Roy Hodgson Given Cautious Welcome By Liverpool Fans

LIVERPOOL FC fans groups today cautiously greeted the imminent appointment of Roy Hodgson as manager.

They questioned who had made the decision to appoint the Fulham boss as successor to Rafael Benitez.

Others said some in the Kop will mourn the loss of a chance to see Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish back at the helm.

But they also called for  62-year-old Hodgson, who will now have to deal with a huge spike in expectations, to be given enough space to grow in to one of European  football’s top jobs.

James McKenna, spokes man for Spirit of Shankly fans group, told the ECHO: “It’s obvious we need a manager, but we have had a few weeks without decisions being made in the boardroom.

“A lot of fans are asking ‘who’s made this decision?’ Has George Gillett made the decision or was it Christian Purslow?

"Who with a footballing background has decided that Roy Hodgson is the right man for Liverpool Football Club?

“Christian Purslow was meant to find a buyer for the club – but what qualifies him to make decisions about who’s going to be the manager?

“And what support is he going to get from the boardroom? The past shows that there’s been massive tensions between the manager and the boardroom.

“There’s a real worry that it’s been done more to steady the ship, rather than push the club forward again.”

Les Lawson, 47, secretary of the official LFC supporters  association also said: “I think there will be a mixed reaction from supporters with regards to his appointment.

"A lot of supporters would have liked to see Kenny given the opportunity again – someone who’s got Liverpool blood running through his veins and who’s managed us successfully before.

“I’m sure the fans will get behind him.

"He is our manager, he may not have been the fans’ choice but ultimately he’s in charge.

"He has got to be given the opportunity to do the job to the best of his ability.

“What he achieved at Fulham would have been unacceptable if he achieved it here – there’s more expectation.”

Hangeland To Follow Hodgson To Anfield

The Anfield club agreed a compensation package with Hodgson's current club late last night and will pay around £2million to secure his services for the next two seasons.

Roy Hodgson's top target is understood to be Fulham defender Brede Hangeland after he is confirmed as Liverpool boss today.

The 62-year-old will bring his current number two and goalkeeping coach Mike Kelly with him from Craven Cottage, but after he has dealt with trying to persuade star duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to stay next season, his priority will be the signing of Hangeland.
The Norwegian was a rock at the back for Hodgson at Fulham for the last two seasons, having previously played for him at Viking Stavanger, and is highly regarded by Arsenal.
The 29-year-old signed a new contract at Fulham last season to fend off the Gunners' interest and it could cost as much as £7million to bring him to Anfield.

Jovanovic Finally Confirms Anfield Switch

Milan Jovanovic has confirmed he is on his way to Liverpool for pre-season training, ending speculation his move could be off.
The Serbian midfielder, who scored the winning goal for his country against Germany in the World Cup, will leave Standard Liege and join Liverpool on a three-year contract.
Jovanovic, 29, rejected claims that the departure of ex-manager Rafael Benitez for Inter had ever affected his situation.
"I am going to Liverpool," he told Nieuwsblad.
"I have signed there for three years. I repeat: no pre-agreement - a real contract. And the departure of Benítez changes nothing.
"I have maintained contact with the Executive Board of Liverpool and everything is good.
"Everything is in order since in the last two years I have played 75 per cent of the matches for my national side.
"Next I am looking for a house. On the 14th or 15th July I will join the squad for a training camp in Switzerland. But, as from Thursday, I want start my individual training programme so I can show them immediately that I am worth a place in the side."

Hodgson Agrees Anfield Deal

Roy Hodgson will be announced as the new manager of Liverpool later today after he agreed a 2 year deal at Anfield.
The 62 year old Englishman replaces Rafa Benitez in the Anfield hotseat after the Spaniard left the club last month. Hodgson will earn roughly £3m per year according to reports.
The highly respected coach has been in management 34 years, managing 12 top flight European clubs and 3 national sides, most notably Inter Milan and Switzerland respectively. He is though, yet to have won a major trophy in all his years as a manager.
Last season Hodgson lead Fulham to their first European Final in their history just 2 and a half years after taking over at Craven Cottage when the club were facing relegation. Working on a budget he impressed enough to win the LMA Manager of the Year.
His first task as Liverpool manager will be to persuade the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard to remain at the club.
He is expected to bring with him Fulham assistant manager Mike Kelly, who is also a goalkeeper coach. It is currently unclear the future of several of Rafa Benitez’s backroom staff, it is likely their futures will be determined in the coming week.
Those players not involved in World Cup action return to pre-season training on Friday, with Hodgson set to be unveiled before then, most likely Thursday.
Welcome to Liverpool, Roy..YNWA

Just £20m for Gerrard!!! Are U Nuts Madrid????

Real Madrid are preparing a £20 million offer for LiverpoolSteven Gerrard. captain

The Times says Real are ready to slap in a bid of £20 million for Gerrard now that England's World Cup campaign is over.

Real star Kaka has already urged Gerrard to join him in Madrid, while new coach Jose Mourinho is also a confirmed admirer.

