Agger: Deal me in, Rafa

DANIEL AGGER is desperate to pen a new long-term contract at Liverpool.

The Danish centre-back, 23, has been a regular in the Reds' starting XI since Martin Skrtel was injured earlier this season.

And, after another fine performance in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid last night, Agger said: “Of course, I will see what they will offer me but I want to stay here for a long time.”

Kop boss Rafa Benitez has revealed he wants Agger and striker Dirk Kuyt to sign new deals.

He said: "Agger is very close and he is talking with the club.

"There is no news yet with Kuyt but he is another player that I would like to get done as soon as possible. They have to be done before the new year.

"In each team you need people with quality, that work hard and with a good character.

"I want to do it as soon as possible because it is better for them and better for the club."

Liverpool deal collapses

LIVERPOOL’S Yank owners were stunned after a shock Arab takeover collapsed.

George Gillett and Tom Hicks held secret talks with a new Middle East consortium — and were willing to sell the club for less than £500million.

Talks were so advanced that due diligence, the process of going through the Anfield accounts, took place last month.

The accounts even forecast the Kop outfit would make a projected profit of £45million by the end of this season — a claim city experts believe is totally unrealistic.

But Hicks and Gillett were left empty-handed when the Arabs dramatically walked away at the 11th hour.

The news puts the Americans under intense pressure to accept the £500m offer still on the table from Dubai International Capital, who have a long-held interest in buying the club.

Hicks and Gillett borrowed £350m from the Royal Bank of Scotland to help them buy Liverpool but that deal expires in January.

And with the bank already a major victim of the credit crunch, there is a danger the Americans will fail to get the loan deal they need to remain owners of the club.

That could let in DIC, who have pledged to invest heavily in Liverpool’s new stadium, currently put on hold by the cash-strapped Yanks, and the playing squad.

Gerro is fall right by us

RAFA BENITEZ defended Kop skipper Steven Gerrard as Atletico were left seething by a controversial last-gasp penalty.

Gerrard won a soft spot-kick in the fourth minute of stoppage time when he went down under the challenge of Mariano Pernia.

The Reds ace fired home and boss Benitez insisted: “It would have been a free-kick in the middle of the pitch so in the box it is a penalty.

We have to be disappointed we haven’t won either game against Atletico but we have one more point.

“We were talking before about the character of the team. That’s five or six times we have come back from behind.

“In the end we are happy to get a point but it’s disappointing we had to leave it right until the end.”

Gerrard said: “I got to the ball first and headed it. If it had been outside the box it would have been a free-kick, so it was a penalty.

“It was a big point for us and it means we stay at the top of the group. We showed our character by coming back.”

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre said: “I was a long way from the incident.

“I’m not in the habit of criticising referees and I’m not going to change that now.”

Liverpool are behind Atletico on goal difference at the top of Group D and can clinch a place in the knockout stages against Marseille in three weeks.

They had a frustrating night after falling behind to a 37th-minute strike from Maxi.

Fernando Torres failed to face his old club but should be fit for Saturday’s West Brom clash after a hamstring injury.

Liverpool 1 Atletico Madrid 1

IF the old saying about needing luck to win trophies holds any water, Liverpool are certainly using up theirs by the bucketload.

Less than three months into the season and already Rafa Benitez’s boys are turning The Great Escape into a long- running series.

Deep, deep into stoppage time the Reds were heading for a Champions League choker after blowing every chance they created and getting a boot in the you-know-whats off the referee as well.

But just as Atletico were preparing to celebrate a famous victory, Swedish official Martin Hansson gave the worst decision of a totally inept night — and Liverpool were out of jail.

Skipper Steven Gerrard was jumping more in hope than expectation when he challenged Mariano Pernia for a wickedly bouncing ball in the 94th minute.

There was contact, but it was minimal — yet the referee, who had dropped clangers all evening, pointed to the spot, sparking a storm of protest from Atletico.

Gerrard kept his cool to drill home and strictly speaking you could not argue with the justice of the outcome itself.

But you could certainly argue with the manner it came about.

Atletico most definitely did, as Pernia, Johnny Heitinga and Sergio Aguero were all booked for complaining.

Benitez: We can still win the title

RAFA BENITEZ insists Liverpool still have the belief to win the league.

The Kop boss said: “We have a quality. We have the mentality to win titles but we need to take our chances.

“Chelsea have shown since we beat them that they are a good team and we have to do the same.

"We have to show our character and fight back. In football you can always lose games but the question is how.

To lose a game like this is really disappointing but we don’t have to be worried about the performance, the character or the quality of the team.

“I am really disappointed but it was bad luck because everybody could see we were better than them.

“As a team we were really good but we need to take our chances. That makes the difference in a game like this.”

Benitez is also confident star striker Fernando Torres is over a hamstring problem and will be fit to feature — on the subs’ bench, at least — in tomorrow’s Champions League home clash with his former club Atletico Madrid.

The Spaniard added: “We have an important game on Tuesday and maybe Torres will start or will be on the bench.

“When a player is injured for a while he is desperate. He did not play in the first game against Atletico so he is keen.”

Tottenham 2 Liverpool 1

AT one of those numerous awards bashes which mark the end of the season, a category should be introduced for the most stupid fan in English football.

The competition would be pretty hot, admittedly.

