Danny Murphy (UK)

Liverpool exit no disaster

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:44:31 -0800

At this stage of the season, I don't think it is a disaster for Liverpool to be knocked out of the Champions League.

They will admit by their own standards it was a very disappointing campaign, but there is still time left in the campaign to recapture the form we know they can produce and pick up some silverware.

There are always big expectations at a club like Liverpool but they have to be realistic about their ambitions for the season ahead now. ...

Reds will rise to occasion

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:26:41 -0800

I think that Liverpool have a very good chance of winning at Debrecen. Even without Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel, the impact of a fit Steven Gerrard in the side will be massive.

He always has the ability to spur on players around him and bring out the best in his team-mates.

Liverpool have the ability to rise to the occasion when it really matters. Liverpool must approach the game in the right frame of mind as games like this are never easy. ...

Not hopeful for 2018 bid

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:43:17 -0800

I cannot say that I am overly confident looking at England's 2018 World Cup bid.

From what I have seen in the media, it appears there are a number of nations ahead of us in the reckoning to host the tournament.

From my first-hand experience of the game in this country, I can say it is an absolutely fantastic place for such a tournament to be held, with some of the world's most passionate fans supporting the effort. ...

No need for England to panic

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:46:56 -0800

I don't think Fabio Capello will have learned too much from the game against Brazil for two reasons. Firstly, we were without a number of first-choice players, and secondly, the climate made it very difficult. Thankfully, the weather should be a lot cooler at the World Cup in the South African winter.

Although the performance wasn't great, Capello would have been more worried if he gone out there with a full-strength line-up. ...

France there for the taking

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:07:14 -0800

My club team-mates who represent the Republic of Ireland Stephen Kelly and Damien Duff are both very excited about facing France in their World Cup play-off in Dublin.

The French have had a very average campaign by their high standards and they are vulnerable.

Feedback on Giovanni Trapattoni has been very positive and the Irish are so close now that they won't want to let the opportunity slip away. ...

Expect title charge from United

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:48:17 -0800

Chelsea's win at the weekend was certainly important, but not pivotal at this stage of the season. It is always a major confidence boost when you manage to secure three points against one of your rivals and it puts Chelsea five points clear at the top.

Manchester United have shown that they are the most resilient team in the country and always bounce back when the chips are down, so expect a good run of results from them on the back of the defeat. ...

Roma trip will be an education

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:39:19 -0800

It will be a difficult task going to Rome, against probably the most technically gifted team in our group on paper.

Saying that, on the back of recent results - we went through the whole of October undefeated - we should have absolute confidence that we can go there and get a result.

The main reasons behind our unbeaten run are that we are playing with a better belief and much more confidence. ...

Rafa right to protect Torres

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:48:02 -0800

A fantastic result at the weekend for Fulham was very much down to the team performance, as opposed to Liverpool playing poorly. In the first half, it was a fairly even game but they didn't create many opportunities against us which gave us confidence going in at the break.

In the second half, we upped our tempo and got after them, causing them problems, and the belief that we could go on and win the game lifted us. ...

Thinking myself fit

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:04:36 -0800

I am recovering really well from the knee injury I picked up against Hull City last week.

Initially, I thought it was worse than it actually was but, with a thorough diagnosis, I am pushing hard to be fit for the Liverpool game this weekend as I really don't want to miss it!

In terms of recovery, it has been mainly rest but I have started to build up the workload and this will continue to increase as the week progresses. ...

Liverpool peerless under pressure

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:37:29 -0800

Liverpool tend to pull out big performances when the chips are down, and it was a fantastic effort to beat a strong Manchester United team on Sunday.

It was considered a must-win game for the club and they went in surrounded by a huge amount of pressure.

The result was great for them and great for the Premier League. It wasn't the most exciting game to watch in terms of spectacle, but Liverpool did what needed to be done. ...