Posts written by Kat_Agger5

Tottenham V Liverpool
28th November 2010

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Reina issues Reds warning


Pepe Reina has issued a warning to Liverpool that they could lose star striker Fernando Torres if they do not start winning.

The Reds goalkeeper is concerned that his Spanish international team-mate could end up leaving Anfield if the club cannot challenge for a UEFA Champions League place.

Reina, who signed from Villarreal in July 2005, has reportedly told the club's new owner John W Henry that the Merseyside giants must strengthen their squad or risk losing their big names.

Competitive
The 28-year-old told the Daily Mirror: "We have to finish this season in a better position than we are at the moment and make sure we build for the next years and try to be competitive.

"If not, it's going to be difficult for them to keep these kind of players.

"We're not probably as strong as Man City, Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham can be so that's why we have to make sure we build a better squad.

"At the moment, it's almost impossible to compete for nine months against Chelsea, for example, and that is what I want. The clubs all around England are building proper squads. We have to do the same and we have to be able to compete.

"A top-four finish is possible - why not? But we have to be sure that we deliver better performances otherwise it's going to be really, really, really difficult."


Improve
Reina is refusing to get carried away by their mini-revival, which has seen them take 13 points from their last 18, and believes they must improve their away record if they wish to challenge for a top-four finish.

The Reds have won just two of their last 16 away league games as they prepare for a crucial trip to White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham on Sunday.

"We're not playing well enough, especially away from home, and we have to make sure we improve this aspect otherwise we will be struggling," he said.

"It's so difficult to go anywhere and beat teams, but if we want to be up there at the end of the season, we have to."

www.skysports.com

Liverpool FC strikers key to capital mission, says Roy Hodgson

ROY HODGSON believes Fernando Torres and David Ngog hold the key to Liverpool’s hopes of victory at in-form Tottenham on Sunday.

The Anfield boss was impressed with his strikers in the 3-0 win over West Ham last weekend and is considering retaining French rookie Ngog to play alongside Torres in the capital.

Hodgson is wary of Spurs who followed up their stunning fightback at Arsenal with a 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen in the Champions League in midweek.

But the manager insists if the Reds match the standards set in the first half against the Hammers they will have nothing to fear.

“We’ve had a very good run now and one defeat in eight is a good run at any stage of the season,” Hodgson said.

“We have to be happy with that but we are not stupid. We know that if you go to Tottenham it could be two defeats in nine but if we play like we did against West Ham we can make sure Tottenham don’t have a cake-walk.

“And if we can keep Fernando Torres and David Ngog firing we may spring a surprise.

“Wins are hard to come by against the top teams and we have got to admit that Tottenham are no longer the Tottenham of old.

“They are a top team and have recently beaten the European champions in the Champions League. It is an expensively assembled team and we are not playing against mugs anymore.”

The Reds have won just twice away in the league in 2010 with their only victories coming at Bolton and Burnley.

However, Hodgson insists mental strength isn’t a concern away from the comforts of Anfield.


“The away form has been bad for a long time,” he added.

“I’m afraid in this league away victories are hard to come by.

“I believe if we continue to play the way we did against West Ham we may get one or two but it is the level of performance which counts.

“We’ve not been a lucky team so far, whatever we’ve got we’ve had to battle for.

“I don’t think mentality comes into it. Against Stoke we had done well against them until they scored the goal.

“Then we took the game to them and conceded a second and everyone thinks the team played badly and were battered.

“Results determine everything and people look at the results and then judge the performance.

“I have to judge the performance sometimes when we win and say ‘that was not very good and we could do better’ and sometimes when we lose I have to look at it and say it was a bad result but not as bad as all that.”

Steven Gerrard and Torres have been included on the 55-man shortlist for the FIFA/FIFPro World XI 2010.

The results will be announced at the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich on January 10.

Meanwhile, talented Reds youngster Suso has revealed he turned down offers from Barcelona and Real Madrid before moving to Anfield. The 17-year-old said: “I had good offers from them but I have always liked the Premier League more than La Liga,” he said. “I feel very happy and I want to be here a lot of years.”



http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f.../#ixzz16Q7CZ4vy

Reds out to bury their White Hart Lane hoodoo




Liverpool travel down to London this weekend as high-flying Tottenham play host to Roy Hodgson’s side on Sunday afternoon in a game that kicks-off at 17:00 hours (GMT). Despite Liverpool’s slow start to the campaign, a win at White Hart Lane would lift the Reds up level with Spurs on 22 points. But the task at hand is not an easy one as Tottenham have enjoyed a solid start in the Premier League. - Premier League Table -

And it’s not just domestically where the Londoners have excelled this season. In midweek Harry Redknapp’s side beat Werder Bremen in their Champions League group to remain top.

Fernando Torres arrives for Sunday’s match with five league goals to his name. Despite not scoring in the Merseysiders’ victory at home to West Ham last week, the forward had a hand in two of Liverpool’s three goals. The number ‘9’ almost capped a fine display with a fine goal, but visiting keeper Rob Green pulled off an excellent stop as he pushed a Torres effort onto the bar.

