BY 5pm yesterday, journalists were queuing up on Twitter to condemn Alex Ferguson for enforcing a media blackout after Manchester United’s crushing defeat to Liverpool.

CZECH REPUBLIC captain Tomas Ujfalusi is confident his team’s class of 2008 have enough quality to make a serious impact at this year’s European Championships. The Czechs face hosts Switzerland in the opening match today (kick-off 5pm).

When Rafael Benitez and Jose Mourinho were preparing for European battle the last thing you got from either camp was pleasantries.

Slavia Prague 0 Arsenal 0

Slavia Prague 0 Arsenal 0

KAREL BRUCKNER is a man under pressure and it shows. He spent 28 minutes speaking to the media at Sparta Prague’s Axa Arena, most of it accompanied by deep sighs and withering looks.

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez has called on the club's board to free up the money which will allow him to strengthen the squad and increase competition as they make the push to reach the Premiership top four.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez sprang a surprise by naming an unchanged side for their Champions League Group C clash at Anfield with the French league runners-up.

Czech Republic 2 Wales 1

FORMER Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer has admitted defeat in his battle to be fit for the World Cup.

Former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer has admitted defeat in his battle to make the World Cup.

Czech Republic boss Karel Bruckner is breathing a sigh of relief after it emerged midfielder Tomas Rosicky’s thigh injury is not serious.

There were few surprises as Czech Republic boss Karel Bruckner named his 23-man squad for this summer’s World Cup.

SPAIN, Switzerland and the Czech Republic all moved a step closer to the World Cup with victories on Saturday while Australia kept their hopes alive despite losing in the first leg of the play-offs.

Former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer was the hero as the Czech Republic beat Norway 1-0 in a World Cup qualification play-off.

Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia is considering retiring from international football.

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez believes the imminent arrival of England striker Peter Crouch will bring a new dimension to the European champions.

Liverpool are bracing themselves for a storm of criticism from Australia over their medical treatment of Harry Kewell as the Anfield star undergoes his second operation of the summer.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE winners Liverpool remain determined to keep skipper Steven Gerrard at Anfield.

Champions League winners Liverpool remain determined to keep skipper Steven Gerrard at Anfield.

LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard has reiterated his desire to stay at Anfield and hopes talks over a new deal can be resolved quickly.

Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer has signed a two-year contract with Bordeaux.

JOSE REINA appears closer to a transfer from Villarreal to Liverpool, after the goalkeeper revealed his excitement at the possibility of moving to Anfield.

Champions League hero Vladimir Smicer appears set to leave Liverpool for French club Bordeaux.

Alan Curbishley revealed Charlton were closing in on “three or four” players today as he reflected on centenary celebrations even the manager thought might never happen.

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has admitted he is interested in signing Czech Republic pair Milan Baros and Tomas Rosicky.

PRESSURE increased on UEFA yesterday to include Liverpool in the Champions League next season after G14, the grouping of elite European clubs, called for the Reds to be allowed to defend their trophy.

AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has denied claims by Liverpool defender Djimi Traore the Rossoneri prematurely celebrated victory at half-time during Wednesday’s Champions League final in Istanbul.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is ready to break up his Champions League winning team as he looks to start a new era of success for the club.

Midfielder Vladimir Smicer admitted that his Liverpool career is now over - even after helping to inspire the club to their remarkable Champions League final comeback.

Andriy Shevchenko believes Liverpool were destined to claim the Champions League but still praised their “winning mentality”.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard today woke up with the Champions League trophy in his bed and the prospect of a new contract worth up to £100,000 (€146,000) a week to keep him at Anfield.

Steven Gerrard called on UEFA to allow Liverpool to defend the Champions League trophy next season after revealing he is set to stay put to lead their challenge.

NO wonder Liverpool walk on with hope in their hearts. For Rafa Benitez's side completed the most remarkable comeback in the history of European finals to write a glorious new chapter in the club's already rich history.

No wonder Liverpool walk on with hope in their hearts.

AC Milan 3 Liverpool 3

Czech international Vladimir Smicer has confirmed he will leave Liverpool this summer.

CZECH international Vladimir Smicer has confirmed he will leave Liverpool this summer.

Czech international Vladimir Smicer has confirmed he will leave Liverpool this summer.

Juventus 0 Liverpool 0 (Liverpool win 2-1 on aggregate)

Liverpool forced a goalless draw against Italian giants Juventus to ensure Premier League representation in the Champions League final in Istanbul on May 25.

Liverpool 2 Everton 1