30 November 1999

TEAM RETURNS FROM WALES
The Liverpool squad has returned from Wales in what was described by Phil Thompson as a "team bonding" session.

After the defeat at West Ham, the team was taken to a health and fitness centre in Wales by manager Gerard Houllier for a get-together, which serves the purpose of morale-boosting. The squad are in an upbeat mood despite the end of their unbeaten run and are looking to begin a new run at home this Sunday.

Thompson said: "We had three home games recently which everyone said we had to win and we did. They were very difficult. We know Sheffield Wednesday will come this weekend and make it very difficult for us and we know we have to show the right attitude to get a result." -Rednet

WESTERVELD FEELS THE PRESSURE
Liverpool keeper Sander Westerveld believes that the pressure is on all of the players to do well this year what with talk of Liverpool challenging for the Premiership.

Sander told the Echo, "The higher you go the more pressure there is on you. Now some people expect us to win the championship.

"Every supporter I speak to tells me we are going to win it. But I say we should have a look to see where we are at the end of January, because there are so many examples of teams doing well in the first half of the season, but falling away in the second half. -Koptalk

KEEPER INVITED
Ausrtian keeper Heinz Weber has been invited to train at Melwood for 10 days. The 23 year-old, who plays for FC Tirol is expected to play in the reserve game against Aston Villa. -Koptalk

ARNASSON HEADS FOR HOLLAND
17 year old Icelandic midfielder Viktor Arnasson has decided to join Dutch side FC Utrecht. Arnasson had a two game reserve spell at Liverpool in September but did not impress Gerard Houllier apparently. -Koptalk

MORE NEW KITS ON THE WAY!!!
Word has it that 4 (yes f-o-u-r!) new kits are coming up. The 4 kits (home, away, third, keepers') are due to be released early in the new year. The club released a new turf green away kit this summer but obviously that is not enough. Plans are well underway and Sander Westerveld will be consulted for the new goalie gear. -Teamtalk

29 November 1999

REDS CLOSING IN ON THATCHER
Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign Wimbledon's left-back, Ben Thatcher. This comes after months of speculation that Gerard Houllier was combing Europe for a suitable left-back. Apparently, Houllier has decided that Thatcher is the best man for the job.

Meanwhile, Thatcher has revealed to close friends that he expects the move to be confirmed soon. -Koptalk

REDKNAPP OP FEARS CONFIRMED
Liverpool's premiership campaign suffered more blows during the 0-1 loss to West Ham. Not only did the Hammer's end our winning streak, several players sustained injuries:

Patrik Berger sustained a twisted a knee and will be out of action for some time.
Michael Owen suffered from cramps and was subbed.
Jamie Redknapp missed the match due to a knee injury. The Liverpool captain goes into hospital today for a knee operation that could keep him out for a month. Although the club had tried to keep the matter quiet, Harry Redknapp, manager of West Ham and the player's father, revealed that the Anfield skipper had suspected cartilage trouble. -Koptalk ; Sporting Life

OWEN THE CENTRE OF DIVING CONTROVERSY
Michael Owen landed himself in controversy as he earned his secong yellow card for diving this season. In the match at Upton Park, Owen was booked for diving after being challenged by former teammate, Neil Ruddock, in the penalty box. Although Liverpool palyers claimed a spot kick, referee Graham Barber flashed the yellow card instead.

The incident caught the attention of Hammers' boss Harry Redknapp who said: ""I don't think that he touched him. Razor said he slid alongside him and didn't make any contact. I don't know why he went over. Maybe he tripped over his feet; I don't know."

"His pace would have taken him by anyway."

Ruddock refused to be drawn into the controversy, saying: "I'm not going to say Michael's a diver as he's a great friend of mine and he's a better player than that anyway. We shouted to the referee that it wasn't a penalty but we certainly weren't worried about getting anyone booked."

Liverpool boss has openly backed his striker and came out to defend Owen. "I don't think anyone can give him that sort of reputation as he's not cheating."

"In the first-half, before that incident, he got fouled but managed to stay on his feet. In his goal against Sunderland last week, he was fouled a couple of times but kept on going." -Sporting Life

BARBER ADDS FUEL TO FIRE
Graham Barber, the referee who booked Michael Owen for diving on Saturday during the away defeat at West Ham, claims the Liverpool youngster made a deliberate attempt to cheat a penalty decision out of him.

Barber said, "It was a deliberate attempt to deceive the referee. There was no complaint about the yellow card from the player or the Liverpool bench.

