Reds All Set To Roar by Liverpool Post & Echo

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Your essential guide to Liverpool FC’s 2010/11 season

REDSALL

Hodgson gets fighting spirit back at Anfield

SETTOROAR

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REDS ALL SET TO ROAR 1

DIEGO CAVALIERI

Position Goalkeeper Height 1.91m Weight 86 kg D.O.B. 1 Dec 1982 Town of Birth São Paulo Nationality Brazilian Total games 8 Total goals 0 ● Diego Cavalieri signed from Palmeiras in July 2008, penning a four-year contract with the Reds to act as understudy to Pepe Reina in goal.

GLEN JOHNSON

Position Defender Height 1.82m Weight 70 kg D.O.B. 23 August 1984 Town of Birth Greenwich Nationality English Total games 35 Total goals 3 ● England international Glen Johnson is an attacking right-back who arrived at Anfield in June 2009 after spells with West Ham, Chelsea and Portsmouth.

ALBERTO AQUILANI

Position Midfielder Height 1.86m Weight 77 kg D.O.B. 7 July 1984 Town of Birth Rome Nationality Italian Total games 26 Total goals 2 ● Alberto Aquilani is a central midfield playmaker who arrived in August 2009, on a five-year deal. As a 16-year-old, he spurned advances from Chelsea and Arsenal to stay with Roma.

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FEELING

NFIELD. One of football’s revered cathedrals, a stadium that is synonymous with phenomenal atmospheres and fabled nights. Generations of supporters have been brought up on tales of how their fathers and grandfathers witnessed games that have gone down in history, their love affair with the Liver Bird cemented by dramatic, romantic and heroic victories. Last season, though, Anfield rarely resembled the rocking, swinging arena many expect it to be. Bar games against Manchester United, Everton and Benfica, it was flat and funereal; the fizz fizzled out quickly as great expectations faded. Having been expected to challenge for the title, two defeats in the first three games – coupled with a poor summer in the transfer market – set them off on the wrong foot and Liverpool, of course, never even made it back into the Champions League. Internal politics, terrible injuries and desperate form – there were 19 defeats in total – ensured Liverpool slipped from the second place they had secured so thrillingly the previous season down to an abject seventh, their lowest finish since 1999. That ultimately led to a parting of the ways with Rafa Benitez; if his reign ended under a cloud and some critics were disenchanted with him by the end, it would be grossly unfair to overlook his achievements. Much was made of the fact Liverpool had been trophy-less since 2006 but appearances in the latter stages of the Champions League became commonplace under Benitez and twice he oversaw campaigns that yielded record points hauls. However, it wasn’t enough. The big push over the finishing line to clinch that elusive 19th league title failed to materialise and Benitez is now overseeing operations at Inter Milan, as Liverpool embark on a new era under Roy Hodgson. But what will this new era bring? After all, Liverpool go into the 2010/11 season with Liverpool 2 Queen’s Park Rangers 1, nobody expecting them August 19, 1978 to challenge for first LIVERPOOL’S march to their 11th First place in any way, shape Division title began with a home win or form and they find over the West Londoners. themselves below Paul McGee was the QPR player who Manchester City in the netted past Ray Clemence. At the other betting for the title. end, a 27th minute strike from Kenny Many are even Dalglish and Steve Heighway’s goal 14 predicting Liverpool minutes from time won the points for will struggle to get into the Reds in front of 50,793 fans. the top four, given City have bucked the trend of being frugal and Tottenham have momentum behind Liverpool to reclaim their place in them after obtaining a place in the the pecking order but with the Champions League last time out. prospect of new investment coming Everton and Aston Villa, in from the Far East, coupled with meanwhile, both have progressive the work that has gone on since squads and their respective Hodgson took over, things might not managers, David Moyes and Martin be so bleak. O’Neill, have designs on When he was appointed on July 1, gatecrashing the party that involves Liverpool’s board choosing him over Europe’s biggest names. Frank Rikjaard, Didier Deschamps, True, it will be no easy task for Manuel Pellegrini and Kenny

Reds simply focussed on bringing

Title march

Dalglish, Hodgson might have wondered what he was letting himself in for. The prospect then was very real that Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard would seek pastures new but, after hearing the new man’s plans, they gave Hodgson the boost he and every Liverpool fan hoped for by reaffirming their commitment. “I made it clear I simply needed to

concentrate on the World Cup, then have a decent holiday with my family,” said Gerrard. “I wanted the chance to meet Roy privately and, having done so, I’m very impressed with his plans for the future of the team. “Expectations are rising and rightly so. We have got a good manager and have brought some good additions to the squad.

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Your essential guide to Liverpool FC’s 2010/11 season

HOPEFUL special atmosphere back to Anfield

happy to be back, really happy to stay with all my team-mates. My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed. “I am looking forward to the challenge ahead. I know that one trophy here means more than three or four with another club. This was my target from the day I came and it’s still my target. Hopefully we can feel this sensation this season.” Torres is not alone in dreaming that dream. Joe Cole did not leave Chelsea to swell his bank balance, he came to bolster an already impressive CV and stalwarts such as Jamie Carragher, Dirk Kuyt and Pepe Reina are aching for silverware. It would undoubtedly be foolish at this stage to say a change of manager means Liverpool will suddenly leave their travails behind and can be expected to bustle up Chelsea and Manchester United in the spring. There are still doubts about certain areas of the squad – not to mention its depth if injuries strike again – while some are suspicious that the first sign of things going wrong will lead to meltdown again. Too many abject performances, like at Portsmouth and Wigan, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers, still singe the

DANIEL AGGER

Position Defender Height 1.91m Weight 79 kg D.O.B. 12 December 1984 Town of Birth Rosenhoj Nationality Danish Total games 115 Total goals 7 ●Denmark international Daniel Agger is a cultured centre-back who arrived from Brondby for a fee of £5million in January 2006, after winning the double at home.

City stumped Liverpool 3 Manchester City 1, August 19, 1989 LIVERPOOL kicked-off their 1989-90 season – their last title-winning campaign – with victory over Mel Machin’s team at Anfield. John Barnes’s seventh-minute penalty put Kenny Dalglish’s team in front. A deflected effort from Andy Hinchcliffe levelled matters before the break only for Peter Beardsley on the hour and Steve Nicol in the final minute to net. memory and there is no doubt Liverpool have a lot to prove. Mind you, if they happen to get any impetus behind them early on – coming through the opening two fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester City would certainly help – there is no saying what might happen. Talking to the players and judging on the atmosphere at Melwood, there is a determination to right those wrongs; watching Roy Hodgson’s Red Revolution could make for enthralling viewing.