The Kid has scored three goals in five meetings with Spurs. Torres has found the net once at White Hart Lane and twice at Anfield. His goal at Tottenham’s home ground came on the final day of the forward’s debut season in the Premier League. The strike took Torres’ tally to 24, beating the previous record held by Van Nistelrooy as the highest scoring foreign player in a debut season.

Liverpool have only won once away all season and their poor form on the road will be put to the test at a ground where they have lost on their last four visits. Furthermore, the North Londoners will be buoyed by their derby win at the Emirates Stadium last week, coming back from two goals down to snatch all three points.

Following the weekend Premier League clash away to Spurs, Liverpool face Steaua Bucharest in the Europa League on Thursday December 2.

www.fernando9torres.com/index.php?p=4286

aww
carly looks great
and ruby is so cute she looks just like joe

Roy plotting Spurs 'surprise'


Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson thinks that Fernando Torres and David Ngog are the key to causing an upset at Tottenham on Sunday.

The Reds travel to White Hart Lane this weekend in the unusual role as underdogs, having been usurped by Spurs as one of the Premier League's top four clubs last season before making a terrible start to the current campaign.

But Hodgson, who will again be without injured captain Steven Gerrard, saw his side defeat rock-bottom West Ham with ease last Saturday evening to ensure they have now lost only one game in eight matches in all competitions.

After an apparent lack of fitness and confidence, Fernando Torres has rediscovered his goalscoring form in that period, while Ngog impressed against the Hammers when starting in Gerrard's absence.

And Hodgson thinks the strike pair could have an important part to play in North London, as he said: "We've had a very good run now and one defeat in eight is a good run at any stage of the season.

Expensive
"We have to be happy with that but we are not stupid. We know that if you go to Tottenham it could be two defeats in nine but if we play like we did against West Ham we can make sure Tottenham don't have a cake-walk.

"And if we can keep Fernando Torres and David Ngog firing we may spring a surprise.

"Wins are hard to come by against the top teams and we have got to admit that Tottenham are no longer the Tottenham of old.

"They are a top team and have recently beaten the European champions (Inter Milan) in the Champions League. It is an expensively assembled team and we are not playing against mugs anymore."

But Hodgson, who succeeded Rafa Benitez in the summer, acknowledges that Liverpool's record of only six wins in 26 matches on the road in the Premier League is a concern.


Important
"The away form has been bad for a long time," he added. "I'm afraid in this league away victories are hard to come by.

"I believe if we continue to play the way we did against West Ham we may get one or two but it is the level of performance which counts."

Meanwhile, deputy-skipper Jamie Carragher admits that the absence of Gerrard, who damaged his hamstring in England's friendly defeat to France last week, is a setback.

The centre-back said: "There's no doubt Steven will be missed whether we win, lose or draw because he is such an important player."

www.skysports.com

Thanks!

Torres shortlisted for the FIFA FIPro World XI 2010 for the third year running




The world wide players union FIFPro announced on Thursday the 55 players shortlisted for the FIFA FIPro World XI 2010. The Liverpool and Spain striker, who was named in the list for the third year running, will be vying for a place in a starting XI which will be comprised by one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. The winners will be chosen by 50,000 professional footballers belonging to the players’ unions across the world.

Fernando Torres was joined by Liverpool teammate Steve Gerrard as the Reds’ two representatives in the 55 player shortlist. The striker was also joined by nine fellow Spain internationals: Iker Casillas, Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Cesc Fábregas, Andrés Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Xavi and David Villa.

The FIFA FIPro World XI 2010 will be announced at the FIFA Ballon d’Or 10th January 2011 in Zurich. During this same gala the World Player of the Year will be announced, as a result of the new cooperation this year between FIFA and Ballon d’Or.


- The 55 player shortlist in full is:

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy/Juventus), Iker Casillas (Spain/Real Madrid), Petr Cech (Czech Republic/Chelsea), Julio César (Brazil/Inter), Edwin van der Sar (The Netherlands/Manchester United)

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Brazil/Barcelona), Gareth Bale (Wales/Tottenham Hotspur), Michel Bastos (Brazil/Olympique Lyon), Ashley Cole (England/Chelsea), Patrice Evra (France/Manchester United), Rio Ferdinand (England/Manchester United), Philipp Lahm (Germany/Bayern Munchen), Lúcio (Brazil/Inter), Maicon (Brazil/Inter), Marcelo (Brazil/Real Madrid), Alessandro Nesta (Italy/AC Milan), Pepe (Portugal/Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Spain/Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Spain/Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid), Walter Samuel (Argentina/Inter), John Terry (England/Chelsea), Thiago Silva (Brazil/AC Milan), Nemanja Vidic (Serbia/Manchester United), Javier Zanetti (Argentina/Inter)

Midfielders: Esteban Cambiasso (Argentina/Inter), Michael Essien (Ghana/Chelsea), Cesc Fàbregas (Spain/Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (England/Liverpool), Andrès Iniesta (Spain/Barcelona), Kaká (Brazil/Real Madrid), Frank Lampard (England/Chelsea), Javier Mascherano (Argentina/Barcelona), Thomas Müller (Germany/Bayern München), Mesut Özil (Germany/Real Madrid), Andrea Pirlo (Italy/AC Milan), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany/Bayern München), Wesley Sneijder (The Netherlands/Inter), Xabi Alonso (Spain/Real Madrid), Xavi (Spain/Barcelona).