"I was not influenced by the crowd and the decision was confirmed by the fact that the assistant referee was wonderfully placed to see what happened." -Koptalk

28 November 1999

HOULLIER REJECTS OWEN UNDER 21 TALK
Gerard Houllier warned Kevin Keegan that it would be a mistake to force Michael Owen to play for the England U-21 side, citing reasons that it was psychologically bad for the player.

Amidst criticisism of Owen's recent performances, Houllier said: "I think it would be very unfair to him as you can't put him in every competition."

"If I'm asked by another manager for help to qualify, that's a different thing, but we are trying to complain that there are too many games and that the players are suffering from injury without enough time to recover well." -Sporting Life

LAZIO'S BID FOR OWEN REJECTED...DUH
Italian gaints Lazio are reportedly prepared to part with a cool £35m for England striker Michael Owen. Liverpool have not received any formal offers but are set to turn them all down.

Owen suffered career setbacks when he was troubled by hamstring injuries and medua criticisms of his England performance. He remains a prized asset nonetheless and Lazio's ambitious manager, Sven Goran Eriksson has gone on record saying: "Any club would want Owen. He is perhaps the most out standing young player in Europe.

"He could not have a better school than Liverpool to learn the game, but if he wants to make the most of his ability then, one day, he must come to Italy." -Koptalk

PHIL THOMPSON'S STILL UPBEAT
Assitant Manager Phil Thompson is not too dispirited after the loss to West Ham at Upton Park. Gerard Houllier had also said that felt "a bit sorry for the players because they deserved to get something out of the game." Thompson echoed Houllier's view and said: "It was not a classic even in the first half, but we were more than happy with the way it had gone. We showed enough character and will and determination to get back into the game, and we're not too down-hearted in that performance, only the result."

"The nature of the goal we conceded was not good. We allowed a bad cross to get in, and Sander is disappointed to have spilled it but it's not his fault. Our play in the second half deserved something from the game."

Meanwhile, Thompson also grabbed the chance to criticise the referee for booking Michael Owen for diving: "Michael has gone for the ball and Neil Ruddock has gone across him. Without looking again at the replay you don't know. I think the referee reacted to the crowd, as tends to happen to Michael Owen when he plays away from home." -Sporting Life

NEW LINKS ESTABLISHED
Liverpool have been linked with even more players. Gerard Houllier is reportedly interested in Stoke's 19 year old left-back, Clive Clarke as well as West Brom's Enzo Maresca, also 19 years old.

Clarke has been watched by chief scout Ron Yeats several times. However, it was widely assumed that Houllier had watched Maresca's West Brom teammate Kevin Kilbane. Now, it is believed that the Liverpool boss was targeting Maresca, who also happens to be on Parma's shopping list. -Koptalk ; Teamtalk

TRIAL FOR FRENCH (AGAIN) KEEPER
Liverpool have taken French goalkeeper Samuel Munin on trial with a view to a permanent deal. Munin, 21, is with Monaco, but his path to the first team there is blocked by French No 1 Fabien Barthez. -Koptalk

YOUNGSTER'S GO ON LOAN
Liverpool are ready to send Leyton Maxwell and Jon Newby out on loan in order for them to get first team football.

Maxwell, a 20 year old midfielder, has made one first team appearance this season, against Hull City in the Worthington Cup. He is wanted by Ipswich Town.

Newby, who came on as a substitute in that game, is a loan target for Luton and Stockport. The 21 year old striker scored twice in the reserves last week. -Teamtalk

BAN FOR THOMMO
Dave Thompson is set to miss the 3rd Round FA Cup tie against Huddersfield Town after picking up his seventh yellow card against West Ham. Thompson currently has the team's worse discipline record. -Teamtalk

27 November 1999

HAMMERS PUT A HALT TO WINNING STREAK
Liverpool's 4-game winning streak ended after the Reds crashed to a 0-1 defeat at the hands of West Ham. Trevor Sinclair's strike just before the break sealed the Upton Park tie. Liverpool enjoyed the bulk of possesion but had a Michael Owen goal disallowed. Liverpool slipped to 6th position on the table following this result.

full match report here.

NEW FOUND FAITH
In Liverpool REDS' October-November Poll, 64% of the voter's felt that Gerard Houllier's Red Revoultion is heading in the right direction, compared to the 24% who felt otherwise.

This new found confidence is probably the result of a string of consistent performances.

HYYPIA'S THE MAN
Finnish defender Sami Hyypia's steady performances in the heart of defence earned him our Player of the Month (October-November) award. His partnership with Stephane Henchoz has led to an improved defence.

