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K3V0
Hamstrung Enrique will miss a month of action
11 August 2012
Last Updated at 15:04 GMT
Liverpool left back Jose Enrique is set to miss a month of first team action after he suffered a strained hamstring during the clubs second leg victory over St. Patrick's Athletic in Dublin on Thursday night.
The 26 year old joined the Reds on a free transfer last season, leaving Newcastle United after 4 seasons on Tyneside. The Spaniard made 35 Barclays Premier League appearances for Liverpool last season and has become the clubs undisputed first team left back ahead of Jack Robinson and Jamie Carragher.
Enrique started both UEFA Europa League third qualifying round clashes against St. Patrick's Athletic, the Spanish U-21 international straining his hamstring in the second leg in Dublin at the Aviva Stadium.
It's now expected that the left back will miss at least a month of football if not longer, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers expected to play Carragher at left back in Enrique's absence. Liverpool start their Barclays Premier League campaign against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in just over a weeks time.
The left back will not be alone in the treatment room at Melwood, defender Daniel Agger and midfielder Lucas Leiva currently out injured, although the latter is expected to return to first team football within the next few weeks. Unfortunately for new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers defender Daniel Agger won't be available for selection until at least the beginning of October as he recovers from a rib injury.
K3V0
Liverpool set for Danish test in Europa League
12 August 2012
Last Updated at 20:12 GMT
Liverpool will have to overcome Danish side FC Midtjylland in their upcoming UEFA Europa League playoff clash to advance to the group stages, the first leg to be played at the MCH Arena in Herning.
The sides will play each other at the MCH Arena in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff clash on the 23 August before the return leg at Anfield a week later. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will be confident ahead of the clash and the Reds will be expected to advance at the expense of their Danish opponents.
Liverpool beat Irish side St. Patrick's Athletic 2-0 on aggregate in the last round to reach this phase of the UEFA Europa League whilst FC Midtjylland qualified automatically due to their league position last season.
Gerard Houllier who won the competition when it was called the UEFA Cup as Liverpool manager back in 2001 believes the Reds must win in Herning to avoid a tough return leg at Anfield.
"This is a tricky game for Liverpool, the first leg is away and in Europe that can make things harder. You have things like travel and the fans all against you, sometimes it can cause you to play cautiously and I think Brendan Rodgers needs to play his strongest team in the first leg," said the Frenchman.
"Personally I think Liverpool need to win the first leg, if they don't progressing to the group stages could become very difficult, sometimes smaller sides play better when at a ground like Anfield," added Houllier.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will however be only thinking about preparing his players for their upcoming Barclays Premier League clash with Tottenham next Sunday at White Hart Lane. The Reds boss currently has very few injury concerns, defenders Daniel Agger and Jose Enrique the only long term injury casualties, midfielder Lucas Leiva almost fit enough for a first team return after 9 months out following knee surgery.
K3V0
Gerrard backs Shelvey for big Liverpool future
15 August 2012
Last Updated at 14:36 GMT
Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard has tipped 20 year old team-mate Jonjo Shelvey for a big future with club and country just days before the new Barclays Premier League season begins.
With 28 Barclays Premier League appearances for Liverpool under his belt already in just two seasons it would appear that 20 year old Jonjo Shelvey has got some talent. Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard however believes the determined Romford born midfielder who joined Liverpool back in 2010 for £1.7 million has got what it takes to become a key player not just for Liverpool but also England.
"The club is in a good position currently, we've got a mix of experience players and younger players coming through. We've also got a very good manager who encourages us to play football and the players have really enjoyed the changes that Brendan Rodgers is implementing at the club," said the Liverpool skipper.
"One of the brightest players in England right now is Jonjo Shelvey and we're lucky to have him at the club.
"You can see he's hungry to win silverware and he wants to be the best, that's what we need at Liverpool. I think it's obvious that he's got the potential to become a big player for us and for England," added Gerrard.
Dan
K3V0
Cheers Dan, have to admit I'm just happy to have got the wins.
K3V0
AVB treated unfairly by Chelsea says Liverpool boss
17 August 2012
Last Updated at 17:55 GMT
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes new Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas was treated unfairly by Chelsea last season when he was sacked and the Reds boss has tipped the Portuguese manager for a big future at White Hart Lane ahead of their sides Barclays Premier League clash on Sunday.
