Liverpool

Liverpool
Liverpool striker Milan Baros has admitted he is frustrated at not playing more first-team football. Baros and fit-again Djibril Cisse are vying for a starting place in the Champions League final. And Baros told Czech newspaper Pravo: "It is not true that I had or have had disputes with boss Rafael Benitez. "But I am annoyed that when I'm fit I only warm the bench or when Benitez takes me off during a game even if I haven't used up all my energy." Baros, who has been substituted 22 times during 43 appearances this season, added: "I need to play. Only then will I be better than I am now." The Czech Republic striker was substituted for Cisse at half-time in Sunday's match against Arsenal. And with Benitez expected to select only one recognised striker in the Champions League final against AC Milan on 25 May, there appears to be a direct competition between the two players for the starting berth. Baros, 23, added in the article that he will make a decision about his future in the summer. Several clubs have been linked with the striker, including Valencia and Fiorentina, while Pravo has also suggested Everton could be in the frame. But Baros said: "Speculation is good for nothing. This question will be answered at the end of the season. Then we will deal with it with my agent. "Of course it would be much better to speak about offers with a Champions League medal." "I have not said I am going to leave Liverpool. I have some offers, but this is my agent Pavel Paska's job. "If I leave the Reds I would like to play in a team which would be at least at the same level as Liverpool in regard to playing in European competitions. And I would like to play there constantly."

Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa
Striker Djibril Cisse gave manager Rafael Benitez a timely reminder of his prowess 10 days ahead of the Champions League final against AC Milan. Starting his first full game since October, Cisse won and scored a penalty and clipped home a low shot to convert Josemi's cross in the first half. Gareth Barry scored Villa's goal, powering in a shot past Scott Carson. Both sides hit the bar in the second-half, John Arne Riise for Liverpool and Luke Moore for Villa. Cisse's goals must have made uncomfortable viewing for MIlan Baros - the Czech Republic striker's last goal in the Premiership came back in the beginning of February. On the hour Baros came off the bench to replace Harry Kewell, though the two Liverpool strikers had few chances to link up. Before Cisse's devastating two-goal burst, Villa had looked the more likely to score, Carson pawing away Lee Hendrie's curling shot. A superb run and shot from Jamie Carragher that hit the side netting had the effect of shaking Liverpool out of their lethargy. Liverpool's other central defender - the much maligned Mauricio Pellegrino - also went close in the opening half with a backheel, Thomas Sorensen doing well to save from close range. In between those two chances Cisse grabbed his brace, his first goal the result of his willingness to chase a lost cause as much as Mark Delaney's reckless tackle. When Sorensen pushed away Kewell's shot there looked little danger as Delaney and Cisse chased the ball. But the Villa defender was surprised by the Frenchman's pace and as the Liverpool striker reached the ball first he was felled by Delaney. Cisse stroked the penalty to the right of Sorensen giving the Villa keeper no chance. Seven minutes later Cisse proved equally deadly when he rattled the ball into the same corner of the net after good work by Antonio Nunez and Josemi down the Liverpool right. Villa's goal had much to with Steven Davis' wonderful pass with the outside of his boot to Nolberto Solano on the edge of the box. The Peruvian headed across goal and Barry powered a shot past Carson. Barry's goal allied to some erratic defending from Pellegrino and Josemi gave Liverpool some nervy moments. Their shaking defending allied to Moore's enthusiasm saw the Villa striker hit the bar with a header, while the Villa striker also went close with a couple of shots. Not that Liverpool were solely content to defend their lead, with Riise's venomous shot striking the bar. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liverpool: Carson, Josemi, Pellegrino, Carragher, Warnock, Nunez (Finnan 79), Alonso, Biscan (Hamann 70), Riise, Cisse, Kewell (Baros 60). Subs Not Used: Dudek, Hyypia. Goals: Cisse 20 pen, 27. Aston Villa: Sorensen, De la Cruz, Delaney, Laursen, Barry, Djemba-Djemba, Solano, Davis, Hendrie (Samuel 48), Vassell (Moore 45), Angel (Cole 64). Subs Not Used: McCann, Henderson. Goals: Barry 67. Att: 43,406 Ref: B Knight (Kent).

