Sunday 6th June.
Summer of speculation at Anfield / Star exodus to begin with Mascherano
After Rafa Benitez’s sacking, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we’re set for a summer of speculation and rumour at Anfield. The Sunday papers are awash with Reds related stories, despite the fact that there is likely to be a transfer embargo installed until a new manager is appointed.
Former manager Benitez would now appear to be the number one target for Inter Milan, with many news outlets reporting that a number of key players could well follow. This would seem to contradict the suggestion that it was player power that forced the Spaniard out of Anfield.
News: The BBC reports that the ex-Liverpool manager is to hold talks with Inter Milan next week, with president Massimo Moratti reiterating his admiration for the former Reds gaffer. Rafa may have been deemed the wrong man to get Liverpool back in contention for a Champions League spot, but the Italians appear to believe that he is the right men to help them retain the Champions League crown.
Rumour: ...and should Rafa go, it would appear increasingly likely that Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano will be plying his trade at the San Siro next season. The Sunday Mirror builds on his quotes that Benitez’s football ‘is his football’, to pad out its ‘exclusive’.
Rumour: Stories of an exodus abound, with the Reds number nine a prominent subject. For the press, it’s becoming less a matter of if Fernando Torres will leave Liverpool, and more wherehe will leave them for. After yesterday’s speculation about a record breaking bid from Chelsea, the Sunday Express proposes that big spending Manchester City are preparing to make the Spaniard the world’s richest footballer. A £200,000 a week deal is on offer, although El Nino would still have to make do with the rigours of Europa League football next season.
Rumour: ... although one player who will be at Anfield next season is new England captain Steven Gerrard. The Sunday Mirror reports that Gerrard is expected to reject the overtures of Jose Mourinho for a second time, determined to clinch the Premiership crown before he calls time on his Liverpool career.
Rumour: Should Gerrard achieve this life-long ambition, it will be under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson - if the News of the World is to be believed. The Sunday rag reports that the Liverpool board will make a formal approach to Fulham as early as this week in order to secure the services of the 62 year old.
Showing posts with label gerrard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gerrard. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Saturday, 5 June 2010
Kopstuff 5/6/10 - Gerrard to Captain England to World Cup Glory / Sven a Liverpool Fan?
Saturday 5th June.
Gerrard to be England's Captain Fantastic / Sven a 'lifelong Liverpool fan'.
Gossip: Rafa Benitez may not have cleared out his locker, but already the first candidate for the vacant Liverpool manager’s job has thrown his hat in the Anfield ring. Reports in the S*n suggest that Sven Goran Ericsson has admitted to being a ‘lifelong Liverpool fan’, for whom the club ‘holds a special place in his heart’. It’s strange how these things only ever come out when there is a sniff of a transfer (isn’t it Robbie Keane?).
The Swede was mentioned yesterday amongst a number of potential candidates, but is the first one to have shown an active interest in the position. Despite this, it is not believed that the former Manchester City man ranks high on the Red’s shortlist, with Kenny Dalglish preferring either Roy Hodgson or Louis van Gaal.
Gossip: A manager who is unlikely to take the reins at Liverpool is Dutchman Gus Hiddink. Quotes attributed to his agent make it clear that Hiddink is unlikely to break his existing contract with the Turkish national side, and has already turned down overtures from Inter Milan.
News: Former Reds star Emile Heskey defied his critics and proved his worth to the England squad by ruling defender Rio Ferdinand out of the World Cup. The big striker bulldozed through the injury prone Manc, ending his chances of lifting the FIFA trophy. Ferdinand was alleged to have ‘screamed in agony’ as he tore knee ligaments, cementing Heskey’s place as a Liverpool legend.
Step forward newly appointed England captain Steven Gerrard, who will now be tasked with leading the nation to glory in 2010, just as he did for the Reds on that famous night in Istanbul.
Gossip: Still on the subject of Gerrard, former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso has been credited by the S*n as apparently ‘urging Real Madrid to sign the Liverpool captain’. Six lines of text, in what just about passes as a story provides no actual quotes or evidence to back up its tawdry claims.
