FA Cup draw dents Liverpool’s chances of qualifying for Europe

Mar 15 2011 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL’S chances of qualifying for Europe next season have been dealt a blow by the FA Cup semi-final draw.

The Reds are currently sixth in the Premier League but that now looks unlikely to be good enough to get into the Europa League after Stoke were paired with Bolton in the last four.

If Manchester United or Manchester City, who meet in the other semi, win the FA Cup and finish in the top four then the Europa League place will go to either Tony Pulis’ or Owen Coyle’s men.

The only way the sixth placed Premier League team will qualify for Europe is if either City or United win the FA Cup and finish fifth in the league.

To guarantee Europe, Kenny Dalglish’s side need to catch fifth -placed Tottenham, who are six points ahead of the Reds with a game in hand, or win the Europa League and therefore qualify for the competition as defending champions.

Meanwhile, 24 hours after reportedly claiming he was on the verge of signing a pre-contract agreement with Liverpool, Rennes midfielder Sylvain Marveaux has denied making the comments.

The former France Under-21 international, who is out of contract at the end of the season, insists he was left baffled by reports he was “very close” to agreeing a deal.

“I never spoke to any English journalist and I do not understand why they wrote it,” said Marveaux, who is currently recovering from groin surgery.

“Today I still have not decided which club I will play for next season. I will soon be going to Clairefontaine to continue my rehab and when I have made my choice I will announce it.

“Contrary to what some have said I hope to play again with Rennes before the end of the season.

“If all goes to plan I should be able to resume training and play in April or May. Returning with Rennes before the end of the season is my goal.”