Liverpool star net winner on international friendly

France manager Didier Deschamps has hailed Liverpool striker Luis Suarez as the 'difference' in his side's 1-0 loss to Uruguay.

He has been in the headlines non-stop over the past couple of months for reasons that are not always positive, but Wednesday night saw him back to doing what he does best—scoring goals and winning games.

Les Bleus travelled to Montevideo for the friendly against the South American opponents but received no hospitality as Suarez scored the only goal of the game. France will be next up against football powerhouse, Brazil and the odds are not so kind for the French as football betting site, Unibet revealed.

And Deschamps said the second-half substitute introduction was the catalyst that turned the advantage to Uruguay's benefit.

After not playing a competitive match since being suspended for biting Branislav Ivanovic in late April, Suarez was left on the bench for the first half of the international friendly, with Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani paired in attack. A low-key and uneventful first 45 minutes failed to yield a goal, and Suarez was introduced at the break in place of Forlan.

Suarez took only five minutes to score after coming on as a half-time substitute in place of former Manchester United man Diego Forlan. The goal was Suarez's 32nd for his country, which has put him one behind Forlan in the all-time Uruguayan scoring stakes.

Forlan has 33 in close to a century of caps, well ahead of Suarez's 64 appearances. The former Atletico Madrid striker is now 34 years old and is unlikely to add many more goals to that tally, although the Confederations Cup will give him another target to hit.

The 50th minute goal saw him cut in from right-hand side before superbly finishing from a tight angle with the outside of the boot.

Suarez's Liverpool team-mate Sebastian Coates and Southampton striker Gaston Ramirez played for the two-time World Cup winners, whilst Arsenal trio Bacary Sagna, Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud turned out for the French.

It's back to the stands however for Suarez, as he will miss Uruguay's next game, a crucial World Cup qualifier against Venezuela next Tuesday, through suspension.

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Betting on Liverpool

Despite the end of the football season, there are still plenty of opportunities for more football betting even if your club never made it to Europe. And sadly this is the case for Liverpool FC. So how do you think Liverpool will do in the 2013/14 Premiership? The betting is quite interesting. Not surprisingly Manchester United remains the favourite to win next year’s Premiership despite the retirement of Ferguson, and the odds at 2/1 aren’t bad either, but if you think that Liverpool has a chance then you can get 30/1 on them doing so.

Not very likely sadly, but they could easily be in the top four. The best odds at the moment on them reaching the top four are 15/8, so it is a bet that you might well consider to be worthwhile. Certainly Liverpool will finish in the top 6, but betting on them doing so isn’t really worthwhile, certainly at the current best odds of 1/6 on; you wouldn’t bet at those odds at a casino. Then there are the more political bets such as potential manager changes and transfers. For instance what’s going to happen about Andy Carroll? Will he return to Newcastle as he wants? Currently it seems more likely that he will go to West Ham where he has been on loan. There is still time to get a bet on.

For a different type of football betting you could always go on to your favourite online casino Lucky Nugget and play some football themed slots games such as Shoot. Shoot is one of the best football slots ever produced, and it really is for football fans. Inspired by the Shoot football magazine, it features many of the great players from the 1960s onwards. It is a 5 reel 50 payline slot with a top prize of 50,000 coins on regular spins plus a multi staged bonus feature including free spins with a potential top prize of 619,000 coins; now that is serious money.

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Press Release: Away Kit marks Diamond Era for Liverpool FC

New Warrior design redefines standout features of the 80s and 90s

[05 JUNE, 2013] Warrior has officially launched the new 2013/14 Liverpool FC away kit.

Channelling direction from breakthrough patterns and graphics featured throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Warrior’s core inspiration behind the new design stems from the Club’s white and red 1981 League Cup-winning kit.

Head of Warrior Football Richard Wright says the brand worked closely with Liverpool FC throughout the design process.

“We believe we have produced an away kit which stays true to the Club’s heritage but has a fresh look and feel. It has been particularly helpful having LFC involved in the process, emphasising the relevance of past kits which has helped us to design a strip fans will identify with.”

Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool FC manager, agrees.

“A football strip fuses a team together; it is a Club’s uniform for players and fans. The fact that glimpses of the Club’s history appear in this kit is a really nice touch from Warrior,” said Rodgers.

Primarily white and black with elements of red, the overall kit carries a strong traditional look. The graduation of colour from the shirt down into the shorts and socks sparks strong interactivity between the three components.

Beyond the traditional colour scheme, the neckline has been reworked to give the shirt a modern edge, while an eye-catching diamond print draws attention to its bottom half. Originally featured as part of the 1989/91 away version, the dynamic pattern is a refreshed interpretation of the detailed graphic.

“I like that this strip is different, the pattern and colours are fresh. It looks and feels great on and I can’t wait to wear it next season,” said Liverpool FC forward Daniel Sturridge.

In line with the new home kit, contrast detailing features on each sleeve. A fully embroidered Liver Bird crest sits on the shirt’s front, while two commemorative Eternal Flames and a 96 logo are prominently positioned on the back of the neck.

