Rafael Benitez pulled no punches in assessing his side’s poor display after the 1-0 defeat by Wigan, accusing his team of lacking attitude and character.

“I’m really disappointed,” a sombre Liverpool manager told BBC Sport.

“In the first half we didn’t do anything and didn’t show the attitude required. It’s difficult to explain.

“At half-time we talked about the things we weren’t doing well - the attitude and the character. We made too many mistakes and played too quickly.”

A ninth Premier League defeat in 29 matches leaves Liverpool with an uphill struggle to qualify for the Champions League, with Benitez’s side a point behind fourth-placed Tottenham, who have a game in hand.

Just above Liverpool are Manchester City, who have the same number of points as Spurs, but have played one game less than the London side, while Aston Villa are in seventh, with 45 points from 26 games.

Wigan were worthy winners - Martinez
Hugo Rodallega’s 35th-minute winner came from a mistake by Dirk Kuyt, a point that was picked up on by Benitez, who has frequently promised during the season that Liverpool will qualify for the Champions League.

“We didn’t deserve anything in the first half,” conceded Benitez, who, perhaps with Thursday’s Europa League match against Lille in mind, broke from his usual approach of defending his team following a poor performance.

“In the second half we worked harder but Wigan defended really well.”

Late in the game, television pictures seemed to capture captain Steven Gerrard flashing what looked like a V-sign at referee Andre Marriner after the midfielder was booked but both Benitez and club officials have played it down.

“I don’t know, I was too far away,” was the Liverpool manager’s response.

While Benitez reflected on another painful defeat for Liverpool, Wigan boss Roberto Martinez savoured his side’s first win since 16 January.

“We were worthy winners and that speaks volumes about the character of the players,” said Martinez, whose side moved four points clear of the relegation zone after the victory.

“We have had a few painful lessons and thrown away 19 points and had we even kept half of them we would be in a completely different situation.

606: DEBATE
Personally from the moment we lost to Reading I wanted Rafa to go

redboychris
“We are a young squad but the way we beat Liverpool and Chelsea a few months ago shows the potential they have,” added the Spaniard, referring to Wigan’s 3-1 victory over Carlo Ancelotti’s side in September.

“We must make sure that we finish the season as strongly as we can do.

“It was pleasing to be able to perform the way we did but the application, concentration and desire to keep Liverpool as quiet as we did is a huge compliment to the players.

“We have got five huge games left at home - it is important the players understand the magnitude of this performance. This standard is something we need to show week in, week out

Dubai Dynamo - can win at Wolverhampton.
By Anita Chambers, Press Association Sport

WEDNESDAY SELECTIONS:

CATTERICK: 2.20 Arty Farmer, 2.50 Rawaaj, 3.20 Otto Quercus, 3.50 Bogside Theatre, 4.20 Star Beat, 4.50 Racing Ace, 5.20 Sara’s Smile.

FONTWELL: 2.10 Piper Royal, 2.40 There’s No Panic, 3.10 Ray Mond, 3.40 Waarid, 4.10 Bubble Boy, 4.40 Tanktastic, 5.10 Irish Airman.

LINGFIELD: 2.00 Epic, 2.30 Hurakan, 3.00 Star Choice, 3.30 Sayyedati Storm, 4.00 Copperwood, 4.30 King Canute, 5.00 Sherjawy, 5.35 Machinate.

NAAS: 2.15 Rough Times, 2.45 Archie Boy, 3.15 Well Insured, 3.45 Bootlegger, 4.15 Rating Queen, 4.45 In Great Form, 5.15 Fort Defiance.

WOLVERHAMPTON: 5.30 Monte Major, 6.00 Golden Ratio, 6.30 DUBAI DYNAMO (NAP), 7.00 Ravi River, 7.30 Escardo, 8.00 Trade Centre, 8.30 Misterisland, 9.00 By Command

DOUBLE: Dubai Dynamo and Golden Ratio.

