by zarababe » Sun May 29, 2005 2:17 am
Qualifying chance on cards for Benítez
While Liverpool rebuild, Uefa are working out how to let them defend the cup, writes Denis Campbell.
Sunday May 29, 2005
The Observer
Liverpool's chances of defending their Champions League title received a boost last night when senior figures at Uefa indicated a compromise could be reached to allow the Merseyside club into next season's competition.
A Uefa source said Liverpool would not be handed direct entry, but would probably have to play one qualifying round despite being champions. The sixteenth and final guaranteed place among the 32 teams who contest the group stage would go to Fenerbahçe as champions of Turkey, which as the tenth strongest country in Uefa is due one direct entrant.
'That would be the most reasonable solution, and would be unlikely to offend anybody,' said the official.
By the time Liverpool start their campaign in August they will have made several key changes to their playing squad. Rafael Benítez is resisting the temptation to rest on the laurels of Istanbul and is already preoccupied with the task of giving his European champions a new spine so they can mount a serious challenge next season to Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United in the Premiership. A goalkeeper, a central defender, one or two midfielders and at least one striker are his priorities, and some initial moves have been made to bring in the four, five or six players he wants.
THE BRENDAN REVOLUTION IS UPON US !
KING KENNY.. Always LEGEND !
RAFA.. MADE THE PEOPLE HAPPY !
Miss YOU Phil-Drummer - RIP YNWA