Kyle Eastmond: Selected in England's 33-man senior squad
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First team continue their preparation
FOOTBALL Next Article Previous Article Available players trained on Thursday in advance of Friday's Joan Gamper Trophy at the Camp Nou (21.30)
Tello did recovery work, whilst the only B team player with the squad was Bagnack
The first team squad trained this morning at the Ciutat Esportiva, with only the injured Cristian Tello absent and set to miss this Friday's Joan GamperTrophy against Santos with a thigh strain. Bagnack, who was also the only B team player to train with the squad on Wednesday, was again involved in the session. Tata Martino continues to prepare the team for the 2013/14 season, with his first objective Friday night's presentation at the Joan Gamper Trophy in the Camp Nou.
Benitez 'died of heart failure'
Benitez 'died of heart failure'
Christian Benitez died of heart failure, according to his club side Al Jaish.
The Ecuador international died on Monday shortly after being admitted to hospital with severe stomach pain, hours after making his debut for the Qatari club.
A statement from Al Jaish read: "We have received the medical reports, which were issued by official state entities and stated that the sudden death was caused by heart failure."
Ecuador Football Federation president Luis Chiriboga said on Tuesday that the 27-year-old had been taken to the hospital with sharp stomach pains, developed peritonitis and died of cardiorespiratory arrest.
Benitez, nicknamed Chucho, joined Al Jaish earlier last month from Mexico's Club America, after previous spells with El Nacional, Santos Laguna and Birmingham.
Al Jaish also announced Benitez's body will be returned to his home country once legal issues are cleared.
The statement continued: "The club will bear all expenses of transferring the body from Doha by private aircraft.
"We promise the farewell and transfer of the body will be at highest level that meets the late player's name and reputation.
"All players and club affiliates will participate in the ceremony. The club management again assures its endless support to Christian's family and stand by their side during this hard time."
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/ecuador/benitez__died_of_heart_failure__rss4352488.shtml
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Laudrup eyes European run
Laudrup eyes European run
Michael Laudrup leads Swansea into Thursday night's Europa League third qualifying round clash with Malmo confident they can upset some of the competition's best sides if they reach the group stage.
The Swans are making their first continental appearance in 22 years thanks to their triumph in last season's Capital One Cup.
Malmo, who sit second in the Swedish Allsvenskan at the midway point of the season, represent a potentially tricky hurdle to overcome for the Welsh club after their 9-0 aggregate win over Hibernian in the last round.
Swansea need to get through this and one further knockout round in order to reach the group stage of the competition, and Laudrup believes they will challenge strongly if they get that far.
He said: "I think this tie is quite even because they are where they are and we are just at the beginning of the season. But I would be disappointed if we didn't go through to the next round.
"I think we have a team that has the quality to go to at least the group stage. But we have to show that in the next eight days against opponents who are match fit. When I look at our squad I think we have a team that can disturb a lot of teams out there in Europe, even some big clubs in big leagues.
"Now, we have to play a team who are second right now in the Swedish league and they have that match fitness because of playing so many games. We will be up against it in these two games."
Unlike many of his players, Laudrup has previous experience of the Europa League having guided Getafe to the quarter-finals when the tournament was known as the Uefa Cup during the 2007-08 season.
The Dane hopes Swansea's campaign will provide the club with the sort of memories still being savoured at his former team.
He said: "It's a huge experience and that experience, I hope, will go further for the team, the club, and the players. It's a great experience. I still remember in Getafe, playing in the play-off against Twente. We went through and then we played teams like Anderlecht and we won our group.
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/swansea_city/laudrup_eyes_european_run_rss4352466.shtml
Read more ...
Pro12: Toby Faletau set for talks with Dragons coach Lyn Jones
Pro12: Toby Faletau set for talks with Dragons coach Lyn Jones
Newport Gwent Dragons coach Lyn Jones will meet Toby Faletau next week to discuss the Wales number eight's future with the region.
The 22-year-old British and Irish Lions forward has just one year of his Rodney Parade contract remaining.
Jones says if money is the decisive factor then the Dragons will struggle to prevent Faletau following Dan Lydiate's example and moving on.
"It depends what his motivation is," Jones said.