This Sunday two managers with two very different experiences of life in the Barclays Premier League will begin their reigns at their new clubs. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers enjoyed a fantastic season with Swansea City last term in their first season in the top flight, the Irishman leading the Welsh club to an impressive eleventh placed finish whilst playing an exciting brand of football.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas however experienced a difficult time at Chelsea, the young Portuguese manager eventually sacked by chairman Roman Abramovich as the clubs season failed to gain any real momentum. The decision proved to be a successful one, Villas-Boas replaced by his assistant Roberto Di Matteo, Chelsea going on to become European champions on an unforgettable night in Munich, Di Matteo delivering the European success that Abramovich had craved since he bought the club.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers however feels that Villas-Boas wasn't given enough time at Stamford Bridge.
"I think he was treated a bit unfairly, he was never given the time he needed to make the squad his own and play the way he wanted to play. You heard a lot of things coming out in the press about players in the dressing room not agreeing with the manager and the results they seemed to have last season can only lead you to believe that something wasn't right," says Rodgers.
"Had he been given more time he could have achieved great things at Chelsea, but he wasn't and I think he was treated unfairly. That's their loss now and I think he's got a very big future at White Hart Lane.
"Obviously people will tell you that Chelsea went on to win the UEFA Champions League, which was a great achievement, you can't deny that, but further down the track will Chelsea be better off without him? I don't think they will and that's no disrespect to Roberto Di Matteo, I just feel that Villas-Boas could have achieved prolonged success had he been allowed time to implement his ideas at the club," added the Liverpool boss.
K3V0
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Liverpool
Last Updated at 19:13 GMT
19 August 2012
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers suffered defeat at White Hart Lane in his first Barclays Premier League game since taking charge at Anfield as goals from Gareth Bale and Emmanuel Adebayor gave the hosts a 2-0 lead that proved to be enough despite Sebastian Coates netting for the Reds.
Tottenham Hotspur started their Barclays Premier League season with victory this afternoon, goals from star winger Gareth Bale and summer signing Emmanuel Adebayor handing new manager Andre Villas-Boas a win on his league debut as Spurs boss in front of a packed White Hart Lane.
The first half was hardly a thrilling encounter as both sides failed to find their feet.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers handed Jack Robinson a start at left back ahead of Jamie Carragher who was named amongst the substitutes, the 18 year old had only made a total of 3 Barclays Premier League appearances before in his Liverpool career compared to Carragher's staggering 484 appearances and the hosts wasted little time as they tested Robinson early on, the Liverpool left back making a fantastic challenge on Kyle Walker that resulted in an early corner for the home side.
The games first free kick resulted in the games first caution, striker Emmanuel Adebayor pushing Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina in the chest after the pair had tangled during a previous corner, Adebayor lucky that referee Neil Swarbrick only produced a yellow card and not a red for violent conduct.
Liverpool eventually found their feet in the game and they had their first chance of the game when Nuri Sahin found space on the edge of the area, however the Real Madrid midfielder who joined on a season long loan during the summer couldn't test Hugo Lloris, the Turkish international dragging his strike well wide.
The hosts began to find space hard to come by as Rodgers instructed his players to apply early pressure, Liverpool hunting in pairs and it forced Bale into a silly foul on Martin Skrtel when he had lost possession, the Welsh international booked for his unnecessary foul, the frustration clearly visible on the wingers face.
As the half hour mark approached Pepe Reina was forced into a good save, midfielder Tom Huddlestone driving an effort low and hard at goal from distance, Reina pushing the effort away from his goal with little trouble. That warning was heeded by Sahin and when Huddlestone shaped to shoot from distance minutes later he was clattered by the Liverpool midfielder who accepted his yellow card without protest.
With half time approaching the hosts should have taken the lead when Adebayor found space in between Coates and Skrtel, a cross from Huddlestone picking out the Togolese international perfectly, Reina a spectator as he watched the strikers header crash against the woodwork.
