Liverpool FC preseason 2013 by Liverpool Post & Echo

LIVERPOOL 1 3 / 14 S U

L P GERRARD Another year, another milestone

James Pearce previews Rodgers’ second season

Stepping into Carra’s boots

MACCA Ex-Reds star on the young guns

Pl qu us iz ful an l fi m d xt or m ur e uc es h ,

KICKING ON

TOURE

Onwards... Liverpool FC 2013/14

Inside...

4/5

Why Steven Gerrard is as crucial to Liverpool as he’s ever been... if not more

6/7 Former Red Steve McManaman on the Scouse pride in the Anfield dressing room

8/9

Pullout Reds poster – with up-to-date fixtures

10/ 11 12/13 14/15

David James on the task facing Simon Mignolet

Kolo Toure – the new rock at the heart of the Reds’ defence

In case you missed it... every Reds pre-season game reviewed

Become a pub bore with Reds stats galore

HE bar has been raised and Brendan Rodgers doesn’t need telling that more will be expected from his Liverpool side in 2013/14. During a rollercoaster first season at the helm he wasn’t burdened with targets as he got to grips with the size of the challenge facing him at ES Anfield. M Rodgers was rightly A E afforded both time Y ARC and patience by owners and E supporters alike which was rewarded with the Reds’ strong finish to the campaign after such a wretched start. Seventh place with 61 points represented steady, if unspectacular progress, during a season of transition – one place and nine points better off than a year earlier. However, this time around the pressure has been cranked up. Twelve months after declaring ‘we don’t expect miracles overnight,’ principal owner John W Henry has admitted that he now expects to see Liverpool competing for a Champions League spot. Rodgers is tasked with securing the prized top four finish which would end the Reds’ painful four-year absence from Europe’s elite. It’s a mission the Northern Irishman hasn’t shied away from as he looks to build on the foundations laid in 2012/13. “The Champions League is a competition we’re fighting to get in,” he said. “The great name of Liverpool dictates that we should be in that competition. There’s no other measure for us. “The challenge is very difficult because of the competitors but I believe we can put up a great fight this year. Let’s hope we can get back to where the club belongs.” It won’t be easy. The longer you are stuck outside the Champions League, the tougher it gets to force your way back in. Rodgers has found that to his cost during a summer when Liverpool have struggled to Pre-season attract their top transfer targets was positive and seen their prized asset demand for Brendan a move to Arsenal. Rodgers’ Trying to predict with any squad – but certainty what the next nine the antics of months has in store for the Reds is Luis Suarez tough because there are so many threatened to imponderables. derail the The Luis Suarez saga has good work dominated the agenda throughout pre-season and how that damaging episode will play out is still anyone’s guess.

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The club’s hardline stance has been rightly praised with Henry adamant that Suarez is going nowhere – but uncertainty still reigns. The Uruguayan has alienated those fans who stood by him and been banished to train on his own as a result of his poor attitude and public attack on Rodgers. Liverpool insist there is a road to redemption but whether Suarez agrees to walk down it is another matter.

The bottom line is that last season’s 30-goal top scorer is bitter and disillusioned at being kept at Anfield against his will. He will miss the opening six matches due to suspension but will his exile continue beyond that? Will he really issue the grovelling apology Rodgers has demanded and knuckle down? How Liverpool need him to take out his anger on Premier League defenders and reproduce the blistering form he showed prior to sinking his teeth into Branislav Ivanovic. What is undeniable is that all the acrimony has dented the positivity and momentum generated in the second half of last season. With Suarez missing until late September at the earliest, there will be greater responsibility on the shoulders of Daniel Sturridge to lead the line. The £12million man

was a revelation after his January move from Chelsea – firing 10 Premier League goals for Liverpool in just 13 appearances and breaking a club record held by Robbie Fowler and Fernando Torres. Yet he missed most of pre-season as he recovered from an ankle injury and has had precious little football under his belt ahead of the big kick-off. Rodgers had wanted another potent attacking threat on board but Liverpool failed in big money moves for both Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Diego Costa. Instead the boss must hope that Fabio Borini comes to the party after a wretched injury-plagued first season at Anfield and that new boy Iago Aspas adapts quickly to the demands of English football. Aspas has shown promise with four goals in the friendlies following his £7million switch from Celta

Liverpool FC 2013/14

and UPWARDS Liverpool 2012/13

Win percentage: 42% Average possession: 57% Pass completion: 84%

Opponents’ pass completion: 79% Chance conversion: 13% Opponents’ chance conversion: 13%

Vigo but he needs to spend more hours in the gym. There have been flashes of class from fellow Spaniard Luis Alberto but the £6.8million buy from Sevilla is viewed more as one for the future. The signing of Kolo Toure on a free transfer from Manchester City looks inspired with the Ivorian having been hugely impressive during pre-season. His wealth of experience and defensive qualities will be crucial as the Reds come to terms with the retirement of Jamie Carragher. Rodgers has taken some big decisions, most notably the £9million purchase of keeper Simon Mignolet from Sunderland, which was followed by Pepe Reina being packed off to Napoli on a season-long loan. Ending Reina’s eight-year reign as Anfield No. 1 was a bold call. For

“Rodgers is tasked with securing the top four finish which would end the Reds’ painful four-year absence from Europe’s elite.”