Indeed, the former Chelsea boss Mourinho, having overseen the capture of Benfica winger Angel di Maria, has asked president Florentino Perez to make Gerrard's signing now a priority.

 If liverpool consider the bid it would be highly degrading the midfielder's name who has a talismanic name for himself at anfield. If i had my say then i would point out that liverpool haven't been good in transfer market negotiations. Buying Aquilani and Johnson For around £20m each hasn't proved to be a boon for the reds. Rafa Benitez has To be Blamed for a lots of transfer fiascos. And Now With Gerrard being valued at the same price as them, it does hurts me a lot and i'm sure it will hurt a lots of liverpool fans all around the world.

I seriously don't want Gerrard to leave anfield not juist for club's sake but also for his career as i don't remember any big player fitting in well at the bernabeu.I Don't feel like seeing StevieG as a galactico..puhlease..

Inter Boss rafa Wants Liverpool Trio

Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez is chasing three of his former Liverpool players.

Milan-based Sportmediaset says Danish defender Daniel Agger, the right-back Glen Johnson and Brazilian midfielder Lucas are all on the shopping list of Benitez.

With Douglas Maicon to be sold to Real Madrid for £30 million, sources say Inter will use every penny from that deal to bid for the Reds trio.

Johnson would arrive as a direct replacement for Maicon, while Agger is seen as a long-term successor for Marco Materazzi and Lucas is a favourite of Benitez.

Juventus have slapped a  £6m bid for Albert Riera which is £2m less than what the winger was bought for..

Many Reds Set To Miss Crucial European Tie

LIVERPOOL are facing up to the prospect of kicking off their Europa League campaign without a handful of star names.
The Reds will play the first significant game of the new season in the third qualifying round of the Europa League on Thursday, July 29 - but it is looking increasingly unlikely that the club's new manager will not be able to call on Pepe Reina, Fernando Torres, Maxi Rodriguez, Javier Mascherano and Dirk Kuyt for what is certainly a crucial fixture.
All players who have been involved in the World Cup are given a mandatory three-week break from the moment their countries are eliminated.
That means the earliest Mascherano, Rodriguez and Kuyt can be expected to report back to Melwood is on Monday, July 26, as they will be involved in quarter-finals this weekend.
And provided World Cup favourites Spain beat Portugal tonight in Cape Town to progress to the last eight, the same would also apply to Torres and Reina.
They, of course, would not be considered for duty so soon after returning from a break and Liverpool can expect to be similarly cautious with the players whose World Cup dreams were ended at the weekend.
Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson were due home today after flying back from South Africa with the rest of Fabio Capello's squad but they won't be seen back in the Reds' fold until the middle week of July.

Hodgson Set To Be Liverpool Boss By Thursday

Roy Hodgson is set to be appointed Liverpool's new manager by Thursday

The Reds were granted permission to speak to the 62-year-old two weeks ago by his current club Fulham.

Hodgson has also been linked with the England manager's job following the team's humiliating exit from the World Cup but Liverpool have acted quickly.

The Englishman will replace Rafael Benitez in the Anfield hot seat after the Spaniard left at the start of June.

"Hodgson has always been the number one target of the board at Anfield to replace Benitez," said Ian Dennis, Radio 5 live's senior football reporter.

"After Fulham granted Liverpool permission to speak to Hodgson, it was just a matter of the clubs agreeing a compensation deal for him."

Hodgson has been in charge of Fulham since December 2007 and signed a new 12-month rolling contract in December 2009.

Although he suffered a difficult start to his tenure, winning only nine points from his first 13 league matches, he saved the club from relegation in 2007/8, securing survival on the final day of the campaign.

The following season he steered the club to seventh place in the Premier League - their highest ever finish - and a place in the Europa League.

His achievement in guiding Fulham to the final of that competition, when they beat Juventus and Wolfsburg en route, saw him named last season's manager of the year by the League Manager's Association.

Hodgson has also managed Italian giants Inter Milan, Blackburn and Switzerland, who he guided to the last 16 of the 1994 World Cup.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill, former Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini, ex-Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic and former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes have all been linked with the Liverpool post.

Now 34 questions For Pepe Reina

El Pais, the best-selling newspaper in Spain, has been conducting a series of quick-fire question and answer interviews with members of the Spanish national squad throughout the World Cup and earlier this week it was the turn of Pepe Reina.

