Liverpool"s Joe Cole set to be fit for start of Premier League season

Posted on August 16, 2012 by adminsports

Forgotten man Cole hands Liverpool a fitness boost as Rodgers looks to bolster his squad

UPDATED:

10:23 GMT, 16 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Joe Cole looks set to be fit in time for the start of Liverpool’s Premier League season this weekend after returning to training after his hamstring injury.

The former England midfielder picked up the knock during the Europa League tie with Gomel in Belarus, but resumed training with the first-team squad last week and is expected to be in contention in time for Saturday's trip to West Brom.

Cole said: 'I trained on Thursday for the first time after the injury and it feels good.

Watching on: Joe Cole sits with Glen Johnson and Joe Allen as they watch the friendly with Bayer Leverkusen

'It’s good to be back around the squad and available for selection again. I’ve only missed two weeks, so I feel good fitness-wise as we had a good long pre-season and I just need some games now.

'It was frustrating having to come off in the first game of the season but that’s one of those things you have to deal with as a footballer. There’s never a good time to get injured but luckily it wasn’t a major thing and I’m back now raring to go and raring to be part of the team.

'I’ve had a good pre-season. I’ve trained really well and the training was really intense. I really enjoyed the games we played in and playing at Fenway Park was great. I enjoyed the pre-season. It does what it says on the tin – it gets you fit and that’s the main thing.’

Final preparations: Jay Spearing is watched by Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool train ahead of the weekend

Committed: Luis Suarez prepares for the new season after signing a new long term contract at Liverpool

Meanwhile, Rodgers says is still looking to bolster Liverpool's squad before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month

The Northern Irishman has been relatively sedate in his dealings since taking over at Anfield at the start of the summer, adding just Joe Allen and Fabio Borini to his squad.

Two signings are some way away from last summer's big-spending spree under Kenny Dalglish, but Rodgers has not given up hope of adding more new faces before the August 31 deadline.

Pass master: Lucas trains at Mellwood with Steven Gerrard

Captain fantastic: Steven Gerrard

He said: 'There has been contact and communication with the clubs. The team of people behind myself are working very, very hard in relation to those targets.

'We hope that within the next number of weeks those will bear fruit.

'The work has been continual right the way through to try and get in players that fit the profile of Liverpool and the team. Like I say, I would hope there would be a couple more signings before the end of August.'

While Anfield's arrivals lounge has not been too busy this summer, a number of players, including Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt, have gone through departures.

Eyes on the ball: Glen Johnson prepares for the new season

Ready for another campaign: Jamie Carragher gets ready for the West Brom game

Consequently, Rodgers has a slimmer squad than the one he inherited and has not ruled out the prospect of more players heading for pastures new.

He added: 'We obviously haven't brought in too many players, but there are some players that have gone out for a number of reasons.

'There is still a lot of work to do within the group and there will probably be more changes between now and the end of August in terms of ins and outs.

'Come the end of August when everyone is here, we can be real focused and be together, and start on the journey to hopefully having a real good campaign.'

Liverpool consider selling Anfield naming rights

Posted on August 9, 2012 by adminsports

Fenway Sports Stadium Henry reveals Liverpool would sell Anfield naming rights

UPDATED:

11:41 GMT, 9 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Liverpool owner John W Henry has risked the wrath of fans by opening the door to renaming their famous Anfield home.

The American has admitted the club could raise funds by inviting sponsors to bid for the rights to put their name to the stadium which has been the club's home for 120 years.

Fenway Sports Group, owned by Henry, have already put their name to Fenway Park, where his other sports franchise, the Boston Red Sox play.

This is...: Liverpool are open to the idea of their stadium being renamed

This is…: Liverpool are open to the idea of their stadium being renamed

Speaking to the Tomkins Times, the club chief revealed he was keeping his options open, while, behind the scenes, all other means of increasing club revenue were being explored.

He said: 'A naming rights deal at Anfield could occur, I suppose, if the partner were right. We haven't pursued it.'

