Rafa: Pressure on Blues

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes the pressure is firmly on Chelsea when the sides clash in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Despite The Blues holding a 1-0 advantage from their first leg tie at Stamford Bridge, they fell five points behind Manchester United in the title race at the weekend.
Benitez knows Jose Mourinho must land silverware regularly and believes the pressure is firmly on the ex-Porto man at Anfield.
Liverpool's Spanish boss is happy his side only have a one goal deficit to make up and is looking forward to dumping Chelsea out of Europe.
"I don't want to analyse what Chelsea say or do," Benitez said in the Daily Express.
"All I know is that they have spent millions and millions and they need to win trophies.
"If you spend this amount of money, it is to win trophies.
"That means if they cannot win the league now, they will be under real pressure.
"The positive thing for me is that we played badly, but conceded one at Stamford Bridge."

By:James Pearson

Date:30 Apr 2007

Credit:www.skysports.com

Waster

RAFA BENITEZ insists Jose Mourinho will have wasted Roman Abramovich’s megabucks if Chelsea fail to grab Champions League glory.
Liverpool chief Benitez taunted his arch-rival by saying: “Chelsea have spent millions and millions, they need to win trophies.”
The Kop boss reckons the heat is on the Blues to conquer Europe as they are now five points behind Manchester United in title race with three games left.
Going into tomorrow’s Euro semi-final second leg against Mourinho’s men at Anfield, Benitez added: “If you spend this amount of money it’s to win trophies.
“That means if Chelsea can’t win the league now they will be under real pressure.”
The Reds trail 1-0 from last week’s first leg but Rafa added: “When you play against Chelsea, who have spent more money than anyone else in the world in the last five years, we must be calm and say ‘OK, if we can beat them, perfect — but if we can’t we’ll do our best’.”
He added: “They are favourites. If you analyse the last five years and the value of each player then we must be the underdogs.
“But if we play at our best level we can beat them.”

By:DAVE KIDD
Date:30 April 2007
Credit:www.thesun.co.uk

Kop are too hot for Mourinho

BOLO ZENDEN is banking on the boiling passion of the Kop to make life too hot to bear for Chelsea.
Anfield will be throbbing for tomorrow’s Champions League semi-final, second leg.
And Liverpool’s ex-Blues midfielder Zenden is sure some of Jose Mourinho’s men will crack under the pressure.
The Dutchman, his side 1-0 down from last week’s first leg, said: “I know Anfield will be boiling for this match.
“It will be a fantastic atmosphere and some Chelsea players will feel the pressure.
“We want our fans to spur us on and give us that extra bit we might need to overturn the deficit.
“There is no place like Anfield on a European night.”
Most of Rafa Benitez’s big guns will be fresh as daisies for the monster Euro return.
While Chelsea were suffering a major blow to their Premiership title ambitions against Bolton, the majority of the Merseysiders’ first-teamers were putting their feet up back home instead of travelling to what was almost a meaningless 2-1 defeat for Liverpool at Portsmouth.
Zenden, one of only four players on duty at Fratton Park who played in the first leg at Stamford Bridge, is desperate to make amends for the Champions League semi-final defeat he suffered with Barcelona in 2000.
He added: “Chelsea had a blow to their title ambitions, though the main thing is to focus on ourselves.
“I’m sure we are capable of a good performance, hopefully like the ones against Barcelona. I played in the semi-final for Barcelona against Valencia. We lost 4-1 in the first game and no one really believed we would turn it around at the Nou Camp.
“It’s not a nice feeling being on the losing side in any competition. But it is even worse in a European semi-final.”
Mourinho has told his players they can turn into his ‘Incredibles’.
The Quadruple looks to have gone, thanks to Chelsea’s title slip-up in the 2-2 draw with Bolton while Manchester United were coming from 2-0 down to win 4-2 at Everton.
But boss Mourinho still has his sights on the Treble of knockout cups.

He insisted: “They have still achieved a lot and have a lot they can win. They have a big chance on Tuesday to make history and do something incredible for their careers and for this club.
“We have won two titles in England in the previous two seasons and we keep trying to get the Treble.
“If we can reach another final in the Champions League, like we have reached two already this season in the Carling Cup and the FA Cup, and be second in the Premiership that will be an unbelievable feeling.
“I have already had my team-talk. I wanted them to remember where we are and what we are doing and what we have to do. It is very important to be strong mentally and to understand the big game we are playing on Tuesday. That’s the best way to forget what has been happening.
“Of course they were devastated. But Liverpool should also be devastated, as they are third in the Premiership and had lost the title in January.
“So, maybe that makes the game between us even bigger.”
Chelsea will be seriously hampered by the loss of key defender Ricardo Carvalho to a knee injury. German midfielder Michael Ballack is also out, following an ankle operation possibly carried out without his club’s permission.
Mourinho has not yet conceded the title to United but admitted he was ‘sad’ as it was nearly gone.
He said: “Mathematically there is a chance and when the chance is there you have to believe and chase the opportunity you have. But Manchester United are very, very close.”

