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Posts Tagged ‘transfer’

• ‘We felt last season we were lacking a bit of pace’
• Versatility and experience key to Bellamy signing

The signing of Craig Bellamy illustrates that Liverpool want a new mould of attacking player, according to Director of Football Damien Comolli. ‘What we really liked is the fact he is so versatile. He can play wide, he can play up front, he can play off the target man, so he is an ideal complement to the squad we have built during the summer,’ he said.

The 32 year-old Welsh forward is manager Kenny Dalglish’s seventh signing since taking charge in January, and Comolli revealed Bellamy’s signing was part of a wider strategy.

‘In the cases of Jose Enrique, Jordan [Henderson] and Stewart [Downing], they are all very quick,’ he said ‘and it’s something we wanted to emphasise because we felt last season we were lacking a bit of pace.

‘We knew we had to let some players go, some players wanted minutes they weren’t getting here, and for several weeks we had first team players training with the reserves because the squad was so big here at Melwood. We [have] reduced the number dramatically and we feel we added quality as well.’

Comolli also criticsed the scheduling of this week’s international fixtures for clashing with the transfer window. ‘It’s one of those bizarre things that FIFA have put together, to put an international fixture at the end of the transfer window with all the international players being away,’ he said. ‘I’d like to really thank Gary Speed and the Welsh FA for allowing Craig to travel. They let him go early this afternoon to make sure the deal could be completed. They were very helpful and we are very grateful for that.’

Craig BellamyLiverpoolKenny DalglishPremier LeagueTransfer windowguardian.co.uk

Manchester United fancied to win their 20th title, while QPR are strongly tipped to go straight back down

Who will win the Premier League?

Kevin McCarra A well-equipped and fairly settled Manchester United, even if Wesley Sneijder never arrives. However, Manchester City are gradually improving and may still be active in this transfer window.

David Pleat It should be extremely competitive, and though I think Chelsea really have a great chance I’ll go for Manchester United. They have the vibrancy of youth about them, and their strength in depth is impressive – they’ve got six pretty decent wingers.

Richard Williams Manchester United, because they have the squad depth and the group dynamic – and Ferguson will want a 20th title for the club as he celebrates his 25th year in charge and his 70th birthday.

Paul Hayward Manchester United. Villas-Boas will need time at Chelsea, City still face a big leap and Arsenal lack hardened winners. A strong United nucleus supports emerging youth.

David Lacey Manchester United. United may still be in transition but already fresh talent is starting to bud and Alex Ferguson does know how to win championships. Potential rivals still look short.

Paul Wilson Manchester United. If I have said that once I have said it a hundred times, and all of those were before their classy showing in the Community Shield. Apart from the fact that they have all the experience in the world, I just don’t see this being the season for City, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool. Or anyone else, needless to say.

Who will be the first manager to leave his job?

KM – Bookies say Steve Kean or Neil Warnock, but dismissal is a Newcastle speciality, as Alan Pardew will realise. No stability there since Sir Bobby Robson lasted five years (1999-2004).

DP – This is none of my business, really, but I can see three managers who for different reasons might find themselves under pressure. Steve Kean at Blackburn and Arsène Wenger at Arsenal could find themselves the subject of supporter pressure, while there is a chance of conflict at Newcastle destabilising Alan Pardew.

RW – Steve Kean (Blackburn), because far from persuading Kaká, Robinho or Ronaldinho that their destiny is at Ewood Park, the chicken-plucking owners have been selling players, and the Scot is likely to pay the price.

PH – Steve Kean (Blackburn) was a punt by the club’s Indian owners and would be cheap to fire. Venky’s would rush to protect their investment if results were poor.

DL – Neil Warnock (QPR). Rumours about Warnock’s position were rife long before the season started and despite the denials he will need some early wins if he is not to become an early casualty.

PW – I’m not keen on this sort of betting market, but were I forced to place a bet I would probably be looking at Messrs Kean, Warnock, Pardew and McLeish. Kean looks favourite, though Blackburn could continue to behave unpredictably and Villa may be the ones to panic if things should start badly.

Who will be relegated?

KM – It looks particularly tough for newly promoted Norwich and Swansea. Wigan, 16th in last two seasons, could be under strain.

DP – I’d go for Blackburn, Wigan and QPR. Many teams are going to struggle, though maybe Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich might move clear. Swansea and Norwich won’t be far away, but I can see them both surviving.

RW – QPR, because not even Neil Warnock’s powers can overcome such footballistically ignorant owners. Newcastle United, for similar reasons. And Norwich City, because sometimes even great owners cannot ensure survival

PH – QPR, Wigan, Swansea. Chaos at Loftus Road will hinder Neil Warnock, Swansea will have to be content with parachute payments and Wigan can’t keep dodging reality. Blackburn will also be down there.

DL – Swansea, Wigan, QPR. Wigan cannot keep escaping and Swansea and QPR look short of the depth needed to sustain a successful campaign to stay up. Norwich may struggle but should be stronger this time.

PW – I’m taking Norwich to stay up and the other two promoted clubs to go down, with Blackburn. I have said that elsewhere, so I’ll have to stick to it, even though I am beginning to wonder if Swansea could be this season’s surprise package/breath of fresh air.

Who will prove the best summer signing?