all the talk of Reina’s flirtation with Barcelona and the club’s desire to get his £110,000-a-week salary off the wage bill, the bottom line is Rodgers believes the 25-year-old Belgian represents a safer pair of hands. After initially earning praise for getting business done early, there has been frustration among fans at the Reds’ inactivity since early July. They still haven’t got the dominant centre-back Rodgers had targeted with no joy in their pursuit of Schalke’s Kyriakos Papadopoulos. With Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates both out of favour, the lack of depth there remains a concern. That early summer outlay of around £23million has been comfortably recouped with the sales of Andy Carroll (£15m, West Ham), Jonjo Shelvey (£5m, Swansea City), Jay Spearing (£1.5m, Bolton)

and Stewart Downing (£6m, West Ham). Fringe players Peter Gulacsi and Danny Wilson have moved on, while youngsters Conor Coady, Jack Robinson, Michael Ngoo, Suso and Krisztian Adorjan have all headed out on loan. A squad Rodgers bemoaned as too thin last season has actually shrunk further and a couple of high quality reinforcements before the window shuts is vital. Yet there has been plenty to admire over the course of pre-season. Philippe Coutinho has carried on where he left off in May and the gifted Brazilian has the ability to light up the top flight this season. Skipper Steven Gerrard looks fit and strong following shoulder surgery and Lucas Leiva has shown signs of getting back to the level he

was at before his cruciate injury. Teenage wingers Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe both showcased their exciting potential as the Reds rattled off six straight friendly wins prior to last weekend’s defeat to Celtic. If Liverpool are going to make a charge for the top four then a flying start is absolutely crucial. A year ago they stumbled out of the blocks, didn’t win a league game until late September and were cut adrift. Back then pre-season had been hampered by the late return of players following Euro 2012, they were still adapting to a new style of play and transfer deadline day was a mess with Carroll going to West Ham on loan and not being replaced. The fixture list also did them no favours but this time they are much better placed and can have no such complaints.

In their opening nine league games Liverpool face just one club who finished in the top six last season – Manchester United at home. That highly-charged fixture will represent an early chance for the Reds to prove they aren’t simply flat-track bullies. The manner in which thrashings were dished out to the likes of Norwich, Swansea, Wigan and Newcastle last term showcased some stunning attacking football, but in the 12 games against top six clubs the Reds won just once. That record must be radically improved. With no European football on the agenda, better will also be expected in the domestic cups after last season’s early exits. Rodgers knows that expectations are now greater. It’s time to push on.

Follow the Liverpool FC 2013/14

SUMMER of change at Anfield has only served to reinforce the enduring importance of Steven Gerrard to Liverpool Football Club. The Reds may have lost half their Scouse heartbeat following Jamie Carragher’s retirement but the skipper is fit and ready to lead the charge once again. When Gerrard put pen to paper on a new contract to extend his Liverpool career until 2015, Brendan Rodgers described it as the club’s most significant signing of the transfer window. Anfield recently celebrated Gerrard’s glorious past with his richly deserved testimonial against Olympiacos but it’s the future which excites his manager. “He’s 33 now but Steven is still an integral part of what I’m trying to do here,” Rodgers said. “He’s an icon here at the football club for both the players and the supporters. “Steven is a top player whose hunger and desire for Liverpool to succeed is remarkable. To work with him is a huge pleasure and privilege. “I think he’s still got a good few years left yet. His level of performance last year was outstanding. He will continue to be influential. He’s an incredible talent. “He is still, for me, the best passer of a ball in the Premier League. His role is to make the team tick.” Gerrard played a pivotal part in the Reds’ revival under Rodgers in the second half of the 2012/13 campaign. He made 36 successive Premier League starts before finally succumbing to a niggling shoulder injury which required surgery in May. He worked tirelessly to get back ahead of schedule and has enjoyed a full pre-season ahead of his 16th campaign of first-team duty. More personal landmarks await. In October it will be a decade since Gerard Houllier handed him the captaincy and he will become the longest-serving skipper in the club’s 121-year history. Gerrard will beat the mark set by Scotland international Alex Raisbeck, who wore the armband from 1899 to 1909. Currently eighth in the club’s all-time appearance list on 630 games, he’s set to climb above the likes of Tommy Smith, Phil Neal, Ian Rush, Emlyn Hughes and Ray Clemence over the next nine months. He is also only two goals away from securing a century of Premier League strikes. Typically, the talismanic midfielder is more interested in the mission of trying to restore Liverpool to Europe’s elite. “Personal achievements are nice but my main focus is achieving stuff with the team,” he said. “I want to win a couple more trophies before I hang my boots up and try to get this club back in the Champions League. “The form we showed from January onwards gives me confidence we can compete for the top four this season. “There is certainly the basis here for a top team and we have a good manager who has got us playing the right way. The talent is certainly there, now we just have to deliver.” Carragher will be watching events unfold with interest from his pundit’s chair in the Sky Sports studio. The Kop legend believes there are plenty more chapters to be written in his close friend’s career. Rodgers utilised the captain’s talents in a deeper midfield role for much of last season and Carragher

LEADER Steven Gerrard 2012/13 Minutes played: 3,223 Goals: 9 Pass completion: 86% Assists: 9 Chances created: 56 Interceptions: 53

Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher play together for the last time, in the skipper’s testimonial against Olympiacos

ES M JA RCE Y B EA P

is convinced Gerrard could play there well beyond the end of his current deal. “I know Stevie’s got two years left on his contract but I can honestly see him playing for another couple of years after that as well,” Carragher said. “He would have to become the sitter, the quarter-back if you like, pinging passes from that position. “Look at the goal at home to Sunderland last season when he hit

