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Liverpool are poised to snap up Reading defender Alex Pearce when his contract expires at the end of the season

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:12:49 GMT

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has been monitoring the young centre back throughout the Royals campaign and has seen enough to convince him to bring him to Anfield. Pearce, 24, has only made 21 appearances this term but, having worked with him during his spell in charge at the Madejski Stadium, the Liverpool boss is convinced he has all the raw attributes to be a big hit on Merseyside and sees him as a perfect replacement for the retiring Jamie Carragher.

Reading’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed after a drab 0-0 draw with fellow strugglers QPR on Sunday. It is understood that Republic of Ireland international Pearce confirmed to Royals manager Nigel Adkins after the game that he would not be signing a new deal at the club, with a move to Liverpool already agreed in principle.

Source: metro

Brazilian football mired in power play

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:08:59 GMT

Brazil's sports minister Aldo Rebelo has reiterated his desire to overhaul the country's football calendar in a bid to revitalize its foundering domestic competitions. But in doing so he has set the government on a collision course with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Not to mention highlight how political maneuvering can shape sport in South America's biggest country.

Speaking during an event on Monday, Rebelo said it was time Brazil acted to stop the vacuum of home grown talent to European clubs. "We are a country that has participated in every World Cup and that has won the tournament five times, more than any other team," Rebelo said. "But we have only two per cent of football's financial wealth while England has more than 30% and Germany 23%."

"Our clubs have missed out on international exposure and we need to make the most of the 2014 World Cup to change this panorama". The government last week announced the formation of a football task force charged with addressing the dire financial plight of local clubs. The initiative, which includes a proposal to cap player salaries, could see the government waive taxes of up to one billion US-dollars currently owed by clubs to Brazil's treasury.

It also flags a plan to streamline the cluttered calendar by bringing it line with European football. Under the current format, which begins in January and ends in early December, Brazil's top-flight clubs play in two domestic championships, a cup competition and continental tournaments. Proponents of a change say a break corresponding with the northern hemisphere summer would allow local clubs to gain international exposure by playing friendlies against Europe's top teams during their pre-season.

There are also increasing calls for the reduction - or even abolition - of Brazil's state championships, which last almost five months despite drawing dismal crowds and television ratings. Rio de Janeiro's Campeonato Carioca, which includes Brazilian giants Flamengo, Fluminense, Vasco da Gama and Botafogo, has this year attracted average crowds of less than 3,000 paying fans. The government's pronouncement on the calendar issue was last Friday (April 26) rebuked by CBF president Jose Maria Marin via a statement on the body's website.

"In addition to sounding like intervention, for not being the minister of sport's duty to make changes to the calendar, the correct forums for this discussion are the CBF, the state federations and the clubs," the statement read. Therein lies the issue. Drawn-out state-league competitions, while seen as an anachronism to most, are vital to Brazil's myriad lower-tier clubs who need their two matches a year against Flamengo, Corinthians et al to stay financially solvent. Fair enough? Perhaps. If not for the fact that it is the support of those very clubs that Marin needs to stay in power.

Source: news.xinhuanet

Barcelona forced to wait for fourth La Liga title after Bilbao draw

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:27:22 GMT

Barcelona: Spanish giants Barcelona will have to wait for a while to clinch a fourth La Liga title in five seasons following their 2-2 draw against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. The Catalans needed to win their match and hope that arch rivals Real Madrid lost their derby game against Atletico Madrid to guarantee the title, but neither result transpired as Real beat their city rivals 2-1 to reduce the arrears to 11 points.

Coupled with a Champions League defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in midweek, Barcelona had a further shock when Bilbao took the lead in the 27th minute when Markel Susaeta scored from close range, although forward Lionel Messi steered his club back into the match in the 67th minute. Atletico remain in third, 13 points ahead of fourth-place Real Sociedad who can close the gap if they beat Valencia on Sunday, the report added.

ANI

Source: zeenews.india

Soccer-Barcelona title on hold after draw at Bilbao

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:42:51 GMT

Barcelona must wait at least another week to wrap up the title after they conceded a late goal in a 2-2 draw at Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Saturday. Victory for Barca and defeat for second-placed Real Madrid at city neighbours Atletico in the later kickoff (1800 GMT) would have given the leaders an unassailable 16-point advantage over their great rivals with five matches left.

