Benitez proud of Torres achievement

Rafa Benitez has spoken of his pride after Fernando Torres confounded his critics to fire Spain to their first major honour since 1964. Keep Reading

Lehmann: “Torres not in same league as Henry”

Being at the losing end of the Euro2008 has certainly affected Jens Lehmann’s judgment. Lehmann believes that Fernando Torres isn’t quite in the same league as Theirry Henry. Keep Reading

‘Pelle’ returns to Liverpool

Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Mauricio Pellegrino as their new first-team coach. Pellegrino will be working on the defence as well as the reserves. Pellegrino played 12 games during the 2005 season but was released the following season. Keep Reading

Swans turn to another Liverpool winger

Swansea City could turn to Liverpool’s Adam Hammill to replace Paul Anderson who chose to join Nottingham Forest instead. The Western Mail reported that Hammill would be a direct replacement for Anderson who was a hit during his stint at the Liberty. Keep Reading

Torres goal put Spain in driving seat

Torres puts Spain ahead on the 33rd minute with a beautiful lob over Lehmann. The Liverpool striker created a goal out of nothing. Keep Reading

Martinez questions Anderson’s loyalty

Swansea boss Roberto Martinez is upset that Liverpool’s winger Paul Anderson snubbed Swansea City to join Nottingham Forest. Martinez questioned Anderson’s loyalty and claimed that Anderson owes Swansea big for steering him in the right direction. Keep Reading

Grab your free LFC scarf

We’re giving 3 Kop-TV Forum members the chance to grab a free LFC scarf from the Official Liverpool FC Store.

To have a chance of winning, all you have to do is answer the single question over on this thread, sending your answer via email.

Three random winners will be drawn at the end of July and will be asked to choose any scarf from this selection on the official LFC store.

If you are not already a Kop-TV forum member, you can sign-up for free here.

£33m Barca duo invited to Tranmere friendly?

Barcelona’s Eto’o and Ronaldinho are rumoured to have been invited to attend the Reds’ first pre-season friendly game against Tranmere Rovers on the 12th July as they prepare a staggering £33million bid for the duo.

According to Football-Rumours.com: “Spanish sources close to the Anfield club have suggested that a bid of £33 million has been laid down for the services of Eto’o and Ronaldinho.”

“No one could have fortold, but it seems Benitez has been a big admirer and is willing to break the bank for FC Barcelona pair.

“If FC Barcelona agree, (and it’s not out of the question as they have both been told their services are not required anymore) this would be a serious coup and loud battle cry from the Merseysiders in the Hunt for that first Premier League title.

“Reports also conform that the two have been invited to Liverpool’s first pre–season friendly against Tranmere on July 12th.” claimed the site.

Spurs ready to Kop Crouchy?

According to Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, Tottenham Hotspur have enetered the race to capture beanpole striker Peter Crouch in a daring summer raid.

Arsenal and Pompey have both been reported to be showing interest in the England international star, with the latter having multiple bids rejected already during the current transfer window.

“I can confirm that there is a new contender for the signature of the Liverpool striker: Tottenham Hotspur.” he published on his website earlier today.

“Spurs have approached Liverpool for the player who they see as someone who can occupy the role of Dimitar Berbatov, who they expect will depart before the beginning of the season.

“The north London club are therefore on the lookout for a striker who can provide similar attacking options to the Bulgarian.” he added.

Alonso: “Nothing is decided”

Xabi Alonso appears to be becoming disgruntled with his proposed move to Serie A giants Juventus.

“Nothing is decided, apart from Liverpool’s willingness to release me” he told Stadio News.

Whilst the switch to Italy seemed a certainty to go through, no official announcement from either Liverpool or Juventus has been made as of yet, and manager Rafael Benitez was reported last month to declare that the Spaniard wont be leaving Anfield anytime soon, even if the likes of Gareth Barry do arrive on Merseyside.

“I just want to think about doing well with Spain and I have a European Championship final to think about rather than anything else.” he added.

Jamie Carragher Compilation - The Legend

A brilliant compilation on Jamie Carragher done by SauronXL. Definitely one of the best Carragher compilation out there. A must watch for all Liverpool fans. Keep Reading

Reds youth joins Forest

Paul Anderson has joined Championship newcomers Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan deal after rejecting a return back to Swansea where he was loaned out to last season.