England captain Gerrard received his 100th cap from Peter Shilton in February – more milestones await this season

a 60-yard pass from inside his own half for Luis Suarez to score. “That’s the type of role we’re talking about. Getting the ball in those type of areas off the back four and dictating the game. “As time goes on you might not see that box-to-box Steven Gerrard we’ve seen over the years. “But he can change his game and still have a huge impact on matches. “I’ve always said Stevie’s one strength is he has no weakness. He

can do the lot.” With Carragher having hung up his boots and Pepe Reina having been packed off on loan to Napoli, Gerrard’s experience and leadership qualities will be more important than ever. The captain has lost two trusted lieutenants in the dressing room but Carragher wants to see others come to the fore and ease the burden on Gerrard. “There are people who should be

stepping up to the mark and looking to embrace the role of a leader,” Carragher said. “Obviously, Daniel Agger has been made vice-captain and it’s not new to him as he’s already captain of his country. “Glen Johnson plays every game for England and Lucas Leiva is a Brazil international. “Myself or Pepe might not be there any more but that should give players like that a bit more confidence to

Liverpool FC 2013/14

The squad

Most games for Liverpool

1. Brad Jones 2. Glen Johnson 3. Jose Enrique 4. Kolo Toure 5. Daniel Agger (vc) 6. Luis Alberto 7. Luis Suarez 8. Steven Gerrard (c) 9. Iago Aspas 10. Philippe Coutinho 11. Oussama Assaidi 14. Jordan Henderson 15. Daniel Sturridge 16. Sebastian Coates 21. Lucas Leiva

Most goals for Liverpool 1. Ian Rush – 346 2. Roger Hunt – 286 3. Gordon Hodgson – 241 4. Billy Liddell – 228 5. Robbie Fowler – 183 6. Kenny Dalglish – 172 7. Steven Gerrard – 159 8. Michael Owen – 158 9. Harry Chambers – 151 10. Jack Parkinson – 130

22. Simon Mignolet 24. Joe Allen 29. Fabio Borini 31. Raheem Sterling 34. Martin Kelly 36. Samed Yesil 38. Jon Flanagan 43. Ryan McLaughlin 44. Jordon Ibe 45. Stephen Sama 47. Andre Wisdom 48. Jerome Sinclair 50. Adam Morgan 51. Lloyd Jones 52. Danny Ward

GK MF FW FW DF FW DF DF FW DF DF FW FW DF GK

CREAM OF THE KOP

1. Ian Callaghan – 857 2. Jamie Carragher – 737 3= Ray Clemence – 665 3= Emlyn Hughes – 665

5. Ian Rush – 660 6. Phil Neal – 650 7. Tommy Smith – 638 8. Steven Gerrard – 629 9. Bruce Grobbelaar – 628 10. Alan Hansen – 620

GK DF DF DF DF MF FW MF FW MF FW MF FW DF MF

Liverpool to finish above Everton Liverpool to finish in the Top 4 Liverpool to finish above Man Utd Liverpool to be the highest placed North West club

1/3 2/1 15/2 16/1

Liverpool to finish higher than Man Utd, Man City and Everton.

Who will be Liverpool’s top goalscorer? 6/4 7/4 9/2 15/2 8/1

Luis Suarez Daniel Sturridge Iago Aspas Phillippe Coutinho Steven Gerrard

Fabio Borini Raheem Sterling Jordan Henderson Stewart Downing

9/1 33/1 50/1 66/1

Dead heat rules apply.

All above markets are for the EPL 2013/2014 season

Liverpool’s fans showed exactly what they thought of Gerrard during his well-deserved testimonial

stand up for themselves and have a bit more to say. “If you want to be a top player, it’s not just about ability, you have to become a leader as well. That always enhances your game. “There are different types of leaders. You can lead by the way you play or how you talk. As the season goes on I think you’ll see more from certain players as they feel they are more important for the team.”

Gerrard’s testimonial showcased the close bond which exists between the player and the Kop. The thunderous ovation on his lap of honour was a thank-you for 15 years of complete dedication to the cause. He has provided the inspiration for so many memorable triumphs, rescued so many lost causes. The responsibility heaped on his shoulders as Liverpool prepare to kick-off the 2013/14 campaign remains great – but Gerrard

wouldn’t want it any other way. “I think that pressure helps with your own performances and your own form because you are always striving for the top,” he said. “When you have that relationship you don’t want to let the fans down. You want to maintain a high standard every time you go out and play. “I don’t think I would enjoy it if I played at a club where there wasn’t the same demands.”

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The power of Liverpool FC 2013/14

