The Star Eiditon 17/05/2011: Redknapp’s scare tactics work for Spurs

LIVERPOOL: Harry Redknapp in­­spired Tottenham to a 2-0 win over Liverpool by warning his players they will have to return early from their holidays if they don’t clinch a Europa League spot.

Redknapp’s side leapfrogged Liver­pool into fifth place in the Premier Lea­gue thanks to Rafael van der Vaart’s early goal and Luka Modric’s second half penalty at Anfield on Sunday.

It means a win against Birmingham on the final day will secure Totten­ham’s place in Europe’s second-tier competition next season.

And Redknapp claimed his pre-match scare tactics had worked wonders after he told his side that if they didn’t finish fifth they would be forced to play an early Europa League qualifier because of their high position in the Fair Play League.

“I scared them to death before the game and it did the trick,” Redknapp said.

“We are top of the Fair Play League which means they would come back in two weeks and would be playing again in June.

“But we are not fighting for the Europa League, we are fighting for fifth to finish as high as you can and win as many games as you can.

“It’s not ideal. You play Thursday night and then Sunday – but if we play in it we will.

“It’s a big win for us. We had to win to finish above Liverpool and we’ve given ourselves a chance now. We now face a difficult game against Birmingham who are fighting for their lives, but this was a good result.”

Redknapp has spoken of his reluctance to play in next season’s Europa League given the impact it can have on the Premier League form.

But you wouldn’t have known that it was a booby prize up for grabs as Spurs played the party-poopers, spoiling Kenny Dalglish’s day after he was this week confirmed as Liverpool’s full-time manager on a three-year deal.

Redknapp is already looking to next season after their Champions League heroics took its toll on his players during this campaign.

He added: “We missed out (on a top four finish) because of a few injuries and a few tired bodies.

“We couldn’t get the players in Ja–nuary to tweak things a bit. Hopefully we will get one or two in the summer that will make a difference to us.

“It’s going to be so tough to make the top four next year. You know Manchester United will be there –that’s a given – so that’s one place.

“And you can say Chelsea are certainties too. And Manchester City will probably spend another £100mil to stay there, and Liverpool will be up there under Kenny. So it’s a real battle.”

With one game remaining, Totten­ham’s fate is back in their own hands as a result few saw coming ended Liverpool’s five-match unbeaten run.

Dalglish had transformed the club’s fortunes since taking over in January, but was left to rue a poor showing when it mattered most.

He said: “It’s a massive disappoint­ment for the players because we wanted to finish well in the final game at Anfield.

“It’s not a race for fifth place that was in my mind. It’s just the disappointment at the performance. We feel we short changed the fans by not getting the result.” — AFP

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Liverpool reward Dalglish with new contract

LONDON: Kenny Dalglish was yesterday appointed permament manager of Liverpool, having previously been in caretaker charge, after signing a three-year contract, the English Premier League club announced.

Dalglish, widely regarded as the club’s greatest player, has breathed new life into the club since he replaced Roy Hodgson as Liverpool manager on a temporary basis in January and the Reds could finish the season as high as fifth place.

Coach Steve Clarke, who arrived not long after Dalglish in January, has also signed a three-year contract.

John Henry, whose US-based Fenway Sports Group owns Liverpool, had been in contract talks with Dalglish in recent weeks and he said there was no-one else they wanted for the job.

“Kenny is a legendary Liverpool figure both as a supremely gifted footballer and successful manager,” Henry said in a statement. “Since returning in January he has shown extraordinary leadership and the ability to bring the best out of so many people associated with the club.

“It was obvious to us very early on that the atmosphere surrounding the club had been transformed by his presence.

“No-one else could have produced such a response. Therefore, I’m delighted we have agreed to a new contract. We didn’t need nor want to look elsewhere for the right man to manage the team.”

Scotland great Dalglish added: “I said when I took the job on in January that I was just happy to help the club out for the remainder of the season.

“Now the owners have decided in their wisdom that they want me to stay a little longer and it’s fantastic news for both myself and Steve Clarke that we have signed these contracts.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help build something special here again. I want to salute the efforts of all the players as they have been fantastic and thank everyone at the club for the welcome they have given me since I returned in January.

“I also want to pay tribute to Steve Clarke’s input since we started working together as he has brought great experience and knowledge to the role. The players enjoy the training sessions, understand their relevance to our actual football games and have responded brilliantly.” — AFP

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Kosmo Edisi 14/05/2011: United mahu lebur rekod Liverpool

United mahu lebur rekod Liverpool

MANCHESTER - Selepas 25 tahun bergelar pengurus Manchester United, impian Alex Ferguson untuk meleburkan rekod 18 kejuaraan Liga Perdana England milik Liverpool mungkin akan menjadi realiti malam ini.

Setelah mempamerkan aksi bertenaga ketika menewaskan Chelsea 2-1 di Old Traf- ford minggu lalu, United kini hanya memerlukan seri apabila bertemu Blackburn malam ini untuk mengesahkan kejuaraan liga buat kali ke-19.

United musim ini dikatakan kurang mantap musim ini jika dibandingkan dengan skuad- skuad juara terdahulu yang pernah dibimbing Ferguson sepanjang tempoh 25 tahun lalu.

Namun bagi pemain veteran United, Ryan Giggs yang merupakan satu-satunya pemain yang menjadi anggota pasukan United sepanjang memenangi 11 kejuaraan di bawah Ferguson, mereka langsung tidak terjejas dengan kritikan tersebut.

"Secara jujur, ia langsung tidak mengganggu fokus kami. Memang kami akui sepanjang separuh pertama musim ini, kami tidak beraksi dengan baik tetapi masih mampu meraih keputusan cemerlang.