Faletau played in the final Lions Test in Sydney, which saw the tourists beat Australia to seal a famous 2-1 series victory.
Flanker Lydiate also starred for the Lions, but will be playing his domestic rugby in France for Racing Metro next season after spending six years with the Dragons.
“The big consideration for a professional rugby player in the situation Toby is in, is making sure you have a successful international career” Lyn Jones Dragons head coach However, newly appointed Jones believes Faletau may have a different outlook.
"I met Toby on one occasion and he is very passionate about Gwent rugby and that's nice to hear," added Jones.
"It depends on your personality type and Toby is a shy character and he is very at home here in Gwent.
"I will look forward to meeting with him next week to push things forward a little bit."
The Dragons head into a new RaboDirect Pro12 season after finishing second from bottom in the 2012-13 campaign.
Jones, who moved to the club from London Welsh, is determined to get the Dragons up the table.
And he is keen to look after Faletau, who he says is "the best number eight in the UK".
"It's important that Toby is happy with myself and the coaching set-up, and as long as he's happy that we have an environment here that can satisfy him and improve him, I think that's important," Jones said.
"Money's important, but depending on where you are in your career.
"If he is interested in the bottom dollar then that's fine - we won't be able to compete with several clubs who will come onto the market for him.
"The big consideration for a professional rugby player in the situation Toby is in is making sure you have a successful international career.
"One thing with staying in Wales is that the regions will look after their players and make sure their game-time at a young age is reduced so that their ability to perform at a higher level is more consistent and for a longer period.
"Everything comes with a price. Asking his French coach for a weekend off before an international, I'm not sure what response he will get."
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Premier League: Steven Gerrard says Liverpool season hinges on Luis Suarez
Steven Gerrard: Wants Luis Suarez to stay at Anfield
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Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool's season depends on keeping hold of Luis Suarez - and says a move to Arsenal "doesn't make sense at all".
Suarez remains heavily linked with a move away from Anfield with Arsenal having two bids rejected for the Uruguay international striker, the last one of £40million plus £1 which they believed would trigger a sale clause.
Liverpool have always maintained they merely had to inform the player of offers of that magnitude and have been steadfast in stating Suarez is not for sale.
Anfield captain Gerrard certainly does not want to see the 26-year-old leave - particularly to a club he sees as a direct rival in the race for Champions League football.
In an interview in the Independent, he said: "It's difficult every season to finish in the top four positions because of the power the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have got at the moment.
"it all depends on what decision Luis Suarez makes in the next few weeks. If we lose him then the challenge becomes even more difficult. It's that simple"
Steven Gerrard
"The likes of us, Tottenham and Arsenal are fighting to sneak into the other place that's available.
"Where we sit actually right now, it all depends on what decision Luis Suarez makes in the next few weeks. If we lose him then the challenge becomes even more difficult. It's that simple.
"If he goes to Arsenal, it obviously makes our season that little bit more difficult.
"It strengthens them an awful lot and they are our rivals for a top-four position. From the club's point of view it doesn't make sense at all, no matter how much money is put on the table."
Invest
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Gerrard emphasised Liverpool's need to invest rather than sell.
"This club needs to make one or two big signings if we are to compete for the top four - and keep Suarez," he continued.
"Alongside Gareth Bale, Luis is the third best player in the world after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Luis and Bale are the two hottest properties out there at the moment.
"When you're in that position, you're going to get all kinds of teams wanting to pull you away, especially when you are at a club not in the Champions League.
"It's nothing to do with the British media [criticising Suarez]. Knowing the guy as I do that's probably the thing on his mind: wanting to be in the Champions League.''
Although Gerrard does not like the idea of Suarez leaving for North London, the midfielder would accept his team-mate leaving for Spain.
The 33-year-old continued: "If he was to go abroad to a Madrid or Barcelona I would totally understand it. He's a South American. He's good enough to play in either of those teams.
"From a family point of view, it's where they all want to be. Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, some of the top players I've played with - their dream was to play for Real or Barcelona.
"If I was him I would wait for one of those two clubs because I think he's good enough to play for them."