Dubai Dynamo looked to have lost his way a little last year but he can bounce back for new connections with victory at Wolverhampton.

A winner on the all-weather for Paul Cole last April, the five-year-old was found wanting in four subsequent starts, most notably when finishing last of 15 at Salisbury.

He was then sent to Tattersalls last autumn where he was snapped up for 6,000 guineas and sent to Ruth Carr, who wasted no time in beginning to recoup a little of that price tag.

His initial effort over six furlongs at Southwell did not bode well but he fared much better at this track last month when beaten just under a length in third by Thebes.

Dubai Dynamo certainly looked the type to go from that effort and stepped up to seven furlongs here, he makes plenty of appeal in the ladbrokespoker.com Handicap.

Golden Ratio is from an excellent family and despite finishing only fifth on her racecourse bow, she is the choice in the Best Odds Guaranteed At ladbrokes.com Maiden Stakes.

By Noverre out of a Coronation Stakes winner, Golden Ratio is a half-sister to five winners in Britain and France and showed a flash of ability on her first outing.

She ran very green at Wolverhampton that day but should have learnt plenty for the run and could prove a bit smarter than some of her more exposed rivals.

Copperwood can bring up the hat-trick in the first division of Lingfield’s Arrows Removal Of London Handicap.

The five-year-old has shown little in 20 starts before finally breaking his maiden at Kempton last November, squeezing home by a length and half from Dr Wintringham.

He then followed up off a 5lb higher mark at Lingfield last month, holding on by a neck in game fashion.

Copperwood has been put up another 2lb for that success but he is expected to shrug that off as he is in such good heart.

Sayyedati Storm is worth following in the Nicholas Hall Maiden Stakes.

A product of the penultimate crop of the great sire Storm Cat, she is also out of Classic-winning mare Sayyedati so she really is bred in the purple.

She did not make it to the track as a juvenile but Barry Hills’ patience can be rewarded here.

Bogside Theatre was not beaten far at Doncaster last time and the Book Raceday Hospitality On 01748 811478 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Catterick could present a winning opportunity.

Beaten six lengths by La Sarrazine at Doncaster in January, she narrowed that gap to just over a length last time, although she was getting plenty of weight from the winner.

Nevertheless, she is a game performer and certainly deserves to win a race of this nature.

There’s No Panic can make it third-time lucky over obstacles in the Betfair Legal Maiden Hurdle at Fontwell.

After crashing out on his debut, this bumper winner never really looked like troubling the leaders at Exeter last November but the better ground here should help his cause.

The top four teams in England have been the same for four seasons
The Premier League has revealed it will not pursue the idea of a play-off for fourth place and the final Champions League place.

At the Premier League board meeting on Thursday, the clubs’ chairmen decided against looking into the proposal any further at this stage.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal were reportedly quick to voice their opposition.

However, other clubs were keen on the idea in principle.

The idea, which was put forward at last month’s meeting, was for automatic Champions League spots to go to the Premier League’s top three teams, rather than the top four.

606: DEBATE
The teams that finish in the top 4 after 38 games deserve to play in the Champions League. There is no need to play extra games to determine who qualifies

2Pacunited- Only God Can Judge Me
The sides finishing from fourth to seventh would then play in a mini knockout competition.

The proposal drew a mixed reaction from top-flight bosses, with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez completely against it but Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill described it as “interesting” and one that “people might go for”.

Any change would have also needed the agreement of at least 14 of the 20 Premier League clubs, although there could not have been any changes for three years as the next TV deal is in place.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore claimed there was “not enough support” for the proposal.

“The main topic of discussion was the Champions League play-off for that fourth qualifying place,” he told BBC Radio 5 live.

We certainly looked at it and the board looked at it but said physically we just can’t do it

David Gold
“We gave a lot of discussion, a lot of detail, a lot of data. But there was not enough support to take the idea forward, so we won’t be discussing that proposal any further.”

