Benitez tells owner he needs stronger team

Rafael Benítez has told Roman Abramovich that the Chelsea squad he inherited from Roberto Di Matteo is neither fit enough nor strong enough.

Chelsea have earmarked Metalist Kharkiv’s Brazilian attacker Taison as a January signing while Benítez has been working on the players’ fitness, sending Fernando Torres for extra sessions in the gym.Benítez attended a board meeting on Thursday with Abramovich and Michael Emenalo, the technical director, in which the interim first-team manager outlined his initial impressions of the squad after two stalemates and six training sessions. “You can see the team needs to improve a bit physically,’’ said Benítez. “We had yesterday a board meeting and I explained what I’d seen.’’

Benítez also considered recruiting Andy Carroll.

He believes he can win over the hostile fans. “When I was at Extremadura, I replaced a manager who was very successful and at the end they loved me. I went to Tenerife and had a very good relationship with the fans. Valencia was the same. Liverpool was the same. So hopefully with the success I can do the same here.”

The Spaniard, who on Saturday travels to West Ham to face an old rival in Sam Allardyce, argued that Chelsea were moving in the right direction under him. “The players have a bit more confidence now than before because they were conceding goals every single game and losing. The players can see the team is more solid, and that’s the first step.’’ If he has tightened the defence, Benítez needs to get the attack rolling.

The Premier League hopes to celebrate its 21,000th goal this weekend, needing 27 to hit the mark, but Benítez and Torres have to prove they can find the key to the door to goal. Benítez teams have not scored in the Premier League for six hours (two games with Chelsea this week, and his final two games with Liverpool in 2010).

Torres has not scored in 275 minutes under Benítez in the Premier League, not since March 28, 2010 against Sunderland, the first of his two goals that day highlighting the need to get the ball to him quickly. Liverpool’s keeper, Pepe Reina, found Torres on the left with a long throw, and the striker brilliantly turned Michael Turner before beating Craig Gordon with a superb strike into the top corner.

Torres needs constant encouragement by his manager. “I was always talking to him,’’ said Benítez of their time at Anfield. “I like doing that with players, asking them questions, about players, games, families. It can be a two-minute conversation with someone walking to the pitch, or you can have breakfast with them.’’

Benítez dismissed the idea of former Olympic sprinter Darren Campbell working with Torres as he has in the past. “It’s different just running and running with the ball on the pitch.”



During Thursday’s meeting, Benítez, Abramovich and Emenalo discussed the possibility of recalling Romelu Lukaku from West Bromwich Albion. “We know he’s doing well,’’ said Benítez. “But maybe it’s better for his development to stay there, playing.” Until January and Taison’s possible arrival, Torres faces 10 games. He cannot be rested. “Not at the moment because [Daniel] Sturridge is injured,’’ said Benítez.

“[Victor] Moses is the only option we’d have, but he’s a different kind of player.’’

Benitez, who despite Chelsea’s lack of goals was considering leaving out Oscar from Saturday's game, said he did not see Eden Hazard as a centre-forward, a role the Belgian filled unsuccessfully against Juventus. “I know he played in that position, but he’s not a striker. He’s a No 10 or a winger. Hazard was one of the players I wanted to sign at Liverpool at 19. He was too expensive.’’



Benítez also considered recruiting Andy Carroll, who eventually joined Liverpool for £35 million and is now on loan at West Ham. “He played the Youth Cup at Anfield and we were watching him, a young player with power,’’ recalled Benítez. “It was an option, he was cheaper. Take the ‘3’ off the £35 million.”



In chatty mood at Cobham on Friday, Benítez touched on a range of other matters. He praised Marko Marin, saying: “You can see his quality.’’ Of David Beckham possibly returning to England, Benítez said: “I’m not sure whether he can cope now with the pace of the Premier League.” He explained why he made the crossing hands “game over” gesture after Liverpool’s second goal in a 4-0 win over Allardyce’s Blackburn in 2009, a gesture of “absolute contempt” according to Sir Alex Ferguson at the time. “How could I have said the game was over after 20 minutes?’’ said Benítez yesterday. “Crazy.’’