F ALL the photographs taken during Steve McManaman’s illustrious footballing career, there is one, from 1999, which never fails to bring a smile to his face. It features McManaman, in his prime and sporting his trademark flowing locks, alongside seven Liverpool team-mates – Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, Dominic Matteo, David Thompson and Stephen Wright. All eight had worked their way through the youth team ranks, all had Liverpool in their heart, and all had made the jump to first team during a rich, eight-year spell at Anfield. On one occasion, against Celta Vigo in the UEFA Cup, seven of those eight (McManaman, ironically, was suspended) featured in the same first-team squad, with another Scouser, Jason McAteer, also involved. Two more, Danny Murphy and Steve Harkness, were signed by the club as teenagers, developing in the youth team before stepping up to senior level. “That probably won’t happen again,” admits McManaman, now settling into his role as a pundit for the newly-launched BT Sports channel. “We had eight youth-team players playing in the first team, and that’s before you even consider the likes of Danny Murphy, Steve Harkness or Jamie Redknapp, who were signed as young lads and grew up as footballers at EIL Liverpool. It’s incredible to think Y NES that was only, what, 15 years ago.” O McMananaman, of course, was the first of that crop to emerge at Liverpool, making his senior debut in December 1990, and going on to represent the club 364 times before leaving for Real Madrid. And he is watching with interest the development of a new bunch of young talents at Anfield. Steve Necessity has played its McManaman part, but Brendan Rodgers’ with Robbie first, troubled season at Fowler and Liverpool saw three teenagers Jamie – Raheem Sterling, Suso and Carragher Andre Wisdom – make a total of 75 senior appearances between them. Meanwhile, the likes of Jordon Ibe, Conor Coady, Lloyd Jones, Stephen Sama, Samed Yesil, Adam Morgan and Jerome Sinclair all featured with the first team at various stages. Liverpool fielded, on average, the youngest starting line-up in the Premier League. Few things excite supporters like

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a young talent making his way up through the ranks, free of pressure, devoid of ego, untarnished by the cynical, money-driven nature of the sport. McManaman, naturally, is enthused by Liverpool’s youth-friendly policy. “I think it is absolutely fantastic when the club brings players through,” he says. “What happened when I was playing, where we had eight or nine Scousers in the same squad, probably isn’t going to happen again. “It’s getting harder and harder to

do that because the world is a smaller, more competitive place, and rather than investing in your own, you can go and get people from here, there and everywhere, which is what everyone else does. “I have to say, I appreciate it more when I see one of the local lads coming through, and I think the fans do too. I think it makes it a little bit warmer for supporters to see one of their own representing the city and the club.” The likes of Sterling, of course, do not, technically speaking, qualify as ‘local’ products. Signed

from QPR as a schoolboy, the Jamaica-born winger has flourished at Anfield and, free of the niggling injuries which stopped him in his tracks last season, is being tipped for a big campaign this time around, with Ibe, 12 months his junior, already breathing down his neck following an excellent showing in pre-season. “People need to understand that, God bless them, these are only young kids,” says McManaman. “Raheem Sterling is 18-years-old, a boy, and so we have to give him

lots of time to develop and learn to pick the right ball at the right time. “The fans know. They’re not stupid. They know Raheem is not John Barnes, who was signed as a bona fide superstar, so they don’t expect him to be an absolute genius straight away. “The main thing is that he keeps developing, keeps improving, and hopefully turns into the fully-fledged superstar that everybody wants him to be. “It’s the same with Jordon Ibe. He’s played for Wycombe at senior level, but he’s so young. He

YOUTH

Liverpool FC 2013/14

Age: 18 Position: Winger First team appearances: 1 Quick, two-footed and skilful, Ibe made his Reds debut on the final day of the season against QPR, and shone in the U18s’ run to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup. Looking to follow in the footsteps of Raheem Sterling in the next 12 months, and has enjoyed a prominent role in the Reds' pre-season campaign.

FIVE to watch

1 2 Who scored Liverpool’s first goal in the Premier League last season?

Name the Reds’ three Group A opponents in the Europa League.

Age: 16 Position: Central midfielder First team appearances: 0 Established himself as an U18 mainstay aged just 15, and possesses a maturity and composure in possession which belies his years. Already captain of England’s U17 team, though Academy coaches are keen to ensure his development stays under the radar for the time being.

Age: 16 Position: Striker First team appearances: 1 Blessed with physicality as well as subtlety, Sinclair has made a big impact with the club’s U18 team, and became the Reds’ youngest ever first-teamer when featuring against West Brom, his former club, in the Capital One Cup last season. Injuries have hampered him of late, but he has the tools to make a big impact.

JOAO CARLOS TEIXEIRA

LLOYD JONES

needs to develop and to be given time, we need to get behind him and give him lots of encouragement. “These players will make lots of mistakes. Of course they will, because they’re only 17, 18. It’s the same across the game. I look at (Wilfried) Zaha at Manchester United, he cost them a lot of money and obviously has immense talent, but I watched the Community Shield game against Wigan and he does lots and lots of things wrong as well. “It is all about patience, making sure they develop,

The 2012/13 season

JORDAN ROSSITER

JEROME SINCLAIR

Age: 17 Position: Central defender First team appearances: 0 Tall, commanding and a fearless attacker of the ball, Jones was part of the Reds’ travelling squad at Fulham back in May, and is very highly thought of by club staff. May need a little longer to bloom in one of the most demanding positions on the field.

QUIZ Part I

Clockwise from top left: Jordon Ibe, Jerome Sinclair, Lloyd Jones, Jordan Rossiter. Centre: Joao Carlos Teixeira

“We had eight or nine Scousers in the squad... that probably won’t happen again.”

teaching them the right things and helping them progress into stars. “As I say, these are kids, learning the trade and learning their game. But hopefully with the right coaching and the right attitude, they can get there in the end. “Both Raheem and Jordon look really good players. They are pretty similar, they have a trick and they are quick and like to take people on. “The key for Raheem is to keep improving and adding to their game. He is not what you would call a surprise package any more.

