blogforthekops

hye there again..

2010-11-10T17:27:00.000-08:00

Greetings to all.. well I'm back after almost a year of 'break' from writing here..hahaha..not to say anything but I dont really have any reason for not writing .I checked and only realised that the last post I sent here was on 15 Nov 2009..phew.... and its 11 November today.
Probably I just lost interest after LFC'c poor performance last season.Finishng seventh and a trophyless year, not that I have stopped supporting the team ...but series of dismal showings just made me lost appetite to jot anything down.
Jusr hope LFC are now reviving and awake after a long slumber.. (though last night we only managed to scrape only a draw with Wigan 1-1)...
All the best Roy !

Now ..Mascherano on way out ?

2009-11-15T20:03:00.000-08:00

We are now still feeling the pinch of losing Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. Today,I read that Mascherano is going to leave LFC for Barcelona. I dun feel like commenting more.Just read this piece of news I collect from Daily Star today.

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KOP TO BARCA: £36M MASCH
DAILY STAR SUNDAY
16th November 2009
By Steve Millar

LIVERPOOL will bank the biggest ever pay-day in their history when Javier Mascherano packs his Gucci bags for Barcelona in a staggering £36million mega deal.

It is reported that agents acting for the Spanish giants have agreed personal terms with Mascherano’s
representatives in readiness for the big- money move.

And Liverpool have told Barcelona in no uncertain terms just how much they say the Argentina star, 25, is worth after becoming resigned to losing Mascherano next summer.

Boss Rafa Benitez had already met his midfi eld maestro to begin talks on a new contract extension in line with all his major stars like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

But it was clear from those early discussions that Mascherano, although committing himself to the Liverpool cause, clearly had his mind set on an exit after a summer of transfer speculation.

That point became abundantly clear when Mascherano announced publicly that he already had a Liverpool deal and wasn’t interested about talks on a fresh one.

He said then: “I’m not asking about a new contract. I have never asked for a new deal.

“I read reports about talks and that I was asking for one but I didn’t.

“I already have a contract with Liverpool and I try to give my best for the club. I don’t want to talk any more about a contract or Barcelona.”

Now the scene is set for Benitez to expect his historic windfall which will obviously offset the lost revenue if Liverpool crash out of the Champions League.

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Any comment ?

Van Der Vaart on his way ? Hope so !!

2009-11-12T19:55:00.000-08:00

This is the latest I got from the online paper..
Just hope this guy will play for LFC!

REDS TO SIGN REAL MADRID SUPERSTAR
Internet Report 12 November 2009
Real madrid playmaker Rafael Van der Vaart could be on his way to Premier League club Liverpool.
Rafael van der Vaart has confirmed he will be leaving Spanish Giants Real Madrid in January and wants to move to another top European club, after rejecting a return to his old club Ajax.

Real Madrid will let the playmaker leave for £13million, which is roughly the amount they paid for him last season.

Real Madrid’s multi-million pound arrivals of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema, has led Real needing to recoup some of their spending money.

Real’s summer spending spree put Rafael Van der Vaart a long way down Madrid’s pecking order.

media watchVan der Vaart confirmed reports he had rejected a move back to Amsterdam when he revealed to De Telegraf, “ in principle I find it too early to return to Ajax.”

He added: “I don’t know if I will stay at Real Madrid but there are options. My dream is to play in a major championship namely England, Italy or Germany. Other proposals do not interest me.”

The Dutchman’s inevitable departure from Real Madrid has alerted the interest of injury-hit Liverpool, who will are keen to sign the midfielder.

Liverpool have missed the slick passing of Xabi Alonso, and Van der Vaart, would surely be the ideal man to fill the gap left by the Spaniard.

Liverpool is currently seventh in the Premier League table, and is in their worst run of form for 22 years.

If Benitez is to close the gap on their rivals at least to grab a top 4 spot, another creative player is needed.

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With Van Der Vaart,we'll have more options for attacking midfielder in him/Aquilani/Gerrad..

Thanks all my blogreaders !

2009-11-12T19:46:00.000-08:00

Hello..Assalamualaikum and a good day everyone...have to say that the clicks and visits from you readers have motivated me to write more. Thank you very much for all the support though you don't reply and respond to my writing, by the number of clicks I have recorded,I feel appreciated and this gives me more energy to write in my blog. Hope for the more continuous support from all of you..please spread the words around !

David Ngog..

2009-11-11T23:44:00.000-08:00

Is he gonna be stronger ?
From The Sun UK :

DIVE storm striker David Ngog insists he has the character to cope with the bad times and will bounce back stronger.