Cisse gives Benitez final poser
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admitted Djibril Benitez's brace against ASton Villa had given him a selection problem ahead of the European Cup final. "It will be good for us to have two attacking options," said Benitez as to whether to play Milan Baros or Cisse against AC Milan on 25 May. "We will have to think which one, or maybe both will play? "We have 10 more days to prepare for the final. You must be confident, when you play one game anything can happen."

Reds departure looms for Smicer
Czech midfielder Vladimir Smicer has revealed he has been told by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez that he will not be offered a new contract. The 31-year-old's current deal runs out this summer and he said: "I talked with the coach recently and he told me he doesn't want me to extend my contract. "I am used to living and playing here so I will be sad. But, after six years at one club, the change will be useful. "The behaviour of the Liverpool management was absolutely okay." Smicer was signed by former Reds boss Gerard Houllier for £4.2m from French club Lens in July 1999. He added: "Liverpool do not count on me but they act right. "I do not feel such worth if I play for example only one minute in the semi-final against Chelsea."

Hamman wins shock Germany call-up
Liverpool's Dietmar Hamann has won a recall to Germany's 23-man squad for the Confederations Cup in June. Coach Jurgen Klinsmann has also brought back Bayern Munich's Sebastian Deisler for the tournament in Germany. Hamann's last international was the 2-1 defeat against the Czech Republic in Euro 2004 in June, which resulted in Germany's exit from the competition. Klinsmann was impressed by 31-year-old Hamman's performance against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final. Deisler last played for Germany in the 2-0 victory over Iran in October. However, in the same month he flew back from Italy ahead of Bayern Munich's match against Juventus and returned to the clinic where he had previously been treated for depression. He has not been in the frame for the national team since and has generally been left out of Bayern's starting line-up. Klinsmann also called up debutant Mike Hanke, 21, a striker from Schalke 04. Germany play Australia, Tunisia and Argentina in the group stage of the competition running from 15 to 29 June. Brazil, Greece, Mexico and Japan feature in the other group. They will warm up for the Cup with matches against Bayern Munich on 31 May, Northern Ireland on 4 June and Russia on 8 June.

Ancelotti aims to end Euro debate
Carlo Ancelotti has come out in support of Liverpool's efforts to defend their Champions League title - should they beat his AC Milan team in the final. But he hopes to help Uefa and the Football Association escape a potential problem by beating the Reds on 25 May. "I think a team that wins should have the right to defend it but we may just do the English federation a favour and solve this," said the Milan coach. "Liverpool is a team I like. They are organised and they have ideas." Ancelotti is also full of praise for his opposite number Rafael Benitez. "Liverpool have had problems in their own competition, they've had many players out injured and they haven't been able to combine both competitions," he added. "But, just like Milan, they are very happy to have reached the European final. "Benitez has done a very good job with Liverpool. In his first year with the club he has taken them to the Champions League final. "He has won the tactical battle against Chelsea and Juventus so I have a lot of respect for him."

Cisse still seeking match fitness
Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has admitted he is still well short of match fitness as his side prepare for the Champions League final. Cisse scored both goals in the 2-1 defeat of Aston Villa on Sunday, his first goals since returning from a severe fracture of his leg. "I'm not thinking about starting against AC Milan, that's a decision for the manager to make," said Cisse. "I feel good but I'm still only about 70 or 80% fit." Cisse surprised medical staff at Anfield with his rapid recovery from the double fracture he suffered against Blackburn back in October 2004. He joined the Anfield club last summer for £14m but only played 15 games before sustaining the major injury. "I scored the goals not for me but for the fans and the medical staff," added Cisse. "It was really important for me to score before the end of the season because of all the work I have done at Melwood with the staff and players. "I am strong in my head and always knew that I would play and score again but it was really special to do it at Anfield, in front of the Liverpool fans, my family and my girlfriend."

