Javier Mascherano seeks assurances before committing to Liverpool

[Jürgen4PM]

Javier Mascherano seeks assurances before committing to Liverpool FC
by Richard Buxton. Published Fri 05 Mar 2010 09:57, Last updated: 2010-03-05

Javier Mascherano has confirmed that he is set to open talks over a new Liverpool deal shortly, but is expected to seek assurances about the club's plans to strengthen.

The Reds are hoping to secure the Argentina captain's services until 2014 by adding a two-year extension to his current contract with an offer of a £100,000-a-week wage.

However, an integral factor in the tough-tackling midfielder's commital to Anfield is how substantial Rafael Benitez's transfer budget will be this summer.

Liverpool are currently searching for new investment to kick-start their plans for a 73,000-seater stadium in Stanley Park and also reduce debts of £237 million incurred by owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

The 25-year-old is not the first player to seek assurances as Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic reportedly agreed to join the club this summer providing the Spaniard remained in charge.

Mascherano said: “Liverpool have approached us to discuss a new contract and my agent will have a meeting in the next few days.

“The reality is that I am very happy at Liverpool. I want to know what the club’s plans are and then we will see if, at this moment in time, I can renew my contract."

Mascherano was one of Barcelona's primary targets during last summer's transfer window but insists that the reported interest by the Catalan giants did not weigh heavily on his mind.

He added: “It is not that I felt unsettled in the summer or that I am more at home now. I have always been very happy at Liverpool.

"Everyone at the club has always treated me very well. That is all there is to say at this stage.â€

 

[rubans]

Always liked his honesty and what he wants seems aligned with what fans want.

 

[KopKing]

[quote author=rubans link=topic=39177.msg1064452#msg1064452 date=1267787451].
Always liked his honesty and what he wants seems aligned with what fans want.
[/quote]

Yep. I want upwards of £80k a week too

 

[Sunny]

Any assurances given to Masher would probably be lies anyway.

 

[franklyfrank]

It's understandable he wants assurances before committing himself.

We've got players in Reina, Carragher, Gerrard, Masch and Torres who simply need to play with better players.

 

[Dreambeliever]

CAn't blame Mash really.

I really hope we keep him.

Easily my favourite player.

 

[Buddha]

We really need some good news regarding investment. If forthcoming, everything else (including player speculation) will fall into place.

If we can tie Masher et al down on long contracts, I'd argue we still remain only two top quality players away (striker and winger) from being potential champions.

 

[KopKing]

[quote author=Buddha link=topic=39177.msg1064464#msg1064464 date=1267788102]
We really need some good news regarding investment. If forthcoming, everything else (including player speculation) will fall into place.

If we can tie Masher et al down on long contracts, I'd argue we still remain only two top quality players away (striker and winger) from being potential champions.
[/quote]

We need more than that mate.

 

[TheBunnyman]

[quote author=Sunny link=topic=39177.msg1064457#msg1064457 date=1267787719]
Any assurances given to Masher would probably be lies anyway.
[/quote]

Exactly, and would he believe them? I don't think he'll sign a new contract until or unless we've got investment/new owners. As Buddha says, everything comes down to that.

 

[refugee]

So there is a chance he will stay? A small chance is much better than no chance at all, Masher is great.

 

[Buddha]

[quote author=KopKing link=topic=39177.msg1064466#msg1064466 date=1267788198]
[quote author=Buddha link=topic=39177.msg1064464#msg1064464 date=1267788102]
We really need some good news regarding investment. If forthcoming, everything else (including player speculation) will fall into place.

If we can tie Masher et al down on long contracts, I'd argue we still remain only two top quality players away (striker and winger) from being potential champions.
[/quote]

We need more than that mate.
[/quote]

Indulge me a little eh?

 

[Stulikesdrums]

[quote author=Dreambeliever link=topic=39177.msg1064462#msg1064462 date=1267788027]
CAn't blame Mash really.

I really hope we keep him.

Easily my favourite player.
[/quote]

Ahem! I think you are forgetting Fernando José Torres Sanz.