Villas-Boas happy with performance and victory
After the break the game witnessed a noticeable change in pace and the fans weren't long in waiting for the breakthrough. Just minutes after the second half had begun Spurs were ahead, a fantastic pass from Mousa Dembele giving Bale a chance to score and he made no mistake as he slid the ball beyond Reina to send the home fans into wild celebrations.
Spurs had started the second half with real intent and they doubled their lead through Adebayor just four minutes after Bale had broken the deadlock, the Welshman turning provider for the hosts second goal, his fantastic run down the left exposing Glen Johnson, his pull back across the area driven home by Adebayor who acknowledged the huge part Bale had played in the goal.
On the hour mark Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers made a triple substitution in the hope of rescuing the game, he removed Sahin, Assaidi and Downing for Borini, Shelvey and Sterling, the Reds switching to a more direct 4-4-2 as Rodgers looked to change things. Just 10 minutes later the visitors had their foot back in the game, a corner kick from substitute Jonjo Shelvey forced past Lloris by Coates to the delight of the traveling supporters behind the goal, his team-mates and his manager on the sideline.
The visitors then had late chances to secure a point, their best chance falling to Luis Suarez, the striker sending a free kick narrowly wide of the left hand post deep into stoppage time, Spurs victorious in their opening Barclays Premier League fixture under Andre Villas-Boas, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers suffering defeat in his league game as Reds boss following his summer appointment.
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Walker, Kaboul (Dawson - 68), Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto (c), Sandro, Huddlestone, Dembele, Lennon, Bale, Adebayor
Substitutes: Friedel, Kweuke, Costa, Fuchs, Defoe, Sigurdsson, Dawson
Bookings: Adebayor, Bale, Huddlestone, Dembele
Goals: Bale (47), Adebayor (51)
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Coates, Robinson, Sahin (Borini - 58), Assaidi (Shelvey - 58), Gerrard (c), Allen, Downing (Sterling - 58), Suarez
Substitutes: Doni, Kelly, Carragher, Henderson, Shelvey, Sterling, Borini
Bookings: Sahin
Goals: Coates (68)
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Stadium: White Hart Lane
Attendance: 36,284
Possession: Tottenham Hotspur 56% - 44% Liverpool
Shots: Tottenham Hotspur 13 - 13 Liverpool
On Target: Tottenham Hotspur 3 - 6 Liverpool
Corners: Tottenham Hotspur 4 - 3 Liverpool
Fouls: Tottenham Hotspur 2 - 2 Liverpool
shanghai_nobody
K3V0
Cheers bud, glad to see you're still about. Tough opening day fixture, should have done better really.
Will you be doing an FM13 story?
shanghai_nobody
I struggled with FM12 but I'm really enjoying FM13. I've written a few posts for a story, might wait just a little longer before posting to make sure I'm enjoying the game.
I think Tottenham will be tough they've got a good side to start with and £30million to spend, they could be a real force.
K3V0
Who have you been playing as bud?
Yeah they definitely have a good squad and I can see them finishing inside the top 4 on my game.
K3V0
Players must react positively says Rodgers
20 August 2012
Last Updated at 12:05 GMT
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has called on his players to react positively after they were narrowly beaten by Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane yesterday in their opening Barclays Premier League clash.
The comments from Rodgers come less than 24 hours after his side were beaten 2-1 at White Hart Lane.
A five minute period in which Gareth Bale and Emmanuel Adebayor netted gave Liverpool a mountain they couldn't climb, a header from defender Sebastian Coates not enough to spark a comeback from the Reds.
Despite the defeat Rodgers remains upbeat and positive.
"I thought we did very well yesterday and matched Spurs for large parts of the game," said Rodgers.
"Lets be honest as well, a lot of teams will struggle at White Hart Lane this season, they're a very good side and I think we played very well during parts. The goals were avoidable, that's a bit disappointing, but we'll work on that and try make sure it doesn't happen again," added the Liverpool boss.
"All I want the players to do now is react positively, we must react positively after defeat," urged Rodgers.
Liverpool have little time to feel sorry for themselves after their opening day defeat as they take on Danish side FC Midtjylland on Thursday night in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff clash at the MCH Arena, the Reds firm favourites to win in Herning on Thursday night.
There was good news today ahead of the Reds clash against FC Midtjylland on Thursday night as manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed that midfielder Lucas Leiva will feature at some point, the Brazilian international set to make his first team return after undergoing knee surgery last season.