REPORTING FOR DUTY: Training at Melwood (above) a pre-season team shot (left), a thank you for Rafa Benitez (above) and Roy Hodgson with his summer signings (right) Hopefully there will be a few more before the window closes. I don’t see why it can’t be a successful season.” Sentiments echoed by Torres. Having been left vexed by the sight of his old club Atletico Madrid lifting the Europa League last season, the striker simply wanted satisfying Liverpool could give him the platform to win medals. He might have a full complement

of international honours but his club cabinet remains barren yet, reading between the lines, it is clear to see he is optimistic that will change during the course of the next 12 months. “I really appreciated that Roy came out to see me while I was on my holidays,” said Torres. “He told me about his plans and what he wanted from me and I appreciated that. I hope he will be the right man

STEVEN GERRARD

Position Midfielder Height 1.83m Weight 83 kg D.O.B. 30 May 1980 Town of Birth Whiston Nationality English Total games 532 Total goals 132 ●Steven Gerrard MBE is the Reds’ inspirational captain and arguably the most complete footballer in the world. Power, pace, touch and a winners mentality to boot.

FERNANDO TORRES

to reach the targets of Liverpool Football Club. “I am really looking forward to working with him.This is the best club in the country so the targets and expectations are always high. Hopefully we can stay at our level. At Liverpool the aim is to fight for every title. “It was difficult last season but we are sure we can improve. I am really

GLAD TO BE HERE: Steven Gerrard is committed to the club

Position Forward Height 1.85m Weight 78 kg D.O.B. 20 March 1984 Town of Birth Madrid Nationality Spanish Total games 116 Total goals 72 ● Spanish striker Fernando Torres signed for a club record fee of approximately £20 million in July 2007 after spending the first 12 years of his career with hometown club Atletico Madrid.

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RED ROY’S REVOLUTION 10

JOE COLE

Position Attacking midfielder Height 1.75m Weight 76 kg D.O.B. 8 November 1981 Town of Birth Islington Nationality English Total games 0 Total goals 0 ● Roy Hodgson's first signing as Liverpool boss, Cole penned a four-year deal at Anfield after agreeing a free transfer switch from Chelsea. Capped 56 times by England.

Shanks points the way for Roy’s dream Great man’s words strike a chord with Hodgson

MILAN JOVANOVIC

Position Forward/Winger Height 1.83m Weight N/A D.O.B. 18 April 1981 Town of Birth Bajina Basta, FYR Nationality Serbian Total games 0 Total goals 0 ● The tall Serbian international sealed a free transfer move from Belgian side Standard Liege this summer, after being courted by the Reds for much of last season.

SOTIRIOS KYRGIAKOS

Position Defender Height 1.93 m Weight 88 kg D.O.B. 23 July 1979 Town of Birth Trikala Nationality Greek Total games 21 Total goals 1 ● A cult-hero at Anfield since his arrival from AEK Athens for £1.5m in August 2009, 'Soto' impressed during a difficult debut campaign with a string of dominant performances.

URING what was one of the most dramatic and hectic days of his life, the foyer of Liverpool's Melwood training retreat helped Roy Hodgson find a moment's peace. As members of the media hung around for interviews and Liverpool's players waited patiently for introductions on July 1, Hodgson paused when walking into his new place of work and started to study the words of an inspirational quote from Bill Shankly which adorn the wall nearest the entrance. For those who are not familiar with the inscription, it reads: “Above all, I would like to be remembered as a man who was selfless, who strove and worried so that others could share the glory. Who built up a family of people who could hold their heads up high and say ‘We are Liverpool.’” Hodgson might have had places to go and people to see but everything could wait; having just accepted the biggest challenge in his 34-year managerial career, this, perhaps, was the moment he fully realised what was expected and what lay in store. While most football clubs revere star players, with Liverpool the manager has always been king, ever since Shankly grabbed the Reds by the scruff of the neck in 1959 and shook them into such a formidable state they became, to borrow his words, a bastion of invincibility. At this moment in time, Liverpool are anything but that; beaten 19 times in all competitions last season, many are wondering if

inspired by it. “It's a magnificent job, one I am honoured to have been offered. The board of Liverpool Football Club have chosen me to be only the 18th manager, and that says an awful lot about how this club operates. “I am confident that as long as they will ever climb such heady the quality of the players remains heights again and the challenge that would be expected at facing Hodgson is bigger than it Liverpool Football Club and as has been for 50 years but the new long as we try to maintain the man in charge is not fazed – not good work ethos of the players – when there is such a glorious you know, sweating blood for the opportunity awaiting. shirt – I see no reason why we “I think that type of legendary cannot win things in the future. status that managers have “I can't pretend that the achieved here situation is is something not that can be somewhat inspirational. different to But in football, the we have to be situations Nottingham Forest 1 Liverpool 0, careful, as Rafa Benitez August 16, 1992 turning back and Gerard AFTER losing out in an amazing seven-goal the clock can Houllier had thriller with Leeds United the previous be dangerous when they Saturday in the Charity Shield, Liverpool and what Bill first came to kicked-off the Premier League era in front Shankly really the club. My of the live Sky TV cameras the following did was give job will to Sunday with defeat at Nottingham the club a some extent Forest. footing. be to steady A Teddy Sheringham goal fired past “He gave it the ship but debutant keeper David James settled the platform to there is no matters before a crowd of 20,038. take off with doubt that future the club's managers. It would be foolish for ambitions remain as high as they any manager coming into the club ever were.” to try and compete with the greats Clearly, the opportunity to sail of the past; we can only praise through some tranquil waters will them for the work they did and we be welcomed by everyone at can only, in some way, hope to Anfield following last season's carry on their work and be maelstrom but Hodgson is not so

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Forest on fire

naive to think that the paying public will settle for chugging along, picking up points here and there. One of the common complaints during the last 12 months surrounded the predictability and dullness of Liverpool's play and Hodgson realises he has a duty to restore the swagger and panache and get Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Joe Cole playing in harmony. “The club has style, it has always had style,” he pointed out. “You can see the club has always played in the right way. A passing game, a way in which players work very hard for each other, a way that means when players lose the ball they get back and help the team as soon as possible. “That ties in very nicely with my philosophy of how the game should be played. There will be absolutely no conflict of interest where that is concerned. I want Liverpool to play as Liverpool have always played and we'll work hard on the training field to get that.” There is no disputing that all Hodgson's thoughts will be geared towards transforming Liverpool's fortunes but, from time to time, there is little doubt he will reflect on the position he now holds. After 34 mainly nomadic years, spent largely coaching clubs in Scandinavia and mainland Europe, he now has one of the biggest jobs in football. You only had to study his body language on that first day to see what it meant to him and while he wants success on the pitch, it is just as important to the 62-year-old that those fans who religiously