But there’s no doubt that a few of the front-runners would be wearing the colours of Tottenham Hotspur: The men who left White Hart Lane at 7.15pm on Saturday.

You would have thought that a certain event at The Emirates three days earlier was a lesson for those who duck out early.

When Aaron Lennon thumped the ball past Manuel Almunia to make it 4-4 in the North London derby, thousands of fans from both teams had already left the ground and were on their way to the tube.

Yet while they were less in their numbers, there were still a few supporters who had headed for the exits before Roman Pavlyuchenko flicked the ball past Pepe Reina in the 90th minute for a thoroughly undeserved — but spectacular — victory.

Presumably, the supporters who couldn’t last the distance had something very important to go to. Maybe they were going home to pick up the missus before going to watch Quantum of Solace. However, you can bet they would have left five minutes before the end of the film.

Yet Pavyluchenko’s winner not only proved that Harry Redknapp has waved a magic wand over N17, it also illustrated Liverpool have yet to fulfil a basic requirement for any team with realistic hopes of winning the title.

Top teams win when they play badly, something Liverpool have done this season. Yet Premier League champions also put away teams when they are playing well.

For an hour against Tottenham, Liverpool were outstanding. They were solid but also enterprising when they needed to be.

The visitors should have been as many as five goals to the good. And yet they lost.

To quote the great Iain Dowie, their ‘bouncebackability’ will be tested against Atletico Madrid tomorrow night and then against West Brom in the league on Saturday.

Had Jamie Carragher not headed into his own net to give Spurs an equaliser, then Liverpool would surely have closed the game out as Tottenham had offered very little until then. Awesome in defence until that moment in the 70th minute,

Carragher said: “That’s the Premier League for you. Credit to Spurs but we were in total control. We should have got a second or third goal but if you don’t do that Spurs have definitely got quality going forward.

“I’m disappointed to score the own goal. I don’t know what happened. I don’t know if I was unlucky or what. Even then 1-1 isn’t too bad at Spurs. It’s not an easy place to go, even though they’re in a bad situation. We are more than disappointed to concede a goal in the last minute.

“Normally when you’re in such control you go on to win the game but you have to give credit to Tottenham for showing character and sticking in there and the effect Harry Redknapp has had. But we probably should’ve finished it off.

“Look how Chelsea have reacted since we beat them and how Man United reacted when they lost to us. They’ve been on a great run since. It’s how you come back from your setbacks. If you want to show you’re a championship contender, it’s how you bounce back.

“Before Mourinho came to Chelsea you could get away with losing five or six but now it seems to be three or four. The standards are so high. You can’t afford to lose too many.”

After West Brom visit Anfield, Liverpool have winnable matches against Bolton, Fulham, West Ham, Blackburn and Hull. The return of Fernando Torres will obviously be a massive plus.

Carragher admitted: “If we play as well as we can we should go on to win those games but, in the past, we’ve come unstuck in those games and it’s important we get maximum points now.”

After their incredible comeback against Arsenal, you expected Spurs to come racing out of the blocks — yet Dirk Kuyt ended those hopes when smacking the ball past comedy keeper Heurelho Gomes in the third minute.

Steven Gerrard hit the woodwork twice, while Kuyt and Xabi Alonso missed golden chances before Carragher scored for Spurs.

Then, the drama was complete when Reina made a great one-handed save from David Bentley only for Darren Bent to square the ball for Pavlyuchenko.

Asked what technical advice Redknapp gave to Pavyluchenko in the dressing room at the break, the Spurs boss said: “I told the interpreter to make sure he f*****g ran about — and it worked!”

Rafa: We can win title

RAFA BENITEZ says Liverpool’s win at Chelsea proves they are title contenders.

The Reds boss said: “We have the quality and the mentality to fight against the top sides and anyone else.

To win at Stamford Bridge was a really difficult thing to do and it sends a massive message to the other teams of what we can do and tells our fans what we are about.

“We can go to any stadium and win games.

“Today, against a very good team, a very offensive team, we showed we were thinking about winning.

“The players know what to do and it was difficult for the opposition to create chances.

“Chelsea had some chances but their final pass was not the best on occasions.”

Xabi Alonso’s deflected 10th-minute strike was enough to send Liverpool three points clear at the top. It also put an end to Chelsea’s 86-match unbeaten home record in the league — a run that began in February 2004.

Benitez, chasing the Reds’ first title in 19 years, added: “To come here with the mentality, showing the character the players showed, it was a big boost for the rest of the season.

“We have belief, we have quality, we showed coming from behind in the other games that we had character.”

Liverpool, who have also seen off Manchester United this season, will look to keep up their charge against Portsmouth at Anfield on Wednesday.

The Spaniard said: “We must start thinking about Portsmouth, we know we need to get three points against them if we want to keep with this mentality and momentum.

“After all, we were criticised for beating Manchester United and then drawing with Stoke so we have to be different now.

“Clearly, if you want to stay at the top of the table for a long time you have to beat almost everyone because Chelsea, United and Arsenal will be behind you.”

Chelsea 0 Liverpool 1

RAFA BENITEZ’S glowing tribute to his team was halted briefly yesterday as a fire alarm went off in the Chelsea press room.

It was quickly stopped but not before alarm bells started ringing round the Premier League that perhaps this could be the season Liverpool end their 19-year quest for the title.

For the termination of Chelsea’s 86-match unbeaten League run at Stamford Bridge was no fluke.