However, Real now have a chance to trim the gap to 11 points although they are missing injured top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo for the trip to the Calderon. Athletic, without a win in six La Liga games against Barca at their San Mames stadium, took a surprise 27th-minute lead when Aritz Aduriz crossed for Markel Susaeta to finish from close range.

Barca huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser but were fortunate not to fall 2-0 behind when Susaeta struck a free kick against the crossbar 10 minutes into the second half. Only when Argentine forward Lionel Messi, who missed Barca's last three La Liga games with a hamstring strain, came off the bench on the hour did the Catalans rediscover their cutting edge. The World Player of the Year brilliantly weaved his way past four defenders to equalise in the 67th minute and Alexis Sanchez, who earlier struck the post, made it 2-1 two minutes later.

Messi's goal, his 44th in 33 league matches this season, set another record as it took his tally away from home to 24, one more than the previous best set by Ronaldo last term. Barca have also equalled their own La Liga record by scoring in 26 consecutive away matches. They looked to have another three points safely in the bag before Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera rifled a low shot into the corner of the net on 90 minutes to send the home fans into raptures on a wet and chilly evening in the Basque Country.

Barca may have another chance to wrap up the title next weekend when they play at home to Real Betis on Sunday after Real have hosted Real Valladolid on the Saturday. In Saturday's earlier kickoff, Celta Vigo boosted their chances of avoiding relegation when they won 1-0 at Levante to climb out of the danger zone. (Reporting by Iain Rogers; editing by Tony Jimenez)

Source: sports.yahoo

Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers not worried by Rafael Benítez comments

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:58:43 GMT

Brendan Rodgers has said he is unperturbed that Rafael Benítez may covet his job, insisting that Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, wanted a fresh start when they replaced Kenny Dalglish last summer. The Liverpool manager believes Benítez broke an unwritten managerial rule in an interview with Marca this week, when the Chelsea interim manager said he would "certainly" return to Liverpool.

"I would not personally [speak about another manager's job]," said Rodgers. "I have never done it and I would never think to do it."Benítez, however, is adamant that his words referred to the city – his family still live in Wirral – and not the club he served for six years before being replaced by Roy Hodgson in 2010.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's Europa League tie against Rubin Kazan on Wednesday, Benítez explained: "My family is in Liverpool, and that is my home. So hopefully I can come back to Liverpool any time. That is sure. Just to clarify: I'm talking about my home and my family, not the club. I have to go back there next week because we play against Liverpool."

Rodgers was well aware of Benítez's interest in a return to Liverpool last summer, and of the popular support that the Spaniard retains at the club where he won the Champions League and FA Cup.

"I do not know him personally," said the Liverpool manager. "Obviously it sounds like before I came here and while I was here he would love to have the job here. He has made that perfectly clear. I hope that won't be for a long time because I hope to be here a long time and offer the club stability and we'll move forward as one club."

The Liverpool manager said that his arrival from Swansea City demonstrated the owner's desire to start anew. "The opportunity was there last summer if the owners wanted to go down that route. Rafa was unemployed but they wanted to grow the club in a different way.

"The board, myself and the players have all become one. We have built the club to have success in the future. This is a truly remarkable club that many managers would want to manage at, including Rafa Benítez."Liverpool's midfielder Lucas Leiva, a Benítez signing from Gremio in 2007, has signed a new long-term contract at Anfield, the club have announced.

Source: guardian

Paris Saint-Germain 2 Barcelona 2: match report

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:35:28 GMT

This was a crazy, compelling game, highlighting Barcelona’s reliance on Lionel Messi and the occasional madcap nature of their defence. This also showed that for all David Beckham’s disciplined display for 70 minutes, Paris St-Germain buzzed with more energy without him, scoring twice in a memorable climax to this Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Beckham was rarely a forceful influence on proceedings. Unlike Dani Alves with an incredible pass with the outside of his right boot to set up Barcelona’s first. Unlike Messi with that finish from a difficult angle after 38 minutes, the Barcelona No 10’s 57th goal of another astonishing season. Unlike his PSG team-mate Lucas Moura with some of his runs, the type which attracted the brief, unrequited interest of Manchester United last summer.