By:DAVE KIDD and SHAUN CUSTIS
Date:30 April 2007
Credit:www.thesun.co.uk

Opta Feature: Reds going grand

Liverpool may have their minds on next week’s UEFA Champions League second-leg clash with Chelsea, but in travelling to Portsmouth on Saturday, the Reds have a chance of joining an exclusive Premiership club.
The Merseysiders have amassed a total of 998 points since the inception of the Premiership back in 1992, and a win against Pompey will move them over the 1000 points landmark, joining Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

All-Time Premiership Table - Top 10

Team P W D L F A Pts Pts/Game
1. Manchester United 578 365 130 83 1135 513 1225 2.12
2. Arsenal 579 307 156 116 970 513 1077 1.86
3. Chelsea 578 285 154 139 908 576 1009 1.75
4. Liverpool 579 285 143 151 922 574 998 1.72
5. Newcastle United 537 229 141 167 798 649 828 1.54
6. Aston Villa 579 212 174 193 704 671 810 1.40
7. Tottenham Hotspur 578 209 151 218 765 782 778 1.35
8. Blackburn Rovers 502 203 130 169 692 602 739 1.47
9. Everton 579 191 158 230 697 770 731 1.26
10. Leeds United 468 189 125 154 641 573 692 1.48

In comparison with the current managers of the other big four sides, Rafa Benitez has won an average of 1.86 points per game, an inferior rate to Ferguson, Wenger and Mourinho. Benitez’s adversary in the Champions League next week has also earned an average of 2.41 points per game, by far the best figure among the big four bosses.
The Spaniard will no doubt he hoping to get past the 1000 point mark at the weekend before silencing Mourinho with a good win at Anfield on Tuesday.


All-time Premiership Record

P W D L F A GD Pts Pts/Game
Sir Alex Ferguson 578 365 130 83 1135 513 622 1225 2.12
Arsene Wenger 407 239 101 67 759 359 400 818 2.01
Jose Mourinho 110 82 19 9 204 57 147 265 2.41
Rafael Benitez 111 62 21 28 163 88 75 207 1.86


By:Peter ORourke
Date:27 Apr 2007
Credit:www.skysports.com

Redknapp: Reds team a boost

Harry Redknapp was delighted to see Rafa Benitez field a weakened Liverpool team at Portsmouth, as Pompey kept up their European charge with a 2-1 win.
Reds deputy Jerzy Dudek was at fault for Benjani Mwaruwari's opener before Niko Kranjcar doubled Pompey's lead.
Redknapp admitted it was a backs-to-the-wall performance after Sami Hyypia's second half goal had halved his team's arrears.
"Of course I was pleased to see the side Liverpool put out," said Redknapp.
"You are pleased not to be facing the likes of Gerrard and Carragher and Kuyt but he (Benitez) has finished with Pennant and Sissoko wide, Alonso and Zenden in the centre and Sami Hyypia is still a very good centre half.
"We've had some big home wins but we had to hang on a bit today in the second half when Liverpool used Bellamy and Fowler up front.
"Until they pushed Bellamy through the middle, though, I didn't think we had many problems."
The win means Pompey remain in seventh - a position that would be good enough to ensure automatic qualification for next season's Uefa Cup.
"It is still going to be very close. Tottenham are favourites for seventh spot with the game in hand and we have two tough games to finish [away to Everton and home to Arsenal]. Whatever happens it will be a great season for us."

By:Chris Stanton

Date:28 Apr 2007

Credit:www.skysports.com

Rafa bemoans mistakes

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez blamed two mistakes for his side's 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth.
First-half goals from Benjani Mwaruwari and substitute Niko Kranjcar gave Portsmouth a commanding lead.
Jerzy Dudek was to blame for Benjani's opening goal, while the Liverpool defence was all at sea as Kranjcar was afforded too much time and space to score
Sami Hyypia pulled a goal back in the second half for a much-changed Liverpool line-up, but they could not find an equalising goal as they fell to defeat.
Benitez was unhappy with the manner of the goals his side conceded as they went down to Pompey.
"The first half performance was very disappointing," said Benitez. "We were controlling things in the first 20 minutes and we had chances on the counter attack, but we conceded two stupid goals from two big mistakes."
"The first goal was unbelievable. It was just a long goal kick forward and we have to analyze what went wrong. In the second half we showed a lot more character and desire and we were much better.
"We were doing the right things and creating chances and maybe we deserved something out of the game. But you can't afford to make some of the mistakes we did today.
Liverpool improved in the second half and Benitez was happy with his side's showing in the second period.
"We said to the players before the game it was a chance for some of them to show what they can do and it was pleasing to see a much better second half display," added Benitez.

By:Peter ORourke

Date:28 Apr 2007

Credit:www.skysports.com

Rafa warns Jose over slurs

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says Jose Mourinho has made a mistake in trying to belittle the club.
Chelsea chief Mourinho aimed a swipe at Liverpool and Benitez ahead of this week's UEFA Champions League clash by suggesting Liverpool were not a big club for not challenging for the title and that they were only good in knock-out competitions.
Benitez is ready to use Mourinho's slurs as inspiration for next week's semi-final second leg meeting between the two sides at Anfield.
"I think Mourinho has made a big mistake by talking about the history of our club," Benitez told the Daily Telegraph.
"Our history is massive. He can't say anything about it.
"In the last three years alone we've won four trophies.
"We're playing Chelsea again in a few days, so I don't want to talk about these mind games.
"We were friends, but we are not now and I prefer to think about football and not the other things.
"But the difference on Tuesday is that we will play with 12 players.
"That is the key for me and they [Chelsea] must be worried because our supporters can score goals. To lose just 1-0 after playing badly is really positive for us.
"If we can improve just a little bit on Tuesday, then we will be there."

By:Peter ORourke
Date:28 Apr 2007

Credit:www.skysports.com

Portsmouth 2 Liverpool 1

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho has been ruled out of next Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Liverpool.

