liverpool&torres

20 GREAT LFC QUOTES

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 06:23:16 -0500

We've compiled 20 of our favourite LFC quotes from down the years - and we want you to choose the best in our latest online poll.

From Bill Shankly's thoughts on Chairman Mao to Ian Rush's admission that Italy was 'like a foreign country', we never tire of hearing these pearls of wisdom.

But which is your favourite? Vote now and we'll reveal the results in the next few days.

1. "If Everton were playing at the bottom of the garden, I'd pull the curtains." (Bill Shankly)

2. "In my time at Liverpool we always said we had the best two teams in Merseyside: Liverpool and Liverpool Reserves." (Bill Shankly)

Rafa at half-time in Istanbul

You can't call yourselves Liverpool players if you have your heads down. If we create a few chances we have the possibility of getting back into this. Believe you can do it and you will. Give yourself the chance to be heroes.

3. "Please be quick, I need to get to the hospital to make sure Robben is okay!" (Rafa after Arjen Robben's theatrics led to Pepe Reina being sent off)

4. "If you're in the penalty area and don't know what to do with the ball, put it in the net and we'll discuss the options later." (Bob Paisley)

5. "Mind you, I've been here during the bad times too - one year we came second." (Bob Paisley)

6. "Liverpool are magic, Everton are tragic." (Emlyn Hughes)

7. "It was like playing in a foreign country." (Ian Rush on his time with Juventus in Italy)

8. "Anybody who plays for me should be a bad loser." (Graeme Souness)

9. "You can't call yourselves Liverpool players if you have your heads down. If we create a few chances we have the possibility of getting back into this. Believe you can do it and you will. Give yourself the chance to be heroes." (What Rafa Benitez reportedly told his players at half-time in Istanbul)

10. "Of course I didn't take my wife to see Rochdale as an anniversary present, it was her birthday. Would I have got married in the football season? Anyway, it was Rochdale Reserves." (Bill Shankly)

11. "Nobody likes being criticised, particularly by players who will be in Disneyland this summer on their holidays rather than the World Cup in Japan." (Phil Thompson responding to criticism from Frank de Boer of Barcelona, who said Liverpool were boring)

12. "As a manager you are important sometimes and you make mistakes, but the most important people are your staff and your players. Never call me the special one." (Rafa Benitez)

13. "I will never forget Steve Nicol's arrival in October 1981. Until then, the three Scots already at Anfield, Al, Graeme and me, had been pretty well able to look after ourselves. We had built up an understanding that the Scots were the master race. We would quote historical facts to the English players to prove it. Some of the most important inventions and discoveries in the world came from from Scots, like television, the telephone, penicillin, the steam engine and tarmac. Their names are part of history - John Logie Baird, Alexander Graham Bell, Alexander Fleming, James Watt. Not to mention those other wonders of the world, golf and whisky... Everything we had built up, he destroyed in 10 minutes." (Kenny Dalglish on his fellow Scotsman)

Shankly's most famous words

Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.

14. "He couldn't play anyway. I only wanted him for the reserve team." (Bill Shankly upon hearing Celtic's Lou Macari had snubbed Liverpool in favour of a move to Manchester United)

15. "Our job is to make the fans happy. When we win, 45,000 people go home happy. When we lose, it not only affects them, it affects their cats." (Gerard Houllier)

16. "Take that bandage off. And what do you mean about YOUR knee? It's Liverpool's knee!" (Bill Shankly to Tommy Smith)

17. "Chairman Mao has never seen a greater show of red strength." (Bill Shankly)

18. "Who's bigger than Liverpool?" (Jamie Carragher when asked by Sky Sports if he'd thought of moving to a bigger club)

19. "When I was at Valencia my wife said that we would win the league. She was right and to mark the occasion she asked me for a new watch. I bought her the watch, but then she said that we would win the UEFA Cup and that when we did she wanted another watch. Now she says that we will win the Champions League and that she will want an even more expensive watch. My wife has a lot of confidence and a lot of watches." (Rafa Benitez)

20. "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." (Bill Shankly)

TORRES: OUR FOUR TITLE RIVALS

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:53:12 -0500

Fernando Torres believes there will be five teams gunning for the Barclays Premier League title next term.

Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have made up the top four in the last four seasons - but Torres thinks Manchester City are now a real threat.

He said: "I'm sure that Manchester United and Chelsea will be our main rivals but you can't leave Arsenal or Manchester City out of the equation.