Source : http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11669/8849559/premier-league-steven-gerrard-says-liverpool-season-hinges-on-luis-suarez
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Gerrard: Suarez exit would hurt us
Gerrard: Suarez exit would hurt us
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard believes the club's season depends on keeping hold of Luis Suarez - and says a move to Arsenal "doesn't make sense at all".
Suarez still appears keen to leave Anfield, although he has stopped short of submitting a transfer request or seeking legal recourse.
Arsenal have had two bids rejected for the Uruguay international striker, the last one of £40million plus £1 which they believed would trigger a sale clause.
Liverpool have always maintained they merely had to inform the player of offers of that magnitude and have been steadfast in stating Suarez is not for sale.
Anfield captain Gerrard certainly does not want to see the 26-year-old leave - particularly to a club he sees as a direct rival in the race for Champions League football.
He said: "It's difficult every season to finish in the top four positions because of the power the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have got at the moment.
"The likes of us, Tottenham and Arsenal are fighting to sneak into the other place that's available. Where we sit actually right now, it all depends on what decision Luis Suarez makes in the next few weeks. If we lose him then the challenge becomes even more difficult. It's that simple.
"If he goes to Arsenal, it obviously makes our season that little bit more difficult. It strengthens them an awful lot and they are our rivals for a top-four position. From the club's point of view it doesn't make sense at all, no matter how much money is put on the table."
Although Gerrard does not like the idea of Suarez leaving for north London, the midfielder would accept his team-mate leaving for Spain.
The 33-year-old added in The Independent: "If he was to go abroad to a Madrid or Barcelona I would totally understand it. He's a South American. He's good enough to play in either of those teams.
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/liverpool/gerrard__suarez_exit_would_hurt_us_rss4352429.shtml
Read more ...
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Rugby Union Betting - Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds
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First team continue their preparation
FOOTBALL Next Article Previous Article Available players trained on Thursday in advance of Friday's Joan Gamper Trophy at the Camp Nou (21.30)
Tello did recovery work, whilst the only B team player with the squad was Bagnack
The first team squad trained this morning at the Ciutat Esportiva, with only the injured Cristian Tello absent and set to miss this Friday's Joan GamperTrophy against Santos with a thigh strain. Bagnack, who was also the only B team player to train with the squad on Wednesday, was again involved in the session. Tata Martino continues to prepare the team for the 2013/14 season, with his first objective Friday night's presentation at the Joan Gamper Trophy in the Camp Nou.
Benitez 'died of heart failure'
Benitez 'died of heart failure'
Christian Benitez died of heart failure, according to his club side Al Jaish.
The Ecuador international died on Monday shortly after being admitted to hospital with severe stomach pain, hours after making his debut for the Qatari club.
A statement from Al Jaish read: "We have received the medical reports, which were issued by official state entities and stated that the sudden death was caused by heart failure."
Ecuador Football Federation president Luis Chiriboga said on Tuesday that the 27-year-old had been taken to the hospital with sharp stomach pains, developed peritonitis and died of cardiorespiratory arrest.
Benitez, nicknamed Chucho, joined Al Jaish earlier last month from Mexico's Club America, after previous spells with El Nacional, Santos Laguna and Birmingham.
Al Jaish also announced Benitez's body will be returned to his home country once legal issues are cleared.
The statement continued: "The club will bear all expenses of transferring the body from Doha by private aircraft.
"We promise the farewell and transfer of the body will be at highest level that meets the late player's name and reputation.
"All players and club affiliates will participate in the ceremony. The club management again assures its endless support to Christian's family and stand by their side during this hard time."
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/ecuador/benitez__died_of_heart_failure__rss4352488.shtml
Read more ...
Laudrup eyes European run
Laudrup eyes European run
Michael Laudrup leads Swansea into Thursday night's Europa League third qualifying round clash with Malmo confident they can upset some of the competition's best sides if they reach the group stage.
The Swans are making their first continental appearance in 22 years thanks to their triumph in last season's Capital One Cup.
Malmo, who sit second in the Swedish Allsvenskan at the midway point of the season, represent a potentially tricky hurdle to overcome for the Welsh club after their 9-0 aggregate win over Hibernian in the last round.
