Finnan agrees new deal
Prize guys
May 21 2007
by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL flew to Athens today with the prize signatures of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher secured for the rest of their careers.
Rafa Benitez has been handed the perfect pre-Champions League tonic as the inspirational scouse duo each agreed new four year deals.
Unsung hero Steve Finnan has also agreed new terms following another consistent season.
Liverpool’s American co-chairman George Gillett has been thrilled at seeing first hand the impact Gerrard and Carragher have had on Liverpool since taking over the club with his friend and partner Tom Hicks in February.
Said Gillett, who left Colorado at the weekend to set off for Greece: “You know, I have never seen anything quite like it.
“I’m sure there are other situations – I’m just not familiar with them – where you get two young men who come from the same area, who came into the programme through the Academy at nine years of age, who have been with the club all of these years and who have become such an integral part of the club that they are now not only integrated into it but they lead by example and by intellect and energy.
“When you are close to the pitch you hear it.
“You know we have the benefit of having two extraordinary leaders out there at the same time – one in midfield and forward and the other in the back.
“Damn few clubs have that.”
Meanwhile, Benitez insists there are still places up for grabs in his line-up as Liverpool finalise their Athens plans.
The five-day training camp in Spain convinced Benitez his players are determined to lift the club’s sixth European Cup.
Peter Crouch and Craig Bellamy are vying to partner Dirk Kuyt, while Bolo Zenden’s misfortune opens the door for a Harry Kewell, Mark Gonzalez or Alvaro Arbeloa.
Zenden was on the plane which took off for Athens this morning – but is still rated highly doubtful.
Benitez says nothing is decided yet.
“The players know everything is possible for them and I see this on the training pitch,” he said.
“We will not decide the team until we have to and we have a lot more options now than two years ago. The players are working really hard and the conditions in Spain were good for us. We arranged training later in the evenings so the players were used to the time we’ll start in Athens.
“We couldn’t prepare this way before Istanbul, but this time we thought it would be a good idea.”
Liverpool have been buoyed in training by the return of Luis Garcia, who has recovered from a cruciate knee injury, although he has no chance of featuring in the final.
“It’s far too soon for Luis to play, but it’s good to have him back training again,” said Benitez.
CLICKY - The Echo
May 21 2007
by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL flew to Athens today with the prize signatures of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher secured for the rest of their careers.
Rafa Benitez has been handed the perfect pre-Champions League tonic as the inspirational scouse duo each agreed new four year deals.
Unsung hero Steve Finnan has also agreed new terms following another consistent season.
Liverpool’s American co-chairman George Gillett has been thrilled at seeing first hand the impact Gerrard and Carragher have had on Liverpool since taking over the club with his friend and partner Tom Hicks in February.
Said Gillett, who left Colorado at the weekend to set off for Greece: “You know, I have never seen anything quite like it.
“I’m sure there are other situations – I’m just not familiar with them – where you get two young men who come from the same area, who came into the programme through the Academy at nine years of age, who have been with the club all of these years and who have become such an integral part of the club that they are now not only integrated into it but they lead by example and by intellect and energy.
“When you are close to the pitch you hear it.
“You know we have the benefit of having two extraordinary leaders out there at the same time – one in midfield and forward and the other in the back.
“Damn few clubs have that.”
Meanwhile, Benitez insists there are still places up for grabs in his line-up as Liverpool finalise their Athens plans.
The five-day training camp in Spain convinced Benitez his players are determined to lift the club’s sixth European Cup.
Peter Crouch and Craig Bellamy are vying to partner Dirk Kuyt, while Bolo Zenden’s misfortune opens the door for a Harry Kewell, Mark Gonzalez or Alvaro Arbeloa.
Zenden was on the plane which took off for Athens this morning – but is still rated highly doubtful.
Benitez says nothing is decided yet.
“The players know everything is possible for them and I see this on the training pitch,” he said.
“We will not decide the team until we have to and we have a lot more options now than two years ago. The players are working really hard and the conditions in Spain were good for us. We arranged training later in the evenings so the players were used to the time we’ll start in Athens.
“We couldn’t prepare this way before Istanbul, but this time we thought it would be a good idea.”
Liverpool have been buoyed in training by the return of Luis Garcia, who has recovered from a cruciate knee injury, although he has no chance of featuring in the final.
“It’s far too soon for Luis to play, but it’s good to have him back training again,” said Benitez.
CLICKY - The Echo
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