"Man City are putting together a strong team with good signings. Manchester United have yet to sign players with the money they received from the sale of Ronaldo, but he will be sorely missed along with Carlos Tevez. We will have to wait and see which players they bring in."

Torres admits Liverpool must focus on being more clinical on home soil in 2009-10 after a series of Anfield draws proved costly last term.

"Once again the Premier League is Liverpool's main goal for next season," said the 25-year-old.

"We are going to set our sights on the title, and this time we are going to try and be more clinical at home against the so-called weaker teams. Last season they caused us some grief at Anfield."

Torres and his fellow Spaniards will now enjoy a holiday after their Confederations Cup antics before joining up with their clubmates for the pre-season tour of Asia.

"Next summer will also be a busy time with plenty of games, so now it's important to get some good rest ahead of next season, which will be a long campaign, but also hopefully a happy one," he said.

LIVERPOOL XI TO FACE TRANMERE

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:29:55 -0500

Three more Liverpool XI friendlies have been announced for July and August including a match against John Barnes' Tranmere Rovers.

The match at Prenton Park will take place on Friday, July 24, at 7.45pm BST.

We will be receiving an initial allocation of 500 tickets for this fixture priced as follows:

Adults - £12. Seniors (60 and over) - £6. Young persons (aged 17 to 22) - £6. Juniors (under-16) - £4.

Kop hero Barnes said: "This will be a great chance for my squad to show what they can do and hopefully both sets of fans will enjoy the game.

"I look forward to welcoming my old club to Prenton Park ahead of the new season."

Before that a Liverpool XI will face Chester City on Tuesday, July 21 at the Deva Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

A Liverpool XI will also travel to Ireland for a match against County Cork outfit Dunmanway Town on Thursday, August 6, at the Maria Immaculata Community College, Dunmanway, County Cork. Kick-off will be at 2pm BST.

Liverpool XI pre-season friendlies:

Saturday, July 18. Aberystwyth Town (A). 3pm.

Tuesday, July 21. Chester City (A). 7.45pm.

Friday, July 24. Tranmere Rovers (A) 7.45pm.

Tuesday, July 28. Cambridge United (A). 7.45pm.

Friday, July 31. Notts County (A). 7.45pm.

Monday, August 3. Bristol Rovers (A). 7.30pm.

Thursday, August 6. Dunmanway Town (A). 2pm.

TORRES TO FRONT VIDEO GAME

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:22:45 -0500

Fernando Torres is set to become the European face of the popular video game Pro Evolution Soccer.

Liverpool's No.9 will join Lionel Messi as the cover star of PES 2010 after signing a deal with makers Konami.

"Everyone knows that when it comes to football simulation, Konami's PES series is by far the most realistic title available," said Torres.

"The new game looks absolutely stunning, and I look forward to seeing myself in action in PES 2010."

Torres, who is known to be a keen game player, is following in the footsteps of stars such as Thierry Henry and John Terry.

"Fernando has established himself as one of the most exciting strikers in the game," said Jon Murphy, PES European team leader.

"He encapsulates everything that is good about the modern game, showcasing both pace, skill and vision - three elements that play a major part in PES 2010 as a football simulation."

The game is released on PLAYSTATION3, Xbox 360, PC-DVD, PSP, PlayStation 2 and mobile phones this autumn.

TORRES IN WORLD CUP CHALLENGE

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:06:29 -0500

Fernando Torres has challenged his international teammates to embark on another 35-game unbeaten streak - a run that would see them win the World Cup next year.

Spain were on the verge of a new world record for games unbeaten before losing 2-0 to the USA in Wednesday's Confederations Cup semi-final.

But Torres insists he and his countrymen will bounce back before returning to South Africa next summer.

"When you lose a game and you've got a lot of players who can barely remember the last time it happened, then it shows that you're on the right track," said the 25-year-old.

"In fact, I'd rather this happen now than at the 2010 World Cup. We have to go back to square one now and start putting some more wins together.

"I'd love us to go another 35 matches without losing. That would be great, especially with a World Cup in the middle."

Spain were expected to breeze through to the Confederations Cup final but were stunned by goals from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey.

Torres added: "What hurts most is going out in the semi-finals of a big competition, not the end of the run.

"We knew that we couldn't possibly win every single game from now to the end of our careers and that the run would have to come to an end some day. We just didn't expect it to be here in South Africa, but that's the way it is. These things happen when you least expect them.

"At the end of the day the USA took their chances up front, kept it tight at the back and deserved to win. You've got to congratulate them on that.