Age: 20 Position: Central midfielder First team appearances: 0 Taken a while to find his feet following an £850,000 move from Sporting Lisbon last year, but has the technical ability, spatial awareness and mobility to become an excellent player. The pick of the current U21 crop, though may lack a little physically at this stage. PROFILES BY NEIL JONES

“People know what he wants to do, they know he wants to take people on and he likes to go on his right foot. “It’s up to him now to develop and to become a better, more varied player. The same will apply to Jordon, who has done really well in pre-season.” Whatever happens, it promises to be an interesting season on Merseyside. Doors have closed at Anfield in recent years, but others have been left ajar. And the next generation of young players, it would appear, are knocking louder and louder.

3 4 5 Who netted both Liverpool goals in their 2-1 Capital One Cup third round win over West Brom?

How many Premier League goals did Daniel Sturridge score for Liverpool last season? Which side was the last to defeat Brendan Rodgers’ team in the league last season?

1 Martin Skrtel; 2 Anzhi Makhachkala, Udinese and Young Boys; 3 10; 4 Nuri Sahin; 5 Southampton

JORDON IBE

Liverpool FC 2013/14 Fixtures 2013/14

August September

17 24

12.45pm Stoke City 5.30pm Aston Villa

H A

01 16 21 29

1.30pm 8pm 3pm 4pm

H A H A

05 19 26

3pm Crystal Palace 12.45pm Newcastle United 3pm West Brom

H A H

5.30pm Arsenal 3pm Fulham 12.45pm Everton

A H A

1.30pm 7.45pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm

Hull City Norwich City West Ham Utd Tottenham Hotspur Cardiff City Manchester City Chelsea

A H H A H A A

3pm 3pm 3pm 8pm

Hull City Stoke City Aston Villa Everton

H A H H

3pm 3pm 8pm 3pm

West Brom Arsenal Fulham Swansea City

A H A H

01 08 15 22 29

3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm

Southampton Sunderland Manchester United Cardiff City Tottenham Hotspur

A H A A H

05 12 19 26

3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm

West Ham United Manchester City Norwich City Chelsea

A H A H

03 11

3pm 3pm

Crystal Palace Newcastle United

A H

02 09 23

01 04 07 14 21 26 28

01 11 18 28

01 08 12 22

Manchester United Swansea City Southampton Sunderland

October

November December January

February March April May

Liverpool FC 2013/14

Fans behind Liverpool FC 2013/14

N THE set of Betfred’s swanky TV studio in the heart of Manchester’s Media City is sat one of Liverpool’s most experienced goalkeepers. Sitting comfortably in Y the surroundings that have become as familiar to him as his time spent between the Anfield goalposts, is the former England international, David James. The 43-year-old has just embarked on a new career in TV as BT Sport’s new football analyst. But James was here to share his views on the current goalkeeping crop at Anfield. James spent seven years with the Reds from 1992 – featuring in more than 200 games – and the self confessed stat-man endured many highs and lows during his time on Merseyside. So who better to shed a light on the pressures that await Anfield’s new signing Simon Mignolet? James has been encouraged by the early displays from the Belgium international throughout the Reds’ pre-season campaign, but admitted it will take time for him to adapt to the gargantuan support which Liverpool harness – and the expectations which come with it. “He’s got to know that the Liverpool fans are behind him,” James said. “I think this is where the anxiety comes from because you think you have to try your best, and of course you do. But the start point is that they’re behind you – so therefore go out and enjoy it. “He knows he has the capabilities to perform at this level. Brendan Rodgers has spent £9million on him and he’s not going to do that without doing his homework. “But you can take the big transfer fee two ways. You can take it as a burden that ‘Wow, I have to produce’, or you can take it as a sign that ‘the club really like me’. “The absolute starting point for him is that the Liverpool fans are right behind him. I mean, strewth, playing in front of the Kop and in front of a Liverpool team winning; it doesn’t get much better than that. “He’s used to the crowd because he’s played at Anfield before but he will have got used to everyone supporting the opposition. “All of a sudden that support is behind you. Stevie (Gerrard) said they played in front of 250,000 people on their tour. I mean that’s a massive amount of support, in a different country and it shows the magnitude of what you’re actually getting involved in. “But I like the fact Liverpool are investing in a young goalkeeper. Obviously I’d prefer it to be an

English goalkeeper but Rodgers is looking at the long-term picture and that’s good.” Mignolet made the move from Sunderland for an initial £9million fee this X summer and has since E L featured in every pre-season game, E producing some very A assured performances. However, James reckons the 25-year-old will have to make a few minor tweaks in order to suit Rodgers’ style of play. “I saw him at the Stevie G testimonial and I think you saw both sides of him there,” James added. “When Liverpool signed him my query was whether or not he’d fit into what I see as Brendan Rodgers’ style. “He likes goalkeepers with good distribution with the ability to use their feet. There were a few examples in that game where he struggled. “When Pepe Reina was at the club his distribution was phenomenal. “Having looked at a few of the stats Reina played so many balls out of the back compared to Mignolet, who was more of a long-ball kicker. “Now some of Sunderland’s style of play may have dictated that, but he did come across confidently in the second half. “Reina at his best, you didn’t worry about him in any position in the game. However, he was more confident when he was punching the ball than when he was catching it. “Personal choice? If you’re catching the ball the game is dead and the ball is in your hands. “Mignolet is more of a catcher and he showed he has the confidence to go and do that.” Added the former Anfield stopper: “I think he’s a very good acquisition. “The tweaks that I’m talking about are for the manager to deal with and for the coaches to help him to feel more confident. Whether it is back passes or collecting the ball.” James’ career at Anfield came to an end in 1999 when he was sold to Aston Villa for £1.8million after the arrival of American goalkeeper Brad Freidel put his hold on a starting position in jeopardy. James holds no great sympathy for Reina – and believes it is just the evolution of football. Reina was shipped out on loan to be reunited with the man who brought him to Anfield, Rafa Benitez, now in charge at Napoli. Over the course of the summer the Spanish international had been