The Liverpool man answers 34 quite bizarre questions - and all his responses are below. Enjoy...
Q:  Can you recommend me a food shack on the beach?
A:  Casa Pepe, in Torremolinos, or Malibú in Ibiza.
Q:  Would you ban bullfighting?
A:  Never.
Q:  What gets on your nerves?
A:  Watching a game from the bench.
Q:  Do you know what a scrum is?
A:  An ice crum?
Q:  Do you remember what was your first kiss like?
A:  Vaguely.
Q:  What do you play on Play?
A:  I don't play, I don't like it.
Q:  Nesquik or Cola Cao?
A:  Nesquik.
Q:  How many watches do you own?
A:  More than a dozen.
Q:  What were your first boots like?
A:  They were from Marco.
Q:  How long has it been since you went to the circus?
A:  I went to Cirque du Soleil in Manchester a while ago.
Q:  How long does the pregnancy of a whale last?
A:  80 weeks, more or less.
Q:  Do you know who Katalinski was?
A:  He scored a goal against Spain. Polish. No... not Polish, Yugoslavian.
Q:  Where was Iribar born?
A:  In País Vasco.
Q:  Who did you ask for an autograph when you were a kid?
A:  Zubizarreta, in the Hotel Sanvy in Madrid. He was my idol.
Q:  Do you know who wrote Saber perder?
A:  No.
Q:  What is your dog's name?
A:  Curro.
Q:  Why have shows with midgets in the bullfighting ring in Zaragoza been prohibited?
A:  For a lack of respect.
Q:  Which player has kicked you the most?
A:  No one kicks me.
Q:  Why hasn't the Constitutional Court passed the Estatut [the Statute of Autonomy of Cataluña]?
A:  I don't know and I'm not interested.
Q:  What year did apartheid end?
A:  I don't know exactly.
Q:  What was the name of Pippi Longstocking's horse?
A:  I put that on every morning when I'm take my daughters to school! Gran Tío? No, Señor... No, that's the monkey, Sr. Nelson. Pequeño Tío!
Q:  Have you been able to get a reservation at elBulli?
A:  I've never tried.
Q:  What's the last TV series you've become addicted to?
A:  24 and Lost.
Q:  If it weren't for the World Cup, why would you go to South Africa?
A:  To hunt sharks.
Q:  What does Liverpool have that Johannesburg doesn't?
A:  A football team that plays in Anfield.
Q:  How many years was Mandela imprisoned?
A:  I should know this because I've just finished reading Carlin's book. 24 years?
Q:  Do you know what an Afrikaner is?
A:  A white South African, no?
Q:  How many diapers have you changed in your life?
A:  With two daughters, more than one.
Q:  What is the name of Portugal's captain?
A:  Cristiano or Bruno Alves.
Q:  Does a lion or a hippo kill more people?
A:  I imagine it would be the lion.
Q:  How are you doing in the porra of the team?
A:  I fell behind... I finished horribly.
Q:  To be a Spanish international, do you have to know how to play pocha (a card game)?
A:  No.
Q:  Do you know where del Bosque was born?
A:  Salamanca.
Q:  What position did Xabi Alonso's father play?
A:  Midfielder.

Torres Thrilled By Inter Milan Interest

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres admits he's flattered by interest from Rafa Benitez's Inter Milan.

The striker is one of several Liverpool stars who have been associated with the Nerazzurri after Benitez took charge.

“It is always wonderful to be linked with big clubs. I can’t help but be pleased and flattered,” he told Radio Marca. “It seems to me fairly normal that the big clubs should be interested in the top players of sides who are struggling.

“For example, Liverpool are out of the Champions League, while Valencia are in a terrible economic situation.

“Aside from rumours, as far as I know there’s nothing concrete.”

Liverpool Were Right To Get Rid OF Benitez: Torres

Fernando Torres admits Rafa Benitez had to leave Liverpool - and the striker has refused to commit his own future to the club.
Benitez was axed by the Reds earlier this month after leading the club to seventh in the Barclays Premier League - their worst finish for 11 years - before replacing Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.
Mired in internal conflict and financial doubts that have intensified over the last 12 months, Liverpool face a fight to hold on to their star players this summer - and Torres is not surprised that Benitez was shown the door.
'At this point I think it was best for everyone,' Torres told Spanish newspaper AS.
'He won everything, and last year they demanded too much from him.'
Benitez led the club to their fifth European Cup win in 2005 - their first for 21 years - and was central to persuading Torres to leave Atletico Madrid to become Liverpool's record signing in 2007.
However,the Spain striker is still waiting to win a major honour, leading Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City to wonder if he is open to a transfer this summer.
The 26-year-old has previously insisted he is happy to stay at Liverpool but has warned that the team needs to bring in world class recruits.
Conversely, team-mates Javier Mascherano, Steven Gerrard, Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt have been linked with moves away from Anfield.

Frustration: Spain star Torres hasn't made his mark in South Africa just yet
On the eve of playing for his country in the World Cup last 16 matchagainst Portugal, Torres shunned questions about his future but hinted he was frustrated at the uncertainty at Anfield.
'They will tell us the situation after the World Cup. At the moment we don't have a coach,' he said, indicating questions about his future could wait till after the tournament in South Africa.

'What Torres wants is to beat Portugal. The rest, we'll see.'
Torres is one of a clutch of players who is struggling to fire at the World Cup and admits that injuries have taken their toll.
He required knee surgery shortly before the tournament and has looked a shadow of the player who scored a brilliant winning goal in the Euro 2008 final against Germany.
'It's not easy coming back after an operation,' he said. 'I think I still have a little way to go before I am back at 100 per cent, although I am close.'
Torres played a part in each of Spain's group games but is yet to get off the mark.
'Forwards are measured by goals,' he said. 'I read the English press and no one expected (Wayne) Rooney to go out of the World Cup without scoring a goal.
'If I had scored two goals against Honduras, when there were chances, it would be another matter. But that's football. I am calm because I know I have the confidence of (Spain manager Vicente) del Bosque.' 
 Kuyt adds to Liverpool's uncertainty by refusing to confirm his future Liverpool snub Benitez over £25m Mascherano as Barcelona lie in wait ..