"The most important thing now is that we keep on showing the same down-to-earth approach as we did when we went all that time unbeaten.

"I don't think anyone can say we ever showed a lack of respect to our opponents in that time. USA were the better side because they coped with the pressure we put on them and scored the goals. We'll try to take something out of the game and improve, just as we've been doing up to now.

"We saw how much better USA played with two strikers against Egypt, and when they decide to go on the offensive they are a really dangerous team. I still think we did okay, though. We created chance after chance and didn't take any, while they put theirs away.

"Records are nice for everyone on the outside but, as far as we are concerned, this is not the end for us. Far from it. The really big challenges are only just beginning."

DESPAIR FOR TORRES AS USA BEAT SPAIN

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:29:17 -0500

There was major despair for Fernando Torres and Spain after they lost 2-0 to rank outsiders USA in their Confederations Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.

El Nino, Xabi Alonso and Albert Riera were all in Vicente Del Bosque's starting line-up but it was a disappointing night as USA, who ended the game with 10 men, produced one of the all-time great shocks in international football.

The result also meant La Furia Roja's dreams of setting a new world record were dashed and they now share that 35 game unbeaten feat with Brazil.

Torres and Alonso played the full 90 minutes while Riera played for 77 minutes before being substituted. Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa remained on the bench.

USA worked their socks off for 90 minutes and closed down space in what was a truly heroic performance.

Torres had warned of complacency before the game and he was right to be wary as the USA were the better side in the opening stages.

The Americans started strongly and went close after creating some great chances.

Torres had a decent opening after 11 minutes when a Cesc Fabregas cross found him at the back post but he couldn't keep his shot down.

Incredibly after 27 minutes the USA took the lead through a great finish from a player who earns his living in Spain - Villarreal striker Jozy Altidore.

Fulham star Clint Dempsey then had a great chance to make it 2-0 but he miscued a header wide of target.

Torres almost equalised on the stroke of half-time when Everton's Tim Howard denied him with his foot after a superb turn from Liverpool's number nine.

Spain looked strong and determined in the second half and had what looked like a good penalty shout turned down, when Xavi was upended in the penalty area.

Riera and David Villa then drilled efforts wide and Howard made some important stops.

Just when it seemed Spain would find an equaliser Dempsey made it 2-0 after a defensive mix-up.

Spain will now meet either Brazil or South Africa in a third place play-off at 2pm BST on Sunday.

RAFA'S HAT-TRICK OF PARADES

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:33:16 -0500

Rafa Benitez has spoken of his ambition to complete a hat-trick of historic parades through the city of Liverpool by bringing the Barclays Premier League trophy to Merseyside next season.

The 2005 Champions League and 2006 FA Cup triumphs brought hundreds of thousands onto the streets of Liverpool.

Benitez knows clinching the club's first title since Kenny Dalglish masterminded number 18 in 1990 would likely lead to even bigger numbers.

"I remember after the Champions League and also the FA Cup," the boss told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It would be fantastic to do it again."

Benitez also paid tribute to Kopites who helped make 2008-09 a hugely successful season.

Liverpool remained unbeaten at home throughout the league campaign, while suffering just two defeats on the road as they finished second in the table.

"Our fans are always different, always fantastic," added Benitez.

"They know when the team is working hard and they know when they have to support. They know we have improved a lot this year.

"For us, it's always important to see them in the stands.

"On the streets you see a lot of support. We have a lot of fans and every single day you have people supporting you and cheering - these are the kind of fans we have. They're always with the team."

Benitez will welcome back the bulk of his squad in early July ahead of pre-season tours to Switzerland and Asia.

The Spaniard is hopeful of securing the "one or two" key additions he believes could make the difference in 2009-10 before the season gets underway at White Hart Lane on August 15.

TORRES AND CO SET UNIQUE DOUBLE

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:31:18 -0500

Fernando Torres and Spain are celebrating a unique double after beating host nation South Africa 2-0 in their Confederations Cup clash on Saturday night.

La Furia Roja equalled the world record of 35 games unbeaten which is shared with Brazil who set that between 1993 and 1996.

Spain have also set a new record of 15 straight wins.

El Nino played for 60 minutes before he and David Villa were both substituted to keep them fresh for Wednesday's semi-final.

Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa played the full game while Albert Riera played for 80 minutes. Xabi Alonso sat this match out as Vicente Del Bosque gave a chance to the rest of his squad.

The opening goal of the game came from Villa. Less than a minute after seeing his penalty brilliantly saved, the Valencia striker made amends with a fantastic left footed finish after a wonderful turn.

