Monthly Archives: June 2013

Suarez: Matching Forlan’s feat is an honour

The Premier League star is delighted to have equaled his team-mate’s national record while coach Oscar Tabarez admits Spain were too strong

Liverpool’s Luis Suarez is ecstatic about matching Diego Forlan’s goal-scoring record for Uruguay during the loss to Spain in the Confederations Cup.

The striker’s delightful free kick was no more than a consolation goal for the Copa America winners as Uruguay lost 2-1, however it put him level with Internacional striker Forlan on 33 goals for his country and in only 65 appearances compared to Forlan’s 99.

And the attacker, who has been linked with Real Madrid in recent weeks, says it was a special moment for him.

“On a personal level it is an honour and a compliment to have reached the same level as Diego [Forlan] in respect of what he has done for la Celeste,” the 26-year-old told reporters.

“Having scored the same amount goals as Diego, on a personal level is good, but now what we are focused on is performing in the group and our results in this cup.”

Meanwhile, coach Oscar Tabarez admitted Spain were simply too tough to handle for his side.

“Spain were better in the game and fully justified their victory. They caused us much trouble and we did not have the discipline needed,” he said.

“In the second half we faced a difficult situation and the 2-0 looked very bad. I would say that it could have been catastrophic.

“We knew the reality before the match. If Spain thrashed Germany and Italy, why wouldn’t they beat Uruguay? They are playing an important tournament which is always a great motivation for a great team.”

Kolo Toure is a fantastic player, says Fowler

The former Anfield striker lauded the Reds’ new signing and believes the Cote d’Ivoire international can fill the void left by the retiring Jamie Carragher at the heart of defence

Former Kop legend Robbie Fowler believes new Liverpool signing Kolo Toure will prove a success at Anfield following his arrival from Manchester City on a free transfer.

Fowler played against the Cote d’Ivoire centre-back during spells with Leeds United and Manchester City, and is adamant Toure will be an excellent addition to the Reds’ backline.

“I’ve played against him numerous times and he is a fantastic player,” Fowler told the club’s official website.

“I’m sure coming to a new club will spur him on that little bit more and he will want to do well. He will want to play. I think he will try hard in training and a little bit of pride will set in.

“You look at his performances over the years for Arsenal and Manchester City – he has been magnificent in the Premier League. Let’s hope that he comes to Liverpool and carries on that magnificent form.”

Fowler believes the acquisition of the 32-year-old defender is vitally important, and has backed his experience and title-winning pedigree to adequately replace retiring Anfield icon Jamie Carragher.

“Toure’s been a fantastic player. His experience will be vital for Liverpool, especially after losing Carra,” Fowler continued.

“Carra was unbelievable for Liverpool and, if anything, he was probably Liverpool’s best defender last year. He will be a big miss.

“I don’t know if Kolo Toure will play all of the games, but Liverpool as a team and a squad certainly needed a lot more numbers. Brendan [Rodgers] is doing that right now.

“Toure has been there and worn the T-shirt in the Premier League so I think his signing is absolutely magnificent.”

Fowler is enthused by Rodgers’ work in the transfer market since taking charge, with Celta Vigo’s versatile forward Iago Aspas expected to join Toure imminently, and Fowler has backed Liverpool to push on again next season under the Northern Irish boss.

“I don’t really know too much but I’m sure the manager has done plenty of homework. If they are anything like the signings we made in January then we could be onto a winner,” he added.

“Two great signings in January totally galvanised the club and probably took us to another level. Hopefully these players that have come in, and hopefully there will be a few more, will raise the bar.

“I’m happy with everything Brendan is doing, I think he has been great for the club. In terms of progression, we got more points last year than the year before and we scored more goals than the year before.

“Obviously we conceded two or three more goals, but I’m totally optimistic – as long as we keep progressing and going the right way.”

Borini ‘feeling really good’ in England

The Italian frontman has insisted that he is comfortable with life at Liverpool, and reiterated his determination to stay put rather than return to Italy

Liverpool striker Fabio Borini has maintained that he wants to stay at Anfield next season, despite speculation over the 22-year-old’s future.

Borini had an injury-blighted debut season at the Merseyside club after joining from Roma last summer, and the Italian is looking to improve on that next term.

The former Swansea striker scored the vital goal to send the Italian Under-21s to the final of the European Championships on Saturday, and Borini has hit back at his home country’s youth development.

“Am I looking to move abroad? People need to think more about my situation,” Borini told reporters after Saturday’s European Under-21 Championship semi final.

“In Italy people give more time to foreigners than they do to youngsters.

“I feel really good in England.”

Borini made 13 Premier League appearance for Liverpool last season, scoring one goal, and is set to feature for the Azzurini in Tuesday’s final in Israel.