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Your essential guide to Liverpool FC’s 2010/11 season 17

MAXI RODRIGUEZ

Position Winger Height 1.80 m Weight 73 kg D.O.B. 2 February 1981 Town of Birth Rosario Nationality Argentinean Total games 17 Total goals 1 ●Arrived at Anfield in January of this year from Atletico Madrid, and starred for Argentina at this summer's World Cup. Yet to really find his form at Anfield. ROY’S BOYS: Hodgson unveils three new signings in Jovanovic, Wilson and Cole

FAMILIAR FACE: Roy also resigned left-back Fabio Aurelio

follow the Reds’ fortunes every here, you get the feeling that the week can feel proud of their team words are true. They live the again. motto.” “Liverpool Football Club, to me, So what are the aims? Well is one massive family,” he said. “It aware that every man who has is so important to the people here. held this position since Shankly You see that has won a in every trophy, football match Hodgson has that you play no intentions here. I have of breaking been lucky the sequence Blackburn Rovers 1 Liverpool 2, enough to be but, equally, August 24, 1963 here on a few he is not the IN WHAT was to become club legend Bill European kind of man Shankly’s first top flight title-winning nights. who will be campaign, Liverpool grabbed both points “When they making in a tight game at Ewood Park. sing ‘You’ll outlandish Ronnie Moran saw his 65th minute Never Walk statements. penalty saved by Rovers’ goalkeeper Fred Alone’ before “All I can Else but the Liverpool defender nodded kick-off, it is do is promise home the rebound. Ian Callaghan’s strike very difficult to work hard 10 minutes later proved to be the not to get and do my match-winner. caught up in best,” he the warmth, said. “It emotion and passion. There are would be stupid to make ludicrous very few teams who have such a promises. Put it this way – I will be clear motto. very disappointed if people don’t “Clubs have tried to imitate that say ‘he’s working hard and he is song title and they try to sing the trying to do his best for the club’. I same song but Liverpool personify would be devastated if they said it. When you hear them sing it something else.”

DIRK KUYT

Position Winger/Forward Height 1.84 m Weight 83 kg D.O.B. 22 July 1980 Town of Birth Katwijk Nationality Dutch Total games 200 Total goals 51 ●A £10m signing from Feyenoord in the summer of 2006, Kuyt has firmly established himself as a key player for both club and country. A fans favourite due to his tireless workrate in every game.

Cally winner

RYAN BABEL

Position Winger/Forward Height 1.83 m Weight 73 kg D.O.B. 19 December 1986 Town of Birth Amsterdam Nationality Dutch Total games 129 Total goals 20 ● A big-money signing from Ajax in the summer of 2007, Babel can play as a wide-midfielder or as a central striker. Part of Holland's World Cup squad this summer but needs a big season at Anfield.

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RED ROY’S REVOLUTION 20

JAVIER MASCHERANO

Position Midfielder Height 1.74 m Weight 84 kg D.O.B. 8 June 1984 Town of Birth San Lorenzo Nationality Argentinean Total games 138 Total goals 2 ● Established himself as one of the world's top holding midfielders following his arrival from West Ham in January 2007. The Argentina captain is part of the spine through the side.

Heskey a hit

GREAT SCOT: New signing Danny Wilson makes his Reds debut against Borussia Monchengladbach

LUCAS

Position Midfielder Height 1.79 m Weight 73 kg D.O.B. 9 January 1987 Town of Birth Dourados Nationality Brazilian Total games 121 Total goals 5 ● Arrived in 2007 as reigning Brazilian Footballer of the Year, and has become a regular at Anfield. Answered his critics last season showing real consistency.

DANNY WILSON

Position Defender Height 1.87 m Weight 79kg D.O.B. 27 December 1991 Town of Birth Livingston Nationality Scottish Total games 0 Total goals 0 ● Heralded as the next big thing to come out of Scotland, Wilson was Young Player of the Year with Rangers in the SPL last season, and has signed for the Reds for an initial fee of £2m.

MID the excitement generated by the arrival of Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard’s pledge of commitment, a transfer took place at Anfield that almost went unnoticed. Danny Wilson’s arrival on Merseyside from Glasgow Rangers might not have caused too much of a ripple outside the city boundaries but in time, it could be that this imposing young Scot’s performance demand a wider audience. Big things are expected of Wilson in the future yet that should not come as a surprise, when you consider that he played his part in helping Rangers land the Scottish Premier League and Scottish League Cup last season. Aside from that, Wilson also won two variations of Scotland’s Young Player of the Year award and, for good measure, made a significant entry into the record books as he became the youngest man from his country to play in the Champions League. No wonder, then, Roy Hodgson was so happy to sign him; a deal was first mooted in the spring while Rafa Benitez was at the helm but only materialised last month after that initial interest was resurrected. The speed at which it went through might have caught Wilson by surprise – he was hastily withdrawn from Rangers’ pre-season trip to Australia to seal the deal – but the maturity with which the 18-year-old speaks suggest he knows what lies in store. “The last 12 months have been amazing,” said the young man from Livingston. “It was around this time last year I was in Northern Ireland with Rangers’ reserve team playing in a tournament; after that it still took time to get into the first team squad. “I went on to play 24 games and it

Liverpool 1 Bradford City 0, August 19, 2000 IN A memorable campaign which was to finish with three cups in the Anfield trophy room, Gerard Houllier’s team opened the 2000-01 campaign with a single-goal win over the Bantams. Emile Heskey’s goal midway through the second-half was the difference between the sides. Markus Babbel, Nick Barmby and Gary McAllister made their debuts for the Reds.

Wilson could be another great Scot for Reds Defender’s maturity is a major asset by DOMINIC KING Liverpool Reporter was just amazing. To get this move to cap it all off was just fantastic. Every club has got quality players but sometimes you just need to be given a chance. “There was never any point when I didn’t think I could play at that level. But I am only 18; I’ve only played a few games and I’ve got so much to learn but I am looking forward to learning here.” It is often said that Liverpool teams are significantly better for having some kind of Scottish influence coursing through it and the club’s history is littered with men from north of the border who have gone on to become giants.