Designed using War-Tech, Warrior’s ground-breaking apparel technology system, the away kit is powered by breathable, moisture-wicking War-Tech fabric. Four-way stretch mesh panelling under the arms and across the back of the shirt facilitates optimum ventilation while allowing for added comfort and temperature control in core heat areas.

Fans are encouraged to weigh in with their feedback about the new away kit by connecting with Warrior Football on Twitter using the hashtag, #RiseUpLFC

To learn more, visit www.warriorfootball.com.

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Liverpool in pole position to land £20M midfielder

Liverpool are ready to splash £20million on main summer transfer target,Shakhtar Donetsk's goal-scoring midfielder, Henrikh Mkhitaryan... regardless of whether Luis Suarez gets his transfer or not.

The Anfield club are close to tying up a big money deal for Armenia international Mkhitaryan, despite his Ukrainian club Shaktar Donetsk's high asking price.

Manager Brendan Rodgers will complete the deal for the attacking midfielder he has targeted for months with the blessing of his American owners, regardless of the uncertainty over the Suarez's future.

Mkhitaryan is not seen as a direct replacement for Uruguay striker Suarez, and was identified as the main summer signing long before Real Madrid came calling with an offer that has turned Suarez’s head.

Rodgers wants a midfielder who can knit together his side’s creative play while also providing a goal threat from behind the front line.

The Armenian fits the bill after attracting the attention of the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona, Juventus and Atletico Madrid with his 25 goals from midfield this season.

The 24-year-old, who has just set a Ukrainian Premier League record for most goals in a season, signed with Italian super-agent Mino Raiola in May to facilitate his move to a top European club.

Rodgers has stolen a march on his rivals for the player’s signature after sending his scouting team out to watch the midfielder a dozen times in the 2012-13 season.

That is why he is prepared to commit a sizeable part of his summer budget to the capture.

The deal will not depend on securing funds from the sale of Suarez, even though the striker looks certain to leave for around £40m after forcing Liverpool’s hand by admitting he's in the mood for a fresh start away from English football.

The Reds' boss has been guaranteed at least £35m to spend in this summer's transfer window, even before the sale of Suarez.

Striker Andy Carroll is set to confirm his £15m departure to West Ham later this week, and £10m-rated defender Martin Skrtel a contender to follow amid links with ex-Kop boss Rafa Benitez's Napoli.

If Real Madrid follow up their interest in Suarez with a firm offer, then he will insist on exercising a get-out clause in his contract to force the issue.

Rodgers will then look to buy another striker - especially with Daniel Sturridge ruled out for the start of the season after suffering an ankle injury on international duty with England.

Rodgers has already agreed in principle a £7million deal for Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas, but he will also search for a bigger name to cover the departure of Suarez.

Christian Benteke, whose 19 league goals in his first season with Aston Villa included two against Liverpool at Anfield in December, is on his list of targets.

Source: Mirror

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

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Liverpool defender set for exit

Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who’s the fairest of them all? According to Mirror, Liverpool defender, Martin Skrtel admits he may consider quitting Liverpool after what he calls the worst season of his Anfield career.

Centre-back Skrtel says it “bugged him” when he was dropped to the bench by boss Brendan Rodgers in favour of Jamie Carragher for the second half of the season.

The Slovakia international feels unsettled, despite signing a new contract last August, and, with Rodgers shopping for new defenders, says he would listen to any offers from other clubs this summer.

In an interview given in his homeland, the 28-year-old said: “I have not had any specific offers. But if some should come and they interest me, I would probably consider it seriously.

“The club has the biggest say in this in any case, with me being contracted.

“I’m not saying that I want to leave at any cost.

“I feel sorry for what happened in this season. But I have been here for five-and-a-half years and I have built a position here.”

Skrtel says it hurt when Rodgers dropped him after the shock FA Cup defeat at Oldham because the Irishman said he needed more leadership at the back.

“After the game, the coach decided he wanted to change the team and justified to me that we lacked the organisation and defensive leadership personality,” he said.

“That was Carragher. Obviously I was not happy, it bugged me.

“On the other hand, I realise that only 11 can play and the 11 the coach chooses now is without me.

“I decided to add even more in training, so I was ready for a chance to show that I belong on the field, and not on the bench.”

Source: Mirror

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

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Ex-boss set for Napoli job

Rafa Benitez is expected to finalise a two-year deal with Napoli this weekend as the Chelsea interim manager fulfils his final duties at the Premier League club.

Benitez still has to meet Paris St-Germain officials this week before deciding which club he will manage next season.

But Champions League qualifiers Napoli, who prematurely announced a deal with the Chelsea interim manager last week, are favourites to get him because of the determination of president Aurelio de Laurentiis.

Funds raised by the £60million sale of striker Edinson Cavani, who is likely to join Real Madrid, will be reinvested in a Napoli side that finished second in Serie A last season.

They will look to win their first Scudetto since the Diego Maradona era in 1987 and 1990. Last season’s manager, Walter Mazzarri, resigned this month to move to Inter.

Paris St-Germain are trying to stop Carlo Ancelotti leaving for Real Madrid, so a quick decision from them on Benitez is unlikely.

