- 6 October 2001
- Liverpool
All that I can find are ones of Cisse and a shot of the new manager...




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Josemi 'couldn't refuse' Liverpool offer
Malaga defender Josemi has claimed Rafael Benitez had returned to Spain to make him his first signing since becoming Liverpool manager.
Josemi played in Malaga's friendly against German side Nurnberg on Friday night before negotiations were completed on a deal reported to be worth £2.8m.
The 24-year-old Josemi then left Malaga's pre-season training camp in Switzerland and flew back to Spain, where he described the move to Anfield as "an offer I couldn't refuse''.
The tough defender, booked 10 times last season, is thought to have agreed a four-year deal and will jet out to the USA to join the Reds on their pre-season tour.
He said: "I am really happy because this is an unbeatable opportunity. If I was ever going to leave Malaga, it was for something like this.
"Now everybody has to be happy, because it's proud moment for everybody connected with me.
"It was an offer I couldn't refuse. Yesterday I was speaking to Benitez, he has put his faith in me and I will work to make sure things turn out well."
Josemi, who is able to play at right-back and in the centre of defence, began his career at home-town club Torremolinos before moving along the coast to Malaga as a teenager.
He has since moved through the ranks at La Rosaleda and is now considered a future Spain international.
Josemi had been linked with moves to Real Betis and Atletico Madrid, but after being linked with Malaga's Miguel Angel, Alexis, Juan Calatayud and Josemi, Benitez stepped in to sign the latter.
"I wasn't expecting the move,'' admitted Josemi, who could slot in alongside Sami Hyypia at the heart of Liverpool's defence after Benitez warned Barcelona off the Finnish international.
"But this has all happened in two days and everything has worked out in an instant. For me, it's what I've always dreamed about and now I have the chance to play in a big team, I have to take advantage of it.
"I still haven't taken it in and when I get there I will try to adapt bit by bit. I have to adapt well and be patient.''
French starlet Anthony Le Tallec has been told he can go out on loan to get some game-time this season.
The 20-year-old hardly featured at all during his first season at Anfield, and new boss Rafael Benitez has already indicated he can expect more of the same this time around.
Subsequently, he has been left behind for the Reds' tour of the United States in order to find a new club, with a return to France looking the most likely option.
Said Benitez: "He is currently back in Liverpool and agents are working on his behalf to find the best club for him.
"We have four good forwards here. He is only 20 years old and perhaps it is good for him to go elsewhere in order to gain more experience.
"If we return home and he still hasn't found a club, then I'll be happy for him to stay because I am happy with him. He's a good player and played very well against Wrexham.
"At his age, though, it's important to play and I understand his decision. The idea is, he goes away, plays more games and comes back a better player. If it works out like that it will be good for the player and for the club."
ghazi said:Any truth to these (wonderful) rumors that SW Phillips could leave City and join Liverpool. Allegedly Keegan and Co. are balking at inking him to a long term deal.
I just might die and go to heaven if that happens. . . or live and go to Anfield. :mrgreen:
CWright said:ghazi said:Any truth to these (wonderful) rumors that SW Phillips could leave City and join Liverpool. Allegedly Keegan and Co. are balking at inking him to a long term deal.
I just might die and go to heaven if that happens. . . or live and go to Anfield. :mrgreen:
Its been a long running rumour that one, we will just have to wait and see what the new man has up his sleeve