Substitute Fernando Llorente made it 2-0.

The first half was goalless with Riera and Torres both going close.

The Reds number 11 almost scored after three minutes when his stinging drive from a free-kick was superbly saved.

Torres was a a lively figure in attack and came close when he was denied by a superb save from close range.

The Confederations Cup is contested by each of the six Fifa Confederation Champions, along with the World Cup winners and host nation.

The countries taking part this year are Brazil, Egypt, Iraq, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain and USA.

The semi-finals will take place on 24th and 25th June before the showcase final is played out in Johannesburg on 28th June.

FERNANDO: WE'LL RETURN FRESH

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:26:28 -0500

Fernando Torres has assured Liverpool fans he and his fellow Spaniards will return to Anfield fresh and ready to aid another title assault in 2009-10 despite their Confederations Cup antics.

Torres has featured in all three of Spain's fixtures so far in South Africa, while Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera, Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe Reina have also played prominent roles to help set up Wednesday's semi-final with the USA.

Rafa Benitez will allow his countrymen extra time to recuperate before they join up with their clubmates for the pre-season tour of Asia.

Kopites are hoping Torres in particular comes back feeling 100 per cent after an injury-hit 2008-09.

"After our holidays are over we have to join up with the team for Liverpool's Asian tour," said our No.9.

"We can't wait for the tournament to end so that we can go on holiday, with the Cup, so as to get some rest. We will return for the new season with plenty of energy as it is going to be an exciting season for Liverpool and also for Spain, as there is a World Cup at the end."

Victory on Wednesday night could set up a dream final of Spain versus Brazil.

Torres added: "It's not the same playing against Brazil as it is playing against any other team.

"They are currently playing well, scoring goals; they have great players and this may well help give the tournament the importance it deserves.

"A Spain-Brazil final would be a match the whole world would like to see and a match that everyone would want to play in. I'm sure it would be a game full of good football."

One of the most controversial elements of this summer's tournament has been the sound emanating from the stands, with fans playing their distinctive vuvuzela throughout matches.

Torres, though, has been overwhelmed by the support he has encountered for both his club and country.

"Since arriving, I have seen a lot of people with Liverpool banners and wearing Liverpool shirts with my name on the back," said the 25-year-old, who with three goals is the tournament's joint top scorer alongside strike partner David Villa.

"To tell the truth, it came as a surprise because I didn't expect this so far from Spain and England.

"I have not grown tired of signing autographs as it's a delight to have so many fans so far from my own country. It's surprising to see how people with just the minimum resources available have more drive and enthusiasm than anyone. The children, for example, come up to you wearing a smile from ear to ear."

Meanwhile, the competition has allowed Torres to expand his already-impressive collection of opponents' shirts.

He explained: "I've had the opportunity to swap shirts with opponents, and these will all be added to my collection.

"I keep them all, but I've yet to find time to put them all on show anywhere. I have all of the shirts from the Premier League and my father has the ones from Spain.

"One day I will get them all together, like a museum. I'm sure that I have tops that will bring back plenty of memories. I have swapped shirts with Zidane, Raul, Beckham, Figo, Ronaldinho. I guess that with the passing of time their value will grow."

TORRES: I WOULD LOVE TO EMULATE FOWLER

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:23:18 -0500

Fernando Torres has revealed how he would love to emulate the adulation that the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Robbie Fowler have at the club.

El Nino is the darling of the Kop already but he wants to win lots of trophies at Anfield and score as many goals as possible.

"When I was a kid I was always looking up to Atletico Madrid strikers but when I came to Liverpool I saw DVDs of Robbie Fowler and Kenny Dalglish," said Torres.

"They are legends of Liverpool. One day I would like to be close to them."

The number nine also believes the club is close to winning the major honours once again.

"In the past two years, United have been the strongest team in Europe and we had to fight against them," he said.

"This year they have lost an important player, so maybe it is our time.

"When I signed for Liverpool the main thing was to win trophies for them. It has been frustrating for me because for a club like Liverpool to go two years without a trophy is too long. But I think it's coming."

On the field, Torres is hoping for Confederations Cup glory with Spain as they now face shock semi-finalists USA on Wednesday night.

Brazil take on South Africa in the other semi-final on Thursday night.

In beating South Africa 2-0 in their final group game on Saturday night, Spain set a new record for 15 straight wins and also matched Brazil's 35 game unbeaten world record.

"We now have a lot of confidence, with nine points and no goals conceded.

"We have to believe in ourselves and keep winning games."