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Posts Tagged ‘Albert Riera’

• Hodgson wants to make Londoner his first signing
• Lure of first-team football may be crucial factor

Liverpool hope Joe Cole will resist the lure of remaining in London and agree to become Roy Hodgson’s first signing as their manager on a deal worth £90,000-a-week.

The England international has held talks with Anfield officials and Tottenham Hotspur over a lucrative free transfer following his release by Chelsea. Although the early indication was that the 28-year-old wanted to stay in the capital Liverpool, who are unable to offer Cole Champions League football, believe their terms and the prospect of regular first-team football may yet entice the midfielder to Merseyside.

Hodgson, who would prefer an answer from Cole this week as he prepares a makeshift squad for Liverpool’s Europa League third-round qualifier on 29

• Rafael Benítez: ‘We have a better squad than people think’
• Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera the latest casualties

Rafael Benítez believes his Liverpool squad is better than the critics think, despite a mounting injury crisis that has further threatened their faltering campaign.

The manager has been hamstrung by the biggest set of injury problems in his five and a half years at Anfield. The striker Fernando Torres has a hernia problem that will keep him out for at least another three weeks while Liverpool’s captain, Steven Gerrard, is nursing a groin problem.

The England right-back Glen Johnson and the wingers Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun also all have hamstring injuries, with the latter pair sidelined until at least December. Daniel Agger’s back continues to be a concern, while Fábio Aurélio pulled out of Brazil’s squad to face England at the weekend with a calf injury.

Benítez admits the injuries are causing him difficulties but is confident when he gets everyone back Liverpool can return to top form.

“We have a better squad than people think,” said Benítez. “It’s a question of getting some key players back. You could see the other day [in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham City] that with Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard we were creating so many chances. The quality is there.”

Benítez believes there are only minor issues to address and has urged his players to start their season afresh after the international break. Liverpool have already lost five Premier League matches – three more than during the whole of the previous campaign – and commentators have already written off their title hopes.

Manchester City, one of the teams looking to take advantage of Liverpool’s inconsistent form to claim a Champions League place, are the visitors to Anfield a week on Sunday when Benítez believes a victory would reignite his team’s season.

“We have to change some small things that we need to improve on. We talk about the positives and analyse the negatives,” said the Spaniard. “We have to look at the big picture. We know we’ve had some problems and we’ve made some mistakes but still we are so close.

“Everything will be different if we win two or three in a row. The confidence will be high and everything will be easier. Maybe we can start the season right now. Winning against City will be a big boost for everyone and if that happens I’m sure we’ll see the best of the team.

“I am 100% sure everything will be totally different if we can win the game against City after this international break.”

LiverpoolRafael Benítezguardian.co.uk

Liverpool ace Albert Riera admits the side’s current problems are in their heads and has called on his team-mates to stick together.

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Riera rues Reds form