However, West Ham chairman David Gold said the idea was scrapped mainly due to time constraints within the football calendar.

“It was just a physical thing, finding time in the calendar,” said Gold. “We certainly looked at it and the board looked at it but said physically we just can’t do it.

“The clubs that would be involved in a play-off could also be involved in the FA Cup and Champions League, so it just could not be done. They tried but it could not be done.

“It wasn’t a question of being unanimous [in opposition to the idea] or not, there was not a date.

“The very top clubs are not keen on it and you can make a case that they are right.

“But there was a feeling in the room that a play-off could make the league more exciting and bring more clubs the possibility of getting into Europe.

“But the Premier League is the most exciting league that the world has ever known and no one is looking to damage that.”

Rossi has been ahead of the field in both testing sessions so far
Valentino Rossi kept up his impressive pre-season form as he smashed his own pole-position record at the second test of the year at Sepang in Malaysia.

Having been fastest both days of the first test the reigning MotoGP world champion was again fastest on his Yamaha on both days of testing.

His time was two minutes 00.271 seconds with Casey Stoner second in 2:00.512.

Stoner’s Ducati team-mate Nicky Hayden was third, with fellow Americans Colin Edwards and Ben Spies fourth and fifth.

Rossi’s Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, who was third fastest at the first testing session, was missing because of a hand injury.

606: DEBATE
Rossi is the greatest motorcycle racer I have ever seen, but he can’t keep winning forever. I think it will be a close title race.

jcnoodle
It is still unclear if the Spaniard will be fit for the third and final testing session at Qatar on 18-19 March, only a matter of weeks before the 2010 championship starts at the same venue on Sunday 11 April.

Lorenzo finished runner-up to rival Rossi in last year’s championship, and if he were to complete only one test in the run-up to this year’s championship, it would be a huge setback.

The pair have confirmed they will continue to have a wall down the middle of their garage in 2010, a physical sign of the intensity of their rivalry.

Lorenzo even spoke seriously about leaving the team last year, saying he did not always feel appreciated, before signing a new one-year deal.

Rossi has hit back by making it clear he does not feel there is room for both riders in the team.

——————————————————————————–

Malaysia MotoGP pre-season testing times:

1 V Rossi (Ita) Fiat Yamaha 2:00.271
2 C Stoner (Aus) Ducati 2:00.512
3 N Hayden (USA) Ducati 2:00.703
4 C Edwards (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2:00.988
5 B Spies (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2:01.014
6 L Capirossi (Ita) Rizla Suzuki 2:01.320
7 A Dovizioso (Ita) Repsol Honda 2:01.439
8 D Pedrosa (Sp) Repsol Honda 2:01.478
9 H Aoyama (Jpn) Interwetten-Honda MotoGP 2:01.692
10 A Bautista (Sp) Rizla Suzuki 2:01.732
11 R de Puniet (Fr) LCR Honda 2:01.980
12 M Melandri (Ita) San Carlo Honda Gresini 2:02.078
13 H Barbera (Sp) Aspar Team 2:02.080
14 M Kallio (Fin) Pramac Green Team 2:02.082
15 A Espargaro (Sp) Pramac Green Team 2:02.367
16 M Simoncelli (Ita) San Carlo Honda Gresini 2:03.689

Valentino Rossi dominates pre-season testing in Sepang

Rossi has been ahead of the field in both testing sessions so far
Valentino Rossi kept up his impressive pre-season form as he smashed his own pole-position record at the second test of the year at Sepang in Malaysia.

Having been fastest both days of the first test the reigning MotoGP world champion was again fastest on his Yamaha on both days of testing.

His time was two minutes 00.271 seconds with Casey Stoner second in 2:00.512.

Stoner’s Ducati team-mate Nicky Hayden was third, with fellow Americans Colin Edwards and Ben Spies fourth and fifth.

Rossi’s Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, who was third fastest at the first testing session, was missing because of a hand injury.