Gossip: The press continues to fan the flames of an exodus, with the reports that Chelsea are to give the Reds board an almighty financial headache. The Mail has suggested that the time is now right for the Stamford Bridge club to make a British record breaking £70million bid for striker Fernando Torres. The sale of the Liverpool front-man would go some way to easing the club’s mounting debts in the short term, although the loss of the Spaniard could prove equally costly if the Reds were to remain in the Champions League wilderness. Without a manager, managing director Christian Purslow and the American owners will be left with the ultimate decision, and one should never underestimate the power of the dollar.
Gerrard to be England's Captain Fantastic / Sven a 'lifelong Liverpool fan'.
Gossip: Rafa Benitez may not have cleared out his locker, but already the first candidate for the vacant Liverpool manager’s job has thrown his hat in the Anfield ring. Reports in the S*n suggest that Sven Goran Ericsson has admitted to being a ‘lifelong Liverpool fan’, for whom the club ‘holds a special place in his heart’. It’s strange how these things only ever come out when there is a sniff of a transfer (isn’t it Robbie Keane?).
The Swede was mentioned yesterday amongst a number of potential candidates, but is the first one to have shown an active interest in the position. Despite this, it is not believed that the former Manchester City man ranks high on the Red’s shortlist, with Kenny Dalglish preferring either Roy Hodgson or Louis van Gaal.
Gossip: A manager who is unlikely to take the reins at Liverpool is Dutchman Gus Hiddink. Quotes attributed to his agent make it clear that Hiddink is unlikely to break his existing contract with the Turkish national side, and has already turned down overtures from Inter Milan.
News: Former Reds star Emile Heskey defied his critics and proved his worth to the England squad by ruling defender Rio Ferdinand out of the World Cup. The big striker bulldozed through the injury prone Manc, ending his chances of lifting the FIFA trophy. Ferdinand was alleged to have ‘screamed in agony’ as he tore knee ligaments, cementing Heskey’s place as a Liverpool legend.
Step forward newly appointed England captain Steven Gerrard, who will now be tasked with leading the nation to glory in 2010, just as he did for the Reds on that famous night in Istanbul.
Gossip: Still on the subject of Gerrard, former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso has been credited by the S*n as apparently ‘urging Real Madrid to sign the Liverpool captain’. Six lines of text, in what just about passes as a story provides no actual quotes or evidence to back up its tawdry claims.
Gossip: The press continues to fan the flames of an exodus, with the reports that Chelsea are to give the Reds board an almighty financial headache. The Mail has suggested that the time is now right for the Stamford Bridge club to make a British record breaking £70million bid for striker Fernando Torres. The sale of the Liverpool front-man would go some way to easing the club’s mounting debts in the short term, although the loss of the Spaniard could prove equally costly if the Reds were to remain in the Champions League wilderness. Without a manager, managing director Christian Purslow and the American owners will be left with the ultimate decision, and one should never underestimate the power of the dollar.
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
KopStuff 2/6/10 - Gerrard to Join Mourinho in Madrid? Torres Inter Bound?
Wednesday 2nd June.
Gerrard Mourinho’s ‘number one target’? Torres Inter bound?
Rumour: The Daily Mirror returns to speculation regarding Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s future, suggesting that the midfielder is Jose Mourinho’s ‘number one target’. The newly appointed Real Madrid manager has apparently identified a central midfielder as the Spanish sides most pressing need. Regular readers will recognise this story, as it has been bouncing around the rumour mill ever since Mourinho left Inter, although the alleged quotes and targets appear to change on an almost daily basis. The Mirror adds nothing new, regurgitating old news to fill column space, ignoring the fact that Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard would appear to be the more likely target for the Portuguese.
Rumour: The Mail runs with a multitude of Liverpool stories, beginning the with news that Fabio Aurelio may be a target for Fulham boss Roy Hodgson. Aurelio was deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield, with the club unwilling to offer anything other than a pay-as-you-play deal to the frequently injured Brazilian.
Rumour: Second is the slightly more interesting suggestion that Rafa Benitez is weighing up a move for out of favour Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz. The paper proposes that any move would see Yossi Benayoun travelling in the opposite direction, but Reds fans would see that as a small price to pay for a chance to partner up the talented Paraguayan with Fernando Torres.
