VIDEO: Dalglish on Torres, Gerrard return and the supporters

Dalglish press conference:

VIDEO: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Liverpool FC

Highlights of the weekend's match against Wolves:

VIDEO: Dalglish on away form and upcoming Wolverhampton match

VIDEO: Torres: "Dirk is the man"

Fernando's post-match interview with 'The Carslberg Lounge'

VIDEO: Highlights of Liverpool FC vs. Everton FC

Full match highlights of yesterday's match, marking Kenny Dalglish's return to Anfield:

VIDEO: Kenny's verdict on today's draw against Everton

Kenny Dalglish feels the side were a little unfortunate to only get a point after the 2-2 draw against Everton:

Match Report: Liverpool FC 2-2 Everton FC

Kenny Dalglish's return to Anfield did not have the fairy-tale ending that many had hoped for.

Dalglish was making his return to the Anfield dug out some 20 years after he last took charge of a game at Anfield and the reception he received prior to kick off was indeed one of the greatest that has been heard for a long time. 

 

With principal owner John Henry and his wife watching on, the Liverpool side responded to the rousing rendition of  "You'll Never Walk Alone" by starting the game with enthusiasm and some decent football.  The side showed intent from the kick off with Fernando Torres, who looked hungry for a goal, having a shot within 15 seconds of the kick off.  It was a sign of how the first half would play out.

Match Preview: Liverpool FC vs. Everton FC (Kick off 1405 hrs)

Anfield awaits Liverpool legend when he returns home today and come 2.05pm, all eyes will be on the tunnel as Kenny Dalglish once again enters Anfield for the first time in 20 years.

Dalglish has stated that the return will be an emotional one but has been quick to emphasize the importance of the game and the need to secure three points against our closest rivals.

“It’ll be emotional, but so was last year’s derby,” said Dalglish. “For me, it’s going to be a fantastic occasion and a victorious one as well,” he added

With the Reds and the Blues locked together on 25 points, both just four points from the relegation zone, realism needs to kick in too. With the league so close this year a string of good results could catapult Liverpool back up the table. Conversely, continued poor performance could see us slip right into the relegation zone, something few fans would have foreseen during the summer.

Liverpool will be without the key figures of Jamie Carragher, recovering from a shoulder injury, and Steven Gerrard, who continues his suspension following his dismissal at Old Trafford a week ago. But Dalglish is hoping that other senior players step up to the challenge and accept the responsibility of leading the team in the absence of the two.

“[Gerrard and Carragher] are two big players but they're not important players for us this weekend. The important ones for us are the ones who are available and from within that we've got to get leadership," Dalglish said. "It's not any one person who will be designated as being a leader. They are all leaders. They all have got their own responsibilities and they can't shy away from them, I don't think that they will and I don't think they have done."

Match facts:

• As a player, Kenny Dalglish scored five goals for Liverpool against Everton. As a manager, he has faced the Toffees 20 times (Won 11, Drew 6, Lost 3)
• Fernando Torres is set to make his 100th Premier League appearance for Liverpool. He has scored 63 goals in 99 appearances. 
• Liverpool have lost four of their last five Premier League matches and have lost 10 matches this season, their most defeats at this stage of any top-flight season for 57 years - that season, we were relegated.
• The Reds have won five of their last six league games at Anfield. 
• Liverpool go into the game without Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. They have played in the last 19 fixtures against Everton since both missed the 1-1 draw at Anfield in February 2002.

Last season:

• Everton 0-2 Liverpool FC (29/11/2009)
• Liverpool FC 1-0 Everton (06/02/2010)

Doubtful/injured:

• Carragher (shoulder)

Suspended:

• Gerrard (Game 2 of 3 match ban)

VIDEO: Kenny Dalglish on Babel, Twitter and transfers

Kenny Dalglish's press conference ahead of this weekend's derby match, where he expresses his views on Ryan Babel's recent twitter post and potential transfers:

VIDEO: Owen Coyle on Dalglish

Bolton manager on Kenny Dalglish's return as Liverpool boss:

Match Report and Video Highlights: Blackpool FC vs. Liverpool FC

Last night’s defeat against Blackpool FC at Bloomfield Road gave Kenny Dalglsih a glimpse of how much work needs to be done at the club and how the road ahead may be a tortuous one. 

Liverpool FC got off to a great start with favoured right-back, Martin Kelly, striding out into open space and playing in Fernando Torres.  Torres took the ball deep into the right side of the Blackpool box and from an acute angle fired a shot hard into the roof of the net after only 3 minutes. The finish was something akin to Torres of old – gone was the hesitancy or self doubt and in its place a striker that looked more confident.  It also proved that given the right kind of service Torres can be still be deadly in front of goal.  His performance for the rest of the game was also encouraging, creating for himself a number of chances and looked like a player eager to impress.  But this time, Torres was let down by many of his supporting cast.