Anderson, 19, is hoping to be able to complete the deal in time for pre-season training this coming Tuesday.

“I enjoyed last season at Swansea but after speaking to Forest I just felt that it was the right move for me.” he told the Forest Offish website.

“I’m joining a big club in Forest and I am very excited about the challenge of trying to help them make an impact in the Championship.

“I realise I will face a battle to get into the team because there are some very good players here but I have confidence in my ability to do that.” he added.

Liverpool beat Barca and Spurs to sign Saric

Liverpool have agreed to sign teenage striker Nikola Saric from Herfolge. All club and personal terms have been agreed and 17-year-old is set to sign the contract soon.

“It is a unique opportunity for me,” the Denmark Under-18 international informed Dagbladet Koge.

“I will train with the big names over there and there is time for me to develop at reserve level. I am very pleased with the development as it has been a very tough season for me.” he added

Sports Director Per Rud told the club’s official website, “We are pleased and proud that Nikola has gone to one of the world’s best football clubs. We would have liked to have earned more money from Nikola but his injury and the fact that his contract expired in the New Year made it difficult.

“Liverpool acted extremely well in all cases and knew all the details. They have been fair in the process and could’ve waited until the New Year but they will have him over now.”

Tottenham, Barcelona and Charlton were among the other clubs interested in signing Saric.

Liverpool sign Dutch youngster

It’s reported in the DutchNews.nl that Liverpool have signed 17-year-old striker Vincent Weijl from AZ Alkmaar. He’ll be joining the U-18 Academy as a first year trainee. Keep Reading

Boro eyes Carson as Schwarzer replacement

According to the Daily Mail, Gareth Southgate has lined up Liverpool’s Scott Carson as a replacement for Fulham-bound Mark Schwarzer. Keep Reading

Finnan relishing Anfield fight

Following the capture of Phillip Degen from Borussia Dortmund, Reds long-serving right back Steve Finnan, is relishing the forthcoming fight for a regular starting role next season.

“I’m sure United will do exactly that this summer and we have to do the same. At a club like this there will always be competition for places. Nobody can afford to take anything for granted.” he told the Offish site.

“You look at our squad now and you can see we’ve got two top players in nearly every position.

“If the manager wants to add more, I’ve got no problem with that. I think every player welcomes competition; I’m no different.” he added.

Crouch targeted by Gooners?

Peter Crouch is rumoured to be a target for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as he looks for a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor who is close to a £32million switch to AC Milan, handing the Gooners a staggering £25million profit on the player they signed just two years ago.

Agent Vincenzo Morabito told Italian TV show Studio Sport: “Arsenal are exploring the transfer market for a substitute for Adebayor.”

“The names being talked about are Peter Crouch, Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz and Germany forward Mario Gomez.” he added.

Portsmouth found it difficult to land the beanpole-striker, with a £9million bid being rejected, but Wenger shouldn’t have too many problems in raising close to the £15million valuation put on Crouchy’s forehead by manager Rafa Benitez.

Liverpool turns to new target after Taylor snub

Liverpool have set their sights on Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi as a backup for Pepe Reina according to The Mirror. Maik Taylor’s rejection has prompted Rafa to look for a new target. Keep Reading

Reds to Play In Blue

It has been revealed that the new third shirt for 2008/9 season will be blue after makers Adidas replaced last seasons Black third shirt which was mostly used for away European games.

What do you think of the new choice in colour?

Gillett: “We are now on site”

Enabling works are set to be carried out by LFC as preperations take shape to begin development work on our new 73,000 seat stadium.

Initially set to have a capacity of 60,000, the new stadium is planned to be ready for the 2011/12 season.

“This is a significant milestone for the club and I am delighted that the design received full planning consent and that we are now on site,” Gillett told the Offish site.

“We have been working very hard over the last six months to move the details of the design along but this is the first tangible evidence for fans that a new LFC stadium will be built.” he added.

