• Johnson used in left-back position
• Fans plead to manager to keep Alonso
Glen Johnson had an impressive debut for Liverpool but could not
conjure up a victory as the club's first pre-season friendly ended
in 0–0 draw against St Gallen in Switzerland.
Johnson, newly signed at £17m, came on as a second-half
substitute in an unfamiliar left-back position, the Liverpool
manager, Rafael Benítez, having limited options on that flank
because of Fabio Aurelio's knee injury.
Johnson almost scored within minutes of coming on, racing up on
the left to fire across goal. And then he appeared on the right
flank to create a great chance, spurned by Lucas.
Liverpool were without their Spanish contingent, as well as
Javier Mascherano, but that did not prevent the future of the
midfielder Xabi Alonso being an issue. The midfielder is wanted by
Real Madrid and Benítez was confronted with "Don't let Xabi go"
banners from Liverpool fans.
Madrid will try to complete a deal before the weekend but they
are still believed to be unwilling to pay the £30m asking
price.
The former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, now at Real, summed
up his club's desire earlier in the day at a Dublin training camp
by saying: "Of course we want good players, and Xabi is a very good
player. I hope he joins us, we certainly all want that."
Benítez played two entirely different sides in each half, and
Yossi Benayoun also impressed, almost winning the game with a
swerving shot beaten away by keeper Reto Bolli in the final
seconds.
Liverpool used three goalkeepers during the game – Diego
Cavalieri, David Martin and Peter Galacsi – and none of them had a
shot to save. But at the other end the Reds were unable to turn
their greater possession into goals.
They are next in action on Sunday against Rapid Vienna in the
Austrian capital, by which time the future of Alonso should be much
clearer.
guardian.co.uk