The Reds boss said: “We have the quality and the mentality to fight against the top sides and anyone else.

To win at Stamford Bridge was a really difficult thing to do and it sends a massive message to the other teams of what we can do and tells our fans what we are about.

“We can go to any stadium and win games.

“Today, against a very good team, a very offensive team, we showed we were thinking about winning.

“The players know what to do and it was difficult for the opposition to create chances.

“Chelsea had some chances but their final pass was not the best on occasions.”

Xabi Alonso’s deflected 10th-minute strike was enough to send Liverpool three points clear at the top. It also put an end to Chelsea’s 86-match unbeaten home record in the league — a run that began in February 2004.

Benitez, chasing the Reds’ first title in 19 years, added: “To come here with the mentality, showing the character the players showed, it was a big boost for the rest of the season.

“We have belief, we have quality, we showed coming from behind in the other games that we had character.”

Liverpool, who have also seen off Manchester United this season, will look to keep up their charge against Portsmouth at Anfield on Wednesday.

The Spaniard said: “We must start thinking about Portsmouth, we know we need to get three points against them if we want to keep with this mentality and momentum.

“After all, we were criticised for beating Manchester United and then drawing with Stoke so we have to be different now.

“Clearly, if you want to stay at the top of the table for a long time you have to beat almost everyone because Chelsea, United and Arsenal will be behind you.”

Torres KO's a trip back home


FERNANDO TORRES will swerve an emotional return to Atletico Madrid in an effort to get fit for Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash at Chelsea.

Liverpool’s crocked Spanish striker was offered a VIP seat for tomorrow night’s Champions League game and was guaranteed a hero’s welcome on his return to the Vicente Calderon.

But Kop boss Rafa Benitez and the forward, suffering from a hamstring injury, have decided he should stay at the club’s training ground and work on his fitness.

Benitez said: “The physios feel he should stay here and continue with his recovery.”

Torres KO blow for Liverpool



LIVERPOOL striker Fernando Torres lasted just 16 minutes as SPAIN won 2-1 in BELGIUM.

El Nino suffered a micro-tear to his left hamstring in the Group Five clash and will now miss Wigan’s visit to Anfield on Saturday.

Spain team doctor Oscar Celada said: “He has intense pain at the back of his thigh.”

Wesley Sonck put the hosts ahead on seven minutes but Andres Iniesta and David Villa replied.

Torres' Liverpool team-mate Ryan Babel limped off during HOLLAND’S 1-0 Group Nine win over NORWAY in Oslo.

Bayern Munich skipper Mark van Bommel netted the winner for the Dutch.

Roma's Alberto Aquilani hit both goals in Lecce as ITALY won 2-1 against MONTENEGRO to stay top of Group Eight.

Reds tie 'will be in Madrid'

LIVERPOOL'S controversial Champions League match could still be played in Madrid.

UEFA yesterday slapped a two-match stadium ban on opponents Atletico Madrid for their fans' racist chanting.

They insisted next Wednesday's tie should be take place at least 200 miles away from the Spanish capital.

That threw Liverpool fans' travel plans into chaos and Kop chief executive Rick Parry has hit out at the timing of the ruling.

But Atletico plan to appeal to the punishment and president Enrique Cerezo is confident of overturning the verdict.

Cerezo said: "The Atleti-Liverpool game will be played at the Vicente Calderon.

"We will appeal. I have faith that UEFA will do the right thing.

Atletico's arch-rivals Real Madrid have thrown their support behind their neighbours.

Real president Ramon Calderon said: "It seems unfair to me.

"The police did not report to Atletico Madrid.

"Those that caused the problems were the Marseille fans."

Minister for sport Gerry Sutcliffe wants UEFA to use the Atletico fine to help Liverpool fans re-arrange their travel plans when a venue is finally decided.

He said: "It is great to see UEFA taking a tough stance on racism, as this is the only way we are going to kick it out of the game.

"But moving the match at this late stage will play havoc with Liverpool fans' travel plans and leave them out of pocket.

"I would like to see UEFA use the fine to help Liverpool supporters get to the match."

Liverpool rage at UEFA decision

LIVERPOOL fans are fuming after UEFA left them with travel chaos and a huge dent in their wallets.

Atletico Madrid must play their next two Champions League home games at least 200 miles from Spain’s capital, starting with next Wednesday’s Reds tie.

Kop chief executive Rick Parry said: “It is very short notice. No consideration has been given to the fans, all of whom have already made their travel arrangements and many of them are going independently.”

Atletico have been punished after being found guilty of racism towards Marseille fans and players in their 2-1 win over the French a fortnight ago.

And Atletico’s appeal against the decision will not be heard until Sunday — little more than 24 hours before many Kop fans are due to travel to Spain.

The club have sold 2,500 tickets with around double that expected to travel.

Parry added: “It will cause major disruption, inconvenience and large additional expense for our fans.

“UEFA have to take their needs into account when making a final decision on the game.

“We have written to UEFA expressing our dismay. This decision has come completely out of the blue.

“I just don’t know how it will be resolved at the moment.”

Atletico have taken their case to the Spanish government and are using their FA’s lawyers to fight to stage the game at their Vicente Calderon Stadium with Valencia seen as a possible alternative venue.

But Liverpool have blasted the fact the decision has been left so late in the day and could ask UEFA to defer the punishment.