Rumour: ...although, if the Mail is to be believed, Torres himself may be on his way to Inter, should new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho succeed in taking Diego Milito or Samuel Eto’o to Real Madrid. The latter would seem unlikely, as the big Cameroon has only recently left arch rivals Barcelona, although Milito is known to have a fractious relationship with the Italian club.
Rumour: ...or should that be Chelsea? Or City? The Mail obviously believes that if you throw enough stones, you’ll end up with at least one broken window. In the very same story, Torres is linked with champions Chelsea, and big-spending Manchester City, both of whom are apparently ready to table £70million bids. The reason for the claims? Last week's news conference where Torres made the heinous mistake of failing to declare his absolute, undying love for the club and sign a new contract, in blood, live on Spanish TV.
Rumour: And finally, the S*n reports that Rafa’s future should be sorted out later this week, with the Spaniard having a third round of talks with the Liverpool board. The summer transfer budget is likely to be one of the major issues being discussed, as well as Rafa’s commitment to the club in the light of alleged interest from Inter.
Gerrard Mourinho’s ‘number one target’? Torres Inter bound?
Rumour: The Daily Mirror returns to speculation regarding Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s future, suggesting that the midfielder is Jose Mourinho’s ‘number one target’. The newly appointed Real Madrid manager has apparently identified a central midfielder as the Spanish sides most pressing need. Regular readers will recognise this story, as it has been bouncing around the rumour mill ever since Mourinho left Inter, although the alleged quotes and targets appear to change on an almost daily basis. The Mirror adds nothing new, regurgitating old news to fill column space, ignoring the fact that Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard would appear to be the more likely target for the Portuguese.
Rumour: The Mail runs with a multitude of Liverpool stories, beginning the with news that Fabio Aurelio may be a target for Fulham boss Roy Hodgson. Aurelio was deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield, with the club unwilling to offer anything other than a pay-as-you-play deal to the frequently injured Brazilian.
Rumour: Second is the slightly more interesting suggestion that Rafa Benitez is weighing up a move for out of favour Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz. The paper proposes that any move would see Yossi Benayoun travelling in the opposite direction, but Reds fans would see that as a small price to pay for a chance to partner up the talented Paraguayan with Fernando Torres.
Rumour: ...although, if the Mail is to be believed, Torres himself may be on his way to Inter, should new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho succeed in taking Diego Milito or Samuel Eto’o to Real Madrid. The latter would seem unlikely, as the big Cameroon has only recently left arch rivals Barcelona, although Milito is known to have a fractious relationship with the Italian club.
Rumour: ...or should that be Chelsea? Or City? The Mail obviously believes that if you throw enough stones, you’ll end up with at least one broken window. In the very same story, Torres is linked with champions Chelsea, and big-spending Manchester City, both of whom are apparently ready to table £70million bids. The reason for the claims? Last week's news conference where Torres made the heinous mistake of failing to declare his absolute, undying love for the club and sign a new contract, in blood, live on Spanish TV.
Rumour: And finally, the S*n reports that Rafa’s future should be sorted out later this week, with the Spaniard having a third round of talks with the Liverpool board. The summer transfer budget is likely to be one of the major issues being discussed, as well as Rafa’s commitment to the club in the light of alleged interest from Inter.
Saturday, 29 May 2010
KopStuff 29/5/10 - Aquilani to Prove His Anfield Worth / Transfer Funds in Doubt?
Saturday 29th May.
Alberto Aquilani pledges future to Anfield / Transfer kitty in doubt?
News: Alberto Aquilani has reportedly rejected the overtures of Juventus, stating that he intends to ‘prove his worth’ at Anfield. FootyLatest runs the story, suggesting that the Turin outfit have made multiple advances towards the £20 million rated Italian. Aquilani had a stop/start first season at Anfield, but despite negativity in the press, quickly became a player that most Kopites wanted to see on the team sheet, with most, if not all, preferring him to the ineffectual Lucas. News of his determination to impress next season will be well-received, but now deflects transfer speculation to fellow midfielders Mascherano and Gerrard.