Henry was pushed on numerous issues
regarding the financial power of the club, considering the vast funds
lavished on signings since the new ownership came in 18 months ago.

Henry added: 'This club should be able to significantly increase its revenues. But it won’t be easy.

Raising funds: John W Henry

'I believe we have the right people in place to accomplish this.

'But I don’t see it happening at the local level – the vast majority must come from our global agenda.'

Liverpool have had much-publicised problems finding a solution to their comparatively small stadium.

Anfield holds 45,000 supporters, compared with 60,000 at Arsenal and 75,000 at Old Trafford, but the logistics of improving their current home are tricky due to the high concentration of residential properties in the vicinity.

Is that the way to the future Brendan Rodgers is revolutionising Liverpool

Liverpool train at Fenway Park

Posted on July 25, 2012 by adminsports

Gerrard hails Rodgers revolution as Liverpool train at iconic Fenway Park

UPDATED:

08:05 GMT, 25 July 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Steven Gerrard can't wait to get going after an extended holiday after admitting he is excited by the prospect of working under new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

The club captain has been on leave since England limped out of Euro 2012, but joined up with his team this week as they continued their pre-season tour of America.

Bases loaded: Liverpool have been meeting fans and training at Fenway Park - home of the Boston Red Sox - where they play Roma on Wednesday in a pre-season friendly

Bases loaded: Liverpool have been meeting fans and training at Fenway Park – home of the Boston Red Sox – where they play Roma on Wednesday in a pre-season friendly

Bases loaded: Liverpool have been meeting fans and training at Fenway Park - home of the Boston Red Sox - where they play Roma on Wednesday in a pre-season friendly

Gerrard was among the first-team stars
to greet fans at Fenway Park – home of the Boston Red Sox, who are
owned by Liverpool chief John W Henry – where they play Italian side
Roma on Wednesday.

'It's an exciting new era for the
players,' the England skipper said. 'We've been looking in from our
holidays and hearing what the manager has been saying, what his vision
is and what his targets are.

Keeping an eye on things: Brendan Rodgers watched over some of his new signings

'All we can do is give him our full support and work as hard as we can to make his job easier.

'We had two big cup finals last year,
we won one and lost one, and there is certainly a platform there for
this team to grow and improve, and with our new manager and coaching
staff in place, it's an exciting time.

'I'm really excited to get going again in the new set up.'

Worldwide appeal: Andy Carroll and Steven Gerrard were among several to sign autographs

Worldwide appeal: Andy Carroll, Steven Gerrard and Fabio Borini were among those to greet fans

Gerrard's anticipation for the new season was matched by fellow international Glen Johnson.

The full-back had worked with Rodgers at Chelsea when the latter was a youth team coach under Jose Mourinho.

Johnson added: 'I'm really looking
forward to it. I was fortunate enough to work with Brendan before. I
know the training will be fantastic and after a long break I'm really
eager to get back.

'We're going to play a passing game. Brendan has done that everywhere he's gone.'

Juventus will bid for Luis Suarez

Posted on July 3, 2012 by adminsports

Juventus remain in hunt for Suarez as Italian champions prepare bid

UPDATED:

21:31 GMT, 2 July 2012

Juventus are preparing to test Liverpool’s resolve with a bid for Luis Suarez.

The Italian champions are looking to bolster their forward line and have looked at Arsenal’s Robin van Persie and Edin Dzeko of Manchester City.

But Juventus have held a long-standing interest in Suarez, who has been in discussion with Liverpool over extending his current contract.

In demand: Luis Suarez (left) is wanted by Italian champions Juventus

However, Suarez – like defender Martin Skrtel, who is wanted by Manchester City and Russian side Anzi Makhachakla and Daniel Agger – is yet to sign a new deal.

It has been mooted in Italy that Juventus could try to prise the Uruguayan away by offering a player plus cash.

Fresh start Suarez had a troubled season at Liverpool

Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group, though, have absolutely no intention of selling Suarez.

