Anfield Red

Steve Finnan has said everyone is over the defeat to Everton last weekend.

Liverpool lost the game 3-0, and have been criticised since, but then played PSV with an under strength side and still got a draw, nearly winning the game at the end; and Finnan now beleives they are ready to take on Chelsea this weekend.

It was good to get that weekend derby defeat our system and I think confidence has now been restored, which is important seeing as we’ve got a big game at Chelsea to come next,”

“It had been a difficult few days for us after losing the derby but a lot of the criticism after Saturday was a bit over the top. We don’t just turn into a bad side overnight and I think we proved that against a very strong PSV side.

“It was probably a fair result in the end but I think we played quite well and could have won it with a bit more luck in front of goal.

“They came at us more in the second half and had a lot of the ball but overall I don’t think there could have been too many complaints if Stevie’s shot had gone in at the end. Hopefully, we can now kick on in the Premiership and although we haven’t won at Stamford Bridge for a few years we don’t fear going there."

“There’ll obviously be a lot of hype surrounding the game because we’ve met in so many high profile encounters in recent seasons but this one can’t be labelled a make-or-break game for our league season. It’s far too early for that.”

Sami Hyypia has said he will help Gabriel Paletta fit in at Anfield.

Hyypia has been at the heart of the reds defence for over 370 games, and wants to help the new boy settle in.

"He's a great defender, you can see that straight away," enthused the big Finn. "The manager said he reminds him of Carra and he's right. He's a great tackler and he'll be very good for Liverpool. The best advice I can give him is to have the will to learn every day, and it's particularly important for him to learn English quickly. I had that advantage because I could speak English before I joined Liverpool, which was a big help.

"Last season was very tough physically for me, and if I play less games it will mean over the course of a year I play even more at a higher level. "Of course, I want to play as much as possible. I would never be happy not to be involved in a game, but I'm really optimistic going into this season."

Djimi Traore could be on his way to Charlton.

According to Skysports, Traore's agent Willie McKay said "Djimi is close to a move to Charlton, It is a loan move with the option of a permanent deal.

"Iain is very keen to sign Djimi and we are hopeful that it can be pushed through this week so that he can make his debut against Valencia this weekend.
"I am just waiting to hear back from Rick Parry at Liverpool before the move can happen."

Traore's place in the team will be limited at Anfield following the arrivals of Mark Gonzalez and Fabio Aurelio, so a move away may be good for the Mali international.

Jermaine Pennant is undergoing a medical at Anfield.

Having been linked numerous times with a move to the reds, and Liverpool seeking a right sided midfielder for some time, a move now looks finally set to happen.

Birmingham had previously rejected offers from the reds, but now look to have accepted a suitable offer.

The deal is expected to be around £6.2million, and if completed, Pennant will fly out to Switzerland to join his new team mates in pre season training.

AnfieldRed will keep you updated on this story.

Rafa Benitez has hinted Bolo Zenden could play a part in central midfield next season.

Zenden had been playing on the left when he first signed, but then injury ruined his season, and the signings of Mark Gonzalez and Fabio Aurelio looked to have pushed Zenden further down the pecking order, however, Rafa has stated that Bolo could be used in the centre of midfield in place of Dietmar Hamann, who recently left the club.

Speaking about Zenden, Benitez said: "He has started pre-season training really well, I am thinking about using him sometimes as a central midfielder because he has experience at Middlesbrough in this position.

"He also has quality, and with his experience and his game intelligence he can give us more things."

"I think he was happier in this position, and with us losing Hamann, we will have Momo Sissoko, Stevie Gerrard and Xabi Alonso for that position – and maybe Bolo, too."

 Jerzy Dudek’s car which was stolen recently has been found.

It was spotted abandoned early yesterday morning in Manchester, and has now been recovered by the police.

The Porsche Carrera(similar to the one picture) was valued at around £60,000, and was never likely to totally disappear due to the rarity of it, Polish plates, left hand drive, everyone on the look out for it.

 Didi Hamann is on the verge of signing for Bolton, according to reports.

Rafa is willing to let him go on a free transfer, as he is due to sign a right winger soon, meaning Didi will have competition from Alonso, Sissoko and Gerrard for a place in the centre. He nearly signed for Bolton last year but then extended his contract with the reds for another season.

Hamann signed in 1999 for £8million from Newcastle, and since then has won everything apart from the Premiership title with Liverpool.

Didi will be missed in the midfield, after all it was him who saved Liverpool’s champions league final, keeping Kaka under wraps in teh second half.

Neither club has confirmed the news yet, but are expected to confirm it today.

AnfieldRed would like to wish Hamann all the best with Bolton.

Some great footage from the tunnel against Chelsea, where Gerrard goes to shake the hand of the Chelsea child mascot to get a suprise response.

Cheeky little bugger, Gerrard saw the funny side of it anyway!

Typical Brummy Chiles commentary over the top too, ‘he must be related to Dennis Wise’