The Anfield giants only heard of the news late on Monday night.

A spokesman for fans’ group Spirit of Shankly said: “This is outrageous — this game was played two weeks ago and UEFA have waited until now to make a decision.

“It’s crazy to do this now when everyone’s travel plans have been booked.”

Atletico have also been fined £120,000 — UEFA’s heaviest-ever punishment for racism.

Black players were subjected to monkey chants throughout the game.

Coach Javier Aguirre received a two-game ban for insulting Marseille star Mathieu Valbuena.

Torres upset at Madrid move



LIVERPOOL striker Fernando Torres is heartbroken after the clash with Atletico Madrid was moved.

UEFA has ordered the Champions League match to be played 300km from the Spanish capital after crowd trouble in Atletico's win against Marseille.

And that means Torres will miss out on the chance to return to the Vincent Calderon — the stadium where he made his name.

The Reds ace said: "After so much time waiting, it is the worst and most unexpected news that I could have heard this morning.

“I’m eager to go back. I don’t know if it is definitive, I hope that a solution can be found.

“It is a shame that these incidents have forced the stadium to be closed but if this is what happens then we have to accept it.”

Xabi: I'm still up for Juventus

XABI ALONSO could still join Juventus — as the Italians continue to be linked with Rafa Benitez.

The struggling Serie A outfit, who are 11th after a nightmare start, tried to land Alonso in the summer before opting for Christian Poulsen.
Juve boss Claudio Ranieri claimed he changed his mind after deciding the Liverpool midfielder was too slow.

Yet now Alonso has admitted he would still be interested.

He said: “The attraction to Juventus has remained intact. I appreciated the honesty of the club.
"They told me their tactics on the pitch were different and that is why they chose Poulsen.

“Juventus are the most prestigious club in Italy but you cannot be disappointed when you play for Liverpool.”

While Ranieri claims Alonso does not feature in his plans, there is a growing feeling he does not feature in Juve’s.

The ex-Chelsea chief has just one year left on his contract and Kop boss Benitez is attracting admiring glances from Italy.

Valencia are also considering an Alonso bid. Director Fernando Gomez said: “Alonso would be very valuable to any club.”

Stephane Henchoz, 34, has announced his retirement. The ex-Liverpool defender has been clubless since his Blackburn contract expired in June.

Carragher fires title warning

CALM... Jamie Carragher

JAMIE CARRAGHER has warned his Liverpool team-mates not to get carried away with their superb start to the season.

The Reds are level with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League after remaining unbeaten in their opening seven matches.

But Carragher insists it is too early to start talking about winning their first title in 18 years.

The centre-back said: “People should stop saying we’ve made a great start.
"I’m thinking 'we’ve only played seven games and we’re Liverpool. Shouldn’t we be up there? Am I missing something?’

"We’re not Hull.

“If we’re still up there in March we can talk about it, until then we'll focus on doing our best in every game.

"Actions speak louder than words.”

Top 10 Premier League foreign strikersSPANISH SENSATION ... Fernando Torres has been a revelation at Liverpool

FERNANDO TORRES has started where he left off last season by banging in the goals for Liverpool.

The Spanish hitman has already grabbed five in the league as the Reds threaten to finally mount a serious title challenge.

At this rate, Torres is well on his way to becoming a legend in England.

And in a nod to his exploits, we have selected the greatest foreign strikers to ever grace the Premier League.

Despite his goalscoring heroics of last season, there is no place for Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo because he is not primarily deployed as a striker.

And heroes such as Paolo Di Canio, Dwight Yorke and Fabrizio Ravanelli miss out because of the strength of competition.

Sit back and enjoy our pick.

No10: Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink

The mad stare of Hasselbaink was first spotted on these shores when Leeds signed him in 1997. The little-known striker went on to become one of the Premier League’s hotshots with two dazzling seasons at Elland Road. And after a year in Spain, the powerful Dutchman returned to wreak havoc with Chelsea.

No9: Didier Drogba

The Chelsea striker may not be the most popular star to ever grace the Premier League but there is no denying his continued threat up front. Drogba is one of the most physically imposing forwards to play in England and his goals have been instrumental in the Blues’ recent trophy hauls.

No8: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

The baby-faced assassin will always hold a special place in the hearts of Manchester United fans. The Norwegian earned a reputation as a super-sub and his scoring record during his time in England was superb. A knee injury sadly forced the star into early retirement last season.

No7: Jurgen Klinsmann

Tottenham pulled off a masterstroke by bagging the German hitman 14 years ago. Klinsmann averaged a goal every other game in the league that season after striking up a brilliant partnership with Teddy Sheringham. The star rejoined three years later for a briefer, yet equally prolific, spell.

No6: Fernando Torres

Time will tell just how high Torres climbs. The Spanish sensation has excelled since signing for Liverpool from Atletico Madrid last summer. El Nino has hit 29 goals in 35 league starts to date and there will undoubtedly be many more to come. But for how long can the Reds keep him at Anfield?

No5: Gianfranco Zola

In his seven seasons at Chelsea, the Italian did enough to be crowned the greatest ever player to wear their blue shirt. Zola was a breath of fresh air and, as well as being a regular scorer, he inspired those team-mates who could never match his talent. Now attempting his magic as West Ham boss.

