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French left-back Chris Mavinga yesterday completed his move from Paris Saint-Germain.
The 18 year old defender has flown out to Switzerland to join his new team-mates in pre-season training.
The youngster never made a first-team breakthrough with the Ligue 1 club, but he did represent France at under-18 level.
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Xabi Alonso married his girlfriend Nagore Aramburu in his home town of San Sebastian yesterday.
The Spanish international midfielder has been linked with a move back home with Real Madrid, but remains a Red.
Unlike most footballer weddings, Alonso’s was a low-key day with around 200 guests, including Luis Garcia and Mikel Arteta.
LFC Talk wishes Xabi and Nagore all the best and our congratulations.
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Rafael Benitez yesterday admitted that he tried to sign Gareth Barry before the midfielder moved to Manchester City – on a £120,000 per week deal.
“City have signed a lot of good players, but that is no guarantee they will win anything. But it will be interesting to see what happens next season,” said Benitez.
“Things have changed. You have to adapt to a situation. Manchester City and big clubs in Europe are spending big money, so the market has changed and we have to work harder.”
“We had to pay big money, the market is now crazy. It is all money, money, money now. But we were signing a good player, an England player, and that is very positive.”
“He has a good mentality, and when I spoke to him first it was clear he wanted to come here.”
“Things have changed. You have to adapt to a situation. Manchester City and big clubs in Europe are spending big money, so the market has changed and we have to work harder.”
“You have to do that to stay at the level we are at because of the big money being spent here and abroad.”
City also wanted Johnson, and Benitez said: “It was difficult, some clubs are offering big money. But he wanted to come here, that was the difference.”
“We did go back again for Barry, but as I said. it is all about money, money, money. It is as simple as that.”
On City’s influence on the market and their prospects for next term, Benitez added: “City have signed a lot of good players, but that is no guarantee they will win anything. But it will be interesting to see what happens next season.”
“But whatever happens, experience is more important and we feel that we have that to be in the top positions.”
“If you spend big it is always easier to perform well. But when you have a good understanding between players that is also important. If they are together, they work hard, that is just as important.”
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Glen Johnson has stated his desire and ambition to win the Premiership title with the club, as he was unveiled as a Red.
“I had a spell at Chelsea before and there were good and bad times but when a club like Liverpool comes in for you it is not a hard decision.” he told Liverpoolfc.tv
“It’s a fantastic club – one of the biggest in the world – it’s got a great history and I wanted to be a part of that.”
“We’ve got some fantastic players and I wanted to come here and help Liverpool win the league. The boys did fantastically well last year.”
“Hopefully we can now get a few more points and steal it from Manchester United.”
“We want to go as far as we can in every competition but all the lads want to win the Premier League and that would be a great start.”
The former Portsmouth defender was named in the PFA team of the year and also appears to have stolen a march on his rivals for the England right-back slot – but believes he can keep improving.
“I can definitely improve – every player can. I want to improve every aspect of my game.”
“Rafa has told me he wants more of the same form I showed last year, but he also wants me to improve. We will be working hard together to do that.”
“I am here to do my best.”
The right-back joined his team-mates in training for the first-time at Melwood yesterday.
“Yesterday was my first day and all the lads and staff made me feel really welcome, so it’s good times.”
“I knew Stevie and Carra from before but yesterday I met about 60 players! I was shaking the same hands about four times introducing myself!”
“It’s a lot to take in at once, and obviously the lads were messing about and laughing about that. But everyone’s made me feel really welcome and it’s great to be here.”
Johnson also revealed that he’d asked former Reds Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant their opinions of the club before signing.
“Peter and Jermaine said it’s a fantastic club but they didn’t need to say that – I knew. They told me I’d enjoy every minute of it.” he said.
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Fabio Aurelio could be set to miss just a month of action after injuring himself while on holiday in Brazil with his family, Rafael Benitez has said.
Benitez confirmed the left-back had undergone cartilage surgery after damaging his knee.
“He was injured playing with his son and really disappointed because he was enjoying the summer,” Benitez said.
“He had the operation – he has had a problem with his cartilage – so he will be one month, maximum two months, not six months like I see in the press.”
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Rafael Benitez has spoken of his delight at seeing Steven Gerrard signing the new two-year extension to his Liverpool contract.
The captain agreed the extension back in April and has put pen to paper since returning to training this week.