"Pada saingan pusingan kedua musim ini iaitu selepas perayaan Krismas, kami mula mempamerkan aksi yang lebih baik dan ia diiringi keputusan yang baik.

"Kami telah beraksi dalam beberapa perlawanan dengan begitu hebat, sama ada di pentas Eropah mahupun liga domestik. Jadi kami tak peduli apa orang kata dan kami tahu kualiti yang kami miliki," kata Giggs.

Sementara itu, Ferguson berkata, beliau yakin para pemainnya tidak akan mempersia-siakan mata yang diperlu- kan mereka untuk bergelar juara pada baki dua perlawa- nan terakhir ini.

"Saya kenal para pemain dan mereka tidak akan menghancurkan harapan semua. Kami pasti akan mendapat mata pada dua perlawanan ini. Satu kejutan seandainya kami gagal.

"Kami hanya perlu satu mata dan aksi terakhir bertemu Blackpool akan berlangsung di laman sendiri," jelas Ferguson. - AFP

The Star News: Five-star Liverpool

Five-star Liverpool

LONDON: Liverpool boosted their late challenge for a top four finish in the Premier League as Maxi Rod­ri­guez’s hat-trick fired the Reds to a 5-2 victory against Fulham on Monday.

Kenny Dalglish’s side romped into a three-goal lead within the first 16 minutes at Craven Cottage, with Rodriguez scoring twice before Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer allowed Dirk Kuyt’s weak shot to squirm into the net.

Moussa Dembele got one back for Fulham but Rodriguez struck again for his second hat-trick in three games and Luis Suarez bagged the fifth goal to complete the demolition.

Maxi Rodriguez screams in delight after scoring against Fulham at the Craven Cottage on Monday. Rodriguez scored a hat-trick in the Reds’ 5-2 Premier League win.

Steve Sidwell’s late strike meant little to Fulham and Liverpool’s five-star display lifted them above Tottenham in fifth place and within four points of fourth placed Manchester City in the race for the final Champions League spot.

With only two matches left, Liverpool are more likely to have to settle for Europa League qualification, but a slip by City in their game in hand against Tottenham on Tuesday will have the Anfield faithful dreaming of a return to Europe’s elite club competition.

Whatever the outcome of their European charge, Dalglish has surely done enough to persuade Reds owner John W Henry to hand him the manager’s job on a permanent basis.

Liverpool’s record signing Andy Carroll was missing again after suffering an injury in training, but the Reds arrived in west London in fine form and took the lead in 31 seconds.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish congratulating Rodriguez after the match.

Manchester United may be about to take Liverpool’s record of 18 league titles, but even Alex Ferguson’s team haven’t scored such a fast goal this season.

Suarez broke away down the left and the Uruguayan’s cross was miscued by Fulham defender Carlos Salcido towards Schwarzer.

Schwarzer could only scramble the ball away from Kuyt and into the path of Rodriguez, who fired home emphatically.

Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher couldn’t have wished for a more perfect start on his 666th appearance, an astonishing total that made him the club’s second highest appearance holder behind Ian Callaghan.

It got even better for Carragher when Argentine midfielder Rodriguez struck again five minutes later.

Lucas Leiva’s long pass picked out a surging run from Glen Johnson on the right wing and the England defender’s looping cross to the far post was met with a powerful volley from Rodriguez that flashed past Schwarzer.

Dalglish’s men were pouring forward in waves and they didn’t have to wait long for a third goal as Schwarzer blundered in the 16th minute.

Kuyt’s low shot from the right side of the penalty area should have posed no problems for Schwarzer, yet the Australian somehow allowed the tame effort to trickle through his legs and into the net.

Schwarzer hung his head in embarrassment as Dutch forward Kuyt celebrated his ninth goal in eight matches.

After Raul Meireles was forced off early in the second half, Fulham scored in the 57th minute when sub­stitute Bobby Zamora slipped a pass for Dembele to shoot past Pepe Reina.

But Liverpool had too much firepower for Fulham and Rodriguez sealed his treble in the 71st minute.

Taking John Flanagan’s pass 30 yards from goal, Rodriguez advanced unopposed before blasting an unstoppable strike into the top corner.

Liverpool hadn’t finished there. Suarez capped a fine display as he jinked round Schwarzer to slot in the fifth in the 75th minute and Sidwell’s superb 85th minute goal was no consolation for Fulham. — AFP

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Petikan Akhbar HMetro 11/05/2011: Maxi terus gegar

LONDON: Maxi Rodriguez meledak hatrik keduanya dalam tiga perlawanan untuk membantu Liverpool menumpaskan Fulham 5-2 di Craven Cottage, semalam, bagi mencerahkan peluang mereka untuk layak ke Liga Europa.

Maxi meraih gol pertamanya seawal 31 saat dalam aksi Liga Perdana Ingegris itu sebelum penyerang Argentina itu meledak lagi pada minit ketujuh. Dirk Kuyt kemudian menjadikan kedudukan 3-0 jaringan gol dalam lima perlawanan berturut-turut.

Fulham yang tersentak, merapatkan kedudukan menerusi Moussa Dembele m-57 namun Maxi yang turut meledak tiga gol ketika menentang Birmingham City pada 23 April lalu, melepaskan rembatan jarak jauh 13 minit kemudian sebelum Luis Suarez menambah gol kelima Liverpool.

Steve Sidwell menjaringkan gol lewat untuk Fulham namun ia tidak memberi kesan kepada Liverpool yang kini mengumpul 58 mata.

