Mista's back on - We need another striker
Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 9:47 amWe need another striker. Hope we get mista at least.
http://www.people.co.uk/sport....ge.html
FOOTBALL: MISTA THE £7M MAN IS WANTED BY BENITEZ Aug 15 2004
LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez wants his old Valencia goal machine Miguel Angel Mista to fill Michael Owen's boots.
Benitez is poised to raid his former club for the 25-year-old hit man who bagged a sensational 19 goals in the march to the title last season.
Mista has just one year of his contract at the Mestalla left and could be available for around £7million, although talks would be tough.
Valencia are bitter with Benitez over his departure for the Kop and legal battles are still in the air between the pair.
But - like Liverpool - Valencia know that star man Mista could go for nothing in a year and might head for Anfield then.
Benitez knows Mista inside out on the field and off it. They even share an agent in Manuel Garcia Quilon, so the boss has a head start in the chase.
Straight-talking Benitez has shown he is a tough customer with his handling of Owen and he would take the criticism of signing a Spaniard if he comes.
Benitez also had good news yesterday when Real Madrid said they would NOT move for Xabi Alonso, the midfielder he wants to buy.
Real Sociedad have turned down £12million so far but their hopes of an auction have now been hit as Real target Argentinian Javier Mascharenas.
Benitez's only problem will be finding the cash to buy both Mista and Alonso, but he is giving it a go.
Meanwhile, "shocked" Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool skipper, yesterday endorsed Owen's move.
"We were all shocked about Michael leaving," midfielder Gerrard said. "It looked like he would be staying, then Real Madrid called, and everyone knows how difficult that is to turn down.
"No one can blame Michael for going. He has been such a good servant."
Benitez knows his team must improve after the draw at Spurs.
"I am happy with the first half. We controlled the game, kept the ball and there were a lot of short passes," he said.
"In the second half they were tired. We didn't control the ball, there were a lot of long passes and second balls were difficult for us.
"But it is the end of the first match and it is always difficult when a new manager arrives."
http://www.people.co.uk/sport....ge.html
FOOTBALL: MISTA THE £7M MAN IS WANTED BY BENITEZ Aug 15 2004
LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez wants his old Valencia goal machine Miguel Angel Mista to fill Michael Owen's boots.
Benitez is poised to raid his former club for the 25-year-old hit man who bagged a sensational 19 goals in the march to the title last season.
Mista has just one year of his contract at the Mestalla left and could be available for around £7million, although talks would be tough.
Valencia are bitter with Benitez over his departure for the Kop and legal battles are still in the air between the pair.
But - like Liverpool - Valencia know that star man Mista could go for nothing in a year and might head for Anfield then.
Benitez knows Mista inside out on the field and off it. They even share an agent in Manuel Garcia Quilon, so the boss has a head start in the chase.
Straight-talking Benitez has shown he is a tough customer with his handling of Owen and he would take the criticism of signing a Spaniard if he comes.
Benitez also had good news yesterday when Real Madrid said they would NOT move for Xabi Alonso, the midfielder he wants to buy.
Real Sociedad have turned down £12million so far but their hopes of an auction have now been hit as Real target Argentinian Javier Mascharenas.
Benitez's only problem will be finding the cash to buy both Mista and Alonso, but he is giving it a go.
Meanwhile, "shocked" Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool skipper, yesterday endorsed Owen's move.
"We were all shocked about Michael leaving," midfielder Gerrard said. "It looked like he would be staying, then Real Madrid called, and everyone knows how difficult that is to turn down.
"No one can blame Michael for going. He has been such a good servant."
Benitez knows his team must improve after the draw at Spurs.
"I am happy with the first half. We controlled the game, kept the ball and there were a lot of short passes," he said.
"In the second half they were tired. We didn't control the ball, there were a lot of long passes and second balls were difficult for us.
"But it is the end of the first match and it is always difficult when a new manager arrives."