Liverpool's French ace caused outrage when he clearly cheated to win the penalty which earned the Reds a 2-2 draw with Birmingham on Monday.

But he said: "You learn more about yourself in the bad times than the good."

Ngog, who has scored four times this season, also admitted Liverpool's efforts so far this season have been 'unacceptable'.

He said: "If you can come through difficulties in life, it will make you stronger in the future.

"I remember at my old club PSG, we were facing relegation, there were a lot of outside distractions.

"It meant I learnt a lot about being a footballer and dealing with pressure.

"I am not 21 until next April so I have plenty of time to learn more and I couldn't be learning from a better boss than Rafa Benitez or a better striker than Fernando Torres."

The Reds have had a disastrous campaign so far - losing eight games.

Ngog added: "Liverpool demands success so losing games like we have isn't acceptable.

"Liverpool is the biggest club in the world so we need to remain confident in our own ability."

Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun expect to be out for four weeks with their hamstring problems.

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To be fair,he admitted to Benitez that he thought that it wasnt a penalty.He's better than Eduardo de Silva, C Ronaldo , Drogba..who gave stupid reasons for the dive they made..

Torres and Gerrard to feature in tonight's game ?

2009-11-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

Liverpool FC are definitely not the same without Gerrard and Torres..everybody knows that.We are surely lacking in matchwinners unlike the other big teams when they don't depend too much on only 2-3 players in their team. But,how unfit are Torres and Gerrard? Some reports suggest that the duo need to be operated but Rafa is trying his best to postpone the operations. Well I think if they need operations,we should just go with it.Not really sure what other fans say about this.

Anyway I quote this from The Sun UK today.

RAFA BENITEZ is prepared to risk Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres against Birmingham tonight.

It is a desperate bid to get Liverpool's season back on track.

The Reds boss admits neither of his two superstars is fit enough to last 90 minutes, as they both battle against recurring groin problems.

And Benitez will tell the managers of England and Spain it would be pointless picking the duo for next week's international friendlies.

But with Liverpool frantic to turn around a run of just one win in eight games, both are likely to be pressed into action at Anfield.

Benitez said: "Gerrard has lost part of his fitness and we will see if he can play against Birmingham or be on the bench. But we know he will not be fully fit.

"He has been training with the physios, not the team, and I know our doctor was talking with the English doctor so they know the situation.

"When a player has not trained with the team for 15 days, he cannot be 100 per cent fit. Available? We will see. They are two different things.

"But he is doing well. He takes care of himself, is a very good professional and we have a very good medical staff. So I think that we can manage.

"We needed to push him a bit before, when he was not fully fit, and we have to wait and see what happens the next time. Fernando was with a Spanish specialist and talking with our staff.

"We know the situation and have to carry on. All we can do is ask how the player is now and make a decision.

"We have to do the best for the players and the best for the team.

"The priority is to have the players for a long time and do the right thing."

Torres has been advised by the Spanish specialist to rest for three weeks.

Yet Benitez insists that does not necessarily mean he has to stop playing. He added: "Fernando has to work with the physios. What can you do when they say rest? It's not just in bed. He will not play if he doesn't go with Spain, so he can just keep working with the physios.

"It's our decision if he plays against Birmingham or not. He is feeling better than he was before, so can carry on with the pain. It's not a problem.

"The question is whether he'll be fully fit or not. But playing him is not a risk.

"If we decide to play him it's because it will be good for the team and not a big problem for the player.

"We know 100 per cent it's not a problem."

Liverpool will be under even more pressure to claim three points, with Tottenham and Aston Villa both stepping up their bids for a place in the top four with wins on Saturday.

Only Manchester City did them a favour by stumbling to a fifth successive draw at home to Burnley.

Yet Benitez is convinced his team is still in a good position. He declared: "You can see the table and it is not a big, big difference.

"It's a question of one or two games and then everything will be different.

"We have to keep working and in one or two months' time I am 100 per cent sure that we will be higher in the table and it will all be totally different.

"The priority, as it was before, is to win against Birmingham. Expectations are really high and it has to be like this.

"When we were winning games in a row, everyone was thinking maybe it will be our year.

"But then we were losing and everyone said that it would be very difficult, if not impossible.

"Too many things have happened like the beach ball or the late goals we conceded against Lyon. They have proved to be a big difference.

"But, hopefully, that will change for the rest of the season and it will be more positive for us.

"The main thing for me is to keep the team working as hard as they are now.

"And maybe to have just a little bit more luck in the last minute.

"Then, if we can win one or two games, it will be totally changed.

"Maybe then we will be talking about another target."

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Just hope the duo will leave the field unscathed today ( and we win too )...or Rafa will invite more criticisms from all corners of the world!