“Ia adalah hari cemerlang buat kami,” kata pemain pertahanan Liverpool, Jamie Carragher kepada Sky Sports.

“Kami bermain dengan baik sejak kebelakangan ini, tahap keyakinan cukup tinggi dan kami tidak sabar untuk aksi seterusnya.” Ketika Suarez menjadi nadi serangan Liverpool dengan larian pantas dan gerakan licik, penjaga gol Fulham dari Australia, Mark Schwarzer terpaksa bekerja keras apabila pelawat mendahului tiga gol selepas perlawanan memasuki 16 minit.

Schwarzer melakukan sepakan untuk mengeluarkan bola hantaran silang Suarez yang terkena pemain pertahanan namun bola menuju terus ke arah Maxi yang meledak gol pembukaan.

Dia gagal mengawal gawangnya dengan baik untuk membolehkan Liverpool menambah gol kedua namun kesilapan besarnya adalah gol ketiga dengan membiarkan rembatan lemah Kuyt melepasinya.

Schwarzer tidak boleh melakukan apa-apa dengan gol ketiga Maxi yang melepaskan rembatan dari jarak 25 meter sebelum jaringan sagu hati Sidwell ke penjuru gol Liverpool mengubat kehampaan.

Kemenangan Liverpool hadir sehari selepas seteru tradisi, Manchester United memerlukan satu mata lagi untuk memenangi liga serta memecahkan rekod yang dikongsi kelab Anfield itu dengan meraih 18 gelaran liga utama Inggeris.

Sejak Kenny Dalglish mengambil alih kelab lamanya itu pada Januari lalu, nasib Liverpool berubah agak mendadak dan bulan lalu mencatatkan dua kemenangan dengan jaringan 3-0 dan satu kemenangan 5-0.

“Kami sudah melakukan yang terbaik sejak Januari lalu, tahniah kepada pemain dan staf,” kata Dalglish. “Kami akan teruskannya dan lihat apa berlaku.” Reuters

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Petikan Akhbar Utusan Malaysia 11/05/2011: Reds teruskan rentak kemenangan

Reds teruskan rentak kemenangan

Pemain Fulham, Chris Baird (kiri) mengasak pemain Liverpool, Maxi Rodriguez pada perlawanan Liga Perdana di Craven Cottage, London, semalam. – REUTERS

LONDON - Liverpool meneruskan rentak kemenangan untuk mengisi slot Liga Europa dengan Maxi Rodriguez meledak jaringan hatrik bagi membantu pasukannya membenam Fulham 5-2 di Craven Cottage semalam.
Rodriguez, yang menjaringkan tujuh gol dalam tiga perlawanan liga, meledak dua jaringan pada enam minit pertama, selepas gol sulung pemain itu dihasilkan ketika perlawanan baru bermula 32 saat.
Pemain tengah Argentina itu menyumbat gol keempat Liverpool menerusi rembatan cantik dari jarak jauh pada minit ke-70.
Penyerang Belanda, Dirk Kuyt menjaringkan gol ketiga bagi meletakkan Reds mendahului 3-0 pada minit ke-16. Jaringan tersebut merupakan gol kelima dalam lima perlawanan berturut-turut.
Penyerang Uruguay, Luis Suarez melengkapkan kemenangan pada minit ke-75 menerusi larian solo yang berjaya merobek pertahanan Fulham bagi membantu Reds naik ke tangga kelima dengan kelebihan dua mata di depan Tottenham.
Spurs, bagaimanapun kurang satu perlawanan.
Moussa Dembele dan Steve Sidwell menjaringkan dua gol sagu hati untuk Fulham.
“Ia merupakan keputusan yang luar biasa buat kami. Menjaringkan lima gol adalah sesuatu yang tidak kami duga,” kata pengurus Liverpool, Kenny Dalglish.
Pasukan bimbingan Dalglish semakin menghampiri jurang kepada empat mata dengan Manchester City, tetapi dengan hanya baki dua perlawanan, menyebabkan harapan Reds untuk ke layak ke Liga Juara-Juara sudah tertutup.
Ini merupakan kemenangan keenam dalam sembilan perlawanan terakhir Liverpool, yang meneruskan kebangkitan luar biasa di bawah Dalglish sejak dia mengambil alih jawatan pengurus daripada Roy Hodgson pada Januari lalu.
“Kami hanya akan dapat keputusan yang baik jika kami melaksanakan tanggungjawab yang diberi.
“Tiada siapa yang menduga kami mampu melangkah sehingga ke tahap ini sejak Januari lalu,” kata Dalglish. – AP

Arkib Artikel: http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=0511&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Sukan_Luar_Negara&pg=sl_01.htm

Petikan Akhbar Kosmo 11/05/2011 - Liverpool melonjak tangga kelima

Liverpool melonjak tangga kelima

RODRIGUEZ meledak hatrik ketika Liverpool membelasah Fulham 5-2 di Craven Cottage awal pagi semalam.

LONDON - Liverpool mencerahkan peluang untuk menamatkan saingan Liga Perdana England musim ini di tangga kelima, sekali gus layak ke Liga Eu- ropa musim depan.

Skuad The Reds itu berjaya memintas kedudukan Tottenham Hotspur di tangga kelima liga selepas membelasah Fulham 5-2 di Craven Cottage awal pagi semalam.

Maxi Rodriguez meledak hatrik pada perlawanan tersebut menerusi gol pertama seawal 32 saat permainan dan disusuli dua lagi gol pada minit keenam serta ke-70.

Ia menjadikan keseluruhan tujuh gol berjaya dihasilkan Rodriguez pada tiga aksi terakhir liga.