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Simon Mignolet

Born: Sint-Truiden (Belgium) March 6, 1988 Height: 6ft 4in Previous Clubs: Sint-Truiden, Sunderland Cost: £9m plus add-ons International Caps: 13 (Belgium) Honours: Belgian second division (2008-09), Belgian goalkeeper of the year (2009-10)

courting a move back home to Barcelona and his flirtations with the Nou Camp ultimately cost him his place at Anfield. “It’s evolution,” James said. “I took over from Bruce (Grobbelaar) and he was a big influence on the way I played my game. “Arguably when I dropped a couple of crosses people would

say ‘oh there’s Bruce’. But when I went to the club I was there to compete against him. And when I did take over the position and he went, he was very gracious about it. “I can see the logic in not keeping hold of Reina – but I still think he is an incredible goalkeeper.

“He’s done so much well over a good period of time. Granted you could argue he wasn’t at his best in some periods in the last couple of years. “He’ll be good again and that’s the thing. For him to sit on a bench, it doesn’t give him the opportunity to be good again. So he had to get out.” James, who now plies his trade

SIMON

Liverpool FC 2013/14

Simon Mignolet 2012/13

QUIZ Part II

Brendan Rodgers

1 2 3 For which Northern Ireland side did Brendan Rodgers play as a defender?

Brendan Rodgers served under three managers at Chelsea – name them.

Whom did Brendan Rodgers replace as Reading boss in the summer of 2009?

Minutes played: 3,420 Saves: 149 ls Goa conceded: 54 Clean sheets: 11 Best game: Tottenham (a), May 19 – 10 saves

Simon Mignolet has been working hard on the pitch and (inset) in training. Left: David James

club was that Bruce was still there. So if I dropped out, Bruce went in. “If for any reason Mignolet wasn’t able to play then Brad Jones will have to step in. “But they don’t already fancy him because otherwise he would have stepped up from Reina.” The Reds rounded off their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Celtic in

Dublin last weekend. Rodgers’ side have looked solid over the summer and with possible signings still to come, the squad are determined to mount an assault on a top four place. Mignolet will be fundamental in providing a solid platform – and all eyes will be on him when the Reds kick-off the season against Stoke at Anfield on Saturday.

4 5

In which Northern Ireland village was Brendan Rodgers born in 1973?

1 Ballymena United; 2 Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Luiz Felipe Scolari; 3 Steve Coppell; 4 4-2; 5 Carnlough

with Icelandic club IBV – where he combines an assistant manager role with playing – harbours concerns that there isn’t enough quality on the bench should Mignolet have to drop out for any reason. “Liverpool’s concern is that you’ve got Mignolet in goal but their back-up in Brad Jones is not good enough,” James said. “My situation when I was at the

By what score did Brendan Rodgers’ Swansea City defeat Reading in the 2011 Championship play-off final?

Filling the Liverpool FC 2013/14

Spanish Reds could prove just the tonic

Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas train in Indonesia in pre-season

PANISH imports have played a major role in shaping the recent history of Liverpool. The path from southern Europe to Anfield is a well worn one and so the hope is the latest Spanish influx will find their transition smooth. Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto were snapped up by manager Brendan Rodgers this summer to join a growing list of their countryman to have played for the Reds. Aspas, a £7m signing from Celta Vigo, looks like featuring more prominently this season than the younger Alberto, a £6.8m acquisition from Sevilla. The former Celta man has struck four times in pre-season and with Luis Suarez banned for the opening six games of the season and Daniel Sturridge on his way back from injury, Aspas is in pole position to face Stoke City. “He’s a great talent, one that Brendan identified a long time ago,” said the Reds’ managing director Ian Ayre. “The scouting network and everybody else have done a lot of hard work to get him here and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to get his signature and have him in the squad.” Aspas has shown flashes of magnificent skill and was the stand-out player in the first-half of Steven Gerrard’s testimonial against Olympiacos. Question marks have been raised over his ability to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League but having lead Celta to safety in La Liga last season, he has shown a stomach for the fight. Alberto arrives on Merseyside having spent the previous 12 months in one of world football’s most fertile breeding grounds. Sevilla loaned the 20-year-old to Barcelona B, the Spanish giants’ second string and though Barca passed on the option to sign him permanently, Liverpool were quick to pounce. Alberto scored his first goal for the Reds against Valerenga and Rodgers is thrilled to have him on board. “Luis has the correct footballing profile and mentality to be a Liverpool player,” said Rodgers. “I look forward to working with him to develop his talent and he joins a group of young exciting players at our club.”