‘Macca’ keen on Reds duo

Former Red and current Leeds manager Gary McAllister is interested in Liverpool’s Krisztian Nemeth and Astrit Ajdarevic on loan according to TeamTalk. It’s reported that ‘Macca’ has invited the duo to join his squad for pre-season training. Keep Reading

Youngster wants loan move

There’s a handful of clubs trying to sign Paul Anderson on loan. Anderson has had a successful season after impressing in League One for Swansea City. Keep Reading

Pompey bid for Crouch rejected

Portsmouth The News reported that Liverpool have rejected a £9 million bid from Aston Villa for striker Peter Crouch. Keep Reading

Benayoun wants to see out career with Liverpool

Yossi Benayoun wants to stay at Liverpool for the rest of his career. There were several reports suggesting that Harry Redknapp and Mark Hughes might be making a move for the Israeli. Keep Reading

Euro 2008: Quarter-Final Round-up

There were mixed results for the Liverpool players still involved in Euro 2008 competition.

Dirk Kuyt found himself on the teary-eyed side of that spectrum. He continued his starting role for the Dutch and played out a tense opening half against Russia. In the intermission, he was replaced by Arsenal’s more attack-minded Robin van Persie.

Despite scoring a late equalizer through Ruud van Nistelrooy, Holland were undone by superior tactics from fellow Dutchman Guus Hiddink and a higher workrate from the Russians. The final score was 3-1.

Liverpool’s Spanish Armada ended the quarter finals in much better spirits. Going up against an Italian team they hadn’t beaten for over 8 decades, the Spanish press were apprehensive despite glowing performances in the group stages.

Fernando Torres started up top alongside David Villa, but neither could break through a very deep Italian defense. Luckily for them, Italy also failed to break Iker Casillas’s sphere of dominance either.

Torres was substituted in the 85th minute as Spain sought a game winner, and had to join his Anfield teammates Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina, and Alvaro Arbeloa to watch a nail-biting penalty shoot out.

Casillas once more came out tops to see Spain through to the semifinals where they will come up against Russia.

Hughes set to raid Anfield?

According to reports, new Manchester City boss Mark Hughes, is set to launch a raid on Anfield for Yossi Benayoun.

The Manchester Evening News are reporting that Benitez is likely to offload the Israeli midfielder despite only signing him last summer from West Ham United.

Portsmouth are also said to be in the frame.

Spain fend off Italy

Spain will progress to the EURO2008 semi-final’s after beating the World Champions 4-2 via a penalty shoot-out setting up a clash against Russia.

After 90 minutes and extra time, the score remained deadlocked at 0-0.

Torres: “I’m enjoying this victory”

Fernando Torres spoke of his delight after Spain went through to the EURO2008 semi-final’s after a penalty shoot-out victory over World Champions Italy.

“I’m enjoying this victory!” declared the Spanish hitman who was substituted before the panelties began.

“I think we all must look back at the harder moments to realise how important this is.  This is the most beautiful time I’ve ever experienced with the Spanish team.” he added,

“I’d have liked to have taken a spot-kick because I always want to support the team, Russia? They’ve proven to be a high level side and they will compete.” he told Marca.

Kewell calm amidst speculation

Former Red Harry Kewell is remaining calm amidst a sea of speculation surrounding his footballing future.

“I’m on holiday for a week or so and then I’ll decide my future, but for now I’m just going to relax.” the Aussie winger told FoxSports Australia.

“In this day and age, clubs take their time. There’s a long way to go and a big process to go through, so I’m in no rush.” he added.

Kewell has recently been linked with a move to Serie A outfit AS Roma, linking him up with another former Red John Arne Riise, who made his switch to Italy last week.

Reds to face stern test in Berlin

Liverpool will be travelling to Berlin to take on Hertha at the Olympic Stadium (pictured) on 22nd July as part of our pre-season preperations.

Rafael Benitez told germany’s Sportfive: “We are delighted to be playing a game against HERTHA BSC as part of our pre-season training camp. We always like to play against good quality opposition as these games form a vital part of our preparations for the new season”.

Meanwhile, Hertha’s chairman Dieter Hoeneß added: “The game against Liverpool is an important way for us to judge our form.

England’s record champion is replete with world-class players and has been very successful in the Champions League in recent years. For Berlin’s football fans, the friendly will provide the perfect kick-off to the new season.”

Rafa in for Van Der Vaart?