Kuyt Admits He And Skrtel Happy To Be Away From Liverpool Turmoil

Holland attacker Dirk Kuyt admits he's likely to swap Liverpool war stories with Slovakia defender Martin Skrtel today.

Kuyt says both he and Skrtel are happy to be at the World Cup after a turbulent season with the Reds.

"My team-mate Martin Skrtel will be playing for Slovakia and we know they can defend really well," said Kuyt.

"Martin is a fantastic defender. It's a bit strange because you're used to training every day with each other, playing every game with each other, and now we play against each other.

"Everyone at Liverpool is disappointed about what happened last season. For us as players, the World Cup is now the most important thing, but after this World Cup is finished for both of us, the focus will again be on Liverpool.

"Hopefully the future at Liverpool will be brighter than last season."

35 Weird Questions For Torres

El Pais, the best-selling newspaper in Spain, has been conducting a series of quick-fire question and answer interviews with members of the Spanish national squad throughout the World Cup and last week it was the turn of Fernando Torres.

El Nino answered 35 questions his teammates had already been grilled on.
Have a read - it's certainly not your average football interview...

Fernando Torres - El Pais Q and A

1. Can you recommend me a food shack on the beach?
 That on the beach of Estorde, on the Costa da Morte (Galicia), next to Finisterre.
2. Would you ban bullfighting?
No, no I don't go.
3. What gets on your nerves?
People who talk about things they don't know anything about.
4. Do you know what a scrum is?
No idea.
5. Do you remember what was your first kiss like?
Yes, and I'll leave it at that.
6. What do you play on Play?
Football.
7. Nesquik or Cola Cao?
Cola Cao.
8. How many watches do you own?
A lot, and all were gifts.
9. What were your first boots like?
Joma Toledos.
10. How long has it been since you went to the circus?
Since my last year at Atlético, when I went to see Cirque du Soleil.
11. How long does the pregnancy of a whale last?
I don't know.
12. Do you know who Katalinski was?
No.
13. Where was Iribar born?
In País Vasco? Yes, in País Vasco.
14. Who did you ask for an autograph when you were a kid?
It embarrassed me to do so.
15. Do you know who wrote Saber perder?
No, I don't know.
16. What is your dog's name?
Pomo and Llanta.
17. Why have shows with midgets in the bullfighting ring in Zaragoza been prohibited?
They've been prohibited? It should be because it's not ethical.
18. Which player has kicked you the most?
 (Thinks about it a lot) I don't know, to tell you the truth. I don't remember anyone in particular.
19. Why hasn't the Constitutional Court passed the Estatut [the Statute of Autonomy of Cataluña]?
It's very complicated. I've said before that I don't like it when people talk about things they don't know, so I won't give my opinion on what I don't know.
20. What year did apartheid end?
It was sometime during the 1990s, but I don't know when exactly.
21. What was the name of Pippi Longstocking's horse?
I've been reading the tests [done by his teammates] hoping that someone would know the answer before me!  I don't know!  Jolly Jumper was Lucky Luke's house, and Imperioso was that of [Jesús] Gil... I know a lot about horses, but I can't remember the name of Pippi's horse!
22. Have you been able to get a reservation at elBulli?
Never.
23. What's the last TV series you've become addicted to?
Californication.
24. If it weren't for the World Cup, why would you go to South Africa?
To get to know the culture.
25. How many years was Mandela imprisoned?
I don't know, a lot, more than 20.
26. What does your town have that Johannesburg doesn't?
I can't compare, I don't know much about Johannesburg.
27. Do you know what an Afrikaner is?
I think an Afrikaner is a person that speaks Afrikaans, one of the many languages in South Africa.
28. How many diapers have you changed in your life?
A lot.
29. What is the name of Chile's captain?
I don't know, I saw the game the other day but I don't know.
30. Does a lion or a hippo kill more people?
The hippo. They explained that to us during the safari. They're very fast and crush the people who enter into their territory.
31. Where is Ellis Park?
In Johannesburg.
32. How are you doing in the porra of the team?
Horrible, I'm one of the last ones. A disaster.
33. To be a Spanish international, do you have to know how to play pocha?
No, not necessarily.
34. Do you know where del Bosque was born?
In Salamanca.
35. What position did Xabi Alonso's father play?
Periko Alonso, in the midfield, like his son.

Roy Hodgson Wants Liverpool Board To Pledge A War Chest

Roy Hodgson will be appointed Liverpool boss this week once he has finalised a guaranteed transfer kitty.

Liverpool are prepared to meet Fulham’s compensation demands to name Hodgson, 62, as Rafa Benitez’s successor.