606: DEBATE
Rossi is the greatest motorcycle racer I have ever seen, but he can’t keep winning forever. I think it will be a close title race.

jcnoodle
It is still unclear if the Spaniard will be fit for the third and final testing session at Qatar on 18-19 March, only a matter of weeks before the 2010 championship starts at the same venue on Sunday 11 April.

Lorenzo finished runner-up to rival Rossi in last year’s championship, and if he were to complete only one test in the run-up to this year’s championship, it would be a huge setback.

The pair have confirmed they will continue to have a wall down the middle of their garage in 2010, a physical sign of the intensity of their rivalry.

Lorenzo even spoke seriously about leaving the team last year, saying he did not always feel appreciated, before signing a new one-year deal.

Rossi has hit back by making it clear he does not feel there is room for both riders in the team.

——————————————————————————–

Malaysia MotoGP pre-season testing times:

1 V Rossi (Ita) Fiat Yamaha 2:00.271
2 C Stoner (Aus) Ducati 2:00.512
3 N Hayden (USA) Ducati 2:00.703
4 C Edwards (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2:00.988
5 B Spies (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 2:01.014
6 L Capirossi (Ita) Rizla Suzuki 2:01.320
7 A Dovizioso (Ita) Repsol Honda 2:01.439
8 D Pedrosa (Sp) Repsol Honda 2:01.478
9 H Aoyama (Jpn) Interwetten-Honda MotoGP 2:01.692
10 A Bautista (Sp) Rizla Suzuki 2:01.732
11 R de Puniet (Fr) LCR Honda 2:01.980
12 M Melandri (Ita) San Carlo Honda Gresini 2:02.078
13 H Barbera (Sp) Aspar Team 2:02.080
14 M Kallio (Fin) Pramac Green Team 2:02.082
15 A Espargaro (Sp) Pramac Green Team 2:02.367
16 M Simoncelli (Ita) San Carlo Honda Gresini 2:03.689

——————————————————————————–

Fabio Capello discusses options with England’s in-form Wayne Rooney
Fabio Capello has confirmed Steven Gerrard will be England’s captain against Egypt at Wembley on Wednesday.

Gerrard leads the side in place of the injured Rio Ferdinand, who was promoted to skipper after John Terry’s demotion.

Ahead of the World Cup the England boss said he was keen to move on from the reports of Terry’s alleged affair with Wayne Bridge’s former partner.

“The important thing is how the players perform on the pitch and not what happens outside,” stated Capello.

The Italian is expecting an “interesting” match on Wednesday and hopes the fans will not boo Terry.

“We hope to play very well and we invite the fans to help us,” he added.

Capello has been impressed by the way in which his players have trained during their first get-together since last November after urging them this week to “re-create a spirit” within the team.

He said: “I spoke with the players. You have to do training really focused because after four months it was really important to do that well. For me now I’m really happy because the spirit is something I remember we had in November.”

606: DEBATE
I think England have got the best team since the 1966 World Cup win and have the best chance of winning it in a very long time…

DANIEL
With Ferdinand ruled out of the game because of a back injury, Gerrard will take over the duty of leading his country against Egypt.

And the Liverpool talisman is calling on his team-mates to show they remain united as they prepare for this summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

“Being England captain is always a big responsibility. I am delighted that I will be leading the boys out,” said Gerrard.

“The players have a responsibility to forget about what’s being written off the field and focus on what we can do on the pitch.

“We’ve done really well in qualification and I think Wednesday is a fantastic opportunity to show the fans and everyone around the world that we are still united and still a very strong team that has a good chance at the World Cup.”

Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross was named in England’s squad only hours after a leg-breaking challenge on Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey on Saturday.

Capello said Shawcross had not intended to cause so much damage to gifted midfielder.

“The tackle was a really strong tackle, but not to break the leg of the other player. I spoke twice to him [Shawcross] and I am happy that he stays here and I think that to stay with us helps him forget what happened.”