The Portuguese ace limped off with a knee injury during the first half of Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Bolton on Saturday.

Carvalho left Stamford Bridge on crutches and he will miss the trip to Anfield on Tuesday.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho bemoaned the loss of Carvalho for the trip to Merseyside.

"He is definitely out. He has injured his knee and it is a big blow for us," said Mourinho. "He has been our best defender this season - it is as simple as that.

"We lost at Liverpool in the Premiership without him and we go to Anfield again without him.

"But when we lost in the league we had to play Paulo Ferreira at centre-back.

"We have better options for centre-back this time."

Carvalho's absence is a major blow for Chelsea as they look to defend a 1-0 lead against Liverpool in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.

By:Peter ORourke
Date:28 Apr 2007
Credit:www.skysports.com

Stevie: Kop will give us push

STEVEN GERRARD insists anyone who reckons Liverpool’s Euro dream is over is as mad as a Mourinho penalty claim.
The Reds have not overturned a first-leg deficit in Europe for 16 years but skipper Gerrard says his team have a 12th man — the roaring Anfield crowd.
Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea go into next week’s Champions League semi-final return a goal up after Joe Cole’s winner at Stamford Bridge.
But Gerrard said: “This tie isn’t over. It’s only half-time.
“We can hurt them with our home crowd behind us.”
The midfielder inspired his team to comebacks in last year’s FA Cup final and the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan.
He said: “I’m sure we can do it again.
“The crowd will play a massive part, they’ll be our 12th player.
“If any fans can bring the roof down it’s ours. They believe in us, we believe in them.”
Liverpool edged into the final in 2005 after a goalless first leg at Chelsea and a controversial Luis Garcia goal in front of the Kop.
This time the task is that bit harder. But Gerrard is still sure the outcome will be the same.
He added: “We are confident because we’re at home and we beat them 2-0 at Anfield this season in the league.”
Gerrard, 26, went desperately close to a first-leg equaliser when keeper Petr Cech saved a volley that was flying for the corner.
Gerrard said: “I don’t think any other goalkeeper in Europe would have got that — I was already celebrating.”

By:PHIL THOMAS
Date:27 April 2007
Credit:www.thesun.co.uk

Reds win shoot-out thriller

Liverpool retained the FA Youth Cup with a dramatic 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Manchester United.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg Liverpool drew level on aggregate through Robbie Threlfall's second half goal to force the game to a penalty shoot-out.
Manchester United started on the front foot with Febian Brandy and Chris Brandy seeing shots comfortably saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Dave Roberts in the opening exchanges.
Liverpool should have broken the deadlock on 38 minutes when Jimmy Ryan picked out top scorer Craig Lindfield with a fine cross from the right, but the highly-rated striker headed his effort over the crossbar.
After a quiet first-half the game burst into life in the second half as both sides pushed forward in search of the opening goal.
Roberts came to Liverpool's rescue on 51 minutes when he kept out Brandy's shot with his legs after the striker had worked his way into the box.
A minute later Lindfield came close to drawing Liverpool level on aggregate when he saw his shot from the edge of the box brilliantly pushed onto the post by United keeper Ron-Robert Zieler.
Liverpool made the breakthrough on 56 minutes when Threlfall made up for his own goal in the first leg to smash the ball home after the ball dropped to him inside the box.
Ray Putterill went close to doubling Liverpool's lead eight minutes from time when he curled his shot just wide of the far post with Zieler beaten all ends up.
Neither side could find a goal to win the tie and the game was forced into extra-time.
Two minutes into the first period of extra-time Liverpool were inches away from scoring when Lidfield brought down Ryan's cross inside the box and fired his shot against the post.
The impressive Brandy was denied a goal in the second period of extra-time when he saw his volley superbly saved by Roberts.
A winner could not be found in the additional 30 minutes and the game was forced into a dreaded penalty shoot-out.
Liverpool's youngsters kept their nerve from the spot scoring all four of their spot-kicks with United missing two of their five attempts.
United skipper Sam Hewson, who scored from the spot in the first leg, missed the crucial final penalty to give Liverpool the victory. Liverpool's victory proved a fitting end to Steve Heighway's time at Anfield, with the youth team boss having announced at the game's conclusion that he was leaving the club.
By:Peter ORourke
Date:26 Apr 2007
Credit:www.skysports.com

Lamps: We relish Anfield test

Frank Lampard says Chelsea will not be intimidated when they visit Anfield in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
Chelsea lead 1-0 from the first leg but Lampard knows The Blues must survive another night of passion next Tuesday to keep their final dream alive.
Two seasons ago the fanatical home support helped inspire Liverpool to a 1-0 win over Chelsea on their way to Champions League glory.
But Lampard insists his side will not crumble under the intensity of another semi-final on Merseyside.
"We have to go to Anfield again. It was a great atmosphere last time, but we were not intimidated, despite what people have said, you should be able to enjoy atmospheres like that," said the England midfielder.
"And we won't be intimidated by it now, we weren't last time and we won't be this time either. If you are a top player you should relish something like that.
"What's the problem? Liverpool's fans will be behind them, we expect that. But all of our lads will be ready and up for it. We should think we are going to go there and play our football.
"It was easy to say we were intimidated last time because they scored early. But we have too many strong characters to allow anyone to be intimidated."
Lampard insists his side are not looking to avenge the controversial goal that knocked them out of the competition in 2005.
"We are not motivated by revenge for what happened two years ago at this stage at Anfield. We are motivated by wanting to get to the final this season, it is as simple as that," added Lampard.
"That is always in our minds. We are not bothered about that goal (by Luis Garcia) any more, it's all in the past, there's no point in talking about it."