Unlike Thiago Silva, Beckham’s captain who reminded everyone why he is one of the world’s most accomplished centre-halves. Brazilians and Argentines eclipsed the sole English player left in the competition.

Beckham was tidy but he lacked impact. Unlike Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose early travails were forgotten as he equalised from an offside position after 79 minutes and then created Blaise Matuidi’s goal four minutes and 14 seconds into added time. Not like Xavi with his work-rate and 90th-minute penalty which seemed to have given Barcelona victory until Matuidi intervened.

There were so many individuals contributing that Beckham’s involvement must be placed in proper perspective. Anyone trying to jump-start the “Beckham for England” bandwagon needs to consider the stats.

He committed three fouls, was cautioned, and completed only 22 of 36 passes. In contrast, Xavi completed 74 out of 92. A surprising starter, Beckham earned praise from his coach, Carlo Ancelotti. “I picked Beckham because he has the ability to play forward passes, and in the first 30 minutes, it was the key to us to show good football, changing sides.’’

This was Beckham’s 106th appearance in the Champions League, a competition he won in 1999, famously striding out of the Camp Nou clutching the trophy which was then deposited on the dashboard of Manchester United’s coach. Last night he faced those special players who call Camp Nou home.
Barcelona’s captain, Xavi, gave him an affectionate tap on the cheek in the pre-match handshakes. Respect. A Beckham shirt was sent into the away dressing-room afterwards.

“To start a game like this shows how much confidence the manager’s got in me,’’ said Beckham. “To be part of occasions like this is obviously always special. I’ve not played in the Champions League for a few years so to be back in it, to be playing against a team and players like this is special.’’

Players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets who ran midfield for long periods. “It’s never easy playing against players like the midfield they’ve got,’’ added Beckham. “Because they pass the ball around well and you’re constantly chasing because they’re so comfortable on the ball, every one of their players from the goalkeeper to the back-four, midfield and upfront.’’

It took almost four minutes before he had a touch. Mainly stationed in front of his back-four, Beckham spent plenty of time chasing famous shadows. He kept running in to close down Xavi or Iniesta but they just turned away, keeping the ball or laying it off to a team-mate.

There was invariably somebody available. It’s the Barcelona way. The colour of the strip may change, this one being a gaudy peach number that would not have looked out of place on Place Pigalle, but the footballing principles remain the same. Possession, possession, possession: the mantra that Messi and company were taught at La Masia.

PSG still had their chances. Ezequiel Lavezzi almost scored after five minutes, beating Javier Mascherano and shooting goalwards, the ball taking a touch off Busquets and clipping a post. Javier Pastore tested Victor Valdes with a low shot. Lucas, embarked on a strong run, cutting in from the right before passing left to Ibrahimovic, whose shot slithered wide.

But Barcelona’s familiar strengths were soon being paraded on this famous pitch. Dani Alves, his blond crop gleaming under the lights, tore down the right. Over on the left, Jordi Alba overlapped David Villa or Alexis Sanchez, who switched occasionally. Messi sprang vividly to life as the half closed. With seven minutes remaining until the break, Alves brilliantly picked out Messi and the little Argentine beat Salvatore Sirigu with a powerful shot from left to right. Always Messi, always turning half-chances into rich returns.

As the Barcelona fans chanted “Messi, Messi”, he went close to adding a second but that was his night’s work done. Messi departed at the break rubbing his hamstring, and is a serious doubt for the return fixture next week. Definitely missing will be Matuidi, who triggered a suspension after being booked for fouling Iniesta.

That could mean Beckham starts again, alongside the returning Thiago Motta. Yet Beckham’s replacement, Marco Verratti, injected real impetus, along with Jeremy Menez. Strengthened by fresh legs, PSG went for Barcelona. Javier Mascherano was hobbling with a knee injury, eventually departing and ruled out for “four to six weeks” according to Barcelona. Valdes and the visitors’ defence started arguing with officials, forgetting to concentrate, allowing PSG to equalise.