 

[rubans]

[quote author=KopKing link=topic=39177.msg1064454#msg1064454 date=1267787667]
[quote author=rubans link=topic=39177.msg1064452#msg1064452 date=1267787451].
Always liked his honesty and what he wants seems aligned with what fans want.
[/quote]

Yep. I want upwards of £80k a week too
[/quote]
I knew that was coming 😉, if you can play the same way he does against the big sides such United, Real etc then I'm sure you would get your chance.

 

[spider-Neil]

you either want to play for us or you don't, fuck off with the 'assurances' bullshit.

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064495#msg1064495 date=1267792068]
you either want to play for us or you don't, fuck off with the 'assurances' bullshit.
[/quote]

Horeshit.

Utter naive, blinkered horseshit.

 

[spider-Neil]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39177.msg1064513#msg1064513 date=1267793333]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064495#msg1064495 date=1267792068]
you either want to play for us or you don't, fuck off with the 'assurances' bullshit.
[/quote]

Horeshit.

Utter naive, blinkered horseshit.
[/quote]

if you subscribe to player power then you have fun with that, I on the other had think the contract negotiations should be about the pay increase and little else. I know, fuck off rafa and let masher run the club.

 

[keniget]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064517#msg1064517 date=1267793621]
if you subscribe to player power then you have have with that, I on the other had think the contract negotiations should be about the pay increase and little else. I know, fuck off rafa and let masher run the club.
[/quote]

It's nothing to do with player power.

If, for example, Rafa was considering Masher as a RB in the long-term, do you not think he'd be within his rights to discuss that and voice his concerns before committing to a new deal?

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064517#msg1064517 date=1267793621]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39177.msg1064513#msg1064513 date=1267793333]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064495#msg1064495 date=1267792068]
you either want to play for us or you don't, fuck off with the 'assurances' bullshit.
[/quote]

Horeshit.

Utter naive, blinkered horseshit.
[/quote]

if you subscribe to player power then you have have with that, I on the other had think the contract negotiations should be about the pay increase and little else. I know, fuck off rafa and let masher run the club.
[/quote]

So when Gerrard, Carragher and Torres talk endlessly about us needing better players, and wanting assurances that it's going to happen, you think they're being primadonnas too eh?

Don't be so fucking naive.

 

[Avmenon]

That's the issue, mainly.

If a player didnt care about the team's progression but only cared about his pay packet, I'd be mortified.

Winston Bogarde-itis.

 

[spider-Neil]

[quote author=keniget link=topic=39177.msg1064519#msg1064519 date=1267793771]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064517#msg1064517 date=1267793621]
if you subscribe to player power then you have have with that, I on the other had think the contract negotiations should be about the pay increase and little else. I know, fuck off rafa and let masher run the club.
[/quote]

It's nothing to do with player power.

If, for example, Rafa was considering Masher as a RB in the long-term, do you not think he'd be within his rights to discuss that and voice his concerns before committing to a new deal?
[/quote]

absolutely, but that directly effects the player himself, however casting aspirations over the rest of the team is ideas above your station. where does it stop? rafa giving masher the team sheet before he makes his final selection?

 

[spider-Neil]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39177.msg1064521#msg1064521 date=1267793855]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064517#msg1064517 date=1267793621]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39177.msg1064513#msg1064513 date=1267793333]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064495#msg1064495 date=1267792068]
you either want to play for us or you don't, fuck off with the 'assurances' bullshit.
[/quote]

Horeshit.

Utter naive, blinkered horseshit.
[/quote]

if you subscribe to player power then you have have with that, I on the other had think the contract negotiations should be about the pay increase and little else. I know, fuck off rafa and let masher run the club.
[/quote]

So when Gerrard, Carragher and Torres talk endlessly about us needing better players, and wanting assurances that it's going to happen, you think they're being primadonnas too eh?

Don't be so fucking naive.
[/quote]

frankly yes. anyway, its one thing to suggest the team strengthen in the summer its another to hold the club to ransome stipulating as a demand.

 

[keniget]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064528#msg1064528 date=1267794212]
absolutely, but that directly effects the player himself, however casting aspirations over the rest of the team is ideas above your station. where does it stop? rafa giving masher the team sheet before he makes his final selection?
[/quote]

So being stuck in a team that might not be able to make the Champions League let alone challenge for trophies doesn't affect the player himself?