John Terry has told the club’s medical staff that he feels ready to play but Benítez remains cautious, citing concerns over the knee injury, and doubted whether the centre-half would make the under-21s’ game on Monday. Benítez observed that the team missed the “character and leadership” of Terry and Frank Lampard.

Benitez’s life is all tinker, tailor at the moment. “I have some problems with the official suit. The Italian style is different. It’s really nice, but it’s a style for young people, not old people. Now, because of the [economic] crisis, no one has many suits in stock. They have to make the right one.’’

What would suit Chelsea on Saturday is a goal. Benítez is known for rarely celebrating goals. “Sometimes when you score it’s the time to talk to players. Some managers like to jump around and roar. The fans sometimes enjoy this. I’m happy inside.”

Wenger thinks Messi should win Ballon d'Or

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not like the Ballon d'Or in principle but admits he would vote for Lionel Messi if the award was decided on 'class'.

Barcelona's Argentine superstar is the runaway favourite to collect the accolade for a fourth consecutive year when it is announced on 7th January after an astonishing 2012.



Messi earlier in November surpassed Pele's 75-goal record of goals for club and country in a calendar year and is now on 82 to leave him just behind former West Germany and Bayern Munich striker Gerd Muller's 1972 record of 85.



But Wenger, who has always believed in praising the team ethic over the individual, thinks other the contenders - Messi's Barcelona team-mate, Spain international Andres Iniesta, and long-term rival, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo - would also deserve the Ballon d'Or.



The Arsenal boss said: "It's very difficult. For the class, Messi. He's scored 76 goals in one year. It looks just outrageous to me. Therefore it would be one thing to reward something exceptional.



"Ronaldo, has always been there and he deserves it as well. He won the Spanish championship.



"Iniesta won the European Championship with the national team and therefore, you could reward him.



"I'm not a big fan of these things. If you judge purely the class, you judge Messi.



"If you want the achievement of the year, you would choose Ronaldo and maybe Iniesta in second. That's how I see it."

Fourth spot still a realistic aim for us, says Rodgers

Liverpool are confident of finalising deals for Tom Ince and Daniel Sturridge.



Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes a top four finish is “absolutely, absolutely” a realistic aim for the 12-placed club and says he is taking heart from the fact that nobody has pulled away in fourth spot.



“Let’s be honest – it is a big ask; a massive ask,” said Rodgers, ahead of his side’s meeting with Southampton at Anfield today. “But [fourth] has to be our target. We are going to look to try and get as close to that as we possibly can.



Rodgers, whose side are 10 points off fourth-placed West Bromwich Albion, was bullish about the club’s potential activity in the January transfer market, at the end of a week in which he agreed that the managerial uncertainty at Stamford Bridge may make a move for Daniel Sturridge easier. Liverpool are confident of finalising a £6m deal for Blackpool’s Tom Ince as well as adding Sturridge for a further £12m.



Asked if he was looking at one or two signings or as much as he could achieve, Rodgers replied: “As much as I can do, really. [But] we have got a real good group here. I have always thought that if you have three-and-a-half goal-scorers in your team, you have got a chance. We have got Luis Suarez. Steven Gerrard will get goals. He has been terrific this season and taken on an even greater responsibility with the juniors. But he will get goals. There is no question of that. If we can add a couple more that you know are goal-scorers, who instinctively get into the box and get goals, with the domination that we are having in games, then we have got a chance in the second half of the season. We are going into a month that if we can



Lucas Leiva is expected to make his long-awaited return return today, having been rested from the rigours of the midweek game at Tottenham to be ready for a game which Rodgers needs to win. That will provide rigour and free Gerrard to advance more, after a disappointing few months by his standards.



Another of the disappointments for Rodgers has been Nuri Sahin, who has not proved tp be the stand-out player who was expected when he opted for Anfield rather than the Emirates, arriving on loan from Real Madrid this summer. The manager admitted that the tempo of the Premier League was something the 24-year-old was struggling to adapt to.



“His attitude has been first class. I always look at the midfield players and their goals and assists. I look at tackles won and with Nuri he has come in and played more games than he has probably thought. But he is a good guy who is working hard. It is just about the balance really. I don’t think he has struggled with the physical side of it. He has played in Germany. It’s just the tempo here is greater. You have to respect that he has come back from nearly a year out of it. This first six months he has played quite a number of games. I have had a chance to assess him and see where he is at. But if you are out of the team, you just have to continue to work hard. If your chance comes, you have to take it.”