With Milner seemingly out of reach, Reds manager Rafael Benitez could turn his attentions to Hamburg winger Rafael Van Der Vaart.

The Dutch maestro is looking for a move to England after spending most of his career in Ajax and Hamburg.

He turned down a contract extension with Hamburg, catching the attention of an array of clubs, including Liverpool, Man Utd and Chelsea.

Liverpool have the advantage, as Van Der Vaart’s compatriots Kuyt and Babel are already Liverpuldians and would undoubtedly be looking to woo him to Liverpool. Van Der Vaart played a limited role in the Oranje’s last eight performance at the Euros, and will be looking to catch the eye of Van Basten and prove that he can play at the very top level.

New Kop-TV Forums Open

The new Kop-TV forum boards are now open for use.

If your a regular around these parts, you may well be aware that we have had some changes to our forums in recent months.

We switched to an external forum system after many failed attempts in importing our old forum database after a server move, which unfortunately proved to be unpopular move amongst our registered members.

So one last attempt was made to import our old forum database into our own system and (so far) everything seems to be working just fine!

After a sleepless night, the forums are in a stable and useable state, and seamlessly integrate within our new mainsite design.

All usernames and password combinations should still be in tact so members who registered on our old forums should still be registered.

All posts made on the Sportsmates forums will be lost, but you can copy and paste threads over if you like using this link.

Exclusive: AFCL Manager Derek Goulding Interview

In an exclusive interview with Kop-TV, AFC Liverpool manager Derek Goulding shares his thoughts on the club’s forthcoming first competitive fixture against St. Helens Town, the Vodkat Cup and AFC Liverpool’s coverage over on the official Liverpool FC TV channel, LFC TV.

First things first, your thoughts on your forthcoming first-ever competitive match as AFC Liverpool? Excited! A lot of hard work has been put in behind the scenes by the steering group and club members to get us to this stage. This is the first step of the journey and every great adventure and historic journey began with one small step and this is our first step. We can’t wait for it to begin.

Your expecting a big turnout for the game, the ground can hold 1,000 but many believe that you could fill the stadium several times over, do you think the players will be able to handle such pressure at such an early part of the club’s existance. If the rumours are true that we could fill the stadium several times, that would be absolutely incredible. It will be a great achievement to get the 1000 sold out, and the players will relish the moment.

We all want to perform in front of the largest audiences possible. They shouldn’t feel any pressure at all, they will certainly enjoy the atmosphere and thrive on the occasion I’m sure.

How happy are you with the players at AFC Liverpool’s disposure, anyone to look out for in particular, any hidden gems? Non-league football is littered with hidden gems, some still young enough to make an impression in the professional game. Here at AFC Liverpool we are aiming to be the best non league team in the area, so I’m confident we will be able to attract players of the highest calibre, for the level we are playing at.

One factor you seem to be focusing on is the Liverpool community, how are things progressing in terms of youth teams, school visits etc..? We already in the short space of time, since our formation, have in place, a first team, reserve team, under 18’s, two under 16’s teams, a womens team, followed by under-16s and under-14s teams for girls.

Eventually we do intend to have all junior teams and we certainly want to fully integrate with our community and form a unique bond with them.

AFC Liverpool’s inclusion in the Vodkat Cup is great news, how do you think the team will fair, can we actually go all the way and win it? I’m optimistic we’ll be a force straight away at this level, which I feel will give us a good chance in this trophy. It won’t be easy though, the football is very competitive in non- league and if we get through at Holker we’ve then got a tough test at last years champions New Mills.

It’s tough to win any trophy at what ever level you play, but we will be setting out to achieve success, somewhere along the line in our first season.

Coverage on LFC TV is another tremendous coop, how excited are you about the prospect of TV coverage? To be accepted by LFC and the letter Rick Parry sent to the club has been a massive boost to everyone at AFC.

The coverage on LFC TV is just the icing on the cake. If there are Liverpool supporters out there who can’t get to Anfield to support the reds then hopefully they will be encouraged to come and support us, we play in red, we have a liverbird on our chest and we play with great passion and pride for Liverpool.

We feel really privileged to be associated with Liverpool FC and the support they have given us so far has been fantastic.