Rumour: Readers on Thursday would have been delighted to see that co-owner Tom Hicks had pledged ‘substantial investment’ this summer, in an attempt to bolster the red’s squad. Not so, says the Mail today, suggesting that Rafa Benitez has a transfer kitty of just £5million. The story itself is a masterpiece in creative journalism, ignoring many of the facts to back up a preposterous headline. Riera and Babel to be sold to ease cash-flow problems? Really? Two of Anfield’s most unsettled and outspoken stars are unlikely to bring in any real money, but their departures would go a long way towards quietening any unrest or dissent in the dressing room. Furthermore, suggestions that Liverpool’s move for Rangers defender Danny Wilson is under threat for financial reasons would appear to be wide of the mark – hilariously so – as it was the Mail itself which ran the story about doubts over Wilson’s ‘homegrown’ status souring the deal.
News: The S*n follows up yesterday’s Gerrard injury scare story with confirmation that the Liverpool skipper has now missed his second successive England training session. FA chiefs, it reports, are denying that there is any long term problem, but speculation grew after Gerrard received treatment from head physio Gary Lewin, instead of one of England’s fitness coaches.
One Liverpool player back in training is Glen Johnson, who has recovered from his calf problem to produce some ‘excellent finishing’ in England’s shooting session.
Alberto Aquilani pledges future to Anfield / Transfer kitty in doubt?
News: Alberto Aquilani has reportedly rejected the overtures of Juventus, stating that he intends to ‘prove his worth’ at Anfield. FootyLatest runs the story, suggesting that the Turin outfit have made multiple advances towards the £20 million rated Italian. Aquilani had a stop/start first season at Anfield, but despite negativity in the press, quickly became a player that most Kopites wanted to see on the team sheet, with most, if not all, preferring him to the ineffectual Lucas. News of his determination to impress next season will be well-received, but now deflects transfer speculation to fellow midfielders Mascherano and Gerrard.
Rumour: Readers on Thursday would have been delighted to see that co-owner Tom Hicks had pledged ‘substantial investment’ this summer, in an attempt to bolster the red’s squad. Not so, says the Mail today, suggesting that Rafa Benitez has a transfer kitty of just £5million. The story itself is a masterpiece in creative journalism, ignoring many of the facts to back up a preposterous headline. Riera and Babel to be sold to ease cash-flow problems? Really? Two of Anfield’s most unsettled and outspoken stars are unlikely to bring in any real money, but their departures would go a long way towards quietening any unrest or dissent in the dressing room. Furthermore, suggestions that Liverpool’s move for Rangers defender Danny Wilson is under threat for financial reasons would appear to be wide of the mark – hilariously so – as it was the Mail itself which ran the story about doubts over Wilson’s ‘homegrown’ status souring the deal.
News: The S*n follows up yesterday’s Gerrard injury scare story with confirmation that the Liverpool skipper has now missed his second successive England training session. FA chiefs, it reports, are denying that there is any long term problem, but speculation grew after Gerrard received treatment from head physio Gary Lewin, instead of one of England’s fitness coaches.
One Liverpool player back in training is Glen Johnson, who has recovered from his calf problem to produce some ‘excellent finishing’ in England’s shooting session.
Friday, 28 May 2010
KopStuff Fri 28th May - Heysel 25th Anniversary / Simao to Liverpool?
Friday 28th May.
This weekend will mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Heysel Stadium disaster, when thirty-nine fans lost their lives at the 1985 European Cup Final. A two minutes’ silence will be held today at Liverpool Town Hall, followed by a service in remembrance of the victims of the tragedy. The town hall bells will ring thirty-nine times in their memory, with a repeat tomorrow, the anniversary day.
These are just part of a series of events being held in the run up to Saturday’s anniversary, following on from the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at Anfield on Wednesday. Representatives from Liverpool and Juventus were present at the corresponding service, including former captain Phil Neal and Juve Centre back Sergio Brio, both of whom played in the final.