No4: Dennis Bergkamp

Arsenal have enjoyed a string of overseas hitmen and many argue that Dutchman Dennis is the best of the lot. Bergkamp arrived in North London 13 years ago and lit up the Premier League with his dazzling trickery. An ice-cool customer (usually) who was always one step ahead of the game.

No3: Ruud van Nistelrooy

After overcoming a serious knee injury that threatened to scupper his move to Manchester United, the Dutchman went on to become a hero at Old Trafford. Van Nistelrooy averaged two goals every three games for the Red Devils and he is still firing with Real Madrid.

No2: Eric Cantona

Whether you think Cantona is lazy, arrogant, violent or all three, few can argue against his supreme talent. The French forward is one of Alex Ferguson's greatest ever signings and helped launch their trophy-filled years in the 90s. Despite retiring at just 30, he remains a legend at United.

No1: Thierry Henry

Henry wins in a photo finish. The Frenchman initially struggled at Arsenal in 1999 but on his departure eight years later, he had carved his place in history. Henry is the highest overseas scorer in Premier League history and was the driving force behind the Gunners’ 21st century success.

Riera Added To Spain Squad

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has handed Liverpool winger Albert Riera a recall for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Belgium.

Riera's last appearance for Spain came during the March 26 friendly win over Italy in Elche but he has been rewarded for his promising start to life at Anfield by Del Bosque's decision to select him in place of the injured Diego Capel.

Riera was brought to Merseyside after Liverpool's pursuit of Gareth Barry finally came to an end and has impressed on the left of midfield, where he could get his chance for the European champions.

Skrtel set for Christmas return

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel does not need an operation on his right knee and should return to action by Christmas.

The Slovakia centre-back damaged his posterior cruciate ligament after a sickening landing during the 3-2 win at Manchester City.

He received oxygen on the pitch and was carried off on a stretcher and it was feared that he could be out for the season.

But Reds spokesman Ian Cotton said: "Martin was examined by a specialist today, who confirmed the player does not require surgery and is expected to be back playing by Christmas."
Until his return, boss Rafael Benitez has Dan Agger and Sami Hyppia available to partner Jamie Carragher in the centre of defence.

Reds rocked by Skrtel blow

LIVERPOOL have been rocked with Martin Skrtel set to be ruled out for the season.

The Reds centre-back was carried off on a stretcher in yesterday's victory at Manchester City after landing awkwardly.

And the club have confirmed that a scan this morning has shown that the Slovakian ace has damaged the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

A club spokeman said: "He will see a specialist tomorrow to assess the extent of the injury and will then have an accurate idea of the timescales involved before he is back playing again."

Liverpool do have plenty of cover at centre-back with Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Sami Hyppia.

Kuyt: We're real contenders

HERO Dirk Kuyt reckons yesterday's last-gasp win proves Liverpool are genuine title contenders.

The Dutch ace popped up in the dying moments to crash home the winner in the 3-2 triumph at Manchester City.

Liverpool were trailing by two goals at half-time but bounced back to stay level on points with leaders Chelsea.

And Kuyt insists the comeback shows just how serious the Reds are this season.
The forward said: "We try to make a statement every week.

"Every three games we have a big game. We had Everton and PSV last week, and our target is just to win every game and try to be there by the end of the season.

"But it was vital to keep pace with Chelsea before the internationals. We can leave with a good feeling.

"We've already had one international break and we came back in our first game after it and beat Manchester United, so I wouldn't say it comes at a bad time.

"Anyway, we don't need any excuses. We'll just keep on going and see how we do against Wigan in our next game."

Benitez hails comeback kings

RAFA BENITEZ hailed his second-half heroes as they kept up their title charge with a thrilling comeback triumph.

The Reds, inspired by two-goal Fernando Torres, recovered from 2-0 down at the break.

They have now scored all but one of their 10 league goals this season in the second 45 minutes.

After seeing Dirk Kuyt hit the Kop’s injury-time winner at Eastlands, Benitez said: “This shows the character we have in the team. It shows the players are ready.

“Physically we are in good condition, so credit to the fitness coach for that. But also the mentality of the team is good.”

The win, though, came at a cost. Defender Martin Skrtel will have a scan on a twisted knee today.

Benitez added: “We were so disappointed with the injury to Martin. We will need to wait for the scan but it could be serious.

“The positive thing in the game was the reaction of the players.

“We made two mistakes for the goals against a team that has pace and ability. But our determination was fantastic and it shows the belief we have.”

Torres struck either side of Pablo Zabaleta’s red card for City and took his league tally so far to five. His first was Liverpool’s 1,000th in the Premier League.

Benitez added: “We know how important he is for us. He is always a threat, can score goals and make space for team-mates.”

City boss Mark Hughes admitted he could see why referee Peter Walton sent off Zabaleta for his lunge on Xabi Alonso.

But he tried to look on the positive side, as his team had given Liverpool a lot of first-half problems and scored through Stephen Ireland and Javier Garrido.

Hughes said: “It’s not much consolation but we were excellent in the first half. We took the game to an excellent Liverpool.

“We caused them as many problems as any team this season. We should have taken something.
“Pablo was trying to get the ball but made contact with Alonso’s standing leg.”

Man City 2 Liverpool 3

THIS was the type of fightback and victory that must make all Liverpool fans believe they really have a team to win the title.

What a win and what a game this was.