Roberto Martinez is staying at Wigan, says Dave Whelan as he promises to bring in new faces

Posted on May 31, 2012 by adminsports

Whelan says Martinez will stay at Wigan and promises to back boss in the transfer market

UPDATED:

19:18 GMT, 30 May 2012

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has said manager Roberto Martinez is staying with the Barclays Premier League club.

The Spaniard was linked with moves to Liverpool and Aston Villa but according to Whelan will stick with the Latics, having been given his chairman's word he will be backed in the transfer market.

Whelan told ESPN: 'Roberto is staying with us and I've agreed to his request to up our spending on youth development and training facilities.

Staying Roberto Martinez

'That's going to be pretty costly as I have agreed to a full-sized indoor pitch – and that will cost 1.5million.

'Roberto's very keen on that aspect of the club. I have also agreed with him to bring in three or four new players.'

Martinez, linked to Villa despite rejecting an offer to manage the midlands club at the start of last season, met Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group in America last week to discuss the current vacancy at Anfield.

However, Whelan told ESPN: 'They set down their rules on how they saw the role and the way they wanted the team run and that was not the way Roberto would do it.

Holding on: Dave Whelan says he has maintained Martinez's services

'Roberto has his own way of doing things but they are American owners who have their own ideas of how it should be done.

'They are entitled to want to do it their way and Liverpool are a big club so I can see why Brendan Rodgers has opted to go there – and good luck to him he's a fine coach.'

Rodgers is reported to be on the brink of leaving Swansea for Anfield.

'But I don't think Swansea are going to be too pleased,' Whelan said. 'They lost Roberto to us and they were none too happy about that and now they have lost Brendan so I imagine they will be even more unhappy right now.'

Brendan Rodgers on brink of Liverpool deal

Posted on May 30, 2012 by adminsports

Liverpool on brink of deal for Rodgers as Swansea boss prepares for Anfield move

UPDATED:

13:08 GMT, 30 May 2012

Brendan Rodgers is on the verge of sealing his deal to become Liverpool's next manager.

It is understood that the Swansea boss is close to agreeing a switch to take over the Anfield reins.

Rodgers is now set to be installed in the next 48 hours.

Heading the betting: Brendan Rodgers is now fancied for the Liverpool job

He usurped Roberto Martinez as favourite
to take over from Kenny Dalglish and his chairman Huw Jenkins has
admitted he would not stand in Rodgers' way if he expresses a desire to
leave the Liberty Stadium.

Wigan manager Martinez, who has also
talked to Aston Villa, looked like he was holding all the aces after a
meeting with Liverpool's principal owner John W Henry in Miami last
Thursday, but it is understood that further negotiations with the
Spaniard broke down when it became apparent that Rodgers was Anfield's
preferred choice.

Liverpool have conducted a painstaking search to find Dalglish's successor since sacking the legendary Scot two weeks ago.

And their approach has drawn heavy criticism from Jenkins, who insisted he would have gone about his business differently.

Centre of attention: Roberto Martinez at Manchester Airport

In the spotlight: Roberto Martinez jetted back into Manchester after his holiday

There is also an irony that Rodgers
has emerged as the outstanding candidate to take over at Anfield, given
that he was the first manager to rule himself out of the running when
the initial interview process started with a dozen candidates 12 days
ago.

Sportsmail
understands his stance was partially dictated by a reluctance to
undermine his position at Swansea, but it has always been the intention
of Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's American owners, to speak with the
Northern Irishman this week.

Replacement: Rodgers is set to take over from Dalglish at Anfield

Rodgers, 39, and Jenkins had a
two-hour meeting at the Liberty Stadium when Swansea insist Liverpool's
interest was not discussed, but that seems unlikely considering Jenkins'
strong feelings on the two-week saga and his desperation to keep one of
the hottest young managerial properties in the game.

Jenkins said: 'If I was in charge of
Liverpool I would be going about my business differently. 'What they
are doing is not how I would do it. I don't want to say what I would do
differently but I have not been too happy.