Unfortunately, there has been no Great Scot since Gary McAllister left at the end of the 2001/02 campaign but if Wilson can go on to enjoy half the impact of some of his illustrious compatriots, he will be in line for a stellar Anfield career. “I’m very aware of Liverpool’s standing within the game,” said Wilson, who could eventually cost the Reds £5m. “As soon as I heard there was interest I got very excited but, at the same time, I didn’t want to get ahead of myself. “But once I knew there was a chance of coming to this club, I thought to myself that I definitely would. Everybody knows Liverpool, no matter where you go in the world, as a football club and a city. “They have won five European Cups and 18 league titles and you

just can’t argue with a record like that. I’m just absolutely delighted to be here and I’m going to do all I can to make a success of things.” Wilson first pulled on a Red shirt in the 1-0 friendly defeat against Borussia Moenchengladbach and impressed with the maturity he showed on the ball, not to mention in his positional sense. He is, unquestionably, ambitious but Wilson is also a realist and knows he will have to spend time learning from the more experienced figures. Should opportunity knock however, he will be ready. “If you ask any player, they would rather play than not,” he said. “I’m not going to say I deserve to push out star players out of the team. I understand it will take a while but my aim is to do as well as I can.”

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Your essential guide to Liverpool FC’s 2010/11 season

‘Snake’ desperate to add attacking venom Jovanovic makes pledge to bring goals to Anfield

IVERPOOL fans grabbed the winner in by JAMES PEARCE would be forgiven Serbia’s group stage for not getting victory over Germany. Sports Reporter carried away by the Having agreed to sign acquisition of for the Reds when Rafa Madrid 18 months ago, Milan Jovanovic. Benitez was in the when Predrag Mijatovic Anfield hot-seat, there After all, the was the sporting memories are still fresh was some speculation director. I think 99 per from the last time the during the tournament cent of people said they Reds captured a foreign that the Spaniard’s did not understand why frontman in his late 20s departure could lead to I did it. on a free transfer. him reneging on the “If Real call, they say Andriy Voronin pre-contract agreement. arrived at Anfield in the you have to go. But But he put pen to maybe I am special. I summer of 2007 with paper on a three-year thought if I went there it deal following the high hopes following a would be as an ordinary appointment of Roy successful spell in player, but if I stayed in Germany with Bayer Hodgson and insists he Belgium, where I felt Leverkusen. never had any doubts good, then I was a star. However, within a about the move. “I have no regrets. I year the pony-tailed “Liverpool is one of turned them down Ukrainian had been the best clubs in the because I didn’t want to packed off on a world with a big be on the fringes. I will season-long loan to history,” Jovanovic said. never go somewhere Hertha Berlin and then “I knew this was one where I only get to play after returning to of the best opportunities Liverpool he was finally a small part. I’d get in my career. “I want to be happy sold to Dynamo Moscow “Rafa was manager somewhere, I want to be when I signed but the in last January’s part of the team, and I transfer window. His most important thing uninspiring for me was being Reds career at Liverpool. yielded just six “During the goals in 40 World Cup I appearances. received a lot of Sheffield United 0 Liverpool 1, August Jovanovic is calls from other 31, 1946 determined to clubs but I was A DRAMATIC last-minute goal from ensure history always coming debutant Len Carney was to ultimately isn’t about to here. I couldn’t prove priceless in the season for George repeat itself. wait to start Kay’s Liverpool side. The Serbia here.” The forward’s 90th minute strike on international, He may have the opening day earned them the two who had been Benitez’s points instead of one and the following previously signing but year they claimed their fifth League title spurned the Hodgson made no by just a single point over Manchester advances of Real secret of his United and Wolves. Madrid, says he delight at having hasn’t come to a player of am only looking forward Merseyside to stand on Jovanovic’s quality on to playing with the periphery and enjoy board. Liverpool. It will be a one last bumper pay day. hard competition for me Now the frontman After four impressive wants to repay the faith to get into the starting years at Standard Liege shown in him by the XI but I’ll try my best.” in Belgium, Jovanovic Reds’ new boss. Jovanovic, who can insists his best days lie “My main thing now play on the left wing or ahead and he is on a is to show Roy Hodgson up front, found the net mission to play a that the club hasn’t an impressive 52 times starring role for the in 114 matches for Liege. made an error in Reds. bringing me here,” he The fans’ favourite “Twenty-nine is not added. earned the nickname too old to join a big “The coach is ‘The Snake’ for his club,” he said. fantastic. He speaks movement and his goals “When I was 26, two very openly with us and helped them clinch two good clubs tried to sign tries to put across his Belgian titles. Back in me, and every year I January his efforts were ideas clearly. He might have gone to a recognised when he was emphasises a lot on bigger league. discipline. crowned the Jupiler “But I stayed at “I hope I will learn League’s Player of the Standard. I never cried. more. I accept the Year. I was very strong. I coach’s words and now Jovanovic further knew that if I was lucky, enhanced his reputation it is up to me to show the right move would him I really can do at the World Cup finals come eventually. everything he asks of in South Africa this “I turned down Real me.” summer when he

Carney drama

DETERMINED: Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic says he’s signed for Liverpool to score goals, not sit on the bench

JAMIE CARRAGHER

Position Defender Height 1.85 m Weight 83 kg D.O.B. 28 January 1978 Town of Birth Bootle Nationality English Total games 630 Total goals 5 ● A staple of Liverpool's defence since his debut in 1997, 'Carra' is the club's vice-captain, and seventh in the all-time appearance list. A living legend.

DAVID NGOG

Position Winger/Forward Height 1.90 m Weight 76 kg D.O.B. 1 April 1989 Town of Birth Gennevilliers Nationality French Total games 56 Total goals 11 ● Signed for the club as a 19-year-old in 2008, and led the line alone in Fernando Torres' absence for much of last season, the young Frenchman has a massive future in the game.

PEPE REINA

Position Goalkeeper Height 1.88 m Weight 92 kg D.O.B. 31 August 1982 Town of Birth Madrid Nationality Spanish Total games 259 Total goals 0 ● Has established himself as one of the world's top keepers since signing from Villarreal in 2005, breaking all kinds of records in the process. Hugely popular in the dressing room and the stands.

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Montage by Mike Price

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WELCOME TO ANFIELD

PAST CAN BE

JAY SPEARING

Position Midfielder Height 1.68 m Weight 70 kg D.O.B. 25 November 1988 Town of Birth Wirral Nationality English Total games 7 Total goals 0 ● A product of the Liverpool Academy, the diminutive Spearing has been at the club since the age of eight, and captained the Youth Cup win in 2007. Will be looking to break through this season.

Cisse strikes Tottenham Hotspur 1 Liverpool 1, August 14, 2004 FOLLOWING a 2-0 win over Graz AK in midweek, Liverpool kicked off their Premier League campaign under new manager Rafa Benitez by sharing the spoils at White Hart Lane. Frenchman Djibril Cisse netted his first goal for Liverpool to give the visitors the lead just before half-time only for Jermain Defoe to fire in an equaliser 13 minutes from time.

DAMIEN PLESSIS

Position Midfielder Height 1.93 m Weight 77 kg D.O.B. 5 March 1988 Town of Birth Nouvelle-aux-Bois Nationality French Total games 8 Total goals 1 ● A tall, ball-playing midfielder who made his debut against Arsenal in 2008. Plessis will look to break into the first team this season after a tough 2009/10.