What a load of fucking shit. I'm sorry Spidey, but you've dug yourself a real hole here.

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39011.msg1058325#msg1058325 date=1266879266]
basically the hopes of the team rests of torres' young shoulders, little difference from the situation he faced at AM and that pressure isn't the fight for top honours rather the fight to stave off mediocrity. hopefully we secure 4th and he stays because I'm fearful he will leave if we don't.
[/quote]

WHO DOES TORRES THINK HE IS?!? CONSIDERING LEAVING IF WE DON'T MAKE 4TH???

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064531#msg1064531 date=1267794338]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39177.msg1064521#msg1064521 date=1267793855]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064517#msg1064517 date=1267793621]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39177.msg1064513#msg1064513 date=1267793333]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064495#msg1064495 date=1267792068]
you either want to play for us or you don't, fuck off with the 'assurances' bullshit.
[/quote]

Horeshit.

Utter naive, blinkered horseshit.
[/quote]

if you subscribe to player power then you have have with that, I on the other had think the contract negotiations should be about the pay increase and little else. I know, fuck off rafa and let masher run the club.
[/quote]

So when Gerrard, Carragher and Torres talk endlessly about us needing better players, and wanting assurances that it's going to happen, you think they're being primadonnas too eh?

Don't be so fucking naive.
[/quote]

frankly yes. anyway, its one thing to suggest the team strengthen in the summer its another to hold the club to ransome stipulating as a demand.
[/quote]

Fuck me.

 

[mark1975]

[quote author=franklyfrank link=topic=39177.msg1064458#msg1064458 date=1267787820]
It's understandable he wants assurances before committing himself.

We've got players in Reina, Carragher, Gerrard, Masch and Torres who simply need to play with better players.


[/quote]

To be fair, we've signed up all of our best players on longterm deals, so at least there's stability on that score. We've spent money, it's only in the current financial climate (ie last Summer) that we haven't, the season before we spent £40m and got a half decent left winger out of it.

 

[FoxForceFive]

Wish I could seek some assurance before committing myself to Liverpool, but it's a bit too late!

Seriously though, it's understandable considering the ownership issues to want to know the short to medium term plans before committing yourself, & if he wasnt arsed at all then he'd only be after the money, which isnt what we want.

 

[Insignificance]

They can assure him that we have the budget to meet top top players wage demands, and when he signs he has taken that budget....

 

[spider-Neil]

I have no problem with;

'well, its summer I hope the manager brings in 2 or 3 top players'

I do however have a problem with;

'bring in top players or you can kiss my arse goodbye'

fuck that! if you're happy with that, FINE! let's just agree to disagree.

 

[themn]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064528#msg1064528 date=1267794212]
[quote author=keniget link=topic=39177.msg1064519#msg1064519 date=1267793771]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064517#msg1064517 date=1267793621]
if you subscribe to player power then you have have with that, I on the other had think the contract negotiations should be about the pay increase and little else. I know, fuck off rafa and let masher run the club.
[/quote]

It's nothing to do with player power.

If, for example, Rafa was considering Masher as a RB in the long-term, do you not think he'd be within his rights to discuss that and voice his concerns before committing to a new deal?
[/quote]

absolutely, but that directly effects the player himself, however casting aspirations over the rest of the team is ideas above your station. where does it stop? rafa giving masher the team sheet before he makes his final selection?
[/quote]

Oh dear.

 

[spider-Neil]

seems loads are people are happy for players to make demands and hold the club to ransom. if shankly were plying his trade now you have to wonder what he'd make of player power.

 

[KopKing]

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39177.msg1064562#msg1064562 date=1267798589]
I have no problem with;

'well, its summer I hope the manager brings in 2 or 3 top players'

I do however have a problem with;

'bring in top players or you can kiss my arse goodbye'

fuck that! if you're happy with that, FINE! let's just agree to disagree.
[/quote]

I can see what you're getting at and its quite valid. However Mascherano knows he is wanted by the best team in the world and this contract is one of the most important as its his 'peak' years. He wants to play for the best team that he can and in those circumstances he wants to be at a club that is progressive rather than treading water. It's fair to ask what the club's plans are.