Swansea need to get through this and one further knockout round in order to reach the group stage of the competition, and Laudrup believes they will challenge strongly if they get that far.
He said: "I think this tie is quite even because they are where they are and we are just at the beginning of the season. But I would be disappointed if we didn't go through to the next round.
"I think we have a team that has the quality to go to at least the group stage. But we have to show that in the next eight days against opponents who are match fit. When I look at our squad I think we have a team that can disturb a lot of teams out there in Europe, even some big clubs in big leagues.
"Now, we have to play a team who are second right now in the Swedish league and they have that match fitness because of playing so many games. We will be up against it in these two games."
Unlike many of his players, Laudrup has previous experience of the Europa League having guided Getafe to the quarter-finals when the tournament was known as the Uefa Cup during the 2007-08 season.
The Dane hopes Swansea's campaign will provide the club with the sort of memories still being savoured at his former team.
He said: "It's a huge experience and that experience, I hope, will go further for the team, the club, and the players. It's a great experience. I still remember in Getafe, playing in the play-off against Twente. We went through and then we played teams like Anderlecht and we won our group.
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/swansea_city/laudrup_eyes_european_run_rss4352466.shtml
Read more ...
Pro12: Toby Faletau set for talks with Dragons coach Lyn Jones
Pro12: Toby Faletau set for talks with Dragons coach Lyn Jones
Newport Gwent Dragons coach Lyn Jones will meet Toby Faletau next week to discuss the Wales number eight's future with the region.
The 22-year-old British and Irish Lions forward has just one year of his Rodney Parade contract remaining.
Jones says if money is the decisive factor then the Dragons will struggle to prevent Faletau following Dan Lydiate's example and moving on.
"It depends what his motivation is," Jones said.
Faletau played in the final Lions Test in Sydney, which saw the tourists beat Australia to seal a famous 2-1 series victory.
Flanker Lydiate also starred for the Lions, but will be playing his domestic rugby in France for Racing Metro next season after spending six years with the Dragons.
“The big consideration for a professional rugby player in the situation Toby is in, is making sure you have a successful international career” Lyn Jones Dragons head coach However, newly appointed Jones believes Faletau may have a different outlook.
"I met Toby on one occasion and he is very passionate about Gwent rugby and that's nice to hear," added Jones.
"It depends on your personality type and Toby is a shy character and he is very at home here in Gwent.
"I will look forward to meeting with him next week to push things forward a little bit."
The Dragons head into a new RaboDirect Pro12 season after finishing second from bottom in the 2012-13 campaign.
Jones, who moved to the club from London Welsh, is determined to get the Dragons up the table.
And he is keen to look after Faletau, who he says is "the best number eight in the UK".
"It's important that Toby is happy with myself and the coaching set-up, and as long as he's happy that we have an environment here that can satisfy him and improve him, I think that's important," Jones said.
"Money's important, but depending on where you are in your career.
"If he is interested in the bottom dollar then that's fine - we won't be able to compete with several clubs who will come onto the market for him.
"The big consideration for a professional rugby player in the situation Toby is in is making sure you have a successful international career.
"One thing with staying in Wales is that the regions will look after their players and make sure their game-time at a young age is reduced so that their ability to perform at a higher level is more consistent and for a longer period.
"Everything comes with a price. Asking his French coach for a weekend off before an international, I'm not sure what response he will get."
Read more ...
Premier League: Steven Gerrard says Liverpool season hinges on Luis Suarez
Steven Gerrard: Wants Luis Suarez to stay at Anfield
Sky Bet
-
Football Betting
Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool's season depends on keeping hold of Luis Suarez - and says a move to Arsenal "doesn't make sense at all".
Suarez remains heavily linked with a move away from Anfield with Arsenal having two bids rejected for the Uruguay international striker, the last one of £40million plus £1 which they believed would trigger a sale clause.
Liverpool have always maintained they merely had to inform the player of offers of that magnitude and have been steadfast in stating Suarez is not for sale.
Anfield captain Gerrard certainly does not want to see the 26-year-old leave - particularly to a club he sees as a direct rival in the race for Champions League football.
In an interview in the Independent, he said: "It's difficult every season to finish in the top four positions because of the power the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have got at the moment.