KRISZTIAN NEMETH

Position Defender Height 1.79 m Weight 72 kg D.O.B. 5 January 1989 Town of Birth Gyor Nationality Hungarian Total games 0 Total goals 0 ● Signed from MTK Hungaria in 2007, the lively striker was a star for the title- winning reserve team back in 2008. Spent last season on loan at AEK Athens and likely to go out on loan once again.

RARING TO GO: Liverpool’s biggest signing of the summer, Joe Cole, limbers up in training for his new club

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Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Your essential guide to Liverpool FC’s 2010/11 season

REDS’ FUTURE The day a young Cole took Anfield by storm

CTOBER, 27 1999. Autumn is turning to winter and a crowd of 44,012 are packed inside Anfield for a Monday night match between Liverpool and West Ham. Gerard Houllier's men are leading an unremarkable contest 1-0 thanks to piece of opportunism from Titi Camara when the Hammers get a chance to breakaway; the ball falls to a young boy who looks as if he should be at home preparing for school rather than leading a fightback. As the attack moves towards the centre circle, with West Ham shooting into the Anfield Road end goal, suddenly this diminutive figure pirouettes in possession and in the blink of an eye three Liverpool defenders are left sprawling in his wake. Though the move breaks down, the majority of the crowd rises to acknowledge an outrageous piece of skill; 11 years on, Liverpool supporters are hoping such moments are about to become the norm after the man responsible for such impudence decided to become a Red. Joe Cole has been a thorn in Liverpool's side on plenty of occasions during the intervening period but now, following his free transfer move from Chelsea, he has a glorious opportunity to revive a career that some felt was in danger of stagnating. Given that Cole played a significant role in helping Chelsea to land the Premier League and FA Cup last season, it may seem odd to say such a thing but it is impossible to dispute the final 12 months of his time at Stamford Bridge was far from harmonious. Despite scoring a fabulous back-heel at Old Trafford, many felt boss Carlo Ancelotti was suspicious of Cole's talents and the player himself felt under significant pressure to produce magical moments at the drop of a hat. There will, of course, be pressure on him at Anfield but a full and frank discussion with Roy Hodgson left him in no doubt that when crunch time arrived for him to make a decision on his future, the best option, for so many different reasons, was to head to Merseyside. “I had a chat with the gaffer about football and was impressed with him,” Liverpool's new number 10 reflected. “The club has had Spanish and French managers over the last few years and I think it's a breath of fresh air to get an Englishman in. “The club finished seventh last year which wasn't good enough and he explained where the club wanted to go. I jumped on board because with the players we have here and

NABIL EL-ZHAR

Position Winger Height 1.70 m Weight 67 kg D.O.B. 27 August 1986 Town of Birth Ales Nationality Moroccan Total games 32 Total goals 1 ● The first ever Moroccan to play for Liverpool, El-Zhar has flirted with the first team since signing in October 2006. Could well go out on loan this season.

STEPHEN DARBY

GOOD TO TALK: Joe Cole gives his views to the media shortly after signing in at Anfield this summer

dominic

KING

the players we are looking to bring in, it's definitely going in the right direction. “A couple of years ago, I basically missed the full season and I missed the start of last season, too. I just never got a run in the side and it was only at the end that I felt fit. The most important thing for me is to string seven or eight 90 minute performances together and get comfortable in this team. “Last year I felt physically fine, it just always felt that I had to do more than I had to keep my place in the team. I've spoken to Roy and explained the type of player I am. I need to be playing 90 minutes but the more I do that, the more confidence I will get to play that one, key pass. “I don't want to be thinking I have got to play that one killer ball in the first 30 minutes or I will be coming off. Roy has given me that confidence. He believes in me. With time to settle and games to build my fitness up, I am sure I can get back

to the right levels and firing on all cylinders again.” Despite interest at various stages from Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham, Cole – who was aware that Liverpool first made plans to sign him back in January – has no doubts that leaving London was the correct thing to do. “I know I have made the right decision,” he insisted. “I could have stayed at Chelsea because the fans loved me and I won things. But I wanted to challenge myself and when I knew Liverpool were interested it was a no-brainer. “This is a massive club. I tried to take everything out of the equation, take the financial and location side out and just thought in football terms. I thought about the semi-final of the Champions League in 2005 when I ran onto the field and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. “I was thinking about playing in that atmosphere every week and that swung it for me. That's the thing I am looking forward to. You talk to Liverpool players and talk about the European nights. I experienced it as an opponent and it was immense. “To go out there and play in that atmosphere every week will be phenomenal. It's all about us and being together as a team and having the spirit which can take you

forward. If you add that to the quality players we've got here we can go do well, I'm sure.” Lively, affable and a natural optimist, Cole is confident last season's travails will be left well behind once the squad Hodgson has inherited – and reshaped – clicks into gear and his ambitions to add to a medal haul which includes three Premier Leagues and two FA Cups can be fulfilled. “I am used to playing with world class players,” said Cole, who also has 56 England caps to his name. “I am excited about playing with Fernando, who is as good as anyone out there. Obviously I know Stevie (Gerrard), Jamie Carragher and Glen Johnson from the England set-up. “Then you've got Pepe (Reina), Alberto Aquilani and Maxi Rodriguez. The names just roll off the tongue. The important thing is to keep everyone fit and if I can play football and keep fit, it will be great. I will need a little bit of time to settle in. “I know the fans are great with players if they give 100 per cent every game and that is what I am going to do. I am proud to be playing for this club and will give my all in every training session and every game to help the club be successful and put some pots in the trophy cabinet.”

Position Defender Height 1.74 m Weight 64 kg D.O.B. 6 October 1988 Town of Birth Liverpool Nationality English Total games 5 Total goals 0 ● Another Liverpool Academy product, Darby made his debut vs PSV Eindhoven in December 2008, and is looking to establish himself under new boss Roy Hodgson.

MARTIN SKRTEL

Position defender Height 1.91 m Weight 81 kg D.O.B. 15 December 1984 Town of Birth Handlova Nationality Slovakia Total games 79 Total goals 1 ● Formerly of Zenit St Petersburg, the Slovakian has been a regular throughout his three years on Merseyside. A tough, no-nonsense centre-half a another fans favourite.

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ONE LAST HURRAH? 33

JONJO SHELVEY

Position Midfielder Height 1.80 m Weight 70 kg D.O.B. 22 February 1992 Town of Birth Romford Nationality English Total games 0 Total goals 0 ● Signed from Charlton Athletic for £1.7m this summer, Shelvey is one of the brightest prospects in English football, his style of play often drawing comparisons with Steven Gerrard.