VIDEO: Pacheco's impressive opener against Sunderland Reserves

A wonderful left footed shot from the young Spaniard.  The game finished 2-1 in favour of our reserves:

Match Preview: Blackpool FC vs. Liverpool FC

Liverpool travel to Bloomfield Road tomorrow, under the new management of Kenny Dalglish and will be hoping to turn around their wretched away form, as well as improving on the result when Blackpool FC visited Anfield earlier in the season.

Liverpool will be without influential captain, Steven Gerrard, as he serves a three match ban following his dismissal against Manchester United.  Right back Glen Johnson may also miss the game if his pregnant partner has not given birth.  Liverpool will make a late assessment on the fitness of Joe Cole and Paul Konchesky as they recover from an ankle injury and a dead leg, respectively.

VIDEO: Holloway: "Kenny is a legend"

Blackpool's boss, Ian Holloway, talks of his admiration for Kenny Dalglish ahead of tomorrow's Premier League clash at Broomfield Road:

VIDEO: Kenny Dalglish's unveiling, his views on Carragher and Blackpool

Video 1 of 2

 

VIDEO: Kenny's first training session

A short video of Kenny's first training session yesterday with the players, Sammy Lee and Steve Clarke:

VIDEO: Post-match press conference (MUFC vs. Liverpool FC)

Kenny Dalglish's post-match press conference (9/01/11)  after the 3rd round FA Cup loss to Manchester Utd:

Match report: Manchester Utd vs Liverpool FC (FA Cup 3rd Rnd)

With Kenny Dalglish reappointed as Liverpool manager on Saturday morning, just over 24 hours later he was lining up against an old foe in Alex Ferguson.  Liverpool players, fans and everyone around the club seemed to be buoyed by his appointment and despite the recent malaise that surrounded the club under the charge of Roy Hodgson, confidence was high going into the game.

As Dalglish emerged from the Old Trafford tunnel Liverpool supporters could have been forgiven for breaking into a smile at the sight of the man so affectionately known as ‘King Kenny’.  He too was all smiles as he took his seat in the opposition dug-out after applauding the Travelling Kop who were in great voice. 

Match Preview: Manchester Utd vs Liverpool FC ( FA Cup 3rd Round, KO 1330hrs)

As if tomorrow’s FA Cup 3^rd Round clash could not have gotten any more interesting, the news that was released this morning just after 11am from the club guaranteed that all eyes will be on Old Trafford tomorrow – the return of Kenny Dalglish as manger of Liverpool FC.

The word ‘legend’ is often used to describe past players and mangers of Liverpool FC but Kenny Dalglish is truly is a legend of Liverpool FC. 

VIDEO: Why he's known as "King Kenny"

Watch to find out why Dalglish is known as "King Kenny".  From the Sky's "Football's Greatest" series:

Part 1 of 3:

Hodgson leaves Liverpool FC

Late this morning a statement was posted on Liverpool FC's official website (liverpoolfc.tv) outlining that Roy Hodgson had left the club by mutual consent.  Here is that statement, in full:

Liverpool FC confirmed today that manager Roy Hodgson has left the club by mutual consent.

Principal Owner John Henry commented: "We are grateful for Roy's efforts over the past six months, but both parties thought it in the best interests of the club that he stand down from his position as team manager. We wish him all the best for the future."
Roy Hodgson said: "Being asked to manage Liverpool Football Club was a great privilege. Any manager would be honoured to manage a club with such an incredible history, such embedded tradition and such an amazing set of fans. Liverpool is one of the great clubs in world football. I have, however, found the last few months some of the most challenging of my career. I am very sad not to have been able to put my stamp on the squad, to be given the time to bring new players into the club in this transfer window and to have been able to be part of the rebuilding process at Liverpool. The club has some great, world-class players, with whom it has been a pleasure to work and I wish the entire squad well for the rest of the season. I thank those with whom I have built up a close working relationship at the club for their loyalty and support during very testing times, and finally of course to the Liverpool fans, your passion and dedication to the club will see Liverpool at the top of the game once more."
Club legend Kenny Dalglish will assume control of team matters for Sunday's third round FA Cup tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Henry added: "We are delighted that Kenny Dalglish has agreed to step in and manage the team for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Old Trafford and for the remainder of the season.

"Kenny was not just a legendary footballer, he was the third of our three most successful managers - three giants. We are extraordinarily fortunate and grateful that he has decided to step in during the middle of this season."
Chairman Tom Werner said: "No one who cares for this great club has been happy with the way this season has unfolded and we have examined options and considered at length what is best for us going forward. Kenny will bring considerable experience to the position and provide management and leadership for the rest of the season."


So, after the events of yesterday and the controversy of the called off press conference it seems that FSG were working all the while to replace Roy Hodgson with Kenny Dalglish.  The news, unsurprisingly,  has been welcomed by the vast majority of LFC fans. 

