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Benitez Determined To Complete Signings

Sat 12 Jul, 08:09 PM


Rafael Benitez insists he will successfully complete some major Liverpool signings in the coming weeks.

The Anfield boss had seen the supporting cast of youth and fringe players from his squad complete the club's first pre-season friendly with a 1-0 win at Tranmere on Saturday, thanks to a fine first-half winner from Yossi Benayoun.

But it was the players Benitez is trying to bring to the club - Gareth Barry and Robbie Keane - who occupied minds of the manager and many of the big Liverpool following in the 15,000 sell-out Prenton Park crowd.

Benitez would not be drawn on specific names, but as he prepares to take his squad to Switzerland on Sunday for a fortnight-long training camp, he said: "We are still working hard to bring in two more players.

"I would hope that there would be some progress next week or very soon."

Benitez added: "I was delighted with the fitness levels of the players, Benayoun scored a fantastic goal and there were plenty of things that were really positive.

"I was happy with Daniel Agger's comeback, he will be a welcome addition to our defence in the coming season.

"Philipp Degen also did well on his debut, he was very impressive attacking down the right side."

Liverpool also brought new £3million goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri on for his debut in the second half.

He embarrassingly delayed the restart because he was not ready for action, with Agger having to tie the Brazilian's bootlaces for him on the pitch.

But Benitez said: "He did not have too much to do, but he is a keeper who will fight for his place and put pressure on others around him."

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  1. Liv is an indomiable team,but in this time and near future- i think position 4th always belongs them. I dont understand what did they do last few days with G.Barry,he s not expensive when we see his current value or saw what he did last year, but liv try to reduce the money.bad bad bad
    if liv try do it again again, i think in next year they could be down 5th pos if Tottenham or Everton can show their good way

    From manh, on Sun 13 Jul 9:20AM
  2. I agree with michaelm, why not forget paying ridiculous money for Barry and try for Villa. The comment about Morientes not working was pointless because he was over the hill when he came to Liverpool. I am not all that fussed on Robbie Keane either, he seems to disappear if things are not going his way or does stupid fouls.

    From Glenn H, on Sun 13 Jul 8:44AM
  3. get off his back for f@*ks sake! you can't buy a top of the range car with a tenner! and we can't buy the top players with the small budget we get given!how many "great" players do arsenal have?? how many did blackburn have?? and how many of chelseas squad would you swap into our team?? or man u's for that matter??they all play and gel well, god we were so close to winning more games last season, yes i know it's frustrating and i berrated the team too for letting points slipbut i don't think we're too far off solving many of our problems,but it's hard to form a solid team with so much change going on!! it's not all about money is what i'm saying, and a good team can't just be bought and assembled on a whim!! it's all well and good talking up villa silva etc, but could they cut the mustard in our league?? remember morientes? great player, but not over here he wasn't!! i suggest you lot all go do your fifa coaching badges and apply for the job if you really think you could do any better! rafa's trophy haul is no too bad for a team that are constantly hiped up and knocked down!just remember, only one team can win the league, so where is all the criticism for the rest that don't even figure!! i'm fairly certain rafa actually wants to win the league,but it's up to the players once they cross the line and the ones we have ARE good enough,they just need to be more confident in themselves!

    From wibble!!!!!, on Sun 13 Jul 8:08AM
  4. liverpool are a club now like newcastle a big fan base but not going anywhere , if they get nothing this season torres will go as he his after medals , rafa is not a good manager and has for liverpool not doing well last season ?? what about the seasons before ?? to be the best in england you have to win the epl and i cant see them doing that with the present manager who is mainly after cl football ? 4th place is an insult to what was a big club , its ok saying we our this and that but you have to win the big prize the title to even think big ,

    From Chris, on Sun 13 Jul 6:05AM
  5. If Rafa had Keane and Villa already, he'd be trying to sell them now to buy Crouch.

    From Stephen B, on Sun 13 Jul 4:02AM
  6. to sell crouch, and replace him with Keane is madness, Keane is no better than crouch, and would probably be left on the bench like crouch. for the money spurs want for him, we could easily add an extra few million and go for berbatov if thats the case? i think benitez has more money to spend than he's letting on, and there might be a surprise or 2 in store, but if the papers are to be taking seriously, and Keane is an option, its not a step forward attacking wise. after watching villa and Torres rip defenses apart at euro 08, should we not abandon all plans to sign barry (seen as Alonso is a far better player anyway) and pay what it takes to sign villa?

    From michael m, on Sun 13 Jul 3:18AM
  7. No mind who Rafa signs, the best for our team this coming season will be an end to all the unsettling owner/boardroom disputes that really upset our chances last season. Rafa is an experienced manager and has my support at LFC - let the man and his players get on with bringing us the results. I've supported the team for 45 years and I know we're still the best

    From GAULCT R, on Sun 13 Jul 12:07AM
  8. The only good signing benitez has made has been toress. Buying a switzerland and borusiia dortmund back up player wont win the leauge just like all the other average players you have spent lots of money on. filling your squad with the likes of benyoun, degen, arebeloa, pennant etc. But atleast hes got rid of some of the dead wood in the likes of crouch and sissoko.

    From manu0862@..., on Sat 12 Jul 11:14PM
  9. Mr R Benitez, Best Wishes for the new season, you talk the talk? but are you able to deliver some kind of silverware? that would make us LFC fans apprecate, that we are still compeating? Personally Mr R I think you have had pleanty of funds, players, ECT, and should have attchieved more last season at least, PS thats just my opinion,

    From ANDREW, on Sat 12 Jul 10:24PM
  10. Agger is great - good to have him back. Benayoun is one of may favourites - go forit Yossi, SHALOM. I hope Degen can bring some power down the right in the Premier League - HOPP SCHWIIZ!

    From gordon.merk, on Sat 12 Jul 10:01PM
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