Some former Reds are showing their support to the AFCL cause, are there any more legends in the pipeline? Yes its been great to get support from some of the LFC legends and the football club its self. Liverpool FC is very close to the hearts of the people behind this club and everyone involved with it and I know when we receive messages of support from LFC and its legends it gives everyone a massive lift. We need as much support as we can get and hopefully there will be other legends who will send messages of support in the future.

Thanks for your time Derek, it is greatly appreciated and you have the full support of Kop-TV cheering you on.

For full information on AFC Liverpool, visit the club’s official website.

Alonso hints at Juve switch

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has dropped a hint that he may quit Liverpool for Juventus this summer. The Spaniard admits that he’s ‘fascinated’ by Italian football. Keep Reading

AFCL Match Tickets Now On Sale

Match tickets for AFC Liverpool’s first-ever competitive match are now on sale today at The Casa between 10am - 2pm.

AFCL, who recently announced the arrival of their first kit designs, will tackle St. Helens on the 16th July.

For more information on AFC Liverpool, visit the club’s official website.

Reds to face Rovers test

The Reds’ pre-season will kick-off a day earlier after plans were unveiled for a friendly fixture away to  neighbours Tranmere Rovers on July 12th.

Prior to the squad flying out for our regular pre-season training in Switzerland, Benitez’s men will take on Ronnie Moore’s men for the first time since 1993.

“This is a mouth-watering opportunity for our players to test themselves against world class opposition.” Moore told the Tranmere FC official website.

“It’s a game both sets of supporters will look forward to and I’m sure there will be a big crowd.

“We are grateful to Liverpool for agreeing to play us and look forward to welcoming them. It should be a fantastic occasion and a great way to start our pre-season.

“Rafa has done a fantastic job and has proved he’s one of the top managers in the world. Not many managers have won the Champions League and it will be a pleasure to put my side up against his.

“It’s earlier than usual for us to be playing a friendly at home but we wanted to fit in with Liverpool ahead of their trip to Switzerland.” he added.

Rush urges Benitez to sign Villa

Liverpool goalscoring legend Ian Rush has urged Liverpool to sign David Villa. David Villa and Fernando Torres look to have formed a lethal partnership at the Euro 2008 and it would be awesome to have both of them playing side by side at Liverpool next season. Keep Reading

Anfield’s Iron Man likens Torres to ‘Sir Roger’

Striker Fernando Torres has a game very similar to Liverpool legend Roger Hunt, according to Liverpool’s Iron Man Tommy Smith. Roger Hunt is considered a legend at Anfield having scored over 245 league goals and winning the first FA Cup in 1965 with the Reds. Keep Reading

Gillett sings Torres’s praises

Co-Owner George Gillett has heaped praise on striker Fernando Torres describing the signing as a “wonderful selection”. Keep Reading

Gillett: “It was shocking how popular Liverpool is”

George Gillett has revealed that the boardroom saga is becoming less hostile and communications between the two camps have improved. The Montreal Canadians owner admitted that he was shocked with the response he received when he first revealed about the breakdown of his relationship with Co-owner Tom Hicks. Keep Reading

Benitez edges closer to £15m Silva

After being priced out of signing Barry, Villa and Milner, Benitez has turned to his former club, the cash strapped Valencia. He is targeting their wing wonder, David Silva, for an expected £15m. Valencia are desperate for cash and will be looking to cash in on the Spaniard, who has been in impressive form in the Euros, driving Spain to a spot in the quarter-finals. Keep Reading

Riise with his new kit

John Arne Riise, pictured with his new kit, is ready for the new challenge in his footballing career. He has completed his £4million move to Italian side Roma. Keep Reading

Euro 2008 matchday 3 roundup

Several more Reds saw the pitch in the last matchday of the group stages, thanks to Spain fielding a B team having already qualified.

In Spain’s game, 3 Liverpool players started. Fernando Torres was rested alongside 9 other starters, which made room for Pepe Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa, and Xabi Alonso. Alonso was the captain on the day and picked up a Man of the Match Award from UEFA.

He played much deeper than usual, conducting the attack from the back as a lone defensive midfielder. Reina and Arbeloa’s defense conceded one goal from a set piece, but their teammates bailed them out by scoring two in the second half to preserve Spain’s win streak.

