Liverpool pre-season kicks off with draw

by Paul Gorst. Published Thu 16 Jul 2009 10:47, Last updated: 2009-07-16

Rafa Benitez fielded every memeber of his 24 man squad, as Liverpool started their pre-season with a goalless draw with St Gallen in Switzerland last night.

Benitez used a different XI in each half in a match that saw few chances created both teams.

Liverpool were without their Spanish contingent of Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera, Alvaro Arbeloa, Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres as well as Argentina captain Javier Mascherano, who will all join up with the squad later this week.

In a much changed starting line up, The Reds started brightly as Steven Gerrard tried an audacious 40 yard effort that went narrowly wide.

It was then the turn of Krisztian Nemeth to try his luck, but the youngster's shot was saved from a tight angle by Gallen 'keeper Reto Bolli.

The hosts responded however, and it was Liverpool's own Swiss who kept the scores level, as Phillipp Degen made a desperate clearance after Ze Vitor had cut the ball back in a dangerous position.

Liverpool's new £17m man Glen Johnson had to wait until the second half to be given his debut, and he replaced Emiliano Insua in an unfamiliar left back role.

"I asked him to play on the left and he did really well," said Benitez.

"The team as a whole did well but everyone was watching Glen and he was good."

As the second half started a new look Liverpool continued to cause Gallen problems with Yossi Benayoun twice going close, as well as chances for Dani Pacheco and Lucas.

Benitez used all three goalkeepers in the squad, Diego Cavalieri, Peter Gulacsi and David Martin, and declared himself happy with the clean sheet;

""It was a good game, if a little open.

"There were opportunities for both teams so it's good for the fans.

"As a manager you are always pleased with a clean sheet and I was really pleased with some of the play in attack." added Benitez.





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