But the former Inter Milan and Switzerland manager wants a pledge of transfer funds before accepting the post.

Hodgson knows Liverpool’s squad badly needs rebuilding after a desperately disappointing campaign.

But he is worried that the cash-strapped club, who are around £400million in debt, may not be able to back him sufficiently in the transfer market. Liverpoool’s US owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have both admitted they are looking to sell the Premier League giants.

Liverpool also explored the possibility of recruiting Frank Rijkaard from Galatasaray but the Dutchman earns £6m a year and has a £2m buy-out clause.

Former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson is favourite to replace Hodgson at Craven Cottage.

Torres Tells Young Liverpool Fan:I Could Never Join ManCity

Fernando

Torres has told one Liverpool fan he could never leave the club for Manchester City.

Rameez

Mahomed, from Johannesburg, was one of 23 children who escorted the Spanish and Honduras players on to Ellis Park on Monday.

A fan of English premiership side Liverpool as well as Spain, Rameez said he took the opportunity to ask Torres a burning question - would he leave Liverpool for Manchester City next season? "He told me he would never go to Manchester City because his heart was with Liverpool and also because he gets along well with Steven Gerrard," Rameez told the Sunday Times. 

Rameez's mother, Sabera, said she was stunned to see her son walking out with Torres. "He idolises Torres. As a mother, to see that, it was really an overwhelming moment. My hands were shaking so badly you can see it on the video I took," she said.

The little boy said he wasn't at all nervous. "I wasn't nervous, I was just excited to be holding the hand of one of the best players in the world and not only the best, but my favourite as well."

Get Ready For Anfield Shuffle

With England out of the world cup(wid a disgrace), wat can we expect at anfield in d next few days..

Here's a list..

1.Gerrard will decide on his future..he might leave for real Madrid and i'll be sad to see him go as he played well and he still is our talismanic captain..

2.New manager will be decided..Fabio Capello will be sacked in all probabilities and Roy Hodgson may ditch liverpool and sign for FA..Liverpool hv already approached marseille boss Deschamps but he's refused to takeover..So Manuel Pellegrini or Kevin Dalglish..or will it be someone new!! keep reading dis space to know..

3.With a new manager at anfield transfer market will work again and Benaiyoun,Mascherano and Dirk Kuyt might leave for much less than they are worth..

4.Johnson,Carraghar,Gerrard and danish Daniel Agger will be back at anfield to prepare for the Europa League Qualifiers..

5.i'm not yet sure about the takeover of Liverpool FC by DIC or anyone..all that is stuck coz' of american owners..so maybe that won't change so soon..

With all this..i'm rapping it up..England were a disgrace against Germany and they deserved to be beaten..

DIC Back In Fray For Liverpool

                                               DIC have returned to the negotiating table again with liverpool.

while managing director Christian Purslow has been concentrating on finding Rafa Benitez’s successor, chairman Martin Broughton has been focused on attracting buyers to take over from George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

One of Broughton’s tasks has been to knock down Hicks’ claims that the Americans were looking for £800million.

He has been in advanced talks with parties in the Middle East, including Dubai International Capital, and believes a deal could be done for £500m.

Liverpool Prepared To Sell Kuyt

Liverpool are prepared to sell Dirk Kuyt.
  Sources says the word from within Anfield is that Kuyt, in Holland’s team at the World Cup, is for sale.
The new boss at ­currently managerless Liverpool – ­expected to be Fulham’s Roy Hodgson – could reverse that decision.
But there is a feeling that the manager-elect has already sanctioned the sale of Kuyt, 29.
The versatile Kuyt has been at Anfield for four years. He joined from Feyenoord for £10million after scoring 71 goals in 101 games.
And Liverpool are hoping to receive £8m from his sale.

Jovanovic May Go To Birmingham

Birmingham City are moving to trump Liverpool for Bosman prospect Milan Jovanovic.

The Mirror says Jovanovic, 27, is set to leave his club Standard Liege this summer on a Bosman.

The forward was expected to go to Anfield on a free transfer to work under Rafa Benitez after talks in January.

But Jovanovic's future has been thrown into doubt following Benitez's move to Champions League winners Inter Milan.

And now Brum would like Jovanovic to come to St Andrews to link up with his compatriot Nikola Zigic.

Agent Barry McIntosh confirmed: "Birmingham wanted Jovanovic in January and I tried to make it happen but he wanted to run his contract down.

"Now a move to Birmingham is a possibility once more.

Deschamps Says No To Liverpool

Didier Deschamps and Marseille have ruled the former Chelsea midfielder out of the running to become the next manager of Liverpool.
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson had looked most likely to take over before Marseille's title-winning coach Deschamps emerged as a strong contender.
However, the World Cup winner has now rejected any chance of him joining Liverpool, revealing he is 'in discussions' about a contract extension with the French club..

