NST Online: Sports

Posted: 14 Jul 2011 05:28 PM PDT

Football: Liverpool on a mission

2011/07/15
By Devinder Singh
devinder@nst.com.my

WHEN Liverpool face Malaysia in Bukit Jalil tomorrow, it will be more than just a friendly match for the Reds.

After missing out on Europe altogether last season, manager Kenny Dalglish wants to steer Liverpool back into the Champions League and is taking all pre-season matches seriously.

But Dalglish himself won't be at the National Stadium as he returned to England yesterday to finalise details of Stewart Downing's transfer from Aston Villa.

The Liverpool legend said he was satisfied with Liverpool's 4-3 win over Guangdong Sunray Cave in Guangzhou, China on Wednesday despite letting in two goals in two minutes at the end.

"It was a good training exercise for us and we're delighted with the way it went," said Dalglish at a press conference in Bandar Utama yesterday.

"Everyone who came with us got a game. That's important as this is just a continuation of pre-season training. It's very important players get time on the pitch.

"In pre-season you expect players to make mistakes and we'll go along with it as long as they've shown effort and determination. The most important thing is to be prepared for our opening (Premier League) game against Sunderland on Aug 13."

Dalglish would not say if winning the title this season is to be made a priority after bitter rivals Manchester United edged ahead with 19 Championship wins last season.

Rather, Liverpool are looking at finishing in the top four and return to the Champions League following their seventh-place finish in the 2010-11 season.

"We'd much rather be in the Champions League than out of it and this is the first year for many years we are not in Europe, but maybe that will be an advantage because we will have less games to play and players will have a chance to get more rest.

"All we can say is we'll give our best for the football club. The more games we win, the more successful we'll be. We can promise everyone we will give everything for the football club.

"The expectations are there but we have to manage them and the supporters have to manage them. We know our fans have respect for us and commitment to the football club and we hope to get results for them."

Liverpool arrived in Kuala Lumpur without several first-team players, including captain Steven Gerrard who is recovering from a groin operation.

Others missing include Luis Suarez and Lucas Leiva, who are both involved in the Copa America, injured goalkeeper pepe Reina, defender Martin Skrtel, left-back Fabio Aurelio and new signing Jordan Henderson.

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Football: Downing to bring Reds back up

Posted: 14 Jul 2011 05:25 PM PDT

Liverpool manager Kenny Daglish (second from left) has a chat with a team official during their training session at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. — Picture by Osman Adnan

KENNY Dalglish was coy over the impending arrival of Stewart Downing at Anfield from Aston Villa but his new teammate Dirk Kuyt hailed it as a sign of Liverpool's ambitions for the new season.

News broke late on Wednesday that Liverpool have agreed terms with Villa in the region of STG20 million (RM96 million) and the winger was due to undergo a medical yesterday before agreeing personal terms.

Liverpool manager Dalglish, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur early yesterday, said little of England winger Downing.

"We have been given permission to speak to the player," Dalglish told a packed press conference in Bandar Utama. "We will now try to agree personal terms with him, but everything depends on the medical. It is a work in progress and we will see what happens and keep you informed."

Liverpool forward Kuyt was more effusive in his praise of Downing, saying that the club's third pre-season signing will blend in well with the team.

"Obviously we want to do better than last season and the arrival of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, and a few more new players will help to push us forward," said Kuyt.

"Downing joining us shows the club is moving on from last season's disappointment and, hopefully, he'll be able to do well for us."

The signing of Downing could affect Kuyt's own position in the team, whether on the right or in attack, but the Dutchman welcomed the challenge.

"When I first arrived, in the first three years there was a lot jostling for positions as there were two players for each position. Competition is healthy for the team and it makes everyone better. The manager knows I can play in any forward position," added Kuyt.

Kuyt was also impressed with how quickly Charlie Adam has settled into the team if his second-half performance against Guangdong, where he linked up well with Alberto Aquilani, was any indication.

"I think he did well for his first game with us. It's difficult for a new player coming in when you don't have an understanding with your teammates yet. But the team played well for 45 minutes (in the second-half) and I hope all the players will continue to improve," said Kuyt, who also came on at half-time in Guangzhou.

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Kredit: www.nst.com.my

Khamis, 14 Julai 2011