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Kenny Dalglish coy over Liverpool’s potential search for a striker in January
The Scottish manager believes the Reds’ lack of goals is as much down to goalkeeping heroics as it is to his own forwards’ profligacy, but feels transfer rumours are inevitable
13 Dec 2011 19:37:00
By Joe Wright
Getty Images
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has sidestepped speculation over his side’s search for a new striker in January.
The Reds are the lowest scoring side in the top seven this season, with just 18 goals in 15 Premier League matches and only one player – Luis Suarez – with more than two goals to his name.
With £35 million man Andy Carroll failing to impress, and limited options elsewhere in the squad, suggestions that Dalglish will look for another forward in the transfer window have slowly gained momentum.
But the Scot has poured icy water on the rumours, telling the club’s official website: "We did miss some chances [during the weekend’s 1-0 win against QPR], yes, but the goalkeeper saved a lot of them too.
"Do I feel the need to go out and do something about that? Aye, whichever side comes along here next, we'll ask them to come without a keeper. That's the best way to do it, isn't it?
"Irrespective of what I say, it's not going to stop speculation we are going out in January to sign Joe Bloggs up front, or whoever. I don't need to say anything."
Suarez has been Liverpool’s star performer this season, but could be hit with a suspension in the coming weeks with the Uruguayan in danger of punishment following both an allegation of racial abuse and of making an obscene gesture to Fulham fans.
His team-mate Glen Johnson has moved to play down the notion of off-the-pitch problems unsettling the tricky forward, insisting that it’s simply a case of people trying to put a great player off his game.
"Luis isn't going to let any of the silly stuff bother him," Johnson said. "People will try everything they possibly can to upset him because he's a good player.
"No opponent wants him to feel comfortable because if he feels comfortable he will score goals and that's not what they want. Of course he will get everything thrown at him. That's just the way it is.
"But he's exactly the same - a good professional and a good player. His confidence hasn't dropped. He always works so hard for the team and he plays very well when he's not scoring. But obviously we are much happier when he's scoring.
"I've been fortunate to play with some very good players and Luis is right up there."
The Reds are the lowest scoring side in the top seven this season, with just 18 goals in 15 Premier League matches and only one player – Luis Suarez – with more than two goals to his name.
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With £35 million man Andy Carroll failing to impress, and limited options elsewhere in the squad, suggestions that Dalglish will look for another forward in the transfer window have slowly gained momentum.
But the Scot has poured icy water on the rumours, telling the club’s official website: "We did miss some chances [during the weekend’s 1-0 win against QPR], yes, but the goalkeeper saved a lot of them too.
"Do I feel the need to go out and do something about that? Aye, whichever side comes along here next, we'll ask them to come without a keeper. That's the best way to do it, isn't it?
"Irrespective of what I say, it's not going to stop speculation we are going out in January to sign Joe Bloggs up front, or whoever. I don't need to say anything."
Suarez has been Liverpool’s star performer this season, but could be hit with a suspension in the coming weeks with the Uruguayan in danger of punishment following both an allegation of racial abuse and of making an obscene gesture to Fulham fans.
His team-mate Glen Johnson has moved to play down the notion of off-the-pitch problems unsettling the tricky forward, insisting that it’s simply a case of people trying to put a great player off his game.
"Luis isn't going to let any of the silly stuff bother him," Johnson said. "People will try everything they possibly can to upset him because he's a good player.
"No opponent wants him to feel comfortable because if he feels comfortable he will score goals and that's not what they want. Of course he will get everything thrown at him. That's just the way it is.
"But he's exactly the same - a good professional and a good player. His confidence hasn't dropped. He always works so hard for the team and he plays very well when he's not scoring. But obviously we are much happier when he's scoring.
"I've been fortunate to play with some very good players and Luis is right up there."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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