Is there still hopes in Champions League ?

2009-11-04T17:52:00.000-08:00

Those who watched the game must have felt something for Liverpool especially if ur a fan. LFC controlled the game and limitized Lyon's frontliners (who did not look like scoring at all until the last minute)..well thats football and it can be a cruel game. With the performance the lads were showing without at least 7 key players,I would still salute the team but the lapse towards the end of the game cost the team.

Torres was clearly not fit and we could see his movements were quite limited but this actually gave rooms for Kuyt and Babel to move about freely. Babel was good and the goal he scored would be a strong contender for the goal of the competition..but he could sometimes be selfish (which showed quite clearly after he scored the goal). The was a situation where he got loose of the defenders when Benayoun found him in the penalty box with a delicate flick , but instead of crossing it the Torres or Kuyt who were free in the box he opted to shoot and it went well wide. When he was given the task to take a free kick on the edge of the penalty box , again he showed his selfishness.With the angle not favouring him to shoot , he chose wrongly again- shooting waywardly towards the corner flag.. and these happened just when we were winning and the the thought of Lyon equalising did not appear at all in the players' mind (I think )..but it took only ONE moment of concentration-lapse, amd all of the suddden the stadium erupted.. Carragher clasping his hands over his head while others were stunned - a goal Lyon didn't deserve throughput the game..but thats football... You are not judged by the quality of your passes or how fancy your team stars are playing or the percentage of ball possession but ONLY GOAL COUNTS...

Sadly now we have to hope that Lyon would beat Fiorentina in their next game while at the same time we have to beat Debrecen with a respectable scoreline. Other than those mentioned results would mean BYE BYE Chammpions League and welcome UEFA Cup! ..and doesnt end there. If LFC are able to beat Debrecen and Lyon beat Fiorentina, Liverpool will still have to beat Fiorentina..

Rafa's LFC career looks very shaky and anything could happen..Come 24 November,we hope that time we'll have Gerrard,Torres,Aquillani,Aurelio and Skrtel beck in the squad ,doing what they normally do - WINNING !

For Those Who Don't Suppport LFC

2009-11-02T23:55:00.000-08:00

Not everyone viewing this blog supports LFC..I'm very aware of that.Anyway it is important for a BPL fan to read a lot on the so called Big Four clubs.I hope that what I present to all readers/viewers are somewhat beneficial and informative.

I write this blog on the purpose of improving my writing skills and at the same time to be more knowledgeable as you all know that to be able to write well,one will have to improve him/herself in which can only be done by reading a lot .That is why ,other than writing this blog I equip myself with knowledge from online newspapers,football mags, other people's blogsites,biographies of legendary players,etc. I'm sure many of you out there do too.

So you might support Arsenal or Chelsea or even Manu U (the biggest rivals),you are all invited and please do chip in ideas and opinions based on what is happening around us the BPL,especially regarding the Big 4 (or other potential teams).

Enjoy !

Juan Mata wanted by Rafa ?

2009-10-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

This is what I quoted from liverpoolfc.tv

LIVERPOOL IN HUNT FOR JUAN MATA
The Telegraph 29 October 2009
Liverpool have been linked with a £16.5 million move for Valencia winger Juan Mata.
Valencia are struggling financially and desperately need to raise funds. The club's two most prized assets - David Villa and David Silva - have so far remained at the Mestalla, despite keen interest from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Valencia director Fernando Gomez admitted the club may have to sell both, adding: "The club made a great effort to keep our players this summer but our economic situation remains very serious.

"It was a success to keep them, but there comes a point when you can't stand it any more."

Now it looks like Mata will be joining them through the exit door, with Rafa Benitez reportedly willing to pay up to £16.5m for the 21-year-old Spain international.

Mata's current contract is until 2012, but he is only on £10,000 a week and has turned down a new, improved deal.

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This kid is awesome and still very young. If we can get him to play on the left( and Silva on the right...phew...)..
Trying watching him here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D35UVkZgjwA

Alberto Aqulani : Will he be able to fill the gap ?

2009-10-30T05:18:00.000-07:00

He joined LFC 3 months for as one of the most expensive midfielders in LFC's history. Some said 17 mils..some said 20 mils.Whatever the tag was,the hype is high.He has to perform.Many questioned Rafa's move of buying him despite his recurrent ankle injuries but to be honest after a very short 15 mins of display against Arsenal in Carling Cup, I would say that we have bought a good player who might even be better than Xabi Alonso. Why ?
1. He's still only 23 years old .
2. Alonso took 2 years before he became who he was when he left LFC.
3. He has pace that Alonso didn't have.
4. He can dribble.
5. The overhead kick he did against Arsenal showed his agility.
6. Able to attack and defend quickly due to his pace.
7. We'll be able to play in absence of Gerrard as he can cover as attacking midfielder.