Rumour: The Daily Star runs will a fairly interesting - and reasonably believable - rumour, that Rafa Benitez is weighing up a move for Atletico Madrid’s Portuguese winger Simao. Benitez has been linked with a move for the wide man before, with the left side of midfield proving to be a difficult position to fill. With just a year left on his contract, Atletico may just be interested in cashing in on the 30 year old, although Red’s fans will perhaps question an outlay of £8 million on a player who may not have too many seasons left in him.
News: TeamTalk covers the ongoing sale of the club, with co-owner Tom Hicks reported as stating that there are a large number of ‘interested buyers’. The Texan claimed yesterday that any sale could take up to twelve months, a timescale which will not be popular amongst Reds fans. Whilst none of the ‘interested buyers’ are named, Hicks hinted they may come from Asia or the Middle East where there are, apparently, ‘a number of wealthy people’. Whoever it is will certainly need big pockets, with the Americans still holding out for £800 million for the debt-laden club.
Rumour: The Guardian carries a story about future Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho’s summer transfer targets, naming Red’s captain Steven Gerrard as top of his wish list. The news will come as no surprise to Liverpool fans, as Mourinho has long been an admirer of Gerrard, attempting, unsuccessfully, to lure him to Chelsea three years ago. Whilst Benitez and the board remain adamant that Gerrard and Torres will be with the club next season, it will be interesting to see their resolve if a big money bid is tabled. Gerrard himself will look for assurances that the club intends to invest in new talent over the summer – otherwise, our talismanic captain may have his head turned by the lure of Champions League football in Spain.
News: Still on the topic of Steven Gerrard, the Mail reports that the midfielder limped out of an England training session yesterday, requiring treatment on his right calf. Gerrard isn’t the only Liverpool player struggling to be fit for England duties, with Glen Johnson missing training with a groin problem.
This weekend will mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Heysel Stadium disaster, when thirty-nine fans lost their lives at the 1985 European Cup Final. A two minutes’ silence will be held today at Liverpool Town Hall, followed by a service in remembrance of the victims of the tragedy. The town hall bells will ring thirty-nine times in their memory, with a repeat tomorrow, the anniversary day.
These are just part of a series of events being held in the run up to Saturday’s anniversary, following on from the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at Anfield on Wednesday. Representatives from Liverpool and Juventus were present at the corresponding service, including former captain Phil Neal and Juve Centre back Sergio Brio, both of whom played in the final.
Rumour: The Daily Star runs will a fairly interesting - and reasonably believable - rumour, that Rafa Benitez is weighing up a move for Atletico Madrid’s Portuguese winger Simao. Benitez has been linked with a move for the wide man before, with the left side of midfield proving to be a difficult position to fill. With just a year left on his contract, Atletico may just be interested in cashing in on the 30 year old, although Red’s fans will perhaps question an outlay of £8 million on a player who may not have too many seasons left in him.
News: TeamTalk covers the ongoing sale of the club, with co-owner Tom Hicks reported as stating that there are a large number of ‘interested buyers’. The Texan claimed yesterday that any sale could take up to twelve months, a timescale which will not be popular amongst Reds fans. Whilst none of the ‘interested buyers’ are named, Hicks hinted they may come from Asia or the Middle East where there are, apparently, ‘a number of wealthy people’. Whoever it is will certainly need big pockets, with the Americans still holding out for £800 million for the debt-laden club.
Rumour: The Guardian carries a story about future Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho’s summer transfer targets, naming Red’s captain Steven Gerrard as top of his wish list. The news will come as no surprise to Liverpool fans, as Mourinho has long been an admirer of Gerrard, attempting, unsuccessfully, to lure him to Chelsea three years ago. Whilst Benitez and the board remain adamant that Gerrard and Torres will be with the club next season, it will be interesting to see their resolve if a big money bid is tabled. Gerrard himself will look for assurances that the club intends to invest in new talent over the summer – otherwise, our talismanic captain may have his head turned by the lure of Champions League football in Spain.
News: Still on the topic of Steven Gerrard, the Mail reports that the midfielder limped out of an England training session yesterday, requiring treatment on his right calf. Gerrard isn’t the only Liverpool player struggling to be fit for England duties, with Glen Johnson missing training with a groin problem.
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