"The good news is Lucas will be play some part on Thursday night, he's traveling with the squad and granted he comes through training with no pain he'll be in the squad," said Rodgers with a smile.
Charlie M
Unlucky about the Toittenham loss but good luck against Midtjylland.
K3V0
Cheers bud, as you can tell I'm quite enjoying playing as Liverpool, it's something different.
Thought we played well against Spurs, but they have the BALE factor!!
RealityCheck
Will you be making any transfers?
K3V0
Yeah man bit of a strange feeling, but I was a bit over always playing as United.
I don't think so, I've only got £3 million to spend and not a lot left within the wage budget, but maybe a striker if I can find a decent one, that so far has proved a little difficult.
K3V0
I'll prove doubters wrong says Downing
22 August 2012
Last Updated at 16:40 GMT
Liverpool winger Stewart Downing says his first season at Anfield wasn't good enough and has vowed to prove the doubters wrong this season under new manager Brendan Rodgers.
At 28 years of age it's fair to say that Stewart Downing is entering what should be the best years of his career, yet the winger is under enormous pressure to perform and with it save his Liverpool career that has to this point not seen the England international produce anything close to his best.
Downing cost Liverpool £16 million when they signed him from fellow Barclays Premier League side Aston Villa last year and the winger went on to make 36 Barclays Premier League appearances for the Reds in his debut season at the club. However he failed to impress and he failed to score a single league goal last season.
Ahead of Liverpool's first leg against FC Midtjylland tomorrow night at the MCH Arena, Downing opened up about his first season at Anfield and what he hopes the future will hold under new manager Brendan Rodgers.
"Last season wasn't a good season personally for me, I never really adapted to the pressure that accompanies playing for a club the size of Liverpool and the big transfer fee didn't help," says Downing.
"I'd like to think I'm better than what I showed the fans last season, I got some stick for my performances, some of it deserved and some of it unfair, I'll prove the doubters wrong this season," added Downing.
"Hopefully this year I'll do a lot better, I feel a lot more settled and I know what to expect. The new manager has been fantastic, he came in and from day one just said to all the lads that the slate was wiped clean, we all have a fresh start and we've got another opportunity to prove ourselves," revealed the 28 year old.
K3V0
FC Midtjylland 1-2 Liverpool
Last Updated at 22:33 GMT
23 August 2012
Liverpool are in control heading into their second leg clash with FC Midtjylland at Anfield after they beat the Danish side 2-1 at the MCH Arena this evening after Stewart Downing netted an important winner.
Stewart Downing was the hero for Liverpool this evening in Denmark as he scored a vital winner in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff clash against FC Midtjylland. The Reds had gone ahead just before the break when Luis Suarez broke the deadlock, the lead only lasting for a total of eight minutes, FC Midtjylland captain Kristian Bak Nielsen converting a penalty he'd won after a foul by Martin Skrtel.
In the lead up to the game at the MCH Arena the Liverpool winger had spoken about his tough first season at the club and how he was confident of silencing his harsh critics, his winner tonight the perfect way to begin doing just that, Liverpool now firmly in control ahead of the return leg at Anfield in a weeks time.
Liverpool were for large parts of this contest the better side and probably should have been well out of sight inside the first half hour, but again the Reds failed to convert their chances, Luis Suarez particularly guilty, the Uruguayan failing to take advantage of his team-mates good work.
The visitors did however head in at the half time interval ahead, Suarez poking home a rebound after FC Midtjylland keeper Lau Milling had failed to keep hold of a Stewart Downing cross just before the break.
Unfortunately for Liverpool they were sloppy in possession after the break and it led to FC Midtjylland winning a corner from which Martin Skrtel was adjudged to have fouled Kristian Bak Nielsen, referee Cuneyt Cakir awarding the home side a penalty, the FC Midtjylland captain making no mistake as he sent Pepe Reina the wrong way, his calm penalty leveling proceedings and sending the home crowd into a state of euphoria, FC Midtjylland level with Liverpool at the MCH Arena and a historic upset seemed possible.