All smiles: Martinez will turn to Villa

'This is the kind of silly thing that
happens at this point of the season. There has not been another
approach since the first one and we've had to answer a lot of questions
based on speculation.'

Liverpool now want to bring the
process to a swift conclusion. Henry and chairman Tom Werner have
arrived on Merseyside, with Werner set to attend a Premier League
meeting on Thursday.

Provided talks go smoothly, Liverpool may make an official announcement before the weekend.

FSG are determined to implement a new
coaching structure at Anfield and former Bayern Munich and Ajax coach
Louis van Gaal has also been lined up as sporting director.

Martinez is left facing a 24-hour
wait to discover whether his talks with Liverpool have cost him the
chance to succeed Alex McLeish at Villa.

Club owner Randy Lerner was
informed by the Spaniard's representatives yesterday that the Latics
boss would now be prepared to press ahead with his candidacy after talks
between the two parties at Villa Park last week.

But Martinez has been informed that
Villa have looked elsewhere since the talks, and it is believed
Norwich's Paul Lambert is now also under consideration.

Villa want the matter resolved by the weekend and will open talks with the club of their choice in the next two days.

Martinez is in danger of paying the price for a failure to declare his outright determination to land the post.

He was Lerner's first-choice 12
months ago – before the calamitous decision was taken to appoint McLeish
- and has only enhanced his reputation since.

Brendan Rodgers favourite for Liverpool job

Posted on May 29, 2012 by adminsports

Rodgers favourite to land Liverpool job as Swansea boss leapfrogs Martinez

UPDATED:

11:25 GMT, 29 May 2012

Brendan Rodgers emerged as the new favourite for the Liverpool manager's job as former frontrunner Roberto Martinez arrived back in Britain.

The painstaking process of finding Kenny Dalglish’s replacement has dragged on for almost two weeks but, as yet, Fenway Sports Group have not reached a definitive decision.

Principal owner John W Henry held talks with Wigan boss Martinez in Miami last Thursday but Swansea’s Rodgers, who was in the States at the weekend to see Wales’ game against Mexico, is expected to meet the American this week.

Heading the betting: Brendan Rodgers is now fancied for the Liverpool job

Latest odds for Liverpool job

1-2 Brendan Rodgers
9-4 Roberto Martinez
16-1 Jurgen Klopp
20-1 Andre Villas-Boas
25-1 Rafa Benitez
33-1 Frank Rijkaard

Odds supplied by Paddy Power

Rodgers initially turned down the chance to speak with Liverpool as he did not want to harm his position at Swansea.

As many as 12 names were reported to be on Liverpool's list of targets – with Martinez at the top – and at the time Rodgers did not want to go for a job he thought he had little chance of getting.

But the situation has now changed.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins, however, insists that his club have received no fresh approach from Anfield for the well-regarded Rodgers.

It has been made clear from the outset that Henry, the leading figure in Fenway Sports Group, would not rush a decision but, equally, they are aware that Liverpool supporters are anxious for decisive action to be taken.

Now Henry and Liverpool chairman Tom Werner are preparing to come to the UK to finalise the selection process.

Martinez had been the bookmakers’ favourite to land the role since the axe fell on Dalglish’s reign at the end of the season and is set to hold more talks with FSG on Tuesday, making a mockery of claims that he was set to hold a press conference to unveil his future plans.

Talks: Roberto Martinez (left) met John W Henry in America last week

But Martinez is also wanted by Aston Villa – his representatives met Villa officials last week – and Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is eager for the saga to end.

‘Roberto has told me he is speaking with Liverpool again on Tuesday,’ said Whelan. ‘I have now made it clear that I want this sorted out by Thursday at the latest as we have to get on preparing for next season.’

FSG want to implement a new structure at Anfield with Louis van Gaal expected to become the club’s Sporting Director. He held discussions with Managing Director Ian Ayre last week in Portugal.