VOID H

IS feet are a modest size eight. But while the strapping Kolo Toure will have no problem filling Jamie Carragher’s boots physically this season, metaphorically the retired Liverpool icon will leave a chasm at the heart of the Reds defence. Carragher wasn’t just a defender – and an enormously talented and reliable one at that. He was an organiser, a self-driven leader, a dressing room motivator, a communicator of club principles to foreign footballers perhaps unaware of just what was expected of a Liverpool player. And from his return to the Reds starting line-up from January onwards, Jamie Carragher was Liverpool’s best defender. They are the very big boots for Toure to step into, but Carragher himself has no fears about the man who is following him into the Reds rearguard. “He’s got experience and a winning mentality,” said Carragher. “He was part of the Invincibles at Arsenal which is an achievement in itself. “He’s been at Manchester City and now he’s come to Liverpool – and he’ll add something, of course he will. “He can play centre-back, he can play in a three at the back and at full-back in an emergency. “It’s a very good signing by the manager of the club.” It’s such a good signing that Brendan Rodgers, a manager who has chased Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Tiago Ilori and been linked with Ashley Williams,

Kolo Toure

Born: Bouake (Ivory Coast) March 19, 1981 Height: 5ft 10in Previous Clubs: ASEC Mimosas (Youth), Arsenal, Manchester City Cost: Free transfer International Caps: 106 (Ivory Coast) Honours: Ivory Coast Premier Division 2001 & 2002, Ivory Coast Super Cup 1999, Premier League 2003-04 & 2011-12, FA Cup 2002-03, 2004-05 & 2010-11, FA Community Shield 2002, 2004 & 2012

Brazilian international Dede, Toby Alderweireld of Ajax and Feyenoord’s Stefan de Vrij, says he even D I his plans to buy V E A C reconsidered another established centre-back. Toure, a free transfer from TI Manchester City, was initially viewed N as a squad player, but such has been RE the consistency and the authority of his displays pre-season that he now looks increasingly likely to kick-off the new season alongside Daniel Agger at the heart of the Reds defence.

D BY P

“Defensively, I think we’ll be fine,” Rodgers said. “Kolo has been terrific since he came in here. He may be 32 years of age but he’s super fit and in great condition. “He’s a player who has looked after himself all his life. His age is no barrier and he’s someone with a winning mentality. “He’s someone we felt could come in and support the group with his experience and his qualities. I’ve looked at him over the course of his career and

Liverpool FC 2013/14

QUIZ Part III

watched him a lot last year. Having seen him first hand since he joined the club, he will be very good for us this season. “We have a number of other outstanding centre-halves in Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel. We also have an up-and-coming top talent in Andre Wisdom who will be a very good centre-half for Liverpool in the future. And we still have Sebastian Coates too.” Despite the number of centre-backs at Anfield, it will be Carragher’s absence which will be felt most keenly.

Toure himself is aware of the stature of the player he is replacing. “It’s hard because Jamie is Jamie,” he explained. “He was a fantastic player for Liverpool and in his time here, he was amazing. “For me, I just like to try to do things my way , but I think it’s going to be really difficult to replace him. I will give my all and it’s going to be a great challenge for me. “I’m still really hungry for more. I still think I can bring more in football.

“This season is going to be massive for me. I will just try to show that I am still one of the best defenders. For a defender, 32 is nothing and physically I feel great. “When I left City it was important for me to stay in England because it’s the best league – and to join Liverpool is massive for me. “I chose Liverpool because of the history and because of the spirit of the team and the people here.” People like Jamie Carragher...

The new boys

1 2 3 From which club did the Reds sign Luis Alberto?

4 5 Simon Mignolet began his professional career with which Belgian team?

In which year did Kolo Toure make his full international debut for Ivory Coast?

How man FA Cup y winner’s medals does Kolo Toure have?

How many goals did Iago Aspas score for Celta Vigo in La Liga last season?

1 Seville; 2 2000; 3 Three; 4 Sint-Truiden; 5 Twelve

Kolo Toure will provide some steel after the retirement of Jamie Carragher (below left)

Friendly Liverpool FC 2013/14

PRESTON NORTH END 0 LIVERPOOL 4 (Coutinho pen, Ibe, Sterling, Aspas) – July 13

LORIOUS sunshine greeted Liverpool’s supporters as they made the short trip up the M6 to Deepdale for the Reds’ first friendly of the summer, and they were treated to the most routine of wins. Preston were no match for their Premier League counterparts. Debuts for Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas, who marked his with a goal, were notable, as was Jordon Ibe’s first senior Reds goal, as Liverpool lifted the Bill Shankly Shield. Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring, converting a penalty after he had been pulled back by former Anfield Academy prospect John Welsh. Ibe added a second before half-time, firing home inside the near post from 20 yards. Raheem Sterling made it 3-0 after the break, racing clear to round the goalkeeper, and Aspas put the seal on things with a 20-yard curler that North End ‘keeper Thorsten Stuckman dived straight past.

Philippe Coutinho celebrates his goal at Preston with Jordan Henderson

INDONESIA XI 0 LIVERPOOL 2 (Coutinho, Sterling) – July 20

IVERPOOL arrived in Jakarta to a hero’s welcome, with Reds fans mobbing them at the airport, and thousands turning out just to watch them train at the Gelora Bung Karno National Stadium. It was a similar scenario on matchday, as the Indonesian fans welcomed their idols with open arms. They were treated to a Reds starting line-up which featured skipper Steven Gerrard. Gerrard played the first half, but it was Coutinho again who stole the show, opening the scoring with a low finish after 10 minutes. Liverpool were given a decent examination by their hosts, but continued to carve out chances. It was not until three minutes from time, though, that they doubled their lead, Jordon Ibe running 60 yards before teeing up Oussama Assaidi, who rolled the ball square for Raheem Sterling to score.

Pre-season record

Played: 7 Won: 6 Drawn: 0 Lost: 1 Goals for: 17 Goals against: 2 Top scorer: Iago Aspas (4)

EIL

N ES Y B JON Above, Reds fans in Jakarta; right, Iago Aspas scores at the MCG

MELBOURNE VICTORY 0 LIVERPOOL 2 (Gerrard, Aspas) – July 24

HE return of Luis Suarez was the talking point, but few inside the MCG will ever forget the sound of 90,000 supporters belting out ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.