Dua lagi gol Liverpool pada aksi awal pagi semalam dijaringkan Dirk Kuyt pada minit ke-16 dan Luis Suarez minit ke-75.

Kemenangan tersebut meletakkan Liverpool kini dua mata mengatasi Spurs di tangga kelima.

"Ia satu keputusan yang cukup menakjubkan. Untuk menjaringkan lima gol di tempat lawan umpama suatu mimpi indah," kata pengurus Liverpool, Kenny Dalglish.

Ini merupakan kemenangan keenam Liverpool sepanjang sembilan perlawanan terakhir mereka dan ternyata kehadiran Dalglish yang menggantikan Roy Hodgson pada Januari lalu mendatangkan impak positif.

"Kami hanya mendapat faedah daripada keputusan perlawanan pasukan lain jika kami sendiri dapat melaksanakan tugas sendiri dengan baik.

"Tetapi sudah pasti tiada siapa pun menjangkakan kami mampu meneruskan rentak cemerlang seperti ini sejak Januari lalu," jelas Dalglish.

Moussa Dembele dan Steve Sidwell berjaya menjaringkan gol Fulham pada babak kedua tetapi ia belum cukup untuk menyekat kegarangan Liverpool yang seolah-olah tersentak setelah rekod 18 kali kejua- raan liga milik mereka bakal dipintas Manchester United.

"Persembahan pada separuh masa pertama memang tidak boleh diterima," kata pengurus Fulham, Mark Hughes. - Agensi

Arkib Artikel: http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2011&dt=0511&pub=Kosmo&sec=Sukan&pg=su_08.htm

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish not thinking about European football - ESPN Soccernet

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish not thinking about European football - ESPN Soccernet

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists he is not even thinking about the prospect of European football despite the fact they are closer to qualifying for it than they have been all season.

GettyImagesKenny Dalglish is keeping his focus on the game against Fulham

After last weekend's win over Newcastle lifted the Reds into fifth place, their highest position of the campaign, the debate began to intensify about whether the Europa League would be a good thing for a club trying to win back their place in the top four.

Sixth-placed Tottenham have a match in hand and, by the time Liverpool play Fulham on Monday, they could have been overtaken by Harry Redknapp's side.

Even with three games to play Dalglish knows there are still many variables which could affect the final outcome.

Liverpool's long-term planning will continue regardless but the Reds boss is confident the "problem" of Europa League football is something they will deal with if it becomes a reality.

"I find it very difficult to predict the future," he said. "We've always said we would get our reward at the end of the season - we never set ourselves any target.

"We don't have that [Europa League] problem yet and so until it arises we don't have to solve anything - the biggest problem I have is Fulham on Monday night.

"There will be problems to be solved at the end of the season and if we get the Europa League that will be one of the problems. Planning for next season started a good while ago - that [Europa League] is just one thing which has to be taken into consideration but you cannot predict what is going to happen so there is no point in worrying about that."

Although highly ambitious, even Dalglish could not have expected the turnaround in fortunes which has taken place under his guidance. The major concern when he replaced Roy Hodgson in early January appeared to be preventing a slide back into the lower reaches of the table.

From 12th place, though, they have steadily risen and, the odd result excepted, appear to have peaked at the right time.

It is a transformation which has ensured Dalglish and coach Steve Clarke, brought in at the same time to help out on the training ground, will see their temporary positions become permanent - although confirmation will probably not come until the end of the season now.

The players have responded to the return of the club icon for a second spell in charge and Dalglish has been fortunate at least one of his January signings - Luis Suarez, a £22.8 million buy from Ajax - has settled in well and provided much-needed impetus.

Fellow deadline day arrival, Andy Carroll's start has been less eye-catching but his progress has been curtailed by injury and it will be next season before he really finds his place in the team.

Dalglish once again played down his influence over proceedings, insisting he was not aware of a huge change in the way things worked.

"I have just noticed the players being really enthusiastic in training and in the way they've worked and they've had their reward for it on the pitch," he said.

"We've not been disappointed with any single player's attitude since we came in. On Thursday night a few of the lads [Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen, David Ngog and Jonjo Shelvey] played for the reserves and they had a great attitude towards the game, were fully committed and got a great deal out of it.

"That will do us no harm whatsoever, and neither will it do the players any harm either."

In regard to Suarez, the manager added: "With his personality and approach to the games you get a reward and for us it is a really exciting player who has made a contribution to our recent games.

"He enjoys playing football and being here. He has got himself really involved in the Liverpool way and he has got his reward for that. It's a help when he gets a goal but he makes a few as well and we have been delighted with what he has done so far."

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BBC Sport - Jay Spearing earns new Liverpool contract

BBC Sport - Jay Spearing earns new Liverpool contract

Jay Spearing earns new Liverpool contract

Spearing's dynamism has been a feature of his play for the Reds

Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing has extended his contract with the club.

The 22-year-old, who has started his side's last six games, has been

rewarded at the end of a season in which he has begun to establish
himself in the first team.

"It is great news for us, great for wee Jay and for everybody concerned," said Reds boss Kenny Dalglish. "It's just reward for the performances he's put in and he thoroughly deserves what he's got."

The tigerish Spearing has come through the ranks at Anfield since joining
the club as a seven-year-old but has had to be patient in his wait for
first-team action.

"He has started the last few games for us, so that is progress in itself as he was never one of the starting XI unless there were injuries or suspensions," added Dalglish.