Mohamed Diame says Kenny Dalglish sacking cost him Liverpool move

Posted on May 29, 2012 by adminsports

Dalglish sacking cost me Liverpool move, claims former Wigan midfielder Diame

UPDATED:

11:30 GMT, 29 May 2012

Out-of-contract Wigan midfielder Mohamed Diame says Kenny Dalglish's sacking as Liverpool manager scuppered a potential move to Anfield.

The 24-year-old Senegal international claims he held talks with the Scot prior to his dismissal by owners Fenway Sports Group.

There could be an outside chance of a deal being resurrected should Latics boss Roberto Martinez be appointed to succeed Dalglish, but Diame is currently looking elsewhere, although his preference is to remain in the Barclays Premier League.

Free agent: Mohamed Diame nearly made a move to Anfield

Martinez is expected to hold more talks with FSG soon, having returned from holiday on Tuesday.

'I met before Kenny Dalglish and we talked about next season but God decided to finish this situation,' Diame told Sky Sports News.

'It is true I was very sad in my head as I was thinking to go there but that is OK as I think I have got other opportunities to go to another club.

'I am free and not everybody is free in this moment like a midfield player like me and that is why I have got a lot of clubs interested in me.

Shown the door: Kenny Dalglish was booted out

'I have to be composed and make a good decision for my future.

'I have got some offers from Spain, from France, from Turkey, but I really want to stay in the Premier League.'

Mark Lawrenson slams Liverpool owners

Posted on May 29, 2012 by adminsports

American way isn't working for Liverpool! Lawrenson lays into owners as legend says top four is out of reach

UPDATED:

10:03 GMT, 29 May 2012

Mark Lawrenson has hit out at Liverpool's owners over their search for a new manager and dismissed their chances of reclaiming a place in the top four of the Premier League.

The Reds have been without a boss since sacking Lawrenson's former team-mate Kenny Dalglish at the end of the season.

The painstaking process of finding Dalglish’s replacement has dragged on for almost two weeks but, as yet, Fenway Sports Group have not reached a definitive decision.

Talks: Wigan boss Roberto Martinez (left) met Liverpool owner John W Henry

Principal owner John W Henry held talks with Wigan boss Roberto Martinez in Miami last Thursday and, Liverpool also want to talk to Swansea’s Brendan Rodgers, who was in America at the weekend to see Wales’ game against Mexico.

Martinez is also wanted by Aston Villa and Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has set a deadline of this Thursday for the Spaniard's future to be sorted out.

Martinez and Rodgers top a list of Liverpool targets that includes up to 12 names with former boss Rafa Benitez, Jurgen Klopp and Andre Villas-Boas also linked with the position.

Lawrenson, who won a host of trophies with Reds between 1981 and 1988, wrote in his column for the Daily Mirror: 'I know Liverpool’s owners are going about the search for a new manager the American way, but they’ve got it wrong.

'I can’t believe they are doing it so publicly. They have basically let everyone know who is on their short-list and who they want to interview.

'That might be the way they do things in America, but this is England and we do things differently.

Sort it out: Mark Lawrenson is unhappy with Liverpool's search for a boss

'They must have had misgivings about Kenny Dalglish for some weeks before they sacked him and yet they didn’t line up a replacement.'

Liverpool lifted the Carling Cup and lost in the FA Cup final to Chelsea. But they finished the season in eighth position in the Premier League, behind Merseyside rivals Everton, 37 points behind winners Manchester City and 17 points off fourth-placed Tottenham.

Lawrenson added: 'The club are at a crossroads and I would argue they are even further off finishing in the top four now than they were at the start of last season.

Axed: Kenny Dalglish (left) was shown the door after a disappointing campaign

'The big five of Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham will all strengthen and it’s going to be hard for Liverpool to catch them up. If anything, they are going backwards, not forwards.

'I look at next season and I think the best they can hope to finish is sixth – don’t forget they’re also in the Europa League and playing Thursday-Sunday affects the dynamic of the team.

'Looking longer term, they aren’t going to be able to attract the best players if they are not in the Champions League and they are going to have to either decide to build a new stadium or refurbish Anfield – both of which will cost a lot of money.'