"it all depends on what decision Luis Suarez makes in the next few weeks. If we lose him then the challenge becomes even more difficult. It's that simple"
Steven Gerrard
"The likes of us, Tottenham and Arsenal are fighting to sneak into the other place that's available.
"Where we sit actually right now, it all depends on what decision Luis Suarez makes in the next few weeks. If we lose him then the challenge becomes even more difficult. It's that simple.
"If he goes to Arsenal, it obviously makes our season that little bit more difficult.
"It strengthens them an awful lot and they are our rivals for a top-four position. From the club's point of view it doesn't make sense at all, no matter how much money is put on the table."
Invest
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Gerrard emphasised Liverpool's need to invest rather than sell.
"This club needs to make one or two big signings if we are to compete for the top four - and keep Suarez," he continued.
"Alongside Gareth Bale, Luis is the third best player in the world after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Luis and Bale are the two hottest properties out there at the moment.
"When you're in that position, you're going to get all kinds of teams wanting to pull you away, especially when you are at a club not in the Champions League.
"It's nothing to do with the British media [criticising Suarez]. Knowing the guy as I do that's probably the thing on his mind: wanting to be in the Champions League.''
Although Gerrard does not like the idea of Suarez leaving for North London, the midfielder would accept his team-mate leaving for Spain.
The 33-year-old continued: "If he was to go abroad to a Madrid or Barcelona I would totally understand it. He's a South American. He's good enough to play in either of those teams.
"From a family point of view, it's where they all want to be. Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, some of the top players I've played with - their dream was to play for Real or Barcelona.
"If I was him I would wait for one of those two clubs because I think he's good enough to play for them."
Source : http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11669/8849559/premier-league-steven-gerrard-says-liverpool-season-hinges-on-luis-suarez
Read more ...
Gerrard: Suarez exit would hurt us
Gerrard: Suarez exit would hurt us
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard believes the club's season depends on keeping hold of Luis Suarez - and says a move to Arsenal "doesn't make sense at all".
Suarez still appears keen to leave Anfield, although he has stopped short of submitting a transfer request or seeking legal recourse.
Arsenal have had two bids rejected for the Uruguay international striker, the last one of £40million plus £1 which they believed would trigger a sale clause.
Liverpool have always maintained they merely had to inform the player of offers of that magnitude and have been steadfast in stating Suarez is not for sale.
Anfield captain Gerrard certainly does not want to see the 26-year-old leave - particularly to a club he sees as a direct rival in the race for Champions League football.
He said: "It's difficult every season to finish in the top four positions because of the power the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have got at the moment.
"The likes of us, Tottenham and Arsenal are fighting to sneak into the other place that's available. Where we sit actually right now, it all depends on what decision Luis Suarez makes in the next few weeks. If we lose him then the challenge becomes even more difficult. It's that simple.
"If he goes to Arsenal, it obviously makes our season that little bit more difficult. It strengthens them an awful lot and they are our rivals for a top-four position. From the club's point of view it doesn't make sense at all, no matter how much money is put on the table."
Although Gerrard does not like the idea of Suarez leaving for north London, the midfielder would accept his team-mate leaving for Spain.
The 33-year-old added in The Independent: "If he was to go abroad to a Madrid or Barcelona I would totally understand it. He's a South American. He's good enough to play in either of those teams.
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/liverpool/gerrard__suarez_exit_would_hurt_us_rss4352429.shtml
Read more ...