"Now I'm getting that run [in the side] I've been able to show my desire and commitment to the club." Jay Spearing

"But he's in there now and he's in there on merit. I think that's progress. "He's certainly reached a higher level than he has done before. We're delighted with what he's done and he's a great asset for us to have." Spearing made his Liverpool debut as a substitute in a 3-1 win at PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League in December 2008 before his first Premier League start in a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland in October 2009.

He also spent a spell on loan at Championship club Leicester at the end of the 2009-10 campaign. "I am buzzing," he told the Liverpool website. "I'm pleased to have finally put pen to paper and got everything sorted.

"I've been here for a long time and playing for Liverpool is all I have ever wanted to do, so hopefully I can keep going now.

"It has been a long time coming. I've been in the background and in and around the first team and maybe not had a run in the team, but now I'm getting that run I've been able to show my desire and commitment to the club.

"I owe a lot to the boss and hopefully I am repaying him with the games I am playing. He put me into the derby [against Everton in January] straight away and that gave me a lot of confidence. "Any player who has the belief of the manager always wants to go on and show what he can do."With the new boss coming in and the way we have been playing and with me

getting some game time, it has been a good couple of months and this
has topped it off for me."

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Liverpool striker Luis Suárez urges team-mates to see off Spurs in race to clinch fifth spot and Europa League place

Liverpool striker Luis Suárez desperate to qualify for next season's Europa League competition.

View Original Article

Liverpool striker Luis Suárez urges team-mates to see off Spurs in race to clinch fifth spot and Europa League place

Most players and managers might see the Europa League more as curse than

blessing, but Liverpool striker Luis Suárez believes it is crucial his
team-mates stave off the challenge of Tottenham and secure qualification to
the competition widely scorned as the Champions League’s ugly sister.

Goal setter: Luis Suárez wants Liverpool to target success in the Europa League  Photo: GETTY IMAGES

The livewire Uruguayan’s third goal since his £22.8 million January move to

Anfield capped Liverpool's
3-0 win against Newcastle
on Sunday which took Kenny Dalglish’s side ahead of Spurs on goal difference
and into a European spot for the first time this season.

To many, though, it is the London team – who boast a game in hand but must still travel to Anfield – who are in the more desirable position. The Europa League, the theory goes, is a distraction from the serious business of qualifying for the Champions League next season. It is a theory Suárez dismisses completely. “It is the sort of competition you want to play in. It is our objective for the season. “When I came that is what I wanted to help Liverpool achieve.

It looked really difficult but we have kept winning and we have just had to hope that Tottenham dropped points. Now when they come here it will be the most important game of our season.

“A club like Liverpool can only think in one way. If you get in to the Champions League, your objective has to be to win that. If you get in the Europa League, of course, your objective has to be to win that.

"That is what a club like this must aim for. We have to do everything we can to win as many competitions as we can.”

Yet another European campaign would suit Jamie Carragher who, at 33, could be forgiven for wishing to spend his Thursday nights recuperating, but the defender believes that the extra playing time offered by continental combat may be crucial to build – and maintain – a happy squad.

“It would be a great place to give the youngsters some experience, and I’m sure we will add some new players next season, so we will have a bigger squad," Carragher said.

"If you are only in the league, you don’t need to change the team, so having more games makes it easier to keep everyone at the club happy.”

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Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique insists he is happy at St James’ Park despite rumours of Liverpool move - Telegraph

Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique insists he is happy at St James’ Park despite rumours of Liverpool move - Telegraph

Newcastle defender Jose Enrique has insisted that he would be happy to stay at
St James’ Park amid speculation that he is destined to join Liverpool this
summer.

Staying put: but Jose Enrique has been liked with a summer move to Liverpool Photo: EPA

By Rob Stewart

2:59PM BST 03 May 2011

The Spanish left-back’s current deal runs until the end of next season and his
long-term future will become clear when he opens contract talks with his
current club at the end of this season.

With former Liverpool
captain Phil Thompson has publicly claiming a move to Anfield is a “done
deal” and Enrique refusing to begin contract talks with Newcastle for the
time being, his future has been the source of much uncertainty.

However, for now Enrique, 25, is refusing to become distracted by the
speculation over his future.

“I’m just concentrating on playing for Newcastle
United,” Enrique said. “We haven’t spoken about contracts yet – I
don’t want to say more about that.

“I’m happy with that and I’m very happy here. I know there are a few difficult
things at Newcastle, but we the players don’t have to think about that.

“If I have to continue here [at Newcastle], I’m happy. If I have to go to
another club, I’m happy in England. If I have to go to another league, I’m
happy. I just want to play football – it’s my life and it’s best for me.”

The former Spain Under-21 international joined Newcastle from Villarreal in
August 2007 in a £6.3-million deal and after a shaky start on Tyneside he
has won plenty of plaudits for his endeavours that have helped his club
recover from relegation two years ago.

“This team has fight,” said Enrique. “It’s hard for players like me, Jonas
[Gutiérrez], Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan – we’ve played with big names
before.

“But a lot has changed. Before, we had players like Mark Viduka, and now we
have players like Williamson and Perch – players who have played in the
Championship and they fight to play in the Premier League.

“We’re doing well, we had Michael Owen and players like that and we were
relegated, but with this team we will stay in the division.”