Roberto Martinez offered Liverpool job – Dave Whelan

Posted on May 25, 2012 by adminsports

Martinez to hold further talks with Liverpool but Whelan claims offer has been made

UPDATED:

15:08 GMT, 25 May 2012

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan claims manager Roberto Martinez has been made an offer by managerless Liverpool but will await a further meeting before making his decision.

The Latics boss met with Liverpool's principal owner John Henry in Miami on Thursday to talk about the vacant Anfield job after interrupting a family holiday in the Caribbean.

It was expected Fenway Sports Group would speak to other candidates on a short-list in the coming days but Whelan suggested developments had progressed.

Walk this way: Roberto Martinez enjoys a coffee break with Liverpool owner John Henry in Miami

Talks: Roberto Martinez is in Miami talking to Liverpool's owners about the current managerial vacancy at Anfield

He did, however, say Martinez – who would be expected to work under a technical director – wanted to negotiate a greater degree of control of footballing issues.

'I think what he has said is, “Thank you for your offer but I only work under the following rules: I have to have complete control of football”', Whelan told Sky Sports News.

'That's normally the way in England, that's how we all work.

'I think they're considering his request and Roberto's considering their offer and they're going to talk again on Tuesday.

'Hopefully he stays with us but wherever he goes, he's 100% dedicated to that football club.'

Liverpool have declined to comment on Whelan's claims.

It was anticipated the process of finding a replacement for Kenny Dalglish would have picked up pace next week with Henry and chairman Tom Werner likely to travel to England.

In the frame: Wigan boss Martinez has emerged as the front-runner to succeed axed Kenny Dalglish

Martinez remains the favourite with the bookmakers, although that could have something to do with the fact he is the only contender publicly confirmed as being in the running.

Former Porto and Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas appears to have dropped out of the reckoning but it has been reported the Reds have not ruled out a second approach for Swansea's Brendan Rodgers after he declined their initial invitation to open preliminary talks.

Whelan, who set his manager a deadline of June 5 to decide his future, said yesterday he was not convinced Martinez would take the Liverpool job because of the structure under which he would be expected to work.

Former Wigan and Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland believes the Spaniard would regret not seizing the opportunity should it arise.

'What he'll be thinking to himself is: “Will I get this opportunity again”' said the 31-year-old, who had three seasons under Martinez at Wigan before agreeing a move to newly-promoted npower Championship side Sheffield Wednesday this week.

Kirkland added in the Wigan Evening Post: 'The Liverpool job is still one of the biggest in the world – and it doesn't get offered to you every day.

Looking ahead: Liverpool owner John Henry wants to find a suitable replacement for Dalglish

'It's a massive job and it will be a massive opportunity for somebody.

'Whether that will be Roberto remains to be seem.

'But my gut feeling is that he'll go – there's been too much speculation for far too long for something not to be happening.'

Martinez has failed to ignite the optimism of Liverpool fans, many of whom believe a more experienced manager should be tasked with getting the club back into the Champions League.

Former striker Peter Beardsley hopes the Spaniard, if appointed, will be able to win them over with his style of football.

However, the former England international believes FSG rushed into the decision to sack Dalglish after the club's eighth-placed finish this season.

'I think they panicked by getting rid of Dalglish,' Beardsley told talkSPORT.

'I think they should have given him another year and seen where it goes.

'But Roberto has done well at Swansea and Wigan, he's come through the system and his type of football will appeal to the Liverpool fans.'

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Tag Archives: fenway

Liverpool"s Joe Cole set to be fit for start of Premier League season

Liverpool train at Fenway Park

Juventus will bid for Luis Suarez

Roberto Martinez is staying at Wigan, says Dave Whelan as he promises to bring in new faces

Brendan Rodgers on brink of Liverpool deal

Brendan Rodgers favourite for Liverpool job

Mohamed Diame says Kenny Dalglish sacking cost him Liverpool move

Mark Lawrenson slams Liverpool owners

Roberto Martinez offered Liverpool job – Dave Whelan