By:Steve Bramley

Date:26 Apr 2007

Credit:www.skysports.com

Cech: We are in control

Petr Cech believes Chelsea are in a commanding position at the halfway stage of their UEFA Champions League semi-final with Liverpool.
Chelsea beat their Premiership rivals 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and Cech is confident his side can finish the job at Anfield next week.
"Although we are only halfway, the situation is very good for us," Cech said on his personal website.
"In the first half we mainly played great football, we controlled the game.
"It was a pity that we did not add another goal, because 2-0 would have been an ideal result, but 1-0 is a very good result for the second leg."Cech was largely untroubled by Liverpool's strikers, but had to produce an excellent one-handed save from Steven Gerrard to protect Chelsea's advantage.
"I did not see the shot much, it flew closely around John Terry's head and I saw it very late," he recalled.
"Fortunately, I managed to react quickly. I stretched myself as much as I could and with the tips of my fingers blocked it outside the goal.
"It really was saved with my fingertips, with the last knuckle-bones."
Cech also admitted it was a relief to see Chelsea score for the first time in five Champions League matches against Liverpool.
"When we scored I recalled it and I thought that eventually it would not be the same situation like it had been in the previous games as it had been usually 0-0.
"It is good that we scored."

By:Vasek Kadlec
Date:26 Apr 2007
Credit:www.skysports.com

Xabi wants Anfield roar

Xabi Alonso is hopeful the Anfield factor will enable Liverpool to reach the UEFA Champions League final.
Liverpool head to Merseyside trailing by one goal, as Joe Cole popped up to hand Chelsea a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
Both camps are confident of progressing and midfield schemer Alonso feels Liverpool can overturn the deficit.
Anfield has played host to some famous European nights and Alonso is looking for the Liverpool faithful to roar the players on to victory next week.
"We know how special it is at Anfield on European nights," Alonso told Sky Sports News. "We are able to score that goal and look forward (to next week).
"We are confident, but we know it will be difficult at the same time."
Alonso's midfield cohort Steven Gerrard says The Reds are far from despondent with their defeat at Stamford Bridge.
He said: "We are not down. We would have liked a better result but we go into the second half of the game 1-0 down but we are capable of scoring at Anfield."

By:Alex Livie

Date:26 Apr 2007

Credit:www.skysports.com

Chelsea 1 Liverpool 0

JOE COLE is gate-crashing the party at just the right time.
The Chelsea trickster has missed most of this season, first because of a knee injury and then a broken foot.
But he has been put back together just when Jose Mourinho’s Blues need him most.
Like a New Year’s Eve reveller who turned up to the bash at five minutes to midnight, he does not want to go to bed.
Making only his second start since late November, midfielder Cole gave Chelsea a vital edge in the first leg of this bitter Champions League semi-final showdown, racing into the box to slide home Didier Drogba’s cross on 29 minutes.
Yet Chelsea could still live to regret failing to push home their advantage against Liverpool.
Kop keeper Pepe Reina had much to do with that.
The Spanish stopper made two absolutely blinding saves to deny Frank Lampard — one in each half.
And in a tie where such small margins will be decisive, that could prove the difference after next Tuesday’s second leg at Anfield.
Mourinho moaned, of course. When does he not?
The Blues boss complained that “the new rules in football” were in operation again with Chelsea being denied a penalty when the ball struck Alvaro Arbeloa’s arm after he miskicked.
True, the ball did hit the Liverpool defender’s hand. But it was both accidental and outside the box and German referee Markus Merk waved play on.
Yet Mourinho’s persecution complex knows no bounds.
Liverpool will believe they can turn it round next week, although they will have to show a good deal more ambition than they did last night.
Skipper Steven Gerrard came closest to getting a goal back, forcing a superb save out of Petr Cech with a volley from the edge of the box.

But attacks by the visitors were few and far between and manager Rafa Benitez was a picture of frustration on the touchline.
Chelsea were deserved winners but Benitez can console himself in the knowledge Liverpool got out of jail.
With the passionate Kop fans behind their beloved side in the return, the Reds will surely be a different proposition.
European nights at Anfield are like nowhere else.
Chelsea have never stopped complaining about their defeat by the Merseysiders in the semi-final two years ago.
Liverpool went on to win the trophy but Mourinho still refuses to acknowledge the triumph and claims Luis Garcia’s winning goal did not cross the line.
Drogba seemed to be on a one-man mission to right that perceived wrong. He was in his own box heading away every Liverpool set-piece while wreaking his usual havoc at the other end.
He created a great chance on eight minutes, heading down Ashley Cole’s cross towards Andriy Shevchenko.
The Ukrainian turned and was just about to shoot when Lampard came flying in from eight yards and Reina made a superb reaction save.
Sheva was not best pleased at having the ball taken off his toes but Lamps’ 21 goals this season entitled him to have a go.
Drogba then failed to pick out Joe Cole after John Arne Riise gave the ball away.
But Drogba played a major part in the goal after Ricardo Carvalho, who had been doubtful with a hamstring injury, strode out of defence.
Carvalho picked out Drogba on the right and the Ivory Coast striker muscled past Daniel Agger, showing all his strength and desire, before spotting Cole sprinting forward. As the ball came in, Cole got in front of Arbeloa and slid it past Reina for his first goal since one in the Carling Cup at Blackburn six months ago.