Anyway...I know its still a long way to go. I only hope for the better for Aqulani and I am quite positive that he will be in the same ranks (if not better) with our x-midfield maestro - Xabi Alonso.LFC had never failed to produce the finest midfielders in the history of English football and I think there'll be no exception on this Italian youngster.

Hope we'll buy better players in January and I'm hoping that its gonna be Juan Mata or David Silva or DAVID VILLA ! Either one will be good (I wish we get ALL THREE!)

How serious is the Carling Cup to Rafa ?

2009-10-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

Well..the win over Man U is still very much in every players' mind.As much as we like to still drool about the win,the boys still have so much to do as Arsenal will not come easy. Arsenal have the tradition of producing good youngsters and their players are normally more enthusiastic than any other youngsters from other BPL team (youngsters). The likes of Theo Walcott and Thomas Vermalen are just 2 of the many young gunners who are going to shine in many years to come.

Who are going to get the nods from Rafa tonight ? Surely,between the posts ,Cavalieri would be put on trust here. In defence I trust Agger would spearhead alongside Dossena,Insua and Skrtel.Carragher might be benched as he needs a break after the crunching game against Man U. Stephen Darby,Jay Spearing, Aquilani and Plessis might play too. The likes of Gerrard,Benayoun and Kuyt might be rested.Ngog,Nemeth and Pacheco wud stand a very good chance to play..

To be honest,with the probable lineup above I dun think we'll be able to defeat the Gunners.But Rafa will have the final say.He seems not serious when it comes to Carling Cup.Dunno why,lest this cup is actually a quite realistic target for us.
Whatever it is,gud luck boys.. If we cant defeat the Gunners,try to force a draw and get a replay at Anfield where we stand a better chance !

What if it happens to Wenger or Ferguson or Ancellotti?

2009-10-20T02:13:00.000-07:00

Just thinking what if the BEACH BALL incident were to happen to teams under Whiskeynose Fergie or Whiner Wenger or Ancellotti? or even Mark Hughes (now that he's ego is skyrocketing..)hmmm.. at least Benitez still blames the players for the below-PAR performance..

Are we still title contenders ?

2009-10-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

Well..I'm back after a long break..had to mark students' assignments and went for courses and seminars; whilst watching LFC crumbled against Chelsea and "THE BEACH BALL" Sunderland. Frustrated not because we lost both games but the mannner we lost them was too much.. I dun mind the jeers and pokes made by my colleagues as we do that all the time to each others' team ..but the lacklustre perfomance shown by players were very worrying.

As I'm writing this,the thought of tonight's game against Lyon sends shivers through my spine.The French Champions are no pushovers and can never be taken for granted.Just hope for the best and how I wish we never have sold Alonso and Crouch (of all the players..why Crouch- well look at him now,scoring goals for fun !) and Crouch never seemed to upset you when needed.. There will only be ONE TORRES and without him,we look very vulnerable upfront. Who are we to depend on ? Ngog..?Voronin..? Babel..? ..and all of the sudden Nemeth seems to be a suitable replacement,but he lacks experience ; owh if only Benitez has given him enough exposure.But I think this is the time Nemeth should be given the trust to at least partner Babel/Voronin/Kuyt/Ngog as I see him as the only out-and-out striker for the time being.Play him Rafa and I think he'll pay your trust in no time.He seemed to interest so many parties in the U21 World Cup when Hungary came third in the competition ,scoring 3 goals in the process.This guy has pace,big mentality though I have to say that he's a bit impatient;but that drawback could be rectified and corrected by Benitez and the LFC Coaching staff.

Well..I hope that we will still ignite the Barclays Premier League and CL's fire in March next year (as they could be dead by Sunday with defeats against Lyon and MU).
Lets pray and hope for the best (and for Torres to recover soon too !)

Standard Chartered Bank to be Liverpool's main sponsor !

2009-09-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Finally,Carlsberg will end its sponsorship on Liverpool. I got this at our official website ,liverpoolfc.tv ..Not that I have anything against Carlsberg,the end of its sponsorship means that I will be able to wear Liverpool's shirt proudly (with Standard Chartered's logo on it)- unlike now,when I have to look for a shirt without the Carlsberg logo being printed on th shirt.. ( Moslems are not allowed to in any way 'advertise' an alcoholic drink or any other substance prohibited)..