“We have spent this summer trying to secure the players we have.” said the Spaniard.
“It’s really good to keep Kuyt, Torres, Agger, Benayoun and Steven. They are the here and now of the club and for the future it is really good.”
“We are really pleased. We have a lot of good players who want to stay, to win and compete. The message has to be the same again this year – to be there, to be contenders and to fight. If we can win trophies it would be fantastic.” he concluded.
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Injury to Fabio Aurelio has reportedly led to Rafael Benitez making a move for Marseille’s Taye Taiwo.
Aurelio has injured his knee while playing football on the beach while away on holiday with his family in Brazil.
Andrea Dossena is still likely to be sold with a move to Juventus looking close. The Italian has contradicted himself this Summer by saying he wanted the move to go through, but then backtracking and stating his desire to stay on Merseyside.
Taiwo has made his desire to move to England public in the last few months and it appears that Rafa Benitez has taken notice after the defender put in some fine performances in Europe last season.
“If I was to depart, then I would not join a small club. It will be Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal.” Taiwo told France-Football.
“I do not want to leave Marseille for the sake of it. If I make it, it will be for a big club, to win the UEFA Champions League, in England, or why not Spain?”
“I won’t make it for money, otherwise I could immediately leave for Ukraine, where I could earn just as much.”
“I am not scared by the level in England. I believe I have the right level to defend against [Wayne] Rooney or Cristiano Ronaldo.” he added.
“Anyway I am more powerful than them. The only one with whom it would be much more complex is Messi.”
“He is too small and too strong. That’s why maybe it could be better for me to join England rather than Spain.”
The 24 year old has been linked to other Premiership and continental clubs in the past few months, but appears set on moving to a top four Premiership side – and not Tottenham Hotspur.
“I have made my desire to play in the Premier League clear,” he told Sky Sports.
“Tottenham are a big club, but I am at Marseille. I want to play in the Premier League, but I have a contract. But if the clubs agree.”
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Yossi Benayoun has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Anfield until 2013.
The 29 year old has been given a two year extension to the deal that was set to expire in the Summer of 2011. The Israel international scored nine goals in forty-two outings last season.
“I am very happy that we have reached an agreement. Of course, to be at a club like this is a dream come true and I want to keep playing here.” he told Liverpoolfc.tv
“Hopefully now I can concentrate on the hard work that needs to be done and try to play better and better and win some silverware.”
Benayoun becomes the latest in a line of key squad members committing to the club following Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt.
“You know that our idea was to extend the contracts of some players and Yossi was one of these players.” said Benitez.
“He has been really good for us over the last year, scoring crucial goals and getting assists, so we wanted to keep him and I’m really pleased with the extension.”
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Tom Hicks financial position appears to be worsening as he looks set to be forced out of one of his American sports franchises.
Reports in the US are claiming that he has had to borrow millions of dollars from Major League Baseball’s money men.
“He won’t be running the team much longer,” said a source at Major League Baseball.
“Major League Baseball is helping him through this until someone else can be put in place to run the club.”
Hicks’s financial problems are unlikely to affect the refinancing of his and George Gillett’s £350m loan from the Royal Bank of Scotland.
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Former Anfield hero Michael Owen has said that he “always clung to that hope” that he would one day play for rivals Manchester United.
“Manchester United, you automatically think winners, you think trophies, you think the stadium, the massive fan base, but until you sign you don’t really let yourself get carried away,” said Owen.
“There’s so many top players here, obviously it’s a very exciting time for me.”
“Right throughout the squad they are obviously a fantastic team with fantastic players, that’s why they’ve all won so much throughout their careers, and hopefully I can jump on the bandwagon, score a few goals, and help us to further success.”
Having played for Liverpool, where he won European Footballer of the Year in 2001, and Real Madrid, for one brief season, Owen is used to being surrounded by top talent – despite playing for a mediocre, and relegated, Newcastle United.
Owen, who had been linked with modest clubs such as Hull, Stoke and Burnley, admits that he did not expect United to come knocking.
“A few days ago I never really had it in my wildest dreams,” said Owen.
“I probably won’t sleep at night thinking about all the top players I’m going to be playing alongside, so there’s a lot to think about and a lot to get excited about.”
Owen will also benefit from the full backing of Ferguson, having known for some time his new manager was an admirer of his talents.
“In the last few years I had an idea that the manager obviously thought I had something, so I always clung to that hope that he would ask me to come and play for him one day,” he added.