Cole is getting better all the time as he plays his way back to fitness and there is a different dimension to Chelsea with him in their ranks.
He gives the powerhouse Blues a certain mystery and guile and makes them less predictable.
Arbeloa survived his handball soon after half-time before Craig Bellamy, who had not had a kick, was replaced by Peter Crouch.
Liverpool at least looked more of a threat with Crouch bullying the centre-backs. And as soon as he entered the battle, Gerrard produced his rasping volley which Cech kept out with a world-class save flying to his left.
Mourinho would not have been surprised. He believes Cech is the best and would not have expected anything else.
Salomon Kalou replaced Shev- chenko with 14 minutes left, al- though he was slightly delayed because, for some reason, he was wearing Shaun Wright-Phillips’ shirt.
Chelsea kept battling but the second goal which would have put such a different complexion on proceedings would not come.
Drogba headed past the post and Wright-Phillips — by now in the action having rescued his shirt from Kalou — fired high over the top.
Then, with the last chance of the game, Drogba got a strong head on Lampard’s corner but the ball bounced wide.
It may have been nowhere near as exciting as the tasty fare dished up by Manchester United and AC Milan on Tuesday night but this semi-final is no less intriguing.
It is still anybody’s guess which two teams will make the final in Athens on May 23.

By:SHAUN CUSTIS
Date:26 April 2007
Credit:www.thesun.co.uk

Cracker Cech foils Gerrard

STEVEN GERRARD can hardly believe it as his high-velocity volley is pushed around a post by diving Chelsea keeper Petr Cech.
The sizzling save ensured the Blues kept a clean sheet for next Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final return at Anfield.
But only the Czech keeper will know how he managed to stop the Liverpool skipper’s thunderbolt from outside the penalty area.
Blues manager Jose Mourinho admitted: “Petr Cech made an unbelievable save from a Steven Gerrard shot — but they only had one chance.”
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez insists his side will turn around the deficit.
He said: “I feel our supporters are very important. We have beaten Chelsea 2-0 in January at Anfield and that sends out an important message about what we are capable of.

“They were playing on the counter attack but we had more control of the game in the second half.
“We know Chelsea are really good on the counter and we will have to be careful about that in the second leg.”

By:PHIL THOMAS
Date:26 April 2007
Credit:www.thesun.co.uk

Gerro has the win mentality

STEVEN GERRARD has made a habit of stealing the show when it comes to the biggest games.
Two years ago he dragged Liverpool back into a European Cup final that looked beyond them, while his display in last season’s triumph over West Ham was one of the great FA Cup final performances.
Tonight, boss Rafa Benitez will look to his skipper once again to take them within touching distance of a second Champions League success in three years.
Benitez insisted: “Steven has a really good mentality, especially in the key moments in the key games.
“You look at the final in Istanbul, and the FA Cup final last season. He showed great character then and he is ready for this one as well.
“The thing now is that we have a better squad and Stevie can get support from Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, Peter Crouch, Dirk Kuyt and others — so now it is easier for him.
“If he is not playing at the top level, maybe another player will compete and we can continue winning.
“Chelsea always have have eight or nine top-class players, like Michael Ballack.
“Gerrard continues being a good player, but now he has more help from his team-mates.”
Steve Finnan believes the mere presence of men like Gerrard and Jamie Carragher is a perfect inspiration for the Reds.
Finnan said: “Carra has had a great season again for us and has played a lot of games, like Stevie.
“Those two are among the first names on the team-sheet and they are good players to have alongside you, the type every good team needs.”
And the Irish full-back reckons the scalps Liverpool have already claimed on the way to this year’s last four are proof enough they can win another Euro title. He added: “We have knocked out Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven and we did well in the group stage.
“It’s our only chance of silverware this season and the lads are buzzing.
“The Champions League is a great cup to win and we are desperate to win it again. We knocked Chelsea out in the semis in 2005, so there’s no reason we can’t do it again this time.
“They are a quality team and have a great squad but we have been there before and we can knock them out again.”
Benitez is not a man who does double-barrelled outbursts. Not for him the murky world of verbal jousting, and running down opponents. It is as unlikely as the Kop chief storming into a dressing room and decorating the walls with shattered tea-cups.
Sometimes, though, even the mildest mannered of men decide enough is enough. You sense that, for the Spaniard, that time has come.
Benitez has spent the past two years listening to the jibes from Stamford Bridge.
“Lucky Liverpool”, “a side under no pressure” . . . you name it, Blues boss Jose Mourinho has levelled it at Rafa’s Reds.
And Mourinho still refuses to accept Luis Garcia’s Champions League semi-final winner of 2005 actually crossed the line.
His latest snipe suggested the Merseysiders, effectively out of everything domestically since January, have been playing little more than testimonials for the past three months.
In the eyes of the Chelsea boss, that has taken all the heat off them in Europe as they have been able to focus all their efforts on one tournament, while his own side still chase an amazing Quadruple.
Naturally enough, it is not a view Benitez goes along with.
Any more than he accepts that the weight of expectation on Mourinho means his opposite number tonight is under far greater pressure.
The Anfield manager was never going to react with a teeth-rattling onslaught. But when it comes to getting his point over, Benitez doesn’t need to raise the roof. And he had a very pointed message to Mourinho when he insisted: “All managers are under pressure.
“You see teams like Wigan and the others down there and so for everyone there is pressure of some sort.
“After winning two Premier Leagues you change your priorities, and I think for Chelsea that is now the Champions League.
“But we will also be under pressure because we all want to win trophies.
“I don’t want to talk about them a lot, but they have a good squad with expensive players, so they should be fighting in every competition.
“They are in a good position and doing the right things this year, but I don’t agree that he is under more pressure than anyone else.”
Benitez has heard so many Mourinho moans over Garcia’s 2005 Euro semi-final winner that it has almost become tiresome.
Liverpool themselves could point to a host of controversial moments that have gone against them in their meetings with Chelsea over recent years.
Incidents like a William Gallas handball in the box that went unpunished in the tightest of league clashes.
Or, for that matter, the cynical Eidur Gudjohnsen dive that got Alonso booked and banned from that Champions League second-leg.
But Benitez is just happy to let his team do the talking.
He said: “We have a lot of players showing what they can do at the moment, at just the right time.
“It’s going to be difficult against Chelsea, but we’re confident.”