Just read this..
NEWS STORY
LIVERPOOL ANNOUNCE NEW SHIRT SPONSOR
Liverpoolfc.tv 14 September 2009
Liverpool FC and Standard Chartered Bank announced today they had agreed a four year deal for the bank to become the club's main sponsor - the largest commercial agreement in Liverpool's history.
The agreement, which starts in July 2010 and runs through to the end of the 2013-14 season, will see the bank's name and logo appear on the Liverpool shirt.

Liverpool FC is the most successful club in English football, enjoying a global following most recently evidenced in its highly successful pre-season tour of Singapore and Thailand. As official club sponsors, Standard Chartered will enjoy a major rights package which will provide the platform to significantly step up the Bank's brand awareness across its core markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

standardchartered2Standard Chartered PLC, listed on both London and Hong Kong stock exchanges, ranks among the top 25 companies in the FTSE-100 by market capitalisation. The Bank has more than doubled its revenue and profits over the last five years and has performed consistently well, delivering record results throughout the recent financial crisis.

Christian Purslow, Managing Director of Liverpool Football Club, pictured above signing the contract alongside Standard Chartered chairman John Peace, commented: "This partnership brings together two highly successful organisations with a really strong cultural and strategic fit. The sponsorship opportunity attracted a huge level of interest from a wide array of globally recognised brands and in Standard Chartered we believe we have the ideal partner to move forward and help develop our global ambitions for the club. It is a real sign of the progress we have made at Liverpool that we have been able to secure the largest ever commercial deal in our history."

Peter Sands, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered PLC, said: "This is a great partnership. We are excited to be working with such a famous global brand as Liverpool Football Club for the next four years. This is an outstanding opportunity for Standard Chartered, our customers and shareholders, and for Liverpool, its players and fans

"We see many opportunities to continue growing our business, particularly as Asia, Africa and the Middle East are emerging from the global downturn more quickly than the West. This sponsorship will drive a step change in brand recognition in our key markets and will provide an additional catalyst for our business growth.

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Good news ? ..well I understand that for some it is such a disappointment as the word "Carlsberg" wud look more awesome (?)..give comments,ok?

Arjen Robben ?

2009-08-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

Many Reds hate this winger but to be honest..I like the way he plays..and I hope we'll get him.I know he mentioned b4 that he hates Liverpool but that was when he played for Chelsea and R Madrid..I think he wud be a great addition to the team and I support Rafa's move to sign him !
This is what I got from givemefootball.com

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Benitez to pip Fergie for Robben?
Liverpool could step up their pursuit of Real Madrid ace Arjen Robben

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was put on red alert last night after reports spread that Manchester United were after the signature of Arjen Robben.

The Spanish tactician has been a long time admirer of the winger, and could go head-to-head with bitter rival Sir Alex Ferguson for the Madrid maestro’s signature.

  The Dutch international is believed to cost a fee in the region of £18 million, and Manchester United hold the aces with the Glazers prepared to back Ferguson with funds for a stellar signing before the window shuts in 8 days.

In contrast, Tom Hicks and George Gillett have spent the summer restructuring the clubs debts and, as a result, Benitez has been told he has no more money to spend.

However, the Liverpool boss knows the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid could work in his favour.

The Reds boss will want the funds from the Alonso transfer to be available for players if they become available, and reports in the Spanish press suggest Robben has.

Benitez was believed to be chasing Robben as recently as March, and Madrid were considering offering the player as part of a deal for Alonso before they completed the transfer in August.

The Spanish tactician could also raise funds by offloading winger Ryan Babel. Benitez has said in no uncertain terms that Babel is on his last chance to perform, although the player could bring in some much needed revenue with a possible £8 million move.

Arsenal and Turkish giants Galatasary have both been linked with the player in the past, as have former club Ajax, although they would only be willing to take him on a loan deal.

Benitez sees Robben as the world class winger he has been yearning for since moves for David Silva and Franck Ribery fell through.

The pacey wideman has expressed an interest to return to the Premier League after Real Madrid chiefs made it clear that he has no long-term future at the Bernabeu, although his father and agent, Hans Robben, ruled out a move to Tottenham Hotspur.   

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Go for him Rafa !

How good is Kyrgiakos ?

2009-08-23T21:46:00.001-07:00

I quoted this from the official site of Liverpool..

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KYRGIAKOS OUT TO SEIZE CHANCE
SKY Sports 23 August 2009
Sotirios Kyrgiakos is determined to make the most of his Premier League opportunity after making a surprise move to Liverpool.
The Greek defender sealed a switch to Anfield from AEK Athens on Friday evening but admits he did not know the Reds were interested until just a few days ago.