BE WARY OF DI CANIO
Gerard Houllier has cautioned his players to be wary of Paulo Di Canio ahead of today's clash with West Ham at Upton Park. The Frenchman believes that Di Canio is a threat to his team given his tendancy to play up to the referee.

Houllier cautioned that the Italian is a cunning player, saying: "Di Canio is very clever at getting players sent off. I have warned my players to be aware of not getting involved, not retaliating. He has other talents, he is a fantastic player. But I look at what he's up to, and I hope he is not up to one of his tricks and to get one of our players off. That would be too much." -Sky Sports

REDKNAPP'S OUT, HYYPIA'S THE CAPTAIN
The team has been dealt a blow with skipper Jamie Redknapp unavailable for the match against West Ham. Liverpool are seeking to extend its unbeaten run, but Redknapp has been ruled out with a knee injury. Steve Gerrard is his likely replacement.

In his absence, Sami Hyypia will wear the captain's armband, as vice-captain Robbie Fowler is also unavailable. This will be Hyypia's second time captaining the side after he was made captain upon Redknapp's substitution in the Bradford game. It will be the first time that the Finnish captain will wear the armband from the start though. -Teamtalk

FEARS OVER REDKNAPP'S INJURY
The knee injury that ruled Jamie Redknapp out of today's game could well require surgery. A scan will decide whether or not Redknapp will undergo an operation on his knee. Redknapp experienced the problem during the 2-0 victory over Sunderland. -Teamtalk

CARRAGHER'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH
Gerard Houllier explained his reasoning for making Jamie Carragher train with the reserves. "Quite simply," said The Reds' boss."He wasn't very good."

"When you are not good enough, you have to improve and work. If you don't accept that, you don't improve and he has to accept what I said to him.

"Players have to learn that there is competition in every game. They have to be on top of their game all the time." -Teamtalk

26 November 1999

FOWLER TARGETS WEDNESDAY
Robbie Fowler is set to make his long awaited return to the starting line-up against Sheffield Wednesday. There were fears that the striker would have to undergo another surgery on his ankle. But after 2 scans, specialists are convinced that Fowler has fluid on the joint, a problem that can be solved with rest.

Fowler is determined to be fit for the match, saying: "It has cost me a big chunk of the season, and all I want to do now is get back playing and get a decent spell under my belt. There is nothing worse than being sidelined through injury but I'm hoping to be fit and raring to go against Wednesday."

With Titi Camara sidelined by a thigh injury, Fowler's return is a relief. He will play one more reserve game (against Blackburn) before the Sheffield match. -Koptalk

KEWELL'S NOT COMING, REDKNAPP'S NOT LEAVING
Speculation that Liverpool were about to splash out £8m to bring in Leed's Australian sensation, Harry Kewell, to the club were dismissed. The Australian press had earlier reported that the left-sided sttacking midfielder was set to leave Elland Road after a 'bust up' with boss David O'Leary. This rumour proved to be false as Leeds' chairman Peter Risdale emphasised that the youngster had signed a 4-year contract in the summer.

On the other hand, there were rumours that club captain, Jamie Redknapp, was on his way to Arsenal following injuries to to star Gunner "Manu" Petit. Of course, this was denied and easily dismissed. -Teamtalk

WEST HAM'S RIGHT AT HOME
West Ham boss Harry Redknapp insists that his side are ready to take on and in form Liverpool side at Upton Park. His confidence stems from the fact that West Ham has an impressive home record. The Hammers have dropped only 2 points out of 18 at home and are back on form following their win over Sheffield Wednesday.

West Ham are 6 points behind the Reds with a game in hand and are also eying a place in Europe. Harry Redknapp is banking on his side's home form to clinch the tie. He said: "Our home form has been good. We've won five and drawn one at home but we've played a lot of away games. We've played six at home and eight away."

In spite of Liverpool's good record away from Anfield, a tough match is expected. -Koptalk

HOULLIER'S CANE(?!) DOES THE TRICK
19 year old Steven Gerrard has admitted that Gerard Houllier's strict policies have instilled discipline in the team. The England Under-21 midfielder has also vowed to behave himself in future.

Earlier in the season, Gerrard was sent off in the Merseyside Derby, and was subsequently ticked off by the Frenchman. Now, Gerrard has learned his lesson, saying:"I have taken on board everything the gaffer told me". Gerard earned himself a 3-match suspension after the September 27 sending off and only regained his place in the match against Sunderland. Reflecting on the incident, Gerrard had this to say:"I was a bit disappointed not to have started that game against Everton and I admit my head was not right for the bench.

"Didi Hamann came in and I couldn't get back. After all, he's a German international and he cost the club £8million. It was a frustrating time for me. When you have played a little bit, you just want more and more."