Liverpool’s first visit to Australia was undoubtedly a successful one, and they maintained their unbeaten start to pre-season against their A-League opponents. Steven Gerrard gave them the lead, sweeping home a pass from Joe Allen on 32 minutes, though Liverpool were made to work by a rapid, well-drilled Melbourne. The second half saw Luis Suarez, amid a wave of stories about his future, make his first outing since April. The Uruguayan managed 18 minutes after replacing Fabio Borini, and laid on a goal for Iago Aspas in the final minute.

FIRE

Liverpool FC 2013/14

THAILAND XI 0 LIVERPOOL 3 (Coutinho, Aspas, Gerrard) – July 27

VALERENGA 1 LIVERPOOL 4 (Luis Alberto, Aspas, Kelly, Sterling) – August 7

HE Luis Suarez affair dominated the headlines as Liverpool headed for Oslo. Suarez remained on Merseyside with a foot injury, but it was his interview with two national newspapers, in which he made clear his desire to leave Anfield, which provided the main talking point. A much-changed Liverpool side took the lead after 31 minutes in Norway, new signing Luis Alberto guiding his first goal for the club in on the volley. Valerenga hit back immediately with a goal from a set-piece, but Iago Aspas converted Stewart Downing’s low cross to restore Liverpool’s advantage before half time. Martin Kelly, back after a long-term injury, made it 3-1 with a bundled finish after the break, and Raheem Sterling added some gloss to the scoreline, sweeping home in the final minute.

QUIZ Part IV

Ten years ago

Liverpool signed defender Steve Finnan from which club in the summer of 2003?

2 3 The Reds opened the season with a 2-1 home loss to Chelsea. Who scored Liverpool’s goal from the spot?

Jose Enrique battles for the ball in Bangkok

LIVERPOOL 2 OLYMPIACOS 0 (Allen, Henderson) – August 3

Jon Flanagan congratulates Luis Alberto on his goal against Valerenga

CELTIC 1 LIVERPOOL 0 August 10

FITTING day to mark the career of one of Anfield’s all-time greats. Olympiacos were the opponents as a full house saw Steven Gerrard reach his Liverpool testimonial. A host of Gerrard’s former coaches and team-mates turned out to celebrate the occasion. Gerard Houllier, John Arne Riise and Emile Heskey were in the stands, whilst Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler were on the pitch as second-half substitutes. Gerrard, given a standing ovation by a sell-out crowd, played 85 minutes, as Liverpool treated the game seriously. Joe Allen gave them the lead, sliding in Iago Aspas’ cross-shot at the far post on 24 minutes. Jordan Henderson, Allen’s replacement, then made it 2-0 on 63 minutes, less than 60 seconds after his introduction as a substitute.

Which player wore the number 17 shirt for Liverpool that season?

Steven Gerrard congratulates Joe Allen on his goal against Olympiacos

HE Dublin Decider decided very little, of course, but Liverpool ended their pre-season campaign with a first defeat, as a second-string Celtic triumphed at a boisterous Aviva Stadium. It was a shame the football didn’t match the support. Amido Balde’s first-half goal was enough to give an experimental Celtic side the win, though Liverpool should really have taken one of a number of chances. Lukasz Zaluska and Steve Mouyokolo thwarted Philippe Coutinho, Stewart Downing and a fit-again Daniel Sturridge. Sturridge played the entire second half, his first run out since May, and looked sharp. Liverpool, though, were rather more toothless, without Luis Suarez once more.

Which French team knocked Liverpool out of the UEFA Cup at the fourth round stage?

Carling Cup holders Liverpool were knocked out at home at the fourth round stage of the competition by which side?

1 Fulham; 2 Michael Owen; 3 Steven Gerrard; 4 Marseille; 5 Bolton Wanderers

HE final leg of Liverpool’s tour took them to Bangkok, where they received another warm welcome from locals. The Rajamangala National Stadium was the setting as the Reds continued their miserly form. Philippe Coutinho put them ahead on 17 minutes, dribbling beyond a clutch of challenges to slide home his third goal in four matches. Iago Aspas added number two four minutes after half time, the Spaniard side-footing home a Coutinho pass. Aspas then laid on a third for Steven Gerrard, drawing the Thai ‘keeper out of his goal for Gerrard to lift a delicate chip into the net. There were 28 more minutes for Luis Suarez, who was cheered by Reds supporters.

STAT attack Liverpool FC 2013/14

2387

Steven Gerrard’s total of 2,387 passes was the league’s fifth highest last season

97.6

The skipper created a chance from a set play every 97.6 minutes – the fifth highest rate in the league

Simon Mignolet made two errors last season, a rate of one every 19 games – Pepe Reina made six, or one every 5.2 games

85%

Martin Skrtel, Jose Enrique and Raheem Sterling all won 85% of their tackles

... while nine of them were converted, placing him seventh in the league for assists – and the only man in the top 10 not to play for a Champions League club

Reds pair Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson were first and fourth among defenders to have made the most passes – first and second were Ashley Williams and Angel Rangel, of Brendan Rodgers’ former club, Swansea

123

39 Daniel Sturridge averaged a shot on target every 39 minutes

Gerrard created a total of 94 chances – the fifth highest in the league...

Lucas Leiva’s total of 123 tackles was the second highest in the league – even though he only played 26 games