What a striker Liverpool have in Fernando Torres, who had the honour of claiming this famous club’s 1,000th Premier League goal yesterday.

And what character is running through the veins of this Kop side.

Rafa Benitez’s men were two-down at the break and seemingly out of the game.

City were attacking with flair and conviction, while Torres was not getting a sniff at the other end.

We know what boss Benitez can do in his half-time team talks, though.

We also know the character instilled in this great club to grab glory from seemingly the most desperate of situations.

Remember their most famous ever rise from the ashes in Istanbul in 2005. Then they were three-down to AC Milan, only to win the Champions League final on penalties.

Two goals here from Torres and an injury-time winner by Dirk Kuyt completed this ‘impossible’ and left a capacity Middle Eastlands with its belly as low as a sand snake.

Yet City had enjoyed a fantastic start, taking the lead after 19 minutes.

Shaun Wright-Phillips, the architect of so much that was good about the home team in the first half, got things going.

Charging down the wing, he cut the ball into the area and then retrieved it when Jo lost possession.

This time he fired it in to Robinho and Alvaro Arbeloa flipped a weak clearance straight to Stephen Ireland.

Rafa: We don't fear rival cash

RAFA BENITEZ has warned moneybags Manchester City: Your wealth does not guarantee a Champions League place.

Liverpool travel to Eastlands tomorrow knowing they and Arsenal are the teams most likely to see their spot in the lucrative tournament threatened by City’s Arab takeover.

Yet Benitez is refusing to hit the panic button.

The Anfield boss said: “Will their money make it more difficult for us? At this moment you never know.

“All we are thinking about is this game now and in January we will see what will happen.

“But it’s not easy to improve a squad. Chelsea were spending money for years before they could win the title.

“In the future you never know how dangerous City’s potential will be. Every year you hear about the possible challenges from Aston Villa, Newcastle, West Ham. Now it is City.”

Benitez also insists City will not be the only team looking to spend.

He added: “You also have to take into consideration the level of the other teams.

“If you are talking about money, then Manchester United and Chelsea have been spending big money on players for a long time. So it’s not going to be so easy for Manchester City.

“Money can help to sign the best players. But you must realise how hard the Premier League is to win.”

But Benitez does feel City’s £32.5million striker Robinho can be a major Premier League hit.

He added: “He’s top class. To get Robinho ahead of Chelsea was a good piece of business.”
Benitez also claims Daniel Agger is not heading to Real Madrid.

He added: “He’s not for sale. Agger knows he has to fight for his position and wants to stay.”

Benitez: Now kick on Robbie

RAFA BENITEZ has called on Robbie Keane to score against Manchester City this weekend.

The Liverpool boss is convinced the £19million summer signing can now kick on and start scoring regularly after breaking his duck against PSV in midweek.

Benitez was pleased with the strike in Europe and believes it now time for Keane to do it in the Premier League.

He said: "It was really important for Robbie to score.

"He will now have no pressure and more confidence. He has got his first for the club, but in Europe.

"I would want him now to go out and score his first Premier League goal for us in the next match."

Meanwhile, Keane has called on his team-mates to guard against complacency, ahead of Sunday's clash at Eastlands.

He said: "We don't want to get too cocky yet.

"It was only the first two games for us in the Champions League, and there are some tough ones still to play.

"But it does set us up nicely and we can concentrate now on Manchester City and hope that this form and momentum can continue."

Keane: Now watch me go


ROBBIE KEANE banged in his first Liverpool goal then promised the Kop faithful: There's more where that came from!

The striker netted as the Reds cruised to a 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven last night.

And Irish ace Keane said: "I'm pleased to get it out of the way, to be honest.

"It was a good ball from Fernando and I managed to get a yard on the defender and connect nicely with it.

"Luckily enough it went in and hopefully now I can get a lot more."

Keane celebrated the goal with his trademark cartwheel and he admitted it was a dream come true to perform it in front of the Kop.

He added: "Last year it only came out for special occasions and obviously this was one of those.

"I've done it throughout the years and I always dreamt that I'd do it here at Liverpool.

"I've done it now, so it can go back in the box for a while!"

Keane also believes he and Fernando Torres have silenced the critics who questioned his partnership with Spaniard.

The £20million summer signing said: "It's like anything – it takes time.

"Things don't work out straight away but me and Fernando are linking up really well.

"I was involved in two goals on Saturday and he set me up tonight.

"It's great but I'm just concentrating on working hard for the team and hopefully the two of us can get a lot more goals."

Liverpool, who are unbeaten in this season, face Manchester City on Sunday but Keane has urged his team-mates not to get too carried away.

He insisted: "We can't get too cocky.

"There's still four games to go but this sets us up nicely and gives us a lot of confidence.

"We've now got Man City and we're looking forward to that – hopefully we can continue this winning run."

Liverpool 3 PSV 1


THE wait is over — and for some it was a hell of a lot longer than for others.

In Robbie Keane’s case, some 11 games — 686 minutes — for the goal which got a monkey the size of King Kong off his back.

In Steven Gerrard’s case, the wait was much less — under three games in fact — before he unleashed the thunderbolt which took him into an exclusive club of Liverpool’s centurions.

Gerrard’s 75th-minute piledriver nearly took the net from its moorings and raised the roof of the Kop, as he made it 100 goals in a Liverpool shirt.