MARTIN KELLY

Position Defender Height 1.91 m Weight 77 kg D.O.B. 27 April 1990 Town of Birth Bolton Nationality English Total games 4 Total goals 0 ● Another youth team product, Kelly starred on his full debut against Lyon last season but injury wrecked his chances to progress. Looks set for a big future.

STEVEN IRWIN

Position Defender Height 1.73 m Weight 66 kg D.O.B. 29 September 1990 Town of Birth Liverpool Nationality English Total games 0 Total goals 0 ● A versatile youngster who can play across the defence or even in midfield, Irwin has captained the reserve team under John McMahon and is part of the next generation of Anfield talent.

Carra aware of expectations being sky high E

VERYTHING changes yet nothing is different; Liverpool Football Club has been radically overhauled since Jamie Carragher took part in his first professional training session 14 years ago but there is one constant. While three managers and dozens of players have come and gone since 1996 and Melwood – the Reds’ famed training retreat – has been revamped beyond recognition, the ethos around English football’s most successful institution has never altered. So when Carragher hears suggestions that – on the back of a wretched campaign which yielded 19 defeats and saw their place in the Champions League relinquished – Liverpool may have to lower expectations, his reply is typically forthright. “I’m pretty sure in my first year, we’d only just got a full-time physio,” Carragher, a veteran of 630 appearances, reflected. “Now, for example, we have got a massive sports science department. “But there is one thing that will never change. Liverpool will always be expected to do well and the pressure for us to be successful is just as intense as it was all those years ago; it might even be more. It will be like that for years to come.” Liverpool, after all, are the biggest story in town; whether it is talk about ownership matters, discussions about players or analysis of performances, interest in matters at Anfield has mushroomed since Carragher graduated out of the novice ranks. No matter that the club has been wrapped in a financial straightjacket for the past two years or the squad lacks the depth of some of their rivals, Carragher is well aware that when the first ball is kicked, none of those factors will matter. Great interest, of course, means great expectation but rather than worry about it proving to be a burden, he is confident it will be a catalyst for a revival; August 15 will see them start with a fresh page and the opportunity to atone. “We have got to look forward with great excitement,” said Carragher. “Last season never went well but we

Jamie determined to bring back happy days dominic

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have got to forget about it and put it behind us. Just like when Rafa Benitez and Gerard Houllier came in, everyone got a lift. “That’s just the way it is. We are not a club that changes manager every couple of years. But it’s not just that. We have made a couple of good signings, like Joe Cole. Not only that, two of the best players in the world have just committed their futures. “That is absolutely massive and has given everyone the kind of lift we needed. We have got to be positive and I see no reason why we can’t do well but the proof, as always, will be

provided by the performances we produce on the pitch.” Something they rarely did as a collective last season; the fall from second to seventh place was unsightly and caused huge disquiet yet Carragher does not think the rot which set in will prove terminal. As bad as Liverpool were last season, it was only after they lost to Chelsea at Anfield on May 2 that it became mathematically impossible to qualify for the Champions League, which suggests the ground they have to claw back is not that great. Provided Roy Hodgson does not find himself juggling the kind of injury problems that decimated Benitez’s final year at the helm and Liverpool’s abject away form is corrected, logic says they will be in the thick of a fight for a top four spot. “You have got to remember that right until the end, we were still in with a chance of getting into the top four,” Carragher pointed out. “It was a nightmare in so many ways but we still were not that far

PREPARATION: Players stretch their legs during training

away. I know people are writing us off and saying we have got no chance but I’ve no doubt that we will improve. “We are not the type of club that says we are going to do this or that. But now is the time for everyone to come together again and show that we can leave last year’s form well behind. There will be new ideas, different voices on the training ground and all that helps.” If there is a spring in Carragher’s step and an enthusiasm in his words, it comes from the fact he knows that apart from helping Liverpool recover as a collective, there is also a personal battle to win. With only four months to go before he celebrates his 33rd birthday, critics will be wondering how much life there is in his legs or if Hodgson considers easing him out to use a central defensive axis of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel. Yet to think he will accept a bit-part role is inconceivable; flick through the pages of any Liverpool history book and you will see there is a chance he will move up to second place in the list of the club’s all time appearances if he stays free from injury. Reputation alone, however, will not convince Hodgson to stick with Carragher and the man himself knows that. “You never know what might happen,” said Carragher. “Last year after a few games, the whole world had written me off and said I was finished. “But in the second half of the season, along with (Javier) Mascherano and Pepe (Reina), I was probably one of the most consistent players and when you look at how the defence played, we managed to keep 18 clean sheets. “That’s gone now and you have to do it all again. There is going to be a challenge and it has always been the case that players will want to take your place but you just have to be ready for the challenge. “I played every week for Rafa for six years but I’ve got to prove myself again. Even if Rafa had still been here that would have been the case. There will be a time when I don’t play 50 games a season but I’ve no intention of it happening this year.”

★★★★

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Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Your essential guide to Liverpool FC’s 2010/11 season

First of many Liverpool 3 Blackburn Rovers 0, September 1, 1900 A COMFORTABLE win over their Lancashire rivals on the opening day of the 1900-01 season set Liverpool on their way to the first of their record-equalling 18 League Championships. A crowd of 20,000 was at Anfield to see first-half strikes from Tom Robertson and Charles Satterthwaite put the hosts in command. A late goal from Sam Raybould wrapped up the two points.

LAURI DALLA VALLE

Position Forward Height 180cm Weight 73 kg D.O.B. 14 September 1991 Town of Birth Kontiolahti Nationality Finnish Total games 0 Total goals 0 ● The young Finn has long been the talisman for Liverpool's Academy side, and is set to step up to the reserves this season under John McMahon.

NATHAN ECCLESTON

Position Forward Height 1.78 m Weight 66 kg D.O.B. 30 December 1990 Town of Birth Manchester Nationality English Total games 2 Total goals 0 ● The pacy Manchester-born forward made his first team debut against Arsenal last season, after excelling for the Reserve team. Quick but also with bags of talent, he knows where the goal is.

DANIEL AYALA

UP FOR THE FIGHT: Jamie Carragher is relishing the new season

Position Defender Height 1.91 m Weight 84 kg D.O.B. 7 November 1990 Town of Birth Seville Nationality Spanish Total games 5 Total goals 0 ● Plucked from Sevilla as a youngster, Ayala broke into the first team last season after a string of impressive performances at both youth and Reserve team levels.