Welcome back Kenny Dalglish

The Hodgson Saga - Rumours, rumours and more rumours

After the defeat against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night many supporters believed the end of Hodgson was imminent and his sacking would happen within hours of the full-time whistle.  Rumours from multiple anonymous ‘sources’ were circulating on the internet stating that “he’s been sacked”, “he’s due to be sacked in the next 24/48hrs”, “he’s signed the papers to be sacked”, “he’s signed the papers to be sacked but it’ll be announced later”, etc. etc. The mainstream media did their part too and were in speculation overdrive, analysing the fact that Hodgson didn't drive himself to training, that he was seen leaving with suspiciously large bags from Melwood and other over-analysis of his every move.  The rumours circulated with lightning pace and so far, every single one of them has proven to be false as FSG have stuck by the manager.  At least for now. 

Match report: Blackburn Rovers vs. Liverpool FC

A trip to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers, a team that Liverpool have lost to only once in the last 24 league meetings, was another of those ‘must win’ games for Hodgson. It was a ‘must win’ in terms of improving Liverpool’s league position and a ‘must win’ if Hodgson had any hope of retaining his role as manager at Liverpool FC. However, as the evening unfolded, Ewood Park was the latest setting for another of Liverpool’s nightmares.

Roy Hodgson’s line-up to face Blackburn raised questions again prior to kick off. Most supporters having issues with Paul Konchesky being drafted back into the side and Daniel Agger sidelined – the latter coming back from injury and possibly being ‘saved’ for Sunday, but I’ve no reasonable explanation for the inclusion of the former, who has been pretty dire all season.

Match highlights: Blackburn Rovers vs. Liverpool FC

Highlights from last night's game against Blackburn at Ewood Park:

Match Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. Liverpool FC (KO: 2000hrs)

Liverpool travel to Ewood Park tomorrow evening to face Blackburn Rovers, in a week that will also see them play away to Manchester Utd at Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup.  Because of Liverpool’s poor league position the difficult task of prioritizing either the league or the FA Cup may have to be made by Hodgson, having already hinted that key players may need to be rested – though not indicating which game they may need to be rested for. 

Unsurprisingly, the debate of ‘league vs. cup’ has been prominent in the run up to these matches.  Some argue that Liverpool need to do all they can to improve their league position so it should take precedence. Others highlighting the fact that the FA Cup should be viewed as a chance to clinch some silverware this season, a weakened side should not be sent out at Old Trafford.  And a third group, they want to go for it in both games.  

The Men In Contention for Roy Hodgson's Job

This past weekend the rumours of Hodgson being imminently replaced gathered pace once again.   On Saturday night several of the more reputable publications ran stories that Kenny Dalglish may be replaced as caretaker manager, until a suitable permanent appointment may be found, but, so far nothing has come of this – see previous blog entry here.  

Various names have been mentioned, some that have been doing the rounds for some time and others that may not be so familiar.  So who are the men, according to the media, in the running for the job of Liverpool manager?

Rumour Mill: Dalglish lined up for interim managerial role?

Rumours that Fenway Sports Group (FSG) look set to make a decision on the future of Roy Hodgson earlier than had been anticipated have been circling in the mainstream media last night and this morning, and that they could be ready to appoint Kenny Dalglish as ‘caretaker manager’ until the end of the season.

The Telegraph’s Rory Smith, The Independent and other publications ran stories late last night outlining how FSG are now prepared to delay the search for Hodgson’s long-term successor until the summer and install a caretaker until June, raising the prospect of an emotional return to the club for Kenny Dalglish.  The difficulty and cost associated with appointing the right long-term manager midway through the season may have forced FSG to rethink their strategy, with the owners now thought to favour introducing an interim manager before installing their preferred candidate in June.

                                   Kenny Dalglish has  had a distinguished career at LFC, as both player and manager

Match report: Liverpool FC 2 - 1 Bolton Wanderers FC

Liverpool recorded a win against Bolton at Anfield this afternoon, and showed a resilient second half display to snatch all three points.

All eyes were on Hodgson at kick off as rumours surrounding the manager continued to escalate, with reports of FSG (formerly NESV) actively scouting a replacement for Hodgson gathering pace in the media. 

Hodgson made a number of changes coming into the game,  with Agger coming in for Sotirios Kyrgiakos after long-term injury and Fabio Aurelio making his first premier league start under Hodgson, Konchesky having been omitted from the match day squad altogether.  Maxi was also called up to play on the left-side of midfield, allowing Kuyt to return the right.  However, the most surprising omission was that of Steven Gerrard, apparently left out due to ‘fatigue’ from the midweek game. 

The game began with a nervy, tense fell – neither side able to take meaningful control of the game during the opening exchanges.  Fernando Torres looked particularly off-colour early on, miscontrolling the ball and having a heavy touch on a number of occasions. 

Miereles succumbed to injury early in the first half and was replaced by Gerrard with 21 minutes having been played – this later turned out to be somewhat of a blessing in disguise. 

Liverpool vs Bolton Wanderers highlights

Match highlights from today's game against Bolton Wanderers