Liverpool win 'helps Olympic bid'
Lord Coe believes the scenes of joy that greeted Liverpool's European Cup triumph will reinforce London's case for hosting the 2012 Olympics. More than a million fans lined the streets of Liverpool on Thursday to see their team parade the trophy. A nation's passion for sport and enthusiasm for the Games is one key factor in choosing a host city. "That was a very, very big moment for us," Coe said of Liverpool's win. "I'm very grateful - it's a good omen." Liverpool staged a stunning comeback from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties in Istanbul on Wednesday. "It showed two things in our national characteristics," said bid leader Coe. "First, that we don't lie down when it gets tough. "And second, I don't think any team would have returned to any part of the world to the type of welcome that Liverpool received." London is up against Paris, New York, Madrid and Moscow in the battle to host the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012. The decision will be taken in a vote of International Olympic Committee members in Singapore on 6 July. There was another boost for Coe and his bid team on Friday with the news that the Millennium Dome - London's gymnastics venue for 2012 - is to be awarded its first major international event. It is being redeveloped into a 20,000-capacity sports and entertainment centre for 2007, and will host the 2009 World Gymnastics Championships. "That's a very good example of what has already happened throughout this bidding process - that we are now attracting major events to this country again," said Coe. Coe visited Lord's on Friday as his bid team staged an archery demonstration on the outfield during lunch on day two of the cricket Test between England and Bangladesh. Lord's will host the archery competitions if London is awarded hosting rights for 2012.

Reds to play in club championship
Fifa has confirmed Champions League winners Liverpool will represent Europe in the new Club World Championship to take place in Japan in December. They will join the six-team tournament at the semi-final stage and will face a team from either Africa, Asia, Oceania or Central America on 15 December. The previous Club World Championship took place in Brazil in 2000. Meanwhile, Liverpool must wait until a Uefa meeting on 17 June to find out if they can defend their trophy next year. Under current Uefa rules they will have to play in the Uefa Cup as they finished fifth in the Premiership and no country can have five clubs in the Champions League. The Reds won their fifth European Cup on Wednesday with a sensational penalty shoot-out victory over AC Milan having been three-goals down at half-time.

Benitez to launch new Anfield era
Rafael Benitez is ready to break up his Champions League winning team as he looks to begin a new Liverpool dynasty. Benitez is believed to be closing in on Villarreal goalkeeper Jose Reina and Steven Gerrard looks set to sign a new deal, but several others are set to go. "Steven Gerrard is a key player for us, along with Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia, Fernando Morientes, Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia," said Benitez. "We've a lot of good players but we need to find more to improve the team." Benitez will now begin to focus on his preparations for next season with the official celebrations for Liverpool's incredible win over. The Spaniard will be backed in financial terms after the club earned more than £30m from winning the Champions League and he will look to invest heavily in his squad. Reina's potential arrival could spell the exit for Jerzy Dudek, the hero of the penalty shoot-out in Istanbul, even though the Poland international is vowing to fight for his place next season. Vladimir Smicer and Dietmar Hamann are also out of contract this summer and look to be heading for new clubs despite their integral parts in the comeback against AC Milan. Speculation also continues to surround the future of Milan Baros and Igor Biscan, while Benitez knows that he must strengthen his overall squad to stage more of a Premiership challenge next season. Champions League success at least should help to attract new players, although the prospect of defending the trophy next season would be crucial if Uefa were to change their minds. Gerrard's apparent decision to stay put is also key to the club's fortunes, with defender Hyypia welcoming the midfielder's declaration of loyalty. Hyypia declared: "It's great news for the club that one of the best players looks like he's now staying. I think he has made a very good decision."

Baros reveals Valencia interest
Liverpool striker Milan Baros is mulling over an offer to join Valencia. The 23-year-old Czech Republic started for Liverpool in their Champions League final victory over AC Milan but that may prove his last game for the club. He said: "There is an offer from Valencia, some other clubs are also interested and it is also a possibility that I will stay in Liverpool. "To tell the truth, I would be glad to go to Valencia, but equally glad to stay in Liverpool. So we will see." Baros made way for Djibril Cisse late in the second half as Liverpool went on to prevail on penalties against Milan. Despite missing out on the chance to participate in the penalty shoot-out, Baros was fully involved in the post-match celebrations. He relished the open-top bus ride through Liverpool with the trophy, adding: "I have never experienced anything like this and I will never experience it again. "It was something fantastic."