He explained, 'I am happy at Marseille. I am not there for just one year. A coach must be there for the long haul, and that is my wish.'
The French club's president has also dismissed the chances of Deschamps, who also led Monaco to the 2004 Champions League final, taking over at Anfield.
It was reported in L'Equipe that Liverpool chief executive Christian Purslow contacted Marseille and asked to speak to Deschamps - a request which was turned down by Jean-Claude Dassier.
Dassier claimed: 'He asked me if I allowed him to meet Didier and Jean-Pierre Bernes (Deschamps' agent).
'I replied that I did not allow any meeting to take place. I have also indicated that there is no way we'll let go of our coach.'

Inter milan Offer Cash & Cambiasso For Mascherano

Inter Milan are willing to offer Esteban Cambiasso

in part-exchange for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The Sunday Mirror says Inter are now looking to smooth the way with a player-plus-cash deal that will see Cambiasso move to Anfield. Liverpool are unwilling to countenance any dealings until Roy Hodgson is confirmed as manager. But while Cambiasso is nearing his 30th birthday, he is still regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.After a season which saw him play a starring role in Inter’s Champions League,Serie A and Italian Cup Treble It was a huge shock when Diego Maradona left Cambiasso out of Argentina’s squad for world cup. Inter president Massimo Moratti has threatened to give up unless Liverpool slash their price. But Benitez feels a deal can be struck if Hodgson accepts Cambiasso as a makeweight. Maradona left Cambiasso out of Argentina’s squad after a season which saw him play a starring role in Inter’s Champions League,

Kuyt's Future Uncertain

Dirk Kuyt admits he is unsure about his future at Liverpool.
With Rafael Benitez having departed recently and the club yet to unveil his successor, uncertainty reigns at Anfield.
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson had looked most likely to take over before Marseille's title-winning coach Didier Deschamps emerged as a strong contender.
Kuyt is concentrating on Holland's ongoing World Cup campaign, with a last-16 clash against Slovakia at the forefront of his mind, but was non-committal about his future on Merseyside.
"I'm just focusing myself on the World Cup," he said.
"I still have a long-term contract with Liverpool and I'm just focused on the World Cup. What happens at Liverpool, we'll see."
Asked whether he has had contact with departed boss Benitez, Kuyt said: "I haven't spoken to him. I've had a few text messages but they were more like 'good luck for the games' and 'well done'."
As for reports linking him with a move to join Benitez at Inter Milan, the forward said: "We have to see what happens. I also have a great time at Liverpool and I still have a two-year contract. My focus is on the World Cup but I'm still happy to play at Liverpool.
"But who knows what happens in the future? We have to see.
"If the possibility is there, we have to see what happens with the new manager at Liverpool. Hopefully we'll get new players but we'll see what the future is for me."

Surprise:Liverpool Approach Marseille Boss Deschamps!

Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier has revealed Liverpool have contacted him about Didier Deschamps, but he has told them they have no chance of tempting the Ligue 1 winning coach away from Stade Velodrome.
Speculation has been rife over who will take charge at Anfield since Rafael Benitez left the club at the beginning of the month, with Kenny Dalglish and Roy Hodgson among the current frontrunners.
However, Dassier claims Deschamps is the man Liverpool want.
"It's true, Liverpool's executive director, Christian Purslow, called me Thursday morning," the OM chief told L'Equipe. "He speaks French very well, is very polite.
"I was expecting his call because I had heard of Liverpool's interest in Didier. He asked me if I would allow him to meet Didier and (agent) Jean-Pierre Bernes.
"I replied that I would never forbid anyone from meeting whoever.
"I also kindly indicated to him that there wasn't the slightest chance for him to pinch our coach. Even in his dreams."
Deschamps' contract runs out at the end of next season and he is yet to pen an extension.
However, Dassier is confident of keeping the former Marseille midfielder.
He continued: "With Didier, we have a trusting relationship.
"I hope he will commit himself to us for another year. I'm not worried.
"It's true also that Didier is flattered to see a great European club interested in him."
Deschamps is regarded as one of Europe's best young managers and has had an impressive start to his career since taking over the reins at Monaco in 2001.
He steered the principality side to the Coupe de la Ligue title just two years after taking his first managerial post and led them to the Champions League final the following season
The former France international, who won the World Cup and European Championship in an illustrious playing career, then helped Juventus to the Serie B title in his one season at the Bianconeri.
The 41-year-old took charge at Marseille last summer and led them to their first Ligue 1 title in 18 years.

Ex- Manager Rafa Slams Purslow's Handling His Departure

Rafael Benitez has hit out at Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow's handling of his departure from the Merseyside club earlier this month.

The Spaniard agreed to end his six-year tenure at Anfield by mutual consent following a below-par season that saw the Reds finish seventh in the Barclays Premier League table while they also crashed out of the Champions league at the group stage. The 50-year-old has admitted his sadness at leaving the club he famously led to Champions League glory in 2005, but today blamed Purslow, who joined Liverpool last June, for prompting his exit.

"I was on holiday so it was a surprise that everything was going on in this way, but at the end of the day it has to be like this because Christian Purslow is now in charge and he decided to do it in this way. That is it," Benitez told Radio City.