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First team continue their preparation
Available players trained on Thursday in advance of Friday's Joan Gamper Trophy at the Camp Nou (21.30)
Tello did recovery work, whilst the only B team player with the squad was Bagnack
The first team squad trained this morning at the Ciutat Esportiva, with only the injured Cristian Tello absent and set to miss this Friday's Joan GamperTrophy against Santos with a thigh strain. Bagnack, who was also the only B team player to train with the squad on Wednesday, was again involved in the session. Tata Martino continues to prepare the team for the 2013/14 season, with his first objective Friday night's presentation at the Joan Gamper Trophy in the Camp Nou. Christian Benitez died of heart failure, according to his club side Al Jaish. The Ecuador international died on Monday shortly after being admitted to hospital with severe stomach pain, hours after making his debut for the Qatari club. A statement from Al Jaish read: "We have received the medical reports, which were issued by official state entities and stated that the sudden death was caused by heart failure." Ecuador Football Federation president Luis Chiriboga said on Tuesday that the 27-year-old had been taken to the hospital with sharp stomach pains, developed peritonitis and died of cardiorespiratory arrest. Benitez, nicknamed Chucho, joined Al Jaish earlier last month from Mexico's Club America, after previous spells with El Nacional, Santos Laguna and Birmingham. Al Jaish also announced Benitez's body will be returned to his home country once legal issues are cleared. The statement continued: "The club will bear all expenses of transferring the body from Doha by private aircraft. "We promise the farewell and transfer of the body will be at highest level that meets the late player's name and reputation. "All players and club affiliates will participate in the ceremony. The club management again assures its endless support to Christian's family and stand by their side during this hard time." Michael Laudrup leads Swansea into Thursday night's Europa League third qualifying round clash with Malmo confident they can upset some of the competition's best sides if they reach the group stage. The Swans are making their first continental appearance in 22 years thanks to their triumph in last season's Capital One Cup. Malmo, who sit second in the Swedish Allsvenskan at the midway point of the season, represent a potentially tricky hurdle to overcome for the Welsh club after their 9-0 aggregate win over Hibernian in the last round. Swansea need to get through this and one further knockout round in order to reach the group stage of the competition, and Laudrup believes they will challenge strongly if they get that far. He said: "I think this tie is quite even because they are where they are and we are just at the beginning of the season. But I would be disappointed if we didn't go through to the next round. "I think we have a team that has the quality to go to at least the group stage. But we have to show that in the next eight days against opponents who are match fit. When I look at our squad I think we have a team that can disturb a lot of teams out there in Europe, even some big clubs in big leagues. "Now, we have to play a team who are second right now in the Swedish league and they have that match fitness because of playing so many games. We will be up against it in these two games." Unlike many of his players, Laudrup has previous experience of the Europa League having guided Getafe to the quarter-finals when the tournament was known as the Uefa Cup during the 2007-08 season. The Dane hopes Swansea's campaign will provide the club with the sort of memories still being savoured at his former team. He said: "It's a huge experience and that experience, I hope, will go further for the team, the club, and the players. It's a great experience. I still remember in Getafe, playing in the play-off against Twente. We went through and then we played teams like Anderlecht and we won our group. Newport Gwent Dragons coach Lyn Jones will meet Toby Faletau next week to discuss the Wales number eight's future with the region. The 22-year-old British and Irish Lions forward has just one year of his Rodney Parade contract remaining. Jones says if money is the decisive factor then the Dragons will struggle to prevent Faletau following Dan Lydiate's example and moving on. "It depends what his motivation is," Jones said. Faletau played in the final Lions Test in Sydney, which saw the tourists beat Australia to seal a famous 2-1 series victory. Flanker Lydiate also starred for the Lions, but will be playing his domestic rugby in France for Racing Metro next season after spending six years with the Dragons. “The big consideration for a professional rugby player in the situation Toby is in, is making sure you have a successful international career” Lyn Jones Dragons head coach However, newly appointed Jones believes Faletau may have a different outlook. "I met Toby on one occasion and he is very passionate about Gwent rugby and that's nice to hear," added Jones. "It depends on your personality type and Toby is a shy character and he is very at home here in Gwent. "I will look forward to meeting with him next week to push things forward a little bit." The Dragons head into a new RaboDirect Pro12 season after finishing second from bottom in the 2012-13 campaign. Jones, who moved to the club from London Welsh, is determined to get the Dragons up the table. And he is keen to look after Faletau, who he says is "the best number eight in the UK". "It's important that Toby is happy with myself and the coaching set-up, and as long as he's happy that we have an environment here that can satisfy him and improve him, I think that's important," Jones said. "Money's important, but depending on where you are in your career. "If he is interested