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Petikan Akhbar Harian Metro 04/05/2011: Kuyt langkah kanan

Kuyt langkah kanan

PENYERANG Li�ver�pool, Dirk Kuyt (gambar) percaya dia berada pada prestasi terbaik sejak berhijrah ke England hampir lima tahun lalu.
Pemain antarabangsa Belanda itu menjaringkan gol kelapannya dalam tujuh perlawanan terakhir ketika kemenangan 3-0 ke atas Newcastle United Ahad lalu, muncul pemain ketujuh Reds menjaringkan gol dalam empat perlawanan Liga Perdana berturut-turut.
Dua daripadanya adalah menerusi sepakan pe�nalti namun melihat kepada re�kodnya - dia menyumbat 12 gol dalam 13 perlawanan terakhir bagi se��mua pertandingan, termasuk dua perlawanan antarabang�sa - memberikan keyakinan kepada pemain itu sendiri bahawa dia sudah mengembalikan prestasi yang menyebabkan pengurus ketika itu, Rafael Benitez membayar Fe�yenoord �10 juta (RM49 juta) pada musim panas 2006.

“Kali terakhir saya bertindak sebegini semestinya di Belanda, di mana saya menjaringkan banyak gol,” kata pemain yang sering dilihat bekerja keras itu, yang sekalipun berusia 31 tahun Julai ini, menerima kontrak ba�ru di Anfield bulan lalu sebagai menghargai usahanya.

“Ketika ini semuanya berjalan dengan baik, saya menjaringkan gol dalam empat perlawanan terakhir, sesuatu yang bagus untuk dilakukan.

“Keyakinan saya tinggi, tapi ia ada kena mengena dengan pengurusan dan rakan sepasukan saya.

“Saya fikir keyakinan setiap pemain adalah tinggi ketika ini, kerana setiap orang bertindak dengan cemerlang.

“Ia sama dengan saya, saya berasa lebih bagus berban�ding apa yang saya lakukan pada awal musim dan saya kembali seronok bermain bola sepak.”

Sekalipun prolifik dalam bola sepak Belanda, Kuyt diberi peranan di bahagian sayap kanan oleh Benitez kerana etika kerjanya yang menakjubkan dan tidak banyak peluang beraksi sebagai penyerang tengah.

Perpindahan Fernando Torres pada Januari dan kecederaan pemain baru, Andy Carroll memberikannya lebih banyak peluang di depan dan dia mula membuka mata banyak pihak ketika gandingannya dengan seorang lagi pemain baru Liverpool, Luis Suarez dilihat semakin berbisa.

Suarez memenangi penalti babak kedua yang disempurnakan oleh Kuyt dan pemain Belanda itu membalas budi rakannya menerusi hantaran kepada pemain antarabangsa Uruguay itu untuk menja�ringkan gol ketiga menentang Magpies dan meraih kemenangan yang melonjakkan Liverpool ke tangga kelima.

“Adalah hebat untuk memilikinya di sini. Luis bertindak bagus setakat ini dan saya amat gembira bermain di sampingnya,” kata Kuyt.

“Memang hebat mempunyai pemain sepertinya dalam pasukan. Dia sering bergerak, sering cuba untuk mencipta sesuatu dan ketika dia melorongkan bola kepada anda, dia sudah bergerak kembali untuk menerima�nya.

“Ia membuatkannya lebih mudah bagi anda.

“Setiap orang boleh melihat kami berdepan masalah pada awal musim tapi kemudian semuanya berubah dan setiap orang boleh melihat apabila anda menambah dua pemain berkualiti ke dalam pasukan, maka semuanya boleh ber�ubah.”

Petikan Akhbar Mingguan Metro: Meireles dikagumi

Meireles dikagumi

PENGURUS Liverpool, Kenny Dalglish menegaskan persembahan mengagumkan pemain tengah Raul Meireles sejak akhir-akhir ini adalah kerana pemain itu sendiri yang berjaya menyesuaikan diri dengan bola sepak Inggeris.
Bos Reds itu berkata beliau bukannya ‘pakar taktikal’ dan empat gol pemain Portugal itu dalam lima perlawanan terakhirnya adalah hasil kerja keras pemain berusia 27 tahun itu.

Meireles tidak menemui sasaran dalam 21 perlawanan pertamanya selepas menyertai Liverpool dari FC Porto pada musim panas lalu dengan bayaran perpindahan �11.5 juta (RM56 juta) tetapi kini tiba-tiba dia sudah mula menggegar di depan pintu gol lawan.

Dia ditugaskan dengan peranan di bahagian tengah, sering kali bersama kapten, Steven Gerrard dan kadang-kadang secara bersendirian, dan kini dia dianggap pemain paling menyerlah dalam tempoh sebulan ini.

“Raul memang memiliki keupayaan seperti yang dipamerkannya baru-baru ini,” kata Dalglish.

“Mungkin dia berjaya menyesuaikan diri dan lebih selesa dan yakin kerana dia bermain dengan baik tapi tidak ada sebarang perubahan drastik (secara taktikal) buat mana-mana pemain sebenarnya.

“Memang menakjubkan melihat Raul bertindak cemerlang. Dia adalah seorang pemain bola sepak yang berbakat besar, dia sentiasa memiliki apa yang kita saksikan sekarang dan dia menjaringkan gol.” Meireles tidak diragui mendapat faedah kerana diberikan peranan yang biasa buatnya, selepas bermain di posisi sayap kanan ketika era Roy Hodgson sebelum ini.

Apabila Dalglish mengambil alih awal bulan lalu, ramai yang mempersoalkan sama ada beliau yang tidak menguruskan pasukan lebih sedekad mampu menangani tuntutan bola sepak moden.


Pengurus berbangsa Scotland berusia 59 tahun itu sering menegaskan bola sepak tidak banyak berubah dan kejayaan terbaru mereka adalah hasil usahanya mengembalikan semula falsafah ‘pass-and-move’ yang diamalkan ketika zamannya sebagai pemain di kelab itu dan sebagai pengurus lebih 20 tahun lalu.