Steve Gerrard is only the latest young player to be warned about his conduct. Earlier in the season, both David Thompson and Danny Murphy also incurred the wrath of Houllier. However, all is well as Murphy, who looked to be leaving the club, is now in the side while Thompson has played regularly. -Soccernet [ Full Story ]

CAMARA'S NOT READY AFTERALL
As reported earlier, Titi Camara has returned to training but he looks likely to miss the match at Upton Park. This a blow for the team, as they are set to equal an 8-match unbeaten streak to mark a turn in fortune. The striker has recovered from his thigh injury, but Houllier has stated that he will not play Camara against West Ham, saying: "Titi has trained and he is a lot better, but I think Saturday may come a little too early for him," -Koptalk

OH BEHAVE
The Football Association have announced a new tough policy for players who make inflammatory gestures towards supporters, resulting in fines and, in extreme cases, suspensions.

The FA have written to the 92 League clubs, as well as the bodies who represent professional players and managers, warning of immediate implementation of their new code following several high-profile incidents this season. -Koptalk

25 November 1999

FOWLER INJURY UPDATE
Robbie Fowler might make a return against Sheffield Wednesday next month. Gerard Houllier revealed that Fowler does not need surgery on his sore ankle. Fowler had earlier complained of soreness on his ankle after a reserve game. However, Houllier quashed all doubts by proclaiming that although Fowler had "a vague pain and his an area of his ankle had been inflamed", the problem had now been identified and would be "sorted out shortly" -Koptalk

TARGET: KILBANE??
Liverpool have been linked with yet another player. The player in question this time is Kevin Kilbane, the 22 year old West Brom left winger. Kilbane has earned a few caps for the Republic of Ireland and is valued at around £4.5m. Since he joined West Brom from Preston North End for £1m 2 years ago, "Killban's" value has soared due to fine performances for hisclub and country. As an added attraction, West Brom are unlikely to resist the move as they are facing financial difficulties.

Gerard Houllier reportedly paid a visit to watch his game against Stockport County and is believed to have plans for Kilbane to operate on the lft while pushing Patrik Berger behind the front two.

However, several factors could prevent this move. Firstly, Houllier would be unwilling to part with so much money to sign a First Division player. Also, Kilbane is high on the list of a host of other clubs, primarily Premier League rival, Sunderland. -Teamtalk ; Anfield Online

NO COMPLACENCY
Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has urged the team to guard against complacency to extend their 7-game unbeaten run. Although Liverpool boasts the league's second best defence, having conceded only 12 goals in 15 matches, Houllier refuses to be drawn into the illusion that all defensive problems have been cured.

Houllier said: "My main concern is consolidating the defensive aspect of the team, which is still in the early stages. Just because we have had a good run of results does not mean everything is fine. There is a force, a solidity and the power which we must show when we lose the ball. That is not achved after one game - its done after 20 or 25 games. No team can afford to win 4-3 every week - not even Barcelona." -James' Liverpool Shrine

RIEDLE BACK @ ANFIELD?
Just 2 months after leaving Liverpool to sign an 18-month contract with Fulham, Karlheinz Riedle is already re-thinking his future. Riedle stunned everyone by saying: "I'm not scoring as much as I would like, and if that continues, then I will leave at the end of this season." Stressing that he was playing more for pride than for money, Riedle claimed that he had no problems with the manager. The German still attends Liverpool matches and could well re-join the club as a continental scout as earlier anticipated. -Teamtalk

24 November 1999

CAMARA IN, SMICER, STAUNTON OUT
Gerard Houllier has confirmed that Titi Camara would make areturn to the side after recovering from a thigh injury.

However, Czech international, Vladimir Smicer looks set to be out for another fortnight. Smicer is suffering from hamstring problems. Meanwhile, the knee injury that kept Steve Staunton out of the Sunderland game continues to trouble the player.Staunton also looks to miss the West Ham game. -Koptalk ; Teamtalk

MORE LEFT-BACK STORIES...
With Steve Staunton suffering from injuries, Gerard Houllier again faces problems with the left-back position. It is an open secret that Dominic Matteo is not at his best on the left. As such, Houllier may yet dabble in the transfer market. Despite facing a loss of £5m over the past year, Houllier still has cash to spend and he looks increasingly unlikely to turn to existing players, namely Stig Inge Bjournebye, who captains the reserves. -Teamtalk

RETURN OF ROY EVANS
Former Liverpool boss Roy Evans is said to be considering the prosepct of joining Sheffield United. Evans has been without a job for a year now and is also contemplating a job at Blackburn. -Teamtalk

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