Liverpool’s lack of a striker has clearly contributed to them slipping four points behind Swansea City and three points behind Stoke City in the Premier League, but Rodgers insisted that this had not been a wasted five months.



“I would never say managing this club is a waste,” he said. “I’ve got to say it’s been a privilege here and I’ve learned a lot. I spoke to Stevie [Gerrard] after Tottenham and he said it was the best Liverpool have played there in 12 years going to White Hart Lane. That shows you with the lack of experience in the group but it’s also about getting results and I have total faith that we will do that. As I said, from the first six months, it was really about improving that unity in the group, trying to find different solutions. I believe that will grow even more. We are creating enough pressure and getting enough of the ball. If we can the right profile of players… the last five months have highlighted the need for that even more. If we get one or two to finish it off we can go on a great run.”



Liverpool face what they would historically have considered to be an easy run until mid-January - meeting West Ham, Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke City, QPR and Sunderland before they meet Manchester United at Old Trafford on January 13.




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Blatter tells Neymar to move

At a news conference for the draw for the 2013 Confederations Cup, FIFA President, Sepp Blatter told reporters that it would be difficult for Neymar to consider himself the best in the world until he has played in Europe.

Neymar was not one of the 3 finalists for the Ballon D’or 2012 award, despite starring this year for Santos and the Brazilian National team. Portugal’s CristianoRonaldo (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, both of Barcelona, were the final three players chosen to win the coveted award.

“Neymar, who is extraordinary, always comes to mind,” Blatter told reporters when speaking about the best players in the world. “It is an unfortunate fact for a player like Neymar, who had an excellent opportunity [to be more 'visible'] in the Olympics, that those who decide who wins the Ballon D’or are managers, captains and the press. It is not easy for him to win because the concentration of stars is in Europe”.

The Confederations Cup 2013, is to be held between 15 and 30 June in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Recife and Fortaleza and Blatter also expressed confidence that Brazil has the stadiums to become “The Mecca of football world” and acknowledged that any problems “will be overcome” before the start of the tournament.

With 130,000 pre sale ticket orders for the 2014 World Cup, Blatter noted that this was already ten times more than it had at the same time for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.




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The top stories from papers and websites - 1 December 2012

Here the latest transfer rumours, gossip and speculation from the newspapers:-

• Raheem Sterling is involved in a contract row with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.


• Rafa Benitez has told his Chelsea flops they are not fit enough and have just TWO GAMES to save their futures.


• Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is trying to talk Yaya Toure out of going to the African Nations Cup.


• David Moyes admits he would take Joleon Lescott back to Everton.


• Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert may have to sell Darren Bent for a cut-price £10million.


• Arsenal are poised to swoop for Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina - and Brendan Rodgers would let him go.


• Manchester United winger Nani is wanted by PSG to replace Nene.


• Liverpool and Chelsea both want Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony.

• Bad boy Joey Barton last night claimed Harry Redknapp will not be able to save crisis club QPR from relegation.


• Police have banned MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon players from kissing the badge on their shirts tomorrow.


• Raheem Sterling has not been made a new contract offer by Liverpool.


• Sam Allardyce is keen on taking Joe Cole back to West Ham on loan.


• Inter Milan are set to sell Wesley Sneijder after talks over a wage cut stalled.


• PSG have joined Juventus in the race to sign Manchester United winger Nani.


• Millwall have offered West Brom £1million for Chris Wood.

• New Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez has told his players: You're not fit enough.


• Harry Redknapp wants Liverpool to stump up £5.5million to let Joe Cole join QPR next month.


• David Moyes is ready to take Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott back to Everton.


• Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is confident he will not be sacked at the end of the season.

• Rafa Benitez has told Roman Abramovich his Chelsea squad are not fit enough, fresh enough or big enough.


• Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski is heading to Manchester United.


• Alex McLeish has emerged as a surprise contender for the Wolves job if Stale Solbakken fails to reverse the club's fortunes.


• Manchester City are keeping an eye on the Raheem Sterling contract negotiations at Liverpool.