After Thiago Silva hit the post, Ibrahimovic pounced on the loose ball. He was offside but the German referee, Wolfgang Stark, and none of the officials noticed. "It's impossible the referee didn't see the offside,’’ said Busquets. “Ibra was 1-2 metres offside.’’Neither keeper was impressing. Salvatore Sirigu rushed from his line and brought down Sanchez. Dive said PSG. “Piscine,’’ said Ancelotti, indicating where Sanchez’s response belonged.
“The second goal was a gift by the referee. The penalty on Alexis wasn't one, it was a gift from the referee.’’ Yet Sirigu did not need to make the challenge, and he caught Sanchez.

Xavi waited for the baying throng to calm down before converting the penalty. He ran to the away fans rubbing his head in delight as the Barcelona bench celebrated, including Tito Vilanova, who was returning from his cancer treatment in New York. The game seemed over. This was surely an emotional victory for Vilanova and his players. But then Ibrahimovic headed the ball to Matuidi, who fired past Valdes. “We would have taken a 2-2 before the game, but now the result leaves a bittersweet taste,’’ said Xavi.

Source: telegraph

Liverpool close to challenging for next season's top four – Steven Gerrard

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:19:09 GMT

Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League ended some weeks ago yet Steven Gerrard believes the side are "not far away" from breaking into the Premier League's top four.

Speaking after the 2-1 win at Aston Villa, during which Gerrard put in a man-of-the-match display, contributing to both goals as well as making a stunning goalline clearance from Christian Benteke's 65th-minute header, the club captain insisted that a few signings are all that separates Liverpool from returning to Europe's elite competition. They are currently seventh, seven points behind Chelsea in fourth.

"We're not far away," said Gerrard. "There will be some improvements in the summer to the squad and we believe we can then put in a better challenge for the top four next season.

"We know what our problem is and it's inconsistency. For the majority of the games [this season] we have played well enough to be higher up the league than we are, but when you look at performances like Southampton, Aston Villa at home, West Brom away, Arsenal at home; there's a handful of games there that this team hasn't turned up. That's the reason why we are sitting where we are in the table. But there have been some fantastic performances, ones that are well worth a top-four finish."

Gerrard was not the only Liverpool player who shone at Villa Park, with Luis Suárez putting in another industrious and ingenious display. Philippe Coutinho, the 20-year-old Brazilian who arrived at Anfield from Internazionale for £8.5m in January, also impressed with his skill and passing range, and it is players of their calibre that, as far as Gerrard is concerned, Liverpool should be targeting in the close season.

"If you have players like Coutinho and Suárez in your team then you win games," said the 32-year-old. "Ever since I was a player as a kid, you always find it easier to play alongside quality players. All the way through, Michael Owen, [Fernando] Torres, Suárez, Coutinho, they are the easiest players to play with."

Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, has made clear his desire to extend Gerrard's stay at Anfield. The midfielder's deal expires at the end of next season and Rodgers is adamant that "a new contract is on the agenda". Gerrard, however, was in no mood to speak about the situation, insisting that such talks are "not a priority" and that "the important thing is to finish the season strongly and feeling good".

His long-time team-mate and friend Jamie Carragher is convinced he will end his career at Anfield and that his displays this season – Gerrard has played every minute of their Premier League games – prove that he remains a formidable force.

"I'm sure he will sign a contract and finish his career at Liverpool the way I've done," said Carragher, who announced in February that he will be retiring in the summer having made his debut for the club in 1997. "I'm sure he'll sit down and sort it out in the next couple of months. "Steve will be finishing his career at Liverpool. He is captain fantastic every week. He's been doing it for years, scoring at one end, saving at the other."

Carragher was also full of praise for Suárez and stated his belief that the Uruguayan, the Premier League's top scorer, should be named PFA's player of the year. "I've played with a lot of top players here and I've always said Stevie was the best. But Luis is on his shoulder, he is very close, and [against Villa] he showed why he deserves to be player of the year."

Sunday's victory, in which Liverpool scored twice in the second half following to Benteke's 31st-minute opener, put the Merseysiders back within three points of Everton, who have a game in hand, in sixth. Their realistic ambition is to secure a Europa League place and Gerrard has insisted the team will go all out to win their remaining seven fixtures. "We need to keep the pressure up for that European place," he said. "A lot of the teams above us play each other so we're hoping there are a few slip-ups and we can capitalise. It's important that we keep on taking maximum points. The manager told us that every game is like a cup final now."