The 30-year-old, who spent time with Rangers earlier in his career, believes he is equipped to cope with the demands of English football.

He is now hoping to make an immediate impact for his new club and could make his debut against Aston Villa on Monday night.

"I am very happy to have this chance at Liverpool," said Kyrgiakos.

"I know I had just signed a new contract with AEK and although it was a good contract, you never stop having ambitions in life, and that is why I am here.

"When you are approached by a club like Liverpool, it is an offer you just cannot refuse.

"I hope that I can bring my strength to this squad, I am good in the air and I have a lot of experience now, so I hope I can be of benefit to Liverpool.

"I have played for Rangers in Scotland and Frankfurt in Germany, that has given me a lot of experience of competitive leagues so I believe I will adapt quickly."

Kyrgiakos missed Greece's successful Euro 2004 campaign through injury and feels this is his chance to achieve something really special in his career.

He explained: "I know that there have not been many Greek players who have been successful in the English game, so I feel that I have something to prove for my country, that we can play at this level.

"For me it is a chance to have success at the very top. I was injured when Greece were European champions in 2004, these things happen in football.

"So I have plenty of motivation to do well in the Premier League and help Liverpool to be successful."

He added: "I only found out on Monday that Liverpool were interested, it was a surprise but I could not say no to this club, and I hope AEK fans understand. I will always have a place in my heart for them.

"This is the best stage for me to play football, I understand Liverpool's traditions and I am proud to have this chance. I have come to the best club, the biggest club."
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I have to say that I'm not quite sure about his inclusion in the team, but maybe..just maybe..by the looks of him and his physique..he looks like a good defender..hope he lives up to the expectation !

Aquillani is really on his way

2009-08-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

Looks like Aquilani is really on his way afterall..
(from givemefootball.com)
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Reds agree Aquilani transfer
By PA Sport August 05, 2009

Liverpool have confirmed that they have reached agreement with Roma to sign midfielder Alberto Aquilani for a fee believed to be £20million.

The signing comes just hours after Xabi Alonso passed his medical at Real Madrid and completed a £30million move to the Bernabeu after five years at Anfield.

It has become clear that the two deals were being negotiated in tandem. Once Liverpool had completed the Alonso transfer, and received the first cash instalment, they were been able to complete the deal for a player to replace the Spaniard in boss Rafael Benitez's squad.

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I have doubts about this guy as he can be injury prone..
but on a contrary,Rafa knows what he's doing.
But still ..we're gonna miss The Passmaster Alonso !

Liverpool in disarray ?

2009-08-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

Liverpool in disarray ?
Yup,I think so..
Just read this and comment..
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Are the Reds in disarray?
Xabi Alonso leaving Liverpool - Jamie Carragher still confident
By Dave Smith August 05, 2009

Liverpool will be £30million richer – but the team will be the poorer for the loss of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.

There’s certainly no talk of a credit crunch in the Spanish capital as Real have now shelled out something in the region of two hundred and fifty millions Euros.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will have to get on with life without playmaker Alonso, and pre-season’s not going so well either.

The Reds kick-off their bid to end a 20-year wait for the domestic league title with a testing trip to Tottenham on August 16.

Jamie Carragher

Whilst senior citizen Jamie Carragher was unhappy with their 3-0 defeat to Espanyol, he still believes they will be on track come the start of the season.

"Espanyol was only a pre-season game but it was still a disappointing result for us because you never want to get beaten," Carragher said.

"Sunday's defeat was a mixture of things. It just wasn't our night but it's getting closer to the season now and we've got a couple of weeks to put it right.

"That's what these games are all about though and, hopefully, we'll be ready when the season kicks-off.

"From our point of view, we've still got a few players coming back into it and I think we felt it in the conditions out there."

Aquilani is on his way ?

2009-08-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well it really seems inevitable that Alonso is leaving now.Talks between both teams had taken place.Liverpool seemed not to want to back off from their 35 mill pounds valuation of Alonso whilst Real are reported to only willing to cough up 26 mills...

Looks like Rafa has already aiming for a replacement when Alonso departs ,in a form of Alberto Aquilani..
I have seen this guy playing for Roma..and TBH,I think he's good but not as good as Alonso.His style is very much like Andre Pirlo but Pirlo is more agressive..
I'm sure if he really is coming to LFC,Rafa wud be able to mould him in a better player,like how he had moulded Alonso.

Read more .. I quoted this from The Sun UK.
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Liverpool Sign Roma Ace Alberto Aquilani

The latest reports from Spain claim the midfielder has signed for the Reds, but news emerging from Italy is more cautious in tone...
Liverpool have signed Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, according to the latest reports from Spain.