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THE ROAD TO DUBLIN 41

MARTIN HANSEN

Position Goalkeeper Height 1.88 m Weight 79 kg D.O.B. 15 June 1990 Town of Birth N/A Nationality Denmark Total games 0 Total goals 0 ● Danish youth international goalkeeper Martin Hansen joined the Reds from Brondby in the summer of 2006. Yet to make the breakthrough, he’s proven to have safe hands at Reserve level.

PETER GULACSI

Position Goalkeeper Height 1.91 m Weight 83 kg D.O.B. 6 May 1990 Town of Birth Budapest Nationality Hungarian Total games 0 Total goals 0 ● Hungary Under-21 keeper Gulacsi signed for Liverpool in August 2008 after a successful year on loan.

Lucas aims to be Euro lucky charm

Midfielder has eyes on Europa final in Dublin

F EVERYTHING goes to plan the competition after failing to by JAMES PEARCE Liverpool will be striding out in progress from the group stage of the Sports Reporter Dublin for the Europa League Champions League for the first time final on May 18 next year. in six years. Liverpool,” Lucas said. However, the road to the Aviva They responded positively as they “It is not the Champions League Stadium in the Irish capital for Roy defeated Unirea Urziceni and Lille and we have to get used to it but it Hodgson’s men promises to be long before overturning a 1-0 first leg is still a competition that we want and winding. deficit against Benfica with a to win, even if there is such a long The Reds will have to battle memorable 4-1 home victory. way to go. through a staggering 19 matches if However, the dream ended in the “Personally, I they are going to triumph in UEFA’s semis against enjoyed the secondary club competition. Atletico and as competition And the final takes place some Liverpool’s last season and 293 days after their European players lay it was just such campaign began in the Macedonian prostrate on Liverpool 8 Higher Walton 0, a shame that capital of Skopje against FK the Anfield September 3, 1892 we didn’t go all Rabotnicki. turf there was LIVERPOOL’S illustrious history began the way. We The Europa League carries no convincing emphatically when they thrashed Higher were so close to neither the prestige nor the Jamie Walton in their first-ever competitive the final but it financial rewards on offer in the Carragher that match. just did not Champions League. the Europa Jonathan Cameron, Joe McQue and happen for us. It means playing on Thursday League isn’t John Smith all struck twice while The way we nights in some of the continent’s worth teammates James McBride and Malcolm went out backwaters and having countless winning. McVean were also on target in the against league fixtures shifted back to “It is still a Lancashire League game. Atletico Sundays. chance to win summed It will also place a real strain on silverware and everything up – the club’s playing resources as there are some a late goal in extra time. Hodgson, who led Fulham to last great teams in it,” Carragher said. “The Europa League is very year’s final, looks to secure “From the moment we went into important to us because we have got the competition last season, I was progress in Europe without to try and win a title of some sort.” jeopardising the Reds’ push for a absolutely desperate to win it. You Last season the Reds dropped into never know which final is going to top four finish in the Premier League. That all begs the question, is the Europa League really worth the hassle? THE AVIVA Stadium is It hosts international time Ireland has hosted The answer from Liverpool built on the site of the rugby and football a European club final. midfielder Lucas is emphatic. old Lansdowne Road fixtures and is Ireland’s Due to UEFA rules Having come so close last ground in Dublin. only UEFA Elite against corporate season, when a late strike from It was opened in May Stadium. sponsorship outside the Atletico Madrid’s Diego Forlan this year at a cost of Excitement is already federation, for the final at Anfield dumped them out in £340million and has an growing ahead of next the stadium will be the semi-finals, the Brazilian is all-seater capacity of May’s Europa League referred to as the relishing another shot at it. 50,000. final as it will be the first ‘Dublin Arena’. “Europe is so important to

Walton blitzed

Irish are smiling ahead of next year’s final

be your last. Four years is too long for Liverpool to go without winning a trophy. “The Premier League and Champions League are notoriously difficult to win, so if you get a chance to win something else, be it the Carling Cup or whatever, you have got to take it seriously.” Carragher and skipper Steven Gerrard were part of the Liverpool side who lifted the UEFA Cup in 2001 after a remarkable 5-4 victory against Spanish side Alaves. The win completed the club’s famous cup treble and is one of the highlights of Carragher’s career. “At the time I was more interested in winning the FA Cup but looking back I would have to say the UEFA Cup was the bigger achievement,” Carragher added. “How many players get to win European trophies in their career? Someone has got to win the FA Cup every season but how often do English clubs get to the final of European competitions? “When we played in it under Gerard Houllier, the competition was probably a bit stronger than it is now. The Champions League had not expanded but we were still able to do the business. “Everyone accepts that the Champions League is bigger than the Europa League but it is still a brilliant competition to win.” Having only finished seventh in the league last season, Liverpool are only in Europe after the FA and the Premier League refused to grant cash-strapped Portsmouth a UEFA licence. Now the challenge is to make the most of their opportunity.

BRAND NEW: The Aviva Stadium in Dublin

VICTOR PALSSON

Position Midfielder Height 1.67m Weight 76 kg D.O.B. 30 April 1991 Town of Birth Reykjavik Nationality Icelandic Total games 0 Total goals 0 ● Icelandic midfielder Victor Palsson made the move to Merseyside from Danish outfit AGF Aarhus in January 2009. Tasted first team football this summer during pre-season.

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Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Your essential guide to Liverpool FC’s 2010/11 season by NEIL JONES

Sports Reporter

T TAKES around 90 days to build up, but the optimism of a football fan can just as easily be dashed in the space of 90 minutes these days. A summer spent dreaming of glory can quickly turn into a season spent fearing the worst; such is the “need it now” nature of the modern game. Accordingly, much of the build-up to the eagerly-awaited Premier League kick-off will centre on the need for sides to make a good/solid/strong/flying start to the campaign. Liverpool will entertain Arsenal at Anfield on August 15 hoping to hit the ground running under new manager Roy Hodgson. But just how important is it to do so? Last season, the opening weekend brought with it talk of a title-challenge, but ended in little more than a rude awakening. Liverpool went down 2-1 at Tottenham – the side who would eventually elbow the Reds out of the top-four. A poor pre-season was allowed to leak into the new campaign; the Reds’ flat, lifeless display at White Hart Lane was an alarming precursor to a season which never got going, and ended with them languishing in seventh place. Aston Villa would leave Anfield with victory a fortnight later and Rafa Benitez’s side – despite a six-game winning streak in September – never truly recovered. The strange thing is Liverpool under Benitez traditionally enjoyed reasonable starts, often struggling more throughout late autumn and winter. The Spurs reverse was the only time in the Spaniard’s six years on Merseyside that the Reds lost their opening league fixture. In 2007 they began the season with a run of 14 games undefeated, before a 3-1 reverse at Reading in early December triggered a collapse. They would record just two league victories between December 2 and February 2. A year later, it was a similar tale. Benitez’s side went ten games unbeaten until a defeat at struggling Tottenham on November 1, but would see their title challenge unravel with a string of costly draws – especially at Anfield. They ended the season four points behind Manchester United – who had begun the campaign slowly, with just one win in their opening four games. Indeed, strong starts seem to be something of a Liverpool forte; last season’s opening day defeat was only the fourth time the Reds have been beaten on the opening weekend in the last 34 years. Joe Fagan, Kenny Dalglish and Roy Evans were all unbeaten in opening day fixtures. But there is little guarantee that a strong start can be maintained. In 1990/91 for example, Dalglish guided his reigning league champions to a record-breaking eight straight wins to open the season. Liverpool’s first defeat came on December 2, in their 15th game. Ominously, however, that defeat came at Arsenal, who would go on to overhaul the Reds in the second half of the season, winning the title by seven points. Dalglish would resign in February of that season, and Liverpool, of course, have not won the league since. Three years later, Dalglish’s replacement – Graeme Souness – would also depart mid-season,