“I’m not silly, I know there will be some people saying maybe the manager shouldn’t have signed me.”
“That gradually goes in time and as soon as the first game kicks off, I can do my talking on the pitch.”
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Reserve duo Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby have signed new contracts with the club.
They have been in talks with the Reds money men for the last couple of months and terms have been agreed on long-term contracts for the pair.
This was the last season on their previous agreements, but the pair will now remain at Anfield for the foreseeable future.
Diminutive midfielder Spearing made his first appearance in the first-team as a substitute against Real Madrid at Anfield last season, impressing against the Spanish giants.
Versatile defender Darby made three outings for the first-team, mainly in the Carling Cup side.
The duo are expected to put pen-to-paper on the contracts next week when the playing squad return for pre-season training.
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Kenny Dalglish will take a senior role at the Liverpool academy and will act as a club ambassador, the club have confirmed.
Recently appointed Managing Director Christian Purslow said: “In our very first meeting Rafa and I agreed that we wanted to try and bring Kenny back to the club to help Rafa really drive forward our Academy which is at the heart of our plans for the future. We are delighted he has agreed to join us and I am sure he will be very successful in his new role back at the club.”
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Liverpool have today announced two new additions to their backroom team at Melwood.
Eduardo Parra Garcia will join as Fitness Coach, with rehabilitation work his main attribute, after deciding to leave his position with Celta Vigo to take up the offer of a new challenge at Melwood.
“It’s a dream come true for me to come and work with Rafa Benitez and the backroom staff at Liverpool FC,” he told Liverpoolfc.tv.
“I know all about Liverpool, the history, the passion of its amazing fans and of course the quality of its great players. I am really excited about working here.”
Ivan Ortega is also moving to Melwood from Spain and will take up a position within the medical team as a Sports Therapist. He was previously physio at Celta Vigo.
“I am thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to work in such a fantastic Club. Everyone knows Liverpool in Spain and around the world,” he said.
“Although it’s a new country and a new environment for me, I can’t wait to get started.”
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Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders is in talks with Ryan Flynn about a possible return to Wrexham on loan next season.
The youngster spent the back end of last season on loan with the Welsh side and his agent has confirmed that Rafael Benitez wants to farm him out once again this season.
Saunders faces tough competition to sign the youngster, but hopes his previous time at the Racecourse will help persuade him to continue there.
However, Saunders is hopeful he can persuade Flynn to return to the Racecourse after a spell in North Wales gave the Scottish youngster’s career the perfect boost last season.
“I’m hopeful he’ll come to us, although I know he’s probably got options.” he said.
“I’m hoping he’ll come back to us, and I’m hoping he’ll come back training stronger and fitter as he’ll be a year older. Hopefully he’ll have learned from last year and the time he spent with us will have done him good.”
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes another temporary switch will continue Flynn’s development, and a number of clubs are interested in him.
“Liverpool are prepared to loan out Ryan during this summer’s transfer window.” said his agent, David Threlfall.
“This is a big year for Ryan and he wants to be playing regular first-team football to continue his development. I have had a few enquiries for Ryan and we will sit down and decide what is the best option for him before deciding where to go.”
Flynn is an academy graduate at Anfield, he made the step up in 2006 after being signed from Scottish outfit Falkirk.
He was a key part of the club’s successive FA Youth Cup wins, scoring in the final against Manchester City in 2006 and also hitting three goals during the 2007 season.
He is yet to make his senior debut for Liverpool but has featured in a number of pre-season friendlies.
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Steven Gerrard has stated that he believes Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment as Chelsea manager will see the London club revitalised in the title race next season.
During a press conference with the media ahead of England’s tie with Kazakhstan on Saturday, the Reds captain praised the Italian and called him “one of the best [managers] in the world.”
“I think it’s a good appointment for Chelsea, I’m not so sure its a good one for Liverpool though, we will have to wait and see,” Gerrard said.
“He is a fantastic manager, one of the best in the world.”
“We played two Champions League finals against him when he was at AC Milan, won one on a fantastic night in Istanbul, but the second time around they beat us and he was spot on tactically in the second game.”
Asked how he compared with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, Gerrard said: “They are both fantastic managers and it will make the Premiership even more exciting.”
“These managers love going head to head against each other, to test each other, so I am sure Rafa and Ancelotti are looking forward to testing themselves again.”