Marca claims Roma have accepted an €18million bid for the Italian midfielder. Reds manager Rafael Benitez is said to be keen on the Italian.

The report suggests the Spanish coach has moved in quickly in an attempt to have an alternative to Xabi Alonso. Voices in Spain claim Alonso is on the verge of joining Real Madrid, and it appears Liverpool have wasted no time in signing his replacement.

It is said Liverpool are still trying to negotiate a deal with Real Madrid for Alonso. According to Marca, the Reds want nothing less than €35m for the Spanish international.

Sky Sport Italia are speculating that Aquilani has agreed to a four year deal worth €4m per season with the Reds, but the move is hinging on Alonso's passage to the Bernabeu.

Despite the reports in Spain, there has been no official confirmation from Roma regarding the news that Aquilani has signed for the Anfield-based club.

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I wish the best of luck to Alonso,and hopes that he won't warm the bench when he signs for Real Madrid.

David Villa ,anyone ?

2009-07-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

Hmmm..this is by far the best rumour I've heard after the heartbreaking news that Alonso has really asked to be transported to Real Madrid.. Just hope this move will materialise and we'll have Torres-Villa partnership that we've always dreamed of..
This is an excerpt I collected from The Sun today ..hope it will be a reality..
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RAFA BENITEZ will use the money from the Xabi Alonso deal to bid for Spain striker David Villa.

Midfielder Alonso is expected to seal a £30million move to Real Madrid today - and Liverpool boss Benitez aims to pair Villa with current Kop frontman Fernando Torres in the double act that has been so deadly for the Euro 2008 champions.

Anfield skipper Steven Gerrard would move back into central midfield, alongside Javier Mascherano, with Benitez changing his formation to 4-4-1-1.

Villa, 26, has already turned down moves to Real and Barcelona this summer but Liverpool feel Torres can persuade his pal to leave Valencia for England.

Benitez, however, recognises potential difficulties in nabbing Villa and does have a Plan B.

Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, 24, is seen as a possible replacement for Alonso, 27, who asked for a transfer to force through his move.

Bernabeu bigwigs are haggling over the fee and have suggested a cash- plus-player swap. Liverpool, though, would much rather take a full cash payment.

Alonso is really going to Madrid ?

2009-07-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

Well..I'm back writing after a long break ,busy with students' assignments and other workloads at home and office; and also fulfilling my duties as a son to my parents.. Well I am quoting from a piece of news I got from The Sun UK...something that most Reds will not enjoy reading .. but anyway, to be honest(TBH),I have already expected this to happen.. If this really happens,my best wishes to Alonso whom I regarded (and many regarded too) as the best passer in the business today..in fact he is a better passer than Scholes, Rooney, Carrick,Lampard or any other EPL defensive midfielders. He creates space for attackers unpredictably,behind defenders with mesmerizing techniques ..owh how we will miss him when he's gone..
Just read this piece of news and comment ..
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Xabi £28million Kop out

XABI ALONSO is expected to complete his £28million dream move to Real Madrid on Monday.

The Spanish midfielder stunned Liverpool by slapping in a written transfer request.

And Real pounced to make him their latest big-money arrival after upping their offer from £24m.

Kop boss Rafa Benitez wanted £30m but will accept slightly less after conceding defeat in his battle to keep him. A Bernabeu source said: "We expect a positive solution between the clubs in the next few days."

Losing Alonso will be a blow to Benitez but he will use some of the cash to make a £12m raid for Wigan's England Under-21 star Lee Cattermole.

The Latics turned down a bid from Sunderland for their prized asset last week.

But they are unlikely to stand in his way if Liverpool come calling.

Roma's Alberto Aquilina and Athletic Bilbao's Javier Martinez are possible replacements.

Benitez could also launch a raid for Alonso's Spanish team-mate David Villa, despite the striker saying he wants to remain with Valencia.

Alonso hopes his exit can be arranged hastily.

But full-back Alvaro Arbeloa, who has completed his £3.5m switch from Liverpool to Real, said: "It wasn't easy for me to get here because Rafa defends his interests hard.

"I also understand he is currently coaching the team and that he's left negotiations aside for now.

"I hope Xabi joins because he is a good player and a good friend."

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...and Arbeloa has immediately turned traitor ? WTH !?

Anyway,I think it's inevitable now that Alonso will leave.My last hope is we will suck the money dry off Real this time..I still remember when they bought Owen for 8 mills and sold him back for 17 mills to Newcastle..hope this time we have learnt a good lesson when dealing with Real.

Rafa says NO to Ribery rumour ?