KM – Ashley Young at £18m from Aston Villa. His pace, versatility and reliable final ball should be ideal for a club with Manchester United’s mentality.

DP – I remember saying six years ago that it was Edwin van der Sar, and I was proved right with that one. In 2010, though he joined in January, I thought Stuart Holden was a great signing for Bolton. This time I’ll go for Phil Jones at United. He might struggle to push his way past the established centre-back pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but I’ve got a feeling they might play him in midfield, alongside a creative player – whether it’s Anderson, or perhaps Wesley Sneijder if they sign him. I can see him playing regularly.

RW – Charles N’Zogbia (Aston Villa). It may not be the easiest of seasons at Villa Park, but the underrated Frenchman has enough talent and drive to provide inspiration for his young colleagues.

PH – Sergio Agüero exudes glamour and will bring more ingenuity to Man City’s attacking play. His skill could inspire the rest of the team. Will combine well with David Silva.

DL – Charlie Adam (Liverpool). Adam made Blackpool watchable last season and the range and subtlety of his passing should restore the sort of quality in midfield which Liverpool have been lacking.

PW – Hard to say at this stage, because the transfer window is still open. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea really have signed the new Didier Drogba, and also to see where all the Liverpool midfielders fit in. For the money, Charlie Adam could be best value of all.

Premier League 2011-12Premier LeagueManchester UnitedManchester CityChelseaArsenalLiverpoolBlackburn RoversWigan AthleticSwansea CityNorwich CityQPRKevin McCarraDavid PleatRichard WilliamsPaul HaywardDavid LaceyPaul Wilsonguardian.co.uk

• Manager insists Liverpool have acted responsibly on transfers
• Dalglish pays tribute to ‘fantastically supportive’ owners

Kenny Dalglish has defended this summer’s lavish recruitment drive at Liverpool by saying the club have acted “responsibly” in the transfer market and that the principal owner, John W Henry, has dispelled any doubt over the level of financial support from Fenway Sports Group.

Liverpool have spent almost £50m on three midfielders, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing, and remain in the market for a central defender and left-back, although they have yet to make an offer for José Enrique of Newcastle United. Having committed £57.8m on Luis Suárez and Andy Carroll in January, albeit a sum offset by the combined £56m sales of Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel, FSG has sanctioned the largest spending spree in Liverpool’s history since acquiring the club from Tom Hicks and George Gillett last October.

“It’s been very impressive that they haven’t flinched with the players that we have asked for and they have provided the money,” Dalglish said. “The most important thing for us was getting people in and we’ve brought good people in.

“We’ve acted responsibly in the transfer market and we’ve also acted responsibly and respectfully with the owners, who have been fantastically supportive financially during the window. If there is a better owner that is as supportive as John Henry, then they have done very well for themselves because he’s fantastically supportive.”

Questions have been asked over Liverpool’s willingness to pay Sunderland £16m and Aston Villa £20m for Henderson and Downing respectively, although, having failed to qualify for the Champions League for the past two seasons, Dalglish said the club could not afford to stand still as they seek to rejoin the European elite. He believes FSG’s outlay has been invested wisely so far.

Dalglish added: “I don’t think anyone would dispute the ability of Luis Suárez, would they? You’re not always fortunate to get someone as good as him every time you sign a cheque but we were fortunate with what we got when we brought him in.

“Certainly spending money does not guarantee you success but I don’t know of any football club that has ever had success that has not spent money. So it is necessary. But it’s even more important to spend it wisely.”

José Enrique, one of the Twitter rebels at Newcastle, could be the subject of a bid from Liverpool before the Premier League season opens on 13 August but Dalglish said he would not be rushed into a decision on his defence by a pre-season campaign that has seen 15 goals conceded in five matches so far. “We don’t mind speaking about our own football club but we don’t speak about any other football club and certainly not any other players,” the Liverpool manager said. “Pre-season is not a barometer. You make your assessments. We know we have still got people to come back that will be important for us. If they do come back, they will be like new signings.”

The support and spending power of the Anfield hierarchy provides a stark contrast with Liverpool’s divisive situation 12 months ago and the manager is confident a lack of off-field distractions will assist the club’s attempt to return to the top four.

“I don’t think what happens off the pitch can be used as an excuse for what happens on it,” Dalglish said. “But it is always helpful when there is a lot of positivity around the club. It’s certainly helpful if everyone is singing the same song. John [W Henry] is genuinely a good fella. He cares passionately about the football club and he wants it to go in the right direction. Anyone who has got any affinity for the football club will want that too. We are fortunate that there is nobody pulling in the wrong direction.”

The manager said Steven Gerrard is recovering well from an infection related to the groin surgery he underwent in March, although his comeback target date remains September. Dalglish said: “The operation has been a fantastic success. It’s just the infection. It’s good news for Steven and for everyone else.”

Martin Skrtel has suffered a relapse in his recovery from the calf injury that has interrupted his pre-season training. The defender said: “I am still not with my team. I suffered an injury setback on Friday. I felt strong pain in my leg so I am back with the doctors receiving treatment. I really don’t know how long will it take to heal. I am doing my best to be back as soon as possible.”

LiverpoolKenny DalglishJohn W HenryTransfer windowAndy Hunterguardian.co.uk