England booked their place in South Africa with nine wins in their 10 qualifiers and Capello believes Egypt will provide his men with a good test at Wembley.

“It’s not easy to win the African Nations Cup three times if you are not a good team,” he said.

“I watched Egypt’s games and it is a really, really good team. They are dangerous, they are really well organised on the pitch who know what to do in every moment.

“I think it will be a really

Capello is keen to build team spirit ahead of this summer’s World Cup
England boss Fabio Capello has warned his players their off-field conduct will play a big part in whether they make this summer’s World Cup squad.

Capello sacked John Terry as England captain over allegations of an affair with Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend.

Ashley Cole has also hit the headlines over his separation from wife Cheryl.

And Capello said: “The players have to understand what I want, if you want to stay with me. It will be very important because we need to create a group.”

The Italian will stress the importance of team spirit and personal discipline when he talks to his players ahead of England’s friendly with Egypt on 3 March.

With Cole sidelined by an ankle injury, Terry and Bridge are expected to be named in the squad to face the African champions when it is announced at the weekend and Capello believes there will be no negative effect on his preparations for the World Cup finals in South Africa.

606: DEBATE
Bridge is the logical choice at left-back and I think Capello will go with him

corzellian
Capello is keen to build morale before England start their campaign against the United States on 12 June and revealed he will discuss recent off-field events with his players.

“The World Cup is really important for me, for England and for the players,” he explained. “We have to stay together and compact in every moment. I think this will be my most important job - to recreate this spirit.

“After four months, we will meet the players next week and it will be a very important game for many reasons. One is also this [situation].

“We will talk about a lot of things because four months is a long time. If you can meet the players every month it is different. We will have two days to stay together but they are very strong days.”

Capello is confident that Cole, his first choice left-back, will be fit for the World Cup finals but says Bridge will deputise until then.

“I spoke with Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti and our doctors spoke with Chelsea’s doctors,” added Capello. “We hope he will be fit in two months more or less and I think he will be ready for the World Cup.

“Wayne Bridge? Why not? He is a left-back. Cole and Bridge are the best left-backs.”

I’ve already admitted that losing the captaincy hurt but that’s in the past and all I want to do now is move forward and carry on giving my best for England

England defender John Terry
There had been suggestions Bridge was considering his international future because he might be unwilling to play alongside Terry but Capello stated: “No, he will be with us. No problems about the other things.”

Terry is keen to put the allegations behind him and insisted losing the England captaincy will not affect his attitude to playing for his country.

“I’m responding by doing what I’ve always done - by looking straight ahead. I’ve got broad shoulders and nobody’s going to knock me out of my stride,” he said.

“I am strong enough and passionate enough to know I will carry on delivering my best for club and country.

“Absolutely nothing will change. I’ve already admitted that losing the captaincy hurt but that’s in the past and all I want to do now is move forward and carry on giving my best for England.

“I’m on a mission and nothing is going to distract me. I want to win the Champions League and Premier League for Chelsea and help win the World Cup for England.

“I’m not ashamed to say it, I wouldn’t be John Terry if I felt any differently.”

Fabio Capello warns England squad over conduct

Capello is keen to build team spirit ahead of this summer’s World Cup
England boss Fabio Capello has warned his players their off-field conduct will play a big part in whether they make this summer’s World Cup squad.

Capello sacked John Terry as England captain over allegations of an affair with Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend.

Ashley Cole has also hit the headlines over his separation from wife Cheryl.

And Capello said: “The players have to understand what I want, if you want to stay with me. It will be very important because we need to create a group.”

The Italian will stress the importance of team spirit and personal discipline when he talks to his players ahead of England’s friendly with Egypt on 3 March.

With Cole sidelined by an ankle injury, Terry and Bridge are expected to be named in the squad to face the African champions when it is announced at the weekend and Capello believes there will be no negative effect on his preparations for the World Cup finals in South Africa.