But not even that could compare to the ear-splitting roar which greeted Keane’s first strike since arriving on Merseyside.

The old cartwheeling, gun-toting celebration even got dusted down for the first time since his old Tottenham manager Martin Jol banned it for fear of injury.

Last night no one was going to put a lid on the little Irishman’s salute after he had found himself more of a talking point as the goalless weeks went on.

Yes, Keane is back on the scoresheet at last — for the first time since Tottenham’s winner at Reading on May 3 — and the Liverpool juggernaut rumbles mercilessly along.

And just to cap an evening of firsts, we had a few more thrown in just for good measure.

First up was the sight of striker Fernando Torres bombing down the right, like the niftiest of wingers, to deliver the perfect early cross which allowed his partner to break his duck.

We must stop Torres and Co

PSV EINDHOVEN ace Carlos Salcido reckons Liverpool possess one of Europe's most fearsome frontlines.

The two sides square up at Anfield in their Champions League clash tonight with the Reds on a high after their Merseyside derby triumph.

Fernando Torres grabbed both goals on Saturday and he is again expected to link up with fellow forwards Robbie Keane and Dirk Kuyt.

And Salcido said: "Torres, Keane and Kuyt are a phenomenal offensive line.

"For me it is one of the best in Europe today and it is really is hard to stop this. "We are obliged to give 150 per cent on the pitch.

"To play in a stadium like Anfield is sensational because it is steeped in history. The atmosphere will help PSV to increase our level.

"We don't arrive in England with fear. If that was certain we'd prefer to stay in Holland and avoid travelling but PSV is a champion club with courage and ambition."

Biography

Fernando José Torres Sanz (born 20 March 1984 in Madrid, Spain), nicknamed El Niño ("The Kid"), is a Spanish footballer, who plays for Liverpool.

Torres started his career with Atlético Madrid, with whom he progressed through the youth ranks. He made his professional debut in 2001 and finished his career with the club having scored 75 goals in 174 La Liga appearances. Prior to this, Torres played two seasons in the Segunda División, making 40 appearances and scoring seven goals. He joined Liverpool in 2007, after the club paid their record transfer fee to sign him and marked his first season with the club by being their first player to score more than 20 league goals for the club in a season since Robbie Fowler in 1995–96.

He is also a Spanish international and made his debut for the team against Portugal in 2003. He has since participated in three major tournaments; UEFA Euro 2004, 2006 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2008. He was unable to score for Spain during the 2004 tournament, but did so on three occasions in the 2006 World Cup. Torres scored the winning goal for Spain in their 1–0 win over Germany in the Euro 2008 final.

Early career

Torres, born on 20 March 1984, became interested in football as a child and joined his first team, Parque 84, at the age of five. His grandfather was not passionate about football, but prided himself in being an Atlético Madrid supporter, and Torres inherited his love for the Madrid club. When he was seven years-old, he started playing regularly in an indoor league for his neighbourhood club, Mario’s Holland, as a forward. Three years later, aged ten, he progressed to playing for an 11-side team, Rayo 13. After an impressive season with his new club, in which he scored 55 goals, Torres was one of three Rayo 13 players to earn a trial with Atlético Madrid.[1] He impressed the scouts and, aged just eleven, joined the club in 1995.

Club career

Atlético Madrid

After progressing through the ranks, Torres won his first important youth title in 1998. Atlético Madrid sent an under-15 team to compete in the Nike Cup, both domestically and European, to play youth teams from prominent European clubs; Atlético won the tournament. He was later voted the best player in Europe for that age-group In 1999, aged fifteen, Torres signed his first contract with Atlético Madrid. He spent his first year playing in the youth team team and them moved onto the participating in the Honour Division when he was 16. The 2000–01 season had started badly, as Torres suffered from a cracked shinbone that kept him out of action until December. Torres trained with the first team to get prepared for pre-season, but eventually made his debut for the team on 27 May 2001, at Vicente Calderón, against Leganés. A week later, he scored his first goal for the club against Albacete and the season finished with Atlético narrowly missing out on promotion to La Liga.

The 2001–02 season saw Atlético win promotion back to La Liga, which was a poor one for Torres, during which he netted only six times in 36 appearances in the Segunda Division. Torres' first season at the highest level of Spanish football, 2002–03, was a good one which saw him manage to score 12 goals in 29 appearances as Atlético finished 11th. In the 2003–04 season, his second in La Liga, Torres made further strides, scoring 19 league goals in 35 appearances, meaning he finished as joint third highest scorer in the league. Aged just nineteen, he was also named Atlético's club captain. Atlético narrowly missed out on qualification for the UEFA Cup, but by finishing in 7th place in 2004 they qualified for the UEFA Intertoto Cup, giving Torres his first taste of European club competition. He scored two goals in the two round four matches against OFK Beograd, with one coming in each leg. Atlético reached the final, but lost on penalties to Villarreal. Premier League champions Chelsea were believed to be interested in Torres in 2005, but Atlético president Enrique Cerezo said that they had "no chance" of signing him. Cerezo later said in January 2006 that the club were willing to listen to offers for Torres, and Torres claimed Newcastle United had made a bid to sign him in March.