in the bottom dollar then that's fine - we won't be able to compete with several clubs who will come onto the market for him. "The big consideration for a professional rugby player in the situation Toby is in is making sure you have a successful international career. "One thing with staying in Wales is that the regions will look after their players and make sure their game-time at a young age is reduced so that their ability to perform at a higher level is more consistent and for a longer period. "Everything comes with a price. Asking his French coach for a weekend off before an international, I'm not sure what response he will get." Steven Gerrard: Wants Luis Suarez to stay at Anfield Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool's season depends on keeping hold of Luis Suarez - and says a move to Arsenal "doesn't make sense at all". Suarez remains heavily linked with a move away from Anfield with Arsenal having two bids rejected for the Uruguay international striker, the last one of £40million plus £1 which they believed would trigger a sale clause. Liverpool have always maintained they merely had to inform the player of offers of that magnitude and have been steadfast in stating Suarez is not for sale. Anfield captain Gerrard certainly does not want to see the 26-year-old leave - particularly to a club he sees as a direct rival in the race for Champions League football. In an interview in the Independent, he said: "It's difficult every season to finish in the top four positions because of the power the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have got at the moment. "it all depends on what decision Luis Suarez makes in the next few weeks. If we lose him then the challenge becomes even more difficult. It's that simple" "The likes of us, Tottenham and Arsenal are fighting to sneak into the other place that's available. "Where we sit actually right now, it all depends on what decision Luis Suarez makes in the next few weeks. If we lose him then the challenge becomes even more difficult. It's that simple. "If he goes to Arsenal, it obviously makes our season that little bit more difficult. "It strengthens them an awful lot and they are our rivals for a top-four position. From the club's point of view it doesn't make sense at all, no matter how much money is put on the table." Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Gerrard emphasised Liverpool's need to invest rather than sell. "This club needs to make one or two big signings if we are to compete for the top four - and keep Suarez," he continued. "Alongside Gareth Bale, Luis is the third best player in the world after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Luis and Bale are the two hottest properties out there at the moment. "When you're in that position, you're going to get all kinds of teams wanting to pull you away, especially when you are at a club not in the Champions League. "It's nothing to do with the British media [criticising Suarez]. Knowing the guy as I do that's probably the thing on his mind: wanting to be in the Champions League.'' Although Gerrard does not like the idea of Suarez leaving for North London, the midfielder would accept his team-mate leaving for Spain. The 33-year-old continued: "If he was to go abroad to a Madrid or Barcelona I would totally understand it. He's a South American. He's good enough to play in either of those teams. "From a family point of view, it's where they all want to be. Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, some of the top players I've played with - their dream was to play for Real or Barcelona. "If I was him I would wait for one of those two clubs because I think he's good enough to play for them." Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard believes the club's season depends on keeping hold of Luis Suarez - and says a move to Arsenal "doesn't make sense at all". Suarez still appears keen to leave Anfield, although he has stopped short of submitting a transfer request or seeking legal recourse. Arsenal have had two bids rejected for the Uruguay international striker, the last one of £40million plus £1 which they believed would trigger a sale clause. Liverpool have always maintained they merely had to inform the player of offers of that magnitude and have been steadfast in stating Suarez is not for sale. Anfield captain Gerrard certainly does not want to see the 26-year-old leave - particularly to a club he sees as a direct rival in the race for Champions League football. He said: "It's difficult every season to finish in the top four positions because of the power the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have got at the moment. "The likes of us, Tottenham and Arsenal are fighting to sneak into the other place that's available. Where we sit actually right now, it all depends on what decision Luis Suarez makes in the next few weeks. If we lose him then the challenge becomes even more difficult. It's that simple. "If he goes to Arsenal, it obviously makes our season that little bit more difficult. It strengthens them an awful lot and they are our rivals for a top-four position. From the club's point of view it doesn't make sense at all, no matter how much money is put on the table." Although Gerrard does not like the idea of Suarez leaving for north London, the midfielder would accept his team-mate leaving for Spain. The 33-year-old added in The Independent: "If he was to go abroad to a Madrid or Barcelona I would totally understand it. He's a South American. He's good enough to play in either of those teams.
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Source : http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11669/8849559/premier-league-steven-gerrard-says-liverpool-season-hinges-on-luis-suarez
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Source : http://www.football.co.uk/liverpool/gerrard__suarez_exit_would_hurt_us_rss4352429.shtml