The hosts dreams only lasted about ten minutes though, the Reds regaining the lead as Downing took aim from distance, the wingers fantastic shot swerving throughout its flight towards goal, Milling left with no chance, Liverpool back in front and this time they wouldn't relinquish their lead.
As the game crept towards its final few minutes Brendan Rodgers withdrew Steven Gerrard and just as he had promised earlier in the week he introduced Lucas Leiva, the Brazilian international making his first appearance for Liverpool since he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament last year.
FC Midtjylland: Milling, Afriyie, Nielsen (c), Sviatchenko, Juelsgard, Hassan, Mayland (Monteiro - 83), Thogersen, Duedahl (Madsen - 59), Andersson, Haages (Janssen - 45)
Substitutes: Johansen, Janssen, Monteiro, Serup, Madsen, Givskov
Bookings: Mayland
Goals: Nielsen (PEN 49)
Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Skrtel, Coates, Carragher, Shelvey, Gerrard (c) (Leiva - 78), Allen (Sahin - 60), Downing, Suarez, Borini (Cole - 78)
Substitutes: Doni, Robinson, Wisdom, Sahin, Leiva, Cole, Pacheco
Bookings: Gerrard, Sahin
Goals: Suarez (41), Downing (59)
Referee: Cuneyt Cakir
Stadium: MCH Arena
Attendance: 7,000
Possession: FC Midtjylland 42% - 58% Liverpool
Shots: FC Midtjylland 16 - 17 Liverpool
On Target: FC Midtjylland 8 - 12 Liverpool
Corners: FC Midtjylland 8 - 4 Liverpool
Fouls: FC Midtjylland 9 - 10 Liverpool
K3V0
Liverpool the biggest club in England declares Riise
25 August 2012
Last Updated at 13:20 GMT
Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise says the club is still the biggest in England ahead of Fulham's Barclays Premier League clash with the Reds at Anfield tomorrow afternoon.
Norwegian international John Arne Riise spent several successful seasons at Anfield and became a firm fan favourite during his time on Merseyside before he joined Italian side Roma in the summer of 2008. The left back made 234 Barclays Premier League appearances for the Reds during his time at Anfield scoring 21 times and he was a part of the famous Liverpool side that won the 2005 UEFA Champions League in Istanbul.
Ahead of Fulham's visit to Anfield tomorrow afternoon for their Barclays Premier League clash Riise took the time to speak to BBC Sport about his time at Liverpool.
"My time at Liverpool was amazing, it was a dream come true to play for the biggest club in England and for arguably the biggest in the world. I had some really amazing times playing for Liverpool, winning the UEFA Cup and who can forget that night in Istanbul, it was truly breathtaking," says Riise.
"I'm looking forward to returning to Anfield tomorrow and hopefully we'll be able to pick up a result, it won't be easy at Anfield and we know we'll require a little bit of luck," added the Norwegian international.
K3V0
Liverpool 3-1 Fulham
Last Updated at 18:39 GMT
26 August 2012
Brendan Rodgers recorded his first win in the Barclays Premier League as Liverpool manager earlier this afternoon as a brace from striker Luis Suarez helped the Reds beat Fulham 3-1 at Anfield.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Coates, Robinson, Shelvey (Henderson - 73), Gerrard (c) (Sahin - 59), Allen, Downing (Assaidi - 84), Suarez, Borini
Substitutes: Doni, Kelly, Carragher, Sahin, Henderson, Assaidi, Yesil
Bookings: Downing, Gerrard
Goals: Suarez (4, 90+1), Hangeland (OG 50)
Fulham: Schwarzer, Rangel (Kelly - 71), Hughes, Hangeland (c), Riise, Dejagah, Diarra, Sidwell, Duff (Kacaniklic - 50), Berbatov, Petric
Substitutes: Stockdale, Riether, Baird, Kacaniklic, Rodallega, Kelly, Senderos
Bookings: Petric
Goals: Berbatov (59)
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Stadium: Anfield
Attendance: 45,276
Possession: Liverpool 47% - 53% Fulham
Shots: Liverpool 17 - 14 Fulham
On Target: Liverpool 8 - 6 Fulham
Corners: Liverpool 3 - 3 Fulham
Fouls: Liverpool 16 - 13 Fulham
Dan
Charlie M