Benitez admits talks with Liverpool stars over slump

December 24, 2009

Rafa Benitez admits he has held talks with Liverpool’s stars in a bid to end his team’s dismal run.

The Reds, already knocked out of the Champions League, have won just four of their last 17 games and face an uphill battle to secure a top four finish in the Premier League.

They are currently eight points behind fourth placed Aston Villa and Benitez has come under fire for failing to build a squad capable of challenging for the title, while Spain striker Fernando Torres has conceded Liverpool will continue to struggle unless they sign several top players in January.

In response to the slump, Benitez has spoken with several key players to assess the team’s morale and discuss exactly how they can get back on track.

“I have spoken to several players, not just Gerrard and Torres. They are all determined to do well, but when we concede a goal now we lose any confidence that we have acquired,” Benitez said.

“That is my responsibility, to improve confidence. To do that I have to be positive, it is the only way. The message is very clear, we have quality in our squad and we must show that.

“We can win a run of games in a row, we have done that with these same players. That is the positive thought we must retain.

“We have talked about just why we are in this position. There were many ideas, but the main one was that Torres and Gerrard were not fit.

“They still have some problems, so we must manage them carefully over a period of so many games in such a short space of time. We virtually have to decide on them before every game.”

Benitez, who will be without the suspended Javier Mascherano against Wolves on Boxing Day, is hoping the hard work carried out on the training ground in the last week will reap its reward against Mick McCarthy’s men.

“The only way to change things is to keep working,” he said. “We have tried to relax the lads. On Tuesday we had a Christmas meal for all the staff and players, that was a very positive occasion.

“We have a good team spirit, the players know we must improve and they know the only way is to stick together.

“I must manage and control the anxiety of the players, and the anxiety of the fans.

“We know we have to change the situation, sooner rather than later. That is clear.”

LIVERPOOL, England (AFP)

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Fergie anticipating Berbatov and Owen goal spree

August 22, 2009

Sir Alex Ferguson expects Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen to answer the critics and re-discover their goal scoring form as Manchester United battle to overcome an indifferent start to the new campaign.

United fell to a surprise midweek defeat at Burnley, meaning that the opening two matches, against promoted Birmingham and Burnley, had seen them score just one goal.

Observers have naturally noted that Cristiano Ronaldo, and his prodigious goal scoring talents, have not been directly replaced by Ferguson this summer and that Owen, whose own career was hardly at its peak following an injury-plagued spell with relegated Newcastle, was the only significant addition to the attacking corps.

Bulgarian Berbatov also has much to prove after scoring just nine times in 33 Premier League games last season following his 30.75 million pound transfer from Tottenham.

But Ferguson has confirmed that he will not be adding to his current squad in the ten days that remain in the transfer window and that he has faith in Owen and Berbatov finally discovering the kind of form to match their reputations.

“Dimitar would like to score a goal, strikers are like that,” said Ferguson.

“He is no different from Michael Owen or Wayne Rooney. Strikers always feel as if scoring is the most important thing.

“Michael is exactly the same as Dimitar, he could do with a goal. He had two (chances) on Wednesday and should have scored both of them. He knows that. He was unlucky and he will be wanting that goal.

“There’s no question about it that his movement and positional play in the last third is very, very good. We are just waiting on that goal that will set him off. I am sure about that.”

Owen, 29, is also facing an uphill battle to force his way back into Fabio Capello’s England squad head of next summer’s World Cup Finals in South Africa, although Ferguson does not want his new striker focusing on international goals.

“Forget the England thing at the moment,” said Ferguson. “Whatever he does with us will be the road for him (to England). If he does well with us, then England will be there for him.’”

Ferguson has downplayed the significance of the midweek defeat at Burnley, pointing to the fact that his side are traditionally slow starters in a Premier League campaign.

MANCHESTER, England (AFP)

However, having seen United win last season’s title with 90 points and Liverpool finish second despite suffering just two defeats, the veteran manager accepts there is not much scope for the defending champions to lose more games.

“That’s been the way this league has been for the past few years,” said Ferguson. “There’s not much leeway.

“Last season we had a points total of 90 and that is about average in this particular league. Even though we say it is the most competitive league, you still have to think about 90 (points) as the winner.

“Liverpool’s 86, when they were second last year, was an exceptional total, too. Every season we keep saying it is tighter and harder, but none the less you have to think about that 90-point total and I don’t think it will change this year.”

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USA size up Spain ahead of Confed Cup semi

June 24, 2009

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AFP) – The United States are upbeat that they can pull off a major shock and defeat European champions Spain to move into the Confederations Cup final.

Coach Bob Bradley is realistic enough to know his team face an uphill battle against a side unbeaten since November 2006, but has belief in his players ahead of their semi-final here on Wednesday.

“We’re excited, the team is on a high,” he said.

“We understand the challenge of playing Spain. From a technical standpoint, they are so proficient. But it is a chance for us to test ourselves and perhaps get to the final.”

If the United States do the unthinkable and win, it will go down as one of the most important victories in American football history.

Bradley knows the stakes are high.

“If we are able to win it will be so important. Right from the start we have talked about growing and shooting higher and now we have an opportunity to get to the final,” he said.

“It is the right kind of experience that we need and all we can do is go for it and hope that our best can take us to a new level.”

The United States are unexpected semi-finalists after beating Egypt 3-0 on Sunday while Italy lost by the same margin to Brazil. It allowed Bradley’s team to stay in the tournament on goals scored after finishing level with the Azzurri on goal difference.

They have no injury worries going into the game with Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard set to start after Brad Guzan was given a chance against Egypt.

Their only concern is Rennes defender Carlos Bocanegra who has been carrying a hamstring injury but is now back training.

Bradley acknowledged the danger posed by Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and the ingenuity of Barcelona’s Xavi in midfield, and said his team must go out and play their own game.

“When playing a team like Spain we are challenged to be good on the ball, and we have to put their defenders under pressure and create chances,” he said.

“It will take a good game plan but also full commitment from the players.”

Landon Donovan, David Beckham’s teammate at LA Galaxy and the United States’ all-time top scorer, said the team had the ability to give Spain a run for their money.

“Considering they haven’t lost in a very long time against quality opponents, the challenge is very difficult,” said Donovan, who will captain the team if Bocanegra fails to recover.

“However, we believe in ourselves and if we play well then we have a chance to win the game. That’s our intention and we’ll go out with a good game plan and try to get the job done.”