Forwards: Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria/Manchester United), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast/Chelsea), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon/Inter), Diego Forlán (Uruguay/Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina/Real Madrid), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden/AC Milan), Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Diego Milito (Argentina/Inter), Arjen Robben (The Netherlands/Bayern München), Ronaldinho (Brazil/AC Milan), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Real Madrid), Wayne Rooney (England/Manchester United), Carlos Tévez (Argentina/Manchester City), Fernando Torres (Spain/Liverpool), David Villa (Spain/Barcelona).

www.fernando9torres.com/?p=4285

Duo on World XI shortlist

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have been included on the 55-man shortlist for the FIFA/FIFPro World XI 2010.

The pair are in the running for the accolade after 50,000 professional footballers from across the globe voted for their best four defenders, three midfielders, three forwards and goalkeeper of 2010.

Gerrard and Torres were named in the final FIFA/FIPro World XIs for 2008 and 2009, while the former also made the 2007 line-up.

The FIFA/FIFPro World XI for 2010 will be announced at the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich on 10 January, 2011.

www.liverpoolfc.tv

55-man shortlist for FIFA XI named!


Gareth Bale has been named in the 55-man shortlist for this year's Fifa World XI. The Tottenham midfielder is one of 17 Premier League players nominated for the honour, with 18 players from La Liga, 15 from Serie A, four from the Bundesliga and one from Ligue 1.


Some 50,000 footballers belonging to players' unions across the world vote in a secret ballot to nominate their peers for inclusion – choosing the best four defenders, three midfielders, three forwards and goalkeeper.


Spain's World Cup victory has led to 10 Spaniards being nominated, while England have six players on the list: Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney.


The 55-man shortlist for the Fifa World XI (Premier League players in bold

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus), Iker Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid), Petr Cech (Czech Republic, Chelsea), Júlio César (Brazil, Internazionale), Edwin van der Sar (Holland, Manchester United)


Defenders: Daniel Alves (Brazil, Barcelona), Gareth Bale (Wales, Tottenham Hotspur), Michel Bastos (Brazil, Lyon), Ashley Cole (England, Chelsea), Patrice Evra (France, Manchester United), Rio Ferdinand (England, Manchester United), Philipp Lahm (Germany, Bayern Munich), Lúcio (Brazil, Internazionale), Maicon (Brazil, Internazionale), Marcelo (Brazil, Real Madrid), Alessandro Nesta (Italy, Milan), Pepe (Portugal, Real Madrid), Gerard Piqué (Spain, Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Spain, Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid), Walter Samuel (Argentina, Internazionale), John Terry (England, Chelsea), Thiago Silva (Brazil, Milan), Nemanja Vidic (Serbia, Manchester United), Javier Zanetti (Argentina, Internazionale)


Midfielders: Esteban Cambiasso (Argentina, Internazionale), Michael Essien (Ghana, Chelsea), Cesc Fábregas (Spain, Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool), Andrés Iniesta (Spain, Barcelona), Kaká (Brazil, Real Madrid), Frank Lampard (England, Chelsea), Javier Mascherano (Argentina, Barcelona), Thomas Müller (Germany, Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Germany, Real Madrid), Andrea Pirlo (Italy, Milan), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany, Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Holland, Internazionale), Xabi Alonso (Spain, Real Madrid), Xavi (Spain, Barcelona)


Forwards: Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria, Manchester United), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Chelsea), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon, Internazionale), Diego Forlán (Uruguay, Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Higuaín (Argentina, Real Madrid), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, Milan), Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barcelona), Diego Milito (Argentina, Internazionale), Arjen Robben (Holland, Bayern Munich), Ronaldinho (Brazil, Milan), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid), Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United), Carlos Tevez (Argentina, Manchester City), Fernando Torres (Spain, Liverpool), David Villa (Spain, Barcelona)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/no...list-ballon-dor

Hodgson eyes Capdevila capture


Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is ready to pounce on Villarreal left-back Joan Capdevila after contract talks with the club hit a snag.

The Spanish international is set to become a free agent next summer and reportedly wants a new two-year contract with the Yellow Submarines.

However, the Spanish side have been reluctant to commit themselves beyond a 12-month deal with the 32-year-old.

And according to The Daily Mirror, Capdevila's agent Horacio Gaggioli has hinted that his client could leave the club if his future is not sorted out in the near future.

Gaggioli was quoted as saying: "There are offers on the table but we're waiting on Villarreal. He's happy there but he would also like a contract that reflects his work on the field.

"We will have further talks in the future."

Liverpool are believed to be the Spaniard's preferred destination as he is close friends with fellow World Cup winners Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres.

Capdevila would come as a timely reinforcement for Hodgson as he looks to solve his inadequacy in his left-back department among the many problems at Anfield.

But he may have to compete with Juventus for his signature as the Turin club are reportedly interested in snapping up the defender on a free-transfer.


http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-l...devila-capture/