By:PHIL THOMAS
Date:25 April 2007
Credit:www.thesun.co.uk

I'd be sacked on Rafa's record

JOSE MOURINHO last night taunted Rafa Benitez by claiming Chelsea would have sacked him if he had won as few trophies as the Kop boss.
The Blues chief’s attack upped the ante for tonight’s Champions League crunch with Liverpool.
He said: “Three years without a Premiership title? I don’t think I would still be in a job.”
But Benitez, who led Liverpool to Euro glory in 2005 and the FA Cup 12 months ago, pointed to the cash Roman Abramovich splashed to help Chelsea win back- to-back Premierships and two Carling Cups.
The Anfield boss said: “It depends on the money you spend and so you can decide the value of each point Chelsea have more than Liverpool.
“Chelsea have good players but if you spend big money you get a good team which should always be competing to be in the finals.”
Mourinho also claimed Liverpool have had an easy ride to tonight’s semi-final while his side is still fighting for four trophies.
But Benitez insisted: “I don’t like to the play the game that Mourinho does.
“He says we have more fresh legs but we want to be in the final the same as Chelsea.
“Mourinho is a great coach. But the key to this tie is not him or me.
“It’s about Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard so I will not play these games.”
Mourinho will be without injured Michael Ballack but Joe Cole is set to replace the German in midfield.
Liverpool dumped Chelsea in the semis before their final victory over AC Milan two years ago.
Blues have been desperate for revenge ever since — but Benitez insists he can sense the same feeling in his squad as he did before that 2005 triumph.
The Spaniard warned: “We are better than two years ago.
“Maybe they are as well but we have more experience now and I think we can do it.
“Two years ago I could sense the players were ready to win it, even though people didn’t believe it was possible. And I have the same feeling again.”
Liverpool, who also knocked out Chelsea in the FA Cup semis last season, have not scored in five games at Stamford Bridge with Benitez in charge.
But Benitez insisted: “We lost 1-0 there in September — but, yes, it was still a good game for us.”


By:IAN McGARRY
Date:25 April 2007
Credit:www.thesun.co.uk

Liverpool just play in the cups

JOSE MOURINHO last night taunted Liverpool: You are living in the past.

The Chelsea boss stoked up the rivalry with Rafa Benitez before tonight’s Champions League semi-final showdown by reminding Liverpool of their title drought.
The Reds last won the title in 1989 and Mourinho claimed they are living on their glorious history.
He also claimed that from the four teams in the semi-finals only Chelsea and Manchester United can be considered “big” clubs as they are fighting to win three big competitions.
When asked where that left Liverpool, the Blues boss was forthright in putting the Anfield club in their place.
He said: “Liverpool are a big club, their history speaks for itself. A club is not a moment, a club is about history. Historically they are not a big club, they are a monster.
“But in the last few years they only play in one competition and only succeed in knockout competitions.
“But they won the Champions League five times and we have never won it.
“If any team could be in our position, or Manchester United’s position, they would be.
"If you are a small club you only fight for one competition and forget the others.
“The big clubs try the maximum they can. The risk is to win everything or win nothing. The Carling Cup is not enough, we want more.”
Chelsea lost to the Reds in the Champions League semi-final defeat two years ago with a disputed goal by Luis Garcia at Anfield. Mourinho claims tiredness among his players is the biggest threat to their hopes of making the final.
He also pointed to the massive difference in points total gained in the league between Chelsea and Liverpool in the three years since he took charge.
He said: “I am not a statistic man but if I tell you in the last three seasons including this one, in the Premiership, Chelsea can have 60 (it’s actually 58) points more than Liverpool. That is a lot.
“So they are a great team in knockout competitions — they won the Champions League two years ago, they won the FA Cup last season and are in the Champions League semi-final now — so we praise them.
“But if you play only one competition for half the season, you have great conditions.

“Since January they have only played in the Champions League.
“This calendar year we played 27 competitive matches and Liverpool played three or four.
“Tiredness is telling. There are no miracles. We have to concentrate on every game, not just legs, but our mentality as well.
“Steven Gerrard did not play the last game. Do you think Frank Lampard and Steven are in the same condition? The game before Barcelona, Liverpool prepared for a week. In that time we played three matches.
“Can we win? Yes. But they are in better condition to win.”

Mourinho also claimed Chelsea are not better off now than when they lost to Liverpool two years ago despite the arrival of new players like Andriy Shevchenko, Michael Essien and Michael Ballack.
He said: “I don’t think we are better equipped now.
"We are in a very similar situation as two years ago when Liverpool were just playing for the Champions League. This season we are fighting to be champions again.”

