DIC takeover. DIC had such faith a deal will be done, they dispatched a representative to Liverpool for the game against West Ham on Wednesday, to talk with fans groups regarding the future direction of the club.

These latest events will delight Liverpool fans who have rapidly lost all faith in the clubs American owners, after the covert meetings with Jurgen Klinsmann, the relatively low net transfer spending, and the loading of the club with debt after originally denying this would happen. Maybe the angry reception Tom Hicks Jnr recieved in the Sandon Pub and the fans protests have convinced them to abandon their investment with the tidy profit promised by DIC? Either way, DIC going public with comments on the discussions to date was a clear tactic to stir up more anti-Hicks and Gillett feeling, by giving the fans the possibility of DIC coming to the rescue.

It's a season of turmoil at Liverpool and a number of figures at the club now face very uncertain future. Rafael Benitez is by no means certain to stay in his job if DIC takeover. DIC are reportedly as unconvinced by the teams results as the Americans have been after another season of underachievement, and Jose Mourinho is looming large as an unemployed proven successor. Rick Parry must also now be wondering if he will be at his beloved Liverpool next season. He reportedly understands he may well be moved on if DIC take control, but would reluctantly do so providing the club are in good hands, and he does not consider Hicks and Gillett to any longer be the ones to take the club forward.

David Moores will also most likely be a victim of the boardroom power struggle regardless of wins. If Hicks gains full control, he is unlikely to survive given the soured relationship, and if DIC move in, they have already signalled their intention to bring in their own team

DIC Takeover - Liverpool fans urges Hicks & Gillett to sell

2008-03-06T02:28:00.002Z

Liverpool fans stage half-time 'sit in' and send message across the Atlantic

Liverpool's fans staged a half-time 'sit in' during their Premier League 4-0 victory against West Ham and made a barrage of noise against Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. "Liverpool Football Club is in the wrong hands," fans sang while banners where unfurled that read read "Take ya bounty and get out of our club" and "Dubai SOS. Yank Out." Fans are upset that Hicks and Gillett, who bought the club in March, have saddled the club with debt and large interest payments, after denying they would do so, have failed to progress building a new stadium and sought to replace popular manager Rafa Benitez in a covert meeting with Jurgen Klinsmann.

There's no denying that this protest is exactly what DIC has sought to instigate, with its briefings and public comments to the media. Rather than this story coming to a rapid conclusion, it is only the beginning in an end-game DIC will hope see them gain full control of Liverpool. DIC are now seeking Gillett's share, while hoping to force Hicks into also selling via fan pressure. They are clearly seeking to exploit the fan's distaste for the Americans by increasing the protests against them, to the point where their position becomes untenable.

Hicks has repeatedly said he wants to keep is stake in the club, while Gillett has signaled a willingness to sell. However, Hicks has said he can block Gillett from selling. Also it is widely being reported that despite the public stance Hicks is continuing to talk to DIC. DIC clearly think they have a good chance of wresting control of Liverpool from Hicks and Gillett and are upping the ante' in their attempt to do so. Reports are now surfacing of an increased offer to Gillett, that would allow him to walk away with 80 million pound profit. Gillett is disputing this and puts the figure at 40 million.

This whole sorry, tawdry tale has some time to run yet and who knows the eventual outcome. As a Liverpool fan I only wish for a rich owner and stability!

Uefa Champions League: AC Milan 0-2 Arsenal

2008-03-05T09:38:00.004Z

Cesc just fab as Arsenal dump out holders AC Milan

Cesc Fabregas and his teammates turned in a masterful performance, to dump holders AC Milan out of the UEFA Champions league last night. Milan simply couldn't cope with Arsenal's passing and movement as they instantly took the game to their opponents. Arsenal effectively won the tie the moment Cesc Fabregas's long shot on 84 minutes hit the back of the net, which left them requiring two goals to get through to the last eight. Late on, Adebayor added to AC Milan's misery slotting Theo Walcott's right-wing cross to complete a historic 2-0 win at San Siro.