Source: guardian

Liverpool's Joe Allen named in Wales squad for World Cup qualifiers

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:40:31 GMT

The Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen has been included in Chris Coleman's Wales squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and Croatia. The former Swansea player is struggling with a shoulder injury which will require surgery. Liverpool will decide when he has the operation but, for now at least, he is available as Wales look to build on last month's win over Austria.

Tottenham's Gareth Bale is also included, with Wales hoping to see a continuation of his stunning recent form, which has delivered 11 goals in his last 10 games. Celtic's full-back Adam Matthews, though, misses out with the hamstring injury he picked up in the Scottish club's Champions League exit at the hands of Juventus.

James Collins provides a welcome option at centre-half after missing the 2-1 win over the Austrians, while the Leeds striker Steve Morison is another to return from injury. Crystal Palace's Darcy Blake has been deemed short of match fitness and is omitted, but his club colleague Jonathan Williams is promoted from the under-21 squad after scoring in their 3-0 win over Iceland and impressing in the Championship.

Cardiff's striker Craig Bellamy is again included after rubbishing reports of retiring from international football, while Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey is also back after being a late withdrawal for the game against Austria. Wayne Hennessey is a long-term absentee as the Wolves goalkeeper continues his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury, so Boaz Myhill, Lewis Price and Owain Fon Williams are the three goalkeepers selected.

Wales face Scotland, in Gordon Strachan's first competitive game in charge, at Hampden Park a week on Friday, before meeting Croatia in Swansea the following Tuesday.

Source: guardian

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has 'bounced back' says Stewart Downing

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:45:05 GMT

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing believes goalkeeper Jose Reina is returning to top form again after the Spain international played a crucial role in the 4-0 win at Wigan. The match was not as easy for the Reds as the scoreline suggests with Reina pulling off brilliant saves from Emmerson Boyce and Franco Di Santo at 2-0 and 3-0 in the first half.

The Spaniard has been criticised for errors this season but Downing feels the goalkeeper is back to his best. "It's hard for keepers. As players, we make many mistakes in games, but they get overshadowed by other things," he said. "A keeper makes a mistake and it's in the back of the net. It is a tough position to play. "But you see his save at 2-0 and if we had gone in 2-1 at half-time that would have made it more difficult.

"People don't tend to see that, but we as players could see it was an important save. "It gave us the platform to go on and get the third goal and it was easy from then on. "He's a top-class goalkeeper. Everyone has dips in form and things like that.

"It's about the way you bounce back and he certainly has."Downing was also impressed with the contribution of Philippe Coutinho, the £8.5million January signing from Inter Milan making only his third appearance for the club. The 20-year-old provided assists for the first two goals, crossing for Downing and then sliding the pass through for the first of Luis Suarez's hat-trick in an encouraging 70-minute display.

"He's had two good games (his other match was a 12-minute debut as a substitute)," added Downing. "He will find it hard physically because this is different from the two leagues he's played in. "I think he's settled in well and he's had two really good performances. "If he can keep playing like that - and with Luis banging in the goals - then we've got a really good chance."

PA

Source: independent

Liverpool vs. Zenit St. Petersburg: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:05:58 GMT

Liverpool will look to keep their season alive in the 2013 Europa League when they welcome Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg to Anfield this week. Zenit took a 2-0 win at home in the first leg to give them a huge advantage heading into this one—setting the Reds a huge task if they want to progress.

Brendan Rodgers' side will no doubt be looking for goals in this one—something that the Merseyside club are more than capable of on their day—with their latest match against Swansea testament to that. The Reds netted five goals in the second half alone to run out big winners, and Rodgers will be hoping that a similar attacking dominance is brought into this fixture here.

With goals likely to flow, this is shaping as a fascinating fixture indeed. Can Liverpool score enough to see them through to the next round of competition? Or will it be the Russian giants who hang on to their earlier advantage?

Read on for a full preview of this match including all the necessary details, live stream and viewing information as well as some last-minute predictions.

Source: bleacherreport