Glen Johnson impresses on Liverpool debut
• 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