Date:25 April 2007
Credit:www.thesun.co.uk

RAFA DISMISSES CHELSEA CLAIMS

Rafael Benitez has rejected claims from Jose Mourinho that Liverpool are favourites to progress to this season's Champions League final.
Liverpool and Chelsea meet in the first leg of the semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night with Mourinho insisting the Reds are in the best position to claim a place in Athens next month. The Chelsea manager spent much of his pre-match press conference bemoaning the fact that Liverpool are free of major suspension worries, have played 'less important' games over recent weeks and have only the Champions League to play for this season, but those comments cut no ice with Benitez when it was his turn to speak to the media. "We have confidence but we know we are playing against a very good side," said the Reds' boss. "They have good players with a lot of physical qualities and as far as I am concerned we are both in the same position. We have two good squads, two managers with experience and a place in the final to play for. "They talk about playing more games and about us having fresh legs but when you want to play in finals you have to have the squad to do it. If you want to play for trophies then you must be really good and Chelsea are really good. They have a good team because they have spent big money over a period of years." Mourinho also spent time in his discussion with the press suggesting that Liverpool will spend the first leg attempting to get Didier Drogba booked, with the big striker set to miss the second game if he is carded by referee Markus Merk. "Maybe Mourinho is thinking about this because he was doing exactly the same thing two years ago over Xabi Alonso," replied Rafa. "We have to think about the football and the referee is experienced enough to handle the situation. If he's trying to get a message to the ref then I don't think it will work. If Drogba commits a foul which has to be a yellow card then it has to be a yellow card. The same applies for any player. A yellow card should mean a yellow card and a red card should mean a red card. "I don't know why Chelsea are always talking about their problems. We have problems as well, we have players missing ourselves. We are just thinking about trying to win the game. If we can keep a clean sheet and score a goal it will be perfect. We are playing well, winning games and scoring goals so we have confidence. We will try to do the same tomorrow."

By:Paul Eaton

Date:24 April 2007

Credit:www.liverpoolfc.tv

BOSS HAILS HISTORY MAKER

Rafa Benitez has paid tribute to goalkeeper Pepe Reina after the Spaniard once again saved his way into the Anfield record books.
Saturday's shut out against Wigan meant Reina had kept 55 clean sheets in his first 100 games – more than any post-war Liverpool keeper. "I saw the statistic about David James having about 142 clean sheets in over 400 games over 12 years," said Benitez. "This shows how well Pepe has done to make 55 in 100 games in just two years. Our whole defence has been really good, not just Pepe, but it's true he gives a lot of confidence to all the defenders because of his quality."

By:Jimmy Rice
Date:24 April 2007
Credit:www.liverpoolfc.tv

CARRA SET TO EQUAL CALLY MILESTONE

Jamie Carragher will equal Ian Callaghan's European appearance record when he takes to the field at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
Carragher will equal Callaghan's club record of 89 European appearances for Liverpool if selected against for the Champions League semi-final first leg tie against Chelsea. It's a record Anfield legend Callaghan is proud to share with Carragher, a player he holds the highest regard for. "I am really pleased for Jamie, I really am and I am glad the record will go to someone like him as he is a great lad and a true gentleman," said Cally. "He is a prime example of a Liverpool player who gives his all week in, week out in every competition. There is every chance he will go past 100 games in Europe next season. That just shows us how consistent he is. "He is Mr Reliable and must be the first name on the teamsheet every week. He is a great player. "It's more than just the number of games he's been involved in. Look at the quality of his performances too. "Just recently we have seen again against Barcelona in this year's competition just how important he is, just as he was in Istanbul. Performances like that come from years of playing in Europe and Jamie is now one of the best defenders at that level."

By:Steve Hunter
Date:24 April 2007
Credit:www.liverpoolfc.tv

CHELSEA V LIVERPOOL: BETTING SPECIALS

Check out all the latest betting offers ahead of the big Champions League semi-final.
Blankety Blank Money-Back Special They don't come closer than these, Chelsea v Liverpool is always a tough but eventful game. Paddy Power are going to offer money-back on all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets on the match if it finishes 0-0!

Over the past few seasons Rafa Benitez has managed to get under the skin Jose Mourinho, something other managers have failed to do.

This Liverpool team under the Spaniards guidance seem to rise to the European occasion, playing a percentage game that is clearly effective.

Chelsea will feel they owe Liverpool a beating after they were dumped out two seasons ago. It's going to be a fierce, tough and tight game down at The Bridge.

11/10 Chelsea win

2/1 Draw

11/4 Liverpool win

Liverpool have a great European history winning the European Cup five times whilst Chelsea's best effort in the same competition is reaching the semi-final. So if you fancy betting on the experience, Liverpool are a great 6/5 shot to make it to the finals.

8/15 Chelsea reach final

6/5 Liverpool reach final

In the last four games these two sides have played against each other in the Champions League there has been only one goal scored! So don't expect a rout, there's far too much at stake. It looks like Liverpool will come down to London keeping it tight, looking to steal a goal on the break and bring Chelsea back up to Anfield in a weeks time to finish the job.

Chelsea Win

1-0 9/2 : 2-0 15/2 : 2-1 8/2

Liverpool Win

1-0 7/1 : 2-0 17/1 : 2-1 11/1

Draw

0-0 6/1 : 1-1 5/1 : 2-2 16/1

All eyes will be on the midfield when Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard go head to head, both are not afraid to shoot onsite and are vital to their teams success in this match.