After the 2006 FIFA World Cup, in which Torres participated as a member of the Spanish national team, he admitted that he had turned down the chance to join Chelsea at the end of the 2005–06 season. Following the 2006–07 season, in which he scored 14 La Liga goals, Torres' future at Atlético was once again the subject of speculation after their inability to secure an automatic UEFA Cup spot. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United were all linked with a move for him, with reports in the English media stating that Torres was the main transfer target of Liverpool. The rumours reached such a fever pitch that Atlético president Enrique Cerezo made a statement saying, "We've received no offer from Liverpool or any other club or player." However, a few days later, new reports suggested Atlético had agreed a deal with Liverpool for Torres; the fee rumoured was £25 million with Luis García moving in the opposite direction in a separate transfer deal. Then on 30 June Atlético announced a deal with Villarreal to sign Diego Forlán, which was seen as a move to replace Torres before his departure had become official. On 2 July it was reported Torres had cut short a holiday to fly back to Madrid to finalise the move to Liverpool. The following day, Torres passed a medical for Liverpool and it was announced that a farewell press conference would be held in Madrid on 4 July to bid farewell to the Atlético fans. The transfer fee is the highest paid in Liverpool's history, and in March 2008, manager Rafael Benítez confirmed to The Times that Torres was acquired for around £20 million.

Liverpool FC

Torres made his competitive debut for Liverpool against Aston Villa in a 2–1 win on 11 August 2007. He made his first appearance in the UEFA Champions League four days later in a 1–0 victory over Toulouse, after coming on as a 78th minute substitute. His first Premier League goal came on his Anfield debut on 19 August, in the 16th minute in a 1–1 draw against Chelsea. His first hat-trick came in a 4–2 victory over Reading in the League Cup in September, with all of his goals coming in the second half. His first goals in the Champions League came on his third appearance in the competition as Liverpool beat F.C. Porto 4–1, during which he scored twice.

He won he Premier League's player of the month award for February,during which he scored four goals in two league appearances, including a hat-trick against Middlesbrough on 23 February 2008. This hat-trick and another in a 4–0 victory over West Ham United on 5 March 2008 meant he became the first Liverpool player since Jackie Balmer in November 1946 to score a hat-trick in successive home matches. Later in March, after he scored a 47th minute header against Reading at Anfield, he became the first Liverpool player since Robbie Fowler in the 1995–96 season campaign to score 20 league goals in a season.

In April, he scored another Champions League goal, this time against Arsenal in the quarter-final second leg, to help take Liverpool through to the semi-final. This goal took him onto 29 goals for the season in all competitions, eclipsing former Liverpool favourite Michael Owen's personal record for goals in a season. On 11 April 2008, it was announced Torres had made a six man shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year Award, which was eventually won by Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United. The Spanish international was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award, which was won by Cesc Fàbregas of Arsenal and was named in the PFA Team of the Year. In May, he finished second to Ronaldo for the FWA Footballer of the Year award. On 4 May 2008, Torres scored a 57th minute winner against Manchester City, which equalled the consecutive Anfield league goal record of eight games set by Roger Hunt. After scoring his 24th league goal in the final game of the season, a 2–0 win against Tottenham Hotspur, he set a new record for the most prolific foreign goal scorer ever in a debut season in England, eclipsing Ruud van Nistelrooy's 23 goals.He ended the season in joint second with Emmanuel Adebayor in the race for the Premier League golden boot. Torres was subject to media speculation that Chelsea were willing pay £50 million to sign him, to which Torres responded to by saying it will be "many years" before he leaves Liverpool. Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks later said he would not allow him to leave the club at any price.

International career

In February 2001, Torres won the Algarve Tournament with the Spain under-16 team. The under-16s took part in the 2001 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship in May, which they also won, with Torres scoring the only goal in the final, as well as finishing as the tournament's leading goalscorer and was also named the player of the tournament.In November 2001, Torres represented Spain at the 2001 FIFA Under-17 World Championship, but the team failed to progress through the group stage. In July 2002, he won the 2002 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship, finishing as top scorer and being named player of the tournament and was again the only goalscorer in the final.

In 2003, Torres made his senior debut for the senior Spanish national team on 6 September 2003 in a friendly against Portugal. His first goal for Spain came against Italy on 28 April 2004. He was chosen as part of the Spanish squad for Euro 2004, but only managed to appear as a late substitute in Spain's first two group games, but made the first eleven for the deciding game against Portugal; Spain lost 1–0 and were eliminated.

He scored seven goals in eleven appearances in qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, making him Spain's top scorer for qualification. At his first ever appearance in a World Cup finals at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Torres scored the final goal in a 4–0 victory over Ukraine with a volley. In the second group match, Torres scored twice against Tunisia; firstly in the 76th minute to take Spain 2–1 into the lead and then again from a penalty kick in the 90th. He finished the tournament as Spain's joint top scorer alongside fellow striker David Villa with three goals. The Madrilenian was called up to Spain's UEFA Euro 2008 squad, where he set up Villa to score Spain's first goal of the tournament in the opening game against Russia.Torres came under criticism for apparently refusing to shake the hand of Spanish manager, Luis Aragonés, after being substituted. He has since denied being angry with the coaching, citing that he was actually "angry with himself".He scored the opening goal, his first goal of the tournament, in Spain's next game, a 2–1 win over Sweden. Torres scored the winner and claimed the man of the match award in the final against Germany in a 1–0 victory. He was later named as a striker along with his striking partner David Villa in the "team of the tournament".