2009-07-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

Again..I got this from The Sun UK..I was a bit frustrated but deep inside I hope Rafa is just trying to smokescreen Ribery's move to Anfield !
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Rafa finds it a Rib-tickler

By PHIL THOMAS

RAFA BENITEZ has laughed off rumours Franck Ribery is joining Liverpool.

The Kop boss insists he already has everything in place to bring the title to Anfield.

Bookies slashed the odds on 26-year-old French midfielder Ribery swapping Bayern Munich for Merseyside after a run of bets.

But Benitez said: "I will be really pleased if we can keep this squad together because I don't think we need to do too many things.

"I don't think we'll be signing anyone else for big, big money, just maybe the ones who can fit into our team.

"Right now we are just thinking of improving the fitness of the players, not thinking about the transfer market. We have the quality there and we will have our chances again."

Benitez paid nearly �18million for Glen Johnson and has been fending off interest in Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso.

But Alvaro Arbeloa is likely to head off for Real Madrid.

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We are already out of the crisis..I think Rafa shud ask the money from the owners and try bidding for Ribery ! He's gonna be awesome !

Will Real Madrid ever give up on Alonso ?

2009-07-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

Just wanna share a piece of news I got from the Sun UK today..
What if he really joins Madrid ?!

Xabi still on Real radar

REAL MADRID still want to sign Xabi Alonso from Liverpool.

Boss Manuel Pellegrini said: "He's an important player as he has shown with the Spanish team.

"It's no mystery that Real Madrid are interested in his services, but it will not be easy."

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Real Madrid know that Alonso has always dreamt of coming home and they are really using Alonso's vulnerability to lure him back to playing in Spain..
After what Alonso had shown us last season,surely many Kopities will not want Alonso to leave but to be honest,the temptation can sometimes be very great..I fear that Alonso might go back to Madrid and make his 'dream move' to Spain..(and what more to Real Madrid)..

If..If..Alonso really is going,hope he will leave with very big sum of money paid by Real Madrid to us..

Yossi penned a new deal till 2013

2009-07-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

This is an official news I got from the Kop Official Website ,liverpoolfc.tv
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Yossi Benayoun today spoke of his delight after signing a new deal to keep him at Anfield until 2013.The 29-year-old put pen to paper on a two-year extension to his current deal this afternoon.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I am very happy that we have reached an agreement. Of course, to be at a club like this is a dream come true and I want to keep playing here.

"Hopefully now I can concentrate on the hard work that needs to be done and try to play better and better and win some silverware."

The Israeli international, who moved to Anfield from West Ham in July 2007, scored nine goals in 42 appearances during 2008-09.

In February, Benayoun marked Liverpool's first ever competitive visit to the Bernabeu with the only goal as we beat Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16.

A dramatic stoppage-time winner at Fulham followed in April before our No.15 struck twice in the pulsating 4-4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield.

He follows Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt in committing his long-term future to the club.

Boss Rafa Benitez said: "You know that our idea was to extend the contracts of some players and Yossi was one of these players.

"He has been really good for us over the last year, scoring crucial goals and getting assists, so we wanted to keep him and I'm really pleased with the extension."

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Hope Mascherano and Alonso will follow suit..

LFC bailed out by HIcks / Gillet ?

2009-06-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

Read what I've got from The Sun today..
If this really happens,we'll buy more quality players..

By DEAN JONES

GEORGE GILLETT has pulled off a stunning deal in America to rescue Liverpool from a financial nightmare.

Reds owner Gillett and partner Tom Hicks have been struggling to meet payments on a £350million debt incurred as part of their 2007 Anfield takeover.

But Gillett is selling ice hockey giants Montreal Canadiens to the brewers Molson for £340m - almost exactly double the price he paid them for an 80 per cent share in 2001.

News of his £178m profit comes just two weeks after Liverpool's accountants warned of "significant doubt" over repayments due on July 24 and defender Jamie Carragher said he feared key players could be sold.

The sale should be finalised once NHL chiefs give it the all-clear. Canadiens spokesman Donald Beauchamp said: "We would expect the deal to go through in a month or two."

Gillett was highly regarded in Montreal as he helped out with cash to sign top players. But he has not made quite the same impression in England.

Liverpool fans have become frustrated at his squabbling with partner Hicks. The pair took out a £350m loan when they bought the club in 2007 and have made no progress with a new stadium.

Accounts show Kop Holdings, the parent company of the club, lost £42.6m in the year up to August 2008. Interest payments on loans accounted for £36.5m.

There could be further good news for the Reds now though as Hicks is hoping to sell off his Texas Rangers baseball team and make a £97m profit.
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Hope this is true..