12/1 Gerrard scores from outside the area

9/2 Lampard to score a penalty

By:Paddy Power

Date:24 April 2007

Credit:www.liverpoolfc.tv

BENITEZ: OUR IDEA IS TO WIN

As Liverpool apply the finishing touches to their preparations for the Champions League semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge, Rafa Benitez insists they aim to return with a win.

The Reds squad will fly down to London later today ahead of Wednesday's tie and Benitez admits confidence in the camp is high. "Our idea is to win if possible," says the boss. "Sometimes you have to play counter-attack and sometimes press high, it depends on the situation. But it would be good to score a goal and come away with the win. "This is a very good positive situation for us and you have to approach games like this with confidence. "We know them, they know us, that is clear and at the end of the day it could be just the small details that make the difference. "Chelsea have been champions in this country for the last two years and they are a very strong side, especially at home. Maybe they are a better side than two years ago but we also have more experience now and I think we can do it. "I can tell you the players are as hungry for success now as they were two years ago."

By:Mark Platt
Date:24 April 2007
Credit:www.liverpoolfc.tv

PARRY ON CHELSEA AND HILLSBOROUGH

The Champions League is building up into a remarkable climax – to say the least!

Liverpool fans have every right to be elated with our progress to the semi-finals and our two games against Chelsea will be massive. You can picture them turning on one or two incidents and so focus and concentration will be absolutely crucial in both legs. Clearly, we are confident and in-form. We also know that we are capable of going through. Equally, as we always say, they are a very good side, with a good squad and top class players. Both clubs know it will be tight. On our side, the experience of having won the trophy, with everything that surrounds it, will be a major driving force for everyone connected with the club. For some teams, occasions like Istanbul happen once in a lifetime. We have every right to dream and believe it can happen to us again. It's an opportunity for players and fans alike to become part of the folklore of our great club. Everyone remembers where they were when a hugely significant event happens. Those of a certain age can pinpoint exactly where they were when President Kennedy was shot, even though it was 40 years ago. Certainly, Liverpudlians will always have instant recall about Istanbul. Those who were there will never forget it. Those who were following events at home will have their own evocative memories. This can act as a driving force, not least for the players. There will be two categories, those who won in Istanbul and those who wish they had been here on that famous day. Those who paraded the trophy in the Ataturk Stadium will be even more desperate to relive that kind of glory all over again. Those who didn't will be determined to have their chance. Peter Crouch has been quoted recently as saying his big regret is that he didn't join us before that incredible Istanbul experience unfolded. He will not be alone. The whole face of the club has changed since then with a tremendous number of new faces at the club. These include the likes of Pepe Reina, Craig Bellamy, Peter Crouch, Dirk Kuyt, Jermaine Pennant, Momo Sissoko, Javier Mascherano, Daniel Agger, and Alvaro Arbeloa. Clearly, we haven't been standing still. We have been making real progress and we have the opportunity to drive on further. For me, the atmosphere at Anfield the last time we met Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final was the best ever. People talk about Inter Milan in the Sixties, San Etienne in the Seventies and Roma in more recent times when Gerard Houllier returned after illness. The Chelsea Champions League semi-final surpassed all of these legendary nights with sustained noise before, during and after the game. It was extraordinary. My ears were still ringing the following morning, as if I'd been to a rock concert. We are all looking forward to two special matches and one special occasion when Anfield will erupt once more. With Manchester United involved against AC Milan in the other semi-final, English football sits at the pinnacle of the European game. We have never had three representatives in the semis before and it is a tribute to the quality of the Premiership. I was Chief Executive of the Premier League when it launched in 1992/93. At that time, our master plan was to turn the English league into the best in Europe. It's always subjective and difficult to assess when you try to compare the games great leagues like Serie A, La Liga and the Bundesliga. However, the facts speak for themselves right now and there is no doubt that the success of Liverpool, Chelsea and United in reaching this stage will have a major effect on the Premiership in general where the reflected glory will be immense. People have been saying that for our domestic football to flourish it is crucial for the England team to do well. I would say that it's equally important for our top clubs to be asserting themselves on the European scene. It adds to the excitement and glamour of our club football and is crucial to the further development of the game. * We have just experienced another moving Memorial event to remember the 96 who died following the Hillsborough Disaster in 1989. The memories are as powerful and emotive as ever. Indeed, in recent times there has been a resurgence of activity with the families and other fans focused on the justice campaign. Where we can facilitate any show of solidarity, we do so. The most graphic example this season was the Arsenal game at Anfield when the fans applauded for six minutes at the start to recall the time frame that elapsed before play against Nottingham Forest was finally suspended as the Disaster unfolded. That demonstration of fan power was unique. You couldn't imagine it happening anywhere else. It certainly made a big impression on Arsene Wenger who commented on the special atmosphere, as did Thierry Henry after the game. Many clubs have supported us down the years and we have obviously had a special bond with Celtic since Hillsborough. The Kop said it all with a giant banner recently that said: "Thank You Celtic Fans. We've Never Walked Alone." Celtic supporters had asked if they could come down to present a flag to our fans at half-time ahead of the Memorial event. It was a gesture everybody understood and appreciated and the Kop's response said it all. Many people have asked about the Hillsborough Memorial and what will happen with it when we move into Stanley Park. It will remain an integral part of the club, but the families will decide what to do. There is an option to leave it where it is and possibly encompass it in some sort of memorial garden. They may wish to move it to a site alongside the new stadium. Whatever the decision is, we will support their wishes.

By:Rick Parry
Date:24 April 2007

Credit: www.liverpoolfc.tv