"It is really sad but you have to move forwards. I said to my family that we cannot stay talking too much or complain too much, we have to move forwards. The people of Liverpool are fighters and I was fighting from the beginning until the end. Now I have to do the same and I have to be thinking about the future.

"I was really pleased here, the fans were amazing, but I can't stand around complaining. I have to move forward and do my best for my new club."

Benitez's departure added to the uncertainty at Anfield with the club's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett already looking to sell the club. Their decision to sell up has been welcomed by the majority of Liverpool fans, who perceive a lack of investment in the transfer market proceeded their poor season.

That belief is likely to be strengthened by Benitez's latest comments, with the Spaniard admitting there had been a tighter control on spending this past season.

"It's strange. This year everything changed from the beginning," he said.

"People in the club changed and the approach to everything was different. Clearly it was a question in the beginning of controlling the money we could spend or not, and everything was different to the past.

"We were so close to winning the title the year before that everybody was expecting something more but we couldn't do it. We had some problems from the beginning with injuries and some performances, and there was a little bit of frustration. At the end the atmosphere was different and we can see now during the summer that the fans are not very happy."

Liverpool Fans Set To Rally Against Gillette And Hicks

A Liverpool supporters' group have unveiled plans for a mass rally against the club's American owners in Liverpool city centre next month.

Spirit of Shankly are set to hold an 'Independence Day' demonstration against George Gillett and Tom Hicks on Sunday 4 July - the day that marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence - on St George's Hall Plateau.

Talks between the group and ShareLiverpoolFC over plans to formalise a supporter ownership initiative are still ongoing but representatives for Spirit of Shankly hope that developments will take place ahead of this event.

Addressing the crowd during the day-long rally, which begins at 12pm, will be former Anfield hero John Aldridge, actor Neil Fitzmaurice, Walton MP Steve Rotheram and Karen Gill - Bill Shankly's granddaughter.

John Power, formerly of Cast and The La's and The Farm frontman Peter Hooton have both signed up to perform at the event alongside a host of Merseyside musicians and the 'Sons of Anfield', who recently released a single voicing their opposition to Gillett and Hicks' ownership.

James Mckenna, a spokesman for Spirit Of Shankly said: "This day is our chance to truly have independence from the current American owners.

"On what is a symbolic day, we hope it will represent the future of Liverpool Football Club, all fans coming together to make supporter ownership a reality.

"Our plans for Supporter Ownership, using the Credit Union format, means it is accessible to everyone. We can be custodians of the football club we love, and there is no reason to suggest why we shouldn't be."

He added: "Karen Gill, John Aldridge, and Steve Rotheram, like Spirit Of Shankly, have spoken out about the current ownership and the problems they have caused. Now is the time for change at this club, and we want to achieve that.

"We want all fans to come to the rally, hear what is said and make their own mind up."

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Masch Not Going To Inter

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has warned Liverpool that they will withdraw their interest in Javier Mascherano unless the club lowers its asking price.

Former Reds manager Rafael Benitez is keen to see the 26-year-old link up with him at the European champions but has been forced to look elsewhere due to Liverpool's valuation of the midfielder exceeding their own.

Moratti has revealed that a move for Mascherano is now 'unlikely' and that plans are afoot to recruit Juventus playmaker Felipe Melo as an alternative to the Argentina captain.

He said: "Mascherano is strong, but it is unlikely that he will come.

"He costs too much and it's not even a given that Liverpool will sell him. Felipe Melo? It's an intriguing idea which we are working on."

Mascherano had revealed last week that he was learning Italian in anticipation of a move away from Anfield but the Nerazzurri's waning interest now sees Spanish giants Barcelona running unopposed for the former West Ham United man's services.

Profits from the £28million deal that will take Yaya Touré to Manchester City have been sanctioned for Mascherano's impending move to the Nou Camp, having been denied a switch to La Liga last summer by Benitez, who valued him at £50million.

Rafa:Sad To Leave Liverpool

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has broken his silence since leaving the club and revealed the part that Managing Director Christian Purslow played in his departure.

Speaking candidly about his time on Merseyside, the new Inter Milan manager revealed in a radio interview that his mutual termination earlier this month was agreed whilst he was on holiday in Sardinia with his family.

During the hour-long interview with Radio City, Benitez revealed that Purslow "decided" to end his six-year reign as he is now the man "in charge" at Anfield and maintained that he fought from start to finish to deliver the best for the club's supporters.

He said: "It was really sad [leaving]. I was on holidays so it was a surprise that everything was going on in this way, but at the end of the day it has to be like this because Christian Purslow now is in charge so he decided to do it in this way, and that's it.

"But you have to move forward. I always say to my family that we cannot complain too much and the people of Liverpool are fighters. When I came here I was fighting from the beginning until the end so now I have to do the same [with Inter]. I have to think about the future.

"Again, I will say that I was really pleased here and the fans were amazing but now I cannot stand up and just complain or thinking about the good memories. I have to move forward and do the best for my new club."

Roy Hodgson is set to be installed as the Spaniard's successor after he has returned to the UK after working as a World Cup pundit for BBC TV in South Africa.