Bagaimanapun, selepas membawa masuk jurulatih Steve Clarke, pembantu Jose Mourinho di Chelsea, Dalglish membuktikan beliau juga mampu untuk membuat keputusan taktikal penting.

Dalam dua perlawanan terakhir mereka menentang Stoke City dan Chelsea, beliau menurunkan tiga pertahanan tengah dalam formasi 3-4-2-1 dan 3-5-1-1. - Agensi

Petikan Akhbar Berita Harian Ahad: Reina tak minat United

Reina tak minat United

PENJAGA gol Liverpool, Pepe Reina membayangkan dia akan kekal di Anfield musim depan.
Masa depan bintang dari Sepanyol itu di Merseyside menjadi bahan bualan ramai sejak akhir-akhir ini selepas kempen tidak menentu Reds.

Reina sebelum ini pernah memberikan bayangan dia mungkin terpaksa meninggalkan kelab itu sekiranya mereka tidak mampu untuk bersaing merebut kejuaraan secara konsisten.

Bagaimanapun, Reina terangsang dengan peningkatan pasukan di bawah kendalian Kenny Dalglish dan dia percaya pemilik kelab dari Amerika, Fenway Sports Group akan mengeluarkan peruntukan untuk memantapkan skuad musim panas ini.

“Saya gembira, tenang dan selesa di sini,” kata Reina.

“Saya yakin keadaan pasti lebih bagus selepas ini dan harapnya projek baru dengan pemilik Amerika (Fenway Sports Group) adalah sesuatu yang menakjubkan.

“Memang benar (Rafael) Benitez membawa saya ke sini tapi ia tidak bermakna saya tidak gembira dengan (Kenny) Dalglish. Saya fikir beliau adalah pengendali paling sesuai buat Liverpool ketika ini.

“Daripada pemahaman saya dan berdasarkan apa yang saya kumpulkan daripada orang di sini, kami akan membawa masuk beberapa pemain penting, terus meningkat dan harapnya dalam satu atau dua tahun kami akan berada di tempat yang berhak diduduki Liverpool, iaitu bersaing merebut kejuaraan.” Reina sudah disebut-sebut sebagai sasaran musuh tradisi Liverpool, Manchester United, namun bekas penjaga gol Barcelona dan Villarreal itu menegaskan dia tidak bercadang untuk berhijrah ke Old Trafford.

“Saya tidak akan ke Manchester, ia bukannya hasrat saya,” katanya. “Saya tidak tahu sekiranya saya calon buat mereka, saya yakin mereka sudah menilai ramai penjaga gol, bukan setakat (David) De Gea atau Reina.”

NST Online 30/04/2011: Dalglish hails Reds' pride

Dalglish hails Reds' pride

LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish awaits today's encounter with Newcastle United buoyed by the strength in depth he feels he has at Anfield.
Liverpool have taken 27 points from their last 14 league games, and are behind only Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League form table.

That has been achieved without the likes of regular first teamers Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger, Martin Kelly, Glen Johnson and record signing Andy Carroll -- signed from Newcastle for STG35 million (RM173 million) in January.

The highlight of Liverpool's form was the 5-0 thrashing of Birmingham City last weekend, helped by a Maxi Rodriguez hat-trick, and Dalglish believes Liverpool's squad is improving by the week.
"I think (winning 5-0) is an indication of how far the players have come," he said. "It is they who get the results on the pitch, and they did fantastically well against Birmingham.

"It is very pleasant to see the boys come in, and it was great that Maxi got three and Joe (Cole) got one.

"It is good to see they have kept themselves as close to match condition as they can with the way they have trained, and when they get their opportunity to play, they can play very well.

"They are playing for Liverpool, that is the biggest thing. The fact that they take pride in their own performance shows they take huge pride in the club. I think that was reflected in the performance on Saturday."

Carroll is nursing a knee problem and may not be fit to face his former club but if he does feature, Dalglish has backed him to be able to handle any abuse thrown at him because of his contentious move on the last day of the transfer window.

"I think the boy is expecting something," Dalglish said. "The fans will do whatever they want. It will not take away from what he has done for their club and it won't take away what the club meant to Andy.

"It is a compliment, really, in a strange way, if you do get the abuse because it means you must have been important to them."

Newcastle have not won in the league at Anfield for 17 years, but Peter Lovenkrands is confident Alan Pardew's side can celebrate having all but secured Premier League safety by springing a surprise at a ground where they have failed to score in over seven hours' football spanning six-and-a-half years.

The Danish forward found the net in last week's hard-fought 1-1 draw at Blackpool that took Pardew's side to 41 points, seven above the relegation zone ahead of this weekend's games.

"Hopefully, we can go there and surprise a few people by getting a point or three," Lovenkrands said.

"Liverpool have a lot to play for, so they're going to be up for it, we know that, but as a team we don't want to slacken off. We're up for any game."

Newcastle have confounded many critics who tipped them to go straight back down after last season's Championship title success, although Lovenkrands won't be in full celebratory mode until the North-East club are mathematically safe.

With four games remaining to seal a top-half finish, the 31-year-old added: "Something will have to go fantastically wrong for us not to stay up, and if we could get in to the top 10 having come up from the Championship we could be proud of that.

"We've done really well to keep away from the relegation scrap."

Newcastle's Liverpool-born skipper and 12-goal top scorer Kevin Nolan, who is set to sign a new three-year contract extension, faces a fitness test on a calf muscle problem.