All 3 went the full 90 minutes, and Arbeloa collected a yellow card. They now advance to the quarterfinals to face Italy. Torres is a certainty to return for that game, and Alonso won’t have done his chances any harm, though he will likely still miss out to the more physical Marcos Senna.

One day prior, Dirk Kuyt helped the Netherlands keep a similar 3 game win streak intact when he came off the bench for Holland.

A victim of the wholesale changes that saw the reserve side fielded against Romania, Kuyt replaced Arjen Robben after an hour of play. Holland won 2-0 and will now face Russia. With Robben and Robin van Persie back to fitness having played this game, Kuyt faces stiff competition to keep his place.

He’s not quite a Red yet, but future signing Philip Degen will take no further part in the Euros after host nation Switzerland crashed out of the tournament.

Degen did not gain fitness quick enough to be involved in any games, and will rightly be disappointed with the tournament.

New Kit Launch: Behind the scenes

Go behind the scenes of the official photoshoot to launch the new Adidas LFC kit for the 2008/10 seasons. Includes interviews with the players.

Reds offer not good enough for ‘keeper

Birmingham ‘keeper Maik Taylor today revealed why he snubbed a summer move to Anfield in favour of extending his stay with relegated City.

“With an offer on the table from the club, it was always going to be the case that I would stay really, It was flattering that Liverpool showed a lot of interest and of course I gave it serious consideration.” said the Northern Ireland international on the Blues’ Official club website.

“Liverpool could offer the Champions League and everything else, but it would have been a situation as a number two and a year’s contract as well.

“Scott Carson has gone back there now as well. There was talk of him going to Villa after his loan, but that has not materialised.

“I still have a big desire to play and, as long as I keep my form and fitness, that’s more likely here.”

Riise completes £4m switch

Reds left-back John Arne Riise agreed a move to Serie A outfit AS Roma in a £4million switch set to be completed at the end of next month.

An official announcement on the Italians website read: “AS Roma announce they have reached an agreement with Liverpool Football Club for the acquisition of the sporting rights of the player John Arne Riise with effect from July 1 2008.”

Norwegian Riise will end his 7-year Anfield career after one of his most disappointing seasons in a red shirt, scoring more in his own goal than the oppositions, but John will fondly be remembered by many a Kopite for his fierce left-footed rockets.

It is sad to see a familiar face leave us, a personal favourite of mine for many seasons, but I think the move has come at the right time for John and LFC alike.

Alonso nearly did it again!

Xabi Alonso attempted a long range shot from the center of the pitch and it was inches wide. Alonso has scored from his own half against Newcastle and Luton. Keep Reading

Liverpool give Roma permission to talk to Riise

Liverpool have given AS Roma permission to talk to John Arne Riise. A statement on the Roma’s official site confirmed talks with Riise’s agent will be begin soon. Keep Reading

Liverpool setting up Swedish feeder club?

According to the Swedish paper Sydsvenskan (and the posters on RAWK), Husie IF from Malmö is going to work together with the Liverpool FC in developing quality youngsters from the region. Keep Reading

Villa plays down exit rumours

Valencia forward David Villa has rubbished speculations that he would be interested to join Liverpool. There hasn’t been any contact with Liverpool or any other club. The Spaniard was linked with a possible switch to Anfield to link-up with compatriot Fernando Torres. Keep Reading

Two Friendly Fixtures Announced

Liverpool FC have announced two additional friendly games in preperation for the forthcoming 2008/09 season kick-off on August 16th away to Sunderland, meaning we have just 29 LFC Football-Free days remaining!

The lads will face up against Swiss outfit FC Lucerne on July the 16th, closely followed by a clash against Polish side Wisla Krakow on the 19th.

The announcement was made earlier today on the Offish website.

AFCL v St. Helens Ticket Information

AFC Liverpool are about to embark on their first ever competitive match as ticket details have just been announced on the official AFCL website.

St Helens await the AFC Liverpool army at the Edge Green Stadium, home of Ashton Town FC, for the 16th July clash (7.45pm Kick-Off).

The match is an all-ticket affair with an attendance of more than 1,000 people expected.

Visit the official AFC Liverpool website for full ticketing information.