• Fulham boss Martin Jol has hinted he many rival new QPR manager Harry Redknapp in a January move for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent.


• David Moyes has admitted he would jump at the chance to re-sign Joleon Lescott if the defender feels he needs to seek a loan move away from Manchester City.

• Rafa Benitez has told Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich: Your squad is not fit enough.


• Roberto Mancini has received assurances from Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak that his job is not under threat.


• West Brom manager Steve Clarke has targeted a new striker in January after new Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez hinted at recalling Romelu Lukaku.


• Brendan Rodgers wants Liverpool to lead the rush in the January sales.

• Arsenal will step up their search for January signings this weekend with expected scouting missions for Holland internationals Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Kevin Strootman.

Henderson: Lucas has helped me

Jordan Henderson has spoken of the respect within the Liverpool squad for Lucas Leiva as he nears a first-team return – and revealed how the Brazilian has helped him through some difficult moments.



Lucas has been out of first-team contention since suffering a thigh injury during the early stages of the Reds' meeting with Manchester City on August 26.



But the midfielder banked 61 minutes for the U21s last week and Henderson revealed that both young and old members of the squad are relishing the 25-year-old's comeback.



"Lucas has been working hard to get back as quick as he can, training for the last few days. He looks nearly ready," Henderson told Liverpoolfc.com.



"He's been keeping it simple because I don't think he wants to start pinging balls in case he pops it again.



"He's been looking sharp in training and he's a really good lad so the quicker we can get him back the better. He's a top player, everybody knows that."



Henderson can perhaps draw comparisons with Lucas' rise in popularity at Anfield and his own fledgling Reds career, and the 22-year-old explained that his senior colleague is always available for advice.



He continued: "He will offer advice to younger players - I've spoken to him a couple of times about things.



"He's a really nice guy and he'll help you through times when it might not be going right for you. He's definitely a senior player that you look up to. He's a big player for Liverpool and as soon as he gets back, it will benefit the team."



The next challenge for the Reds is a home clash against a rejuvenated Southampton team managed by one-time Liverpool trainee Nigel Adkins.



Henderson expects a tough task when the Saints visit Merseyside on Saturday afternoon, but called on his teammates to claim regular victories at Anfield.



"They've been playing well the last few weeks, got some good results, and they like to play football as well," the midfielder added.



"They've got some good players, it's another difficult game but one that we'll go in confident about winning and hopefully we can keep playing like we have been.



"They're enjoying playing in the Premier League, I'm sure the manager and all the players will be enjoying it. You can see that in the way that they play. It will be a good game.



"It's a key feature in the Premier League - you need to win your home games. That's what we've been trying to do. It's another big game against Southampton and we'll make sure that we're ready and confident going into the game."



The Reds are also set to welcome Aston Villa and Fulham before 2012 concludes, and Henderson is confident that three points can be secured against each.



"They're games that we'll go in confident about winning, but I think we go into every game like that. Because of the players that we've got, we think that we can win.



"Those games will be no different - we'll give the teams the respect that they deserve but we're there to do a job and win the game."



Win, lose or draw, the midfielder echoed the argument that the Reds are improving all the time and believes the club's loyal supporters can see that progress for themselves.



"I think the fans appreciate what the manager and everyone else is trying to do," he concluded.



"You can see improvements week by week in the way that we play, the way that we keep the ball and press as a team.



"There's definitely improvement that people can see so I think they appreciate that and they'll support us all the way like they always have."

Moyes would welcome Lescott back to club

David Moyes has not ruled out bringing Joleon Lescott back to Everton if Manchester City decide to sell.



The England centre-half has been sidelined at City in recent weeks by the emergence of Serbia youngster Matija Nastasic.



And despite the acrimonious nature of his move from Goodison Park to the Etihad Stadium three years ago, Lescott would be welcomed back by his former manager.



Moyes said: "If Joleon wanted to come back - if I thought we needed him - I'd be delighted to have him back.



"If he was available he'd be someone I'd maybe show an interest in."



The Scot was angered by Lescott's attitude while his £22m transfer was going through, but he said: "I can understand why the player wanted to go.



"When Joleon left, Everton were in a different place to where we are now. Everton look more likely now to be at the top end than they do now."