THOMAS INCE

Position Winger Height 1.78m Weight 68 kg D.O.B. 30 January 1992 Town of Birth Stockport Nationality English Total games 0 Total goals 0 ● Son of former Liverpool star Paul, young Ince has excelled with his fleet-footed wing-play for Liverpool's Academy sides. Also knows how to score.

WE’RE BACK: Liverpool return to Premier League action when they entertain Arsenal this weekend

Slow start is best avoided

...but setting pace no guarantee of glory

despite a strong start in which the (then set by Leeds in 1973/74 but Reds won four of their opening five since beaten by Arsenal in 2003/04) games; hinting at a title challenge of 29 games unbeaten at the start of a before season. imploding as Ultimately it autumn turned would be, of all to winter. If a teams, Everton Tottenham Hotspur 2 Liverpool 1, bad start should who would not be treated as August 16, 2009 bring an end to IN what was to be a very disappointing a disaster, then that run, but campaign for Liverpool, they fell to an equally a good Liverpool opening day defeat at Spurs in front of one should not would have the 35,935 fans. be met with too last laugh as A piledriver of a strike from Benoit much euphoria. they romped to Assou-Ekotto gave Tottenham the lead in Obviously the the title, the first-half. Steven Gerrard levelled alternative despite a late proceedings from the penalty spot after scenario is that wobble. 56 minutes but the home side secured all a strong start How Roy three points thanks to Sebastien Bassong’s Hodgson would enables a side to gain momentum header just three minutes later. love a similar and confidence, start to his which can see them through to a reign at Anfield. The former Fulham successful season. Liverpool in boss has been dealt a tricky set of 1987/88 equalled a top-flight record fixtures to begin with; after hosting

First day loss

Arsenal in the opening weekend’s standout clash, Liverpool must travel to free-spending Manchester City the following week, and face big games with Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea in their opening ten matches. Hodgson would do well to take heart from the early results of some of the Reds’ greatest ever managers; Bill Shankly, for example, lost two of his first three fixtures – and heavily, too – after taking over from Phil Taylor in December 1959, whilst Liverpool started so slowly under Kenny Dalglish in 1985/86 that Alan Hansen claimed the side was the worst he’d played in. They went on to win the Double that season. It will give Hodgson heart to note that history shows a sluggish start need not be fatal to a side’s chances. After all, you get nothing for being top of the table in August.

DANI PACHECO

Position Forward Height 1.68 m Weight 65 kg D.O.B. 5 January 1991 Town of Birth Malaga Nationality Spanish Total games 7 Total goals 0 ● Spanish starlet Pacheco signed from Barcelona's fabled La Masia academy in 2007, and has starred for Spain's U19 team at this summer's European Championships.

JACK ROBINSON

Position Defender Height 1.68 m Weight 67 kg D.O.B. 1 September 1993 Town of Birth Liverpool Nationality English Total games 1 Total goals 0 ● Left-back Robinson became Liverpool's youngest ever player when making his debut at Hull in the last game of last season. A massive leap from Academy into the full senior squad.

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★★★★

Liverpool FC 2010/11 fixtures August

15 Arsenal (h)16:00 SKY 19 Trabzonspor (h) 19:45 EL 23 Manchester City (a) 20:00 SKY 26 Trabzonspor (a) 19:45 EL 29 West Brom (h)15:00

September

January

1 Bolton (h)15:00 5 Blackburn (a)20:00 8 FA Cup R3 TBC 12 Carling Cup SF 1st leg TBC 15 Everton (h)15:00 22 Wolverhampton (a)15:00 26 Carling Cup SF 2nd leg TBC 29 FA Cup R4 TBC

12 Birmingham (a)16:00 SKY 15 Europa League group game TBC 19 Manchester United (a)13:30 SKY 2 Stoke City (h)20:00 22 Carling Cup R3 TBC 5 Chelsea (a)15:00 25 Sunderland (h)15:00 30 Europa League group game TBC 12 Wigan Athletic (h)15:00 17 Europa League Last 32 TBC 19 FA Cup R5 TBC 2 Blackpool (h)15:00 24 Europa League Last 32 TBC 17 Everton (a)13:30 SKY 26 West Ham (a)15:00 21 Europa League group game TBC 27 Carling Cup final TBC 23 Blackburn (h)15:00 27 Carling Cup R4 TBC 5 Manchester United (h)15:00 31 Bolton (a)13:30 SKY 10 Europa League Last 16 TBC 12 FA Cup QF TBC 4 Europa League group game TBC 17 Europa League Last 16 TBC 7 Chelsea (h)16:00 SKY 19 Sunderland (a)15:00 10 Wigan Athletic (a)19:45 13 Stoke City (a)17:30 ESPN 2 West Brom (a)15:00 20 West Ham (h)17:30 ESPN 7 Europa League QF TBC 28 Tottenham (a)16:00 SKY 10 Manchester City (h)15:00 14 Europa League QF TBC 1 Carling Cup QF TBC 16 Arsenal (a)15:00 2 Europa League group game TBC 17 FA Cup SF TBC 4 Aston Villa (h)15:00 23 Birmingham (h)15:00 11 Newcastle (a)15:00 28 Europa League SF TBC 16 Europa League group game TBC 30 Newcastle (h)15:00 18 Fulham (h)15:00 26 Blackpool (a)15:00 5 Europa League SF TBC 28 Wolverhampton (h)15:00 7 Fulham (a)15:00 14 FA Cup final TBC 14 Tottenham (h)15:00 18 Europa League final TBC 22 Aston Villa (a)16:00

February

October

March

November

April

December

May

Liverpool special designed by Nick Peet; Reds openers researched by Paul Snowdon