Manager Alan Pardew revealed: "We've had to protect him this week because he's desperate to play." -- AFP


Read more: Dalglish hails Reds' pride http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/58HAM1/Article/index_html#ixzz1LHuCkGXc

Petikan Akhbar Utusan Malaysia 02/05/2011: Liverpool rampas tangga kelima

Liverpool rampas tangga kelima

LIVERPOOL - Liverpool berjaya merampas kedudukan di tangga kelima Liga Perdana England daripada Tottenham apabila mudah membenam Newcastle 3-0 di Anfield, semalam.
Pemain antarabangsa Argentina, Maxi Rodriguez menjaringkan gol keempatnya dalam dua perlawanan apabila melakukan rembatan voli menarik pada minit ke-10 yang mengenai pertahanan, Danny Simpson sebelum membolosi gawang Newcastle.

Luis Suarez kemudian dijatuhkan pada minit ke-59 oleh Mike Williamson yang memaksa pengadil memberikan penalti kepada Liverpool dan disudahkan oleh Dirk Kuyt.
Pada minit ke-65, gerakan satu dua Suarez dan Kuyt membuahkan hasil apabila Suarez bijak melepaskan rembatan di celahan kaki penjaga gol Newcastle, Tim Krul bagi kemenangan 3-0 buat Liverpool.
Walaupun kedua-dua pasukan mengumpul jumlah 55 mata, Liverpool mempunyai kelebihan daripada segi jaringan berbanding Spurs dan kedudukan itu sudah menjamin tempat buat anak-anak buah Kenny Dalglish ke Liga Europa pada musim hadapan.

Namun, skuad bimbingan Harry Redknapp itu masih berpeluang mengisi kembali kedudukan tangga kelima kerana masih kekurangan satu perlawanan berbanding The Reds.
Spurs telah beraksi dalam 34 perlawanan sementara Liverpool 35. - Agensi

Petikan Akhbar Kosmo 02/05/2011: Liverpool baiki kedudukan

Liverpool baiki kedudukan

LIVERPOOL - Liverpool berjaya membaiki kedudukan dalam saingan Liga Perdana England selepas membelasah Newcastle United 3-0 di Anfield malam tadi.

Maxi Rodriguez meletakkan pasukan tuan rumah di depan seawal minit ke-10 sebelum jaringan penalti Dirk Kuyt pada minit ke-59 dan ledakan Luis Suarez minit ke-65 memastikan tiga mata milik Liverpool.

Meskipun berkongsi 55 mata dengan Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool berjaya memintas kedudukan Spurs di tangga kelima berdasarkan kelebihan jaringan gol.

Biarpun Tottenham masih kurang satu perlawanan berbanding Liverpool, peluang pasukan itu untuk menduduki kelompok empat teratas, sekali gus mara ke saingan Liga Juara-Juara musim depan semakin tergugat setelah tewas 1-2 kepada Chelsea awal pagi semalam.

Pada aksi di Anfield malam tadi, Maxi membuka tirai jaringan Liverpool selepas menyempurnakan hantaran John Flanagan untuk menewaskan penjaga gol Newcastle, Tim Krul.

Kuyt kemudian menjaringkan gol kelapan pada aksi liga musim ini menerusi sepakan penalti setelah Suarez dijatuhkan pemain pertahanan Newcastle, Mike Williamson.

Suarez melengkapkan kemenangan bergaya Liverpool dengan menjaringkan gol ketiga yang juga merupakan jaringan liga ketiganya musim ini sejak menyertai Liverpool pada Januari lalu.

Rekod 18 kali Liverpool sebagai juara Liga Perdana England mungkin bakal dipecah Manchester United musim ini telah menjaringkan 14 gol pada tiga aksi terakhir di laman sendiri.

Petikan Akhbar Berita Harian 03/05/2011: Dalglish akui kagum kelibat Suarez

Dalglish akui kagum kelibat Suarez

LIVERPOOL: Kenny Dalglish memuji Luis Suarez (gambar) selepas penyerang Uruguay itu membantu Liverpool mencatat kemenangan 3-0 ke atas Newcastle di Anfield kelmarin. 

Tumpuan menjelang perlawanan itu semuanya mengenai penyerang Reds, Andy Carroll mengenai sama ada dia akan beraksi dalam kesebelasan utama menentang bekas kelabnya itu tetapi isu itu kemudian dibayangi oleh prestasi cemerlang Liverpool.


Kemenangan itu melonjakkan Liverpool mengatasi Tottenham ke tangga kelima dan dalam kedudukan kelayakan untuk ke saingan Liga Europa.

Prestasi semasa Liverpool telah menyaksikan mereka mengumpul 30 mata daripada keseluruhan 42 mata dan bos sementara, Daglish berkemungkinan akan disahkan sebagai pengurus tetap menjelang tamat musim. 

Carroll tiba dari Newcastle dengan perpindahan bernilai £35 juta (RM 172 juta) pada hujung jendela perpindahan Januari tetapi hanya cukup cergas untuk menjadi pemain gantian pada lewat permainan berikutan kecederaan lutut yang dialami ketika seri menentang Arsenal baru-baru ini. 

Dia diejek sepanjang perlawanan dan menyaksikan Rodriguez melakukan voli pada minit ke-10 untuk gol pembukaan sebelum sepakan penalti disempurnakan Kuyt selepas sejam permainan yang diikuti tidak lama kemudian oleh gol menarik jaringan Suarez. 

“Dia sentiasa berjaya menembusi benteng lawan dan sentiasa jadi ancaman dan sentiasa melakukannya,” kata Dalglish mengenai Suarez. 
“Dia juga adalah seorang yang bagus dan sentiasa suka bermain bola sepak.” - AFP