galés rojo

Selling Cole and Reyes will get them about £40 mil.

Rafa said last week that he was confident we would sign a striker. Whilst we seemed to have altenatives both this year and last when signing other positions Alves/Pennant/Simao and previously Agger/Luisao/Lugano when chasing a centre back, however we don't seem to have a long list of forwards. We have only really been linked to Kuyt and this would suggest that we are more likely than nots to sign him.

Gonzalez trying too hard to impress, says BenitezAug 3 2006 By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo RAFA Benitez believes new signing Mark Gonzalez is 'trying too hard' to make an immediate impression since the successful conclusion of his transfer saga. The South American left winger arrived amid huge expectations, as Benitez launched a year-long campaign for the 21-year-old to be allowed to play in England. The hype which led to the work permit was a necessity, but arguably did little favours for Gonzalez as so much excitement has followed his signing. Gonzalez's three warm-up games so far have left little impression, but his manager insists the judgement on the Chilean will be more positive in the months to come. Benitez feels the intense programme in Switzerland, which has seen Liverpool train and play matches on the same day, has contributed to tired performances, especially from those who aren't used to such a punishing schedule. Story continues ADVERTISEMENT All the players will reap the benefits when the competitive fixtures begin, Benitez argues. "At this moment, Mark wants to play so well, he's playing not so well," said Benitez. "He's always trying to go forward and he wants to go faster than he has to at this time. "We don't have any doubt about the quality of the player. He has to work for his place like all the players, but we know he is a top player at a top club and he will do well. "He has the pace we're looking for. At the moment he's tired because he's training hard, but in few weeks time you will see the quality." Gonzalez's next chance to stake a claim for the Champions League game with Maccabi Haifa is tomorrow night, when Liverpool face German side FC Mainz in their last overseas friendly. Benitez is expected to field a strong starting eleven, with Steven Gerrard, Peter Crouch and Jamie Carragher playing for at least an hour. Xabi Alonso is also in line to make his first appearance of the season after recovering from an ankle injury. Daniel Agger is also suffering with an ankle problem, which has kept him out the warm-up games, but may be involved. Fabio Aurelio has a calf strain, and Robbie Fowler is hoping to shake off a minor knee problem. click

I was under the impression he only signed a three contract when he arrived( two left now) ,good news that he wants a new contract and also that he has longer left than i thought. Pepe is very important to how we play, and while Carson and Dudek are good cover they don't sweep up behind the defence the Reina can whch has been crucial in allowing us to play a higher line.

but imo we already have some good/very good strikers and would only be improved on by signing a striker in the top bracket. Full back is a very important position in modern football and I can see Alves been bought in maybe this summer otherwise next year when Finnan will be 31 and a replacement needs to be thought about.

I'd always prefered to sign Alves as a right back than as a right winger and would be happy if we did. I also don't think we are that desperate for another striker and while i rate kuyt, i'd prefer Alves. Alves imo is potentially a great right back whereas Kuyt is potentially a very good striker.

Quite like Zaragoza they have some very good players patiticularly attacking wise. Diego Milito,Ewerthon and now Aimar and D'alessandro(replacing Savio) . Zapater, Ponzio and Gabriel Millto in midfield and defence are good aswell . Also have a fairly decent keeper in Cesar. Watching them batter Madrid in the Spanish cup last season was ace and they play some good stuff. They will miss Savio though, always rated since he looke quality for Real Madrid in the world club championship thing during it's first incarnation.

Disagree, I don't think their was any hint in his suggestion that Kewell was ahead of Gonzalez been based on any inside information with regards to team selection and he was simply stating his opinion. Maybe he's right maybe he's wrong, but i doubt Rafa even knows who will play more games over the season.

Chelsea & Arsenal open Cole talks Arsenal have admitted to holding talks with Chelsea about the sale of Gunners defender Ashley Cole. The 25-year-old signed a contract extension with Arsenal last summer but the links with Chelsea have continued. And Arsenal vice chairman David Dein said: "As we speak now he is an Arsenal player and until you hear otherwise he is an Arsenal player. "We have had a couple of very civil conversations with Chelsea and there is nothing else to say on that." link

0 x 3 = 0

SSN says no.

but you were a boyhood red so i'll give you a chance.

Sami

Milan might not be back in Europe afterall. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UEFA may axe Milan Wednesday 26 July, 2006 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Milan may still be banned from competing in next season?s Champions League by UEFA, reports on Wednesday are suggesting. Although the Rossoneri were last night re-instated into the competition following their Calciopoli appeal, UEFA could still decide to not accept their entry. It?s understood that the European game?s footballing body will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss their options. ?The meeting has been set up to take a decision on Italy?s participants for European competition during next season,? a UEFA spokesman is quoted as saying on numerous Italian websites. Last season?s League table suggested that Juventus, Milan, Inter and Fiorentina would take part in the 2006-07 European Cup competition. However, as a result of the match-fixing verdicts, Inter and Roma will go directly into the competition, leaving Milan and Chievo to pre-qualify. UEFA do have the power to decline a club entry into their competitions as William Gaillard, their head of communications, has previously outlined. "Who plays in the European competitions will be up to the UEFA committee,? he underlined. "In the past, the committee have made exceptions by preventing clubs from taking part in European competitions. Marseille were one case in 1993.'' The then Champions League holders, who beat Milan 1-0 in the 1993 Final, were thrown out of the competition after they were found guilty of match-fixing in the French League. link

Where's the charity shield option? Sorry community shield.

04-05 Chelsea played 26 scored 10 05-06 Chelsea played 29 scored 12

I was only messing about not been meant for you, anyone can answer the question No offence like

I wasn't asking you , so yourself

If selling Garcia meant we could get in a striker of real quality would you turn that oppurtunity down?

As loveable and frustrating in equal measures as Luis is with each signing i see him becoming a little more surplus to requirements and if we were to sign another striker i would seriously worry for his future with us. As it stands he probably remains are most sellable asset not guaranteed a starting place and would command a very decent fee.

We won't have a strongest XI and i don't think your giving Pennant enough credit. He's quick,skilful and is probably as good a crosser as their is in the league. Also feel we will see a lone striker with Pennant and Gonzalez supporting on the flanks at least semi regularly.

Agreed, Lennon's just overrated 'cause he's Irish

If Pennant's going to make something of his talent which in my opinion is unquestionable , then playing for the club that he supports will give him the best chance to do so. If he keeps out of trouble £6.2 mil will be a bargain if not then it will be a terrible waste for both him and us. Im guessing he is ready to change his attitude and will be really up for it. He'll be Englands right winger sooner rather than later.

Can you get International eurosport on normal Sky?

Only Essien and one of Ballack/Lampard are suited to a diamond. Essien is the perfect player to play on th right of a diamond he's athletic,can drive forwards etc but also has planty of defensive bite about him. Ballack/Lampard are suited to playing at the top of a diamond but neither are suited to playing in other part of it, and Ballack is the better player so he should play. Makelele can play at the back of a diamiond but im not sure he has long left in him. They could play a flat 442 with say one of Robben/J cole on the left and Essien on the right but if they play Lampard and Ballack together im midfield it just doesn't work. Too many chiefs not enough Indians so to speak.