"Everybody is happy, we've all got smiles on our faces," said Adebayor "We knew it was going to be very hard but we had a lot of belief and knew that we could do something special at the San Siro - the temple of football."

Arsenal became the first English side to beat Milan at the San Siro and the history of this was not lost on Adebayor. He said: "We have become a part of the new chapter we are trying to begin in the history of this club, so we very happy about that. Not long ago everyone was saying that we'd blown it in the league and that we would lose to Milan, but after this result everyone has got their confidence back."

Fabregas was simply outstanding and gave the complete performance. Hleb and Flamini were also superb, and Gallas gave a commanding captains performance. What was astonishing about this game was that Arsenal simply battered Milan!

You really do have to salute Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. They've been building to this season for a couple of years, and are a model for other clubs in building without spending what are relatively massive amounts. Well done!!

Uefa Champions League: Barcelona 1-0 Celtic

2008-03-05T09:09:00.004Z

Celtic dreams just that as Barcelona progress

Comfortably outclassed, Celtic eventually ended this game with some credit due to spirited defending, and a gritty show of resilience. The margin of defeat was kept to a single goal by some stioc defending and exceptional goalkeeping from Artur Boruc, who recovered from his all to obvious nervous start.

Barcelona's manager Frank Rijkaard, had decided to leave out some of the players who started the first match and this suggested he presumed victory. This could have been interpreted as an insult to Celtic, however it would take just two minutes to vindicate his decision and effectively kill the tie.

Seemingly intent on erasing Saturday's 4-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid, Barcelona started at a whirlwind tempo and it was clear Celtic would again would struggle to cope with the swift movement, and passing of Barcelona. Deco and Ronaldinho both went close with great efforts, but Barcelona just couldn't get the goals they threatened.

After the scary opening for Celtic, in which they survived at keeping the score to 1-0, the game played out in a similar though less intense manner, with Celtic spending their time keeping Barcelona at bay and eventually achieving for them a creditable showing against one of Europes top sides.

DIC Liverpool takeover - midnight deadline or its off

2008-03-04T11:41:00.003Z

DIC tell Hicks and Gillett its midnight or your dreaming

The battle to gain control of Liverpool is rapidly reaching a climax, with DIC telling Tom Hicks and George Gillett they have until midnight to accept their offer of 400 million or they will walk away.

DIC also upped the ante in their rhetoric, with Al Ansari accusing the American duo of being in dreamland in their valuation of the club. Reports are that they are increasingly bemused by the billion pound valuation of Liverpool, given that they paid little over 171 million for just over a year ago.

Our view is that this can't come to conclusion soon enough with hopefully DIC being the winners. That isn't anti-Americanism as some people have commented on this site. It's simply that DIC appear to have more investment clout than Hicks and Gillett. All Liverpool fans want is an investor to take the club forward, provide stability and enable them to compete with Europes best. DIC clearly seem the best placed of the two parties to do this.

Ronaldo racing a Bugatti Veyron

2008-03-02T10:09:00.002Z

I hadn't seen this, though you may have - its one cool ad!

No doubt Nike are making billions from this viral advertising!

Man United's Ferguson: Ronaldo a phenomenon

2008-02-29T22:03:00.006Z

Fergie salivates over his crown jewel Ronaldo as United go to Fulham

Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson has branded his Portguese star midfielder, Cristiano Ronaldo, a phenomenon for his incredible strike rate from a wide position.

Ronaldo needs just one more to reach 30 in all competitions and has already comfortably passed his previous best of 23 in the 2006/07 campaign. Manchester United go to Fulham on Saturday, and Ronaldo has scored seven times in his last five games against them. Few would bet against him adding to this tally as Manchester United continue their quest for the Premier League title.