Benitez dismisses links to Real
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has played down renewed speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid. The Spaniard came top of a fans' poll asking who should take charge at the Bernabeu and newspaper reports say Madrid's hierachy may now make a move. He admits a return to his home city is appealing but insists that he is happy on Merseyside and wants to stay and build on the Champions League success. "My only idea is to prepare the team for the next season," he said. "Of course, I was born there, I have a lot of friends there, I know people in the club, and my family is in Madrid. "But I'm proud of my situation and really happy at Liverpool. I've a clear idea about my future and that is to win another trophy, or trophies, next season. "I am working now, preparing the future, thinking about what to do and what to say to some players, and establishing if we can sign new players." Benitez, a former youth coach at Real Madrid, won 94% of the vote and has an impressive CV. The 45-year-old's success in the Champions League final over AC Milan comes 12 months after he won the Spanish title and the Uefa Cup with Valencia. Real Madrid finished the season empty-handed and president Florentino Perez is thought to be ready to dismiss coach Wanderley Luxemburgo, despite the Brazilian closing the gap on Barcelona at the top of La Liga since his arrival in January.

Johansson boosts Liverpool hopes
Uefa president Lennart Johansson has given Liverpool's hopes of defending their Champions League title a boost. The Swede said that football's European ruling body must make a decision as a "matter of a real urgency". "The winner should have a chance to defend the title," Johansson told the Sunday Times. "We must sit down to see if there is a way to make it happen. If there is a rule that harms the tournament, we have to discuss changing the rule." Following Liverpool's sensational victory over AC Milan in Istanbul, a decision was set to be made when Uefa's executive committee meet in Manchester on 17 June. However, there is growing sympathy for the Merseyside club's plight and Johansson added that he wanted the matter resolved within the next 10 days. Uefa chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson confirmed that talks may take place ahead of next month's meeting. He said: "We will arrange a telephone conference because the urgency of the situation is too important to wait until we could get the full committee together." The Football Association maintains the clubs that finished in the top four of the Premiership - Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton - were their nominees. And it was revealed earlier this month that the FA had submitted a written request to Uefa asking for an additional Champions League place if Liverpool won the final, which they then did on penalties. However, Johansson was critical of the FA's stance, describing the organisation as "not helping find a solution". But it looks increasibly likely that Rafael Benitez's side will be given a berth in the tournament at the expense of Fenerbahce, who will have to drop into the qualifying competition. Liverpool will not be asked to pre-qualify, partly because that process clashes with Uefa's showpiece date for the Super Cup match between the Champions League winners and the Uefa victors, CSKA Moscow, in Monaco on 26 August. Franz Beckenbauer, who is tipped to be the next Uefa president, has given his support to Liverpool's cause. "Anyone who was in Istanbul knows they saw one of the greatest matches in European Cup history," said the German. "The champions must always defend their crown. Any problems must be overcome. There is great support for their case. "If I am asked I will tell Uefa Liverpool should be part of the competition next season. "How can we turn our backs on them and say 'No, you are not welcome'. It won't be the same if the champions are missing."

Kewell undergoes groin operation
Harry Kewell has had an operation on his persistent groin injury. The Liverpool winger struggled with the problem for most of last season and lasted just 23 minutes of last week's Champions League final victory. Kewell said the match was both a career high point and low point, adding: "It was great for me until the injury." He told the club's official website: "It's not going to be a great summer with the rehabilitation but it's been like that for the last six months." The 26-year-old Australian praised Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez for giving him the chance to play against AC Milan in the final. "Rafael Benitez showed a lot of faith in me by picking me from the start because he had other options," said Kewell. "I stretched for a ball and my groin snapped. I couldn't do anything about it. "But if you'd said to me six months ago that I was going to pull my groin in the European Cup final and I would end up with a winner's medal I'd have taken that. "Maybe it's one of the worst things to have happened to me but it's still been the perfect end to the season."

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