Source: Mail Online

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Real Madrid ready to pounce on Liverpool’s star

Reports heat up at the Santiago Bernabéu these few days - Real Madrid have added Liverpool striker Luis Suarez to their extensive list of potential recruits.

A host of Europe's top clubs including Real's city rivals Atletico have been linked with the 26-year-old, who has three years remaining on a contract signed last August.

Bayern Munich, who could be crowed European champions at Wembley on Saturday, are also ready to make a summer bid.

So far Suarez appears to be content with life at Anfield, and Liverpool defender Jose Enrique wants to know the striker will stay.

'Of course we want to keep him. He is our key player,' Enrique said.

'We've not had a great season in terms of our league position but Luis is there as our top scorer.

'For me he can play in any team in the world. If I was a manager I would have him anywhere. Not only for his goals but for how his character is.

'He is the type of player like if you play with Messi: he does impossible things. He does something out of nothing.

'I think if we keep him we will have a good season next season, for sure.

'We don't want to lose Luis because he is a top player but you never know. But if he goes, someone else has to come.

'Hopefully if that happens it will be a good player.;

Luis Suarez will be suspended for Liverpool's first six matches of next season as he serves the remainder of his 10-game ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic last month.

Source: Mail Online

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

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Don’t write off Dortmund yet by Jamie Carragher #thankscarra

Which position would you rather be in heading into the Champions League final?

Would you side with Bayern Munich? They won the German league by a  distance, conquered all before them this season and go into this defining match as odds-on favourites. There aren’t too many people who can  envisage them being beaten.

Or would you choose Borussia Dortmund? Jurgen Klopp’s side have not managed to win a domestic trophy... and finished 25 points behind Bayern in the Bundesliga. It all points to the Wembley showdown being one-sided, doesn’t it? Well, not in my view.

This could be one of the closest finals we have seen in recent years and Dortmund are not the 7-2 shots that bookmakers suggest. If anything, Bayern will be the more apprehensive of the two sides. They, after all, have everything to lose. Dortmund have it all to gain.

Dortmund are in a similar position to the one we experienced with Liverpool on this day exactly eight years ago.

Nobody gave us a chance of beating AC Milan in Istanbul, so that meant we could enjoy the occasion. Winning the biggest trophy in club football went beyond our wildest dreams.

Bayern, in contrast, will in some ways be dreading this match as the pressure on them is immense.
Dortmund have had the edge in recent years — they are undefeated in the past six Bundesliga games and secured last year’s German Cup with a 5-2 win. Bayern, meanwhile, have lost two of the past three Champions League finals.

Having that sequence extended to three out of four would be a major embarrassment.

Bayern Munich are THE club in Germany and to lose the prize they crave most to a team from their own country would be a savage blow to their esteem.

I have been greatly impressed by Dortmund this year. For a retirement present, I was treated by a few Liverpool players to a trip to the Bernabeu earlier this month to watch the second leg of their semi-final against Real Madrid, and the vantage point we had was perfect to see everything at which Dortmund excel.

They have incredible pace, intensity and quality — I read a superb magazine article on Klopp earlier this year and the thing I took from it was how much he wants his players to run — and they swarmed all over Madrid, to the extent that Jose Mourinho had to substitute Xabi Alonso to deal with it.

In Marco Reus, they have a player who — in my opinion — has only been outperformed in the Champions League this year by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

It has been said Mario Gotze’s thigh injury will damage Dortmund’s chances, but losing Reus would have been a significantly worse headache for Klopp.

Gotze was spotted looking at property in Munich, ahead of his move there next season, and the reaction to him has not been good from Dortmund supporters. Would his head have been in the right place for this game? His absence may now work in his side’s favour.

As big a fan as I am of Dortmund, however, Bayern’s claims are there for all to see. Myself and Dietmar Hamann, who used to play for them, began calling Bayern ‘The Grinders’ a few years ago because they always get the job done.

They have incredible mental strength and to come back from the disappointment they endured 12 months ago — losing to Chelsea in front of their own fans — is a notable achievement. Some teams may never have got over such a defeat.

Given that Pep Guardiola is  taking over as manager next season and the way they have spent — they have paid out more than £100million in the past two summers, compared to Dortmund, who have spent in the region of £30m — you can see why it is being said they are on the verge of dominating  European football.

Let’s not think, however, that Germany is significantly ahead of all the other leagues.

Yes, it is very good, but it reminds me of the way the Premier League was five years ago — big, strong sides that can press with great intensity but have the skill to match. However, had it not been for a linesman’s mistake in the quarter-finals, Spain would have had three teams in the last four of the Champions League. I believe the two best teams in the competition will contest the final but Dortmund came perilously close to losing to Malaga in the last eight.

Bayern, on the other hand, have made relentless progress through the competition and the way they demolished Barcelona in the semi-finals was exceptional.

I don’t think they touched the ball in the first 15 minutes of the first leg but kept their composure and  then ran Barcelona into the ground. There should not, though, be such a discrepancy in the way the  respective chances of each side are viewed.

Bayern have strength in depth and are slight favourites but Dortmund have had their measure in recent times  — and you wouldn’t bet against them doing it one more time.

Source: Mail Online

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