You have to say for 12 million, Ronaldo has become a bargain. Liverpool had a deal lined up for 6 million at the time, but Manchester United came in and blew them out the water by offering 12 million. His value now would be off the scale and he is well on the way to becoming one of the games true greats.

Beckham & Galaxy to play in Hong Kong

2008-02-29T21:39:00.004Z

Hong Kong Authorities approve Beckham's LA Galaxy exhibition match

LA Galaxy had previously announced they would play an exhibition match on March 9 at Hong Kong Stadium, subject to approval from the city's football authority. However this has now changed with the authorities approving the proposal. "The application was approved," Hong Kong Football Association Sunny Leung said. "We have all been making every last-minute effort to have them come, we were very keen to have them here."

LA Galaxy will arrive in Hong Kong on March 6 and hold a football clinic for youngsters and then play a South China team on March 9.

This overall tour of Asia is aimed at cashing in on Beckham's huge popularity in the region. Beckham and his teammates arrived Tuesday in South Korea for an exhibition match on Saturday against FC They then travel to Shanghai for a match on March 5 before the stop in Hong Kong.

Liverpool's Crouch & Mascherano: Waiting for Rafa to go & stay

2008-02-28T23:22:00.001Z

Crouch and Mascherano have differing reasons to dither on their contract
talks
Peter Crouch and Javier Mascherano are both taking an inordinate length
of time to sign new deals at Anfield. Speculation that Crouch may invoke
the new rules that allow players to buy themselves out of their contract
at a value much less than they are worth on the open market, has forced
Liverpool to open talks with him about renewing his contract. Meanwhile
Javier Mascherano despite all the positive noises to the contrary from
both sides has still not signed a long term deal with Liverpool. Could
it be both are waiting until the summer when hopefully Benitez's and
indeed Liverpool's future is settled?

Crouch will clearly be hoping the manager is moved on and he can stay
at Liverpool under a new regime. Despite his goals record for Liverpool,
his number of starts has dwindled to the point where its' clear Benitez
no longer considers him one of his senior players. Benitez going is no
guarantee he will stay but its the best he's got, and given Arsenal,
Chelsea and Manchester United are not likely to be interested in him,
biding his time at Liverpool is his best chance of staying at one of the
'big-four' clubs.

Mascherano meanwhile may well be hoping the opposite, that is that
Benitez stays. He clearly has a lot of respect for Benitez after he
rescued him from his Upton Park nightmare, and gave him a start in the
Champions League final. Mascherano will be hoping Benitez is given the
go-ahead to remain at Anfield whoever the eventual owners become. That
said if he opts to leave their will be no shortage of takers for one of
Liverpool's few world/international class performers.

DIC close to 50% stake in Liverpool

2008-02-27T02:17:00.002Z

Reports of Gillett to sell his Liverpool share to DIC, while Hicks denies exit talk

Reports are mounting that George Gillett is all set to sell his 50% stake in Liverpool to Dubai International Capital (DIC). His relationship with Tom Hicks is beyond repair, and he is now looking for a way out of the doomed partnership. A specialist team of bankers and solicitors have been put in place by the investment arm of the Dubai government as it awaits permission to study the club's books, which it is understood will be granted shortly.

DIC are reportedly willing to purchase his share, but not in a deal that will leave Hicks in charge of Liverpool. They are looking to make immediate decisions on the Liverpool's future post the deal, and will look to either dilute or purchase some of Hick's share so they will have majority control of the club.

It is anticipated the deal to purchase George Gillett's 50% share could be concluded within three weeks, and then lead onto a second stage whereby attempts will be made to gain majority control of Liverpool.

Hicks meanwhile has reiterated his stance on holding onto his stake in Liverpool, again making a long term commitment to the club. Whether this position will be held in the medium to long-term given his inability to buy out his partner remains to be seen. Liverpool's fans will be delighted at developments and will hope that Hicks also sells his stake in the not to distant future.

Its a fascinating but worrying time to be a Liverpool fan, and this tale is sure to have many twists and turns yet!