606: DEBATE
Bridge is the logical choice at left-back and I think Capello will go with him

corzellian
Capello is keen to build morale before England start their campaign against the United States on 12 June and revealed he will discuss recent off-field events with his players.

“The World Cup is really important for me, for England and for the players,” he explained. “We have to stay together and compact in every moment. I think this will be my most important job - to recreate this spirit.

“After four months, we will meet the players next week and it will be a very important game for many reasons. One is also this [situation].

“We will talk about a lot of things because four months is a long time. If you can meet the players every month it is different. We will have two days to stay together but they are very strong days.”

Capello is confident that Cole, his first choice left-back, will be fit for the World Cup finals but says Bridge will deputise until then.

“I spoke with Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti and our doctors spoke with Chelsea’s doctors,” added Capello. “We hope he will be fit in two months more or less and I think he will be ready for the World Cup.

“Wayne Bridge? Why not? He is a left-back. Cole and Bridge are the best left-backs.”

I’ve already admitted that losing the captaincy hurt but that’s in the past and all I want to do now is move forward and carry on giving my best for England

England defender John Terry
There had been suggestions Bridge was considering his international future because he might be unwilling to play alongside Terry but Capello stated: “No, he will be with us. No problems about the other things.”

Terry is keen to put the allegations behind him and insisted losing the England captaincy will not affect his attitude to playing for his country.

“I’m responding by doing what I’ve always done - by looking straight ahead. I’ve got broad shoulders and nobody’s going to knock me out of my stride,” he said.

“I am strong enough and passionate enough to know I will carry on delivering my best for club and country.

“Absolutely nothing will change. I’ve already admitted that losing the captaincy hurt but that’s in the past and all I want to do now is move forward and carry on giving my best for England.

“I’m on a mission and nothing is going to distract me. I want to win the Champions League and Premier League for Chelsea and help win the World Cup for England.

“I’m not ashamed to say it, I wouldn’t be John Terry if I felt any differently.”

Henry Ford

Mansfield’s home attendance is usually around the 3,200 mark
Mansfield Town’s decision to allow fans to pay what they liked to watch their team saw the average home attendance more than double on Saturday.

Kick-off against Gateshead was delayed by 10 minutes as more than 7,000 supporters took up the club’s offer.

The bumper crowd failed to inspire the Stags as they lost 2-0, but spokesman Mark Stevenson told BBC Sport the club was delighted with the fans’ support.

“The scenes in the first-half brought back memories of the 1980s,” he said.

“The players appreciated the huge crowd. Unfortunately they had an off-day but they would love to play in front of that many people every week.

“We hope that people, despite the result, had an enjoyable day and will return - we are becoming a hub of the community again.”

Extra police and a full quota of staff were brought in on the day to marshal the crowd at the Field Mill ground, which has a capacity of 9,400.

With fans paying as little as three pence and as much as £50 on the day - usual ticket prices are £16 -Stevenson said he expected gate receipts to be up.

Believed to be the first of its kind in English football, the club will evaluate the day before they decide whether to run the scheme again.

606: DEBATE
The brave decision of the club to allow supporters to decide their own entry fee into Field Mill on Saturday has to be applauded

Stag_In_Ireland
Stevenson added: “We are just delighted to know for certain that there are more people out there.”

The Blue Square Premier side is currently owned by fans Andrew Perry, Andrew Saunders and Steve Middleton.

The trio clubbed together to buy out owner Keith Haslam in 2008 and decided to allow fans to pay what they liked to boost the crowd and thank the people of Mansfield.

The resulting crowd of 7,261 was 4,000 more than usually come through the turnstiles at Field Mill.

It also beat the 2007 high of 6,500 for the visit of Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, although demand was even higher with some fans turned away as the ground filled up.

“We had to use the away stand to seat home supporters which has never been heard of in recent times,” said Stevenson.

“There was no trouble and both sets of supporters appreciated the fact that everywhere was choc-a-block.”