In the papers: Liverpool

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After Liverpool’s shock 3-2 defeat to Udinese on Thursday evening, it’s no surprise to see that most of the newspapers are concentrating on that loss. Other than that there is very little to see amongst Friday’s reports and the fact that a new sponsorship deal is one of the top four stories speaks volumes about the slow news day.

There is at least one big piece of transfer speculation to report on, with Cottagers Confidential reporting that Fulham defender Brede Hangeland is on the radar of both Liverpool and Arsenal. The source is reporting that the player is a prime target for both clubs, due to his precarious contract which expires at the end of the current campaign. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time that Hangeland has been at the centre of speculation regarding his future, with the Gunners known to be long-term admirers of the Norwegian. The fact that this has originated from a Fulham-based source at least indicates that there could be an element of truth in the matter.

However, that really is the sole piece of main news and the remainder of the stories are somewhat minor. The first surrounds a partnership with Misli.com, with Hurriyet Daily News announcing that the Reds will embark on a sponsorship agreement that will see Misli become the club’s official betting partner for Turkey.

In slightly more exciting news, Irish club Donegal have strongly denied that they have received an approach for their manager Jim McGuinness by the Reds. It had been reported that Brendan Rodgers wanted to appoint McGuinness as a sports psychologist at the club, yet the Irish Times are reporting that a deal is a long way from being reached and McGuinness will stay with Donegal for the time being. Of course, such a move certainly wouldn’t be too bizarre, with McGuiness holding an MSc in sport psychology from John Moore’s university.

ARSENAL WOMEN GO THROUGH

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The Arsenal women’s team managed to secure the place in the last 16 of the women’s Champions league by beating the Spanish club Barcelona 4-0 on the night and 7-0 on aggregate. It was an impressive result for the Arsenal team that still remain unbeaten in the league and look on course to win the title. Jennifer Beattie scored an impressive hat-trick in the match, while the other goal was scored by Kim Little. It was a very good performance from Arsenal, who managed to prevent Barcelona from even getting a single shot on target. As a result of this convincing victory, they now progress to the last 16 stage of the Champions League.

Speaking after the match, the Arsenal manager Laura Harvey has said that she is extremely happy with the result and cannot ask for more from the players. Arsenal came into the match after having won the first leg 3-0 in Spain. As a result, they were the clear favourites to get into the next round, but this amazing score is a bit of a surprise according to the Arsenal manager. Lyon come into the competition as the defending champions and the final will be taking place at Stamford Bridge.

“I was pleased for Jennifer. She was very sharp when she went on. In the first half we played like a team who didn’t have to go the extra mile because we’d started with a three-goal cushion. But we went into the second half with a nil-nil attitude and it was a clinical performance that brought us a well-deserved win. If you go on Potsdam’s reputation we’ll lose, but I don’t think they’re quite the force they were. I honestly believe we’ve got a fantastic opportunity to make history,” said the Arsenal manager Laura Harvey after the match.

WOMEN ARRIVE TO CHEERS

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The Canadian women’s soccer team arrived to great cheering from the crowd after they have the recently won the bronze medal at the London Olympics 2012. Erin McLeod was one of the important members of the team that was successful. She has said that the success has earned her a lot of compliments like a free coffee at Starbucks. She has said that she cannot complain and is extremely happy to have lifted the bronze medal at the London Olympics. Erin McLeod was amongst the other members of the Canadian women’s soccer team that won the bronze medal.

She was signing autographs for very large group of fans who had joined in to catch a glimpse of the stars at the BMO field. The men’s team would be taking on panama in the World Cup qualifying match, but it was quite clear who was the star attraction ahead of the match. The defender Rhian Wilkinson said that she did not have the chance to experience the welcoming at the airport because she came a day later. The Canadian women’s team lost in the semifinals of the tournament to United States, and they have said that they were extremely disappointed to lose at this stage.

“I get recognized. Sometimes I get free coffees at Starbucks. I can’t complain about that. The reaction has been overwhelming. People have been recognizing us all over the place and I think it’s really cool for women’s sport. I think tonight is really awesome. I remember growing up with no female role models. I think it was incredible what they were able to accomplish and what it meant for the country. I think the country will see the benefits of that [on the field] in five or 10 years,” said Erin McLeod.