The 62-year-old saw his hopes of succeeding Fabio Capello as England manager dashed in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday after the national side scraped a 1-0 win over Slovenia to book their place in the knockout stages of the tournament.

He could be joined at Anfield by Mike Kelly if a suitable compensation deal can be agreed with Fulham for their assistant manager.

Credits:Richard Buxton

New Reds Shirt Is fastest Selling In Liverpool FC History

LIVERPOOL’S new home kit is the fastest selling in the club’s history, according to commercial director Ian Ayre.

The red adidas shirt, which features the logo of new sponsors Standard Chartered, was launched last month.

“We’ve had what was the fastest selling shirt we’ve ever had in the new home shirt and the largest amount of orders in the fastest time, so our retail business and particularly our shirt sales have never been so good,” Ayre said.

“It’s a great shirt. Adidas did some great work with us on that. It’s got a new sponsor and I know on the day we launched we shipped 35,000 parcels to over 100 countries. That’s a record for us on day one and sales have been fantastic since then.

“I think we’ve seen historically, and we continue to see, that our fans are very loyal and are keen to keep supporting us at retail and that’s something we’re all grateful for.”

Liverpool Takeover Imminent!!

I still don't know how much truth is there in these reports but very close sources have indicated that the club is almost sold..

It has been rumoured that the club has been sold for £560m to the Dubai group. They had allegedly given Purslow the task of removing Rafa before buying the club and bringing in a new man under their own terms. The deal is supposedly done and an announcement will be made in d middle of July, after the World Cup. This would make sense on top of  reports that the RBS are getting twitchy about Dumb and Dumbers attempts to find a new owner .

Also the pressure applied by the protests of liverpool fans and even the ministers of liverpool was increasingly

demanding Gillete and Hicks to sell the club as soon as possible..it has probably worked i wish..

YNWA

credits:vitalfootball

Liverpool Approach Frank Rijkaard

Frank Rijkaard's had already ruled out taking the Liverpool job however this hasn't prevented the Reds from approaching Galatasaray for the Dutchman? Skysports.com in saying that sources in Turkey are saying that we've made two approaches for the former Dutch international in the last week yet both have so far been rejected.

With just a year left on his contract with the Turkish side it's believed that a compensation fee wouldn't be much for the 47 year old who is now believed to be a front runner for the Anfield hot seat along with Roy Hodgson and Manuel Pellegrini.
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It has all the news,forum,radio,lfc shop and lots of interesting stuff..download and enjoy..

YNWA

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Achievements Of Liverpool FC..

Football League Champions - 18

1900-01, 1905-06, 1921-22, 1922-23, 1946-47, 1963-64, 1965-66, 1972-73, 1975-76, 1976-77, 1978-79, 1979-80, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86, 1987-88, 1989-90.

Division Two Winners - 4

1893-94, 1895-96, 1904-05, 1961-62.

Lancashire League Winners - 1

1892-93.

Football Association Challenge Cup Winners - 7

1964-65, 1973-74, 1985-86, 1988-89, 1991-92, 2000-01, 2005-06.

League Cup Winners - 7

1980-81, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1994-95, 2000-01, 2002-03.

Football Association Charity Shield/Community Shield Winners - 15

1906, 1964*, 1965*, 1966, 1974, 1976, 1977*, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1986*, 1988, 1989, 1990*, 2001, 2006
(* shared)

European Cup Winners - 5

1976-77, 1977-78, 1980-81, 1983-84, 2004-05

UEFA Cup Winners - 3

1972-73, 1975-76, 2000-01.

European Super Cup Winners - 3

1977-78, 2001-02, 2005

Super Cup Winners - 1

1985-86.

Carlsberg Trophy - 3

1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-2000.

Reserves Division One Winners - 17

1956-57, 1968-69, 1969-70, 1970-71, 1972-73, 1973-74, 1974-75, 1975-76, 1976-77, 1978-79, 1980-81, 1981-82, 1983-84, 1984-85, 1989-90, 1999-2000, 2007-08.

Football Association Youth Cup Winners - 3

1995-96, 2005-06, 2006-07

Hodgson To Fly To England Today To Snap Reds Deal

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is supposed to be returning to england from the world cup in south africa..According to sources he's returning home to snap the liverpool deal or we can say the reds will tie up the deal..

Hodgson was the favourite target of the liverpool board since the mutual departure of former boss Rafa Benitez..Liverpool will look to tie up the deal as soon as possible as england are also looking for a manager to replace Fabio Capello..But with england successfully qualifying to the next round at the world cup dismissal of Capello seems unlikely so Hodgson might like to sign with the anfield club..

Reds have looked for a lots of possible contenders like Manuel Pellegrini,Martien O'Niel,Alex Mcleish & even Kenny Dalglish..but they have held onto the Managger of the season and are likely to seal the deal when he reaches liverpool..

A formal announcement will be made in 48 hours..

The transfer Of Yossi Benaiyoun and Javier Mascherano could mean that Hodgson could have around £50m to spend in the market..

We at anfield would welcome him with open arms..YNWA..